Guyana Times International

INTERNATIONAL THE BEACON OF TRUTH

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com ISSUE NO. 318

WEEK ENDING November 6, 2016

Guyanese man on Interpol list held in New York - awaiting deportation hearing

See story on page 16

Bartica Massacre trial continues

Court heard suspects ‘struck terror with wanton disregard’ Page 3

Page 3 Actors of the Artiste in Direct Support group participate in a simulation exercise at the launch of Road Safety Week in Georgetown.

Father seeks assistance to raise Gy$50M for daughter’s life-saving operation Page 46

From left: Roger Anthony Simon called Goat Man, Mark Royden Williams called Durant and Smallie, and Dennis Williams called Anaconda.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Corentyne woman chopped to death by abusive neighbour

The Executive should not be involved in prosecutions – Gaskin

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Dead: Bhumattie Delal

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The woman’s body being removed from her home

man is in custody after almost decapitating his neighbour at Belvedere, Corentyne.

Dead is Bhumattie Delall, 53, of 351 Fifth Street, South Belvedere. Reports are that Delall was in her yard, when her neighbour, a cane harvester, armed with a cutlass, went into the yard and dealt her several chops to her neck, almost severing it. He then calmly walked out of the yard and crossed the street into his yard where he was later arrested.

The suspect’s name has been given as Jainarine Balgobin, called “Boyo”.

Balgobin had allegedly stolen money from a brother-in-law and was detained by Police at Albion. However, on Monday, his mother settled the matter and he was released.

Neighbours say Balgobin has a history of physically abusing his mother and on most times, the now dead Delall would go over to make peace.

On Monday, Balgobin allegedly sexually assaulted Delall by fondling her private parts as she was in her yard.

About 09:00h on Wednesday, he started to verbally assault her and neighbours. He walked into the yard and left

shortly afterwards and went onto the street where he continued his explicit tirade against the neighbours. He then ran back into Delall’s yard and chopped her to death. The dead woman’s sister, Chandra Kumarie Hussain told reporters that she was at home when she received a phone call informing her of her sister’s death. She said upon her arrival at the scene, her sister’s lifeless body was lying on the floor amid blood smears.

According to one eyewitness, after Balgobin left the yard, neighbours rushed in and moments later some were seen slowly walking out with their heads bowed. One villager described the scene as “bloody”.

Some referred to Balgobin as being “mentally unstable” and a frequent user of illegal drugs. Delall was divorced, unemployed and supported by overseas relatives. She took care of a 26-year-old daughter, Purnime Nandram and her two children.

She leaves to mourn two children and two grandchildren, including a two-year-old who witnessed the chopping.

overnment’s imminent involvement in prosecutions has escalated to dangerous heights, not only on the basis of its blatant violation of the Constitution of Guyana but also by the deafening silence from key stakeholders who are expected to speak against any attempt to undermine the rule of law.

Prominent political commentator Ramon Gaskin asks if the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) and the Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporation (TIGI) are all muted as Government proceeds to embark on a worrying initiative, then it will inevitably feel fearless with the only disapproval being the voice of the Opposition Members of Parliament (MP).

During an interview with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Gaskin made it pellucid that the Constitution stipulates that the Executive is barred from getting involved in prosecutions and emphasised the need for Government’s decision to be challenged in the courts.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced that Cabinet had considered and approved the proposal to assemble a special prosecution team to take legal action against those culpable of wrongdoings in the Pradoville 2 scandal.

The Pradoville 2 matter encompasses the acquisition of house lots by

former Government officials in the Sparendaam Housing Scheme – more popularly known as Pradoville 2 – on the East Coast of Demerara, at costs believed to be below market value.

Commenting on these developments, Gaskin highlighted that the Constitution of Guyana provides only for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to deal with matters involving prosecutions.

“I was quite surprised and alarmed when I read the article because in this country, prosecutions have nothing to do with the Attorney General [AG]. The AG is not involved in prosecutions in this country. The DPP together with the GPF is responsible for prosecutions. The political Ministers have nothing to do with prosecutions,” he remarked.

Article 122 says “there shall be an Attorney General of Guyana who shall be the principal legal adviser to the Government of Guyana and who shall be appointed by the President.”

Article 116 says “there shall be a Director of Public Prosecutions whose office shall be a public office.”

Article 187 outlines the DPP’s functions which includes to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court and noted that the powers conferred upon the Director shall be vested in him to the exclusion of any other per-

Political commentator, Ramon Gaskin

son or authority and that Director shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.

Article 187 also notes that the powers of the Director may be exercised through other persons acting under, and in accordance with, the Director’s general or special instructions.

In these circumstances, there has been no indication whether the DPP granted permission for the Government to establish its own prosecutions unit. Gaskin suspects Government has confused Guyana’s Constitution with that of the United States of America (USA).

“What I think is happening here is that they are getting a little confused with what’s happening in the United States where the AG is involved in prosecutions in the district attorney offices and all of that, we don’t have that system here [in Guyana],” he presumed.

Gaskin maintained that regardless of the extent of Government’s involvement in the prosecution of persons on the Pradoville matter, the Executive should not, under any circumstances, deal with the prosecution of persons.

NEWS 3

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Essequibo bus driver on bail for resisting arrest

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minibus driver from Anna Regina Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast was on Wednesday granted bail after he appeared before the court for resisting Police arrest. Ally (only name given) made his first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on August 24, 2016, he resisted Police arrest at Charity public road. He plead guilty but based on his explanation, a not guilty plea was recorded.

Ally told the court that he did not touch any Police Officer and that he and his friends were drinking earlier that day. He said also that after he finished socialising, he joined a bus and went home. After listening to his story, bail was granted in the sum of G$20,000. He is expected to return to the Charity Magistrate’s Court on November 14, for the commencement of trial.

Bartica Massacre trial continues

Court heard suspects ‘struck terror with wanton disregard’ A

fter nearly four weeks of delays and over eight years after the brutal slayings, the trial for the three co-accused of carrying out the Bartica massacre proceeded just before 10:00h on Wednesday morning.

State Prosecutor Diana Kowlessar presented the State’s case, which stated that on February 17, 2008, while residents were engaged watching a 20/20 cricket match on television, Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams, and Roger Simon “struck terror with wanton disregard for life”, resulting in the deaths of 12 persons, including three Policemen.

Prosecutor Kowlessar informed the 12-member mixed jury of their role in the High Court trial that is expected to last for the next several weeks. At Wednesday’s hearing, legal

From left: Roger Anthony Simon called Goat Man, Mark Royden Williams called Durant and Smallie, and Dennis Williams called Anaconda.

arguments were heard after which a witness testified in a preliminary trial.

The trial was able to proceed after the three accused pled not guilty while two others pled guilty on a lesser count. Celbert Reece – one of the five men charged with

the February 2008 massacre – on Tuesday pleaded guilty to manslaughter; his guilty plea came just one day after co-accused Michael Caesar had also pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter.

Caesar on Monday claimed that after the boat docked,

he was dressed in a soldier’s uniform and carried an AK47 and two handguns.

Justice George ordered a probation report for the two accused and they will make their next court appearance on December 16 for sentencing. Over 30 witnesses are expected to testify in the High Court trial.

The five, allegedly being part of the Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins gang attacked the town and shot dead the 12 persons; namely Police Lance Corporal ZaheerZakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne.

Additionally, Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, AbdoolYasseen, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh were the civilians killed.

The matter continues before Justice Roxane George.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

Presidential sweepstakes: Homestretch

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ith less than one week to go for the US elections scheduled for November 8, that horse race is now in the homestretch. Even before the primaries were over, this newspaper went out on a limb and suggested that the rank outsider Donald Trump might go all the way. He went on to win the Republican nomination quite handily and then raised his poll ratings to almost equal those of his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, who has been the very definition of a “Washington insider” that was supposed to “play” the system.

However, late last month, revelations that Trump had made, under the kindest interpretation, some rather tasteless statements about women, saw his poll numbers plunge way below his opponent’s and led the pundits to virtually write him off of the race. Women, after all, comprise at least half of the electorate, and the “smart money” presumed most of them would be offended by Trump’s jaundiced view of women. But seemingly inexorably, those numbers began to climb and last week, when the FBI revealed it was reopening a probe into official emails Clinton had stored on a private server, Trump had closed the gap within striking distance.

But it is important to step back and examine the reasons why Trump’s numbers started to climb upwards even before Clinton’s email scandal resurfaced. As we have pointed out in this space repeatedly, Trump is tapping into some very primal fears in the collective American psyche centredaround “nativism” and “American Exceptionalism”, and these have not been evaporated away by Trump’s gaffe. Nativism – looking down on immigrants and scapegoating them for what ails the society – has actually increased since Trump entered the political fray.

He has given voice to what had become “politically incorrect” for the “establishment” figures to utter in the postCivil Rights era in the US and the 1960s’ Enoch Powell rightist rants in Britain. The nativism in Britain resulted in Brexit and whether Trump becomes President of the US or not, there will be no going back to facile assumptions that the US had entered into a “post racial” era after the election of Barack Obama to the American presidency. Trump may have toned down his explicit anti-immigrant rhetoric as he went into the stretch, but his insistence that a “wall” must be built along the Mexican border (and paid for by Mexico) is a signifier to his base that he “means business”.

Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, is trapped into the liberal rhetoric of “comprehensive immigration reform” that includes regularising illegal immigrants, which is a red flag to nativists, and about which even most moderate Americans are not very passionate. Trump epitomises the “American Exceptionalism” button – that America is basically superior to other nations because of its unique history and values –- with his swagger, bluster and threats to even put allies in their “place”. And here again, while Clinton has of recent began to play this card, it has actually backfired in that some of her “moderate” supporters see the move as “pandering” to Trump.

As the dust is beginning to settle, it can be seen that neither the debates nor the scandals have altered the equation between the two candidates significantly. Trump’s challenge, therefore, might not be at the level of the popular vote, but at the “electoral college”, which actually elects the President and Vice President. In the US, every state is allowed a number of “electors” depending on their population – excepting for the smaller states that must have at least three. Forty-eight of the fifty states are treated as a “winner takes all” situation for a total of 538 electors. Because of the lack of total congruity between population and electors, in 2000, Gore lost to George Bush even though he received more popular votes.

With Trump emphasising Clinton’s “unsuitability” for the presidency because of what could be serious leaks from her emails, he might still win it all.

Bee catchers were hard at work on Thursday attending to a huge nest in a tree opposite the Parliament Building at the corners of Brickdam and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

Caricom States to address “tax haven” label F

ollowing what was deemed an “unfair and unfortunate” labelling of the Caribbean as a tax haven, a recent Conference of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has posited that such labelling is grounded more in perception than reality.

Senior representatives of international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, regulatory bodies, the European Union Commission, the OECD Global Forum, commercial banks, central banks, governments, Caricom Secretariat and the Caribbean Development Bank met in Antigua and Barbuda last week under the Chairmanship of the country’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, to address the “tax haven” label as well as seek solutions to other troubling issues such as the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations from Caribbean respondent banks and de-risking in Region.

According to Caricom, regional jurisdictions participating in the Conference resolved to launch a targeted and focused campaign aimed at eliminating this false characterisation. The Conference noted that the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which is the global authority on this issue, does not refer to the Caribbean as a tax haven.

“Caribbean jurisdictions participating in the Conference acknowledged that some jurisdictions have been tardy in passing legislation for the common reporting standards, and this is a key criterion used by the Global Forum in assessing jurisdictions. They also agreed that harmonisation of legislation and regulation needs to be pursued.”

Furthermore, it was recognised that efficiencies can be gained from regional collaboration that bundle national operations. They highlighted the fact that the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union countries have decided to consolidate their na-

tional Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) work into one regional operation under the purview of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.

Lack of enforcement

However, one of the areas of concern for the international community is the Caribbean’s perceived lack of enforcement action. It was resolved that this issue must be addressed by dedicating more resources to Financial Intelligence Units and other relevant agencies including the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to perform their functions more effectively.

The Caribbean jurisdictions agreed that they have to prepare themselves adequately for evaluations by international agencies. This calls for them to establish Frameworks for National Risk Assessments, National Action Plans and National AML/CTF committees, as a matter of urgency to help identify the areas of weakness within their systems, including client information systems. In that regard, data systems have to be improved, and the Action Plan for Statistics approved by their Heads of Government last July should be implemented.

All these initiatives are intended to strengthen the financial reporting systems and provide greater transparency which should raise the level of comfort of correspondent banks.

The Conference agreed that Caribbean banks should also work with correspondent banks to develop pro-forma model agreements which incorporate the principles enshrined in the FATF guidance note as a basis for negotiating the provision of correspondent banking services in the future.

On the other hand, during the Conference it was outlined that the provision of correspondent banking services is a lifeline to Caribbean economies without which the Region would be excluded from the global finance and trading system with grave consequences

for maintenance of financial stability, economic growth, remittance flows and poverty alleviation.

The Region would also be prevented from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 with the result that the achievements of Caribbean countries would be reversed and future progress thwarted.

On the eve of the Conference, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) issued a document that provided guidance for Correspondent Banking Services in which it was stated that withdrawal of correspondent banking relations “is a serious concern” to them “to the extent that de-risking may drive financial transactions into non-regulated channels, reducing transparency of financial flows and creating financial exclusion, thereby increasing exposure to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.”

To this end, while the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations has grave consequences for Caribbean economies, it also poses serious threats to global financial stability and security.

The Conference welcomed the timely and valuable guidance report from the FATF and the FSB which states that “it is important for correspondent institutions to maintain an ongoing and open dialogue with the respondent institution(s), including helping them understand the correspondent’s anti-money laundering/counter financing of terrorism policy, engaging with them to improve their controls and processes.”

