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Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall

You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 227

US, UK, Canada welcome poll announcement

week ending January 25, 2015

See stories on pages 5,7,8,9 & 14

- hope for clean electoral process

Bryan Hunt, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy

Dr. Nicole Giles, High Commissioner, Canadian High Commission

NY-based Guyanese call on political parties to ensure peaceful elections

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Miss Universe competition heats up this weekend in Miami Miss Guyana Niketa Barker strides confidently during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown competition on Wednesday evening in Doral, Miami. (Miss Universe photo)

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana among countries NY-based Guyanese call with lowest cost of living on political parties to

uyana has been listed as one of the countries with the lowest cost of living, according to a survey done by Numbeo. com. The map shows the difference in living costs around the world using figures from the world’s largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide. The Consumer Price Index, used to determine the difference in the living costs between countries takes into account the prices of groceries, transportation, restaurants and utilities. The CPI in the infographic is a relative indicator of a country’s living costs compared to New York. So, for instance, if a country has a CPI of 70, on average it enjoys 30% cheaper living costs compared to New York. The Consumer Price Index takes into account the cost

of groceries, transportation, restaurants and utilities, each containing a number of variables. The cost of groceries, for instance, is made up of the price for meat, bread, rice, eggs, fruits, vegetables and alcohol. The transportation cost includes one-way tickets, monthly passes, taxi fares, petrol prices as well as the prices of a Volkswagen Golf. The restaurant costs comprise of prices for meals

in expensive, mid-range and inexpensive restaurants, as well as the prices for coffee products, alcohol and water in restaurants. The utilities costs are determined by the prices for electricity, heating, water and Internet, among the few. The data was collected by Numbeo, the world’s largest database of usercontributed data on costs and prices around the world.

ensure peaceful elections

B y V ishnu B isram

ew York-based Guyanese are pleased that President Donald Ramotar has announced a date, May 11, 2015, for election in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana. Guyanese living in New York and other areas in the United States feel the announcement of a date for the election will put an end to the idle chatter about the intention of the minority-led PPP government. They have since issued a strong call for a peaceful elections atmosphere. Guyanese in the diaspora were anxiously awaiting a date for the election since the President has not been able to convene parliament because of the Opposition’s refusal to compromise over a no confidence motion. Guyana has been having democratic elections since 1992 when the PPP was catapulted into office after it was dethroned in 1964 through an electoral

conspiracy hatched by the US and Britain. The PNC, which came to power in a coalition government in December 1964, with support from the US and Britain, rigged every election thereafter denying the people the right to choose a government. Most overseas-based Guyanese have credited the PPP for restoration of democracy and the progress the country has made since 1992. Many feel the PPP should have called the election ever since the opposition cut the budget in April 2012. G u y a n e s e Americans express hope and call for the political parties to take measures to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and transparent election. They also call on the parties to accept the outcome of the elections. They call on the parties to make an agreement to accept the will of the electorate and welcome the call by the President to invite international observers from

UNASUR, CARICOM, Commonwealth, OAS, and the United Nations. They feel that the Carter Center should also observe the polls and that foreign troops should be invited as happened in past elections to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere since “trouble makers” are known to engage in violence to intimidate voters preventing them from casting ballots. Supporters of all three parties are upbeat about their electoral prospects and they hope for a clear verdict as opposed to the one in November 2011 that produced a hung assembly in which the PPP got 32 seats and the combined Opposition 33 seats. The constitution allows the single party with the most seats to form a government. The last Parliament has failed to enact meaningful legislation and there was a logjam over passage of bills. Most of those this writer spoke with say a hung parliament has failed Guyana.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 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 time has come

he expected announcement by President Donald Ramotar on Tuesday, setting May 11 as Elections Day, would have no doubt ended weeks of speculations as to when Guyanese would go to the polls following last November’s prorogation of Parliament. Elections in Guyana are always interesting times. Apart from the lively political discourses and banter on the campaign stages – E-days in Guyana are always fraught with lurking danger. Little wonder, President Ramotar urged in his address to the nation, that the elections process be conducted in a spirit of peace and stability. President Ramotar like anyone else would be familiar with the Opposition-inspired violence that accompanied most elections since 1992. His appeal to the security services to conduct themselves in a professional manner is also apt at this time, given previous incidence of excesses. On the other hand, despite the apprehension that accompanies elections season, all Guyanese must be very tired of the political brinkmanship and the daily struggles since the opening of the 10th Parliament. There must be a collective sigh of relief as the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) seeks a new mandate to continue its course of developing this nation. It is gratifying to read Opposition Leader David Granger signalling that his coalition A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) will be looking forward to a clean campaign and called on his opponents to rise above the “petty politics” and “name calling”. Granger must also show leadership and encourage his often enthusiastic supporters to respect the rule of law and not kick down barricades on Nomination Day at City Hall as was seen in previous elections. The next three months will also provide the sternest test to our media operatives, whose reportage on political meetings in many ways than not influences the reaction of ordinary citizens. It is also hoped, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) resuscitates its Media Monitoring Unit, which though not empowered to apply sanctions on errant operatives, provides well-balanced assessment of each media house, which serves as a tool and guide in our reporting. Media houses themselves also often come under attack from some political parties and this must not happen this time around. Already, Presidential Candidate of Alliance For Change (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo has insulted one of this newspaper’s reporters at a press conference and attacked its satirical commentaries. This type of crass behaviour must not characterise this period as it often gives licence to ill-advised party supporters to attack unsuspecting media operatives. Following the 10th Parliament, there could be no doubt in the minds of all citizens that the upcoming election is about serious choices between three main parties which all have something to offer. President Ramotar is seeking for the second time a mandate to govern. To push through the reforms and transformational projects of his party to which his immediate predecessor, President Bharrat Jagdeo had understood and ably did. For the past three years however, Ramotar was confronted by an Opposition that used its one-seat majority to literally stymie every major project brought to the table. If nothing else, their stance has allowed his party to become more diverse and to engage with centre-ground opinion. Granger for his part claims to offer a new approach to his party the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R). His difficulty however, is that despite being under the APNU umbrella he is the “same old PNC”. The AFC, had started out as an “alternative” to the two larger parties, but has quickly lost its way. Buoyed by its seven seats and moderate success in Berbice at the last elections, the minority Opposition has sought to project itself as the main Opposition and in several cases was able to seize the initiative from its senior partner, and has now called for the leadership of their proposed coalition. The election is a straight fight between the PPP/C, AFC and APNU – May 11 will decide the winner.

Passengers of the MS Hamburg visiting Stabroek Market in Georgetown, on Wednesday. The cruiseship with some 300 passengers has docked in Guyana for a second time.

Guyana has enjoyed steady economic growth despite challenges – Finance Minister

inance Minister Dr Ashni Singh pointed out that Guyana, under the People’s Progressive Party Civic/ (PPP/C) Administration, continues to experience economic growth and development despite the challenges encountered in the parliamentary process and the inevitable consequences that these challenges have posed for the political and economic environment. Singh noted that sustaining nine years of consecutive economic growth is not easy and extending it remains high on the PPP/C’s agenda. “We (the PPP/C) take very seriously our responsibility for ensuring that the economic environment in Guyana continues to be attractive,” he explained. He also pointed out that the nine years of consecutive growth were achieved despite non-support in the Parliament from the Opposition which can only be deemed as a concerted effort to stymie development. The Minister further stated that Guyana could have achieved much more, had many pivotal projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion not been obstructed by the Parliamentary Opposition. “The Opposition has not been shy of flaunting its tactics for all and sundry to see, and these tactics have been aimed at scaring investors away, intimidating investors, (and even) threatening (them),” he deplored. Singh then stressed that in a democratic environment, these ‘opposition actions’ are not deemed as acceptable behaviour, “since all leaders are supposed to act in the country’s best interest, regardless of which

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

side they represent.” Referring to the AntiMoney Laundering Bill, the Minister expounded that this was “the starkest example” that the opposition parties have made it quite clear, that they have no interest in the consequences of an adverse review by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the other external bodies that are responsible for reviewing Guyana’s financial actions. Nevertheless, Singh reinforced that “this Government will continue to implement measures to ensure economic growth.” Additionally, the Minister noted that the global economic environment has also been faced with its own problems which negatively impacted many of Guyana’s trading partners. Notwithstanding those challenges, Singh said Guyana’s economic performance is definitely worth commending. “It is most commendable not just to government, but indeed to the investors, the entrepreneurs, and the workers, all of whom have contributed to this growth.”

He also noted that the economy was able to perform as well as it did because of investor policies and prudent fiscal management by the Government. The Minister highlighted that the local economy continues to be conducive to attracting both local and foreign investors. He said the Government’s policy is to provide the same incentives to local and foreign investors who are interested in investing in Guyana. “If you look across the spectrum, you’ll see a very strong track record of investors from every jurisdiction, responding to the environment that we have created. We have today companies (local and foreign) in the natural resources sector, in gold, in manganese, in bauxite and in new and emerging industries.” Examples of such companies include Guyana Goldfields, a Canadian company and Troy Resources of Australia; Exxon Mobil and CGX, internationally recognised oil companies; Qualfon, a Mexican call service provider; and Massy Group of companies.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jilted lover remanded for stabbing teen to death

he West Berbice man who stabbed his girlfriend to death on Saturday evening had been remanded to prison. Shazim Kaili of Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday charged with the capital offence of murder. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on January 17, at Rosignol, Berbice, he murdered Shazien Mohamed of Edinburgh Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on the body of Mohamed on Tuesday revealed that the teen died as a result of shock and hemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds. Magistrate Weaver remanded Kaili until February 17 when the Police are expected to present a report on the case. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Grace Bristol is presenting the State’s case while the accused is still unrepresented. Guyana Times International had reported that on Saturday last,

US, UK, Canada welcome poll announcement - hope for clean electoral process

T Dead: Shazien Mohamed

Shazien left home to collect a cellphone from a friend at Rosignol. She later went to a restaurant with a friend and his sister and while the sister was eating inside, Shazien and the friend stayed at a table outside of the restaurant. Her friend said he left her at the table for only a few seconds, when he heard Shazien scream and saw her holding her stomach, as blood soaked her clothing. The suspect was seen running away. According to the report carried in this newspaper, Kaili was later arrested and what is believed to be the murder weapon was recovered at his home. Additionally, Inspector Bristol told the court that the Police are in possession of a confession statement which the accused allegedly made.

he US, the UK and Canada on Thursday issued a joint release welcoming President Donald Ramotar’s announcement of May 11, 2015 as the poll date and called for improvements to be made to the electoral process including equitable access by all parties to the media. The joint release was a further sign of the continued deep interest of Western countries in Guyana’s elections and follows a flurry of direct statements from its diplomats in Georgetown in recent weeks. Abuse of the state media by the government had been one of the problems pointed out in several observer reports from the 2011 general elections. Political parties have again raised this issue in recent days. The release follows: Joint Press Release Dr. Nicole Giles, High Commissioner, Canadian High Commission Andrew Ayre, High Commissioner, British High Commission Bryan Hunt, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Georgetown, Guyana

Andrew Ayre, High Commissioner, British High Commission

Joint Statement on President Ramotar’s Announcement of National and Regional Elections

GEORGETOWNThe United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom welcome President Ramotar’s announcement that national and regional elections will be held in Guyana on May 11, 2015. Elections are a critical first-step towards the return of a fully functioning Parliament. We note the great strides made by Guyana during the 2011 general and regional elections. The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Mission Final

Dr. Nicole Giles, High Commissioner, Canadian High Commission

Report, which referenced the Mission with observers from 14 countries, applauded significant efforts made by the Guyanese Electoral Commission (GECOM) to execute an overall inclusive and clean electoral process. The report mentioned the “high level of training and dedication exhibited by GECOM staff in the polling centers.” These views were also endorsed by the Commonwealth observation team. The report also noted areas of improvement to make subsequent elections more efficient and fair. We hope Guyana considers these recommendations, including: improving mechanisms

Bryan Hunt, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy

that guarantee more equitable access to media and political financing, adherence to timely and standardized procedures for the electoral process, improving communications with all stakeholders in particular GECOM, and strengthening the promotion of gender balanced participation throughout the electoral process. We are hopeful that the upcoming electoral process will allow the Guyanese people to debate the important issues that are facing the country. We are committed to working with GECOM, all political parties, and civil society to support free, fair and peaceful elections.

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Overturning Obama’s immigration policy could result in more deportations Dear Editor The Republicandominated House of Representatives passed a Bill on Thursday defying President Obama’s Executive Order to grant protection to illegal immigrants who have not run afoul of American laws. The President’s directive protects some five million illegal immigrants, including thousands of Guyanese, who came to the US prior to 2012 and have not broken any laws. They would be required to pay a fee and work legally, although they will not be able to travel overseas. The Executive Order could later on be amended to allow for overseas travel. The Order does not permit a green card or citizenship or grants social benefits or health care, but it is a relief from deportation. The directive is supported by legal immigrants, but Americans are divided on it, mostly along party lines. Democrats, including likely Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, support it.

Most Republican lawmakers are opposed to the directive. House Republicans accused Obama of taking “reckless unconstitutional actions on immigration”. The President said his action is within the ambit of the law. Last Thursday, the House voted on partisan lines to overturn the President’s immigration policy. The House Bill would eliminate the new deportation protections including of young immigrants in school. Before the Bill could become law, the Senate will also have to approve it. There it faces an uncertain future although the Republicans control the Senate 56 to 44. Some Republican lawmakers support a limited amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even if the Bill is approved by both houses, President Obama has promised to veto it. A revote in both houses by two-thirds majority could make the Bill into law. That support is virtually impossible. Immigrant advocates are upset with

the Republicans saying the Bill risks alienating Latino and immigrant voters who will be crucial in deciding the winner of the 2016 Presidential election. House Speaker John Boehner said the President’s directive is an overreach and an affront to the rule of law and to the Constitution itself. But Democrat Representative Luis Guiterrez, accused Republicans of “viciousness” for trying to make it easier to deport immigrants brought to the US as children. The Republicans promised to go to court to stop the President’s Executive Order. If the Republicans succeed in their endeavour, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will resume deportation proceedings that could see an increase in deportees to Guyana and other Caribbean territories. However, Obama’s directive does not protect convicted or accused criminals from being deported. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The British High Commissioner believes his country is still a colonial power Dear Editor, I have seen the reports in the Sunday papers on the reaction of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) to the statement by Caricom Ministers criticising the blatant interference and the mis-leading and untruthful remarks made by the British High Commissioner in Guyana in relation to prorogation of the Parliament and democracy. I was immediately reminded of the old saying, “History tends to repeat itself, first as a tragedy and second as a farce”. I also reminded myself that this is the problem with the GTUC. It does not exist to represent workers but to support foreign interests. In 1953 when the Constitution was suspended the British also disbanded the GTUC that was a genuine organisation for workers. They replaced it with pliant leadership to

support the British actions in the then British Guiana. The GTUC was one of the organisations that supported the suspension of the Constitution. They stood on the side of our former masters. Today, they are doing the same thing, now criticising the statement by Caricom Foreign Ministers, who were defending the integrity of the country, its right to self-determination. This was a defence not only of Guyana, but the region. They were defending an important principle in International relations. They are on solid grounds because President Donald Ramotar’s action was legal and constitutional. It cannot therefore be undemocratic or unconstitutional. Indeed, prorogation came from the British model of Parliamentary democracy. It is in all of the Constitution of the Commonwealth coun-

tries and has been used by other countries up to recently. Canada, under the Harper Administration prorogued Parliament without a peep from the British. Another form of double standard and “monkey knowing what limb to jump on”. The sad thing is not just that the British High Commissioner seems to still believe that his country is a colonial power. It is the fact that an organisation in Guyana, like the GTUC, will continue to support the colonial behaviour of a British High Commissioner. This action by the GTUC leaders tells the story of why this organisation is rotting from its head; why it is losing all relevance and creditability among workers. The GTUC needs to be democratised. Only then can it speak for workers of our country. Shame on the colonial minded leaders of the GTUC. Roger Constance

Freedom of expression is constantly being abused Dear Editor, Guyana is perhaps one country where freedom of expression is constantly abused despite utterances to the contrary by a bunch of people opposed to the Government. How can we conclude that there is no freedom of expression when Kaieteur News on a daily basis personally attacks the President, Ministers of the Government and other prominent persons through its columnist Freddie Kissoon and Dem Boys Seh column? These people do not need a Freedom of Information Act to spread their bile since

their arrogance and disrespect for authority has become a daily ritual in the Kaieteur News. They use guarantee of freedom under the Constitution to malign, slander, incite, spread hate and promote open rebellion, well aware that all freedoms have limitations under the law. Kissoon, et al should know that such freedom, notwithstanding freedom of movement is no license to trespass, freedom of assembly is no license to riot, loot, burn and rape, freedom of expression is no license for obscenity, and freedom of press is no license to

slander, very evident in the Kaieteur News. Nothing is wrong with exposing immorality and corruption, but castigating the President and Government Ministers not supported by facts borders on contempt and should not be tolerated by any decent minded citizen. Could Kissoon and his cohorts have expressed such language during the Burnham dictatorship? We all know what happened to Dr Walter Rodney for his excessive use of language, such as the Midas touch. D Singh

Pope’s message of peace relevant in today’s world Dear Editor, I followed with interest Pope Francis’ recent visit to Asia. I was highly impressed with the message of peace and reconciliation by the Pope which is so relevant in today’s world in which there is so much tension and conflict. His visit to Sri Lanka and the Phillipines generated extraordinary mass appeal and seemed to have resonated with Catholics and people generally, in particular his call for greater concern for underprivileged children and for the poor and needy. According to media reports, over six million people attended papal mass in Manila which is a record number for any Pope. Tens of thousands of people lined the route to get a glimpse of the Pope as he made his way to and from the airport in Manila.

Pope Francis will certainly go down in history as someone who has championed the cause of the ordinary people and as someone who never lost the common touch. It was so refreshing to see the Pope driving in an open air vehicle and using an ordinary transportation mode. His simplicity, humility and pro-poor stance have connected with people all across the globe. His call for a new global human order which put people ahead of profits is most timely and relevant in contemporary society in which the income gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider and where nearly half of the world’s population is condemned to a life of poverty because of the capitalist mode of production and distribution. Hydar Ally

Honouring Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Dear Editor, Americans on each third Monday of January honour the life and achievements of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, (1929–1968), the 1964 Nobel Peace Laureate and the individual most associated with the triumphs of the African-American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. As political organiser, supremely skilled orator and advocate of nonviolent protest, King was pivotal in persuading his fellow Americans to end the legal segregation that prevailed throughout the South and parts of other regions, and in sparking support for the civil rights legislation that established the legal framework for racial equality in the United States. Dr King, like South African President Nelson Mandela, was a visionary who believed in the human spirit and chose nonviolence to armed resistance. Like Nelson Mandela, he suffered greatly, but he converted his suffering into inspiration for millions of people in the United States and throughout the world. In his famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail written in April 1963, he wrote that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly,

affects all indirectly”. The civil rights movement was driven by acts of courage – by individuals who stood up for what was right. Despite the threats and acts of intimidation, leaders like Dr King, Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall stood their ground and fought for their beliefs. It is because of their courage and perseverance that historic legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed. With four words, “I Have A Dream”, Dr King inspired thousands of people to stand up and fight for equality, peace and justice. His universal words were not just inspiration for African Americans, they gave hope to the poor and disadvantaged all of over the world. By honouring Dr King, we honour all people, past and present, who stand up for equality and justice. These are common values that the United States shares with Guyana. We lost Dr King in 1968 far too early at just 39 years of age, but his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of children and adults around the globe. Dr King’s writing and speeches of more than 50 years ago still resonate today. Let freedom ring! Bryan Hunt US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Granger calls for new elections date …cites clash with CSEC, CAPE exams By Jomo Paul

pposition Leader David Granger has called on President Donald Ramotar to rethink the date that has been set for the hosting of General and Regional Elections, pointing out that it coincides with Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). Contacted on the issue, a senior Government official told Guyana Times International that all efforts would be made to ensure a smooth holding of the polls in conjunction with examinations. The President on Tuesday in an address to the nation proclaimed that elections would be held on May 11 this year after Parliament was prorogued using a constitutional mechanism on November 20, last year. However, concerns had arisen after it was realised that the date named for the hosting of elections would coincide with the exams set for that particular day

Opposition Leader David Granger

across the region. According to a copy of the CSEC timetable acquired by this publication, subjects scheduled to be written on that day include Agricultural Science (Double and Single Awards); Theatre Arts; Electrical and Electronic Technology (Technical); and Food and Nutrition Paper 2. With respect to CAPE, the subjects scheduled to be written on that day are Geometrical &

Mechanical Engineering Drawing Unit 1 – Paper 2; History Unit 1 – Paper 2; Art & Design Examinations to begin for Unit 1, Papers 2 and 3, and Unit 2, Papers 1 and 2; and Communication Studies Paper 2. While it must be noted that elections are generally held on Mondays, it should also be stated that throughout the entire month of continued on page 10

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Setting of elections date in keeping with the Constitution – Nandlall

resident Donald Ramotar has no obligation to dissolve Parliament before announcing a date for General and Regional Elections, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall said, as he poured cold water on criticisms made by the other political parties and the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC). Hours after President

Ramotar announced that elections will be held on May 11, GTUC issued a statement condemning the act, contending that the life of the 10th Parliament should have been dissolved before a date was set for elections. “GTUC condemns the continued prorogation and the ignoring of this by the Donald Ramotar regime, which must know fully well that the life of

Parliament has to end. What the president has done is unprecedented in post independent Guyana,” the trade union said. But Minister Nandlall made it clear on Wednesday, that the summoning, prorogation and dissolution of Parliament are matters that the Constitution resides exclusively with the President. “These powers and discre-

Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

tion are largely uncircumscribed, except for certain time constraints, none of which are relevant in this context. Perhaps these are not matters about which one ought to speculate, they are specifically provided for under the Constitution,” he said. Many things which

have unfolded in recent times are unprecedented, the Legal Affairs Minister said as he pointed to the minority Government which came into power following the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the cutting of the National Budget by the Opposition although it was declared unconstitutional by the High Court, the voting down of important pieces of legislation which are vital to national interest and attempts to move a no-confidence motion against the Government. “The term ‘Constitutional crisis’ seems to be a phrase, frequently used to clothe irrational contentions which a veneer intellectually. So the breeze blows a little hard and there is a

cry of Constitutional crisis,” Minister Nandlall added, stating clearly that there can be no crisis when there is constitutional compliance. GTUC had also said that until elections are held, the Ramotar Administration will continue to spend taxpayers’ money without the involvement, oversight and approval of the nation’s highest decision making arm – the National Assembly. According to the union, “this lawless and reckless behaviour must be condemned.” But the Attorney General said no crime is being committed. He explained that Article 219 of the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and continued on page 17

Sale of counterfeit products remains a major problem in Guyana

he influx of substandard and counterfeit products in Guyana remains a major problem, as it affects not only consumers but commercial entities that are selling legitimate products. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is now joining organisations such as the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department and the World Health Organisation (WHO), in the call to end the sale of these substandard products. In a recent interview with Guyana Times International, PSC President Ramesh Persaud said businesses should guard against the importation of substandard and counterfeit products. He said too that

PSC President Ramesh Persaud

wholesalers and retailers should carefully scrutinise their goods to ensure that they are correctly labelled, genuine and of high standards, before selling. “They have a responsibility to ensure their goods are of high standard,” Persaud said. Persaud also opined that better monitoring is needed to safeguard consumers. However, he said the Food and Drug Department and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) require additional resources to effectively execute their mandate to prevent the influx of these questionable products. When contacted, GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David told this publication that the bureau lacks the capacity to monitor all goods, thus the establishment of agencies such as the Food and Drug Department. He explained that GNBS monitors 20 products to ensure they comply with the relevant regulations. However, he said that consumers need to inspect products that are on sale before purchasing. There are serious health implications

linked to the sale and use of expired, substandard and counterfeit drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. These implications can result in death, the WHO said. Though she was not placed on death’s bed, one consumer told this publication that she was battling with a skin infection after using a “Dove” branded soap. After using the soap for a day, the woman said a number of black spots appeared on her skin. As a result, she immediately stopped using it. Upon closer inspection, the consumer noticed little differences in the packaging when compared to the “Dove” soap she had used before. A Victoria Primary School teacher also complained of a similar occurrence with a shampoo she had purchased from a store along America Street, Georgetown. The teacher explained that she started experiencing severe hair loss after using the shampoo. Last year, ANSA McAL Trading Limited experienced a drop in sales due to the presence of counterfeit products on the local market. By mid-year, the Trinidadian conglomerate had experienced a 15% drop in sales for Proctor and Gamble products primarily Head and Shoulders, Pantene and Olay, due to the circulation of counterfeit goods. Counterfeit products often remain with importers longer than recommended and after becoming aged and expire, these products with questionable ingredients are sold to unsuspecting customers at a heavily discounted price.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Political parties in agreement for public vetting of E-Day staff – but GECOM non-committal

he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) is yet to agree on a proposal for public vetting of elections day staff, although most of the political parties said they will give support to such an initiative. The idea was first floated by the People’s progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during a recent meeting with GECOM. However, in a statement on Tuesday the electoral body said at a meeting with the PPP/C on Monday the request was repeated for the commission to publish the names of persons to be employed by the Commission to work for the upcoming elections. “The Commission

gave no indication that it would respond positively to this request,” the statement said. However, Guyana Times International contacted some of the political parties likely to contest the elections and they all threw their support behind the initiative. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), The United Force (TUF) and the United Republican Party (URP) all responded favourably. Reached for a comment on the matter, Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity, Basil Williams told the GTI that as far as his party was concerned, they will welcome this move as long as it does not interfere

with the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission. He however noted that if such a decision is taken, then the Commission must ensure that proper measures are put in place to ensure that the information which may be brought forth by the public is thoroughly investigated and not taken as gospel. “Measures and systems must be put in place so that when a person comes forward with certain information, it can be determined whether it is true of false. They need to provide substantial evidence to support whatever claims they are likely to make because there is a thin line be-

tween facts and slander and this can lead to libel and so on…so all claims must be thoroughly investigated”, he added. General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee on Monday told a news conference that the party’s leaders want the public vetting exercise to be done since the staff will be involved in a matter of national importance and one which has far reaching effects. He disclosed that the public vetting will involve the publishing of the pictures and names of the persons and members from the public who may have contentious information about the person can come forward and make those known to the relevant personnel.

2011 Presidential Candidate for The United Force (TUF), Marissa Nadir, related that her party will also welcome the exercise if it is implemented since her party is interested in knowing whether there is any GECOM staff who has public political affiliations. “We support a public vetting of elections day staff. It is a good move. Persons involved in the elections process are supposed to be neutral so a public vetting on the staff will provide any information which may contradict this. We want any public political affiliation of any staff to be made known. We have no reservations about supporting this move”, Nadir expressed.

Member of Parliament for APNU Basil Williams

Adding voice to the call was the leader of the United Republican Party (URP), Vishnu Bandhu, who told this publication that his party too, has no qualms or issues with the call made by the ruling party.

Marley’s contribution to Jamaica priceless – Dr. McNeill In his remarks, Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry O’Brien, described the celebrations as “an important event” for the company. Bob Marley Group of Companies General Manager, Marie Bruce, said the entity is honoured

Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill (centre), listens as Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry O’Brien, makes a point to Bob Marley Group of Companies General Manager, Marie Bruce. Occasion was last Tuesday’s launch of a month-long activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the birth of the late Reggae legend, at Digicel’s regional headquarters, downtown Kingston.

I N G S T O N , J A M A I C A : Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has described as “priceless,” the contribution of late Reggae legend, Hon. Robert “Bob” Nesta Marley, to Jamaica’s music legacy. “I am often asked the value of Reggae music and…Bob Marley to Jamaica and Jamaica’s tourism, and I would say it is immeasurable…it’s not something that you can put a figure to,” he said. The Minister was speaking at last Tuesday’s launch of a month-long of activities, slated for February, to mark the 70th anniversary of the late musician’s birth at Digicel regional headquarters in downtown Kingston. Dr. McNeill highlighted several notable achievements of Marley, pointing out that Jamaica has benefited from the resulting global recognition. These, he said, include: being awarded the United

Nations Peace Medal in 1978; induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Time Magazine recognition of ‘Exodus’ as Album of the Century; being accorded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; bestowment of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; being ranked number 11 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest artistes of all time; and ‘One Love’ being named the Song of the Millennium. Additionally, Dr. McNeilll said the extent of Bob Marley’s global appeal also resulted in the town of Banatski Karlovac in Serbia erecting a statue of him in 2008, and Australian Aborigines continuing to burn a “sacred flame” in Victoria Park, Sydney, to honour his memory. “These are the marks of a great man. These are not the achievements of an ordinary person, and we must give credit to him for all that he has achieved. (But) what made Bob great is the extent of

his lyrics. He spoke about things that touched the lives of the common man. He spoke about revolution, he spoke about liberation, and these are timeless values,” the Minister said, pointing out that this focus is being maintained by several current performing artistes. Digicel has, again, partnered with the Bob Marley Group of Companies, and the Bob Marley Foundation to stage this year’s celebratory events. These will commence on the icon’s birthday, on February 6, with a series of symposia at the Bob Marley Museum in St. Andrew, focusing on several topics, including: ‘Reggae Music’; ‘Reggae and Fashion; and ‘Marijuana and the Economy’. Other scheduled events include: a free concert to be staged along the Kingston waterfront on February 7, featuring local and international Reggae artistes; and the ‘One Love’ celebrity football match, later in February.

that the 70th anniversary of the Reggae legend’s birth will be celebrated in a “most memorable way”, and encouraged persons to participate in the festivities. Last Tuesday’s launch featured performances by recording artiste’s Kabaka

Pyramid and Nomadzz, who have been designated Bob Marley 70th Birthday Celebrations Ambassadors, as well as members of the Jamaica Junior Music Theatre. Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, at age 36. (JIS)

10 NEWS

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Four suicides rock Region 2 within 19 days By Indrawattie Natram

esidents along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have expressed grave concerns over the number of suicides recorded so far for 2015. Since the year has begun, four persons have committed suicide, with two cases occurring on Sunday. The first, Leroy Cornelius, 23, of Lima Sea Dam, Essequibo, was discovered hanging from a poultry pen at the back of his sister’s yard. Cornelius, a miner, was reportedly frustrated over the fact that his employer owed him a sum of

money. Reports indicated that he attended church on Sunday morning and disappeared sometime after returning home. Thereafter, relatives did not see him and upon checking, his body was discovered. Also on Sunday, Rovindra Lall, a Form Five Business student of Abram Zuil Secondary School, succumbed at the Suddie Public Hospital after consuming a poisonous substance two weeks ago. It was reported that Lall, who was described as a quiet individual, was having personal issues. On January 7, Tinka Ramsamooj, 88, of Golden

Dead: Edward Junior Joseph

Fleece, was discovered hanging from her bathroom rafter. Ramsamooj, a re-migrant, was reportedly frustrated with life.

Schools Welfare Programme to be strengthened

mid increasing violence at public schools, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said the Ministry would strengthen its welfare programme in schools across the country. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Manickchand said more welfare officers would be trained by highlevel officials from across the Caribbean, noting that a team of 13 supporting masters are currently in the country undergoing training. Manickchand noted that since the initiative was the first of its kind, they may not be able to pull off everything on time and as expected, but would work towards perfection when addressing welfare matters within the schools. “Again, we will not be able to provide all the services and respond to all the welfare cases as expected. We have to find other ways of having the country band together to address the issues of inter-personal violence, of stranger violence, of resolving issues violently, so we really need everybody on board, the Church, the Mandir, the Mosque, the NGOs, the schools and even the parents in the home,” Manickchand said. In addition, the Minister noted that of the 13 persons lending their assistance to train the welfare officers, eight were attached to the Education Ministry while the other five were placed to work within the Social Services Ministry. She underscored that the trainers had specific training on young people so local officers would be empowered to deal with issues affecting youths.

No plans to improve security in schools

When asked about measures to be put in place to strengthen the security system within the schools, Manickchand said there were no plans to do so. “You know it will be very hard to pro-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

vide security personnel to all of our thousands of schools in Guyana. It will be extremely expensive and so we will have to make some hard choices about perhaps which schools will need it most, but no, there are no great plans to increase the amount of security personnel in the schools across the country on a nationwide scale,” the Minister noted.

Literacy remains top of the agenda

The Minister also pointed out that although the Ministry had many important issues to deal with to boost the education sector, literacy remained on the top of the agenda. “Literacy is an unfolding issue that we are addressing; part of it was to make sure that our children have all the resources like text books and work books and so on. We have started implementing the plans that we have rolled out, in fact one of the major developments is that parents will now be able to go into schools and get updated reports about their child’s performance, especially in literacy as this remains on the top of our agenda,” she added. Moreover, Manickchand added that this new system would help children to learn faster and also keep parents up-to-date with their child’s performance and reading quality.

Dead: Robindra Lall

Her entire family is said to be residing in New York and the elderly woman was living with her sister at the time of her death.

On New Year’s Day, Edward Junior Joseph, a father of two from Golden Fleece, also succumbed at the Suddie Public Hospital after consuming a poisonous substance on Christmas Day. The man was reportedly having domestic issues. Essequibians are calling on the Health Ministry and various religious and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to intervene in efforts to curb the scourge. A World Health Organisation (WHO) report had listed Guyana as the country with the highest rate of suicide in the world – four times the global average.

With a population of about 750,000, Guyana had an age-adjusted rate of just over 44 per 100,000 people based on 2012 data. For males alone, it was nearly 71 per 100,000. In raw numbers, there were about 200 per year and 500 attempts, according to local health authorities. WHO said suicide was the fifth leading cause of death globally among those aged 30-49 in 2012, and was the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 age group. Overall, it is estimated that during 2012 for each adult who died of suicide, there were over 20 others who attempted suicide.

Brahma Kumaris Organisation honours founder

indus around the world on Sunday celebrated the life of a man they say was the epitome of peace, and whose mission was to transform the world with his simple character. In Guyana, the Brahma Kumaris hosted its day of remembrance at the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Organisation at High Street Kingston, Georgetown, honoring the life and work of Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani affectionately called Prajapita Brahma and Brahma Baba. Originally from Hyderabad, Sindh the founder of the Brahma Kumaris, was born December 15, 1876. He became extremely wealthy from a jeweler in Calcutta. In his fifties, Kripalani reportedly had visions and retired from his job, returning to Hyderabad in Sindh and turning to spirituality. In 1932, Lekhraj established a spiritual organisation called Om Mandali. Originally a follower of the Vaishnavite

Founder of the Brahama Kumaris Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani

Vallabhacharya sect and member of the exogamous Bhaiband community, he was said to have had 12 gurus but started preaching or conducting his own satsangs which, by 1936, had attracted around 300 people from his community, many of them being wealthy. At the High Street, Kingston office Sunday evening, Brother Mark Chan, who chaired the program said people generally

live with the desire of finding peace. “Of all the feelings, one would like to experience peace”, Chan told the room filled with Hindu brothers and sisters and special invitees. He said the founder of the organisation, during his numerous “visions”, found that “the world was heading for trouble”, and wanted to do everything in his power to help. It was from that desire that the organisation was founded. The BKWS teaches a form of meditation that focuses on identity as souls. They believe that all souls are intrinsically good and that god is the source of all goodness. The organisation teaches to transcend labels associated with the body, such as race, nationality, religion, and gender, and aspires to establish a global culture based on what they call “soulconsciousness”. The movement has distinguished itself from its Hindu roots and sees itself as a vehicle for spiritual teaching rather than as a religion. from page 7

Granger calls for new elections...

May, CSEC and CAPE exams are scheduled. The next available Monday without an exam would be June 15. The concern was made known on social media by political observers and students alike who questioned whether or not the Education Ministry was consulted before a date was set by the executive. The Education Minister was part of the Cabinet meeting that decided on the date of the elections. Polling places The concern about the clash with exams scheduled in schools has been heightened given that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has requested that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) desist from using private entities as polling stations during this period. In the opinion of the

Opposition Leader, the selection of May 11 as the date for Elections was obviously a mistake on the part of the executive. According to him, there is still enough time left to alter the date since it has not been proclaimed. “It is obviously an error or I would say a blunder … they probably didn’t put enough thought into it … maybe the President had better announce a new date rather than try to change the date of the examination; in fact, the date has not been proclaimed, so he may still have time to change it,” Granger told reporters on Wednesday. It does not appear that Mr Granger is aware that if the elections were to be held on a Monday, the next window of opportunity would be in June.

Forced election date

Meanwhile, A Partnership

for National Unity (APNU) Executive Member Basil Williams said that the President was hasty to name a date for General Elections, particularly without dissolving the National Assembly. He ignored the point that the President had simply kept his promise to schedule elections by the first quarter of this year, and suggested that given the recent calls from the ABC countries for a date to be named, the President was influenced in the selection of a date for elections. He told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that “the PPP is mortally afraid of elections …. he (President Ramotar) probably named a date to ease the pressure”. According to Williams, a date for elections cannot be named without the dissolving of the National Assembly.

NEWS 11

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

More than 2500 Guyanese to be employed … as Paris-based call centre is set to commence operations in Georgetown

eleperformance, a global customer service-oriented company based in Paris, France is making its way into the Guyanese market and is expected to open its doors in early May. This investment which comes at a time when Guyana is battling to reduce its unemployment rate, will be creating some 2,500 much needed jobs opportunities for young Guyanese. The company’s operations will be housed in the six-storied building currently undergoing finishing touches at the junction of Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown and is owned by Fazwan Khan, Proprietor of the Discount Store on Regent Street. Speaking to Guyana Times International on Monday, Mark Pfeiffer, the Executive Vice President of the Global Management Team at Teleperformance, related that the company will officially launch its Guyana operations in Paris, France next week, followed by a launch and commencement of operations in Guyana in about 90 days time or early May. Pfeiffer, though de-

The six-story building which will house the Teleperformance Call Centre

clining to give a definite figure of how much has been invested into the venture, did indicate that the sum was a substantial one and will be released when the launch is done in Guyana. He confirmed to this publication that the award -winning company will be creating and providing some 2,500 jobs to the young Guyanese with positions ranging from Executives down to Customer Service agents in the areas of customer service, technical support, call center and so-

cial media, while giving a brief overview of the company. “We are the worldwide leader in multichannel customer experience.

We’ve been providing superior customer care services for leading companies throughout the world since 1978, with expertise in many markets and verticals. “We work with people and for people to bring passion and excellence to our businesses like our own business”, he said. When construction of the building began last year a prominent sign was erected just outside, stating that it would house a food court. However, a close source told this publication that that idea was scrapped after the company contacted the building’s owner and expressed its interest in renting it for the purpose of housing its operations. This, he said, proved to be a much more profitable venture and the necessary works began.

M e a n w h i l e , Guyanese have welcomed the news with enthusiasm noting that the investment will curb the high level of unemployment which currently exists in the country. Speaking to GTI during a visit to the site on Monday, one young man related that he is elated at the announcement since he knows many individuals who are currently unemployed and are looking for employment opportunities with no success. Teleperformance is a global company, worldwide leader in multichannel customer experience. Founded in 1978 by Daniel Julien, the company currently specialises in customer service, technical support, call center, debt collection and social media. The company oper-

ates about 135,000 computerised workstations, with more than 175,000 employees across 270 contact centers in 62 countries. The company conducts programmes in more than 63 different languages and dialects for a wide variety of global companies in various industries. The company is known to have operations in the United Kingdom, Albania, Brazil, Chile, India, Philippines, China, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria, Norway, Italy, Portugal, the USA, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Australia and Netherlands as well as Egypt, Russia, Sweden and Germany. The company has copped several awards over the years including Best Employer Award.

UK envoy pays farewell courtesy call on Granger

ritish High Commissioner Andrew Ayre on Tuesday paid a farewell courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition Brigadier David Granger at his office, Lot 61 Hadfield Street, Georgetown. The Leader of the Opposition was accom-

panied to the meeting by APNU Shadow Minister for Public Infrastructure, Joseph Harmon, Shadow Minister for Regional and Hinterland Development, Ronald Bulkan, and APNU Director of Communications, Mark Archer.

58 T&HD staff undergo VIA screening

ome 58 women attached to the Transport and Harbours Department underwent Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening for cervical cancer when a medical team from the Georgetown Public Hospital visited the agency last week. The outreach was in keeping with the hospital’s announcement earlier in the month that in observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it would collaborate with the Health Ministry to host several outreach programmes in an effort to encourage women to get screened for cervical cancer. Medex of the VIA Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Lorlene Ramsundar, disclosed that the 58 women represented a 100 per cent turnout for the organisation. She revealed that upon examination, five women required treatment and as such, they were treated using Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue on the cervix by freez-

ing it. During this procedure, liquid carbon dioxide, which is very cold, circulates through a probe placed next to the abnormal tissue. This freezes the tissue for two to three minutes. It may be allowed to thaw and then be refrozen for another two to three minutes. A single freeze treatment for five minutes may also be used. On January 27, the team will host another outreach at the Prisons and then head to Lifeline Ministries on January 28. Recently, the Medex had emphasised that getting screened can save women’s lives and noted that from 2009 to present, the VIA Clinic has detected numerous cervical cancer cases, most of which were successfully treated. She had highlighted that more and more women were recognising the importance of getting themselves tested, but stated that more education programmes on television and radio would be useful for women who may not know the importance of getting a VIA test done.

Outgoing UK Ambassador to Guyana Andrew Ayre meeting APNU Leader David Granger and other officials

12 NEWS

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

US unveils plan to fight Police to use floating base drugs in Caribbean to clamp down on illegal activities in hinterland areas A

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) will soon be clamping down on illegal activities, particularly smuggling activities, in the Waini River, Region One area, as the floating patrol base is expected to be in operations soon. This is according to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who told the Guyana Times International that currently the boat is being outfitted. He disclosed that as soon as this is completed, arrangements will be made for it to be handed over to the police and put into operations. The vessel named MB Tamakay was built by the Courtney Benn Contracting Services.

MB Tamakay; the Guyana Police Force floating base

Construction of the floating base, which is made of marine steel materials that were imported from the United States, commenced in 2013 and was first docked in the waters

back in March last year. MB Tamakay is a seventy by twenty foot vessel that has a main deck and two others complete with billets. Last month at the

Home Affairs Ministry’s year-in-review presentation, the minister stated that the vessel will be used by the Police and other agencies to jointcontinued on page 19

ccording to a report by the AP, the United States Government unveiled a new plan last Friday to fight drug trafficking in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands amid concerns that the flow of cocaine from the Caribbean to the U.S. has more than doubled in the past three years. It is the first federal plan of its kind that outlines the steps federal authorities are taking and will take to crack down on drug trafficking specifically in both U.S. territories. It outlines six strategies, including sharing more intelligence, collaborating with local law enforcement and reducing drug-related violent crimes in the two territories. Some 100 tons (91 metric tons) of cocaine passed through the Caribbean in 2013, far above the 42 tons (38 metric tons) of 2011, the plan said. It was the highest documented cocaine flow since 2003, according to the 2014 Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy. “We were not paying the attention we should have been paying,” U.S. Rep. Jose Serrano of New York told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “I kept saying, we have another border… it’s our territories.” Serrano, along with Puerto Rico’s non-voting congressional delegate, Pedro Pierluisi, pushed for a bill that became law last year requiring the creation of the federal plan that

will be updated every two years. “We have always been an afterthought when we shouldn’t be,” Pierluisi said, adding that at least 90 percent of the drugs that enter Puerto Rico end up in the U.S. Officials attributed the increase in cocaine trafficking partly to tougher surveillance along the U.S.-Mexico border, a decrease in the use of planes following tighter air control in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and the success of go-fast boats from South America to the Caribbean. Officials found that Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are the main distributors of cocaine in the region, with suspects relying on go-fast boats, ferries, yachts and even cruise ships to transport drugs. Financial crimes also have increased in the Caribbean as a result of the spike in drug flow, authorities said. Cash seizures at Puerto Rico’s main international airport are at an all-time high, according to the plan. The Drug Enforcement Administration seized nearly Gy$2.9 million in fiscal year 2013, compared with Gy$1.5 million the previous year. It is unclear how much cash the DEA had seized all across the U.S. territory in recent years. Drugs are blamed for more than 80 percent of killings in Puerto Rico, where about 300 of the 333 public housing projects are controlled by traffickers, officials said.

