INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH
for FRee distribution guyanatimesinternational.com
Teammates need to rally around Holder, advises Sammy Page 53
West Indies captain Jason Holder
You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 231
week ending February 22, 2015
PPP/C expects a resounding victory - Finance Minister See story on page 8
Page 11
Mashramani celebrations heat up in Guyana Page 28
General Manager Roberto Grisi
Students of the Hinterland Scholarship Division copped first with “A Cultural Melting Pot” during the Ministry of Education Children’s Costume and Float parade held last Saturday in Georgetown
2
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
NEWS 3
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Neesa Gopaul trial: Repeated blunt trauma to head cause of death – PM
A
s the trial into the death of 16-yearold Neesa Lalita Gopaul continues in the High Court, State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday took the stand and testified on the post mortem examination he had conducted on the teen’s remains. Dr Singh told the court that he performed the examination on October 6, 2010 and found the cause of death to be multiple blunt trauma to the head. The post mortem report, which was previously tendered as evidence in the trial, was shown to the pathologist and he subsequently went through his findings in detail. He told the court that about 50 per cent of Gopaul’s head was gone and the remaining part was already in the process of decomposition. This he noted made facial recognition even more difficult. He further disclosed that the external post mortem examination revealed that there was no hair but it was during the cross examination that he disclosed that there was no
Dead 16-year-old Neesa Lalita Gopaul
sign of any brain in the skull. Several bones and parts of the teen’s scalp were broken or missing, he added. Under cross examination Dr Singh was asked to explain the different types of fractures. In addition, he informed the court that during the examination, he found that Gopaul’s hymen was ruptured. The pathologist explained the rupture of the hymen that he observed was in the “10 o’clock position”. However he pointed out that the rupture was an old one, which indicated that the teen was sexually active. continued on page 9
Coalition fallout: Some AFC supporters outraged, threaten poll boycott By Michael Younge
F
eelings of outrage, disappointment and shock ran through various quarters of the Alliance For Change (AFC) East Coast Demerara (ECD) constituency following the party’s decision to enter into a coalition agreement with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Several AFC groups and activists interviewed by this publication on Wednesday claimed that they were never consulted or given the opportunity to vent how they felt about either the decision to enter coalition talks or to coalesce with APNU. In fact, scores are claiming that the party held little or no consultations with its grassroots support base or those who have given the AFC the support at the ballot boxes that led to it increasing its parliamentary strength after the 2011 polls. Fifty-two-yearold Shaline Baksh of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara explained that she was almost certain that even after discussions, the AFC would
AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan
have stood its ground and gone to the polls alone. For her, the party that she joined since 2006 after being fed-up with the PPP/C was no longer her home. “I liked the AFC, because they were different. They were not like the PNC or PPP. I wanted change, but now I feel like Mr Moses (Nagamootoo) and Khemraj did their own thing without asking us what we wanted,” she said. Baksh said that she was leaving the AFC as she was unwilling to give
her vote to an alliance with the PNC or APNU because of her experiences with both in the past. Additionally, a cane harvester from AFC’s traditional EnmoreFoulis constituency made it clear that he and his family were unwilling to vote the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) out to make way for David Granger. “If it was Moses… yes, but now I feel them chaps sell us out. They promised us that they would never join forces with deh PNC or APNU. Moses promise we in de
sugar field that he gon wuk for AFC to become Government and be better than de PPP,” the 43-year-old man alleged. Another woman who chose to be identified only by Savatri said that she felt betrayed and was forced to admit that the PPP/C was right when it alleged that a vote for one is a vote for both. “Me did hear Ramotar and Jagdeo say dah, but me did thought that they were bluffing people to keep us in de PPP. How Moses gon do dah? He know dem people do not care bout us, dem only want we vote and I not voting deh PPP out for dead,” she said strongly. Others who spoke under the condition of anonymity with this newspaper claimed that the deal which was hurriedly put together to save shame, was done only so that the AFC could get positions and power in Government. “I don’t care bout power. I trusted the AFC ‘cause I don’t trust the PNC or Granger. I not vex that dem collate. I vex that they didn’t join deh PPP. I don’t think I voting for no APNU Government”, a 32-yearold hairdresser from Annandale said.
4 views
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International
New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Preferred method of contact via EMAIL Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709. Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
The Cummingsburg Accord
O
n Saturday, APNU and AFC formally announced that they have formed a pre-electoral coalition to contest the upcoming May 11 elections. They also signed the Cummingsburg Accord which they said would see an end to winner takes all politics in Guyana, and herald the formation of a Government of national. At the press conference, the leadership of both parties tried desperately to sell the new coalition as the only viable option of unseating the ruling the PPP/C. They insisted that together they could herald an era of constitutional reform which they argued is badly needed, healing and reconciliation, socio-economic change and creation of a new political system aimed at ending race politics. Interestingly, the new coalition which has not yet done basic things such as choosing a name and symbol, vowed not to lock out the PPP/C from its governance structures if it wins the May elections. It was clear from the tone of the comments made by the leaders of both parties that they have neither given any significant thought to some of the promises they have made to the Guyanese public at this infantile stage. How does the new coalition intend to address the ethnic insecurities in Guyana? How do they plan to campaign? To add insult to injury, the media was not given a copy of the Accord which was signed so that an independent analysis could be done of its strengths and weaknesses, policies, and thrust. Recall, that these two political parties chose to negotiate in secrecy and away from the watchful eyes of their supporters and financiers. Even after the signing of the agreement, their supporters and by extension the general public, were unaware of what concessions were given up to arriving at the deal. This in itself smacks of a lack of transparency and accountability. It has failed to dispel the rumours that the AFC’s bargaining chip was its ability to convince East Indian Guyanese that they could trust a coalition with the PNCR and APNU given their own history. The leadership of the two sides has also failed to remove the suspicions that the AFC promised to deliver 11 per cent or more votes from PPP/C strongholds to the coalition in return for the conferral of more powers on the Prime Ministerial post. The Accord is not historic, and its signing is anything but a water shed moment in Guyana’s political landscape. It appears opportunistic and convenient, but not the only option of unseating the ruling Government and creating an administration of national unity. If either of these parties wanted to form a Government of national unity, their negotiations should have been done in the public. If that was not possible, then the minutes of their meetings and the newly inked Accord should have been widely disseminated for perusal. The PPP/C, which remains the largest and most influential political actor in the country should have been formally invited to the talks. The truth is, there can no Government of national unity or no shared governance agreement without the PPP/C, regardless of how it is viewed by other actors in the political sphere. Edmund Burke is quoted as saying that “those who have once been intoxicated with power, and have derived any kind of emolument from it, even though but for one year, never can willingly abandon it. They may be distressed in the midst of all their power, but they will never look to anything but power for their relief”. Sadly, following their display and posture in the 10th Parliament, the statement above appears as gospel when one considers this new Accord and the new coalition arrangement. The Cummingsburg Accord should be seen for what it is worth. It is a mere power sharing arrangement between the AFC and APNU should they get into office. It does nothing for the people of Guyana and offers no new hope that would not have been promised by the two main parties had they decided to go to the polls alone come May 11.
GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally along with Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed and heads of the various media houses who signed onto the Code of Conduct for the coverage of Guyana's 2015 General and Regional elections
Corilla cancer research coming along well – Dr Cummings
T
he bitter-tasting vegetable, Corilla which is a popular Guyanese dish could become the leading fighter against cancer, as it is showing good prospects under laboratory experiments. According to scientist, Dr Emmanuel Cummings, while there are high hopes of success, it is much too early to determine the outcome. “The research is a good opportunity for us to investigate some of the natural remedies and we are particularly looking at cancer because according to the data in Guyana; several Amerindian communities in Guyana, cancer is a major cause of death, but this is just the preliminary stage; the experimental stage, and this will be lasting for 18 months,” the researcher said. He noted that he will be making a disclosure on the findings and progress between October and November of this year. “The investigative process will entail the growing of a variety of cancer cells including that of the breast, brain and prostate, and then testing these with known anti-cancer drugs that are well established and accepted. The effectiveness of these drugs will then be compared to the anti-cancer properties of the Momordica Charantia [Corilla]. This will be after we would have isolated and purified the active ingredient so that we can compare its effect on cancer cells in relation to other known anti-cancer drugs,” he said. The local scientist had in April last year, received a US$329,000 academic grant which falls under the University of Guyana Science and Technology Support Project (UGSTSP), to examine the Momordica Charantia, which is popularly known as Corilla in Guyana , to ascer-
Dr Emmanuel Cummings
tain its capability in combating cancer. The UGSTSP is being fuelled by a US$10 million loan from the World Bank to the Government of Guyana. It is being executed by the Education Ministry and is intended to encourage the generation of knowledge products which will directly contribute to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and support the development of a broader research and knowledge generation. Dr Cummings, who formerly held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Guyana (UG), noted that the focus on cancer is crucial, since it is currently the third leading cause of death in Guyana. He has already done a number of research projects on Corilla and has been able to establish the notion that Corilla has antidiabetic properties. It is slowly being recognised as having anti-cancer properties as well. The research is currently being carried out at the University of Central Lancashire in England with Dr Cummings as the principal
investigator. A young lecturer, Karishma Jebu, who heads the Pharmacy Department at UG, will be acting in the capacity as co-investigator. The external collaborator to the investigation is Professor Jaipaul Singh of the University of Central Lancashire, who has agreed to have the investigations conducted in his laboratory. Dr Cummings expressed that he has high expectations from the project. “We are hoping that this project will give us the opportunity to research the Momordica Charantia to look at its anti-cancer properties and hopefully, Guyana, the University of Guyana can come up with an anti-cancer drug that can also be accepted in conventional medicine. We are in for the long haul; this is not just an experiment we are doing and then close the book. We are looking to have it patented and then move on to clinical trials and then eventually accepted”, said an optimistic Dr Cummings. The experimental aspect of the project is expected to be completed by February 2016.
NEWS 5
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Donald Rodney trashes Gregory Smith’s book on assassination T
he brother of slain political activist Dr Walter Rodney has returned to the stand to give evidence in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was established to determine who killed the historian in 1980. Donald Rodney first took the stand in January when he spoke about joining his brother’s work with the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). Dr Walter Rodney was the co-founder of the WPA. The witness said that he had acted as a liaison between his brother and then Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Gregory Smith, who the political activist had enlisted to make walkie-talkie devices. Smith was implicated as the one who implanted explosives in a walkie-talkie before handing it over on the night of June 13, 1980. That said device minutes later exploded while in the lap of Dr Rodney who was with Donald in a car. On Wednesday, Donald’s further evidence in chief was led by his attorney, Trinidadian Keith Scotland, during which he was shown
the book Smith and his sister wrote. The book, “Assassination Cry of a Failed Revolution – The Truth About Dr Walter Rodney’s Death” contained photos of the alleged killer and the witness had identified him as the same person who handed him the walkietalkie” device that he delivered to his brother.
Falsified accounts
The Attorney highlighted certain excerpts from the book and questioned the witness on its authenticity. Donald denied most, if not all, of certain events that were described in the book, especially Smith’s account of the events that occurred on the night of Dr Rodney’s death. Specifically, he denied having any knowledge of the device, which he collected from Smith and subsequently handed to his older brother, containing any explosives. He refuted passages of the book that state he, his brother and Smith had discussions about detonators on that fateful night – June 13, 1980 or any other time. The witness was asked and replied that during the seven or so times he met Smith prior to the inci-
Donald Rodney returned to the stand on Wednesday
dent, he never heard the two men talking about explosives or even arms and ammunition as mentioned in the book. Donald further went on to deny that the walkie talkie and subversive literature that was reportedly found in his house after Dr Rodney’s death were evidence of any plans to attack any Government agencies. He noted that there were some papers at his house that he was working on for the University of Guyana and not for any illegal activities as was claimed by the Police back then. During Wednesday’s session, the witness further told the Court that
he became involved in his brother’s work and life around 1979, because he was trying to protect his brother from being harmed since there were many threats against him. He specifically recalled in that same year, the then Prime Minister Linden Forbes Burnham had cautioned the WPA to “make their wills” and had named only Walter Rodney in his speech. Another instance when his older brother was threatened, Donald said, was when it was said that “Walter would be sent to the Olympics”.
Threats
The witness added the Guyana Prison
Service had performed a song in the Guyana Music Festival that year entitled “Run Rodney Run” and there were several posters on lantern posts along Hadfield Street with the same words on them. Therefore, Donald said, he felt the need to act as a “shield” between Dr Rodney and Smith at the time when the former GDF rank was building a walkie-talkie for the social activist. He further told the Commission that while he did not know a lot about Smith at the time, he was still suspicious of him since he was not a WPA member. “I believe that in the circumstances of the threats, that someone who is not Walter’s immediate family or in political circle could be a potential danger,” he noted. Donald explained to the Commission that he thought by being at his brother’s side all the time, he would deter those with intentions of harming the political activist or if such an attempt was made, he would be the one to take the full blunt of it. He added that Dr Rodney was a “significant” indi-
vidual and was his brother so he felt the need to protect him from imminent harm. Earlier in his evidence, Donald offered the Commission a more detailed account of the night his brother was killed. He noted that after he collected an object from Gregory Smith that was in a brown paper bag, he was given certain instructions to follow in order to get the device to start communicating. The witness told the Commission that after he collected the object, Smith asked him to synchronise their watches to say 20:00h – at the time it was 19:50h. Donald further stated that he went back to the car and drove towards Hadfield Street and parked about 20 yards away from the (Camp Street jail) on John Street. He noted that they waited a while but cannot recall how long for the light on the device to show but it never did. He recalled his older brother was saying something about Smith and he was looking out the window when he felt a vibration followed by a loud thunderous sound. continued on page 8
6
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
History is repeating itself Dear Editor, I read with interest an Editorial in a local newspaper, captioned, “The Cummingsburg Accord”. I agree with the view advanced in the editorial that coalition politics in Guyana have not fared well. The PNC-UF coalition folded up a mere three years after its formation. One factor that was responsible for the collapse of the coalition Government, which was not sufficiently highlighted, was the fact that there was no agreed programme on which to take the then colony of British Guiana forward. The only thing the two parties had in common was
a common desire to remove the PPP/C from office. It was for all practical purposes a marriage of convenience. Ideologically, the two parties were poles apart with the United Force unapologetically capitalistic and the PNC at some unspecified location in the left of the ideological spectrum. History, it would appear, is repeating itself. Another marriage of convenience has taken place ironically on Valentine’s Day, between the PNC and the AFC, with one common objective, namely, the removal of the PPP/C from office. Apart from how to apportion parliamentary and cabinet seats in
the highly unlikely situation of an electoral victory, there is hardly any mention of concrete measures of a programatic nature on the way forward. The Editorial was unfair to the PPP/C by stating that there were hardly any transformational projects undertaken by the administration. Indeed, it would have been much more correct to say that the administration’s plans to modernize Guyana were obstructed by an unsupportive Opposition which has now morphed into a political organism, not dissimilar to that of the ill-fated PNC-UF coalition. Hydar Ally
Iwokrama is a victim of poor management
Dear Editor, I welcome the gesture of the Government of Guyana to support Iwokrama. However, I would like to see Iwokrama being restructured and come under Government’s control with a lean and clean new management structure for the achievement of objectives. My recommendation therefore is for the Government of Guyana to take control of Iwokrama putting in place a new management structure and a contingent plan for its management effectiveness. It is a shame that after 20 years in operation Iwokrama cannot as yet be self-sustaining and self-financing, hence Government’s continued bailout. There is too much mediocrity going on at Iwokrama and no real effort
to run the institution properly knowing that the Government will come to its rescue. Most of Iwokrama’s business plans and models have failed. The problem with Iwokrama is that it has become a victim of poor management planning from the inception. John Simon
Guyana’s LCDS is well on track Dear Editor, Guyana’s LowCarbon Development Strategy (LCDS) launched by former President Bharrat Jagdeo on June 8, 2009 is so far well on track. Guyana’s deforestation rate of 0.068 per cent continues to be one of the lowest in the world, which tells of the hard work and commitment of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to continuously achieve good forest performance to fight against global climate change. The European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) process in Guyana continues to move forward with con-
tinued relevant stakeholder consultations with the active participation of Guyana’s indigenous/Amerindian communities. Led by the GFC, with oversight functions by the National Technical Working Group (NTWG), the FLEGT/VPA process will be completed by 2016, with the signing of a VPA with the EU to ensure continued good forest governance and that all forest products from Guyana entering the European market have been legally harvested, since the FLEGT/VPA agreement is about combating illegal logging, thereby stopping the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This is why the
EU FLEGT/VPA is an enabling activity of Guyana’s LCDS supported by both Guyana and Norway. Unfortunately there are unpatriotic elements among us in Guyana who are wickedly bent on stopping Guyana’s FLEGT/VPA process, since initially they were unable to stop the agreement between Guyana and Norway for Guyana’s LCDS. But these hindrances to Guyana’s Forest Protection Programme lack credible reasons for doing so and it is important that the forest experts from the EU recognise this before they themselves become counter-productive to Guyana’s EU FLEGT/ VPA process. Peter Persaud
The great hunger for votes Dear Editor, Moses Nagamootoo in his capacity of Presidential Candidate has strongly advocated the fact that his party would legalize marijuana use. He was making a passionate appeal to, the mainly youthful section of the population as well as to other ardent users and abusers of the drug to vote for them. The campaign slogan is, you put us in office and we will legalize it. This impassioned plea, that we are going to decriminalize, legalize, or what have you ganja, is the latest cry for votes. The AFC and Nagamootoo are on the campaign trail wooing voters with this call. How successful this solicitation campaign will be is anybody’s guess. However, let’s just pause for a moment to analyze how we’ve arrived at this
juncture. In the first place, the people of Guyana have seen a dramatic turn of events on the political landscape, persons who were once enemies are now close friends and associates, “comrades” once again. I speak of bitter enemies, persons who were accused of crimes such as torture and murder, yet these individuals and groups are in one combined whole moiling around in apparent unity. It is a marriage of convenience that is very obvious for all to see, politics do make strange bedfellows. So, the next convenient strategy is to appeal to drug users out there. From marriage of convenience to mass appeal to decriminalize ganja, where will it end! And who said that smoking weed is good for your
health? The mere fact that these people want to “smoke” ganja is indicative of fostering poor health. Smoking is dangerous to one’s health why push for something that is injurious to health? My understanding of going easy on ganja is that it is an ethnomedicine if imbibed as a warm beverage is a cure for asthma and other heart ailments. It is not for smoking … period. But it comes back to the point, say anything for the vote. How the latest marijuana crusade will translate into actual votes is minimum at best. With that glaring deception fostered by the combined opposition ever before the people I do not think the marijuana madness will make any headway. Neil Adams
Labour Ministry willing, able and prepared to mediate in UG stand-off Dear Editor, We wish to refer to several utterances which have been attributed to officers attached to the unions operating at the University of Guyana (UG) and which have appeared in various sections of the media. While we are still awaiting a formal response to our letter dated 11th February, 2015 to the president of the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) which was copied to the other union, we take this opportunity to respectfully respond to some of the inaccuracies and innuendoes, ascribed to them. At best the union’s comments can only be described as unfortunate. Without hesitation, we wish to make it absolutely clear, that the contents and intention of our aforementioned letter were intended to foster an amicable resolution to the current impasse between the Unions and the University’s administration. We note with much concern, the unfounded and unsubstantiated accusation that our letter merely reflected the positions of the Minister of Labour. As a matter of fact, we would not only submit that such an accusation is baseless and without merit, but we would conclude, also that it stands in contradistinction to the fact that the Ministry of Labour in general and the Labour Department in particular functions in a most ethical and professional manner.
We are not in the habit of discussing or debating with anyone via the media, but we take this opportunity to invite the union officials or anyone else for that matter, to point out at least a single instance or one area in which our letter is, in any way related to anything which the Hon. Minister of Labour, may have said in connection with the issue under focus. We wish to reiterate that impartiality and neutrality have always been and will continue to be the hallmark of this Ministry’s conduct. A careful reading of our letter would reveal that we merely sought to highlight where the Unions would have violated the tenets of prudent industrial relations practices. Rather than embarking upon ill-advised and ill-informed accusations against this ministry, the Unions may find it more productive and useful to examine their own roles and agendas in the matter under the spotlight. We wish to reiterate that it may not be useful for this Ministry to intervene in any dispute until and unless both parties in such a dispute have indicated that they have a genuine willingness to discuss whatever is the issue at hand. In view of the foregoing, we are pleased to advise that the Ministry is always willing, able and prepared to meet and discuss, in an objective manner, once the parties so mutually express a desire to meet.
At no time did this Ministry abdicate its responsibility to resolve this or any other issue, no matter how small or great. We need not restate that no dispute or grievance is beyond our capacity. May we once again indicate that we would be most pleased, if we can be of help to the parties to bring a closure to this seemingly contentious matter. In closing, it must be emphasized that our letter of 11th February, 2015 represents a sterling effort, not only to break the current impasse, but also to present a Win-Win solution to all stakeholders. We wish to be advised –by the unions- on any aspect of our letter which could be considered bias and against the principles of good industrial relations practices. Indeed, we are confident that our stance is supported by established norms and theories which have withstood the test of time. We must add that advantage can still be taken of the proposed Winwin resolution, by having an urgent cessation, of the strike and returning to the bargaining table which is the place for the settling of differences. Our suggestion to cause the strike to be terminated so that the process of negotiations can continue in an atmosphere of normalcy is still very much alive, and the unions may wish to take advantage of it. Charles Ogle Chief Labour Occupational Safety and Health Officer
NEWS 7
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Guyana’s media sign code of conduct for elections coverage
T
o ensure balance and fair coverage during the upcoming General and Regional Elections, news agencies across Guyana on Wednesday signed onto the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Code of Conduct. Owners and editors of all media houses pledged to practice journalistic integrity and professionalism while covering the upcoming elections. It was stated that the 2015 Code of Conduct is a re-drafting of the renewed and unselfish endorsement of media operatives in the upcoming elections. GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally
GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally sitting in the presence of the MMU members
commended media operatives for participating in the training sessions which subsequently led to the signing. However, he also used the opportunity to allude to published articles which he felt were unethical and should not have been published. “In a certain newspaper there was a story about an elderly man who suffered a heart attack following news of the APNU/AFC coalition, that cannot be tolerated! We will not tolerate that!” Dr Surujbally said media operatives should be reminded that they are above the “political fray,” noting too that
they should hold fast to the truth. Alluding to the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU), he said it has maintained a smooth track record due to its ability to promote peace during elections. “Media monitoring made elections a success in the past and this did not change in 2011. With you (media operatives) doing your jobs, you in turn make ours easier,” he said. However, Dr Surujbally warned that if any media practitioner or entity defies the conditions within the Code of Conduct, GECOM will not hesitate to act accordingly. “If anyone gets out of line, we will
not take it sitting down,” he emphasised. In addition to the signing of the Code of Conduct, members of the MMU were revealed to the press. However, these individuals are still to undergo training in this capacity but GECOM said the various media houses will be informed in no more than a week of the commencement of monitoring. All of the persons appointed to serve as part of the MMU, Dr Surujbally disclosed, are holders of degrees from the University of Guyana, mainly in the field of Communication. Some are also expe-
rienced in the field of journalism. Meanwhile, Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed lauded the transformation media operatives have made over the years. She explained that in the past, the atmosphere was so tense during elections time that it was impossible to have persons from the various media entities sitting in the same room, much less having mature discussions. This year, Dr Mohamed said the MMU is showing high concerns over what happens on online and cable media as well. Further, the safety
of media operatives was also addressed. “During the immediate post elections period members of the media have to be careful. Safety of journalists, editors and owners are high on our agenda,” Mohamed said. She pointed out too that the definition of “hate speech” has been extended beyond racial discrimination in light of “recent character assassinations” published in the media. The reestablishment of the MMU is a collaborative effort of the European Union (EU), the Canadian High Commission and GECOM.
8 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
PPP/C expects a resounding victory - Finance Minister - says electorate dissatisfied with opposition's parliamentary actions
G
oing into elections 2015, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh opined that the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) Government expects a resounding victory. During an interview on the National Communications Network’s Political Scope on Saturday, the Minister spoke of his expectations heading into the upcoming elections. Dr. Singh predicts that the victory will see the party regaining the parliamentary majority. “I say this because throughout the length and breadth of Guyana where I travelled, I have heard almost a singular clear message emerging from communities and villages, and that is a message of frustration in relation to the antics and tactics of the com-
bined opposition during the life of the 10th parliament.” According to the Finance Minister, it is the consensus of Guyanese that they are disappointed with the manner in which the oneseat majority held by the opposition was used for disruptive, destructive, and obstructive purposes, rather than for constructive purposes. More often than not, the Minister added that the messages are delivered through the specificity of comments offered in frustration about the challenges faced in relation to electricity and why the current administration has not yet harnessed hydro power electricity, “…although we have been talking about it for generations, and then anger that the opposition has been obstructing the at-
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh
tainment of this long embrace objective.” In addition, he said many have expressed their frustration at cuts imposed on the national budget and the realisation of the imposed hardships, three years in succession. “I believe that there is a groundswell of displeasure at the manner in which this one-seat majority has been used
by the opposition. I believe that people have recognised the sub-optimal and dysfunctional situation that this new dispensation has placed our country in.” Notably, Minister Singh said having travelled to most parts of the country, and having met with many stakeholders, he now hears a strong message of enthusiasm that this will be correct-
ed and reversed, in an emphatic way come May 11. In the meantime, Minister Singh said in the coming weeks, Guyanese will hear, as they always do in an election period, from all political parties about why they should vote for them. Speaking of the coalition of the opposition APNU and AFC, he said, “What is interesting is that throughout the conversation is how the pie of leadership will be carved up, but there is no talk about a developmental agenda, and that apparently has been relegated to irrelevance.” This, Minister Singh said, tells the whole story of what Guyanese can expect from the newly formed coalition. On the contrary, Minister Singh said the PPP/C has demonstrat-
ed its commitment to development in Guyana and evidently, very significant transformation has taken place over 22 years of the PPP/C being in power. “I believe that the people recognise that we have the most viable, most credible and genuine and sincere plan for taking our country forward along a positive development trajectory, so I’m very optimistic we will see this dysfunctional situation in the parliament corrected with the return of the PPP/C to a majority in the parliament.” He added that even amidst the fact that election is not constitutionally due until next year, the incumbent is ready and willing to face the electorate since unlike other parties they have no reason not to have every confidence.