The guidance note argues that the process of dialogue and engagement “can help to avoid unnecessary restriction on or termination of a relationship without a thorough assessment of the risks associated with the specific customer.”

The Conference endorsed the FATF-FSB guidance note and welcomed it as a vital platform from which both correspondent and respondent continued on page 7

NEWS 5

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ali labels CH&PA G$50B revamped housing programme ‘backward, nonsensical’ F

ollowing the announcement by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) that there will be the construction of close to 10,000 housing units under a revamped low-income housing drive with apartment and duplex housing units, former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali has deemed this move as “backward and nonsensical”.

The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) recently told this publication that the decision was conceptualised without the requisite analysis.

“You can’t move into an apartment concept without expert analysis and understanding the housing market, without an understanding on the needs of the people [or] the structure of the market,” Ali noted.

He stated that under his watch, there were “experiments with various models” all aimed at developing sustainable housing. Ali claimed that from analysis conducted in the past, “Guyanese were not willing to move towards apartment units.”

People’s Progressive Party/Civic MP, Irfaan Ali

“What is the bank going to hold as collateral, did the ministry work out a level of financing with the bank… the concept does not take into consideration the concept of equity value. When you develop a land that is sold for G$500,000 and you put in infrastructure, immediately that parcel goes up to G$6-$7 million; how are they going to build these units in [areas] where you have mixed forms of housing – gated, middle, low income,” the former Housing Minister queried.

Ali then challenged the statistics regarding

occupancy rate as posited by the CH&PA and opined that over the years, a high occupancy rate of house lots was recorded.

“There is an increase in occupancy over the years: in some areas, you had 65 per cent occupancy; some had 70 per cent occupancy… the number of persons applying for loans over the years grew,” he outlined.

It was announced that the new housing project will cost some G$50 billion. This was revealed by Chairman of the CH&PA , former Mayor Hamilton Green, through a Ministry of Communities release on Tuesday when he explained that the previous Government’s housing drive was “overly ambitious”, which he reasoned resulted in a low occupancy rate. It was explained that just over 28,000 of the 66,000 lots developed were currently occupied.

According to Green, the difficulties in accessing financing and the challenges associated with undertaking construction led to the poor occupancy rate. Green

was particularly scathing of the 2011-2015 period where the 38 housing areas developed yielded 20,015 lots, but 16,273 are unoccupied, representing more than 80 per cent.

“The programme also promotes inclusivity and good planning practices,

to restore and beautify open spaces/reserves through the relocation and re-settlement of squatters living under disastrous and unsafe conditions to liveable and wholesome communities,” an excerpt from Green’s statement noted.

The CH&PA

had revamped the current low-income housing programme, which will see the construction of approximately 50 per cent of the 10,000 housing units (apartments and duplexes) inclusive of infrastructural works which will amount to G$50 billion.

The turn-key housing programme was described as overly ambitious by CH&PA Chairman, Hamilton Green

since it focuses on improving the living conditions of both coastal dwellers and hinterland Indigenous households.

It incorporates an urban renewal component

Chairman said that based on the current applications, 17,851 out of 25,000, are classified as from low-income households. As such, he indicated that the Authority

Additionally, he said that another G$60 billion would be needed to complete infrastructural works in existing schemes.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Public Security Minister should come up with an effective crime-fighting strategy Dear Editor, I was appalled to see the recent headlines that stated that the Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, was lobbying for more plastic and less cash transactions to stem crime. Editor, I dare say that this is one very revealing confession by our goodly Public Security Minister.

He is basically throwing his hands up in the air and telling the citizens of our country not to carry so much cash, because there is nothing that can be done about the criminal elements that hound their lives on a daily basis. This is like saying to your children to stop taking lunch to school because bullies usually take away their food.

I wonder if the minister ever stepped out of the comfort of his offices and observed the Guyanese people earning on their daily lives. If the majority of the population is filled with persons in Armani suits and designer outfits operating in a celebrity city, then Editor I am the first to put my foot in my mouth. But whether we choose to admit it or not, the majority of the population in Guyana are people who hustle and work hard to carry on their daily lives and the vast majority deal with cash.

Sure the Police have declared that “serious” crime is down. Whatever the world that means, there are still the lesser beings who on a daily basis, face the fear and challenges of being robbed in high daylight, face the risk of being terrorised in their homes by bandits, of having their purses snatched, of being held up in a store, and the list goes on. Are these unfa-

miliar stories?

We are now telling the labourers, the carpenters, the seamstresses, minibus operators, market vendors (I can go on like this for a long tune) to deal with plastic!!? And it can bring crime down by 35 per cent in this country?! Come on Mr Minister, you’ve got to do better than that! That’s worse than telling drivers to pull over and stop when the other drivers ignorantly turn on their LED’s at nights.

Some of us lesser beings know how to read, and we are noting a very disturbing trend.

The minister needs to come to grips with the economic activities in our country that provide a living for our people and review his great thoughts. It is a convincing argument that less cash and more plastics can do lots towards improving the way of doing business and increase accountability, but when one resorts to that as a medium of curbing crane, it gets worrying.

In concluding, I am convinced that the minister’s confession of his inability and incompetence to address the criminal elements certainly lifted about 35 per cent of the weight off his chest, coincidentally, with the anticipated drop in crime level that he so convincingly touts if we were to go plastic. Might I suggest that an actual practical plan to deal with the criminals themselves might go a long way to discharging his duties and perhaps give him added relief.

Sincerely, Khemraj Goberdhan

Guyana Govt downplaying crime situation

Dear Editor, Crime is at an all-time high in Guyana.

Since the Coalition Government took office last May this scourge has taken a meteoric rise reaching epidemic proportions.

However the government is downplaying this epidemic with lots of talk that this is not the case; they have even provided us with statistics to support their point but all right thinking individuals – even if you have half a brain – can testify to the fact that Guyana is reeling from this crippling effect of crime.

Hardly a day passes that you are not stunned by the news of another armed robbery, many times fatal. A home, a business, someone who has just come from the bank or an innocent person walking by with jewellery, being relieved of your cell phone—we are all at risk of being robbed.

This is the reality of what our country has become, and yet for all of this the authorities are saying “it is peace and quiet, Guyana is a lovely place.”

Crime, especially gun crime, has been the order of the day because of the following reasons: From the get go crime has been politicised by the Government of the day. While in opposition they accused the PPP/C Government of being too hard on crime and criminals while ridiculing the Government’s crime fighting plan.

At the same time they viciously attacked the police for their efforts at getting the situation under control. They dogged their efforts at every turn nothing that what the police did was good enough for them. So, in effect they whittled away at anything sane where crime fighting was concerned.

This tactic was visibly evident when the last Parliament was convened, when the president went on a tirade at the PPP/C Opposition. He claims that the opposition is responsible for crimes in Guyana and that they “were killing Black youths” when they were in Government.

He even quoted stats to beef-up his po-

sition, stating that 400 young black men were murdered by the PPP/C regime.

Now, I do not know where the president got his figures from, but I am quite sure that he was playing a very dangerous race game, while building up hate in the Black community. Instead of bringing something of worth to tackle crime, here we have a president lambasting the opposition, adding salt to the wounded populace.

With nothing sensible to offer the nation the PNC-led Coalition is calling crime by a new name. Further to this issue is the president’s very friendly affiliation to criminals using the euphemistic term “petty criminals” when he released 60 of them at his inauguration and 40 more, bringing the grand total to 100 persons who in his words committed “petty crimes.”

Even when you look at it from the strategic standpoint of the judiciary coming on board with tougher sentencing for serious crimes this present government has sent the signal it would not be hard on sentencing.

Thus, they have paved the way for criminals to laugh at the justice system.

What we have now is the innocuous sentencing of gun toting bandits.So, the rampage is on get a gun and terrorise the populace, kill, steal, loot and expect little, if no punishment in return. Guyana is in for the long haul.

With Christmas coming and an estimated increase in cash flow, my bleak forecast is a horrible holiday period awaiting us. I will also tell you this: we have a return of “the blackouts” which makes the nefarious activities of criminal elements even more severe.

Are things getting better?

Are we on to “the good life?

A resounding no! We are in a long night of sorrow.

I rest my case.

Neil Adams

The Govt’s new policy and doctors’ dilemma

Dear Editor, When the PPP/C took Office in 1992, there were just over 150 doctors practicing in Guyana. Most of them were operating out of Georgetown and the other urban centres. An overwhelming number of them were in private practice, with some moonlighting in the public healthcare system. The cumulative result was a devastating paucity of medical personnel in the country as a whole, more particularly, in the public healthcare system and worst yet in the rural communities. By the time we left office in 2015, the situation was transformed. There are now nearly 1400 registered medical practitioners operating in Guyana, with almost every community, wherever located, having access to a doctor.

Historically, one of the several initiatives taken by the PPP/C to address the paucity of qualified medical personnel within the public healthcare system was to negotiate scholarship programmes for our students with friendly countries. The most successful of these programmes was the multi-year scholarship programme with Cuba. Upon the grant of these scholarships and prior to their departure to Cuba, these students were required to sign a contract with the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Service, which obliged them to enter into another contract upon the successful completion of their course of study to work in the public health sector for a period of five years on certain terms and conditions contained in the said contract.

Over the years, this second contract which the newly graduated doctors have been requested to sign, pays them a Public Service salary, with a gratuity of 22.5 per cent, payable every six months. This monthly salary is currently approximately $230,000 (gross) or approximately $185,000 (net). It is obvious that this salary is grossly inadequate. Several of these scholarship doctors, with whom I have spoken, have all indicated to me that it is the gratuity upon which they heavily depend and with which they are able to purchase a vehicle on credit, utilising a duty free concession granted to them, as part of their contract of service with the Government.

It has been drawn to my attention that the final batch of these Cuban scholars numbering 79 have returned to Guyana in 2015. They completed their one year internship, as is re-

quired, several months ago but are yet to be placed in the public health system. I raised this issue with a senior medical Administrator at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) who was not even aware that these young doctors have not been placed into the system, but informed me that the responsibility to do so lies with the Ministry of Public Health.

Additionally, I have been informed by a representative of these doctors that the Government has signalled to them that the payment of gratuity from the contract which this batch of doctors will be requested to sign will be removed and that these doctors will be placed on the pensionable establishment of the Public Service by virtue of which they will receive a pension when they attain the age of 55.

Most, if not all, of these young doctors are vehemently opposed to this initiative and expressed a preference for a contract similar to that which their predecessors enjoyed. In short, these doctors are arguing, and I daresay quite rightly so, that they have a legitimate expectation to serve under a contract similar to that under which their predecessors served. It appears that the Government intends to request them to sign a qualitatively different contract. Rather than serve under the pensionable establishment without a gratuity, these young professionals have expressed a preference to repay the Government the sum of money spent on them and to simply migrate.

I also spoke with Cuban-trained doctors currently in the system serving under their contract and the Government has also signalled to them that their contracts will be amended to remove the payment of gratuity and to place them on the permanent establishment of the Public Service by virtue of which they will receive a pension at age 55. These doctors have also expressed their non-support for this proposed unilateral change to their contracts. They also expressed a preference to exit the public healthcare system. If the Government obstinately pursues these proposed courses of actions the consequence on the public healthcare system and the people of Guyana will be calamitous. Needless to say, litigation looms as well.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Attorney-at-Law

Nandlall,

MP,

The shoe is now on the other foot Dear Editor, The fresh outburst by the Mayor of Georgetown at the recent Statutory Meeting of Council where she criticised the Audit Office of Guyana and the Ministry of Communities, fundamentally says two things: First, that she is not happy, comfortable or welcoming to any type of audit being carried out at City Hall, which she knows can and will reveal corruption, fraud, and improprieties which will make all other institutions in Guyana look like a kindergarten class compared to City Hall’s University of Sleaze, something that every citizen of Georgetown is well aware of.

Second, by lashing out at these two institutions, it shows the level of decadence that some institutions in our country have sunk to.

It is unimaginable that the Mayor

who has no knowledge or experience in auditing could just glibly attempt to bring these two institutions into disrepute because they highlighted just a small fraction of the transgressions that are a standard at City Hall.

Recall her attempts previously to have a former Town Clerk examined and investigated by the same Audit Office of Guyana? I guess that the shoe is now on the other foot.

It is my hope and that of every decent citizen that the Audit Office of Guyana and the Ministry of Communities will not be fazed by her attacks and would not just constrain themselves of the G$300 million they gave to the Council, but rather carry out an audit of all of Council’s records for the last decade.

Best regards, Jermain Johnson

news 7

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Harmon says Govt cannot act Roraima Airways on ‘innuendos and hearsay’ seeks stronger Guyana…as Inquiry is set up to probe procurement allegations at Public Health Ministry

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Winston Cosbert being presented with the Terms of Reference (TORs) by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

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ollowing revelations of fraud within the procurement process at the Ministry of Health Public (MoPH), government has sought to establish a one-man board of inquiry to probe the allegations.

This newest inquiry launched by the State will be headed

by Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Winston Cosbert, who was presented with the Terms of Reference (TORs) on Wednesday by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Cosbert will be looking into the allegations of unauthorised disclosure of information, mismanagement and malpractices in the procurement of pharmaceuticals at the Public Health Ministry.

The move to launch the investigation was triggered by allegations of staffers of the Public Health Ministry passing inside information to bidders seeking lucrative drug procurement contracts.

During the handing over of the TORs, Minister Harmon said that Government eagerly awaits that Report and the findings, so that appropriate action can be taken.

The Board of Inquiry (BoI) will commence its

work today (Thursday) and is expected to render its written report and findings to the Minister of State on or before November 30, 2016.

The Inquiry is expected to take place at the Department of Public Service and at any other place in which the Commissioner deems fit.

