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Straker talks training in USA

Jevina Straker

Page 52

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 207

week ending September 7, 2014

Financing cleared for massive gold mine in Guyana See story on page 3

GRA to remigrants: Fraud will not be condoned Page 5

Guyanese turned out in their numbers on Monday to take part in the annual West Indian Day Parade in New York

(See other photos on page 22)

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

WWF lauds Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to Protected Areas Page 13 Trust Fund

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS TT police body shocked over resignation of PCA Director

ort-of-Spain, TT: The sudden resignation of Gillian Lucky as director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has “crea¬ted a void” and left members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) in a state of bewilderment. So said association secretary Insp Michael Seales, during a telephone interview on Wednesday. Seales said Lucky’s resignation came at a time when the Police Service was already feeling a sense of loss with the recent resignation of Prof Ramesh Deosaran as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). Seales said the TTPSSWA was looking forward to further working alongside Lucky and Deosaran in “streamlining and professionalising the Police Service”, but with the resig¬nations, Seales said it has left members of the Police Service without two great minds, who worked assiduously in bettering the service. Despite reports Lucky tendered her resignation as she is to be appointed a High Court judge, Seales said the TTPSSWA was

Gillian Lucky

still questioning the reason behind the sudden and unexpected move. “There are reports on why she may have resigned, but we need to know, without doubt, the reason behind the sudden resignation. Our concern is whether it was a level of pressure on her. We have heard the reasons behind the resignation of Mr Deosaran; he gave reasons for his resignation and we were able to agree with those reasons, but we are curious as to why Ms Lucky resigned,” said Seales. But whatever the reason behind her resignation, Seales said the Police Service is left with a void that will be difficult to fill. (Trinidad Express)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Financing cleared for massive gold mine in Guyana

he International F i n a n c e Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has completed a US$185 million financing package for the construction and development of Guyana Goldfield’s Aurora gold mine, located 170 kilometers west of Georgetown. The project is expected to become one of the largest contributors to Guyana’s tax base and generate up to 900 jobs during peak construction. Since becoming a shareholder in the company in 2006, IFC has helped Guyana Goldfields establish an integrated environmental, health, safety, and social management system in line with international best practices. “IFC has been a strong partner to Guyana Goldfields for the last eight years. Their financing and global experience on environmental and social management has been invaluable as our project has evolved. This financing package demonstrates their strong commitment to the project’s sustainable development and to Guyana,” said Scott A. Caldwell,

Flashback: Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and workers during a tour of the Aurora Gold Mines Plant last April

President & CEO of Guyana Goldfields. Through its early equity programme, IFC supports early stage exploration mining projects, such as the Aurora mine, that have the potential to bring significant positive economic impacts to local communities and the wider population in developing countries. “Guyana Goldfields will be one of the first project financings in Guyana, setting a precedent and positive example for investors across sectors,” said Jean Philippe Prosper, IFC Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean and Sub-

Saharan Africa. “We are excited to demonstrate that with strong partners and the patience of long-term investors we can help bring tangible benefits to the Guyanese people.” The Government of Guyana is actively promoting the development of commercial mining projects, such as Aurora, that follow international standards for safety and environmental and social management. IFC is currently working with the company and its contractors on a strategy to continue to enhance its sourcing of supplies and services from local companies.

About Guyana Goldfields Inc.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. is a Canadian based company, focused on the exploration and development of gold deposits in Guyana, South America. GGI is focused on the construction and development of the Aurora Gold Project scheduled for commercial production in mid-2015. The Aurora Gold Project has a total gold resource of 6.54 million ounces in the measured and indicated categories (62.83 million tonnes at 3.24 g/t Au) as well as an additional 1.82 million ounces in the inferred category (16.93 million tonnes at 3.34 g/t Au).

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | 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

Food processing

he Guyana Government has given an indication that the local food processing industry will see massive development within the next seven years or so. This is indeed welcoming news, considering the fact that at the moment very little is being done, even by the private sector to capitalise on the numerous opportunities currently available to export processed foods, which are in demand by various markets in the Caribbean and beyond. It is well known that Guyana is in an extremely good position in terms of its agricultural potential, meaning availability of land and labour, to take advantage of the extremely high food import bill of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). Presently, Caricom is home to approximately 16 million inhabitants in its 15 member states and has an annual food import bill of more than US$4 billion which is equivalent to G$800 billion. We believe that the local private sector, acting with the support of Government can do much more to advance the food processing industry. There is huge potential in the export market for processed foods. With the advancement of the industry, Guyana would be able to produce and export canned foods, such as sausages, corned beef, corn and a host of other food items used daily by consumers across the Region. Also, this means that supermarkets and other distributers in Guyana would no longer have to import these items since this country would have had the capacity to satisfy local consumption needs. Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy touching on the issue recently had said that the various interventions planned by the Government to transform the food processing industry would be done in conjunction with several other projects aimed at seeing a radical decline in Guyana’s overall food import bill and at the same time taking advantage of the huge Caricom food import bill. The Minister at the time had indicated that Government was hoping to establish a large-scale dairy industry, with at least one dairy plant being operationalised by 2020, which would not only reduce milk importation but also produce a host of other by-products. Other targets include a 50 per cent reduction in the importation of commodities such as carrots, commercial production of potatoes, and a 50 per cent increase in agro-process production. These are all achievable targets. However, while the Government through the Agriculture Ministry is leading the way by providing the necessary technical support etc, the private sector also has an important role to play in terms of forging partnerships and making the necessary investments in ensuring the food processing industry achieves its full potential. That said, Guyana must be commended for placing great emphasis on its agriculture sector and more particular in ensuring the country is food secure. This emphasis has been expanded within the last decade or so to cope with the ever increasing threat of global warming and changing weather patterns. Most of us would recall that these two natural phenomena have caused shockwaves to resonate in countries around the world. In the 2008 global food crisis, we saw shortages of commodities, with concomitant high prices being filtered down to Third World countries, especially those in the Caribbean. By the mid-2008, international food prices had skyrocketed to their highest levels in 30 years. This, coupled with the global economic downturn, had pushed millions of people into poverty and deprivation. While the Government moved quickly to put measures in place to cushion the effects of the shortages of commodities and their attendant high prices, most other countries in the Region had to weather its full impact which severely had a negative effect on their economies. Now that we are on well on our way to becoming foodsecure, the time has come for concrete action to be taken by all stakeholders to ensure that this country’s food processing sector is developed and placed in a position where it could realise its maximum potential.

Major excavation works are taking place at the Guyana Goldfields operations at Aurora

Guyana’s education sector on the rise

mid overall poor results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and the National Grade Six Assessment, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand says in a message to mark the commencement of Education Month in Guyana, the sector is on the rise from the decrepit state it was in years ago. Below is the full text of the minister’s message: “A quality education has the power to transform societies in a single generation, provide children with the protection they need from the hazards of poverty, labour exploitation and disease, and give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential.” – Audrey Hepburn Once again it is that time of year when we as proud Guyanese stop to reflect and celebrate our many achievements as a nation in the area of education. This September, we celebrate Education Month 2014 under the theme “Literate by Grade Four Through Consistent Home, School and Community Involvement”. And this year, we begin to observe this special month on the very day schools reopen across the country. We begin another promising and exciting year of teaching and learning and progressive growth in an education system that has shown remarkable improvements over the last two decades. Our education system today has arisen from a deficient and decrepit state where it teetered along the brink of destruction, with very meagre investments being made in it, and with pass rates of approximately twenty-two percent. The promising structure it has become as a result of unmatched investment being

made by government results in pass rates of sixty percent. Education Month 2014 comes at a time when, amidst all that it has done and continues to do for education, the government is on the brink of a noconfidence vote by the political opposition. Notwithstanding the Gy$38B allocated to the education sector in Budget 2014 being the most money ever invested by a government in education in the history of Guyana, the politics of the opposition is trying to undermine this investment by asking the PPP/C Government to resign. That Guyana, under this government, is the first country in the western hemisphere to grant each child in the public school system Gy$10,000, an approximation of USD50, the profoundly immoral politics of the opposition is trying to derail the progress being made by this government. Former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan once said: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” Guyana is currently witnessing unprecedented growth in its education sector with the achievement of universal primary education. Every child in Guyana of the primary age cohort has access to a primary school. This did not just happen. This achievement is as a result of strategic government investment with a view to bolstering the primary sector of the education system. And should the government be allowed to serve its constitutional five-year term, then Guyana would have achieved universal secondary education. Approximately eighty-five percent of our children attend nursery school. Such is the trajectory of

the progress made in our education system that we have the most trained teachers we have ever had in the history of Guyana with just about 70 percent of our teachers being trained. In 1991 we had fiftyeight percent trained teachers in the education system. While we have much to be proud of and to celebrate and give thanks for, we as a Ministry are very cognizant of the fact that we have much work to do in order to bring our education system to its optimal standard. The Government of Guyana continues to do its part to provide the adequate resources to service the education sector so as to ensure our nation’s future leaders are afforded the best education they can get. As the Education Month 2014 theme this year suggests, the Ministry is paying strict attention to early childhood education. The focus is on establishing literacy at an early age, ensuring that our young children grasp the concepts of literacy that are intrinsic to their further development in academia and life. Achieving literacy by Grade Four requires a strong partnership between and among the Ministry of Education, Schools, Parents and Children. We have to work together assiduously to ensure we positively change the literacy level of our children. The government and the Ministry can invest and craft policies to ensure we enhance our literacy levels, but ultimately success will be achieved when parents become more interested and play a more active role in their children’s school life. As we celebrate Education Month 2014, let us passionately strive to achieve our goals. Best wishes and may God bless you.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Jamaican Mario Deane had no chance of survival - pathologist

BADEN... he had the haemorrhage into the lower part of the brain that made recovery impossible (PHOTO: ANTHONY LEWIS)

ONTEGO BAY, St James — Extensive brain damage, causing swelling and haemorrhaging, was what led to the death of 31-year-old construction worker Mario Deane in August while he was in the custody of the Barnett Street police in Montego Bay. "The brain damage was what caused Mario to die. The injuries caused the swelling of the brain; he had haemorrhage in the brain stem. And that would cause immediate loss of consciousness," United States-based pathologist Dr Michael Baden disclosed during a press conference in Montego Bay, on Wednesday. The brain stem is the region of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. Dr Baden, who observed the autopsy on Deane's corpse at the Cornwall Regional Hospital on Tuesday, said that the construction worker -- who was a resident of Rosemount in St James -- lost consciousness "within seconds of the injuries causing severe brain damage". He also disclosed that, from the results of the autopsy, the brain damage

was so severe that Deane had no chance of survival, even as hospital records indicated that he was taken to hospital soon after he sustained the injuries. "He had the haemorrhage into the lower part of the brain that made recovery not possible. It was just a matter of how long he would survive before his heart stopped. In this instance, it was three days," Dr Baden noted. Baden explained that once the brain is injured it begins to swell. Because of the confines of the skull bones, the swelling has no place to go than down the spinal cord via a small opening "through which the spinal cord reaches the brain". "So, over the course of a number of days, as the swelling continues, it pushes the lower part of the brain stem down into the spinal cord and that causes death," Dr Baden illustrated. However, he noted that the only chance of containing the swelling of the brain was through the application of medication in a one-hour time frame, dubbed the "golden hour" in medical circles. "Most people die in auto accidents of head injuries and of brain swelling. What happens if they can get that person to a hospital within the "golden hour", they can give them medication and intravenous things to prevent the brain swelling. And many people will survive," said Dr Baden. He also had high praises for the high level of professionalism and co-operation from Dr Saranji. "I think that Dr Saranji is an excellent forensic pathologist. Seems to be a very independent person," said Dr Baden, who left for his home in the US yesterday. Dr Baden has committed to returning to testify in court if necessary. He was accompanied to the press conference by Deane's mother Mercia Frazer, his sister Sadiki Deane, his aunt Andrea Frazer, and the family attorney Miguel Lorne. (Jamaica Observer)

Gay man drops court challenge against Jamaica’s law

INGSTON, JAMAICA: A Jamaican gay man has dropped his court case challenging Jamaica’s anti-buggery law because of what he says are fears for his safety. Javed Jaghai, who had brought the case to the Supreme Court, had argued that the anti-sodomy laws violated his and constitutional rights and those of other people too. But he says he dropped the case because of personal threats, the burden that the litigation was putting on his family, and continuing incidents of violence against Jamaica’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, the LGBT community According to Jaghai, he’s no longer willing to gamble his life or those of his family. J-FLAG, which had brought the claim

Javed Jaghai, who had brought the case to the Supreme Court, had argued that the anti-sodomy laws violated his and constitutional rights and those of other people too

alongside Jaghai, says it understands the situation and fully supports his decision. Both J-FLAG and Jaghai say they hope that in the aftermath there will be an oppor-

tunity to engage in a series of consultations with the government and other stakeholders, geared at sensitising Jamaicans about the LGBT community. (Jamaica Gleaner)

GRA to remigrants: Fraud will not be condoned

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in keeping with its mandate to promote compliance with the laws, regulations and policies it administers on Wednesday issued an advisory reminding taxpayers of the various requirements that must be met in order to be deemed compliant. It also cited the recent allegations of the remigrant concession scheme being used fraudulently. “Recently it has come to the attention of the agency that a large number of remigrants, having returned to Guyana from their sojourn overseas, are not keeping for their use the assets that are presumably their property acquired while living abroad,” the GRA said in a press statement. To this end, the Authority made clear that this is “highly irregular” and advised that this will in no form or shape be condoned by the agency. “The agency’s letter is very clear in that it indicates that the concession is granted for the specific use by remigrants and should not be transferred, leased or sold for a period of three years after one’s return to take up their residence in Guyana as a bona fide remigrant,” the statement said.

Violations

According to GRA, violations of the condition of the remigrants’ duty free concessions have been discovered. The GRA said, “Many remigrants when found

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

not to be in possession of their vehicles are using many used and jaded excuses, including lending their assets to their close relatives, among others. “The GRA views this as a violation of the condition under which the remigrants are granted their concessions, and will take all necessary action to enforce the penalty clause under which violation of the concessions occurs.” The Authority stressed that where the remigrants are unwilling or unable to pay the pro rata taxes or in some cases the entire amount due, recourse will be taken to forfeit such assets.

Not by right

The statement added that concessions are not by right, but have preconditions applying as well as post-conditions as to the application of those concessions. The advisory said, “In the case of remigrants, it is the norm for all remigrants to provide the

necessary proof of the use of their assets prior to their remigrant status being obtained, apart from such items being registered legally in their name. “One such proof is the presentation of insurance documents attesting to the use of their vehicle or other large capital item. The necessary evidence that the person is the holder of a valid driver’s licence is also necessary information that is usually requested attesting to use.”

Legal Recourse

The GRA acknowledged too that taxpayers have rights and the use of the court by remigrants to challenge the actions taken by the agency as a right or entitlement. However, the Authority made it clear that notwithstanding this access to recourse, the GRA will do its part to protect the integrity of and to continue to give credibility to the scheme.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Venezuela owes Caribbean Boosting air travel to Guyana on ASM’s agenda Airlines millions

President Donald Ramotar greets Airport and Strategy Marketing (ASM) and Routes Official, David Appleby. ASM’s consultant, Yuliya Crane and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn look on

resident Donald Ramotar, accompanied by Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn and Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, met with Senior Consultant, of Airport Strategy and Marketing (ASM), and Routes, Ms Yuliya Crane, and Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, ASM, David Appleby. The meeting was to brief the Head of State on the on-going process

to examine and propose ways to improve facilities and boost international air travel to Guyana. The two officials are looking at the potential for increased business and tourist based flights to Guyana, with special focus on international air transport carriers. They are also in the process of meeting local aviation officials, travel agents and other stakeholders within the sector. According to Minister Benn, the team’s consultancy is merely one facet of government’s plans

to expand Guyana’s infrastructure and position the country as a true “hub” for regional and international air transport into South and Latin America. The consultant along with the airport officials are engaging with up to 20 airlines to attract more carriers to Guyana, from Europe, North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The meeting encouraged the formation of a route development committee locally to work together with ASM.

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: State--owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) is one of more than a dozen commercial airlines which are finding it extremely difficult to recover funds earned from ticket sales in neighbouring Venezuela. These monies have been “frozen” through a recent Venezuelan policy of restricting the amount of hard currency leaving the beleaguered neighbouring republic on the South American main land. An unconfirmed report has put Venezuela’s debt to Caribbean Airlines at a whopping (US) $10 million plus and growing daily as the airline continues to maintain its daily service (Sunday through Saturday) between Portof-Spain and Caracas using one of its ATR-72-600 aircraft. According to reports in TT media, the airline is now making every effort to have most

An unconfirmed report has put Venezuela’s debt to Caribbean Airlines at a whopping (US) $10 million

of its ticket sales on the Caracas route channelled through its ticketing and Web facilities in Port-of-Spain, in an effort to slow down the growth of the rapidly escalating debt. Unofficial sources define the route as one of the “best performing” and most lucrative in CAL’s system and that was possibly why there was reluctance to cut back on the service. A press report in the United States recently identified some 17 commercial carriers from Europe, the USA, Latin America and the Caribbean awaiting the release of more than (US)$4 billion now being held in the South American republic.

Caribbean Airlines is one of seven airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean which is affected by the Venezuelan “embargo” on funds leaving that country. The other airlines are Panama-based COPA, which operates two daily flights to Port-of-Spain, TAP, Avianca, LAN Chile (from which CAL’s two 767 jets are leased), LACSA and TACA. The European airlines affected by the Venezuelan policy include Air France, Alitalia, Iberia, Luftansa and Air Portugal, while the U.S. carriers include American, Delta, United and courier airline Fedex. The single Canadian affected is Air Canada. (TT Newsday)

New Amsterdam celebrates 223rd anniversary This area called Strand today was called Water Street in the early 19th Century

The town of New Amsterdam today

ew Amsterdam on Monday celebrated its 223rd anniversary. The town, established by the Dutch in 1791, is the oldest town in Guyana. However, the municipality of New Amsterdam was established in 1891, exactly 100 years after it was granted township. On September 1 of that year, the municipality was established with the first Mayor being Neil Ross McKennon.

Since then, the municipality has seen a total of 63 Mayors. In observance of the municipality’s 223rd anniversary, a thanksgiving service was held on Monday at the historic town hall at 10:00h. Other activities have also been planned to celebrate the anniversary of the Town. Meanwhile, the towns of Corriverton and Rose Hall, which also celebrate their anniversaries

in September, have already announced plans for their Town Day celebrations. New Amsterdam was chosen as the colony of Berbice administrative centre by the Dutch in the 18th Century as it was close to the Atlantic and presented a strategic location for security of the colony. On September 1, 1791, the then Governor declared New Amsterdam a town.

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times International, Industrial Site Ruimveldt Georgetown, Guyana or guyanatimesint@gmail.com

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Stop this devious, unfounded attack on Youth Basketball Guyana Dear Editor, I am ashamed of the crassness, incivility and the abuse of stewardship that has been demonstrated by some within the basketball fraternity in recent times. It is quite unfortunate that a sport that has so much potential and the opportunity to create massive social change at the grass-roots level could be so backward thinking and digressive. This abuse of the game- must not, cannot be allowed to continue unabated. This is the context in which I am compelled to rebuke and correct an opinion penned by Mr Edison Jeffords in the Kaieteur News on Thursday, August 28, in which Mr Jeffords made several unfounded and patently libelous references about YBG. Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) is an independent registered Non Governmental Organisation (NGO). YBG has laboured and succeeded in creating an expansive, progressive and enviable structure at the school/ youth level. YBG has been directly responsible for the development of the majority of the top youth basketball players in Guyana for the past nine years. YBG has been a credible partner and has retained core sponsors such as: Banks DIH Ltd, Digicel and Edward B Beharry and Company Ltd for its programmes for six consecutive years now. We have built and fostered trust and relationships with students, parents, teach-

ers, officials, sponsors and supporters. We have worked favourably with the Education Ministry, Culture Youth and Sport Ministry, the National Sports Commission and other community partners. Hence, Mr Jeffords’ assertion alluding to YBG, which I quote as “…an independent programme that receives subsistence from the NSC….” Is inaccurate and lack factual basis. This is a direct attack against the credibility of YBG. To insinuate that YBG is receiving funding from the National Sports Commission, is irresponsible and a reckless disregard for truth and accuracy, and borders on being defamatory and libelous, as this can be misconstrued in terms of receipt of funds and use of funds, which are nonexistent. This is outright devious and misleading. We demand a retraction of this untruth. On the question of YBG needing sanction from the GABF for legitimacy, it is not necessary. What YBG needs is the permission from parents and approval from the Education Ministry and head teachers for students to participatethat’s it. We may choose or choose not to request referees from the affiliate of the federation. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation is indeed, the sole competent authority for “FIBA regulated basketball activities, programmes and personnel.” Lastly, Mr Jeffords has called basketball stakeholders to sup-

port the GABF strong stance. My question for the stakeholders is who is representing your interest. Who is supporting the players, coaches, referees, officials and others who have lost confidence in a broken system? One of those players I speak for is Stanton Rose. Stanton is a 14-year-old from Kwakwani, Berbice River. He was the starting Point Guard on the under 19 IGG team this year. Five months ago, Stanton and two others were selected on the request of the GABF to participate in a FIBA sanctioned basketball camp, scheduled for August 1119, in Turkey. As far, we know everything was on schedule until about two weeks prior to the Inter-Guiana Games. During the IGG training camp, Stanton received a visit from the President of the GABF, who told him that his participation in the IGG would jeopardise his opportunity. Stanton being just a child, who merely wants to play basketball, went ahead and represented his country in the Inter-Guiana Games. IGG came and went, Camp Pass it on held in Turkey, came and went, too. Stanton never heard from the Federation, no explanation, just dropped. My question again, who is representing our players’ interest? We the stakeholders must not allow this to continue. Sincerely, Reverend Chris Bowman Co-Director−YBG

The Amazon Warriors were cheated, not defeated Dear Editor, I have read an article in the form of a commentary by Neil Kumar” in your Sunday paper (Guyana Times daily). I appreciate your willingness to publish a candid article on such a controversial issue. I would like to express my happiness and sign of comfort toward such a detailed and powerful article. I am strongly supporting the view expressed by Neil Kumar.

I feel passionately as normal hardworking citizens do about the stand the Director of Sport has taken towards a matter that has affected our cricket community and Guyanese as a whole. I would like to thank Mr Neil Kumar for being an informative leader and for continuing to move sport in Guyana in a positive direction. These interventions will help to develop sport and especially the game of cricket in this beauti-

ful land of ours. I maintain, and I believe that almost all Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora, that the Guyana Amazon Warriors were cheated in the final match of the CPL. This sends a bad signal to sports fans across the cricketing world. CPL and ICC must do whatever they can to repair the damage that was done. Sincerely, Timothy Persaud

Misleading Guyanese people on Bai Shan Lin Dear Editor, Kindly publish this letter for me in your National Newspaper. I read the Stabroek News column (Thursday, August 28, 2014) under the caption “How Bai Shan Lin acquired the several areas of State Forest which are now in its 1.3 Million Hectares Empire” by Janette Bulkan and John Palmer. It seems that despite all the accurate and credible information provided to the media by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) on Bai Shan Lin and the Forestry Sector, Bulkan and Palmer seem to know a lot more than the GFC about Guyana’s forest laws and policies even though they are not living in Guyana and not engaged in Guyana’s forest sector.

