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Govt promises to rebuild Umana Yana ISSUE NO. 208

week ending September 14, 2014

See story on page 3

- Guyanese remembered

The Tribute in Light illuminated the sky above lower Manhattan on Wednesday night, the eve of the 13th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The tribute, an art installation of the Municipal Art Society, consists of 88 searchlights placed next to the site of the World Trade Center creating two vertical columns of light in remembrance of the 2001 attacks where over three thousand persons, including a number of Guyanese, lost their lives.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Govt promises to rebuild Umana Yana By Jomo Paul

few days after a fire suspected to be electrical in origin destroyed one of Guyana’s most prestigious cultural establishments – the Umana Yana – President Donald Ramotar declared that his Government is committed to rebuilding the structure. Speaking during a live interview on Radio Guyana Inc (RGI) 89.3/89.5/89.7 FM on Wednesday, President Ramotar said that initial estimates and bids will have to be sought but his Government will be sure to rebuild the landmark. On Tuesday, at approximately 15:00h, a fire started at the High Street, Kingston structure and quickly engulfed the building.

Response

Although the response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was prompt, there was little that could have been done to save the building, since it was primarily constructed with dried palm branches which quickly burned. At 16:00h, all that remained of the 42-year-

old structure were some exterior pillars and debris. For her part, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, on Wednesday, said the Umana Yana held much significance for the indigenous populace. “… it holds for us a very significant and historical mark in Guyana itself…. Guyana will not be complete culturally, if we do not have the Umana Yana,” Sukhai said. She too maintained that the Umana Yana has to be rebuilt, noting that the Government will have to seek funding to do such. Both of the p a r l i a m e n t a r y Opposition parties have already signalled their intention to support the reconstruction of the facility. The Alliance For Change (AFC), in a release on Wednesday, said the destruction of the Umana Yana during Amerindian Heritage Month is “especially poignant”. The AFC noted that “the Umana Yana was

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai

a national landmark and represented the pride, not only of our Amerindian people who designed and built it, but the pride of all Guyanese.

Investigation

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) on Tuesday had said it was saddened by the destruction of the Umana Yana by fire and called on the Home Affairs Ministry to immediately launch an investigation into the cause of the destruction of the country’s “iconic

landmark”. “Everything must be done to ensure that this historic and iconic landmark is rebuilt as soon as possible,” the PNCR said in a statement. The Umana Yana, currently one of the gazetted monuments of Guyana, is a conical shaped palm thatched hut also called a benab. Shaped like the WaiWai benabs found in Guyana’s hinterland, the Umana Yana is so named because it means

in Wai Wai, “meeting place of the people”. The benab was constructed to host the inaugural meeting of the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in 1972. The Foreign Affairs Ministry was charged with the erection of the building. Seeking assistance from the Department of Interior Development, an allAmerindian team of the Wai Wai tribe led by Chief Elka, accompanied by some 60 others, was recruited for the job, although architectural drawings and plans were commissioned from Architect George Henry. Located on the lawns of the former Mariner’s Club at the north-eastern end of High Street and Battery Road, next to the Pegasus Hotel, it is now a permanent and much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, often used as an exhibition and conference centre.

Structure

The structure, measuring 55 feet (16.78 metres) in height with a diameter of 26.8 metres, occupies an area of 460 square metres, making

it the largest structure of its kind in Guyana. Utilising traditional materials and building techniques, it is made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts bound together with mukru, turu, and nibbi vines. Notably, nails were not used in its construction. Completed in a mere 80 days at a cost of Gy$26,000, on August 8, 1972, the flags of more than 80 nations fluttered proudly along the eastern edge of the Umana Yana’s compound as the conference was convened. Housed in the compound is the African Liberation Monument “in memory of all of those who have struggled and continue to struggle for freedom from Human Bondage”, it was unveiled by former President Forbes Burnham on August 26, 1974. This monument, like many others across Guyana, is collectively our heritage and a reminder of the history from which we have all emerged.

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A national lost INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

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EDITORIAL

Heritage and change

he acceptance of Amerindian Heritage Month, and its commemoration that is in full swing, should remind us of the multicultural nature of the Guyanese society. Rather than being a source of division as some posit, this should rather be seen as a repository of strength. Culture can be broadly seen as a people’s response to their environment – the latter being, by definition, geographically and chronologically diverse. It should, therefore, surprise no one that cultural responses are also correspondingly diverse. The Guyanese people arrived in the country from different places at different times and, therefore, brought different cultures, but all that means is that they brought different responses to their circumstances. These responses are the bases of the strength we mentioned earlier. In biology, an organism may be so specialised that if the environment changes, the entire species is wiped out, because its members do not have the variation in responses to deal with the new environment. In the lives of nations, the same rule holds. The international environment is ever changing and that generates pressures within countries to deal with these changes. In the present age of globalisation, this process has accelerated to such an extent that many countries have proven themselves unable to cope with the brave new worlds that are being created every day. They have either fallen by the wayside or will fall by the wayside eventually, once their momentum dissipates. With us in Guyana with our diverse cultures, we will be able to deal with most of the exigencies that may come our way – once misguided policymakers do not resuscitate the old benighted insistence for Guyanese to jettison their cultures and “assimilate”. Some may ask, how come with this diverse background and repertoire of responses, we have descended into the politics of violence and bullyism, which was most recently invoked by the Leader of the PNC and the Opposition when he threatened to take “action” against the Government if his recommendation on Local Government Elections is not followed. But as the late, great, assassinated scholar Dr Walter Rodney reminded us, Indian and African Guyanese coexisted from 1938 without any major violent incident between them – until 1962. And in that year, it was outside forces, in the form of the US’s CIA, with their own agenda, that unleashed that particular genie from the bottle. The record showed that up to that time, cooperation and not conflict characterised the relations between those two groups. Guyanese should, therefore, reject those forces that are always using the threat of violence to get their own way. It is not the “Guyanese way”. But this does not mean that cultures should be set in stone and should not be allowed to evolve. And that is the key word: “evolve”. As conditions change, some responses will be dysfunctional in the new context – but because there are other responses in the society from other groups, the individual can appreciate that maybe change is necessary. As this is being written, the country is commemorating the International Day for Suicide Prevention. Guyana has the dubious distinction of being one of the countries with the highest rate of suicide – and in 2012, the highest. But if the figures are disaggregated, it can be easily discerned that Hindu males form the highest “at risk” group. Institutions or individuals that want to make positive interventions to deal with the social problem can and should conduct comparative studies to identify why individuals living in the same environment exhibit different behavioural patterns. The answer has to lie in socially transmitted cultural habits or responses of the affected and non-affected groups. In a similar fashion, when one looks at the economic achievement of citizens of the country, a correlation between cultural practices and that variable is soon discerned. Again comparative studies can be done – without making odious comparisons – to learn what cultural patterns are probably conducive to economic advancement.

One of Guyana’s most famous landmarks and heritage sites, the Umana Yana located in central Georgetown, was completely gutted by fire on Tuesday afternoon. Fire investigators believe the cause may be electrical in origin.

Societal pressure forcing men to commit suicide – study finds

he Guyana Foundation has announced the findings of a research study into the underlying economic and social factors driving the high prevalence of suicide and suicidal behaviour in Guyana. This qualitative study was conducted by Serena Coultress, a researcher in the Global Health programme at Maastricht University in The Netherlands, who was hosted by the Guyana Foundation earlier this year. During her time in Guyana, Coultress gathered data from three selected groups of stakeholders: suicide attempters; religious leaders, and; mental health professionals. Her findings indicate that suicide in Guyana is interconnected to poor coping skills associated with a cycle of violence that includes murder-suicide, interpersonal violence, corporal punishment, and child sexual abuse. These are inextricably linked, fuelling one another, and are amplified by predominant notions of masculinity, family dysfunction, sexual inequality and alcohol abuse – all of which are major catalysts for the poor coping strategies found across ethnic groups. These findings are significant, as they offer insight and perspective into what is viewed as a “suicide crisis” in Guyana. In fact, only this past Thursday, the World Health Organisation released its first suicide report, which lists Guyana as having the highest suicide rate in the world in 2012 – with an overall rate of 44.2 cases of suicide per 100,000 individuals. The increased ranking for Guyana comes even though there has been an 8.5 per cent decline in the country’s suicide rate between 2000 and 2012. This suggests that local efforts to combat suicide have simply not kept up with that of other countries, which have done a better job at tackling the problem. The WHO report also highlights the disproportionate number of suicides that are committed by male Guyanese –

the suicide rate was higher for males than for females across all age groups. In 2012, the overall suicide rate for males was 70.8 per 100,000, while that for females was 22.1 per 100,000. Societal expectation Coultress’ study found that the disproportionate number of suicides committed by males was linked to societal expectations of gender roles. These gender roles are shaped by culture, where men are viewed as “providers”. Those who did not meet these expectations were subjected to stigma and social isolation. Of particular note was the depressed economy that inhibits some men from maintaining employment and fulfilling their “provider” role. Where suitable coping skills were lacking, this resulted in conflicts, which, in some cases, led to violent expressions towards female partners that were potentially aggravated by alcohol abuse. The lack of suitable coping mechanism feeds a sense of hopelessness and frustration, which, inevitably, requires an external outlet. Suicide is then viewed by those who attempt it as a “solution” to the problems faced, unless alternative coping strategies are introduced, or personal circumstances are altered. The study also found that in Guyana, the role of ethnicity in suicidality has been overemphasised. Although problematic gender roles were found to be amplified within Indian and rural community, it was impossible to say with any certainty whether these gender roles were driven by the Indo-Guyanese culture, or the rural location of many predominantly East Indian communities. Participants in the study also highlighted their belief that the suicide rate may be higher among the Amerindian population, but this remains undocumented due to their largely isolated locality. Additionally, when suicide is recast to include “suicidal behaviour” inclusive of reckless

behaviour, the differentiation between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese was less obvious. In light of this study’s findings, Coultress’ main recommendation is that suicide prevention in Guyana cannot be solely focused on coping strategies and on tackling the sense of hopelessness, as these occur late in the process towards suicidality, in which individuals are likely to have already suffered abuse, stigma, isolation or poverty. Suicide cannot be considered or redressed in isolation. Instead, an effective solution requires a collaborative and broader approach, and the efforts of mental health professionals must be supported by broader social change. Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Guyana Foundation, Anthony Autar, expressed thanks to the participants in the research study, and to Coultress for her work in Guyana. “We have long-known that Guyana has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. However, one of the factors that have inhibited efforts to tackle this problem was the lack of insight into the reasons for the high prevalence of suicide in Guyana.” “The findings of this study provide invaluable insight, and will be of great assistance to the Guyana Foundation, and hopefully to other entities, as efforts continue to end the senseless loss of lives. We wish to express our deepest appreciation to all the participants who made this study possible, and to Coultress for the sacrifices she made in coming to Guyana to undertake this study. “The Foundation will continue its efforts to bring relief to people in need across Guyana, with an emphasis on tackling the factors occurring early in the process towards suicidality. As the findings of this study suggest, suicide is preventable, but so too is the violence, abuse and isolation that precedes it.”

news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Obama orders air strikes in Guyana recognised for Syria against Islamic State supporting Grenada during

President Barack Obama

resident Barack Obama told Americans on Wednesday he had authorised US air strikes for the first time in Syria and more attacks in Iraq in a broad escalation of a campaign against the Islamic State militant group. Obama’s decision to launch attacks inside Syria, which is embroiled in a three-year civil war, showed the seriousness of the threat American officials see from Islamic State. A year ago, the President shied away from air strikes against Syria’s Government for its use of chemical weapons against Syrians. Obama laid out his emerging plan for tackling the group in a widely anticipated White House speech, two weeks after coming under fire for saying: “We don’t have a strategy yet” for the group in Syria and six months after declaring that groups like Islamic State were minor players. “Our objective is clear: we will degrade, and ultimately

destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy,” Obama said, using an acronym for Islamic State. He said he would hunt down Islamic State militants “wherever they are.” “That means I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq. This is a core principle of my presidency: if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven,” he said. He said he would expand the list of targets inside Iraq beyond several isolated areas. He will send 475 more American advisers to help Iraqi forces, joining more than 1000 already there. They will not engage in combat.

Training camps

In a significant move that could help rally Gulf Arab states behind the US-led coalition, key ally Saudi Arabia will host inside its territory a US training effort for Syrian rebels, senior US officials said. The effort

is dependent on the US Congress approving US$500 million to train and arm the rebels. The Saudi decision emerged after Obama spoke by phone earlier in the day with Saudi King Abdullah, who has pressed the American Government to do more to resolve the Syrian conflict. Obama has staked much of his foreign policy record on having extracted US forces from Iraq after running for President in 2008 on a pledge to end what he felt was an unnecessary conflict begun by his Republican predecessor, George W Bush. Obama’s move to deepen US involvement in Iraq in its fight against Islamic State follows opinion polls that show Americans feel the President has been too cautious in tackling the group. Obama has struggled with a host of foreign policy crises this year, bringing his overall public approval record down to near record lows of about 40 per cent. Obama vowed he would not send large numbers of US combat forces to the region but would rely instead on assistance from a broad coalition involving Sunni-led governments in the region and Western allies. US officials want allies to join in attacks on the group as well as in training and equipping Iraqi forces and Syrian rebels, providing humanitarian relief and intelligence.

OAS unveils four-pronged attack against narco trafficking

he Organisation of American States (OAS) has announced that there is consensus in the Region on the need to jointly move forward on four points of the drug issue, which must be concretised at the Special General Assembly that the Organisation will hold in Guatemala later this month. The four approaches include: a public health initiative; seeking alternatives to incarceration; remaining vigilant against organised crime; and working towards institutional strengthening within the Region. OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza was the keynote speaker at a talk organised by a

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza

Washingtonian thinktank, the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington, DC, during which he spoke on the challenge of drugs in the Americas, 10 days prior to the Special General Assembly, whose main theme is “For a Hemispheric Drug Policy in the 21st Century” .

Drug problem

The conclusions of the Special General Assembly will be presented to the 2016 General Assembly of the United Nations that will focus its debates on the world drug problem. The Head of the hemispheric organisation indicated that the debate on drug policy in the Region stemmed from the report prepared by the OAS on the Drug Problem in the Americas, led by Secretary General Insulza and presented in May 2013 to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. The report was in response to a mandate from the VI Summit of the Americas held in Cartagena, Colombia in April 2012. The head of the OAS said that 16 months after the debate began, there continued on page 6

Hurricane Ivan

n September 7, 2004, Hurricane Ivan, a Category Three storm, struck the Caribbean island of Grenada, causing widespread destruction. Eight-nine per cent of the country’s housing stock and most schools on the island were damaged. There were as well, severe destruction of the health services and the agriculture sector. A decade later, Grenada remembers Hurricane Ivan, and in its remembrance, the country has also shown its appreciation to those countries and organisations that contributed to its restoration following the disaster. On Friday, September 5, when the country hosted its Annual Disaster Awareness Showcase under the theme “ Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present and Preparing for the Future” at the Grenada Trade Centre, Morne Rogue, St George’s, Guyana was among the countries honoured for their support and hospitality in the aftermath of the devastation, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, who represented Guyana at the event, received the award on behalf of the country from former Governor General, Sir Daniel Williams. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, the

Former Governor General of Grenada, Sir Daniel Williams hands over the plaque of appreciation to Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill

financial cost of the devastation to Grenada was estimated at more than US$900 million, more than twice the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The hurricane had damaged an estimated 27,000 homes, displacing over half of the population. It affected nearly every school on the island, prompting the Government to declare it a priority sector. Further, 69 per cent of the infrastructure in the health sector was damaged and as a result, health services continued to be available in the aftermath of the disaster only on a limited scale. Hurricane Ivan also caused widespread damage to the island’s principal agricultural crop – nutmeg. In Guyana, the Government and the Private Sector jointly responded to the plight of the sister Caribbean country, and there was the provision of

humanitarian aid, both by air and sea. There was the sensitisation of Guyanese to the Government’s offer of repatriation, and tangible assistance on Government’s part. Twenty-six containers containing relief items were sent to Grenada from Guyana. Guyana’s assistance also included taking up the Gy$40 million bill for sugar supplies that were in Grenada when the hurricane struck. The Government of Guyana repaid the Guyana Sugar Corporation for the shipment. In addition, 100 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers were deployed to Grenada for a sixmonth period to assist in the rebuilding process. Among the party of soldiers were carpenters and electricians. The Guyana Government financially supported the soldiers’ mission there and their upkeep for the six months.

6 news slams Govt’s “callousness” Guyana has tremendous Yarde in dealing with wages negotiations opportunities for yachting T WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Two of the yachts that came on the first Nereid’s Rally last year

ith more than seven yachts already in Guyana and an estimated 12 to participate in the second Nereid’s Yachting Rally hosted by Guyana, Suriname and Saint Laurent, French Guiana, this event promises to be yet another success, paving the way for tremendous opportunities in the local tourism industry. During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director, Indranauth Haralsingh, said that Guyana has remarkable opportunities for yachting, not only for its scenic beauty, but as a

very competitive market in terms of clearance, entry procedures and fees. In September 2013, about 25 yachts sailed into the Essequibo River in the first Nereid’s Yachting Rally. The Caribbean is the number one cruise market in the world, and Guyana is considered a safe haven for yachts, as it is south of Trinidad and out of the hurricane zone. The Essequibo is also the third largest river in South America. Haralsingh said that yachting presents numerous opportunities for investors to spend on either marinas, or boatyards and docks. “You can imagine the

number of jobs that can be created; this can lead to a lot of investments, attracting foreign currency and eventually attracting thousands of yachts to Guyana and then persons storing their yachts can come and sail off from here to elsewhere in the Caribbean,” Haralsingh further noted. As part of the Nereid’s Yachting Rally, there will be a reception today (Thursday) for the yachters, followed by a beach party on Sunday at the Hurakabra Resort at a cost of US$75, US$60 and US$35. This includes lunch and transportation and tickets can be uplifted at the Tourism Ministry, Oasis Café and Nigel’s Supermarket. The beach party is also part of the wider activities organised by the Tourism Ministry in the Essequibo region, complementing the Leguan and Wakenaam Nites. Activities include beach volleyball, lime and spoon races, watermelon competition and a tour to the mega yacht currently in our waters.

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has threatened to take serious action against the Government if it fails to meet its end of the bargain in addressing the issues affecting members of the Public Sector. President of the Union, Patrick Yarde said if Government cannot act responsibly and meet with the Union to address issues surrounding wages and salaries, it may take industrial action. The last time GPSU called strike action over pay increases, workers shunned it. At the institution’s statutory meeting on Wednesday, Yarde described Government’s failure to meet with the Union as callous, discourteous, and disrespectful. He complained that since May of last year the GPSU has been seeking out Government in this regard, pointing out that a proposal was submitted to the Public Service Ministry for wages, salaries and allowances for the period 2013-2015. He said that while promises have been made by Government to hold discussions, nothing has yet materialised. “To date, we have had no meeting. The lack of response is in breach of the agreement for the avoidance and settlement of disputes between the GPSU and the Government of Guyana, which requires the two parties to meet without unreasonable delay and in the case of general policy matters which category these matters fall under, there is a mandatory

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

10 days’ deadline to meet after the receipt of such a request which is specifically stated in the existing legally binding agreement.”

felt that since they were discussing the matter, we would be a little more patient in dealing with them. That was three months ago,” he stressed.

Government has failed in that regard, he pointed out, noting that Public Sector employees continue to feel the brunt of menial wages and salaries. Yarde stated that its callousness in dealing with the concerns, hardships, and economic difficulties experienced by Public Sector workers is unfair. He noted further that three months have elapsed since the Union received a correspondence from the Public Service Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hydar Ally, indicating that it was engaging the Finance Ministry on the modalities regarding the issue of salary negotiations for public servants. “We had given the Government five days to meet with us and they said that they were in the process of meeting with the Ministry of Finance. Because of that response, it was

Yarde said that the organisation will not continue to accept lawlessness from Government and will be seeking out supporters to take any form of action, including civil unrest, to bring an end to the abuse. “No respect, no courtesy and this is not the only practice in this matter, it is like they have absolutely no regard or respect for people. I’m saying to you that it affects the livelihood of workers. We are looking at everything, including civil disobedience.” He noted, however, that while the Union will be moving toward industrial action, there is a constitution by which it is guided. “We have a constitution which guides us and we must notify the members, bring them up to date and there, take a decision on how to proceed. Very soon we will meet .We feel it…. we can take no more excuses,” he said

Menial wages

Seeking support

OAS unveils four-pronged... is widespread agreement in the Hemisphere as to the drug problem being a public health issue, not a public safety matter. He further recalled that no one in the Region speaks of the “war on drugs”, referring to the policy that had been followed by the Region during the past four decades. The OAS Secretary General also noted that the Region agrees on the need to address the issue of prison overcrowding, which is closely related to drug use. In this regard, he said, there are 3.6 million prisoners in the Americas, of which “more than 1.5 million people are detained for drugrelated problems, most

of them for possession or consumption”. Insulza added that there is growing support for the adoption of measures such as alternatives to incarceration or the implementation of Drug Courts for offenders involved in minor drugrelated offences.