The Board is expected to investigate, examine and report on the “procurement and management processes by which the Ministry of Public Health awards contracts for the procurement of pharmaceuticals, services and supplies to bidders; whether there were unauthorised disclosure of any information on the procurement of pharmaceuticals by the staff of the Ministry of Public Health and the facts surrounding such unauthorised disclosure; the facts surrounding the allegation that MsKandasie Aaron, without prior consent from the Ministry of Public Health, divulged any information on the procurement of pharmaceuticals; to what extent this specific disclosure is an isolated incident and if not, does it represent a more general practice at the Ministry of Public Health.”

It is also expected to investigate the pro-

cedure which exists to identify and control the unauthorised disclosure of price sensitive information in the procurement of pharmaceuticals and how and when did the Ministry of Public Health become aware of these disclosures and what actions, if any, were taken by the Ministry.

After the investigation and findings, recommendations must be made for measures that could strengthen information management systems within the Ministry to improve the handling of protected information and deter any unauthorised disclosures; and remedial actions, or any other actions, against staff who are found to have acted improperly in the discharge of their public duties and those persons who have benefited from the actions of the public officials and for criminal prosecution or other actions, if any, against any such person found to have been engaged in criminal or improper conduct.

This decision to establish a BoI comes just over a week after Public Health Minister Dr George Norton submitted the proposal at the last Cabinet meeting for a commission of inquiry to be launched.

Caricom States ... banks can engage in constructive dialogue leading to a permanent solution. In this connection, the Conference called on international banks to continue their provision of correspondent banking relations while all parties implement the guidance of the FATF and the FSB. Moreover, the Conference called on Member States of the organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Union to align their individual transparency criteria in the framework of the Global Forum standards which are approved by 137 jurisdic-

from page 6

tions.

Additionally, Caribbean governments, regulators and banks, participating in the Conference, committed the regional jurisdictions to redouble their efforts to achieve full compliance with the international standards set by the FATF, the FSB and the OECD Global Forum. In this respect, the sum of 4.5 million euros pledged by the European Union to CARIFORUM/CFATF was welcomed by the Conference as a means to address such deficiencies as exist. The Conference urged other countries to follow the lead of the European Union.

Cuba relations

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oraima Airways is seeking to increase air lift capacity to accommodate passenger and cargo flow to Cuba through the services of Dynamic International Airways; this is the ultimate aim as Roraima Airways participates in the Havana International Trade Exhibition. This exhibition comes at an opportune time as Easy Sky, Roraima’s newest travel partner, began its shopping tourism flights into Guyana on October 5 which has seen positive results. This is according to Roraima’s CEO, Captain Gerry Gouveia.

The trade show is schedule to run from October 31 to November 4.

In addition to seeking this new arrangement, Roraima Airways forms an integral part of the Guyana delegation to the Havana International Trade Exhibition as the lone tourism, hospitality and aviation company to promote Guyana’s tourism products and services at this international event, a release from the company stat-

Roraima’s CEO, Captain Gerry Gouveia

ed.

The other Guyanese companies and Government agencies which form the Guyana delegation are; Edward B Beharry and Sons, Gafoors, Banks DIH Limited, Global Seafood Distributors, Go-Invest and Guyana Rice Development Board, with Business Minister Dominic Gaskin as leader of the delegation.

After the opening ceremony of the Havana International Trade Exhibition on Wednesday, Minister Gaskin, accompanied by Guyana’s Ambassador

to Cuba, HalimMajeed, met with Cuba’s Foreign Trade and Investment Minister, Tourism Minister and other officials within the Tourism Ministry, with the aim of strengthening economic relations between the two nations.

Minister Gaskin is also expected to meet with Orlando Hernandez Guillen, President of the Cuban Chambers of Commerce, among other official meetings. At the opening ceremony, Guyana was one of the countries which received special recognition for its official diplomatic delegation presence at the trade show from Cuba’s Commerce Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz.

On Saturday, October 29, a four member team, including Captain Gerry Gouveia; Director of External Relations, Wesley Kirton; Marketing Executive, Dellon Murray; and Tourism Superintendent, PrisciliaRamcharran departed Guyana with the delegation.

8 NEWS

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Cabinet engages GuySuCo on ailing 200 farmers ordered off farmlands, seek sugar industry’s future

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resident David Granger along with Cabinet members on Tuesday met with officials of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), on the current status of operations at the organisation, as well as its future plans.

Cabinet was treated to a full presentation by Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman, and the Board’s Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas.

At the close of the presentation, President Granger said the report will be thoroughly examined and discussed at Cabinet in an effort to make a determination on the industry, which will be beneficial to all concerned.

Just last week, the cash-strapped Corporation was asked to repay a loan of almost G$4 billion which it received from Central Government as part of its G$12 billion subsidy last year.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma, during an audit of the nation’s accounts for last year, had found that Cabinet in June 2015 had agreed that the sum of G$3.8 billion, which was transferred to GuySuCo be treated as a loan.

Amounts totallingG$12 billion were released to GuySuCo during the period June to December 2015 and according to Auditor General Sharma, “An examination of Cabinet decision number, CP (2015) 6:3:BB dated 16 June, 2015, indicated that the sum of G$3.8 billion be treated as a

Govt’s intervention

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President David Granger along with members of the Cabinet at a meeting with GuySuCo’s Board of Directors

loan.”

Prior to that report, President David Granger during his address to Parliament had bemoaned the state of affairs with GuySuCo, pointing to its G$89 billion in local and international debt.

He said the gravest financial problem when his Administration took office in May 2015 was the bankruptcy of GuySuCo, which owed the aforementioned amount.

“Your Government was forced to divert money from economic development and social projects to rescue the ailing Corporation with an immediate injection of G$12 billion.

An additional G$11 billion had to be provided the next year, 2016, making a total of G$23 billion bailout in 18 months.”

The President noted, “These transfers exclude the servicing of GuySuCo’s debts in respect of the Skeldon Estate Modernisation Project – a monstrous and monumental

US$200 million mistake and, probably, Guyana’s single most costly industrial catastrophe of all time.”

There has already been an indication too that GuySuCo will be looking to Central Government for yet another bailout before the end of the year.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Professor Clive Thomas is on record saying that the entity had initially requested G$11 billion, but had only received G$9 billion in the 2016 Budget and, as such, would have to approach Government before the end of the year to gain another $3 billion in subsidy.

GuySuCo has already recorded a whopping G$6 billion deficit in its accounts for the first half of 2016, but this has been masked by the G$9 billion subsidy that was handed to the beleaguered entity

by Government.

In fact, while the G$9 billion transferred was earmarked for the Corporation to be dis-

bursed for the entire year, all of the money has already been transferred.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had documented in his 2016 Mid-Year Report that the reason the allocation was disbursed in its entirety by the end of June 2016 was “because of a deterioration in the Corporation’s cash balances that was due to a severe shortfall in production”.

The subsidy that was transferred to GuySuCo has in fact allowed the company to record on its books an operating surplus of G$2.9 billion, down from an operating surplus of G$3 billion for the corresponding period last year.

Jordan had earlier this year also complained bitterly about the lack of alignment between production costs and market prices which has resulted in the de-stabilisation of revenues and the eventual need for Government support packages.

ome 200 cash crop farmers are seeking Government’s intervention after they were ordered off a plot of State land they have been occupying since 1989 for agricultural purposes.

In a letter dispatched to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, the farmers pleaded to keep the land since it is their only means of earning a livelihood and justified why it is in the country’s benefit for arrangements to

cluding bananas, bora, lettuce, celery, eschallot, peppers, ochroes, among others while some are into aquaculture.

According to the correspondence, the farmers said the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Ovid Morrisson placed notices in front their farms, warning them that all trespassers will be removed.

The farmers said the REO wants to use the land to embark on a mix-

One of the farmers pointing to some of the crops

be made for them to continue their cultivation.

Guyana Times International understands that the cash crop farmers of Hopetown and Bath Settlement, in Berbice, have expended huge sums of money in cleaning, clearing and draining the 30 acres of land for over 27 years.

Some of the farmers are even living on the land.

They plant a wide variety of cash crops, in-

farm project. They explained in the letter that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had a 50year lease on some 50 acres of land but never occupied it and so the MMA/ADA repossessed the land.

The farmers said they were also assisted by the Canadian Ambassador (CIDA Programme) and the Social Impact & Amelioration Programme (SIMAP)IDB Funding.

Man sentenced to 3 years for causing death of cyclist

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o o p n a r i n e Hariwar was sentenced to spend three years in prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police stated that in November 2014, while on the East Bank of Demerara, Hariwardrove motor lorry GPP 9557 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of pedal cyclist Ramdular Dhanraj.

The Magistrate declared that all evidence presented by the defendants were found to be sufficient and, as such,

Jailed: Roopnarine Hariwar

she handed down her sentence.

The defendant’s Attorney appealed the matter and the Chief Magistrate stated that she noted his appeal.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

6 ranks fired for misconduct, Citizens urged to play their part in promoting Guyana 5 under investigation

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ome six ranks were dismissed— three for criminal misconduct; while five others are under investigation for October as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) strengthens its zero tolerance policy against unprofessionalism and misconduct.

Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, during a press conference on Monday, expressed worry over the situation but found solace in the fact that the number of reports of misconduct are decreasing.

The officers who were dismissed comprised of one subordinate and five constables, with three of them fired for criminal misconduct.

One of the ranks under investigation is a female attached to the Brickdam Police Station who is reportedly involved in a missing .32 firearm.

“It has to do with the subordinate officer not being able to account for a .32 firearm received by her while on duty, which was lodged by a civilian,” Ramnarine disclosed.

Stolen guns

He reminded that over the last three months, nine guns were reported stolen from licenced firearm holders, seven of which were .32 pistols.

Ramnarine only suspected that these missing firearms are making their way into the hands of criminals.

During a previous news conference, the Acting Police Commissioner chastised the irresponsible ownership of firearms; more particularly the carelessness involved where some of the firearms reportedly were stolen.

“A businesswoman on the East Coast, who obtained a firearm licence for protection, is away from the business, leaves the firearm in a wardrobe at home, there is a robbery and the firearm is taken. How much more ridiculous can we get?” he had outlined.

Ramnarine also shared the instance of when a firearm holder, who departed Georgetown to go to Berbice, upon his return to the city, felt drowsy and decided to take a nap along the Plaisance

Public Road only to awaken the next morning to discover that his cellular phone and firearm were missing.

During that press briefing, Ramnarine stated that there is uproar for personal firearm licences and yet, recent instances show the high level of irresponsibility being exhibited.

“This is the behaviour we have…

The other one is, the owner is overseas, the firearm is at home, the wife is not at home – this is on the West Demerara – there is a break and enter and larceny, the firearm is taken in the process.

He didn’t lodge it at the Police Station as the instruction says on the licence – when not in use; he left it home – gone!” he noted.

50 complaints monthly

Meanwhile, Ramnarine disclosed that there was a 21 per cent reduction in complaints against members of the GPF for the period August 1 to October 25, 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015.

The Top Cop (Ag) said there is an average of 50 complaints against Police officers on a monthly basis. For the corresponding period, there were 193 complaints in 2015 and 154 in 2016. For the entire 2015, there were 615 complaints of which 603 were addressed, whereas in 2016, there have been 515 thus far.

Ramnarine said judging from the figures, there should be a continued decrease in reports against Police officers in relation to fleecing and street harassment.

He alluded the reduction to the efforts by the GPF to clamp down on misconduct and unprofessionalism.

The Acting Commissioner had issued several stern warnings to the traffic officers about their unprofessional behaviour when dealing with the travelling public.

There have been mounting complaints of Police abusing their authority during road blocks by fleecing and harassing road users.

Alleged ring thief granted G$70,000 bail

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Christopher Small

man accused of stealing a gold and diamond ring was on Monday morning granted his pretrial liberty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Christopher Small, 28, of Laing Avenue, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that between October 1 and 31, 2015, at Light Street, Georgetown, he stole

one gold and diamond ring valued G$550,000 and other items worth G$450,000.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that the defendant stole the items from his employer, John Raymond.

The facts are that the defendant first stole the keys to the Virtual Complainant’s home after which at a later date he entered the house and stole the items.

It is alleged that he admitted to stealing and selling the items.

The prosecution had no objections to bail, but the defendant could not give the address of his abode; as such, Magistrate McLennan remanded him to prison until he could do so.

He reappeared before her later in the day with the address and was granted G$70,000 bail. He is scheduled to reappear in court on

November 27 2016.

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GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, GTA Senior Product Development Officer Kamrul Baksh, and THAG President Andrea de Caires

uyanese are being urged to actively participate in the promotion of the nation’s local products by posting photos and videos of Guyana on social media to raise awareness of the country’s unique tourism industry in observation of Tourism Awareness Month (TAM) 2016.

A list of exciting activities aimed at showcasing and promoting Guyana’s pristine tourism sector are on the itinerary for TAM 2016 and everyone is encouraged to join the fun.

This annual hallmark event was launched on Tuesday at the Business Ministry under the theme “Tourism for All: Building Partnerships for Tourism Development”.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, in his remarks said every day should be geared towards promoting Guyana and everyone should be ambassadors of the country’s rich tourism.

“Take a picture and post it and share it.

Whether it is food, an old church, a heritage build-

ing, an old property, a smile, a family, animals or plants, any attraction, an event, an activity. Post pictures and encourage others to share them and collectively, let us all help to sell and promote destination Guyana,” he urged.

As usual, the activities in observation of this month include the Rockstone Fish Festival, Guyana Restaurant Week, the Explore Guyana Magazine launch, the South Rupununi Safari, among numerous training initiatives and talk shows aimed at promoting and celebrating Guyana.

More details on the various activities in the line-up for TAM 2016 are available in the press.