This means as well that Bulkan and Palmer can ably provide advice or an assessment on whether laws, policies or regulations were breached when Guyana Defence Force (GDF) guns, according to Army records, were loaned to the National Development Ministry of the illegal PNC Government during the 1970s and 1980s as revealed at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Can Palmer, a British citizen, say if this kind of policy is acceptable to the British Government? Bulkan and Palmer, it seems, are strong advocates for the upholding of laws and policies in Guyana. This is good. But these two hypocrites seem to be deaf and blind to what happened in Guyana prior to 1992

when there were economic bankruptcy and corruption as a result of not upholding the laws and policies by the illegal PNC Government, which was removed from office by the ballot box in 1992, leaving the State’s treasury empty. So while it is good for Bulkan and Palmer to criticise, it is important as professionals that they engage in constructive comparative analysis to arrive at fair positions. But they will not, since Bulkan and Palmer are supporters of the Political Opposition in Guyana bent on misleading the Guyanese people about Guyana’s forest sector and the Bai Shan Lin logging operations. Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

Guyanese New Yorkers and India’s independence Dear Editor, India’s independence (August 15, 1947) has had a historical significance for Guyanese and people of all Caribbean nations, as it paved the way for the Region’s political independence. And in fact, Indo-Guyanese and other Indo-Caribbean people supported India’s independence struggle from their home soil, the Region where they were domiciled in plantation life. In New York, IndoGuyanese, Jamaicans, Trinis and Surinamese partook in celebrations marking India’s independence from Great Britain. India’s freedom struggle and its model for home rule served as a model for Caribbean people to fight for their own self-rule and independence from

colonialism in the 1940s through the 1960s. The freedom of India in 1947 set the stage for the independence of colonies around the globe. Not surprisingly, many Guyanese and Trinis turned up at India’s Independence Day cele-

bration in New York last Sunday to mark the country’s 68th Independence Day. That was the 35th annual parade. I was here at the inception with Arjune Karshan, Vassan Ramracha, Baytoram Ramharack, and other freedom war-

riors fighting for Guyana’s liberation from PNC misrule. Bollywood personality Sunny Deol, son of popular actor Dharmendra, was the star attraction this year among a few others at the parade which drew tens of thousands

of people on Madison Avenue. Previous parades had bigger draws like Hema Malini, Amitabh, Jeetendra, Madhuri, Preity Zinta, etc. India’s Independence was also marked at several temples (being on a Sunday) where there were patriotic bhajans and songs as well as the singing of the Indian national anthem. The desire for India to become a free nation propelled many IndoCaribbean peoples since the late 1900s to identify with the “Quit India” movement and the struggle to free India of British rule. And later, the freedom of India would pave the way for the freedom of the Caribbean colonies. For example, Dr

Cheddi Jagan modelled his style of political struggle for Guyana’s liberation on that of Jawaharlall Nehru. Today, many New York-based Guyanese and Trinis take pride in participating in India’s Independence celebrations as they also do in their own countries’ independence ceremonies in NY. The India Day parade started out small and grew in size and stature over the years attracting American politicians including Mayors, Senators, Governors and Members of Congress. Indo-Caribbean people feel at home participating in the parade. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

RGI Announcer, New GPC cop GBCHA awards

Bandits flee with Gy$4M in old age pension

adio Guyana Inc (RGI) Announcer Richard Pitman and the NEW GPC INC last Friday copped separate awards when the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS hosted their annual awards ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel. Pitman’s award was in honour of his outstanding work in the media to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and the reduction of stigma and discrimination, while the Farm, East Bank Demerara-based NEW GPC’s award lauded its efforts in the fight against the pandemic at the workplace. Pitman told Guyana Times International that he was elated to win the award after only being an announcer at Radio Guyana Inc for just six months. “It is certainly an encouragement to keep using my voice to highlight the topics that will serve to inform the public about health problems affecting our country.” Pitman said Radio Guyana Inc has given him the privilege of connecting with thousands of people daily which provides a platform for interaction and feedback. “I have interviewed several representatives of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) who provided very vital information to the public as it relates to HIV/AIDs and I’d

The GPOC Office and Training Centre located at Carmichael and Lamaha Streets in Georgetown

Olivia Brown receives the certificate on behalf of the NEW GPC

like to thank the organisation for the nomination and GBCHA for the award. I believe that our health is very important and we should make every effort to live a healthy life daily,” Pitman said. In a statement, the GBCHA said the annual event was organised to promote the unique and vital contributions made towards health and wellness by the business community. Companies and individuals were

RGI Announcer Richard Pitman (left) receives his award from Banks DIH Media Manager Troy Peters

awarded for programmes conducted in workplaces and communities, which address HIV and other health and wellness issues like cancer, tuberculosis, healthy diets, and gender-based violence. In addition to Pitman, awards were presented to Edward B Beharry and Company Ltd for the Workplace Programme and their Peer Educator Rohini Ramkumar. Jaunelle Marks of Guyana Revenue Authority received honourable mention in the Peer Educator Category. Scotiabank received two Awards for the Community Investment and Workplace Programme Categories. Jannis London of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and Richard Pitman of Radio Guyana Inc were honoured for Advocacy and Leadership and Media Action respectively. Other companies which received commendation were ANSA McAL, King’s Jewellery World, and NEW GPC INC. Dr Nicole Giles, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, in brief remarks, praised the work of the GBCHA in the fight against HIV/ AIDS and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). “I have come to respect and admire GBCHA’s mission and dedication to support the national programme to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS, and have been impressed by their innovative approach to a complex issue,” Dr Giles said.

he Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has once again been attacked, as armed bandits targeted the postal company’s Training Centre located at Carmichael and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown. Based on information reaching Guyana Times International, the robbery occurred around 09:30h on Tuesday. Initial reports indicated that the armed men approached the security guard and struck him with an object. The men then proceeded into the building where they held up the staff and relieved them of approximately Gy$4 million before making good their escape. The stolen cash was money to be used for the payment of Old Age Pension. The Police were summoned and are conducting investigations. The security guard, who is attached to the Sentinel Security Services, was taken to seek medical attention for his injury and has been hospitalised. When this newspaper visited the scene, staff there were tightlipped and visibly traumatised by the incident. However when contacted, Postmaster General Henry Dundas said the

incident was being investigated by both the Police and the GPOC. Dundas could not confirm how much money was stolen, stating that they were still determining the amount missing. He said investigations are ongoing and he was yet to receive a full report on what transpired earlier in the day. The Postmaster General noted that he was concerned about the frequency of such attacks on the Corporation. He disclosed that following the incident on Tuesday morning, he engaged the heads of departments in a meeting where they discussed implementation of additional security measures to prevent such recurrences in the future. When asked whether the increased attacks executed at various branches have caused him to suspect that they might be inside jobs, Dundas refused to comment. In a release from the GPOC, Public Relations Officer Telesha Whyte advised customers that the branch would be closed until further notice and urged them to conduct all transactions at other Post Office locations in the interim.

Chinese Govt donates medical equipment to Georgetown Hospital

edical equipment valued some Gy$15 million has been donated by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Tuesday. The donation was part of the 11th Chinese Medical Brigade’s visit to Guyana and will assist the Chinese doctors in performing effective and efficient services for the Guyanese public. Receiving the equipment, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said that this was an indication of the strong and ongoing relationship between the two countries,

while showcasing an international approach to the medical services. He noted that the equipment will go a long way in improving services provided to Guyanese. “Not only must we have skills and brain power, but we must have equipment and good equipment… today we received a small but significant gift from the Chinese medical team in Guyana… we have noted the good quality of the Chinese product, their longevity, their durability and, of course, their good performance,” the Minister stated.

Welcome tradition

Ramsaran

point-

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin handing over the Certificate of Donation to Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran in presence of GPHC CEO Michael Khan

ed out that such donations are customary by Chinese medical teams that visit Guyana, noting that it is a welcome tradition. He disclosed

that the Chinese Health Minister is expected to visit Guyana later this month. He is hopeful that the visit will pave way for the relationship

between the two countries to expand. Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin, also recognised the strong relationship

between the two countries. He explained that China believes in developing the social and health sectors in countries. He noted that over the years Chinese doctors have committed themselves to providing sincere services to the Guyanese people. Director of Medical and Professional Services of Georgetown Public Hospital and Surgery Consultant, Dr Sheik Amir, added that the size of the Chinese delegation has increased over the years. He commended the work of the current brigade, noting that he was impressed with the way they were working.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Education Ministry gearing St. Vincent geothermal power plant could be operational by 2018 up to disburse Gy$10,000 cash grant per student

The surface exploration phase began in November 2013

INGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT: The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government says the island could be making use of geothermal energy by June 2018. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves updating the country on the results of the surface exploration phase of the geothermal project, said they “support the earlier conclusions suggesting that Mount Soufriere is hosting a high temporary geothermal reservoir of commercial use”. Gonsalves stated that if everything “goes well and on scheduled,” the geothermal plant is scheduled to begin operations in June 2018. “VINLEC (The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Electricity Company) is hoping for even earlier, but that is the timeline which is being giving in respect of all the test which is being done,” he indicated in reference to the state-owned power com-

pany, which will distribute any electricity generated from geothermal sources. Current peak demand for electricity is 20 megawatts with five megawatt generated by hydropower. The government is exploring the development of a five to 15 megawatt geothermal power plant to provide base load power in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Gonsalves said that the surface exploration phase began in November 2013 and includes resistivity surveys, with 34 magnetotelluric (MT) and transient electromagnetic (TEM) sounding sites. “However, due to land access challenges— because of the terrain— a further 10 to 20 TEM station soundings are required,” he explained. The North America based energy and services company Emera and the Iceland-based Reykjavik Geothermal,

are funding the exploration phase of the project, and Gonsalves highlighted that they have approved the next investment of US$1.3 million. A project team is now advancing project planning efforts. The first ground activity started in mid-August and included aircraft flyover, thermal infrared and LIDAR imagery to search for geothermal anomalies. Gonsalves also said that the government was continuing to seek opportunities for funding either by grants or soft loans and has held talks with regional and international organisation such as the International Renewable Energy Agency, in Abu Dhabi, the Caribbean Development Bank, Japan International Corporation Agency, and other entities, “where available funding will reduce the overall cost of the project while increasing the government’s equity. (Caribbean News)

Comedian Joan Rivers dies at 81

omedian and lifelong New Yorker Joan Rivers has died. The 81-year-old comedian became ill while undergoing an outpatient procedure at an Upper East Side clinic last week. Her family said yesterday she had been moved from Mount Sinai's intensive care unit into a private room, where she was kept comfortable. In a statement, Rivers' daughter Melissa said, "It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. She passed peacefully at 1:17 p.m. surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother. Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated. My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon." The State Health Department is

now looking into what caused Rivers to go into cardiac arrest.

he Ministry of Education upon completion of a number of public consultations held throughout the country with parents and guardians of children in the public school system, on the Gy$10,000 per student grant, is nearing the end of a lengthy but transparent verification process. Over the last two months, head teachers from across the country met with their respective regional education officers to verify the number of students currently enrolled in their respective schools, and that are on the schools’ registers. According to the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Ms. Donna Chapman, the process is moving along smoothly as the Ministry now awaits the final lists of names of children currently beginning Year 1 (Nursery), Grade 1 (Primary) and Grade 7 (Secondary). These lists, she expects, will be submitted within the coming week to her office and that of the Permanent Secretary of the MOE, so

Education Minister, Priya Manikchand

as to facilitate the completion of the master list of students eligible to receive the Gy$10,000 cash grant per student. The Ministry is urging parents and guardians to register their children immediately so that the final verification process can be completed. With the administrative processes currently running on schedule, the Ministry is set to commence disbursement of the cash grant by Monday October 6, 2014.

Feedback from the public consultations held countrywide suggested that the preferred method chosen by parents to receive this cash grant on behalf of their children was by way of money transfer services. The MOE will be providing further updates through the press informing parents and guardians of the date, place and time when they will be able to collect the cash grant on behalf of their children.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Barbados mulls gun amnesty

- amidst increased gun crimes

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Barbadian authorities are giving consideration to introducing a gun amnesty in a bid to get illegal firearms off the streets and reduce gun crimes. Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Adriel Brathwaite made the disclosure Monday evening, two days after police reported a 21 percent increase in homicides. He said the issue of a gun amnesty was discussed just last week with acting Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith and other officials and a decision would be made soon

on whether the measure would be introduced. “There is a school of thought that gun amnesties don’t work. Others say that we should [have it]. I have said that I’ll have someone do the research and make a determination,” the minister said while appearing on CBC TV’s ‘People’s Business’. “We’d have to make a decision based on experience to determine whether or not we should have an amnesty. That having been said, if someone brings in an illegal firearm we would naturally have to test it to see whether or not it has been used in a crime and, in particular, in a mur-

Barbados’ Attorney General and Home Affairs Minister Adriel Brathwaite (Barbados Today photo)

der.” Last week, acting commissioner Griffith revealed that males in the 15 to 29 age group

were responsible for the majority of gun crimes committed this year. The police chief also reported that so far this

year 30 illegal firearms have been seized and 20 people charged in connection with those seizures. Even though Brathwaite acknowledged that the Top Cop has requested additional resources to help fight crime, he insisted that lawmen have proven they have a handle on the situation given the number of cases that have been solved so far. Griffith had reported that 84 percent of homicides this year have been solved. “You will see by virtue of the success that we’ve had, not only in the reduction of crime overall but in terms of

solving many of the murders we’ve been able to solve, there’s no indication, as far as I’m aware, of the police being outgunned or outmanned,” Brathwaite said. “I’m advised that if all goes well we should have a class of recruits starting in the middle of September, probably about 50 police officers,” he added. The minister went on to credit the “hard work by the police” for the 16 percent drop in overall crime, stating: “The police are doing a tremendous job in solving crimes. It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication.” (Barbados Today)

Global technology launches lightening speed internet service

lobal Technology has selected the IP Easy satellite broadband service provided by Eutelsat Communications (Paris:ETL) to accelerate access to broadband across Guyana, the company said in a statement. Eutelsat operates IP Easy in the Region using the high performance EUTELSAT 8 West A satellite. Through its licensed telecommunications provider, iNet Communications, Global Technology is now offering Internet connectivity with download speeds ranging from 512 Kbps to 10 Mbps. iNet Communications has already deployed IP Easy for a number of key users, including in

Government, defence and mining, as well as small businesses and residential consumers.

Remote locations

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) military bases have confirmed an order for terminals to be installed at four major remote locations in the Amazon Jungle – connecting them to the main base in order to provide Internet access for the first time to soldiers in remote locations in the Amazonian jungle, the statement read. The first installation was successfully completed at the New River Triangle base, with the remaining installations to be shortly completed. A number of mining camps in the Amazon Rainforest have also

been equipped with IP Easy. The IP Easy service provided by Eutelsat uses Newtec’s Sat3Play(R) VSAT Broadband Platform including its broadband hub, MDM2200 IP satellite modems, antennas and interactive LNBs. The service is ideal for customers operating in locations where satellite is the only route to connectivity and, despite heavy rainfall in the region served by Global Technology, has experienced no disruptions. George Melville, Chief Executive Officer of The Global Technology Group, is quoted by WSJ as saying: “The agreement announced today [Tuesday] with Eutelsat equips us

to contribute to bridging the digital divide in Guyana. Thanks to EUTELSAT 8 West A’s unique capabilities, we are really proud of being the only telecommunications provider offering the fastest broadband speeds in Guyana.”

Prime positioning

Michel Azibert, Eutelsat’s Chief Commercial and Development Officer, added: “Global Technology’s choice of IP Easy, which follows the path chosen last year by Caribsat in the French West Indies and French Guiana, demonstrates EUTELSAT 8 West A’s prime positioning over the Region and the alignment of the service with user requirements. The Global Technology building

“We are delighted to share our expertise with iNet Communications and to lift the obstacles to quality Internet experience faced by users beyond terrestrial broadband.” The Global Technology Group is a privately held technology solutions provider that is the combination of three companies: iNet Communications (acquired in 2013), Global Technology Inc and Global Services Inc. iNet communications is a licensed telecommunications provider in Guyana, specialising in designing, installing and actively managing large data networking solutions for Government agencies. iNet has recently started to offer similar networking solutions to corporations.

Global Technology hardware sales division is currently Apple’s only authorised reseller in Guyana. Global Services maintains all of the Government and corporate networks that the group is responsible for. E s t a b l i s h e d in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 37 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and Government agencies. (Excerpted from The Wall Street Journal)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ebola outbreak puts harvest at risk in West Africa … food prices shoot up

FAO Regional Representative for Africa, Bukar Tijani

isruptions in food trade and marketing in the three West African countries most affected by Ebola have made food increasingly expensive and hard to come by, while labour shortages are putting the upcoming harvest season at serious risk, FAO warned on Tuesday. In Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, quarantine zones and restrictions on people’s movement aimed at combating the spread of the virus, although necessary, have seriously curtailed the movement and marketing of food. This has led to panic buying, food shortages and significant food price hikes on some commodities, especially in urban centres, according to a special alert issued earlier this week by FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS). At the same time, the main harvest season for two key crops – rice and maize – is just weeks away. Labour shortages on farms due to movement restrictions and migration to other areas will seriously impact farm production, jeopardising the food security of large numbers of people, the alert says. Generally adequate rains during the 2014 cropping season had previously pointed to likely favourable harvests in the main Ebolaaffected countries. But now food production – the areas most affected by the outbreak are among the most productive in Sierra Leone and

Liberia – stands to be seriously scaled back. Likewise, production of cash crops like palm oil, cocoa and rubber – on which the livelihoods and food purchasing power of many families depend – is expected to be seriously affected. “Access to food has become a pressing concern for many people in the three affected countries and their neighbours,” said Bukar Tijani, FAO Regional Representative for Africa. “With the main harvest now at risk and trade and movements of goods severely restricted, food insecurity is poised to intensify in the weeks and months to come. The situation will have long-lasting impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and rural economies,” he added. Major spikes in food prices Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are all net cereal importers, with Liberia being the most reliant on external supplies. The closure of some border crossings and the isolation of border areas where the three countries intersect – as well as reduced trade from seaports, the main conduit for largescale commercial imports – are resulting in tighter supplies and sharply increasing food prices. In Monrovia, Liberia, a recently conducted rapid market assessment indicates that prices of some food items have increased rapidly – for example, in Monrovia’s Redlight Market the price of cassava went up 150 per cent within the first

weeks of August. “Even prior to the Ebola outbreak, households in some of the affected areas were spending up to 80 percent of their incomes on food,” said Vincent Martin, Head of FAO’s Dakarbased Resilience Hub, which is coordinating the agency’s response. “Now these latest price spikes are effectively putting food completely out of their reach. This situation may have social repercussions that could lead to subsequent impact on the disease containment.” The depreciation of national currencies in Sierra Leone and Liberia in recent months is expected to exert further upward price pressure on imported food commodities.

Response efforts

To meet short-term food relief needs, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a regional emergency operation targeting some 65,000 tonnes of food to 1.3 million people. At the same time, FAO’s special alert says that “rapid assessments are required to identify the type of measures that are feasible to mitigate the impact of labour shortages during the harvesting period and for related post-harvest activities.” And measures to revive internal trade are essential to ease supply constraints and mitigate further food price increases, it notes. Preventing further loss of human life and stopping the spread of the virus remain the top priorities at this time. FAO has joined the coordinated UN effort to support affected countries, is in daily communication with WHO and other key actors, and has personnel in West Africa aiding technical and logistical efforts. It is critical that rural communities understand which practices pose the highest risks of human-to-human transmission as well as the potential spill-over from wildlife. Toward that end, FAO has activated its networks of local animal health clubs, community animal health workers, producer organisations, forestry contacts and agriculture extension and rural radio services to help UNICEF and WHO communicate risk to affected populations.

PM Portia describes late Agriculture Minister as “one of a kind”

I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller led the tribute to her former agriculture minister, Roger Clarke, who died in the United States last Thursday, describing him as “one of a kind”. Clarke, 74, had been at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida since mid-July where he had undergone surgery for a back problem and was returning to Jamaica when he died at the airport. Prime Minister Simpson Miller said that his passing has created a tremendous void in the government as well as the ruling People’s National Party (PNP). “Roger was a one of a kind politician. A son of the soil, a humble man and I will always remember him for his generosity of spirit, but also for his contribution to Jamaica as councillor, mayor, Member of Parliament, and Minister of Government,” she said, adding that in the coming weeks a decision will be made as to a portfolio assignment for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. “We are all saddened and shocked by his passing, because he called a number of us and said he would be coming home this week. He was very excited about re-

Jamaica’s late Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke (JIS photo)

turning to Jamaica,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said, as she expressed condolences to his widow, Sonia, members of his family, and his constituents of Central Westmoreland. The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) as well as JAMPRO, have also extended their condolences to Clarke’s family. JAMPRO said that Jamaica has lost one of her great sons, noting that agriculture was a way of life for Clarke who grew up on his family’s farm in Westmoreland. Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness said that he was deeply saddened by the passing of Clarke, whom he described as a "colleague and friend".

"He was the most affable politician I know. Blessed with wit and an infectious sense of humour, he was able to make us laugh at ourselves," Holness indicated. Former Prime Ministers Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding, although representing the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), also publicly expressed their sandess. Clarke was generally regarded as one of the most humorous MPs, and whose affability often bridged the deep political divide between representatives of the two dominant political parties--the governing PNP and the opposition JLP-inside Gordon House. (Jamaica Observer)

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Public Service Commission members sworn in F ollowing discussions between President Donald Ramotar and Opposition Leader David Granger, members of the first Service Commission were sworn in on Monday. A simple ceremony, held at the Office of the President, saw five members of the Public Service Commission taking the oath of office before President Ramotar. The new members of the Service Commission are: Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) President Carvil Duncan; Guyana Public Service Union President Patrick Yarde; Patricia Went; former Chief Labour Officer Mohamed Akeel; and Vidyawattie Looknauth.