APNU’s “Elec Tech and Check” programme targets young voters
A
Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been working to ensure young people are registered to vote in the upcoming elections as the Claims and Objections period comes to a close. Head of the Guyana Youth and Students Movement (GYSM), the youth arm of the Peoples National Congress, Ryan Belgrave said this is being done through the “Elec Tech and Check” programme over the past week. He explained to this publication on Wednesday via a telephone interview that this program saw activities being held at the Seawall
APNU youths and Executive member Basil Williams at the Seawall on Sunday night
within the vicinity of the 1823 Monument on Sunday and at the City Mall on Saturday. “This campaign is where we ensure young people are given a chance to get registered
and for those who are unable to make it to the areas where they have been registered, we allow them the opportunity to check for their names on the computer. This is for them to be sure their
names are on the voters’ list,” Belgrave said. Belgrave could not give details of other upcoming events planned for youths. He explained in light of the recent coalition between the
APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC), additional arrangements are being made to include the AFC’s youth arm in the youth outreaches. “If you had asked me last week, I could have given
you some exact dates but we are presently making some changes,” Belgrave said. Nonetheless, he revealed that the group intends to participate in the Mashramani float parade, with the ‘after Mash wash down’, to be held at Congress place Sophia. Additionally, GYSM intends to continue its countrywide outreaches which are aimed at giving young people an avenue of expression. Belgrave said his youth arm hosted several outreaches where party leader, David Granger and other executives met youths and listened to their concerns.
Donald Rodney...
from page 5
“At the same time that I heard the loud thunder, I felt my body being pushed out the car against the car door,” he recounted. The witness said that he realised that the sound came from Walter’s side of the car and so he rushed north on John Street towards Dr Omawale’s house, where he confronted either Andaiye or Karen De Souza. “I told them that something terrible had happened in my car and that it was at John and Hadfield Streets and that Walter was in the car and that he needed help and they should go to help him,” the witness disclosed. He added that he was later informed that his brother had died, something he was always fearful would
happen. Donald revealed to the Commission that he sustained lacerations to his throat, tongue, and had a puncture wounds with embedded fragments in his left side, arm, face and eye. He also had a puncture wound on his right elbow and injuries to his ear. However, his longterm injuries included impaired hearing in his left ear and his left eye was also damaged while three of his fingers on his right hand had nerve damage. The Inquiry will continue with the Commissioners visiting the site where Dr Rodney was killed. They will also be going to other areas in Georgetown that were frequently mentioned throughout the Inquiry.
NEWS 9
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Teen stabbed multiple times Presidential term limit motion: Speaker, AG respond by ex-boyfriend to motion, but no date set for hearing By Bhisham Mohamed
A
teenager is now battling for her life after she was stabbed at least 52 times allegedly by a man with whom she shared a common-law relationship for the past six years. The stabbing incident reportedly occurred in the wee hours of Sunday after a Valentine’s Day party at his sister’s home in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Aszeema Ali, 19, of Lot 21 First Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown was due to undergo a surgery on Wednesday at the Woodlands Hospital, Carmichael Street, Georgetown. The suspect, Ryan Singh, went into hiding since the incident. According to information received, the
The suspect, Ryan Singh
teenager was at home on Valentine’s evening with nothing to do thus she contacted one of the suspect’s cousins who invited her to a party. At that time she was aware that the party was being held at her former boyfriend’s house. The two reportedly separated a few weeks ago. The teenager reportedly left her home and went to the party which ended after 02:00h on Sunday morning. After the party, the suspect
M
The injured woman at the Woodlands Hospital
reportedly lured Ali into his room and forced himself on her, but at that time she told him that the relationship was over and she was seeing someone else. A brother of the injured woman told this publication that based on the statement his sister gave the Police the man got angry and dealt her one blow to her face. She reportedly fell to the ground as blood oozed from her nostrils. As she bled, Singh reportedly pulled out a knife and started to stab her to the body. She managed to raise an alarm and the suspect’s sister came to her rescue. “From what she tell the Police, the sister (Rosie) take she in her room, but Ryan get in the room and continue stabbing she … he stab she to her abdomen, back, chin, face, neck, head and other parts of the body.” The suspect’s brother-in-law reportedly intervened and shoved him off the teenager. Ali was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital by the suspect’s father who allegedly told nurses that the injured woman was his niece and lodged an undisclosed sum of money for her to be treated. The
teenager was left at the medical facility. The relatives of the injured woman said that they became aware of the stabbing incident at 05:30h on Sunday by a neighbour who advised them to visit the Woodlands Hospital. As they arrived, they realised the extent of injuries the young woman sustained. The Police were summoned and a statement was taken from the woman who was bleeding about her body. Doctors then confirmed that she was stabbed 52 times. The family of the suspect has since contacted the family of Ali and offered to offset the expenses of the surgery in exchange for criminal charges being dropped against Singh. However, the family, the brother stated, would not dance to that tune and would pursue the matter to the fullest. This publication understands that the teenager was 13 when she got into the relationship with the man who was 22 at that time. The Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who they believe has been in contact with his family after the stabbing incident.
Neesa Gopaul trial: Repeated...
from page 3
During the trial, evidence was given to reflect that Gopaul was being sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend, Jarvis Small called “Barry”, who is indicted along with her mother Bibi Shareema Gopaul for her murder. The teen had made two reports at the station against the man but subsequently withdrew them. However lawyers representing Small tried to lead evidence to show that the teen had a boyfriend hence she was probably sexually involved with him and not their client. When the teen’s grandfather took the stand on Tuesday, he
was asked under cross examination whether the teenager had a boyfriend and he denied having any such knowledge. M e a n w h i l e , Superintendent of Police Stephen Greaves, of the Police Forensic Laboratory at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, also took the stand on Wednesday. He told the court that he witnessed the post mortem examination of Neesa Gopaul during which he was given samples for DNA testing. Greaves recalled that he took the samples back to the lab where he stored
them in the refrigerator and on a later date travelled to Barbados with the samples for DNA testing to be done. Under cross examination by the defence attorney, the officer revealed that he collected the DNA report. However, the attorney was unable to complete cross examination and as such when he resumes today (Thursday), it is likely that the court will hear about the findings of the DNA test. Additionally, the Barbadian forensic analyst, Lorraine Alleyne, who conducted the DNA test on the sample, is expected to testify via audio/video link.
inister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, who are listed as the defendants in the case challenging the constitutionality of the twoterm limit imposed on Presidents in Guyana, have both responded to the motion filed by West Ruimveldt resident Cedric Richardson. According to legal advocate Emily Dodson, who along with Attorneys Shawn Allicock, Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, and Coleen Sparman, is representing Richardson, the two officials, during the course of last week, filed their respective applications to the court. Dodson related that the Attorney General would be representing his own interests in the matter while the Speaker has appointed Attorneyat-Law Roysdale Forde as his legal representation. She dismissed reports that the matter was withdrawn, reassuring that all preparations were being made to move forward with the case.
Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall
She, however, noted that a date for the hearing of the matter has not been set by the acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang and it was not yet clear when this would be done. On Monday, February 2, Richardson, 50, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, filed a motion in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the limit which was imposed on Guyanese Presidents since 2001. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Attorney General had eight days to file a response to the motion. Justice Chang will, upon perusal of the document, then set a date for hearing of the matter. In his writ,
Richardson claims that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a two-third majority of members of the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President (Bharrat) Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”. Richardson contends that the Act diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the alteration and, therefore, required for its legal validity, the holding of a referendum of the people for such alteration. Guyana’s Constitution, upon passing of the Act, states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once. The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.
10 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
US Embassy holds workshop on sexual harassment with soldiers
T
he United States, through its local Embassy and the Florida National Guard, has hosted a sexual harassment workshop with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). In a statement, the Embassy said last week its Security Cooperation Office, along with representatives from the Florida National Guard, conducted a subject matter expert exchange on Sexual Harassment Assault and Response Prevention (SHARP) with the GDF. The exchange took place at the GDF Coast Guard Base at Ruimveldt from February 10 to 12. The event covered a myriad of topics, including International Humanitarian Law, Sexual Harassment Prevention, and Human Rights. The event was led by Captain Melissa Schuster of the Florida National Guard, the first female officer in the entity to ever lead such an event in all of Caricom. She was assisted by Captain Anfernette Heyligar of the local army. Captain Heyligar is a recent graduate of a United States Army Gender Based Violence Seminar and
Participants of the Security Cooperation Class
was instrumental in the success of this event as she is the Commander of the GDF Health and Welfare Unit. The Embassy said that the “highly successful” event was scenariodriven in order to allow both enlisted ranks and officers to exchange best practices of dealing with sexual harassment and assault prevention.
Professional approach
All GDF personnel were able to discuss tough topics and share ideas on how to address them in a professional manner. The Florida National Guard team introduced their own lessons learnt from SHARP incidents and in return, the GDF did the same. The teams discussed the similarities and differences in the incidents and learnt tips and tech-
niques to prevent and respond to future incidents of sexual harassment and assault. This event has set the stage for future SHARP events in Guyana. The US Embassy’s Bilateral Affairs Officer is planning a senior-level seminar on SHARP in 2016 in Guyana. The event last week is part of a longstanding relationship between the Army and the Florida National Guard through the State Partnership Programme (SPP). Members of the Florida National Guard have had several opportunities to share in SPP events such as Military Police Civil Disturbance, Non Commissioned Officer Leadership, Emergency Centre Operation Visit, and Tactical Life Saver SMEE. The Florida
National Guard plans to conduct nine more events this year. Earlier this year, this newspaper had reported that many officials indicate that victims of sexual harassment in the workplace refrain from reporting such incidents as they fear losing their jobs and/or being victimised. Sometimes, some are unaware that they are being sexually harassed, because, quite often, these acts are consid-
ered a joke or treated as a mistake. Rarely reports are made on such issues because of the sensitivity of the issue and the reputations that can be ruined as a result. In 2008, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) conducted a survey to address this issue. Their study on 500 respondents reveal that 54 per cent had experienced some form of work-
place sexual harassment, of which 27 per cent experienced harassment by their colleague and 17 per cent by their superior. Sixty-six per cent were not aware of any policies in the company that addressed these issues. Seventy-nine per cent were women, while 21 per cent were men. Twelve per cent had received threats of termination if they did not comply with the requests of sexual harassers.
PPP/C facing consequences of passing him over in 2011 – Nagamootoo
Opposition Leader David Granger flanked by AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and the newly-appointed Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo
N
ewly-selected Prime Ministerial candidate of the new Opposition coalition, Moses Nagamootoo on Saturday said if the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had not rejected him as their Presidential Candidate in 2011, he would not have been running against them today. Nagamootoo made the comments in an attempt to defend himself against accusations that he was “power drunk” and his thirst for power had begun in the PPP/C. Observers said that his utterance confirmed the long-held view that he was still a PPP man at heart, but his lust for power might have forced him to join the Opposition ranks. Under the newlyformed A Partnership for National Unity/
Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition agreement, David Granger will be the Presidential Candidate, while Nagamootoo will be the Prime Ministerial Candidate. Faced with questions about his quest for power on Saturday, the former long-time PPP/C member told the media that the PPP/C had an opportunity to select him as the Presidential Candidate back in 2011, but it fell short, hence, the Party was facing the consequences. “We would have not been here, if I didn’t table a motion of no confidence, we would have not been here discussing a new election,” Nagamootoo explained.
Prime Minister handed enormous power
However, in what observers described as “tremendous concessions”, the AFC was able
to have APNU agree for the President to delegate a large chunk of his responsibilities, which hands the Prime Minister enormous power should the new coalition win. Should the coalition win, Nagamootoo would be responsible for the domestic affairs of the country; chair the Cabinet; recommend ministerial appointments and provide the organisational structures of ministries for the approval of the President. He will also appoint heads of agencies and non-constitutional commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of consultation and appoint as well as domestic security. Observers said these powers would give Nagamootoo the kind of influence that could “go to his head”. continued on page 17
NEWS 11
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Exxon Mobil to invest US$600M into oil exploration in Guyana
U
.S. giant oil company Exxon will be venturing into the waters of Guyana for the exploration of oil at the cost of some US$600 million. A 118foot wide vessel, with over 200 people onboard, will depart the Gulf of Mexico to the designated area over 100 miles offshore Guyana. Drilling is expected to begin next month. The area, known as the Liza Area or the Stabroek Block Area measuring some 26,806 square kilometres is said to be the target area and the company intends to drill 1750 metres in depths that reach up to 3000 metres. Officials from the company explained that while they are not yet
Exxon is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company
sure if prospect will be successful, they are still prepared to invest the money into the venture. Jeff Simons, Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) stated that it may take them seven or more years to find oil in the country, explaining that the specialists just know the
layout of the underwater area, such as where rocks and various obstacles are located, based on the seismic data gathered. The project is expected to be a 10-year exploration with three periods including two phases in each period while each period lasts for one to two years, with the strictest safety proce-
Sacked sugar workers back on the job
T
he 15 sugar workers, who were said to have been unjustly dismissed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), have been reinstated to their respective posts at the La Bonne Intention Estate. The decision to reinstate the workers was taken following the completion of an investigation which was conducted by GuySuCo with support from the Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU). A source close to the investigation explained that in the absence of the workers, the parties ventured into the fields on Tuesday where they examined and took samples from the areas in which it was reported that the inadequate application of fertiliser on cane was used. Subsequent to the visit, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Raj Singh called a meeting and reportedly informed the 15 workers that they have been reinstated. They are expected to report to duty from Monday. When contacted by this publication, GAWU’s President Komal Chand confirmed that the sugar workers will report to duty on Republic Day. But Chand said that “GAWU will not be taking this at face value” since it was not formally informed. However, the union, the embattled workers and GuySuCo’s executives were scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the terms of resumption. The initial dismissal had sparked protest actions with more than 380
GuySuCo’s CEO Dr Raj Singh
sugar workers from the Enmore and La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara (ECD) sugar estates downing their tools last week. The workers had protested against what they had deemed the wrongful dismissal of the 15 workers for the inadequate application of fertiliser on canes from since July 2014, despite the supplies were issued. The leaders of the different gangs had signed a Memorandum of Agreement or Terms of Resumption with GuySuCo last Tuesday for work to resume on all of the estates, after the Corporation had stated that it would not have engaged in discussions on the matter unless the workers had resumed work. In a statement responding to the reports given by the sugar workers, GuySuCo had said that the workers were summarily dismissed for inadequate application of fertiliser, intended for 10 weeks-old cane plants, at Felicity Fields 49, 49A, 52 and 53, a section of the LBI cultivation, on July 24-25, 2014, noting too that prior to the dis-
missal of the 15 workers, three junior staff and one senior were earlier dismissed on September 19 and September 26, 2014, for allowing these workers to have fertiliser inadequately applied to the cane plants. The Corporation had noted that it spends more than Gy$2 billion annually to import fertiliser and finds it totally unacceptable that fertiliser that is intended to nurture the cane plants could not be applied to them in the stipulated amount, noting too that this could have been the contributing factor for the East Demerara Estate experiencing low cane yields and stunted cane growth.
dures expected to be followed throughout the project. Erik Oswalk, Vice President of the Americas mentioned that they already trained a fleet of drivers they will be using for the venture while every other staff member has been trained with basic first aid procedure and contractors were encour-
aged to wear appropriate attire on the job. Exxon is the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas company that has existed for 130 years. Exxon replaced the Esso, Enco, and Humble brands in the United States on January 1, 1973. Guyana has a history of petroleum exploration. Guyana’s off-
shore Guyana Basin and the inland Takatu Basin have attracted companies such as Shell, Total and Mobil since the 1940s that have done much geological surveyance of the area and have drilled a number of wells. As of 2008, there were four companies undertaking exploration work in Guyana. These were ExxonMobil, Repsol, Century Guyana Ltd and CGX. The Petroleum Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has the responsibility of monitoring surveyance in Guyana. The venture is expected to provide job opportunities to Guyanese in several areas when operations commence.
12 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Tobago’s Magdalena expands to new markets
P
Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago
ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is celebrating its fourth successful year in a row with a steady history of double-digit growth since reopening under the management and direction of efm Hospitality Solutions in 2011. efm uses marketing to propel the brand and generate business and the steady growth that has punctuated the success of the resort over the past four years. The TT government contracted efm Hospitality Solutions in June 2011 to renovate, refurbish, reposition, reopen and manage the resort that had originally been operated as a Hilton, but had been closed for several years.
The initial scope of work was to completely refurbish the resort to be ready to receive guests and to provide 4-star international quality service within 120 days. efm Hospitality Solutions was successful in meeting the extremely tight timeline to complete the hotel refurbishment on time and within budget. “We bring a total commitment to success using our experience coupled with practical knowledge," said Nikolas Eastwick-Field, principal, efm Hospitality Solutions, the operator and manager of Magdalena Grand, adding: “And we live by our slogan that the difference is in the delivery.” Creating business where none existed before such as golf char-
ters from Scandinavia and accolades from Trip Advisor as well as three golf awards in 2014 are just some of the indications of the underlying success of the resort. Just recently, the sales and marketing team met with 48 companies among the elite tour operators and wholesalers from around the world at the annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace held this year in Puerto Rico. Interest in sending visitors came from companies based in the USA, Canada, UK, Russia, Brazil, Portugal, Germany and many others. Renewed interest in bringing passengers back to Tobago came from both British Airways and Virgin Holidays which is another indication of a trend in the growth of the mid-range business. This came shortly after a successful trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil together with officials from Tobago’s Division of Tourism and Transportation to solicit business from the major tour operators and Scuba Dive wholesalers in South America in support of the new weekly air continued on page 13
Jamaican Teas boasts export sales of Ja$102m
K
Chief Executive Officer John Mahfood
INGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaican Teas' appointment of a new distributor for the north-east U.S. market has resulted in a 91 per cent increase in export sales for its first quarter ending December, financials indicate. The company boasted export sales of Ja$102.7 million, up from Ja$53.8 million it made a year earlier. The strong increase in export sales led to overall increases in sales, which moved from Ja$274.9 million by Ja$44 million or 16 per cent over a comparable period last year. Profit grew by 28 per
cent to reach Ja$27.5 million from increased revenues of Ja$319 million. However, the tea company reported negative cash flows at the end of the quarter. "Despite a tight domestic economy, our group completed a successful first quarter to December, driven by strong exports," Chief Executive Officer John Mahfood said in his address to shareholders in the unaudited accounts released last week. "The increase in exports relates mainly to increases in the US market. We appointed a new distributor for the north-east US and expect that this
will result in further improvement in sales." About half of Jamaican Teas' export sales are to the Caribbean market, while the remainder is shipped to North America. The major growth areas are Trinidad and Florida. Jamaican Teas now owns 100 per cent of JRG Shoppers' Delite Limited, having purchased the remaining shares held by the former manager of the company. Sales from the company's two supermarkets in Westmoreland are up nine per cent compared to the comparative quarter; however, profits were flat, according to the CEO. During the year, Jamaican Teas bought Orchid Estates in St Thomas for Ja$63 million, and is targeting 71 two-bedroom houses and the related infrastructure at the location. The company plans on having 29 units on the market by the end of the first quarter of next year.H Mahfood and Sons Limited, a subsidiary of the company, should begin construction of the remaining 42 houses in March 2016. (Jamaica Observer)
NEWS 13
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Thousands observe Shivraatri across Guyana “O
m Namah Shivaya” was chanted throughout the day Tuesday, as Hindus across Guyana and around the world observed Maha Shiv Ratri (the Great Night of Lord Shiva). This six-syllable mantra is considered to be one of the most powerful mantras and is sung by devotees in prayers and meditation with divine love, grace, truth and blissfulness to the supreme Lord Shiva. Shiva is known as the Destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and the third member of the Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma (the Creator) and Lord Vishnu (the Preserver). Known by many names – Mahadeva, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhole Nath – Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. The Trishul (Trident)
in his right hand represents the three powers of knowledge, desire and implementation. - Maa Ganga on his head represents the Ganges (the holy river) signifying the flow of scriptural teachings passing wisdom from one generation to the next. The crescent moon, tucked into his hair, symbolises that the Lord is the master of time and is himself timeless. - He is often referred to as Tryambaka Deva, because of his third eye of knowledge which, if opened, reduces to ashes the person in its vision. It is the symbol of the destroyer of evil and ignorance. He wears the tiger skin, as he is said to be fearless. Rudraksha beads denote purity. The mala in the right hand symbolises concentration. - The serpent on his neck signifies the ego which once mastered can be worn as an ornament.
Worshippers chanting as they wait their turn to receive blessings from Goddess Lakshmi
- The Damroo (Drum) symbolises sound, which represents the words of the Vedas, the Holy Scriptures given by the Lord to guide us through life. - Nandi is the Bull of Lord Shiva and is said to be his vehicle. The bull is a symbol of both power and ignorance, which suggests that Lord Shiva
removes ignorance of his devotees and gives them the power of wisdom. It is believed that on the day of Maha Shiv Ratri, Lord Shiva revealed his Lingam form. - Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married on this day. - He drank the poison Halahal that emerged during the churning of
Kshir Sagar (the milky ocean) and saved the world from humanity on this day. As an effect of the poison, his throat turned blue. - Also, on this day Maa Parvati performed strict penance for Lord Shiva. Shivratri is considered auspicious especially for women. Married
women pray for the wellbeing of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Maa Parvati. Devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give sacred baths to the Shiva Lingam with honey, milk, and water, etc. But generally it is believed that anyone who utters the name of Shiva during Shivratri with true and pure devotion is freed from all sins. He or she reaches the abode of Shiva and is liberated from the cycle of birth and death. May the blessings of Lord Shiva be with you on this auspicious occasion and always, and may his glorious and divine power and attributes remind us of our own abilities as we strive to lift ourselves to greater heights. “Om Namah Shivaya”
Jamaican Opposition wants timelines for energy projects
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: Opposition Spokesman on Mining and Energy Senator Robert Montague says it is not enough for the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET) to announce proposals for improving the energy sector, without providing timelines and implementation plans for the projects. Senator Montague was responding to the recent announcement by ESET, chaired by Dr Vincent Lawrence, that Cabinet has approved proposals from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to construct a
190-megawatt gas turbine in Old Harbour, St Catherine. He said that while the Opposition welcomed any decision that is aimed at improving the electricity service and reducing energy costs, it has become necessary for these announcements to be accompanied by timelines He added: "While the Opposition commends members of the ESET for their public service and work, we are demanding the publication of the country's Integrated Resource Plan for the energy sector, immediately. It is the provisions of this plan that should
Tobago’s Magdalena expands to... from page 12
service from Sao Paulo to Tobago that commenced on January 31. Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has been recently honoured with the Tobago Chief Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Sphere of Tourism, which was given by Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London. Magdalena Grand was recognized for the resort's significant contributions to the growth of tourism in Tobago. Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has also been named TT’s Best Golf Hotel at the inaugural World Golf Awards held recently in Portugal. The World
Golf Awards serve to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. Magdalena Grand manages the 18-hole Championship Tobago Plantations Golf Course, which is located on the resort’s grounds. efm Hospitality Solutions is led by Nikolas Eastwick-Field, who brings more than 40 years of international hospitality experience, and John Murphy, specializing in product positioning and team building. Both of these hospitality industry veterans acquired high-profile, international experience with Renaissance and Marriott hotels. (TT Guardian)
Montaque… we need these timelines so that we can monitor, on behalf of the people, the progress of the projects
guide the timelines of the announced projects.