In a unique twist, Guyana Restaurant Week will be incorporated into a scavenger hunt to encourage more people to experience the fine dining lifestyle at an affordable price.

More information on this initiative can be found on guyanarestaruantweek.com.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana

(THAG) Andrea de Caires urged all Guyanese to participate in these events as they will go a long way in helping the country’s burgeoning tourism sector.

M e a n w h i l e , Haralsingh explained that tourism has a tremendous impact on the economy, significantly contributing roughly 8 per cent to the country’s GDP. Haralsingh also noted that tourism creates employment for thousands of Guyanese both directly and indirectly.

He disclosed that Guyana surpassed last year’s tourist arrivals by 11 per cent already and that just in May alone for the jubilee celebration, there was a 102 per cent increase in tourist arrivals.

“Our goal is to continue to increase visitor arrivals in Guyana, increase their length of stay and get them to spend more,” he said.

Additionally, Haralsingh urged to sector to make tourism accessible and affordable to everyone.

10 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6 , 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Battered body of 26-yr-old man found on Berbice road

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olice are investigating the circumstances which led to the death of a 26-year-old carpenter of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, whose body was discovered lying on the road with marks of violence.

The dead man has been identified as Fayez Narinedat, of Number 70 Village. His body was discovered at about 03:45h at a scene which appeared to be that of a hit-and-run accident.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis told Guyana Times Internationalthat the matter is being considered a homicide, and the Police have launched an investigation.

When this publication visited the scene, villagers were tight-lipped.

However, one relative of the father of two related that there is evidence to indicate that the body was placed on the road.

One street away, a muddy shirt which is said to be that of the deceased was seen on the road, while what appeared to be broken sticks were seen nearby.

Reports are that Narinedat was at a party hosted by an overseas-based Guyanese when a fight broke out, which reportedly led to his death.

The dead man’s uncle, Chandra Datt, said he was told that Narinedat reportedly left the party when he was attacked. There also appeared to be evidence of an encounter in a vacant plot of land a few lots away; broken sticks were seen and a section of the fence broken, suggesting that persons used that part to get out of the yard. More sticks and broken picket staves were seen on the street in front of the vacant lot.

According to Datt, evidence points

Fayez Narinedat was found lying shirtless on the road

to the fact that Narinedat was killed in the street and placed on the road.

There was also a laceration to the back of his head.

Residents in the area voiced their concerns whether the matter will be investigated properly, pointing to evidence which investigators left at the crime scene. Asked to comment on this, Divisional Commander Adonis said every straw will be unearthed and ordered that investigators revisit the scene.

Narinedat was an only child. His mother explained that her son left home at about 11:00h on Monday and returned during the evening but did not enter the house. She said he was heard on his cellular phone but it is not known who he was talking to.

BebiAzes said her son may have been under the influence of alcohol and as a result, did not want to enter the house, thus choosing to go out again.

Narinedat leaves to mourn his mother, father, wife, two children and a grandmother.

The investigation is continuing.

news 11

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6 , 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Police Mounted Branch deployed to Berbice to help tackle rising crime

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The Guyana Police Force introduced its Mounted Branch to Berbice with four trained ranks and four horses

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday introduced its Mounted Branch to Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with four trained ranks and four horses to help tackle the rising crime rate in the region.

The branch is located at Mibicuri Black Bush Polder and will operate out of the Mibicuri Police Station with four animals; Rainbow, Touchdown, Rosie and Coleen. The four animals will remain in the Division, while the ranks will stay for six weeks.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis says Black Bush Polder is a strategic location for the Mounted Branch to be located.

He explained, “This is another step forward in the Guyana Police Force and we have recognised the need to bring the Mounted Branch here because of the depth of the backlands at Mibicuri.”

Adonis said it is another form of community relations where they will be able to respond to minor reports

emanating from areas where vehicles cannot access. These areas, the Commander noted, will be accessed by using the horses.

Adonis noted that citizens recently assisted the Police with horses and they were then able to arrest a murder suspect who had been hiding out in the backlands of Mibicuri. On that occasion, ranks on foot and horseback were able to apprehend the suspect after surrounding him.

Three days later, the suspect, Winston Benjamin, was charged with the murder of Yansen Tamika Brushe and remanded.

“So with that we decided to speed up the operation here and have our own horses.” Adonis said, while adding that the project had been in the pipeline for some time now.

In December last, the Mounted Branch was re-introduced by the GPF with the first unit being at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Regions 1, 2 to benefit from Canada/ Guyana Outreach Mission

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Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton along with members of the CanGo Medical Outreach team

22-member medical team has arrived in Guyana from Canada for a two-week outreach mission to residents of Region One (BarimaWaini) and Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The Canada-Guyana Mission (CanGo) has already begun providing medical services to residents.

According to the Public Health Ministry, the team will focus primarily on family medicine and health awareness in various aspects. The multidisciplinary team consists of a paediatrician, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, who will work with patients with developmental disorders and mental issues at the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity, Kumaka District Hospital in Santa Rosa, Kabakaburi Health Post, Karawab Health Post in the Pomeroon River.

The team also consists of family physicians, dentist family physicians, gynaecologists, audiologists, pulmonologists, pharmacists and nurses.

The audiologists will be running Audiology Clinics in Santa Rosa and Waramuri, while the gynaecologists will perform VIA (screening for cervical cancer) and STD (sexual transmitted

diseases) testing on women in the various villages. The team will roll-out a massive public awareness programme in each area to focus on management of high blood pressure, controlling diabetes, proper nutrition and dental care, etc, will also be given by the physicians. Information flyers will be circulated after each session.

Medications will be administered to residents free of cost after which they will continue with follow-up care at the nearest health facility in their region. Last Friday, some executives of the CanGo team paid a courtesy call on Public Health Minister Dr George Norton where he commended the Mission for its efforts and expressed gratitude to it for extending its service to the people of Guyana, particularly the remote areas.

Canada-Guyana Outreach Mission is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to providing healthcare to the underprivileged population of Guyana. Its mission is to promote healthcare in developing countries by providing confidential, compassionate and supportive medical services to the general population.

The Mission is expected to conclude on November 23, 2016.

Guyanese-Canadians urged to return and invest G uyanese in the Canadian Diaspora have been urged to return and invest in the development of their homeland.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux, was answering questions from Guyana Times International about what more could be done by his country to further strengthen ties with Guyana.

The two countries have had a longstanding relationship, he told this publication in an exclusive interview recently. He said he hopes that there could be stronger economic ties, and through that, Guyanese living in Canada can also make investments in Guyana.

“The human relation is good, we would certainly like to see more economic relations, more Canadian investments, particularly members of the Diaspora in Canada to return and make investments in Guyana.”

According to the High Commissioner, Canada as an immigration country has seen more than 200,000 Guyanese establish themselves there.

This, he said, could do well for Guyana if persons could make investments here.

Speaking to further investments in Guyana, the High Commissioner said there are some sectors which his country wants to improve its presence in operation, including the developing oil sector. He said both countries have similar experi-

Canadian High Commissioner, Pierre Giroux

ences and are working together on this.

He said his country has already established a sturdy relationship with Guyana and this dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

It was Canada, he said, that imported sand from Guyana; sand which was used to build planes used in the Second World War. “The relation between Guyana and Canada are long standing. It has in fact started back in the 18th century, where from the maritime province of Canada; it exported salted-fish to what was then British Guiana. We started with banks in the early 20th century, the Bank of Nova Scotia.”

He said the two countries also have a longstanding relation which was linked to human relation. He explained that Canadian missionaries were among the first to establish schools for the freed slaves in the 19th century.

The relation later evolved into two strands,

including economics.

Canada, he said, was a country which invested in the mining sector for a long time. First it was in the bauxite area.

His ALCAN Canada was in partnership with US Company ALCO of the United States in the Demerara Bauxite Company which he said produced most of the bauxite which was sent to Canada. His country he said is also investing in gold in Guyana.

“So we have a very strong economic interest”. On the other hand, Canada is also an immigration country, receives over 230,000 immigrants a year and this has been a longstanding policy.

“This means we have a long human relation between Guyanese who establish themselves in 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s and today. There are even thousands of Guyanese Canadians living in Guyana today. So the connections are very strong”, he said.

Agricola man jailed for theft

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56-year-old man was sentenced to nine months in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing a number of hardware items before Magistrate Dylan Best at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Osman Hussain, who is a security guard, told Magistrate Dylan Best in mitigation that he stole the items for his own home since his home was short of the items.

The charge against Hussain stated that between December 2015 and September 29, 2016 he stole a number of hardware items from a storage bond belong to Ravindranauth Ramsingh, worth a total value of G$550,000.

The prosecution’s facts stated that the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured his storage bond located at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and left the defendant to provide security services; however, upon his return, he noticed that all of his items were gone.

The prosecution added that the VC made a report to a Police Station and an investigation was carried out which

Osman Hussain

unearthed the missing items at the defendant’s premises.

12 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Army Chief warns against ‘Idle youths’ contributing to unprofessional behaviour Guyana’s crime wave –Top Cop

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ewly-appointed Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier George Lewis on Tuesday warned officers against misrepresenting the military unit, and decried instances of undisciplined and unprofessional behaviour.

Lewis, who recently assumed the helm of the army, was addressing ranks at a church service held to kick off the institution’s 51st anniversary in the auditorium of Base Camp Ayanganna.

While he expressed gratitude for the successes achieved so far, the Chief-of-Staff was more concerned with the decorum of soldiers, especially since they have a significant role to play in society.

He urged them to examine the way in which they execute their duties, the values they upheld and customs they practised.

“It was cases of indiscipline that resulted in ranks being charged with traffic offences.

It was cases of indiscipline that caused ranks to be involved in spousal abuse, and cases of integrity that caused ranks to scale. The fundamental ingredient of discipline is regimentation. If we fail to regiment ourselves, then by extension, we will continue to contribute to serious indiscipline in the Force,” the new Army Chief said.

Brigadier Lewis sought to enforce that each officer had a major responsibility, and implored them to recognise and apply the new standards required at the in-

P Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier George Lewis

ductive training levels.

“We must look at the way we execute our duties, the values we uphold, and the customs we practice and always strive for best practice,” he said.

He continued, “I do believe that we need to continuously evaluate our mission in this changing environment, in order to continue to provide safety and security. Threats are evolving and we must likewise evolve.

Those evolving threats may require we change our operating posture.”

The celebration on Tuesday was also to commemorate Defence Force Day. Lewis said the day was a special one in the lives of the Defence Force.

“We celebrate 52 years as a defence force and providing defence and security to Guyana, something we all should be proud of and applaud ourselves for.”

He added that the church service must be seen as a time for reflection and introspection.

“We must examine our past, deliberate on our present and chart our course for the fu-

ture. We must ask ourselves, what does it mean to be 51 years old?” He said that at 51 years old, the GDF must demonstrate that it was an experienced and matured State organisation, committed to defending Guyana, “with officers, soldiers and civilian workers who are committed, dedicated and disciplined”.

“We must also commit ourselves to professionally performing our duties without fear or favour. I do also believe that after 51 years of providing public safety, that no fair-minded person would dispute the fact that the GDF has made a unique contribution to the safety and development of this nation, and that in every way we have satisfied our motto to serve throughout our existence,” the Army Chief declared.

Further, he stated that the Force must continue to provide public security in the future and must also be able to continue to transform the counter changes in the contemporary operating environment and to counter new and emerging threats.

olice Commissioner (Ag), David Ramnarine drew focus on what he believes is a significant contributor to the criminal activities in the country, the idle youths.

He made this pronouncement during a news conference on Monday as he released statistics on a number of categories of criminal activities in the country.

Ramnarine also pointed to a correlation between the crime wave and the state of youth unemployment in the nation.

In disseminating information on traffic offences, the Top Cop (Ag) noted that youth make up a high portion of those in violation of traffic laws.

He said of the 712 random breathalyzer tests recently conducted, a major 60 per cent were between the ages of 18 and 25.

“We have young persons in crime, young persons unemployed, young persons who are driving under the influence, and young persons who just don’t want to work for what they say is too meagre a salary,” Ramnarine asserted, underscoring that these are all critical factors everyone ought to be apprehensive of when holistically examining the crime situation in the country.

His allusions to the inclusion of youth in crime also covered instances of murders and robberies, or violence-related criminal activities: “We have youths who prefer to party and party late at nights and we’ve seen a level of violence in this society by young people;

an unacceptable level of violence involving young people,” he stated.

Ramnarine indicated that the problem lies with the level of youth employment, particularly with young people refusing to work.

“They are misguided, they are lacking proper supervision and guidance.

They don’t want to work for what they perceive to be by their own standard meagre salaries,” he stated.

It was just last week that a 14-yearold Mahaicony boy was placed before the court charged with the murder of a Mahaicony businesswoman. Reports are that the teen, who did odd jobs for the 54-year-old woman confessed to beating her to death. The young boy was said to be the mastermind of the attack, as he reportedly led his 24-yearold accomplice to the woman’s home.

The teenager and his accomplice, Devanand Rampersaud, a fisherman of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which was read to them in-camera by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul.

Rampersaud was remanded to Camp Street Prison, while the 14-year-old mastermind was sent to the Juvenile Holding Centre in Sophia. They will make their next court appearance on November 14 when the matter will be called at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court.

The lifeless body of BibiShairoon of Lot 6 Novar, Mahaicony, was found by her nephew on October 17 with her hands and feet bound.

The two suspects on Saturday evening reportedly gave a detailed statement to detectives on how they committed the murder. The duo allegedly admitted to beating the woman in her head with a frying pan.

It was reported that after the duo entered the woman’s house, she put up a fight and was struck to the head repeatedly with the frying pan. She subsequently fainted.

Cooperation from citizens critical to solving crime

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cting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine has underscored that public cooperation was critical in any investigation.