Others

President

Ramotar

Next step

President Donald Ramotar in the company of the newly swornin members of the Public Service Commission

noted that while the Commission was late (in its reinstitution), he was hoping to have the other three Commissions sworn in by the end of this week. The President urged the newly sworn-in members to work for the betterment of Guyanese. Additionally, Ramotar stated that he was looking forward to the swearing in of all the Rights

Commissions, and called on the Parliament to hasten the process. “Many of the Rights Commissions have not been functioning for a while and I do hope work will accelerate in the Parliament, so that we can have these Commissions established and functioning so that we can add value to the service we provide to the people of our

country,” he stated. Speaking with the media, Yarde pointed out that this was a step in the right direction while urging his fellow members to stay true to their oath. He referred to a quote by late United States President Abraham Lincoln: “Most men could deal with adversity, but if you need to see the character of a man, give him power.”

Meanwhile, Duncan, a former member of the Public Service Commission, explained that now that the members were sworn in, the next step would be a meeting to elect a chairman and vice chairman for the Commission. However, Duncan stated that he could not say when the meeting would be held. He noted that he was a

part of the Public Service Commission for two stints, during which he served in the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman. “So what I will try to do, regardless of what capacity I serve, is to continue the work of the Commission to ensure public servants get justice and that they will be given the opportunity for promotion to the highest level,” Duncan reaffirmed.

Political parties trade barbs over composition of GuySuCo Board

APNU MP Carl Greenidge

mid fierce criticisms of the composition of the new Board of Directors at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the ruling the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said any attack on the company is an attack on the economy and the people of Guyana. Speaking at Freedom House on Monday, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee condemned recent statements made by A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge on GuySuCo. Greenidge had criticised Government’s move to appoint Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh as the Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors. Greenidge also signalled his dissatisfaction over the appointment of other members to the Board. He was reportedly quoted as saying, “The Government should harbour no illusions about the likelihood of parliamentary support for future request for funds for GuySuCo.” Based on his analysis of Greenidge’s statement, Rohee opined that APNU would do all in its power to obstruct financial support for the sugar industry in an effort to impede its progress.

Surprise

Chairman of GuySuCo Shaik Baksh

But Rohee said Greenidge’s statements come as a major surprise considering that he would have served as the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Ministerial Spokesman on Trade and Commodity Protocols on Sugar and the Secretary General of the ACP Group of States during the period March 1995 to September 1996. “He was a front row witness to the heated and prolonged debates about the future of the industry in the ACP countries with the European Union Commissioners; he witnessed the battles to save the preferential market access to the European Union markets as well as the complex negotiations at the World Trade Organisation,” Rohee explained. But APNU said the PPP/C should desist from using GuySuCo as a political football. “The scare tactics being used by PPP/C to agitate sugar workers needs to be challenged. We can do better and the workers must be educated that modernisation and diversification is not a death sentence or guaranteed unemployment,” the coalition said in a release on Monday. According to the APNU, the PPP/C is bent on controlling the management of GuySuCo, but this will only result in taxpayers’ monies being wasted.

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WWF lauds Guyana’s contribution to Protected Areas Trust Fund

he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas has stated that Guyana’s recent endowment to the National Protected Areas Trust Fund (NPATF), signals the government’s recognition of the importance of protected areas to the nation’s well-being and its intention to sustainably finance protected areas. The WWF has indicated its welcome of the announcement of an endowment of Gy$2 billion (roughly US$10 million). “This major contribution more than doubles the endowment that includes previous commitments of US$5.3 million from the Government of Germany and US$3.5 million from Conservation International’s Global Conservation Fund; bringing the total NPATF endowment to US$18.8 million,” the WWF stated. Proceeds from the endowment will support the management of Guyana protected areas, including Kaieteur National Park, the Kanuku Mountains, and Shell Beach, in per-

2020; the growing NPATF endowment will provide resources to help meet this target. WWF has further applauded the decision to use mining revenues to finance the NPATF. Observing that Guyana is blessed with both rich natural and mineral resources, the WWF stated that the challenge is to achieve

The Kaieteur National Park is a protected area in Guyana

petuity. These areas, together with Iwokrama International Centre, collectively cover 5.4% of Guyana’s territory. WWF is supporting efforts to facilitate the Wai-Wai community’s goal of adding their Konashen Community Owned Conservation Area (KCOCA) to the National

Protected Areas System. The completion of this process will add another 2.9%, bringing the total area under protection to approximately 8.3%. Guyana, as a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, has committed the nation to conserving 17% of its territory in protected areas by

Govt partnering with IAC to curb suicide in Guyana

he Guyana Government says it has developed a “strategic partnership” with the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) to heighten awareness on the need to prevent suicides in the country. Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said the Health Ministry has been involved in several plans aimed at curbing suicides, including the training of persons. Dr Ramsaran met with the IAC which presented its initiative and explored the possibility of a meaningful collaboration. The Health Minister said there was a need for all stakeholders to be involved in the fight against suicides, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to working with organisations that have expressed an interest in dealing with social issues. The IAC, in the past, had demonstrated its willingness to lead and support any intervention regarding this issue and, based on the magnitude of incidents, called for suicide to be declared a national priority. Further, the organisation pointed out that due to the high rate of suicide, a major international news network visited Guyana and produced a story high-

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

lighting this distressing trend. The IAC believes that much more can be done and has called for meaningful collaboration among the various Government Ministries “to derive a plan of action which will lead to the provision of education through awareness and related counselling with the aim of reducing and hopefully, eliminating incidents of suicides”. Earlier this year, the Government said a multi-sectoral approach was needed to deal with the number of suicides in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Guyana has, by far, the highest suicide rate in the Caribbean. It has also been listed among the top 10 most suicidal countries globally. So far this year, more than 30 people

have committed suicide, while several others are recovering from failed attempts. The IAC said it will stage a walk on September 14 to highlight the issue and was urging all nationals, religious and Non-Government Organisations to support the initiative “to heighten awareness about the need to prevent suicide”.

economic development, including the thoughtful exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth. The organisation pointed out also that could be done while at the same time, not jeopardising the country’s rich biodiversity, varied ecosystems, and spectacular landscapes. “Utilising funds from the mining sector to support the NPATF

is an example of how today’s mining can facilitate long-term conservation,” the WWF added. WWF Guianas is part of the world’s largest conservation organisations, with a mission to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

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Early elections will not solve Guyana’s problems - Bartica youth group

artica United Y o u t h Development Group (BUYDG) has denounced the move by the Alliance For Change (AFC) to table a no-confidence motion against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. On Tuesday, the BUYDG said snap elections would not solve the issues facing the people of Guyana. President of the group, Micah Williams said if the noconfidence motion is successfully debated and passed in the National Assembly, there is a

Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) President Micah Williams

high possibility that a Minority Government could return to power after elections are held. According to Williams, “cooperation” is the ingredient needed to move the country forward. “How long more do the AFC, APNU [A Partnership for National Unity] and the PPP/C Government plan to work against each other?…How much more millions of taxpayers’ dollars the parties plan to spend on nonproductive sittings in Parliament?” Those were just a few of the many questions

the local organisation asked in frustration over the current political climate which has resulted in several projects being stymied. According to Williams the blame game should come to an end, as all of the political parties have failed in their promise to the people of Guyana. It was pointed out that three years after winning the 2011 Elections, the PPP/C has failed to make good on its promise to create 2000 jobs in Linden, Region 10.

Damaging effect

The promise of host-

ing the long-awaited Local Government Elections and the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) are unresolved issues, Williams said. Despite pledging to develop all sectors in Guyana, he said, the APNU and AFC have voted against projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The Private Sector Commission (PSC) had also spoken against the no-confidence motion, contending that it could have a damaging effect on the nation’s economy. Like the BUYDG, the PSC opined that the political parties at the level of the National Assembly should work in the interest of Guyanese. Dialogue, compromise and patriotism are need-

ed, the Commission stressed. “This culture has been very much absent since our last general elections in 2011, as both sides of the house have exposed their limitations in dealing with such a dispensation. The calling for elections prematurely is signalling that only in a “winnertakes-all” environment can progress be made. This does not augur well for a plural society such as Guyana.” On August 7, the AFC submitted the no-confidence motion against the Donald Ramotar Administration to the National Assembly. According to reports, the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman has accepted the motion. It is anticipated that the political parties in the House will debate the motion, when the parliamentary recess ends in October.

East Coast man hacked to death by “junkie”

52-year-old man on Tuesday bled to death after he was chopped by an alleged drug addict at Middle Walk Dam, Helena, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. The incident occurred sometime around 12:30h. The dead man has been identified as Balkissoon (only name given), a farmer of Lot 107 Helena #2, Mahaica. Information reaching the Guyana Times International revealed that the farmer was suddenly attacked by a person known only as ‘Dhanpaul’. Speaking with this newspaper, the eldest son of the farmer, Hemchand Balkissoon, related that his father was attacked by a “junkie” He recalled that his father had gone home for lunch and left shortly after midday to return to the back dam. Hemchand said his father was carrying a “motor blower” and a pump on his bicycle when the “junkie” confronted him. “He was riding in and the man just jump out and pull the cutlass from the bicycle and give he one chop,” the son said. The son disclosed that his little brother and a friend of his father were nearby and witnessed the gruesome ordeal. He noted that after he was informed of the incident he rushed to the scene but it was too late. “Is far in so by the time meh run and reach

Dead: Balkissoon

deh, he was dead… he bleed to death so we couldn’t get to do anything to save him,” the son stated. Hemchand noted that the assailant is a very “troubled person” and would usually get into fights with residents. However, he explained that his father and the man never had any problems. “If you go check the police station, it get numerous reports there from a set a people. He does get lock up steady, steady but the police does loose him back,” he said. A release from the police said Balkissoon was involved in an argument with another man on Middle Walk Dam during which he was chopped to his neck. The police further stated that the man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The murder suspect was arrested and taken into police custody to assist with the investigations.

news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014| guyanatimeSinternational.com

EU unveils Gy$9.2B for Guyana

Guyana's Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs after the signing of Guyana’s NIP

he European Union (EU) has signed off €339 million in Developmental Programmes for 21 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of Countries, with Guyana receiving €34 million (G$9,184,523,567) On Tuesday, the European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs and Country Representatives from the 21 ACP Countries, co-signed the National Indicative Programmes (NIP) under the 11th European Development Fund in Apia (Samona). The approved €339 million will be utilised for developmental programmes during the period 2014-2020. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett signed on behalf of the Government of Guyana during the ceremony, which took place on the margins of the United Nations Third International Conference on Small Islands Developing States. Guyana’s allocation will be channelled towards climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction which includes sea defences. Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, and St Lucia were among the other Caribbean countries that signed the agreement, in addition to 10 Pacific territories: Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Timor Leste, Tonga, and Tuvalu; and one African country: Cape Verde. “Today’s signatures mark the official go-ahead to continue strengthening our development cooperation with

these concerned countries. “These documents lay down the priorities for our joint work for the next seven years and will allow us to move ahead with the preparations of the concrete projects and programmes,” Commissioner Piebalgs said during the signing ceremony. He added, “For the European Union it is essential that our programmes are drawn up in close cooperation with our partner countries, based on Governments’ own policies and strategies and reflecting their stated needs. This is how we ensure that programming documents really support areas where the EU can add value.” The establishment of NIP is a critical step taken by the EU to offer assistance to ACP countries. In 2013, EU Member States agreed that €30.5 billion was needed for developmental cooperation among 78 ACP Countries under the 11th European Development Fund during the financial period 2014-2020. The NIPs that have been signed are clear indications of the EU’s strategy and priorities in each particular country. These preparations are done in close cooperation with the partner countries so as to ensure that NIPs support national priorities and reflect the local context. This is in line with the EU’s vision for future development cooperation, the “Agenda for Change”, which calls for resources to be targeted where they are most needed and can be the most effective. It is anticipated that by 2015, the remaining NIPs will be finalised and signed. However, work on preparing concrete projects and pro-

grammes has commenced in all of the countries.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

17 Berbicians urge greater police action to tackle crime, piracy C news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

ORENTYNE, G U Y A N A : Residents and members of the business community of Central and Upper Corentyne in Guyana have complained that crime and piracy are among several issues that are affecting them. They aired their concerns during a recent meeting with acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, B Division acting Commander Marlon Chapman and a team of high ranking police officials. The thrust of the meeting was to get to know the concerns affecting community members and how the police and community can work hand-in-hand for a better society. Residents felt that enough is not being done to curtail the increasing level of crime in the region; they are of the view that the criminals are al-

A resident making a point on the floor

ways one step ahead of the police in many cases. In instances where those guilty are caught, the residents felt that the police are sloppy in their case presentation, allowing them to walk away scotch-free while the victims cope with their losses.

Some persons were very blunt in their comments, saying that the police are taking bribes from the criminals and are deliberately messing up cases so that they (criminals) can get off. Other residents called for a SWAT team in Berbice to help deal

with crime as well as an increased presence of the Tactical Services Unit. They are of the view that the presence of more patrols can help reduce crime, especially robberies. The acting Commissioner responded by saying that they

will have the Police Force’s full commitment to tackle crime. He noted that there are quite a few new patrol vehicles recently added to the division that are on patrol more often. He also lamented the need for greater cooperation between residents and police, noting that the police alone cannot solve crime or stop criminals by themselves, which is why there has been an increased focus on the youths and community groups. These groups help the public to interact and become more comfortable with members of the Force, allowing for greater information sharing, leading to more arrests. In relation to allegations of bribery, the Commissioner urged the residents to come forward and report the cases. He assured them that those found guilty will be dealt with accordingly.

Piracy

At the Upper Corentyne meeting which was held at the City Inn Hotel, Springlands, the major concern highlighted was that of piracy on the high seas and the influx of contraband goods. One resident explained that millions of dollars are lost due to the high level of piracy on the Corentyne waters. Another explained that for many, that is their main source of livelihood and if nothing is done to curb this crime, a lot of people will be out of jobs and indebted to the banks, pointing out that a lot of fishermen take loans to help finance their trade. To this, the acting Top Cop told them that they are working with their Surinamese counterparts to tackle piracy and noted the issue is currently engaging government’s attention at the highest level. (Guyana Times)

Rice farmers not utilising value-added option … rice/fish culture touted as profitable venture BY TAJERAM MOHABIR

ome farmers say that with help from Government, they are willing to engage in the rice/fish culture to supplement their income. Given the series of protests of Essequibo rice farmers in the first crop, and with no indication that the prices for paddy will increase in the coming crop, farmers are left to explore their options to stay in business while remaining profitable. The challenge of timely payments by millers, which activated the protests, has long been a sore issue, with numerous calls for the matter to be stridently addressed. Encouragingly, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager Jagnarine Singh has promised to tighten the Rice Factories Act, giving some hope to farmers. In light of the protests, one politician had also called for the establishment of a Revolving Fund, so that farmers will be paid on time by millers. Government has also spent billions of dollars to cushion the impact of dipping prices for rice and rising prices for fertilisers to ensure farmers enjoy a comfortable livelihood. But the assistance does not seem to alleviate

the problems confronting the industry, in a manner that would put farmers on a sound financial footing while making maximum use of their fields. Some time back, the idea of the rice/fish culture (the rearing of fish in rice cultivation) was floated and implemented but soon after died an unannounced death. Sources say that aside from some issues such as availability of fingerlings and farmers rearing on a large scale, which is not ideal, the farmers did not seem too inclined to diversify production. According to Doodnauth Samaroo, Chairman of the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG), which today is a mere paper organisation, the initiative fell through, as it was not practical.

Can work

However, a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study conducted in Guyana during 2004-2006 has proven otherwise. In East Berbice, Corentyne, where the study was conducted, the average rice yield of conventional rice farmers was about 24 bags per acre, but this increased to 28 bags. “Farmers harvested an increased rice yield from the rice-fish plot. The average production

of rice from seven ricefish plots was 47 bags per acre…. “This significant increase can be attributed to the elevated attention that farmers provide to the crop in the generally smaller rice-fish plots, but also to the positive impact of the fish themselves as well as the fish farming practices favouring better growth of the rice plants,” the report stated.

An Agriculture Ministry official told this publication that given that the rice/fish culture ideally should be on a small-scale, farmers will have to form themselves into groups to ensure sustainability if they secure an overseas market. A number of farmers on the Essequibo Coast told this publication, that with help from Government, they are willing to engage in the

Some farmers say that with help from Government, they are willing to engage in the rice/fish culture to supplement their income

rice/fish culture to supplement their income

and ensure a more secured livelihood.

18 news PPP/C, GECOM at odds over voters’ list WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) has been placed in the spotlight once again; this time over the discovery of close to 3000 dead persons on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). But GECOM claimed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is being “malicious” over an electoral process that has been well established. In an interview with Guyana Times International on Monday, GECOM’s Deputy Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud said the names of persons now deceased are included in the National Register of Registrants (NRR) but these names are “flagged” when the Preliminary List of Electors is extracted. It was further explained that the names of persons now dead can only be flagged by GECOM if the General Register Office (GRO) provides authentic information/documents (death certificates), indicating that an indi-

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

vidual or a group of persons have died. Until authentic documents are provided, the names of decease are left on the PLE. “Anywhere in the world, there will always be deceased persons on Preliminary Lists of Electors,” he said. However, he stated that during the extended Claims and Objections period, scrutineers representing political parties and electors who are listed in the division or subdivision of the decease can make representation to GECOM, but authentic documents such a death certificate must be provided. GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said

the PPP/C’s request to remove names of deceased from the PLE without the relevant documents, would be asking GECOM to break the law. The Deputy Chief Elections Officer had addressed this issue hours after the PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee accused GECOM of list padding. At a press conference held at Freedom House, Rohee said party activists have found 2958 dead persons on the PLE with the majority in Region Six. According to him, in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, the names of 450 dead persons were found on the PLE while 232 were found in Region

Three; 345 in Region Two; 430 in Region Five; 925 in Region Six; 288 in Region 10; and another 288 in Region Four. Rohee maintained that GECOM should ensure that a credible list of electors is produced at the end of the Claims and Objections period. “The PPP/C has always advocated in favour of a list that will not disenfranchise any eligible Guyanese,” he said. He said GECOM should take corrective actions now and refrain from issuing ambiguous statements in an effort to cover for a list that is highly questionable. “Our quest is straight forward and simple; all we would like to have is an election that is free, fair and transparent,” added Rohee. He said the PPP/C would not want to see the List of Electors being rejected by stakeholders due to allegations of list padding. If the list is rejected, he opined that there is a likelihood that new exercises of continuous registration and Claims and Objections would have to be done.

Labs costing Gy$300M commissioned at NAREI

President Donald Ramotar unveils the plaque at the Tissue Culture Laboratory

wo laboratories costing some Gy$$300 million were on Monday commissioned at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. Present at the ceremony were President Donald Ramotar, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy and representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with local stakeholders. The Bio Control and Tissue Culture laboratories are in keeping with the Agriculture Ministry’s and NAREI‘s strategic plans, aimed at

the monitoring and controlling of pest and diseases affecting plants, particularly those for exportation. Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy in his brief remarks said Guyana has taken one more step towards the realisation of science and technology to drive the development of the nation. That drive and aspiration, he acknowledges was part of his own contribution to agriculture in Guyana. Dr Ramsammy said over the last 20 years, Guyana has been able to solidify making the dream of science and technology a reality. continued on page 23

19 Life of Walter Rodney CoI to be further extended P News

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

resident Donald Ramotar has indicated that he will have to once again extend the life of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry which was scheduled to come to an end this month. And despite threats by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to withhold its support for additional funding to the Commission, the President said that should the need arise, his administration will have to pump more money into the ongoing investigation.

Completion

Ramotar, speaking exclusively to Guyana Times International on Monday, said the work of the Commission, which is aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr Walter Rodney, must come to completion. “We started and we have to bring it to a conclusion,” Ramotar told GTI, adding that he is not sure how much more money is needed, but “If needs be we would have to put in some more”. The APNU had early last month said that should Government approach the National Assembly for addition-

said Government could give more funds, if the need arises. And with all the revelations arising from the CoI against the People’s National Congress, Ramotar reiterated that the party has a chance to clear its name. APNU Leader David Granger has however claimed that the

APNU Leader David Granger

Historian, Dr Walter Rodney

al funding for the CoI, it would not lend its support, since according to lawyer representing the party at the hearing, Basil Williams, time and money are being wasted. Williams had told a news conference that the Commission could expend close to US$1 million during the hearing, which was initially expected to last four months since its setting up in February earlier this year. He argued too that the inquiry is now open ended and has not been able to address the issues surrounding Dr Rodney’s death. Williams had insisted that the Commission was expending too much time addressing the Terms of Reference number four, which speaks to the po-

litical atmosphere at the time, rather than dealing with more relevant issues. He had stressed the need to bring pertinent witnesses to the hearing, which, in his estimation, would see little time and money being wasted. He had suggested that witnesses such as the Crime Chief during that time Cecil “Skip” Roberts, head of the Army, Norman McLean and more recently Donald Rodney should come before the Commission. According to him, they are the witnesses the Commission needs. Some Gy$112 million was passed by the National Assembly earlier this year to fund the work of the CoI. However, Ramotar

Government is using the CoI as a political game. President Ramotar; however, stated that the convening of the CoI was at the behest of Dr Rodney’s wife, Patricia. Since the death of the WPA co-founder and political stalwart, Dr Walter Rodney on June 13,1980, fingers have been pointed in the direction of

the People’s National Congress, accused of using electronics expert and Army Sergeant William Gregory Smith to plant a bomb in a walkie-talkie; a device that was reportedly of interest to the historian. The sixth round of the inquiry will get underway on October 20, later this year.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Mr Guyana International pageant launched in Georgetown

he 11 contestants vying for the Mr Guyana International title were officially unveiled to the public last Friday evening at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown. The contenders who were present at the launch were Stowell Betham, Paul Charles, Kurt Walcott, Kevin Bhagrat, Colwyn Abrams, Trevon Frenty, Christon Pollard, Kevin Smith, Raphael October and Ryan Washington. Alexander Fiedtkou, the other contestant was absent due to unforeseen circumstances. Decked in purple shirts and back tailored pants, the contestants showed off their masculinity as they presented themselves to the media and special invitees. Also present at the launch of the Mr Guyana International Pageant were some of the sponsors and well wishers. The concept of the pageant came about after it was realised over the years that there has been a decline in the morale of men in society due to their involvement in sexual assaults, armed robberies and domestic violence, among other social ills. It was also noticeable that many of the social responsibilities expected to be portrayed and acted out by men have been significantly reduced and somewhat replaced by

Chief justice quashes decision to send Sooba on leave

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang

The delegates of the Mr Guyana International Competition at the launch on Friday evening at the Pegasus Hotel

education through a new trend of music, movies and fashion. Many of the young men in society do not have someone to call their mentor, role model or even trend setters; hence, the idea to host the first ever Mr Guyana International competition. In addressing the gathering, Coordinator Paul Burnett recalled growing up in a single parent home, a family structure that led to many disadvantages. He recalled being a victim of rape, mental and physical abuse. At age 11, he was fortunate to have a father figure in his life but at that time, he was withdrawn and embarrassed to the point of wanting to commit suicide. With this in mind, he promised to do something before he dies to empower men, those who have

gone through similar situations. Hence, the conceptualisation of the competition, to allow men to find their identities in society. In 2000, he had planned a competition called Mr Guyana Ambassador, involving macho men to be mentors in society, but it never materialised. Again, in 2012, he held an audition for the Mr Guyana and was successful in getting six contestants, but due to some ill minds in society, the competition was squashed. Two years later, he was happy to announce the launch of the inaugural Mr Guyana International that will be hosted under the theme, “True sons of the soil”. He explained that five of the 11 contestants will be representing Guyana at the international competi-

tions – Mr International, Mr Global International, Mr World, Mr Caribbean International and Mr Caribbean. It will be a perfect opportunity to showcase Guyanese men as positive and influential people in society. Meanwhile, the local competition will have several segments to test the contestants’ strengths. These include a community spirit building Fun Day on October 19, a swimwear and fashion challenge on October 24, a talent and a question and answer aspect on October 29. The grand finale will be held on November 2. Burnett is calling on the media to sell the event for what it is and not “Another male pageant with gay men” – what some people perceived it to be.

cting Chief Justice Ian Chang on Friday quashed a recent ruling by the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown to send acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba on administrative leave. Justice Chang, in handing down the ruling on Friday afternoon, stated that it would be ultra vires for the Mayor and City Councillors to take such a decision. Mayor Hamilton Green said he was unaware of any motion or appeals filed in the High Court. According to him, the onus was on the judicial system to ensure that the defendants in any case are granted due time to present their defence before a decision is made by any judge or judicial officer. Only recently, the Mayor and some of Georgetown’s Councillors passed a no-confidence motion against the acting Town Clerk at a statutory meeting. Speaking to Guyana

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

Times International shortly after the ruling was handed down by the acting Chief Justice, Sooba said she felt vindicated by the decision. Although the motion was passed at the Council to send Sooba on administrative leave, she had continued to perform her duties as Town Clerk. A day after she was sent on leave by the Council, Sooba reported for work only to find the entrances and exits to her office were heavily barricaded. Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker had maintained that the Council does not have the authority to impose such sanctions on the acting Town Clerk. In addition, the Mayor and Councillors had later moved to the courts to have the signature of Sooba nullified and deemed defunct, a move which did not receive the support of the Local Government Minister.