"We need these timelines so that as a re-
sponsible Opposition we can monitor, on behalf of the people, the progress of the projects. This administration came in to power on a commitment to lower electricity rates and we wish to hold them to that." According to the Opposition senator, the public is tired of announcements from the Government and its agencies and teams about plans and projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, which fail to materialise. "The situation is so bad now that it is hard to keep track of these announcements until we
learn that the projects are either still evolving or has been abandoned for some reason or the other," said Montague. The Opposition spokesman said that since the announcement on February 3, at Jamaica House, there has been no update from the ESET whether it has fulfilled its commitment to send a letter to the JPS, within a week, authorising them to proceed with the 190-megawatt generating plant, adding that there has been no indication from the JPS that they have received such correspondence. (Jamaica Observer)
14 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
EU marks 40 years of development assistance to Jamaica
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: Over the last 40 years the European Union has contributed an estimated 1.2 billion euros or J$170 billion in development assistance, according to a Jamaica Information Service news release. But the EU's contribution to the many facets of Jamaica's development goes beyond activities under the European Development Fund programme, as it also involves helping Jamaica to navigate and cushion the drastic changes in the global trade environment, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said on Thursday. "I view our ongoing partnership with the EU as critical support for Jamaica's social transformation and economic growth agenda," she said. She was speaking
at the launch of the 40th anniversary of JamaicaEU partnership celebrations at Jamaica House. The launch also saw the unveiling of the Partnership Plaque, which gives a pictorial representation of the Jamaica-EU relationship. Simpson Miller said the EU's contributions to Jamaica over the last four decades have been significant, spanning a number of sectors, including education, security, agriculture and rural development, public financial management and private sector enhancement. "The special framework of assistance for the banana support programme has been a major source of help to banana farmers and former banana growers, as we diversify our agricultural product in light of
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right) converses with Head of Delegation, European Union to Jamaica, Paola Amadei, at the launch of the 40th anniversary of Jamaica-EU partnership celebrations, at Jamaica House on Thursday
changing international realities," she said. Sugar was another area where the EU has also been a significant partner in the government's ongoing efforts to transform the industry, Simpson Miller said.
"I remain thankful for the EU's support of the Sugar Estates Barracks Relocation Project to move families, including some 900 persons, from deplorable living conditions in old plantation barracks to
their own modern houses," she said. Simpson Miller said the Sugar Transformation Programme has been important in the overall goal of poverty reduction, Simpson Miller added. Under the programme, more than 5,000 sugar workers and small cane farmers who were displaced as a result of the sugar cane sector divestment have been provided with assistance. Meanwhile, the EU remains committed to strengthening its relationship with Jamaica, as it strives to assist in poverty reduction and the creation of equal opportunities for all, Paola Amadei, head of the EU delegation said. Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance and Planning noted he is particularly pleased that of the 1.2 billion eu-
ros allocated by the EU over the last 40 years to support programmes in Jamaica, some 80 per cent has been grant resources. "There is no other development partner that has made such a contribution. And I think it is very appropriate for me to say how appreciated this contribution is, especially in the context of our current economic reform programme and our Extended Fund Facility agreement with the International Monetary Fund," he added. Phillips said over the years, Jamaica has also benefited tremendously from the trade component of its partnership with the EU, which has seen the country taking advantage of the many opportunities provided under several cooperation agreements. (Jamaica Observer)
Berbice man chops wife, commits suicide
A
Deonarine and Titawattie Guyanand in happier times
Berbice man was found dead hanging by his neck with a rope shortly after he viciously chopped his wife several times Monday evening. The incident took place at Kendal Village, commonly known as Number 19, East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne). Dead is Deonarine Guyanand 59, also called ‘ Chiney’ of Kendal Village. His wife Titawattie Guyanand 49 was up to press news time was in a critical condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Reports are that the couple had problems in the past and on several occasions the man had threatened to kill the woman. On Monday afternoon Titawattie was at work when she was approached by her husband. Titawattie works as the maid for a 98-yearold woman. According to Punjari Roopram ‘Chiney’ came in and asked for Gy$500 which she gave him. She said he apparently left and
went for a drink (alcohol). “He come back and ask she for thousand dollar more and she say she nah get more. “ It was at this time Guyanand reportedly slapped the woman. Roopram, who is confined to a bed, said at that point she tried to intervene by rebuking Guyanand who also worked with her as a handyman cleaning the yard. The man then went to the kitchen and collected a cutlass and began chopping his wife. According to Roopram at the time no one else was at home. However, after badly chopping the woman Guyanand exited and went to his house where he reportedly ended is life. Neville, another occupant of the house told this newspaper that there were several threats by Guyanand to take his own life after killing his wife. He said the last threat he knew about was about one week ago. The couple had been married for more than 30 years.
NEWS 15
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
AFC got more than was expected – Trotman By Janelle Persaud
S
peaker of the National Assembly and one of the Founding members of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman has admitted that the minority opposition party has gotten more than they had expected during the coalition negotiations with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). He said too that despite fears that the party would be decimated should the coalition lose the election, the AFC has been assured of 12 seats in Parliament as per the Cummingsburg Accord and this is enough to help it regain itself from any fallout. Several top political commentators have already said that the AFC was able to squeeze out much more than it deserves from APNU. There have also been grumblings within APNU about the wideranging concession it agreed to for the AFC. The AFC trails APNU by 19 seats in the National Assembly poll-
ing just about 10% of the votes in the last elections comparing to APNU’s 40%. However during the negotiations the AFC had insisted that it must lead the coalition and having not succeeded in wresting this from APNU they were able to field the Prime Ministerial candidate in the person of Moses Nagamootoo. In addition to being assured of 12 seats in the National Assembly, the party will be allocated two Vice Presidents both of whom will be members of the Cabinet. Further, according to the Accord “In reflecting the thinking and commitment to and for future constitutional reform it has been agreed that the Presidency will be reorganised along the following lines; the President as Head of State, Head of Government, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and shall have responsibility for; the appointment of Constitutional Agencies and Commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms
Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman
of consultation and appoint; Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Non-Commercial Treaties; National Security Policy, the Defence Board, the Joint Intelligence Committee and the Guyana Defence Force. However, if the coalition succeeds, AFC’s Nagamootoo will be responsible for running the domestic affairs of the country; Chairing Cabinet; recommending ministerial appointments and providing the organisational
structures of ministries for the approval of the President. He will also appoint heads of agencies and non-Constitutional Commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of consultation. Besides, the AFC will lead the Home Affairs Ministry and will make up 40% of the Cabinet.
More than electoral strength
Political Scientist, Dr David Hinds alluded to this in one of his recent commentaries, stating that “The AFC has been
allotted more than its electoral strength from the last election. This would offset the fact that it did not get the symbolic leader slot which it went into the negotiations thinking was crucial to both the success of the coalition and its own ability to convince its mainly Indian Guyanese supporters of its correctness.” However, Trotman believes that the AFC would be in a good position to recover, should such an outcome be realised. “I don’t see it (AFC) becoming a spent force or becoming a discarded entity or go the route other parties have gone because with 12 seats in Parliament you will be able to find yourself and regain your footing,” the Former Presidential Candidate stated.
Building foundation
Meanwhile, speaking on the issue of the coalition, Trotman noted that it would be beneficial for Guyana as it would be building on a foundation laid by through the mandate of the AFC. “AFC
is supposed to be that bridge which would allow people to come from the right bank and the left bank of a river and meet in the middle and be able to work together,” he outlined. “I believe that the coalition is actually what Guyana needs.” For Trotman, the necessity lies in the fact that Guyana has only changed governments once in five decades, which according to him stagnates democratic growth. “Our democracy can’t develop if we don’t have a regular change of government; one term, two terms maybe but to have 28 years of one party and 23 of another is just not good enough,” he added. According to the practicing Attorney, the inclusion of members of the ruling party in this could only augur well for the nation. “I would encourage the coalition that is emerging to not close the door to members of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic if they wish to join it, so that we really have a government of national unity.”
Jamaica targets 195,000 kids for measles immunisation
Jamaica’s Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson makes a point during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Monday to announce the Ja$54.4-million Measles Prevention Campaign, which will run from February 16 to May 8, 2015. Looking on is Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Bullock-DuCasse
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion BullockDuCasse moved to reassure the president of the Paediatric Association of Jamaica that children in the four to six age group will not be excluded from the national Measles Prevention Campaign that is set to run from February 16 to May 8, 2015. The Ja$54.4-million mass immunisation campaign, which was launched at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston on Monday, will target 195,000 children from ages one to six for vaccination. The three-phase campaign will run concurrently in all parishes. President of the as-
sociation, Tracia JamesPowell, on Monday questioned whether the ministry's push to offer the booster dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 18 months, instead of the original four to six years, will affect the immunisation coverage for that age group. She raised the concern in relation to the disclosure made by Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson that there is a gap, as current immunisation statistics reveal that measles vaccination has fluctuated from a low of 81 per cent in 2011 to a high of 94 per cent in 2013, with the coverage for the second dose being even lower. The health minister said that, based on the data, while parents
make it a priority to ensure that children under two years are vaccinated, the level of interest to immunise children two years and older is lacking and trending downwards. "We are moving the MMR forward to close the gap; are we then going to lose focus on that four-to six-year group of children who would receive other immunisation?" the paediatric association president questioned. "On the contrary, the focus remains on ensuring that all of our children are appropriately immunised. Since January 1, the Ministry of Health has actually amended the immunisation schedule to ensure that all of our children have their first MMR dose at 12 weeks; the second dose is now done at 18 months, instead of four to six years, in an effort to ensure that our children receive that dose," Bullock-DuCasse explained. "...With the recent (measles) outbreak in the USA, what is happening now is that this campaign will ensure that all the children between one to six are appropriately immunised. "It means that the children who are two to six years, who would've passed that 18-month age group, we want to immunise that group as
well as those who are already four to six years,"
Bullock-DuCasse continued. "...So the ministry
has created the focus on continued on page 18
16
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
NEWS 17
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
GECOM creating “reservoir” of qualified polling day staff C
hief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield has confirmed that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently hiring and training polling day staff for the effective conduct of the May 11 General and Regional Elections. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at Cara Lodge, Lowenfield said some 1623 more persons are needed to make up the complement of staff. He told reporters that the intent was to hire 12,000 persons to man the more than 2200 polling stations across the country. “We must have a reservoir of polling day staff,” Lowenfield noted, explaining that substitutes would also be hired should the need arise. According to him, these staff, most of whom have already started to
Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield addresses members of the media at the press briefing
undergo training, will also be involved in ‘mock polls’ to ensure accuracy on May 11. GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has explained that sufficiently qualified persons were being hired for the varying posts, putting to rest concerns as to their qualifications. Lowenfield
stated that the body is working with tertiary educational institutions to employ students who may be interested. Meanwhile, as the Claims and Objections Period winds down, those who are yet to make clarifications and ensure that they are on the list must do so before closure
on Sunday, February 22. According to him, the conclusion of this process will lead to the compilation of the Revised List of Electors, which should be available on or by March 10. “Once completed, this will be posted for 21 days,” he informed, noting that this would give
stakeholders a second opportunity for review. There have been 3200 new registrants and 3000 requests for transfers during this latest round of the Claims and Objections Period. As of now, there is a total of 567,125 registered voters as against the 492,123 in 2011. This represents about 75,000 new registrants. GECOM has emphasised that the Scrutineers of the political parties have been actively participating in the process. The GECOM officials spoke of efforts to sanitise the list of the deceased and migrants without fresh Houseto-House registration, which is quite costly. Dr Surujbally told reporters the use of death announcements in the broadcast and print media was being explored as a useful method. He
admitted that the law did not provide the simplest means of removing such names from the list. Deputy Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud explained that there were enough systems in place to ensure that no one else could vote for a deceased person. Mechanisms that were embraced by political parties, added Surujbally. Meanwhile, some 38,000 national identification cards remained uncollected from as far back as 2008. These are not all voters’ cards, since some are for those who are below the eligible voting age who qualify for an ID card. The non-collection of these would not affect a person’s ability to vote either, because there are folios containing pictures and bio-data of registrants at each polling station.
PPP/C facing consequences of passing him over in... Nagamootoo said too that if he had been “power drunk”, he would have never allowed APNU’s Leader, David Granger, to become the Presidential Candidate for the newly formed alliance. His denial comes less than five years after he walked out of the PPP/C after not being selected as Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General Elections. The PPP/C had decided to go to the polls with current President, Donald Ramotar, passing up Nagamootoo, Clement Rohee and Ralph Ramkarran. While Ramkarran stuck with the Party for nearly two
years before resigning, Nagamootoo jumped to the AFC mere days after he was rejected as the PPP/C candidate. Controversy had also erupted some years ago when Nagamootoo had claimed that Dr Cheddi Jagan had selected him as his successor. He had said that Dr Jagan had him in mind a long time before he took ill. However, Mrs Janet Jagan had reportedly produced a letter by Cheddi, purportedly written on his death bed, selecting his wife as his successor. Nagamootoo disputed this. Critics said
Nagamootoo was not the only “power drunk” individual within the AFC, as they alluded to the Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, and General Secretary, David Patterson, who had, on numerous occasions, told their supporters that the AFC would win the elections on its own. Just days before the announcement of the Cummingsburg Accord, Ramjattan reiterated his initial position that the AFC would not take a back seat in any coalition, although aware that the fairly new party barely managed to secure seven seats in the National Assembly af-
ter the 2011 Elections. He had even denied having discussions with the APNU in the initial stages, although the coalition had announced talks during one of its many press conferences.
But when asked about this position, he said “that was our maximum position, but during the process of the negotiations we could not have obtained it”. “But in view of the
from page 10
fact that there has been a tremendous climb (sic) to the powers of the Prime Minister, we feel that it was an acceptable proposal and that is why we signed on,” he added.
18 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Rohee rubbishes PNCR’s allegation that PPP killed Rodney By Vahnu Manikchand
H
ome Affairs M i n i s t e r and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee on Monday rubbished suggestions by the people’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) that the PPP had a hand in the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney. The Forbes Burnham-led PNC Administration has long been accused of the killing of Dr Rodney and most of the witnesses appearing before the commission so far have stated clearly that it was the PNC Government which ordered the assassination of the former Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co-leader. Rohee on Monday returned to the stand for the continuation of cross-examination in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that has been tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr Rodney back in June, 1980. Attorney for PNC, Basil Williams, grilled
the Minister on his motive for testifying in the CoI. Williams suggested to Rohee that he had no intention of testifying and only came because of the theory that his party was allegedly involved in the killing. During the Inquiry, the Commission had explored several theories as to who might have killed Dr Rodney including one introduced by the PNC that states the PPP had a motive to kill the then WPA leader. However, Rohee denied this suggestion saying, that he is not aware of any such theory. He went on to explain under re-examination by CoI Counsel Latchmie Rahamat, that ever since Dr Rodney’s return to Guyana he had had a cordial relationship with the then leader of the PPP, Dr Cheddi Jagan, not only at a political level but also philosophically. “The fact that these two individuals were meeting regularly to discuss; the fact that those discussions eventually manifested themselves into collaboration between the two parties, cooperation be-
ences that they had individually accumulated to work together for the freedom of the people. I don’t recall in any specific point in time, although they were some solidarity activities with Cuba and Nicaragua, that these two leaders have ever said anything to give anyone any indication that they were foreign accomplice working behind the scene to liquidate either Dr Jagan or Dr Rodney,” he noted, while adding that such claim is a figment of someone’s imagination.
Overthrow claims
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee examining a document shown to him during his testimony at the Walter Rodney CoI
tween the two parties at different levels, at public meetings and so forth… and the fact that the two leaders sought to ensure that the tactical differences that exist between the two parties were minimised to such an extent that they didn’t overflow into
any antagonistic relations between the two, I think are grounds sufficient enough to indicate that the PPP to be in any way implicated in any type of physical or other means of threat on Dr Walter Rodney’s life is misconceived, misplaced, mischievous and has no foundation whatsoever, ” he stated. In addition, another theory was suggested to the PPP/C General Secretary that the “imperialist” wanted Rodney dead and Rohee replied that he will answer in a text message language saying “stww”. But when asked by Counsel Rahamat why he rejected the theory, he underscored that while the two parties’ leaders had certain principled positions on the fight against colonialism, imperialism and foreign domination, “they used those international experi-
Williams went on to suggest that the PPP had withdrawn its support from the PNC Government to join forces with the WPA in attempts to overthrow the Government of the day but Rohee refuted such claims, stating that PPP and WPA joined in a common struggle to improve the livelihood of the people. Furthermore, the attorney questioned the witness on several documents that were tendered in the inquiry by the Police Special Branch. One such document had contained purported details of the WPA engaging Cuban spies in Guyana with the intention of overthrowing the PNC Government and that the leader of the PPP had knowledge of this and was in full support. Rohee, when asked about whether he agrees with this, said “nonsense, I don’t agree with nonsense.” At this point Chairman of the Commission Richard Cheltenham outlined that the documents presented by the Special Branch are a high or some degree of accuracy.
Nevertheless during re-examination, Counsel Rahamat requested the witness to explain why he rejected the contents from the documents that were shown to him. Rohee pointed out that most of the documents are based on hearsay evidence and speculations as such he would not give too much credence to them. He further clarified that based on personal experiences he never heard any of the WPA members talking about the use of violence to overthrow the Government of the day. “I’ve never heard any of the leaders of the WPA; any of the activists of the WPA that I know personally give any indication that this is something that they were working towards. It was always a question involving the masses and Dr Rodney succeeded in doing that with the citizens of Georgetown and this is the mission Dr Rodney set out to accomplish (when he joined WPA),” Rohee said while adding that at the time no one knew how the Special Branch operate. The Attorney continued, putting to the witness that he only came to defend the party because of the nature of the evidence that was tendered. “No, I came here to tell the truth and nothing but the truth,” he said. “But somehow you failed to tell the truth and the whole truth, I’m putting that to you,” said the PNC lawyer to the PPP General Secretary, who again denied this. Rohee further refused a statement made by the attorney that he is “nothing else but a witness of convenience”.
Jamaica targets... this age group now for MMR and other vaccines and will retain the immunisation schedule for the four-to six-year-old group as well." In launching the campaign, Dr Ferguson said immunisation has led to a substantial reduction of illness and death from vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and newborn tetanus, with Jamaica seeing its last case of polio in 1982, the last case of locally transmitted measles in 1991, the last case of diphtheria in 1995, and the last
case of rubella in 2000, and newborn tetanus in 2001. Ferguson said, in addition to offering the booster dose at 18 months for children born July 2013 and after to close the existing gap, it is also being done to get children immunised during the active vaccination period when other vaccines are being offered and the uptake greater. He explained that the first phase of the campaign will target children attending clinics at the health centres for routine immunisa-
from page 15
tion services such as the 18-month booster, while phase two will seek to capture children at the basic, infant, and primary schools as well as daycare centres, and phase three will focus on targeted community outreach for those not immunised in phases one and two. Dr Ferguson also made a strong appeal to teachers, paediatricians, private family practitioners, and parents and guardians to cooperate with the ministry in getting all children in the target group vaccinated. (Jamaica Observer)
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
19
20 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Need for a national Berbice Riot Squad formed for elections funding policy for UG – Vice Chancellor
A
mid threats of prolonged protest action, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi has lamented the lack of a clear policy to fund the cash-strapped tertiary institution, even as he called on staff involved in strike action to return to their jobs. Talks between the UG Administration and the unions representing staff broke down last week after workers refused to end their strike action and negotiate. Workers through their unions have been demanding a 60 per cent pay raise, but the UG Administration said it cannot afford such an increase. It instead offered the striking staff an increase of 25 per cent which the unions rejected. The unions demanded that they should be given a 25 per cent increase each year for the next three years. Up to Monday, there was a massive march starting at the entrance of the university’s Turkeyen campus and ended in Georgetown. In a statement issued on Monday, the Vice Chancellor said on
Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Jacob Opadeyi
assumption of office as Vice Chancellor, it took him less than two weeks to realise the enormous task of transforming the university back to its days of glory. “The days that UG produced global and regional scholars, business leaders, entrepreneurs, engineers and teachers have contributed not only to the development of Guyana but to the world. The need for transformation is dictated by the inadequate state of its infrastructure: drainage, sewerage, buildings, laboratories, furniture and other facilities. This need is also dictated by the university’s over 30 year-old system of governance, pol-
icies, examination and admission regulations, added to the fact that its staff and student welfare services lack modern day requirements. The level of funding and the management of the available funds leave much to be desired.” Dr Opadeyi said staff and students should be commended for enduring this less than desirable state of affairs, adding “the low level of staff remunerations and the unacceptable state of office facilities and teaching materials.” He said it is a pity that the current industrial impasse is being used to point fingers, noting that no one entity should be blamed for the current state of UG, but the national community as a whole who have sat idly by and allowed this noble university to suffer decades of neglect, abandonment, and political grandstanding. “The problem at UG is not merely a problem of decades of underfunding and poor management but chiefly the lack of a national policy on how to fund the University. In the absence of this policy, the funding regimes
continued on page 21
The Berbice Riot Squad is fully equipped, having embarked on rigid training
P
olice in Berbice are working to enhance their capabilities to control possible protests or mass demonstrations resulting from the May 11, General and Regional Elections. Ranks from both Regions Five (Mahaica/ Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) have been selected to form the Berbice Riot Squad. The group, which consists of more than thirty officers, has commenced a rigorous train-
ing program leading up to Election Day. They are being trained in crowd control and unauthorised mass street protests. Under the tutorship of Deputy Superintendant, Linden Isles the ranks have been trained on tactical ways of approaching a disorderly crowd. They are also currently being equipped with the skills needed to disperse protestors. Assisting Isles with the training are Assistant Superintendant Gay
Nurse, Assistant Superintendant Kibwea Griffith and Inspector Michael Newland. The 1992 Elections resulted in the People’s National Congress (PNC) being removed from power after a 28-year reign. Mass street demonstrations followed in the capital Georgetown and also in the towns on Linden and New Amsterdam. On Saturday the Berbice Riot Squad received training at the Esplanade Ground in New Amsterdam.
NEWS 21
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Granger promises to abolish “winner takes all politics” T
he signing of the “Cummingsburg Accord” marks the end of the “winner takes all politics in Guyana”, Opposition Leader David Granger claimed, moments after signing the agreement for his coalition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – and the Alliance For Change (AFC) to team up for the upcoming May 11 elections. Granger said too that should the new coalition succeed, it would give greater impetus to the long-held quest for a Government of national unity. Signed on Saturday, the Cummingsburg Accord marks the marriage of the two political groups, which will see Granger contesting as the Presidential Candidate and AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo as the Prime Ministerial Candidate on a joint slate. According to Granger, Guyanese are
at their wits’ end with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which has been in Government since 1992. “We have not contemplated the possibilities of defeat; if you go through this country from Region Nine to Region Six, people want this thing badly, people want a coalition. They do not want five more years of the PPP… and we are very confident that we are going to win on May 11,” the Opposition Leader told reporters. He said too that Guyanese have been longing for the end of the “winner takes all politics” that Guyana has been plagued with for decades. “We have closed the door on winner-takes-all politics… Winner-takes-all politics is finished in Guyana … I am saying to you, if this alliance wins 52 per cent of the votes, we are not going to lock out 48 per cent of the people, that is my promise to you.”
are looking at,” the Prime Ministerial Candidate told reporters. Alluding to inclusionary democracy, like Granger, he assured the press that the newly built alliance had an open-door policy but said executives were on the lookout for detractors.
Jumping ship
Presidential Candidate of the APNU-AFC coalition, David Granger and his Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo shortly after signing the Cummingsburg Accord at Georgetown Club
Granger said the alliance would welcome the input of every section of society, including political organisations, in its quest to uphold Article 13 of the Constitution which alludes to inclusionary democracy. He made it clear that the PPP/C was no exception.
Need for a national... are haphazard and arbitrary. In the absence of such a national policy, accountability, transparency, and due diligence can hardly be demanded. Strategic plans, development goals, monitoring and evaluation and score cards will be foreign words to Council and Administration. I ask; when last was the management of UG called before the Parliament to account for its revenue and expenditure? Who dares to ask UG to do such a thing when its income cannot meet its expenditure, when its budgets are unrealistic, when there is no financial discipline,” Professor Opadeyi lamented.
National funding policy
He said it was his hope that the national community will support the call for the development of a national policy on how to fund the university with the required accountability rules and regulations. This is the root cause of UG’s problem. “The University today is in a catch 22 position: low level of tuition fees, low level of subvention grants, low level of Private Sector investment and coupled with inadequate facilities and inadequate service delivery. According to a Chinese adage: “cheap things no good, good things no cheap”. Opadeyi said that the need to inject large sums of money into UG is without question, noting that money is needed to upgrade its infrastructure and build new and modern facilities, as well
as money to improve salaries and benefits. “This new money should come with demands for improvement in quality of service and quality of products. This new money will encourage the recruitment and retention of more qualified and student-centred staff, both within Guyana and further afield,” Opadeyi said. The Vice Chancellor stated also that the Council and Administration, understanding these challenges, have initiated a number of actions that are bearing the desired results. Among these actions are special audits that identified the sources of financial mismanagement; appointment of a new Bursar, Chief Accountant, and Accountants that are working to significantly improve our financial system; decision to purchase a new accounting and human resources management software to replace the over 20-yearold software currently being used; increase of retirement age of our lecturers from 60 to 65 years to retain our very best who are still eager and young enough to be of service to our students; upgrading the terms of employment of our maid cleaners; financial and system audits of our units that are running at a loss; audit of teaching loads in order to ensure that contractual obligations are met; Government investment of US$10 million to upgrade facilities of the
from page 20
Science and Technology faculties; institutionalisation of research grants to improve research outputs; institutionalisation of facilities fees to support the upgrading of our teaching and learning resources among other initiatives. “These are baby steps. We have made some gains, but the road ahead is still far and rough. We need to urgently work on attracting Private Sector funding to enhance our plants and facilities; improve the salaries of our staff in general but particularly that of our lecturers; improve the buildings and facilities of our non-science faculties; seek and obtain accreditation for all our professional programmes and introduce undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that address the developmental challenges of Guyana. “We cannot do any of these in the face of protracted salary and wage negotiations. We cannot afford to have staff who have low morale because of inadequate remunerations. We cannot afford to keep our students out of classes – they have paid an increased fee for that matter. My support for improvement in salaries and benefits comes with improvement in efficiency and accountability. This support however, comes with the understanding of the issue of how this increase can be funded without reverting to the days of huge deficit,” the Vice Chancellor said.
