Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com week ending june 9, 2013

ISSUE NO. 145

Fly Jamaica gets approval to operate Guyana – NY, Toronto routes See story on page 3

Government turns to Linden Highway for massive housing development

Jagdeo urges new global pact with Global Hardware’s incentives to PPR-C pipes enter fight climate Jamaican market change Page 6 Page 24

Minister Irfaan Ali

Page 21

2

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

3

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

No official complaint Iran setting up terrorist cells in Guyana – Govt

C

abinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said that there have been no concerns raised with the Guyana government about the setting up of terrorist cells in the country. Dr Luncheon responding to a question raised during Wednesday’s postCabinet media briefing and which referred to a recent media article stating that high-profile Argentinean prosecutor Alberto Nisman had indicated that Iranians have been setting up such cells in the Caribbean and Guyana.

AMIA bombing

On May 29, Nisman, the Argentine prosecutor who investigated the 1994 AMIA bombing, issued a 500-page indictment that accused Iran of establishing ter-

Fly Jamaica gets approval to operate Guyana - NY, Toronto routes

T

Russell Defreitas

Abdul Kadir

ror networks throughout Latin America since the 1980s. The Iranian regime infiltrated “several South American countries by building local clandestine intelligence stations designed to sponsor, foster and execute terrorist attacks, within the principles to export the Islamic revolution,” a summary of the report obtained by The Long War Journal stated.

In the 31-page sum-

mary report, Nisman said Iran’s “clandestine intelligence stations and operative agents... are used to execute terrorist attacks when the Iranian regime decides so, both directly or through its proxy, the terrorist organisation Hezbollah.”

Nisman also warned that Iran could seek to use sleeper cells. While presenting the indictment on May 29, Nisman reportedly said that continued on page 13

he government of Guyana has granted its approval for Fly Jamaica to operate the Georgetown/ New York and the Georgetown/ Toronto routes from Guyana.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, addressing reporters at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President on Wednesday, said the airline has welcomed the decision by Guyana.

Dr Luncheon stated that the approval came after the standard evaluative procedures were carried out by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and

the recommendations made to Cabinet by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn.

The HPS said the approval would have come earlier, but the submission made to Cabinet was too late to be incorporated into the agenda for the statutory meeting.

It is hoped that flight operations would begin as early as possible after all formalities would have been completed. Nevertheless, Dr Luncheon explained that Fly Jamaica should have completed those requirements and deposited the required bond of Gy$ 40 million before the recommendation could have been made to Cabinet by Minister Benn.

Dr Roger Luncheon

Delta Airlines, which previously operated the route, ceased operations in Guyana one month ago, stating it was no longer profitable to do so. Prior to Delta’s exit, the government had been seeking interested airlines to fly the Guyana route.

Apart from Fly Jamaica, it was also in discussions with JetBlue which flies to several Caribbean countries.

4

Views

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709.

Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Trade war salvos

I

t appears that we just witnessed the follow-up salvos in what might turn out to be a full-scale trade war between China and the West. Unfortunately, the product at the centre of the fracas is the solar panel, which has the potential to assist in the most crucial global challenge of the century – global warming and climate change.

Last October, following up on preliminary penalties set earlier in the year, the U.S. Commerce Department set anti-dumping duties ranging from 18.32 per cent to 249.96 per cent on solar energy cells imported from China.

“Dumping” is the term applied to products exported below their production cost and is prohibited by World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. Maybe the move was prompted by the then looming presidential election in which Barack Obama was criticised by his Republican rival for being “soft” on China. But the tariffs are still in place and are sure to come up when the Chinese President Xi Jinping meets President Obama this Friday.

One of the companies that had filed the anti-dumping charge was German and was also part of a parallel case filed with the European Union (EU) Trade Commission. This Tuesday, the commission imposed preliminary tariffs of 11.8 per cent on solar panels produced in China, with the promise of final tariffs of 47 per cent to be applied in two months, unless remedial action is taken.

Over € 20 billion of business is involved. Without mentioning the action on its solar panels, within hours, China announced an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation of wines imported from the EU. The investigation could lead to the imposition of steep tariffs by China on these wines.

With its growing millions of wealthy citizens, the demand for European wine has grown exponentially in China and to meet the demand, large investments have been made, especially in the French wine industry. The charge of dumping is one that has been raised very frequently in Europe and the U.S. by local manufacturers against the cheap Chinese imports flooding their markets. At the same time there are powerful forces, including the leaders of Germany and 16 other members of the EU, that have warned against taking precipitate action. The EU Trade Commission, however, felt otherwise.

Ironically, it was hoped that Obama might have now removed the U.S. tariffs on the Chinese solar panels and play a role in averting the very actions that the EU and China have now taken.

China and the U.S. have been sparring on their responsibilities to reduce global warming and solar panels, which are totally “green”, have been playing a major role in reducing greenhouse gases.

The problem was that solar energy had traditionally been more expensive to use than carbon-intensive coal or oil. But in recent years solar power has become much cheaper through a host of factors, including Chinese competition. Energy experts predict that its cost could match that of conventional fuels in the next few years in some areas.

Solar cell prices have been falling, from US$76 per watt in 1977 to about US$ 10 in 1987 and only 74 U.S. cents in 2013. Between 2006 and 2011, Chinese cell prices dropped 80 per cent from US$ 4.50 per watt to 90 U.S. cents per watt. The use of solar energy shot up as the cost went down. Global installed capacity jumped by 28.4GW in 2012 to 89.5GW. The 100GW milestone will be crossed sometime this year.

The truth of the matter is that China subsidises and promotes its solar industry. But the U.S. and Europe also provide massive subsidies and supports – including loan guarantees, research grants and tax deductions such as investment tax credits and accelerated value depreciation. We do not have to mention the subsidies that the U. S. and EU have in their agriculture sectors.

We hope that the issue will be resolved between Presidents Obama and Xi Jinping. It is the grass that suffers when the elephants even make love.

Members of the Rotary Club of Jamaica (Queens, NY) and Queens Centre for Progress pose for a group photo during their annual Bar-B-Que and fun-day held recently.

Guyana signs on to global arms trade treaty G

uyana on Monday joined a number of countries around the world in signing on to the United Nations Global Arms Trade Treaty. The treaty calls on states to explicitly consider the risk that an arms transfer could facilitate serious acts of violence against women and children before allowing it to proceed. This is according to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Chief of Child Protection Susan Bissell.

“This is critical given that weapons are now one of the leading causes of death of children and adolescents in many countries, including many that are not experiencing war,” she added.

on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng welcomed the inclusion in the treaty of a prohibition on the transfer of arms which would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity and certain war crimes, and called on states to act quickly to apply this prohibition, pending its entry into force.

“Genocide depends in part on the availability of arms and ammunition,” he said in a statement. “Despite some shortcomings of this treaty, its adoption represents an important step forward in the struggle to prevent genocide and provides a new legal tool to protect those at risk of their lives, and groups threatened with destruction.”

Guyana’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador, George Talbot signed on behalf of his country. The treaty will enter into force 90 days after it is ratified by the 50th signatory. It regulates all conventional arms within the following categories: battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers, and small arms and light weapons.

According to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the treaty will not do any of the following: interfere with domestic arms commerce or the right to bear arms in member states; ban the export of any type of weapon; harm states’ legitimate right to self- defence; or undermine national arms regulation standards already in place.

The UN Special Adviser

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stressed that countries have a historic opportunity to eliminate excessive and poorly regulated weapons transfers through the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which opened for signature on Monday at the world body’s headquarters in New York.

“With the ATT, the world has decided to finally put an end to the ‘free-for-all’ nature of international weapons transfers,” Ban said at a special event marking the treaty’s opening for signature.

“The ATT is substantive and robust, but its effectiveness will depend on the willingness of states to ensure its full implementation.” Ban appealed to major arms-trading countries in particular to be “first movers” and bring their national legislation in line with the requirements of the treaty, which will come into force 90 days af-

Treaty

Historic opportunity

ter it has been ratified by 50 nations.

Although the ATT will not control the domestic weapons use, once ratified, it will require states to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and regulate arms brokers, among other objectives.

“The treaty will provide an effective deterrent against excessive and destabilising arms flows, particularly in conflictprone regions,” Ban said. “It will make it harder for weapons to be diverted into the illicit market, to reach warlords, pirates, terrorists and criminals, or to be used to commit grave human rights abuses or violations of international humanitarian law.”

Arms trade

The ATT is the first international treaty regulating the global arms trade. It was overwhelmingly approved two months ago in the UN General Assembly by a vote of 154 to three – Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Iran and Syria – with 23 abstentions. The vote was the culmination of a decades-long push to halt illegal shipments of weapons such as missiles, combat aircraft and attack helicopters.

Ban underlined that the ATT brings hope “to millions of women, men and children who live in deprivation and fear because of poorly controlled international arms trade and the proliferation of deadly weapons,” and added that it will also enhance the enforcement of arms embargoes imposed by the Security Council and help promote social and economic development.

5

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

6

news

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jagdeo urges new global pact with incentives to fight climate change

F

ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo continued his global campaign to fight climate change, telling a high-level Canadian audience Monday evening that fixing the energy mix, decarbonising sectors and charting a different pathway to development through a new global agreement with incentives and strong regulations, is the way to go. He was at the time one of several panelists at a Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research event titled “The Carbon Conversations: Charting a Sustainable Future”.

The discussion series, now in its second year, addresses the core of the planet’s crisis – carbon and the world’s dependence on carbon by-products.

Carbon Conversations

The Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research engages a broad spectrum of thinkers in Carbon Conversations – from students and scientists to philosophers and consumers – to generate discourse about carbon-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo making his presentation at the event

related sustainability issues and the future of the world.

The panel focussed on the question: “Environmental sustainability and avoided climate change: mutually exclusive to development and for profit commercialisation?”

According to a release from the centre, Jagdeo spoke of his brainchild Low Carbon Development Strategy – as system of carbon credits he put in place for

Guyana, which resulted in a bilateral deal with Norway. This, he said sought to balance human needs with sustainable practices.

The centre said, during his presentation, Jagdeo understood the scepticism of some in the crowd about the ability to align politics and economics with sustainability.

According to the centre, a theme quickly took shape as the panel discussion got un-

derway with panelists advocating that sustainability can go hand-inhand with sound investment and good business practices.

The message was not lost on the diverse crowd, a mix of 150 business executives, environmentalists, community members, students and alumni of Trent. All with an interest in sustainability in common, they gathered in the heart of Toronto’s financial district the evening of June 3.

Aside from Jagdeo, other speakers include Guyanese Dr Suresh Narine, director of the Biomaterials Research Centre at Trent, Ontario research chair in green chemistry and engineering and NSERC industrial chair.

They were joined by David G Patterson, chair and chief executive officer (CEO), Northwater Capital, and Annette Verschuren, OC, CEO and chair, NRStor, and chair, Clean Energy Taskforce for Ontario to lead a discussion under the title of the event “Charting a Sustainable future”.

Lively exchange

The centre said in the spirit of the name of the series, the Carbon Conversation was a lively exchange between passionate and informed audience members and the panel of experts.

Verschuren described her earlier career as an executive with Home Depot, where she oversaw sustainability initiatives such as the simple repurposing of furniture for Habitat for Humanity. Once retired from her position, she wanted her next venture to “make a difference”.

She sees ethical, sustainable investing as a “convenient opportunity for Canada-led innovation” and invests in solutions-oriented companies undertaking environmentally- friendly and energy-wise initiatives like smart energy storage.

Patterson shared his philosophy that demands for smart technologies will spark innovation.

Sustainable businesses will generate wealth and fuel economic growth. At Northwater Capital, his are not green funds – it’s simply a belief that reducing the impact of energy use is good business, “where demand continued on page 8

Don’t fix...

S

atiricus was fond of Americanisms.

And that’s why he really didn’t mind Rum Jhaat affecting an American accent and talking about “gonna” do this and “gonna” do that. Never mind the jerk hadn’t spent more than a couple of weeks in the States. Heck maybe he’d been looking at old John Wayne movies on TV. Lets mosey down to the saloon for some liquor, pardner.

But Satiricus would’ve never thought the ex-Talker Rum-Kara was also taken by the American way. In fact, Satiricus always believed that Rum-Kara was a very proper British gentleman who naturally thought the Americans were loud and crass. But here was the man, if the Stabber News was to be believed, advising his old party the PPCEE to bruk up their party leadership and put in a new one.

The only people Satiricus knew who broke up things that worked perfectly well were the Americans. His cousin Albert who lived in the States was always telling Satiricus and the boys when he visited, about how those people would break down perfectly good buildings just to put up new ones. Satiricus figured this was what happened when you had too much and you had nothing to do.

He didn’t think this was the situation with the PPCEE. Satiricus thought about why Rum-Kara wanted change in the leadership structure. The old man had introduced the structure when the party had been under great pressure.

But today the party was under even greater pressure. The party then had to speak with a united voice. Today the people needed that more than anything. The party had to stave off comrades who jumped ship.

Today there were even more of those rats.

Satiricus asked himself which was the most successful leadership structure in the world today? He didn’t have to think long: the Chinese. They had done what no other leadership group had ever done before.

Raised more people out of poverty than anytime in the history of mankind.

Look at how that new Chinese president was handing out billions of dollars in aid, like if it was small change!! And he did it with the very leadership structure that RumKara was saying the PPCEE should “brukup”. And you didn’t have to be communist to use the same structure.

Satiricus remembered that it was the same structure that Singapore and Korea had also used – and look how well they had done.

Then the thought struck Satiricus like a bolt of lightning.

“Had Rum-Kara decided to take revenge on his old buddies for dumping him?”

Revenge, Satiricus remembered, was always served cold. And to have his old party bruk up the only thing that had made it survive all the PNC pressures, would be cold indeed!

But then Satiricus remembered. Pressie and his party leaders also had family in the States. They would remind him of another Americanism: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.

news

7

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Death row inmate begs court to consider appeal

A

death row prisoner is appealing to the court to give urgent consideration to his case after his attorney filed an appeal on his behalf. Anthony Beharry called “Tony” was condemned to die for the September 20, 2004 arson/ murder of his cousin. He was accused of torching a house belonging to his aunt, which resulted in the death of a cousin, Yusuf Latiff.

Beharry, 43, of Reliance Settlement Canje was said to have torched the house after an argument with relatives, including his mother and sisters. His lawyer, Charrandas Persaud claimed that his client’s only crime was being under the influence of alcohol and having a dispute with relatives.

Several persons testified during the trial, including, Beharry’s mother and two sisters as well as the driver of the estate ambulance who spoke about turning up at the scene after receiving a call that a house was on fire and the burn victim

Anthony Beharry

was lying in the street.

Police said they had received a complaint against Beharry for threatening language and disorderly behaviour and had visited the scene a second time after receiving information about a fire.

Beharry’s mother, Ameena Boodhu had gone to police to inform them that he had blocked their path during an attempt to enter the burning building. However, Beharry’s lawyer claimed that police had already taken the accused into custody after the first complaint was lodged when they

received a second call that a house was being torched.

The prosecutor alleged that Beharry was seen pouring a substance at the doorway of the victim’s bedroom before the entire building became engulfed in flames. According to the facts of the case, on the day in question, Beharry was at Lot 51 Reliance, East Canje, where he lived with his mother, the victim and others.

Boodhu claimed she saw when Beharry threw out a liquid from a one-burner stove prior to spreading it around the house and striking a match which set the place ablaze. According to the prosecution, after the fire was extinguished, the charred remains of the deceased were removed from the premises.

Beharry was sentenced to death by Justice Dawn GregoryBarnes after being found guilty of the capital offence in the murder of Latiff.

8

News

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Inquiry launched into death of young mom, foetus during labour

By Umadevi Bux

G

eorgtown Public Hospital Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan said an inquiry has been launched into the death of a young woman and her unborn child at the medical facility. Khan also offered sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.

A 28-year-old mother died while giving birth at the hospital early Tuesday morning.

Louann Rodney and her unborn child of Meadow Brook Drive, Georgetown, succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital around 08: 00h on Tuesday during induced child labour.

According to the husband of the deceased Nigel George Rodney, his wife went to the hospital on Monday around 09: 00h and was admitted around 15: 00h.

Ultrasound

He noted that Louann was told by her doctor that her time for birth had passed and the ultrasound showed that everything was okay with the position and health of the baby.

Dead: Louann Rodney

He also stated that during the night of her admittance, she claimed to have contraction- like pain and prior to that, she had no other health issues.

He noted that the doctor observed that she was not doing too well in the ward and took her to the theatre.

Labour

“There was a cousin that called her around 02: 00h this morning and she said to her that she is getting pain every four minutes and I know when that happens it means you are ready for

labour and I cannot understand why the report saying until 7: 50h she died and I do not understand what happened during that time...,” said Rodney.

The deceased leaves to mourn a six-year-old daughter and her husband of six years.

The deceased’s husband noted that today (Wednesday) he will visit the hospital and the doctors to inquire more about the death of his wife and actions surrounding the tragedy.

Workshop

The Health Ministry recently at a workshop for healthcare professionals in the field of maternity, at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara, held under the theme “A Promise Renewed”, said much needed interventions have been made to ensure Guyanese women experience safe motherhood before, during and after childbirth.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative for Guyana and Suriname Dr Suleiman Braimoh said in Guyana,

there is no debate that the rates for both maternal and child mortality have been moving downwards and Guyana can achieve the Millennium Development Goals in this regard .

Maternal and Child Health Programme Officer Dr Janice Woolford, in giving an overview of Guyana’s position, indicated that the Health Ministry has developed and implemented a Maternal and Neonatal Child Health Strategy 2011-2020, enforcement regulations for reporting have been strengthened, training in the area of obstetrics and paediatrics has been initiated and implemented and collaboration with the United Nations and other agencies strengthened.

Jagdeo urges new global pact with incentives to fight...

from page 6

meets profit”. He went on to describe a series of smart sustainable companies, working to recycle the photo voltaic heat to produce electricity.

Verschuren agreed that “there will be a system of carbon credits sooner than we think” and urged that businesses can be part of the solution.

“The lack of capital coordination between governments, NGOs and the private sector are no excuse to stop doing things at the private level,” she said. Several comments and perspectives presented by audience members resulted in spontaneous applause.

Unique perspectives

Dr Narine thanked the panel of experts for contributing their unique perspectives to the ongoing discussion.

The successful event was the fourth in a series of expert lectures and dialogues called 'The Carbon Conversations'.

The series is based on the concept that the crisis is carbon and the opportunity is for solutions through conversation.

The core of the planet’s crisis is carbon – its use, management and ownership is at the fulcrum of fundamental issues in the world: climate change, environmental stewardship, economic development, culture, ideology and the consumption of resources.

Looking beneath the surface

A

By Anu Dev

fter I made a throwaway comment about having to “think like an adult” now that I’m finishing up my CAPE and had to do “Caribbean Studies” and “Communication Studies”, I was asked to elaborate by friends who’d decided to enter the real world right after CSEC. As a science student, I’d thought the “soft” subjects would be a real distraction from the real “stuff”. But over the last two years, I think CXC made a real good decision to make the subjects compulsory for everyone doing CAPE. From primary school, we’d done “social studies”, which introduced us to history and other topics that offered a glimpse of the world around us. Then up to CSEC they’d promoted those topics into separate subjects such as geography and economics and such. But after CAPE I discovered that up to then we had merely been describing the world and presuming that this was how it was. And how it would always be.

But in CAPE we were exposed to the revolutionary (for me) view that we’d merely constructed our social world. And if we take time to analyse that world, all we would see is change and transformations. And if things just remained as “the status quo” there had to be social forces working behind the scene to keep them that way. In a word, we were offered tools of analysis.

Whether it was Karl Marx with his insistence on looking at our world “historically” and looking at the “social relations of production” or Michel Foucault’s insight on the power relations inherent in all relationships, things would now never be what they “seemed”.

I presume this was how adults look at the world.

It certainly is how my dad and his friends carry on!

Before then, physics had hinted at levels of reality beyond our consciousness... pretty much what my Hindu background had insisted on. But that was in the “physical” realm.

And I guess one could not be too taken aback with Sixth Form physics where Heisenberg insisted that wave-particle duality was all in our mind and not in the world “out there”. Or that what we experience is just four per cent of the universe and we’ll never know for real what the 96 per cent dark matter and dark energy “really” was.

But the social world? That was mind blowing.

Feminist thinking has really opened my eyes as to how the world is structured to keep one or another group oppressed. Not just females. And it’s not just relations at the personal level. I marvel at how modes of thinking, wrought as far back as the days of slavery, still dominate our thinking.

So now I just can’t pick up the newspaper and read that the U.S. VP and Chinese president visited the Caribbean. You are now forced to ask, what’s behind the sudden interest? Does being an adult means to be perpetually looking beneath the surface? Anyhow, it’s back to the grind for more exams this week. I like the theory part of physics; it’s the maths that makes it boring. So imagine maths as maths alone!!