“We intend to get tough against sex offenders” – Webster By Svetlana Marshall

he Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the Guyana Police Force are working closely to ensure the full implementation of the Sexual Offences Act of 2010. Through a process of education, they intend to reduce the number of cases thrown out of the court due to the lack of evidence. Last Friday, the Human Services Ministry commenced a Sexual Offences Training Programme at the Felix Austin Police College, but it got off to quite an ironic start as only a handful of the target group turned up to the session one hour after it was slated to begin. As she awaited the arrival of ranks of the Guyana Police Force, the Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster told the reporters that the two-day programme targets “frontline”

Child Care and Protection Agency Director Ann Greene addressing the gathering

Policemen and women who are often called upon to investigate rape, sexual assault, child molestation and other sexual offences. By understanding the law, Minister Webster said Police officers would be able to effectively process cases, allowing for timely prosecutions at the level of the court. Ranks are therefore being brought up to speed with the Standard

Operating Procedures (SOPs) that would reduce the risk of sexual offences cases being dismissed because of the lack of evidence or breach in protocols. At the level of the Human Services Ministry, she said the Child Care and Protection Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Child Link and Forward Guyana for the

creation of a child-friendly environment for the provision of evidence by children who have suffered at the hands of offenders.

Greater role

Even as the Human Services Ministry builds its partnership with the Guyana Police Force, Minister Webster said Guyanese should play a greater role in the fight against sex crimes, especially those committed

against children. Residents, she said often turn a blind eye to crimes committed against children and women. “People in communities have knowledge and it is only when something seriously happens, then you hear, oh well you know the father was interfering with the child all the time or he was beating her all the time,” the Minister explained. This challenge, she said, can be overcome with knowledgeable residents filing complaints at neighbouring Police stations or at the Child Care and Protection Agency. In addition to clamping down on sexual offenders, the Human Services Minister told the press that more parents would be prosecuted for neglecting their children. Through an ongoing campaign, the Ministry has found a number of cases where children were left unsu-

pervised for extensive periods. The Child Care and Protection Agency Director Ann Greene also echoed similar sentiments. “We want more parents to be charged for offences, many times we rescue the children and we have the children in protective care, but the parents they have a duty and responsibility to provide protection and care for their children,” Greene said. Alluding specifically to the training programme, she said the Guyana Police Force has made significant strides in the handling of sexual offences cases involving children, but said there is room for improvement. It was explained that it is important for key aspects of the Sexual Offences Act to be understood by ranks of the Guyana Police Force who investigate such cases. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

news

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

More Guyanese equipped with rehabilitation, audiology skills G

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : Graduates of Guyana’s Health Ministry’s 2014 Rehabilitation and Audiology courses were last Thursday challenged to serve with distinction. The charge was delivered at the Regency Suites during the graduation ceremony for the 18 Rehabilitation Assistants and four Audiological Practitioners. The Rehabilitation Assistants Training Programme in Guyana dates back to 1998. Since then seven batches of Rehabilitation Assistants have graduated following extensive theoretical and practical training sessions in the field. This latest batch, which comprises Rehabilitation Assistants from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Eight, were given 18

months of training at the Georgetown Public Hospital. They were trained in basic techniques in the disciplines of speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. With their certificate comes the responsibility to provide preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions to individuals and families in different settings, whether inside or beyond the doors of hospitals, health centres and rehabilitation facilities. Success rate The Rehabilitation Assistant Training Programme Coordinator Geraldine Maison Halls disclosed that the programme has a success rate of over 98 percent. According to her, the high success rate is due in no small way to the selection process, and the commitment of tutors and staff in the clinical education of stu-

The Health Ministry’s 2014 Rehabilitation and Audiology graduating class

dents. Shameka Devonish, a Guyana Defence Force rank, who graduated with a distinction, was deemed the Best Graduating Student for the Class of 2014. The Second Best Graduating Student Award went to Deniesha McAllister who also graduated with distinction. Devonish

and McAllister are the only two students to graduate with distinction, while seven graduated with credit. In the Audiology Class of 2014, there were only four graduates with Estherline Adolph, who hails from Region 10, topping the batch with a distinction. Dacia Ross, who resides

in Region Six, and Tisha John and Vernaden Williams, both from Region Seven, graduated with credit. The Audiological Practitioner Training Programme Director, Dr Ruth Quaicoe said the graduates have now joined the struggle of promoting primary ear and hearing care

in Guyana. The programme also started in Guyana in 1998, with the launching of the “Earcare 2000” Project. Dr Quaicoe said they will now join a movement geared at removing the stigma attached to hearing loss and differently-able persons.

Guyanese turned out in their numbers on Monday to take part in the annual West Indian Day Parade in New York

photo compliments of KAMERAKINGS

After a 17 year hiatus Guyana had a truck on Eastern Parkway for the 47th Annual West Indian Day Parade. Hundreds came out to support the Guyana contingent on Labor Day in Brooklyn. Photo Credit: Zaleema Verwayne (Guyana contingent organizing committee member) Andrew D. Ross

news WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Woman washed up at Kitty Seawall drowned – autopsy report

Dead: Sharon Forde

n autopsy performed on the body of Sharon Forde, who was washed ashore at the Kitty Seawalls on Wednesday, proved that she drowned. The examination cleared all speculations that foul play was involved in her death. The post-mortem was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Troy Forde, brother of the dead woman initially suspected foul play, claiming that only a post-mortem examination would clear his doubts. On Friday, during a telephone interview, he said that the way things are going in society, he cannot take things for granted. He said that the body has been released to the family and they are making arrange-

ments for burial in the new week. Forde, 45, a former City Constable of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was found on Wednesday afternoon washed up at the Kitty Seawalls. At the time of her discovery, the mother of five was unidentified but her brother made the positive identification the following day. It was reported that the woman was mentally ill. She went missing on Tuesday morning after she walked out of her yard while her brother went to collect a few pieces of garments. Several search exercises were launched to locate the woman but failed to locate her. According to reports, the woman was subsequently spotted walking along the East Coast Embankment but disappeared from view. She was reportedly naked when she was seen walking aimlessly. Again, the relatives went to look for the woman but to no avail. The brother, upon hearing the news that a body was found at the Kitty Seawalls, went to the Lyken’s Funeral Home on Thursday morning where he identified his sister’s body.

Labs costing Gy$300M commissioned ...

from page 18

“Over the last 20 years, we have made significant progress and with each decade, we move to process a little faster. In the period 2000 to 2010, significant progress was made and in the period 2010 to now, we have seen further concretisation of the vision to make science and technology in agriculture contribute meaningfully to the development,” the Minister told the audience on Monday. Dr Ramsammy said the Ministry is directing the way through which agriculture can benefit from science and technology. The Inter-American Development Bank, he reported, has been a very significant partner in agriculture as they do in other areas. “The bulk of our partnership has been with the IDB.” Dr Ramsammy said with Guyana being an agriculture country, it cannot rely on external support for soil testing. He said while the labs

in the agricultural sector would allow for basic soil testing, comprehensive soil testing which is necessary is not possible in Guyana today. The Minister has extended an invitation to students from the University of Guyana and Guyana School of Agriculture to come on board. Among the benefits of the Tissue Culture Laboratory is its ability to produce plantain plantlets tissue culture with help from friends between now and next year. President Donald Ramotar, during the feature address, said the commissioning of the two labs is another demonstration of Government’s seriousness in pursuing a strong agriculture programme. He said there are huge scope and possibilities to develop the local agriculture sector. He said from an economic point of view, Guyana is able to ensure food security, not just for itself, but for nations around the world.

| guyanatimeSinternational.com

GDF trains ranks of St Kitts Nevis Defence Force

Members of the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force

Captain Peter Kayode Sutton

n the true spirit of military cooperation among Caricom states, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continues to provide training for officers and ranks of the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF). In this regard, SKNDF Captain Peter Kayode Sutton, on August 18, graduated from the GDF’s Senior Command and Staff Course Number 13. In addition, Sergeants Shayne Mike and Jahmoy Gumbs recently completed training on the Drill Instructor Course. Mike and Gumbs are now on attachment to the GDF Training Corps, where they are going to serve as members of the training staff, on the Force’s upcoming second annual Basic Recruit

Course, scheduled to commence shortly. Their colleagues, Warrant Officer Class Two, Mervin Lewis and Sergeants Sherwin Julius and Althea France are currently students on the Senior Leader Course. Meanwhile, Corporal Desroy Elliot, a trained mechanic and Lance Corporal Melissa Carey, a Financial Clerk, are on attachment to the GDF’s Motor Pool and Finance Department respectively. Elliot is scheduled to commence training on the Section Commander Course while Carey is slated to train on the Junior Leader Course. Captain Sutton says that the experiences of the Senior Command and Staff Course, built on his earlier training with the GDF when he was enlisted as an Officer Cadet back in 1999. “This has not been a strange experience for me. I was able to adjust

rather quickly since I am already familiar with the GDF and its training environment. In actual fact, coming back on this senior course is like coming home,” he said. “In our Defence Force, Guyana is regarded very highly for the comprehensive nature of its training. In fact, my earlier training as an Officer Cadet enabled me to successfully complete Ranger training in the USA.” The Captain explained that many more of his colleagues and ranks from the SKNDF will be coming to Guyana to pursue training as it is recognised as a necessary element for their development in the SKNDF. He believes that the experience of training in Guyana has tremendous benefits not only for his soldiers, but also for the further development of the SKNDF. The other soldiers of the SKNDF say that

their experiences thus far have been quite valuable. They confessed that, it has taken some getting used to Guyana and some cultural differences, but agreed that the experience is one that they will always treasure. The relationship between the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force goes back several decades and many officers and other ranks of the SKNDF have benefitted from training with the GDF. In the framework of cooperation among Caribbean states, the GDF remains committed to providing members of the militaries of sister Caricom states with opportunities to gain professional development through participation in its training regimen. In this regard, on an annual basis, the GDF invites Caribbean militaries to participate in all its various training programmes.

GT and T seeking permission to raise landline rates

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Guyana’s sole landline service provider, says while the service remains critical to the development of Guyana, it is an “albatross” in its current state. GT&T’s parent company is the Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN). It is the largest provider of telecommunication services in Guyana with a customer base exceeding 600,000 in a country with a population of almost 750,000. As part of its economic reform programme, the Government of Guyana chose to privatise telecommunications toward the end of the 1980s. In 1990, the ATN bought 80 per cent of Guyana’s telecommunications infrastructure from the Government. GT&T was opened January 28, 1991 and by September 2004, more than Gy$195 million was invested to update and expand the infrastructure throughout Guyana.

Hike

The company says that unless it can take steps to increase rates and tariffs, the situation will remain the same, since the revenues gathered from that prospect can

Fallout

ATN’s Vice President of Finance, John Audis, making his case at the meeting

barely suffice to cover overhead expenses. This was the position of the executives of the company when they appeared before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at the Cara Lodge, Quamina Street on Friday morning. The company is requesting a hike in rates for landline and wire services and has since approached the PUC ahead of the Telecommunications Reform Bill, which will seek to liberalise the sector, paving the way for more landline service providers in Guyana.

ATN’s Vice President of Finance, John Audis, explained to the commissioners of the PUC that while the company is cognisant of a decline in the use of landline services, it is expected that there will be a further decline if there is an increase in the rates, but the company is prepared to deal with such an outcome. He noted too that the company is aware that projected increases in profit margins may not materialise, but contended that the company was well prepared to handle such fallbacks. In addition, Audis said the increased packages will be made available to customers to satisfy their demands and service use, noting that the company is aware too that customers will initially resist the increases. Speaking to the issue of a subsidy for customers who may not be able to afford the service, Audis said: “If Guyana makes a public policy decision that landline service is a unique national good that must be provided to all citizenry then that’s the only way to do it… the Government has to make a decision to provide that access.”

News

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Govt Citizens Bank posts Gy$546M half-year profits fighting to avoid

itizens Bank Guyana Inc has recorded a whopping Gy$880 million profit before tax in its quarterly Financial Report ending June 30. According to the bank’s financial document published in the newspapers last Saturday, after a deduction of Gy$333 million it managed to gain Gy$546 million after tax profit after six months when compared to the Gy$512 million recorded for the same period last year. The documents placed the company’s cash flow at Gy$4.1 billion for the six months, an increase of Gy$1.7 billion over last year’s. In the bank’s annual report ending December 2013, there was a profit after tax of Gy$1 billion when compared to Gy$82.2 million from the previous year. The Managing Director, Eton Chester, had stated that the construction of Citizens Bank’s stateof-the-art headquarters at Camp Street, Georgetown, will be its major project for 2014 and was expected to gain momentum. However, no update was given on the process of the project in recently-published financial records. Meanwhile, Clifford Reis,

International Credit and Debit Cards respectively will be in addition to other value-added services we intend to offer during fiscal 2014,” Reis added.

Net growth

Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester

Chairman of Banks DIH, Citizens Bank’s parent company, had said that in addition to its main office, the commercial bank will be expanding its branch and ATM networks. He was optimistic that such investments would improve customer convenience while simultaneously increasing benefits for stakeholders. “The launch of our e-banking service and Visa

Managing Director Chester was positive that Guyana’s economy will grow thereby having a positive impact on commercial banks, and Citizens Bank will be no exception. “Intense competition among commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions, excess liquidity in the banking system and declining interest rates are expected to continue in fiscal 2014,” he posited. Reflecting on 2013, Chester said net interest income stood at Gy$2.2 billion at the end of the last financial year when compared to Gy$1.9 billion in 2012. The bank’s ability to increase its loan portfolio and reduce the cost of deposits were among contributing factors to the growth in net interest income. “Interest income is the most significant contributor to the bank’s net operating income, accounting for 85.8 per cent compared to 82.7 per cent in 2012,” the Managing Director explained.

TT link in underwater drug trade

… expert on discovery of Guyana drug sub

he recent discovery of a cocaine-smuggling submarine in Guyana opens up the possibility that Trinidad and Tobago (TT), already a major transhipment for narcotics, could also be supplying bunkered diesel fuel for the illicit underwater operation. That is the view of University of the West Indies (UWI) Sociology Lecturer Daurius Figueira, author of Cocaine Trafficking in The Caribbean & West Africa in the Era of The Mexican Cartels. “The fact that they were building a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in Guyana means there are other manufacturing points in the Caribbean and now we have fleets of SPSSes. Before, they used to be running in the Pacific between South America and Central America. Now it’s on both sides,

The semi-submersible vessel that was discovered in Guyana

the Caribbean and the Atlantic ocean,” he told the Sunday Guardian. “This indicates that the Caribbean island chain is now in the big time for cocaine smuggling and TT has an important role to play – smuggling fuel to these vessels because Guyana has no fuel source. All the fuel in Guyana has to come from either Venezuela or Trinidad.” Figueira said drug submarines could not operate in the Caribbean without fuel, relay stations or ports and it was obvious from the one discovered in Guyana that product was being moved via SPSSes from the Caribbean to South America and up the Caribbean island chain to the US. He said a submarine the size of the one found in Guyana could transport three tonnes of cocaine with ease and

close to five tonnes tightly packed. He said the Guyanese vessel was not designed for deep water operations or long hauls as it was a semi-submersible and not capable of diving fully under water like a dedicated submarine. The National Security Ministry, in a release on drug submarines sent to the Sunday Guardian, said they were known to be used particularly by Colombian drug cartels to export cocaine from Colombia to Mexico. The drugs are often then transported overland to the US. TT National Security Minister Gary Griffith said the country had the capability to track and intercept drug submarines in its territorial waters. However, he said, he could not divulge the technology available to local security forces. Griffith added that

offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) would not have been able to deal with incursions by drug submarines. “It emphasises my point about the illogical comments made by a few that if we had three defective OPVs, it would stop the flow of illegal drugs and weapons. One hundred OPVs would be useless. The critical operational policies required are not defective 90-metre vessels in deep waters, but exactly what we have done, reigniting the security co-operation agreement with Venezuela and Colombia,” he said. “There is now better sharing [of] information being turned to intelligence upon which heavier deterrents are implemented and national security resources can be streamlined in the appropriate position.” (TT Guardian)

blacklisting

… as AML/CFT Bill still hangs in balance

resident Donald Ramotar said his Government is desperately working to avoid Guyana being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with the country preparing for a targeted review by the global body by yearend. He made this comment during a press conference on Friday. “We are working very hard to stave off any blacklisting and saving our people from any unnecessary hardship. That is what we are working extremely hard to do because we will face these reviews coming up soon and we hope that we would be able to avoid blacklisting,” the President said. During a previous meeting, it was decided there will be a targeted review of Guyana’s status. Guyana is scheduled to appear before another FATF meeting by the end of the year in Paris. In a letter to FATF, Ramotar said he spoke about Government’s efforts to get the Bill passed and the refusal of the Opposition members on the Parliamentary Select Committee to meet before the parliamentary recess. He added that further attempts were made during the recess to have the committee meet for them to decide on a Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and FATF compliant Bill, but their efforts were again rejected by the Opposition members. According to the President, the Chairperson on the Special Select Committee, Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira, recently sent invitations out to have a committee meeting on October 10, just as Parliament comes out of recess; however, there has been no response from members of the Opposition to date. Nevertheless, Ramotar noted that the Government is continuing the fight to avoid the country being blacklisted by implementing all other measures that do not require legislation.

President Donald Ramotar

Work plan

“We have developed a work plan, taking into account the unpredictable role, or should I say the predictable role of the Parliament or the obstructionist role they are playing particularly in this regard,” he stated. The President pointed out that in carrying out the work plan, Government had issued guidelines and is currently developing regulations to deal administratively with many of the matters that are in the Bill. He went on to say that they have moved to establish the operations arm of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), that is, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Only Tuesday last, Cabinet had approved some Gy$63.1 million for the construction of the SOCU headquarters to be located at the Police headquarters, Eve Leary. The unit will come under the leadership of acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and will be working closely with the FIU. SOCU will investigate suspected financial transaction of money laundering and financing of terrorism, in keeping with Guyana’s treaty obligation to the CFATF. The FIU was established under the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act of 2009, with the primary objective to monitor the financial sector, but with the operationalisation of the SOCU, the bar will be raised from monitoring to investigation.

News

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Commonwealth Youth Award to Haiti’s leader agrees to talks recognise passion and excellence with recalcitrant senators

ominations are now open for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Youth Work. According to a release from the body, the annual awards recognise the invaluable contribution of young people to development, in community, national and global contexts. As part of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the awards provide a platform to showcase and expand the work of outstanding young people across the 53-nation Commonwealth community. Past winners have brought their talents and commitment to powerful ventures such as environmental waste management, solar energy in remote villages, online education communities, and youth leadership. Nominations for 2015 should demonstrate how a young person’s work, whether professional or voluntary, has helped to promote a development goal, such as empowerment of marginalised groups, education for all, peace, democracy, human rights, health, sport and culture, or protection of the environment. The entry period closes on 30 October 2014. Four finalists from each region (Asia, Africa & Europe, Caribbean & Americas, and Pacific) will be selected, and from these sixteen finalists, one from each region will receive

a regional Commonwealth Youth Award. Each finalist and winner will receive a cash prize, and the regional winners will also travel to London in Commonwealth Week in March 2015, where the overall pan-Commonwealth Commonwealth Youth Award winner will be announced. Speaking at the global launch of the awards during an intergenerational dialogue with youth leaders in the Pacific nation of Samoa, Deodat Maharaj, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, stated: “The Commonwealth Youth Awards showcase the tangible and meaningful impacts being made in development by young people. “These awards encourage us to take note of their contribution, and to include and support them more. In addition, the passion and commitment exhibited by the young award winners is inspiring to other young people. By amplifying their work, the awards help them become beacons to others.” Harry James Olikwailafa from Solomon Islands, a finalist last year for the Pacific region, said: “There are young people out there who do many good things for their community or country. The Commonwealth Youth Awards give them an important platform, recognising their contribution to society.”

aiti’s President Michel Martelly agreed over the weekend to engage in political talks with a handful of recalcitrant senators who have been blocking a vote to pass amendments to an existing electoral law, to facilitate the holding of crucial legislative and local elections in the Caribbean country before the end of the year. Last week, Martelly received a letter from the president of the Haitian senate, Dieuseul Simon Desras, requesting a meeting to discuss ways to solve an impasse created by a group of six opposition senators who have put the electoral process on hold by refusing to cooperate in passing the needed electoral amendments.