He emphasised too that lack of assistance on such front would undoubtedly impede Police work.

The acting Top Cop was at the time addressing the harsh criticisms levelled against the Police Force by a grieving mother over the perceived “slothfulness” in investigating the murder of her son.

Pinky Hutson’s 25-year-old son was killed in a murder-robbery on Mandela Avenue in early October.

He was shot and robbed of a gold chain while in the company of his brother outside Wings and Things eatery.

Hutson said she knew who the perpetrator was and has criticised the Police for failing to keep in contact with her on the investigation.

Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine

However, Ramnarine said that the mother’s story was far from the truth, explaining that when Police attempted to reach out to her, she refused to cooperate.

Ramnarine said when he saw the press report of the mother condemning the slow pace of the investigation, the Police once again reached out to her and she again refused to cooperate.

“When I saw the press report, I called the officer in charge of crime A Division… I told him

to go to this mother’s home and invite her to the Police Station, speak with her in the presence of other detectives, tell her you feel her pain and you feel her loss and have her cooperate with us…

The detective officer did just that, and informed me that the madam indicated that she will come at her own time,” he related.

Ramnarine said the detectives engaged with Hutson and she agreed to cooperate, but when they reached out to her, she said she was unavailable.

“Last Friday as the detectives were setting up, the mother who promised to come to the station at 10, said she is not ready to come and that she needs another two weeks. This is the same mother who blurted out to the press that the Police are too slow in the investigation,” he stated.

Ramnarine reiterated his call for the public’s cooperation in facilitating investigations.

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Calls for tougher penalties for drunk drivers in Guyana I n light of the staggering revelation

by Traffic Chief Dion Moore that road fatalities have increased by 21 per cent, the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) has called strongly for suspension of licences of drivers who drive while intoxicated.

At the launch of Road Safety Month 2016 on Monday, GNRSC explained that the relevant authorities should impose stricter penalties for drivers by taking away their licences if they are found to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs. This, the organisation noted, is

ing that a demerit system should be introduced.

“In Guyana some drivers use the roads as if they’re in a Hollywood action movie; many of them are the major contributors to the road accidents… Life may not have a reset button, but we could find a ‘Stop It’ button – that says stop it to drunk driving [and] stop it to careless driving,” Ferguson said.

Also speaking at the launch was Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine who told the Parliament Square gathering that he feels it is wasteful that so many persons are losing their lives on the

The re-enactment scene warning about the dangers of road accidents

aimed at reducing road accidents, thereby reducing road deaths.

However, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan explained that all persons, including pedestrians, must consider their individual responsibilities when using the roadways, adding that a speeding car is a dangerous weapon.

“We also want to tell people that are using vehicles for profit, like minibus drivers and hire-car drivers [that] greed and gross indiscipline is going to cost this society lots more than you make,” Ramjattan noted.

Emphasising this year’s theme “Life does not have a reset button,” Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson added that it is time for the State to relook at how it issues licences, add-

roads.

“There are few things more utterly wasteful than deaths by road accidents,” he noted.

Meanwhile Mothers in Black founder, Denise Dias, whose 17-year-old daughter was killed by an alleged drunk driver two decades ago, said that there should be enforcement of road laws.

“I find that many of us that have had to go through the judicial system – they have failed us. The road traffic Police have a lot on their hands, but then there are some [that] like to take bribes and so all the laws that are in place are just not being enforced.”

The event ended with an accident scene re-enactment, which was supported by the Guyana Red Cross Association.

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23-yr-old Guyanese man on Interpol list held in New York

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23-year-old Guyanese who was the subject of an Interpol red notice has been intercepted and is now awaiting a deportation hearing in front of an immigra-

tion judge.

This is according to News America Now.com which identified the fugitive as Guyanese national Anthony Bhupdeo.

According to News

America Now.com, Bhupdeo was arrested on October 5th

by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) National Fugitive Operations Program (NFOP) team members in New York. He was wanted in Guyana for murder.

Bhupdeo is now being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearney, New Jersey awaiting deportation.

According to the article, ICE ERO officers at the agency’s New York City field office received information from HSI Bogotá special agents that led to Bhupdeo’s arrest.

Carvil Duncan’s GPL fraud case dismissed

Carvil Duncan

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

President David Granger

city Magistrate on Wednesday dismissed a fraud charge against Carvil Duncan, a trade unionist and former member of the Board of Directors of the State-run Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. Duncan was facing a charge which stated that on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown, he stole G$984,900, property of GPL. But Magistrate Leron Daly ruled that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to make out a prima facie case against Duncan, who was charged on January 26, 2016.

Duncan’s Defence Attorney, Glen Hanoman said the Magistrate deemed as inadmissible a photocopied Cabinet decision, and oral testimony by former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds about a Cabinet meeting where the decision to pay Duncan was made.

Duncan still faces a conspiracy charge which stated that between May 7 and May 8, 2015,

he conspired with then Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of GPL, AeshwarDeonarine to steal $27,757,547, property of the power company.

He is expected to appear in court on January 4, 2017 to answer to that charge. Duncan was confident that this charge would also be dismissed.

Duncan was recently suspended from the chairmanship of the Public Service Commission and membership of several other constitutional bodies by President David Granger, who appointed a Tribunal to determine his fate in light of the criminal charges.

Late last month, Duncan had moved to the High Court, where Justice Franklin Holder issued temporary orders to halt the work of the tribunal.

But it is now unclear what implications the dismissal of the charge will have on the Tribunal and Duncan’s suspension.

When contacted,

Attorney General Basil Williams indicated that he was in a meeting and could not respond at the time.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall in a statement shortly after the verdict, said that the dismissal of the charge vindicates Duncan’s.

Nandlall added that it also gave credence to his argument all along that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and President Granger acted “prematurely, precipitously, capriciously, arbitrarily and unconstitutionally” when they activated a process to remove Duncan from office before the hearing and determination of the criminal charges.

“As it now turns out, they are attempting to remove from office, a high constitutional office holder who enjoys security of tenure of office and who has done no legal wrong that would be considered ‘misbehaviour’ to warrant his removal from office,” Nandlall stated.

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Anti-sexual harassment campaign launched in Guyana

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Commissioners holding up draft posters with anti-sexual harassment slogans

n light of recent reports the organisation has received, the Women and Gender Equality Commission has launched an anti-sexual harassment campaign. Chairperson of constitutional body, Indra Chandrapal, on Wednesday announced that the campaign was conceputalised after increasing reports were received, mainly from women, who noted experiences of unwanted advances from their co-workers.

Chandrapal disclosed that many victims are often afraid to come forward.

It was explained that suggestion boxes will be placed at a number of strategic points including the National Library, the University of Guyana, the Guyana Post Office Corporation, Giftland Mall and the Georgetown Public Hospital, where persons can note the details of their complaints.

“We know that sexual harassment at the place of work is happening. We have had reports of these matters; unfortunately when you try to get to the bottom of the issue, those persons who would have come forward are always backing out because they fear intimidation from their employer,” Chandrapal stressed.

It was explained that these boxes will be opened every two weeks, whereby a committee will assess the contents of the issues raised after which an in-

vestigative officer will follow through with the requisite actions. “[This will give] those persons who are victims of sexual harassment an opportunity to speak out or represent their issue without fear of intimidation,” the Commission’s Chairperson stressed.

She added that these suggestion boxes will be extended to all 10 administrative regions of Guyana Meanwhile, Commissioner Vanda Razdik informed that the body recently hosted seminars and is currently looking at legislation to bring improvement to gender development. The Commission stated that it intends to distribute the posters in offices and the body added that associated workshops are planned.

The Women and Gender Equality Commission has a vision to encourage an environment where the rights of women are recognised as human rights. The Commission also seeks to “promote issues related to the enhancement of the status of women, girls and gender issues,” as enshrined in Article 29:1 of Guyana’s Constitution.

Additionally, the body has a mandate to recommend and promote the implementation of legislation and to formulate policies and measures to “enhance and protect the status of women”.

West Ruimveldt man who shot reputed wife in mouth to be charged soon

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ne month after shooting his reputed wife, Shevon Harry, in the mouth during an argument at her John Fernandes Housing Scheme, Georgetown home, the suspect turned himself into the Police on Wednesday morning.

The 27-year-old suspect of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, surrendered to ranks at the Brickdam Police Station.

He is accused of shooting Harry on October 1 and has since been in hiding.

A source told this newspaper that the suspect is likely to be charged soon.

It was reported that Harry, 26, a security guard attached to the Alliance Security Service, and the suspect shared a rocky relationship due to jealousy and mistrust. Both parties

Shevon Harry

were reportedly jealous of the other and neither of them could have kept friends as they wished.

The rocky relationship turned tragic when the suspect discharged a round in the woman’s mouth after she accused him of impregnating another woman.

After being shot, the mother of two re-

portedly ran out of the house and collapsed on the dam while the suspect escaped. She was picked up by a neighbour and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted.

Police are continuing their investigations into the matter.

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Special emphasis to be Chinese Govt to fund repairs placed on Diaspora tourism and maintenance of ACCC

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he Tourism Ministry will ramp up efforts in 2017 to improve and make Diaspora tourism more sophisticated in an effort to enhance Guyana’s economy.

Director General of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Donald Sinclair, in an interview, said that special attention must be paid to Diaspora tourism, which must be marketed differently.

“We get frequent visits from persons in the Diaspora who want to offer their help and play a role in driving more Guyanese to visit Guyana. It is not easy to say ‘they’re Guyanese, so they must come’, that is a serious mistake, so we have to be careful,” Sinclair explained.

He pointed out that as the tourism sector grows, there are alternatives to take into consideration to

Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair

attract more tourists. The Ministry is exploring different markets, “including the weekenders, you can come into Guyana spend a weekend… other niche markets, yachts and cruises for example, so we’re looking to grow some specific markets and identify some hot spots”, Sinclair explained.

The Director General noted that for many years the Rupununi Savannahs have been the hotspot area along with Bartica,

Essequibo, Mahaica River, some areas of Canje and Demerara.

“Depending on the planning, the attractions that you’re identifying could be significant tourism hotspots that would significantly impact Guyana’s economy at large.”

Additionally, the Indigenous, African and Indian cultures are also of potential interest to tourists, but it is important to protect these cultures and communities, particularly hinterland communities, from the negative impact tourism can have on their traditional way of life, Sinclair explained.

Diaspora tourism can also promote a number of Guyana’s sites, including Fort Island, Magdalenenburg and Fort Kyk-Over-Al, both for their historical and architectural value, Sinclair stated.

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elecommunications and Tourism Minister, Cathy Hughes, has disclosed to the media that the maintenance and repair works to be carried out on the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) will be funded by the Chinese Government.

According to Hughes, this is in keeping with the China Government’s promise of a gift to the Guyana Government many years ago.

The minister said that the Chinese Government will be expending US$7 million to assist with the works that are to be carried out, starting in December.

She said too that China has always played a key role in the functioning of the facility, since giving the centre to Guyana: “The Chinese Government has had a very close role in the ongoing maintenance of the conference centre, they gave us extensive facilities and as you know, a lot of the equipment in the conference centre is Chinese and therefore it was absolutely necessary that when we look at the maintenance of the centre, they have always played a very strategic role.”

Another section of the media had published recently that the funding for the repairs was coming from the Government, and as such suggested that the monies should be spent in other areas.

Addressing this, Hughes said that the money given for that specific purpose from the Chinese could not be used for other purposes.

The minister clarified: “This is a grant that is specifically based on China’s relationship with the centre, it is not part of our larger financial arrangement and grant funding that the Ministry of Finance handles in terms of funding that we are getting for expansion of several other areas of concern and therefore the option for the funds to be used for something else does not exist at all.”

Minister Hughes took the opportunity to further praise the Chinese Government for their contribution, highlighting that for last year alone, the centre was able to bring in over G$60 million for rentals alone.

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Patient threatens Georgetown PI continues into Babita Hospital with lawsuit Sarjou’s murder

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former patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is soon to take legal action against the facility, citing wilful neglect.

The husband of Onissa Bowling, 25, of Campbellville, Georgetown, contacted this publication to voice his frustration over the injustice that was meted out to his wife.

According to the man, in December of 2015, his wife was rushed to the Hospital in a very sick state, she was then tested by doctors there, treated for malaria which she never had, and sent home.

However, the woman’s health deteriorated and she was again rushed to the Hospital for further diagnosis.

When she arrived there, this time with abdominal pains, she was given an ultrasound where it was discovered that she suffered from gallstones.

A few days later, she was taken into surgery during which the gallstones were supposed to be removed.

The man further explained that when Bowling was sent into the recovery area, her condition continued to deteriorate.

An ultrasound was

Onissa Bowling

again done and doctors discovered that they missed a few of the gallstones and Bowling was again taken into surgery.

At this point, according to her husband, her condition was one that gave cause for great concern.

He said, “When we think that finally we can rest and that the worst was over, tragedy struck again.”

The man told this newspaper that Bowling’s health continued to deteriorate and the woman was continually crying out for abdominal pain.

When an inspection was done, the family was shocked to discover that doctors allegedly left gauze in the woman’s belly after her last surgery and this was causing her insides to become septic.

The angry relatives of Bowling, after becoming frustrated over what they described as “lackadaisical” behaviour of the Hospital’s

doctors, transferred the woman to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital where she successfully underwent surgery to remove the gauze.

According to the husband, on numerous occasions while Bowling was at Georgetown Public Hospital, he, along with other family members, sought audiences with the administrators of the Hospital for an explanation, but the attempts were unsuccessful.

Bowling was said to be in the hospital for almost a year for a minor issue which could have been rectified but was not.

As such, the woman’s family has taken action, disclosing that in the coming week, a notice will be served to the Hospital for compensation.