US-bound Guyanese nabbed with cocaine in flour, rice at CJIA

31-year-old Guyanese was on Tuesday afternoon nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) attempting to traffic 12.5 kilograms of cocaine to the United States of America. The cocaine, which was concealed in packets of flour and rice, was discovered by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) who were on duty. According to information received, the passenger who was about to board a Dynamic Airways flight to the John F Kennedy International Airport, New York was busted as his luggage was scanned. The CANU ranks reportedly became suspicious when they saw that the young man was taking rice and flour to the United States which is a rare occurrence. The passenger was questioned about the

items, and he admitted that they were his and were for personal consumption, but when the ranks ripped open the packets, the whitish substance suspected to be cocaine was discovered. The passenger was cautioned, told of the offence, and escorted to the CANU headquarters where the illegal substance was extracted and weighed. He is being interrogated by the ranks, but is expected to make his first court appearance soon. Only recently, a Guyanese woman was nabbed at the Ogle International Airport with 1.1kg of cocaine as she was about to board a LIAT Flight to Barbados. The cocaine was stashed in the false walls of her suitcase. Again, the bust was made by CANU ranks. She was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty, after which she was jailed by a magistrate.

NEWS 13

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“All leads have been exhausted”

- Search and rescue operation for ASL plane ends

he Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Tuesday said that a search operation for an Air Services Limited plane that went missing on December 28 over Region Eight jungle has ended without any sighting of the craft. A statement from the GCAA follows: Despite an intensive twenty one days of aerial and ground searches in mountainous and densely forested terrain in Region Eight for the ASL Britten Norman Islander, the aircraft and its occupants have still not been found. 8R-GHE disappeared on a routine shuttle operation Mahdia to Karisparu on 28th December 2014 with Captain Nicky Yakesh Persaud, 27 and cargo handler David Bisnauth, 51. After the aircraft was reported overdue, five aircraft conducted reconnaissance over the Mahdia, Kaieteur, Karisparu and Taffy ar-

eas following the most probable track that the aircraft would have flown. Three helicopters were deployed followed by an ASL Cessna Caravan and eleven (11) GDF Special Forces Officers on that day. The Rescue Coordination Centre was established and supported by the Honorable Minister Benn, Minister of Public Works, Maj. Mike Charles, Captain G. Gouveia along with several agencies including, GDF, Guyana Police Force, GGMC, CDC, Ministry of Health, Guyana Forestry Commission, Air Services Ltd, CJIAC, Civil Aviation Department – Suriname, CGX and the GCAA. Information gathering and planning was done from this centre and coordinated for execution by the sub centre established at Mahdia. During the last 21 days, extensive searches were conducted by three (3) helicopters and two

Missing Pilot: Nicky Persaud

(2) fixed winged aircraft from a base established at Mahdia, to locations identified as high probability areas determined as a result of sightings and more than twenty interviews with miners, villagers and relatives. Over two hundred and thirty (230) hours were flown by the helicopters and fixed winged aircraft over the Blackwater Creek basin, North Fork, Konawaruk River, Ebini, Eagle, Mowasi, Glendor moun-

tains, Kurungiku mountain range including “Toucan Face” “Twin Towers” and Toucan Valley. The helicopters conducted multiple sorties over the Blackwater Creek and North Fork areas including locations where damaged trees and crows were observed. Ground searches complemented the aerial searches after day three (3) and intensified thereafter with seven ground search parties total-

ing forty seven (47) persons from the Guyana Forestry Commission, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, villagers from Mahdia and Chenapau, twenty (20) Special Forces Officers, family members of Captain Persaud and volunteers. Approximately twenty insertions and extractions of ground search parties were done at nine landing areas to trek along the treacherous and densely forested terrain. Areas where potential images captured by the Canadian Twin Otter with capability of picking up large metallic objects were also combed. Later in the search, several attempts to pursue an additional lead from a camp owner were made by the Rescue Coordination Centre and the aircraft company, however, after over one week, the person failed to take officers to the location from which he said the aircraft was seen. Using this information, the GDF Special

Forces Officers combed the mountainous area pinpointed, without success. Over the last weekend another team including Captain Gouveia continued the search efforts, however, once again there was no sighting of the aircraft. Over the past three weeks the search for the missing aircraft and its occupants engaged a varied and substantial number of resources, including, personnel, aircraft, specialized equipment among others and all leads have been exhausted without success. As a result the Minister of Public Works in collaboration with the RCC has taken a decision to bring the operation to an end. The Minister of Public Works and the GCAA empathize with the immediate family, relatives and friends of the missing persons, Captain Nicky Persaud and David Bisnauth in this time of distress.

Cruise ship visits Guyana twice in a month

MS Hamburg docked at TCL wharf, Georgetown

ith a brisk wind whipping at her stern, the Cruise Ship MS Hamburg, with 300 passengers on board arrived in Guyana for the second visit in less than a month. The ship’s local Handlers, Dagron Tours, arranged for the passengers to go site seeing around Georgetown and to visit the Essequibo River and Kaieteur Falls, among other places. Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh paid a courtesy visit to the ship’s Master, Captain Joao Simoes and extended a warm welcome on behalf of Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali. Haralsingh noted

that it augers well for a destination when the turnaround time between cruise ship visits is short, as is the case with the MS Hamburg; the cruise liner previ-

ously docked in Guyana on December 23, 2014. “We are happy to welcome you to Port Georgetown and we are delighted that you have chosen to return after

The GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh presents a branded plaque to the Captain Joao Simoes

Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh (center), Dagron Tours Managers, and the ship’s officer during the visit

less than 30 days. This tells us that you are pleased with the product and the experiences from the last visit. We can say that this is the fastest turn around visit that we have had,” the GTA Director explained. The four-deck ship has a carrying capacity of 400, and brought 300 tourists from varying countries, including Germany – from where the ship originates – and the Philippines. Haralsingh also presented the Captain with tourism packages and a plaque bearing Guyana’s new destination brand.

He also expressed the hope that the ship continues to make visits to Guyana and promote the country as a viable tourist destination. The GTA Director reminded of the recent rebranding to ‘Guyana South America Undiscovered’, and noted that there are still many discoveries to be made in this ‘off the beaten path’ destination. Over the past few years, the Government of Guyana has been aggressively marketing the country as a destination of choice or transit point. Guyana welcomed

the first cruise vessel for 2014 with the return of the passenger ship Minerva to its shores. The 437 foot long 12,500 tonnage passenger ship, with its 350 passengers and crew of 174, of mainly Filipinos and Ukranians, took a twoday cruise in Guyana, under its 83 nights “Grand Faces of South America” tour, sailing from the Bridgetown round-trip. Additionally the MS Hamburg (formerly the Vista Mar), docked at the Demerara Sugar Terminal Wharf, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, for the third time on December 23, 2014.

14 NEWS

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“We are ready for battle” – PPP/C By Gomatie Gangadin

eneral Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee on Monday disclosed that the Party has been “oiling its machinery “for elections and is entering full elections mode. This disclosure was made during the party’s weekly press conference at Freedom House. He

noted that the party members are getting ready to venture out across the ten administrative regions in coming weeks as its election campaign takes shape. Rohee related that the PPP/C members have been meeting with citizens since before the Christmas season and they are encouraged by what has been achieved thus far.

Encouraged

“The PPP/C is encour-

aged by the show of support it has been receiving from party members, supporters, well wishers from the wider community during several outreaches conducted by the party before the Christmas season. The PPP/C will soon recommence its countrywide programme with a series of bottom house meetings as well as community walkabouts. Party leaders will fan out into the coastal and hin-

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

terland regions in the coming weeks. The party is well underway in its preparations for these elections. Already we have started to mobilize our volunteers and activate our elections machinery. We have never been afraid of elections”, Rohee stated. He also disclosed that supporters have pledged their continued support to the Party and indicated that they remain committed to ensuring a victory for the Party whenever elections are called. “The mood of the people which we met was one of optimism.” The General Secretary who also serves as the Minister of Home Affairs told media operatives that on the issue of the prorogation of Parliament, the citizens were informed and have indicated to

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

the party that they support the decision which was taken by President Donald Ramotar.

Not threatened

Meanwhile, Rohee says that his party is not threatened in any way by the Alliance For Change (AFC) Party since the minority opposition party will lose tremendous support at the upcoming general elections. Rohee made the comments when he was asked why his party consistently attacks the AFC instead of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and whether the PPP/C feels threatened by the Khemraj Ramjattan-led group. Rohee however, noted that the party does not feel threatened since the AFC had peddled lies and misrepresented itself in the 2011 General Elections. As such, he added that the AFC’s voters in the 2011 Elections

have indicated to the PPP/C members that this was a decision they have since regretted and will be giving the PPP/C their votes in the upcoming elections. He noted too that the party allows itself to be used and abused by the A Partnership for National Unity and the supporters have taken note of this. He expressed confidence that the ruling party will regain its majority when Election Day comes. This statement comes on the heels of the AFC trying to sell a partnership with the PNC/ APNU coalition to Berbicians at a public meeting held over the weekend. At the meeting, the Berbicians were told that Moses Nagamootoo who hails from Whim, Corentyne, Berbice will be the Presidential Candidate for the party. According to many, this seemed like a move aimed at garnering the support of the Berbice populace for the party at the upcoming elections. Nagamootoo had told the disappointedly small gathering that the ruling party’s support has fallen from 57 per cent in 1992, 53 percent in 1997, 48 per cent in 2011 and now only 35 per cent of the electorate wants them in power and if they wanted change then an AFC/ PNC/APNU coalition was necessary.

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 17

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Major Guyanese “backtrackers” on US radar … Glenn Lall might be snagged

he United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently investigating major alien smugglers in Guyana, Charge d Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt, has disclosed. He said that there are several persons under investigations by the US for being involved in back trafficking activities. Hunt’s disclosures come at a time when the US had noted in a cable some years ago that Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall was allegedly involved in ‘backtracking’ activities and since then several persons who were reportedly smuggled to other countries by the businessman have come forward with their stories. Hunt would not disclose the names of those being investigated, saying this could prejudice the investigations. “I don’t want to go into the ‘who and the how’ but yes we do have individuals who are of law enforcement concerns for helping individuals come through Guyana up to the United States,” he noted.

Major concern to US

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times International on Tuesday, Hunt explained that there are individuals who are of interests to law enforcement in the US for this sort of activities. Asked whether these persons are “well known” personalities, he reiterated that he cannot give the identities since they are still under investigations. On how soon could charges be made against the alien smugglers he said; “It is difficult to project when charges might be brought and where those charges will ultimately be brought. We

Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall

want to do a very thorough investigation to make sure that when we decide to either indict or seek assistance from the Guyanese Government in indicting, that we have as full a picture as possible of who are involved in these kinds of things,” the Charge d Affaires stressed. According to Hunt, backtracking is a major issue for the United States but he noted that not only Guyanese are engaging in this activity. He posited that Guyanese are more interested in flying to the US, as such they defraud the Embassy into believing that they are qualified for Visas when in actuality, they are not, but use these “sophisticated” measures that sometimes allow them to succeed. He added that persons often turn up at the Embassy with fraudulent documents and even attempted to change their identity because they are on the watch list and were previously deported. Others, he mentioned, submit fake letters of employment and guarantee, which is something prevalent in the Visa business. Hunt referred to a case earli-

Setting of election date in keeping...

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Accountability Act, empower the Government to spend one twelfth of the budget of the preceding year until an Appropriation Act is passed. “This position obtains, whether Parliament is in session or not, or whether there will be elections or no elections. Indeed, if Parliament was in session, the National Assembly could not have prevented this constitutional and legal formula in relation to spending during this period from being applied,” he stated.

Minister Nandlall said too, that GTUC must consider the fact, that the Government had warned the Opposition of the consequences, if it had proceeded with a no-confidence motion. He said President Ramotar not only warned the Opposition, but pleaded with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) not to proceed along that route, as he offered alternatives. A prorogued Parliament is the consequence, Minister Nandlall said.

er this year where someone attempted to purchase a visa from the Embassy. Fortunately, he noted, the Embassy worked along with local law enforcement personnel to arrest the individual and put together a case that is now before the court. Hunt remains hopeful that the matter will result in prosecution. He clarified that the Embassy often detects such cases but manages to resolve them internally and reject those persons.

Nationalities

Additionally, Hunt pointed out that there are persons who are of different nationalities who use Guyana as a passport to the US; “There are other nationalities that we have seen come through Guyana and attempt to use Guyana as a jumping off point for a trip up through Mexico and onto the United States,” he said while adding the number of backtracking cases coming out of Guyana is not as high as other regions in the world such as China. Nevertheless, Hunt remarked that his Government has recognised the seriousness of this activity and as such has put in place law enforcement personnel to monitor the situation. He continued that the Customs and Border Office has raised concerns about various nationalities that often turn up at the US Southern border and declare that they began

their trip in Guyana. These nationalities are mostly from South Asia and the Caribbean. The Charge d Affaires also highlighted that major-

ity of Guyanese who are granted short term visas such as Tourist Visa or Business Visa, usually comply with the time limit prescribed by the

immigration officer and depart the US within that timeframe. He went onto say that Guyanese deportation statistics are very low figures.

18 NEWS

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana-Suriname bridge a priority for UNASUR grouping – Rodriques

oreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on Tuesday said the Corentyne River Bridge project was a priority for the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and its newly appointed Secretary General Dr Ernesto Samper Pizano, who paid a one-day visit to Guyana. The Minister was at the time speaking at a press briefing along with Dr Samper. She pointed out that among the items on the list of priorities of the Secretary General were seven infrastructural projects, two of which are important for Guyana. These are the BrazilGuyana-Suriname link project which includes the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge and another project that links VenezuelaGuyana-Suriname. She outlined that UNASUR was assist-

ing member countries to focus on their responsibilities for the projects, which would be funded by the Chinese Government. “The UNASUR Secretariat and the Secretary General, in particular, has a coordinating role in that because we feel that in advancing the UNASUR infrastructure agenda, it would be better in most cases to do it together. So, for example, Suriname has approached the Chinese Government on the Corentyne Bridge. That project is one of the priorities listed by the Secretary General, so UNASUR will also be giving both Guyana and Suriname in terms of moving that forward,” the Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted.

Integration important

Speaking to the Guyanese media during Tuesday’s press briefing, the UNASUR Secretary

UNASUR Secretary General, Dr Ernesto Samper Pizano with Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the press briefing on Tuesday

General pointed out integration of the South American Continent was important to UNASUR and they were working on three agendas, including an economic agenda that focuses on improving areas such as infrastructure, technology, and education. “We brought a proposal for a multilateral project for infrastructure for the region,” the

UNASUR Secretary General noted. He showcased a map of the continent on which where the seven projects were identified. He explained that South America’s infrastructure is developed vertically, that is, from South to North and vice versa. “We’re trying to connect by ocean – the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans – in a parallel way,” he add-

ed, noting that these projects were very important for the South American region. The other two agendas are: focusing on the social sector and improving the process of democratisation. During his visit, the Secretary General paid a visit to President Donald Ramotar with Minister Rodrigues-Birkett. He said that he

had discussions with President Ramotar on the peace protest ongoing in Colombia, stressing that peace was a key matter on the agenda of UNASUR. Additionally, the Secretary General mentioned that he has also discussed with Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, how to improve mobility of UNASUR citizens in South America. Dr Samper underscored that UNASUR was committed to working with all member countries and the 400 million citizens of UNASUR to improve mobility in the region. Talks to this effect were held with Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, he mentioned. Dr Samper, a former President of Colombia, was appointed to his new post in August last year and commenced a tour of the UNASUR Member States. His visit to Guyana wrapped up the tour.

ExxonMobil to commence operations in March …says Country Manager

nited States based Oil Company ExxonMobil

Wednesday revealed that it was on target to starting drilling operations in

March of this year. During a press conference held by the Natural

Resources Ministry at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown on Wednesday, Jeff Simon, Country Manager, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana, made the disclosure. He said: “Things are moving quite quickly, we are mobilising the rig next month; we will be drilling in March.” He added that the area is very large – approximately 26,000 square kilometres – and further drilling would be done in deeper water than has ever been explored in Guyana’s past – about 1750 meters down in 2000-3000 meters deep water. Simon said the total depth of the area is about 5500 meters. He explained that the exploration level was highly risky, and there was about a one-in-four chance of success in the venture. Last November during the launch of the activity, ExxonMobil revealed that a 118-foot wide vessel, with over 200 people onboard, would depart from the Gulf of Mexico to the designated area over 100 miles offshore Guyana to dredge the unexplored area sometime this year. One of the main goals of the company is to maximise the amount of hydrocarbon resources in Guyana. “There is a finite amount of hydrocarbon out on the ground and it’s

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

our goal to optimise the amount that comes out at economic value,” Simon said.

Urgency

Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud said there were a number of activities taking place in the deep offshore areas, and reiterated that the start of the company’s drilling activities was much anticipated. The Minister added that visible progress can also been seen by companies such as Repsol and CGX. “This is why we have recognised there was a sense of wide urgency, not only in developing the [Upstream Oil and Gas] policy, but also Human Resources Development. We have started the Mining School, where there has been some training gearing Guyanese to work in the oil and gas sector,” Minister Persaud ex-

plained. Stressing on access to local content and the company’s mandate of employing locals, Simon said, “I really want to impress on everybody, the oil companies want as much local content as possible. That’s economically smart. We want the local Guyanese to be running the operations here and working through the development and exploitation of the resource.” Simon stated that in any of the more mature affiliates of the company that have operated in Guyana, typically in excess of 95 per cent of employees would be local; however, some experts would come from other countries. The area to be drilled is known as the Stabroek Block Area. The area is located on the maritime projection of the Orinoco Delta in Eastern Venezuela.

NEWS 19

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Stakeholders laud Govt for slashing Guyoil fuel prices by 30% By Jomo Paul

s of Monday evening, consumers in Guyana began buying gasoline from some Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) fuel stations at Gy$695 per gallon, which represents a decrease of Gy$300 or 30 per cent from its former price. The price for fuel has been dropping around the world since last June, with the latest price of fuel in Venezuela being recorded at US$39.19 per barrel, the lowest in almost half a decade. The announcement of Guyana’s price drop was made by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh at an emergency press conference on Monday

when he also announced similar reductions in the prices for diesel and kerosene oil. He said that diesel would be retailed at Gy$694 per gallon, from a high of Gy$985 per gallon. With respect to kerosene oil, the price was lowered to Gy$496 per gallon which represents a 42 per cent decrease from its previous price. Dr Singh said that the new price structure, which should take effect at all Guyoil- branded fuel stations from Monday, was decided after a meeting with the management of the state-owned fuel company. “I am advised that these prices to be charged at the pump are the low-

est since early 2009, almost six years ago … it is anticipated that by Wednesday all Guyoil branded petrol stations and dealers would have implemented these pric-

es,” said Dr Singh. According to the Minister, he is hopeful that the other oil companies and transport services operators will now look at adjusting

their prices so that the common man can benefit from the reduction in fuel costs. When asked why only now the Government was looking to decrease the price of fuel at the state-owned Guyoil, Dr Singh explained that it was never within the Government’s policy to decrease prices sporadically since it would make the market volatile. “Not in the custom of adjusting prices sporadically … up and down every week. I believe myself it would be irresponsible to adjust the price up or down at the first sight of a drop or increase,” he said. But while the price for fuel has been slashed, the tax levied on the import of both diesel and

gasoline has been increased to the maximum that is 50 per cent and 45 per cent respectively.

PSC hails move

M e a n w h i l e , the Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a release, said that the reduction was “timely” on the part of Government. The Commission had appealed for an adjustment in local prices at the pump as world market prices plunged. It said it was grateful that its appeal was heard. It was also noted that this move would provide a significant boost to industry, especially the manufacturers, coming at a time when the effects of weak commodity prices are impacting the economy.

UG union threatens strike over 60% wage hike demand

niversity of Guyana (UG) Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi said the council is currently working towards reaching the demands of the University of Guyana’s Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the UG Workers’ Union (UGWU). During an emergency meeting on Monday, staff members publicly demanded, among other things, a 60 per cent increase in salary from the University. They threatened that if this is not finalised before the end of February, strike action will take effect. But Dr Opadeyi said he could not promise that increase until he and other council members rationalise the amount that could be given. Staff members

UG Vice Chancellor Dr Jacob Opadeyi

claimed that the University is in perfect shape to move in this direction since the country’s premier tertiary institution was able to rake in close to Gy$275 million from the increased tuition fees.

At the start of the semester beginning in September 2014, students, particularly those from the social sciences, were required to pay the newly imposed tuition fee which sprung from Gy$127,000 to close to Gy$200,000 annually. During an earlier interview with Guyana Times International, Opadeyi said the increase in tuition fees was being pursued, to, among other things, increase the salaries of staff members. His comments had come on the heels of the Opposition’s move to slash funds allocated to the University through the budget early last year. Dr Opadeyi had said that the then situation was making it impossible for the institution to hire and retain

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Police to use floating base to clamp down on illegal... ly address smuggling in Guyana. “The Guyana Police Force Floating Base will be located at the mouth of the Waini River and will be used as a platform to monitor activities in the surrounding area as well as interdict smugglers,” he pointed out. The minister had said that vessel is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of the year. He outlined that training of Police ranks and the provision of technical advice to fully equip this structure will be facilitated by the GDF Coast Guard, who has a similar vessel operating in the Pomeroon River, Region Two. Back in February last year, the member agencies of the Task Force

on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the joint use of the GDF’s floating patrol base. The training of staff to be embedded on the vessel was also done by Coast Guard and joint operations among the agencies from the floating base have commenced. Having police presence in these areas of Guyana part of the Home Affairs Ministry since many illegal activities goes undetected especially in interior locations. Only in August 2014, CANU, along with the GDF, acting on intelligence from an ongoing investigation conducted an operation along the Waini River.