9 Special needs education in Guyana The UG-private sector combination You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times International, Industrial Site Ruimveldt Georgetown, Guyana or guyanatimesint@gmail.com

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dear Editor, The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 15-20 per cent of any school age grouping will have special needs. Ideally, handling such cases involves a lot of complexities, including individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs, and a

higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and community, among others.

In Jamaica, there are ongoing talks too about special needs education.

For many of the citizens there, the local education system is not fully equipped to deal with these children.

Some questions then for our education ministry: What is the count here as regards special needs?

What types do we have in Guyana? How many are mental? How many

are physical? How many are reversible? Then how about qualified personnel?

Currently, the government is in the process of compiling a fiveyear action plan, derived from contributions received during consultations with stakeholders on children with special needs. This is a great start, but we have a lot of catching up to do, and the earlier we start, the better.

Yours truly, Ron Heskith

Allow the police to do their work

Dear Editor, What is this about people and their complaining about the police even as they are doing their work? They are accusing them of indiscriminate shooting, as though these law enforcers are a set of mad men on the loose.

Such wrangling resulted from the arrest of four young men in Sophia.

Relatives and residents are now trying to claim otherwise, saying that the police behaved in a dangerous manner, shooting indiscriminately. This kind of thing is quite recurrent when it comes to the police and their sweeping down on loiterers and people just

ganging up at certain locations.

Many young men are resorting to ganging up for I know not what. It is not like Guyana is short where employment is concerned. Then this gun business is another factor – they always seem to have some kind of dangerous weapons on them. Where they get these and what are their intentions are matters to be considered.

The police made good as regards arresting a few people over the weekend – they had guns and ammunition.

So I think that lawabiding people should be glad with this kind of proactive police work. It is very disturbing that

youths are caught with guns and residents are complaining.

I am very fed-up too with people coming out and blaming the police after a loved one is caught in some kind of shady act. If these implicated youths had been gainfully employed, then they would not have had the time to lime and pose that everthreatening presence to people.

I personally get scared when I see any group of such young men. The police are right – get them off the streets. We need our streets to be safe.

Yours truly, C l a i r m o n t e Emmanuel

Guyanese in NY are very impressed with Tagenarine Chanderpaul Dear Editor, At the senior level, there is nothing to shout about as yet, but who knows, maybe in the near future, Tagenarine Chanderpaul will start on the tracks set by his father, Shivnarine.

Tagenarine Brandon Chanderpaul was born May 1996 – a few have posited 1997 – and is now a cricketer, who is beginning to build a reputation. He has donned local colours, starting back in February 9, 2013, at the senior level in four games, and even though he has not yet landed a big score, the signs are there.

He did get a 42 and, in this knock, one of his father’s traits was noticed – as the innings progresses, he gets better. Like his father, he is a left-handed player, but his niche is the opening spot.

The current English season is so much the better because of him.

The lad, also with a proclivity for academics, struck his third unbeat-

en century in a row for his side, Stainsby Hall.

The innings helped his side to win their latest game of the Division Six of the Newark Alliance tournament.

So the signs are there.

However, young Chanderpaul must become quickly cognisant of the new developments in the game. Cricket these days is about entertainment.

The Australians were chided for their terrible showing, losing 0-4 to India at tests, in their last series.

The general agreement was that T20 habits killed them. At the ever popular IPL, the average non-test players are having the time of their lives, and if by nature, some of them are irresponsible and reckless, then the better it seems for them.

The classic case of this is Dwayne Smith, a double discard where four day and tests are concerned.

So Tagenarine has to quickly decide which way he will go, as the ‘horses for

courses’ philosophy is quite en vogue now.

The T20 is no doubt, for now, the West Indies forte.

However, their returns at the one-day and test levels are most meagre against high rated teams. In recent times too, the West Indies have not been able to bat through their 50-over allotment.

Does this make a case for the young man?

I think so, as inevitably truth will come to the fore. With Chris Gayle as the lone established opener in all forms of the game for West Indies, and since he is over 30, greatness is beckoning for a star.

Maybe, even if at only the test level, cricket seems set to be a forum for the Chanderpauls – the dad has another few years left, and maybe his exit will signal the entrance of his prodigy.

This is the very best way to pass on the baton.

Cricket fanatic, Anil Pertab

Dear Editor, I am very upbeat about what the University of Guyana (UG) is touting these days. I think of more collaboration with other universities, openness and willingness to embrace the private sector, internal discipline where professionalism is concerned, and better facilities even as the present ones are being shored up. The campus at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara is large and a lot can be done.

Recently, the grounds men at UG uprooted a number of trees and they simply garbaged them all. I looked at one massive trunk and I said to myself where are our sculptors and whittlers. I walk down Main Street in Georgetown and I see unnoticed talent. UG has a Creative Arts Department, and I am thinking this is a lost opportunity.

In the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) there is a wooden masterpiece, but it is not even noticed. In fact, for many it is a humbug.

Someone could have done some sculpting with that discarded tree trunk and enhance the environment at UG. I know of a few entities that are thinking like this already. These groups sponsor students and have them work for them during their student tenure, but only when it is convenient. Upon graduation, these students go full blast for their sponsors.

I am therefore urging more companies to think like this.

The other idea on my mind is that companies can group themselves, according to their needs, and then collaborate on setting up a programme or an entire department that can offer

quality education in the specified areas. This will really get the university to expand and, at the same time, there will be great correlation locally, with training matching relevant needs.

I believe that the private sector can contribute to the advancement of the university in so many ways. All that it calls for are a few brainstorming exercises, and then, when an idea seams feasible, to go after it. It will call for hard work, but then, in the long run, the dividends will be great for everyone.

As Professor Opadeyi said, the collaboration means that the private companies simply provide resources that UG needs to offer the course. The course will be an approved programme of the university, the students will be enrolled because they are qualified and would have to write exams like everybody else, and then attend a graduation ceremony like everybody else.

The private sector can even suggest what UG can implement in terms of courses and programmes. After all, many companies have specific needs and I see no reason for them to shop overseas. If we do the foundational work now, in another four to five years, Guyana can have qualified personnel in any chosen field.

In closing, I remind interested persons that the competing schools for higher learning are quite diverse now.

Many students are taking to offshore universities, distance education and online programmes. It means that UG must step up.

Yours respectfully, Simon Barnwell

10

News

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cabinet approves over Gy$2B worth of contracts – over Gy$1B for East Bank road construction Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday reported that Cabinet has offered no objections to several contracts in various sectors, totalling more than Gy$ 2 billion. The contracts are as follows:

Irish teen to be freed on charge of threatening to shoot President Ramotar

T

he director of public prosecution (DPP) has reportedly dropped charges against an Irish teenager who was accused earlier this year of threatening to shoot and kill President Donald Ramotar.

The DPP, Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack wrote a letter stating she was dropping criminal proceedings against 17-year-old Cillian James Crossan. The case is expected to be dismissed when it is called again in court.

Crossan’s lawyer Glenn Hanoman had said the teen was having an alcohol-fuelled conversation with two bodyguards of the president at an international

rodeo event in April and was joking when he said he would shoot and kill Ramotar – saying it was because he didn’t believe the two men were really the president’s bodyguards.

The president was not there at the time.

“He had been drinking beer since early the morning and had even mixed rum and beer and had them at the same time,” Hanoman said. “I think that was the main factor at play when he argued with two of the guards.” Crossan pleaded not guilty to the charge before and was released on bail.

Crossan is accused of threatening to shoot the Guyanese leader on March 29 at City

Cillian James Crossan

Boy Club, Tabatinga, Lethem.

He had appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on April 2.

According to the police, on March 29 at Central Rupununi, Crossan said he would shoot the pres-

ident who was not present at the time, but Amerindian Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall overheard the comment and approached the young man, asking him what he said and he repeated that he would shoot the president in his head.

The matter was then reported.

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte had objected to bail, stating that the threat was aimed at the president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and that the defendant is also a flight risk. Crossan gave a caution statement admitting to what he did. The magistrate granted him bail in the sum of Gy$ 60,000.

Demands... ... of the AFC spoiler In politics, a “spoiler” is the candidate whose chances of winning are zilch, but still may garner enough votes as to cause the loss of one of the leading candidates. In Guyana, this is the role the Alliance For Change (AFC) plays. But nowadays, with a twist. It may’ve started out as “a plague on both houses” when Raphael Trotman and Sheila Holder were at the head table. But with their departure, Khemraj Ramjattan has recalibrated the mission of the AFC - a simpler, more cynical mantra: GET the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C).

It intends to be a spoiler only for the PPP/ C. Reason? Well, Ramjattan was bitch- slapped so hard after the stunt he pulled against the A Partnerhsip for National Unity (APNU) at Linden that his head is still spinning. Stung by his rejection by the people of Linden at the 2011 elections, when all the votes brought in by Trotman and Holder in 2006 abandoned him, Ramjattan tried to embarrass the APNU by claiming the latter had betrayed Lindeners.

But in the aftermath of the protest and killings that his extremism precipitated, it was Nigel Hughes who received all the accolades. Ramjattan became an afterthought.

This wouldn’t do, decided the rabidly ambitious Ramjattan. Hence the recalibration to go after only the PPP/ C’s base. The plan is that he would be waterboy to the People’s National Congress (PNC)/ APNU, but couldn’t make that too obvious. So last week he decides he wouldn’t meet President Donald Ramotar at the same time as David Granger – as part of the tripartite talks the president had already initiated.

But you would notice he didn’t take Hughes or Moses Nagamootoo with him.

But no one is fooled. Reading his report of the demands, he echoed APNU’s line to such an extent that he would’ve been hard put to explain he was not one and the same as the old PNC crew. Or he plagiarised!! Take the chopping-off of the funds for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project from the budget. We can see the PNC/ APNU wouldn’t want this to come to fruition: the PPP/ C would earn so much goodwill from the drop in electricity charges to consumers that the PNC/ APNU’s goose would be cooked.

So what’s the AFC’s excuse? None. The same for the cut of the subsidy to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to stop present tariffs from being raised.

PNC/ APNU don’t care – Linden is still receiving its electricity practically free. What’s the AFC’s excuse?

None. The only question that remains now is: “Why doesn’t Ramjattan stop the charade and join the PNC/ AFC officially?” After all, he’s going to be squeezed out of the AFC’s leadership by Hughes-Nagamootoo. .. of the Stabber News And here we thought that the Stabber News was all for “One People, One Nation and One Destiny”. At least that’s the line it tried to portray all these years.

So we thought the Stabber would’ve been pleased as Punch when the demands for “Indian Arrival Day” were watered down to “Arrival Day” – to include all the groups that “arrived” here.

But in its Sunday’s edition, it snarkily claimed that, “While on May 5, the 175th anniversary of Indian Arrival was commemorated, there was another anniversary two days earlier that slipped by unnoticed. May 3rd marked the 178th year since the Portuguese first arrived in this country.” Now this is a fine accusation!!! Last time we looked, the holiday was still “Arrival Day”. So what stopped all the descendants of the Portuguese, who did arrive and did perform yeoman service for this country, from “noticing”?

Or even those, like the Editor-in-Chief of the Stabber Anand Persaud, who were made honorary members of the fraternity, from also so doing? The descendants of the Indians did their thing on their own. ... of the “Big Maninja” The head of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Komal Chand was assured by no other than the president that the “Big Maninja” wasn’t earning US$ 25,000 monthly. So ask Dr Rupert Roopnaraine why he lied in parliament.

news

11

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Strong Guyanese delegation to storm Cayenne for major cultural festival

G

uyana is again preparing to wow an international audience with its magnificent display of artistry, as preparations move apace for the third annual Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival.

The festival, which is a fusion of the cultural diversion of the three Guianas, is slated to be held from July 11-15 in French Guiana.

It will feature creative thinkers in all sectors of the arts including literary, culinary, visual, performing, music, fashion, film and craft.

The Inter-Guyana Cultural Festival is in its third year and is an initiative of the governments of Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname.

Last year, Guyana was the host country with Suriname hosting the inaugural event in 2011 and this year it is French Guiana’s turn to take up host position.

The Guyana government is expected to sponsor 40 to 50 delegates, among them artistes, artists, coordinators and media.

Fashion Committee Coordinator Carol Fraser providing an update on the plans and preparation of the group, stated that all plans are in train for this year’s event.

She noted that French Guiana is considered to be the city of high fashion and therefore a lot will be expected from participants on the local front.

“We had raised the bar so high

Carol Fraser

in Suriname and did the same when they came to Guyana last year so we are going to French Guiana with these two countries having the same expectations of us.”

Fraser will leave Guyana on Monday for the fashion week extravaganza in French Guiana before skipping over to Suriname for the fashion week there.

She noted that French Guiana is very conscientious about promoting natural fibres; a lot of which they witnessed during the presentation of her line at the first Inter-Guiana festival.

“They love it and they have requested my presence to present a few pieces. I’m going to use this opportunity to help local design-

ers who have never had the opportunity to showcase their pieces on the international scene,” the coordinator said.

According to Fraser, the Guyanese fashion delegation will be given 40 minutes to strut 40 pieces on the French Guiana catwalk.

Some of the local designers are Marcia DeSantos, Zarinah Hameed, Mwanza Glen and Sharon Gittens.

The show will be opened with national fibre pieces of various traditional wear and closed with two of Guyana’s national designs.

Fraser disclosed that the coordinators are trying to accommodate designers who are eager to participate and are willing to furnish their individual expenses.

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry said the festival will showcase the best in the cultural traditions and contemporary artistic offerings of French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana.

At a meeting initiated by Suriname, it was decided by the three Guianas, that the festival would contribute significantly to the strengthening of friendly relations among the people of the countries.

Under the guidance of the Department of Culture, the six local sub-committees for the chosen disciplines are already at work fashioning Guyana’s contribution to the festival.

200 more Georgetown residents receive laptops - several persons with disabilities among beneficiaries from Region Four.

The OLPF programme was set up by former President Bharrat Jagdeo with the aim of equipping 90,000 families with laptops, to expand the use of Information Computer Technology (ICT) across the country.

T

OLPF staffers distributing laptops to residents

wo hundred residents from a catchment area from Camp Street to Norton Street, Georgetown are now the proud owners of laptops, courtesy of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme. The exercise was conducted on Sunday at the Church of Heavenly Light on Norton Street by a ninemember OLPF team, along with two trainers, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The distribution was welcomed by the residents, among them, Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities Chairperson Leon

Walcott, who said it was certainly a high point to receive the computer which will help to further improve the quality of his life.

“When you’re physically disabled, you have to rely on people for so many things and any little thing that can reduce that dependence is good for you,” Walcott said.

Several other disabled persons also received laptops including a nearby resident, a shut-in, whose computer was delivered to him by OLPF staffers who went to his home.

The exercise was a success according to OLPF Oversight Quality Assurance Manager

Ganand Chanderpaul.

He said that despite the inclement weather, when they arrived at the location to begin the distribution effort, more than 20 persons were waiting. He added that more than 60 residents were exposed to preliminary basic introductory training before midday by the two designated trainers for the location and this would be ongoing.

More than 31,000 laptops have been distributed since the exercise commenced in 2011, to families in various communities countrywide. The current phase, which commenced on May 21, targets 6000 beneficiaries

NBS slashes home mortgage rates

H

NBS CEO Ahmad Khan

ouse mortgage lender New Building Society (NBS) has announced new reduced mortgage interest rates, which will take effect from July 1.

The building society said the reduction is in recognition of the need to provide affordable housing to all Guyanese.

In a release to the media, NBS said, “The directors of the New Building Society in their continuous quest to ensure that mortgages are affordable have taken a decision to reduce mortgages’ interest rates once again.” While the low income mortgage range will remain Gy$ 4 million and less with an interest rate of 4.25 per cent, the middle income mortgage range of Gy$ 4 million to Gy$ 8 million will move to Gy$ 4 million to Gy$ 10 million, and the interest rate to 6.15 per cent from 6.25 per cent.

The middle income mortgage range was increased, since it was observed that persons who utilise these loans fre-

quently request more money.

Meanwhile, mortgages of Gy$ 10 million and above will now attract an interest rate of 6.75 per cent, a reduction of 0.70 per cent from the old rate of 7.45 per cent.

The society stated that over the years it has asserted itself as the major player in the residential mortgage market, noting that in recent times it has been significantly increasing advances it makes to mortgagors.

Commenting on the performance of the society, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahmad Khan had said, “This remarkable achievement was as a result of our philosophy to be prudent with our investment strategy, maintain our asset quality, and adhere to our strong risk management culture.”

Khan pointed out that the partnership with the Housing Ministry enabled NBS to penetrate the housing market with affordable mortgage products.

12

news

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Linden radio by August – new licensee L

inden businessman Haslyn Graham – one of the new radio licensees – has announced plans to launch his radio network by August. Operating under Linden Wireless Communication Network Inc, Graham was granted approval for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and radio licence. He is currently in the process of setting up the station at a refurbished building, which he has transformed into a studio located on Richmond Hill, Mackenzie.

Graham, who is currently president of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), noted that he has hopes of acquiring a wireless cable television licence, which he has applied for and is currently awaiting approval.

Quality

He noted that he is looking forward to bringing quality, unbiased entertainment to the Linden community and although he will be working independently, he is also looking

forward to working with the relevant authorities, regardless of political orientation.

He said he was optimistic that when the radio station comes on board, it will also provide meaningful employment to members of the Linden community.

"I’m looking to start broadcasting to Linden community by late July, early August – although I can start now if I want to – but I want to get everything in order so that when I get on air, Linden would be receiving nothing but quality entertainment. There are just a few loose ends that I need to take care of.

“There is a lot of development that can come out of having the radio station in the Linden community. There are a lot of talents to be showcased right here and we can make it happen. I do intend to promote programmes that can be of help to youths in society, while also catering for everyone else.

There are so many issues that need to be addressed and I know that Lindeners would

Communication Network INC. A woman met me the other day and she said ‘wow, only now you got through? Well, you deserve it because you were really patient.’ I am happy that I waited,” he said.

Ecstatic

Linden businessman Haslyn Graham

embrace the idea,” he noted.

Graham said that although the process of his licence being approved was a long one, he is happy that he was patient and that he persevered.

“The company was registered over 10 years ago as Orbit Television, then Hilltop Radio and then I changed it to Linden Wireless

Some Lindeners shared their views with this newspaper on the soon-to-be launched radio station.

“I feel ecstatic, delighted. I thought this would never happen. Finally we are getting somewhere and I think Lindeners really ought to support this, because finally people can hear some good programmes here in Linden. I personally spoke with Mr Graham and he told me about some of the things that he has planned for the community, some of the programmes and so forth and they sound really wonderful, so I think people should really support this venture,” said Christina Payton.

“I think the radio station can definitely help, because there are so many things in Linden that’s lacking and I

hope that Mr Graham would be looking at getting the relevant people to go on the radio to talk about how things can be developed here in Linden,” another Lindener, who gave his name only as Sherwin, noted.

Back in March, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds listed the number of persons/ companies that were granted permission to broadcast television, cable, and radio signals.

Specifically for radio, those granted permission are: the National Communications Network (Government); Radio Guyana Inc (Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop); Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc (Omar Lochan); NTN Radio (Anand Persaud); New Guyana Company Ltd (Dharam Kumar Seeraj); Wireless Connections (Maxwell Thom); Hits and Jams Entertainment (Rawle Ferguson); Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprise (Alfro Alphonso); Haslyn Graham (Linden Wireless Communication); Little Rock Television Station (Rocliffe Christie) and Rudy Grant.

Luncheon bemoans slothful reports on maternal deaths

C

abinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday stated that Cabinet is not pleased with the sloth which entails in the submission of reports regarding maternal deaths in Guyana. Responding to questions at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing regarding the recent death of a mother and her unborn child, Dr Luncheon said the Cabinet Committee established during the tenure of former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy to monitor such cases is still func-

tioning.

He stated that Cabinet does receive reports which are generated by the institutions where the cases originate, and the review of the circumstances is carried out by the special body set up by Dr Ramsammy.

The Cabinet secretary, however, explained that Cabinet is unhappy about the commitment of getting those reports in timely ways.

“I am familiar with the details. What we are not happy about is the result of the engagement by the Ministry of

Health by the committee who oversees the developments which led to the death and makes a pronouncement,” he said.

He explained that the recommendations arise from the deliberations of that body that addresses and gives the contributory factors, and what has happened with the implementation of engagement and recommendations.

Dr Luncheon observed that part of the monitoring depends on the consideration of the expert group, which considers the circumstances based on the reports, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon

make findings, and recommendations.

“Those things don’t flow in a timely way,” he added.

“I still feel much more can be done at the level of the Ministry of Health to expedite that process, and allow us at Cabinet level to follow the circumstance and move on what interventions are needed or being recommended to forestall or decrease the incidence of maternal deaths,” the HPS stated.

Regarding maternal deaths as a whole, speaking as a former health sector worker, Dr Luncheon observed that a lot of them are unavoidable due to catastrophic outcomes during labour, wherever it occurs in or out of Guyana.

“Your chances are slim when these occurrences take place. It is

not unique to Guyana.