Family members are also hoping that by doing this, they would expose the doctors of the facility and alert others as to what is currently transpiring at the GPHC. When Guyana Times International contacted GPHC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mitzy Campbell on Sunday evening, she explained that the matter would be investigated and assured this publication that details would be provided upon completion of the investigation.

Four Cubans fined, deported for overstaying, forgery

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our Cubans and a Guyanese appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on separate charges of forgery and overstaying in Guyana.

The charge against Alberto Rodrigues Costas, 52, stated that between April 30 and July 29, 2016, in Georgetown, Costas failed to comply with any conditions of a permit granted to him by overstaying the time granted to him.

Costas told the court via a translator that he felt cheated since he only wanted to stay and labour. As such, a guilty plea was entered upon his behalf by the Magistrate.

Police Prosecutor Sean Gonsalves stated that the defendant arrived in Guyana via the CheddiJagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri; and that the defendant’s passport was stamped by immigration to stay in the country for three months.

However, he overstayed his time, without having any extension legally made to his permit.

Costas was fined G$60,000. Should he fail to pay the fine a 30-day imprisonment will be implemented. He will be escorted to the nearest port of exit upon paying his fine or serving his time.

The charge against Yubisley Frank Pecho Quintana, 32, stated that between June 14 and July 13, 2016, in Georgetown, he too failed to comply with any conditions of a permit granted to him.

He pleaded guilty and was fined G$60,000 or in default spend one months in prison, followed by immediate deportation.

Meanwhile, Providencia Esperanza Grullon Guzman faced two charges of forgery and overstaying her time. The charges stated that on April 14, 2016 she entered Guyana and should have left on

May 13 but failed to comply with the immigration conditions.

Accused Rosario Palanco Deleidy was also charged for overstaying her time.

Rosario arrived on August 8, 2016 and was scheduled to leave on September 7 but failed to do so.

The defendant was also fined G$60,000 or 30 days imprisonment upon failure to pay the fine.

The second charge against Guzman, 26, is that between April 14 and October 26, 2016, she conspired with persons to commit forgery. She arrived in Guyana and was granted one month’s stay but forged a passport stamp for an extension of three months, of her Dominican Republic passport #SE3374751f, purporting to show that same was stamped by Guyana immigration officials at CJIA. The woman was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat, pleaded not guilty to both charges, and was remanded to prison until November 4, 2016.

Kenrick Bourne also appeared before Magistrate Latchman on charges of forgery. Bourne allegedly assisted in forging Guzman’s passport, by uttering same to an immigration officer, Constable Errol Charles, on October 26. He pleaded not guilty.

According to Fung-a-Fat who also represented this accused, stated that his client’s girlfriend asked him to have her stay in Guyana for an additional three months.

The lawyer said Bourne apparently applied for a one-month extension without realising that it had been changed to three months.

Despite the lawyer’s attempt to convince the magistrate to grant bail, it was refused.

He too will reappear in court on November 4, 2016.

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Accused: Dorel Pronton

he Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of Babita Sarjou, whose body was found six years after she had gone missing, continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Sharnandand Naraine, called ‘Anand’, the ex-husband of Sarjou, and Dorel Pronton, called ‘Yankee’ of Lot 54 Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, both appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Lance Corporal Jermaine Audrey attached to Major Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigations

Department, took the witness stand as he was cross-examined

by Pronton’s Lawyer Stanley Moore.

Audrey explained to the court that during the cross examination, Pronton was never offered any inducement or injured to make his statements.

Meantime, at a previous court hearing two of the prosecution’s witnesses testified against the defendants.

Inspector Jermaine Laundry testified to putting the charge of murder to Naraine.

However, Detective Inspector Seeraj Singh of the Major Crimes Unit, testified to be being offered a bribe by Naraine as he was taking his statement on the day he was charged.

The matter was set down for November 15, 2016.

On May 22, 2016, Crime Chief Wendell Blenhum accompanied by a team of detectives, swooped down on the home of Naraine locat-

Dead: Babita Sarjou

ed at Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, where they dug up a site in the yard and the woman’s remains were found.

Sarjou went missing on November 4, 2010 after she received a called from Naraine who allegedly stated that he would accompany her to a Diwali motorcade.

Reportedly, on that night, Sarjou got into Naraine’s vehicle where she was strangled by Pronton who was lodged in the backseat.

Her lifeless body was then transported to the home of Naraine where it was buried.

Guyana’s Maxine Graham receives top scholarship award in Spain

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he Guyana Police Force’s most senior female officer was a recipient of an International Recognition and Scholarship Award in Barcelona, Spain, earlier this month.

Staff Officer ‘Administration’ 1 and Senior Superintendent of Police, Maxine Graham, received the award on October 9, 2016, at the Award Ceremony in Catylona, Barcelona.

Graham was awarded a Plaque for winning the 2016 International Association of Women Police Recognition and Scholarship Award, for her vast area of work which includes key responsibilities and appointments, aimed at developing and improving the lives of members of the Force, single parents, youths, elders and the less fortunate.

She was selected from a list of 45 nominees from law enforcement agencies in over 70 countries around the world.

During this time, Graham along with 20 other female officers from the Guyana Police Force was in Spain to attend the 54th Annual Conference of International Association of Women Police (IAWP), held from October 9 to 13, 2016.

On April 28 this year Graham received from President David Granger, the Good Conduct and

Senior Superintendent Maxine Graham receiving her Award from Madam President of IAWP, Margaret Shorter, in Barcelona in the presence of other officials from the Association

Long Service Medal for dedication and commitment to the Guyana Police Force.

Then again on October 6, she was bestowed the Discipline Service Medal – a National Award for long service, dedication and hard work within the Guyana Police Force.

Graham is enlisted in the Guyana Police Force for close to three decades and serves this legal organisation with distinction and dedication.

A University of Guyana graduate in the fields of Public Safety and Security Management, and Social Work, this Senior Superintendent who still has a number of years before retiring, is currently pursuing a Degree in

Law, and has the possibility of taking up the mantle as Guyana Police Force’s Legal Advisor, having already spent ten years as a Court Prosecutor/Court Superintendent in Central Georgetown.

The Force congratulated Senior Superintendent Graham, DSM, a mother of two sons, who are both serving in the Force, for her many outstanding achievements and wished her well in her future endeavours in the Guyana Police Force and beyond.

The other female officer who recently gained recognition is Superintendent Charmain Stuart, Director of Music. She is the only female police officer who holds such portfolio in the Caribbean.

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Sunrise Centre opens in Region Two - aimed at empowering and providing skills training and mental health support services

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President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger with participants

esident's in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) can now access professional counselling, mental health support services, holistic wellness activities, skills training courses free of cost now that the Guyana Foundation has formally opened a Sunrise Centre in the Region.

The Centre was officially opened on Saturday during the ceremonial cutting of ribbon done

by President David Granger and First Lady

Sandra Granger, assisted by elder Kayman Sankar at lot 1 Zorg-enVlygt, Essequibo Coast.

Addressing the audience the First Lady called on Essequibians to use the Centre to empower themselves in the various skill areas.

First Lady Granger, patron of the Guyana Foundation, said that the Centre was opened with the aim of building a strong community that can fight against the many social ills in society such as depression and suicide.

She said it is her de-

sire to see the Centre become a hub where persons can visit in time of need as well as to make themselves more marketable. She congratulated the organisers for the achievements thus far. She mentioned that the Centre since establishment has hosted GOAL workshops as well as extended its services to persons in the Amerindian community of Lake Mainstay\ Wyaka.

The First Lady therefore called on the graduands to use their skills to start small

businesses and hence earn an income from their skills.

Meanwhile, founder of the foundation Surpriya Singh-Bodden during her address said that the Sunrise Centre is part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to provide urgent training, counselling and support to individuals and families in need across Guyana. Singh-Bodden said that most of the facilitators and mental health counsellors hail from Essequibo Coast.

She happily informed that the threemonth pilot phase was successfully completed and already, the foundation has received orders from a leading fashion house in the Cayman Islands.

Singh-Bodden further stated that 80 per cent of the focus of the Guyana Foundation will now be directed to Region Two. The Centre is currently operating under the motto "Hope for Tomorrow, Today, Together". It is the first such Centre to be opened in Guyana to date. On the occasion 34 persons graduated in skills such as

First Lady Sandra Granger, Guyana Foundation President Surpriya Singh-Bodden and an elderly citizen cutting the ribbon

Electrical installation, catering, fabric designing, and floral arrangements. They were presented with certificates

by First Lady Granger.

One participant Verlyn Trotz told this publication that the course was a life changing one for her. She did the catering course and said she learnt a lot from it. When asked what she intends to do with her knowledge she said she can now cater for birthdays, weddings

and other occasions.

Kevin Gangoo an electrical installation student said he would like to thank Guyana Foundation for providing young people within the district with the various skills.

The Centre will be starting new courses November 14.

Also attending the opening was Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt and Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson.

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Caribbean finance ministers discuss economic problems facing the region

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senior official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday that the current global financial environment with low interest rates provides a window of opportunity for Caribbean countries to pursue adjustment, undertake liability management to lower financing costs, and reduce debts to safer levels.

But Tao Zhang, IMF deputy managing director, told the one-day 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum that fiscal and broader macroeconomic stability are necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for growth.

He said additional country-specific structural reforms have to go hand-in-hand to reap the growth dividend.

“The incremental nature of the progress made on boosting growth, diversification, competitiveness, energy efficiency, financial sector vulnerabilities, fiscal adjustment, and other recurring themes from past Caribbean Forums speaks mainly to the complexity of these problems. Their solution will require a sustained policy effort,” Zhang told the Forum being held under the theme “Shifting Tides: Challenges and Opportunities”.

The Forum is being attended by several Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, his Antigua and Barbuda counterpart, Gaston Browne, St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, as well as central bank governors from the region.

In his address, Zhang told the delegates that the global outlook continues to be shaped by a subdued recovery from the global financial crisis and weak trade and that 2016 is proving to be another year of lacklustre growth.

He said in the World Economic Outlook released early October, the IMF had projected global growth at 3.1 per cent this

Caribbean prime ministers from left Allen Chastanet, Andrew Holness, Dr Keith Rowley, Dr Keith Mitchell with IMF deputy managing director Tao Zhang (center) and other delegates to Caribbean Forum. (Photo: CMC)

year, with risks weighted to the downside.

He said the trend decline since 2011 in commodity prices appears to have bottomed out and “going forward, however, we expect these prices to remain at low levels and volatile".

“This is a much different situation than when we were here four years ago,” he said, adding also that the United States recovery has been softer than previously expected, although there has been a further uptick in activity, more recently.

“Meanwhile, uncertainty has risen in Europe as countries there move to overcome the difficulties of economic recovery and managing the process of Brexit,” he said, noting that global financial conditions have eased and global financial regulations tightened.

“In particular, interest rates in advanced economies are expected to remain low. At the same time, efforts to strengthen measures of anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) have intensified.”

Zhang said that these shifting glob-

al trends have implications for the Caribbean, pointing out that on the downside, oil-exporting countries like Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago have been hit hard.

“Trinidad’s economy is under pressure despite some savings during the good times. This makes the task even harder for the government to rebalance policies in response to the low energy prices—particularly the fiscal stance.

“On the positive side, low oil prices have benefited most other countries in the region because they import oil and fuel. Many of these countries have seen their external positions improve significantly. For example, Jamaica has eliminated much of its double-digit current account deficit in just a couple of years. And Guyana is experiencing its first external surplus in decades.”

But the IMF official said that cheap oil today does not eliminate the need to improve the efficiency of domestic power utilities throughout the region. As highlighted in the last two Caribbean Fora, there

is still a need to reduce reliance on government subsidies, and to expand the use of renewable energy.

Zhang said that slower recovery in the US and European economies means the pickup in tourist arrivals in the last two years could reverse in most tourism-dependent economies in the Caribbean.

“We project the Euro Area to grow by only 1.7 per cent this year and 1.5 per cent in 2017. Likewise, the United Kingdom, a major source of tourist arrivals in the Caribbean, is projected to grow by a modest one per cent next year.

“But there are significant risks around this projection since the impact of Brexit remains unclear. That said, recent data showing higher-than-expected third quarter growth rates in both the UK and the US could provide room for optimism.”

The IMF official said that on the financial and monetary side, there is perhaps a silver lining in that slower growth has delayed the normalisation of monetary policy in the advanced economies.

“This has enabled continued easy financial conditions for the rest of the world.

Low world interest rates help reduce the debt servicing costs for Caribbean countries struggling with high debt,” he said, adding that “globally interconnected markets, which have benefited the Caribbean, pose new challenges as global regulations tighten.

On the issue of correspondent banking and de-risking, Zhang said these withdrawals reflect primarily the judgment of global banks about the costs and benefits of operating in developing countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and of course, in the Caribbean region.

He said this is partly in response to well-intended international efforts aimed at eliminating money laundering and terrorist financing. (CMC)

Guyanese undergo training to handle EBD man remanded for robbery natural gas …as first shipment expected on Nov 11

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epresentatives from several key organisations underwent a fourday training on how to handle liquid natural gas (LNG), as the first shipment is expected in Guyana within days.

Local manufacturing giant – Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) – teamed up with United States company, ICON LNG’s, to roll out the pilot phase of a project that will see a more cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel being commercially distributed. This project is said to be synced with the Government’s policy of developing a green economy.

According to founder of ICON, Eric Schubert, he saw the potential for natural gas in the Guyanese market and took the first step three years ago towards realising this project but stumbled on some hiccups as it relates to transportation of the fuel in Guyana – this

is, of course, after he would have acquired the necessary approval from the requisite authorities.