During the joint press conference at the Georgetown Club on Saturday, Nagamootoo, who was sitting besides his Presidential Candidate running mate at the head table, echoed similar sentiments. “We are not here to lose, this is the winning team you
Questioned whether there have been “back-door meetings” with current members and supporters of the Government who would want to “jump ship” like he did in the leadup to the 2011 General Elections, Nagamootoo said several persons have approached him. According to him, several “elements” have been in contact with the AFC, noting that some have specific interest. Nevertheless, he maintained that the alliance would practice what it preached – inclusionary democracy. “There will be no discrimination, no recrim-
ination and no vendetta. No one has anything to fear, no one has anything to lose, especially if you are honest and have conducted yourself within the law,” he emphasised. He said while talks were ongoing with these former and current “PPP/C supporters and members”, the AFC has not made a formal decision. But Nagamootoo fell short of building on his credibility by failing to name some of the persons with whom the party has been in contact. “I am not going to deal with names, but we have heard from former Ministers to people who are former stalwarts of the PPP. They’ve all indicated that they would like to come on board. Now that we’ve had this national alliance, I believe it would add new energy to their interest and we’re hoping as the campaign kicks off, you will have some surprises on the platform,” he added.
Observer missions lining up for May 11 polls – Rodrigues-Birkett
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
F
oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said that international observers are critical to the credibility of the upcoming election, noting that she is heartened that some of the top organisations have already indicated their willingness to work in the country. She made the comments during a programme on state broadcaster, National Communications Network over the weekend. The Minister explained that international observation is very important for the up-coming election and noted that since 1992, “there have always been observer missions in Guyana, and 2015 will be no different.” Minister RodriguesBirkett asserted
this stance, indicating that President Donald Ramotar has already informed the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States (OAS), Caribbean Community (Caricom), and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) that Guyana will be requesting their overseeing roles. She added that this message came from the very time when prorogation was enacted on November 14, 2014. Touching on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted that the entity did the usual, that is, it requested the United Nations (UN) to come in and look at the systems, and to see if the country is prepared for the May 11 General and Regional
Elections, as it is important to have the body give a vote of confidence to the systems in place. According to Rodrigues-Birkett, the UN mission is important in assisting Guyana, as it moves towards Election Day. She stated that she is sure that the visiting members would have already conveyed their observations to GECOM, as they did meet with her in her capacity as Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, President Ramotar, and other major players within the fraternity of the election framework. It should be noted that the UN does not necessarily observe elections, as in the case of the Commonwealth or Caricom, but can do so “in circumstances when the General Assembly or the Security Council so approves”. Minister RodriguesBirkett alluded to Guyana’s democratic milieu and explained that the OAS is really strong in this area, as well as in the aspect of human rights. She reminded that the OAS usually sends a team to observe elections, and this year, there is likely to be about six elections in the Caribbean and South America (Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Kitts). Her hope is that the OAS will again respond positively to observing Guyana’s elections.
22 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Ramkarran believes AFC could be wiped out if coalition loses By Janelle Persaud
F
ormer Speaker of the National Assembly and Political Commentator Ralph Ramkarran says the Alliance For Change (AFC) is taking a major gamble with its existence by joining forces with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to contest the May 11 Regional and General Elections. In an interview with Guyana Times International two days after the agreement to coalesce was signed, Ramkarran opined that the party, once considered a “third force”, stands the risk of being “wiped out” if the outcome of the elections is unfavourable. He reasoned that
APNU will maintain its support base and has nothing to lose as a consequence of the coalition but noted that the AFC could lose everything. “One of the big problems would be, if the Indians would say well this is the PNC back in power and while we were prepared in 2011 to give the AFC our vote, with the expectation that the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] will win …we are not prepared to give you our vote if it means the PPP/C would lose the election,” Ramkarran reasoned. Ramkarran is not the only person who has expressed fears for the AFC and also the chances of the alliance ousting the PPP/C. APNU Member Dr
Former Speaker of the National Assembly and Political Commentator Ralph Ramkarran
David Hinds has been quoted in a commentary saying that while he welcomes the coalition since it has created history, he also remains skeptical of its strategy to oust the governing PPP/C from power noting that while some may see the coalition as a breakthrough, it
is a gamble.
Skeptical
Former Government Minister and Columnist Dr Henry Jeffrey weighing in on the subject also related that he remains skeptical that the approach taken by the two parties was the best one yet.
“I think what they want to do is to get rid of the PPP/C. I am not certain that that is the best option for doing so but I am not convinced that it’s the best option,” said Jeffrey. According to Jeffrey, now that the AFC has coalesced with the APNU, whose major partner is the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), voters who would have seen AFC as a middle-ground party away from the two larger political organisations would stay away from the polls. “They have removed the possibility of a middle-ground that people run to. If there is no middle-ground, people have an option they can stay home or they go back and
vote for whom they were voting and that is a great possibility that exists at the moment because the AFC joining with the PNC does not offer that middle-ground any longer,” he said.
Norton’s doubtful
PNCR member Aubrey Norton said he does not support the move by the AFC to form any deal with APNU in establishing a broad national alliance for the upcoming elections. According to him, the APNU is already doing its work in its constituency while the AFC would have had to continue working to garner more support which was traditionally PPP/C’s and to break the PPP/C’s stronghold. continued on page 24
Surujbally to political parties: Don’t blame GECOM if you lose! By Vahnu Manickchand
C
hairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr Steve Surujbally says that the Commission will not accept any blame for the failure of any political party to win the upcoming General and Regional Elections which is slated for May 11. Surujbally said that GECOM was not the “whipping boy” and therefore cautioned politicians against blaming GECOM or its bureaucracy for their performance at the polls. He was at the time speaking at a training session held for the media on Saturday. According to Dr Surujbally, it is understandable that with elections around the corner that the political parties tend to become anxious and “fearful” of loosing, and as such, they try to cast assertions that GECOM is flawed or unable to host a free and fair election. But, the head of the electoral body pointed out that he has observed political parties already adopting such behaviours and questioned their motives. He says he will not entertain it while explaining that “the electoral process must be the single most important tile in the mosaic of democracy”. As such, everyone
GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally
should work together to ensure that the process is an efficient one, the GECOM Chairman advised. Dr Surajbally added that the Commission has been engaged in a stringent preparatory exercise for the May 11 polls. He noted that while they cannot be perfect in every aspect of their functions and they do have a “near-perfect process” that seeks to generate the most reliability and efficiency during the elections period. “We will do what is right,” he stated. On the other hand, the GECOM Chairman told media operatives that they too have a role to play and need to be responsible in their reporting of election related issues. He added that all of Guyana would like to see peaceful elections come May 11. “Come stand with me, walk with me,” so that this can be achieved, he appealed.
NEWS 23
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Jumo rules with “Unruly” at Soca Monarch
T
Jumo "Rubber Waist" Primo being carried by his supporters after being crowned king on Sunday morning
hirty-nine-yearold Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo has proven that he is the best in the local soca industry when the 11th Edition of the Carib Soca Monarch was held at the National Park on Saturday evening. Primo who performed “Unruly” outshone his 14 other rivals thus taking over the monarchy from Kwasi Ace Edmondson who reigned for one year. This is the third time Primo will rule the monarchy with Edmondson in second command. Former junior calypsonian, Ernesta Nelson has joined the kingdom for the first time as third in command and Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Robertson settled for 4th in command. The best new
comer’s award was given to the ‘fireman’, Jory Hector who performed “Whistle.” Primo walked away with Gy$1.5 million in cash while Edmonson will receive Gy$500,000, Nelson pockets Gy$250,000 and Vanilla will uplift Gy$100,000. The new comer is expected to receive Gy$100,000. Moments after being crowned Soca Monarch, Primo called on the artistes to end the “ridiculing” since it does not augur well for the local industry. He said that there was a time in Guyana when artistes performed “real soca music” during the competition but it has now become a “free style” competition and more so a “sound clash”
In this regard, he stated that the world is watching, and when artistes ridicule each other, it paints a bad picture. “These performances will be on You Tube… what you think the world will say… Do we look like a nation that will move soca music to another level?’ One of the high points of his energetic performance was the fact that he did not respond to the other performers’ “bad mouthing” and thought that playing it cool and simple would have won the audience and the judges’ hearts. Time for this nonsense, he strongly suggest, must stop and urged the artistes to work in unity to develop the industry. Nevertheless,
he thanked his sponsors, family, friends and fans for believing in him. Now, he has the chance to represent Guyana at the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago in 2016. The newly crown king also believes that those who wish to participate in the 2016 Carib Soca Monarch should submit their entries in September. This, he noted will give the selection committee enough time to review the songs and give positive criticisms. “Tell them if their tune need some modifications… send them back and let them get it right… once this is done, the competition will be much cleaner”, the king stated. However, the fi-
nal of the 2015 Carib Soca Monarch turned into a sound clash and free style competition. Several of the artistes went on stage “talking” and for a moment, persons thought that they were listening to a standup comedy show. The artistes were judged on a number of criteria, including clean diction and originality; timings also played a critical role. Several of the contestants received low scores in that aspect; since they went over the stipulated
eight minutes. The night started with a usually hyped performance by members of the Heatwaves Band comprising Tenecia De Freitas, Calvin Burnette and Mark Batson. Their energetic performance set the tone for the evening. First to take to the stage was the then defending champion, Edmondson who set the bar for the other contestants to follow. At that point in time, persons thought that the only continued on page 25
Vanilla during her performance at the National Park on Sunday
24 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
PPP/C peruses Berbicians’ petition to make Jagdeo PM
A
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo on the campaign trail for the PPP/C during the last elections
s campaigning for Elections 2015 intensifies, a group of Berbicians have signed a petition calling for former President Bharrat Jagdeo to be selected as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial candidate. This comes weeks after a motion was filed in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the two-term limit which was imposed on Guyanese Presidents since 2001. PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said the Party was examining the document and will make an announcement soon. According to Rohee, the Party received a copy of the petition signed by residents in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), but there were several matters which it felt had to be clarified and as such, the Executive had arranged a meeting with the petitioners for those matters
to be addressed. Rohee disclosed that this was accomplished and the petition, along with the information which was garnered from the residents, was subsequently submitted to the PPP/C’s Executive Committee for further discussions to take place. Questioned by reporters on when a response can be expected, the General Secretary expressed that a response would be publicly given when the Party begin its campaign for the upcoming General and Regional Elections scheduled for May 11. However, he could not state when the campaign would be launched. According to the petition, the residents would like to see the former President given the portfolio of Prime Minister with responsibility for the Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources since they are of the opinion that he is the only person who can solve the mountain of issues plaguing the Guyana Sugar
Corporation (GuySuCo). Meanwhile, Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, the defendants in the case challenging the constitutionality of the presidential term limit, have responded by filing their Rights to Appeal. In the writ filed February 2, the plaintiff, 50-year-old Cedric Richardson claims that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by two-thirds majority of members of the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”. The former Head of State is the only one to whom the constitutional provisions apply, since all other former Presidents have passed away.
PYO set to participate in Mash 2015
T
he Progressive Y o u t h Organisation of Guyana (PYO) will take Mashramani 2015 by storm, as it gears up to participate in the National Costume and Float Parade on February 23 in the capital city, Georgetown. The organisation, which has a membership base that spreads across the country, said that Republic Day and Mashramani are significant events in Guyana, which enable Guyanese to reflect on the country’s rich history which led to development of a unique, free and democratic state. “These events also play an integral role in cementing Guyana’s cul-
tural identity as a melting pot of culture within the Caribbean, South America and the wider world. Our youths will use Mashramani as the stage to celebrate all of the achievements that have been made as far as socio-economic development and cultural transformation are concerned,” PYO said in a release on Saturday. As the organisation joins thousands of Guyanese in celebrating Mashramani under the theme “One People, One Culture, One Celebration,” it will demonstrate the power to resist those who are bent on fractionalising and dividing Guyana. As a result, a number of events will be execut-
ed over the next few days to put Guyanese into the Mash mood, in the lead up to Republic Day. The release added that “A Mash camp, which will be established at the side of Freedom House, Robb Street from Monday will see youths from all walks of life and Guyanese celebrating the cultural diversities of all six ethnic groups that make our society. Additionally, each night will carry a different theme and there will be speakers delivering short presentations on various issues related to youth and national development”. The PYO will also be decorating its Mash float, costumes and paraphernalia at the location.
PYO members in their Mashramani costumes last year
Ramkarran believes...
from page 22
He, however noted that this would now become a difficult task since those who may have been prepared to back the AFC will now return to the PPP/C, due to the alliance with the APNU, which is still referred to by Indo Guyanese as the PNC. AFC’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan had been previously quoted as saying that joining forces with APNU would severely impact the AFC’s constituency, especially supporters who are dissatisfied with both the PPP/C and PNCR/ APNU. But the minority party’s Vice Chairman and now Prime Ministerial Candidate for the new alliance, Moses Nagamootoo is on record telling a public meeting at New Amsterdam recently that “APNU is like a large umbrella that has attracted large numbers of people, particularly Afro Guyanese. But APNU cannot win an election alone, APNU needs to have a strategic alliance with the church and the trade unions and other groups and the AFC could bring in the eleven per cent.” At the last elections, the AFC under an
Indian Guyanese leader Khemraj Ramjattan won 10.3 per cent of the votes mainly from the Indian dominated Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) votes.
History of rigging
Ramkarran a former PPP/C Executive noted that many IndoGuyanese are still concerned about the history of “rigging and food shortage” that accompany the PNC, now the largest party in APNU. As such, the AFC would have to convince its supporters many of whom are originally PPP/C supporters. He speculated that the commitment to shift some of the powers of the President to the Prime Minister and others might be a move to concretise the aforementioned. Under the Cummingsburg Accord, APNU gets the Presidential Candidate and AFC, the Prime Ministerial Candidate; the latter party has been assured 12 seats in the 65 seat Parliament. This would be approximately 36 per cent of the combined seats by the two parties in the 10th Parliament.
In the construct of a new Government, APNU will be allocated one Vice President while AFC will be allocated two Vice Presidents, both of whom will be members of the Cabinet. Under this arrangement, the President will delegate several responsibilities to the Prime Minister including the chairmanship of the Cabinet and matters supporting the Domestic National Affairs.
Deeply political
The former Speaker noted that while this decision would be an indication of the parties’ commitment to reducing the powers of the President, it is deeply political. Asked whether this would require constitutional change, Senior Counsel Ramkarran pointed that this could very well work under an informal arrangement. “For these to be formally put in place they will have to amend the constitution, but they do not have to amend to operate them informally,” he explained. An amendment of this nature would require a twothirds majority vote in the National Assembly.
NEWS 25
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Jumo rules with Monument for slavery victims “Unruly” at... to be erected at UN HQ from page 23
contestants that could have better him were Primo, Bonesman and Vanilla. As the competition went full steam ahead, some performers sang off key, their stage presentations were outrageous and their vocals were not up to standard. Some of the artistes also politicised the monarchy as though it was a calypso competition. President Donald Ramotar was featured in a few of the songs which were described as distasteful. George Anthony Abrams had a fantastic stage presentation but for some reason, he did not garner the crowd’s support with his tune titled “Mirror”. The crowd also booed off Levar Gittens who was a wreck on stage. NCN’s Avalanche did not do justice to his performance and as such, some of his fans thought that it is time he steps up his game. Nelson joined the flock of ‘talkers’ to bash media reports about her performance at the semi finals of the competition held in Berbice, which was totally uncalled for, claiming that the reports were inaccurate and
bias. Lady ‘T’ on the other hand performed satisfactorily to the audience but the crowd was paying more attention to one of her dancers, who was slinging from the beams of the stage. Another performer who would have performed credibly was ‘Bonesman’ with his tune ‘Ebola’ but coming down to the end of his performance; he took time to freestyle hitting back at the previous performers, especially Edmondson. While Jory Hector is a new comer to the competition and has performed satisfactorily, there is room for a lot of improvement. His performance mirrored a clash between him and Magnum. His dancehall skills were evident and the soca hardly came over to the audience. Vanilla’s performance was very creative from the beginning to the ending. She is indeed a veteran in the game but for some reason the judges always score her less that her rivals as was seen in Saturday’s competition. She, however, has her eyes on becoming the Road March Competition come February 23.
I
n its first action for the International Decade for People of African Descent, the United Nations (UN) has decided to remember the sufferings of Africans during slavery by erecting a permanent monument in their honour at UN Headquarters in New York. According to a Caribbean News report on Saturday, the monument is slated to be commissioned on March 25 for the International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The monument, which was designed by HaitianAmerican architect, Rodney Leon, will be called the “Ark of No Return.” Leon said the design acknowledges the tragedy of the Slave Trade through a map in the interior of the memorial that depicts the vast scale of the Slave Trade and its impact on Africa. He continued that the second part of the design confronts persons with the inhumanity of the trade and its bodily experience. While the third section, a reflective pool asks visitors to meditate on the experience and to imprint the memory of this human tragedy in their minds. The idea for the monument was put forward by Guyana, on behalf of Caricom, at the 66th General Assembly (GA) Plenary Meeting in December, 2011. However, the Caribbean news report indicated that it was Jamaica who inspired the idea of the memorial, which other Caricom and African states
The designs of Architect, Rodney Leon’s Ark of No Return
quickly endorsed. During the Assembly’s debate on adopting the resolution in 2011, a number of UNGA delegates had said it was the “least the United Nations could do” to honour those who forcibly became part of the global African Diaspora. To select the design, an international competition was launched in September, and a Trust Fund was established to support its construction. Numerous delegations stressed the importance of contributing to the fund to raise the $4.5 million needed to complete the project. Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Arnold J Nicholson, who had made the disclosure on Tuesday, urge states who have not contributed to the fund, to use the small window so the project can indeed be a success come March.
The International Decade for People of African Descent was officially launched in December, 2014. According to the UN the decade will focus on three main objectives, the strengthening of the national, regional and international action and cooperation by people of African descent with their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. Education is the second objective, as the UN detailed that it will foster respect for diverse heritage, culture and the contributions that have been made by people of African descent to the development of societies. The third objective focuses on relevant frameworks in accordance with the Durban Declaration, the Programme of Action and the International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination.
26
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
27
28 NEWS
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Guyana Marriott set to open in grand style - ‘Where the Demerara meets the Atlantic’
T
Staff in training to use service technology
he management of the Guyana Marriott remains committed to a grand opening of the luxurious hotel next month. A significant portion of the major construction has been completed and the necessary staff is being trained to ensure that the international brand is evident in Guyana. This was confirmed during a site tour on Friday. General Manager, Roberto Grisi following the tour, indicated that a majority of the 197 rooms was already completed. The items for the other rooms are stored at the Kingston location to en-
sure timely completion. The decoration package will be rolled out in several weeks before a thorough cleaning of the building is carried out. According to Grisi, the March deadline is highly dependent on the construction team and whether it could meet the approval of the corporate office. “The most important aspect is the fire safety… we do not open the hotel unless we have met 100 per cent fire safety standards,” the General Manager added. Meanwhile, Marriott Guyana has already hired some 140 persons, many of whom are un-
dergoing rigid training to ensure the kind of service that accompanies the ‘Marriott’ brand. Grisi told this publication that another 30 persons will be hired just before the opening in March. He says the company intends to keep its commitment to the government to ensure Guyanese are hired for most of the vacant posts. “We have three Guyanese on the executive committee,” the general manager revealed. He added that certain management positions are filled by employees from abroad who are responsible for training. “Hopefully in anoth-
er several years we will have a fully Guyanese management team.” Some 95 per cent of the 500 employees at the Marriott Guyana Hotel will be Guyanese. The remaining 240 persons will be brought on with the completion of the Entertainment Centre in September of this year. This second component of a 29,000 square foot entertainment complex will house a casino, restaurant and nightclub all of which will be privately operated, separate and distinct from the hotel and its operator. The tour was facilitated by Director of Sales and Marketing, Denisse Olivio who explained that a ‘Guyanese’ theme is prominently featured in the décor. The meeting and conference rooms are named after Guyanese Rivers and Waterfalls. The ceiling immediately upon entrance into the lobby features a replica of the Water Lily suspended, like chandeliers. The ‘Water Lily’ will be the flower of the hotel. “The decoration package will feature a lot of Guyanese artists,” informed Grisi, who added that the inclusion of
General Manager Roberto Grisi
Guyana in the aesthetics of the Hotel is “extremely important”. Meanwhile, questioned about being able to ensure the venture is a profitable one, Grisi noted that Marriott has made a relative commitment to the owners of the property. While he could not state the precise number of guests and the period the commitment covered, the General Manager added that “we do not have a reason to think that we are not going to meet or exceed those numbers”.
The Marriott Guyana Hotel boasts services of an international standard and facilities such as the business, fitness and entertainment centers, guest rooms to meet varying preferences and meeting spaces that could accommodate as many as many 700 persons. There are also facilities that are tailored for the visually and hearing impaired. The glass finish allows picturesque views of the city of Georgetown in the front or the Atlantic Ocean in the rear.
ARTS & CULTURE 29
A Figure of Transition WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
The artist Emerson Samuels was a bridge between generations and worlds
E
merson Samuels was a bridge between generations and between the worlds of the gifted amateur artist in mid-twentieth century Guyana, daring to create art in his spare time and a living from these very pursuits. As a tutor for almost 30 years at the Burrowes School of Art, he was a link between E.R. Burrowes and the contemporary students at the institution commemorating the Burrowes' name and legacy. The days before higher education opportunities, let alone an education in the visual arts, saw an era of enthusiasts coming together and learning from each other in informal settings and gatherings, at evening and weekend classes, in school halls and homes. How difficult might it have been for the then young Samuels, eagerly copying from picture books that came into his hands, working in the drawing class at Golden Grove Methodist primary school, to imagine himself living the life of an artist in the days before he ventured from his home in Nabacalis Village, on the East Coast of Demerara, to Georgetown in 1943. In an act of courage, Samuels showed the determination and dedication at the very young age of 15 that were to characterise his entire
"Regent Street by Night" (c.1954). Oil
working life, in making the decision to seek his path as an artist in Georgetown. He had been encouraged by the recognition he received from a Canadian pharmaceuticals company that sent him products after a portrait he had entered in their competition, which was advertised in the promotional magazine Dr Chase’s Almanac. Consequently, he boldly sought employment at the British Guiana Lithographic Company. Agnes Jones, administrator of the Burrowes School from 1985 to 1998, suitably described his instincts: “He (was) a self-educated artist since he sought to improve his artistic performance through contact with knowledgeable persons, through books and through any opportunity
"Portrait of E.R. Burrowes" (1967). Oil
for self-advancement.” Samuels himself described his transition: “I journeyed to the capital city of Georgetown in the year 1943, during this time the second World War was still being fought. I was age 15. It was at the B.G. Lithographic Company where I came into contact with such Guyanese artists as Hubert Moshett, Vivian Antrobus, Reginald Phang and Sam Cummings. After looking at the pencil drawings I made copied from an old moth-eaten book of the Boer War, which an old cousin of mine brought from abroad, they thought I showed some promise as an artist. I, however, did a pe-
riod of apprenticeship in the Art Department. Development was slow, for I was under professional tutelage. I was advised to draw from life. Indeed without any doubt, these were the great stalwarts of art in Guyana who influenced me.” In 1961, Samuels won the Burnham Gold Medal, the first prize for painting, at an exhibition at the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society building on Church Street, for his painting “Patterns of Progress”. By this time he had begun what was to be a significant and lifelong aspect of his professional career, that of graphic designer and illustrator.