That which will occur during the terminal stages of labour, will occur that will lead to death of mother and child.”

Nevertheless, in the circumstances where it is avoidable, he noted that there may be some interest in having those details covered up, “that is why Cabinet’s monitoring has been put in place. What we have put in place has suffered from sloth of its implementation, not abandoned,” he said.

Referring to the recent death, the HPS added, “I won’t be surprised if that report gets to the committee in July for a death that occurred in early June. That is where our dissatisfaction lies. We will have to prepare to get a report in an untimely way.”

News

13

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana on target with goals to improve nutrition, curtail hunger – president well as “foodprint” on the environment.

United States Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt lauded the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment for staging a walk last Sunday

President Donald Ramotar speaking on the occasion of World Environment Day

W

ith Guyana g a i n i n g the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO’s) recognition for achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to curtail hunger and improve nutrition, President Donald Ramotar believes Guyana is doing the right thing, and disclosed that the country will be conferred an award in Rome, later this month for its outstanding success in this regard.

The Head of State was at the time speaking at a function organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources,

and the Environment in observance of World Environment Day 2013 at Umana Yana.

The achievements can be credited to past and ongoing efforts at investing in the expansion of food production to ensure supply, adequacy and price affordability. Among them is the Gy$500 million allocation this year for the establishment of a farmers’ fertiliser and planting material facility which will boost and strengthen food production and reinvigorate the ‘Grow More’ Food campaign.

“Think, Eat and Save” is the theme for this year’s World Environment Day, which

President Ramotar said is most appropriate. He referred to a report presented in the British Parliament recently showing 30 to 50 percent of food produced in the world being wasted, and 30 percent of the world population being undernourished.

Participants at the forum heard about the number of persons facing hunger and starvation in the world, the quantity of natural resources that is lost and the social and environmental impact of wasting food.

As “custodians of the planet” the participants were advised to take responsible actions by minimising their footprint as

No official complaint... members of the sleeper cells “sometimes... die having never received the order to attack”.

Iran has set up intelligence bases in a number of South American countries, according to Nisman, including, but not limited to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname.

Nisman, the summary stated, plans to send his indictment “to the pertinent judicial authorities” in the various countries.

A copy of the indictment is also being sent to U. S. authorities.

In addition to revealing the extent of Iran’s in filtration in South America, Nisman reportedly succeeded “to corroborate and strengthen with new evidence” that shows that the Iranian regime was responsible for the AMIA bombing in 1994, which killed 85 people.

Conviction

Nisman claimed that the 2010 conviction of two Guyanese men for conspiring to blow up the John F Kennedy International Airport was part of a larger sequence.

Abdul Kadir, a former Mayor of Linden and executive member

and parliamentarian for the Peoples National Congress (PNC), and Russell M De Freitas, have been convicted for plotting to blow up fuel lines at the JFK Airport.

Prosecutors in New York have claimed that Kadir had secretly worked for years as a spy for Iran when he said during cross-examination that he had drafted regular reports to Iran’s ambassador in Venezuela on plans to infiltrate Guyana’s military and police. The plot to attack the airport did not advance beyond the conceptual stage. A U.S. Court of Appeal recently upheld a ruling for Kadir and De Freitas’ life sentence.

Allegations

Dr Luncheon said that the allegations which surfaced from the disclosures made by the Argentinean prosecutor “were the first that were being brought to our attention indirectly”.

He further stated that neither the Argentinean government nor international bodies have submitted to the government of Guyana, “in any official way that they have evidence or concerns about setting up of terrorist cells by Iran in Guyana”.

from page 3

Dr Luncheon reiterated that apart from the disclosure by a high official in the Argentinean legal infrastructure, “neither our bilateral nor the international community has made any formal notification to the government of Guyana about the setting up of terrorist cells in Guyana”.

in honour of World Environment Day and urged that citizens be more proactive instead of giving lip service.

He was particularly pleased at past interventions like the nationwide “Pick It Up”

campaign launched last year, involvement of the religious community, schools, private sector groups and the parliamentary resolution to work together in solving environmental challenges.

14

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

News

15

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana to forge closer cross-border cooperation with Roraima State

T

Takutu River Bridge

he officer in charge of the Lethem Police Station, the regional chairman and officials of the regional administration, Region Nine and members of the public and private sectors, recently held a meeting with a delegation from Bon Fim, State of Roraima, Brazil. This delegation was headed by the mayor of Bon Fim. The main purpose of the meeting was to forge closer crossborder cooperation,

said the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Issues that fall under the purview of the Guyana Police Force that were discussed at that meeting included: the improvement of the relationships between members of the force and their counterparts in the State of Roraima, and the intensification of actions to address trafficking in contraband, a Home Affairs Ministry press release stated.

Mother of three strangled to death, husband attempts suicide

By Bhisham Mohamed

A

mother of three was last Sunday evening found dead in her home in Berbice, suspected to have been strangled by her spouse, who later attempted to commit suicide. The man is being held under police guard at the Port Mourant Hospital.

The body of Geeta Bissoondyal, 27, of Lot 67 High Reef Albion, Corentyne, Berbice was found about 21: 00h by her sister while her reputed husband Probhudyal Tarachand, 34, also called “Ramesh”, attempted to hang himself.

His intentions were thwarted after a family member walked in and cut the rope that was around his neck. It was also confirmed that he drank a poisonous substance. He was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital but later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he is currently under police guard.

Police said in a statement that they are investigating the murder of Bissoondyal, which occurred about 20: 00h on Sunday, allegedly by her reputed husband.

According to police, investigations revealed that Bissoondyal and her reputed husband had an argument at their home. A postmortem was performed on Monday

by Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan, who gave the cause of death as manual strangulation.

Dead woman: Geeta “Dian” Bissoondyal

Later, the suspect reportedly drank a quantity of paint thinner and then attempted to hang himself, but was prevented from doing so by a family member.

Meanwhile, according to information reaching Guyana Times International, about 21: 40h on Sunday, Brian Luke, also called “Brian”, of Albion Squatting Area, Corentyne, Berbice went to the Albion Police Station and reported that, at about 18: 00h on Sunday, he went to the home of his cousin, Ramesh, where they had a discussion in relation to his wife Bissoondyal.

Further information revealed that during the discussion,

Tarachand went into his yard and locked his gate leaving Luke outside.

He reportedly took his wife into the lower flat of their two-storey house and locked the door behind them.

Guyana Times International understands that after a while, Luke reportedly heard Bissoondyal screaming, but did not intervene since the situation was already tense.

Later in the evening, Luke reportedly scaled the fence and opened a door where he saw the woman lying motionless on a bed and Tarachand hanging with a cord tied around his neck attached to a rafter next to her. Staying calm, Luke reportedly cut the rope, resulting in the suspect falling to the ground, after which he went to the police and filed a report.

Two police ranks accompanied Luke to the house about 21: 45h, where they observed Bissoondyal lying on a bed. She was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Her body was then taken to the Rammo’s Funeral Home and a post-mortem proved that she was strangled.

Tarachand was transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and is presently receiving medical attention. Luke was also taken into police custody and is assisting with investigations.

16

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

News

17

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“I am in full support of any government project that will bring development to the people” – Dr Harding

By Samuel Sukhnandan

P

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) 2011 presidential nominee Dr Faith Harding has thrown her support behind the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government’s effort to improve the country’s national standing.

Dr Harding, in an exclusive interview, told Guyana Times International that she is ready and willing to support any government project which will bring benefit to the people of Guyana and the country at large. The longstanding PNCR politician’s comments came weeks after she announced her support for the government’s move to build a Specialty Hospital.

Dr Harding had told sections of the media that she will support the construction of the Specialty Hospital, pointing out that the establishment of such an institution will bring great economic and health benefits to the country. She took the opposition to task during the 2013 national budget debates for the move to

cut the Gy$ 2.25 billion budgeted to construct the facility.

Dr Harding was quoted in the media as saying that modernising and improving health services, upgrading specialist skills, uplifting confidence in the population, bringing about resourcefulness and boosting the economy are all important.

“It is a shame that the opposition decided to cut the budget,” she said.

Membership non-renewal

The former PNCR government minister also said she will not be renewing her membership with the party, which expired at the end of May. She revealed that she has been approached by other political parties, outside of the PNCR, but is uncertain whether she will join any of those parties.

Speaking about the reason for her decision not to renew membership with the PNCR, Dr Harding said, “I don’t hold the same views, mostly now, with the trend in the party being changed. So I am independent at the moment

Dr Faith Harding

and I like that.”

Dr Harding noted that she will not renew her membership, “unless the party changes its views and its habits”, something she believes cannot be changed anytime soon.

The former PNCR stalwart said she witnessed the “ugliness of the party” during the last election and said bluntly, “I didn’t like

it”. However, she was still determined to see if there were going to be changes in the behaviour of those in the party’s leadership.

According to her, to date, there has not been a single change in the way things are done in and by the party.

She is no longer an executive member of the PNCR and has never served as a consultant

to the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which was initially suggested by the coalition group.

“So I rather just work by myself with people to better their lives,” she said reflectively.

Dr Harding went on to state that she is free to admire things that the governing party does.

The PNCR politician said she wants to see Guyana improve from where it is and, if the government of the day is making headway in doing this, then she will throw in her support.

“For me, the government is the government of the people and therefore I will support projects that I think that are good for the nation, to help raise the nation from where it is,” she pointed out.

Government support

Further, Dr Harding also stated her willingness to help government do the things they cannot do alone.

“If the PPP/ C is doing something good, I would encourage them. I am not seeking membership or trying to please anyone,” she said.

According to her, Guyana has the potential to become like Barbados, which is now counted as a developed nation.

She noted that Guyana has many resources to do greater things and as an individual and professional who has served in government and in other posts, she is ready to support development here (in Guyana).

Dr Harding said she is willing to give her service to issues relating to education and would love to work with teachers to help them and to help their children in the classrooms. She stated her willingness to get involved in community projects where she can work with both parents and teachers to tackle issues of depression and other negative behaviour of children, among other social ills.

“I love politics”

“I love politics,” Dr Harding said, explaining why she opted for such a career in the area.

According to her, it was her mother and aunt who both worked with continued on page 24

18

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

19

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

20

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news

21

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Global Hardware’s PPR-C pipes enter Jamaican market Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME).

In the keynote address by Minister Pickersgill, he expressed his openness to newer innovative products and expressed appreciation to GHI for the details presented.

He spoke about some of the challenges in the water sector, saying the PPR-C pipes are the perfect solution to leakage

G

products, as well as the technical and after sales support services available.

The eZee-flow PPR-C and HDPE piping system applications and attributes are suitable for plumbing solutions within the commercial, residential or industrial sectors and are rated for very long service life – more than 50 years. PPR-C is “food grade” and “lead-

socket and butt welding techniques that make a 100 per cent leak-proof joint with absolute material integration.

With superior physical and chemical characteristics, PPR-C pipes and fittings are the ideal choice for hot and cold water plumbing applications for the streams that are classified residential, commercial, industrial and mining, thereby en-

Patrick Commodities Managing Director Derven Patrick addresses the gathering at the launch

lobal Hardware Inc (GHI) of Guyana and Patrick Commodities Limited (PCL) of Jamaica have joined forces to introduce the 'eZee-flow' Polypropylene Random Copolymer (PPR-C) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and fittings to the Jamaican market.

GHI is a member of the Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII) group of companies.

Following incorporation in 2007, the company became the first manufacturer of PPR-C pipes and fittings in Guyana, with an innovative brand eZee-flow - a line of products that was the first here and in the Caribbean.

The launching cer-

emony, followed by a practical demonstration, took place at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday morning. Guest speaker at the event was Jamaica’s Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister Robert Pickersgill.

The main presentation for the launch of the PPR-C pipes and fittings was done by QAII’s Technical Adviser Parmanand Samaroo, while a GHI technical team gave a demonstration of the PPR-C products and piping system.

Other leading participants included representatives from the Jamaica National Water Commission, the Jamaica Bureau of Standards, the Jamaica Institute of

Professional Engineers and other private and public sector entities.

Representatives from the commercial banking sector and the Customs and Excise Department in Jamaica also attended the launching.

The association between GHI and PCL is expected to provide significant benefits both in terms of opportunities for training of Jamaicans in the revolutionary technology employed by GHI and providing a more cost effective, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional piping systems.

According to PCL’s Managing Director Derven Patrick, the joint effort is an attempt to further strengthen regional integration, and the

Jamaica’s Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister Robert Pickersgill (left) examines piping material on display at the launch and exhibition of eZeeflow PPR-C HDPE pipes and fittings at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica on May 30. Technical adviser of QAII Parmanand Samaroo (right) explains features of the product, while PCL Managing Director Derven Patrick (centre), observes

problems.

Those attending the launch were highly impressed with the quality and standards used

by GHI for the manufacturing of the PPR-C

free” and, therefore, a preferred and safe material, both in handling and applications. The assembly technique is simple and cost efficient, employing thermal fusion

abling high quality performance.

The products have a working temperature range of up to 95 degree Celsius, with strong chemical resistance.

Guyana, China recommit to improving bilateral relations

T

he bilateral relations between Guyana and China, which began 40 years ago, were again highlighted, as President Donald Ramotar and a delegation, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Hilton Hotel in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad on Sunday. The president was accompanied by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese leader recognised the importance of diplomatic relations with Guyana, pointing to the four decades of bilateral ties.

He also recalled Guyana was the first English speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and a strong supporter of the “One China Policy”.

President Ramotar,

President Donald Ramotar in the company of Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh at a table discussion with China’s President Xi Jinping and his delegation

in an invited comment after the meeting, said the talks were general, and both sides were satisfied with the relations; however, they have committed to further strengthen those ties.

“We were very satisfied with the level of our cooperation, but we both agreed that we will want

to improve on what we have, to make them even stronger in our relationship going forward. We also spoke about the possibilities of Chinese assistance in helping us with other important infrastructure, but as you will appreciate in the short space of time (of the meeting), no details

could be worked out, but in principle, I think we agree that we need to work to build on these relationships, and that we will be ready to work together… and to also encourage Chinese companies to invest into other sectors in Guyana, that we are ready to have more Chinese companies

investing in our country,” the president explained.

According to President Ramotar, discussions were also held on how the two sides can work together in other areas to strengthen their ties. He however, did not divulge the details of these discussions, but only stated that some

discussions were had on how the Chinese government could assist Guyana in infrastructure, and the transport sector.

Guyana and China have enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges at the political, diplomatic, economic and cultural levels. The relations have benefitted Guyana socially and economically with a number of key projects, like the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF), the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the construction of the world-class Marriott Hotel.

China has also supported Guyana in the health and security fields with roving medical missions and the donation of fire-fighting equipment from the Chinese government, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

22

News

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Newly-trained reporters ready to practise new techniques

T

he four-day journalism workshop hosted by the United States embassy in collaboration with the University of Guyana (UG) and the Ohio University, wrapped up on Saturday with participants feeling more energised and enlightened as to how to go about their profession.

Journalists expressed gratitude to the U. S. embassy for its continued support of improving the craft in Guyana.

Speaking on behalf of the media operatives that underwent the training, Mondale Smith said the initiative will definitely improve the level of reporting in Guyana.

Smith said the workshop, unlike previous workshops, has allowed for better interaction between the facilitators and the students.

This, he said has enabled a more effective

learning process for the team, which is now better equipped, in a range of media techniques that can be used to improve local content, both at the print, online and broadcast level. The topics that stood out in the training were journalism ethics, democracy and television news reporting.

The class was divided into teams and at the end of the session, produced television news and print pieces, which were critiqued and analysed.

UG Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Dr Paloma Mohamed said the training is just one of many planned activities, which will target local media operatives, and the aim is to improve the level of journalism practised in Guyana.

Dr Mohammed said the collaboration between the Ohio University and UG will continue.

Front row: University of Guyana Faculty of Social Sciences Dean, Dr Paloma Mohamed; Ohio University Media Consultant, Andrew Alexander; U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt; Ohio University Institute of International Journalism Director, Dr Yusuf Kalyango and University of Guyana Centre for Communication Studies Director Carolyn Walcott, along with participants of the workshop

The facilitators of the workshop work with the Ohio University.

They are Institute of International Journalism in the EW Scripps School of Journalism Director Dr Yusuf Kalyango and consultant and former Washington Post Chief Editor Andrew Alexander, who are both media experts and aca-

demics.

M e a n w h i l e , UG Centre for Communication Studies Director Carolyn Walcott said the training was meaningful, instructive and had a high level of participation from all media entities.

Walcott reminded the participants to take what they have learnt from the intense work-

New routes to be explored for Pakaraima Mountain Safari

T

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Friday rewarded the daring men and women who completed the 529-mile journey to the Pakaraima Mountains, between March and April. The brave safarians and sponsors of the event were presented with a certificate of participation and special awards at a ceremony over the weekend in the GTA building at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

In attendance were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali and Rainforest Tours Managing Director and leader of the 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari, Frank Singh.

Prime Minister Hinds commended the safarians for impacting on the development of the North Pakaraimas, and for bridging the gap between two worlds; the coast and the hinterland.

“Let us recognise that we are accomplishing many things, we are building our country, we are developing bonds, we are developing the links, the contact between coastal and hinterland people, between people of different races, and maybe even nationality, in what we are participating in, and I think that

our efforts have been very much for the best,” he said.

The annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari led to the development of trails and road links into some of the most remote areas in the Rupununi, allowing for

way, so as to place it more in the mainstream of the country’s tourism product. In this regard, he explained that the ministry is moving feverishly towards organising a safari club in Guyana.

He said this would lead to regulations being put

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds presents to Harripersaud Nokta, a token from the Tourism Ministry for his work in pioneering the Pakaraima Mountain Safari and for his work in the Hinterland communities

more persons to venture into these parts.

Minister Ali told of the safari’s importance to the development of Destination Guyana. He said the safarians’ mission is integral to the development of the tourism product that the ministry is trying to create, and in fact, the safari is now a large component of the tourism product in Guyana and South America.

Minister Ali also disclosed that plans are afoot to organise the safari in a more structured

in place for the safari, such as specific requirements for drivers involved in the journey.

Explore new routes

He said also that development of other routes for the safari is being explored and that it is important that the safarians form themselves into an organisation as it allows for synergy and linkages among the different safarian clubs in South America and the rest of the Caribbean.

This will allow for the planning of activities between and among these

clubs, where Guyana could be the centre, the minister said.

Among those honoured was Harripersaud Nokta, the pioneer of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari.

Nokta was presented with a handmade, handicraft plaque by Prime Minister Hinds. He also received a token from the Tourism Ministry for his tremendous work as a pioneer in the safari and also in hinterland communities.

Nokta expressed his gratitude for the award, and said the token would help him remember some of his days in the Pakaraimas.

He also expressed the hope that the event will continue to grow. Like the prime minister, he also advocated exploring new routes, and suggested going into the Deep South.

The 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari was a 10-day trip that allowed the safarians in a convoy of 28 vehicles; 4x4s, AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs), and Land Rovers to witness some of the country’s most diverse terrain – by offering them a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the wild, over rugged parts of Guyana never before seen by many, and culminating at the Rupununi Rodeo in Lethem.

shop and put it into practise. She believes that the training sessions allowed for great interaction between the facilitators and the participants, and will serve to improve the level of reporting in Guyana. In addition, it will also help to bring some balance in the daily reporting.

United States Ambassador D Brent

Hardt commended the team for making sure that the workshop was effective and relevant.

The U. S. diplomat said his office will remain ready and willing to always support the local media, in the quest to improve the skills of their workers and ensure that democracy is served in the Guyanese society.

Agriculture Ministry to embark on test cultivation of corn and peas

M

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

ost of the corn and peas in Guyana are imported from the Central American country of Belize, and, in an effort to reduce the food importation bill on these two products, the Agriculture Ministry is moving to grow them, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy has disclosed.

Dr Ramsammy said his ministry is working anxiously on this plan, which will see the crops being test grown, in small quantities and later following successful testing, introduced to local farmers for cultivation.

“I believe that we should not be importing black eye peas and corn, I believe that Guyana should be an important producer of black eye peas and corn… these are crops that Guyanese farmers can grow, so I have instructed the Guyana School of

Agriculture (GSA) to use its land in Essequibo, and to plant 10 acres of black eye peas just to demonstrate it can be grown in Guyana,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted the minister as saying.

Similarly, the minister said he also instructed the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to work with the GSA and utilise 10 acres of land at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara and cultivate corn to demonstrate to farmers that it can be grown locally.

With the Barbadian company Santa Fe in Region Nine growing corn and with the ministry now getting onboard, Minister Ramsammy said, “We are hoping that some of the farmers will take this on, so if not eliminating importation of those products, that we can in fact reduce their importation.”

news

23

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramsaran urges new batch of Chinese Bring back doctors to create a model for others to follow hassle-free

travel – Caricom transport ministers urge

I

T

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran (centre) surrounded by the Chinese doctors

he 11th batch of Chinese medical doctors has arrived in Guyana to commence a two- year tour of duty. The doctors were welcomed last Friday

by Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran at his Brickdam, Georgetown office. They will serve at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex in the areas of orthopaedics, urology, general surgery,

obstetrics and gynaecology, anesthesiology, plastic surgery and acupuncture.