He noted that while demand for clean energy has always been there in the Caribbean, like Guyana, the ability to get it here is not easy. He stated that natural gas is much cleaner, much more environmentally friendly but getting it to desired destinations quickly, efficiently and safely, have always been a difficulty.

Moreover, the ICON founder posited that this project with DDL will see them connecting one of their generators to the company’s grid. This, he noted, is being done in time for the November 11 arrival of a shipment of LNG for power purposes, which will not only be the first such shipment to Guyana but also to the Caribbean.

He said too that it is very easy for his company to add its equip-

ment to the engines of these companies without the need for additional infrastructure.

On this note, Schubert outlined that besides power generation, he is also looking to expand his supply chain in the transportation and mining sectors. He explained that ICON has conversion kits for vehicles, which will run on all natural gas and with the flip of a switch, can go back to diesel or gasoline.

Furthermore, the ICON founder said that his company sees the mining sector as a potential “big market” since the mines themselves generate power and have very large mining equipment that can run on 100% liquefied natural gas, without even switching over to gasoline.

Additionally, Schubert remarked that ICON is also considering creating its own minigrid locally.

However, before the arrival of the shipment,

ICON is ensuring that the relevant Guyanese authorities are properly trained to deal with natural gas, particularly those who may come in contact with the substance.

To this end the company held a fourday training with personnel from DDL, the Guyana Fire Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), John Fernandes, McCorp, Demerara Shipping, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the medical profession.

The training was conducted by USbased expert company HazMat Education and Training and was facilitated by DDL, where the participants were rewarded with requisite certificates on Friday during a simple graduation/closing ceremony.

under arms

Robbery suspect: Ron Simmons

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n alleged “big time” robber from the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate FabayoAzore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Ron Simmons, 31, was brought before the court on two counts of robbery under arms.

The first charge alleged that on May 3, 2015 at Covent Garden, EBD, in the company of others and armed with a gun, Simmons robbed Valdes Nickram of G$100,000 cash, four

cellular phones valued G$140,000, three wristwatches valued G$39,000, and a quantity of jewellery valued at G$1 million.

It is also alleged that the defendant on March 3, 2016 at Diamond, EBD, again being armed with a gun, robbed Carlos Moreno of several items: one cellular phone valued G$40,000, one pair of boots valued G$10,000, one backpack valued G$8000, one laptop computer valued G$100,000 and US$300 (equivalent to G$60,000), a total value of G$218,000.

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ramkarran slams Finance Minister for “unusual” outburst against Sharma

F

ormer Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, SC on Sunday heaped criticisms on Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, over his “unusual” outburst at Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, whose final audit report for 2015 was critical of government and in the process gave the Finance Minister a lesson on the independence of the Audit Office.

Jordan had argued that Sharma’s opinion that certain government expenditures did not qualify as emergencies and so were not properly charged to the Contingencies Fund was an act of the Auditor General overstepping his constitutional boundary.

Jordan had argued

Ralph Ramkarran, as House Speaker, received at least 10 Auditor General Reports in the 2001-2011 period

that Sharma has no authority under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act to pronounce on whether expenditure qualifies as ‘urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen’, since it is the Minister of

Finance who is empowered to make that determination. Jordan had also claimed that previously, Sharma’s reports were sent to the Finance Ministry for editing before it was handed over to Parliament.

Sharma categorically rejected these assertions and made it known to the minister he was given the opportunity to edit the Auditor General’s Report but that such a facility has been withdrawn. The Auditor General rejected the minister’s assertions.

Weighing in on the recent “unusual” outburst, Ramkarran who served as House Speaker for more than 10 years, made it clear that the minister was out of order.

“The executive should

not publicly chastise or question decisions of independent, constitutional office holders except within official channels,” Ramkarran wrote on his weekly Blog, The Conversation Tree.

Constitutional mandate

He explained that while the National Assembly gives the Government authority to spend from the Consolidated Fund after a budget in instances of ‘urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen’ with subsequent parliamentary approval, the Auditor General, likewise, has a constitutional mandate to scrutinise these spending.

“The Auditor General is required by the Constitution to audit the public accounts of Guyana, which includes

Winston Jordan was appointed Finance Minister in May 2015

the Contingencies Fund, and he shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person,” Ramkarran explained.

Ramkarran in defence of Sharma said that the Auditor General is not to be confined to being a mere bookkeeper for the government; and if he found that the Minister dipped into the Contingencies Fund for any expenditure, he is obliged to examine the use of the Contingencies Fund to ascertain whether such use complies with the statutory requirements of being for ‘urgent, unavoidable or unforeseen purposes’.

“Where in the world would a constitutionally mandated Auditor General consider himself or herself to be so statutorily circumscribed that he or she would preclude himself or herself from giving an opinion on the use or misuse of a fund that he or she is required to audit?” Ramkarran wondered.

Institutional Mechanism

The former Speaker noted that there are institutional mechanisms that are available to the minister if he disagrees with the Auditor General, pointing to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament which examines the report, a forum at which the minister can raise his objections to the AG’s findings.

He however pointed out that while the Auditor General may take note of the minister’s objection, “his master is not the National Assembly, but the Constitution, as interpreted by the courts, for good reason.”

There is also the legal option, Ramkarran said, explaining that Jordan can apply to the court for Writs of Certiorari and Prohibition, where the court will consider whether the Auditor General exceeded his powers. And if it is proven that he did then the court can effectively quash the Auditor General’s decision and prohibit him from doing

it again.

The legal luminary explained that Guyana follows the Western liberal, democratic, tradition of separation of powers. Separation between executive and legislature, he said, can be nominal under Westminster constitutions, where the executive sits in the Parliament, or subversion can reduce the independence of the judiciary and other constitution office holders.

He said to maintain and strengthen that independence, relations between Government and Constitution Office holders must be professionally structured, however such niceties did not engage previous administrations, leaving very little or no precedent for the current government to follow.

Ramkarran reminded Jordan that some of Sharma’s reports were critical of the past governments while they were in office but “they, wisely, never publicly confronted him.”

He suggested that criteria, capable of growing into conventions, need to be developed to deal with Government relations with constitutional office holders.

Financial Abuse

Sharma, in the 2015 Auditor General Report which was laid in the National Assembly on October 13, 2016, pointed out abuse of the Contingencies Fund by the Government.

Sharma said that during the period under review, amounts totallingG$799 million were drawn from the Fund, by way of 24 advances. He said that it was disappointing to note that the advances continued to be granted, even though they did not meet the required criteria.

He also pointed to a drastic increase in overpayments, a failure to adequately expend allotted funds and repeated breaches of the financial laws and regulations by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government.

These very concerns were highlighted in previous years’ reports by Sharma, under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, but not many were implemented under that government and the trend continues under the APNU/AFC Administration which won last year’s National elections on a transparency and accountability ticket.

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Brazil’s Military Commander pays courtesy call on President Granger

Colonel Emerson DaSilva, Colonel Oswaldo DaSilva, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis, President David Granger, Military Commander of the North of the Brazilian Armed Forces, General Carlos Alberto Neiva Barcellos, Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Lineu Pupo De Paula and Major Meer Khan of the GDF. (GINA photo)

M

i l i t a r y Commander of the North of the Brazilian Armed Forces, General Carlos Alberto Neiva Barcellos, today, paid a courtesy call on President David Granger, at the Ministry of the Presidency.

General Barcellos was accompanied

by Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier

George Lewis, Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Lineu Pupo De Paula, Colonel Oswaldo Benedito Romao DaSilva and Colonel Emerson DaSilva, both of the Brazilian army and Major Meer Khan of the GDF. According to GINA, during the meeting, several areas relating to security and territorial integrity as well as

the existing areas of cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

Brigadier Lewis, in an invited comment, said that the Brazilian team is in Guyana for discussions with the GDF in areas of cooperation, in an effort to build a stronger, friendlier relationship between the two military organisations, GINA said.

Arson suspected in Ram’s Pharmacy fire

A

The business place after the fire Saturday night

n investigation has been launched into a suspected arson attack that destroyed a Cummings Street, Georgetown, business, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

According to information, the fire started just before midnight on Saturday at the Ram’s Pharmacy.

Eyewitness reports stated that a strong scent of gasoline emanated from the premises as the flames grew.

Additionally, one man was reportedly seen fleeing the scene soon after the fire had started.

Police and Fire Service ranks are investigating a gap in the wall at the back of the pharmacy believed to be used to execute the arson.

When contacted, A Division Commander Clifton Hicken confirmed that police have received information to this effect and that a team is actively pursuing leads in this regard. He further disclosed that no suspect has been arrested for the suspected arson.

Hicken recalled that his ranks arrived on site at 12:30h and stayed at the scene of the blaze until 03:00h.

When this newspaper visited the

area on Sunday afternoon, a police rank was stationed adjacent to the pharmacy, guarding against possible looting, which includes several stores.

Meanwhile, proprietor Lakeram told this newspaper that this was the first time in 21 years of operation that fire has struck his business.

He stressed that he is “clueless” as to why anyone would carry out such an act against him, noting that he cannot think of any enemies.

“I don’t know who would want to do this,” the man said softly, noting that it was less than one week since he took in stock for the Holiday season.

“Is de whole shop was stock up,” the owner explained.

When asked about coverage, Lakeram stressed that while some of the items were insured, it would not be able to suffice for the entire stock, which he estimated to be in the millions.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that arson was behind the recent fire at Gafoors Houston Complex, Georgetown, and a suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Through hard work, dedication and the support of a loving family, Anupa Outar-Rahaman recently graduated with her Masters in Economics from UWI

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nupa graduated from Mae’s High School in 2006, earning six grade ones and two grade twos in her CSEC examinations. She then graduated from the University of Guyana with a Degree in Economics (Distinction).

Subsequently, she graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies (Distinction) from the University of Guyana.

In January 2014, Anupa started working as a junior researcher within the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Guyana with Guyana’s Professor Clive Thomas. It was at this point she was offered a fully-funded scholarship from the CaribbeanPacific Island Mobility Scheme (CARPIMS) to pursue a Masters in Economics at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. She started that programme in September 2014 and completed it in May 2016.

She graduated in October 2016 with yet another Distinction.

In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Anupa, a ‘distinction’ student throughout her academic life, shares how she was able to achieve her academic goals, and offers her advice to youths.

Sunday Times Magazine: Why Economics?

Anupa OutarRahaman: I like a challenge. Economics is one of the most difficult fields, if not the most difficult, in Social Sciences. After completing high school in 2006 and pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, my love for the area of study grew stronger and I realised that the possibilities with Economics are endless!

Anupa Outar-Rahaman

Sunday Times Magazine: What was your biggest challenge as a student?

Anupa OutarRahaman: The biggest challenge for me was managing my time. I often wished that a day had much more than 24 hours. After high school, your social circle becomes much bigger and managing your personal and social life, along with your academic life, becomes quite a task. Also, grad school in another country also meant wanting to sightsee, explore the culture and cuisine, spend time with new friends, and of course, who can resist the party atmosphere in Trinidad? But on top of it all, you must remain focused. And that was my number one priority.

Sunday Times Magazine: What role did your parents play in your academic life?

Anupa OutarRahaman: My parents, Shaam and Rupa Outar, were my number one supporters. I don’t think I would have gotten this far without them by my side, cheering me on every step of the way. They are always pushing me to strive for greater things so that I can succeed in every aspect of my life. I thank the both of them for always

A proud achievement: Anupa's certificate showing her Degree in Economics with distinction from UG

being there.

Sunday Times Magazine: What would you credit your success to?

Anupa OutarRahaman: My success is the product of hard work and dedication, countless sleepless nights and the support from my family, closest friends and now my husband. Anyone who knows me knows that once I am committed to achieving something I give my all. I don’t believe in selling yourself short. Dream big and push. Always give it your 100 per cent effort.

One of the benefits of my hard work is receiving a scholarship in June 2014 from CARPIMS to pursue a Masters in Economics at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad.

CARPIMS is an IntraACP cooperation and mobility programme in the area of Higher Education, which focuses on Caribbean and Pacific institutions. It is implemented under the aegis of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Union. It is aimed at building institutional capacity and encouraging socioeconomic development in each region by enabling access to a wider variety of postgraduate degrees and research opportunities to students. These mobility activities are geared toward increasing the competitiveness of the participating higher education institutions towards ultimately encouraging ‘brain gain’ rather than ‘brain drain’ within each region. Participants explore Caribbean and Pacific solutions for challenges encountered in both re-

gions, creating a cadre of trained, open-minded and globally oriented individuals who can serve as foundational resources in developing new disciplines and competencies for their respective countries.

Sunday Times Magazine: What’s your philosophy in life?

Anupa OutarRahaman: I believe that everything sorts itself out with time. If one ever feels that things can’t possibly get worse they must remember that it can’t be rock bottom forever. Time will change the circumstances. I always give myself a gentle reminder, “It’s only a matter of time.”

Sunday Times Magazine: What are your career plans?

Anupa OutarRahaman: Current career plan is currently on hold. I am now married with a one-month-old son.

My new full-time job is being the best mother I can to my son. I do, however, wish to continue working in the area of the economic development and perhaps pursue another Masters or even my PhD! As it is, I am living and enjoying life one day at a time! I’m enjoying life as a wife and new mother.

And believe when I say I do learn something new each day!

Sunday Times Magazine: What’s your advice for youths?

Anupa OutarRahaman: Don't let opportunities pass you by.

There are going to be times when you have a chance to make something of yourself; take it and run as fast as you

The start of a bright future: Anupa off to nursery school

can! Life has an expiration date. Make it count.

Stay focus and study as long as you can; remember no one can take away your education from you! Additionally, youth should always respect the

elderly. Just remember

kids, you'll be old one day (if life permits) and when that day comes, how would you yourself like to be treated?