Vision

At another point in his speech, Secretary General Insulza stated that the new vision on drugs in the Region in no way means that we give up the fight against organised criminal gangs. On the contrary, he said that “in this area there is also consensus on the need to combat

from page 5

these groups operating outside the law”. As to the strengthening of institutions, the OAS Secretary General recalled that one of the conclusions of the OAS Report on drugs is that “when there are fewer institutions, there is more crime”. In this regard, he stated that “there are countries in which institutional overflow is what produces an increase in crime,” noting that when there is a vacuum of authority, criminal groups often take the place of the state, “something we must avoid”, he concluded.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Kaieteur News is at it again spreading lies about the airport expansion project Dear Editor, The Public Works Ministry wishes to correct an article published in the Kaieteur News, captioned “CJIA (Cheddi Jagan Internationaal Airport) US$150M expansion project unnecessary when compared to similar airports”. In its September 7 publication, the length of CJIA’s current runway was juxtaposed to St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport in a deliberate attempt to undermine the airport expansion project. Several factors determine the runway length

required for takeoff. Among these are the aircraft weight, prevailing winds, air temperature, runway elevation and air density. For a fixed runway length, a combination of these factors determines the gross weight an aircraft can take off with. This gross weight, which consists of the aircraft, passengers and fuel, correlates with how many passengers and their baggage can be taken aboard the flight and the distance they can be flown. It is a notable fact that St Maarten is closer to Europe than CJIA,

thus aircraft would generally require less fuel and less runway length. Therefore, for one to compare the two airports and the types of aircraft they accommodate without taking into consideration the relevant technical factors mentioned above is a clear indication of not fully understanding or not wanting to understand the subject area – given the lack of consultation with CJIA or Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The information regarding in excess of 10,000 feet runway requirements of the Boeing

747 and Boeing 777 wide body aircraft is freely available from the manufacturer’s website at www.boeing.com/boeing/ commercial/airports/747. page and www.boeing. com/boeing/commercial/ airports/777.page Therefore, extending CJIA’s existing runway from 7546 feet to 10,500 feet will ensure large aircraft such as Boeing 747400 and 777 operate at their maximum take off weights thus increasing the operational efficiency of the airline. There will be no restrictions on payload or flight range. At the moment, taking off on CJIA’s much

shorter runway dictates that an aircraft takes fewer passengers or less fuel; this is uneconomical for the carrier. CJIA, through the Public Works Ministry, has partnered with the United Kingdom renowned aviation firm ROUTES to court larger airlines to ply the Georgetown route, and a compelling issue in negotiations is the runway’s length. At least three top European airlines have indicated an interest in Guyana as a destination but the existing runway length, based on their fleet asset specifications,

is an initial limitation to how they proceed. The airport expansion project, which has been ridiculed in some sections of the media, when completed will put Guyana in its rightful place in the sphere of aviation competitiveness. The CJIA Expansion Project would also ensure an increase in direct and indirect jobs in the sector and will assist in making an increased positive contribution to Guyana’s economy. Sincerely, Aneka Edwards Public Relations Officer, CJIA

In commemoration of journalists GECOM’s new electoral list

Dear Editor, September 8 marked the International Day of Journalists’ Solidarity. On that day people gathered in Moscow, Russia to pay tribute to journalists who were killed over the years while performing their professional duties. Russian Special Correspondent Igor Kornelyuk and Sound Engineer Anton Voloshin of “VGTRK”, a Reporter for the Ukrainian newspaper “Vesti” Vyacheslav Veremiya, Photojournalist Andrei Stenin of “Russia Today”, who were killed in Ukraine were commemorated. Andrei Stenin died on the territory controlled by the Ukrainian Government military

forces and the National Guard. His vehicle was shot by a tank and later a hand grenade was tossed into his car. American Journalist James Foley who was abducted in North-western Syria and killed by the Islamic State and Italian Photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli who was killed in Ukraine were remembered as well. The IV Congress of International Organisation of Journalists in 1958 designated September 8 as the day for the International Day of Journalists’ Solidarity to commemorate Julius Fucik, Check Journalist, Literary and Theatrical Critic, who was executed on this day in 1943 by Nazi.

Even when imprisoned by fascists, he continued his journalistic work and managed to write his book, The report with the loop on the neck. No doubt these journalists as well as the ones not mentioned here who gave their life performing their duties set a good example of devotion to their work. Objectiveness is what drove these journalists to the extreme and hazardous situations to bring the truth to the world. Their work reminds of the need for journalists not to take sides and give the people unbiased account of events. Submitted by Denis Kopyl Press Attaché, Russian Embassy

Caricom nationals deserve respect and dignity

Dear Editor, It seems as if the immigration officers in the Region have little or no regard for the Treaty of Chaguaramas and the recent decision by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the Shanique Myrie case when a law student from Guyana was denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago to pursue studies at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS). I read with great concern how the law student was humiliated at the Piarco International Airport and was denied entry because there was no proof that she was a student of the HWLS or she was eligible to be admitted as a student. I am of the view even if she was unable to prove that she was a legitimate law student who is to enter the HWLS, she is nevertheless a citizen of the Caricom Community (Caricom) and she should have been allowed entry especially since she offered to buy a return ticket to her homeland.

I think that the Guyana Government through the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Attorney General’s Chambers should strongly protest the Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Administration and ensure that the student be admitted into the country as soon as possible before the commencement of classes at the law school. It is high time that immigration authorities treat other Caricom nationals with respect and dignity. Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

D e a r Editor, GECOM’s new electoral list, where they boldly did the impossible by having 78,000 new electors added in the present four-year registration cycle, must be reviewed. The political parties must write GECOM officially requesting the publication of the detailed breakdown of the data in those adminis-

trative regions where these massive increases are located. Except they officially write GECOM, in

bureaucratic style, they would claim they had no knowledge of the issue. At the same time, the political parties should immediately invoke the aid of reputable foreign agencies as well, to analyse the GECOM list. Local or Central Government elections cannot be held with flawed lists. Yours sincerely, F Mason

Nagamootoo-Hughes ticket surprising

Dear Editor, The proposed Moses Nagamootoo-Nigel Hughes ticket for the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the General Elections seems to be baffling not only to the general public, but even to supporters of the AFC. I spoke to several of them in Berbice on Sunday and they were surprised at the statement made by the party’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, who hails from Number 47 Village on the Corenytyne. I note with concern that the movement was formed by former executive member of the PNC, Raphael Trotman and Ramjattan, who was a top brass and central executive member of the PPP/C. What is the reason for these two founders no longer being at the helm? Nagamootoo who grew up with the PPP said time and time again that the party Founder Leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan, had

identified him to take over the party after his demise, but Jagan’s widow, Janet thought otherwise and handpicked Bharrat Jagdeo, a young man who was not in the trenches like Moses, Navin Chandarpaul, and others. From reports, the top brass of the AFC is considering whether to merge with APNU to oppose the PPP/C at the next general elections. They have to make a decision as soon as possible because this has to be done before elections. A large number of their supporters prefer them to join ranks with the governing PPP/C party, and a few intend to make representation to the party leadership in this regard. A large number of persons in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) are dissatisfied with the AFC and there is an indication that the party

will not secure as many votes as they did at the last general elections. The PPP/C will have to work hard to get the support of these voters because some of them have expressed the view that they will not exercise their franchise. Some AFC supporters referred to Raphael Trotman, the first leader, who refused to make way for Ramjattan as agreed, and asked why should they follow a party where the leaders do not stick to principles. They also make comment about Nagamootoo who they said is a very hard worker, but feel he has “an axe to grind” against the PPP/C leadership. The NagamootooHughes ticket has raised serious discussions in Berbice and no doubt the entire country and one wonders what is the next move of the third party. Sincerely, Name and Address provided

8 news Police called in to probe major housing scam in Guyana WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

…“Big money” being paid for houselots

olice have been called in to investigate a major housing scam where persons have been collecting money

to expedite delivery of house lots to citizens, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) said in a statement.

According to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), information was received that the various players in the

scam could not deliver on their promise and moreover, various persons who have been defrauded, have since responded to the Ministry’s recent public notice. The scam saw persons alleging that they are relatives and associates of Housing Ministry personnel, including Minister Irfaan Ali. Some even operated as staff of the Ministry, taking people to various housing areas and identifying plots of land that are vacant. The CH&PA said despite numerous warnings by the Ministry against entering into these transactions, persons continue to fall prey to this disease. “The Ministry is adopting a no-nonsense approach in dealing with these fraudsters and impersonators. Nevertheless, the public has a responsibility of safeguarding themselves.” The Ministry noted that some of the parties to this scam are recent applicants who are

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

lured to the promise of expediting the processing of their land application. “The Ministry is once again encouraging persons to come into us and report any instance, whereby any individual or group, would have collected monies from them in an effort to ‘expedite’ or ‘deliver’ any service provided by the Ministry.” Last week, the Housing and Water Ministry had warned against the illegal sale of land. According to the Housing Ministry, several scams have been unearthed in recent days, positing

that investigations are currently being conducted. It warned that persons who are involved in scams of this nature are equally culpable, since they have willingly participated in these illegal activities and must have known that the transactions could not have been authentic. Persons are being reminded that the Housing Authority is the only authorised agency responsible for the allocation and receipt of payments with respect to house lots purchased from the Authority, for which official receipts are issued.

No-confidence motion forces Luncheon to put retirement plans “on hold”

he Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon was getting ready to hang up his

political coat and head into retirement at the end of the year, but the move by the Opposition to table and pass a no-confidence motion against the government has forced Luncheon to put a pause on his yearend retirement plans. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the Presidential Complex where he has worked for the past 22 years in the high ranking positions, Dr. Luncheon said “my plan has certainly been altered by this noconfidence motion and its likely outcome”. He said he was committed to depart his role in government by the end of this year because of his ill health. A few months ago, Dr. Luncheon announced that he was diagnosed with cancer and had opted to not have any treatment administered to him. In addition to that ailment, he has had a recurring back problem which has resulted in him having to rely on

the use of a walker to get around. “I may or I may not live up, both literally and figuratively, to this outcome of the noconfidence motion, but if they have elections I would like to have the last opportunity to lay my wares out to the Guyanese public”, Luncheon said. He added that if there are no early elections, then he will stick to his retirement plans. The Alliance Force Change intends to move a no-confidence motion in the Government when the National Assembly reconvenes in October. Once that motion is passed, the government will have three months to set a date for national elections. The combined Opposition parties hold the majority in the National Assembly. A Partnership for National Unity which is the larger of the two Opposition parties, has already indicated that it will support the AFC’s noconfidence motion.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

US lauds Guyana’s HIV/ AIDS fight complementary programmes have also recorded remarkable improvement, Hunt said, positing that the significantly decreased HIV-related mortality rate ought not to be

is needed for groups at elevated risk for sustained transmission. “These include miners, loggers, migrant labourers, men who have sex with men, and sex workers. These

Hunt explained. National AIDS Programme Secretariat Manager, Dr Shanti Singh; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud and Centre for Disease Control

which will conclude today (Thursday), is being held under the theme “Controlling the Epidemic and Achieving a Sustainable Response: Diversity and Sensitivity Training”.

US Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt addressing the ceremony on Tuesday

ith assistance from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Guyana has made tremendous strides in the fight against HIV/ AIDS but renewed focus should be placed on vulnerable populations, US Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt said on Tuesday. The Charge d’ Affaires was making an address during the

opening ceremony of the Health Ministry’s HIV/ AIDS Seminar at the Grand Coastal Hotel, East Coast Demerara. He said Guyana has made gigantic steps in the provision of HIV counselling and testing, in addition to the provision of treatment and uptake. Support services for HIV care such as lab testing, case navigation, and Government-supported

Some of the participants during the workshop

forgotten. But the Charge d’ Affaires said in an effort to sustain the gains and achieve epidemic control, renewed focus

vulnerable populations must be provided with safe and supportive environment in which to obtain necessary HIV/ AIDS-related services,”

(CDC) Guyana Country Director, Dr Grant Greene were among the Officials present at the ceremony. The two-day seminar,

The inter-disciplinary training programme has attracted health professionals from across Guyana, Jamaica and the US.

Education takes major chunk of Trinidad’s TT$64.6 billion budget large cross-section of the population in the coming year. Persad-Bissessar has said elections are

TT’s Finance Minister Larry Howai (TT Guardian photo)

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Senior citizens’ pension increases, a minimum wage of TT$15 an hour, another tax amnesty, mortage concessions for homeowners and compensation for protective services officers killed in the line of duty. These and other concessions were part of the 2014-2015 budget sweeteners presented by Finance Minister Larry Howai Monday, a year away from the general election. With the theme “Empowering our People through Sustained Economic Growth and Prosperity,” the TT$64.6 billion budget was the largest to date—TT$3 billion more than last year’s TT$61.3 billion package—but carries a reduced deficit of 2.3 percent of GDP. It was also the final leg of People’s Partnership (PP) budget themes over the last four

years of the term, starting with former Minister Winston Dookeran’s TT$49 billion package in 2010/11, “Facing the Issues: Turning the Economy Around.” Monday, Howai started and ended his two-hour-and-tenminute presentation by lauding Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar’s leadership as transformational. Howai added: “This administration has traversed a very challenging period over the past four years but we have remained resilient and strong. As we have systematically overcome the several challenges which had confronted us, we are progressing with confidence and optimism to a renewed mandate in 2015. “The welfare of our state is being safeguarded and we are convinced this budget will continue to consolidate our vision of a stronger, fairer

and smarter TT. We have delivered on our commitments made in May 2010 and done so within a coherent, cohesive framework and in the context of fiscal prudence.” Education got the largest portion of budgetary allocation— TT$10.1 billion—with National Security second. Last year Howai said he was working towards balanced budgets by 2016. Monday, he stated that the plan was on course to meet the 2016 objective. He gave a glowing account of the economy, saying: “As a nation we are better off today than we were four years ago.” He said the medium-term outlook was for an excellent economic performance, although there are underlying issues that need to be addressed if TT was to sustain growth. Howai’s announcements involved a number of positive changes which will have an impact on a

constitutionally due by September 2015 and will be held when they are due, not before. The

budget debate begins at 10 am on Friday with the Opposition’s reply. (TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Budget spending claims

Nandlall to AFC: Desist from making reckless allegations against Govt

he Alliance For Change (AFC) should desist from making unsubstantiated and reckless allegations against the Government, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said on Tuesday. Minister Nandlall was responding to an article published in the Kaieteur News under the caption “Illegally spent Gy$4.5B… Govt interfering in Police’s investigation of Ashni Singh.” In the article, which was published on Monday, September 8, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said based on unofficial reports from senior ranks within the

Guyana Police Force, the complaint filed has merit, but Government is interfering with the investigation. “Mr Ramjattan has, once again, characteristically, failed to provide a scintilla of evidence to support his wild allegation that Government has interfered or is interfering with a report filed with the Guyana Police Force,” the Attorney General said in response. According to him, Ramjattan’s allegation would have gained weight had he named the Government functionary who is guilty of this alleged interference. The Legal Affairs Minister also debunked AFC’s

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

contention that Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh acted outside of the law when he move to spend the Gy$4.5 billion from the nation’s coffers.

In absolute compliance

“I maintain most resolutely that the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, acted in absolute compliance

with the relevant constitutional provisions as interpreted by the Honourable Chief Justice in a written ruling issued on January 29, 2014 and that at all times he acted upon the directions of the Cabinet, chaired by His Excellency, the President.” It was pointed out that the Finance Minister had taken similar actions in 2012 and 2013, when they were supported by Ramjattan in the National Assembly. Minister Nandlall further pointed out that the restorations of the budget cuts were executed by Dr Singh while the case was being argued before the Chief Justice Ian Chang. “Not once during those arguments or even in the press did Mr Ramjattan or any member of the Opposition, for that matter, made any contention that the crim-

inal law was violated. Is it that they have now awakened from some inexplicable slumber?” Minister Nandlall said it was a shame that the AFC Leader was calling upon the Police to launch an investigation into the alleged ‘crime’ in which he played an integral role in approximately two years ago. Nandlall said Ramjattan should consider the real possibility that the Police may not be able to investigate that which does not exist. “To my mind, the modus operandi of the Opposition is plain. So long a process does not yield the result which is consistent with their expectations and political agenda, they denigrate the process and they subject those engaged in the process to vile and vulgar verbal assaults,” he opined.

Trinidad procuring fleet of battle vehicles

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: A r m o u r e d vehicles similar to the ones seen in clashes between law enforcement and hostile crowds in some of the world’s trouble spots will soon be a feature of the assets of the police and army in Trinidad and Tobago. Following the publication of local newspaper advertisements Tuesday in which the Ministry of National Security signalled its intention to acquire the vehicles, TT media reported that the government will buy a mix of armoured personnel carriers and other armoured vehicles: 32 for the Defence Force and 20 for the Police Service. They are expected to cost approximately TT$63 million. The ministry states that the armoured personnel carriers “will protect the troops from today’s high-powered rifles, grenades and explosives in hostile and potentially hazardous conditions, and allow them to reach their objectives on time and ready to perform their operation.” Indicating that “we are taking our fight to the next level,” the ministry’s advertisement indicated, “our defences are only as good as our personnel defending you,” adding

that it will supplement “our Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force fleet with these types of vehicles for use by our Protective Services.” It also states it is “protecting you (citizens) in times of unrest” and is “taking our fight to the next level”. Confirming the planned purchase, National Security Minister Gary Griffith told reporters that the armoured vehicles, which are different from the armoured personnel carriers, are bullet-proof vehicles which will look like normal SUVs, and they will be used for specific elements of law enforcement agencies. “In changing times it is important that the law enforcement officials have the necessary tools. It shows that they are properly protected when they go out there to protect the citizens of our country,” he pointed out. Griffith said further, “Based on what we have seen now with the enemy, that there are individuals who may try to affect the stability of the country, or that they may be involved in specific criminal activity, this is the gang warfare and so forth. It is important that we have the proper tools for law enforcement officers when they go out there in that battle.” (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

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Private Sector impressed by massive housing drive in Guyana

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) said that it is committed to the development of the lives of all Guyanese, signalling its intention to work in close

It was while there that both the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the PSC, Ramesh Persaud and Eddie Boyer, taken aback by the development in the area, made the public

Boyer who was invited by Minister Irfaan Ali to give his thoughts on the project. Boyer, a well-known businessman, said that the Commission, which pays a special interest

A section of one of the housing schemes along the EBD

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, flanked by members of the Private Sector, during a tour of an Eccles housing scheme on Monday

collaboration with the Government to achieve this objective. The Housing and Water Ministry on Monday carried out a tour of the Eccles Housing Schemes, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where a number of homes have been constructed for Guyanese, especially young professionals.

commitment. “I think we are all very impressed by what we are seeing here and we still have a lot to see. I must say that the Private Sector will bring in another team with a lot more persons to look at a wider scale at our participation with the various communities,” said PSC Vice Chairman

to the welfare of private businesses in Guyana, will be collaborating with the Housing Ministry to aid in development in the community, “in terms of commercial, manufacturing and the employment sector in this area, because, as Minister Ali said, a lot of persons are going to be living in this area.”

Dr. Sachin Chopra and Bellhaven honoured with 2014 IPRO Quality Award

In photo, Maureen Valvo, Senior quality improvement specialist, IPRO (far left), presents the 2014 Quality Award (from left to right) Josephine ledee, Dr. Robert Roche; Charles Edouard Gros (CEO of Bellhaven); Kelly Moteiro; Dr. Sachin Chopra and Matthew Pernice

ellhaven Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Care (Brookhaven, NY) and Dr. Sachin Chopra have been recognised with the 2014 IPRO Quality Award. The awards, given annually by IPRO, recognise organisations and professionals who demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. IPRO is the Medicare Quality Improvement Organisation (QIO) for New York State. The awards were handed out during IPRO’s 30th Annual Meeting at the Marriot Hotel in

New York. Focusing on proactive prevention and management processes, Dr. Sachin Chopra leads the medical wound care team. He has been successful in its quality improvement journey, and recognised by IPRO for its exemplary performance: significantly reducing the rates of high-risk pressure ulcers for its residents by 59.8%. IPRO is a national organisation that provides a full spectrum of healthcare assessment and improvement services. Dr Sachin Chopra is a graduate of Cornell University, New York

Medical College, and NYCOM. He was awarded the prestigious “Resident of the Year” Award at the Long Island Jewish/ North Shore Health System at Plainview; and was also honored by the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate for medical care, helping to provide critical care of underserved populations. He currently is on the Medical Board of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Nursing Home. Chopra thanked his family and colleagues, and said he was honoured to be a part of a medical team that is dedicated to patient care.

PSC Chairman Persaud, delighted by the sight before him, said he did not know “that so much was happening behind here”. “This is really a major development; we are looking forward to bringing a larger team of businesses and business people for them to understand the opportunities that this can do for business.” He described the growing community as a massive economic development, where a great number of opportunities are available for micro, small, and medium businesses. Persaud was speaking directly to the construction of huge bonds in the community by major city businesses. The presence of those

bonds in the community has already created jobs for residents in and around the community. The properties in one section of the Eccles Housing Scheme cost some Gy$13 million, with a Gy$25 million bank value. Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said the new scheme is an example of the effectiveness of PublicPrivate Partnerships. “It brings the Private Sector together, professionals and the Government,” he said The project was convened in 2012. However, actual construction began in February 2013. Over 60 homes have been constructed. The bungalow-like houses sport three bedrooms, two baths and kitchen

and cost some Gy$13.2 million. Allottees are required to pay an advance of Gy$1.3 million, at a rate of nine per cent. This move of the Government and the banks has increased the banks’ portfolio to close to Gy$500 million, and has seen over 300 skilled and unskilled persons being employed. Minister Ali said that because of the high demand for these homes, the Ministry projects to build another 200 similar houses for young professionals. The 60 homes, Ali reported, have a 90 per cent occupancy rate. The houses are also designed in such a way that would allow homeowners to make further improvement if they so desire.

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Granger’s ultimatum for UG student loans should be Local Gov’t elections is a managed by Private Sector political strategy –Luncheon – PSC Chairman

p p o s i t i o n Leader, David Granger’s letter to President Donald Ramotar seeking to have Local Government Elections called on or before September 15 is being viewed as a political strategy and not necessarily as an ultimatum. Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Roger Luncheon said so on Wednesday at his postCabinet news conference at Office of the President. He reported how the matter was discussed at the most recent meeting of Cabinet last Tuesday. “You will soon be hearing of an effort, an attempt, by the governing party, definitely by the

Administration, to have this kind of engagement with Mr. Granger to bring clarity to what he actually, in his very brief letter, is seeking to have done, and to establish what he is really getting at when this proposal, what he called for, his demands, surfaced,” Luncheon remarked. “What does the Leader of the Opposition really want? Because we know that he knows what we know. Everybody knows that. So he can’t call for the impossible. The Messiah ain’t coming tomorrow, so why would he ask President Ramotar to do the impossible? There is a reason and we need to inquire what that reason or reasons are,” said

Luncheon. Granger wrote in his letter to the President: “We remind you that the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill, at its second reading on 2014.02.10, was debated and passed ‘As amended,’ directing that elections be held on or before 1st August 2014. Granger’s letter had said that failing an announcement by President Ramotar to call elections by September 15 will result in the Opposition taking lawful action to mobilise national and international support in defence of local democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people.