During a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini, a semi submersible self propellant (SSSP) vessel was discovered about two miles in, along with a camp consisting of three structures – accommodation, workshop area and generator. The accommodation structure had the capacity to sleep approximately 12 persons. In addition, there was also a kitchen area located within the accommodation. The workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fibre-glass materials. Based on the items present, it is believed that the SSSP found in the creek was built in the area and authorities suspect it was built for trafficking narcotics.

staff members and meet other overhead costs. He had said too that the institution’s income – including its subvention – could not meet its expenditure, thus stifling its ability to grow and improve its facilities. Staff members contended that they are yet to see this promise materialise. The heated meeting between staff members, including UGSSA Vice Chairman, Dr

Melissa Ifill and former President, Dr Pat Francis, was held days after talks between the two representative bodies and the University’s administration fell through. Ifill related that the unions have been holding consultations with the administration for years; however, they have not been much success. Apart from the 60 per cent salary increase, staff members have also been clamouring for a 200 per

cent increase in their travelling allowance, and a better medical scheme, increases in allowances for books and other materials, duty-free concessions, and yearly research grants. Concerns were also mounted over the “imposed” workload policy, a system through which teaching staff must adhere. Asked about this, Opadeyi said there have been some misconceptions.

20 NEWS

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

More steel pan bands for this year’s Mash contest

ulture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said there has been a marked increase in the number of steel pan competitors for this year’s Mashramani celebrations, signalling increasing interest in what was once a dying art form. The Minister announced this while at a press conference on the year’s Mash activities, Friday at the Ministry’s boardroom. It has been the goal of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry to revive the steel pan art form since 2006. From all appearances, Guyana is once again to benefit from the sweet sounds of steel pans at events where a Guyanese atmosphere is needed. Steel pan enthusiasts have, over the years, been quite vocal about the need to revive the dying art form, stating that other countries, such as the United States of America, have taken the music and developed it to their own liking. Oliver Pross is just one such

The Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra performing in their hometown

enthusiast who had spoken to another news publication about the stagnant state of steel pan in Guyana. With assistance from the National School of Music as well as Republic Bank coming on board to support the resuscitation of steel pan in Guyana, there has been real interest

from schools and a number of groups. The Ministry has launched a number of workshops and activities. The Parkside Steel Orchestra had come on board with the Ministry in late 2006 to put into effect this goal. They had performed at a number of what some would call unusual

places, like Church’s Chicken to remind persons about steel pan in Guyana and the emotive sounds that emanate from the instrument. Other places at which the orchestra had performed were the Botanical Gardens Bandstand and the Kingston Seawall Tarmac.

Tremendous change

Tremendous change was seen in this area, however, when Republic Bank came on board in 2011 with Gy$1.7 million for competitions and the National School of Music to encourage young people to learn the instrument. Also steel pan workshops were set up in a number of the administrative regions where a number of young people from various schools were taught the fine art of playing steel pans. Minister Anthony announced that only recently North Ruimveldt alumni donated a number of steel pans to facilitate the efforts to rejuvenate steel pan playing in Guyana, particularly after the North Ruimveldt Steel Orchestra had done so well in the last two years. Head of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall announced at the conference that 10 school bands would be taking part in the Mash Panorama Steel Pan Competition this year, reminding that only three had taken part last year.

Daughter wants justice for dead father S hareema Azab, of 1232 Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, is calling for justice for her father, who was killed by the driver of an allegedly speeding car on January 5. Abdul Azab Hamied, 54, of Lot 4 Friendship

East Bank Demerara, was crossing the road when a motor vehicle bearing the licence plate number PCC 9494 struck him. According to his daughter, witnesses rushed the elderly man to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and

then summoned the Police who took the driver and passenger into custody. “That’s what I hear, I received a call around 08:30h and I came out to the hospital and I see them trying to save he life.” The woman then de-

Abdul Azab Hamied

parted the hospital and went home where she received another call around 22:00h that confirmed her father had passed away. “They say he died as a result of a fractured skull and injured spine.” Azab said she and several other family members then made their way to the Grove Police Station where the perpetrators were in police custody. “I don’t know them, I don’t know their names or anything because I was just all too confused, all I know is I hear they say the people from Sophia.” The grieving woman is calling for justice to be served as she feels the law is not doing its job stringently in punishing unlawful citizens. She explained that the driver was reportedly placed on Gy$100,000 bail and it appears the vehicle was returned to the owner as it is no longer in the Police Station’s compound. She further stated that the Police seem to be keeping information from her. “All they telling me

The car that struck down Abdul Azab Hamied

is that the matter will go through the court and the file got to look by the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions). But I don’t know when. And he get placed on bail. That’s not fair. My father didn’t deserve to die. Not like that.” Azab noted that the persons responsible for her father’s death did not even contact her or any other family member to offer their condolences or any form of compensation. “My father didn’t had much. He was a farmer and he used to live by himself. He used to come by he friend in Diamond every week and I used to go and see he and take food for he. It’s me and my sister from New Jersey had to pool money for the funeral. They couldn’t even offer to help. It’s not like we want it or anything, but they just don’t seem like they care what they did,” the woman lamented. Moreover, Azab said witnesses told her that a woman was driving the car but upon Police inquiry, the other person in the vehicle- a man, claimed he was

the driver. Reports reaching her revealed that the woman does not own a valid driver’s licence; therefore the man took responsibility for the woman’s wrongful actions. “Like I don’t know what happened but them people tell me when the thing happen, it was a woman who was driving the car but like she does not have a licence so when the Police come now, the man said it was he who was driving.” Meanwhile, the woman said she still cannot come to terms with the fact her beloved father is dead. “We were very close. The last time I see he was on Christmas Day. Like I still feel he is here, like sometimes I does go to pick up the phone to call him but then I remember.” She said his grandchildren also miss their grandfather as they often inquire about the situation. “I does try to explain to them but they small so I don’t know how much they does understand.”

NEWS 21

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

South-South cooperation alive and well in Guyana

Argentina's Ambassador to Guyana Luis Alberton Martino BY ROYDEN JAMES

rgentina’s Ambassador to Guyana Luis Alberton Martino said that the South-South Cooperation is alive and well in Guyana. Ambassador Martino, speaking to this publication, said that Argentina and Guyana are looking to strengthen their bilateral relations. He said the South-South Cooperation Agreement is an important instrument for international cooperation, explaining that it provides opportunities for developing countries and countries with economies in transition to achieve their individual and collective pursuit in economic growth and sustainable development. South-South Cooperation is the exchange of resources, technology and knowledge between developing countries also known as countries of the global south. Ambassador Martino noted that over the past 25 years, the Argentine Fund for South-South and Triangle Cooperation has been able to finance the development and implementation of several international technical cooperation and bilateral triangular projects. These initiatives, he said, have developed through partnership, explaining that Argentinean experts and their partnering countries work together to exchange programmes. Additionally, they collaborate for the implementation of public policies that favour inclusive development, democrat-

ic governance, scientific and technical progress, and respect for human rights. Martino also disclosed that in the last decade, Argentina’s South-South Cooperation at the bilateral level has experienced remarkable improvements, both in terms of quality and number of projects. In addition, he said that the number of Argentine institutions involved in these projects has been increasing over the years as well as the number of projects, and this aside, Argentina is looking to expand technical Cooperation Agreement to more countries. He said already, the increase in cooperation has led to the signing of new and diverse cooperation agreements at the bilateral and multilateral levels with integration agencies in the Caribbean. These, he said are aimed at strengthening and searching for long-lasting inter-regional dialogue and relationship. When asked about how these initiatives will benefit private and public sectors institutions in Guyana, Ambassador Martino said that after the reopening of the embassy in Georgetown in 2011, Argentina has been trying to strengthen cooperation with all institutions. The Ambassador said over the past five years under the paradigm of horizontal cooperation, Guyana and Argentina have succeeded in putting in place a wide range of bilateral projects in a range of areas, including, health, tourism, culture, defense and foreign policy. With health top on the agenda, Guyana and Argentina are currently working on a number of new projects. In September, a team of Guyanese health practitioners winged out to Argentina, where they were trained. Only recently, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran announced that Guyana is partnering with Argentina to set up a blood bank in Guyana catering specifically to the needs of pregnant women, as he praised the contribution of the Argentine Government to the local health sector.

Nandlall and Hughes trade barbs over MPs returning parliamentary salaries

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall By Michael Younge

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall on Saturday urged the Alliance for Change (AFC) to end its propagandistic talk and walk the walk as he rejected calls for Government parliamentarians to refuse their salaries from the National Assembly during the prorogation of Parliament. On Friday, the AFC through its Executive Member and parliamentarian, Catherine Hughes issued a challenge to the Government parliamentarians to forego their salaries as the debate widens on the prorogation of parliament and the fact that MPs are still receiving their salaries at the expense of tax payers while no work is being done within the 65 seat legislature. “If the PPP is willing to publicly state that they will refuse their salaries and payments as MPs, I am sure, I would be more than happy to follow them and I have a feeling that most of my fellow members of the AFC would be willing to do so”, she said, while speaking at a party press conference held at the Georgetown Club. Another AFC Executive

AFC Executive Member Catherine Hughes

AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo

Member, Moses Nagamootoo went further by calling on some key Government MPs and Ministers to be brave and donate their salaries to some “poor institution” during the period. But Nandlall, speaking with Guyana Times Internatinal from Trinidad and Tobago, said that he is not sure why the Alliance for Change is using the Government as a “barometer” on these matters. “They have accused the government of committing every wrong under the sun including making allegations of corruption against the government, accusing the government of unconstitutionalities, labelling the government as undemocratic, accusing the government of acting unlawfully and the list goes on…” he reasoned. He said that it was quite ironic for the AFC to now be using the Government as their measuring rod. “Is it that they are saying that if the Government stops acting corruptly, illegally and unconstitutionally (like the AFC is suggesting) only then they will stop doing the same”, he questioned as he sought to rationalise the party’s most recent call. Questioned further on the

issue, the AG remarked, “to my mind, they are accepting that they are acting wrongfully but are now saying that they will only stop doing so if the government stops. This is absolute nonsense”. He said that if the AFC feels that it is wrong to continue to accept salaries from the parliament, then it is wrong. “If the government ministers and MPs accept, the same salary would that make it right? What is wrong is wrong if it is wrong, it is wrong then they should stop receiving salaries irrespective of what the government MPs do”, he declared during the interview. He in turn threw out his own challenge to the AFC MPs and Nagamootoo in particular who he said was exhibiting double standards. “And I challenge them to stop committing that wrong that they speak about and stop uplifting salaries from parliament. And we urge them to stop the propagandistic talk and walk the walk.” The AG said he was unsure of the message and mischief the AFC was trying to create by dragging the Government and its MPs into this most recent argument.

GNBA rejects Region 10’s request for Channel 13 – Solomon complains to President Ramotar

egion 10 (Upper D e m e r a r a B e r b i c e ) Chairman Sharma Solomon has registered his disappointment at not being able to acquire Channel 13, which is currently being managed and operated by the state-owned National Communications Network Inc. (NCN) in Linden. He expressed his disappointment over the issue at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting on Thursday, in response to an approval letter sent to him by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). The Broadcasting Authority, while approving a li-

cence for the region, stated that Channel 13 was unavailable. It was noted in the correspondence letter, dated December 17, 2014, that the Region’s request for a television license had been approved and acknowledged by its governing board. The letter which was addressed to the Regional Chairman and read by Regional Executive Officer (REO) Yolanda Hilliman stated that while the requested Channel 13 was unavailable, another frequency would be made available to the region. However, Solomon pointed out that the region had signalled its interest in taking the

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

television station back from the state, as part of the August 2012 agreement signed in collaboration with Central Government. “The RDC sees the move as denying the

people of Region 10 their fundamental rights… we will not be able to get Channel 13, that is where our problem is,” Solomon told RDC councillors. To further register his concern, Solomon said he would have dispatched a letter to President Donald Ramotar and leaders of the main Opposition parties on Thursday. A copy of the letter was read to councillors by Solomon. “The Regional Democratic Council wishes to strongly register its dissatisfaction… it’s been more than two years since the RDC and Central Government signed the August 2012 Agreement, in which a commitment was given

to return to the people of Linden and Region 10, the vHf transmitter… “Channel 13 was originally assigned to Green Construction… now in the possession of the Government of Guyana, under the management of NCN…to be returned to the people of Region 10, as agreed in the August 2012 agreement. This agreement said that the dish and transmitter would be handed over to the region within 14 days of signing, which should have been no later than the 14th of September 2012…,” excerpts of the letter stated. Following the signing of the agreement in 2012, the RDC had ad-

vanced to establish the Region 10 Broadcasting Inc in an effort to secure the television station. Solomon said the building for the television station is 95 per cent complete, and is expected to be completed before week-end. “We have in place, a board of five members,” he noted, adding that two more members are expected to be added to the board. Solomon noted that the matter is one of national importance, noting that GNBA’s role in the issue is “administrative”. The Regional Chairman further stressed that the Government should take responsibility in honouring all aspects of the 2012 agreement.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Major transformation for Guyana’s road networks this year By Vahnu Manikchand

uyana’s infrastructural landscape is expected to undergo major transformation as Government embarks on several road projects across the country. These include the East Bank and East Coast Demerara, the West Coast Demerara, Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue and West Coast Berbice road expansion projects. At the Public Works Ministry’s year-end review presentation, Head of the Works Service Group (WSG), Geoffrey Vaughn, explained that despite facing several challenges including delays, works are still ongoing on those road

A completed section of the road in the vicinity of Diamond, East Bank Demerara

projects that have commenced while arrangements are being made for the commencement of other projects. Vaughn

disclosed that WSG received some Gy$8.6 billion and has expended 88 per cent, that is, Gy$7.6 billion on works during

the course of last year. As it relates to the East Coast Demerara road project, he noted that Government has

completed preliminary works from Montrose to Good Hope for the four lane upgrade. The preliminary works, which included, the widening of the roads and installation of drainage facilities, formed part of Phase One. The project, however, is divided into seven lots which were awarded to different contractors. Going ahead this year, the WSG head said that the four lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale and the two lane upgrade from Annandale to Belfield

Village will see a total length of 16,998 kilometres of roads and 33,996 kilometres of drains being built. Meanwhile, US$17.2 million was budgeted for the East Bank Four-lane Project, which runs from Providence to Diamond. This project is divided into three lots and works on these are way behind schedule. Government is also looking to develop Sheriff Street and Mandela Avenue. Already, the evaluation report for the selection of contractor has been completed. The report, which was completed last year, was submitted to the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for its no-objection on awarding the contract. According to Vaughn, this project it expected to commence in the first quarter of this year once approval is granted by the IDB. It will see a two lane upgrade from Sheriff Street up to the National Cultural Centre and then a four lane expansion from thereon up to the end of Mandela Avenue at Banks DIH and Geddes Grant junction.

Public Works Ministry stands by China Railway – says company not responsible for Amaila Road damages

s criticisms continue to grow over the quality of work delivered by China Railway First Group on the Amaila Falls Access Road, the Public Works Ministry continues to stand on the side of the Chinese company. According to critics, local contractors working on the Amaila Falls Access Road project are doing a better job than China Railway. But the Ministry’s Technical Adviser Walter Willis said on Friday, that this is not the case while clarifying that the Chinese contractor is not at fault for the damages caused to the access road. He explained that the area in which the Chinese company had to work was mountainous. “The terrain in which China Railway First Group operated was much more hilly and it was plagued by incursions by miners and although we tried diligently to block the road and restrict movement of miners, they continued. When they come up from

the mining area onto the embankment with the heavy equipment, damages occurred,” he explained. Willis disclosed that out of a total of 50,000 metres, only a mere 130 metres, in the section that China Railway First Group is responsible for, have eroded. He noted that the Chinese contracting firm is still on site with its equipment, waiting to repair the affected area but the inclement weather is hindering this aspect. While the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project has attracted much controversy, Government has gone ahead with the construction of the access road. According to Willis, some US$28.9 million was exhausted. He further stated that maintenance works for the road are estimated at Gy$200 million annually. Public Works Minister Robeson Benn explained that Government through his ministry will be standing the cost for maintaining continued on page 24

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cocaine-laced Parents, students complain of low SSS Tonic case: standards at Kuru Kuru Training College Accused walks free

he man accused of lacing SSS Tonic with cocaine that killed four people, was released after there were no evidence offered against him. Thirty-four-year-old Deon Layne, a miner of Lot HH Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday. It is alleged that on May 2, 2014 at Lot 22 Kokerite Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 252 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. During his first appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Layne pleaded not guilty to the charge. The facts of the case read that on the day in question, at around 21:00h, the defendant went to the home of Candacy McGarrell’s niece who was visiting from the United States of America (USA). The defendant gave her some bottles of SSS Tonic to take for the mother of his child who resides in Philadelphia, USA. The court heard that the woman left Guyana without the tonic, stat-

By Gomatie Gangadin

ing that she did not know who had to collect the tonic when she arrived at the JFK International Airport. The five occupants of the home later ingested the laced tonic. Six-year-old, Jahaquel Blair; his parents, 42-year-old Alex Blair and Simone Pryce, 36; and their neighbour, 36-yearold Natasha George died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The post-mortem examination report revealed that the four died as a result of consuming the tonic which contained liquefied cocaine. Twelveyear-old Jamal Waterman was the only survivor. Magistrate Latchman informed the prosecution that there was no concrete evidence against the defendant since the bottle was a sealed one that appeared not to be tampered with. This information was gathered from the evidence given by McGarrell and Waterman who testified in this matter. While walking out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Layne told the court that the bible is his tool, and he did not take a lawyer but preferred to battle this case himself since he knew that he was an innocent man.

arents and students of the Kuru Kuru Training College located on the Linden/ Soesdyke highway are complaining that the institution is in trouble and in dire need of reform. They are concerned that enough is not being done to deliver the College’s curricula which results in scores of young boys spending their leisure time gambling and smoking on the streets. They are also frustrated over the apparent lack of interest shown by the local authorities in ensuring that the College is utilised for its intended purpose which is offering a wide range of technical and vocational subjects. Additionally, parents are concerned about the general upkeep of the College’s facilities and the conditions in which their children have to dwell to learn. Meanwhile, when contacted, some residents of the community told Guyana Times International that they are appalled by the stories given to them about what occurs at the College by their children who are currently at-

Inside the Kuru Kuru Training College

tending the institution. According to one parent who spoke to GTI via a telephone interview, his son was accepted to the institution last September and from then to now, there has been nothing but complaints about the conditions which students are forced to put up with at the educational institution which falls under the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry’s remit. According to the man, the Kuru Kuru Training College has changed drastically over the years and sadly does not provide encouragement to the young in the village to pursue trade studies there. He noted that the college at present lacks a

motor mechanic instructor and a refrigeration instructor and this has been the situation for quite some time. “The students do not have an instructor to teach the refrigeration class or the motor mechanic class for the longest while. This is not a college anymore. This is a ‘cowboy’ school. I don’t know what the students going there for”, the man stated. Meanwhile, another resident, David Williams told this publication that while he has no children or immediate relatives attending the college, there have always been murmurs of the conditions which are present at the facility. However, when

contacted for a comment on the allegations made, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated that as far as he is aware, the College is equipped with the necessary personnel needed for it to function effectively. “We have instructors; we always have persons there to teach. Even if someone leaves, we always seek to fill that vacancy as soon as it is possible. So those allegations are not true”, he said. Dr Anthony went on to state that he is of the strong belief that the reports are meant to be malicious and to put the college and the administration in a bad light.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Linden issues Nagamootoo attacks not irresolvable – satirical articles PNCR Chairman …on FUCOP funds and PANTY coalition

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman and Deputy Speaker Basil Williams said that whatever differences being faced by the PNCR and its Linden members, can and will be resolved. PNCR has been at odds with its Linden group for the past several months. The issue escalated with the suspension of Regional Representative and Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon. Lindeners are gearing themselves up for a major showdown with PNCR Leader David Granger after the latter agreed to a meeting with a large number of disgruntled members over a range of issues. According to Williams at an A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) press conference on Friday, Granger has “no difficulty meeting party groups in Linden … As far as I know, Mr Granger and his team have always been willing and able to engage with the constituents in Linden.” Williams admitted that the PNCR and its Linden arm had some differences, but was adamant that whatever those issues are, they could and would be worked out. He said the issues were not irresolvable, adding that “all attempts” would be made to ensure that the issues

PNCR Chairman Basil Williams

Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon

between the two groups are resolved. High on the agenda of the meeting which could happen soon are the suspension of Kissoon; the alleged rigging of last year’s Congress, which returned Granger as leader of the party; and a range of other issues, including the imposition of Sandra Adams as the party’s Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Coordinator and the sidelining of key figures such as Aubrey Norton, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and Kissoon, all of whom helped the party sweep the two seats in the region at the 2011 elections. While Solomon has declined to disclose the agenda of the meeting with Granger, Trade Unionist Leslie Gonsalves confirmed that issues surrounding Kissoon and Adams would definitely be placed on top of the agenda. Another key par-

ty official said that they would bring up the Congress fiasco as well at the meeting. Granger has so far managed to dodge from confronting the issues that have angered Lindeners since August last year. However, observers believe that he has finally realised the importance of meeting the key constituency with General Elections on the horizon. Over the weekend, Solomon dispatched a letter to the PNCR Leader inviting him to meet with supporters in the mining town. When contacted by the Guyana Times International last Tuesday, Solomon said he would only pronounce on the meeting after it was held, but Gonsalves said supporters would be calling on the Opposition Leader to address burning issues that have been placed on the table for more than a year.

o s e s Nagamootoo, who was hand-picked as the Presidential Candidate of the Alliance For Change (AFC) by his party leader and friend Khemraj Ramjattan, on Thursday launched a scathing attack on satirical commentary. He criticised the Guyana Times for reporting on the acronym his party leader coined to name the coalition they are negotiating with PNC/APNU – PANTY! [Partnership Alliance for National Trust - Yes!] as well the group this newspaper was informed is funding the Opposition – FUCOP [Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency]. Nagamootoo, himself a former journalist and Minister of Information, took particular offence to the acronym PANTY!, which this newspaper discovered was the name suggested for the coalition the AFC and A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) are working to put together. He claimed that the word “PANTY!” was insulting to women, even though it is an essential part of their garb. One wag in the audience suggested, sotto voce, that a person from Nagamootoo’s generation might be more used to the expression

AFC Vice-Chairman Moses Nagamootoo

“bloomers”. The outburst came as Nagamootoo responded to a question by this newspaper on whether indeed the AFC was serious about any coalition with APNU given that their Consultant, Professor Daizal Samad had said conclusively that the negotiations were a sham. The AFC is under pressure from its Georgetown members to go into the coalition, but this is adamantly opposed by those in Berbice. Nagamootoo launched into a tirade saying that Guyana Times has a record of “obscene articles.” “When you begin to sink that low to use slimy language such as PANTY! as part of your political diction, then I don’t have the moral re-

sponsibility to respond to anything you say in that newspaper,” said the AFC Vice Chairman. Nagamootoo also complained about the group- FUCOP, from which his party is said to be receiving funding. Mispronouncing the acronym as a vulgarity, Nagamootoo on national television and at the news conference said “F..kup” much to the consternation of the reporters at the news conference, especially the younger ones, and his colleagues AFC members at the head table. The AFC had ostentatiously introduced campaign financing laws in Parliament but has steadfastly refused to discuss its sources of funds. At its last Congress it did not table an audited financial statement on its funding even though this is demanded by its party constitution. Nagamootoo’s attack against the Guyana Times for articles which have a satirical tone is extremely troubling. Guyana Times questioned why Nagamootoo has never lashed out at the Kaieteur News-one of his party’s funders – which publishes a daily satirical column “Dem boys seh” that has the penchant for extreme vulgar and disrespectful commentaries.

from page 22

Public Works Ministry stands... the road until Amaila Falls Hydropower Inc is in place to take over. The minister explained that the Gy$200 million is provisional, that is, it is not a fixed amount. The Amaila Falls Access Road is constructed in seven sections that cover a total of 162 kilometres of road, most of which had to be constructed from scratch. Each section was awarded to a different contracting firm and with the exception of China Railway; the others are all local contractors. At the end of December 2014, approximately 95 per cent of the road was completed and is currently in the condition to be used. Additionally, as part of the project, a series of bridges were also constructed. Currently, pontoon crossings for Butakari and Kuribrong are being constructed, with the entire project expected to be completed within a few months.