The Chinese doctors have already been introduced to the Georgetown Public Hospital and will begin their service within a week’s time.

Minister Ramsaran noted that the Chinese medical team has been doing an excellent job in Guyana. He pointed out that this batch will com-

plement and build on the achievements of the previous batch.

The minister said too that the new batch is expected to make a big impact in the medical sector, noting that they have brought skills that are scarce in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Li Qinfeng stated that the previous contingents of doctors have all served Guyana whole-

heartedly and the new batch will do the same.

“In this regard, we will like to express our gratitude to the government of Guyana and I was told that this outgoing batch of Chinese medical team was one of the best that has been received thus far,” stated the ambassador.

Dr Ramsaran charged the doctors to create a model for all the future teams to emulate.

community previously had to attend the Beterverwagting and Lusignan health centres, where they were greeted with long waiting lines to see the doctors, medics and nurses.

Dr Bachan stated

staff.

Dr Bachan said in time, more services will be introduced from which the population will benefit.

Meanwhile, the health centre’s General Medical Officer Dr

[Beterverwagting] BV centres.”

Parliamentary Secretary Joseph Hamilton said the ministry will seek to establish a health centre in communities which are deprived of such facilities, noting that the ministry will soon endeavour to set up a health centre between La Bonne Intention and Better Hope on the East Coast of Demerara to improve access to health services to the persons in that catchment area.

“The motto of the Ministry of Health is to deliver healthcare services equitably…we at the level of the Ministry of Health, it is upon us to ensure that healthcare is dispensed equitably throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.”

He stated that the Health Ministry will seek to host outreaches to bring other services to communities that are not offered at the health centres, such as eye care.

S u r o j d a i Ramsammy, a resident in the area, said she is happy her community will now have a more reliable access to health services.

Mon Repos residents get fullfledged health centre

T

he Health Ministry has brought reliable health services at the doorsteps of Mon Repos residents when it commissioned a full-fledged health centre in the community on Wednesday.

A resident cuts the ribbon to open the refurbished health centre in the presence of General Medical Officer Dr Abbigale Jeffrey (left), Parliamentary Secretary Joseph Hamilton (right) and staff of the health facility

Speaking at the opening, Region Four Regional Health Officer Dr Vasha Bachan stated that the centre previously provided services three days per week; however, the ministry recognised the need for it to be serviceable on all weekdays.

She noted that most residents in the

that in light of the extended days, efforts had to be made to improve not only the physical aspects of the building, but also to address the complement of staff in order to have the facility fully operational.

Subsequently, a doctor, midwife, nursing assistant and a medic were added to the centre’s

Abbigale Jeffrey, who has been attached to the facility for the past 18 months, stated that the response from residents in the community has been great.

“It has been amazing; we have been receiving lots and lots of patients, so we have taken the work load off the Lusignan and

n recognition of the benefits derived from the Single Domestic Space (SDS) during the International Cricket Conference Cricket World Cup in 2007, Caricom transport ministers are recommending its reintroduction.

The ministers made the recommendation at their just-concluded one-day Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Transportation held in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release.

Recommendations from the meeting will be presented to heads of government at their upcoming 34th Regular Meeting to be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 4 to 6 at which 'transportation' will receive special attention.

The ministers lamented that Caricom nationals encountered unnecessary problems as they travelled across the region and this was not only limited to scant regard paid to the Caricom Passport which entitles holders to an automatic six-month stay in member states.

The meeting recognised that there were challenges with respect to frequent security checks and cooperation between the regional airlines, among other things, which negatively affected the travelling public and had repercussions for business and tourism as well. The ministers also agreed that much work had to be done to improve the service provided by order control officers in the region.

The meeting agreed that the Conference of Heads of Government should be asked to revisit its decision to discontinue the inexpensive armband system which facilitated hassle-free regional travel during the world cup. The success of that 2007 initiative was alluded to during the discussion, in particular its popularity with the citizens of the community.

A SDS involving 10 Caricom member states was established for Cricket World Cup 2007. Among the features of the SDS were freedom of movement for all domestic travellers and a special visa stamped at the first port of entry for travellers from outside the region to allow hassle-free movement among

the participating SDS states. Measures to support the initiative included an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).

Deeper collaboration

Discussions also centred on a fuel subsidy granted by Trinidad and Tobago to Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) which has occasioned complaints of it being anticompetitive, in violation of the Caricom Multilateral Air Services Agreement and the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Consultations in an effort to resolve the matter amicably will be conducted between the shareholder governments of LIAT and the government of Trinidad and Tobago prior to and during the Conference of Heads of Government, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago in July.

With respect to air transport, the ministers underscored the need for deeper collaboration among the regional airlines so that their operations could be better streamlined. Key among the recommendations were for shareholders in the government- owned carriers in Caricom, beginning with CAL, LIAT and Surinam Airways, to meet in the near future, to discuss how they may rationalise their operations, routes, flight schedules, and luggage transfers among other things, in the best interests of the consumer.

The meeting established a team, chaired

by St Vincent and the Grenadines, to review elements of a draft policy or air and maritime transport, and asked member states to submit their comments by the end of June.

Ministers also held discussions on transportation for agriculture produce and identified the need for coordination between farmers/ producers and shippers in order to curb high costs. The issue had been referred to transportation ministers by ministers of agriculture and is to be examined by a team from the Caribbean Shipping Association, airlines and agriculture producers/ exporters. The ministers also agreed that they would keep under review ongoing initiatives such as the proposal for a fast ferry service in the Southern Caribbean.

24

News

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Caribbean bankers Government turns to Linden get training in anti- Highway for massive housing development money laundering

T

L

eading training providers for finance professionals- the Caribbean Association of Banks Inc (CAB), in partnership with the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA) and the Florida International University (FIU) hosted two packed training workshops, back to back on Anti-Money Laundering for Certified Associate (AMLCA) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Implementation.

In a release, the CAB said the training was developed for compliance officers, risk management professionals, bank examiners and lawyers for banks and financial services institutions and took place from May 22 to 24. The AMLCA training was led by Alice E Morris, of Solomon Edwards Banking & Financial Services in South Florida.

Morris has over 22 years’ experience in global risk management, regulatory compliance and AML/ TF programmes with a strong background in customer investment suitability compliance, internal controls, operational risk management, and compliance IT system development and implementation.

Attending the training were compliance and risk professionals, se-

Some of the participants at the training programme

nior accounts, loans, legal, and operations officers and branch and general managers from banking and other financial services institutions throughout the Caribbean.

Topics

The training covered the areas: application of AML laws/ regulations, understanding/ rating risk, CDD, EDD, KYC, AML compliance systems, identification of suspicious activity, transaction monitoring and the BSA/ AML FFIEC manual in practice (required for the certification).

The course material, which covered many real and famous case studies, generated some very technical discussions, particularly regarding the systems and processes. Frequently stressed was the importance of putting all of AML procedures in place and the

need to 'document, document, and document'.

Benefits

Both workshops successfully delivered real and practical value to the participating organisations as all participants left satisfied that they had received absolutely all of the critical information and references required to either manage an effective AML programme or create a successful FATCA compliance programme, for the benefit of their organisations.

C a r i b b e a n Association of Banks Inc is a community of banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean/ Caricom region, whose mission is to advance the interest of member institutions through advocacy, networking, provision of training and other solutions to strengthen the Caribbean financial sector.

Major shakeup coming for GuySuCo management – Dr Ramsammy

A

mid calls for investigation into the finances at the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy last week Thursday said the government has for some time now, taken the position that changes would be made to the board.

The minister, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, said President Donald Ramotar and Cabinet have been reviewing the composition of the board and the everyday management, and have agreed that there is need to make some adjustments to both the board and the management team.

“This is not because the AFC and Mr Ramjattan want it, it is not because APNU de-

mands it, it is because as good stewards of an industry, we see that the industry has some difficulties at this time and, we believe that a review of both the board and the everyday management is necessary,” Minister Ramsammy said.

According to Minister Ramsammy, one of the potential changes could be the highest level of management, as Cabinet is examining the appointment of a new chief executive officer (CEO) for the sugar company.

“Mr Paul Bhim has tried his best, but Mr Paul Bhim was just acting in that position.”

This does not mean that Bhim will be fired, Minister Ramsammy said. “We are considering all the changes we need to make, but I do not think that it would be responsible for people to think that the entire

management and the entire board would go,” he said.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, during the 2013 national budget presentation, had announced that the government will be seeking to address the constraints affecting the performance of the sugar company, with the establishment of a three-year (2013-2016) strategic plan that is projected to cost GuySuCo Gy$ 3.1 billion in 2013 to advance the implementation of critical re- capitalisation aspects.

The plan will support the mechanisation and field conversion drive, and focus particularly on critical areas. Minister Singh had also announced that GuySuCo will have to re-engineer its management and human relations functions accordingly.

he Housing and Water Ministry’s fourth International Building Expo was launched last Friday evening, with the full backing of the private sector and other citizens.

The opening event, which was attended by stakeholders of the business community and government, got underway at the Princess International Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Giving the feature address at the launching of Building Expo 2013, Housing Minister Irfaan Ali said this year’s event is not just another exposition of what Guyana has to offer in the construction sector, but will highlight the ministry’s aim for future development, through a new concept.

The exhibition, to be held from July 5 to 7, will utilise a new concept, with the launching of a new housing development area dubbed “Silica City” located on the Soesdyke- Linden Highway.

Ali said “Silica City” is the first real initiative to take industry, commerce and residential housing to the highway on “higher grounds”. He noted that the idea was born after the ministry realised it had reached the peak for developing new house lots along the East Coast of Demerara, while it is currently on its penultimate tier of housing development on the East Bank of Demerara.

The last phase will see approximately 8000 lots being developed.

The new housing scheme is expected to see the development of some 500 acres of land along the highway initially. “So

we’re going to launch this initiative called “Silica City” and we want to encourage all potential investors, bankers, buyers, sellers to register with “Silica City.”

To motivate persons, the ministry will be offering a special package for those who already applied for house lots and received acknowledgement, to have their applications processed im-

Guyana. He, therefore, applauded the ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) for their efforts in staging the event.

CHPA Chief Executive Officer Myrna Pitt said: “In addition to being a medium for which linkages are established and opportunities for private sector are expanded, the expo will celebrate the successful

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali speaking at the launch of Building Expo 2013

mediately for allocation at the new housing area.

The initiative, he said, answers questions as to “where next” will the ministry seek to develop new housing areas. The housing minister stated that this year’s expo is being hosted as a result of strong private sector support.

G u y a n a Manufacturing and Services Association President Clinton Williams noted that he considers the Building Expo to be one of the main ingredients of any strategy designed to create economic development and growth in

partnership the CHPA has with the private sector and stakeholders in the construction, manufacturing, commercial, and services sectors.”

International Building Expo 2013, slated for the Guyana National Stadium, will be held under the theme “Consolidating P a r t n e r s h i p s for Sustainable Development”.

The event will see participation from local, regional, and international exhibitors and will create opportunities for networking among business stakeholders and consumers alike.

“I am in full support of...

from page 17

the Guyana Red Cross and the PNC that also inspired her to become a politician.

Dr Harding is now working in several communities to help empower people and has formed a non-governmental organisation (NGO), which is just about a year old.

She has launched a sorrel project, targeting rural communities.

These include communities in Corriverton, Berbice; Moraikabai, Mahaica, Region Five; Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; Lily’s Hideout, Linden Soesdyke Highway; and

West Watooka, Region 10.

The project involves exporting the high-indemand fruit to overseas markets to bring in much needed revenue to these communities.

Since its launch in 2012, the project has grown to include more people who benefit financially from the planting and exporting of sorrel.

This, she said, is a way by which she helps to empower people, but most importantly women.

Dr Harding served as a minister of government in the PNC ad-

ministration from 1989 to 1992. She was credited with reforming and transforming the Public Service Ministry, for which she was responsible.

She also served in the capacity of minister of state with responsibility for the Planning and Development.

As assistant chief education officer, she managed the National Nursery Education Programme, including 300 employees and established national standards for teacher performance and behavioural indicators.

25

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

26

NEWS

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Still more work to be done before local govt bills clear House – Persaud

Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud

L

ocal Government Special Select C o m m i t t e e Chairman Basil Williams said he is moving ahead with the work of the committee, despite there are a number of issues that are still to be addressed. Williams recently announced that three of the four local government bills have been completed, but Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud on Monday noted that this is not the case.

Speaking at a press conference, the local government minister said the Fiscal Transfers Bill, the Municipals and District Councils (Amendment) Bill, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and the Local Government Commission Bill have all been scrutinised.

Consensus

According to him, these issues have been parked and are yet to be deliberated on before a consensus can be achieved.

He pointed to the Local Government Commission Bill where the members have not decided on the composition.

The People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) members on the committee have been pushing for three persons to be appointed by the president, three by the president based on the advice of the opposition, and one to be appointed by the local government minister.

However, the joint opposition wants the one person to be appointed by the trade union movement.

“It is still parked, so I can’t see how you can approve a Local Government Commission Bill, unless the issue of composition is cleared up,” said the minister.

Turning his at-

Local Government Special Select Committee Chairman Basil Williams

tention to the Local Authority Amendment Bill, Minister Persaud contended that the committee remains at gridlock on the appointment of duties to the minister and the commission.

“The office of the minister’s name is being proposed to be substituted by the commission, and we are saying now, by these amendments, the commission will dictate the subvention and the commission will operate on statutory rights,” he said.

He said while the formula for the Fiscal Transfer Bill remains a problem, it is likely that solution will arrive soon, with assistance being garnered.

While admitting that there were several issues parked because they were debatable, Williams said in keeping with a request made by the President Donald Ramotar, he decided to vote on the issues.

Last Thursday, he said the PPP/C lost at the hands of the majority opposition when a vote was taken to remove the power vested in the local government minister to the Local Government Commission under the Local Government Amendment Bill.

Similarly, the opposition accumulated the most votes when the committee members voted on the composition of the Local Government Commission, which now allows the president to appoint three members, another three to be appointed by the president based on the advice of the opposition leader, and one to be appointed by a trade union.

Williams is optimistic that the work of the Local Government Special Select Committee will be completed by next week, paving way for the four bills to be placed before the National Assembly.

27

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

28

week ending june 9, 2013| guyanatimeSinternational.com

29

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

30

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

31

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

32

Feature

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Showcasing Guyana’s rainforest, indigenous culture Surama, Iwokrama and Dadanawa Ranch chosen for film locations

S

discovered, refuses to let them return to the village. teering away from They must become ‘karamapichu’ (jaguar people) the much highlighted landscape of like him. It finally threatens to attack them. Mairun kills the creature with a single arrow, but dies savbeautiful Guyana, actor, ing his sister who is able to escape during the fight. director, playwright, dramaturge and film-makThe Shaman’s story ends when the ‘lost girl’ is found. er Michael Gilkes and his Maira's life and Mairun's death are both reconciled through the music of the Shaman’s ceremonial flute, team are now focusing on showcasing the rich culfashioned from the thigh bone of the dead jaguar.

“The cast of the film is mainly Amerindian – tural heritage of the indigsomething that is being done for the first time. We’re enous people of Guyana in his upcoming film, “Maira going to shoot this film from the point of view of not and the Jaguar People”.

“It’s a film inspired by my experiences with Guyana’s indigenous people living in the rainforest. People seldom visit the rainforest to see the people they go see the landscape. When I was a Crew members arrive at Annai boy my father took me to seen. Mairun dreams of Bartica and then we went into the interior. I was amazed as to what I saw. It becoming a brave hunter. was like a different country. I want to show Guyanese The Shaman tells the liswhat our country looks like. The people I met, main- tening children “music is ly Amerindians, were utterly different from persons life, the gift of the birds: in urban areas of this country. The connection they the jaguar people’s gift is share with their landscape is totally different from death, but both life and what we see out in the capital city and I would like to death must be welcomed. show that too,” Gilkes revealed in an interview with They are twins.” They (and the viewers) are takGuyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Surama Primary School students from which the child characters will be chosen The film's story starts off with the Piaiman en back in time as the sto(Shaman) telling the legendary story of Maira and ry unfolds. Maira and Mairun become caught up in only the people who live in the rainforest but from her brother Mairun to the children gathered around a dreamlike drama of life and death with a talking nature itself. We now have cameras that can do that. his benab. Maira loves birdsong and is fascinated jaguar when they lose their way in the forest looking There are waterproof cameras that can be placed into by the flute-like call of a rare bird no one had ever for Maira’s elusive ‘flute-bird’. The ‘jaguar’, its secret rivers and can shoot wide

continued on page 33

Feature

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Health corner

KIDNEY DISEASE id you know that our kidneys have a higher blood flow than the heart, brain or liver? This is because the kidneys are actively involved in vital bodily processes such as getting rid of toxins from the blood, controlling the amount of salt, water and minerals in the blood, regulating blood pressure, and managing the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys, which are about the size of a computer mouse, are located in the back of your abdomen just roughly above your waist. According to Web M.D., if the kidneys

len ankles, poor sleep, vomiting, weaknesses, persistent itching, and shortness of breath; if left untreated the kidneys can stop functioning, which can be fatal.

Acute kidney injury (acute renal failure) occurs when the kidney does not function for several hours or even a few days. This usually happens if there is traumatic injury with blood loss, reduced blood flow to the kidneys, blockage of urine flow, shock, or damage due to toxins and drugs. Unfortunately, in the early stages of kidney damage, there are no symptoms and the body accumulates harmful toxins, waste, and ex-

are damaged, wastes and fluids build up in the body causing many issues such as swol-

cess water. Some simple tests that can be used to detect early kidney disease are: urine, blood

By: Hillary Ramroop

D

33

and X-ray tests, so consult your doctor to be tested.

Chronic kidney disease occurs slowly and usually lasts longer than 3 months.

Some causes are due to high blood pressure, type 1 and 2 diabetes, kidney stones, lupus, longterm exposure to drugs and toxins, the use of analgesics like Tylenol, Motrin and Advil for long durations, bladder and kidney cancer. Possible risk factors for developing kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, family history, high cholesterol, obesity and old age (older than 65).

Detection and treatment of kidney disease are vital in preventing kidney failure, in which dialysis (performs the function of the kidneys to get rid of waste) or a kidney transplant is required. It is important to seek help if you experience any of the following symptoms: increased water retention in your legs (swollen) or in other body parts, puffy eyes, shortness of breath, reduced energy levels, feeling lightheaded or drowsy, pain in the bones or

joints, or itching.

Some steps to take to reduce the loss of kidney function are: decreasing your consumption of protein, reducing the intake of salt, losing weight, reducing the intake of potassium because kidneys cannot remove potassium if there is too much that can cause abnormal heartbeats. Some foods with high potassium are bananas, oranges, potatoes, and nuts. Also, if you have kidney disease, restrict the amount of phosphorous intake, which can cause bone disease. Some foods with high phosphorus include eggs, beans, dairy products, and cola drinks.

Try to avoid taking aspirin, motrin and other analgesics, laxatives, alka seltzer, and herbal medications.

Showcasing Guyana’s rainforest... angles up to the surface. It’s like from the fishes’ view. And then we have cameras to capture the rainforest canopy and the point of view of the trees. Through the film we’ll showcase what the rainforest is really about. We want to take the film not only to the Caribbean but internationally. We want to show what one can find in a rainforest besides hunting and adventure. We want to show the life taking place in a community that is perfectly at peace with itself and its landscape and show a way of life that everyone can learn from,” Gilkes explained.

Gilkes disclosed that the film is scheduled to starting production in November. Filming will be done on location in the Surama area of the Rupununi, in Iwokrama and at the Dadanawa Ranch. He disclosed that he and his team are waiting on funding that is vital to see this film come to fruition. The director declared that his team is a brilliant one, and is ready to get the cameras rolling because it is a project close to their hearts.

“The film will be used to not only entertain but to stir up a

deepening understanding and concern for the preservation of our interior and the first peoples who live there. We are aiming at a figure of approx. US$186,000.00, which will allow us to produce a film of exemplary quality. We welcome sponsors, and their contributions will help us to make “Maira and the Jaguar People” a film all Guyanese as well as the entire region can be proud of. There is also the prospect of international screening for film when a projected series of 13 short films from across the Caribbean – “Growing up Caribbean” – of which Maira is the first, comes on stream in the near future,” he revealed.

Gilkes thanked sponsors Gafsons Industries Ltd., Trans Guyana Airways, Noble House Seafood, Cara Lodge, David Dabydeen, Ms. Joclyn Dow, Dr. Yesu Persaud, Toon Boom Animation and CEO Joan Vogelsang for their support thus far.

Additionally, Gilkes noted that the villagers in Surama will be building an entire village to make it appear as it was in the 1950s. The villagers have to be

from page 32

paid to get this done. After the film is completed, the village will be used as a museum or as a place where tourists can stay and experience firsthand what it is like to live in the rainforest. He noted that it will be an attraction which will help to bring in revenue for the villagers.