Rohee stresses need to fix “ailing” Marine Branch

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and other senior officers along with the participants of the Junior Officer’s Course By Vahnu Manikchand

ome Affairs M i n i s t e r Clement Rohee on Tuesday challenged the Guyana Police Force to be more proactive in restoring its Marine Branch in order to protect the country’s waterways. He was at the time delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony of this year’s Junior Officers’ Course Number 25, which saw some 25 ranks from the various security agencies participating. The Minister urged the Police Force to take the necessary steps in rehabilitating its “ailing” Marine Branch, as he pledges his Ministry’s commitment to lead the way forward to develop the marine capacity of the Force. Rohee pointed to the recent discovery of the self-propelled semi-sub-

mersible (SPSS) vessel at a creek in the Waini River, Region One. He said that this discovery within the country’s territory is a direct indication of the need to intensify river patrols, particularly in the hinterland regions. “The country’s fishermen, over the recent past, have been suffering at the hands of pirates who have attacked, robbed and killed many of them. Yet, the Guyana Police lacks the institutional capacity to respond to the reports of piracy and successfully investigate them,” he stressed.

Crime too high

On the other hand, the Home Affairs Minister explained that the crime rate in the country continues to climb while the number of solutions remains stagnant. He noted that the number of murders recorded this year is “too high”, while the solution

rate is “too low”. He also expressed his concerns about the number of robberies being committed against persons. “The number of robberies continues to soar in spite of the increase of allocation of vehicles to the Force by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The amount of gun-related crimes that are being committed in the country is a source of great concern to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Steps must be taken by the Guyana Police Force to take the guns off of the streets. Criminals seem to have unfettered access to illegal firearms,” the Minister stated. Rohee further said that the Ministry is not oblivious to the need for the Force’s capacity to be strengthened. He continued that it was for this purpose that he had gone to Cabinet and received its approval to increase the Force’s capacity.

ith millions of dollars owed by some graduates of the University of Guyana, Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Persaud said the Student Loan Agency should be managed by the Private Sector. The University of Guyana’s student loan programme annually assists thousands of Guyanese who are seeking a tertiary education and is managed by Government through the Finance Ministry. However, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International on Monday, Persaud said the Student Loan Agency should be managed by the local commercial banks. According to him, much of the current problems would be addressed if this is the case. “I believe that the commercial banks would have better systems in place to monitor and track loans as compared to the Student Loan Agency currently,” he told GTI. Persaud said recent revelations have proven that the current monitoring system is inadequate. “I believe that if that is given to the commercial banks, and with better systems

Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Persaud

in place, we would have a greater control and a greater collectability of some of those loans.” Based on information emanating from the Finance Ministry, he said a high percentage of the graduates who have benefited from the service have breached their contracts. It was further explained that they are yet to repay the Government.

Stringent measures

Just recently, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told GTI that Government is giving UG loan defaulters a little more time to voluntarily make their repayments, before stringent measures are taken to recover the outstanding funds.

While he did not disclose to this publication what specific measures will be taken against loan defaulters, Dr Singh reiterated that students who had accessed Government’s financing to acquire their tertiary education should do the right thing and repay what is owned to the Government. Dr Singh had disclosed that the repayment by students who had graduated from the country’s premier tertiary institution and who are now comfortably working in various sectors, has been moving at a slow pace. According to him, just handfuls have made repayments. He said the default by past students is something that Government had recognised, pointing out that corrective action would have to be taken to achieve higher levels of compliance with a higher level of repayment. The Finance Ministry is solely responsible for the disbursement of funds to the Student Loan Agency of the University of Guyana. However, things took a drastic change when earlier this year, the Gy$450 million allocated to the University was cut from the National Budget by members of the Opposition.

Grenada remembers Ivan ten years on S T GEORGE’S, GRENADA: S u n d a y marked the ten-year anniversary of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan, which passed directly over Grenada on September 7, 2004, as a category three storm, killing 39 people. The capital, St George's, was severely damaged and several notable buildings were destroyed, including the residence of the prime minister. Ivan also caused extensive damage to a local prison, allowing most of the inmates to escape. The island, in the words of a Caribbean disaster official, suffered "total devastation." According to a member of the Grenadian parliament, at least 85 percent of the small island was devastated. Extensive looting was

reported. In all, damage on the island totalled US$815 million. C a r i b b e a n News Now senior correspondent based in Trinidad, Grenadian Marcia Braveboy, was the first journalist to arrive on the ground from outside the island and filed one of the first reports of what she saw and experienced: Special Report from Grenada: ‘Indescribable Ivan’ “As the first journalist on the ground at the time, it was a heartbreaking experience. One could have cut the sense of trauma with a knife, so palpable was the shock and fear people exuded,” she recalled. “Grenada's culture, some of its ways of doing things was gone with the vicious winds of Hurricane Ivan. Fishermen from

Gouyave launched their boats out to sea and boarded the cargo boats coming into the country with aid and raided them of some of their goods. No one bothered to stop them. “And as the people had no money, they took the opportunity to make some with the raided goods, selling a tin of corned beef and other canned foods for EC1 each. The few who had working generators charged EC$5 to charge a cell phone. So desperate were the times. When the storm had fully passed and the dust settled, one could find Grenadians at the side of the road or in makeshift shelters talking and drinking their nights away for weeks following the hurricane,” Braveboy recounted. (Caribbean News)

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Gy$50M mobile pump commissioned in Lima, Essequibo residential areas. He said the aim of the Drainage Programme is to distribute 39 mobile pumps across various regions in Guyana. He noted that the mobile pump placed at Lima will add to the fleet of mobile

esidents living within the Anna Regina and Lima areas can now breathe a sigh of relief as a Gy$50 million mobile pump was commissioned recently at Lima foreshore, Essequibo Coast. The hydraulic mobile pump will provide better drainage and irrigation for approximately 3500 acres of rice lands within the area. The pump has the capacity to dispense 120 cubic feet of water per

The newly installed pump

second. Speaking to residents and fisher folk in the area, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Lionel Wordsworth said the mobile pump was placed at Lima to assist rice farmers and residents who face drainage and irrigation problems. He explained that the pump is the second pump Region Two has received, noting that the first was

placed at Three Friends and Second at Lima. Wordsworth explained that the pumps were deployed to the area to assist with the smooth flow of water and to help with the accretion. He mentioned that the project of distributing mobile pumps is part of the NDIA’s National Drainage Programme, aimed at improving the efficiency of drainage, particularly in the agricultural and

Pomeroon miner killed during rum drinking spree

Dead: Rafael Danns

he Danns family of Anna Regina, Lower Pomeroon River, Essequibo, is mourning the death of their 21-year-old son who was murdered on Monday at Mariborough, Lower Pomeroon. Dead is Rafael Danns, who was stabbed to the left side of his chest. Police in a statement said that the crime occurred at about 22:00h at Grant Mariborough, Lower Pomeroon River. Investigations so far have revealed that Rafael Danns and another man were imbibing, during which an argument ensued and he was allegedly stabbed to his chest. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Charity Hospital. Up to press time, the main suspect had not yet been arrested. Meanwhile, Guyana Times International was told that four per-

sons are presently in Police custody assisting with investigations. The weapon used in the murder – reportedly a stainless steel kitchen knife – was recovered. Police at Charity said they are tracking all leads that may reveal the whereabouts and subsequent arrest of the suspect. Thus far, those in custody assisting with the investigation are those who were drinking with the deceased, along with the main suspect’s father at the time of the incident. According to the deceased’s mother Beverly Danns, she received the devastating news from a relative, who also informed her about the argument. She said at first she did not believe and thought it was a prank; however, her husband and daughter Rockel went out to check on Rafael. “When we heard, we didn’t believe, we thought it was a joke, so my daughter went and check his pulse and nothing was beating… so we rushed him to the hospital and doctors said he died”. The mother revealed that her son’s death might have stemmed from an old grievance between himself and the

suspect. Rafael only recently returned from Puruni Backdam, in the Mazaruni, where he worked as a miner. She said that they are aware of the person who allegedly committed the murder and called on the Police to conduct a thorough investigation. Danns’ murder is the second for 2014 within the Essequibo District.

pumps countrywide. The CEO made it clear that while the pump was placed at Lima for the first location, if the need arises for another area to be irrigated, then the pump will be mobilised to that area, noting that

only recently, a contract was awarded for the construction of a pump station and for a pump to be permanently installed in the area. He posited that the mobile pump was placed in the Lima area at the behest of farmers.

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US$4M paid to Surendra Engineering may be difficult to recover – Govt By Bhisham Mohamed

overnment on Wednesday admitted that the over US$4 million paid to Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited (SECL) to design and build a Specialty Hospital at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown might be difficult to recover, even as it vowed to pursue legal action against the firm to recoup the funds. After announcing it was terminating the contract of the firm owing to fraud and undue delays in completing the project, Government said on Wednesday that the engineering company had collected in excess of US$4 million as payment

for mobilisation work, which commenced at the site. The money collected is reportedly 23.5 per cent of the project cost. Asked whether the company had lodged a security bond, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon answered in the negative, although mentioning that one previously existed. “The long and short of it: You’re right. It is unsecured. There was a bond. There was a point in time when this money was secured, but there is no bond now and the fraud that was attempted sought to do was to have another bond put in place to secure our money,” he said. Dr Luncheon said

An artist's impression of the Specialty Hospital

it was the Supervisor of the works, Vikab Engineering, that uncovered the forged document that was written on a letterhead of the Central Bank of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. “Vikab’s contributions to unravelling the behaviour of Surendra

have been significant, have been enormous,” he said. He explained that the supervisory firm had had some reservations about bonds being issued in Trinidad for works being executed in Guyana. Government first announced on Tuesday that it had written the firm about its deep concerns about its execution of the contract for the design and construction of the Specialty Hospital. Government said since late June, it had been engaging SECL

on a number of issues regarding allegations of fraud and financial irregularities.

Concerns

“Initially, the G o v e r n m e n t ’ s concerns related to delayed milestones and inadequate accountability by SECL for public funds the company had received on signing the contract with the Health Ministry. Subsequently, the Government of Guyana discovered that SECL’s representative in Guyana had submitted a fraudulent document

purporting to emanate from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.” According to the Government, since the fraudulent act by SECL was confirmed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, it wrote the company informing of its intention to: terminate the contract, pursue legal action for fraud and recover public funds from SECL for which it has failed to account fully. At his weekly postCabinet briefing at the Office of the President, Dr Luncheon noted that the decision was taken after intense investigations, both in Guyana and overseas. The document that was forged was a prerequisite of the contract award which, he said, is estimated at US$150 million. He added that the possibility of blacklisting the company is eminent, based on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

TT’s Finance Minister promises 3,000 jobs for La Brea

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Finance Minister Larry Howai has promised more jobs for La Brea residents next year, but MP for the area Fitzgerald Jeffrey is doubtful that promise will ever materialise. In an interview shortly before Howai presented the 2014/2015 National Budget in the House of Representatives Monday, Jeffrey also warned of widespread

La Brea is poised to become a major player in the energy sector, says TT’s Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine (TT Guardian photo)

protests if the scenic Point Sabe beach was destroyed to make way for the promised La Brea port. The Opposition MP said while he was not against development, the much-needed port should be located in the Brighton area where there was a natural harbour, instead of Point Sabe where extensive dredging would have to be done with the increased likelihood of coastline erosion. Jeffrey also warned that fish spawning grounds would be destroyed and there would be loss of employment for crab catchers and oysters. Jeffrey claimed that over the last four years La Brea residents had been suffering because projects initiated by the last PNM administration were halted by the People’s Partnership government. He said there was need for a port to facilitate the Labidco estate and create employment. In his budget statement Monday,

Howai outlined that residents in the south western peninsula will benefit from increased job opportunities when Mitsubishi constructs its US$850 million methanol to di-methyl ether (DME) plant next year on 50 hectares of land at the Union Industrial Estate. He related that 3,000 jobs are expected to be created at the peak of construction. In an interview, Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine said dimethyl ether is being touted as a fuel of the future, replacing diesel and propane. He explained that a small iron and steel facility is also planned for the area which will generate employment. The minister noted too that La Brea is poised to be the next Point Lisas and a major player in the energy sector. He indicated that the new highway is going to play a major role in this new area of economic growth. (TT Guardian)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GPHC launches investigation into death of young mother during childbirth - relatives blame “immature staff”

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has launched an investigation into the death of Evita Singh, 34, of Lot 13 Lathan Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, who died during childbirth on Saturday last. After the woman’s passing, her relatives blamed an immature staff at the medical facility for her demise. GPHC Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan, when contacted on Monday afternoon, told Guyana Times International that he was meeting with a team about the incident and the hospital will release a statement shortly. According to reports, the mother of two was taken to the hospital two Mondays ago after she experienced high fever. Upon her admittance to the medical facility, she was placed in the ma-

ternity ward where she was treated for the high temperature which was brought under control by Tuesday. On Wednesday, the nurses reportedly induced labour by inserting a tablet called ‘Cytotec’ into Singh. GTI was told that the nurses reportedly inserted about six of the pills between Wednesday and Thursday, since they claimed Singh was not responding to the tablets and there was no movement from the foetus. On Wednesday evening, the dead woman’s mother, Chandra Ramjit, said her daughter started to bleed and by Thursday, the pain had become intense. Also on Thursday, the young mother related that she was having strong contractions, but at this time, it was understood that they had to perform a Caesarean Section. Singh was taken to the

Human trafficking case against Trinidad cop begins

The case is being heard at the San Fernando Magistrate’s Court in Trinidad (TT Guardian photo)

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Security was heightened at the San Fernando Magistrate’s Court in Trinidad last Thursday after two alleged victims of human trafficking were brought to give evidence against PC Valentine Eastman. The State began the case against Eastman, through paper committal proceedings, on ten human-trafficking charges involving three Colombian women. Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington told members of the public and the media to leave the courtroom as the law said the case must be heard in camera. Eastman, 53, who was last assigned to the Mon Repos Police Station, was the first person to be charged under TT’s Trafficking in Persons Act of 2011.

The charges allege that he brought the women into the country and harboured them for the purpose of prostitution. The charges were laid last year by PC Ramlogan after investigations by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. State attorney Trevor Jones has filed over 20 witness statements. The three Colombian women are expected to give evidence. Only two of the women, who are in police protection, were in court. Only one of the women gave evidence, which lasted for an hour. She is expected to continue later this week. Spanish interpreter Doris Milan assisted because the witness does not speak English. Eastman, who is on TT$350,000 bail, was represented by attorney Subhas Panday. (TT Guardian)

baby was already dead.

Ordeal

Dead: Evita Singh

labour room where the nurses attempted to deliver the child, but in the process, the bleeding became excessive. Eventually, a decision was taken to perform the C-Section, but, by the time it was done, the

In the meantime, Singh lost a significant amount of blood and her heart rate started to decline. She never regained consciousness. During the ordeal, the now dead woman’s father was at the medical institution enquiring about his daughter’s and the baby’s health, but was told to “wait and when we get word, we will let you know”. The grieving mother stated that after some time, the doctors told her husband that her daughter had lost a lot of blood and that the baby was dead. She recalled being at home and receiving

a call from the hospital asking for her son-in-law to visit the hospital. Her son-in-law, Anand Singh, who was ill at the time, managed to visit the hospital only to be told that his wife’s condition had worsened. The doctors reportedly told the family that Singh’s body was rejecting the blood transfusion she had been given. In tears, the woman’s mother said, her husband contacted them relating the news. Ramjit hurried to the hospital on Saturday only to find her daughter in an unconscious state. “They told me that she can hear but she cannot respond… I stay a few

hours with her… her feet and hands were already cold… I know something was wrong… I told her that this will be the last time I will come visit her at the hospital and I left,” she cried. On the same evening about 19:30h, the family received the dreaded news. Ramjit believes that if the doctors had performed a Caesarean Section in the first instance, her daughter and granddaughter would have been alive. The young mother leaves to mourn her two children aged 13 and six. The relatives are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter with the hope of getting justice.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Duo charged for murder of cosmetologist - It’s really hard to see my daughter die the way she did, says victim’s mother

Lennox Wayne

Melroy Doris

n a courtroom filled with relatives of slain teenager Ashmini Harriram of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, two men were arraigned for her murder when they appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. Lennox Wayne, 32, of Lot 1308 Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and Melroy Doris, 26, of Lot N Bent Street, Worthmanville, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ally and were not required to plead to the indictable charge. The charges, which were read separately, stated that on July 10 at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, they murdered Harriram. None of the men were legally represented. The men were taken to the courtroom under heavy Police guard. Dressed in a pair of dark coloured jeans and a white long sleeve figured shirt, Doris was the first to be escorted followed by Wayne, who was attired in a jersey and a pair of jeans. As the matter was called, both men stood but the Magistrate ruled that the matter was indictable; hence, they were not required to plea. They were asked to remain silent as she read the charges, one after the other. Wayne, upon interrogation by the Magistrate, claimed the he had served 10 years in prison after he was convicted for an offence of robbery under arms. Guyana Times International also understands that the suspect whose nickname is “Two Colours” was also charged for discharging a loaded firearm, being in possession of an illegal firearm and other related offences. He once resided at Leopold Street and was a music instructor. Doris on the other hand had no previous convictions or brushes

with the law and claimed that he is a taxi driver by profession. He has no children. In an attempt to solicit the services of an Attorney, he was advised that he can do so after the court proceeding. Prosecutor, Lance Corporal King asked for a date for statements and reports, which was

Dead: Ashmini Harriram

subsequently given as October 3 at the same court. As the men left the courtroom, Wayne was heard threatening Doris whom he claimed implicated him wrongfully. He said that he was “no killer” and did not have any knowledge of the shooting, which is contrary to his confession in the form of a cautionary statement to the Police, bearing his signature. He had reportedly confessed to collecting Gy$2.5 million to execute the young woman on July 10, along the Lusignan Railway Embankment. Doris kept his hands to his face and was pretty much silent. He had confessed to being contracted to drive Wayne to the location and leave immediately after the job was completed.

False report

However, moments before the matters were called by the Court Orderly Khemwattie Somwaru, the mother of the teen was seen making her way into the court yard. As she was about to pass, she stopped before several media

operatives and vented her dissatisfaction about the manner of reporting, pointing out Kaieteur News as the main perpetrator. She refuted claims that she ever spoke with Kaieteur News and that the report that was carried was false. She noted that she was indeed shocked to have leant that her sonin-law Omesh Singh was involved in her daughter’s murder. On the day of the teen’s death, she recalled giving her daughter Gy$3000 to purchase the items she needed to continue her cosmetology work. “Meh wuk hard to raise meh four children… and see she get she dead so, it really hard… Meh nah know what to believe, but of meh sonin-law involve, then let the Police do they wuk,” she said in tears. She praised the investigators for the excellent work done in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “I must say thanks to them… within two months they able to find who kill meh daughter,” she added. The teenager was shot once to her neck moments after she disembarked a minibus along the Lusignan Railway Embankment. On the day of the incident, the shooter reportedly exited a burgundy motor car, whipped out a gun and shot the teen after which he took away her mobile phone and left the scene. The phone had numbers of interest to the

shooter and the person who had contracted him to shoot the teen since they thought she had leaked information about a drug-related activity. The lawmen subsequently linked the

murder to two major drug busts connected to some of the suspects in custody. The first bust had occurred in February 2013 when some Gy$1.5 billion in cocaine was

found in lumber at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. Then on July 8 this year, a large quantity of marijuana was intercepted at Diamond worth Gy$216 million.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

19 “I know nothing of the missing weapons” – Granger insists News

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

interview with Guyana Times International on Saturday, denied knowledge of the weapons. GTI understands that Norman Mc Lean who has previously testified at the Rodney CoI was the Chief of Staff of the GDF at that time. Efforts to contact him to ascertain if he has knowledge of the missing weapons proved futile.

Gun crime

President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger in conversation By Jomo Paul

ollowing calls from President Donald Ramotar for the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), David Granger, to be responsible and return 155 guns that were transferred to the party in the 1970s, Granger insists that he knows nothing of the guns. The fifth session of public hearings at the Walter Rodney

Commission of Inquiry (CoI) revealed that 237 weapons were issued to Wilfred Skeete of the Ministry of National Development and R Corbin, between 1976 and 1979, by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). To date, only 82 of these weapons were returned to the Army. The other 155 weapons are still missing and it is unknown if they still are in the possession of the PNCR. But, Granger, in an

However, when contacted, President Ramotar pointed out that Granger was “the Commander” at the time that the weapons were loaned to the PNC Government. The President highlighted that Granger must have some knowledge of the whereabouts of the weaponry, since he was the Commander in Charge of Operations at the GDF at that time and is now the PNCR Leader. The President had made the initial call for the weapons to be returned during an interview on crime in Guyana. Ramotar had said “part of the problem with gun-related crimes

is the amount of illegal weapons in the streets of our country”. He said that while some of these weapons were smuggled into the country, a large number of weapons that have found their way into

the hands of criminal elements are from the stock that were issued to the PNC. As Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President said that while the efforts of the Police will remain

unwavering to tackle the issue of gun-related crimes head on, the missing Army weapons must be found and those who may have been involved in this matter owe it to the country to ensure their retrieval.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s location makes it hotbed for narco trafficking - Rohee

CANU’s James Singh showing the semi-submersible vessel to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee as Coast Guard Commander Gary Beaton looks on By Vahnu Manikchand

ome Affairs M i n i s t e r Clement Rohee said that while local law enforcement agencies continue to make progress in intercepting drug traffickers, the geographical location of the country is making it difficult for them to curb narcotics trafficking. The Minister was at the time speaking at the Guyana Defence Force’s Wharf, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where the media was invited

to view the self-propel semi-submersible vessel that was found at a creek in the Waini River, Region One (BarimaWaini) last month. Rohee pointed out that Guyana’s main challenge is the fact that it is a “transit country”; hence, making it easier for vessels, people and even aircraft transporting drugs to use the country to conduct their illegal trade given its geographical location.“That is our major challenge. We didn’t make it that way; that is

because of how we’re located geo-strategically when you look at Africa, the United States and so forth…our challenge also is to ensure we beef up law enforcement agencies in order to give them the necessary tools to fight this global problem,” he stated. The Home Affairs Minister said the fight against drug trafficking is ongoing as it is prevalent in not only Guyana but the world over. He noted that the semi-submersible vessel is not continued on page 22

NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Political parties gearing up for elections I

nternally, leading candidates are being identified. On the outskirts, the stage is being set for General and Regional Elections. “A better life for all Guyanese” will soon become the cliché of the day, as political parties eye the leadership of the country, ahead of the debate on the no-confidence motion against the Government.