Public Works Ministry Technical Advisor Walter Willis

Minister Benn emphasised that the road is a key aspect to the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Asked about the position, as it relates to acquiring funding for the Hydro Project, Benn said that he is not aware of the “specifics” but reminded that Government is working assiduously to have it materialised. He added too that a number of visits and discussions

are ongoing. “I want to remind how critical a national project this is: the fact that we would want to see almost a halving of our light bills; the fact that we have reliable, renewable, sustainable power and that we will have enough power which will take care of providing power at a cheaper rate to have investment into the country,” he pointed out.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Minister Ali reports ‘steady’ growth in trade between Guyana, Suriname

s Government continues to work towards fostering trade and new business partnerships with its regional neighbours, acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali has highlighted that there has been steady growth in trade between Guyana and Suriname. The Minister was at the time speaking at a meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Friday. This was part of the activities scheduled for the second day of the ongoing meeting of the Guyana-Suriname Trade Mission. He pointed out that both countries depended on natural resources, noting that many investments were made in Guyana based on rising gold prices, but the current global situation meant the country must now move towards an efficient equilibrium of production. This would minimise wastage and inefficiency, and maximise productivity, to create the capacity to produce at a highly competitive price. “For the past five years, there has been

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar shakes hands with Surinamese Minister of Trade, Don Tosendjojo on the occasion of the first ever ‘Trade Mission’ which was meant to bolster ties between the two countries. Also present were Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo and other officials.

a tremendous increase in business between Guyana and Suriname,” the Minister emphasised. In 2008, Guyana exported approximately 7000 kilograms of goods to Suriname. In 2012, this figure was almost tripled, to almost 26,000kg. The value of exports moved from approximately US$3.6 million in 2008 – $13.9 million in 2012, representing growth of almost 300 per cent. Ali added that the two countries shared a good relationship, which could be seen in the growing

number of tourists arriving in Guyana, through the crossing at Moleson Creek. In 2013, more than 28, 000 people visited Guyana through this port of entry, and close to 26,000 by the end of October 2014. Minister Ali expressed his disappointment over the fact that this information was not mentioned in any documentation used to promote trade between the two countries. Further, emphasising the significance of this fact in the tourism industry, the Minister said, “At

a mere minimum of each of those persons spending a minimum of US$300, you are talking about US$8.3 million in 2013… it is equivalent to 63 per cent of the total export of goods and services.” He added that as regards the benefits for Suriname, “whatever is coming here is greater in Suriname”, noting that almost 65 per cent of Guyanese living in the Diaspora who return home visit Suriname. This market is important for tourism in Guyana, as most of the

small hotels are filled by persons travelling from that country. It is also important for access to markets such as Holland. Likewise, Suriname interests can access via northern Brazil. He added that the partnership should be based on cooperation, rather than competition given that the markets are “so small”. This would create a competitive edge against many other countries. Growing economy The Minister also highlighted the fact that Guyana was moving to-

wards a knowledge-based economy – one that was innovative, proactive, and positive. There has also been much interest in the country’s education sector. He pointed out that over the next three years, three new medical universities would be established. In addition, there has been a growing interest in biodiversity. Ali noted that the size of the country’s economy has increased by over 25 per cent to Gy$650 billion, attracting more than US$629 million in Foreign Direct Investment.

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS 27

28 NEWS

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Tewarie on falling oil prices: Govt Probe starts into near crash of JetBlue, CAL jets wants TT to lead regional response

he Trinidad Express has reported that both pilots of the Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight which almost collided with a JetBlue plane at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York on Saturday night have been taken off flying duties, pending the outcome of an investigation. This was confirmed by director of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) Ramesh Lutchmedial in a news release on Monday. Lutchmedial did not say whether the pilots are on suspension. He noted, though, that safety inspectors of the TTCAA are expected to meet with Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control (ATC) officials at JFK Airport to determine the facts surrounding the incident. “Caribbean Airlines Ltd is fully co-operating with the investigators,” Lutchmedial added. The JetBlue passen-

ger flight 1295, which was bound for Texas, was forced to abort its take-off after BW526 shot across the runway in front its path. Reports have stated the CAL flight BW526 (a Boeing 737) had landed on runway 22L of JFK at 10.27 p.m. following a flight from Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana. Its pilots were instructed by air traffic controllers to “hold short” or stop before the parallel runway (22R) on which JetBlue 1295 was about to gain speed for take-off. According to a transcript of the (ATC) instructions, the CAL pilots were warned on three occasions to stop. At 10.30 p.m., the final warning was given: “Caribbean 526, hold short…526 STOP!” The CAL pilots never responded and as a result JetBlue1295 was immediately told to abort takeoff to avoid collision. It was able to stop

2,800 feet or just over half-mile short of BW526. There were no injuries to passengers and both planes were not damaged. The Jet Blue plane, an Airbus A320, returned to the gate and took off for Austin, Texas, three hours late. ABC News reported that the CAL pilots were on the wrong frequency and never heard the tower instructions and repeated calls from the tower to stop. In a news release yesterday, the airline said it was taking the alleged incident very seriously. “We are in the process of investigating and compiling the facts surrounding this allegation in co-operation with all regulatory agencies. “In the interim, Caribbean Airlines is complying with all incident management procedures included within its Safety Management System and adjunct regulations.”

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Government wants TT to take the lead regionally in responding to the impact of falling oil prices, Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie said on Monday. Speaking at a news conference at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, Port-of-Spain, he said government is in talks with leaders of regional governments. “I want to let you know that TT has always been proactive on these issues and Cabinet has agreed for the Minister of Planning, in consultation with the Finance Minister and Energy Minister, to establish an MoU with the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) looking at a Caribbean solution in which TT is the lead player in terms of the energy challenge and crisis,” he said. Tewarie said the expectation is that the matter will be on the front burner when Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar attends the Caribbean Energy Security Summit to be hosted by US Vice President Joe Biden in Washington DC next week. He said government is also working with the TT Chamber of Commerce, the IDB and other stakeholders and there are plans to look at the engagement with Venezuela in the Manatee field, particularly with the processing of gas. “We might be able to process some of that in TT and have a fair sharing of the revenue benefits,” he said. The minister said government also plans to work with the Suriname and Guyanese governments and private sector to determine “where there are opportunities in oil and gas, linking that to strategies related to Northern Brazil.”

Trinidad Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie

“I have been working on this for a year-and-a-half with the IDB and other players like the Ministries of Finance and Energy,” he said, adding that there are implications for ports and shipping lines with a new energy corridor being developed north of TT. He assured that talks with TT’s Caribbean neighbours are not intended to replace PetroCaribe but are for the purpose of finding an energy solution. “No matter what the terms and conditions of PetroCaribe, you do have an awkward situation (falling oil prices) now,” he said. Tewarie said government has been having the discussions over the last year about possible declining oil prices and the expectation is that international doners will come forward with a solution of which TT would be a part. “We don’t want to get into anything in which we are the sole player,” he said. (TT Guardian)

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Isahak Basir

hree young men, Gussy Surrond, Jerry Gouveia, John Baharally, made the road link between Charity and Amazon Coffee Estate. Charity road link is located from Pomeroon River to Dartmouth on the Essequibo Coast and was founded in 1908. Prior to 1908, there was no road link from Essequibo to the Pomeroon River dis-

Gouveia’s had a steamdriven coffee factory at Charity. The area between Charity Back Dam and Darthmouth was a vast savannah of three feet black water, tall grass, etay trees, and deep ponds infested with cuffum, watross, deers, bush-cow, alligator and wild ducks - a natural resort for hunting. It was a bright Saturday morning in April 1908, when three pioneers ventured in to

Arts & culture 29

trench as they avoid thick vegetation and the imposing Crueda trees. After much exhaustion in knee-deep water, they observed rising smoke about half a mile in a north east direction. Jerry and John lighted their ‘capstan’ (selfmade cigarette) and decided to trail the rising smoke. In less than one hour they came out at Bounty Hall, and with much anxiety they were received by several fanners in a plantain field.

Paying homage at the monument

Road to Charity

trict, except through the Tapakuma lake and river or by sailing boat at sea to the Pomeroon River mouth. At that time Tapakuma had a Police Outpost, the Magistrates’ Court was at Macaseema and the Police Station at Marlborough in the lower Pomeroon. Charity Coffee Estate was owned by the Gouveia’s and Amazon Coffee Estate was owned by the Surrond’s. The

the savannah only hoping to hunt wild life, not knowing history was being created. Their first ordeal was to cross the 15ft dam trench. The only large trees in the vicinity were tall bamboo trees. Four bamboos were fixed together to get over to the other side, hence the name ‘Bamboo Bridge’, which now identifies that area. Gussy, John and Jerry wade through the savannah for hours, encountering an old Dutch

(There was no rice at the time in that area.) The three pioneers were flocked by dozens of villagers who learnt that a trail linking Essequibo and Pomeroon was discovered. Celebration took place in several villages and scores of villagers trace the trail to Charity. The news spread like “wild fire”. The Colonial Governor Jredgeges Burk, having heard the news from sugar estate owners, deeded to

purchase the two coffee estates for $8,000. Surveyors then made the straight line at Better Hope, where there was an old mud dam from Chaiztllear and the new road to Charity. That episode of new road saw the rapid development of the Pomeroon district. When the Gouveia's sold their estate, they donated their main house for the administrative centre, land for school, a Catholic church, and all workers loggies for newcomers. Very quickly the police station and court house were relocated at Charity; as well

displaced indentured Indians migrated to upper Pomeroon. As the citizens of Essequibo and Pomeroon, whose ancestors and our generation are the beneficiaries of this 1908 historical event, the Basir family erected a monument at the original spot where the three pioneers made this historic discovery. We would like to invite your support and patriotism, now and in the future, to be part of the gathering every April to pay homage to these three pioneers. When the road was declared opened at Charity in 1909, the

three men were garlanded. Present were: Manson Gouveia, Stalbone Vanslyutman, Ranny Tang MS, Gaffooran Deshailos, Tacourdeen P Stolt, Sam Baharally Shoye, Lawrie P Singh, Reberio R Maharaj, FedUKst P Shgh, Garraway Benns, A1phonsos Terrils, Rodrigues Kairaatees, Durgas Brashintin (Sugar), C R Chan Dodds (Sugar), Gooby Bacchus Seymour (Sugar). (Research by Isahak Basir, CCH, former Member of Parliament. (Photos by Marco Basir) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

'Rice Fields' 1988

arjorie Letitia Broodhagen, AA, was born on 12 December 1912 in Georgetown. A devout Roman Catholic, she was educated at St. Joseph's High School and attended various art courses at Columbia University (1947-49), and in Italy (1955), Spain (1960), Mexico (1965) and Britain (1967).She also taught at St. Joseph's, Bishops' and St. Stanislaus High Schools. Broodhagen began exhibiting her work in the 1930s and her first effort

at arranging a women's exhibition was in 1967. She subsequently exhibited in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Broodhagen was also the winner of the open competitions for the mural for the Bank of Guyana entitled Natural Resources (1968-69) and the stage curtains of the University of Guyana entitled Forest Fantasy (1969-1970). The artist was a founding member and first president of the Guyana Women's Artists Association. She was also an accomplished prize-

winning artist and an experienced and excellent teacher. As an artist, her work was large and wide. In the inaugural exhibition of the revived Guyana Women Artists Association exhibition in 1988, her section alone consisted of 50 pieces. Her work reflects Amerindian subjects, domestic objects, animals, people, landscapes, flowers, seeds, fruits, local activities. This engagement with

'Seeds, Pods & Leaves' 1971

'Bottles from St. Louis' 1986

the life and things around her - while not blocking her access to wider sub-

jects and trends - makes her as a truly Guyanese artist. As a member of

the group of pioneer artists of the 1940s, she did much to establish the validity of the local life and landscape as subject matter for art. Broodhagen's approach to painting was also varied ranging from the realistic to the abstract, from variations of traditional western approaches to work which were influenced by oriental painting. She not only created paintings, but also did drawings, textiles and some ceramics. She worked in acrylics, oils, pen and ink, watercolour, crayons - all sort of media. Marjorie Broodhagen was awarded the national honour of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA). She died on 23 May in Georgetown.(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

he source of the Potaro River is in the Mount Ayanganna area of the Pakaraima Mountains in the north Rupununi savannahs. This river flows into the Essequibo River. Nine waterfalls stream along the Potaro River, most notable are Kaieteur Falls and Tumatumari Falls.

Early morning mist streaming down the Potaro past Tukiet

Inside the Potaro gorge below Waratuk Falls

The placid Potaro, just above Amatuk Falls

Stone Creek Falls, near Tukiet, on the Potaro River

The west branch of Amatuk Falls

Travel & Tourism 31

Below Kaieteur Falls lies Amatuk Falls and Waratuk Falls. Chenapau is a small Amerindian village located in forested terrain along the Potaro River south of Kaieteur Falls. Menzies Landing, a small settlement that is a 20-minute walk upriver from Kaieteur Falls, is the main staging area for upriver travel.

Upriver from the falls, the Potaro plateau stretches out to the distant escarpment of the Pakaraima Mountains. This area is rich in diamonds and gold, while the mineral potarite is named for the Potaro where it was first discovered. (Photos by Nicholas Laughlin) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

A healthy mind in a healthy body

By Anu Dev

The first wealth is health – Ralph Waldo Emerson

hile Emerson’s homily may sound clichéd, like all clichés, it contains more than just a kernel of truth. Last year, around this time that truth came home to me with a vengeance. Returning for my second semester, I’d gotten really, really sick: my blood count had fallen really low, I was running a high fever (with chills) – the whole works, really. Needless to say, that put quite a damper on things. But (another cliché) it definitely taught me a lesson. I’d already known it was important to make sure I was getting all of my vitamins and having regular checkups with the doctor and all those things – they drum that in pretty well, in school. But there’s so much distance between knowing and actually doing something. I observed many other people who, like me, just weren’t bridging the gap between knowing and doing. I realised how much we take our health for granted. We eat what we want, when we want, not caring about what the nutritional content of the food or our irregular eating times might be doing to our bodies. Or we adopt a sedentary, couch potato lifestyle. And while we take in the car every 3000 miles for the oil and filter change, we don’t make regular checkups with our doctor just to check that if the systems are OK. Until we get sick, that is. But being healthy isn’t just about being physically healthy. The WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. There might be interminable arguments by philosophers about where the mind might be located and its relationship with the body – the old mindbody conundrum. But there’s no question mental health is as important for normal-functioning as any of the other aspects of health. There’s a definition of “mental health” that I like: “A state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” Then what about social health…we are social beings, aren’t we? “No man (or woman is an island” and all that. Well that brings in our lifestyle choices. Do we want to keel over early from lung cancer? Then by all means, keep chain-smoking those cigarettes. But secondary smoking is even deadlier to those around. So just quit! Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol are all lifestyle choices that you should say no to, if you (or those around you) want to stay healthy. And as a clincher, remember alcohol and domestic violence are highly correlated. Other decisions you can make about your lifestyle are about the food you eat. Eat smarter, eat healthier. In Guyana, we’re at high risk for diseases like hypertension and diabetes. These diseases don’t have absolute cures, just ways to manage the illness. So let’s take preventative measures to prevent ourselves from getting these diseases. We really should be focusing more on prevention, rather than just treatment, shouldn’t we. Even though that might lower my earning potential when I graduate!! And there are little everyday things that persons could be a little more aware of. Things like sneezing or coughing into a tissue. Germs, remember? The importance of washing your hands is something that cannot be stressed enough. So as I’m heading into my second semester of Year 2, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ve been putting enough of my knowledge into practice to keep me healthy for the year ahead.

Jamaica’s first female public defender sworn in K I N G S T O N , J A M A I C A : Attorney-at-Law, Arlene Harrison Henry, created history last Friday, when she became the first woman in Jamaica to be appointed Public Defender. Mrs. Harrison Henry, who was sworn into office by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during a ceremony at King’s House, succeeds Earl Witter, QC, who retired last April at the age of 70. Public Law Specialist, Mr. Matondo Mukulu, acted in the post for eight months. A former head of the Jamaican Bar Association and Chairperson of the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR), Mrs. Harrison Henry is Jamaica’s third public defender. Congratulating Mrs. Harrison Henry, the Governor-General said her appointment speaks to the confidence reposed in her ability to faithfully and effectively discharge the mandate of the public defender. He also thanked Mr. Mukulu for the able way he led the office during his tenure as acting Public Defender and expressed gratitude to Mr. Witter for his eight years of dedicated service. The GovernorGeneral also praised the Public Services Commission (PSC),

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right), presents Public Defender, Arlene Harrison Henry, with the instrument of appointment, during a swearing in ceremony at King’s House last Friday.

which oversaw the selection process, noting that the members carried out their duties with transparency, impartiality and fairness. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, in her address, described the appointment of Mrs. Harrison Henry as a “historic occasion for Jamaica.” She noted that Mrs. Harrison Henry’s track record in human rights and the legal profession makes her an ideal selection for the post. Mrs. Simpson Miller said the work of the Office of the Public Defender is “democracy in action,” further noting that the very existence and active operation of such an office is the hallmark of a re-

sponsible and accountable Government. “The exercise of responsibility and accountability in Government is not a destination. It is a journey to which I am personally committed,” she said. In her response, Mrs. Harrison Henry said her immediate concern will be the West Kingston Commission of Enquiry, which resumes in less than a month. She said the hearing is the most important enquiry in Jamaica’s independent history. “A section of our people was traumatised by the loss of loved ones, by what they saw, and damaged property. As the investigator, it is the public defender’s duty to provide the evidence to uncover the truth, the

whole truth, and to secure justice for those whose rights were violated,” Mrs. Harrison Henry noted. She further thanked her deputy, Mr. Mukulu and the staff of the Office of the Public Defender, for their outstanding service. “Together we shall work as a team to build up the Office of the Public Defender, it being a premier State institution as contemplated by Parliament, and one our people deserve and can count on,” Mrs. Harrison Henry said. The Office of the Public Defender was established in 2000, to investigate and seek redress on behalf of Jamaicans, whose constitutional rights have been violated.(Jis)

Trinidad's security minister looks to ban glass bottles during Carnival celebrations

ORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Minister of National Security Gary Griffith said last Friday the ministry was looking at the banning of glass bottles since it can be used “as a weapon of choice” during Carnival celebrations scheduled for February 16 and 17. He also said there would be “heavy emphasis” with regard to security during Jouvert celebrations. He also said there would be zero tolerance for people like promoters and bar tenders who give minors alcohol and allow them to enter fetes. Griffith made these comments while giving an update on security measures for Carnival 2015 at the VIP Lounge, Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. Among those present were Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas,

Trinidad and Tobago Security Minister Gary Griffith

National Carnival Commission chairman Lorraine Pouchet, Deputy NCC chair Don Sylvester and head, Corporate Communications Candice Alcantara. The conference was followed by a tour of the Grand Stand. Zeroing on the debate over the banning of glass bottles, Griffith said: “We are looking at the concerns about glass bottles. It is unfortunate. Based on the data we have, there have been major incidents

that have taken place, and, ironically by minors who cannot consume alcohol. They can use it (glass bottles) as a weapon of choice. We need to look at it, even if it is on a basis whereby the vendors can have glass bottles and pour it in cups.” Griffith added: “It is unfortunate when people... a few... can make comments. Concerns about safety and security should be a priority factor.”