"Self Portrait" (1959). Acrylic
He was, from 1961 until his retirement in 1983, employed with various government departments and ministries, producing educational and advertising material covering the work and projects of these agencies. An artist of skill, versatility, honesty and meticulousness of purpose, Samuels in his career was important as a figure of transition between eras – the artist as a passionate amateur, but also as self-taught enthusiast, who nevertheless was dedicated to teaching the fundamentals in the tradition of the great teachers and generous artists from whom he had learnt so much. Concerning his paint-
ing “Invitation to the Dance (1994)”, part of the National Collection at Castellani House, the book “Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana” explains: “Samuels creates a swirl of colour and movement which is quite appropriate to the subject of painting. There is no background or foreground – the figures and other areas of colour combine to make an almost abstract composition of life and movement. While the figures are painted in a realistic manner, the elongation of limbs shows the artist’s desire to express the dynamism of the dance.” Samuels was born in 1928 and died in 2003. (Text and photos provided by Castellani House)
30 feature
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
The Shaping of Guyanese Literature
For the Love of Books Part 1
By Petamber Persaud
V
alentine’s is still in the air and is still volatile: arrows boomeranging. The occasion has evolved into various meanings and values to each person. The arrow of commercialism has pushed, and continues to push, the frontiers of valentine. It is common now to express your love to anyone – to friends, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, grandparents, grandchildren, other relationships, and to other members of the family, including the in-laws. It is also common now to exchange gifts to buttress the thought, or as a token of that love, gifts of various moods and suitability. The colour red plays a significant role in this affair. The red rose is by far the most appropriate gift extended to females, followed by exchange of (Valentine) cards in general. There are endless musings on the red rose. Here is one story upon which to propel this article: Many years ago, on a certain day, to the people of Catalonia in the northeastern corner of Spain, a rose was offered with each book sold. Another version of the story has it that the rose and the book signify the celebration of love and culture. Would that on this St Valentine’s Day we gave the gift of reading to everyone, especially young
Ian McDonald
Elly Niland
Cyril Dabydeen
adults, reigniting the culture of reading. Our lives are made up of stories, and here are some episodes of lives portraying the love for books and the love for reading. (Extract from an interview with Cyril Dabydeen, Guyana. Aug 2007) I used to read voraciously while living in Berbice, not only the Guyanese and other Caribbean authors like Martin Carter, Wilson Harris, George Lamming and Sam Selvon, but also the British and Americanones like Eliot, Auden, Dylan Thomas, and those from India and Africa also like Tagore and Chinua Achebe. I would spend long hours in the British Council Library and the New
Amsterdam Public Library; once or twice a week: I would ride my Raleigh bicycle about four miles from Canje Rose Hall to be there. (Extract of interview with Elly Niland, Georgetown, Guyana. Aug 2007) I love 19th century literature above all else. I love Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” 45 years ago and still love it now. Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” and “Jude theObscure” andhis poem “The Going”, Seamus Heaney, Sylvia Plath, Walcott’s “Love after love”, Agard’s “Half Caste”, Grace Nichols’ “I is a long Memoried Woman”. What a Guyanese woman! I’d like to walk in her path. There’s a lot we can learn from the work of that wonderful
woman. (Extract of interview with Godfrey Chin, Guyana, 2011) Let me start at the beginning of the forties when Classics Illustrated was very popular. What they did there on a 52-page colour, they started to give us the great classics. I can remember “The Three Musketeers”, then the “Adventures of Robin Hood”, “Treasure Island”, “Westward Ho”. So what that meant in the days when there was no television, just radio, we … could buy a comic book for twelve cents and have in pictorial form the story of the classics. It was not only the story done especially for us but at the back was the story of the authors Dumas, Stevenson; and there you could read how they were
inspired to write these stories. (Extract of interview with Ian McDonald, June 2010) Since I was a young boy of nine and ten I use to read avidly and at school my favourite subject was literature and here too I continue to read. As I continue to read, I found I also wanted to write which is a natural transition from reading to writing. …One of the things when you read, when you read something that impresses you, automatically your mind tries to assess and analyse why this is making such an impression. (Extract of interview with Janice Shinebourne, Guyana, Feb 2013.) …at St Stanislaus, there was an English VSO called Brian Cotton … who formed a club wherein they would all contribute money with which he would buy popular paperback novels for them … encouraged them to read and to write… Bookers, which is Guyana Stores now, was the place to be when you were young, …there would be these carousels of paperbacks and we use to go and buy our snacks. And then we… would go and look at books. So it was a culture that valued books and we were all wellread; we were up to date with the latest classics…. (To be continued) Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com
Thousands of Guyanese observe Ash Wednesday
T
housands of ple that they must live for Easter. The website G u y a n e s e righteously. on February Several observers of Christianity.com de18 observed “Ash Lent told Guyana Times tailed that the ash used Wednesday,” the first International that fast- on Ash Wednesday “repday of the traditional ing is done by many resents the idea that 40 days of fasting with- Christians to prepare people came from ash, in the Christian com- them for Easter. It was and to ash they will remunity. A s h Wednesday is the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent, which prepares Catholics for Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter S u n d a y , t h r o u g h which redemption can be atA section of the congregation at the St George’s Cathedral t a i n e d . that gathered for midday Ash Wednesday Mass. During this period, persons use the time to re- stated that during this turn — a reminder of flect on their lives and report spiritual disci- Christians’ mortality.” give up vice, paving the pline is practiced. However, the symbol way for them to focus During his lifetime, has a dark history as it more on God. Jesus Christ spent 40 has been used to burn This is a practice days fasting in the des- away sins. The website that has been occur- ert, where he endured detailed that in the earring every year for over temptation by Satan. ly days of the church; 2000 years. The ashes It is on this basis that only Christians who are made sacramental Lent was originated to had committed grave by the blessing of the mirror the acts of Jesus sins were marked with church to remind peo- Christ in preparation ash.
feature 31
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Evie Gurchuran is a wife and mother but finds time to enjoy running her own businesses
F
Evie in her office
acing challenges head-on to become a successful young entrepreneur, a fitting role model when it comes to being a determined woman who wants to fulfil her dreams, Evie Gurchuran is blazing the local business trail. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Evie recalled that she completed her secondary education at Mae’s Schools where she gained eight subjects. She then went on to CAPE at Queen’s College where she wrote and passed 10 papers. Subsequently, she attended the University of Guyana and completed the first year in English and Spanish, but due to her father’s ill health, she was unable to continue as she had to help with the family business. However, Evie continued evening classes at School of the Nations where she obtained a Diploma in Business Administration with merits in Marketing and Communications. “The reason I chose a career in business is because I grew up with parents who are business owners and that set my path. My father taught my siblings and me everything he knew. I still remember when I was six years old he would call me into his office to help him count the money and prepare envelopes to pay em-
ployees. Also I love creative freedom. I worked with companies before, and all the approvals I had to get before running a campaign or publishing artwork made me want to answer to myself only – I guess I’m a rebel like that,” she said. When Evie decided to start her own company, she had no employees or any fancy equipment. Starting with a printer and laptop that her parents bought for her, she began contacting as many persons and companies as she could, to advertise her work. “The first set of work came from people I know, some family, some friends, and eventually I was being referred to others and I began to get a steady flow of jobs. Eventually I combined efforts with my now husband Miguel Gurchuran, and we began operating from our home in Kingston, Georgetown, with a laser printer that we took on hire purchase,” she reminisced. In June 2008, EMTEC, Evie’s and her husband’s business, was officially registered. But it really took off in 2011 when they decided to leave their jobs and dedicate their time to building their business. “We invested in equipment to do fabric printing, and became the first company to introduce the method and technol-
ogy that we still use today, to Guyana. We were one of the first companies locally, to offer online advertising through various outlets such as Facebook and Google. We have since grown in services and have expanded to our new property in Duncan Street. We went from just the two of us to 20 employees in the space of one year, and have diversified into other businesses, namely Kanhai’s Centre, Java Coffee Bar and Evolve Mobile Technologies,” Evie noted. Java Coffee Bar continues to be a success since its launch because of its offerings of delectable snacks, beverages and meals at affordable prices. Evie called it their “baby”. Java, Evie explained, is synonymous with coffee and a widely known programming language, and actually describes her and Miguel – Evie being a coffee lover and Miguel being tech savvy. The couple are also trained baristas and plan to start roasting their own coffee in Guyana. Evie credits unending hours, dedication, a dynamic team of employees and a husband that believes in her dreams, for being a successful entrepreneur. “Having someone that believes in you and works with you to achieve your goals is amazing, that per-
son being your life partner makes it even better. I am thankful that I can be a business woman all day and come home and be a mom and wife. When I get home, I serve my husband his dinner, put my daughter to bed and deal with anything in the home that needs attention. I wake up at 3am or
as my brothers and sisters, who are always there when I call, makes it enjoyable,” she disclosed. Evie’s advice for women is to be passionate, set realistic goals, remain frugal, and never stop learning. She said to own your own business you need to believe in what you do; that what you do makes
and learn new things. The most important advice is to never stop learning. If you’re a professional, upgrade in your discipline. If you never stepped foot in a classroom, read every book and watch every YouTube video you can. We live in the information age, and there is no excuse for not being the best
a difference, and that you are the best at what you do. “We are pro-education employers, and constantly pay for and send our employees to workshops and classes to improve on
at your discipline, gaining fresh perspectives. It fuels your passion and increases your self-worth. Being knowledgeable is the best investment you can make in your business,” Evie declared.
Evie and her husband Miguel
6am – all depends on my daughter – and spend all the time until I have to go to work with her. But when I put on my suit, it’s time for business. Having a supportive family in our moms and aunt, as well
32 news
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
New Kingston Band tops Billboard Chart K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: The New Kingston Band achieved its biggest career milestone last week when their album, Kingston City, topped the Billboard Reggae Album chart. Kingston City is their first album for American independent company, Easy Star Records. It features guest appearances from roots-reggae veterans The Wailing Souls and Sister Carol, and Hawaiian artistes Kimie Miner and Tribal Seeds. The 12-song project is the trio's third album. It was co-produced by Grammy-winning engineer Fabian Cooke, and French company, Dub Inc. New Kingston comprises brothers Stephen Panton (guitar/vocals), Courtney Panton
New Kingston Band sticks to its roots
Jr (drums/vocals) and Tahir Panton (keyboard/vocals). Their fa-
ther Courtney Panton Sr, occasionally sits in on bass.
Panton Jr told the Jamaican media that a lot of work went into the
album. He also spoke about the Billboard feat. "It feels great. Having your work and efforts start to pay off is the greatest accomplishment and feeling we could have. The album took a lot of work mainly because we were on numerous back-toback tours," he said. Formed nine years ago, the group is based in Brooklyn. The Pantons are first-generation Americans born to Jamaicans parents, who say the band's name is inspired by their Caribbean heritage. Panton Snr is their greatest mentor. "We used to come home from school and we'd be marched right down to the music room by our Dad," said Stephen. The New Kingston Band started out performing in basements and at small backyard parties around New York City. Later, they appeared as a support act for
Rebelution, The Green, SOJA, Matisyahu, and Bermudan singer Collie Buddz. They were Collie Buddz's backing band for a few years. They also worked the United States East Coast with a number of reggae acts, including Frankie Paul, Norris Man, Gyptian, I Wayne, Richie Stephens, Tony Rebel, and Queen Ifrica. The New Kingston Band released its debut album, In the Streets, in 2010. A second, Kingston University, was released three years later. The band is currently on a North American tour which began February 6 and ends in May. The New Kingston Band is scheduled to break that trek to perform in Jamaica at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association's Reggae Month show on February 24, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Complex. (Jamaica Observer)
Facebook director joins Massy board
M
axine Williams, Global Director of Diversity at Facebook, has been appointed to the board of Massy Holdings Ltd. In a notice to shareholders, Massy Holdings chairman Robert Bermudez said Williams’s “unique background and experience is expected to add a new and different perspective and enhance diversity at the company.” He said during the past year, the company had formalised a rigorous process for the recruitment, nomination and induction of candidates to fill the post of director. “As part of that process, the board reviewed the skills and competencies of all directors which were mapped in a Skills, Diversity and Competencies Matrix— this formed a critical part of the recruitment process to fill the vacancy that existed on the board,” Bermudez said. He said the addition of Williams is expected to add to the breadth and depth of experience that already exists on the board and raises the bar at the highest levels of decision making in the company. In her position at Facebook, Williams devises and implements appropriate strategies for enhancing that company’s talent base, partners in developing initiatives and content of
Maxine Williams
relevance to the vastly diverse world represented by Facebook’s 1.4 billion current users and lays the foundation to support new users in growth markets of the future. She shapes brand development to be inclusive of the range of diversity in the global market and serves as a public spokesperson for the company on a myriad of issues and platforms. Prior to joining Facebook, Williams was the Director of Diversity for a global law firm which operated with a focus on cross-border expertise, particularly in international arbitration, project finance, banking and anti-trust. She was responsible for developing and implementing a diversity plan for this multi-national law firm comprised of almost 2000 attorneys with clients in 115 countries around the world. (Trinidad Express)
news 33
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Where’s Caribbean’s different gender the love at? gap: Women rise, men stagnate
P
By Anu Dev
L
“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love”– Albert Einstein
ast Sunday, florists and confectioners probably tripled or even quadrupled their sales as people rushed to buy last minute, Valentine’s gifts for their loved ones. Whether it’s a card or a simple rose or diamond earrings, practically everyone does something to show the special people of the opposite sex in their life that they care on February 14. But why only on February the 14? It’s just a date chosen in honour of St Valentine who became associated with romantic love back in the 14th century. Weren’t people ‘falling into love’ before then?? It could’ve been any other date or better yet, it doesn’t just have to be one date. Why can’t people show their love for the important in their lives every day? Or rather, why don’t they? The persons you love should be important enough to you that you would have no problem with showing them that you love them every day – whether you want to show your love by just saying “I love you” or by showering them with gifts, it’s your prerogative. Be spontaneous! Show your love every day in all of the little ways that count so much, much more than an elaborate show on Valentine’s Day. And love itself comes in so many, many forms – you could love your mom, your dad, brother, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend and all of the other people in your life. Why should only romantic love be exalted? But how many people consider all of those other people on Valentine’s Day? And if everyone did, there probably wouldn’t be enough flowers in the world to gift all of those people – so how are you going to show your love to all of them on Valentine’s Day? You don’t have to – not if you showed them that you love them on the other 364 days of the calendar. And that’s exactly what you should be doing. Let the people you care about always know and feel that you care about them. Sure, people aren’t perfect and someone is sure to step on your toes over time. But you don’t need to hold a grudge or put them in the doghouse – remember that you love them. And I’m not saying you need to go around loving everyone because no matter how many pink sunglasses we wear, we can’t fool ourselves that the world is as rosy as we would like it to be. There are always people who we will find decidedly unlovable, and that’s OK. You don’t need to love everyone and show everyone that you love them – that might be spreading yourself too thin (not to mention you also losing the plot of love being special and important). You at least ought to show the important people in your life, the ones you care deeply about that you love them because hey, if you love them that much, that shouldn’t be much of a problem – right? But OK, even though you should be showing your love every day, it IS a nice gesture to go that extra mile on Valentine’s Day. All hope isn’t lost, there’s still a lot of love left in the world. So where’s the love at? It’s everywhere – we just need to show it a bit more.
ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: When the young woman was preparing to open a business in Jamaica selling pipes, vapourisers and other smoking paraphernalia, some acquaintances suggested she would have difficulty succeeding in a niche trade dominated by men. Now, about a yearand-a-half after its launch at a hotel complex in Jamaica’s capital, Ravn Rae’s smoking supplies store is growing and she’s proving doubters wrong in a Caribbean country where women have made such big advances in professions once dominated by men that a new UN study says it has the world’s highest proportion of female bosses. “Women are the ones who are the main breadwinners. We push harder to earn,” says Rae at her smoke shop, which she hopes to soon expand into a medical marijuana dispensary if lawmakers pass a decriminalisation bill and allow a regulated cannabis industry. For now, she manages one saleswoman. According to data analysed by the International Labor Organisation, nearly 60 per cent of managers in Jamaica are women, including those who work for large companies and those, like Rae, who own their own businesses. That’s the globe’s highest percentage and way ahead of developed countries. Colombia, at 53 per cent, and St Lucia, at 52 per cent, are the only other nations in the world where women are more likely than men to be the boss, according to the ILO’s global list. The highest ranking first world nation is the United States, with almost 43 per cent, and the lowest is Japan, at 11 per cent. Overall, women in the Caribbean and parts of Latin America make up the managerial ranks to a greater extent than in the developed world. Experts say the gain is due in part to improvements in the level of female education, but also because men have failed to keep pace and have in some cases gone backward. The Caribbean and Latin America have seen such big improvements in the economic and social status of women that gender gaps in education, labor force participation, access to health systems and political engagement “have narrowed, closed and sometimes even reversed di-
In this photo, Ravn Rae sits behind the counter of her smoking supplies store, Mez, located in a hotel complex in Kingston, Jamaica. Some of Rae's acquaintances suggested she would have difficulty succeeding in a niche trade dominated by men, but about a year-and-a-half after launching her store, her company is growing and she’s proving doubters wrong in a Caribbean country where women have made such big advances in professions once dominated by men that a new UN study says it has the world’s highest proportion of female bosses
rection,” according to a World Bank study that analysed women’s economic empowerment in the region. More women are receiving advanced degrees even as a number also juggle household and child-rearing responsibilities. But, while government officials and educators celebrate that fact they also have serious worries about stagnating men, who have lower levels of academic
achievement and are at increased risk of falling into criminality, trends that undermine the gains by females. Wayne Campbell—a Jamaican high school teacher who blogs about the problem of male underachievement—believes toxic notions about masculinity permeate entire communities, reinforced by a popular music culture that often celebrates law-breaking. Boys who display school
smarts are often ridiculed as effeminate by peers and even adults in areas where academic excellence by males is typically devalued, he says. Regional educators say the scale of academic underachievement by boys, a trend which is mirrored in other parts of the world including the US, points to the need for systemic changes in the way that lessons continued on page 37
34 feature
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Finding El Dorado I
Local photographer captures his golden moments
f you don’t have the time or can’t afford to explore the ends of Guyana, then until you can get out there to have your own adventures maybe you can gaze at photographs from one of Guyana’s great pioneer photographers, Michael C. Lam. Lam shared with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine some of his remarkable photos snapped during a past Pakaraima Mountain Safari trip. Through his lens he captures the serenity and simple beau-
saw, is probably considered the centre of the village. The actual village is spread out in traditional Amerindian fashion, your closest neighbour being some distance away – no shouting across the fence asking for sugar. As with all villages in the Pakaraimas, it is nestled in lower areas, with mountainous regions seen in the ‘distance’; these make for beautiful sunsets and sunrises, as well as picturesque scenes during the rest of the day,” Lam described.
Residents and tourists assemble at Tipiru Community Shop
some of their traditional approach to living has remained, and I hope it either stays that way or even switches back to more traditional ways or much of their language and custom could be lost,” Lam disclosed. As someone who was born and raised on the coast, Lam said it was an indescribable feeling of
you ever get the chance to leave our beautiful coastland for a trip to the interior, you will find an even more beautiful Guyana... you will find El Dorado,” he declared. Lam’s advice, if you ever get to visit these villages, is to be generous,
respectful and offer a smile, because the smiles of the villagers disarmed him and so yours could do the same to the villagers. For more photos on Lam’s travels visit www.TheMichaelLam Collection.com
Windmill and overhead tank illustrate daily life at Karasabai
ty of villages, some unknown or lesser known, found in the Pakaraima area. Chatting with this publication, Lam noted that if you are following the path of the annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari, the first village you encounter off the main Lethem trail, Region Nine, is Karasabai. “It is comparatively modern, with a fair amount of concrete buildings, although what we as travellers
The photographer recounted that further into the Pakaraimas, two of the nearer villages on the route are Tipiru and Rukumotu, both more traditional villages but still with some more modern buildings. Rukumotu is higher up, as far as altitude goes, than Tipiru. “One thing I can say about all three villages mentioned is that the people are friendly; although the amount of traffic has increased through their villages,
A dose of yuh own medicine
S
Cool evening in Karasabai
Breathtaking view of Tipiru's landscape
wonder to leave the rainforest and see the vast expanse of the Rupununi savannahs. “Even more indescribable was the feeling upon seeing the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. It is almost as if a burden has been lifted off of your chest; the air smells cleaner, and everything feels lighter. Waking up to see the tops of the mountains covered in mist makes you want to just lie there and enjoy it. If
ome times in life, de very same tings whah yuh do people in life does come back to haunt yuh later in yuh life. That is why old people seh whah goes around does come around. Nowadays, it does come around more than one time. Tek fuh instance de Mook man. Well, de Mook man who is a paper man now complainin bout another paper man who expose he fuh de two Lexus whah he get two old people to bring in fuh he duty free from de US. De whole of de country done know bout de story, yet de Mook tryin to tell people that he ain’t had nutten to do wid no Lexus. De Mook can fool some people like Adumb some of de time, but he definitely can’t fool all people all of de time. But de Mook lucky de Guvament let he off de hook. That was a hook that had de Mook by hook, line and sinker. So much so that dem fellas was already waitin fuh de Mook at de Camp Street gate to welcome he. Lawd, dem woulda had a backanal party that night. Maybe if was one Lexus de Mook man had bring in, people woulda stay quiet. But de Mook man does deal in sheer twos. And that is why every body around he does want two of every ting as well. Dem just never satisfy with one. Maybe two mooks better than one. Now de Mook ain’t got no limits when he writin bout people. Accordin to de Mook man, every man jack in Guvament corrupt and de Police always want a raise. Now de other paper man expose how de Mook more corrupt than any body in this country. Now if de Guvament always tryin to muzzle de Mook, and he does mek a big scene bout that, how come de Mook now wanna muzzle another paper? Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Old people seh a dose of yuh own medicine always hard to go down.
news 35
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
TT whistleblowers enter the digital age with launch of 'Disclosure Today!'
P
ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Anticorruption advocate Margaret Rose has taken her passion for transparency and accountability in public procurement straight to cyberspace with the creation of an online platform—Disclosure Today! The platform, which will become operational on Tuesday when it is launched on the Web site www. disclosure.today, is taking whistleblowing in TT into the digital age. It will offer citizens a secure place to relay information on corruption at state bodies and state projects, as well as facilitate linkages between public interest attorneys and likeminded citizens. Rose, a lawyer, is currently in the United Kingdom where she is working on putting the final touches on the platform with her technical team from the Lisbon Innovation Kluster (www.linnk. us), an MIT Portugal spin-off headed by CEO Vasco Portugal. Portugal is also part of the Disclosure Today! team which includes lawyers Justin Phelps, Yelena Hewitt and Tanya Alexis. Rose, the founding director of Disclosure Today! and co-founder of the Caribbean Procurement Institute, told the TT media that the Disclosure Today! organisation is “built on the foundation of transparency.” The Disclosure Today! platform, which had a soft launch in December with the creation of a Facebook community page, also
Attorney Margaret Rose, founding director of Disclosure Today! and co-founder of the Caribbean Procurement Institute.
provides citizens with guidance for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applications to inquire into public procurement projects. She added the platform was a critical asset for ensuring there was accountability and transparency in public procurement. The platform is also timely since the long-awaited Public Procurement Bill was passed in Parliament last December. The Disclosure Today! platform, she said, “allows public bodies to interact with citizens early on in a project cycle and to report on project commissioning and management.” It is built around the principles of the new Open Contracting Movement worldwide, she added. The platform allows citizens to automate requests for infor-
mation under the FOIA, propose a solution to community problems and make a Public Interest Disclosure (PID) anonymously or confidentially. The platform will also contain resources and links to public bodies. Rose assured that “public bodies should not feel threatened by the platform as it also encourages proactive disclosure by bodies which will mitigate and in some cases eradicate opportunities for protracted, time and resource intensive responses to requests for information under the act.” She believes that if Disclosure Today! is embraced by citizens it can be a game changer for TT. “We could be an example to the rest of the world of how to create bottom-up solutions to create changes on public governance issues. Also, it is really a tremendous opportunity, internally for citizens who are frustrated but disillusioned, citizen activists, NGOs and Media to collaborate around initiatives, gain support and engage in public decisionmaking issues,” she added. Rose said her mantra has become one of “stop looking to our ‘leaders’ to save us, let us look to the leaders within ourselves.” Disclosure Today! gives every citizen the opportunity to become a political game changer, “if they want to be and have the courage to follow through,” she said. “Disclosure Today! will be what we the citizens of TT make it. What it means to the country, will depend on how we in TT respond to and engage with it.” (TT Guardian)
Sanders back in running for Commonwealth secretary-general
S
T JOHN'S, ANTIGUA : Some two months after withdrawing his government’s nominee for the post of Commonwealth secretarygeneral, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has now written to fellow heads of government of the Commonwealth Caribbean to reinstate his nomination of Sir Ronald Sanders for the post. In a letter dated February 12, 2015, Browne said that, since writing on December 10, 2014, regarding his withdrawal of Antigua and Barbuda's nomination of Sir Ronald Sanders for the upcoming position of Commonwealth secretary-general, he has been overwhelmed by messages of regret and requests for reconsideration from within and beyond the Caribbean, including from some heads of government. The burden of those messages, Browne said, was that the Commonwealth has been deprived, at a time of crisis, of the candidate manifestly most suitable and most likely to be chosen, given his Commonwealthwide network and diplomatic experience. “It has been impressed on me that Sir Ronald had the declared support of 9 of the 12 Commonwealth Caribbean governments at our December 8th meeting, and that it is still open to me to put him forward as the candidate of Antigua and Barbuda for the post of Commonwealth secretary-general,” he said. “Nonetheless, in the interest of Caribbean unity among ourselves and in the projection of our unity to the Commonwealth, I am still anxious that we proceed by consensus if we possibly can. I have, therefore, strongly urged
Sir Ronald Sanders
Sir Ronald to withdraw his intimation of standing down his candidacy despite his earlier decision in what he considered to be the interest of our region. He, too, would still prefer the region to go forward as one, and has told me of the great sense of honour he felt at receiving the backing of so many heads of government,” he said. One of three initial candidates as the Caribbean Commonwealth's nominee, Sanders has the broadest Commonwealth experience and background, having played a key role in Commonwealth affairs over many years including in the Eminent Persons Group that reported in 2011 on the future direction and reform of the organisation. The other two candidates, Baroness Patricia Scotland, a sitting member of the British House of Lords, nominated by Dominica and supported only by Dominica and Barbados, and Senator Bhoe Tewarie, Trinidad and Tobago’s candidate and minister of planning and sustainable development, both have serious question marks against their candidacy. (Caribbeannews)
Nagga gone under
D
e weekend was a good one fuh plenty people. It was Valentine’s Day weekend, plus more people gon finally be able to see de Cricket World Cup. Never mind a letter writer seh de other day that both de GCB and de WICB goin under. That is why de Big Bird Garner tryin to go over in de WICB to save it from goin under. That could mean that Cameron gon have to go under, even as de Cricket World Cup playin Down Under. But right here in GT, de new cricket laws gon mek plenty people go under. Well, as fuh Valentine’s Day, it had a lotta dealin wid under and over at de Georgetown Club. Green Jah and Nagga Man had call all de media over to de Club, but by de time de media people reach, some late as usual, de news was all over. And de news was that Nagga Man agree to go under Green Jah, and when dem done agree, both of dem hug up and start to smile. Wid one man slim and tall and de other fat and short, Nagga almost bite up Green Jah pun he chest, but some body seh Green Jah accustom to that. Every body see it was real tight hug in public, so imagine whah used to go on in private. After all, both of dem been talkin in secret fuh de past couple of weeks, and when two people deh in secret, it does never be talkin alone. Just ask Uncle Rafeel and C-Hen. According to dem fellas (and ladies too) in de GeeD-Eff, is always rough goin under a Army man. And worse yet in he old age. Well, to tink that de Old Soldier had seh he always want a young ting fuh de elections, if Nagga was de youngest ting he coulda find, then de Old Soldier musbe losin he stripes, among other tings whah he done lose. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And it musbe Nagga Man love to go under, not only on Valentine’s Day.