PPP/C

In its quest to regain the majority in the National Assembly, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is campaigning for the establishment of a “Broad National Democratic Front”, in addition to the staging of several “bottom house meetings”. According to General Secretary Clement Rohee, the party has met a number of stakeholders. The response, he said, is overwhelming. “The party’s engagement with a wide range of stakeholders has revealed that resentment is growing increasingly as a result of the Opposition’s misuse of parliamentary

power and the abuse of their one-seat majority,” he said. In addition to consulting with members, regular citizens and stakeholders, the party has been conducting extensive field work to ensure that the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) produced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is credible. Thus far, it has unearthed a series of discrepancies from fake addresses to fabricated names. In its 2011 Manifesto, the PPP/C said it would have achieved a modern Guyana – a country which would be the preferred place to live and work by the end of 2016. Under the theme “Macroeconomic Stability for Long Term Sustainability”, the ruling party said it would continue to accelerate economic growth through effective management. Although the PPP/C Government’s term has not come to an end, it has thus far lived up to its promise in this regard. For the past eight

GECOM to resuscitate Media Monitoring Unit

AFC

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

years, Guyana has recorded positive economic growth. The expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project were among other initiatives promoted by the Government; however, these projects have thus far been stymied due to stern objections by the Opposition.

APNU

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it is continuing a process that commenced since last year when its Local Government Campaign was launched.

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

APNU Campaign Director Winston Felix on Friday told Guyana Times International that currently it is ensuring that all members and supporters are registered. During walkabouts in the various districts, Felix said citizens are brought up to date on current issues facing Guyana. Additionally, citizens have been called upon to put their votes “solidly behind the APNU”. A P N U Communications Department Head Mark Archer told GTI that the Coalition has long been in the elections

APNU Campaign Manager Winston Felix

mode. It was explained that since 2013, the party was gearing up for Local Government Elections, but with the no-confidence motion submitted to the National Assembly, the party has switched gears. In addition to building a Government of National Unity, the APNU in its 2011 Manifesto said it would have addressed the issues of crime, unemployment, high taxation, poor infrastructure but most of all, it would put the requisite systems in place for the hosting of the long awaited Local Government Elections.

Like the APNU, the Alliance For Change (AFC) had promised to address similar issues if given the chance. The AFC General Secretary David Patterson told GTI that the party has already conducted town hall and public meetings in Regions Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) , Five (Mahaica-Berbic) and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). This past weekend, the AFC met with residents of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). According to Patterson, crime, unemployment and good governance were the issues that were placed on top of the agenda when the meetings were called. Questioned about residents’ response thus far, he said, “We are heartened and truly encouraged by the response. Residents have a good understanding why the motion was submitted and we sense that there is a commitment to cause.” The AFC is currently formulating its manifesto.

Troy Resources executives brief President Ramotar on operations

Deputy Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, Vishnu Persaud

our years after the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) was disbanded by the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is looking to re-establish it. The Unit’s objectives include monitoring of the media and reporting on breaches of the principles enshrined in the Media Code of Conduct and norms associated with international best practices in journalism, and encourages equity, balance and fairness in news reporting. It also promotes the raising of professional standards in the media with regard to reporting on political, electoral, governance, and general social issues. This was confirmed on Saturday by the Deputy Chief Elections Officer

(DCEO) of GECOM, Vishnu Persaud, who in an interview told Guyana Times International that GECOM has commenced discussions with international bodies with the aim of resuscitating the MMU. Persaud explained that the unit will be onstream in the run-up to any elections, since it is important to ensure media practices are up to par especially at that time. Government in July 2010 disbanded the Monitoring Unit. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, had recommended that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) halt funding to the Unit, for which it provided funds under its democratic governance projects.

he top executives of Troy Resources Guyana Inc on Monday met with President Donald Ramotar, briefing him of the progress of the company’s multimillion US dollar gold mining operations in Karouni, Region Seven. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), company Chairman David Dix said the meeting went very well, with President Ramotar giving his commitment to help the Australian company with the necessary means to expedite its local operations. The Chairman stated that he and the executives were pleased to do business in Guyana and with the confidence displayed by Government towards investors, such as themselves. The Chairman was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Martin Purvis, and Director for Guyana Operations Ken Nilsson. Purvis said: “It was really to introduce ourselves, we had our first board meeting in Guyana, we talked through the development plans that we have, the timeframe in which we want to de-

From left to right: Troy Mining Company Guyana Operations Director Ken Nilsson, President Donald Ramotar, Troy Mining Chairman David Dix and CEO Martin Purvis following their meeting on Monday

velop our mine, and the benefits that he could help to assist us, to be able to do it in a timely manner, and enable us to be generating income for us and wealth for the country.” The Chairman stated that he was very happy with the investment opportunity provided by Guyana. “We are happy with the structures in place, with the way we can do business here, and the confidence the investment community is getting in us and the way that we are operating here.” Troy Resources

Guyana Inc in August received Gy$1.1 billion of mining equipment purchased from manufacturer Doosan for development of its mine site at Karouni and eventual commencement of operations by mid-next year. Around 600 Guyanese will be employed with the company during its initial construction stage. The Australian exploration and mining company will be developing an area west of Omai with the anticipation of raking in an annual production of 90,000 ounces of gold over a seven-year period. Production, how-

ever, in the first 12 months is projected at 102,000 ounces with production commencing between December 2014 and February 2015. The company, duallisted on the Australian and Toronto Stock Exchanges is a junior gold producer with operations at Andorinhas in Para State, Brazil and Casposo in San Juan Province, Argentina and now, its project in Guyana. The company has forged a proven record of fast-track mine development, low cost operations, strategic acquisitions and exploration discoveries.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Amerindian Village promotes Guyanese soca micro-entrepreneurship artiste launches “Train Wreck” in US

Marlon Webster

arlon Webster is from Guyana, South America and known for his soca music. Marlon is now in the USA releasing “Train Wreck” his first pop single. Slowly crooning from the speakers, “Train Wreck” eases into itself with sweet, albeit high octane vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and rapturous passion that’s infectious as it is catchy. If you’re looking for an addictive track for long summer drives, look no further. “Train Wreck” is impacting radio nationwide and is Number Nine on the BDS Top 40 Radio Indicator! Marlon has opened for Ne-yo, Akon, and R Kelly. Growing up in Guyana, chances are you spent a lot of time listening to Soca music, an offshoot of Calypso. It is not unusual to see boys and girls dancing in the street, singing along to popular songs. Singer/ songwriter Marlon had already spent many years hanging out with friends in his neighbourhood, dancing till dark, when he was asked to try out, at the age of 14, for a popular local band called Pinnacle. No one cared that he was under age, the children could pack in a crowd. Pinnacle played at some of the biggest clubs and Marlon was invited to Barbados to try and further his career. While he was introduced to music industry folks, and got the chance to sing with two

very popular Caribbean artistes – Krossfyah and For the People – Marlon went back to Guyana after two years, where he promptly took over as lead singer for Mingles Sound Machine, the most popular cover band in Guyana. They toured all over Barbados and Guyana, played at huge festivals and even performed for the President of Guyana. Marlon’s star was on the rise. As his status grew, so did his desire to start writing and performing his own music. Marlon decided to enter the very popular Carib Soca Monarch competition, a massive music event in the Caribbean where 15 singers compete against each other. Winning became his sole focus. At the same time, Digicel, a cell phone company that was looking to make a big splash in Guyana, approached several well-known musical artistes, including Marlon. They signed Marlon as a Brand Ambassador, and he began performing at their events, appearing in radio and televisions ads, on prints adverts and more. By the time Carib Soca Monarch rolled around in 2007, Marlon had three songs on the charts and was doing daily interviews to promote himself. His win was a triumph, and something he had worked very, very hard to achieve.

“King” of Soca

He spent the next year working as both the “King” of Soca and with Digicel. He opened for

acts that came to Guyana including Ne-yo, Akon and R Kelly. Despite the fame at home, Marlon realised that his career was not growing in a way he had hoped; he wanted to see what else was available to him. As luck would have it, he received interest from a cruise ship and was invited to sing on a ship sailing to Australia. He loved it, but performing three to four shows a night was taking its toll. He told the ship that he would do one more cruise with them. It was on this final cruise that Marlon met people who wanted to invest in, and work with, a talented pop singer. As soon as they heard Marlon sing, they knew they found their guy. The first step was to bring Marlon to Canada, and then New Jersey, to work with Producer Ced Solo (Ariana Grande, Ginuine, Anthony Hamilton). The two hit it off right away. In addition to Ced, Marlon hooked up with Grammy Award winning Producer/Engineer Zach Ziskin. Ziskin took a few tracks Marlon has written and they are working together on a pop sound reminiscent of two artistes Marlon is constantly compared to, Usher and Taio Cruz. At this point, Marlon cannot wait to return to the stage. “I am so ready for what’s next. Music does a lot for me. It makes me happy when I am sad, it gets me on a high, takes me places where I’ve never been before. When I am on stage, I don’t feel like myself. There are times that I look out into the audience and I feel like I can fly, like nothing is impossible any more. The music takes over me.” Marlon’s new single, “Train Wreck” is scheduled to be released in July next year. (Taken from Broken Records Magazine)

Guyana’s location... one that is peculiar to Guyana nor is it peculiar to major drug traffickers, since many such vessels have been found in Latin America. Rohee went on to talk about all the steps that have been taken to boost capacity in the various security agencies. He referred to the three metal shark tank vessels given to the GDF’s Coast Guard by the US Government, and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has also

procured vessels to increase their capacity. According to the Minister, there is no way to determine what activities are happening within the country’s territory; as such, the various forces need to constantly be on the alert. He noted that of recent, there have been many exchanges within the task forces that focus on narcotics and illegal firearms, headed by Major General Retired Michael

Sumptuous Amerindian dishes on display

he Amerindian Village culminated on Saturday evening at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia following five days of lively activities celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month 2014. The event saw scores of exhibitors showcasing their produce, talent and hospitality to those who visited the venue. In light of the economic challenges faced by the Amerindian communities, they were grateful for the exposure given to them during the five days, noting that it was indeed a golden opportunity to show off their work and talent. A few exhibitors told Guyana Times International that while villagers depend mainly on farming; most of the young people now resort to craft as a mean of meeting their economic needs. This, however, poses another challenge since getting their pieces marketed is a challenge. Bridgette Alleyne, who travelled from Region Eight, explained that tourists hardly visit her village; hence, the pieces that they either weaved or sculpted

are left in their possession until opportunities such as the Amerindian Village comes around. She added too that they have to travel some distance which is quite expensive, but they do not have a choice, since their main motive is to market their products. Alleyne said sometimes they get an adequate income to live on. “Sometimes when we sell one vest, which is like for Gy$8500, it goes a long way,” she added. Elizabeth Dundas of St Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four, who has been a part of the Amerindian Village from the inception, agreed that over the years, the event has grown tremendously. She recalled, a few years ago, a handful of people graced the village, but for the past two years, the support has been overwhelming. Nevertheless, she added that business is great, noting that after the Amerindian Village, business becomes dead. “In our village, there is the Craft Association building where the ladies would make their pieces and display them… but sometimes

they are there for a while without a sale…. We depend on tourists to come in and buy out stuff, but not all the time, people visit our village,” Dundas stated. She specialises in making earrings, beaded chains, clothing made from tibisiri straws and other decorative items. While some of the exhibitors have participated in the Village before, for some, it was a first time experience.

Pleasant memories

One such person was Nocolan, a young man from Kabakaburi, who related that he was eager to be a part of the event. The young man claimed that for the past few days, he has gotten enough experience and memories to take back with him to his small village located 20 minutes from Charity, Essequibo Coast. In addition, he said the event has provided him an opportunity to promote himself as an individual and more importantly, as a craftsman. His line of exhibits included sculptures, decorative pieces, personal items and artifacts.

from page 20

Atherly. Additionally, he said, the Guyana Police Force is increasing its capacity as it relates to its marine wing, which includes training of its ranks to patrol the waterways and territorial sea. Rohee added that all the law enforcement agencies meet on a monthly basis to assess the work that they are doing in the fight against narcotics and illegal firearms.

A family at the Amerindian Village, Sophia

23 Private sector body urges political parties to conduct campaigns with maturity news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

| guyanatimeSinternational.com

BY TAJERAM MOHABIR

ith snap elections in the air, Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Lance Hinds is calling on all political parties to conduct their campaigns in a mature manner to protect the local investment climate. Speaking to Guyana Times International in a recent interview, Hinds said investors’ confidence, along with the confidence of the local private sector and the general public, would only increase if all parties work to build a more mature and progressive political environment. “Almost 50 years after Independence, we still have a highly combative, partisan political process, severely affected by race and class, seemingly unable to put the nation and its people first on a regular basis.” Even though General and Regional Elections are constitutionally due in 2016, the A Partnership for National Unity led by Brigadier (retired) David Granger has signalled the coalition’s support of a no-confidence motion tabled by the Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, prominent Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan. From all indications, the elections campaigning have already begun, and it is likely when Parliament

GCCI President Lance Hinds

resumes from recess in October, the AFC and APNU would not back down in supporting the motion that will force Donald Ramotar-led Government to call fresh elections within three months. There is a feeling that though the Opposition politicians are eager to go to the polls, the elections spirit is not with the populace. However, there is some time yet for the politicians on both sides of the political divide to whip up support. Hinds, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Brain Street, a leading Information Communication Technology (ICT)based firm on Albert Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, said the chamber, like many other stakeholders, would have preferred if a greater effort would have been made to address issues pertaining to weaknesses in local government

APNU Leader David Granger

administration and constitutional reform. “Because of the current parliamentary configuration; however, the Opposition has a constitutional option to move for a no-confidence vote and the Government equally has the option to dissolve Parliament and call snap elections. We have no input or control of that process,” he said. For its part, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said that all General Elections do is instill fear and uncertainty in the minds of Guyana’s population. GMSA President Clinton Williams had said that “to go to elections is not the best thing for the country” at this time. He described the current situation as a “double whammy”, explaining that “there is no absolute probability that elections will not return a minority Government”.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

The GCCI is urging policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue on issues affecting the economy and social development. The business representative body in a release had said: “We do not subscribe to the notion that premature General Elections is the solution to our current political impasse. General Elections are costly, time-consuming exercises which should preferably be conducted at the time when they are constitutionally due.”

Emerging culture

The issue of noconfidence motion appears to be part of an emerging Caribbean culture to dislodge Governments, who in the view of their rivals, lack the wherewithal to govern effectively. Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas in 2012 survived a no-confidence motion

brought by Opposition Leader, Dr Keith Mitchell who accused him of running a dysfunctional Government. Thomas later succumbed at the polls to Dr Mitchell in 2013. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar survived a no-confidence motion brought by Opposition Leader, Dr Keith Rowley in 2012, who accused the Prime Minister of gross incompetence, among others. In 2010, the Jamaican Government headed by Prime Minister Bruce Golding had also survived a no-confidence motion brought by then Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller. Golding’s party subsequently lost to Simpson-Miller at the polls in 2012. In all these cases, the Government had a majority in Parliament, but the ruling People’s

Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) does not enjoy this status, as the Opposition holds a slim one-seat majority. In another matter, St Kitts and Nevis Opposition Leader Mark Brantley said he has given up hope that the motion of no-confidence in the Government he filed 15 months ago will be tabled. According to Brantley, Prime Minister, Dr Denzel Douglas has no interest in having the motion brought before Parliament. In a court ruling last month, on February 12, Justice Darshan Ramdhani said there are no impediments preventing the motion from being brought to the House, Caribbean News Now had reported. Brantley is of the view that the General Election has been delayed because constitutional boundary changes approved by Parliament have not yet taken effect. The AFC last month tabled the motion, contending that it has no confidence in the Government, claiming unauthorised spending by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, among other matters. The Government has since dismissed the contentions raised by the Opposition parties (AFC and APNU) as groundless, while hinting that snap elections could be called before the no-confidence motion is debated.

TT looks to establish energy links with Guyana

rinidad and Tobago’s (TT) first energy port, which was officially opened on Friday at Point Galeota, Guayaguayare, advances Government’s plans to form a regional link with energy companies in Suriname, Guyana and north Brazil. So said TT’s Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, who added that the US$85 million port was opened to facilitate South-South cooperation, an initiative recommended by PersadBissessar in the People’s Partnership 2010 manifesto. Port of Galeota comprises 1.2 kilometres of new access road, an energy port with five berths and eight hectares of backland with 78.6 metres dredge depth. Ramnarine said con-

struction of the second phase of the port will begin next year at a cost of TT$110 million once detailed designs are completed. “It will accommodate an additional seven berths which will enable TT to participate in logistics activity in the wider Caribbean region,” the Minister said. He added that it has already become a “dedicated berth for the TT Coast Guard” and will benefit energy companies. “Ninety per cent of natural gas is being produced in the East coast. Right now many companies have their base in Chaguaramas, so they have to sail around the island to get to their rigs. This port will reduce the amount of time it will take to get on their rigs and platforms and so re-

TT Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine

duce the cost and make the entire East coast energy sector more competitive,” he said. “The port will facilitate the efficiency of upstream operators as well as facilitate our companies to do business in Suriname, Guyana and North Brazil.” Ramnarine said

Galeota was the first port to be opened in TT in 17 years. Mayaro Member of Parliament Winston Gypsy Peters said 80 per cent of the labour for construction of the facility came from the Guayaguayare region, but when the project started “disruptive elements”

tried to stymie the work. “This is the only energy port in TT and I am glad that these disruptive elements did not get the opportunity to disrupt this project. I want to say to those people that they must qualify themselves and then come to look for work,” Peters said. National Energy Chairman Roop Chan Chadeesingh said the South American mainland had vast potential for TT’s energy industries. “The Guyana/ Suriname basin is considered to be one of the Region’s emerging energy markets. As part of the national energy’s mandate to promote TT, a delegation recently visited Suriname for discussions on areas of co-operation in the development of their mining, energy and

petroleum industries,” he said. Chadeesingh said Suriname’s extractive industries are diverse, unexploited and full of potential for investors. “It is anticipated that NE’s recent mission to Suriname will serve as a spring board for future partnerships and interventions with stakeholders in their energy industry and that port will be integral to some of those initiatives.” He said four upstream operators are already using the port facilities —bpTT, BHP Billiton, Trinity Exploration and Production and Repsol. President of National Energy, Dr Vernon Paltoo said the port will generate revenue and improve efficiency for upstream exploration and production operators. (Trinidad Guardian)

24 News “Value-added is the way to go” – Minister Persaud tells loggers WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Jomo Paul

nder pressure to hold accountable some of the major foreign companies to their contractual obligations, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud last Friday plugged the need for investment in valueadded timber products, stressing that Guyana needs to move away from the conventional practice of exporting raw timber. Speaking at an investment seminar at the Guyana Forestry Complex in Kingston, Georgetown, Minister Persaud pointed out that if Guyana continues its current trend of exporting unprocessed timber, the local industry will be more vulnerable to the effects of the international market. Chinese Timber Company Baishanlin

has been accused of breaching its contractual obligations after failing to set up a wood processing company several years after it had been granted permission to export timber from Guyana. Persaud explained that while it was no secret that Guyana exports a lot of unprocessed produce, this has to change and not only in the forestry sector, but also in the mining sector.

Economic sense

He said: “To make the economy resilient and in a position to withstand price chops that commodities face, valueadded is the way to go… it makes economic sense that we pursue valueadded in all areas… that in a way has made us very vulnerable – commodity prices shift, they plunge and sometimes they hike, more often or not we see levels of unpredicted

This young lady was inspecting this timber artwork

movement…that’s the reality.” It was noted that every primary commodity that is exported by Guyana puts the country at risk in a “structural way, in a macroeconomic way” and exposes the economy to the effects of foreign markets which could have otherwise been

avoided. While noting that value-added production is something that is being actively pursued by the Government, the Minister underscored that attention should not only be placed on marketing and branding, but also on the development of a

reputable product that will be able to compete on the world market. The Natural Resources Minister pointed out too that there are incentives in place for loggers looking to venture into the valueadded area, but those incentives are not being taken advantage of. He

said he was uncertain if it was a case of the loggers being uninformed, but if that was the case, the seminar provides an excellent opportunity for them to enlighten themselves. He pointed out that the incentives are part of a comprehensive and attractive regime in terms of supporting value-added production in the forestry sector. It was noted that there were only 40 applications made for duty-free concessions in the forestry sector this year. Persaud also touched on the importance of reducing energy costs, noting that 60 per cent of operational costs are usually spent on energy. This in turn adds to the price of the product making it expensive and hence somewhat unattractive on the international market.