Griffith described the complement of security in Jouvert bands as “totally ridiculous”. He said: “We need to have a stringent process. If it means a situation where the band is not competitive, and there is a proper route, the best way we can assist the law enforcement agencies is in monitoring the route. We can have law enforcement personnel positioned in proper areas so as not to have bands scattered all over Port of Spain.” Griffith said the emphasis for the safety of Carnival 2015 was not solely dedicated to Monday and Tuesday. On the issue of Ebola preparedness, Griffith said: “There is a full green light for Carnival 2015. The relevant organisation will continue to address every aspect of Ebola although the risk and threat remain low. (Jamaica Observer)

34 feature

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Hemraj Maniram

uyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, but English has been the official language for less than half the time Europeans occupied the country. The Dutch language was the main medium of communication for 232 years, from the time a group of Dutchmen sailed up the Pomeroon River and settled there, to 1812 when English replaced Dutch as the language used in the Court of Policy (Parliament). To this day, hundreds of villages have retained their original Dutch names like Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen and Zeeburg. Some present-day Guyanese have names like Westmaas, Amsterdam and Meertens. No Guyanese citizen or visitor can escape visible and other reminders of our Dutch predecessors. The ruins of a brick fort can still be seen on a little island where the Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni rivers meet. The original fort was a wooden structure built around 1600 by some Dutch traders who called it Kyk-over-al or "Seeover-all" because it provided a commanding view of the three rivers. From 1627 the fort was

Dutch fort Kyk-over-Al's only surviving arch a brick structure which also served as an administrative centre. Guyanese farmers and consumers should know that it was Commander Groenewegel, along with his counterpart CornelisGoliat of Fort Nova Zeelandia in the Pomeroon River, who introduced orange, lemon and lime trees to the country from Southern Europe. They also brought in sugarcane plants and plantain suckers which the Company's sister-organization, the Dutch East India Company, had initially obtained from the East Indies. Another notable landmark which contin-

The remains of Fort Zeelandia

controlled by the Dutch West India Company, a Holland-based organization which was vested with the power to establish colonies and which monopolized Dutch trade in the New World. The Company appointed AdrianetzGroenewegel as its first Commander to administer Kyk-overal. The wooden fort was replaced in the 1630s by

ues to attract tourists to Guyana is the Dutch Fort Zeelandia on Fort Island in the Essequibo River. This brick fort, which still retains its main features, was built in 1743. The man responsible for its construction was Laurens Storm van Gravesande. As it turned out, Gravesande played a major role in Guyana's early develop-

ment. He arrived first at Fort Kyk-over-al in 1738 to serve as Secretary to the Commander, HermanusGelskerke. Together, they decided to move the capital of Essequibo downriver to Fort Island in order to have ready access to more fertile land. Gravesande was appointed Commander (Governor) of Essequibo in 1743, following the death of Gelskerke. Shortly after Fort Island became the capital, many Dutch planters relocated to the lower banks of the Essequibo River. They continued to cultivate cotton, annatto (a red dye which fetched a high price in Europe), citrus, coffee, ground provisions and sugar-cane. Gravesande encouraged planters of all nationalities to take up land under his jurisdiction with tax-free concessions and other generous benefits. Englishmen rushed in from the West Indian islands and, together with Dutch newcomers, were granted parcels of fertile land along the East Bank of the Essequibo River, the West Coast of Demerara and then along both banks of the Demerara River. It didn't take long for estates to cover the Demerara landscape. In 1750 Gravesande and his son Jonathan travelled to Holland and were received warmly by the directors of the Dutch West India Company. Jonathan was appointed the first Commander (Governor) of Demerara while the older Gravesande became Director-General of Demerara and Essequibo. Jonathan chose Borsselen Island in the Demerara River as his capital but died early, in 1761. Laurens Storm van Gravesande resigned as DirectorGeneral in 1772. He died three years later. The early Dutch planters laid the foundation for Guyana's sugar industry. They started cul-

tivating sugar-cane on a small scale around 1636 near Kyk-over-al. With the passage of time sugar became the most important and profitable crop. The sugar industry has endured to this day as one of Guyana's main foreign-currency earners. In the 1740s, when Dutch sugar planters moved their estates from Kyk-over-al to other locations towards the coastal belt, they had to spend large sums of money and organize

alongside the side-line dams to collect excess water from the estates through a network of smaller trenches. These side-line canals flowed towards the sea-dam where kokers or sluices were erected to control the outflow. Today, kokers stand like sentinels at strategic points along Guyana's low-lying coastal plain, offering round-the-clock protection to people, animals and property. The original sea-dams were later reinforced with concrete sea-walls. While the Dutch were masters at digging canals, they also built Guyana's main roads. Each planter was legally bound to build a public road in front of his plantation. Planters were also responsible for maintaining the roads. Failure to carry out road repairs could result in the forfeiture of a planter's entire estate. Did the Dutch planters create Guyana's infrastructure and early market economy by themselves? Without the labour of African slaves sugar-cane and other large-scale crops could

member that the Dutch handed down a remarkable legacy in the form of wonderful human beings who now call themselves Afro-Guyanese. More than 195 years after the Dutch surrendered to the English, one can still see groups of adventurous and enterprising Guyanese retrieving and selling never-ending quantities of Dutch bottles. The Dutch planters used to drink wine and beer freely at breakfast, lunch, dinner and late into the night. As many plantations stood on the banks of rivers, empty beer and wine bottles were simply thrown into the rivers. In other estates these bottles were discarded any which way. Dutch bottles are in great demand among tourists in Guyana, and brave youths continue to dive in the Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice, Canje and other rivers to search for these precious souvenirs. P r e s e n t - d a y Guyanese are more educated and enlightened than their nineteenthcentury forefathers. East Indians, Portuguese and

Ruins of the brick fort at Fort Island

an army of manpower on sea defence, drainage and irrigation. The Guyana coastland is six feet below high-tide level and is vulnerable to flood-water from the sea. In addition, the planters had to combat water draining down from the highlands behind their estates and were threatened with flooding every rainy season. Faced with this dual agony, the Dutch planters devised a system of water control that is used up to this day. They built a sea-dam at the front of their estates and a backdam behind the estates. To keep out water from the surrounding undrained lands they built side-line dams. They dug canals

not be planted and harvested, canals could not be dug, sea-walls and roads could not be built. The first batch of African slaves arrived at Fort Nova Zeelandia on the Pomeroon River from Angola in 1658. By the time the Dutch were finally forced to relinquish Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice in 1803, Africans accounted for the majority of the population. There were 110,000 Africans in Guyana, according to a census taken in 1817, i.e., seventeen years before the abolition of slavery and the introduction of Chinese, Portuguese and East Indians. While the system of slavery should never be condoned, it is useful to re-

Chinese never laboured for Dutch plantation owners. Despite that, among the superstitious of all races, a Dutchman jumbie (ghost) is still believed to haunt many villages. And, according to folklore, Dutch jumbies are far more terrifying than other varieties of ghosts. Some people will avoid passing near old Dutch cemeteries at midday or midnight, fearing that "Dutchman go hold" them. In life and in death, in the past and the present, those Dutch pioneers who made a whole country out of bush and swamp have left an indelible impression on us all. (Photos by Marco Basir) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

News 35

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Amerindian village named after a lizard Destabilisation… …from outside Encouraged by their foreign sponsors, the local fifth columnists are creeping out of the woodwork to get rid of the PPP/C Government. Once again. The salvo by the departing British Ambassador’s only the latest in a long anti-PPP/C war of attrition. The big question, of course, is why?? And sadly it’s not much different from 1953 when the British threw out one PPP Government and a decade later, the US came in with their CIA and did the dirty on another. The problem is the PPP/C insists on trying to do what’s best for Guyana! Think of it. Back in 1953 when “Britannia ruled the waves”, their Colonial office rushed in troops and threw out the PPP just because they dared to TALK radical!! No High Commissioner then – the GOVERNOR GENERAL could “do what he want with you”! That’s right. Guyanese had just been so magnanimously given the franchise after 400 years of slavery and indentureship and they figured they dare talk back to their betters??! Gad!! It’s a good thing their leaders weren’t horsewhipped! Ten years later, even after they told the US that Burnham was a “racist and a demagogue” and that Jagan’s socialist bark was worse than his bite, they went along with the Americans to stir up riots that ousted the PPP and installed Burnham. Hey! The British lion had lost some its teeth and after JFK promised British PM Macmillan some goodies at Birch Grove in 1963, the British were more than willing to rig the elections to oust the PPP and install the PNC – in coalition with the UF. Now lots of folks during the PPP’s 28-year sojourn in the political wilderness said that Jagan should’ve “finessed” the US and “played along” with them. Looking at the declassified files now… it’s clear that even if Jagan had been willing to offer the US his firstborn (Joey, named after Joseph Stalin), it wouldn’t have mattered a whit. And it’s rather clear right now that for whatever reason the PPP/C’s still not the party of choice for the US and their junior (VERY junior!!) partner, the Brits. Latin America’s too left?? So now we have USAID funding the International Republican Institute (IRI) – proud sponsors of regime change from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe (with all the intermediate letters taken care of – Honduras…Egypt…Libya etc, etc..) – and running around the country spreading that good, old time democratic feeling through LEAD. Time for some more feral blasts?? …from inside As usual, the destabilisers from “outside” aren’t lacking in local support. Was there ever a colony conquered without local Quislings?? It’s not a “race thing” in case you think we have a genetic defect, the Quislings were white! While there was the PNC back in the day, it has worked hard to maintain continuity in betrayal of national interests. But that’s to be expected, no?? It’s the newer, later ones we should worry about: the zeal of the convert’s always a thing to behold. Take the AFC, for instance, which boasted in 2006 of their “American Connections”. Now we know because of their “carrying news” and their Big Dick Morris poll, that was no urban myth. We can expect them to continue with their provocations a la Linden and Agricola. But expect some wild action from folks like the Blue Caps and some such. They wouldn’t want to get left off the runaway gravy train: the IRI money voted by Congress gotta be spent this year. And do you now understand why Ramon Gaskin’s now calling for storming the Bastille over by OP??

icobie is situated approximately two miles downriver of the famous Tumatumari Falls found in the Potaro River, Region Eight. It is accessible by road via the Linden-Mabura road, Bartica- Potaro road or by aircraft to Mahdia then by road. It is an approximately tenhour road trip.

Village history

In the 1800s, a family broke away from a community that was settled at Kangaruma, in the area now called Princeville, a satellite village of Campbell town in the vicinity of Mahdia. It was customary that farming and hunting grounds were the key reasons for seeking “new lands” for a more comfortable livelihood, since in that era there was hardly any form of income generating activities in comparison to present day. The persons from Kangaruma have traced their genealogy to Chenapou and Kopinang. The Micobie community is made up of predominantly Patamona, the so-called relatives of

Students welcoming visitors during the heritage village celebrations

munity, a Mr Bennett, of Arawak descent, was elected and he changed the name from Cassava Hill to New Foundout. Mr Braithwaite (also of Arawak descent) took over from. Bennett, and had a close working relationship with the Guyana Youth Corps, a paramilitary organization that was engaged in mining, agriculture and in the operations of the hydro-station which later gave way to the Guyana National

Agnes Williams and Mr Roberts, explained that the original name for the village was “Maicopik”, after a small lizard that is prevalent in the area. At a subsequent village meeting it was unanimously agreed that Cassava Hill/New Foundout eventually be given its rightful name Maicopik. The Official Gazette however, misspelled the term as “Micobie” and it has ever since been referred to as such.

The village benab

the Akawaio, and indeed there are many similarities in language, diet, marriage rites and the practice of herbal medicine. Micobie has been in existence since the 1800s when the Denham Bridge was being constructed. In fact, the workers on the bridge and some porknockers patronized the small community by purchasing their cassava bread. As a result, it was given the name ‘Cassava Hill’. In the 1960s, when captains were being elected to govern their com-

Service (GNS). The population at Micobie was very small at that time and the GNS continued to purchase ground provisions and cassava bread from the community and about three members of the village joined the GNS.

Origin of Micobie name

When Pierre Trudeau, then prime minister of Canada, visited Tumatumari, he met with the residents of lowly New Foundout and asked the origin of the name. Three of the elders, Isaac Williams,

The satellite village of Micobie is El Paso located on the right bank of the Potaro River below the Tumatumari Falls. The Aleluya religion (an indigenous religion) was also practiced here until the Anglican Church was introduced. Micobie now has an approximate population of 360 persons. There is a primary school, and students qualifying for secondary would attend the nearby Mahdia Secondary School. Due to its mineral and forest resources, Micobie attracted a

lot of private investors, but no infrastructure or skills remained after the investors moved on. The residents themselves are now engaged in small scale mining and of course their traditional farming. There is a spring, revered in the village, which provides potable water for its residents. Micobie is governed by a village Toshao (female) and six councillors. The guidelines for effective governance of the village are outlined in the Amerindian Act 2006. In 2006, after lengthy consultations and accompanied with procedural bottlenecks, Micobie was awarded its Land Title by the government for 24 square miles of land. The Toshao at that time was Majuna Edwards, daughter of one of the elders, Mr Roberts. The present Toshao, Julie Johnson, is the granddaughter of Isaac Williams. Until the late 1970s, Isaac Williams, the elder of the village, affectionately called Uncle Isaac, was one of the remaining piaimen of Region Eight, until he passed on. A piaiman is one that relies on his exclusive and indepth traditional training in “high science” to cure his patients. Micobie continues to thrive as a close-knit village and warmly welcomes visitors to explore its rich history. (Information by Ovid Williams and Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Photos by Deon Johnson)

Legend of Tumatumari Falls

he legend of the Tumatumari Falls nearby Maicopik tells of ominous prophecy. Tuma is a popular meal for Amerindians, and consists of boiled meat with some hot peppers. When a family catches its meat it is usually shared among the villagers, and for the morning meal, the host family would shout, “Tuma Tuma,” inviting the neighbours. Legend has it that sometimes in the night (think moonless nights) the Tumatumari Falls would howl an eerie sound resembling the words “Tuma Tuma”. This was usually interpreted by the villagers as a bad omen, and there have been stories of natural disasters that followed such a howl, or someone would drown in the falls or river. That is how, originally, the falls got its name “Tuma Tumari”.

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

This week's Crossword

J k es

The camper’s second opinion

Two campers are hiking in the woods when one is bitten on the rear end by a rattlesnake. “I’ll go into town for a doctor,” the other says. He runs ten miles to a small town and finds the only doctor delivering a baby. “I can’t leave,” the doctor says. “But here’s what to do. Take a knife, cut a little X where the bite is, suck out the poison and spit it on the ground.” The guy runs back to his friend, who is in agony. “What did the doctor say?” the victim cries. “He says you’re gonna die.”

The one about the fishermen and the angel

Three guys are fishing when an angel appears. The first guy says, “I’ve suffered from back pain for years. Can you help me?” The angel touches the man’s back, and he feels instant relief. The second guy points to  his thick glasses and begs for  a cure for his poor eyesight. When the angel tosses the lenses into the lake, the man gains 20/20 vision. As the angel turns to the third fellow, he instantly recoils and screams, “Don’t touch me! I’m on disability!”

Doctor, doctor

Two doctors and an HMO manager die and line up together at the Pearly Gates. One doctor steps forward and tells St. Peter, “As a pediatric surgeon, I saved hundreds of children.” St. Peter lets him enter. The next doctor says, “As a psychiatrist, I helped thousands of people live better lives.” St. Peter tells him to go ahead. The last man says, “I was an HMO manager. I got countless families cost-effective health care.” St. Peter replies, “You may enter. But,” he adds, “you can only stay for three days. After that, you can go to hell.”

This week's Puzzle

Poor word choice, doc

A doctor sent this note to a medical clinic: “Patient needs a referral for your office from me. I saw her for her ankle and would like you to run over it.”

Poor sports

Three fans were bemoaning the sorry state of their football team. “I blame the general manager,” said the first fan. “If he signed better players, we’d be a great team.” “I blame the players,” said the second fan. “If they made more of an effort, we’d score some points.” “I blame my parents,” said the third. “If I’d been born in Seattle, I’d be supporting a decent team.”

Six dumb questions real lawyers asked in court

“How many times have you committed suicide?” “Were you alone or by yourself?” “Was it you or your brother who was killed?” “Without saying anything, tell the jury what you did next.” “Was that the same nose you broke as a child?” “Now, doctor, isn’t it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn’t know about it until the next morning?”

Drumming up a reason

see solution on page 46

A man vacations on a tropical  island, and the first thing he hears  is drums. He goes to the beach  and hears the drums; he eats lunch, he hears the drums; he tries to sleep, he can’t— drums. Finally he storms over to the manager. “I’ve had it! Can’t you stop those drums?” he begs. “No!” says the manager. “It’s very bad if the drums stop.” “Why?” “When the drums stop, the bass solo begins.”

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

news 43

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

“Too much texting bad for your spine”- NY-based Guyanese doctor

The PANTY fight

atiricus was aghast!! He pulled in his breath sharply and placed his hand over his mouth. “Oh lawd!!” was all he could mutter. He was looking at the tape of Naga Man cussing out this newspaper for reporting about FUCOP and PANTY! But instead of saying it “FOOK-OP” as the Mook did to rhyme with “jook up”, Naga Man actually used the “F” word!! Now Satiricus knew that Mook Lall would NEVER use THAT word ― and HE was the one who came up with FUCOP. What gave? Satiricus knew “Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency” (FUCOP) was the vehicle Lall was using to funnel funds to the Opposition to throw out the PPP/C Government ― which he hated more than reading and writing. Satiricus was sure when Lall coined the name, his chief-cook-and-bottle-washer Badam! Harass had to write it out for him. Mook Lall forming an “acronym”? The last time Harrass had mentioned “acronym” to the Mook, he’d thought Harrass was talking about acrobats!! The Mook formed the name and Harrass formed the acronym FUCOP. But it was not only Naga Man using the “F” word so casually that made Satiricus gasp. Here it was that Naga Man was saying that the acronym his leader of the KFC Rum Jhaat had proposed for the new coalition he was forming with the Pee-an-See – PANTY! ― was “obscene”! Satiricus let out another gasp and covered his mouth. Rum Jhaat was gonna go ballistic!! After all, he had spent so much time picking out a letter from the names of all the parties in the coalition ― Partnership, Alliance, National and joined it to “Trust”. When the US had launched the KFC in 2005, Big Dick Morris had told him “Trust” was a “positive” word. That’s why so many investment banks used it in their names. And “Yes!” ― with an exclamation point? Why! Big Dick had assured him that once a voter said “Yes!” The vote was assured! And now Naga Man thought this was obscene?? Satiricus knew what Rum Jhaat was gonna tell Naga Man the first time he saw him: “Haul yuh FUCOP ass! Naga Man!!!!”

uyana-born Spinal Surgeon Kenneth K Hansraj is advising smartphone users to be careful while texting, saying that this practice leads to spinal problems such as back pain. During his study, the New York-based spinal and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hansraj said he discovered most persons sending text messages via smartphones have incorrect posture and this could lead to serious spinal disorders. “Simple texting on smartphone can exert nearly 23 kg of pressure on your spine depending on the angle at which you are texting, an alarming research has revealed,” the 53-year-old doctor noted. Dr Hansraj, who is the Chief of Spine Surgery for New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Centre, said when he released his study on November 16, 2014, everyone was shocked at what damage the simple action of texting could cause your spine. He said his study

attracted attention from almost all global news (print and television) outlets. During an interview with Guyana Times International, the spinal surgeon, who has conducted hundreds of spinal surgeries across the world, said billions of people are using cellphones, essentially with poor posture. The ardent doctor said the purpose of his study was to assess the forces incrementally experienced by the cervical spine as the head is tilted forward, into worsening posture. A model of the cervical spine was created with a finite element assessment package. The force exerted was then calculated. The pressure experienced by the spine dramatically increases when flexing the head forward at varying degrees. The doctor said an adult head weighs 10-12 pounds in the neutral position. As the head tilts forward, the force upon by the neck surges to 27 pounds at 15 degrees, 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45 degrees and

Dr Kenneth Hansraj

60 pounds at 60 degrees. At 90 degrees, the model prediction was not reliable. People use mobile devices for roughly two to four hours a day, meaning our necks stay bent for 700 to 1400 hours in a given year. “High school students are even worse as they may hit 5000 hours before they graduate,” Hansraj added. While it is nearly impossible to avoid the technologies that cause these issues, individuals should make an effort to look at their phones with a neutral spine and to avoid spending hours

each day hunched over, the spine specialist said. People should stop holding their phones by their waists and surgeons should help minimise post-surgery complications by keeping patient behaviours in mind, Hansraj concluded. He is, therefore, advising particularly the young generation to maintain correct posture while texting to avoid possible surgery in the future. Dr Hansraj was raised in Ocean View, Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara. He attended Ocean View Government School and then Queen’s College before he left Guyana at the age of 12. His parents were the late Anjanie Hansraj and Augustus Hansraj. He graduated from medical school in 1987 and began his studies in spinal surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in 1995. Anyone who wants to get in contact with him can get him on www.DrKen.us or via his Facebook account – Kenneth Hansraj.