“These ones are the stewards of the interior and without them we won’t really have a rainforest.

They know their survival is dependent upon the survival of the rainforest and so through the film we want to really help in developing their economy. We encourage sponsors to come on board and help to market Guyana not just for its beautiful landscape but also for its beautiful people,” Gilkes encouraged.

“Maira and the Jaguar People” is also produced by Penelope Hynam who has a 25-year career in Canada in film, television, arts administration and writing.

For more information on the film contact Gem MadhooNascimento at gemmadhoo@ gmail.com or call 226-0240, 22553557, 624-8694, 600-5335.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Rotary Club of Jamaica (Queens) hosts successful fun-day

T

Rotary President Joe Iaboni with Commanding Chief James Secreto and Commanding Officers of Queens South

he Rotary Club of Jamaica, Queens, New York, along with Queens Centres for Progress, had a great turnout for their annual Bar-B-Que and fun-day.

Attendees included many of New York's finest from the NYPD, including the Commanding Chief of Queens South, James A. Secreto and the respective commanding officers of the Precincts.

Officers of the NYPD, the staff of QCP, and fellow Rotarians helped in preparing and serving food and drinks for all to enjoy. There was fun for everyone, including music and a well appreciated magic show.

It was a great day and an admirable way

to give back to those in need. Queens Centre for Progress is made up of people working together to promote the independence of individuals with developmental disabilities.

They play many different roles, but mainly focus on the same goal, providing services in education, therapy, job training and placement, day programmes, housing, and many other support services to help those with developmental disabilities live and lead a fuller life.

The organisation wishes to thank everyone who showed up to make this a productive day, including the President of the Rotary Club, Joe Iaboni.

34

feature

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s inaugural Flag Raising A national celebration of hoisting the Golden Arrowhead to signify Guyana as a free nation

T

he national expectation was great as were the plans to herald British Guiana into the field of independent nations as the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth.

While the main event was slated for May 25 at the Queen Elizabeth Park (now National Park), the events to welcome the more than 3000 VIPs and returning Guyanese were planned from Sunday May 22 to Sunday May 29, thus portraying the excitement and extended involvement of people in all parts of the country as part of the historic moment.

The main flag raising ceremony was scheduled for the National Park, but similar activities were also scheduled to be held in other parts of the country with major ceremonies in Essequibo,

McKenzie/ Wismar/ Christianburg (now Linden) and New Amsterdam.

Adrian Thompson and team also raised a flag at Mount Ayanganna.

Immediately preceding the ceremony at the National Park was the Grand State Banquet at Queen’s College.

With the frolic and fun permeating the nation in all areas, final touches were being done for the gala cultural performance at the National Park entitled "Ours the Glory" under Pageant Director Cicely Robinson. As stated by Godfrey Chin, over 900 school children, together with performers from the Theatre Guild Dance Group — musical ensembles — the nation's major choral group and steel bands were part of this historical pageant.

This pageant

however, was sadly cut by half due to time constraints and the planned tramp and parade the next day around town was rescheduled for security reasons. But this in no way thwart or diminish the enthusiasm of the evening as the thousands in the National Park, standing shoulder to shoulder with little space for movement did not even take the chance of blinking an eye thus missing any of the historic moments.

At 10:15pm Cheddi Jagan arrive with his son Joey and former Minister of Finance, DR. C. R. Jacobs. At 10:30pm the Guyana Defence Force gave a Military Band Display. At 10:40pm their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Kent other VIPs arrived.

At 10:50pm Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, arrived and embraced Cheddi

Jagan to a tumultuous roar of appreciation and applause. At 10:56pm the Guyana Defence Force Band marched off. From 10:56pm to 11:53pm the pageant continued with display from Majorettes and club wielding soldiers and performances by steel bands.

At 11:53pm the combined bands of the Middlesex Regiment, the Guyana Defence Force along with soldiers from the various regiment and the Guyana Volunteer Force (their last appearance) marched on and arranged themselves around the Guyana flag.

A sudden hush and silence overcame the National Park as 2nd Lt. Desmond Roberts of the Guyana Defence Force and Lt. Jon Klass of the Middlesex Regiment stood before the Golden Arrowhead and the Union Jack.

Watched intently by the thousands assembled, Lt. Jon Klass proceeded to lower the Union Jack.

In its place rose the Golden Arrowhead raised by 2nd Lt. Desmond Roberts.

Cheers rang out and a handshake between Sir Richard Luyt, and Prime Minister Forbes Burnham preceded the fireworks display. This first of its kind fireworks display for Guyana, featured a portrait of Forbes Burnham, a map of Guyana, the Kaieteur Falls, and the National Flag among other displays and were done

by Brooks Fireworks Ltd. of London.

The first independence celebration has been the blue print for all subsequent flag raising ceremonies. (Taken from ‘Guyana’s 45th Independence Anniversary’ magazine 2011)

The inaugural raising of the Golden Arrowhead on May 26, 1966

Guyana’s ecotourism opportunities virtually untapped F

ormer Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Denise Fraser said ecotourism in Guyana remains virtually untapped. Speaking at the recent launch of the “Wetlands of Guyana” publication by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Fraser noted that the important economic benefits of wetlands and their biodiversity are being increasingly recognised not only in Guyana but around the world.

The Guyana government is pursuing a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which views biodiversity and conservation as well as the Protected Areas Commission as playing critical roles in meeting developmental objectives.

According to Fraser, the landmark Protected Areas Act, which was passed in 2011, allows for the establishment of a protected area system as well as a Protected Areas Commission for the first time in Guyana to manage the system.

Among the existing protected areas is Shell Beach in Region One, which comprises the

largest stretch of wetlands under protection in Guyana. “We now need to manage these existing areas with information from the scientific data available and knowledge of the ecosystem,” Fraser noted.

Increasingly popular

However, there are research gaps on the extent of diversity, and environmental and economic value of the wetlands. National and international research institutions as well as non- governmental organisations (NGOs) have a huge role to play in this regard. “The more information and perspective we can get to guide the management of the areas, the better job we can do in protection, managing and development of these areas,” Fraser added.

Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is commonly defined as responsible travel to areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people.

Ecotourism involves travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas and helps to educate the traveller and provide funds for conserva-

The Kaieteur Falls is one of the many draws of Guyana’s ecotourism industry

tion, directly benefiting the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fostering respect for different cultures and human rights.

Ecotourism unites conservation communities and sustainable travel. Guyana, with more than 75 per cent of its land mass covered by pristine rainforest, has great potential for ecotourism. Its rich bio-

diversity, which encompasses a wide spectrum of unique plants and animals, makes Guyana’s ecotourism experience different from that of the typical Caribbean island.

In Guyana, ecotourism is viewed as an environmentally-friendly way of utilising the natural environment, as opposed to traditional forms of tourism such as nature tourism and adventure tourism, which

are not necessarily environmentally-friendly. Over the years, the scope for ecotourism in Guyana has grown, as the country offers experiences which make us stand out from the other ecotourism destinations.

However, we still need to ensure that adequate legislation is in place, along with effective monitoring of this rapidly expanding industry. If its principles are

stringently adhered to, ecotourism can also contribute to the enhancement of Guyana’s LCDS. A well- established ecotourism industry has minimal impact on the environment and builds awareness and respect for the local culture and environment.

It also educates visitors via on-site visits about the local political, social and environmental issues, protects wildlife habitats, and provides visitors with ideas to influence their own country.

One advantage of ecotourism is that it increases the monetary value of standing biological systems, and thereby encourages the preservation of biological diversity. However, issues arise when certain kinds of ecotourism do not contribute much to the local economy, meaning that they can enrich a few people while leaving others out of the loop.

In this case, for those left out, there is still little incentive to engage in conservation.

Another benefit of ecotourism is that it brings people closer to nature and creates a greater desire to protect it.

feature

35

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Dharmic Naujawaan

Empowering youths to develop Guyana

T

he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha plays its part in ensuring that a forum is always present to develop and nurture youths.

One such forum is the Dharmic Naujawaan (DNJ). This youth arm of the Sabha fosters the development of Hindu youths to meaningfully contribute towards the development of Guyana, through the initiation, facilitation, sponsorship, propagation and implementation of religious, educational, cultural and social activities.

The group was revived on October 1, 2000, and gives youths a sense of belonging, a place to share their views, develop their ideas, become more aware of social issues, tests their creative and artistic capabilities, making them wellrounded individuals.

DNJ allows youths to interact with their colleagues thereby giving them the opportunity to enrich their lives academically, spiritually, culturally and socially.

With an executive body of 8 vibrant, motivated youths of different but strong calibre and with a very supportive membership, the group’s aim is not only to follow the guidance of their parent body’s motto, “Action thy duty, reward not thy concern”, but to also live up to their mission statement to “provide support to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in the fulfilment of its goals and in particular, foster the development of Guyana through the initiation, facilitation, sponsorship, propagation and implementation of religious, educational, cultural and social activities.”

A body of young professionals- doctors, lawyers, accountants and many others- DNJ seeks to keep busy with numerous activities throughout the year, whether it be activities created by the group or those initiated by the Sabha.

Holi, the festival of spring filled with bright colours and lots of energy, sees the energy of the Naujawaan. The male members sing at the top of their voices in the Rama Krishna chowtal gol, singing not only in Georgetown but also traversing the West Coast to the East Coast to participate in country wide Chowtal Samelans.

The annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, held at the Dharmic Kendra, attracts one of the largest crowds and, as such, the Nauiawaan considers it their duty to keep providing new, exciting and entertaining games and activities at the mela. Activities that the Naujawaan provides range from mehendi decoration, artistic face painting for the children and games for young and old, like “hit down the tins”, plinko and hoopla.

Additionally, Indian Arrival Day has always been celebrated with various activities in each community.

For the 170th Indian arrival anniversary in Guyana, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha celebrated in grand style with a two day exhibition and stage show at the National Stadium, Providence.

The Naujawaan had a booth at the ground that highlighted important aspects of what the Naujawaan stands for.

Their artistic and cultural skills were displayed in the beautifully designed Rrangolis and kalsas.

Their thirst for informing and educating their fellow peers about aspects of their culture took the form of an exhibit of musical instruments. Their social stand was represented by a presentation on HIV/ AIDS and a fun and creative activity was present in the form of mehendi art.

In 2003, the Naujawaan hosted its first Hindu Youth Convention under the banner “Hindu Youths in a Changing World” where

Being creative - a group member (left) applies mehendi art to a child's hand at a recently held Phagwah Mela

Giving back! Some of DNJ's youths donating blood to the National Blood Transfusion Service.

they invited youths from across the country to discuss various issues affecting youths in today’s society and to come up with solutions to minimize, if not solve, those problems hence forming resolutions for youths to follow.

Five years later, the second Youth Convention was hosted, this time under the theme “Hindu Youth — Protectors of Our Dharma”. At the convention, which lasted for two days, a vast number of topics were discussed, issues debated and resolutions made. The main topic was alcohol abuse.

Every year, the Naujawaan Ka Hapta (Hindu Youth Week) reminds youths to be steadfast to Sanatan Dharma and gives them the opportunity to be immersed in various social and community based projects.

One activity that the Naujawaan has done annually during that week, and will continue to do so in the future, is the donation of blood at Guyana’s Blood Bank stationed at the Public Hospital. The Naujawaan sees the value of giving back to society whether by donating blood, helping the elderly, giving to the less fortunate or simply by putting up posters and billboards that display important messages.

The cultural dance presentation by the Sabha, Naya Zamana, showcases the talented and energetic minds of the Naujawaan. While some members take to the stage to demonstrate their talent in dance, others are involved behind the scenes with the just as important role of stage management.

The Deepavali motorcade is especially looked forward to by the group.

Since 2000, the group has participated in each and every motorcade. From the 12 years participating, it secured 1st place five times. Members con-

are speaking out against the selling of alcohol to teenagers, against the usage of the substance by youths, and about the dangers of consuming too much. Highlighted in many of the Naujawaan’s messages are the consequences of alcohol abuse to a person’s well being, family life, and to society as a whole.

As a central youth arm, the Naujawaan is involved in many out-

Distributing clothing and toys during a charity drive

sider it a challenge each year to create new and innovative designs that also reflect youth related messages.

A timely issue that the Naujawaan is passionate about is the abuse of alcohol. Members recognize that alcohol abuse is affecting youths today and

reach programmes which entail visits to other parts of the country to interact with fellow youths and carry out workshops. The Naujawaan supports and encourages other youths to impact positively in society and to form youth groups in their respective

communities. The Golden Om Dharmics (GODS) in Berbice was one such group influenced by the Naujawan. GODS is now a vibrant and conscientious group, steadfast in their support of Sanatan Dharma, and engaged in activities that are beneficial to society.

In keeping with its mandate, the Naujawaan always strives to achieve academic excellence and encourages all its fellow youth groups to do the same. Hence, debates are held across the country on topical issues like HIV/ AIDS and alcohol abuse. The group hosts, attends, and in some cases, judges these competitive, educational activities.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine , Ananda Latchman, chairperson of the Naujawaan, noted that the group’s future plan is to continue its current work in promoting its activities, culture and religion.

Furthermore, she stated, the youth group seeks to increase its membership in order to reach a wider spectrum of youths through more activities. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

36

fun time

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es

Moving day

Two boys were struggling with a huge table in a doorway. They pushed and pulled and upped it and downed it until both were exhausted.

Between gasps for air, one managed to say, “We better give up…’cause we’ll never get this table into the house.”

“Into the house?” screamed the other. “I thought we were moving it out of the house!”

The excuse

Teacher: “James, why are you late for school?”

James: “Well, y’see, I was dreaming about a football game and it went into overtime. So, y’see, I had to… had to… stay asleep to see the finish.”

Diagnosis

A woman runs into a doctor’s office and says “Doctor! Doctor! You have to help me! Everywhere I touch on my body it hurts!”

The doctor replied, “Show me.”

So the woman poked her ankle and screamed of pain. Then she poked her knee and yelled “OW!” She poked her forehead and screamed again.

She was about to continue when the doctor said, “That’s enough, let me think this over.”

He thought for about a minute and said “I think I know what your problem is. You broke your finger.”

Math challenge

“Students nowadays are so clueless”, the math professor complains to a colleague. “Yesterday, a student came to my office and wanted to know if General Calculus was a Roman war hero…”

The solution

This week's Puzzle

Some engineers are trying to measure the height of a flag pole. They only have a measuring tape and are quite frustrated trying to keep the tape along the pole: it falls down all the time.

A mathematician comes along and asks what they are doing. They explain it to him.

“Well, that’s easy…”

He pulls the pole out of the ground, lays it down, and measures it easily.

After he has left, one of the engineers says: “That’s so typical of these mathematicians! What we need is the height – and he gives us the length!”

First opera

Mother took Willie to his first opera concert. The conductor was leading the orchestra and directing the soprano soloist as well. Willie was greatly interested.

“Mother, why is that man shaking his stick at the lady?” he asked.

“Hush; he is not shaking his stick at her,” his mom whispered back.

“Then what is she screaming for?”

Bad dog

see solution on page 46

Once there was a man named Jim, who let his dog out to relieve himself late one night. He watched some TV, and then remembered to let the dog back in. When he opened the door, he was shocked at what he saw! In his dog's mouth was his neighbour’s cat, dead! "Bad dog! BAD DOG!" said the panicked man.

He took the cat away and looked at it. He couldn't bring himself to tell his neighbour what happened, so he decided to clean it up and leave it on the neighbour's porch. He took the cat into the bathroom and washed off all the blood and dirt.

It took him forever. He had to wash it four times to get it all cleaned. He brushed its beautiful white fur as he blow dried it, and put its collar back on. Since it was so dark, he snuck into the neighbour’s yard, and laid the cat down on the porch, in front of the door.

The next day, he was on his way to the car to go to work and his neighbour was outside.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," replied Jim, nervously.

His neighbour said, "Something weird happened last night."

"Oh yeah? What's that," asked Jim, sweating now.

"Well, my cat died yesterday, and we buried him, and this morning he was lying on my front porch!"

Feature

37

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Breakfast at the Taitt’s

By Petamber Persaud

Producers: “Growing up Caribbean”, a 13-episode television series; the Caribbean Poetry Project (Cambridge University), and the Ministry of Education with Janice Shinebourne – a silent partner.

Location: Dining room of Cara Lodge, previously the Taitt’s Family Home.

Cast: John Agard, Grace Nichols, Michael Gilkes, Petamber Persaud and the good ghosts of memories lurking within that architectural landmark of Georgetown.

Music: Sounds of Georgetown traffic, car alarms going with Dave Martins in the background.

Story and Screenplay: Petamber Persaud

I

t was Friday May 24, 2013, the final working day of the week before the long weekend holiday to mark Guyana’s 47th Independence anniversary. The holiday fell on Sunday May 26 so that meant, in our context, that Monday would be a holiday, thereby shortening the work days of the following week.

All off this meant that I had to rush in as much official business as possible.

It so happened that my first business of the day was completed without a hitch, freeing up some precious time. Next Petamber Persaud’s “The Balgobin Saga”

business of the morning was set for 1100 hours, so instead of going home and coming out again, I decided to stop at Cara Lodge on Quamina Street, to uplift two books sent to me

by Janice Shinbourne.

Here I walked in on Grace Nichols, John Agard and Michael Gilkes sitting at breakfast. The ever-helpful maitre d’, Tulsi, offered me a platter of fruits and a glass of juice, so I joined the table.

There was so much to talk about that the conversation rapidly veered from subject to subject, but at times we would refocus on the engagements that brought us together.

Agard and Nichols were here to launch their recent books at the University of Guyana and also to attend the Caribbean Poetry Project conference to be staged at the International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

The Caribbean Poetry Project is a collaborative effort between Cambridge University and the University of the West Indies. During the conference, Agard (along with other notable poets) would also conduct a poetry workshop.

During breakfast, Nichols was considerate enough to interrupt her breakfast in order to get to her room and return with the books Shinebourne sent me – “Timepiece” and “The

Dave Martins

Grace Nichols

Michael Gilkes

John Agard

Last English Plantation”.

She also brought me her new collection of poems for children, “Sun Time Snow Time”.

Later Agard slipped out to get me a copy of his book, “Travel Light

Travel Dark”, returning with word that he just ran into Dave Martins.

In receipt of that bit of information, Gilkes excused himself from the table to meet with Dave Martins – they

were preparing to depart Georgetown for the interior of Guyana – the location for the shooting of Gilkes’ film, “Maira and the Jaguar People”.

The breakfast party broke up and we shift to

the lobby where Michael Gilkes was already with Dave Martins preparing to head to location for the film shoot.

About 1030 hours, I took my leave from such Continued on Page 45

38

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

News

39

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese academic elevated to top post at major U.S. University

A

leading Guyanese-born academician has been promoted to a top position at a major university in the United States. Dr Leon C Wilson, formerly the dean of Alabama State University (ASU) College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, has been promoted to ASU’s interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, according to ASU’s president, Dr William H Harris.

Wilson had served as dean of ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences since 2011.

Founded in 1867, ASU is a historically black university located in Montgomery, Ala. “Dr Wilson is a very seasoned academic administrator and is highly prepared to help to lead the university during this time,” Dr Harris said. “We look forward to his tenure in this position.”

Wilson, who was born in West Coast Berbice, Guyana, said that any career elevation of any sort is never a singular effort. “I am ever grateful to those who have helped along the way. From the time my grade school teacher (in Guyana, Gwendoline Reynolds) convinced my parents to ‘send me away’ from

Dr Leon C Wilson

the countryside in search of better educational opportunities in New Amsterdam (Guyana), the climb has been steady,” he said.

“The drive for excellence is influenced by my convictions that maximising one’s gifts is a spiritual responsibility,” he added. “But accomplishments for me have always been a call to service.”

Dr Wilson said academic leadership, in the context of shrinking budgets and greater demands for excellence, is daunting, adding, howev-

er, that ASU is “ready for the challenge”. “I would not have accepted this responsibility if I were not convinced that we have the will and capacity to make a difference,” he said.

“I will be deliberate about elevating the rich academic and professional legacies of ASU as the renewed catalyst for our future directions, and we will be a player that is imperative for educational change in this country,” he added.

In making the announcement, Dr Harris also praised

the work of interim associate provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr Sharron Herron-Williams, who “has helped to provide administrative leadership and support to the mission of the provost’s office for several months”.

Dr Wilson received his Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in sociology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1986 and 1989, respectively.

He majored in social psychology, with a minor in social organisation, and had significant advanced training in statistics. He also holds an MA in religion and counselling from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, and a bachelor of theology from Caribbean Union College (now University of the Southern Caribbean), Trinidad.

Before moving to East Carolina University as professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Dr Wilson spent almost 20 years at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, in the ranks of assistant professor to professor, and as department chair for seven years.

Dr Wilson has taught courses in advanced statistical application, social psychology,

family and applied sociology.