New US Embassy Guyanese farmers benefit from Jamaican protected agri practices Public Affairs Officer

to focus on education

PROPEL Country Coordinator in Jamaica Alvin Murray (fifth left) and Vice President of the Greenhouse Growers Association and owner of a greenhouse farm, Jervis Rowe (first left), on tour with (L-R) Agriculture Coordinator for the PROPEL Project in Guyana Khemraj Tulsie and Guyanese farmers Ahmad Bacchus, Deodatt Seodatt, Kimberley Bakker, Khemwattie Ramnaraine, Clifford Accra, and Dhaniram Ramchand in Kingsland, Manchester (Photos Gregory Bennett)

ix farmers from Guyana recently toured farms and establishments in Manchester and other areas of Jamaica to increase their knowledge of protected agriculture, including greenhouse farming, as part of a Cdn$20 million six-year agriculture project being implemented by the nonprofit Canadian Hunger Foundation. The aim of the eight-country project, called Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL), is to significantly reduce the Caribbean’s food imports and increase farmers and processors access to markets within the Region and externally, through measures including the provision of technical training of

farmers, access to disease-free planting material and activities designed to improve and expand farm operations. Khemraj Tulsie, Agriculture Coordinator for the PROPEL Project in Guyana, who accompanied the visiting farmers, said the trip to Jamaica was funded by the Canadian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. He said Guyana was closer to the starting point where protected agriculture was concerned and there were a range of applications being used in Jamaica from which the farmers could learn. “We didn’t want to take them to somewhere that was completely at the high-end that was going to dissuade them from trying this because Guyana is a poor coun-

try,” he said. Tulsie said many of the farmers had challenges to access finances to grow their business and the best approach was to introduce them to the protected method of farming incrementally and let them choose the point at which they want to expand. The knowledge would then be passed on to other farmers in Guyana. The Jamaican experience for the Guyanese who were on the island from August 24-30, started with a classroom session at the Mandevillebased Canadian Hunger Foundation Caribbean. Former General Manager at the Christiana Potato Growers’ Cooperative Association Alvin Murray, who is Country Coordinator for PROPEL in Jamaica, said work

had been ongoing for a seed programme for mainly Irish potato, ginger and selected greenhouse crops such as sweet pepper, lettuce and tomato. He said also that working in tandem with Bodles Research Station in St Catherine, efforts were also being made to provide farmers with relevant information. The 52-year-old Canadian Hunger Foundation reportedly has a strong history of developing the capacity of producer groups and institutions in the Caribbean. Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago are other participants in the PROPEL project slated to continue until 2018. (Jamaica Observer)

he newly-posted United States Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Robert Adelson, will be focusing his attention on fostering education opportunities in Guyana. During a welcoming reception, Adelson said that his three weeks thus far in the country have been overwhelming with the generosity and welcome he received. He recalled when he found out that he was going to be posted in Guyana about a year ago, he began compiling a list of ideas and goals that he aspired to achieve during his tenure. Adelson, who has a background in teaching, noted that he recognised that there was a theme among his ideas; most of them were connected to education. “Education is so very important, it means a lot to me. When I talk about education, I don’t necessarily mean education in the classroom, that’s also more imperative. What I mean by education is educating young people on life skills, leadership, management, business and how to love a healthy lifestyle. It could be educating the public on American culture; be it art, music or sports,” the new Public Affairs Officer pointed out. Adelson added that he will also be focusing on educating himself during his three-year tenure in Guyana. The Embassy’s

US Embassy’s new Public Affairs Officer Robert Adelson

Public Affairs Officer expressed his eagerness to learn more about Guyana and its cultural heritage. The reception was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of political fraternity among others. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud was also in attendance. Prior to his posting in Guyana, Adelson served as the Assistant Cultural Attaché at the US Embassy in London. Before that he was the Visa Officer in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico where he served a two-year tour. Adelson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from the Florida State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Pace University in New York, NY. He worked as a public school teacher in the Bronx, New York through the Teach for America programme. Adelson joined the State Department in 2009.

News

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Gy$604M Highway commissioned at La Parfaite Harmony

esidents of La Parfaite Harmonie, a new housing area on the West Bank of Demerara have full access to a 3.5 kilometre road built at a cost of over Gy$604 million. The La Parfaite Harmonie Highway was commissioned on Saturday by President Donald Ramotar and Housing Minister Irfaan Ali. The highway is opened to two-lane traffic and leads to the six communities that make up the La Parfaite Housing Scheme.

The land that was used to construct the road was acquired by the Government free of cost from a private owner and was built by all local contractors. Minister Ali said the Government has been investing in the development of La Parfaite Harmonie and Region Three by extension. According to the Minister, since the year 2000, Government has invested some Gy$15 billion in the community which saw some 8000 lots and 40,000 residents benefiting. He noted that an average of Gy$2

President Ramotar unveiling a plague at the commissioning of the new Highway

The newly-commissioned La Parfaite Harmonie Highway

million was invested per house lot. He said that the key projects ongoing include the upgrading of 20 kilometres of roads to asphaltic concrete surface. He noted that concerns were raised about security along the highway and Government has since put arrangements in place. “The Guyana Police Force working with the

private sector has already constructed a 40-foot container Police outpost and we’re going to put that outpost at the head of the road so that we can have security at the entrance and exits,” he said. Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar, delivering the feature address noted that road is expected to improve the daily lives of residents

as it will be less time consuming for commuters while at the same time ensuring productivity. The President added that Government has invested a lot in the development of Region Three as he pointed out that a study is currently being conducted for another location to cross the Demerara River.

NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana to ship 10,000 tons of rice monthly to Africa W

ith the rice industry set to begin its peak harvesting season by the end of September, another large crop is expected, according to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, and there are arrangements being made to ship about

10,000 tonnes monthly to Africa, through a trade group. Briefing the media on Saturday, the Minister said that initiatives have been put in place to address the challenges faced by farmers. The focus is currently on premium markets

and as production increases, the regular priced market will be tapped into, he said. There is also a renewed focus on value-added products such as cereals and even paddy husk, formerly discarded as waste, will be utilised to see maximum use

Arrangements are being made to ship about 10,000 tonnes monthly to Africa, through a trade group

of all products and byproducts. As part of this effort, the Agriculture Ministry is in partnership with the Energy and Research Institute of India and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology, locally. “We want to ensure that everything that leaves the field is utilised and the farmer benefits, from those additional revenue streams….By 2016, the revenue from rice will be more than rice itself,” he asserted. Attention is being particularly paid to low yielding fields. “Whilst we have begun to have an average of about 35 bags per acre, in the farms, some farmers have been having over 40,” he stated. Addressing the issue

of payments to rice farmers, the Agriculture Minister revealed that the first crop for 2014 realised in excess of $23 billion in paddy being sold. He made it clear that no farmer was owed money from the 2013 crops. “There were some farmers who were not paid, but those would have been the millerfarmers, because they owed themselves, and I’m not counting them.” The Minister estimates that less than Gy$250 million is owed to a small number of farmers for 2014. “In the case of one group in West Demerara, a large part is owed to the group itself. Those who bought paddy, bought from themselves, and they bought from others. They

have paid the others off, but they owe themselves. Neither the bank nor the Ministry of Agriculture will take responsibility for that. They’ll have to figure out how they pay themselves.” The Agriculture Ministry is working to ensure that small farmers are paid off before the peak harvesting season begins. Dr Ramsammy explained that, previously, the Ministry could have assisted due to the fact that the Venezuelan market for rice was about 70 per cent of local production and those resources could have been used to pay off farmers,”we were the payers and we could have paid directly to the farmers, whatever we owed to the millers”.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

GDF, US Special Forces US ends funding conduct joint training for Caribbean HIV/ AIDS programme

GDF and US Special Forces and their respective Commanders pose for a photograph after their training

anks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces and their counterparts in the United States recently completed a month-long training exercise. The Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) took place in and around Camp Stephenson and contained three phases, the GDF said in a release. The first phase, taught by the US Special Forces soldiers, consisted of short and long range marksmanship, swimming, and classroom training. The classroom training covered tactical combat casualty care, radio

operability, patrolling techniques, and leadership skills. Thirty-four Guyanese soldiers rapidly advanced through Phase one, which culminated with a Combat Water Survival Test. Phase two built on the skills learned in Phase one, but was taught at a faster pace. Phase three culminated with a 72-hour rigorous exercise with individual and team events that tested the newly acquired skill set by the Guyanese soldiers. The soldiers practised their marksmanship, radio procedures, combat life-saving medical skills, and swimming. Additionally, they performed a physical train-

ing test, swimming test, and obstacle course. After the culmination exercise, the US Special Forces soldiers attended a training course at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRMJATS). Under the guidance of the Guyana Defence Force 3-1 Special Forces, the US soldiers received 72 hours of expert instruction and familiarisation on a broad range of survival skills. Brigadier Mark Phillips, Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force was on hand to observe the culmination exercise and presided over the graduation ceremony. Both the US

and GDF teams agreed that the event was a resounding success. Lieutenant Commander Bob Novotny, the United States’ Senior Defense Official in Guyana, remarked “this was outstanding training and an excellent partnerto-partner exercise for the United States and Guyana Defence Force soldiers. These teams were able to provide each other [with] world class training in their areas of expertise and in doing so created life-long relationships. Our Embassy’s Security Cooperation Office looks forward to bringing more JCETs to Guyana in the years to come.”

he University of the West Indies (UWI) says it has been advised by the United States that it has ceased funding for a regional HIV/AIDS training programme. The UWI said that Washington had advised of the shift from September 1 as a result of a global policy shift. It said due to the change, the funding for the UWIbased Caribbean HIV/ AIDS Regional Training Programme (CHART) and other funded health training partnerships, have been discontinued. In a letter sent to the UWI, the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), which manages US funding for HIV/AIDS globally, said “all PEPFAR (US President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief) programmes are being realigned to meet the 50 per cent care and treatment earmark mandated in authorising US legislation. “The shift in programme focus will not include funding (of) training activities or

human resources for health activities that have been the focus of the Caribbean HIV/ AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network’s scope of work. Likewise, the shift in programme focus will also affect the current Infectious Disease Residency partnership.” The US Government said that diplomatic notification of this policy realignment has already occurred. HRSA said there will be a transition period, which began globally on September 1 and which will be completed by December 31 this year. UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor E Nigel Harris, has expressed his regret at the decision made and on the early implementation timeframe. He said such a decision will have adverse implications for staff employed under the UWI CHART Programme, and meetings had been held with the affected staff members regarding this development and to discuss its implications. (CMC)

feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Professor David Dabydeen By Petamber Persaud

n 15 August 2014, an “Anthology of Contemporary Guyanese Verse”, ed. Petamber Persaud and published by The Caribbean Press, (along with other books) was launched by Professor David Dabydeen, one of the founders of The Caribbean Press. The occasion was witnessed by scores of writers and lovers of literature. And what an event it was: igniting the evening with performances of prose and poetry by their authors, endowing the moment with authenticity and a sense of great achievement, many of the authors, some published for the first time, acknowledging the role of the press in affording them the opportunity to be published, thereby affording them the opportunity to share their work with a wider audience. Anthologies play a major role in the assessment of a country’s literature, recording the achievement of the people and so serve to build a sense of national pride. Based on this concept, an anthology is a very important mechanism in literature, and the work of the anthologist is vital to a nation in that the anthologist becomes the bookkeeper of the nation’s invaluable literary heritage. Anthologies ought to bring out the best on offer at a particular time, bring attention to the best on offer during that time, have a reasonable representation of the literary landscape, and provide writers with a wider audience. Sometimes, all these criteria are not fulfilled leading to the fact that many anthologies begin with apologies, cit-

ing the lack of space for omissions, lack of knowledge of existing works, and lack of access to certain works leading to exclusions. This anthology focuses on contemporary writers of poetry, many of whom have explored and exploded the frontiers of poetry, challenging canonical notions of poetry. Of course, there are others who are contented to conform to convention yet bringing fresh perspective to the typical theme by enriching their writing with local flavours and nuances. One of the features this anthology brings to our attention is that ‘many writers from Guyana still use poetry as their medium of choice’ while poetry is declining in other parts of the world. By sticking with this genre, the writers are saying that ‘poetry matters’ and that poetry has the power ‘to move, inspire and motivate both its writers and readers alike’. And there is more to this anthology. Of the 21 writers, nine are women – almost half of the book. Of the 70 poems in this book, about one-third dwells on the subject ‘woman’ including ‘Adore’, ‘4 Women’, ‘Home’, ‘Goose on the loose’, ‘Black Coffee’, ‘Vishma Diana’, ‘The altar’, ‘Black lost girl’, ‘Hindu Woman’ and ‘I apologise’. The introduction by Dr Lynn Macedo, Yesu Persaud Centre for Caribbean Studies, University of Warwick, sums up the range of this anthology. Macedo wrote: ‘[t]he work of the twentyone poets in this anthology provides the reader with a new look at Guyanese identity from a twenty-first century perspective, as well as examining more univer-

sal themes such as the complexities of human relationships or the exploration of race and ethnicity. Guyanese writing has long been characterised with a close engagement in politics and social issues, and many of the poems in this collection continue that tradition of questioning and challenging facets of society that are perceived as being ambivalent towards the suffering of the poor and the dispossessed. Unsurprisingly, the violent history of the Caribbean continues to provide material with which several of the poets engage as does, in complete contrast, the natural beauty of the region’s landscape, flora and fauna.’ And there is more: the writers are from varying backgrounds, lawyer, youth advocate, transformational leader, playwright, actors, performance poet, photographer, film maker, sports journalist, television producer, fiction writer, bringing all those experiences to bear on the art. And there is more: at the launch of the book, the performances were awesome, bringing the work alive, never before has poetry sounded so good. Why? The reason is found in the introduction: ‘Contemporary society surrounds us with many art forms that are highly poetic in nature – from rap music to advertising ‘jingle’s, or football chants to political slogans. By working with such frameworks and stretching them into new poetic di-

mensions, the writers in this anthology are able to speak directly to today’s reader in a format that can be easily recognized and related to’. Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-

0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: • The Caribbean Press has commissioned Petamber Persaud to produce as Editor a Volume

2 of contemporary poetry, and a Volume 1 of contemporary prose by local Guyanese writers. Please contact Persaud for further information at the above telephone number and email address.

FEATURE

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

n 5 May 1812, when Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara were united under the British, the town, named Stabroek under Dutch rule, was renamed Georgetown in honour of English monarch George IV. Constructed from the quagmire of the low coastline that threatened or brought regular flooding, the city landscape would be built to become what was then considered, according to historian James Rodway’s “Handbook of British Guiana”, the “handsomest city in the West Indies”. Georgetown’s wards and streets were usually given names in honour of historic persons of the time as well as names of geographic areas in the country. Most often, wards were named after its owners, who were usually plantation owners.

Cummingsburg

Cummingsburg, a ward of the city once known as Plantation La Bourgade Cummingsburg, was named after its owner Thomas Cumming, a Scotsman. The ward contains streets also named after historic figures. Waterloo Street was named after Admiral

Street (formerly Murray Street, named in honour of Major General John Murray) was renamed in honour of a slave who has become one of Guyana's national heroes.

Kingston

The government purchased 184 acres of the old coffee estate Vlissingen from Joseph Bourda for the purpose of establishing a Botanic Garden and station. The Kissing Bridge is one noteworthy feature of the Botanical Gardens

Wellington's great battle and victory at Waterloo against the French forces on 18 June 1815, and Carmichael Street was named in honour of General Hugh Lyle Carmichael who served as governor of the colony from 1812–13. The reservoir in Main Street was filled up and converted into a walkway in 1897, and named the Queen Victoria Promenade by the Mayor and Town Council in honour of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee (this area is now known as Main Street Avenue). Thomas Street derived its name from its loca-

tion as the main road to Plantation Thomas, while East Street received its name because of its easterly location in the ward. Cummings Street was formerly known as the back dam (Cummingsburg Backdam) of Plantation La Bourgade. Middle Street also derived its name from being the middle dam of Plantation La Bourgade. New Market Street received its name as it led to the new market; and Church Street, as it was the primary route used by citizens for access to St Georges Church. This naming system remains today: Quamina

When the British captured the colony, the estate of Eve Leary, a widow who had inherited it from her late husband Cornelius Leary, became a garrison for British soldiers. The names of streets such as Parade Street, Barrack Street and Fort Street reflect this military heritage, while Duke

Street was so named in honour of one of the royal dukes, son of King George II. Some claim that Kingston was named in honour of Lieutenant Robert Kingston who constructed Fort St. George, and others claim it was named after King George.

Robbstown

Robbstown was uniquely named, not after its owner, who was Joseph Bourda, but its designer, John Robb, who arranged the building lots and landscape. turn to page 31

The iconic bandstand in the picturesque Promenade Gardens of the Cummingsburg ward

feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com from page 30

Robb Street is named after John Robb and

One of the most distinctive buildings of the city, Stabroek Market in the ward of the same name, is constructed of steel and built in 1881

Hinks Street is named after former governor (1862-1868) Sir Francis Hinks, who was also finance minister to Canada.

Queenstown

This ward of Georgetown was named after Queen Victoria and was purchased in 1887 by the town council from a planter named Quintin Hogg, to protect the city from unsanitary pigpens and prevent the erection of poorly constructed buildings by its proprietor. In the jubilee year of Queen Victoria, the town council announced the streets to be named after the Queen’s children. But this decision was not favourably received by the inhabitants of the ward. Subsequently, Laluni and Anira Streets were named after tributaries of the Lama River, also a tributary of the Mahaica River. Peter Rose Street bears the name of a former member of the Court of Policy. Forshaw Street was named after former city mayor George Anderson Forshaw. Almond Street was

named after a crown surveyor who died in 1877. Winter Place was named in memory of F A R Winter, a wellknown merchant and the founder of Hand in Hand Insurance Company. Brickdam, the main street of this ward of the city, was paved with bricks and made of burnt earth until 1921 when it was paved over for the arrival of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII).

Bourda

named after an almond tree, and Crown Street was named in honour of the crown.

Stabroek

The Stabroek area or ward of Georgetown is one of the oldest of the city, established by the French in 1782 before being renamed by the Dutch after Nicholas Gleevinck, Lord of Stabroek, who was also the1784 president of the Dutch West India Company. Several of the short streets running north to south of Stabroek were known by numbers before they were named by the Mayor and Town

Council in 1901. Croal Street, named after John Croal, a former Mayor of Georgetown, was also known as Red Dam because of its surface covering of red earth. Hadfield Street was named after Joseph Hadfield, an architect and former Crown Surveyor of British Guiana. Magnet Place was named after Dr Etienne Magnet, the director of medical services and a former surgeon general, and Sendall Place was named after Sir Walter Joseph Sendall GCMG, a former governor (1898 -1901) of the colony. Pollard Place

was named after the Honourable W B Pollard, a former auditor general and Vlissingen commissioner, while Boyle Place was named after Sir Cadenish Boyle KCME., a government secretary and acting governor (1894-1900) of the city. Austin Place was named after Charles Austin, the son of Bishop Austin and receiver general and Vlissingen commissioner. Brummell Place was named after John Brummell, Sheriff of Demerara, Police Magistrate of Georgetown and the first chairperson of the Botanic Gardens. Chalmers Place was

Following custom, the Bourda ward of the city derives its name from Joseph Bourda who purchased the area, which later became his estate. Charlotte Street was named in honour of Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. Bourda Street was named after its founder Joseph Bourda. South Road was commonly known as Love Lane; it was a footpath named in accordance with its geographical position as the southernmost street in this ward. Oronoque Street and Orange Walk derive their names from dams that were planted with oronoque and or-

ange trees.

Lacytown

According to Rodway in “The Story of Georgetown”, Lacytown was named after George Lacy, who had purchased the land from a representative of the Vlissengen estate of Joseph Bourda. However, another source suggests that writer L B Hill claims it was named after General Sir De Lacy Evans, a Crimean war hero. Rodway states the land was divided into five principal streets named Bourda, Kitty, Mary, Betsy and Joseph, after Joseph Bourda and his children. Mary Street became King Street and Kitty was renamed Wellington Street, according to Rodway. Alexander Street was named to commemorate the Czar of Russia Alexander I. Wellington Street was named after the Duke of Wellington and King Street was named in honour of King George III. Regent Street was the middle dam of the plantation from which the five cross streets branched off. (National Trust of Guyana)

news

Chronixx, Sean Paul and Major Lazer lead IRAWMA awards WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

INGSTON, JAMAICA: International recording artiste Sean Paul, reggae sensation Chronixx and EDM outfit Major Lazer lead the field with four nominations in the 33rd

International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) scheduled to take place at the Coral Spring Center for The Arts in Florida, on Saturday, October 4. Sean Paul — who, along with Enrique

Iglesias, performed on the finale of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ on Fox recently — received the nods in the categories entertainer of the year, best crossover song, and best music video. Mavado, Busy Signal

Sean Paul (left) and Chronixx (Jamaica Observer photos)

and Shaggy received three nominations each. The event will see several artistes receiving special recognition from the organiser. Singer Bobby Aitkens, Mykal

‘Grammy’ Rose — formerly of Black Uhuru, and Dr Audley Rollens will be inducted in Hall of Fame. IRAWMA Award of Honour will be given to St. Vincent-born

Kevin Lyttle. Jimmy Cliff, Chronixx, Tessanne Chin, Sean Paul and Soja are nominated for the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year; Christopher Martin, Tarrus Riley, Chronixx, Luciano, Romain Virgo for Best Male Vocalist; Etana, Marcia Griffiths, Tessanne Chin, Ce’Cile, Patrice Roberts for Best Female Vocalist and; ‘Smile Jamaica’— C h r o n i x x ‘Differentology’— Bunji Garlin ‘Easy Love’— Maxi Priest ‘Fight The Feeling’ — Beres Hammond and Shaggy for Best Song. (Jamaica Observer)

Simply the Truth

Education Month

his is proclaimed Education Month. As usual, we will do the song and dance. We shall have all kinds of people telling us the most desperately ordinary things. The things are usually derivative, unoriginal, trite, meaningless and without depth. Sometimes, to be honest, we do have something quite lovely. But this is rare. And it never seems to take traction. It is soon forgotten. We have had no one in Guyana for the last 50 years who offered a concise definition of education. So, on this “Education Month”, we shall offer this definition: To be educated means having the ability to measure one’s own ig-

Professor Daizal Samad

norance. In case we have some well-read person in Guyana reading this, we realise that Confucius said something similar. But even that Great One did not include measurement, and Confucius used more than 30 words. What we have done is to build on but make more concise what was given to us by the Great Philosopher. We also realise that Lao Tze offered his definition. No Guyanese though, as far as I know. We don’t even bother to know that which as written before. Such is our ignorance. Ignorance is not so much about not knowing; it is the willful refusal to learn. So, for Education Month, we can begin by examining the definition we have offered. For one thing, being educated is not about chewing and swallowing and vomiting chunks of information. Quick Berbice story: There was a fellow from Rose Hall Town who got into an accident. He spent some six months in the hospital in New Amsterdam. Not being an idle fellow, he bus-

ied himself by memorising the dictionary. It is said that he got all the way to M. If you ask the fellow about the meaning of any word from A – M, he would tell you. Quite amazing, we have to admit. But if you ask him to make a sentence with any one word, he could not do it. He had a good memory, but understood little and could critically examine nothing. Although the effort is admirable, this is not being educated. Being educated, if we accept the definition, is to be humble. The arrogant and ignorant will never accept the fact that they don’t know. Arrogance and ignorance are the enemies of education. I have had high school children tell me how much they know. I smile. They can be forgiven, for they are young. Not so easily forgivable are the long-in-thetooth adults who proclaim how much they know. And, in the end, it is so minute. It is rather like these people on social networks who write these pseudo-philosophical tripe in self-admiring ways, but when you look at it, it is without substance. It is embarrassing, really. But it takes a sense of shame to be ashamed. Name dropping is the way of the fool who seeks only to inflate himself. But even if we take this definition and have the good sense to examine it carefully, we will need to ask this: How can we measure our ignorance? How? This would take work, but are we ready to do the work?

Feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

context in a new environment. Unfortunately, such environmental awareness and concern for energy efficiency are not evident in the design of many, if not most, of our contemporary buildings. Generally, the developing world today in an effort to appear “modern and advanced”, imports building designs and relies less on designing with climate “in mind”. For example, to control heat flow through the building envelope, we have to consider the thermal properties of the wall itself, as well as the use of glass, the choice of colour, the requirement for shading and

Early Georgetown traditional building - well shaded

By Lennox J Hernandez

etter energy efficiency in building design has been a global priority for many years now, especially after the energy crisis of the early1970s. The building industry worldwide was slow to respond, but in recent times there has been a change in this attitude, at least in the developed world. According to British architect and researcher Susan Roaf, the year 2003 may have been the turning point as the public in developed countries became more aware of climate change. Though the developing world may not be a great consumer of energy when compared to the developed world,

Georgetown 1950s building shaded

Georgetown 1960s building shaded appropriate environmental practices in architecture are still required to assist in the reduction of ozone depletion and climate change globally. Historically, designers and builders followed the traditional architecture of a region as well as relying on their own experience for building design solutions. Today “… many people idealize the designs and innovations of vernacular architecture that can be found in ancient cultures all over the world”. Acknowledged too, is the concept of “environmental syncretism” in British colonies during the Victorian era, where new building forms were created for a new cultural

many other points. In the case of glass, this important material is seen as much more than a daylight-admitting element; it is also regarded as an architectural design feature to enhance the aesthetics of a building. Unfortunately, in hot countries, large areas of glass can greatly raise a building’s heat load and increase energy consumption through use of air conditioning. Also, the shading of buildings to reduce the total solar heat gain is critical for both non air-conditioned and air conditioned buildings; unfortunately, shading of buildings seems to be a thing of the

Georgetown contemporary building - excessive glass with make-shift shading on south and west walls

past. Canopies, louvers, awnings, and external sun shading devices should be used to greater effect in contemporary tropical buildings. Building designers and owners in developing countries should also pay more attention to the design of open spaces and streets in settlements, for example by reducing the extent of paving and increasing the area under grass and trees. Air conditioning is required in some buildings to achieve precisely controlled conditions indoors. However, attention to proper microclimate of the settlement and to the eco-friendly design of the building can do much to reduce the task of the air conditioner and, in many cases, actually avoid the need for air conditioning. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is an important and effective way to protect the ozone layer and global climate. Whereas, in a humid climate, the movement of air into buildings is vital for indoor comfort when a building is not air conditioned, the air-conditioned building must be properly sealed against the entry of hot air for energy efficiency. Building shape and form are also basic determinants of the energy required to cool a building; for example, a compact building shape reduces the area of a building’s envelope through which solar heat may be gained. For air-conditioned buildings, careful consideration of the relationships between external surface area, volume and floor area can result in greater energy efficiency. Energy-efficient building design is essential because of the need to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases being spewed into the atmosphere globally, and to make more efficient use of expensive fuels in developing countries. While architects and engineers in a developing country have a major role to play in the drive for energy efficient buildings, the state has the duty to prepare and effect policies on energy efficiency in buildings, and building owners have to understand and appreciate the necessity for such measures. We have to look to our own environmental context for solutions to the problem of energy-efficient building design; appropriate local environmental practices will collectively reduce global warming and climate change.(From ‘Building for the Planet: A Challenge for Developing Countries’ by Lennox Hernandez, senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Technology, University of Guyana. Source: UNEP Special Issue 2011 ‘Ozon Action… Tipping the Balance towards Climate Protection through the HCFC Phase-Out’)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

World Bank says Caribbean beaches disappearing due to rising sea levels, storms

ASHINGTON D.C., UNITED S T A T E S : The World Bank says due to rising sea levels and recurring storms, the beaches in most Caribbean nations have started to disappear. In a new report, the Washington-based financial institution said, in some areas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for instance, an estimated 1830 meters of beach have been lost over the last nine years. “The highly vulnerable coastal strand and adjacent towns are fighting against increased flood risk from rainfall and storm surge,” said the bank, noting that the issue of challenges faced by small islands around the world was at the center of the just-concluded Third Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference in Samoa. The bank noted that the theme of the conference was sustainable development in view of

By Anu Dev

The World Bank has made some recommendations to improve the Caribbean’s ability to resist and adapt to the effects of climate change

these states’ unique and particular vulnerabilities. The World Bank indicated that beaches are not the only concern, stating that Caribbean ports are also at risk from rising sea levels. “In island states, ports are the economic heart of the country, typically the capital and the island center of commerce,” stated the bank, adding that airports are

also affected. To improve the Caribbean’s ability to resist and adapt to the effects of climate change, the World Bank has made some recommendations. With the poor and vulnerable being most affected by a global sea level rise, the bank urged that land planning be incorporated more into social programs to tackle how ex-

posed people are to risk. It also recommended the implementation of a preventive system to establish an economic recovery and diversification plan following a disaster, as well as increased investment in scientific data collection and flood controls. The other recommendations include land planning and watershed management. (Caribbean News)

Dogmade

…law by Ramjattan

hemraj Ramjattan claims to be a lawyer. He very well might be one. After all, he did represent Fedders Lloyd in their objection to the award of the contract for the Specialty Hospital. But then again, he represented them more in Parliament than in the courts. Apart from the blatant conflict of interest, he might just see himself more of a politician than a lawyer. But still a “lawyer”. Yet he just can’t seem to separate the two roles – and the Bar Association might have to step in – wielding its Code of Ethics manual. Ramjattan once again has brought up his ridiculous “complaint” to the Police against Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh for authorising the spending of monies that the Legislature hasn’t “authorised”. Ramjattan claims this is a “criminal violation” and is upset the Police haven’t charged the Minister as yet. We have said this once and will say it again. Ramjattan’s stance is making a mockery of the WI legal training system. One of the fundamental tenets of criminal law is that criminal offences must be clearly defined in law, and represents the operation of ‘the principle of legal certainty’. “Clarity and certainty” must be the watchwords. There have been reams of paper used to warn against “vague laws” or arbitrary extensions of them even by judges – all of which can be abused by the forces of law and order. Jeremy Bentham famously called the latter “dog law”: “When your dog does anything you want to break him out of, you wait till he does it, and then beat him for it. This is the way you make laws for your dog: and this is the way the judges make law for you and me. They won’t tell a man beforehand what it is he should not do – they won’t so much as allow of his being told: they lie by till he has done something which they say

he should not have done, and then they hang him for it.” And here we have Ramjattan, supposedly an officer of the court, demand that a man be charged for an offence that’s not even on the books!!! This is not even “dog law” – it’s more like “crab dog law”!!! Ramjattan and his Opposition cohorts have been whining about the Government taking disputes with them to the courts for interpretation. Well…at least the Constitution is clear that’s the role of the courts. But where in law school did Ramjattan learn that you can go to the Police and ask them to discern a crime when a Minister performs his job??? It is clear that Ramjattan went to school in August! ….Constitutional change The Opposition parties – PNC/APNU and AFC – are running all over the place shouting “constitutional change”!!!. They want to change the Constitution to bring about “power sharing”. This is so beyond ironic. After all, how could this bunch of losers complain that the President isn’t including them in governance when they’re not even including the PPP/C (which forms the Government) in the discussions about the constitutional changes they’re talking about??!!! So what’re they going to do?? Change the Constitution all by themselves?? This will be worse than crab-dog law which at least only affects individuals. Changing the Constitution means changing the entire power relations in the country. And it was for this reason that in our and every other Constitution, those kinds of changes need a two-thirds majority. That’s right, wankers of the Opposition!!! You can talk about “constitutional change” until you’re blue in the face – but ain’t nothing gonna happen unless the PPP comes aboard. So just keep on cussing them out AFC!!

Winging it

e’ve all been in situations where we’ve just had to wing it. You know…just doing something without any preparation or planning. On the fly. Sometimes we even put ourselves into those situations – we might’ve decided to procrastinate and leave everything to the last minute and bluff our way through a test or a presentation. As students we do that a lot, usually patting ourselves on the back for pulling another fast one over our teachers. I don’t think we ever really got away with those slapdash attempts though, somehow I think our teachers knew. Maybe because our presentations were full of gems such as “Umm… well…umm…and then….like….yes well”. Faultless elocution, that. Of course, sometimes we could find ourselves in a situation where, despite planning ahead, things still go awry and we have to just improvise our way out of the problem. In those instances, we have to try to be a bit more flexible, to be willing to accept things for being what they are, instead of how we want them to be. And once we don’t spend time panicking about things not being exactly as we wanted them to be, and instead think up a new plan of action, we might be surprised that the end result might be better than expected. Unexpected things will always come up and maybe in our preparations, we should start preparing ourselves to have to think on the spot or make quick decisions, instead of just preparing for a single event. It’s not the end of the world if you’re missing some ingredients from whatever you planned on cooking, just alter the dish and create something new. And every day we’re thrust into new and unexpected situations. We could show up at a meeting, expecting other people to take charge, but for whatever reason, they just can’t. We could be the ones who step up to the plate. We can adapt to the new role of leader and sometimes, we’ll find that it’s a position we thrive in. But improvisation can be difficult if you’re set in your ways or if you completely spazz out if things aren’t going completely to plan. It’s good to plan ahead, don’t get me wrong – I love planning and making nice organised, colour-coded timetables – but it’s when you put more importance on following the exact letter of the plan than doing the actual task that things become problematic. You have to be able to think on your feet and adapt quickly to changes around you or be able to tailor your approach to your particular situation. And of course there are the little improvisations we make every day. Singing a song and can’t remember all of the lyrics? Most of us just make up new ones. Do the new lyrics always make perfect sense? Nope, but that’s fine since half of the pop lyrics out there don’t make sense anyway – and they were written by professionals! All of the above, of course, has been prompted by my rather detailed, colour-coded plans for getting back into a school-mindset after that looooong holiday (mine started in May). That vacation! But then they do say, “Travel broadens the mind”, right? What was it that Robert Burns said?? “The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men/Gang aft agley (awry)”.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ruqayyah Boyer

Rum Jhaat high in spirits these days

e Hope Canal Project just get another deadline. Just when every body thought de last deadline was de last deadline, de Guvament announce another deadline as de last deadline. That is why de people at Hope get hopeless all over again. And talkin bout hopeless, Rum Jhaat is a man who look like he gettin hopeless just like de Hope(less) Canal Project. And people who hopeless does get desperate. And desperate people does do desperate tings. That is why Rum Jhaat always got to seh some ting even when he ain’t got nutten to seh. And whah ever he seh does got to be in de paper man paper, especially wid elections fever heatin up. Somebody seh Rum Jhaat elections campaign office gon be at 7-owe-4, because he does be deh from 7 till 4. PM to AM. So from 7 till 4, Rum Jhaat mouth does get a lot more freedom, and de talk does get a lot more dumb. Was right deh Rum Jhaat get drunk de other day and he start to feel like he had power. So he stand up pun a table and seh de P-P-Pee-See gettin drunk wid power. Well, that is de only time in de last 20 years that Rum Jhaat was able to stand up. After all, if a man can’t stand up in one way, he might as well choose another way how he can stand up. In fact, de only reason Rum Jhaat play some kinda cricket match de other day is because he hear de match had some ting to do wid de spirit of unity. And once Rum Jhaat hear bout spirit, he does get in de spirit. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Some body at de match seh Rum Jhaat was definitely in high spirits de other night when de match done play. And it was only when he couldn’t get any higher that he end up right back flat pun de ground lookin up at how high he was all de time.

n November 12, Miss Guyana World 2013, Ruqayyah Boyer will be competing with 90 other beauties around the world for the prestigious title of Miss International 2014 in Toyko, Japan. The Miss International Pageant is the fourth largest pageant in the world. The others are Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Earth. Presently, the

Guyanese delegate is in the Philippines undergoing intense training leading up to the pageant. She is expected to arrive in Toyko, Japan on October 26 where she will participate in another training session and preliminary competitions. She is being trained by the Gouldian Team that is known for their successes in pageantry over the past year.

Boyer, along with Miss Guyana World Rafieya Hussein, is in training from 09:00h to 18:00h every day in various areas including makeup, hair style, wardrobe, pageant walk and others. Hussein is slated to represent Guyana at the Miss World Pageant in December. However, during an online interview with Boyer, she stated “I am being trained on pageant walk for Miss International since our trainer indicated that for each pageant it is different…the requirements change in Miss Universe where I might have needed a more fiercer catwalk… such does not apply for Miss World or Miss International.” She noted, however, there are certain elements of the training that are a bit unorthodox, but admitted they are to help with her walk, posture and leg muscles. In the next few days, the two delegates will have a fitness session and photo shoots along with speech training with respect to “what to say and what not to say”, she grinned. Boyer also noted that

the training is of a high quality and she was honoured to have been able to meet the reigning Miss International, who is from the Philippines. “It so happens that the reigning Miss International is from the Philippines so I am learning the secrets to get her crown…” With less than three weeks before she wings off to Japan for the final, she remains optimistic that she will do well as she represents Guyana on the international stage. She recalled competing with more than 130 delegates in the Miss World Pageant and she promises to use her experience in the upcoming pageant. Boyer was contacted by the Miss International Committee to participate in the pageant and after realising that Guyana has never been represented on that stage, she agreed almost immediately. “I wasn’t going to do another beauty pageant contest after Miss World, but I was asked to consider and I did, but I figured if I were going to do this again… I will need a different approach, hence the training for the first time.”

Rigging warning?

atiricus’ brow was furrowed. Surely all his fellow newspaper hacks couldn’t have missed what was playing out on this voters’ list thing. The Pee an’ See we’re so misunderstood. No matter what they did, folks just didn’t believe they were on the up and up. So here they were, not being taken seriously when they said the PPCEE were making a fuss so they could question the elections later. “Jeez,” exclaimed Satiricus to the fellas at the back street bar, “who know rigging more than the Pee an’ See??” “Yuh right!” agreed Cappo. “It tek a teef fuh catch a teef!” “And the Pee an’ See thief a whole lotta elections!!” grinned Suresh. “And they questioned voters list in every election since 1992. And challenged them too! They know what they talking about!” “But yuh gat fuh admire de Pee an’ See,” interjected Bungi, Cappo’s cane-cutting partner. “Na everybady does admit deh wrang.” “Wha yuh mean??” asked his buddy a bit roughly. “Well de las’ time, Pee an’ See seh how SurujBallsy cock up de wuk,” Bungi replied, “And now look how deh seh de man like wan genius fuh mek wan perfect list.” “But I don’t know what the PPCEE complaining about,” observed Hari who’d been listening to the gaff. “Is only 3000 dead people on the list.” “Budday! In my village alone, they have more than 3000 dead people!” laughed Teacher Samad. “I mean “brain dead”…and if you brain dead! You dead! no.” Everybody chuckled. “Deh gat some brain-dead people right hay at dis table!” cackled Cappo. “But leh we get serious chaps,” interrupted Suresh. “How come Pee an’ See agree wid Ballsy that the list “almost perfect” and that the PPCEE only throwing talk?” “Budday, is the Pee an’ See fella the new head,” replied Suresh, “and the big Enchilada Surujballsy lose he balls after Pee an’ See march in front of he house the last time!” “Yes,” grinned Teacher Samad, “he choke on his wine.” “Well, if the expert in rigging and doubting the list to make trouble later – the Pee an’ See – seh the PPCEE just bluffing, it got to be true,” concluded Satiricus as he raised his glass. “You got to go with the experts, no?”

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es Earnest prayer

A little boy had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer. "Good!" said the pleased mother. "If you ask God to help you not misbehave, He will help you." "Oh, I didn’t ask Him to help me not misbehave," said the little boy. "I asked Him to help you put up with me."

Knock on wood

Three old ladies are sitting in a diner, chatting about various things. One lady says, "You know, I'm getting really forgetful. This morning, I was standing at the top of the stairs, and I couldn't remember whether I had just come up or was about to go down." The second lady says, "You think that's bad? The other day, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, and I couldn't remember whether I was going to bed or had just woken up!" The third lady smiles smugly. "Well, my memory's just as good as it's always been, knock on wood." She raps the table. With a startled look on her face, she asks, "Who's there?!"

Death and taxes

A businessman on his deathbed called his friend and said, "Bill, I want you to promise me that when I die, you will have my remains cremated." "And what," his friend asked, "do you want me to do with your ashes?" The businessman said, "Just put them in an envelope and mail them to the Internal Revenue Service. Include a note that says, "Now, you have everything."

Jesus is watching

This week's Puzzle

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shone his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying: "Jesus is watching you." He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, clicked the light back on and began searching for more valuables. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard: "Jesus is watching you." Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?" he hissed at the parrot. "Yep," the parrot confessed, "I’m just trying to warn you." The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who are you?" "Moses," replied the bird. "Moses," the burglar laughed. "What kind of stupid people would name a parrot Moses?" "Probably the same kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus," the bird answered.

Sibling education

Troy, a first grader said to his mother, "Mom, the teacher was asking me today if I have any younger brothers or sisters who will be coming to school." Troy’s mother replied: "That’s nice of her to take such an interest, dear. What did she say when you told her you are the youngest child?" She just said: "Thank goodness!"

Mommy's a fortune teller

see solution on page 46

"Can people predict the future with cards?" Suzie asked Little Johnny. "My mother can," said Johnny. "Really?" "Yes, she takes one look at my report card and can tell me exactly what will happen when my Daddy gets home."

news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Record tourist arrivals for St. Lucia

– with increase in Canadian visitors

over last year. Director of Tourism Louis Lewis acknowledged the boost in the sector and attributed its growth to the strategic marketing efforts targeted at key sectors of the source markets, most notably being the airlift expansion strategy and

At 208,117, visitor arrivals are seven percent higher than the same period last year

ASTRIES, ST. LUCIA: The St. Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) says significant growth in visitor arrivals has been recorded for the island in the first seven months of the year. Tourist officials announced that total stay over arrivals by air and ferry at the end of July 2014, have surpassed all numbers previously recorded in the island’s history. At 208,117, visitor arrivals are seven percent higher than the same period last year–a difference of more than 13,000 arrivals. It says to further emphasise the significance of this year’s performance, increases were recorded every month so far, with July recording both the

highest percentage (13 percent) as well as actual growth (3672). In addition, the figures recorded in the months of February, March, April and June, were the highest number of arrivals ever recorded in these respective months in the island’s history. The expansion of the sector is fuelled by growth in particular markets, namely the U.S. and UK, the island’s two largest markets, which increased by 14 percent and eight percent respectively, during the seven month period. Growth was also experienced in the Canadian and European markets, both of which increased by double digit percentages

fostering closer relationships with the travel trade. “The outstanding performance recorded this year is testimony to the work that the Tourist Board engages in to market the destination, and can be translated into a greater awareness of the

destination in our key source markets. We are very pleased to announce the sector’s performance for the year thus far.” The success also extends into the Cruise and Yachting sectors, which also recorded major increases in the last seven

months. The island recorded a five percent increase in cruise arrivals stemming from the 14 percent increase in calls, whilst arrivals by yacht increased 16 percent over the same time period. (Caribbean News)

38 travel & tourism

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Simoni Pond

A Scenic water oasis

Serene sunset on the Simoni River (Photo by David Stanley)

he Simoni Pond is a large fresh water oasis that flows to the Rupununi River via a smaller creek. Once the river winds down the forest-clad mountains, it slows down as it enters the vast savannah lands and opens up into five shallow river bays known as the Simoni Lakes. The Simoni River is a tributary of the Rupununi River, and finds its source high in the Kanuku Mountains. The best inland fishing in Guyana, including a favourite catch: peacock bass, is at Simoni Pond. There too, is a great opportunity to explore the flooded forest or savannah. A spectacular view of the beautiful spread of victoria amazonica, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest water lily and Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national flower, is also a highlight of this trip. Besides the excellent fishing, there is always a chance for great

wildlife sightings including the Squirrel, Howler, Capuchin and Bearded-Saki monkeys. More impressive are the large Black Caiman that patrol the banks (they grow up to 18 feet), along with Giant River Otters and Capybaras. Riverine birdlife is extremely diverse and includes Jabiru Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Woodstorks, Blackskimmers, Boatbilled Herons, and Muscovy Ducks. Boating through the flooded forest offers unmatched opportunities to observe the unique ecosystem. Then there is Buffalo Pond, near Karanambo Ranch on the Rupununi River. This pond offers similar adventures and an idyllic opportunity for birding and fishing enthusiasts to experience nature one-on-one. (Cover photo - Breathtaking spread of Victoria Amazonica on the Simoni Pond)

Beautiful morning at Simoni Pond

Scenic beauty at Simoni Pond in the evening

39 Glamorous red carpet World film premiere at Movie Towne in Trinidad feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

U.S. actresses Malinda Williams and Essence Atkins pose along local actors Russel Wilinson-Taitt and Kevon Brooks at the world premiere of their film ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ last Tuesday night at MovieTowne, Port-of-Spain

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Shot entirely in Trinidad, U.S. film director Roger Bobb’s latest work, ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ had its world premiere last Tuesday night at the Movie Towne Complex, Trinidad. It was a grand red carpet event reminis-

cent of the Hollywood type movie premieres of major motion pictures. Leading cast and crew (both local and foreign) arrived at Movie Towne in stretch limousines before making their way along the red carpet entrance to cinema’s entrance. The event caused quite a stir at Movie Towne with huge crowd gath-

ering to get a glimpse of the actors and to snap photos with their cellphones. Onlookers got a chance to see wellknown U.S. actresses Malinda Williams (‘Soul Food’ series, ‘The Wood’) and Essence Atkins (‘Are We There Yet’, ‘A Haunted House’, ‘House of Payne’ tv series), two of the leading ladies in the film, make

their way down the red carpet. Among the specially invited guests were well-known local personalities such as Penelope Spencer and Darren Ganga who had roles in the film, as well as, prominent members of parliament, the business community and the local film community. In the foyer, guests were treated to wine and finger food before making their way into the theatre for the movie’s screening. Addressing the large audience before the start of the film, Bobb praised the local cast and crew, as well as, the TT Film Company and the various sponsors for their work in facilitating the making of the movie in Trinidad. In stating that the film was the very first U.S. television movie to be shot 100 percent in Trinidad, Bobb urged the various sponsors of the film to support the local filmmakers because, as he said, “I truly want Trinidad to be the Hollywood of the Caribbean. That’s why

Local team of Lisa Wickham (TT producer for the film) and Sheldon Felix (Director of Photography for the film) at the premiere of ‘Girlfriends Getaway’

we’re here.” At the end of the screening, the highly appreciative audience members were given a chance to pose questions to the cast and

crew and even give their comments on the film. It was evident from those in the audience that ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ is must see movie. (TT Newsday)

art & culture

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

n the foyer of the National Cultural Centre, an impressive art exhibition showcases the distinguished talents of the students of the E R Burrowes School of Art. Administrator of Burrowes and prolific artist, Ivor Thom stated that the exhibition is planned to be an annual event where students of the institution can display their works to the public. At the exhibition, some of the pieces on

display included ceramics, paintings, graphic art, and sculptures. Thom expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony for making the exhibition possible. The minister commended the artists for their creative display and pointed out that some of the pieces could be entered in the upcoming visual arts competition. In an interview with the Guyana Times

Sunday Magazine, Elodie Smith, a painting/ceramics student who is among the batch of exhibiting artists to graduate next month, said that the exhibition is to “crown the three years the students spent at Burrowes”. Smith, who is originally from Martinique, disclosed that she enjoys the freedom of selfexpression, via art, artists have in Guyana. “For me, art is therapeutic and helps me relax. When I’m painting

A breathtaking replica of the City of El Dorado by Tammy Walker

or creating it’s a representation of me and helps me to express myself. I want to do more and create functional art pieces for the home.