Amendments

A spokesman for the Haitian presidency, Lucien Jura, said Martelly would welcome, on Monday at the presidential palace, the recalcitrant senators who have been boycotting senate assembly meetings to prevent the needed legislative amendments from being adopted. “President Martelly is ready to meet on Monday the president of the senate and the six senators who have been reluctant to help pass the amendments,” Jura told the HaitianCaribbean News Network (HCNN) on Monday. “President Martelly wants to show his good will and his

He said he has already called Martelly’s office to inform the Haitian leader about the unavailability of the six senators. Some members of the G6 blame Martelly for failing to invite hardliners of opposition parties to the meeting as requested, while others argue such a meeting should not take place at the presidential palace, but at a neutral venue.

Representatives

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly

determination to do everything in his power to help move the electoral process forward,” said Jura. At first, Martelly showed reluctance to engage in the new talks with the so-called G6, following a series of political negotiations that led to an agreement, known as the El Rancho Agreement, signed by the Haitian leader, 50 political parties and representatives of the legislature. The letter to invite the senators to the meeting was received on Friday at the senate and the senate chairman, Desras, said he had informed all the senators of the G6 about the meeting. However, Desras, said the six senators told him they would not be able to attend the meeting on Monday.

Senator Franky Exius says his group is still willing to participate in the meeting with Martelly, but other group members say they would prefer to delegate representatives of opposition parties to attend in their place, should such a meeting take place. The spokesman for Martelly, Jura, said the Haitian leader has a right to welcome the senators at his office and argued that Martelly had invited only the six parliamentarians because the issue lies in the fact that the senate cannot pass electoral amendments. “Only the invited senators can help solve the problem, not the representatives of the political parties,” said Jura. Several of those opposition parties wish to force Martelly and his government, led by Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, from power. The 30-member senate has been functioning with only two thirds of its members after the end of the term of ten senators over two years ago.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

NEWS

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

PM Gonsalves re-shuffles Cabinet - amid preparations for general election

INGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Monday announced a minor Cabinet re-shuffle shifting the Ministry of Works to the Office of the Prime Minister with immediate effect. Gonsalves said the Minister of Works Julian Francis, will become a Minister of State in that Ministry. Francis is also generalsecretary of the Gonsalvesled ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) and the development is in keeping with the ULP’s actions leading up to general elections, which are constitutionally due by December 2015. Political observers said the announcement, taken in conjunction with statements made by Prime Minister Gonsalves and Francis earlier this year, is expected to further fuel speculations that the government is preparing for early elections. Gonsalves, in making the announcement on Monday, told a news conference that he had written to the Governor General General’s Deputy,

St. Vincent’s Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

Susan Dougan, concerning Francis demitting office as Minister of Transport, Works, Urban Development, and Local Government “from today (Monday) as soon the Governor General signs the requisite instruments and issues the constitutional requisites. “The Ministry of Works will come under the Prime Minister with immediate effect, and Minister Francis will be appointed today (Monday) as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Works in the Office of the Prime Minister with special responsibility for BRAGSA, Land Transport, the Electrical Inspectorate, Local Government and Urban Development,”

Gonsalves said. “The rest of the Works Ministry, which includes Roads and the Appurtenances, Sea and River Defenses, Buildings and Works, those would be handled directly by me. Of course, I am the minister responsible for those matters even for which Minister Francis is given special responsibility, but he will have day-today over sight of those,” Gonsalves added. “…since he will be a Minister of State under the Prime Minister, one can anticipate that the PM will assign him other duties from time to time, as indeed I would assign other ministers and other officials duties from time to time,” stated Gonsalves, who is also Minister of Finance, National Security, Legal Affairs and Grenadines Affairs. Gonsalves highlighted that the matters he will address in the Ministry of Works are largely the big projects financed by the World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, the governments of the Taiwan and Ecuador and the European Union. (Caribbean News)

feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

human beings too. Hutson has commenced training for all four segments of the pageant–talent, swimsuit, national costume and evening gown. Presently the beauty

Onesha Hutson in costume

Orphanage this Sunday spending the day, having lunch, discussing concerns and also pampering the girls with back to school goodies before the new school year commences. She has adopted the home as her charity to work with and more so, to be a role model for the girls, counselling them on everyday issues and lending that helping hand as their big sister. She will also be working closely with homeless persons on the streets, giving them a voice and also supplying them with a meal, given that they are often forgotten by society. Hutson plans to lend her voice to build awareness and also convince others to help in the fight and to support those that are less fortunate since they are

Onesha Hutson

EORGETOWN, G U Y A N A : The birth of Guyana’s first ever Miss Global International Guyana franchise is taking shape as the Queen Onesha Hutson commences training and charity work for the international pageant scheduled for December 2-6 in beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica. Miss Global International Guyana Onesha Hutson was treated to various media interviews and also was a special invitee

to the just concluded Guyana Festival after her crowning. Working closely with her designers Jason Shurland, Sonia Noel, Mwanza Glen and others with talented photographers Ronald Nanlall, Saajid Hasani and Rupesh Singh, she managed to successfully produce two stunning photo shoots with two more in the making. Commencing her charity contributions Hutson, along with her team, will be visiting the Saheed Girls

has already started to work with her personal gym trainer. The crowned queen was graciously invited as a special guest at the Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week event

called “Making Styles” which is scheduled for October. She will be a guest of honour and the first Guyanese to be invited to this prestigious event. (Guyana Times)

FEATURE

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

ould you like to know why honey seems always in short supply? If so, then turn to entry number 135 in Walter E Roth’s book, “The Animism and Folklore of the Guiana Indians”. In olden times bees’ nests and honey were very plentiful in the bush, and there was one man in particular who earned quite a reputation for discovering their whereabouts. One day, while chopping into a hollow tree where he had located some honey, he suddenly heard a voice from the inside calling, ‘Take care! You are cutting me’. On opening the tree very carefully, he discovered a beautiful woman, who told him she Maba [lit. ‘honey’], the HoneyMother, that is, the Spirit of the Honey. As she was quite nude, he collected some cotton, which she made into a cloth, and he asked her to be his wife. She consented on condition that he never mention her name, and they lived very happily together for many years. And just in the same way he became universally acknowledged as the best man for finding bee’s nests, so she made a name for herself in the way of brewing excellent cassiri and paiwarri. She had to make only one jugful, and it would prove quite sufficient, no

Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, showcasing Roth's book 'The Animism and Folklore of the Guiana Indians' as part of the Guyana Classics Library collection

matter the number of visitors; more than this, the one jugful would make them all drunk… However, one day the made made the mistake of mentioning her name, quite innocently, and instantly she flew away back to her bee’s nest. He was unable to stop her as she flew off… And with her, his luck flew and since that time honey has always been more or less scarce. That is one of the 370 stories in this “landmark compilation of the cosmology and beliefs of three of Guyana’s indigenous peoples – Arawak,

Carib and Warau”. And there is more. Would you like to know how the moon got a dirty face? Would you like to know how pain, misery and death came into the world, how alligator came to have its present shape, how the birds obtained their distinctive markings, how the Indians learned to paddle, how the lazy man was cured, how the world was created, then turn to Walter E Roth’s book, “The Animism and Folklore of the Guiana Indians”, which was reissued by The Caribbean Press

in June 2011 as part of a series titled the Guyana Classics Library. “The Animism and Folklore of the Guiana Indians” by Walter E Roth was first published in June 1913. It was the result, according to the author’s preface, of a determination to devoting “all my spare time – and there has been plenty of it – to an ethnographical survey of the native tribes of British Guiana, somewhat on the lines I had already followed in the case of North Queensland” [Australia]. He further stated, “In the course of my ethnographical work, I collected sufficient material in the way of myth, legend, and fable to warrant the publication of a separate volume on Animism and Folk-lore, and so the following pages have come to be written.” In 1970, it was republished by Johnson Reprint Corporation. The 2011 reissue by The Caribbean Press is accompanied by a scholarly introduction written by Janette Bulkan. Listing the merits of the book, Bulkan writes that “the scrupulous care which Roth characteristically brought to the task of recording the words of his interlocutors” and “Roth’s separation of his comments from the text... permits each reader to experi-

ence a story directly”. Further, Bulkan states, that we can read these narratives on different levels: “Firstly, as a window into the fascinating neotropical world with its endemic profusion of plant and animal life forms. We, to like the European explorers and naturalists, can immerse ourselves into this biodiversity through the medium of these stories. Secondly, we can also marvel at this glimpse into the sophisticated cosmology and complex world views of Guyana’s first peoples.” The efficacy of the book is strengthened with a detailed table of contents, skilful illustrations, listing of stories, a bibliography and a glossary. This Bulkan says is “a bequest to our nation”. Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com What’s happening: • The Caribbean Press has commissioned Petamber Persaud to produce as Editor a Volume 2 of contemporary poetry and a Volume 1 of contemporary prose by local Guyanese writers. Please contact Persaud for further information at the above mentioned telephone number and email.

travel & tourism

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

By Samantha James

he beauty of the Rupununi is vast, unique, legendary and celebrated in arts and literature. From Robert Schomburgk’s early 19th century travel descriptions and Charles Bentley’s infamous sketches of the savannahs, forests and people to modern day representation of mythology, culture and environment in the art of Guyanese artists, George Simon and Roland Taylor. Poetry and songs celebrate the subtle beauty of the charismatic and life giving Rupununi River and the land named after it. Basil Rodrigues, or Uncle Basil, as he is fondly referred to, originally hailed from Mourca in the North West District, spent over 40 years teaching in the South Rupununi, wrote poems and songs about the Rupununi. School children in the region today still recite his work which describe Amerindian life, culture and the beauty of “Rupununi, my dear, dear, home”. Administratively known as Region Nine, but fondly known as The Rupununi by those who live there, derives its name

from the Rupununi River, which runs from the south savannahs, north and eastward where it meets the Essequibo River. The Rupununi River and its tributaries are the mainstay of life for the 14,000, mainly Amerindian people, Makushi and Wapichan, who live in the area. What is the fascination with this place, this river, this land called Rupununi? Come and visit the golden savannahs which melt into deep, green forests, lined with silver creeks to discover its magic. Mountains with names like Makarapan, Shiriri, the Kanakus and Pakaraimas are the distinguishing landmarks which divide the Rupununi into geographical regions but are the kingdoms of wildlife, legends and spirituality. The vast savannah lands are dotted with cattle ranches: Dadanawa in the Deep South, Karanambu, Meterzero and Point Ranch in the North, where vaquero, or cowboys, ride barefoot and manage wild cattle which range for hundreds of miles of open country. Cattle, cashew nuts, peanuts, cassava and casareep are some of the products from the Rupununi,

and you hear English, Makushi, Wapishana and Portuguese spoken by its inhabitants. But there is something else that makes the Rupununi special and keeps some of us coming back: maybe it’s the sweet grass scented air, endless horizon and beautiful vistas, the wonderful hospitality and culture of the people or maybe it’s something in the water. During the rainy season (May/June), the heavens open, creeks and rivers swell, burst their banks and meet the flooded savannah, as a result the landscape changes dramatically. What were once roads are now only navigable by boat; fish now use the bicycle tracks, and the areas along the river become a magical and tangled flooded forest. The Rupununi is actually a massive wetland and this seasonal flooding is responsible for the overwhelming biodiversity (and some of the strangest looking things) that live here. This is the land of giants: giant anteaters, giant otters, giant river turtles, giant fish (arapaima) and black caiman. All endangered and strange species, but once you see them, you will be awed by their size,

Kwatamang landing, Rupununi River (Photo by S James)

incredible adaptations, and although endangered internationally, by their abundance in this special place. The Rupununi River is a source of life for many people; it’s winding course provides a waterway for transportation from north to south whether visiting family, friends or going to the farm. To date over 800 species of fish have been catalogued from the rivers making this a source of protein and game for inhabitants and visitors alike. Avifauna is impressive: Jabiru Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Cocoi Herons, Buffnecked Ibis, and Double-striped Thickknees all strange and beau-

tiful with long legs built for stalking in long grass and river shallows. The Rupununi’s diverse ecosystems make it a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers: the Red siskin, a rare seedeater, thought to be extirpated from Guyana, was found to be thriving in south savannahs by local scientists from Dadanawa a few years ago. Incredibly beautiful but very rare, Sun Parakeets have a stronghold in the Pakaraima mountain ranges and the strange, nearly fluorescent orange Cock of the Rock leks (nesting behaviour) throughout the North Rupununi. To see this bird and its flamboyant

dance, visit the Wowetta Cock of the Rock Trail or Iwokrama. Guyanese writer, Robert Fernandes wrote a poem, which was later sung by Anthony Xavier on the album Rediscover El Dorado, called “Rupununi”, in which he refers to the land and the river after which the poem is titled, but he spells out what makes the place special: “R, U, P, U and U and I. You and you and I; when you visit the Rupununi, one thing becomes clear: your visit would not be what is was without the wonderful hospitality and charismatic people you met on the way and those you shared your journey with.”

FEATURE

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology

Preserving indigenous culture for over 40 years

ounded in 1974 from the collection of the late Guyanese archaeologist, Dr Denis Williams, the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology and Art History (as it was originally called) was the first Museum of Anthropology in the English speaking Caribbean. Although it was planned to site the museum in the town of Bartica, this was changed at the last moment due to the fuel crisis of 1974, which caused the original funds allocated to be withdrawn. In 1980, the museum, now renamed the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, was moved to its present location at 61 Main Street, North Cummingsburg,

Georgetown (next to the President of Guyana’s official residence). Following this move, the collections of Sir Everard Im Thurn, Dr Walter Roth and Mr John J Quelch were transferred from the Guyana National Museum. Dr Williams’ archaeological collections were also transferred from the Department of Culture. A typological study from the collections of Dr Betty J Meggers and the late Dr Clifford Evans of the Smithsonian Institution was donated to the museum and in 1991, Guyanese Cultural Anthropologist, Dr George P Mentore, donated an ethnographic collection from the WaiWai of southern Guyana. The museum’s collections

Museum's second floor with exhibits on display

eventually included excavated artefacts from all of the ten administrative regions of Guyana as well as small ethnographic and archaeological collections

from elsewhere. It is generally believed that John Sharps (18451913) was the architect of the building, which was constructed before 1890. Duncan McRae Hutson, a Guyanese barrister-atlaw and legislator, bought it in 1891. When McRae Hutson’s wife passed away in 1942, he sold the building to the government of British Guiana. The government used it to house the Teachers Training College and later, the Attorney General’s Chambers. In 1976, the National Trust of Guyana gazetted the building as a national historic monument, and in 1978 the building was acquired by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Social Development. It was then decided that the building be used as a museum. The Walter Roth Museum was officially opened to the public in 1982. This museum is named in honour of Walter Edmund Roth (1861-1933). Roth was a noted anthropologist, administrator and surgeon who was born and edu-

cated in England. After qualifying as a surgeon at St. Thomas Hospital, London, he followed his two elder brothers to Australia. There, he held a succession of appointments including teaching and surgeon positions. But it was with his later work on Australian ethnology that he made his mark. After serving successfully for several years as an Anthropologist and Protector of the Aborigines, he eventually moved to British Guiana in 1907 where he accepted an appointment as Government Medical Officer, Stipendiary Magistrate and Deputy Protector of Indians in the Pomeroon district. In 1920, he was appointed commissioner of the Rupununi. After many years of service in the interior of British Guiana, he finally retired in 1928 to become Curator of the Museum of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society (now renamed the Guyana National Museum) and Government Archivist. Due to his strong interest in anthropology, his work resulted in two major monographs on the Arts, Crafts and Customs of the Guiana Indians published in 1924 and in 1929 Additional Studies of the Arts, Crafts and Customs of the Guiana Indians was published by the Bureau of American Ethnology, Washington. Walter Roth died in Georgetown in 1933. The first Director of the Walter Roth Museum was Dr Denis Williams who served from its founding in 1974 up to his death in 1998. Williams, originally an artist and writer, had first been exposed to archaeology in the Sudan. This interest was rekindled when he returned to Guyana in 1968 to live in the Mazaruni district. He was eventually able to pursue this interest fulltime when he was appointed Director of the newly created Walter Roth

Museum of Anthropology and Art History in 1974. Williams’ primary interests as a researcher were on Amerindian petroglyphs (rock engravings) and the paleoclimatic and archaeological investigations of the shell middens on the northwest coast of Guyana. His skill as a writer served him well with his scientific papers and articles, as well as his numerous works of fiction. In recognition of all his achievements, he received the Cacique Crown of Honour and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, in 1989. Over the years, the Walter Roth Museum has been engaged in numerous research programmes. Of these, the most important was the archaeological research conducted by Williams throughout the ten administrative regions of Guyana. This work yielded much valuable information on the history, pre-history and past and present culture by the Walter Roth Museum in partnership with foreign researchers and students. Also of note is the museum’s outreach programme, Junior Archaeology. In this museum programme, staff regularly corresponds with children across Guyana and the Caribbean. Members receive publications and newsletters specifically designed for Junior Archaeology. Workshops are also occasionally held in their respective schools in the regions, and visits to the museum are organised whenever possible. Older members, who are interested, are given the opportunity to participate in field exercises. This programme has no age limits. The museum also has an active publishing programme. Its annual ‘Journal of Archaeology and Anthropology’, which is overseen by a scientific advisory board, was first published in 1978. Since that time, apart from journals, several other publications and leaflets, dealing with exhibitions, ethnography, prehistory and the Junior Archaeology programme, have also been produced. For more information, call 225-8486. The museum’s opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4.30pm and on Friday from 8am to 3.30pm. Researchers are welcomed anytime during normal opening hours. School trips must be organised in advance.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana's Naya Zamana Dancers stage spectacular show in Georgetown

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds with the cast and Directors of Naya Zamana 19 at the conclusion of the production

aya Zamana 19 “A Royal Twist” delivered all that it promised and much more when the production was held at the National Cultural Centre in Guyana last Saturday evening before a packed audience. The production, which was directed, choreographed and written by Dr Vindhya Persaud, took the packed National Cultural Centre on a memorable journey that will remain with them for a long time. The show told the story of young Director Riya Patel’s debut attempt at the historical love story of “Saleem Anarkali”, straddling the present and past seamlessly. The Dharmic Nritya Sangh’s, Dr Indhira Harry excelled in her role as Riya Patel, an actress who was retiring to take on the role of film Director. From sizzling dance numbers to

Noman Ahmad and Zahrah Alli during one of the numerous dance routines at the National Cultural Centre last Saturday evening when Naya Zamana 19 was hosted before a packed audience

high drama scenes, she captivated the audience with her sheer energy and liveliness. U.S.-based choreographer Noman Ahmad

earned himself many Guyanese fans as he transitioned effortlessly between the modern day Sid Sharma, whose main aim was to tease and an-

noy Director Riya Patel, and the romantic Prince Saleem of the past. His acting and dance were simply excellent. Zahrah Alli was ethe-

real in the role of the famous Mughal court dancer Anarkali. Exuding natural grace and beauty, she not only captivated Prince Saleem but the audience as well. The role of the ghostly Prince Saleem was played by newcomer Ravi, who displayed old world charm and romantic spirit. Veteran actor Nazim Hussain was also outstanding as Emperor Akbar, who disapproved of the love between Saleem and Anarkali and plotted to remove Anarkali from his son’s life. E-Networks Emerging Voices winner Vishalie Sukram received thunderous applause as she made her debut at the National Cultural Centre. Top five contestants, Aamir Khan, played the role of narrator and his presentations were interspersed with appro-

priate songs. Music was provided by the talented E-Networks Orchestra. The music for the show was both fabulous appropriate. The show was made much more spectacular by magnificent costumes and sets which were simply amazing. The audience expressed delight as each fabulous set was revealed. There were palaces, temples, abstract designs, abandoned theatres and perhaps the most spectacular, a beautiful garden. It was like magic as group after group of dancers emerged on stage, seemingly just after they had left, in colourful and glittering costumes. The costumes and sets for the show, which were designed by Trishala Simantini Persaud, captured the grand Mughal era of Saleem Anakali as well as present day.