He said he has either chaired or participated in more than 70 PhD dissertations and master’s thesis projects, stating that he is very proud of his mentoring history.

His research applies statistical models to understand the relationship of structural, interactional and socioeconomic factors to social, psychological, health and mental health outcomes in families, especially adolescents.

His publications, which reflect these interests, appear in national and international journals.

Dr Wilson has conducted some of the larger survey research projects on families and adolescents in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

The most recent are Adolescent Health and Protective Factors in Guyana (2012), Media Habits in Guyana (2007-2008) and Youth Trends in Trinidad and Tobago (2009).

Dr Wilson regularly contributes to and presents at U. S. national and international conferences, and is the recipient of several research, teaching, mentoring and civic awards. (Caribbeanlifenews. com)

40

news

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dubai advertising firm to invest in Guyana A

firm in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is looking to make inroads on the local business scene with the establishment of an advertising agency in Guyana. Toucan, an interactive advertising agency, will official-

ly launch its services to Guyanese businesses this week.

Toucan’s Managing Director Douglas Ames is confident that Guyana is a key emerging market for both businessmen and investors in the Caribbean and in the

Americas.

“The outlook for Guyana’s economy is positive and the International Monetary Fund has in fact projected a growth rate of six per cent for Guyana’s economy in 2014,” Ames stated.

He mentioned that the

ongoing drive to diversify the economy, stimulate new business and bring in foreign investment provide the perfect opportunity for businesses to harness the many advantages which the social media has to offer.

Ames pointed out that social media creates a scope and capacity to reach out to potential consumers, investors and partners not only in Guyana but around the world. “But what you need to know is how to use that capacity to achieve your goals – that’s where Toucan comes in,” the managing director said.

He noted that although Guyana’s corporate world is still fairly new to the complex workings of interactive online advertising, there can be endless benefits to Guyanese businesses who correctly utilise social media.

Experience and creativity

According to Ames, anyone can set up a Facebook page, but Toucan has the experience and creativity to produce meaningful results from social media by increasing the online clientele of any business and engaging in dialogue

ing of what it means to be a Caribbean business.

We know what it takes to propel a Caribbean business to the next level with social media.”

Reputable companies

Toucan’s Managing Director Douglas Ames

with those clients and online fan base.

With Guyana’s economy set for continued growth, Toucan is depending on its appeal to encourage businesses to pursue new opportunities.

Ames expressed that the stage has been for Toucan to build a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship with the Guyanese business community. “It’s a perfect match. Guyana’s businesses are ready for growth and expansion, and Toucan is the only international interactive ad agency with an innate, deep understand-

Toucan boasts a line of reputable companies including Caribbean Airlines, Digicel and Courts, and believes that its many successful international clients, are testament to the agency’s expertise and inventiveness and its understanding of regional businesses.

With clients throughout the Caribbean in Jamaica, Belize, St Lucia and Dominica, Toucan offers cutting-edge online and mobile apps, the latest web design technology, customised memes and animation and the highest standard of social media management across the full spectrum of social media network.

Toucan Limited, which is incorporated in Dubai, provides advice on Internet advertising, marketing, online consumer engagement, web designs and publishing, search engine optimisation and overall campaign management to businesses in emerging markets.

news

41

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Laparkan opens another office in Brooklyn, N.Y. L

aparkan has been lauded for the service it has been providing over the past 30 years which has helped to maintain a vital link between the Caribbean region and its Diaspora in North America.

The accolades came at the official opening last Saturday of the company’s new 12,000 square-foot warehouse and office located at 416-428 Stanley Avenue in Brooklyn, East New York.

Some 150 customers, community and business leaders, diplomats and local elected officials attended the formal opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting which coincided with the launch of this year’s Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations here.

G u y a n a ’ s Ambassador to the United States, Bayney Karran in the feature address said that “without a doubt, the opening of a second warehouse here in Brooklyn is an important step in the evolution of your company. This facility will

Guyana's Ambassador to the U.S. Bayney Karran cutting the ribbon to officially declare open the new Laparkan office in Brooklyn. Also in photo are company officials and members of the Diplomatic community in N.Y.

make it possible for you to offer more of the reliable services for which your company is known, to customers in Brooklyn and the wider New York area, which is where the largest concentration of the Guyanese and Caribbean Diaspora is located.”

Ambassador Karran noted that to any service provider in today’s competitive business environment, customer convenience is a watch-

word, and the fact that Laparkan has been increasing its range of services over an expanding network of locations for three decades surely is an indication of the quality of its service, commitment and customer loyalty.

“Many of us who know Laparkan as a Guyanese brand-name, and who associate that name with forwarding small items of personal freight, are probably

unaware of the facilities you operate in Panama, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname, and of your network of agents in the other islands.

“Likewise, the logistics and air carriage services which you offer to your commercial clientele might still be relatively unknown to the general public. Indeed, some may be surprised to be told that a compa-

ny known primarily for shipping barrels is today assisting commercial customers in the Caribbean to transport their goods to any port in the world, and that in perishable seafood alone, you deliver one million pounds per year for exporters in the Caribbean to reach markets here in North America,” Karran said.

He added that it is probably no accident that the growth and develop-

ment of Laparkan has coincided with the expansion of the Guyanese economy and with the development and growth of Guyana itself.

Also speaking at the event were Mr. Lennox Price, Consul General of Barbados, Mrs. Nan Ramgoolam, Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Roy Hastick, President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Kevin Price of the New York City Police Department.

Laparkan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Glen Khan welcomed guests to the formal opening ceremony which also featured cultural presentations by Verna’s Impressions Dance Theater, Jamaican saxophonist Douglas Guthrie of Inner Circle fame and popular Trinidad and Tobago pan man Dane Gulston.

The new facility was blessed by Rev. Terry Lee and customer testimonials given by Mr. Ovid Holder (Guyana) and Mr. Michael Smith (Jamaica).

42

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

arts & Culture

43

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A mandate to help others through the art of dance

C

reatively using dancing as a vehicle for disciplining and encouraging a healthy lifestyle has been local dance company Kreative Arts’ mission.

The contemporary dance group was started in 2006 by husband and wife Jonathan and Esther Hamer, both choreographers and co-directors who wanted to bring a fresh perspective on the art form in Guyana. The group is known for its creative dance performances and costumes.

Kreative Arts was initially made up of actors, dancers and musicians, and incorporated all the performing arts.

However, some members later went on different paths, and the group refocused largely on dancing.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Jonathan Hamer noted that his love for the arts, and enthusiasm for dancing inspired him to start

show, “Soul Train”, was huge, and I even took some dance moves from there. In high school, I would come up with dance choreography and perform at concerts. I got popular, and other schools would request I do school concerts. Later on, I became a physical education teacher and even started the first cheerleader group in Guyana. Then I worked with the National School of Dance and performed at Carifesta in Suriname and Guyana, which were spectacular experiences. I also worked with Classique Dance Company as a school director for over five years, training dancers of all ages,” Jonathan recalled.

Esther Hamer, Jonathan’s dance and life partner, started dancing at just fouryears-old, and disclosed that she would dance to anything when she was smaller. When her parents noticed her talent, they decided to sign her up, along with her sisters who share a simi-

A dramatic piece by 'Kreative Arts' at the local dance production, "Starkast"

seven, and my five-yearold daughter. Sharing the same love for something with my husband, in our case dancing, has helped our relationship because we understand the long hours each one has to dedicate to this art. My children also love the arts. The boys are into drumming and singing but my daughter loves dancing,” Esther revealed.

Kreative Arts has, over the years, collaborated with various dance

Young dancers pose in their costumes for a performance at a past Christmas show

his own dance company with his wife, who also shares a similar love and passion.

Jonathan said that his love for dancing stemmed from observing his sister and her dance teacher, a former National Dance Company member Mr Daniels, dancing.

Mimicking the dance moves, he began to practice and in time became very good at it. At primary school, Jonathan gave dancing tips to his teacher who was so impressed she even incorporated the dance moves in her choreography for a school concert.

“The popular dance

lar passion for dancing, with the National School of Dance.

“I began dancing with the National School of Dance but took a break off dancing and started back at age 18 with the Crystalite Dance Company. I did a bit of ballroom but mostly Latin dances. I then moved on to Classique Dance Company, but when I left there, my husband and I decided to start Kreative Arts.

I have a natural love for it, and it was a talent I had since I was a child. Through dancing I met my husband and we now have three children- two boys, nine and

companies and productions, including Naya Zamana, Nitraygeet, and many others. It has about 40 members at present with students from as young as age 3.

The Hamer’s dance company also has a subsidiary, GuyDance, which invites professional choreographers and dancers once a month to provide dance training and workshops free of charge for interested individuals.

The dance company also works collaboratively with Deaf in Guyana, teaching dancing to deaf students at the David Rose School. Esther stated that the art form has significantly contribut-

ed to improving the children’s behaviour, and serves as a therapeutic medium in helping them hope with their disability.

“We’re currently working on an upcoming production with the children. Dancing has helped tremendously with their behaviour.

Initially, when I went there, they were very aggressive in getting my attention and with other students. Some of them would harshly lash me on my back to get my attention, but now they are more disciplined

and are appreciative towards each other. They have grown beautifully in dancing and we’re currently even teaching some of them to be choreographers so that they too can teach others because we may not be around all the time,” Esther noted.

The couple pointed out that dancing keeps them physically fit and has opened avenues to travel abroad to meet other dancers, which has broadened their knowledge of dancing. They believe that dancing is not just about getting

up and moving, but is far deeper. It requires learning numerous techniques that help dancers to be well-rounded.

“Dancing is about discipline, and this is what we teach our students.

It’s also a form of exercise so we get them into stretching for flexibility, which is ideal for dancers, and also eating right. At Kreative Arts, we have persons coming to classes solely for keeping fit. I would sometime call my group the ‘sick group’ because we have persons who would get seizures and are asthmatic. Luckily, these ones have never had an attack because of being trained on breathing exercises. Breathing is an important aspect when dancing and by teaching proper breathing exercises has helped these ones with their illnesses.

We encourage persons to get into dancing because it’s a fun and healthy way to keep fit,” Esther encouraged.

For more information on the group visit Kreative Arts on Facebook.(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

44

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

45

Breakfast Survivor thanks God at the... for sparing his life

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cuyuni boat mishap

From Page 37

illustrious gathering of award winning artists in poetry, film, and music.

But the cameras kept rolling..... *Note: As I prepared this article, the title of a 1961 movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” adapted from a novella of the same name written by Truman Capote, kept flashing through my mind. Furthermore, each of us at breakfast was in one way or the other connected to the cinematographic art.

Michael Gilkes is a filmmaker in the process of producing another movie, the first in the series of “Growing up Caribbean” titled “Maira and the Jaguar People: A Story from the Guyana Rainforest.” The movie will showcase the lifestyle of one of Guyana’s first nations, the Makushi Amerindians.

Grace Nichols’s collection of poems “I Is a Long-Memoried Woman” was adapted to 50-minute video produced by Ingrid Lewis in 1990. The film chronicles the histo-

ry of slavery through the eyes of Caribbean women in spoken word, song and dance. It shows the conditions on sugar plantations, the unfolding acts of defiance and the rebellion which led to eventual freedom. It tells of the African woman fighting for her space in society.

John Agard”s “Goldilocks on CCTV” was written from a cinematographic angle; just imagine Miss Goody Two- Shoes getting caught on CCTV... and Goldilocks caught on camera breaking into a house....

My book, “The Balgobin Saga”, was adapted into a docudrama produced by the Centre for Communication Studies, University of Guyana.

So it was not too difficult to tweak with the title of that 1961 movie and come up with a title of this article.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

By Andrew Carmichael

O

ne of the survivors of the Matouk Falls Cuyuni River boat tragedy David Prass said only the captain of the vessel was wearing a life jacket at the time of the mishap.

In an interview with Guyana Times International, Prass said after the incident, he was told if they needed life jackets, the onus is on them to make the request before the boat leaves.

Recounting what transpired on May 25, he said the boat was about to come down the falls when the engine “cut off”.

“The boat turn on the side and the wave lash the boat and it turn right over and when the boat turn over, everybody go under water, nobody ain’t get to jump out or nothing, nobody ain’t see nothing until you come down with the stream and raise up. When I raise up, I saw the boat was far behind and a passenger who lived at Bartica was holding on

David Prass

to the boat, with someone else was to my right and my cousin Shawn Robinson was right beside me.”

According to Prass, there was only one objective in mind and that was to get to shore. “I swam ashore and as I approach shore, I saw that the Captain Junior Lyte had already made it to safety. When I reach ashore, my cousin was not too far but in the stream. So I start shouting to the captain to take off he jacket!

‘Take off you jacket’! He was not responding and when he did respond, the stream already take me cousin far.”

According to the father of one, when the boat engine went off, “a big man scramble a life jacket”. Asked whether the boat had life jackets for everyone, Prass could not tell. “To be honest, we were in the third seat and the front seat did not have any and the second seat did not have any. You see, we go in there from since January and we anxious to come home. All we were thinking about is home.”

The 26-year-old survivor said he lost everything he would have acquired since January, including about Gy$ 600,000. Asked whether he will return to the interior to work again, Prass said he did not know but indicated that it was not his first trip – the previous being late last year – when he and other relatives spent three months in the interior.

Meanwhile, the survivor said after the boat went down, he and the captain swam across the river to an island where there was a shop. “An hour and a half later, a

boat came from the upper part of the river that we were coming from.”

He said they stopped the boat and related the story.

According to Prass, the boat took them back to the scene where they were able to find one survivor. That survivor is the man who was able to grab a life jacket seconds before the boat went down.

“I was not wearing one, I don’t know how I made it to shore because is not like calm water, you know, you had to swim. The river was rough; you know what is a rapid. I just want to thank God.” William Patoir and Shawn Robinson, both of New Amsterdam; Junior Bandoo of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Clive Welcome called “Basil” or “Bazzo” of Bartica lost their lives in the accident. Those who survived are Prass, the Captain, and Maurice Hopkinson of Bartica, who was able to grab a life jacket seconds before the boat went down.

46

feature

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The National Insurance Scheme T

he genesis of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) can be said to have developed from 1954 when the British Colonial Office invited a British professor to investigate “possible measures of social security” for British Guiana residents.

By 1958, his proposals led to a 1963 report analyzing the setting up of a national pension scheme, which in turn led to government in 1964 considering obtaining expert assistance to implement an NIS Pension scheme.

According to the NIS website, in September 1965 Mr. Niall Mac Cabe, a permanent official of the I. L. O., spent four

weeks in Guyana meeting representatives of employers and the Trade Unions, and had discussions with the ministers of labour and social security, finance and economic development, and government officers of different ministries, with the aim of establishing social security for workers.

The resulting 1966 Report was based on the standards of the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952) (no. 102). In the agreement with the Government of Guyana, the Director General of the I. L. O. appointed Mr. A. J. M. Petrie, Chief Executive Officer in the Edinburgh office

NIS building in Georgetown

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Upper Camp Street, Georgetown, British Guiana nd(Postcard)

of the Ministry of Social Security (at the time the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance) of the United Kingdom, to carry out this mission.

Mr. Petrie arrived in Guyana on July 5, 1966, and on November 22, 1966 the Cabinet considered the memorandum and agreed to the establishment of a national insurance scheme.

There were no parliamentary draftsmen available to assist in drafting legislation, and the expert made a rough draft of a general “enabling” bill. It was hoped that the passage of the Bill could be expedited, leaving the details of the Scheme to be dealt with by regulations. This Bill was presented on December 9 1966 to the Attorney General for his consideration.

Consultations with employers’ and workers’ organizations had produced a broad measure of agreement with the proposals but there were certain differences which kept recurring and it was decided that in order to reach agreement on the details of the Scheme, a

working party should be set up immediately consisting of representatives of the government, and pending the appointment of the Board, the employers and unions.

On December 5, 1966, the minister of labour and social security made a public release of the proposals and issued a paper prepared by the expert, which outlined the Scheme in general terms. At the time he invited the employers’ organizations and Trade Union Council each to nominate three members to the working party.

Due to numerous difficulties, the scheme was not set up during Mr. Petrie’s mission, and further assistance had to be obtained from the I. L. O.; this resulted in the appointment of Mr F. B. Matthews. Except for periods of leave, Mr. Matthews was in Guyana from December 8 1968 to June 13 1971.

The scheme came into operation on September 29, 1969 eventually providing sickness, maternity, invalidity, Old Age, Survivor’s and funeral benefits.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Cane Cutters at rest. British Guiana nd (Postcard)

Hollywood

47

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sean Penn charity to Jim Carrey writes sponsor Haitian runners children’s book

T

Credits: Times of India website photo

he Haiti humanitarian group founded by Hollywood actor Sean Penn announced Friday that it will sponsor five Haitian runners so they can compete in the New York City Marathon in November according to reports by Associated Press.

Penn's J/P Haitian Relief Organisation (J/P HRO) will accept the top three men and two women finishers in a rare half-marathon that will wind through the Haitian capital of Port-auPrince on Sunday.

Ron Baldwin, executive director of J/P HRO, said the decision to sponsor Haitian runners in the world's largest marathon was inspired in part by an Associated Press story. The January report featured a Haitian distance runner named Astrel Clovis who faces nu-

merous obstacles as he runs through the hilly streets of Port-au-Prince, three years after the Jan. 12 earthquake devastated the capital.

"It's an inspiring story," Baldwin said of Clovis. "After the earthquake, he's running. He's self-training, and has no support. We decided 'let's give that guy a chance'. And it grew from there to build a whole team."

J/P HRO has secured 10 spots for the marathon, five for the Haitian runners and another five for celebrities and philanthropists who will participate to raise funds for the group.

"What prompted this was just the impulse to give the runners an opportunity that they wouldn't have otherwise," Baldwin said.

Penn founded J/P HRO shortly after the 2010 earthquake, and has since become an ambassador-at-large for Haiti. His charity has relocated most of the displaced people from a camp on a golf course in Port-au-Prince - one of many such camps in the capital - and demolished the National Palace, which collapsed in the temblor.

J/P HRO will secure sponsors to cover airfare, visa fees and lodging for the runners. The group will also support the Haiti team as it trains with the Haitian Amateur Athletics Federation for the marathon. (Times of India)

Jada Pinkett Smith can’t leave Will

J

ada Pinkett Smith has revealed that she would never end her marriage with Will in any circumstance because their life together is 'extraordinary'.

The 41-year-old actress, who has been married to the 'Men in Black 3' actor for 15 years and has kids Jaden, 14 and Willow, 12, told Redbook magazine that her hubby is the best warrior one can ever find, Contactmusic reported.

The 'Madagascar' star said that she is so smitten with Will, 44, that nothing could split them up.

When asked one thing that Will could do that would make her not love him, she said that it would happen only if he does something wrong to their kids.

Jada also revealed that she never asks her friends for relationship ad-

Credits: Times of India website photo

vice, and discusses all her problems with her husband. (Times of India)

J

Credits: Times of India website photo

im Carrey is all set to add the title of ‘author’ to his resume.

The funnyman's new book, 'How Rowland Rolls', will be published

by Perseus Books, this fall, CBS News reported.

The book is about an ocean wave that is afraid of crashing into the

shore, but when it retreats farther into the ocean, it discovers its place in the world.

Carrey explained on the book's website, that he wrote it specifically as a way for parents and grandparents to engage with the kids in quality together-time.

"Not only will the message of the story help them feel connected, worthwhile, and a part of something vast and grand ... the very act of adults spending time simply to be with them, and only with them, will pay off in an experience of fulfillment that's truly beyond compare," the website says.

The 51-year-old star also tweeted about his new deal: "’How Roland Rolls' is my kids bk abt a little wave who learns he's also the whole big wide ocean! Coming this fall."

Meanwhile, Sabrina McCarthy, president of Perseus Distribution Client Services said in a statement that the actor, who has one daughter and recently became a grandfather, was the perfect person to write a children's book. (Times of India)

Sofia Vergara at ‘Madame Tussauds’ wax museum

L

ifelike wax figures of Colombian actress and model Sofia Vergara will be exhibited at the popular Madame Tussauds wax museums in New York and Las Vegas beginning June 4, the institution said, according to reports from IANS. "We are very excited about Sofia Vergara's arrival at Madame Tussauds. She has become one of the most recognised and popular talents in the world and we know her fans and our visitors will love her figures," said museum representative Janine DiGioacchino in a communique.

The Colombian actress, who stars in the popular U.S. series

Credits: Times of India website photo

‘Modern Family’, was an "enthusiastic participant" in the process of creating the figures, which took four months and for which museum artists had to take thousands of photos and measurements to get her image just right.

The figure of Vergara

in the New York museum will show off her curves with the same Marchesa dress that the Colombian wore last year to a gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

For her Las Vegas waxwork, the actress gave the museum the form-fitting black dress accented with leopardprint sleeves, originally worn to promote the third season of ‘Modern Family’.