36
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
This week's Crossword
Arranged marriages
W
This week's Puzzle
see solution on page 47
…in politics
hile gradually arranged marriages have fallen out vogue among the nobility and even the great unwashed, it seems to be having a revival among the political class. The nobility wanted to ensure their wealth and social standing were augmented via marriages – which were therefore strategic alliances more than anything else. The “benefits” of marriage were sought outside the marriages. Ordinary folks in Guyana and the Caribbean practiced arranged marriages to “move up” in society: you married someone “fairer” and more educated. Other folks did it out of tradition: it was the way things were done “back in the old country”. However as we became “modern”, the individual and his/her right to choose took precedence and arranged marriages were seen as backward. In politics, since we arrived late to the game, we began with politicians doing their own thing with their parties going to the polls on their own. The British and Americans (mainly the Americans) organised the first political arranged wedding when they convinced the PNC of Burnham to hitch up with the UF of Peter D’Aguiar. No one would’ve predicted THAT union when D’Aguiar launched the UF four years before. The UF was rich and “fair” while the PNC was “dark” and poor. When the possibility of marriage was first raised, D’Aguiar promised he’d provide all the funding if Burnham would accept his leadership. Burnham swore that it would never happen – they just belonged to radically different social classes. D’Aguiar, he sniffed indignantly, wanted to buy him and his party “like a carton of used Banks bottles”!! But the Americans convinced Burnham to swallow his pride and reservations and marry D’Aguiar and the UF. It was the only way they could defeat the PPP. “The enemy of your enemy is your friend,” and all that. So the marriage was duly consummated. And as has to happen in all marriages – no matter what pre-nuptial agreement is hammered out beforehand – one party got screwed and the other did the screwing. In this case, the UF had demanded control of the Finance Ministry before the marriage since D’Aguiar said Burnham’s people couldn’t handle money responsibly. So as soon as the honeymoon period was up…Burnham threw D’Aguiar out on his ear. During the honeymoon, he’d bought over most of D’Aguiar’s assistants and there was nothing the “sweet-drinks” magnate could do about it! Exactly 50 years later, Burnham’s heir just formed a union with the Berbician Nagamootoo to throw out the PPP/C. We shall see who will “screw” and who will be “screwed”. …and beauty products Avon just announced it’s pulling the plug on its operations in Guyana. Must be because of the end of regular arranged marriages. But with the just consummated political marriage, who’s going to supply the lipstick Obama spoke about??
news 37
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
TT river lime
P
O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Scenic, historic and cultural valleys such as Lopinot are always open to visitors seeking out the alternative side of everyday urban life. Christmas season is a time for parang entertainment, a festivity that Lopinot is known for. The Compte de Lopinot Complex houses invaluable information and often times live presentations of the valley’s indigenous heritage and most of all, weekends see the influx of people who want to enjoy the ambience of the river lime. Every year, during the long weekend of Carnival, there is a
growing different shade of ambience down by the river. When urban areas for example, Arouca are besieged by a deluge of loud Carnival music it is astonishing that this is now brought up the valley and into the river lime. River limers have actually brought Carnival into the lime. Cemetery Street leads down to that part of the main river that has been designated a recreation site. According to Donna Mora, president of the Lopinot Village Council, there is a gateway to this area with signage that displays the permitted times of use 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Higher up the valley, campers line the riv-
erbanks of the five waterways known to them. These groups party all night long much to the discomfort of members of the farming community who must begin their working day much earlier than others. When the partying groups leave, it is these hard-working residents who first meet the eyesore left behind. There is always a line of garbage along the fringes of the river channel. Some groups put their garbage in bags but they do not take these bags away with them. They leave them spilling over into the water and onto the road. In areas where bins have been conveniently placed and there
Beauty: Peaceful ambience of Lopinot valley
are signs that display instructions for the disposal of litter, that same litter is thrown outside the designated container and not into it. This results in clean-up crews having to
collect litter around the site and not in the bin. This means very hard and frustrating work for CEPEP and forestry workers to cope with the irresponsible actions of
so many people. Mora is reminding Carnival visitors of the true reason why they choose the Lopinot valley to spend their leisure time. (TT Newsday)
Five public health institutions to be upgraded in Jamaica
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: Five public health institutions are to be upgraded as part of the Ministry of Health’s North to West Trauma Plan, the centrepiece of the Government’s thrust to become the Caribbean’s leader in Health Tourism. The earmarked institutions are: the Negril Health Centre, Westmoreland; Noel Holmes Hospital, Hanover; Cornwall Regional Hospital, St. James; Falmouth Hospital, Trelawny; and St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital, St. Ann. Under the Plan, the institutions’ capacity will be improved, thereby positioning them to effectively manage trauma cases and accept local and international referrals, where necessary. This undertaking is expected to bridge major gaps in emergency healthcare delivery in
Jamaica’s Health Minister, Hon. Dr Fenton Ferguson (left), outlining plans for the earmarked upgrading of the Negril Health Centre in Westmoreland, to a world class Urgent Care Centre, under the Government’s proposed North to West Trauma Plan implementation, following a tour of the institution on February 13. Listening is Tourism and Entertainment Minister and Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, where the centre is located , Hon Dr Wykeham McNeill.
that region. Funding for the North-West Corridor Trauma Plan will be provided by the National Health Fund (NHF), Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Culture, Health, Arts, Sports, and Education (CHASE) Fund, and private interests.
Project details are being developed and will be provided by the Ministry at a later date. The Negril Health Centre is the first slated for renovation and upgrading to a world-class Urgent Care facility, under the initiative. The upgrade will, among other things, im-
Caribbean’s different gender gap: Women rise, men...
from page 33
are planned and delivered. Many schools in the Caribbean have experimented with approaches large and small to better engage boys, but results have typically been mixed when they haven’t been considered outright failures. In 2010, TT transformed about a fifth of its co-educational secondary schools into single-sex institutions to address underperformance. But the pilot program was scrapped after officials found students did not improve in single-sex classrooms. But educators in Jamaica say the research they have conducted has shown that boys in single-sex schools do better
than those in co-educational ones. In one co-ed Kingston primary school, the principal is now experimenting with single-sex classrooms and she says the results are promising. Not everyone is convinced regional women are close to pulling ahead of men in Caribbean societies. Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar, an associate professor of sociology at Canada’s Ryerson University who researches Caribbean cultures, said the majority of top positions are still dominated by men, even if countries like Jamaica and Trinidad have female heads of state. She says women in the Caribbean still “have
to contend with old-boy networks, male privilege, and males dominating in the justice, social, political and religious systems.” But with far more women pursuing higher education compared to men, the gender gap could grow lopsided. For years, there’s been a steady 70-30 ratio in favour of women at the University of the West Indies, a public university system serving 18 Caribbean countries and territories. “Caribbean culture has a laid-back, slow-paced vibe. But generally, Caribbean men are a lot more relaxed than the women,” Rae says, checking inventory at her smoke shop. (AP)
prove the institution’s technology and human resources to better position it treat with life threatening trauma cases. Making the announcement during a tour of the facility on February 13, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr Fenton Ferguson said the institution was considered for this engagement as it was deemed ideal for referrals of the type of cases, likely to emerge, requiring emergency healthcare deliv-
ery, based on the nature and extent of Negril’s tourism-related recreational activities. “The nature of your tourism product in this area (such as) the biking that takes place, (results in) trauma cases that emerge so often,” he said. Currently, trauma patients in Negril are stabilized then transported to Savanna-la-mar General Hospital in Westmoreland or Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay,
both of which are several miles away. In his remarks, Tourism and Entertainment Minister and Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, where the health centre is located, Hon Dr Wykeham McNeill, also underscored the importance of establishing an emergency “first stop” point in Negril for trauma patients and others in need of such care. (JIS)
38 news
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
O
ne of the priceless publications available to the public for reading and research purposes is “Views in the Interior of Guiana” by Sir Robert Schomburgk. The book contains a series of views of the interior of British Guiana by Charles Bentley, executed as illustrations for Schomburgk's work in the region. When the book was first published in 1840 by Ackerman and Company, it was regarded as a “technologically advanced work because it combined intaglio, woodblock and innovations in colour lithography”. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony stated in the book’s foreword that the “powerful pictorial representations of the interior, rescued Guiana from relative obscurity to one of relative importance in the minds of the colonialists”. He went on to say
'Pirara and Lake Amucu - The site of El Dorado' as shown in the reprint
Sir Robert Schomburgk
that the selected “twelve views” seem to empower the viewer and transport them to the magnificent, lush tropical landscape. The minister added that the book allows readers to get a clear visual sense of these landmark sites, their geographical coordinates and position on the map.
Sir Robert Schomburgk
“Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk was a man ahead of his times; he was in a sense a global citizen. His work as an explorer,
surveyor, cartographer, botanist and the meticulous documentation of his scientific findings in various scholarly books and journals has certainly extended his academic influence to many parts of the world. I would like to acknowledge his tangible contributions to my country. I strongly believe that one way for people to understand his contributions is for them to have access to his publication and writings. The republication of ‘Twelve Views’ is one step to unlock his great legacy,” Minister Anthony noted in the book’s foreword.
Additionally, Dr Ernest Martens, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, gave a brief background to Schomburgk, stating that the explorer was born June 5, 1804. Martens said as a child, Schomburgk showed great interest in nature, growing plants, especially orchids, in his parents’ garden. Since his family wanted him to go into business, he was apprenticed to a merchant and later worked for his uncle, a merchant in Leipzig, Germany, who encouraged Schomburgk’s interest in natural sciences and botany. In Leipzig, Schomburgk was able to take tuition in botany from a university professor and attend lectures. In 1828 Schomburgk supervised the transport of sheep to Virginia in the United States, where he started an unsuccessful business as a tobacco farmer. A year later he left for St Thomas, only to lose most of his belongings in a fire. This finally persuaded him to end his business career and pursue his interest in botany and natural science. Martens revealed that while travelling in the Virgin Islands, Schomburgk visited Anegada, at the time of the notorious shipwrecks. After watching a Spanish vessel sink along with its cargo of slaves chained up in the hold, Schomburgk
resolved to stay and survey the island at his own expense. There he found the existing maps to be incorrect, and in 1831, after months of hard work, submitted a new map together with a description of the island and its surrounding sea currents, to the Royal Geographical Society in London. This became the turning point of Schomburgk’s career. His report made such a favourable impression on the Society and the Admiralty that he was asked to lead an expedition to explore British Guiana.
British Guiana Expeditions
On his first expedition to British Guiana from 1835 to 1839, Schomburgk was able to trace the Essequibo River to its source. For his services to geography, zoology and botany he was granted the Royal Geographical Society’s highest award, and the King of Prussia decorated him with the Order of the Red Eagle. On his second trip to British Guiana, Martens stated that Schomburgk travelled up major rivers and covered close to 3000 miles in a wide circuit encompassing Venezuela and Brazil. Martens added that the maps Schomburgk produced apparently left little more to be discovered and played a major role in helping an international tribunal adjudicate on a border
'Pure-Piapa. A remarkable Basaltic Column in Guiana'
dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela in 1899. In addition to vastly extending our knowledge of Guyana’s flora and fauna, many species of which he described for the first time, Schomburgk was a champion of the rights of the Amerindian population. He was knighted by Queen Victoria for the invaluable work he accomplished throughout his career in natural sciences and botany. The exciting, colourfully illustrated “Views in the Interior of Guiana” is a 2013 reprint by the Guyana Heritage Society. The three original copies of the book used in the preparation of the reprint were provided by the National Archives, a private owner in Georgetown, and University of Adelaide, Special Collections, Bar Smith Library, Adelaide, South Australia. Locally, we have many underutilized institutions that can provide invaluable research material for students, not just for those at university level, but for secondary schools. The National Archives of Guyana, located on Homestretch Avenue next to the National Cultural Centre, is one such institution. For more information on the book, call National Archives on 226-3852. (Landscape photos taken from “Views in the Interior of Guiana” 2013 reprint)
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Feature 39
Building in the context of climate change By Lennox J Hernandez
I
n September 2010, there were reports of a “death ray” from the walls of a Las Vegas hotel in the USA that burned residents sitting near the swimming pool area. Having used a special glass to reflect the sun’s rays to reduce heat entering the hotel, the hotel owners then applied a film to the surface of the glass that stopped 70 per cent of the rays being reflected. Applying the film shows that the problem of using that special glass was recognized, but the curvature of the wall (the design) focused the remaining reflected rays, creating hot spots in the outdoor environment. This example is indicative of the future, unless building designers adopt a climatic design approach. In Guyana, we hear and read much about climate change and global warming, as well as how they will affect the environment generally. However, the way we design our buildings and urban environments is not getting the attention it deserves for meeting these effects of climate change and global warming. Historically, designers and builders followed the traditional building and settlement patterns of a region, together with relying on their own experience, for their build-
Lethem building design shows no protection to windows, along with walls of glass.
Georgetown 1960s building illustrates whole wall sun shading
may say, but in the context of building and the urban environment, these new materials and attractive designs may be unsuitable to local needs and situations. Still, in an effort to appear modern and advanced, individuals in some developing countries (including Guyana) have been importing building designs and urban patterns, relying less on designing with their own climate in mind. Human settlement environments are climatebased essentials to our life.Why then are we careless in building and urban environment design? Now, with climate change
are seen as nuisances, incapable of adding to the owners’ economic growth. Consequently, our urban environments see increasing areas of concrete and tarmac, less grass and trees, little street shading, and particularly important, rapidly decreasing rainwater catchment areas (drains). There is also the tendency to remove trees and drains to create parking lots; the example at the northern end of East Street is an inhumane act on the city of Georgetown in this era of climate change and global warming. Secondly, we are no longer protecting our walls and windows from
Georgetown shopping centre (before completion) shows a dramatic glass wall construction.
ing and urban design solutions. With the rapid growth of humankind and technology, new materials and building circumstances are continually evolving, along with new and untried design solutions. In addition, in recent times, the ease with which populations become aware of worlds beyond their traditional boundaries, allows them to visually experience and desire these new materials and designs. Human nature, one
and global warming in contemporary times, this carelessness is tantamount to environmental suicide.Today I am highlighting three examples of this “environmental suicide” in Georgetown. Firstly, the commercial areas of Georgetown are fast becoming jungles of concrete and tarmac. Building owners have a passion for covering a site completely: the building surrounded by concrete paving. Trees and vegetation, which protect the environment,
direct sunlight. Rather, we are encouraging heat to enter our buildings. For example, the colonial Demerara window, or other forms of shading are little seen on contemporary buildings, while we are endearing a cold climate building solution: the bay window and its “cousin,” the oriel. The bay window and the oriel are used to bring more light (sunlight) into a building in colder climates – in our context, this means a hotter building interior.
With windows unprotected and no jalousies being used, our building interiors will become much hotter. Many of our buildings of the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, employ sun protection of various sorts, and so too, do some buildings of the 1980s and 1990s. Unfortunately, the vast majority of our recent buildings have moved away from tradition and climatic design. Thirdly, there is the widespread use of glass in the commercial areas of Georgetown, our capital city, which is quickly changing its skyline with a scale of glass buildings that can only be described as a crystal orgy. In cold climates, glass buildings (greenhouses) are popular for growing plants in
winter, because of the material’s peculiar property – it allows sunlight to enter the building, but does not allow the resultant heat generated to travel back through the glass. Hence, there is a continuous build up of heat, allowing plants to grow within during the winter. Imagine what happens in Guyana to a building with large areas of glass walls. A special type of glass to counter the material’s selective transparency property is heat-reflecting glass,as used in the Las Vegas hotel example described earlier, but this only reflects the heat to the outside environment. When large areas of this glass are used, the heat will be felt as one walks by the
building.In the case of the Las Vegas building, the curvature focussed the heat to a small area, with enough intensity to burn the skin. Another more recent example was in 2013, in London, England.Interested readers may wish to see this link: http://www.cnn. com/2013/09/03/world/europe/uk-london-buildingmelts-car/ Guyana has a warmhumid climate, where high humidity and high solar radiation can bring about very uncomfortable indoor conditions. Buildings under our sky must be designed and constructed with our climate foremost in mind, especially now in the context of climate change and global warming.
40 feature
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
IDB seeking projects Jamaican Kimberly Evans — Thinking outside from Caribbean countries the construction box
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: “She ain't no punk, I can tell you that much!” So says executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) Dennis Hickey, when describing Kimberly Evans, his quantity surveyor and project manager who is upping her game in a man’s world. Petite Evans, 31, has been promoted twice since joining TPDCo seven years ago, and is changing the face of women in construction. Evans tells the Jamaican media that construction wasn’t her first choice; in fact, she wanted to be a fashion designer while she was in high school. “I was a girly girl — hair, clothes, make-up, shoes, the whole works,” she laughs. But when it came time to choose her CXC subjects, the St Hugh’s and Camperdown past student chose population-related subjects. “The structure at school back then allowed me to do geography and other related subjects. By sixth form I felt as if I
Kimberly Evans
was being pushed in that direction. To this day I have no regrets.” She added: “But growing up, my stepfather was into construction. Our yard was always filled with trucks and tractors. I was not really interested in the field, especially since one of his tractors crushed and killed my pet dog. At that time I completely resented anything to do with construction.” But when she reached sixth form at Camperdown, geography developed into a passion. By the time she graduated, she felt confident enough to pursue her passion at the tertiary
level. “The first programme I applied for at the University of Technology was land surveying. However, I didn’t qualify for that programme. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when I received the news.” Evans then applied to do the urban and regional planning course at the same institution, for which she gained entry. Confident that she was destined for bigger and better things she later applied to do a degree in quantity surveying. Over the three years of the programme she was able to hone her skills as a quantity sur-
veyor and soon entered into internship. Evans graduated in 2008 as a quantity surveyor and was quickly gobbled up by TPDCo. Her portfolio has recently grown to include project management as well. Assigned to the Negril area, Evans is committed to providing value for money to her clients. It hasn’t been all easy though; she has faced challenges, merely by being a woman in a man’s industry. “I can recall instances where I would be on the site and would make a suggestion to the workmen and they would just brush me off. Then a male colleague would come by only minutes later and make the same suggestion I made, and the workmen would automatically take it as gospel.” Evans and her other female colleagues in the field have thus found meaningful ways to support and encourage each other. And she gives career talks to students, where she encourages girls to rock the boat. (Jamaica Observer)
T
he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched the 2015 Call for Proposals of the Initiative for the Promotion of Regional Public Goods in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which supports projects aimed at resolving shared challenges and seizing opportunities for development through regional cooperation. In 2015, the Initiative will provide up to US$7 million in grants to finance regional public goods (RPGs) that are produced collectively by a minimum of three IDB borrowingmember countries. Even though the Initiative is open to the promotion of RPGs in any development area covered by the IDB, alignment with the IDB’s operational priorities is a selection criterion. The other two selection criteria are the value added of a regional (vs national) approach to addressing a development challenge or opportunity, and the prospects of sustaining the benefits of regional collective action beyond the support of the
Initiative. The Initiative is the Bank’s most prominent grant instrument to support intra-regional cooperation and the collective design of development solutions in LAC. Demand for its resources has intensified in tandem with the increasing importance of multi or bilateral SouthSouth Cooperation (SSC) in the development agenda of most LAC countries. The interest in SSC among the Bank´s borrowing members is a reflection of the fact that the Region is a source of innovative development solutions that can be shared and replicated throughout LAC and in other parts of the developing world. Since 2004, the RPG Initiative has financed 114 projects, investing a total of more than US$90 million. Information regarding the 2015 Call for Proposals can be accessed here. All proposals must be presented in accordance with the Call for Proposals Guidelines and must be submitted online before 11:59 pm (US Eastern Standard Time) on April 9th, 2015.
news 41
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Largest Children’s Costume and Float Parade staged in Guyana
G
EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Amidst lively soca music and a fusion of colours, the Children’s Costume and Float parade made its way from Parade Ground, Middle Street, traversing through the streets of Georgetown on Saturday. Mashramani fever consumed the hearts of the young revellers as they gyrated to the beat of popular soca music. Scores of patrons lined the streets to behold the spectacular scene, as children of all ages, covered in glitter and decked out in colourful costumes, danced through the town. The floats depicted Guyana’s history and culture under the theme “One People One Culture One Celebration” which saw over 48 school bands participating. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who was at the forefront of the parade, said that this year’s event was the largest, and that it saw
the full participation of schools. “As usual it is very colourful and well represented; in fact this is our largest parade. In Education we aim not only to develop our children academically, but to make sure whatever is their view, we encourage them that they can pursue those views through arts, language, dance, masquerade and this is just the culmination of many weeks of competi-
West Ruimveldt Secondary performing their piece
tion across the country”. She added that the ministry ensures that every national activity that is held, children are fully integrated with a view to developing a patriotic stance. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony expressed pleasure with the event, and noted that the Mash bands are increasing every year. “I am extremely pleased with the work that has gone into
this event, and as usual the Ministry of Education has not disappointed us, so what we have seen is a really great effort, lots of creativity and colours, and it has made the children’s competition a great one, it’s really beautiful”. He further noted that preparations are well underway for the much anticipated Costume and Float Parade that will be held on February 23. This event will showcase
over 30 large Bands with thousands of revellers. Prior to the Children’s Parade, there were competitions held in every region with students performing in the categories of Dramatic Poetry, Calypso, Dance and Masquerade. The first place winners in the categories were eligible to enter the National Finals of the competition which was held on February 12 to 13
at the National Cultural Centre. Children's Mash were organised by the Ministry of Education with the aim of promoting expressive arts through a national event and to encourage schools, parents and communities to work together in a creative, artistic manner to provide an opportunity for the display of talents among students and to foster a sense of pride. (GINA)
Caribbean to benefit from new ACP study T
he Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States last week launched a new study that offers a comprehensive view of the various risks faced across its member countries, as well as valuable efforts to reduce them. The ACP Compendium of Risk Knowledge, financed by the 10th European Development Fund under the IntraACP Cooperation envelope for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), revealed that disaster risk in ACP countries is considerably higher than in other regions, with 12 countries from SubSaharan Africa and one country from the Caribbean among the 20 most-at-risk from disasters in the world. The report also notes that over a long period of time, ACP countries on average will lose US$6.9 billion per year from disasters, representing 2.3 per cent of their total GDP.“This compendium is telling us that disaster risk management is not the same thing as disaster management. While countries in the ACP have had good experience in managing disaster events in the past, it is now time that we start to proactively reduce the underlying drivers of these risks, to stem this growth of human and economic losses. I believe that political leaders, policy makers and practitioners should
ACP Secretary General Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni
use this compendium to understand their risks so that they can judge wisely how best to address them,” said ACP Secretary General Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni.“The study helps in a practical manner to understand the real nature of risks that countries in the ACP regions face. Reducing disaster risks is at the heart of what we need to do to build the resilience of vulnerable populations, promote sustainable development and address climate change,” said Susanne Mallaum, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection. Faced with these growing risks, the report also highlights innovative actions by ACP member countries and communities to reduce these risks, and the benefits of this proactive approach to managing risks, in-
stead of managing disaster events. For example, Vilankulos, a tourist city in Mozambique, Africa, despite being struck by a 200 kph Cyclone Flavio in 2007, had zero casualties due to successful pre-emptive evacuation that was led by former Mayor of Suleimade Esep Amuji. Mindful of the possibility of rebuilding back risks, he then proceeded in rebuilding better homes.“Building back better after the cyclone had many benefits. Not only did we get stronger homes for the next cyclone, but also when we started giving these resilient homes to homeless women, we saw displaced families coming back together. When you start to reduce risks, even disasters sometimes can bring good news,” he said.Veronica Gordon, President of the Jerry Town Farmers’ Association in Jamaica, had the same observation. “In our view it is better to invest in risk reduction than disaster recovery,” she said. The report, co-authored by Lezlie C. Morinière and Luis Sanchez Zimmerman, uses cutting edge science and case studies to map overall risk in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. The report is released to inform the main agendas of 2015 of what it would take to protect sustainable development in ACP countries, starting with the next disaster risk
reduction framework, which will be adopted in March at the 3rd UN World Conference on DRR, in Sendai
Japan, the Sustainable Development Goals that will be adopted at the UN Summit in September 2015 in New York, and
the new climate change agreement that will be adopted in Paris France later in 2015.