Untitled (2014) by Sheliza Rampersaud

Functional and creative pieces by Elodie Smith

art & culture

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

continued...

Artistic vase by Sheliza Rampersaud

Graphic art display by Kwesi Archer

I love lights and so I enjoy creating my ceramic pieces to brighten the home. I’m inspired by people, nature and life in general,” expressed Smith. The artist’s advice for young artists is to “keep practising by drawing every opportunity received, read a lot on art, and then get formal training. Visit the art galleries and ask questions”.

“Personally, the creative process is very exciting. I’m sometimes surprised that I start off with one thing but my end work is something totally different. It’s an exhilarating experience for me,” Smith declared. For more information on the exhibition, call the National Cultural Centre on 226-2161.

'Amerindian Girl' by Tammy Walker

'E'Den' by Elodie Smith

feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

With the acquisition of a land and building, the reigning Miss World Guyana is one step closer to fulfilling her dream

he ethos of ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ has been brought to Guyana, with reigning Miss World Guyana Rafieya Husain diligently pursuing her goal in alleviating the suffering for victims of domestic violence. The latest developments include the acquisition of a suitable building and its surrounding land for the creation of an outreach centre in Essequibo, which would provide advocacy, education and preventative measures to help families and communities live in harmony, and ultimately end domestic abuse.

Husain, second from right, with other officials examining the site for the centre Regional Chairman Parmanand Persaud and Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh were in attendance at a presentation of the building, with renovation work already underway to prepare the centre for its opening. Also present at the presentation of the land were Denesh Mohan, Supt of Works, Region Two, Nandranie Coonjah, RDC Councillor, Keshana Dyal, Counsellor and Portia Jacobs, Expenditure Planning & Management Analyst for the Regional Office.

Domestic Violence Outreach

Centre’s objectives

The centre will tirelessly advocate for all affected by domestic violence as it relates to ending and preventing it; it will seek every opportunity to ensure it has the inner strength to be sustainable; also seek to establish and provide useful resources to mitigate all of the circumstances that lead to violent outcomes; and will offer a wide variety of programmes, events and ways to learn how to end the cycle of violence. The centre’s policy will prohibit discrimination in all its programmes and activities on the basis of race, colour, national origin,

age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income and/or status. The Inclusiveness Initiative will distinguish the centre as a one of the leaders in supporting underprivileged populations of violence victims and those living in rural areas.

was inspired by her late grandfather, Shaffeek Khan. His philanthropic work for the community, building schools for children, is one of the reasons she is so inspired. Additionally, she is inspired by her personal ex-

ing people. I believe violence against women, men and children results from the use of force or threat to achieve and maintain control over others in intimate relationships and from societal abuse of power. I would like to work with foundations to design and fund innovative programmes to eradicate domestic violence and to foster development of safe alternatives within local communities.” In the interview she also mentioned that she volunteered for the Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic, in the US, which offers free health services to the area of residents who have no health insurance and have a household income that is less than the poverty level. She also worked with ACT - now a nonprofit organisation- which focuses on the prevention and elimination of child trafficking and domestic violence. When asked what she would do if she won the Miss World crown,

Husain’s inspiration

Husain’s passion for improving lives and making a difference started from an early age, which

Husain crowned Miss World Guyana perience with domestic violence as a teen to build an outreach centre in Essequibo for abused victims and survivors. Before being crowned Miss World Guyana, Husain explained in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine her platform that is very close to her heart. “My platform is domestic violence and to find steps towards spreading awareness and educat-

Husain declared: “I will work with the Miss World organisation’s goals and would use this platform to address corporate and public leaders, community service groups, organisations, the media and others about issues to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including poverty, domestic violence, diabetes awareness, education, literacy and so on. I would like to be more

feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

iNet Communications and Global Technology

- 14 years of service as a reliable internet provider

he digital divide separates those who know how to apply technology to create wealth and those who do not. It separates those who understand how the technology could work for them and take full advantage of it, and those who do not fully understand the technology and/or under utilise it. Global Technology, in January 1998, started the process of bridging this divide for Guyanese. George Melville (Cambridge University, UK, Queen’s College), Jude Philipneri (York University, UK, Queen’s College) and Orson Smith (York University, UK, Queens College) were three scholars returning from their Commonwealth scholarships from 1996 to 2000. Notably, they were part of the original Global Technology technical team, and have now formed the technical team on the current Global Technology board. George Melville, MBA, MA, BA, CEO of the Global Technology Group, has extensive experience in enabling technology for scientific research. He also specialises in the area of Finance and has over 16 years of managing the process of delivering IT solutions to individual clients, corporations and governments. Melville’s awards and scholarships include: Guyana's Scholar 1993; Commonwealth Scholar; Cambridge Commonwealth Scholar; and holds several academic and sports awards at Queen’s College (1986-1993). Jude Philipneri, BSc, CGA, ACCA, MBA, Operations Director, Corporate Networks with Global Technology Group, has extensive experience in programming and corporate networks. Additionally, he is the System Administrator at the Central Housing and Planning Committee and is responsible for providing guidance through initial computerisation process. Philipneri is the Senior Analysis Programmer at the Guyana Revenue Authority. He is also a Certified General Accountant. Philipneri’s awards and scholarships include: Guyana's Scholar 1993; Commonwealth

George Melville

Scholar 1993; and holds several academic and sports awards at Queen’s College (1986 -1993). Orson Smith, MEng, Technical Director with Global Technology Group, holds a Master of Engineering (MEng) Computer Science and Software Engineering, York University (UK). Smith is responsible for the engineering designs for all the information technology networks that iNet is responsible for, and the new networks that iNet will be rolling out across Guyana. He has consulted and designed the new University Of Guyana Fibre Optic Network. Currently, he is responsible for the operations of the GUYSUCO national wireless network. Smith’s awards and scholarships include: Guyana's Scholar 1994; Commonwealth Scholar 1994; and holds several academic and sports awards at Queen’s College (1987 - 1994) Having experienced information technology in the developed world, Melville, Philipneri and Smith made it their personal goal to create a learning environment similar to what they were exposed to and bring that to Guyana. The Global Technology board conducted an assessment of the technology needs locally by sending out structured surveys to every company. The response from this assessment, conducted in March 1998, was overwhelming. The information received was used strategically in developing Global Technology’s training packages. These packages remain tried, tested and true to over 30,000 Global Technology certified individuals, and over 90% of companies operating in Guyana - who are ten years or

older. These packages are the Foundation Package, the Technician Package, the Desktop Publishing Package, the Programming Package, the Engineering Package, and the Web Site Development Packages. Global Technology then collaborated with local companies that responded to its survey to deliver the training they requested. Early companies included Banks DIH, RBL, GBTI, Citizens Bank, CARICOM, Laparkan, and others. The Board of Global Technology, in 1999, quickly realised that stable internet connectivity to customers on the coast and in the interior was a major hurdle to national development. Global Technology approached GT&T and was granted reseller status for their ISP service. After reselling that Dial-up ISP service for about six months, Global Technology discontinued with its ISP reseller agreement with GT&T due to the poor quality of that service. Further, GT&T started to directly compete with their local ISP resellers (July 2010). This step by GT&T effectively killed off other local ISP’s (companies like MDT, Solutions 2000, GuyanaNet). When discussions began in September 2011 for the sale of iNet Communications to Global Technology, this opened up the op-

portunity for Global Technology to solve one of the initial needs that clients in remote locations requested (over ten years previously). Global Technology’s cli-

ents simply wanted to be properly connected so that they can communicate. This is effectively what iNet communications is delivering to the people of Guyana today.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Dangerous thinking …by “leaders” s the underbrush for the elections are being cleared, a dangerous trend can be clearly discerned: even though the Opposition parties talk about “democratic elections”, when it comes to their internal elections, all of that is thrown into the bush. Maybe so too the national elections?? It’s a case of “the leader knows best” and those at the bottom better get with the programme. We don’t have to go over the sordid rigging Granger and his loyalists pulled to get him back at the helm of the PNC, do we?? We thought Norton and his partisans from Linden might’ve been willing to expose that farce… but it looks like “party loyalty” has trumped justice and fair play – not to mention “democracy” – once again. Pity. Because the “party” to which they’re loyal has been so deformed by the military officers Granger has insisted be at the centre of operations, is no more. Point is, Granger’s very much aware of his lack of grounding in the party machinery and so individuals like Norton and Kissoon, with support in the trenches, are too threatening to his army topdown leadership style. He probably really believes what he’s doing is “good for the party” and in this, he betrays his fundamental anti-democratic genes. Unless you’re willing to accept the will of the people, you can never be a Democrat.

And we see this in the AFC also. We’ve already pointed out the sleight of hand being performed by Leader Ramjattan when he pretends to forget the agreement that the AFC Presidential Candidate will be alternated between the African and Indian Guyanese top leadership. This time, it’s the turn of the African leader to have a go… and Lalloo Ram’s acceptance of Nagamootoo is further proof of the ethnic card being played. Hope David Hinds brings up this marginalisation! But what struck us from a democratic perspective is for Ramjattan to keep stridently insisting that his choice for the ticket – Nagamootoo and Hughes – must be the AFC’s choice. What about the announcement by other individuals – such as the youth leader Trevor Williams – who declared he’s able, willing and ready to be the Presidential Candidate? Any leader with an iota of democratic sentiment would allow the nomination and election process to play out, without coming down like a ton of bricks on his druthers. Where are the democratic credentials of the AFC when young Trevor Williams is cowed to challenge the party’s machinery under Ramjattan’s control. From the example of big brother PNC – he knows that can always be rigged. …on development Against the background of national elections in the air, we should take a good look at the

Opposition’s take on the infrastructural projects the PPP/C’s been trying to get off the ground. Now the World Bank, the IBD, the CDB and every other financial institution have shown that “infrastructural development” is a prerequisite for economic growth. But the Opposition have fought tooth and nail to derail every development project. Take the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project. Who can doubt that low electricity cost’s the biggest hurdle in getting companies to establish value-added enterprises in Guyana? But the Opposition (and their media acolytes) came up with one excuse or another (road cost, then generating capacity, then wildlife concerns, relocation of Amerindians, then overall cost and finally financing), which the Government addressed at every turn – only to have another thrown up. Right now, they have the CJIA expansion in their sights. All their objections are grounded in their unwillingness to look at the possibilities. Sadly they figure if Guyana develops, their goose is cooked! …on guns Now that the rumours of GDF guns being doled out to PNC operatives have been confirmed, you’d think David Granger would’ve been happy to have them returned. It might improve the image of the both organisations – that he headed then and heads now.

history

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ouis Pierre De Saffon was born in France; some researchers suggest in Languedoc province in 1724, and became a land surveyor. However, in an act that was to profoundly change his fortunes, he murdered his broth-

er during a duel (at the time outlawed in France) over a woman, and fled to the colony of Demerara seeking asylum. Saffon Street in Charlestown, Georgetown, was named after the Frenchman. The ward

itself was built on the front lands of the former Plantation Le Repentir when the land was parcelled out and sold to cover his estate debts after his death in 1784 at 60, while another account claims the lands were from the La Penitence estate.

The monument within the St Saviour’s Parish compound

The Saffon Monument, Broad and Saffon streets, Charlestown, Georgetown

In Demerara, De Saffon acquired much wealth, and became owner of plantations Le Repentir (Regret) and La Penitence (Remorse), which are said to have been named in repentance of his actions in France. There is also the suggestion of a Plantation Le Misère (Woe) being another De Saffon estate. Although he never married, he is said to have had sired a daughter with his housekeeper. De Saffon is also known, though less spectacularly, for the De Saffon Trust; a fund

he had stipulated in his will for the care and education of orphans until they reached the age of 16. After his estate debts were cleared, the remaining funds were allotted for 10 native Demerara orphans to receive his charity. According to The British Guiana handbook, 1913, the will also stipulated, “under the terms of the will preference must always be given to the most poor and indigent and those born of white parents”. It wasn’t until 1825, almost 40 years later, that the trust was put into existence with two beneficiaries. By 1834, 36 persons had benefitted from the trust fund, and in 1839 the Bishop of Guiana in his report on the Diocese declared the De Saffon Institution the only public school on the colony offering a grammar school education. The grave site of De Saffon now lies at the corner of Broad and Saffon streets, in the church yard of the St Saviour’s Church, once known as St Saviour’s

Chinese Church since it was designated to provide a place of worship for the newly introduced Chinese population in Georgetown. (The word “Chinese” was omitted from the name in 1939, and the church is now known as St Saviour’s Parish Church). It was purchased in 1845 from the administrators of the Saffon estate. The De Saffon Trust Act remains inscribed in Chapter 13:20 of the laws of Guyana, and is under ministerial authority. A monument called The Saffon Monument was erected on his grave site in the church compound. Described as a granite monument, it reads in part, ‘Pierre Louis de Saffon: Born in France in the year 1724, and Died in Demerara in August 1784: The Revenue of his Estate, after other bequests, be bestowed in perpetuity, on the maintenance of ten poor destitute orphans, until attaining the age of 16 years.’

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Eve Leary Garrison Barracks (n.d.)

On the Demerara River. The Fruit Batteau (n.d.)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Times Notebook

Ebola is a real threat to N Guyana’s health, security F

inally, the world is paying attention to a killer virus that has given us many warnings before. Since 1976, Ebola has made appearances in several parts of Africa, each time leaving a number of persons dead on its trail. Yet it commanded little attention until its latest appearance in 2014. Now at least five countries have ongoing Ebola outbreaks and more than 1800 persons have died. Guyana has announced it is developing an Ebola prevention and control programme. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have done the same. Developed and developing countries outside of Africa now believe there is a credible threat of an Ebola outbreak and have decided that they need to put together emergency responses in case of an Ebola attack. The Prime Minister of Trinidad has called for a Caricom Heads of State meeting to discuss a possible Ebola outbreak in Caribbean countries. The head of the Caribbean Public Health Agency has warned that the threat of Ebola’s entry in this Region is real. President Donald Ramotar has also addressed the present Chikungunya epidemic and the threat of Ebola arriving on Guyana’s shores. The President has mandated the Health Ministry to take every precaution to bring the Chikungunya epidemic under control. Ebola is a threat to our health and security. Inadequate response Should Ebola make an appearance in a developed country, it will perhaps be quickly contained. But the present Ebola outbreak in Africa is clearly indicative that the weak health systems in many developing countries make it impossible to contain the Ebola virus. But the World Health Organisation

(WHO) is not in a position today to respond to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. This is because WHO is starved for financial resources. The global premier health organisation has not been provided with the support it needs to develop and implement effective programmes to help countries to avoid and to respond to dangerous killer pathogens like Ebola. In recent years, WHO has had to reduce the number of experts it retains on staff for quick support to countries whenever they are faced with new outbreaks. The 2014 Ebola outbreak in Africa is testimony to the reduced capacity of the WHO to respond. Global scandal The sloth in response to the Ebola outbreak is a global scandal. WHO took five months before it called a public health emergency. The US and European countries took a wait-and-see approach and they took many months before they sought to provide meaningful support to the African countries. It has taken the world far too long to pay attention to this deadly virus. The 2014 Ebola outbreak in five different West African countries so far represents 16 times since 1976 that Ebola has made its appearance in a violent call for attention. In all previous occasions before 2014, it attacked countries in East Africa and Central Africa. Clearly, Ebola is spreading its violence far and wide. While Africa is its geographic sphere at this time, Ebola is giving another kind of warning – it is preparing to spread its violent presence to countries outside Africa. The public messages and the awareness campaigns in West Africa and in Africa before the realisation that the 2014 Ebola epidemic is more than a passing appearance have been pathetic. This mistake is also be-

ing made in other countries where Ebola has never appeared. Guyana and Caricom must not feel buffered from Ebola and we must begin an awareness campaign now. We see big billboards, for example, about Caribbean Wellness Week, but nothing to warn people about the threat of Ebola. Ebola can come to the Caribbean. It will come, sooner than later. In Trinidad last week, there were strong rumours of an Ebola case in that country. Such rumours can cause panic, but also in a real Ebola outbreak can prevent effective responses. In Africa, for instance, rumours have led to people not going to the health centres because they believe that hot water, salt, chocolate, and onions can cure Ebola. The Health Ministry must take strong leadership in ensuring vital information is made accessible and transparent. The people must be confident that the information coming from the Health Ministry is authentic, accurate, and transparent. The most worrying vector of spread for Ebola is the traveller. In this Ebola outbreak, the five countries affected share very porous borders, where the disease could easily hop across in people moving around for work or to go to the market. But thousands of persons have travelled from these countries to countries outside of Africa, including Guyana and the Caribbean. This is the new normal and we should rewrite how public health officials think about Ebola going forward. If and when Ebola comes, Guyana must be prepared for quick recognition and containment. Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail. com.

EW YORK, U N I T E D STATES: New York Fashion Week is having a Caribbean flavour as designers from more than eight islands are showcasing their brands and collection. Caribbean New York Fashion Week (CNYFW) 2014 Fashion Event started Sunday and runs through Wednesday at THE OUT NYC, 510 West 42nd Street, NYC (between 10th & 11th Avenue). CNYFW is produced by Face Of Fashion (FOF), a fashion modelling and fashion design management company located in New York City, under the direction of Carla Hazel. This premier fashion event takes place during September New York Fashion Week 2014, targeting mainly Caribbean fashion designers and models. CNYFW fashion events provide the platform for all talents to showcase their inspirations in creative fashion designs for brand launching, as well as, the forum for fashion buyers and investors. Caribbean New York Fashion Week 2014 fuels the business of fashion for

A design by Barbadian Andrew Harris Jr (Picture courtesy Andrew Harris/FB)

Caribbean designers and models to take their skills and talent to the next level. Participating Caribbean Islands include Antigua and Barbuda-Daniel Shem Henri; Barbados--Andrew Harris Jr; Dominica--Glenda Jones; Guyana--Carol Fraser, Myrna Patterson, Patricia Jonas and Sonia

Noel; Haiti--Prajje JeanBaptiste; Jamaica--Gillian Francis aka Minka; St. Lucia--Lisa BartonVolney; Trinidad and Tobago--Athaliah Samuel and The Bahamas--Apryl Burrows. Caribbean models will be from Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and The Bahamas. (Nation News)

hollywood

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

uperstar Robert Downey Jr has defended his past drug addiction and says it’s “perfectly normal” for people to become “obsessive over something”. The ‘Iron Man’ star struggled with substance abuse in the past, reported Contactmusic. “For some folks it’s just a function of age. It’s perfectly normal for people to be obsessive about something for a period of time, then leave it alone,” he said. The 49-year-old actor, who also spent time in jail after breaking out of

court-ordered rehab, finally recognises the ways in which addicts can successfully tackle their issues. “Job one is get out of that cave. A lot of people do get out but don’t change. So the thing is to get out and recognise the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal. Or whatever. “But I don’t even know if that was my experience. It’s funny: five years ago, I would’ve made it sound like I’m conscious of my own par-

eanu Reeves will star in 'Daughter of God' opposite Cuban actress Ana de Armas that will be directed by Gee Malik Linton. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Linton has penned the script that revolves around a young Latino woman (de Armas) who

ticipation in seizing the similarities. But so many things have become less certain. I swear to God. I am not my story,” he added. (Indian Express)

experiences strange happenings as a police detective played by Reeves searches for the truth behind his partner's death. The 50-year-old actor, Linton and Robin Gurland are producing the movie, where Cassian Elwes and Daniel Grodnik will executive produce the movie. (TOI)

-Men: Apocalypse' is returning to a familiar setting for the filming next year. The movie is scheduled to begin rolling the camera in April 2015, taking place at the Mel's Cite du Cinema in Montreal where "X-Men: Days of Future Past" was previously shot, reported Ace Showbiz. Set construction will begin this December. Bryan Singer is set to return behind the lens. The

Raider’ and loved it," said a source. The couple, who has six children together, Maddox, 13, Pax, 11, nine-year-old Zahara,

eight-year-old Shiloh and six-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, are impressed with the fitness properties of the combat classes. (TOI)

Being an actress is lonely – Kristen Stewart

‘T

wilight’ star K r i s t e n Stewart says acting moves a person into isolation. The 24-year-old actress says that people get intimidated by stars and don’t approach them, which leaves actors lonely, reported Contactmusic. “Actors become super-isolated. Again, I’m not complaining about it, it’s just that you have a very unique perspective on things because people don’t talk to you, they feel like

they are not allowed to come up to you and say ‘hi’. “So suddenly you’re incredibly lonely and

people hire friends to have and what happens is the lines get blurred between co-workers and friends,” she said.