Simply the Truth

Backward societies Y

ou would be surprised at the number of backward societies there are in the world even in the 21st Century. In these societies, females are almost invariably the greatest victims of oppression. Girls and women can be bought or sold, raped and pillaged, married off and raped within the marriage. They may be used and abused and loaned out or rented. All too often, the rapists use religion to justify their brutal actions. The recent kidnapping of some 300 girls from schools and homes in Nigeria by an Islamic Group called Boko Haram (Arabic for Western education is evil) is just one example. Much to their discredit, the world media has largely forgotten these children. These children are meant to serve as sexual slaves for

Boko Haram soldiers. They are meant to be married to these “soldiers” and then raped within the context of “marriage”. For these backward people, the rape is now legitimate. As time elapses, these victimised girls will learn to blind themselves to the evil that has been done to them. They will begin to think as their rapists think: that it is their duty to submit to rape whenever it pleases their rapists. This is perhaps the greatest evil, when the victims begin to see their sexual slavery as their duty to their “husbands”. In time, they will give birth to daughters who will suffer the same fate of being bought, sold, married off, and raped over and over. The evil will seem like normal life. The cycle of evil is endless, and it takes a tremen-

Professor Daizal Samad

dously strong woman to stand firm in the face of this horror. To defend her girl child, she will have to stand firm. If she simply accepts her rapist, she and her children are doomed. Standing firm takes courage. But all civilised and thinking people know that there is no such thing as “legitimate

rape”. Rape is rape. Simple. In Morocco, it is illegal to force a girl into marriage. Civilised. The same standards are applied in other civilised societies. In Canada, some months ago, a man was found guilty of raping his wife. She did not want to be touched. He forced himself on her. He was jailed for 15 years! Real men do not force themselves on women in or out of marriage (since the marriage may have been a forced thing in the first place). As Guyanese, we need to ask ourselves this: which side of the divide do we fall? Are we a civilised society or a barbaric society? The measure is how we treat our women and children. We can appeal to women not to make further victims of themselves. And we can beg them to join with us in the fight to prevent this

abuse from happening to others. We can appeal to husbands to understand that no means no and that to force your wife for sex is an act of brutal rape. They are subject to the law. Or they should run to their places of worship and beg God’s forgiveness and never do it again. He must also beg forgiveness from the abused woman. The first right of a woman is the right to her own body. The first right! The greatest American President said: “It is the right of every human being to be free!” Free from what? I was asked. I say free from being owned, from being treated like an animal. Free to say no! Or free to say yes. The choice is hers. The choice is ours.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Embattled court official barred from leaving St. Vincent on one-way ticket

INGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT: The Immigration Department in St. Vincent has prevented the embattled former Registrar of the High Court, Vanessa Tamara Gibson-Marks from leaving the island for her homeland, less than 24 hours after she was granted bail on theft, abuse of office, and false certification charges. “The information received is that there is ongoing investigation in which Miss Marks

was needed and she was stopped,” Chief Immigration Officer, Stanford Hamilton confirmed. Marks was granted EC$30,000 bail with one surety when she appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, less than 24-hours after she returned to St. Vincent for the first time since she left on May 21. The court did not ask her to surrender her travel documents. “The court grant-

Former Registrar of the High Court in St. Vincent Vanessa Tamara Gibson-Marks

ed Miss Marks bail, and there were conditions in

relation to the bail that

was granted. The issue at hand had nothing to do with the bail which she was granted,” Hamilton told Caribbean media. “The condition in which she was granted bail was already stated on the bond. That had nothing to do with the issue in which she was stopped.” Gibson-Marks checked in to travel on a one-way ticket to St. Lucia last Friday, but she was unchecked and her bags removed. The flight was ini-

tially booked by Duane Daniel—one of GibsonMarks’ lawyers—in Daniel’s name last Thursday. Gibson-Marks pleaded not guilty to the charges against her and is scheduled to re-appear at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on October 7. She is also expected in court next month to give cause why she should not be disbarred from practicing law in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (Caribbean News)

Concern grows over child beggars in Caribbean

n the Caribbean, there is growing concern over child labour and indirect forms of begging. Children are being seen working various forms of street hustling such as the selling of counterfeit movies, stolen electronic devices, or local produce like fruits and vegetables. In more severe cases, child’s rights advocates have reported a high incidence of sexual abuse of children who are expected to provide for themselves. These economic burdens that are placed on children can have a devastating impact on their lives. Many of these children are lured in various forms of illicit activities,

like child pornography, theft, gang-violence and child trafficking. Child trafficking has become a serious concern for many Caribbean societies, in particular as many are struggling with their economic and social inequalities. Child trafficking can take various forms, including but not limited to forced child begging, sexual exploitation, child pornography, child marriage and child soldiers. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also reported that the numbers of children being trafficked across the globe are mainly trafficked to engage in street begging, prostitution and crimes

like stealing. The rights of children are often under-evaluated. It is known that children under the age of 18 years are often forced to work to provide for their families. Many of these children die as the result of the harsh environments that their tender and under-nourished bodies endure. As a result, developing nations have designed specific guidelines to protect children from social implications that have had dire effects on their lives. The Caribbean Region is not immune to child exploitation. In various countries, during the vacation or school breaks, children can be seen begging for money, food sup-

Children are being seen working various forms of street hustling (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

plies and other forms of basic necessities. Some of these children, because of the harsh economic real-

ities of their households, are placed in unbearable dilemmas to contribute to their families’ misfor-

tunes. Many families believe that it is harmless to have their children participate in the economic contributions of the household, but many are unaware of the dangers that their children may face if they are placed in unsupervised environments. The difficulties in curbing child begging are mainly due to the fact that children are minors and the guardians are usually the ones who enforce their activities. As a result, these vulnerable minors are coerced by a family member or loved ones to take up their responsibilities by becoming economic providers for their families. (Caribbean News Now)

Barbados tourism sector now an export industry

RIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Barbados is to legally declare its tourism sector an export industry, as part of two major developments which will radically transform the sector in that eastern Caribbean island. In the second development announced recently by Finance Minister Christopher Sinckler, all local tourism investors will benefit from the unprecedented incentives negotiated by leading Caribbean hotelier, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart’s Sandals Resorts International (SRI). The decision to declare the tourism industry as an export industry is something Stewart had himself championed in Jamaica, arguing that it would empower the sector to compete more substantially with the industry worldwide and bring greater benefits to the local economy. Sinckler announced a comprehensive and permanent overhaul of the country’s tourism incentive legislation which would recognise tourism as an export industry, during a site visit of the Sandals Barbados Resort,

time they require it rather than having to write the Minister of Finance every other time they’re doing upgrades to a property to get it,” he added. The legislation, which the minister indicated would resemble the menu of concessions offered to Sandals, would therefore allow for tax relief of up to 40 years on tourism inputs, including food and beverage imports.

SRI Chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart gestures as he conduct a site tour of the Sandals Barbados Resort with Barbados’ Finance Minister Richard Sinckler (fourth left), Tourism Minister Richard Sealy (third left), and Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner (Jamaica Observer photo)

now undergoing large-scale upgrade for a January 2015 opening on the island’s southcoast. “What we are going to do for hoteliers in Barbados, for tour-

ism operators, is not a transient waving of the pen or signing of a document by the Minister of Finance under 67 (b) of the Income Tax Act,” said Sinckler.

“The concessions which Sandals got, all the others will get but they will get it permanently, in permanent legislation that they call on each and every

Investments SRI is pumping US$350 million and its vaunted Sandals and Beaches brands into the Barbadian economy to operate two financially challenged resorts– he 260-room Almond Causirina, at Dover in Christ Church and the 460-room Almond Beach Village at St Peter. Sinckler also pointed out that Sandals would not merely bring more rooms but would inspire elevated standard levels in the country’s tourism sector. He suggested that the new legislation would transform the industry in an unprecedented manner. (Jamaica Observer)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

TT students win Nasa scholarships P

O R T - O F S P A I N , TRINIDAD: Two students from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, have won scholarships to participate in a fourmonth internship programme at Nasa’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, beginning this week. Jason Renwick, 19, from Santa Cruz and Stefan Hosein, 21, from Chaguanas, were awarded the internships following a rigorous competition which included more than 20 of the nation’s brightest local students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). This is the first Nasa International Internship Programme

De coverage and the cover-up

ome people does sweet talk other people when dem need a favour. Then cuss dem down when dem don’t get that favour. Or even cuss dem down after dem get the favour. That is why old people does remind young people that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Now, it gotta newspaper man who stay just like that. He love to suck up when he want a favour. Even to foreign embassies and tings like that. He get thru wid that favour so he stay quiet. But de other day de paper man try a ting with a big company and a big man. Since then to up to now is sheer cussin. So no body ain’t gotta ask now whah happen when he ask de big man de favour. Just remember whah does happen when a friend, who does only be a friend when he in need, ain’t get whah he want. Old people gotta special word dem does call people like that which de Bell Crier can’t use in this newspaper. It begin with ‘N’ and end with ‘M’. And in this case when yuh consider who de name describe, it musbe all caps and bold. Well, up until now de headlines can’t done. He even stand up pun de big man wood and tek out photo, then put that in he paper. It ain’t got plenty people in life who like to pose wid next man wood like that. But this is a paper man who like put he self in he own paper. De only change to that was de other day when he get ketch wid he pants down. And that ain’t a pretty site no matter whah is de viewer personal orientation. But that was when he own crime mek he hide from he own paper. Yet, this paper seh dem givin coverage to any crime under de sun. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And de other paper in crime know good how to cover (up?) crime too. So dem ain’t call he yet!

From left, U.S. Embassy public affairs officer Stephen Weeks, Stefan Hosein, Jason Renwick and Niherst president Maureen Manchouck (Photo courtesy the U.S. Embassy in TT)

(NASA I2) with TT. It was launched locally in February and is the result of a partnership between Nasa and the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst). Other partners include the U.S. Embassy, Port-of-Spain, and UWI. The two students will follow an intense study programme in

their fields of specialisation. Renwick will research electronics prognostics, while Hosein’s work will focus on biologically-inspired machine intelligence. They will be conducting cuttingedge research under the mentorship of senior scientists at Nasa, as well as attending lectures and seminars at leading research centres, visiting state-

of-the-art laboratories, and interacting with some of the world’s best minds in Stem. “I feel honoured to be chosen for this incredible opportunity fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine which began when I joined the Nasa kids club at the age of seven,” Renwick said. “I hope to make the most of this opportunity for the benefit of all in-

volved, to enhance my personal development, as well as my future studies and career as an engineer.” Hosein plans to pursue a doctorate in the field of artificial intelligence. He said, “I hope to bring back all the knowledge I gain from this unique experience and help build the field of computer science in TT.” (TT Guardian)

Guyanese political wedding

atiricus was proud. Proud that in its behaviour, the Opposition Pee an’ See (aka APANU) and the KFC refused to be swayed by foreign customs but were steadfastly following Guyanese traditions. No, Satiricus wasn’t talking about brukking up the place when they lost elections. Plenty other politicians in plenty countries did that, not only Pee an’ See and KFC. “Wasn’t old time fast bowler and now fundamentalist Islamist politician Imran Khan laying siege to the democratically elected Government of Nawaz Shariff right now?” thought Satiricus. No! What Satiricus was talking about was the soon to be consummated wedding between Pee an’ See and the KFC. None of that “rushing to the altar” if you’re in love, like in those foreign climes. No Sireee! Hey!! What’s love got to do with it?? It’s all about your interests, no?? Guyanese first “live home” for years, make some children, and THEN get married. Very often the children can be flower girls and ushers and so on. Saves money. And so here we have it that the Pee an’ See and the KFC have been living together and frolicking under the sheets for three years. They had created so many lively children – the Linden riots, the Agricola blockade, the Naked Paddy Protest. And now, the recently-rigged-into-office Pee an’ See leader GrainJa has just dropped to his knees and asked Rum Jhaat to officially tie the nuptial knot! Ooooooo, how sweet!!! Satiricus was sure the children would show up at the wedding as “flower boys and girls”. Might get rambunctious though…but what the heck, thought Satiricus. But why was Rum Jhaat playing so hard to get?? The whole world knew what had gone on (or in) under the sheets of the Opposition bed. The groans and moans and the joint positions in the Big House at Stabroek said it all. Was he afraid of his reputation if he hitched up officially with GrainJa? What reputation? That he was easy? All GrainJa had to do was offer him some scotch – and that was it! Everything gone fuh channa, thought Satiricus! The thing was, GrainJa was an honourable man. And even though it was late in the day, he wanted to do the right thing. “C’mon Rum Jhaat…maybe the official ceremony might bring back the excitement in bed,” said Satiricus aloud. “Say yes!! It’s a Guyanese tradition! Look how many more children you and GrainJa will make to join Linden and the others.”

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Amerindian Heritage Month 2014 activities

Amerindian youths will entertain the audience with traditional dance once again this year (Photo by Amanda Richards)

he entire nation will commemorate the invaluable contributions of Guyana’s indigenous people throughout September, which is designated as Amerindian Heritage Month, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has planned a series of activities to celebrate the occasion. Under the theme “Traditional E m b o d i m e n t for Amerindian Development”, the activities will commence on 31 August with an inter-faith service at the Umana Yana at 5pm. The service will highlight the initial religion that

was practised by early Amerindian families, along with other religious denominations. On 1 September, the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month will be held at 5pm at the Heritage Village, National Exhibition Complex, which will be graced by numerous dignitaries. This launch will include cultural performances, such as dance, song and poetry. During the course of the month, numerous activities will be held throughout the country. From 2 to 6 September, there will be a cultural extravaganza, commencing at 8am daily at the Heritage Village, National

Exhibition Complex. The craft and food exhibition will also be

exhibition will feature the display and sale of bamboo, tibisiri

Decorative craft items will be on sale at the Sophia Exhibition Centre

Veteran Guyanese singer and actress Delma Lynch passed away on Tuesday. For years she graced the stage of several local productions. Fashionable jewellery made from local materials will also be on sale

held at the Heritage Village, from 2 to 6 September. The craft

and balata products, as well as indigenous jewellery, such as beads and necklaces. The food exhibition will have on sale a variety of Amerindian dishes. Heritage Day will be celebrated on 10 September at Umana Yana, and will highlight Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to be a Member of Parliament. Heritage Village celebrations will be held at Karrau village, Region Seven on 13 September. Sporting activities will be held from 20 to 21 September at Everest Cricket Club at 9am daily. Tickets cost $200. There will be a Dinner and Appreciation event at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street, on 26 September at 7pm. A cost of $7,000 is attached, which will go towards humanitarian efforts.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Trini on U.S. 'Top Cop' list

ORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: How does one go from being born in a rural district of a Caribbean island to being honoured by the president of the United States at the White House. For Trinidad-born Scott Pulchansingh it happened because of his commitment to duty and the bravery displayed in carrying out his duties. Pulchansingh was one of 17 law enforcement officers from the Boston Police Department presented with TOP COP Awards® by U.S. president Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on May 20. Born in the village of Endeavour in Chaguanas and a past pupil of Presentation College Chaguanas, Pulchansingh was honoured for the role he played in the capture of Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev after the pair shot and killed 26-year-old Sean Collier, an MIT police officer. The Tsarnaev brothers were the principal suspects in the setting off of two bombs during the running of the Boston Marathon on April 15 last year, which led to the death of three persons with hundreds injured. Pulchansingh gave TT

Scott Pulchansingh and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

media a brief account of the Tsarnaevs apprehension and his subsequent nomination to TOP COPS: “After responding to the slaying of Officer Collier we actively searched for the Tsarnaev brothers. “Along with members from the Youth Violence Strike Force (commonly called The Gang Unit) we chased them in Watertown and were engaged in a firefight, during which shots were fired and bombs were tossed out the window at us. “Eventually we apprehended them and I was the officer who conducted a search on Tamerlan Tsarnaev,” Pulchansingh said.

He said as a result his department honoured him with the Schroeder Brothers Memorial Award last December and nominated him for Top Cop. Pulchansingh, who has 19 years’ service as a law enforcement officer, said he loves what he does. “After migrating to the U.S. in 1985 I became a health inspector with the city of Boston and a constable, during which time I worked closely with the Mayor’s office and all agencies including the Police Department. I would later become a full time member of the Boston Police Department,” Pulchansingh related. (TT Express)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Rivers, creeks with Arawak names

ccording to ‘The Arawak Language in Guyanese Culture’ by Canon J P Bennett of the Amerindian Research Unit at the University of Guyana, all rivers in Guyana that flow into the sea except one, have Arawak names, and so it is important that we rightly familiarise ourselves with these names. The one river that does not bear an Arawak name is ‘Waini’. The word ‘Waini’ is a Warrau word and refers to a bird, a kind of crane which was once plentiful in the lagoon in the mouth of the Waini River. The publication stated that it is not Waini but instead ‘Wauna’. ‘Barima’, the river which flows in Guyana but empties in Venezuela, is an Arawak word. In Arawak ‘Bará’ means sea and ‘Eima’ means estuary -- two words. As bará connotes ‘rough sea’, it would appear that the mouth of the Barima River was invariably rough and so the people called it “rough river mouth” in

Demerara river (Photo by Allan Hopkins)

in the savannah that carry Arawak names such as Aiomorakabura, Akhoyoro, Thabula and Waromuri. Next is Pomeroon which is thought to come from ‘Bioroma’, a preparation of baked cassava meal moulded into balls and each wrapped in a leaf. It was mostly used while travelling long distances, and as the associated meat was already cooked, much time was saved. Nearly all the creeks up the Pomeroon River, which are tributaries, have Arawak names. This shows that Arawaks at one time numerously inhabited most of the rivers in Guyana. For example, Wakapoa creek is on the left bank of the Pomeroon River. Wakapoa is Arawak

the rainy season these leaves were washed into smaller creeks. People drank the mildly poisoned water and became ill and even died. On the Pomeroon, up to the creek called ‘Wayuwaro’, a name of a shrub, all the tributaries, but one, have Arawak names. Essequibo is the largest river in Guyana, and people of the past believed it would take a very long time to cross. So they proclaimed that if anybody wished to go from one bank to the other, he or she would have to carry a fireside in order to cook a meal in mid-stream. This account may sound lighthearted, but when we consider that the fireside of the Arawak was a prized possession,

‘Wakokoa’- a type of pigeon common in the savannah. Akiwini (or Akawini) creek is two Arawak words- ‘Eke’ means to eat and ‘Oni’ which means rain. The meaning of Eke Oni is eating rain. The story of how the creek got its name stated that after a rainy season the savannahs on both banks were flooded. Many people became ill and died. The rains got the blame for causing the death of the inhabitants; so the creek got its name. However, it was not the rains that caused the deaths but the leaves of a poisonous tree known as ‘Hiari’, which grew in great numbers in the area. During the dry season, the leaves would litter the ground. In

the risk of losing even a part of it was a serious matter. This fireside, ‘Dishiki’, consisted of three rocks, almost identical in height, size and weight. They could be adjusted to accommodate any size cooking pot. If you lived in a rocky area it was not difficult to make up a fireside, but if you lived in a sandy or swampy area, suitable pieces of rock were greatly prized. The name ‘Dishikibo’ was given to the river; ‘Dishiki’ meaning ‘fireside’ and ‘Abo’ meaning ‘with’. A few kilometres up the Demerara River is a series of rapids called ‘Malali’. Malali in Arawak means ‘fast running stream’. The entire river was given the name Malali, and

Abary river

Arawak: Baraeima. When you go to Mabaruma by steamer, the steamer stelling is known as ‘Kumaka’ stelling. ‘Kumaka’ is Arawak for the silk-cotton tree. There is a river, a branch of Barima River, called Aruka. Aruka is the Arawak word which means “to cut.” Then Aruka could mean ‘a cut’, ‘a shortcut,’ or a ‘division’. Local archaeological evidence points to Loko Arawak settlements at Hosororo Creek on the Aruka River almost 4,000 years ago. Moruka, in the Barima-Waini region, is two Arawak words. ‘Moró’ is a small fish known as the ‘dog fish’ and ‘Kan’ means ‘to’. In the upper Moruka River there are several islands

for a long time it was known by that name; when the Dutch ruled the country they always spoke and wrote of “de Malali.” Later, the two words were combined to form ‘Demalali’. Later still the ‘I’ at the end of the word became ‘y’ and the two ‘l’s became two ‘r’s, hence ‘Demerary’. Some of the old man-

two rivers Mahaica and Mahaicony derived from the same source, ‘Mahóka’. Mahóka is the name of a tree that once thrived on the banks of these rivers. The Mahaica was called ‘Mahóka’ because of those trees that grew bountifully along the banks. Mahaicony also had lots of similar trees

A section of the Essequibo river

uscripts still carry Demerary. However, years later, the ‘y’ at the end of the word changed to ‘a’ so that at present we have Demerara. The names of the

along its banks, so this posed rather a problem in finding a suitable name. After some time they noticed that whenever the wind blew the leaves of these trees rus-

tled and made a special sound as if they were singing so they felt they ought to name the river ‘song of the Mahóka trees’ and so Mahaicony got its name, ‘Mahóka’ meaning a kind of tree and ‘Yeni’ meaning a song. The Abary River story goes that a couple of hunters in the Abary district found what looked like a human jawbone. One of the hunters remarked in Arawak, “Aba” meaning someone and “ari” meaning teeth. The river was known as the ‘Abary’ ever since. The name ‘Berbice’ comes from the Arawak word ‘Beribishi’ a type of banana. It was said that this particular type grew wild in certain areas of this river. People went there to collect the fruit and also suckers to plant in their fields. In time, the river became known as the river of this particular type of banana plant and so it acquired its name. At the present time we know the river by the shortened form, Berbice. (Excerpted from ‘The Arawak Language in Guyanese Culture’ by Canon J P Bennett)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

r Anthony Metcalf SJ, in 1994, in collaboration with Rock View, St Ignatius Mission in Rupununi, published his “Journal of a flying priest”, an account of his piloting adventures in the region. The following is an excerpt of one of his experiences with Amerindian cuisine. “Me, I was willing to try anything so long as I knew someone had tried it before me (and lived). Only once did I draw the line when I saw young boys swatting flying ants at Copinang and stuffing them live into their mouths. There’s a three inch green and black caterpillar that defoliates a

Eucalyptus tree overnight – very tasty, a little like peanuts, when roasted. The flesh of the armadillo makes a good substitute for chicken, and it was “safe” for me to eat because I was celibate. If their wives were pregnant, married

the creek. Not sure how it works but the fish surface with open mouths and are caught by hand. Anyway, after tasting a couple of the smoked variety, I remembered I had a tin of rancid butter in my supplies. Melting the butter into a pan I

Acoushi ant queen Armadillo meat

Amerindians won’t touch it, as it was said to affect, adversely, the unborn child. The sweetest meat I ever ate in my life was Maam – bush chicken – a bird which hops around the floor of the Mora forest, turning leaves and grubbing for insects; it hardly ever flies, and

tried frying a couple of the smoked fish – amazingthey began to swell up in the butter. They were delicious – I feasted well that night. After travelling by canoe from Waipa to Kaibarupai one day, I was royally entertained...They had a huge trestle table down the centre of the vil-

Cassiri

gives a white tender meat, when roasted or broiled. Iguana, monkey, acoushi ant, and many other birds and animals are eaten. I never saw an Amerindian using a frying pan. Occasionally we smoked fish or meat – couldn’t stand it myself: dry and tasteless. However, I discovered a method of resuscitating the stuff: one day I was given a basket full of smoked ‘logo-logo’, the Amerindian name for a small, sardine-sized fish, caught by poisoning the creek with Hiari roots – the roots of a cactus-type plant which they pound to a pulp and then soak in

lage. There was only one chair – for me! I was expected to eat alone with the whole village looking on! The food was in white enamel buckets – piping hot! One bucket of fish, one bucket of venison stew, one bucket of calalou, one bucket of hot peppers, plus a mound of cassava bread and cake. I ate and enjoyed...And after my departure from the table, the whole village ate their fill. At Waipa I had witnessed an elderly lady catching acoushi ants for roasting and eating. She pushed a straw into the ant’s nest and withdrew it full of clinging ants and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Exotic Amerindian foods...