Vergara thus joins the list of celebrities who in recent years have found their niche in the museum and who include, among others, US President Barack Obama, actress Angelina Jolie and pop star Lady Gaga. (Times of India)

Steven Seagal vows to fight terrorism Ashton wants Moore to sign

H

ollywood action movie star Steven Seagal has pledged to dedicate his life to fight terrorism, reported IANS. Seagal visited a ruined school in Beslan in Russia's North Ossetia, the scene of a bloody hostage crisis in 2004.

The movie star and martial artist, along with a group of U.S. Congressmen arrived in Beslan June 1, the International Children's Day celebrated in Russia.

The delegation visited the memorial cemetery in the town, where over 330 terror attack victims, more than half of them children, are buried.

"They were shocked. After visiting the cemetery, which has more than 300 similar tombs, most of them with the photos of small children, Steven Seagal said he will spend the rest of his life fighting against terrorism," said a spokesman for the republic's head.

On September 1, 2004, in one of the most shocking events in recent world history, a group of rebels seized School No. 1 in Beslan, 30 km northwest of Vladikavkaz, capital of the North

confidentiality agreement

A Credits: thecount.com website photo

Caucasus republic of North Ossetia.

The day is known annually as the ‘Day of Knowledge’ in Russia.

The siege ended after three days when federal troops stormed the school. Hundreds of people died as militants and troops exchanged fire. The authorities were widely criticised for their handling of the siege and for the events leading up to it. All of the terrorists, but one, were killed. (Times of India)

shton Kutcher is willing to give his estranged wife Demi Moore all of the financial records of the technology business he started after they split, but only if she signs a confidentiality agreement, reports ANI. According to TMZ, the former couple's divorce is being bogged down by various financial demands the actress is making.

Moore, who's worth a lot more than Kutcher, wants, among other things, a piece of ‘A-Grade Investments’, a company the actor founded with mogul Ron Burkle.

Sources connected with the couple have said that Kutcher is scoffing at Moore's claim, since he founded the company-which invests in tech startups-after he split with her.

However, it's been revealed that he is willing to let the 'Ghost' star and her lawyers look at the financial records of A-Grade, but only if she signs a confidentiality agreement.

Credits: Times of India photo gallery

She signed it, according to reports, and it's now been filed with the court.

(Times of India)

48

Bollywood

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan Crazed fan haunts Hrithik Roshan celebrate 40th anniversary

I

Photo credits: www.authintmail.com photo

t's been 40 years since Amitabh Bachchan married his 'Zanjeer' co-star Jaya. The megastar looks back at the "lifetime" and says God has been kind to give him the family that he has, reported IANS. "40 years! 40 years of marriage on the 3rd of June 2013! Jaya and I in marriage for 40 years!

A lifetime almost," the 70-year-old posted on his

blog srbachchan.tumblr. com.

The duo has worked together in movies like ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Chupke Chupke’ and ‘Sholay’.

They had a small wedding affair back then with only close friends and family in attendance.

It "seems like just the other evening", Big B posted on his blog, adding: "I had driven with

my parents to a friend’s place on Malabar Hill, in the southern region of the city, and to a very quick, no fuss, no taam jhaam, family and a few friends, and a few close media, wedding."

"A wedding that had the fulfillment of a promise, that if Zanjeer succeeded we would get married! Here we are now, two children and three grand children, son-in-law, daughter-inlaw, relatives and samdhis in our family fold.

God has been very kind," he added.

Big B received several anniversary wishes online, and he took to Twitter to thank everyone.

"To all those that wish us a happy anniversary... our gratitude and love and blessings and joy! Thank you," posted the 70-year-old. (Times of India)

‘My mother is my hero’ – Sonali Bendre

A

ctress Sonali Bendre calls her mother her hero for raising three daughters with very limited resources.

"My mother has done a great job with her kids," the 38-year-old actress said in a group interview with IANS reporters.

"The daily struggle of raising three daughters with a very limited income, yet seeing to it that they get a good upbringing, giving her daughters the wings even after not being so educated - that person is my hero," Bendre added.

Having said that, she feels that "this kind of

Photo credits: Times of India file photo

heroism is in most of the women in India, because they all are doing that."

Hailing from a middle-class family, Bendre entered filmdom through ads and later rose on the firmament with her work in ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Zakhm’, and ‘Duplicate’.

After playing a suc-

cessful innings, she tied the knot with filmmaker Goldie Behl and settled down. Mother of a sevenand-a-half-year-old son, she has an immense respect for women who balance family and work.

After becoming a mother, Sonali cut down on her work as her priority was to be a handson mother. Off and on she appears on the small screen as a judge of reality shows.

Sonali wishes for longer maternity leaves than the prevailing one for new moms so that they can adequately care for their child. (Times of India)

F

Photo credits: Times of India website photo

or every ardent fan, come a few who manage to make a nuisance of themselves - as Hrithik Roshan would agree.

The actor has filed a police complaint against one, ‘Anna’, who claims to be of Russian origin and according to sources, had become troublesome for him.

The complaint (NC) was filed last week at the Juhu Police Station by Shashank Jare, CEO of ‘Filmkraft’, Hrithik's father Rakesh Roshan's company, on behalf of Hrithik.

Apparently, a few days ago, Anna was spotted screaming outside Palazzio Apartments, Hrithik's residence in Juhu scheme. An eyewitness told TOI: "She said she was Hrithik's fan but was rather aggressive when told she could not go up to the floor he lives on and visit him. After all, no star would allow people to enter and exit in a random manner."

However, Anna was adamant and some days later, was caught trying to barge into Hrithik's Andheri office.

That too, not once but twice.

"Hrithik was flustered and that's when he decided to put Anna's strange behaviour on record with the Juhu Police Station. Fans don't get into office buildings and demand they want to meet the star," said the eyewitness Inspector Vijay Mhetre from the Juhu Police Station confirmed the story with Times of India. (Times of India)

Jiah Khan dies at age 25

O

n June 4, Bollywood woke up to the distressing news of 25-yearold actress Jiah Khan's death. She allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her Juhu residence in Sagar Sangeet late on Monday night.

The actress had shifted from London to Mumbai with her mother Rabiya Khan, hoping to make a career in films. After her much-talked-about debut opposite Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Nishabd’ in 2007, the long-haired, dusky temptress was seen in Aamir Khan's ‘Ghajini’ (2008) and ‘Housefull’ (2010).

After ‘Housefull’, the actress had revealed to media that she was in London and wanted to finish her studies before plunging headlong into movies in her second round. The actress also divulged that her real

Credits: thenews. com.pk photo

name was ‘Nafisa’ before Bollywood christened her ‘Jiah’.

"I was too young when this whole name change thing happened.

I want to go back to my real name now" she had told TOI reporters at the time.

A source close to the actress says, "She was full of life and quite chilled out. After ‘Housefull’, she wanted to pursue a singing career in London alongside her studies. She

was a good singer. Back in Mumbai, she was getting film offers too, but she didn't find them exciting enough. She longed for big banners and lead roles that weren't coming her way."

Jiah was rumoured to be dating Aditya Panscholi's son Suraj, who is currently slated to make his debut opposite Suniel Shetty's daughter Athiya in a film produced by Subhash Ghai and Salman Khan.

A source close to the actress revealed that she was possibly depressed lately as she communicated little with anyone.

While the reason behind the actress’s suicide remains a mystery, Bollywood actors and patrons are in a state of shock and sadness, as everyone recalls Jiah as beautiful and quiet, thriving actress. (Times of India)

Manisha delays her return to India

M

anisha Koirala may not be able to return soon to India from New York, where she is currently recuperating post a health scare, until end June-early July, according to reports by TNN. The actress, who is sounding happier after she was declared 'cancer-free', is yearning to return to her Beachwood Towers duplex in the Mumbai suburbs.

She has been talking to her friends in India and keeping them updated on her health status. An actor friend says, "It's nice to hear the cheer in her voice."

However, she is delayed

Photo credits: Times of India file photo

because the high-rise, where her apartment is located, is getting a facelift currently. Her doctors have advised her not to be present in any place where she may

catch an allergy. Thus, according to sources, Manisha will only come home after the renovation is over and the paint smell dies out fully. (Times of India)

bollywood

49

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Karan Johar to perform opening act of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’

D

Credits: Bollywood Celebden file photo

irector-producer Karan Johar will be seen shaking a leg in the next season of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ during the opening act. The director said that his colleague, choreogra-

pher Remo D’Souza, had taken it up on himself to teach Karan some moves, according to reports from IANS and AFP. “Remo has taken on the challenge of making me do something tiny in the opening act. That is the maximum amount of dance which I should do,” he said at the launch of the show, held Monday evening.

Karan was also seen dancing on the stage during the launch along with some of the contestants and choreographers. He was also joined by his peers Madhuri Dixit and Remo, who will judge the show with him.

Starting June 1, the dance reality show will showcase the dancing abilities of 12 contestants like television actors Drashti Dhami, Shweta Tiwari, Karanvir Bohra, Siddharth Shukla and singer Shaan, among others.

For Madhuri Dixit, the amount of energy which the contestants put into a performance is important.

Veteran actor Dharmendra will also be seen in the first two episodes of the show. (Bollywood Celebden)

Shahrukh Khan recovering from surgery

S

uperstar SRK, who is home after his right shoulder surgery, thanks all his fans for their support and prayer and informs them that he will need six weeks to recover, IANS reports have said.

Talking of his recovery, the actor said, “For minimum six weeks I have to be in a sling. It will take a bit of time to recover (but will be back again)”.

He was talking to the reporters after being discharged from Lilavati Hospital last Wednesday.

“Thank you everyone. I am better now. Thank you very much for being so kind and thinking so well for me, Inshaallah,” said the 47-year-old.

Shah Rukh underwent surgery last week. Reportedly, the surgery was due for some time as the actor wanted to wrap up shooting for ‘Chennai Express’.

Sources close to him said that he got pain in his shoulder while shooting, but he refused to use body doubles for the movie which also stars Deepika

Credits: FB/Bollywood Celebden file photo

Padukone.

Shah Rukh is married to Gauri Khan and they have two children, Aryan and daughter Suhana. For the surgery, Aryan flew down from London to be with his father. (Bollywood Celebden)

India not regressive, Varun Dhawan met idol Sachin Tendulkar says Sherlyn Chopra A ctor Varun Dhawan played a football enthusiast in his debut movie ‘Student of the Year’, but he never thought the game would give him a chance to meet his cricket idol Sachin Tendulkar in real life,

L

ooks like Mallika Sherawat's recent "repressive and depressed" comments about India didn't go down well with drama queen Sherlyn Chopra and the actress has strongly slammed Mallika on twitter, according to ANI reports.

Her recent tweet reads: "I belong to India where I see progression and non-sexism. If there was any truth to her statement, people like me would have been out of work," says Sherlyn, who was also present at the Cannes Film Festival this year. (Times of India)

Credits: Times of India file photo

Arshad Warsi turns choreographer

A

Credits: Times of India file photo

rshad Warsi has choreographed his own song in 'Calling Mr. Joe Bhi Carvalho'. In fact the actor is already in Goa doing a recce for the number. Interestingly, Arshad had last worked on a song with Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in 'Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja' and will now choreograph after a gap of twenty years, according to TNN reporters.

"The director, Sumit Tiwari and Arshad are good friends and have

done ads together. For the film when Tiwari fell into a fix for a choreogrpaher , Arshad, who found the wordings to be very funny, offered to choreograph the track and will start shooting once he zeroes in on the location," said a source.

The source added, "Arshad feels that the art of dancing is within him and thus choreographing the song will come naturally to him." (Times of India)

according to reports from IANS and AFP. According to sources, both the celebrities met each other at the Coca-Cola under-15 football tournament final match and interacted for the first time. (Bollywood Celebden)

Credits: Bollywood Celebden file photo

50

Sport

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sports in History

What if Romain Etwaroo had remained in Georgetown?

His triple century remained unchallenged after forty years…

From May 26th.

O

n his return home, he enjoyed his best season ever.

The left-hander scored the first century in the Davson Cup, Berbice first-class cricket, and along with another talented batsman Isaac Seunarine who made 135, established a record opening-stand of 299 against No 59. The partnership surpassed the 297 opening stand made

by Rose Hall Welfare Center’s Ivan Archibald and former Test player Len Baichan against Blairmont in 1969.

Etwaroo scored his second successive century (121) against Rose Hall Welfare Center and towards the end of the competition blasted a dazzling 181 against Police, which brought his aggregate at the end of the season to well over 900 runs. Etwaroo just missed out beating Leslie Amsterdam’s 1000 runs in a season.

Len Baichan (left) presents Romain Etwaroo with the Indo-Caribbean Federation plaque at a game in his honour on Sept. 15, 2007. At centre with mike is the secretary of the Federation, Mr. Ralph Tamesh.

This was the first time that such a feat was ever achieved in Berbice cricket. Etwaroo, who to a large extent dominated the competition, was the only batsman to record three centuries in the season. Romain Etwaroo (167), proved to be the mainstay of the innings, and along with Gopie Beasmonie (157) featured in a grand opening-stand of 333 against Police in the final round, which

beat the previous best of 297 by himself and Isaac Seunarine against No 59.

Etwaroo had scored more centuries, 20 in all, than any other player in the Ancient County. He has a Shell Shield aggregate of 1,115 for an average of 39.83 with three centuries.

Etwaroo was often cast in a defensive role, because of the limitations of the Port Mourant’s batting line in the early

years. The batsman with monumental concentration got the “stay in” orders from his captain as soon as he had buckled his pads on. So much criticism has been leveled against his defensive tactics that very few people outside of Berbice knew that Romain Etwaroo was one of the finest stroke-players in the Ancient County.

Romain Etwaroo and former Test batsman left-hander Leonard Baichan proved an ideal opening pair in the 1973 President’s Cup between Berbice and Demerara at Bourda when they added one hundred and over in both innings. I well remember Baichan carried his bat throughout the first innings for 216 and with Romain Etwaroo’s 81 added 185 for the opening partnership. Again, in the second innings, Baichan 102 and Etwaroo 100 put 205 for an unfinished opening stand.

In a Bristol Cup final against arch-rivals Rose Hall Welfare Center, Romain actually stayed the whole allotted 50-overs, scoring 60 runs in his team’s total of 135. He had a heavy price to pay for his “team first” attitude, and was the cornerstone on which many of Port Mourant’s innings had revolved. But Etwaroo’s greatest moment was yet to come.

In 1973, the versatile batsman who has an insatiable appetite for runs eclipsed Joe Sukwah’s pride of 234 not out, which stood for almost ten years, with a belligerent 302 against Skeldon.

This made him the first and only triple centurion in Berbice. It has also made him the fourth batsman in the country to join the elite 300+ club. Those before him were Khalil Rohoman 319 (1936),

Peter Bayley 322 (1942), and Robert Roopnarine 327 n.o. (1963). Then after Independence, in 1985, David Harper made a flamboyant 308.

Test batsman and former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul made 303 n.o. outside of Guyana at Sabina Park, Jamaica in 1996.

Etwaroo’s mom, Rachel had been a supportive fan of his throughout his cricketing career. Rachel was the sister of Berbice and West Indies icon, Rohan Kanhai, and obviously, cricket runs in the genes.

However, her interest is not restricted to only her sons: Ranjie, Romain, Randolph, Reggie and Tyrone. I can’t recall a mother who constantly watches her sons play cricket at Port Mourant ground, or anywhere for that matter. Such a woman was Rachel! In her earlier days, as a sister she watched with delight at her brothers Rohan (Kanhai), Richard and Richmond. Then, as a mother, she sat on her verandah overlooking the beautiful Port Mourant ground where her five sons, Ranjie, Romain, Randolph, Reggie and Tyron thrilled the hearts of thousands of cricket fans with cricket of the highest class. She had watched many outstanding innings by both her brother, Rohan and her son, Romain, but the one which gave her the most pleasure was the triple century made by Romain against Skeldon in 1973.

Romain had scored 232 at the end of the first day’s play, the highest score ever made in a day’s play in Berbice, and was a mere two runs shy from Joe Sukwah’s 234 n.o. made against Providence, ten years earlier.

The next day, in front of a capacity crowd, Romain cruised past Sukwah’s 234, and proceeded to pulverize the hapless Skeldon attack towards a triple century, being the first to do so, since cricket began in Berbice some seventy-five years ago. And to show his appreciation, Romain in reaching the magical 300-mark, looked into the direction of his cheering mom, raised his bat towards her, saying: “It’s for you, Mom!” When asked how he felt in breaking the record and being the first batsman in the Ancient

By Shan Razack

County to record a triple century, the soft spoken, then deputy headmaster of Bush Lot Secondary School, Corentyne said: “At first I couldn’t believe it, but I am happy with my performance.

Dedication to the game had paid handsome dividends.” It is now thirtyfour years since Romain Etwaroo had made that triple century, and so far, no other Berbice batsman had shown the desire to go after that stupendous performance.

Has the Berbice appetite for runs? Better still!

Are they no longer for big scores? The big question on everyone’s mind is: “Who would be the next batsman to go after Romain Etwaroo’s record, and how soon?

That Romain Etwaroo proved an astute skipper goes without saying.

During his captaincy, they out-performed and outlasted their rivals to be the champion team playing “like a well-oiled machine.” Port Mourant was not without its problems.

There was a time in the mid-seventies when the future of the club looked almost uncertain. Five of their best players drifted across to their traditional rivals, Albion, and while it must have been a tremendous setback, it in no way dampened their spirits. Imagine losing two of their star players, left-arm spinner, Burlin Saheed, aptly nicknamed the “little magician” and versatile all-rounder Randolph Ramnarace who were virtually irreplaceable. They were down, but not completely out, and rose like a virtuous Phoenix out of the ashes. The never-say-die Port Mourant side drew on their reserves and how well they responded to the crisis, is all, but ancient history.

In 1976, Romain led the Berbice side to victory over Demerara to regain the prestigious Jones Cup, after an absence of thirteen long years, a victory in which, Etwaroo cherished most of all and one he regards as revenge as it’s sweetest.

Equally an outstanding fieldsman as he is a batsman, his dazzling speed, his spectacular catching of the ball and his accurate throw are reminiscent of Moonsammy, Amsterdam, Kanhai, Butcher, Solomon, Fredericks, Kallicharran and Sew Shivnarine.

SPort

51

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

2013 TIT & FG…

Caribbean athletes Nadal and Djokovic set up on show in Toronto French Open semi-final

By Ravendra Madholall

A

large number of athletes from across the Caribbean will be displaying their skills on Tuesday in Toronto where the third annual Toronto International Track and Field Games (TIT&FG) is set to take place.

The event will feature ten events and excitement is highly anticipated when the runners will be at the starting line in the late afternoon at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Centre.

Reigning 100-metres Commonwealth Games and Pan American champion star runner Lerone Clarke from Jamaica will be competing with several local and foreign stalwarts in this category, while the men’s 400-metres talent Michael Mathieu from Bahamas is expected to provide great entertainment as well.

Trinidadian and twotime Olympian Rondell Sorrillo will be present, while Jason Rogers from St. Kitts among others are scheduled to arrive on Sunday in Toronto for the meet, which should attract a large crowd.

John Craig, a representative of the tournament, told this publication via telephone, that all the athletes have confirmed their participation while the venue is

Lerone Clarke

also in full shape for the day’s event.

“Yes, the action should be exciting given the fact we have these speed merchants coming from around the world to participate and they have confirmed their readiness so I guess it should be a good day of racing under the umbrella of the TIT&FG,” Craig related.

He also stated the venue is in good shape for the mega event and hosting it for the third year in succession, athletes should have no problem on the track on Tuesday from the commencement of the action.

“All logistic and other works have been completed and we ready to show the world that we can invite athletes with great potential and who have done well on other international events like the 2012 Olympics to come out and showcase their talent in the different divisions,” Craig de-

clared.

Meanwhile, this year’s event will see Scotiabank sponsoring 10 track and field teams from high schools in the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, who will compete against top athletes from high schools in Ontario as well as Michigan, U.S.A. The teams will compete in the Scotiabank International High School 4x100 Relay Championship, according to Craig.

In addition to that, Clarke can expect stiff competition from Torontonian Justyn Warner and Aaron Brown in his category.

Brown, during a training session at the same venue, mentioned that he is very optimistic of winning all the races and stated that home advantage is a big boost to his confidence.

The 31-year-old Clarke, who also specialises in the 60m, won gold for Jamaica at the 2009 World Championship in Berlin in the 400m relay while he captured numerous gold and silver medals at the local meets over the year.

Clarke, a dynamic athlete, has represented Jamaica three times at the IAAF World Indoor Championships and holds the Jamaican record of 6.47 seconds in the 60 m sprint.

R

afael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will meet in a much-anticipated French Open semi- final after both won their quarterfinals in straight sets on Wednesday. Seven-time champion Nadal saw off Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier, while world number one Djokovic beat Tommy Haas 6-3 7-6 (75) 7-5 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

The two tournament favourites, and last year’s finalists, will face each other on Friday, with JoWilfried Tsonga playing David Ferrer in the other semi-final.

Djokovic and Nadal will meet before the final because the Spaniard is seeded third as he continues to make his way back from a seven-month break for a knee injury.