42 feature
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
“H
i s t o r i c Photographs of Guyana”, published by the National Trust of Guyana, takes you on a beautiful photographic journey into Guyana’s past. The introductory page of the recently revised publication states: “given the vast collection of history recorded through photographs, the idea of producing an album of historic sceneries was conceived”. Additionally, the introduction mentions that the publication “provides the reader with captioned images, each telling its own unique story... [and] targets the stories of our rural landscapes, urban landscapes, historic streets, and a glimpse of our transportation heritage. The imagery presented in this booklet offers a look into our past way of life and culture, some of which continues today”. The album is an exciting journey down memory lane: time capsules of scenic Guyana. It features a limited collection of historical photographs, and includes images from as bygone as the early 19th century.
Georgetown are artistically showcased in the publication, along with various means of transportation used in the late 1800s to mid 1900s. “Join us in celebrating an appreciation for vintage Guyana. We encourage you to become avid collectors of our heritage through photographs. It is our sincere hope that this album will be cherished not just by the present but by our future generations as well,” National Trust of Guyana urged. For more information on this publication, contact National Trust of Guyana on 2255071.(Photos taken from NTG booklet, “Historic Photographs of Guyana”)
Robb Street, looking west circa 19th century, Georgetown
The rural landscapes in the early 1900s, featured in the publication, include scenic photos of the Demerara River, Wismar, Plantation Farm, East Bank Demerara, Plantation Houston, Plantation Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Essequibo River and Corentyne in Berbice.
The urban landscapes showcase photos of Georgetown, Stabroek and Bourda markets; public buildings, Georgetown, Town Hall, hotels, buildings destroyed by fire in 1945, New Amsterdam, and New Amsterdam Market. Breathtaking photos of the streets in Aerial view of New Amsterdam
Street scene in Corentyne, Berbice. Scenery showing a procession in the streets at No. 59 Village. Homes are constructed of timber, boards, shingles and thatch
Old Railway Terminus circa 1848
travel & tourism 43
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
T
he Turu Falls Trail is an adventurous hike that takes about two hours through a variety of beautiful forest
types. The majestic mora, greenheart, purpleheart, corkwood trees are some of the prime tree species that can be seen on this trail, which also leads to a lovely white water creek and a small waterfall called the Turu Falls. There are also some natural pools that are lovely for a swim.
You can also experience an array of fauna, such as birds on this trail. Turu Falls Nature Trail is one of the exciting tours that Iwokrama plans to offer to guests in the future. To find out more about Iwokrama and the Turu Nature Trail, call 225-1504 or visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com, www.iwokrama.org or Iwokrama Canopy Walkway on Facebook. (Photos by Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar)
Turu nature trail
Scenic creek laden with rocks found on the nature trail
Turu Falls pool
White Water Creek
Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar poses in front of a Corkwood tree (Photo by T Cudjoe)
44 feature
M
achel Montano successfully defended his Power Soca Monarch crown with his customary scintillating Fantastic Friday performance. Montano, in what is touted as being his last competitive appearance at the annual Carnival showpiece, took the stage at the National Stadium in Port of Spain in position nine. And decked in a gold suit with red trimmings, he proceeded to excite the crowd with his “Like Ah Boss”. The show was dominated by the bosses in the in-
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
dustry as Neil Iwer George aka “The Boss” copped second with “Play D Mas.” Iwer came dressed in a kingly outfit of gold and black, complete with a crown to highlight his royal status as ‘King George.’ And first-timer, Nikki “Granny” Crosby surprised most when she claimed third place among a group of seasoned performers with her offering “Granny.” Dressed in a red super-hero body outfit with white shorts and cape, Crosby pumped the crowd when she dropped the mic and
said, “Party Done, the competition is between me and Machel.” In a hotly contested Groovy Soca Monarch competition, Olatunji Yearwood reigned supreme with his popular 2015 hit “Ola.” Yearwood was another artiste who chose gold as his colour of choice and he glittered in his golden suit complete with a golden African-styled headpiece. He was able to work the crowd into a frenzy as chants of Ola! Ola! Ola! echoed throughout the venue. (Trinidad Express)
Machel Montano successfully defended his Power Soca Monarch crown with his customary scintillating Fantastic Friday performance.
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
news 45
Barbados falling short Guyana is considered a on economy fix – CDB free country – Teixeira
B
CDB director of economics Dr Justin Ram
arbados is not doing enough to fix its fiscal problems, according to the latest assessment from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). CDB director of economics Dr Justin Ram acknowledged the steps Government had taken to fix its fiscal challenges, but said more needed to be done. He was speaking at Hilton Barbados yesterday morning as he and CDB president Dr Warren Smith reviewed the bank’s performance and that of its borrowing member countries, in-
cluding Barbados. “Barbados has started to take the necessary steps in order to bring its fiscal accounts to a sustainable level. However, we at the Caribbean Development Bank believe that there is still more that needs to be done. The level of the primary deficit within Barbados and the overall fiscal balance is still at an unsustainable level and so there is going to be a need for Barbados to have further consolidation,” Ram said. “We don’t only advocate for fiscal consolidation, we also advocate
for growth enhancing reform. How can you also unlock the economic potential that is in Barbados? How can you make it easier for businesses to invest and to help grow the economy? So that’s also very important for us. “So first, we are saying the Government needs to of course consolidate further, to bring the debt levels to a sustainable level, right now it’s not a sustainable level [and] that needs to come down, but they also need to encourage the private sector to have that investment climate, as it were, [and] enact certain legislation. For example, improve the efficiency of the port operator. All of these things together would help boost economic growth over the medium term,” he added. The CDB is predicting there will be two per cent regional economic growth this year. While Ram pointed to signs that the Caribbean was emerging from economic recession, he urged regional Governments to do more to fix their fiscal and debt problems, thereby allowing them to save more for a “rainy day”. (Barbados Nation)
– urges media to uphold responsibilities
G
uyana’s advancement in its freedom of the press rating by five places by ‘Reporters Without Borders’ has been welcomed by the government. Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira said the report, as well as the Freedom House Press Freedom Report, are indicators of what country can be described as “free”, in terms of their press, “partly free” or “not free”. She reminded that Guyana from 1973 to 1993, was viewed as not free and, it is well known why. This must be taken in context, she noted, that from 1993 onwards to now 21 years later, Guyana is called “partly free and it has been constantly increasing its movement upwards in terms of freedom of the press”. It was also pointed out that whilst a number of countries have gone down in their press rating, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and a number of other countries have gone up, “although they are still in the same category of being partly free”. The presidential adviser admitted that while she is not very familiar with the methodology used by Reporters Without Borders, the ratings proffered by the World Press Freedom of the Press Index and the Freedom House Press Index are both considered quite reputable. She noted that in the Caribbean what is also interesting in the Freedom House Report on Press Freedom is that “2014 Guyana in the Americas for example is listed as a country that is 17 of the 35 countries of the Americas which of course includes US, Canada... St
Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira
Lucia is put at number 1 in the Americas for example, way above Canada and the United States so that Guyana came out kind of middle score with 17 out of 35 and a number of other countries have been listed further down”. The aforementioned position held by this country she said “is a reasonably fair report. We have shown improvement and obviously in terms of the Freedom House Freedom of the World Report of 2015, I think it is important for Guyanese to note that Guyana is considered a free country.” She said that, “Our status in the freedom of the press score, we are 34 and that bring us at 70 out of 197 countries. So both reports deal with differences in numbers of countries so that to be ranked 70 in terms of 197 countries still in the same category both weigh as partly free”.
46 news
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Ja$1.6 billion upgrade for Martha Brae Water Systems in Jamaica
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: Water supplied to approximately 200,000 residents served by the National Water Commission’s (NWC) facilities at Martha Brae, Trelawny, will be significantly boosted to 11 million gallons per day, following the completion of two major projects, valued approximately Ja$1.6 billion, at that location. The projects, which were carried out by the NWC under the Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project (JWSIP) over 18 months, entailed rehabilitation of the existing six million gallons of water per day treatment plant, and construction of a supporting facility that will provide an additional five million gallons, daily. Both facilities, on which work commenced in 2013, will serve residents of Martha Brae and adjoining communities, as well as districts in St. James and St. Ann, which are situated close to Trelawny’s
T
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon
Jamaica’s Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill (3rd left), turns a switch to officially commission into service the rehabilitated six-million gallons per day, and new five-million gallons per day National Water Commission (NWC) water treatment plants at Martha Brae, Trelawny, on Friday.
borders. The plants were commissioned into service by Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, during a brief ceremony on Friday. In delivering remarks, Mr. Pickersgill said the facilities are pivotal to the NWC’s quest to maintain potable water supplies to over 70
per cent of Trelwany. “While the NWC is not the only water provider, it is estimated that it now provides water to more than 70 per cent of the population of Trelawny. This is indeed a significant improvement over the previous decade,” he noted. Mr. Pickersgill also welcomed the prospect of the facilities strengthening the water corridor
serving other communities between Negril, Westmoreland, and Runaway Bay, St. Ann, and boosting supplies to residents and other beneficiaries. “This project…will go a far way in providing the infrastructure to further improving our water supply service and, in general, our nation’s developmental needs,” he stated. (JIS)
Haiti cancels last day of Carnival after 16 die in float accident
A
ccording to a Reuters report at least 16 people were killed and 78 injured early Tuesday when a singer on a Carnival float hit an overhead power line in Port-au-Prince, setting off a stampede by bystanders, officials said. The tragedy in Haiti’s capital prompted the government to cancel the last day of Carnival – the raucous celebrations preceding the start of Lent – and to declare three days of national mourning. Amateur video of the nighttime accident posted on YouTube showed a large flash as the high-voltage power line caught a popular singer known as Fantom atop the float as it passed near the presidential stand, which was packed with spectators. Most of the victims were trampled to death in the ensuing panic after the singer struck the power cable, witnesses said. Fantom, part of the hip-hop band Barikad Crew, was among the injured and was in stable but serious condition in a hospital, according to one of his friends. Prime Minister Evans Paul held a news conference to announce the
Performance of health sector remains a priority for Gov’t - HPS
Relatives arrived at the hospital to find out whether their loved ones had survived
cancellation of Carnival and three days of mourning. “We are telling the people of Haiti that we must be in solidarity,” said Paul, who was accompanied by government ministers, artists and first lady Sophia Martelly. “We are all Haiti.” President Michel Martelly expressed his “sincerest sympathies” to the victims in a Twitter message and Sophia Martelly visited hospitals that were treating the injured. They later joined cabinet ministers as well as prominent artists and carnival organizers at a silent parade to remember the dead, with
marchers dressed in white carrying candles as a sign of mourning. “We need to honor these people, to show their families that we are with them,” said Theodore “Lolo” Beaubrun of the band Boukman Eksperyans. “It’s terrible: they died in a time of joy unfortunately.” Added Roberto Martino of the group T-Vice: “It is an inexplicable feeling that takes us today. We were happy to party and within 5 seconds, now we are crying.” Haiti’s rambunctious three-day annual street parade coincides with other Mardi Gras celebrations around the
world and attracts large nighttime crowds eager to witness competing bands atop highly decorated floats. At Brazil’s Carnival, three men were electrocuted on Tuesday when they pushed a float toward a parade ground and it struck a high-tension power cable in the Nova Iguaiu suburb of Rio de Janeiro, police said. A sun on the float made of wire touched the power line and sent a fatal electrical charge through the metal frame of the decorated platform, police said. Authorities canceled Carnival festivities in the district after the accident.
he performance of Guyana’s health sector remains a priority for Cabinet, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, noting that Cabinet subcommittees monitor several sectors for the intercurrent events affecting them. Dr. Luncheon explained however, said that the monitoring of the health sector is directed at three areas, child mortality, maternal mortality and the licencing of facilities. In 2014, a report by the Health Ministry, reviewed by the Cabinet monitoring group and discussed by Cabinet in January was completed in February of this year. It was pointed out that the sector had achieved its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with respect to maternal mortality, notwithstanding the fact that 18 deaths were recorded across the country, 10 of these at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The non-compliance or indifference to reporting on maternal deaths, with specific regards to the timing of their reportage within recognised timelines, was among the issues expressed in the report. Dr Luncheon said the report highlighted this “minimal indifference and sometimes even worse, in so far as the reporting by these private institutions”. Child mortality rates, in the report, focused on those under 5 years old and neonatal, Dr Luncheon stated. “The issues that arose in the report was the comparison and using the MDGs of the reductions from figures of earlier years (1991/92) and what we intend to achieve in the signal year of 2015”. He added that the neonatal rates had more to do with the efforts of the Health Ministry to enhance efforts to allow for
the salvage of what ordinarily might have been unsalvageable births”. He further added that creation of intensive care neonatal units have in effect contributed to the “picture of neonatal deaths that Cabinet was so distressed about”. Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran further explained to Cabinet that the aforementioned was a population that is of low birth weights, and short gestation periods, with inherently high mortality. The challenge in adequate reporting was also brought to the fore by the report, said Dr. Luncheon. “We have cultural norms against fundamental tools in the evaluation of infant deaths, like post mortems. The report commented on the considerable difficulties that exist in getting parents, perhaps institutions, and even conniving officials to enforce those requirements to have postmortems done. In many places it just doesn’t happen”. The postmortem is a statutory part of the requirements, captured in the regulations to allow the proper delivery and maintenance of statistics. With regards to complaints about the attitude of healthcare providers to patients, especially those at government funded institutions, Dr Luncheon reiterated that over the 2001 to 2006 period, an initiative to have “Service level agreements” was instituted. These agreements cover the waiting times for non-critical and critical care at public health facilities, for example. This initiative is undertaken with assistance from various non-governmental organisations, the Cabinet Secretary explained and improvements have been seen from this intervention which has been sanctioned by the health minister.
feature 47
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Ennui…
…in cricket ne Day International” cricket – ODI – appears to’ve become the odd man out the threesome of the modern game – test, T-20 and the ODI. Imagine the ODI World Cup started on Monday and Government’s NCN was unable to intervene to secure the TV rights for the ordinary man to be able to see the games. Just one cable operator. But that’s another story. Think of it. Test cricket seems to be able to draw enough purists to view broadcasts to have big TV operators pay big bucks for multi-year broadcasting rights. Even though in many instances, the live audience in the stadiums (who the heck says “stadia”??) are conspicuous by their absence, the wider interest survives. T-20 cricket, on the other hand, has become the dominant variant of the game thanks to its brash aggressiveness and shorter time span. While altering, but not sacrificing the traditional finer points of cricket, the early fears that T-20 would become a “slam bam, thank you ma’am” affair has been dissipated. Sure there’s big hitting – but hey!! The top batsmen were always the ones who could loft the ball over the boundary! Bradman, Lara, Tendulkar, Viv Richards weren’t exactly bashful in the hitting department, were they? And bowling?? Can you conceive of even Test cricket opening their bowling with spin?? How much more conservative can you get?? Point is, T-20s incorporated the finer points from all formats of the game in the decade that it’s been around. ODIs on the other hand, was the original shortened form of the game – going back several decades – but it seems to’ve run out of steam. It’s kind of so “in-between” the other two forms that it’s in limbo. Now this Eyewitness has to be honest and admit that maybe his view of ODI in general – and the World Cup in particular – is a bit jaundiced by the standing of the West Indies in the format. We’ve been placed at the bottom of the barrel – while New Zealand, who used to wallow there with us, is right up there with the perennial big boys – India, Australia and South Africa. How many times can you see your team being drubbed? There’s only so much even a masochist can take. But then again the West Indies haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire in Tests, but your Eyewitness still follows them, doesn’t he? What your Eyewitness will do is to wait for June… That’s when CPL and the Amazon Warriors get going. He’s assured of more than his fair share of excitement then! …in the canefields The Stabber News reported that “15 cane harvesters” were fired because they hadn’t applied fertilisers in the fields!! We know the Stabber has “intellectual” pretensions but jeez!! They don’t know the difference between the “manure gang” and the “cane cutting gang”??
“O
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
TT rap track in US film soundtrack P
O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: A US film set to premiere later this year will feature a track from longtime Trinidadian rapper/ musician/producer Make It Hapn. The film is Fade Away, a gritty urban drama about a young pro-basketball prospect who sees his dreams dashed, forcing him to give into the lure of the streets. It will be director Antwan Smith’s fourth feature film. Among the cast are Antwon Tanner of TV’s One Tree Hill, whose film credits include Coach Carter with Samuel L Jackson and the DMX-led Never Die Alone; Omar Gooding, Cuba’s brother, who’s probably best known for the sitcoms Smart Guy and Hangin with Mr Cooper; and Clifton Powell, who had roles in Ray and Norbit. The song is Ghetto Child, a jazz-influenced look at the hardship of growing up amidst poverty and crime. It’s the title track of Make It Hapn’s first album, released in 2007, which after seven more albums remains his most popular, he said. Make It Hapn’s raps are distinguished by a distinctly Trinidadian accent and vocabulary. Copies of his albums—in true underground fashion—are made and sold by Make It Hapn (real name Rayon Bernardo) himself. Make it Hapn has worked with Machel Montano, joining the soca star on the track Pray, off his 2009 album Heavenly Drum. He’s working on a soon-to-bereleased collaboration with Bunji Garlin. And he’s produced music and directed videos for other artists. But he remains very much an underground artist and experiences the struggle that comes with that. He’s recently had to—not for the first time—sell equipment to pay bills. He welcomes the opportunity 'Fade Away' will give to earn money and, more important, get his work to a larger audience. “Putting my song onto a CD wouldn’t have the same far-reaching results of putting it in a movie,” he said. “Because people will bootleg the movie all the way in China and Africa, and the song will get out there.” He hopes his experience will also benefit TT
Make It Hapn signs agreement and it's witnessed by Lustra Cudjoe
as a whole. “I feel like I representing for Trinidad and getting it on the map,” he said. “I want to send the message out to people in Trinidad that it have things going on outside of Trinidad. People willing to hear your music and to use it.” Independent movies and black films in particular are possible means of getting local artists’ music to audiences, he said. The opportunity with
'Fade Away' came about through Make It Hapn’s mom, Sharon “Shazz” Browne. Based in Miami, she offers hair, make-up and other ancillary services to movie makers, including Smith. “I have placed Make's CDs in the hands of dozens of industry players,” said Browne. Smith, she said, “was one of many who really dug the entire Ghetto Child album. So I was not too surprised that he presented the title track
to the director of music— Fentz Louis—to be used in Fade Away.” Make It Hapn updated and re-recorded the song for the film. Smith said of the track: “I instantly fell in love with it because it captured the soul of the film.” 'Fade Away', which is currently in post-production, is due to premiere in the fall, he said. Ghetto Child accompanies the final scene of the film. (TT Guardian)
48 Hollywood
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Benedict Cumberbatch Johnny Depp forms band weds Sophie Hunter with Alice Cooper at the Isle of Wight
H
B
e n e d i c t Cumberbatch tied knot with his fiancee Sophie Hunter in a ceremony on the Isle of Wight. The 38-year-old 'Sherlock' star and Hunter, said their vows at a small parish church in presence of close friends, family and co-stars from the BBC show, including Martin Freeman, and Andrew Scott, who plays Moriarty, the Independent reported. Back in November, Cumberbatch had gone traditional with his announcement of engagement to Hunter, and had let it out via the classified section of The Times
which read "The engagement is announced between Benedict, son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie, daughter of Katharine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles Hunter of London."
The 2015 Oscar nominated actor had first met Hunter, who's an actor and Samuel Beckett Award winning director, when they worked together in 'Burlesque Fairytales' in 2009. (TOI)
Jamie Dornan planning to flee country
J
amie Dornan is planning to go low profile after he finishes promoting 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. The 32-year-old actor, who appeared on 'The Graham Norton Show', said he is planning to flee from Hollywood following the film's release. "I am fleeing the country. I am certainly not going to stand in Leicester Square without my shirt, asking people if they enjoyed the movie! I am keeping a low profile," he said. Dornan, who plays the lead character of Christian Grey in the erotic film, also revealed his wife, Amelia Warner, wouldn't be going to catch the movie in the cinema.
"She hasn't seen the film and I don't think she will, to be honest. I'd understand if she didn't want to," he said. (TOI)
ollywood superstar Johnny Depp has teamed up with rocker Alice Cooper and Aerosmith's lead guitarist Joe Perry to form a new band called Hollywood Vampires. Cooper himself has confirmed in a post on his website. "Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp have been partners for a while and now with Joe Perry also on Hollywood Vampires, they will 'rock it out' yet once again," Cooper wrote. In the same post, the music star also revealed Hollywood Vampires already scored their debut gig with a scheduled performance at the 2015 Rock in Rio music festival which will be held in September in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The newly formed band will be joined by other tapped performers, which among others include System of a Down, Queens of the Stone Age, and Faith No More. "Confirmed! #RockInRio announc-
es Debut Of #TheHollywoodVampires! The #Supergroup, featuring #AliceCooper, #JohnnyDepp and #JoePerry plays on the same night as #QueensOfTheStoneAge and #SystemOfADown," Cooper posted on Instagram. The Hollywood Vampires actually is the name of a famous band in the 70s. Cooper fronted the music act alongside the likes of John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon, and Ringo Starr. (TOI)
Ginnifer Goodwin's ninemonth-old son loves reading
'B
ig Love' star G i n n i f e r Goodwin's ninemonth-old son Oliver is already an avid reader. The 36-year-old actress said she and husband Josh Dallas have banned little Oliver from watching any kind of screens, including iPads, TV, cell phones and other digital entertainment, until he reaches school age, reported Fox News. "Thus far, that has
been really easy for us with our lifestyle. He
is like the most imaginative nine month old on the planet. He reads books like you wouldn't believe," she said.. Goodwin, who plays Snow White in 'Once Upon a Time', visits Disneyland in California once a month but dons a disguise so she can enjoy her trip without being spotted. "I don't want to describe my disguises because then I would be busted." (TOI)
Gwyneth Paltrow spotted Keanu Reeves disapproves again with Chris Martin being likened to a stuntman
A
ctor Keanu Reeves may just be one of the greatest action heroes of the last decade, churning out blockbusters like 'The Matrix' series and 'Speed'. However, the actor who was last seen taking on the New York Mafia in his movie 'John Wick' has clarified that he doesn't like people referring to his action scenes as mere "stunts". Talking about his iconic scenes from movies like 'The Matrix' and 'Speed' the actor
confesses,"I don't do any stunts. Stunt men do stunts. But if I'm doing
it, it's not a stunt. I get to do some physical acting. I get involved in some action but they're not stunts. I flip over guys, I get flipped, I run, I jump, I play." Talking about being in the industry for over two decades the John Wick actor says, "I'm at that wonderful line of experience, which helps when you can't quite do what you used to be able to do. With the experience, you get it right faster so you don't have to do as many takes." (TOI)
Emma Stone reveals her 'fascination' with death
E
mma Stone has confessed that she has a fascination with death, afterlife, ghosts and cemeteries. While speaking to Australia's Cleo
magazine, the 26-year-old actress said that she has always wondered what happens once a person dies, giving credit of her dark curiosity to childhood and upbringing, Contactmusic reported. However, the 'Amazing Spider-Man 2' star, who believes "life is finite," added that it were her thoughts on death that encouraged her to grab every opportunity with both hands and live life to the fullest, as she was aware that one day she would die. Stone said that parents saw things her way too and have supported her in her acting plans, with her mother even moving to Los Angeles with her when she was only 15. (TOI)
O
scar-winnning actress Gwyneth Paltrow spent her Valentine's Day with her estranged husband Chris Martin. The 'Mortdecai' actress and the Coldplay frontman were seen walking together on the beach in Malibu along with their children, son Moses and daughter Apple, reported Ace Showbiz. In some photos, Paltrow could be
seen linking her arm to her estranged husband's. The 'Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow' star donned black sunglasses, a black tank top, navy capri pants and a pair of flipflops. Martin, meanwhile, were barefooted. He sported a blue baseball cap with smiley logo, blue tee and navy shorts. The couple were seen laughing and joking during the outing. At one
point, they were seen sitting side by side on the sand with their daughter sitting on his lap. (TOI)
Stephen Hawking initially worried about biopic
F
amed cosmologist Stephen Hawking was rather surprised that his upcoming biopic 'The Theory of Everything' found takers. He also confessed that since the movie was based on a book by ex-wife Jane Hawking, he was initially worried that it might be a biased portrayal of their relationship. "I was rather surprised that a major film company should want to make
a film about me. At first, I was worried because it was based on a book by my ex-wife, Jane, but I was reassured when I read the script, and even more when I saw a first cut of the film." One of the century's most influential scientsists, Hawking celebrated his 72nd birthday recently. 'The Theory of Everything' begins in the 1960s where Cambridge University student Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) falls in love with fellow collegian Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). At 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this -- and with Jane at his side -- he begins an ambitious study of time, of which he has very little left, according to his doctor. He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine. (TOI)
bollywood 49
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Sushant Digvikar to sing for Salman Khan
C
ontroversial reality show Bigg Boss has proved to be a stepping stone for many of its contestants. And the latest who seems to have joined the list is Sushant Digvikar. Sushant, whose singing talent came across as a surprise to many in the Bigg Boss house, has impressed none other Salman Khan. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the Dabangg Khan is so impressed with Sushant that he has offered him to sing in one of his upcoming films. The report quoted Sushant as saying that he is very passionate about singing and plans to pursue it seriously. He will be recording few singles after which he will take Salman's reaction on them when he meets him next.