Star of the week

from page 40

then wiped them off into a jar; repeating the process until the jar was full. What I found very refreshing was the cassiri drink made by the Patamona Indians After a hot walk, or climb up a steep hill to the village, you could usually drop into any hut and the custom was to offer you a bowl of this drink. I witnessed the

and Wapishana Indians is not tasty in my opinion, looking like a thin watery porridge with black thing floating in it. It was the height of bad manners to refuse a bowl of drink; the least expected was that you touch the bowl to your lips. If there were more people present the bowl was passed around, and always by

Venison stew

ladies making it one day in eight-gallon earthen ware pots or cauldrons; the ladies were sitting round the pot chewing the cassava and spitting it into the receptacle; this same pot was boiled for 5-6 hours; red, sweet potato was added for colouring and flavouring, then the potage was left to cool and ferment for a few days. The parakari made by the Macushi

custom, back the same route it started out, to be handed back to the host by the first person to receive it. The drink is a staple food – two bowls of ‘cari’ for breakfast. Limes were always in abundance, and another popular drink was “swank” – lime, sugar and water (unfermented). We used it often at children’s parties.”

efying odds to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor, Iliana Edwards has become a role model for indigenous youths wishing to follow in her footsteps. Iliana, from Paruima village, Upper Mazaruni in Region Seven, attended Paruima Primary School before excelling in her examinations to earn a government scholarship to attend Central High School in Georgetown. After graduating with eight subjects at CSEC, she worked for a year with USAID/Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention as a phlebotomist. Getting firsthand experience in the medical field would help her be more adept when studying medicine. Iliana applied for a government scholarship to study general medicine in Cuba. As a child, she dreamt of becoming a doctor and was elated when she was accepted to study in Cuba. Iliana, after seven years of study, was finally awarded her doctorate. She was overwhelmed with emotions, knowing that all her hard work helped with her success. The sacrifices she made were well worth it because she was able to accomplish what she had set out to do. Looking back at her journey, Iliana recalled the comments received from persons who doubted her abilities because of her ethnic background. However, she used those criticisms as motivation to achieve her goals, which she did expertly. Although the doctor has been exposed to different cultures, her indigenous heritage was never forsaken. She admires the unity in her village and enjoys being part of its activities. Iliana speaks the Arekuna language, although she is not fluent in it. Her mother, an Arekuna, and her father, an Akawaio, have always been her main supporters. She noted that they have repeatedly encouraged her to upkeep traditions, something she credits as her guide in becoming a doctor.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The intricate design of a Waiwai house

Umana Yana, meaning "meeting place of the people" in Waiwai, is an example of how that tribe build their houses

bserving the Umana Yana edifice we see complex weaving techniques. The designs in that building hold underlying meanings and symbols indicative of the Waiwai culture and traditions. Dr George P Mentore is a leading Guyanese social anthropologist on the Waiwai of Guyana in the world. He is affiliated as a social anthropologist with the University of Virginia. He has spent many years with the Waiwai tribe studying their way of life. Mentore’s PhD thesis in 1980 was on the Waiwai and he has published many papers on this Amerindian group. In this article he describes the dynamics of a Waiwai house and the many symbols con-

tained in them. He explained that in a Waiwai system of belief, as with many other Amerindian peoples of lowland South America, everything can be interpreted as being linked to each other so as to achieve cosmic harmony and balance. In such a belief system, for example, the house, body, and dress relate to each other in shape, position, terminology, and even meaning, thus conveying collective ideals of society and culture. The house, according to Waiwai belief, he noted, incorporates themes of encompassment, containment, concentric circles and the strata of the celestial realm. It further displays elements related to gender symbolism, as well as the symbolic relationship between the body of the anaconda and

the human body. The Waiwai come to know power as being encountered during every moment of an individual’s life. It is experienced in everything and everyone and can be found everywhere. It emanates from the body, Mentore stated, or from the house, the environment and the cosmos. For the Waiwai, a miimo (house) of the tamnonim (conical shaped) design is their ewtopono (place where people live). Additionally, Mentore said as with most other Amerindians, the Waiwai house construction depends mainly upon the labour of men. The materials for house construction come from the forest, the site most associated with the activity of men. It can be claimed, from Waiwai

ideology, that because men have greater knowledge and higher status in society only they have legitimate primary access to the forest and its products. They utilize two types of leaves for house building; leaves plaited to form the equivalent of tiles (pacanay). Mentore mentioned they say that these tiles resemble the wings of giant birds, and often refer to them as “the feathers of a house” or the “hair of the house.” They further suggest that the leaves can be male or female. The long kunyan leaves can emphasize masculinity while the round mina leaves symbolize women. Thus, Mentore said that it can be interpreted that the roof of a traditionally built Waiwai house represents both

men and women in complementary opposition to each other and actually symbolises the balanced wholeness of the village. In Waiwai society everything must further have an inner and outer design in order to achieve social harmony. The roof of the house encircles the community and contains the forces controlling society. Each individual living within a house exudes vital spiritual energy which flows outward to society. In its association with the feminine body, the house can specifically represent the womb or woman as container of life. The central pole in a traditional Waiwai house often does not support the roof. It most often just hangs from the roof and may not even touch the floor. The central pole seeks to symbolize masculinity and the containment of male energy. It is also identified with the anaconda whose markings are frequently painted along its base. Encircled by the roof as

and smaller until they reach a point in the roof. While lying in the hammock looking up at the roof, the concentric design gives an impression of cosmic infinity and spiritual ascent. The different parts of the house also have symbolic meaning. The floor carries the meaning of womanhood while the roof carries that of manhood. For its part manhood additionally takes up meaning at the centre of the house while womanhood does so with the outer area of the building (away from the axis of cosmic energy). It should be noted, Dr. Mentore said, that the centre space while providing access to the lowest level of the sky realm, also provides access to taritari (the spiritual world), which is occupied by spiritual being with the attributes of flying insects. The concept of passageways also has important significance, for through them people can communicate with their

Constructing the roof of a Waiwai house

womb, the pole (sometimes two of time like in the Umana Yana) installs a powerful masculine energy at the centre, but a power completely contained and controlled by the feminine symbol of the womb. The Waiwai refer to the different parts of the house as parts of the body such as rafter poles (upper back of the house), inner support poles (arms of the house) and so on. They design the roof to give the impression of concentric circles (circles with a common centre) which gradually get smaller

ancestors and the spirit world. Conclusively, Mentore mentioned that present day Waiwai society still adheres to many of the old ways and beliefs. So the next time you visit the Umana Yana, take some time to observe the intricate details of the building. If you want to know more about the building dynamics of traditional Amerindian homes then visit the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, the nucleus of everything indigenous.

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

n September 10, many will gather at the Umana Yana to celebrate the life and work of Stephen Campbell, Guyana’s first indigenous MP. Among the indigenous people, Campbell is revered as a hero. He is credited with advocacy for land rights for Amerindians; a goal that the present government continues to advance so as to ensure that Campbell’s aspiration for his people is made possible. Stephen Esterban Campbell was born 26 December 1897 in Moruca. His father was Tiburito Campbell and his mother Maria Los Santos. He was a student of the Santa Rosa Mission School and was someone who had a passion for learning. He left school in his primary level at “sixth standard”. In 1921, he taught in Sawariwaru, Rupununi and then in Siriki, Pomeroon in 1923. He married Umbelina da Silva, a daughter of a Pomeroon coffee planter. From 1931 to 1948, Campbell worked as

a coffee planter. From 1948 to 1954 he managed the wallaba concessions of John Fernandes, Demerara, and from 1952 to 1954 he managed the da Silva sawmills in Lower Waini. After working with that sawmill, Campbell worked at the Government Trade Store in Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni. From 1955 to 1957, he taught at St Dominic’s, Aruka River in the North West District. His political resolve was roused during his tenure at the Waini sawmill where Amerindians and other sections of the Guyanese population were seeking representation. The proposal of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951 gave Amerindians the opportunity to participate in general elections, and Campbell began to show keener interest in politics. In 1957, he won the North West District seat at the general elections as member of the National Labour Front. He became the first Amerindian to contest the general elections in British Guiana.

Stephen Campbell

This historical event was the turning point in Campbell’s personal life, which was influenced by a sense of duty towards the Amerindian people. “In the year 1957, I entered politics at the request of the Amerindians who felt that they had no one to represent their interests in the Central Government,” Campbell had said.

In 1959, he served as vice-chairman of the National Labour Front. He was a member of the Steering Committee of the United Force, and in 1962 presented a petition on Amerindian rights, with emphasis on land rights, to the Secretary of State at the British Constitutional Conference London. Campbell also pre-

sented the ‘Joint Opinion’, which contained recommendations in relation to Amerindian land rights, at the British Constitutional Conference. He was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs with special responsibility for Amerindian affairs. In 1964, he became the president of the Amerindian Association. The following year he submitted a Memorandum prepared by the United Force on The Protection, Well being, Advancement of Amerindians, a blueprint for Amerindian land rights and other legal rights, at the British Constitutional Conference. Among his greatest achievements was the move towards crafting the Amerindian Act and to develop agriculture, better health facilities and a postal service in the North West District. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, at a past ceremony in recognition of Campbell, acknowledged that his

achievements and vision for the advancement of the Amerindians earned him a place in the history of this country. She noted that he was a “selfless and charismatic leader who dedicated his life to help to improve that of his fellow Amerindians and his efforts to promote Amerindian development, especially in lobbying for support for road construction linkages among remote Amerindian communities, were supported by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)”. Minister Sukhai also noted that with the support of the government, many of Campbell’s dreams have become reality, such as Amerindians’ access to education, healthcare, improved infrastructure, transportation and communication. Campbell served as Member of the Legislature from 1957 until his death on 12 May 1966 – two weeks before Guyana gained independence from Britain. He died, and was buried, in Canada.

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

45 Junkanoo at heart of Bahamas carnival feature

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Tek out the beam before yuh tek out the mote

ome people right fuh seh that this damn country gettin from bad to wuss. That is a damn terrible ting to happen. Especially when every body gettin a don’t-give-a-damn attitude. It does become a damn big problem. Dem people who does wuk in de public service don’t give a damn bout any wuk. Some body could go in a Guvament office and stand up and dem gon leff yuh right deh pun yuh own, while dem deh pun de phone pun de Guvament time. Dem public servants don’t give a damn. Now de MPs don’t give a damn bout de country. A lotta Bills to pass and a no-confidence motion with four words to debate. That’s a lotta wuk to do. Because Rum Jhaat might tek a whole month to read whah he and de Nagga man tek a whole two months to write and another three months to show Green Jah. Now dem gone pun vacation fuh another whole two months. Some politicians don’t give a damn bout corruption. De whole time dem talkin bout corruption and seh de Guvament don’t give a damn. Now de whole pack of dem in de Opposition don’t wanna admit whah dem own to de Integrity Commission. Is people who ain’t got no integrity does hide from de Integrity Commission. And talkin bout integrity, it got one man who don’t give a damn whah he seh bout people. Or whah photo he show bout people. Plus he don’t give a damn whah people seh bout he. Accordin to that man, he gon expose all de people who doin wrong things, plus he wanna expose all de wrong tings whah dem doin. Now that supposed to mean that he ain’t doin any wrong. Well, that is wheh yuh wrong. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De good book seh tek out de beam from yuh own eye before yuh try to tek out de mote from another person eye.

The post-Lenten festival has several strengths that will give it a competitive advantage (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

A S S A U , BAHAMAS: Four events. One weekend. The Bahamians are opening up their air and seaports, offering revellers an opportunity to let loose in their islands from May 7 to 9, 2015. It is hoped that visitors from across the world will converge on the capital city, Nassau, and Grand Bahama (Freeport) for the four major events in the inaugural Bahamas Carnival, which will be infused with the traditional

art of Junkanoo. A vision of the country's Prime Minister Perry Christie, Bahamas Carnival "is to stimulate sustainable economic opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the creative sector in our country," he told hundreds of guests at the event's launch at Pompey Square, Nassau, last Wednesday night. According to Christie, a Junkanoo proponent, so far Bahamas Carnival has ignited Bahamians with

creative talents of all sorts to combine for the opportunity to showcase their craft to the world. Standing firmly behind these talents, Christie is promising to make resources available to ensure the event's success. "It will stimulate year-round employment in the creative sector and positively impact our gross domestic product (GDP)," Christie said. Being staged under the umbrella of the National Festival Commission,

Bahamas Carnival, which will be a collage of culture from the 700-plus islands, will be a festive occasion for Bahamians to "let loose after Lent". The post-Lenten festival has several strengths that will give it a competitive advantage, Christie stated, even while admitting that Bahamas Carnival joins a long list of some 200 similar events worldwide. Of the four major events JunkaMania, which is on Thursday, May 7, is a grand explosion of Junkanoo orchestras, music and other folk forms, such as drumming and dance, on the biggest Junkanoo stage in the world, claim the organisers. This will be followed on Friday, May 8, by Music Masters, a concert at which Bahamas' top contemporary artistes will compete before a global audience while sharing the stage with an A-list of international recording artistes. On Saturday, May 9, the organisers have planned Midnight Rush to take centrestage between midnight and 6 a.m. (Jamaica Gleaner)

history

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The ancient tradition of the Parishara dance

The Parishara dance being done in an Amerindian village

he Parishara dance is an Amerindian dance done to form a bond between man and nature, and this, the indigenous people believe, will bring bountiful food

flowing costumes made from either ‘kokerite palm’ (scientific name Maximiliana regia) or ‘Ite palm’ (scientific name Mauritia flexuso) leaves. The leaf dress re-

A Parishara dancer dressed in costume

for their villages. Dancers wear

long

lates to the palm trees found along the edge of

Modern-day Amerindians still upkeep the traditions of the Parishara dance

the forest and in the savannah swamps. It is the ripe fruits of these palms that attract the forest animals, particularly the peccary (wild hogs) herds. The dancers show their connection to the peccary herds by using the musical instrument, flageolets, which make noises similar to the peccary. The flageolets also have representations of the animals painted on them, as well as wooden animal and fertility figures fixed to the ends of the instrument. The Parishara dance and songs all relate to the various forest animals and the acquiring of meat for the people. This is done by appealing to the ‘Master of Animals’ to send out his children (animals) from the forest. The dance is frequently performed along with the ‘Hummingbird dance’, which signifies the hummingbird (Tukui in Makusi language) and its connection to the fish in rivers and ponds. This dance helps to strengthen

the Parishara dance to further ensure that there will be bountiful meat and fish to feed the people. According to the Wapisiana tribe, the Parishara dance was performed when meat was in short supply. This is be-

cause the dance is part of their hunting ritual that calls the wild animals, particularly the peccary, out of the forest into the savannah. By dance, songs, musical accompaniment, mimicking actions of the animals, painting and decorating

Pakaraimas sub-district and the Wapisiana village of Maruranau in south sub-district. Both villages enthusiastically embraced the project and the end result was a Parishara dance was held in each village in September 2002.

Making the costumes

Fishing circa 1925 (Photo from R H Carr family album)

Spinning cotton circa 1925 (Photo from R H Carr family album)

the body and musical instruments, the animals are enticed out of the forest within the reach of the villagers. In order to preserve this dance, form which was said to be a slowly dying tradition, in March 2002, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and UNESCO collaborated to launch a project, ‘Preservation and Revitalisation of Community Art Forms’, designed to study the intangible cultural heritage of Guyana and was divided into four areas, one of which was the Macushi/ Wapisiana customs. Contact was made with the Macushi village of Karasabai in south

Notable was the fact that Parishara dances of this size, which involved most of the villagers, had not been held in both villages for more than 20 years. It was the first time most of the younger generations in those villages witnessed such an event. In 2013, in Yupukari, Rupununi, a campfire event was held, attended by villagers, where cultural practices such as the Parishara dance, the Hummingbird dance and other traditional practices were showcased. The village aims to make this event a regular feature on its list of cultural activities. (Information provided by the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology)

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WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Times Notebook The Jamaican Rastafarian

with 10-foot long dreadlocks

Inconvenient K truths for APNU/PNC T

he Rodney CoI continues to reveal scandals that were inherent and pervasive in the 1970s and 1980s as the PNCGovernment consolidated a dictatorship through use of rigged elections and military might, misconduct and abuse. That period was contaminated by centrally directed murders and violence intended to keep a Government in power and to intimidate the citizenry into passive acceptance. The Rodney COI is adding new information on the tragedy that brought shame to Guyana. No one has ever apologised and the PNC has steadfastly refused to acknowledge that it was the steward of a rotten Government. Many of the leaders of the PNC then are still active in politics and still harbour aspirations to be in power again. They behave today like rigged elections, economic shambles, social morass and the destruction of our financial and physical infrastructure never happened. But the inconvenient truths emanating from the Rodney CoI are mighty nightmares in APNU’s efforts to blur the vision of our people and make them forget our past. While Guyana has recovered from the economic and social decline of the 1970s and 1980s, we have yet to fully heal from the deep wounds inflicted on us by the PNC dictatorship. PNC leaders wish these nasty truths in the form facts would go away because they are embarrassing to APNU and represent daunting barriers as the PNCled APNU seeks to reinvent themselves. But in their efforts to re-engineer the image of the PNC, they must confront inconvenient truths such as the massive distribution of high-powered weapons

to PNC-linked agencies and civilian groups. Why would a Government and an army make available military weapons to Government officials and civilians? How were these weapons used? Who used these weapons? Against whom were these weapons used? Why the weapons never returned? Where are these weapons today? Who authorised the GDF to issue weapons to civilian organisations? Why were the GDF made an appendage of the PNC? Was this a manifestation of party paramountcy? Why would the GDF hand over rocket launchers to an “R Corbin” from the Government of Guyana? What were these civilians planning to do with rocket launchers in the 1970s? What was the reason for the GDF wanting to put rocket launchers in the hands of Government civilians? Someone needs to come forward and give an explanation to the people of Guyana. The PNC still aspires to lead a Government in our country and we do have a democracy. In a democracy, any political party could become the Government of the day. Many citizens would be fearful to trust a political party that distributed high-caliber weapons to people. While we are not able to document where each of the large cache of weapons might be today, we know that some of the weapons are in the hands of criminals. There are instances where centrally directed groups of criminals have in our country been found with weapons that the GDF admits today were given to PNC Government officials and other PNCaffiliated groups such as the House of Israel during the PNC dictatorship.

Criminals were captured in the Mahaicony River in 2009 with weapons that the GDF distributed to PNC Government officials and to the House of Israel members. There are several such instances where Police have captured criminals with weapons that were found to have been previously distributed by the GDF to the PNC. For a party that seriously harbours hopes of leading the Government again, they need to step forward with explanations of what motivated them at the time to distribute high-caliber weapons to their supporters. The CoI’s inconvenient truths must be troubling to Dr Rupert Roopnarine because he sits with the leaders of the PNC as comrades in arms today. It is apparent that Dr Roopnarine has forgiven those who harmed his comrades of the 1970s and 1980s and who wanted him dead also. We admire his forgiving nature. But when we forgive knowing that the stripes of dictators still show citizens are troubled to a degree of frustration and fear. The Guyanese people must wonder why the AFC stands in such sordid company and on such blood-stained ground. Why are Moses Nagamoottoo, Khemraj Ramjattan and the AFC silent? The answer is that the temptation for power has destroyed their sense of decency and right. They have succumbed to the hunger for power and have lost their sense of right and what is good for Guyana. They have betrayed their Guyanese brothers and sisters in their hunger for power. Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail. com.

I N G S T O N , JAMAICA: The dreadlocks of Rupert Rickards are more than 10 feet long, and the Rastafarian says it requires two bottles of shampoo and half a bottle of conditioner each time he washes his hair. Rickards, 64, started to grow his dreadlocks in 1968 after moving out of his parents' house. He says keeping his hair clean sometimes proves challenging, forcing him to spend more than three hours to ensure that it is properly cleansed. "Most of the times I go to the river and wash it. I just put it on my knee and wash it like clothes for about 45 minutes," Rickards told Jamaica media. "After washing it, I have to throw it over a line to make it dry. I will stand or sit in the sun for about two hours waiting for it to dry, after which I grease my scalp," he added. The Rastafarian, who resides in Middleton, St Thomas, said he nearly lost his locks while he was imprisoned in the United States of America. "That was a big problem. They wanted to cut off my dreads, but when you check it out now, me and the other dreadlocks Jamaicans wrote a petition

Rupert Scott (left) poses for pictures with Saddah Malaka from the South African Embassy when embassy staff visited the Middleton Primary School in observance of Nelson Mandela Day in July (Jamaica Gleaner photo)

to the judge in New York stating that this is our religion and we don't think it is right for them to cut off our hair. Thankfully, the judge approved," Rickards related. Rickards stated that his spiritual awakening began long before he started to grow his dreadlocks. He further noted that the beginning of his journey was not an easy one, as men with dreadlocks were

often harassed by the police in the 1960s. "Back in those days, there used to be a lot of robberies, so the police would be on patrol looking for the criminals. As Rastas, we were often harassed and beaten due to the discrimination we received. They used to think bad things of us, like all we do is smoke weed and rob people," Rickards indicated. (Jamaica Gleaner)

hollywood

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Lindsay Lohan uses hypnotherapy to quit smoking

‘

ollywood star Brad Pitt has reportedly turned into a singer too at his wedding to fiancée Angelina Jolie. The longtime partners exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in France last week, reported Us magazine. Pitt, 50, apparently hummed the wedding march, while providing the background music when Jolie, 39, walked down the aisle. The couple had a

ctress Kate Hudson has slammed past eating disorder rumours, saying she will never have such health hazard.

simple wedding as their kids were wedding planners for them from baking a cake to helping their parents write

their vows. Jolie wore a gown, which had her kids’ drawings and artworks on it and the veil. (Indian Express)

The ‘Something Borrowed’ actress, stressed her desire is to be a good role model to young women, reported Us magazine. “If there is one thing I will nev-

er have, it is an eating disorder,” the mother of two said. The 35-year-old daughter of Goldie Hawn also addressed how, after gaining 70 pounds during her first pregnancy, she realises how important it is to feel loved. “I want girls to love themselves. I want them to feel good about who they are… The thing is, I’m lucky because I was loved (during that time). But I have seen so many young women who can’t feel good about themselves because they just don’t have that love.” (Indian Express)

Mean Girls’ star Lindsay Lohan has reportedly turned to hypnotherapy in a bid to quit cigarettes ahead of her stage debut during the end of this month. The 28-year-old actress turned to alternative medicine to kick her nicotine addiction, reported Contactmusic. “Lindsay knows all eyes will be on her and she’s worried if she starts to crave nicotine on stage, it’ll put her off. Some people may not be-

lieve in the powers of hypnosis, or think it’s all about swinging a watch about, but Lindsay is willing to try anything

to make sure she’s a hit,” a source said. The starlet has already gone to rehab six times. When it was announced that Lindsay would be making her stage debut in London this year, the actress admitted that she was nervous on opening night. “I’ll be freaking out on the first day. I either do really well under pressure or really horribly. There’s no in-between,” she had said. (Indian Express)

Apple: Some nude pics were taken from Jennifer Lawrence and other stars’ accounts

pple said Tuesday that hackers obtained nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence and other female celebrities by pilfering images from individual accounts rather than through a broader attack on the company’s services. Meanwhile, numerous sharing sites removed images of the stars apparently in response to copyright complaints. However, experts say there is no way to fully scrub the photos from the Internet and the images could keep popping up in the future, forcing celebrities to file repeated complaints as they play a cy-

ber-version of the arcade game “whack-a-mole.” Apple said its engineers have determined that hackers breached individual accounts and didn’t obtain general access to a pair of the com-

pany’s services — iCloud and Find my iPhone. The tech giant said it released the results after conducting 40 hours of investigation. Law enforcement inquiries likely will take days or weeks to complete. The FBI offered no details on its efforts to identify people responsible for stealing the images that were posted on imagesharing site Imgur.com, the social networking sites Reddit and Twitter, and other websites. But the agency said Monday it was aware of the breach and addressing the matter. (Indian Express)

stars Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, and Corbin Bleu all gathered for a dinner in Los Angeles last weekend, reported Us magazine. The reunion was in honour of superfan Camilla Simon, who

won a special Prize contest and was given the opportunity to spend the evening with the Disney stars. “‘Kenny’s Angels’ giving so much face. There would be no ‘us’ without this guy! He brings the magic

Thx KO for being the glue. Love you,” former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant Coleman, who played book smart Taylor McKessie in HSM, captioned one photo with famed director Ortega. (Indian Express)

Princess Diana’s wedding gown to be given to sons William and Harry

he bridal gown, which Princess Diana wore when she wed Britain’s Prince Charles in 1981, is set to be handed over to the couple’s sons William and Harry, 17 years after her tragic death. The dress, designed by Elizabeth Emanuel, is one of the most iconic wedding gowns in recent history. The elaborate white gown notably features ‘thousands of pearls, silk layers and a 25-ft train’, reported Daily Telegraph. Most recently, the gown was exhibited twice a year at Althorp, the Spencer family estate, as

part of an exhibit called ‘Diana: A Celebration’. Besides the wedding gown, both William and Harry will receive other items that were featured in the exhibit, including their late mother’s diamond tiaras, family paintings, letters, home movies and additional pieces from her wardrobe. Harry will also receive 10 million pounds from his mother’s estate upon turning 30, which will be placed in a family trust. His older brother also received an inheritance on his 30th birthday in 2012. (Indian Express)

ight years after the original ‘High School Musical’ aired on TV, many of the cast and crew of the hit movie got together for a special reunion. Director Kenny Ortega, choreographer Chucky Klapow, and

bollywood

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Vivek Oberoi plans to produce films

ctor Vivek Oberoi, who is back in action after a long break, now wants to produce films and says “language is not a barrier”. “Yes, I am looking forward to produce films. I am reading scripts and as a creative person, language is not a barrier for me. I am open to produc-

ing films in different languages,” Vivek said in a group interview. Post ‘Krrish 3′, the 38-year-old was on a sabbatical to spend time with his family. All recharged, Vivek is not only looking forward to produce, he is also excited about his acting assignment ‘Bank Chor’.