Nadal said: “I know that I play against the best player of the world.

I know that he’s having great results for a long time.

The Serb said: “I look forward to the match. You know, it’s not the first time I’m playing him. We have played over 30 times. I’m sure that we know each

Novak Djokovic

other’s games really well.

“We are in good form.

This is the biggest matchup of our Roland Garros 2013 campaign for both me and him.”

Wawrinka, 28, had reached the quarter-finals with a dramatic five-set win over Richard Gasquet, and he looked to pay the price for that exertion against Nadal.

A loose forehand saw the Swiss drop serve in the opening game and two more errors off that side gave Nadal a double break at 4-1, prompting Wawrinka to smash his racquet and hurl it across the court as the set slipped away.

Nadal suffered one brief scare when he was broken back midway through the second set, but his opponent could not

capitalise.

A woeful smash contributed to him handing the advantage straight back and another forehand error gave the 27-year-old a two-set lead.

At the same time, a more absorbing contest was unfolding on Court Suzanne Lenglen as Djokovic battled to subdue Haas.

The German’s run to the last eight at the age of 35 has been one of the stories of the tournament, but like Wawrinka he had spent a lot of time on court to reach the quarter- finals.

A single break of serve gave Djokovic the opening set but the second was in the balance until the Serb won a brilliant point of 24 strokes at 5-5 in the tiebreak.

The 26-year-old worked the opening superbly before drilling a backhand into the corner that brought a rueful thumbs up from Haas.

Djokovic twice let leads slip in the third as his forehand began to misfire, before a third break at 5-5 saw him serve it out at the second time of asking after two hours and 13 minutes..(BBC Sport)

52

Sport

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese boxing team off to Cuba T

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has sent a reduced fivemember team to two boxing tournaments and specialised training in Cuba.

The team, comprising boxers Dennis Thomas and Imran Khan of the Guyana Police Force gym, and Eon Bancroft of the Guyana Defence Force, will participate in the Cardova Cardin tournament from June 4-11, and the Roberto Balado competition on June 19-25.

They are being accompanied by coaches Francisco Hernandez Roldan of Cuba and Terrence Poole, who is also the Technical Director of the GBA. The GBA was hoping to send a team of eight boxers and two coaches to Cuba, but due to financial constraints, it was forced to significantly trim the travelling contingent.

At a farewell ceremony for the team at the Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis gym in Albouystown on Saturday afternoon, Director of Sport Neil Kumar praised the efforts of the GBA in getting the boxers and officials to Cuba.

“I appreciate the efforts by the GBA to send a team to Cuba and having commended them on numerous occasions, I take this opportunity to do so again. They are the only national association to provide us with a plan to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil and

Director of Sport Neil Kumar (left), GBA president Steve Ninvalle (third from left, front row) and other executives of the GBA pose with the boxers and officials, who left for Cuba Sunday (Photo: Paul Vanvield)

when I spoke to Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, we decided we will support them to go to Cuba and not only compete, but also gain experience in their training,” Kumar said.

Speaking on the financial difficulties the GBA faced ahead of the trip, Kumar said, “The GBA is the only association to realise over Gy$500,000 for a tournament and that tells us of their seriousness, as it relates to the ‘Road to Brazil’ programme that the government has been talking about since last year. I know it would

have been nice to send more than the three boxers to Cuba, but when I look at the three selected by the GBA, I see we have three good boxers.”

Kumar urged the trio to make the best use of the opportunity being presented to them, while reminding them that some of their opponents will be the best at this level, coming from Latin America, Argentina, Russia and Australia.

“This is what you have prepared yourself for, so go and make the best of this opportunity. You will be coming up

against the best in the world, not only the Cubans alone, but Argentineans, Australians and even Russians, who are no pushover. So go, give of your best, focus on boxing win medals and remember, this is the beginning of the ‘Road to Brazil’ for you,” he pointed out.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, said while he is disappointed that a larger team could not have attended the two events, he is grateful for the support received in sending the five-member team.

According to Ninvalle, the GBA received and accept-

ed an all-expenses paid invitation from the Russians to send a team to that country in September and cited the two tournaments in Cuba as an evaluation process for the boxers and the GBA as well.

“Since Roldan took up the challenge to become the head coach of the GBA, we have not competed in an international tournament, so certainly, the two tournaments in Cuba will be used by the GBA as an evaluation programme, in relation to our ‘Road to Brazil’ programme,” Ninvalle outlined.

(Guyana Times)

GCB to run off Inter-County U-17 tourney shortly

By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will host its InterCounty Under-17 tournament since the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has confirmed that the regional tournament will be played from June 29 to July 8 in Trinidad and Tobago. In an invited comment on Monday, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie said that logistics to host the tournament are being looked at, adding that the current inclement weather could be a major factor.

“We will definitely have an Inter-County Under-17 tournament from which the national team will be selected, but we have to take into consideration the weather,” Sanasie said.

Players participating in the newest regional age-group tournament must be under the age of 17 years before September 1.

Therefore, such a player must be born on or after September 1, 1996.

Jamaica are the defending champions after winning the inaugural tournament last year and will be look-

Anand Sanasie

ing to defend their title against the five other regional teams: Barbados, Guyana, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands.

Meanwhile, Sanasie indicated that the inter-county three-day under-19 tournament will resume when the inclement weather ceases.

The tournament, which bowled off on April 25, was pushed back by one week in the hopes that the weather will change. However, persistent rains since have prevented further continuation of the tournament.

When the tourna-

ment commenced the match between the GCB President’s XI and Berbice was slated as one of the two first matches to be played but no ball was bowled due to the weather.

However, the game between Demerara and Essequibo managed to get an hour of action before the weather intervened.

Batting first, Demerara had reached 36 for 3 at stumps.

Andrew Gibson was the top scorer with 11. Fast bowler Kemo Paul had taken 2 for 19 in that period of play.

The selection of the national Under-19 team depends on this competition. If there is no onfield play, the selectors and players would be at a disadvantage; as a result it is still to be decided if the competition will start afresh or continue.

On the other hand, Sanasie indicated that an encampment period for the national under-15 squad is currently being finalised.

The regional under-15 tournament is set for Jamaica from July 10 to 26.

Sport

53

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Windies urge children to ‘THINK WISE’ B

IRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo along with team-mates Darren Sammy and Jason Holder travelled to The Oval on Wednesday for a special coaching clinic with three local London schools as part of the ICC THINK WISE partnership with UNICEF and UNAIDS. The trio attended the clinic alongside fielding coach Andre Coley and took part in a session delivered by 'Cricket Without Boundaries'.

The 60 children had the chance to learn about the skills involved with cricket, batting, bowling and fielding, from the players and coach, while also understanding the background of THINK WISE and learn-

West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo enjoys the company of young cricket fans as the Windies held a coaching session for 60 London schoolchildren at the Oval on Wednesday. The event was part of the ICC THINK WISE partnership with UNICEF and UNAIDS. The session was delivered by 'Cricket Without Boundaries'. (WICB Media photo/Philip Spooner)

ing about HIV and AIDS awareness.

Each player dropped into the different sessions and then the children had the chance to

ask the players questions about their cricketing careers and how important it was to be responsible and concentrate on studying in or-

der to improve oneself and one’s cricketing prospects.

Bravo said: “It’s always important to take time out and work with

children during our busy schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy. We like to be able to come and share our expertise with the kids and I’m also grateful to Darren, Jason and Andre for taking the time to come down too.

“It’s very important to get kids aware of HIV and AIDS at an early age, just like sport, the earlier you get involved in something the quicker you learn about it. It’s good that THINK WISE is taking the initiative to educate children about HIV and AIDS and I am happy to have been here and I really enjoyed the experience.”

Holder who is at his first senior ICC men’s tournament, having previously represented West Indies in the U19

Cricket World Cup in 2010, added: “It was a very good day and a new experience and I thoroughly enjoyed working with all the young kids here and I think England has a bright future with children like the ones here today.

“It’s always good to have some downtime away from training and be a part of something new like this and to work (with) these kids it really warms the heart.

“I think that THINK WISE is a very good imitative and it’s great that these three organisations, the ICC, UNAIDS and UNICEF, have come together for this tournament. Hopefully the partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength for years to come.” (WICB Media)

CPL draft attracts global ...

Chadwick Walton, Jermaine Blackwood, Akeem Dewar, Dave Bernard, and Nkrumah Bonner.

ST LUCIA: Darren Sammy, Herschelle Gibbs, Albie Morkel, Tino Best, Tamim Iqbal, Shiv Chanderpaul, Shane

Franchise Teams

GUYANA: Sunil Narine, Mohammed Hafeez, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, James Franklyn, Christopher Barnwell Martin Guptill, Krishmar Santokie, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith, Narsingh Deonarine, and Veerasammy Permaul.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Marlon Samuels, Ricky Ponting, Kieran Powell, Johnson Charles, Kemar Roach, Steven Smith, Sheldon Cotterell, Dave Mohammed, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge, Justin Kemp, Rakheem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Anthony Martin, and Montcin Hodge.

Mohammed Hafeez

Sunil Narine

BARBADOS: Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik, Dwayne Smith, Shakib Al Hasan, Umar Akmal, Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, Rayaad Emrit, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Kyle Mayers, Devendra Bishoo, and

Kirk Edwards, Ramon Reifer.

JAMAICA: Chris Gayle, Muttiah Muralitharan, Andre Russell, Ravi Rampaul, Shaun Marsh, Vernon Philander, Danza Hyatt, Carlton Baugh, Nikita Miller, Jacques Rudolph,

Shillingford, Devon Smith, Andre Fletcher, Garey Mathurin, Liam Sebastien, Dalton Polius, Kavem Hodge, Kenroy Peters, and Nelon Pascal.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Dwayne Bravo, Ross Taylor, Darren Bravo, Fidel

from back page

Edwards, Aaron Finch, Samuel Badree, Kevon Cooper, Kevin O’Brien, Suleiman Benn, Adrian Barath, Delorn Johnson, Nicholas Pooran, Yannick Cariah, Miguel Cummins, and Justin Guillen.

54

Sport

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

"I am looking forward to the challenge," says Harper H

ead coach of the Guyana franchise in this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Roger Harper, said he is looking forward to the challenge during the tournament, which bowls off later this year.

“I’m delighted and very excited at the opportunity to work with the Guyana franchise, and at the same time, looking forward to the challenge.

My objectives will be to get the best out of individual players and the team as a whole,” Harper said.

A former head coach of the West Indies cricket team from 2000 through to the end of the 2003 World Cup, Harper will be assisted by former fast bowler Curtly Ambrose According to Harper, it is a privilege to work alongside the former West Indies legend.

Meanwhile, Harper, who played 25 Tests and 105 ODIs for West Indies between 1983 and 1996 and was regarded as one of the greatest fielders

of his generation, indicated that the CPL will definitely re-energise the sport in the Caribbean.

He noted that CPL will present an excellent opportunity for the development of professional cricketers in the region.

“The CPL will provide a new generation of professional cricketers in the Caribbean and will also give the opportunity for the younger players to develop their talents and also play in high level competitions,” Harper opined.

The lucrative CPL is set to bowl off in July, with franchises based in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Each outfit is stipulated to have 11 of their 15 players qualified to play for the West Indies, with four required to be under the age of 23.

Meanwhile, mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine has been assigned as the franchise player for Guyana, while Pakistan’s captain

Mohamed Hafeez is the international star.

Other assignments include Antigua, which will be coached by Vivian Richards, who will be assisted by Phillip DeFreitas.

Marlon Samuels has been assigned franchise player, while former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is the international star.

The Barbados team’s head coach is Desmond Haynes and he will be assisted by Robin Singh. Kieron Pollard is the franchise player and Pakistani batsman Shoaib Malik is the international star.

Additionally, Paul Nixon will coach Jamaica, assisted by Junior Bennett. Chris Gayle is the franchise player and Sri Lankan legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is the international star.

Team St Lucia franchise player is West Indies captain Darren Sammy and former South African opening batsman, Herschelle Gibbs, the international

National ruggers failed to stick to game plan, says Roberts – focus now shifts to Sevens rugby Roger Harper

franchise player.

The head coach is Andy Roberts and his assistant is Matthew Maynard.

Team Trinidad will be led by Dwayne Bravo, while New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is the international franchise player. Former West Indies opening batsman Gordon Greenidge is the head coach and he will be assisted by David Williams.

The Guyana franchise will play three of their seven preliminary games at the National Stadium, Providence, on July 31 against Trinidad and Tobago; August 2 against Jamaica; and August 4 against St Lucia.

They will then play hosts Trinidad and Tobago on August 9 and Barbados on August 11, before playing hosts Jamaica on August 14.

Their final preliminary game is against hosts Antigua and Barbuda on August 17.

M

anager of the national 15s rugby team, Robin Roberts admitted that his side failed to stick to the game plan in their 20-0 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago in the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association’s (NACRA) men’s 15s Caribbean championship last Saturday.

“We didn’t really perform to the game-plan we set. Frequently we failed to pass the ball from A to B, while the other key areas of our game did not function.

We compounded errors and didn’t hold on to the ball as we should, all of that have benefited the hosts” Roberts said.

Roberts continued, “I think the guys were a bit overconfident. We beat TT 20-0 last year, so I think the guys had felt they could have repeated that result with easy.”

The Guyanese needed a victory in order to progress to the final round, but the game was one-way traffic for the twin island republic that will play United States of America in the final,

Robin Roberts

scheduled to be played later this month.

Meanwhile, Roberts added that the focus will now shift to the domestic competitions and international sevens. “We will regroup as a unit and prepare for the sevens rugby, the administrators will meet to finalise the local competition which is expected to commence this weekend”.

According to Roberts, Guyana’s main aim later this year is to regain the NACRA Sevens title which they lost to Mexico last year after a six-year reign.

The NACRA Sevens will be staged in November in the Cayman Islands.

Sport

55

week ending june 9, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Windies the real danger – Wasim Akram L

ONDON – Wasim Akram, the world famous swing bowling icon and former captain of Pakistan cricket team, has praised Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq for bringing positive change to Pakistani team by changing his one-day game as well as attitude towards it.

Speaking exclusively to Geo News after Pakistan beat South Africa at a warmup match here at the Oval, the Sultan of Swing said that the West Indies cricket team is the real danger in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2013 matches.

Akram was surprised that no one talked about the danger posed to all teams by the brilliant players such as Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and others in the team.

“They have brilliant wicket taking bowlers.

They have more oneday experience. It will be very interesting to see how the West Indian

Wasim Akram

side plays,” Akram said.

Wasim Akram was of praise for the unity shown by the team at the Oval.

He said that Pakistan had struggled in South Africa during a recent tour but it was because of the gross and the totally different conditions. “It was also because we are poor in test matches. But in one-day game, we gave South Africa tough time,” he said, answering a question what made the difference between then and the match Pakistan played on Monday at

The Oval that outclassed South Africa in all departments.

“I really liked the way Pakistan played at The Oval. The main bowlers were rested but Junaid, Wahab, Ahsan Adil and Asad played brilliantly. From the first ball, the body language was good. The attitude was right. South Africa looked dead.

Pakistani team chased well but I was scared that Pakistan gets under pressure when chasing and when wickets fall.”

Wasim Akram said that there is “no issue” with Pakistan’s bowling but the problem is in the batting area.

Akram said that Wahab Riaz was crucial in getting Pakistan win the match against Ireland but Kamran Akmal also did well.

“I have told Wahab to take batting seriously.

I told him that if you are dropped as a bowler you will be taken as a batsman. If he improves then Pakistan’s batting combination will improve tremendously.”

guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

week ending june 9, 2013

CPL draft attracts global attention –franchise teams named

M

ontego Bay, Jamaica – As the Caribbean Premier League draft took place Wednesday and players were selected to the six franchise teams, fans around the world logged on to the CPL website, www.cplt20.com and the CPL Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ carnivalt20, and followed intently on Twitter@cpl_t20 to see which players were recruited.

The CPL social media networks were abuzz as some fans applauded the choices of the team selection panels and others debated the composition of some of the squads. The CPL website was blown away by hundreds of thousands of visitors which caused a slow-down for a short period, showing the mass appeal the CPL will have across the globe.

CPL officials rectified this quickly and populated all the pages on the site with all the players who were selected, so fans could find out their teams in real time. In addition, all of the players have been personally emailed and congratulated on their selection.

Social media

“We were overwhelmed by the level of interest in the draft, not only regionally but internationally, evidenced by the huge volume of traffic on our website and social media sites,” said Damian O’ Donohoe, CPL CEO. “It’s obvious that the world is eager to see who’s ‘coming to play’ this summer, and we are looking forward to an exciting tournament now that we know exactly who will be playing on each team.”

There is a 24-hour window in which teams can make trades among themselves, noted O’Donohoe, and any changes will be announced shortly after they are made.

“Obviously this was our first draft for the Caribbean Premier League Michael Mathieu

and we are pleased to say that the process went extremely well,” added O’Donohoe. “Each team was well prepared and made very thoughtful, strategic selections but they also enjoyed the experience.”

Team Antigua was represented by West Indies franchise player Marlon Samuels (via Skype), Head Coach Sir Vivian Richards and Assistant Coach Phillip DeFreitas.

Team Barbados’ Head Coach Desmond Haynes and Assistant Coach Robin Singh (via Skype) were supported by West Indies franchise player Kieron Pollard, who also participated via Skype, and Barbados CPL Media and Administration Officer Jason Harper.

Guyana's team

Guyana franchise player Sunil Narine (via Skype) worked with Head Coach Roger Harper, Assistant Coach Curtly Ambrose and Guyana CPL Media and Administration Officer Omar Khan to select their team while Jamaica’s franchise player Chris Gayle (via Skype) and CPL Media and Administration Officer Richard Berridge (via Skype) gave their input to Head Coach Paul Nixon and Assistant Coach Junior Bennett.

Franchise player Darren Sammy (via Skype), Head Coach Andy Roberts and Assistant Coach Matthew Maynard selected the St Lucia franchise team and Trinidad & Tobago franchise player Dwayne Bravo (via Skype) worked with Head Coach Gordon Greenidge, Assistant Coach David Williams and CPL Media and Administration Officer Colin Borde to choose the Trinidad & Tobago team.

Held at the Half Moon Bay Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the atmosphere in the room was electric. It was, of course, a competitive draft, but those selecting their teams were well prepared, making the first event

2013 TIT & FG…

Ramnaresh Sarwan

of its kind to ever happen in the Caribbean, a real success.

Utilising technology to overcome the fact that the West Indies Franchise players were in London at the time of the draft, CPL officials ensured that all were connected to their selection team by Skype throughout the draft. All the players were pleased with the ability to be involved every step of the way in their team selection.

Trinidad & Tobago franchise players Dwayne Bravo voiced it best on behalf of all, stating, “I really enjoyed the entire draft process. I can’t wait for the CPL to get started, and I love my team!”

the cricket talent that is present in the Caribbean by the selection of all the West Indies players in the first pool, with teams passing on some of the international players that were available.

Five of the teams chose only three of the four international players they could have selected for their teams.

On paper, Guyana has a balanced team with a number of exciting players coming from the territory, including speedster Ronsford Beaton, Christopher Barnwell Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, Trevon Griffith and Ramnaresh Sarwan.

These players form a cadre that also includes Sunil Narine (TT), Mohammed Hafeez (Pakistan), Lendl Simmons (TT), Denesh Ramdin (TT), James Franklyn (New Zealand), Martin Guptill (NZ) and Krishmar Santokie (Jamaica).

The compilation of the teams followed the rules established prior to the event, ensuring at least two Under-23 players on each team, that was not an issue for any of the teams, most of the Under-23’s were chosen early in their draft pool and two teams actually have three Under-23 players, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. The seven local players requirement was also easily achieved, with two teams having 10, St Lucia and Jamaica and two having eight, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago.

The draft also validated clearly

The Most Honourable PJ Patterson; Walter Scott, QC; and Lance Gibbs of the CPL Cricket Committee oversaw the draft process. Former Jamaican Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe and former PricewaterhouseCoopers Senior Partner Tony Lewars were appointed by the tournament committee to officiate the proceedings and Raymond Reece acted as tabulator.

Observers included West Indies Cricket Board CEO Michael Muirhead; Michael Hall, CEO of the West Indies Players Association; CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe; tournament committee members Zorol Barthley and Conde Riley; CPL Board members and representatives from CPL major sponsor Digicel.

The event was hosted by CPL Event Director Laurie-Ann Holding and IMG’s Michael Fordham.

O’Donohoe says next on the agenda is the announcement of the team names and captains.

The inaugural Caribbean Premier League starts on July 30 in Barbados and concludes on August 24 in Trinidad.

Guyana Franchise

Draft process

continued on page 53

Guyanese boxing team off to Cuba

PAGE 52

PAGE 51

Guyana Times International - (Guyana Office) email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com, Tel: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709, Fax: (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 (NY Office) email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com, Tel: 718-658-6804 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INTERNATIONAL INC.; AVAILABLE AT ALL MAJOR WEST INDIAN STORES.