Only 60 guests to attend George Clooney-Amal Alamuddin wedding eighth installment of the 'X-Men' saga is planned to be released in theaters on May 27, 2016. James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender,

Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman and Evan Peters are expected to reprise their respective roles. (TOI)

Morgan Freeman safely lands malfunctioning plane

ewly married couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are practising Krav Maga, a militarystyle self defence art in preparation for their roles in ‘By The Sea’. Pitt, 50, has only recently adopted the discipline, which the couple now practices several days a week, while Jolie started learning the self-defence to train for her ‘Tomb Raider’ role in 2001, reports dailymail.co.uk. "Angelina previously learnt Krav Maga when she was doing ‘Tomb

eteran actor Morgan Freeman safely landed an aircraft he was flying after it malfunctioned on his way to the Toronto Film Festival. The 77-year-old actor was piloting the jet from his home in Mississippi to attend the world premiere of his film 'Ruth & Alex', co-starring Diane Keaton, Speaking at a pre-premiere party, which he arrived at 90 minutes later than scheduled, Freeman blamed the malfunction on the "slats" of his plane. (TOI)

eorge Clooney and Amal Alamuddin will invite only 60 close family and guests at their private Island wedding ceremony in Venice, it has been reported. Human rights barrister's paternal aunt, May Salman, and her children Ramzi and Makram are apparently integral to proceedings, the Mirror reported. The 53-year-old's best man has still not been disclosed, but newlywed Brad Pitt,

Matt Damon and Cindy Crawford's husband Rande Gerber are all rumoured to be in con-

tention. include Sandra Jennifer

Other guests Julia Roberts, Bullock and Aniston. (TOI)

Pierce Brosnan emotional about losing wife, daughter to cancer

ctor Pierce Brosnan says losing his daughter and first wife to ovarian cancer, is an "indelible part" of his psyche. He shared his thoughts at the Stand Up to Cancer fundraiser last

Friday, reports eonline. com. Following a true story of an ovarian cancer survivor, the actor began telling his unfortunate experience of losing his first wife Cassandra Harris and daughter

Charlotte Brosnan. He said: "To watch someone you love have his or her life eaten away bit by bit by this insidious disease, that part of your sorrow becomes an indelible part of your psyche.” (TOI)

bollywood Salman Khan has a new girl in his life – Is it Jacqueline Fernandez?

alman Khan and his ‘Kick’ ladylove Jacqueline Fernandez set tongues wagging with their increasing closeness during the promotions of the action flick. According to a report in Mid-Day.com, the duo still share a very close relationship and are said to be more than friends. Reportedly, Salman Khan dropped in on a good friend in the wee hours of the morning, accompanied by Jacqueline. Salman and Jacqueline hit it off during the filming of ‘Kick’ and were seen looking extremely comfortable with each other at the trailer launch of the action flick. Regardless of the cameras snapping away, Jacqueline and Salman giggled away while whispering to each other. The actress was also pictured giving Salman a kiss. Salman also made headlines when he revealed that Jacqueline was the first actress he

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“Quirky” Bipasha wants to do film with ‘funny take on women’

would like to kiss onscreen. Ladies Man Salman Khan has undoubtedly had his own share of romance. Salman’s sister Alvira is said to have fixed him up with Sangeeta Bijlani after her Miss India win in 1980. The duo parted ways in 90s but are known to share a special friendship. Salman Khan was then known to be dating Somi Ali who he met through a common friend in 1993. However, rumours suggest that Somi was not too fond of Salman‘s drinking and

aggressive behavior. She split from the actor in 1999. Salman Khan was then linked to none other than Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai. Their love story is one of the mosttalked about and memorable one. The 21-year-old Aishwarya fell for Salman during the shooting of their hit film ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ in 1999. However, after their split in March 2002, Aishwarya accused Salman Khan of harassing her and her family filed a police complaint against him. (Indian Express)

Shah Rukh Khan: I can be in a tub full of rose petals with ladies

dmitting to being “quirky” and “funny” offscreen, Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu Tuesday said she would love to do a film like ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, a funny take on women.In town to promote her forthcoming release ‘Creature 3D’, the dusky Bengali beauty said: “I would love to do a film like ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001 British romantic comedy), I think I am quite funny and quirky in my real time.”“But I have never done a film like that and I would like to work in a film that essays what a woman goes through in real life and a funny take on women. Yeah, I would love do a film like that,” she told reporters. The movie, slated to release

Sep 12, is a creaturebased thriller directed by Vikram Bhatt. In the film Bipasha’s character Ahaana battles a creature, based on Indian mythology and shows her transformation from a “vulnerable and lonely” girl to a power-

The guy who has done it is Prashant from Body Sculptor. My idea of fitness is that you have to be regularly fit. If at any given time if I am called to show my body, I take

a month of training to get into this shape. But you are basically fit if you are fit with your food and do just half an hour of exercises everyday.” (TOI)

ctress Priyanka Chopra is responsible for making Shilpa Shetty cry! And no, it's not because the

former hurt the latter in anyway. The National Award winning actress' moving and power-packed

Parineeti Chopra: I find it disrespectful when people call me bubbly

ctress Parineeti Chopra, who is often known as one of the most ‘bubbly’ actresses in Bollywood, says she finds the title 'bubbly' very disrespectful. "When people call me bubbly, I find it very disrespectful. I have done four films and there was nothing similar between 'Hasee Toh Phasee', 'Ishaqzaade', 'Shuddh Desi Romance' and 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl'," Parineeti told IANS. "There was nothing similar about them and

there was nothing bubbly about them at all. I find it ridiculous and I would like them (people) to see my films again so that they can change

their opinion," she added. Parineeti is currently busy promoting her forthcoming film ‘Daawat-e-Ishq’. (TOI)

ful woman.“When I saw ‘Anaconda’ onscreen and saw Jennifer Lopez battling the giant creature, I wanted to do something like that one day and I am lucky that I got to do it in ‘Creature 3D’,” she quipped. (Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra makes Shilpa Shetty cry

‘H

appy New Year’ is a genre bender, India's first heist and dance film. While most actors take pride in showing and talking about their bodies, the otherwise great showman Shah Rukh Khan is shy of not just showing it, but even talking about it. TOI tried recently to get Shah Rukh to talk about his 10 pack, but all he said was: “I can be in a tub full of rose petals with ladies and in a 10 pack for a woman director like Farah Khan.

‘K

hoobsurat’ actress Sonam Kapoor feels her fashionista image and off-screen personality sometimes overshadow her identity as an actor.

"People have forgotten that I am an actress, they don't take me seriously. First it was my dressing sense then my opinionated nature, both have overshadowed my identity of a performer.

performance in ‘Mary Kom’, directed by first timer Omung Kumar, moved Shilpa to tears. "Jus Saw #MaryKom all actors performed so well but @priyankachopra u rocked it. Omung's done a fab job. Cried my eyeballs out. Must watch tweetos," Shilpa tweeted Sunday. Even her husband and businessman Raj Kundra, who has always supported Shilpa in her entrepreneurial pursuits, tweeted: "The real star of #marykom in her real life is Onler. Family support is all you need! And in Reel life @priyankachopra u made my wife cry." (TOI)

I can't change both the things, they are part of me," Sonam said. The actress, known for grabbing headlines for her candid nature, says she is proud that unlike other actors, she does not shy away from making her opinions public. "I will always speak my mind, in fact, I feel many in our industry don't say what they want to, which is sad. But I can't be like them," said the actress, who feels she is underrated in the industry. (TOI)

Sport

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

National School Cricket League for Guyana R

epresentatives of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) met with Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, and discussed the National School Cricket League. Apart from Dr Anthony, present at the discussion were WICB Senior Project Officer of School Cricket, KJ Singh, GCB Secretary, Anand Sanasie, and GCB Territorial Developmental Officer, Colin Stuart. The League is proposed to be a joint WICB/ GCB/GOG venture. Singh explained that the League came about to fill the gap existing in school cricket. According to him, a research by the WICB found that almost 75 per cent of member territories had significant gaps in their development pathway between age groups, which encourage later development of cricketing skill sets. Instead of the youth players grasping the fundamentals of the game at ages 7-13, it is now done until ages 14-17, especially as it relates to hard ball cricket exposure at the school level. Only the Under-15

From right to left present at the discussion: Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, WICB Senior Project Officer of School Cricket, KJ Singh, GCB Territorial Developmental Officer, Colin Stuart and GCB Secretary, Anand Sanasie

age group is sustainable and functioning annually. So right now, the most important group is the Under-7 to Under-11 age groups. The WICB/GCB is hoping to have full tournaments in these different age groups in another two years time. Minister Anthony welcomed the initiative and discussed the proposed structures with the representatives while adding some ideas of his own.

The Minister was of the opinion that when all the schools are staffed with a Physical Education Specialist, all the National Sporting disciplines can benefit. He also briefed the panel on the current plans by his Government to develop Community Grounds countrywide. Sanasie noted that covering all schools in Guyana is a challenge because of its wide geography and many schools.

Focus on cricket is primarily done on the coastland and some parts in the Essequibo but the GCB is working on bring-

ing in Lethem and North West soon. He stated that the National School Cricket League is a priority for him, the GCB and WICB as this will create a reliable feeder system for Guyana’s Club Cricket. The National School Cricket League in conjunction with the GCB, Sport Ministry, and the Education Ministry would develop all playing conditions and regulation for all age group tournaments, secure sponsorship for all age group based tournaments and programme, promote migration of primary and secondary school cricketers to localised Club System, perform scouting exercises to identify talented player (both Boys and Girls) for further development at the Club and National Cricket Systems, work with the Local Territorial Cricket

Board and national stakeholder to ensure that sufficient qualified human resources (school coaches, etc) and cricket gear are available to build cricket capacity at all age groups in schools, develop proposal and seek sponsorship for the implementation of annual cricket infrastructure development initiatives at primary and secondary schools/ community grounds, and monitor and manage all infrastructure development programme. Sanasie stated, coming out of the League should be one point person from the GCB (coach), one from the Sport Ministry, and one from the Education Ministry in each district. He added that the GCB will create an office with one person overlooking primary school, one secondary, and one the club structure.

Two Guyanese in Windies Women’s squad to face New Zealand

Tremayne Smartt

Shemaine Campbelle

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: The selection panel of the West Indies Cricket Board announced on Tuesday, a 13-member West Indies Women’s squad for their opening series in the ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) against New Zealand Women on home soil. The squad includes two Guyanese all-rounder Shemaine Campbelle and fast bowler Tremayne Smartt - and Hayley Matthews, the lone newcomer. The 16-year-old Matthews bats right-handed and bowls off-spin. All-rounder Britney Cooper makes a return to the squad. Her pre-

vious ODI was against India Women three years ago at the same venue for the upcoming matches. Talismanic batter Deandra Dottin also makes a return, after missing the previous ODI series against the White Ferns last February in New Zealand. The inaugural edition of the IWC will see the top eight sides in the women’s game lock horns in a multi-year, bilateral qualifying competition that will lead into the pinnacle event in women’s cricket, the ICC Women’s World Cup. Developed in order to create a more extensive and meaningful

bilateral playing programme for women’s cricket, the IWC will see the eight sides play each other in three One-Day Internationals, either at home or away, between 2014 and 2016. Points will be awarded for each game, with the top four sides at the conclusion of the ICC Women’s Championship gaining automatic qualification to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, to be hosted by the England & Wales Cricket Board. The bottom four sides will have a second chance to qualify for the marquee event through the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017, details of which will be announced in due course. The bottom four will join six regional qualifiers and face off for the final four positions at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. In this forthcoming series, West Indies Women and New Zealand Women will play four One-day Internationals – the results of the first three matches counting towards their IWC tally– all at Warner Park in St. Kitts. This will be followed by three Twenty20 Internationals – all at the Arnos Vale Multiplex in St. Vincent.

SPort

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana’s synthetic track gets IAAF certification T

he Leonora Synthetic Track in Guyana has officially been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a class two track. At a visit to the track last Thursday, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and the President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson displayed the certification of Guyana’s lone synthetic facility. Dr Anthony was particularly in high spirits with the certification of the track, “This now would be the first certified facility that we have in Guyana for athletics so while it looks like a simple thing it is really a big deal. “We are extremely pleased because now allows our athletes to race on a surface and if they break any records it will be accepted and I think that’s a remarkable stride…prior to that many of our athletes would have to go to other certified facilities, now you can be right here so I see it as a good thing for com-

Guyana’s Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (second left) and AAG President Aubrey Huston (second right) shake hands and display the certification of the track in the presence of Permanent Secretary in the Sport Ministry Alfred King (right) and Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle (left)

petition,” Dr Anthony stated. Hutson noted that the certification of the track will bode well for the development of the sport. “The AAG is on a constant drive to improve athletics and in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture,

Youth and Sport, we are really heartened that we have got a certified track. “We are hoping that through our development we will be able to bring track and field out here and get the kind of results that we are looking for so that we can really and tru-

ly perform and compete internationally,” Hutson said. With the Northern stands still under construction, Dr Anthony noted that no official date for the opening has officially been set at the moment. “We still have a number of things that

we have to do at the track, so for now once we complete these Northern Stands and have them all painted and the rooms below ready and the VIP area then we will do a soft launch but we will have to see how our contractors are working.” Looking at the possi-

bility of athletes using the track, Dr Antony noted that there will have be a structured talk with the way forward as professional persons both from the ministry and the AAG will have to be in place in order to have supervision on the usage of the track.

Jamaicans Asafa, Russell, McPherson win in Rieti on McPherson and Christine Day made it a Jamaican 1-2 in the women's

Jamaica's Asafa Powell celebrates after winning his heat of the men's 100m at the 44th IAAF Grand Prix athletics meeting at the Raul Guidobaldi Stadium in Rieti, Italy, Sunday (Photo: AFP)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaican athletes Carrie Russell and Stephenie Ann McPherson were winners at Sunday's IAAF World Challenge meeting in Rieti, Italy, as former World Record holder Asafa Powell continued his return to form in the men's 100m. Russell, a member of the gold medal winning women's 4x100m relay team

at last year's World Championships in Moscow, Russia, ran a season's best 11.10 seconds (0.5m/s). American Jessica Young was second in a lifetime best 11.13 seconds, while Bulgaria's Ivet Lalova was third in 11.29 seconds. Powell was second on time in the men's 100m, winning his heat in 9.90 seconds (0.7m/s), while American Justin Gatlin won the second

heat in 9.83 seconds (0.7m/s). It was Powell's third run under 10.00 seconds since he returned to competition in July. Meanwhile, Nesta Carter ran 10.07 seconds to be second to Gatlin, Jacques Harvey was fourth in that heat in 10.17 seconds and 200m specialist Rasheed Dwyer ran 10.21 seconds. Commonwealth Games champi-

400m. McPherson won in 50.38 seconds with Day second in 51.08 seconds

ahead of Ukraine's Olha Zemlyak (51.26 seconds). (Jamaica Observer)

Sport

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyanese team crowned ORSCA 2014 T10 champion By Ravendra Madholall

O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Guyanese team Fuzion surged to an efficient seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers in the 2014 Ontario Roundarm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) T10 final played Sunday at Firgrove ground. Sunrisers appeared first at the crease after winning the toss and rattled up a challenging 108-3 from the allocation of 10-overs while Fuzion, in response, achieved the target in 9.1 overs losing only three wickets in the process. Watched by a vocal crowd in glorious sunshine, Fuzion was indebted to Kumar Doodnauth’s aggressive 37 and their Most Valuable Player Sanjeev Ramnarine’s cameo, unbeaten 29. Doodnauth struck five massive sixes while Ramnarine clobbered three of them and sealed the deal to spark celebra-

The victorious team strike a pose just after winning their encounter with Sunrisers

tions among his teammates. Davindra Sukhdeo also played an important innings by scoring 18 to support the rampant Doodnauth and Ramnarine. Earlier, Sunrisers’ innings were built around

a handsome, undefeated 38 from Rajesh Diaram, who cleared the boundary on four occasions while veteran batsman Jaimini Singh and Safraz Wahab chipped in with 25 and 24 respectively. Vijay Prashad

proved his batting capability too by making a quick-fire 17 as Azeez Baksh captured two wickets for 16 runs from his maximum two overs. Meanwhile, at the presentation session, the victorious side was

presented with a trophy for their outstanding effort while skipper Ramnarine also received an award for his sterling, match-winning performance. Apart from Ramnarine’s on-field

display, he is currently the Vice-President of the Association serving in the capacity for the first time. He expressed delight with his team’s showing and congratulated the runners-up side while he reserved special mention to his fellow executives for running off another satisfactory T10 tournament. “I [am] definitely delighted with my performance which eventually helped my team to win. I think the guys played a ‘big’ part and we are the deserving champion,” Ramnarine declared. “As an executive, I am also pleased to see another great tournament; thanks to the participating teams, an indication of the roundarm bowling making good progress.” He also took the opportunity to announce that the regular 20over final is slated for September 20th at a venue to be named soon.

Senior Inter-County final…

Nedd wary of Berbice backlash

Garvin Nedd By Rajiv Bisnauth

emerara will journey to the Ancient County on Saturday where they will clash with Berbice in the final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior InterCounty tournament. Both teams reached the final on the back of contrasting performances with Demerara taking a clean sweep of their preliminary games, while Berbice won two of their three games played. Demerara trashed Berbice by 144-runs during their second round preliminary game last Saturday at the Wales Community Centre ground, West Coast Demerara, but Demerara coach Garvin Nedd insists it will be folly to write off the Berbicians after just

Amir Khan

Raj Nanan

Steven Jacobs

Yatesh Dhanpaul

Zaheer Mohamed

one game. “We are fully aware that Berbice always play good cricket at home with the support they get so you can’t write them off. “However, we’ve got some game plan we have implemented among ourselves and once we can are able to execute the game plan we have in mind it will not be an easy task for Berbice,” Nedd pointed out. Nedd, who represented Guyana in fourteen First-class games, added “We’re going to have to put in another big performance to make sure we come out victorious.” The 42-year-old, Nedd further disclosed that while he is satisfied with the team’s per-

formances thus far, he urged his batsmen to take up the responsibility and capitalise on good starts. “Basically I am happy with the performances but I would like to see one of the batsmen get a hundred so I think once our batsmen bat well and bat in partnerships it is more than likely we would be able to put up a decent score and we know we have the bowlers who are capable of defending,” Nedd concluded. However, what makes the clash even more interesting is the fact that the game will be played on a deck that will be favorable to the spinners. The Berbicians must have had an eye on the

Essequibo/Demerara first round game and the team management would have observed how Demerara were strangulated by an overdose of quality spin. The scenario in mind, the Berbicians will look to Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Krishendat Ramoo and Narsingh Deonarine to be the key in this crucial match. The DemeraraEssequibo match has also brought to the fore that if you can make early inroads into the Demerara innings, you have a chance of taking them by the horns. The Demerara middle order also lacks a ‘worker’, someone able to find gaps, run hard and rotate the strike.

But, it is the Demerara bowling, which may concern the Berbicians more. In the spin department, Demerara will continue to place their hopes in the hands of Raj Nanan, Zaheer Mohamed, Amir Khan, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs and Chanderpaul Hemraj. However, although Berbice do not have the big names as their opponents, they have a lineup that is capable of putting together huge totals. Teams for Saturday’s final read: D e m e r a r a : Christopher Barnwell (Captain), Paul Wintz (V/Captain), Trevon Griffith, Robin Bacchus, Andrew Lyght Jnr,

Shemroy Barrington, Rajendra Chandrika, Raj Nanan, Zaheer Mohamed, Amir Khan, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Seon Daniels, Garvin Nedd (Coach), Clive Grimond (Manager/ Assistant Coach). Berbice: Narsingh Deonarine (Captain), V e e r a s a m m y Permaul (V/Captain), K a n d a s a m m y Surujnarine, Seon Hetmyer, Devon Clements, Jonathan Foo, Rajiv Ivan, Anthony Bramble, Jason Sinclair, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Krishendat Ramoo, Keon Joseph, Raun Johnson, Albert Smith, (Manager), Hubern Evans (Coach).

Sport

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Goal squandering Jamaica lose to Canada

O R O N T O , C A N A D A : Jamaica took an early lead, but succumbed to a disjointed performance against a better-organised Canada to lose 3-1 in their friendly football international in Toronto Tuesday night. Two second-half goals from Canada sealed the Reggae Boyz' fate in front of a sparse crowd after Jamaica started and ended shakily on a cool evening, with winds rippling the national flags of both nations and temperatures dipping just below the 70 mark. Playing out of a 3-5-2 formation, the Reggae Boyz, who were erroneously listed as 'Germany' on a latercorrected team sheet, looked nothing like world-beaters. The team was plagued throughout the 90 minutes by inconsistent passing and lack of fluency. But with former world heavyweight box-

corner was met with a thunderous right-foot volley by David Edgar, which gave goalkeeper André Blake no chance.

Miscued effort

Jamaica’s Alvas Powell (5) gets his hands on Canada’s Randy Edwin-Bonsu (24) during first half action of a friendly international in Toronto on Tuesday (LoopJamaica photo)

ing champion Mike Tyson watching at BMO Field, Jamaica counter punched against the run of play. Simon Dawkins was brought

down 25 yards out, and Kemar Lawrence's curling left foot shot did just enough to beat sprawling Milan Borjan in Canada's goal, giving

Jamaica the lead in the 30th minute. However, the home team hit back almost immediately in the 31st. Patrice Bernier's long

Jamaica didn't create many chances before the half, although the statistic sheet showed the Boyz with five shots, compared to Canada's four, including a neat combination between Dawkins and JeVaughn Watson, which resulted in a miscued effort from the latter. Later, Deshorn Brown ended a long dribble with a shot straight to Borjan. Jamar Loza replaced an ineffective Jermaine Anderson after the break and immediately sparked Jamaica. Loza almost rewarded coach Winfried Schäfer with a goal, heading Lawrence's cross just past the upright in the 53rd. Five minutes later, he broke free, but his shot was saved by Borjan. In the 60th,

the lively Loza was at it again, but after beating the 'keeper, he was unable to finish from a tight angle. Ten minutes later, he latched onto another Watson peach pass, but couldn't convert. Watson then produced another gem, but barely missed the overlapping wing back Alvas Powell in front of goal. But it was Canada which landed the sucker punch that knocked the wind out of Jamaica. Marcel De Jong, from almost the identical spot to Lawrence, sent a beautiful free kick into the top corner, with Blake grounded in the 67th minute. Loza squandered another opportunity in the 71st, but Blake could blame no one but himself a minute later, spilling a simple shot into the path of Tosaint Ricketts to widen Canada's lead and seal a disappointing night for the visitors. (Jamaica Gleaner)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com