“I had taken a break for four months after the success of ‘Krrish’ and ‘Grand Masti’ as I wanted to spend some quality time with my family. Now, I am reading scripts and looking forward to ‘Bank Chor’,” said the actor who has a son with wife Priyanka Alva. Vivek, who teams up with Riteish Deshmukh in ‘Bank Chor’, said: “I am looking forward to be part of ‘Bank Chor’. Riteish and I have 100 percent box office report and I am more than excited to work with him again. My new look with a moustache is for the film.” (Indian Express)

o, Priyanka Chopra is not talking about the box office competition, but about actually beating up someone physically! And the actress strongly feels that every woman should learn

some form of self-defence. Priyanka may have now lost all the muscle she built up for her role as five-time boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom in her forthcoming film, but she says she’s now fitter and stronger to give a tough fight to anyone. Building the muscles for the movie, which brings to screen the inspirational story of Manipur-based athlete Mary Kom, made Priyanka feel “very tired”. But it was worth it! Building muscles can’t make you feel empowered, but stronger. I did!

I have lost all my muscles now, but I still feel strong. I still believe I have those muscles,” she said, and broke in guffaws. On an introspective note, she said: “Muscles are a very superficial thing. What they did for me, honestly, was being able to learn a sport. I’ve never learnt a sport in my life. That too a contact sport. For me, it was a huge challenge to learn an entire sport. “Today, you can put me in a boxing ring. I may not be able to beat another boxer, but I’ll be able to give her a tough fight. I’ve learnt it that much.” (Indian Express)

Imran Khan and Sridevi’s wife to raise funds Japanese fan base on the rise for kids afflicted with cancer

ridevi's ‘English

ollywood heartthrobs Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif''s upcoming film 'Bang Bang’’s promo has been winning appreciation from all sides. Be it the aam janta or Bollywood biggies, everyone has been bowled over by the action scenes and Hrithik-Kat's chemistry and the latest to join Hrithik's admirer's list is Bollywood's Mr. perfectionist Aamir Khan. Aamir Khan took to micro-blogging site twitter to praise Hrithik, he wrote, "I wish I could dance half as well as Hrithik! I really loved

the new song of ‘Bang Bang’! And the ‘Bang Bang’ trailer is outstanding! Hritik and Katrina look like a million bucks." (TOI)

Vinglish’ has had a golden run in Japan since its release on June 28 this year across 33 screens. Following an all-around appreciation from the local audience, it was then released in another 17 screens, taking the total screen count to 50 across 20 cities in Japan. Prior to this, Aamir Khan starrer ‘3 Idiots’ had aroused such a warm response in Japan, making English Vinglish the second Bollywood film to

get such an ovation. Reacting to the film's success across the shores, Sridevi says, "I'm overwhelmed with all the praise the film continues to receive worldwide. A big thank you to Gauri Shinde once again for making such a beautiful movie." (TOI)

and this is another project that we felt worked and it’s a new way of showcasing something. She is my business partner and my best friend. We work together and stay in the same house.”

However, she admits that, being two different personalities, at times they have a difference of opinion. “When you are working together, there are arguments, but there is no major thing. It’s about being different personalities, right. We can’t agree on everything and I guess everyone behaves the same way,” she added. Directed by Shashanka Ghosh, “Khoobsurat” marks popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s Bollywood debut. (Indian Express)

hey are not mere siblings — actress Sonam Kapoor and her producer sister Rhea are best buddies too and the former also sees a philosopher and guide in her little sister. Sonam and Rhea had worked together in 2010 release “Aisha” and their next project together is “Khoobsurat”, a remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s hit 1980 movie “Khubsoorat”. When asked about her equation with her sister, Sonam said: “We worked together during ‘Aisha’

when she was 21 and I was 23. It had been five years, so we decided to make ‘Khoobsurat’. For ‘Aisha’ PVR believed in us and now Disney has. “Rhea and I are partners in whatever we do

mran Khan and Avantika, proud new parents to a baby girl, Imara, have decided to share their largesse of good fortune. The couple has committed to an initiative by the Goenka Trust that works with the paediatric ward of the Tata Memorial Hospital to help children afflicted with cancer. The Khans

have pledged to raise awareness and funds for the initiative now that their lives "revolve around the growth and wellness of their daughter" and they value the difference financial and infrastructural support can make to the affected families. In this case, it is not only the thought that counts, but the effort as well. (TOI)

Sport

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Windies in danger of losing crucial ratings points

Denesh Ramdin

U B A I , United Arab Emirates (CMC) — West Indies are in danger of losing crucial ratings points if they do not complete a clean sweep of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting this weekend. A one-nil series win will earn Bangladesh 13 ratings points and will cost the West Indies eight ratings points.

Additionally, while a 2-0 series win will help Mushfiqur Rahim's side gain 15 ratings points, it will cause the West Indies to lose 10 ratings points. If the series is drawn, Bangladesh will benefit by gaining seven ratings points, while the West Indies will drop four ratings points. Denesh Ramdin's men can only earn a maximum of one ratings point if they win both the Tests, while the visitors will drop two ratings points. West Indies and Bangladesh are currently ranked eighth and 10th, respectively, on the Reliance ICC Test Team Rankings Table. The West Indies, currently sitting on 74 ratings points, lead Bangladesh (21) by 53 ratings points. The two sides meet in the first match of the Test series on Friday at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in St Vincent.

Bolt credits father for sports career

print superstar Usain Bolt admitted last Tuesday that his decision to pursue a career in track and field was based on the advice of his father. The world’s fastest man has conceded that his passion was to represent Jamaica in cricket but changed his mind after his father convinced him to take to the tracks. “Blame it on my dad. My father is a huge cricket fan, but when I got to higher secondary, I had two options — cricket or athletics,” said Bolt, the six-time Olympic gold medallist on a promotional visit to India. “My dad said because of the system in Jamaica, it would be better to take up athletics. He said, ‘You just have to run fast in athletics while it’s tougher to get into the national (cricket) team’.” Bolt, an ardent cricket fan, was in Bangalore

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt seen with Indian Cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and their teammates after a game of cricket during his visit to India in Bangalore

to captain a seven-a-side team against one led by India’s Cricket World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh. The exhibition match, organised by both men’s sponsors, was staged in a stadium in the southern city of Bangalore. The world record holder in both the 100

metres and 200 metres said his records at this stage were “pretty much out of reach”. “There are quite a few runners who could challenge me but not beat me,” said Bolt.”As an athlete, I have seen records come and go. They have always been bro-

ken, but if you want to be as great as me, you have to work very hard. That’s why my records will stand the time.” Bolt, who has raced four times this season, plans to compete in his final Olympics in Rio in 2016 leading up to his retirement. (CMC)

Letter to the Sports Editor

DCB calls on new WI selectors to reconsider Chanderpaul for ODIs Dear Editor: The Demerara Cricket Board wishes to urge the newly installed regional Windies selectors to revisit the situation regarding Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s continued omission from our Regional One day team. All international teams are now preparing their teams for the ICC World Cup to be hosted in New Zealand and Australia in February/ March 2015. We have already squandered a great opportunity here at home to have him included and playing in the squad against the touring Bangladesh team. In all 3 ODI matches and in most of our previous encounters, we have been failing miserably in the top and middle order. With the absence of Samuels and Sarwan for various reasons, our middle order looks very fragile. Fortunately, Ramdin has struck a rich vein of form in the last few months but there is very little support for his efforts from the other batters. Against a lesser known attack at home, we were reduced to 34 for 5 until Ramdin and Pollard rescued us. Young Darren Bravo

has come good in one of the matches but need to step up and be more hungry and responsible for the abundance of natural talent that he undoubtedly possesses. The opening slots have been a disaster with Gayle not firing in most of his outings and his various partners do not inspire confidence at the top. We need some more stability in the top order and Shiv still has a few more years of cricket left in him. We at the DCB have never agreed with the decision or judgment of Otis Gibson when he opined that for Shiv to be saved for Tests, he needed to be axed from ODIs. Most of the cricket knowledgeable that we have spoken to around the world have readily agreed that this was an unwise decision by Gibson and the previous WI selectors. Let us correct this mistake that we made with Shiv and provide him with possibly his final opportunity to assist the WI team to bring home the bacon for us. Shiv’s fitness has never been an issue with the selectors and he is capable of being managed in a much bet-

ter manner. The conditions in Australia and New Zealand are very harsh for most seasoned batters and we need all the experience that we have available to contribute to the success of our team. Shiv’s performance in ODIs as an opener has been extraordinary and would be the perfect foil for Gayle at the top of the order. We have two ODI series before the World Cup, against India and South Africa and Shiv is badly needed in our outfit for these series. Our last ODI outing in NZ was an embarrassment! How many times, if ever, have we seen someone offer to play in a practice match for another Territorial team just so that he would be in a match ready shape for a test series? Cannot remember ever seeing something like this before and it clearly shows the attitude of Shiv to the game and we must include him in all ODIs and tests for the remainder of his career to help nurture and inculcate those habits in the other team members. Raj Singh President-DCB

SPort EDFA U-13 League…

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Buxton United cops title on goal difference

Cricket fund to be launched in Florida to assist Berbice players

The Buxton United players and coaching staff pose with the trophy after winning the EDFA Under-13 League on goal difference

uxton United needed to win by a margin of two goals or more to lift the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) Under-13 League and they did just that, beating Mahaica Determinators in the final round on Saturday at the Beterverwagting ground, East Coast Demerara. The eventual champions defeated Determinators 2-0 to cop the beautiful Aaron Blackman trophy and title of Champions of the League. The eight teams in the competition played seven games each, with Buxton United and BV/

Triumph United ending on 17 points apiece after chalking up identical records of five victories and two draws. Buxton United won by virtue of having a superior goal difference of +10 as against BV/ Triumph United, who ended on +8. Buxton United and BV/Triumph United were undoubtedly the two most dominant teams in the tournament, as the next four teams- Buxton Stars, Golden Stars, Buxton Youth Developers and Mahaica Determinatorsall mustered seven points each from their lone victory, four losses and two drawn encoun-

ters. Sparta, with one win, two defeats and four draws, ended in the penultimate spot on five points, while Paradise gained the same number of points, but failed to win a game, losing five and drawing two. In the game to determine the outcome, Buxton United took the lead 10 minutes into the second half before they stitched in another goal in the final minute to pip BV/Triumph United on goal difference. At the presentation ceremony, the top three teams were all rewarded, while several players received individu-

DCB confirms squad for Senior Inter-County cricket − Barnwell named skipper

he Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has named a strong 14-man squad to contest this year’s senior Inter-County tournament. A l l - r o u n d e r Christopher Barnwell will lead the squad in the absence of national skipper Leon Johnson. The right-hander has Paul Wintz as his deputy. The side has both young and experienced players in Chanderpaul

Christopher Barnwell

Hemraj, Shemroy Barrington, Andrew Lyght Jr, Rajendra Chandrika Robin Bacchus, Trevon Griffith

and Steven Jacobs in the batting department. The bowling is expected to be spearheaded by the seasoned Wintz while pacer Seon Daniels along with spinners Raj Nannan, Amir Khan, Zaheer Mohamed and Yatesh Dhanpaul. The Demerara team will be coached by former first-class spinner Garvin Nedd while the experienced Clive Grimmond will be his deputy.

al awards. Kebo Durant of Buxton United was named Most Valuable Player, Omari Glasgow of BV/Triumph United was the highest goalscorer with six, while teammate Tony Ogle was adjudged the best goalkeeper. (Avenash Ramzan)

n a move to continue the trend to have more Berbicians in the West Indies team, a popular cricket lover/ administrator and attorney has announced that he will set up a foundation in Florida to realize funds to train very young cricketers. In thanking the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) officials for naming him an honouree at the Board’s 75th anniversary, Oscar Ramjeet said that he wants to play an important role to continue to develop cricket in the county of his birth. Ramjeet, who now lives in Florida, served as Secretary of the BCB between 1965 and 1966 and was believed to be the man who made moves for Berbice to have more representatives in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). His move was supported by the then Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) representatives senior counsels Fred Wills and Rex Mc Kay. President Donald Ramotar, Minister of Sports Dr Frank Anthony, and Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie

Ramsammy were present at the function when Ramjeet made the announcement, which was well received by the enthusiastic gathering at Port Mourant last Sunday. “I will get support and assistance from Dr Tulsi Singh who has contributed significantly to cricket by sponsoring under-17 tournaments for five years,” Ramjeet said, adding that he will contact former national cricketers, businessmen, and others for their assistance in the venture. His aim is for Berbice to continue to have test and international players on a regular basis, and said that he has already contacted a former West Indies cricketer to travel to Berbice to conduct coaching sessions. Regional Chairman, Region Five (East Berbice/Corentyne) David Armogan and BCB officials pledged to work along with the Ministry of Sports to assist. Berbice has so far produced 15 Test and international cricketers.

Sport

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Straker talks training in USA Former Windies By Treiston Joseph

hree-time gold medalist at Carifta, Jevina Straker who received a scholarship in the USA is back in Guyana for the August holiday and is ready to make an impact in the middle distance world. Straker who ran at the AINLIM 10k on Sunday and finished fifth, took some time off to have a chat with Guyana Times International Sport, relating some of the adjustments she had to make… her biggest coming in the form of changing her technique. “It was a difficult transition because I had to correct my formation and with my formation I had to improve my arm action… I had to learn to run on my toes, I had to get accustomed to coming out quick with that quick start, holding with the pack and finishing. “So it was challenging because the training I received here was tougher but when I reached over there I had o change my form and technique,” Straker highlighted. The Carifta gold medalist revealed where her focus has been in training, “My training overseas was mostly based on sprints… I have been training mostly for the 800 metres instead of the 1500 metres, over distance wasn’t really included, it was basically the 800m and the 4x400m. “This was so because they said my times were much closer to qualifying for the indoor and out-

Jevina Straker

door nationals,” Straker told this publication. Further, Straker who has received scholarship offers for Universities, shared why her growth was stalled in the sport, “after the first couple of months I was really improving but then I suffered an injury and didn’t really catch myself after that. “So what I’m trying to do here in Guyana is to get back all the mileage and endurance work that was cut so when I go back I can improve because I have already received scholarship offers from Universities,” Straker noted. In addition, Straker was able to adapt to the climate in an effort to become a better athlete, “at first

the breathing conditions for the indoors was really difficult, when I went there was straight into competition so I had to adapt on the fly but it was really difficult at first,” Straker stressed. With the top middle distance athlete looking to make a bigger impact in the sport come next year, Straker was clear on the fact that there was no support from any local entity while on the scholarship. “We receive money from the college but to say that we get anything from anybody here in Guyana, no we don’t… all we get is back and forth communication to see how and what we are doing,” Straker stated. However, Straker seems focused on achieving, noting that she has passed all her subjects so far while mentioning that it takes desire to get where she is. “You have to have the mind, determination and the desire, if you don’ have the desire along with the determination to do it every day then you won’t be successful. “You have to realize that you are here for a purpose and do what you do best as an athlete, prepare mentally and physically and always represent yourself with that desire,” Straker quipped. Straker will be heading back to America to continue her scholarship and is expected to be back at the ASA College later this month.

Nike officially sponsoring Guyana’s track and field

ike has been confirmed as the official sponsor of gear and uniforms for global meets that Guyana will be participating in. While the deal is a short term one, this publication was able to verify that it was struck in late July. President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, who confirmed the deal related that there is a possibility that the global brand that sponsored the man with the golden shoes in his heydays, Michael Johnson, might continue its support for Guyana in the future. “It was really short notice and the deal will last for the rest of the year; we were trying to start from the Commonwealth Games, but it was too short notice. They did sponsor the World Junior team and the World Youth team,

Kadecia Baird, who participated at this year’s World Juniors, sporting Nike’s apparel after her 400 metres event

but in October I plan on going to America to lay out what we have planned for next year and hope that they will remain onboard,” Hutson told Guyanese media. However, while Nike will not be paying the AAG for having

their athletes wear their apparel, Hutson is positive that in the future such will develop. “They are sponsoring warm ups, running gear and shoes all for free and even though the deal has no money involved, it is one cost factor down for us. However, I am sure as our athletes get more recognised and we perform at a higher level, deals of such nature might be possible,” Hutson mentioned. Further, Hutson revealed that it was through Commonwealth Games 400 metres gold medalist Aliann Pompey that AAG was able to initiate talks with Nike. Meanwhile, the final two meets the AAG are looking to end the year with Nike’s sponsorship are the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and the South American Under-23 Games.

Bolt aims to replicate Beijing performance at World Champs

INGSTON, JAMAICA: World and Olympic sprint superstar Usain Bolt says his recording-breaking performances in Beijing, China are moments he will never forget as he aims to improve on his world records when he next competes in the city next year. The double sprint

world record holder said that he is looking forward to competing at the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Beijing in 2015. “I’m just looking forward to coming here and to try to duplicate what I did six years ago. I’m just trying to do great things break world records and

just enjoy [myself],” Bolt said at a press conference in China Monday. “When it comes to my world records I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m always going to go out there and try to run fast and try to do my best.” Bolt rose to world prominence in China after 9.69 and 19.3 second records in the 100 and

200 metres respectively at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “It’s something that I can’t forget; it’s one of my greatest moments, that’s where it began for me and I can remember everything that happened.” “I’ve watched the races many times [and] for me it will always be a big moment”. (Jamaica Observer)

wicketkeeper backs firstclass franchise system

Ridley Jacobs

ormer West Indies wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs has welcomed the decision by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to professionalise first class cricket in the Caribbean starting next season. Jacobs, a Leeward Islands selector, says professionalism in cricket is lacking in the Caribbean and as such the WICB’s move will serve to bolster the quality of the sport in the region. Under the new Professional First Class structure, players will receive contracts as part of a first-class franchise system. “We need to be more professional in our approach where cricket is concerned. I think that if we have players playing cricket all year round and being paid, it’s a plus

and I can only see cricket going forward from there,” said Jacobs. “Having coaches working with these players all year round, (will result in) better players representing Leeward Islands, representing West Indies and we will start winning more games so I honestly think that is the best way forward”. Fifteen players in each of the six territories will be contracted on a full-time, year-round basis. This means 90 first-class players will be given annual contracts joining those contracted under WICB Annual Retainer Contracts. “You would have the opportunity to pick who you want to pick. I haven’t seen any problems as yet,” said Jacobs. “I don’t think it would be a problem because if you go into a draft and you want a fast bowler and a fast bowler is up for grabs you have a chance to pick him to strengthen your team.” The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) announced recently that it will contribute US$360 000 towards the annual retainer contracts for first-class players. (CMC)

Guyana’s Nicolette Fernandes slips three places in world rankings

uyana’s premier squash player Nicolette Fernandes has slipped three places down the world ranking, which was updated on Monday by the World International Squash Players Association (WISPA). Fernandes, who was sitting on a careerbest 19 for the past five months, dropped to 22, but will have chance to move further up in the coming months. She is slated to compete in a few tournaments before the end of 2014 and will have a chance to improve on her current ranking. The dip in ranking was a direct result of suffering a first round loss in the main draw of the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open 2014 in August. The 31-yearold Fernandes lost to

Nicolette Fernandes

England’s Victoria Lust 8-11, 9-0,10-12, 0-11, 1012. That tournament was won by the longstanding world number one, Nicol David, of Malaysia. The win solidified David’s status as number one, a position she has held since January 2006. Despite this small setback, Fernandes is credited with making a remarkable turnaround in her career.

Sport

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Berbice Test cricketers honoured Deonarine, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Alvin Kallicharran, Joe Solomon and Basil Butcher. Public Relations Officer of the BCB Hilbert Foster noted that the first major achievement of the Board took place in 1948 when John Trim became the first Berbician to play Test cricket for the West Indies. To date, 16 males and one female have followed in his footsteps. Speaking of some of the achievements of the

BCB over the past 75 years, Foster said these include hosting the Pakistan International Airlines team in 1973 and 1975, and a three oversees tours by Berbice teams in 1974, 1978 and 1984. Over the last six years, the BCB has undergone a remarkable transformation which some have described as a revolution, Foster noted. The Board in 2009 formed a Special Events Committee which has been able to raise in excess of Gy$20 million

Guyana's President Donald Ramotar presents former Test player Basil Butcher with a plaque

ERBICE, GUYANA: Eleven past and present Berbice Test cricketers, along with Guyana’s cricketing administrators past and present, have been honoured by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). A ceremony on Sunday which took the form of a dinner was held as part of the BCB’s 75th anniversary celebrations. The “Diamond Jubilee” event saw some of the past legends of Test cricket honoured.

Speaking at the event, President Donald Ramotar noted that cricket is part of the nation’s life and congratulated the BCB on its achievement. “Cricket has inspired writers and musicians, cricketers have grown to be more than just cricketers but also role models,” he said. Those honoured were Rohan Kanhai, George Trim, Azad Fudadin, Veerasammy Permaul, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra Bishoo, Narsingh

Cricket Administrator Carl Moore (right) honoured for his contribution to cricket development

Rohan Kanhai

since that time. This has allowed the game to continue at the club level, although the BCB has not received any sponsorship from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for the past four years. Other activities planned by the BCB as part of the celebrations include renaming on the BCB office in New Amsterdam in honour of the late Leslie Amsterdam, erecting of a Hall of Fame for administrators, distribution of school bags, unveiling of Kanhai’s portrait, a musical evening, a televised panel discussion, handing out food hampers, an essay competition, renaming of pavilions, and a quiz competition. (Guyana Times)

WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com