(TOI)
Sonam and Rhea Kapoor to launch their high street fashion brand Rheson this September
S
onam Kapoor is undoubtedly considered a style diva, who many girls look up to. She and her younger sister Rhea are not just best friends, but Rhea has been styling Sonam now for many years. It thus comes as no surprise that the two sisters have been working on a brand of clothes for years, which they will now be launching in India in September. The brand, titled Rheson, will not be a high fashion brand, but a high street brand, which is accessible, affordable and makes girls comfortable, given the Indian body type. In an interview with the sis-
Priyanka Chopra congratulates Twinkle Khanna
T
he 'roast', in which some key members of the Bollywood fraternity took part, continues to be a talking point with everyone in the industry. Monday, people woke up to a mini shock when Priyanka Chopra congratulated Twinkle Khanna for her recent column that dealt with the hypocritical mindset of some holierthan-thou types, who've been going on and on about how the roast was in bad taste. Like Twinkle, who raised some pertinent questions on fake morality, PC too showed her liberal approach when she congratulated Twinkle. "Such imperative questions! Well done!'' said PC about Mrs Funnybones, Twinkle's pen name. About 14 days ago there was also disbelief when Ram Gopal Varma, who is known to blow hot and blow cold about fellow filmmaker Karan Johar, spoke up in favour of him in the context of the roast. "What books sociologists scholars couldn't do in decades Karan
Johar did in two hours in a highly entertaining show and that too, so simply,'' said Ramu. It's indeed nice to know that Bollywood can set aside its differences when it matters the most and speak in one voice and in favour of its own fraternity.(TOI)
Sachiin Joshi to play the lead in two bilingual films
ter duo on their plans for the label, they added the clothing line will be available com-
ing September across all Shoppers Stop outlets across the country. (TOI)
How the film 'Badlapur' got its title
S
riram Raghavan's Badlapur has Varun Dhawan foraying into a dark zone. The film, produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films, has piqued the audience's curiosity for its unusual title among other things. Why the movie is named so, is rather interesting. For starters, the subject of the film is largely based on revenge — 'badla'. Not just that, Varun's character Raghu undergoes a transition during the course of the story, leading to 'badlav' (change). Moreover, those familiar with Mumbai are aware that there is a station named 'Badlapur' on the Central Railway. It's heard that at one time, Badlapur used to be one of the stations where the trains would change tracks. This aspect is signified in the film as the station features in the backdrop when the plot undergoes a change. Says Sriram, "These aspects are part of our story and we felt the title
S
achiin Joshi has been making strides, not just in the Hindi cinema industry, but in regional cinema as well. He is looking forward to two bilingual projects where he will be playing the lead — Ayush Raina's
Horror Of Bombay Mills and another under the direction of Ram Gopal Varma. Besides these, the actor-producer has also decided to remake the Jr NTR film Temper in Hindi and Tamil. An elated Sachiin says, "Cinema speaks a universal language. I'm so happy that besides Hindi, I have also made inroads into Tollywood." He explains that after his truly pleasant experience on 'Nee Jathaga Nenundali' (the Telugu remake of Aashiqui 2) that released last August, he is now encouraged to continue his regional travails. He will produce the Tamil and Hindi versions of Temper, a film that the Tollywood trade predicts will make a mark. Both versions will be made under the banner of Viiking Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd. Prior to this, Sachiin's cricket team Telugu Warriors won the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), making him a part of the big league. (TOI)
Madhurima Tuli learns mixed martial arts
A is apt. It was just a working title, but then a lot of people reacted positively to it. So, we retained it." 'Badlapur', presented by Eros International and Maddock Films, releases February 20. (TOI)
ctress Madhurima Tuli has taken to a new form of ex-
ercise. Instead of sweating it out at the gym, she is busy kicking some punches on the beach. She has been practising mixed martial arts for a week now, and says it's liberating to break a sweat out in the open. Madhurima says, "With this technique, I will be able to both defend myself and attack the en-
emy. I can strike and grapple, and also deal with weapons. With so many horrible incidents of crimes against women, I think we should be able to deal with the attackers ourselves." The actress has been learning under an expert every alternate day. "I've started with karate and kung fu and this takes care of my core body and cardio needs as well. So, I don't miss the gym anymore," she smiles.
Meanwhile, Madhurima says she misses working on the TV series Kumkum Bhagya. "I had to quit the show because I was shooting Baby. But I watch it religiously even now," she signs off. (TOI)
Yami Gautam: I love exploring historical cities like Jaipur
T
he actress, who was in Jaipur recently, says she wants to play a Rajput princess on screen When Yami Gautam was recently in the city to promote her upcoming film 'Badlapur', she told us that she'd also like to portray a Rajput princess on screen someday. "I have always been inclined to do a role that has a taste of reality. So I would like to portray the role of someone who had registered
her name in the Indian history for her achievements. It might be a warrior Rajput Princess or might be someone like Indira Gandhi. I have a lot of interest in history and mythology," she said. The actress is a big fan of history, and consequently, Jaipur is one of her favourite cities. Elaborating more on that, she said, Yami, who will be seen playing a young mother in 'Badlapur', feels proud to be associated with the
film. She elaborated, "This was a challenging role, not because I am playing a mother, but because it required me to play many shades. This is an emotional story of a young couple. The character of Nisha is very important in itself. I never believed in signing a film just for the sake of it. We belong to a generation where we have equal opportunities to show our acting talent and give quality performances." (TOI)
50 sport
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Team Guyana benefit from Fly Jamaica’s benevolence
I
n the two short years since its existence in Guyana, Fly Jamaica’s support for local sport has been welldocumented and the company has continued on that path, by lending a hand to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) on Monday. The entity, which only this week celebrated its second anniversary in Guyana, presented 40 airline tickets to Team Guyana, which are set to compete in the opening leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), scheduled for later this month in Jamaica. Also reaffirming its commitment was major sponsor Seaboard Marine, an entity that has continued to offer significant support towards the sport across the Caribbean. Nadine Hing and Jeremy Fernandes of Fly Jamaica and Seaboard Marine respectively were on hand at a sim-
Representatives of Fly Jamaica and Seaboard Marine, along with officials of the GMR&SC and drivers pose for a photo at the conclusion of Monday’s programme
ple presentation at the GMR&SC to seal the deal on Monday. Also in attendance were GMR&SC President John Carpenter; Vice President Shairaz Roshandin Mohamed; Guyana’s representative to the Caribbean Motor Racing Association (CMRA), Ray Rahaman; executive members of the
GMR&SC and competitors. Carpenter said the Club was extremely appreciative of the kind gesture made by Fly Jamaica. He also expressed gratitude to Seaboard Marine for its sustained commitment to motor racing in the Caribbean. Hing, in her remarks, thanked the Club for ap-
proaching Fly Jamaica and encouraging the company to come onboard, adding that it was pleased to be part of the sponsorship team. “I urge that you all proudly fly the Guyana flag and do us proud,” she said. Fernandes pointed out how proud Seaboard Marine was to once again collaborate as a major
sponsor of the GMR&SC and the CMRC. He highlighted that the sponsorship represented a hefty sum, informing that the company would continue to have a strong relationship with motor racing. Rahaman, who declared he was acting in both capacities as local and regional representative, thanked the two
sponsors for their support to motor racing in the Caribbean. He noted that when Seaboard came along a few years ago and added its name to the list of sponsors of motor racing, very few realised that its generosity had actually saved the series. The CMRA official said that the cost of shuttling competitors’ machines across the various countries to compete in the championship was being borne mainly by the competitors, who also had to take into account the preparation of their machines. Those costs, Rahaman highlighted, were having a debilitating effect on their individual financial accounts, a development that was directly affecting their ability to remain in the sport. Mohamed, for his part, thanked the major sponsors and assured them that Guyana would be sending a very strong contingent to defend its crown.
Bounty/Antonio’s Grill hockey competition…
GCC Ladies, Hikers Men win season opener in Guyana
I
n the brilliant Sunday afternoon sunshine on an immaculate Providence stadium field, the GCC Ladies and Hikers Men
shone brightly as they took gold in the opening The annual Bounty/ Antonio’s Grill one day hockey competition saw teams showcasing their
skills in what is promised for an exciting year in the sport. After having finished in the top position of their pool round, the
GCC Tigers Princessa Wilkie made a diving attempt that passed inches from the goal
Hikers Men met Old Fort in the first of the men’s semi-final matches. Old Fort’s star midfielder, Aderemi Simon, was noticeably absent from his team’s line-up, leaving the weight of the team’s success on the shoulders of Chris Low-Koan, Jason Dosantos and national goalkeeper Tony Cole. The Hikers did not disappoint their fans as they dominated most of the match with national midfielder, Shaquille Assanah, making several surging runs into the Old Fort circle. The Hikers managed to pull ahead by two goals to nil by the final whistle with unlikely goal scorers Colonel Heywood and Randy Hope leading the charge. The other semi-final saw the two GCC entrants face off against each other with huge bragging rights at stake in addition to a place in the final. After a score-
less first half, Kevin Spencer struck twice to put GCC A ahead and young Eliomar Silva, making his debut, managed to add a third for the eventual victors. GCC B created chances of their own late in the game and were rewarded when a powerful strike by Philip Fernandes found the back of the net. The GCC A side however, predictably emerged to victors. The men’s final between the Hikers and GCC A had spectators in an uproar as the highpaced game swung from end to end with both teams creating chances. While the first half remained scoreless, GCC’s Kevin Spencer teamed up with Orland Semple to produce a string of passes to get around goalkeeper Jason Hoyte and into the Hikers goal. In swift response, the dynamic Jamarj Assanah completed a fine run
up the right wing and slipped his pass to a poised Robert France to deflect into the GCC goal. With Hoyte producing a penalty save for the Hikers in the dying minutes the game reached full time with scores deadlocked at one each. After the first round of penalties still saw the scores even, the Hikers managed to secure the victory as a Robert France penalty goal could not be matched by GCC. In the all GCC ladies final, defending champs the GCC Tigers and their inspirational captain, Sonia Jardine, pulled off the win by 1-0 to separate the teams in an otherwise dead even match. With each team having their share of possession, Jardine capitalised on the slow recovery of GCC’s defence two minutes into the second half to slam home her shot for the lone goal of the final.
sport 51
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Momentum building for “Caribbean Collision” this weekend
W
ith the aim of achieving nothing less than a victory, Jamaican boxing sensation Sakima Mullings is confident of victory in his title fight against Dominica-based Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell on Saturday’s “Caribbean Collision” boxing card. The duo will square off for the vacant CABOFE Junior Welterweight belt over 12 rounds. “Sakima is due to arrive here on Thursday night with his team and international judge Clifford Browne, onboard a Fly Jamaica flight,” the
Sakima Mullings is due in Guyana on Thursday night for his title fight against Dominica-based Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell
Guyana Boxing Board of Control Matchmaker, Eion Jardine, told this
publication on Tuesday. On Friday, Mullings and the rest of the pugi-
lists set to appear on the card will be involved in the weight-in, which is
expected to be held for the first time at Mike Fung’s Bar, located at the corners of Sheriff and Garnett Street. The card, the first for 2015 in Guyana, will start with a clash between debutants Travis Fraser of Guyana and Charwin Estwick of Barbados in a Junior Middleweight sixrounder, and will also see an eight-round Middleweight rematch featuring Edmond DeClou and Dereck Richmond. The last time these two met, DeClou suffered a broken jaw and
has not entered the ring since. In the other two fights, Quincy Gomes will face debutant Keeve Allicock in a four-round Lightweight contest, while Dexter Gonsalves will match gloves Mark Austin in an eight-round Welterweight rematch. The action will start at 20:00 hours at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is Gy$3,000 (Ringside) and Gy$1500 (Stands). Patrons are also in for a treat as there will be three door prizes up for grabs.
JFF bags US$4.8-m kit contract with Romai Sportswear
K
INGSTON, JAMAICA: After weeks of talk making the rounds of an imminent partnership, the kit deal between the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Dubai-based Romai Sportswear is finally in the bag. JFF President Captain Horace Burrell and vice-president and managing director of the
programme for five years. "What I can tell you is that we have sewn up this deal and it will be worth about US$1.2 million per year. This is indeed an exciting time for Jamaica's football to secure a deal of this magnitude, as the nation's football is interestingly poised for great things around the corner," Burrell said from Dubai
pertise in the sporting good industry, having claims of being part of the growth of various international sportswear brands such as Hummel, Le Coq Sportif and Erima. In its growing portfolio, Romai has among its clients the Bahraini national football programme. "We knew from day one that Romai would
(From left) JFF marketing director Garth Savoury, JFF President Captain Horace Burrell, Argentina football great Diego Maradona and JFF General Secretary Raymond Grant pose for pictures shortly after the signing of a new kit deal with United Arab Emirates-based Romai Sportswear at the Emirates Place Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
relatively new sports apparel manufacturer, Khamis Mohammed Al Rumaithy, put pen to paper to formalise a four-year partnership that could be valued at over US$4.8 million (about $680 million). The signing took place at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Friday, with Argentine football legend Diego Maradona in attendance. This new kit deal would be the most lucrative in the federation's history, exceeding the last arrangement with Italian-based Kappa that was US$3.7 million (about $540 million) at today's exchange rate, and which covered the
on Friday. The local football boss said the contract signing was the culmination of 18 months of "vigorous and unwavering negotiations" with Romai, a member of the family-owned conglomerate Al Rumaithy Investment Group (RIG). All 11 national teams -- male and female -- will be outfitted by Romai, a company inaugurated in 2012, the very year Kappa and the JFF signed a new threeyear deal worth US$2 million. Though Romai is new to the market as a brand, its parent company RIG boasts extensive experience and ex-
be a good fit for the national programme as it was a brand with stylish designs, a company on the cutting edge of modern corporate governance, has a strong passion for football and is part of a family with solid assets," Burrell told the Jamaican media by telephone. It was said that Cedella Marley, the brand ambassador and benefactor of the Reggae Girlz, has worked and continues to work closely with Romai in developing the designs for Jamaica's range of playing gear and other clothing. He was also pleased that, critical to the terms of the working agree-
ment is that Romai has committed to a very active merchandising side to the deal, where replicas of the marquee Reggae Boyz clothing -and that of the females as well -- will be available in online shops and walk-in stores across a global network. Details of the new kit arrangements, plus other breaking news related to the programme, will be made at a press conference at the JFF offices on Tuesday. Without a kit part-
ner since Kappa and the JFF failed to reach a new agreement, Jamaican teams in competition have continued and will continue to wear the Italian company's branded uniforms. Burrell disclosed that the new Romai kits will be available in time for the senior Boyz's historic participation in the Copa America in Chile June 11-July 4. Meanwhile, Burrell said to have had Maradona, a close friend of Romai principal
Khamis Mohammed Al Rumaithy, participating in the proceedings was special in many ways. On the company's website, Romai claims to be the only Emirati sportswear company, which develops and manufactures its own range of sport products. JFF General Secretary Raymond Grant and the federation's marketing director Garth Savoury were also in Dubai for the signing. (Jamaica Observer)
52 sport
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Kashif and Shanghai celebrates 25!
– 16-team KO tournament set to kick off in March By Avenash Ramzan
T
he Kashif and Shanghai football tournament is back, with 16 teams set to compete in a knockout competition from March 20 to April 5. This year, the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, led by Directors Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and judging from the elaborate launch at the exquisite 704 Sports Bar on Tuesday, the organisers are going all out to ensure the tournament is a major hit in 2015. For starters, the two popular football promoters have been able to retain most of their faithful sponsors, key among them Mohamed’s Enterprise, Cell Phone
Members of the Normalisation Committee and representatives of a few of the sponsors pose with the coordinators at Tuesday’s launch at 704 Sports Bar (Avenash Ramzan photo)
Shack and ANSA McAL Trading. ANSA McAL Trading Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yussuf said her company was pleased to once again partner with Kashif and Shanghai for the invitational tournament. She noted that the company’s alliance with the tournament started five years ago, and it was looking forward to
the same level of success the tournament has enjoyed to continue. Chairman of the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation, Clinton Urling, lauded the vision of the Directors of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation. He said the aim of the Committee was to have football being played
and it was fulfilling that role. C o - d i r e c t o r Muhammad was quick to point out that his organisation has aligned itself with the objectives of the Normalisation Committee, which is to regularise the way in which football is administered in Guyana. “This 25th Kashif and Shanghai tournament marks the first oc-
casion on which this, the longest running football tournament in the country’s history, is being held outside the customary December/January time frame, and moreover, the tournament will be staged, as is customary, on an entirely knockout basis,” Muhammad said. “Additionally, this year, and again for the first time, the ven-
ues for the tournament will include the historic Demerara Cricket Club Ground with its new lighting, excellent playing surface and generous accommodation.” The tournament will conclude on April 5 at the Guyana National Stadium where the winning team will be presented with Gy$2 million. The losing finalist will pocket Gy$1 million, third Gy$500,000 and fourth Gy$250,000. The participating teams are Alpha United, Pele, Western Tigers, Riddim Squad, Guyana Defence Force, Georgetown Football Club, Victoria Kings, Mahaica Determinators, New Amsterdam United, Slingerz, Den Amstel, Grove Hi-Tech, Agricola Red Triangle, Winners Connection, Hi-Stars and Bartica Beacons.
Guyanese Hooper, Stuart running well to start season
By Treiston Joseph
G
uyana Defence Force (GDF) sprint ace Akeem Stuart is tremendous form, winning one of two 300 metres runs on Sunday at the second development meet held by
the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) at the GDF Ground, Base Camp Ayanganna. In the first of the 300 metres races, Stuart clocked a fast 34.6s to win the event to follow up his 300 metres win two weeks ago at the first develop-
ment meet held at the same ground. The second 300 metres was won by Bevon Noble of Linden who went a little faster than Stuart, clocking 34.5s. Meanwhile, Running Brave’s Natricia Hooper is definitely looking to be
one of Guyana’s top youth athletes with her current form, winning the women’s 300 metres in 39.1s. Teammates Avon Samuels and Andrea Foster ware second and third respectively. Sprint queen Alisha Fortune made her 2015 debut with a solid win in the women’s 80 metres dash, clocking 9.7s to win the event ahead of junior sprint ace Tirana Mitchell, who clocked 10.0s for second. Natrena Hooper was third with a time of 10.2s. Winston Missinger easily captured the men’s 2000 metres with a time
of 6:01.08s to finish ahead of Odwin Tudor and Larry Nicholas. Distance star Alika Morgan won the female version of the 2000 metres race, clocking 7:17.1s for the win. Kezia Morgan was second, while Nikita Wilson was third. Devon Barrington made a successful return to the track after a oneyear hiatus by winning the men’s 600 metres at the event. Carifta triple gold medallist Cassey George also looked in decent form by winning the female version of the 600 metres
event. Triple jumper Maurice Gibson is making the transition to the track with a good run in the men’s 80 metres, winning the event in 8.9s to top Ian Campbell who finished second in 9.1s. Devin Collymore was third in 9.2s. Davin Fraser also seemed in top shape easily winning the men’s 150 metres, looking strong as he pulled away from the field in the final 30 metres. The AAG will host its third development meet on February 22.
England were ‘embarrassing’ v Australia, says Gooch
L
ONDON, (Reuters) - England’s 111run mauling by Australia in their opening World Cup match was “embarrassing”, former captain Graham Gooch said yesterday. Australia piled up 342 for nine after being put into bat and England were bowled out for 231, only a valiant 98 not out by James Taylor saving them from an even more emphatic loss. “There’s no disgrace in defeat, but the way they racked up runs was embarrassing,” Gooch told the BBC. England captain Eoin Morgan was out for nought, his fourth duck in his last five innings. “He’s in a bad run but he’s a match-winning player and England desperately need him to be leading the way,” Gooch said.
England captain Eoin Morgan
“Morgan’s a bit vulnerable outside offstump but he should retain his attacking instincts – that’s where his skills lie.” England reduced Australia to 70 for three but conceded 105 runs in the last 10 overs as Glenn Maxwell plundered 66 off 40 deliveries. “You have to have a full armoury of deliveries for the last few overs,” said Gooch, who worked closely with the team as
batting coach until leaving the role last year. “It’s all about variation — and what you saw from England was a concentrated attack of similar deliveries. “I was gob-smacked by the way they bowled at the end. Our side is full of talented cricketers but it’s delivering that talent under pressure.” England’s next game is against co-hosts New Zealand in Wellington tomorrow.
sport 53
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
CPL 2015: Shiv to play for Amazon Warriors O
p e r a t i o n s Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, feels that Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s inclusion in the Guyana Amazon Warriors makeup for the third edition of the Caribbean Primer League (CPL) will definitely boost the morale of the squad. The champion batsman was bought in Round 12 for US$10,000, and is one of six players to represent the local franchise for the first time. Khan believes the obdurate left-hander’s contribution to the squad is more of a motivating factor for the rest of the players. “Shiv is still playing
cricket, Shiv is very active, still very fit, still scoring runs, so his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the team. He will bring that to the table where he will help motivate the guys, he will help add experience in match situations and help support the overall team effort,” Khan said with confidence. He continued, “Shiv is also a legend of West Indies cricket. He has been representing Guyana and West Indies so consistently well over the years, and when the opportunity came for us to pick Shiv it was a great opportunity to give him a chance to be a part of the team, not only in
terms of his cricketing skills, but his experience as an international player, his experience as a professional cricketer.” The former West Indies captain, who was a part of the St Lucia Zouks squad in the inaugural edition in 2013, had pulled out prior to the start of that tournament in order fulfill his contractual obligations with English county side, Derbyshire. Back then, Chanderpaul had signed a contract with CPL offering himself for selection, but later realised that his commitment to Derbyshire allowed a release only if it pertained to playing for West Indies.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The man, who hammers a bail into the pitch to mark his guard, joins Australia’s Brad Hodge, Sir Lanka’s Thisara Perera, Guyanese trio
Assad Fudadin, Paul Wintz and Devendra Bishoo as the newcomers. Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga and
Tillakaratne Dilshan, Trinidadians Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons and Denesh Ramdin, along with Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton and Trevon Griffith are the other members of the squad. The CPL is the Region’s premier T20 tournament, attracting sold-out crowds and is viewed by millions across the globe. The 2015 CPL will take place from June 20 to July 26. The Amazon Warriors lost at the final hurdle in both of the previous two editions, to Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and Barbados Tridents last year.
Teammates need to rally around Holder, advises Sammy
C
H R I S T CHURCH, New Zealand, CMC – Darren Sammy believes embattled West Indies captain Jason Holder needs the unbridled support of his teammates, in order to navigate the current turmoil surrounding the team’s poor form. The 23-year-old Holder has had a fiery baptism, presiding over the Caribbean side’s 4-1 thrashing at the hands of South Africa last month and then as West Indies slumped to a shock fourwicket defeat to minnows Ireland in their ICC World Cup opener on Monday. “You just need that spark and … we as a group have got to carry him through,” said Sammy, a former ODI captain and the current Twenty20 skipper. “He’s young, he didn’t ask to be put in that situation and as one who has been in that situa-
Bravo was also axed from the squad, following his role as spokesman for aggrieved players during the abandoned tour of India, a move that prompted claims of victimisation from several quarters. Senior team player Chris Gayle, a member of the World Cup squad, also publicly lashed out at the selectors’ decision to drop Bravo and Kieron Pollard. Despite this furore, Sammy said Holder still
West Indies captain Jason Holder
tion, I know what that feels like. I will try my best to help him along and also encourage the team to help him along because captaining the West Indies is a very, very tough job.”
Holder’s appointment as captain was not without controversy. He replaced Dwayne Bravo who had only been in the job for just over a year, after replacing Sammy in 2013.
Leonora Synthetic Track set for March 27 opening
I
nformation reaching Guyana Times International Sports indicates that the Sport Ministry, the National Sports Commission and the Athletics Association of Guyana are planning a grand opening for the Leonora Synthetic Track on March 27. While reliable sources have confirmed the date to be true, neither the Sport Ministry nor the Sports Commission has confirmed the date. However, it was also revealed that the AAG will receive 30 minutes to put on a short programme for the attendees at the track. In addition, the event
is also expected to be an evening affair under the newly installed lights of the track. With the limited time allotted, it was noted by sources within the AAG, that the Association
planned to showcase its athletes set to run at Carifta over the shorter distances. Calls to AAG President Aubrey Hutson to clarify the information proved futile.
The Leonora Synthetic Track
commanded the support of the senior players. “At least now Jason has the backing of the guys in the dressing room, the senior players want to see him do well,” Sammy pointed out. “It’s very tough, I don’t know what’s going on in his mind but from what I’ve seen he’s a strong character, a strong individual.” Sammy also advised Holder to seek supernatural help in difficult times.
“[He needs to] stay strong and pray to the man above. He controls all things,” the all-rounder said. “If you’re feeling down, you whisper a prayer to him. That’s what I did but I had good support around me with my family.” West Indies are currently here preparing to face Pakistan in their second match of the World Cup at Hagley Oval tomorrow.
54
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
WEEK ENDING February 22, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
55