Jamaican to head US Defense Intelligence Agency

I N G S T O N , J A M A I C A : United States Marine Corps Major General Vincent R Stewart will assume duties as the 20th director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCC-ISR) on Friday, the DIA has announced on its website. Major General

Stewart, a Jamaican who attended Kingston College and who entered the Marine Corps in 1981, will take up his new post after a 10:00 am ceremony scheduled for at DIA Headquarters, Joint Base AnacostiaBolling, Washington, DC. "The US Senate confirmed his promotion to Lieutenant General December 11, 2014, and he will receive his third star just prior to assuming duties as DIA director and JFCC-ISR command-

STEWART… entered the Marine Corps in 1981

er," the DIA news release said. Major General Stewart, the DIA added, served most recently as commander, Marine Forces Cyber Command. Prior to that assignment, he served as director of intelligence at the US Marine Corps headquarters in Washington, DC. The agency also plans, manages, and executes intelligence operations during peacetime, crisis, and war. (Jamaica Observer)

44 News

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

DLP begins week of remembrance for Barbados’ first Prime Minister

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Members of the governing Democratic Labour Party on Sunday commenced a week of remembrance for Barbados’ first Prime Minister, National Hero Errol Barrow. Speaking at a service at the Vauxhall Methodist Church on Sunday, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart told the congregation that Barrow’s entry into politics was based on a desire to move Barbados

forward. “He did not enter politics to see what he could get out of it. He got nothing out of it. He entered politics to see what he could give to it, and he gave much to it. And that is why he is so good an example for all of us who want to set very high standards for ourselves. “He did not try to capture short-term popularity. He always tried to say things that would last, things that would be a land onto people’s

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (fourth from left) poses with DLP party stalwarts who were awarded at Sunday’s church service.

feet, and a light onto their pathway,” the

Prime Minister added. Those present in-

cluded members of Cabinet and Members of

Parliament. Today)

(Barbados

News 45

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Nagga sorry he open he mouth

ome people born stupiddy, some grow up stupiddy and some just plain stupiddy fuh all dem life. And nowadays, people does quick to know when some body dumb if dem look or behave stupiddy. Fuh a good while over de last couple of weeks, de Nagga Man had turn like de poor dumb boy, which is a lil different from bein stupiddy. But in Nagga Man case, both stupiddy and dumb fit de man perfect, unlike dem suit whah he does wear. Nagga Man still dumb even in he old age and he does behave like a lil boy. Now law school mek he lil more dumb. Nagga Man don’t even have to hang a “poor-dumb-boy” notice by he neck. But Nagga Man certainly not poor wid all that money whah he collect from de NICE-LIL place in Kingston. Plus if yuh consider all de FUCOP money, then Nagga Man life set fuh life. And he is a man who don’t miss out on he duty free. Least Nagga Man coulda is help out de FUCOP man who always lookin fuh duty free. But now de FUCOP man gon end up in a pumpkin jump suit if he don’t beg hard enuff, or tek de same FUCOP money and pay de $100 million. Nagga Man jump up in Parliament and tell de whole country that he tell he grandson to shut he soand-so mouth. But these past couple of weeks, it look like some body tell Nagga to shut he so-and-so mouth. So Nagga Man wasn’t sayin nutten to no body. Some body seh was Rum Jhaat who shut up Nagga Man. Another some body seh Nagga Man couldn’ta seh any ting to any body because Rum Jhaat wanna keep every ting a secret, even de FUCOP money. So at this stage it look like both Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man gon end up with plenty FUCOP money. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But as soon as Nagga Man decide to open he mouth again, he sound more dumb and more stupiddy!

Jamaica’s Portland farm puts faith into agri-tourism K I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: The owners of a farm in Tom's Hope, Portland, are looking to cash in on the agri-tourism market through a farm tour of their 36- acre property that benefits charity. Restoration Village Farm, which is owned by Trevor and Jean Campbell, introduced its tours last September, charging Ja$1,600 for adults and Ja$1,100 for children. The tour comprises a hike through the winding hillside trails of the farm, a wading pool for hikers to cool off, and lunch. Guests are also given packages of produce cultivated on the farm. With manual labour purposefully used to complete all the planting and reaping on the farm to maintain an eco-friendly environment, the Campbells say the agri-tourism project was implemented after friends and a few visitors kept asking to be shown around the 36-acre property. "Because it's so pretty, people who came up there kept saying that we need to have tours. They would always say how

Sections of the 36-acre Restoration Village Farm at Tom’s Hope, Portland.

beautiful it is and encourage us to have guided tours," said Trevor. Restoration Village was not created for profit, but is a philanthropic venture developed by the Campbells as a source of food for the Kingston-based Operation Restoration Christian School (ORCS) and a source of jobs for the deep rural Portland community. "We are doing this from a Christian perspective. We have a company, but it is not designed to really bring profit. It is more designed to provide employment in the Tom's Hope area and to spread the word of God,"

Trevor told the Jamaican media Trevor is originally from Old Harbour, St Catherine, and was educated at St Jago before migrating to the United States, where he met and married Jean, a New Yorker. Restoration Farm sits about five miles south of Port Antonio at the foot of the John Crow Mountains. Thirty-one acres of the land belong to the Campbells; the other five acres are leased. Cash crops such as bananas, plantain, dasheen, cocoa, pineapple, yams, among others, are cultivated with the ba-

nanas, plantains, and dasheen sold to local exporters. "We also sell the cocoa to the Cocoa Board," Trevor said, adding that some produce was also sold in the local markets. The Campbells spent US$200,000 of their own funds to set up Restoration Village, but are yet to reap any returns from the venture. Its expenses are offset by their other business, Trevor said. The couple also owns Plato Consulting Inc, a Virginia-based information technology firm that specialises in developing customised application software for government agencies in the environmental business. Other plans for Restoration Village include the manufacture of chocolate bars, which will require investment in a fermenting and drying facility. "We want to make sure that the things that we are doing right now are working and we can see where we are going to break even. Then, we want to make the chocolate," he said. Eventually, the farm will also produce coconut oil. (Jamaica Gleaner)

46 feature

he Christ Church building, located in Waterloo Street in Georgetown, was erected in 1836 after several parishioners of the then just completed St George’s Cathedral were dissatisfied with the services being held at the cathedral. Appealing to the Bishop of Barbados, the group received his permission to build their own church, which was opened June 6, 1837, though it was not consecrated until Nov. 21, 1843 by Bishop Austin. Permission was sought for the building to be situated on Parade Ground, but the group obtained two land plots on Waterloo Street instead, where the building was constructed. A Mr Bryer was appointed Pastor of the church on July 22, 1837, but died about a month later from yellow fever. He is buried on the church grounds. His successor, the Rev. Wm. Fox,

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin, carried out more work on the church over the years, constructing galleries in the west, north and south as well as at the east end of the original building. A tower and an organ were also added, but then construction stalled due to insufficient funds, delaying consecration of the church until 1843. More improvements were carried out on the church when Rev. Thomas Jordan Moulder erected a chancel in 1882. A stained glass pulpit was constructed behind the pulpit in 1914 in memory of Rev. Moulder. The church also features a clock and a bell tower, while the church interior, including its walls, contains several tablets and items presented as gifts in memory of some of the more influential persons on the British colony at the time. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine) Christ Church in 1998

Georgetown harbour, looking north 1900s (Photo by J Siza)

Current building

Bird's eye view of Water Street, Georgetown 1900s (Photo by J Siza)

Nagga man looking fuh de impossible

n life yuh does meet some people who really bare face. And old people seh bare face people is people who ain’t got no shame. Dem would do tings right in fronta yuh face and yuh eye ball and still seh is not dem. Or play like if is not dem. In Guyana, once yuh mention de word bare face, some people does come to mind right away. De other day Nagga Man been to a press conference and lawda mercy that was a bare face talkin some bare lies next to some bare stupid people at a head table. Nagga Man so bare dotish that he seh he gon never answer a question whah a reporter ask he, and then he turn round and answer de same question wid a bare face all in de same sentence. So was bare b*lls at de press conference. And these days it look like Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat don’t ever deh in de same place at de same time. Dem two got two different campaign goin on. Nagga Man is a presidential candidate fuh one party and Rum Jhaat is a prime minister candidate fuh PANTY. Even Nagga Man tell somebody he never realise that a man who call he self a friend woulda set he up and leff he just so bare skin at de top. Nagga Man gon soon start to do some bare impossible tings to mek tings look at least barely possible fuh he. Right now it impossible fuh he to be a prezzie, but he tryin to sound like if it possible. And he wish it was possible fuh he to crawl back to de Pee-P-P. But he still hopin that it gon be possible to mek impossible tings look possible all over again. But it look like that is barely a possibility. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! After all, it very possible fuh Nagga Man to do any ting any time, but some tings gon just never be possible wid he! Bein prezzi is just one!

News 47

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

IMF team to visit TT next week

P Rumble in the jungle

atiricus felt sleepy. In his lap was his newspaper, turned to the page describing how Pee-an-See leader GrainJa was gonna go down to the mining town to settle things “once for all”. Strange things were happening in that junglelocked town. Like a scene out of Exorcist, doors were flung open without anyone being nearby. Even more strange, the next day, the door was ripped off and – without as much as a “lo and behold” – was miraculously replaced by a steel door. Now Lendin was a Pee-an-See “stronghold”. Meaning the Pee-an-See had taken out “transport” over the folks of the town. Like the soldiers GrainJa used to command, the Lendiners were supposed to only ask “how high?” when GrainJa barked “jump!!!” Everything was going fine until this pesky upstart named Salaman Gundy came along. Salaman started telling everybody that GrainJa was wearing no clothes!! He told people they didn’t have to even jump! “Now Salaman Gundy gon see who is boss,” thought Satiricus, idly as he drifted off to sleep, in his hammock. And suddenly there was GrainJa riding across the Demerara Bridge into the good town of Lendin. Satiricus thought he was riding an ass…but on closer inspection, GrainJa’s trusty steed turned out to be RumJhaat. “He IS an ass!!” chuckled Satiricus in his dream. GrainJa had on his old Purple Beret that Burnt Ham himself had given him. It fell below his ears now, because his head wasn’t as swollen as back in the day. That pesky Green Brigde made sure of that! He dismounted in front of a saloon that for some reason was named “Rum Shop”, and told his trusty steed RumJhaat to go inside and tell Salaman Gundy to come out and face the music. GrainJa had slitted his eyes and with his hand poised stiffly over the Dagger at his waist, waited for Salaman Gundy. “Just because he was born on a Monday – with a caul – how dare he tell everybody that I have on no clothes??” Half an hour elapsed, but no Salaman was to be seen. His slitted eyes were running water copiously and his clenched fist was getting cramps. GrainJa peered inside “Rum Shop”. There, his not-so-trusty steed RumJhaat just finishing up a “large” with Salaman!! Enraged, GrainJa stepped through the door. Only to have Salaman’s sidekick Kiss-Soon bop him over the head. She’d been lying in ambush. GrainJa had forgotten that Salaman Gundy had started out KFC!!! It was a set up with RumJhaat!

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be conducting its annual staff visit to Trinidad and Tobago from January 19-26. The IMF team will be headed by Elie Canetti, adviser, Western Hemisphere Department. This staff visit by the IMF to Trinidad and Tobago was arranged for January 2015 following discussions between IMF staff and the Trinidad and Tobago delegation to the 2014 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington DC over the period October 9-12, 2014, the Ministry of Finance said in a state-

ment on Monday. “The staff visit forms part of its regular meetings with the Ministry of Finance and the Economy and the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, which have been an annual feature since Trinidad and Tobago became a member of the IMF in 1963. On a regular basis— usually once each year— the IMF holds detailed discussions with member countries regarding economic and socioeconomic developments. These discussions also allow the institution to obtain a firsthand view of the country’s fiscal position,” the ministry said. Minister Howai ad-

vised that he will focus this year’s discussions around the impact on the national budget of the recent declines in energy prices and the measures being taken to address the shortfalls in revenue. During the staff visit the IMF will also hold discussions with representatives from Ministries, the Central Bank, Government departments and agencies and private sector organisations. Discussions will focus on the performance of key sectors of the economy and the outlook for these sectors over the next two to three years. Finance Minister Larry Howai said in the statement on Monday he

was “pleased with the timing of this visit as it offers an opportunity to obtain in-depth information from a major multilateral institution on the likely trajectory of oil and gas prices and best practices in managing the effect on the country’s overall fiscal situation”. Trinidad and Tobago has an A rating from Standard and Poor’s with a stable outlook and extensive financial buffers, including foreign exchange reserves of US$11.3 billion and a Heritage and Stabilisation Fund which currently stands at US$5.5 billion, the ministry’s statement added. (TT Express)

UN committee grills Hanna on children’s rights in Jamaica

Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna

I N G S T O N , J A M A I C A : After being grilled for three hours at Monday's opening session, Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna returns on Tuesday before the United Nation's Committee on the Rights of the Child to field another round. Hanna who leads a Jamaican delegation to Geneva, Switzerland where the meeting is being held, told the Jamaican media that many of the questions posed were skewed based on incorrect and outdated data in its possession. Speaking with the Jamaican media after being quizzed on all areas of child care, Hanna said she spent much of the session correcting the false records or putting into perspective the questions that she fielded. Hanna appeared to have taken the intense grilling in strides. She suggested that the intensified approach may have been inspired by the fact it was the first time that a senior government minister had subjected herself to being probed in such a forum at this level. She told the Committee that as minister, she was in charge of 4,370 children in Jamaica's child protec-

tion sector, 203 of whom are in custodial care; 85 in remand facilities and 118 housed in correctional centres. Hanna said this represents 5.4 children per 1,000 in child protection and 0.25 per 1,000 in custodial care respectively. There was no easing up of the barrage of queries although Hanna

pointed out in her statement that since the tabling of the 2011 report her ministry had intensified its strides. This is in advancing their (children's) rights to access education, protection against violence and ensuring that those who come in conflict with the law are given equal rights and justice consis-

tent with the provisions of the CRC. "In framing our policies, we have not only paid attention to this convention, we have also been on the ground, spoken to our children in state care, in schools and in juvenile detention and heard what they had to say about our approaches," said Hanna. (Jamaica Gleaner)

48 Hollywood

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sean Maguire, wife Jared Leto buys US$ 5 million home expecting first child J B ared Leto has splashed out US$ 5 million on a new home in Los Angeles that features a bomb shelter. The ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ star, 43, has purchased an eight-bedroom mansion in Hollywood Hills West, which used to form part of the Lookout Mountain Air Force Station, where the Pentagon’s motion picture and photograph unit processed and edited video footage and photographs of nuclear tests, missile firings and rocket launches, reported Variety online. The lavish 1940s compound sits on 1.5-acres and also swimming pool, large car park, soundstage, art galleries, a movie theatre and 12 bathrooms along with the bomb shelter.

ritish actor Sean Maguire is all set to become a father for the first time. The ‘Once Upon a Time’ star’s wife Tanya Flynn is expecting the couple’s first child. The 38-year-old actor took to Twitter to share the good news. The announcement comes nearly a month after Maguire and his police detective wife renewed their wedding vows during an intimate ceremony in Ireland. Maguire and Flynn first wed in October, 2012. (Indian Express)

Whitney Houston’s biopic on Lifetime garners top ratings

ifetime’s biopic on singer Whitney Houston, which was slammed by her family, attracted 4.5 million total viewers, becoming the network’s most-watched telecast since ‘Flowers in the Attic’. Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in February

2012, leading to an outpouring of grief from her fans around the globe. She was 48. ‘Whitney’ was directed by Angela Bassett and starred Yaya DaCosta as Houston, reported Entertainment Weekly. The movie averaged 2.1 million viewers in the adults 18-49 demographic. (Indian Express)

‘I was in awe of Elizabeth Taylor’ - Debbie Reynolds

lizabeth Taylor and Debbie Reynolds were best of friends until the ‘Cleopatra’ star had an affair with ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ star’s first husband Eddie Fisher. Looking back at the incident that caused a major scandal in Hollywood in late 50s, Reynolds, 82, says she still has fond memories of Taylor, who died in 2011. “I went to MGM when I was around 17, and Liz was there too, but she was already a star,” Reynolds, who will get a life achievement award by the Screen Actors Guild this Sunday, told People magazine in an interview. “We went to school together on the lot, when she was in between films. I was just a beginner, and she and I were not in any manner alike, but we got along very well because I was in awe of going to school with Elizabeth Taylor.

The Oscar-winning bought the property – which last sold two decades ago for US$ 750,000 – off-market in a private sale. (Indian Express)

Elizabeth Olsen, Boyd Holbrook call off engagement

‘M

a r t h a Marcy May Marlene’ star Elizabeth Olsen and her fiance Boyd Holbrook have split after three

years. Olsen, 25, and Holbrook, 33, first started dating in 2012 after they met on the set of their film ‘Very

‘I just picked the wrong guys’ - Jennifer Lopez

S And if anyone said they weren’t, then they were lying. Or blind.” The friendship did not withstand Taylor’s affair with Fisher, who was the father of Reynolds’s two children Carrie and Todd. Taylor married Fisher in 1959 but ditched him for ‘Cleopatra’ costar and longtime love Richard Burton in 1964, whom she married and divorced twice. “We were friends for years and years but we had a lapse of time when she took Eddie to live with her because she liked him, too. She liked him well enough to take him without an invitation!,” Reynolds said.

The actress now looks at the incident with humour. The two actresses bonded again and starred together in ‘The Old Broads’, written by Carrie Fisher. Reynolds believes she should have heeded the advice of Frank Sinatra, who had warned her against hitching up with Fisher. “He said, ‘Oh, don’t marry Eddie.’ He said I shouldn’t get married to a singer. We’re not faithful. It’s ridiculous for you to take this on.’ I said, ‘Why? I don’t think that I will listen to you, I really think he’s adorable.’ My mother thought he was adorable,” she said. (Indian Express)

inger-actress Jennifer Lopez, who has been divorced three times, thinks her breakups are due to the fact that she just picked the wrong guys. The ‘Booty’ hitmaker said she is a great girlfriend and wife. “I’m a great girlfriend. And wife. Just picked the wrong guys,” Lopez said on a recent episode of ‘American Idol’ where she is a judge. Lopez, 45, insisted her split from Marc Anthony was nobody’s fault. “You get to a point in your life where it’s not anybody else when things work out or don’t work out. I think that’s been a big part of my journey to finally sit back and go, ‘Hey what is it that

you think you’re doing?’,” she added. (Indian Express)

Actors who start bands make me sick: Johnny Depp

‘I can’t play gay roles’ - Kevin Hart

‘T

hink Like A Man’ star Kevin Hart will not play a gay character on screen because the actor feels he cannot do justice to the role. The 35-year-old actor, however, said he has immense respect for the gay community, reported People magazine. “I can’t. Not because I have any ill will or disrespect, but because I don’t

Good Girls’, co-starring Dakota Fanning and Demi Moore, reported Us magazine. Their broken engagement news comes after Olsen was photographed this past weekend at a farmer’s market in Studio City, California, without her engagement ring. The duo got engaged last March, less than two weeks after her big sister Mary-Kate Olsen was set to marry financier Olivier Sarkozy. (Indian Express)

think I’m really going to dive into that role 100

per cent, because of insecurities about myself trying to play that part,” he said, when asked if he will play any gay character on screen. “To the gay community, I respect and appreciate everything you do,” he said. “As people, I love you.” When asked whether he’d play any other gay roles, Hart said no. “I can’t,” Hart said. (Indian Express)

uperstar Johhny Depp finds the idea about actors venturing into music very sickening. Depp will be seen as a guitarist in the upcoming film ‘Mortdecai’,

where he plays both live and in the studio, reported Rolling Stones. While the 51-year-old actor said he was grateful for those opportunities, and that he would continue to play, he

wouldn’t be forming The Johnny Depp Band anytime soon. “That whole idea for me is a sickening thing, it’s always just made me sick,” he said. “The luxury now is, anybody with a certain amount of success, if you have a musical being, you can go out and start a band and capitalise on your work in other areas. But I hate the idea, ‘Come see me play the guitar because you’ve seen me in 12 movies.’ It shouldn’t be (that way). You want the people who are listening to the music to only be interested in the music,” Depp added. (Indian Express)

bollywood 49

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mallika Sherawat confident of Soha Ali Khan: I have image change with ‘Dirty Politics’ decided on my wedding look

ctress Mallika Sherawat believes that after watching her work in upcoming film ‘Dirty Politics‘, filmmakers will start offering her performance-oriented roles.

“This happens only few times in a career of an actor…when they are offered roles which are glamorous as well as performance-oriented. ‘Dirty Politics’ is a mixture of both,” Mallika said at the film’s music launch on Tuesday. She has high hopes for the movie, which is directed by K.C. Bokadia. “I’m really hoping that after this movie, my fans like it, critics like it, serious directors take a note of it and then offer me performance-oriented parts and not only glamour-oriented parts,” the ‘Maiyya maiyya’ girl added. ‘Dirty Politics’ also features Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Ashutosh Rana and Rajpal Yadav. The film will hit the screens Feb 13. (Indian Express)

hah Rukh Khan, who joined the micro blogging site Twitter in January 2010, now has a whopping 11 million followers on the social media platform. Shah Rukh Khan, being the shy person that he is, wasn’t too keen initially to join the social media, but his good friend and filmmaker Karan Johar convinced him to share his life with his fans. SRK’s first tweet came on January 2, 2010 which said, “Being extremely shy, I never thought I would be here (on Twitter). But my friend Karan Johar insisted that I should learn to share my life.” The superstar now has almost 8136 tweets and follows 75 people. SRK’s fans are, as expected, jubilant and celebrating as a strong unit

ctress Soha Ali Khan says her upcoming wedding to actor fiance Kunal Khemu will be a simple and intimate wedding at home. The low-key wedding on January 25 will be a departure from the grand celebration that happened during Soha’s brother Saif Ali Khan’s wedding to actress Kareena Kapoor two years back. The 36-yearold actress said she is yet to decide on her wedding dress. “There are just few

days left for my wedding. I am very grateful that I have my mother, my sister and friends, who are telling me what I should wear. I am thoroughly confused about which colour I should wear.” “But I have finally decided on my look. It’s a simple wedding at home. But I think it should be memorable and special. And I will be dressed for the occasion,” Soha Ali Khan said. When asked why she is not donning her family’s traditional dress,

which was worn by Kareena at her wedding, Soha said, “That was the tradition in our family. The gharara belong to my Badi Ammi (my father’s mother) and it was passed down to her daughter-in-law (my mother) and then it was given to my sister-in-law in law Kareena.” Soha Ali Khan got engaged to Kunal, 31, in Paris last year. The couple have worked together in 2009 film ’99’. Soha’s mother Sharmila said she will miss her husband on the wedding day of her daughter. “I am very very happy and we are celebrating. What will happen on the wedding day I can’t tell right now. I think I will be emotional on the day of the wedding. We will miss Tiger,” she said. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as Tiger Pataudi, died on September 22, 2011. (Indian Express)

There’s nothing wrong between us: Sonam Kapoor on her relations with Deepika Padukone

by trending 11 Million SRKians on Twitter’ nationwide. The hashtag has now been trending for more than 12 hrs. Other Bollywood stars who have a mighty presence on the mi-

cro blogging site are Amitabh Bachchan, who was named the Social Media Person of the Year, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone. (Indian Express)

Priya Banerjee to make her Bollywood debut with Sanjay Gupta’s ‘Jazbaa’

fter a successful script reading session, ‘Jazbaa’ gets a new addition in the cast. Being Sanjay Gupta’s ambitious venture, this upcoming thriller will now have South actress Priya Banerjee debuting in Bollywood with this film. From what we hear, Priya who has previously acted in a handful of Tamil and Telugu films, got this opportunity, courtesy Twitter. Apparently, the micro blogging portal paved way for Priya to work in this industry. “Sanjay sir was still in the process of zeroing in on a girl for an integral part of the film. The film’s casting director was yet to cast someone, when one day, someone tagged sir on twitter, with a video featuring Priya. Since sir had some free time on hand, he without any inkling of the video’s content or intention to cast her – saw it and was immediately hooked,” says an insider. According to the insider, Priya, who’s born and brought up in Canada, fit the role perfectly. “Actually someone has tagged me in a video that had one of Priya’s Tamil films and a short film. I watched it and thought she looked superb. Then, I asked my casting director to find the girl. Later, when we found

out that she hasn’t signed any other Hindi film, we auditioned her, and she was impressive there. She is a fine actor and plays an important role in the film”, says Gupta. The details of her role are still under wraps. Jazbaa is a comeback film of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who along with Irrfan Khan and Shabana Azmi plays the lead in the film. Also, the film stars Siddhanth Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Atul Kulkarni, Chandan Roy Sanyal in prominent roles with John Abraham doing a cameo. The film was said to go on floor this month but has been postponed due to Irrfan Khan’s surgery. (Indian Express)

edia was recently abuzz with reports that Deepika Padukone gave her contemporary Sonam Kapoor a royal snub at an award function and refused to sit with her. But Sonam Kapoor denied this and claimed that she didn’t even know that Deepika was at the same award function. According to a report published in Times Of India, the ‘Dolly Ki Doli’ actress had said in one of her interviews during the promotional duties of her soon-to-be-released movie, that she would never publicise her plans to do social service. This comment came after Deepika Padukone opened up about her depression in early 2014 and support to Mental

Health Organization. The comment, certainly, was construed to be directed at Deepika, at whom Sonam had made apparent jibes at Karan Johar’s talk show ‘Koffee With Karan’ calling her ‘good girl gone bad’. To this action, came Deepika’s reaction of the snub. But Sonam Kapoor doesn’t hold any opinion about this, as she insists that she only said that while charity

needs a public platform, it should not be used for personal gain. “I don’t even know what causes Deepika supports. I respect her, she’s always gracious,” she points out. So, is all well between the two actresses? “Seriously, there’s nothing wrong between us, it’s the media which lacks news. Any kind of negativity makes for good copy,” Sonam signs off. (Indian Express)

ollywood beauty Katrina Kaif is no amateur when it comes to mesmerizing the camera lens. However, the actress’ recent shoot for a soap brand was slightly more special. Katrina Kaif posed for visually-impaired photographer Bhavesh Patel who has done an astounding job, shooting several beautiful pictures of the ravishing diva. In a touching video of the shoot, Bhavesh who has been blind since his birth explains that for him beauty is not just in the looks, but from the whole being of the woman. He also goes on to say that when a woman feels beautiful, you can see it. The video shows Katrina Kaif looking especially pleased with the pictures

that Bhavesh has taken of her. He was given the opportunity to photograph the ‘Bang Bang’ star in 2014. (Indian Express)

50 sport

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jeffrey, Yaw, George, Fernandes top picks to win awards - National Ruggers expected to be named Team of the Year By Treiston Joseph

t is that time of the year where Guyana’s top sportsmen and women are recognised for their hard work in the past year. Taking into account the various outstanding performances already etched in the minds of sport fanatics, the organisers of the National Sports Commission (NSC) will have both a tough and easy time picking the national awardees. While nominations are yet to be announced, Guyana Times International Sport will try to predict the leading candidates for Guyana’s top awards. Starting with the Team of the Year, there is basically only one choice for this award and that is the National Ruggers who had one of the most successfully years in local rugby to date. The Ruggers won both the NACRA 15’s and seven’s titles in 2014 and have put them themselves in a position to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. No team during 2014 can boast of the level

Kristian Jeffrey

of success the Ruggers achieved during the calendar year. Another easy award to decide will be the junior sportsman-of-theyear award and this award, in my estimation, will go to 400 metres track athlete Jason Yaw. While Shemar Britton is a viable candidate for this award, Yaw’s accomplishments in 2014 have put Guyana on the map in South American athletics circles. Yaw started his 2014 season slowly with a fourth-place finish at the Carifta games; however, the quarter-miler bounced back with a Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) bronze medal a few months after. The 6’3” dynamo then won the B fi-

Cassey George

nal at the World Youth Championship while registering the fifth fastest time over the 400 metres despite running in the B final. The final chapter of Yaw’s 2014 year ended in historic fashion when

Jason Yaw

the top talent broke the South American Youth Championships 400 metres record during his gold medal run. Yaw as Junior Sportsman of the Year is as easy as 1, 2, 3. However, the Junior

Nicolette Fernandes

award after becoming only the second female in Guyana’s history to win two gold medals at the same Carifta Games. George won both the 1500 and 3000 metres at the Caribbean’s top junior athletics event.

The Sportswoman-ofthe-year Award is quite difficult to judge as there were hardly any top performances from females in 2014. However, top squash player Nicolette Fernandes receiving her world-best ranking of 19 should be enough to seal the deal as Guyana’s Sportswoman of the Year. On the men’s side of things, only two candidates should exist for this award and those two men are Cleveland Forde and motor racing breakout rookie Kristian Jeffrey. While Forde’s ex-

The national rugby team

Sportswoman of the Year will be a tough choice for the organisers of the sports awards, since there are three top candidates for this award. There is table tennis dynamo Chelsea Edghill, US-based 400 metres runner Kadecia Baird and Linden’s distance queen Cassey George. While the former two did Guyana proud during 2014, George should run away with the

Added to that, George has practically been undefeated on local soil when competing against her peers and even with some of her senior counterparts. George, at the CAC junior event, struggled with the high altitude and her breathing which resulted in her taking oxygen after the girl’s 1500 metres in which she finished sixth. However, George was the only Caribbean athlete to finish the race.

ploits over various 10k’s and South American races are evident, Jeffrey who made his debut in motor racing bagged the overall Caribbean title which should be enough to walk away with the top honour at the award ceremony. It will definitely be interesting to see the NSC’s picks for some of Guyana’s top sport awards when the event is held on a date yet to be decided.

GCB elections saga…

Sport Minister awaiting WICB’s response on date

uyana’s Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony is awaiting a response from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) with regards the setting of a date for the elections of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). The minister made the revelation during an interview with this publication on Wednesday evening, even as the GCB is forging ahead with its planned elections on Sunday. “We have to go with the law, and what the Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Injured “Six Heads” out for six weeks – Atwell to now fight Mullings By Avenash Ramzan

uyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell has been slotted in as a replacement for fellow countryman Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis to face Jamaican Sakima Mullings on the “Caribbean Collision” boxing card next month. Information reaching this publication revealed that Lewis suffered a hairline fracture to the right shoulder while sparring in preparation for the fight. The Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) Matchmaker, Eion Jardine, said he is extremely disappointed with this new development, especially given the hype that surrounds the fight. Rumours have surfaced that Lewis had sparred at the weekend with “two white boys”, who are visiting Guyana

and it was during that session that he picked up the injury. It is understood that these persons are estimated to be at the middleweight equivalent in boxing compared to Lewis, who is a welterweight. However, Blake, in an invited comment on Monday, debunked those claims, pointing out that Lewis had been complaining about the shoulder pain for about a week now, and upon a medical check it was revealed that the boxer had sustained a hairline fracture to the right shoulder. “This is a big blow for “Six Heads” because he was really training hard for this fight. He would be up as early as four o’clock in the morning running and getting himself in shape and he was always on time for training and so on…he

was very committed to having this fight happen and it’s just disappointing for him and for boxing that he’s now injured,” Blake said. Blake added that the injury would have been picked up during sparring, but denied that Lewis sparring partners were visitors to the gym, but actual boxers who train at the facility. Meanwhile, Lewis said the injury has come as a “big disappointment” for him, noting that he indeed picked up the injury during sparring, adding that he first felt the pain “about 10 days ago.” He also did not confirm nor deny having sparring sessions with the “white boys.” Lewis, 44, is set to be out of action for the next six weeks, as recommended by the Boxing Board’s doctor, Max Hanoman. Lewis and Mullings, 32, were slated to fight for

Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis

Mullings’ WBC CABOFE Welterweight belt on February 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. However, Lewis’ injury has now forced the Boxing Board to find a replacement, which they have in the form of

Atwell. According to Jardine, Atwell has agreed to the terms and conditions of the fight and the two will now vie for the vacant CABOFE Junior Welterweight belt. Dubbed “Caribbean

Collision”, the card will feature five fights, starting with a clash between debutants Travis Fraser of Guyana and Charwin Estwick of Barbados in a Junior Middleweight sixrounder. This will be followed by a six-round Catchweight contest between the Guyanese pair Dexter Marques and Quincy Gomes, and 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. The other fight is a female showdown between Lorissa Rivas of the United States against Guyanese veteran Sharon Warde. The action will start at 20:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is Gy$3,000 (Ringside) and Gy$1500 (Stands).

Deonarine joins squad Fudadin hoping for PCL return in South Africa By Avenash Ramzan

Narsingh Deonarine and West Indies Assistant Coach Stuart Williams during training By Rajiv Bisnauth

est Indian middle-order batsman Narsingh Deonarine has arrived in South Africa, joining the rest of the Windies squad for the current One-Day International (ODI) series. This was confirmed to Guyana Times International Sport on Tuesday evening by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Corporate Communication Officer Phillip Spooner. “Narsingh is in South Africa with the team and is enjoying his training and participating in all team activities,” Spooner indicated via email. The Guyanese lefthanded batsman had replaced his injured countryman Assad Fudadin in the West Indies Test squad, but a United Kingdom in-transit visa issue had delayed the 31-year-old joining the squad. West Indies lost

that series 2-0. Further, Deonarine missed the first two ODIs. However, he will be available for the final three games. The third will be played today (Wednesday), while the final two games are scheduled for January 25 and 28. However, it is still unclear if Deonarine has been granted the UK intransit visa or he travelled through the US, since he is a Green Card holder. Deonarine had submitted his relevant documents to the British High Commission Office of Immigration in Georgetown on December 22 to be processed. He was told then that his passport should have been returned to him in 15 working days. This publication understands that more stringent procedures for screening persons for a UK in-transit visa were put in place since the

2012 Olympic Games in London. “Persons from Guyana … have a different process to go through to get their UK in-transit visa to travel to England; there is a new process and each application has to go through a more stringent process of screening,” a WICB spokesman had told Guyana Times International Sport on January 9. Asked why Deonarine’s application was taking longer to be processed, the WICB official said he was not in a position to give any details then. Fudadin, also a lefthander, fractured a finger during warm-ups on the opening day of the first Test at Centurion. He was forced to undergo surgery that same day. Ironically, Fudadin was a replacement for Darren Bravo, who pulled out of the tour for personal reasons.

est Indies middle-order batsman Assad Fudadin is aiming for a return to the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day Tournament, following the significant progress he has made in recovering from a finger injury. The 29-year-old lefthander was ruled out of the West Indies Test series against South Africa late last year after he fractured the little finger on his right hand ahead of the opening match in Centurion. Fudadin had been called up as a replacement for Trinidad and Tobago’s Darren Bravo, who had pulled out of the series for “personal reasons”. Fudadin was subsequently replaced by compatriot Narsingh Deonarine, who is yet to arrive in South Africa owing to visa issues. In an interview with this media outfit on Tuesday, Fudadin said he was recuperating well and was confident of being back in action soon. He pointed out that his therapy would start this week and it was up to the doctor to give him clearance to restart training. “I’m feeling very good at the moment; the recovery is coming along fine. Because of the nature of the injury I could not do any cricket training, but I have been doing some running and cardiovascular work,

Assad Fudadin picks the off-side field during one of his Test knocks

since I returned from South Africa,” Fudadin related. The injury meant Fudadin, who played the last of his three Test matches in August 2012 against New Zealand in Jamaica, could not add to his tally, a major disappointment for the former West Indies youth player. This latest setback means the Berbician will now have to work his way back up the ladder, and he is hoping to start that process when the PCL Four-day tourney resumes early next month. Prior to the break to accommodate the Christmas holidays and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament, Fudadin played two of Guyana Jaguars’ four games, but had dismal returns,

amassing just 59 runs from three innings, with a top score of 34. However, prior to that he had shown some form for the West Indies A team in Sri Lanka, scoring a century in Moratuwa in October last. He had also scored an 89 for the Sagicor High Performance Centre team against the visiting Bangladesh A team in a First-Class game before that. Meanwhile, when the PCL Four-Day Tournament resumes, Guyana Jaguars will play hosts Jamaica from February 6 to 9, followed by a clash with Leeward Islands Hurricanes a week later in Basseterre. After four games, the Guyana Jaguars are leading the table with 57 points, seven ahead of Jamaica.

52 sport

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Golden Jaguars begin encampment W

ith a view to getting in condition for the highly-anticipated friendly clash with hosts Barbados on February 1, the Golden Jaguars, Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, will today (Thursday) commence a one-week encampment under the guidance of the Technical Team. This publication understands that the players will assemble at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, as they work on key aspects of their game ahead of the Jaguars’ first match since November 2012. The players will be led through their training by Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, who is on his third stint with the national team; Assistant Coach Wayne “Wiggy” Dover and new-

Flashback! The Golden Jaguars won the hearts of Guyanese during the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers. They embark on a similar journey for the 2018 World Cup, starting with a friendly contest against Barbados on February 1 ahead of the Qualifiers set to start in June

ly appointed Technical Director, Claude Bolton. The three overseas-based players: Christopher Nurse, fellow centre back Jamaal Smith, and Emery Welshman, whose par-

ents are Guyanese, are expected to arrive in Guyana today and Friday to link up with the local players who have been named as part of the preliminary squad.

The game is the Golden Jaguars’ first on a path to upward mobility in the FIFA rankings after they would have dropped from an all-time high of 86 in November 2010 to their current po-

sition of 167. The preliminary squad reads: Christopher Nurse, Jamaal Smith, Emery Welshman, O’Neil Carter, Oswald Cornett, Omallo Williams, Travis

Henry, Solomon Austin, Kris Camacho, Quincy Madramootoo, Trevon Lithcott, Dwain Jacobs, Amos Ramsey, Daniel Wilson, Keron Solomon, Sheldon Holder, Clive DeNobrega, Colin Nelson, Dwight Peters, Tishard Joseph, Dwayne Lawrence, Domini Garnett, Travis Hillman, Rawle Gittins, Denver Dennis, Calvin Sheppard, Joshua Brown, Eusi Phillips and Vurlon Mills. Members of the Technical Team include Trevor Burnett (Manager – Equipment); Faizal Khan (Manager – Commercial and Administrative); Mark Xavier (Manager – Operations); Anson Ambrose (Trainer); Andrew Hazel (Goalkeeping Coach); and Debita Harriprashad (Physiotherapist).

“Road to Mecca II” set for first week in February

he Road to Mecca II National Club Championships is confirmed for the first week in February. The confirmation came via email from Vice President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Michael Singh. Teams are asked to

register as early as possible since 16 teams will be the maximum number allowed by the GABF for the national championship which was highly successful last year. According to the press release from Singh, the GABF is currently finalising details for the organising of the tour-

nament, which will also be used to shortlist the Guyana National Men’s Basketball Team for national duty in March 2015. The Dyna’s Ravens are the defending champions of the tournament and will hope to repeat as champions of the tournament.

Flashback! Ravens celebrate after winning the first edition of the Road to Mecca National Club Championships last year

Sport Minister awaiting...

from page 50

law is saying is that for the first election under the new act, the Minister will have to name the date. But before the Minister names the date, he has to consult with the West Indies Cricket Board,” Dr Anthony said. He added, “I have written the WICB and I have proposed a date for the elections and I have given them 21 days in which to reply and then set a date.” Dr Anthony confirmed that the letter was dispatched to the WICB this week, and should the Dave Cameron-led body not respond within the stipulated timeframe, he will go ahead and set a date for elections. This would mean that the GCB planned elections would be null and void, as outlined by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, in an interview with this publi-

cation last week. “The elections would be illegal, unlawful, null and void and of no effect,” Nandlall said. Despite this, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie was quoted in another section of the press earlier this week as saying that the GCB will go ahead with the elections. The Berbice Cricket Board, which had its AGM earlier this month when Anil Beharry was elected president, has since pulled out, citing Nandlall’s utterances and the fact that only Dr Anthony can call elections. The Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) had its election a fortnight ago, but that was riddled with controversy, as challenger Prince Holder deemed his battle against the incumbent Fizul Bacchus just a “formality” as the process was fixed in such a

way to have Bacchus reinstated. The ECB has since indicated its willingness to attend and vote on Sunday. It is unclear whether the county Demerara, which has two factions led by Bissoondyal Singh and Raj Singh, will participate at the elections. Meanwhile, Dr Anthony stated that the period of time given to the WICB to respond to his letter will allow the newly appointed Cricket Ombudsman, Dr Winston McGowan, to iron out whatever problems exist at the county boards to ensure a smooth electoral process at the GCB level. And in keeping with the act, the Minister said he had also written to the WICB with regards the appointment of a Cricket Ombudsman, but the governing body for the sport in the Caribbean did not respond.

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WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hooper is Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Head Coach By Avenash Ramzan

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Former West Indies all-rounder and Captain Carl Llewellyn Hooper has been appointed Head Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise for the 2015 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Amazon Warriors lost at the final hurdle on both occasions, to Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and Barbados Tridents last year. Appearing on TVG’s Sports Beat programme on Friday, Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, Omar Khan, made the announcement, noting that it was in keeping with the franchise’s desire to derive the best possible group of technical staff and players to ensure success. “In evaluating the overall performance of the team, not only the players but in terms of the support staff and the management team, there is a time when as a business you need to make decisions in

terms of trying things differently and make changes to see if things would work out differently,” he said. Hooper, a former West Indies Captain, brings to the post a wealth of experience playing at the international level and for Guyana and English county sides Kent and Lancashire. Since his retirement in 2003, Hooper has ventured into coaching, completing stints with the West Indies Cricket Board’s Sagicor High Performance Centre and Australia state side Queensland. He was also the Assistant Coach of the Antigua Hawksbills in the CPL last year. Quizzed on what he expected the 48-year-old Hooper to bring to the position, Khan pointed out that it would be much more than tutoring the players on the technical aspects of the game. “People’s management skills is a key aspect in terms of motivating, especially the players we have today; you

When in full stride, Carl Hooper was Mr Graceful

know those who need guidance, who need a lot of motivation and a lot of direction in terms of being focused on the task ahead.

“Sometimes, you need to communicate differently; you need to be able to do things differently in terms of getting through to the players so that everyone is on the same page in going about achieving the objectives and goals,” Khan related. The Amazon Warriors were able to reach the final both years, but stumbled when it mattered most, being forced to settle for the runner-up spot. “The Amazon Warriors have done a tremendous job over the last two years; the players really brought everything together in terms of the way they played. “But at the end of the day, we just need to evaluate where we’re going,” Khan commented. He continued, “As I said, we’ve reached two finals and we’ve not been able to win those finals and win the tournament. “Having said that, we have been a fantastic team, we’ve done a great job to play in two finals, but at certain times you need to make decisions and

move on and it’s just in that aspect of it that we’re moving on – looking to do things differently and hopefully, we would get the result we want to achieve,” explained Khan Hooper’s first task will entail him being part of the selection panel for the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Players’ Draft due to take place shortly. In brief remarks, Hooper said, “I am extremely delighted to be appointed as Head Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Team and to be part of the CPL 2015. “I do look forward to working with the immensely talented and exciting group of cricketers that are involved with this team. I also want to assist with the overall development of the young Guyana cricketers who will be part of the squad for CPL 2015. It will be remiss of me if I didn’t express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, Franchise Owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, for providing me with this opportunity.” (Guyana Times)

Muschett, Manchester make winning start in Jamaica basketball tourney

Damaine Thorpe of Muschett High (right) gets away from STETHS' Commar Parchment in Friday's ISSA National Under-19 basketball play-off game at the Montego Bay Cricket Club. Muschett won the game 53-43.

ONTEGO BAY, ST JAMES: ISSA Western Conference Under-19 basketball runnersup Muschett High and

Central Under-16 champions Manchester High were winners on Friday as the national play-offs got underway. Muschett High came

from behind to beat Central champions St Elizabeth Technical 5343, while Manchester High cruised to a 6130 win over Cornwall College at the Montego Bay Cricket Club. In the Under-19 game, STETHS who were led by a game-high 25 points from Alex Levy, led 14-9 and 26-21 after the first two quarters. However, the Muschett team hit back in the third quarter, holding them to just five points to lead by one point (32-31) at the end of the third quarter before outscoring them 21-12 in the final frame. Point guard Damaine Thorpe was the top scorer for Muschett with 14 points, while Lamon

Thompson scored 11 points and had six rebounds. There was no such come back for Cornwall College in the Under-16 game as Manchester High led 12-5 after the first quarter and kept increasing their margin

with each period. The lead was 25-14 at the half-time break and 45-22 going into the fourth quarter. Anjeneil Campbell scored 20 points and had 17 rebounds for Manchester High, Rajae Graham scored nine

points and had 10 rebounds, while Javon Clarke and Onye Brown both scored eight points. Jahva Wilson was the top scorer for Cornwall College while Alwayde Thompson scored seven points. (Jamaica Observer)

WEEK ENDING January 25, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com