A cherished memento: Letter from UWI stating she has been awarded her Masters in Economics

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Diwali 2016 - scenes from across Guyana

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Diwali 2016 - scenes from across Guyana

National Library’s rangoli in celebration of Diwali (Rangoli created by Donna Sargeant of the Reference Dept.)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By Petamber Persaud

B

ob Dylan was named winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature.

When the announcement was made that a singer had received the award –the first singer to have been awarded in that category–it was a song to the ear of many, and a discordant note to others.

The consequent condemnations and commendations were quick and incisive, birthing a debate that will burn itself out only when some new revolutionary act occurs in literature. As the conversation continues, one thing is certain – this move of awarding a singer the Nobel Prize for Literature opens a whole lot of possibilities uni-

2016 Nobel Laureate: American singer/ songwriter Bob Dylan

Grenada-born Calypso/ Soca singer/songwriter Mighty Sparrow

versally, and especially for the English-speaking Caribbean.

As I write, I am thinking of another Bob – Bob Marley, popularly called Brother Bob. And then the ‘Birdie’ – the Mighty Sparrow hovered into

the picture, and then we own, Dave Martins, coming out of our collective Caribbean belly, rumbled by…and then…and then…

This current ‘Nobel’ event is not my first foray into this area of the

Guyanese singer/ songwriter Malcom Corrica, A.K.A Mighty Canary (1937 -2016)

song as literature. My interest in this area goes a few years back to a time in December 2010 when I interviewed the recently departed Malcolm Corrica – the Mighty Canary - on my televi-

Guyanese singer/ songwriter Dave Martins

sion programme, “Oral Tradition”, now running for 14 years, and started in order to maintain a focus on Guyanese literature in the form of an adventure, where we journey into the past, present and future areas of our literature, using a widely popular form of mass communication – the television.

A few persons who have seen my television interview with Mighty Canary wondered why such an interview on a programme dealing with literature. The rehearsed response was some singers/musicians are also writers – “song writers” in that they write the words or lyrics to the eventual song in its manifested form – the performance; that answer was not convincing or satisfactory to some and so the conversation continued….

It so happened, I was to feature others singers on my programme like Johnny Braff and Dave Martins. (I missed the ‘Birdie’ by a feather hair when he visited the studio of National Communications Network (NCN). But I came away from that meeting with his response to the copyright issue – he was not put out or put off when his songs are ‘pirated’ mainly because he is satisfied that more people can have access to his work and that gives him great satisfaction.)

I also interviewed on my literature programme playwrights, scriptwriters, and comedians. The comedians and stand-up comics are still a source of concern to me in that a great part of this oral literature produced is not recorded.

Before I continue, let’s spare a thought for the Mighty Canary in reference to that interview, mainly because he just passed away and the interview focused mainly on his song “Christmas; is with us again”, which is still the best local song on the subject of Christmas, re-

Jamaican singer/songwriter Bob Marley (1945 -1981)

markable in the simplicity of the words (see below) and the soft sweet melody giving rise to goose bumps and nostalgia, heralding in a true Guyanese Christmas.

And he drummed on the table between us as he related how that song came to be written, how he wrote that song: Christmas is with us again Children with their sweet refrain Merrily hear how they rhyme Melodiously while church bells chime Choirs sweet carols they sing Oh what great tidings they bring Hatred and fighting must cease It’s now time for love and peace My backup singers (no offence intended) on this issue manifested themselves in the form of two columns – one by Al Creighton in Stabroek News of Sunday October 16, 2016, and the other by Dave Martins in the same newspaper of Sunday October 23, 2016, both exploring the song as literature.

Creighton took us into the world of reggae poetry; its development, recognition and its contribution to the shaping of Caribbean culture.

Martins touched on the calypso - another genre on our novel Caribbean literature-scape - and its contribution to a Caribbean culture.

And now back to the Nobel Prize for Literature and Bob Dylan and Bob Marley and Dave Martins and… I wonder if one day, one day, in the not too distance future, nominations for the prize would include the likes of Mighty Sparrow and our very own Dave Martins, both of them contributing more than 100 years to the music, culture and literature of the Caribbean.

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

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

O

ver the years, many Guyanese have grown up using words or phrases, or with certain beliefs that have been passed down through generations.

Some may have become extinct; some may have been adapted while some generally remain the same over the centuries.

Today the term “boviander”, often pronounced "buff-ee-yan-duh," refers to a person of mixed heritage, namely African and indigenous Guyanese, with some European.

Richard Allsopp in “Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage” adds that it is usually the mother who is indigenous and the father is usually black, though sometimes he may be European.

In earlier times, the term also referred to the partly indigenous, partly black and partly European (white)individuals who made their homes further upriver of cultivated areas; often higher than coastal dwellers.

There have been several suggestions for the term, such as the accepted notion listed by Allsopp among other

scholars, that it is a derivation of the Dutch word Bovenlander, which means people dwelling upriver; others translate Bovenlander as a highlander or a man from the upper regions.

More entertaining, though less probable however is the suggestion of a J.S. Blake, quoted in a late 19th century Timehri Journal, that the term “boviander” originated from “the old times... when any one on his way up the river called at a house in the comparatively lower portion, and asked for some friend, the answer was “He no here he ‘bove yander’” (above yonder), meaning further up the river; hence the name given to people living in the upper districts…”

Superstitions are a global cultural phenomenon, and no less so in Guyana. The moon in particular has its fair share of superstitions in Guyanese folklore – though some may have proved to be true, such as the old idea that certain woods and bamboo, if cut when the moon is full or approaching the full, is certain to become worm-

eaten and therefore useless.

Another moon-lore is that when the “horns” of the moon are upward as to form a boat, that means dry weather will follow; when it is “canted” or reversed, rain will fall.

Fishing for mullet after a moonlit night is said to be futile since, according to the locals, the fish “does git up all night fo’ fill dey belly and dey no hungry day time.”

The dai- dai, more familiarly known as the bush dai-dai, is a terrifying being of indigenous folklore that has entertained and frightened generations of Guyanese (and non-Guyanese), even creating a fear of the Guyanese bush (rainforest) that remains among many.

One European (considered not one to tell tales) in the 1800s, writes a letter to his friend about his experience in the Guyanese bush: “You have, I daresay, heard the Indians speak of di-dis and adopies, some sort of wild people or ' devils,' they say, seen occasionally in the bush.

Main Street, Georgetown, in the year 1924

Water Street, Georgetown, in the year 1910

Well, I will relate to you as I best can what I saw on Saturday last in the bush aback here. It was a rainy afternoon, and I went aback to pick up tonkin-beans. I had a long way to go and did not get any. On my way back I went into the swamp, and was picking up souarinuts under a tree. The rain had ceased about half an hour before, and, there was no wind at the time. I was stooping down, when I heard the bush near me shake. I looked up and saw a small tree, about 30 yards from me, shaking. I cocked my gun and stepped quickly toward the tree, which continued shaking; as I expected to find some animal rubbing against it. There was a large tacouba [ fallen tree trunk] between me and the shaking tree; and when I got about 15 yards from the tree, I saw a something. I could only see the upper part of the object's body — the tacouba and dahlibanna [a low-growing palm] hid the lower part. This upper part was like the body, as far down as the navel, of a child a little bigger than K — [A child two-and-a-half –yearsold, but large for her age] and was quite black, and shone as if it had been varnished. There seemed to be hardly any neck; and the head, which seemed much too large for the body, was of a yellowish white. I saw no arms, nor any eyes, nose nor mouth. The object kept swaying from side

feature 33

One of the wonders of British Guiana are its mighty primeval forests, through which the traveller has to hack his way. (Photo and caption from “In Unknown British Guiana” by A. Hyatt Verrill.

The Wide World magazine, September 1918)

to side as I looked at it.

I fired at it from where I was standing, and afterward went toward the tacouba. I found nothing. I did not go to the spot at once, but waited until the smoke, which hung for a long time, had cleared away: as I was afraid that whatever it was it might turn on me. On going to the spot, I found the small tree cut through by the shot, but could not find where the shot went into the ground, as it ought to

have gone, a few feet from the tree. The ground was quite soft and there was a track, like a long and narrow foot without toes; but only two of these, so I could not see in which direction they went. I had had a good look at the object… What could it have been? I do not think there is anything the matter with me to make me see things that do not exist. Still I can hardly in this case believe my own eyesight.”

34 travel & tourism

I

Wilfred Jupiter was hired by Jim Jones to tend to Jones' garden

n the jungles of Port Kaituma (Region One) lies Jonestown - the location where one of the largest mass suicides in the history of the world happened.

Jonestown was a commune with

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

many activities for its members such as farming and sports. But tragedy hit this so-called haven when on November 18, 1978 more than 900 persons died in the worst mass cult suicide ever.

A few years ago, Jonestown was proposed as a site for dark tourism (tourism that involves travelling to places historically associated with death and suffering) in Guyana.

The site was prepared for tourists, but later became defunct. However, some residents of the Port Kaituma area are hoping to reopen the site and transform it into a tourism location.

The eerie location is located six miles away from Port Kaituma, and can be reached via a dirt road.

Now, all that remain of Jim Jones' notorious jungle camp are a rusted tractor, cassava mill, scattered machinery parts and a basketball ring.

It is said that Jim Jones’ son, Jim Jones Jr., along with other members from Jonestown, played on the Peoples Temple basketball team, which would usually compete in Georgetown.

Aerial view of Jonestown when it was inhabited (Photo copyright to Capt. Gerry Gouveia, Roraima Airways)

Rusted basketball ring

A machinery part partially buried in Jonestown

The Kaituma Canal where it is said that Jim Jones would unload his cargo

Remains of a tractor wheel in Jonestown

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

After a promising career in music is halted by illness, Maritza Lord returns to her passion

Maritza Lord

M

aritza Lord is a US-based Guyanese artist and musician.

She became a professional musician after moving to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music.

Maritza grew up in Georgetown, Guyana in a household filled with music. Her father sang and played guitar. Her mother encouraged a career in music early, enrolling her in classical piano and voice classes and getting her to perform publicly at a young age.

“As a kid, I loved to sing, play the piano, dance, draw, paint and really, to create anything. But music was always my natural default setting and was always there like water to a fish,” she said.

After Berklee, Maritza accepted an internship in London with a music production management

firm, which immersed her in the UK’s very rich and cutting edge music scene.

For Maritza, this experience rekindled her love she had for music before attending music school and it also introduced her to music production.

Maritza had been suffering from an auto-immune related illness, which began to proliferate after college. As it worsened, her lifestyle became more and more limited, and she was forced to take a break from music professionally.

“I spent the last few years battling Behcet’s Disease and the past year completely arresting and reversing the symptoms,” Maritza shared in a 2015 post on her blog Beat Behcet’s.

“I’ve healed and learned so much in the last year that I feel like a brand new me.

I never expected any of this so I’m grateful

for everything that’s happened that led me here. It’s also my goal to spread awareness and to share my journey and how I healed with those battling Behcet’s and other illnesses.”

Through the journey back to health, Maritza’s passion for writing and composing music was reawakened.

“I learned that music is my dharma and if you don’t follow your dharma, it will destroy you. All my life I’ve rebelled against the attention and the image that’s associated with musicians and singers. But none of that stuff matters anymore. My only job is to make music,” Maritza expressed.

Maritza has performed with artists like Gloria Estefan, Chaka Khan, and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Whether translating today’s pop songs into pianistic ballads or creating original compositions inspired by the contradictions of modern-day life, her passion for creating and sharing music continues to grow.

In 2015, in an effort to hone her craft and to share live music, she began performing in the NYC underground.

“I started performing in the NYC subways because it was the scariest thing I could think of doing as a performer. I knew that if I could do that,

Performing at Union Square, New York

I could do anything,” she declared.

Maritza rocks be-

fears and to follow their dreams. She is currently working on

tion on Maritza, visit www.maritzalord.com or email info@marit-

Maritza as a toddler with her mother

cause she inspires everyone to face their

her first album.

For more informa-

zalord.com (http://guyanesegirlsrock.org)

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This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

see solution on page 47

Man with the plan…

S

…for Business

o who’s the man with the plan for business?

Well, the Minister of Business, of course – Dominic Gaskin. But it seems he didn’t really set out to create the plan. As revealed by one Shabnam Mallick from the local UNDP office, the plan for the plan was hatched when she and her staff “were brainstorming” and when some “consultant” of theirs arrived.

And that’s the story of Guyana, isn’t it? We’ve been independent for fifty years – which we celebrated in grand style earlier this year – and yet we can’t even come up with a plan that addresses all the reasons, or at least some of them, as to why we’re still such a basket case. So here it is, we’ll go along with the foreign plan – just as we’ve been doing for the last 50 years. And we’ll expect a different outcome!!

But we don’t have to talk in generalities – let’s get more granular and mention some specifics. Well… er… there ARE no specifics! The plan is pitched at such a high level of generality that it might just be talking about Timbuktu. Evidently the plan highlights the “lack of adequate infrastructure – particularly access and cost of electricity, and logistics.” But let’s hold it right there! This is news? What the heck have everyone and their uncle been talking about for the last two decades as the PPP tried to get out of the mess the PNC left us in 1992?

Could Gaskin explain why his AFC supported the APNU (headed by his father-in-law) in opposing the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP)? This is an “Infrastructure” that would’ve specifically addressed the cost and supply of electricity! If Sithe Global hadn’t walked away because of the Opposition AFC and APNU’s threat to cancel the contracts, by now we would’ve been getting electricity from AFHEP. And we wouldn’t need a new Columbus from the UNDP telling us we need “Infrastructure”.

The “plan” also says we need “access to finance”.

Really? Good golly Miss Molly! We never thought of that! But seems the UNDP consultant didn’t tell Gaskin how to actually “access the finance”. Your Eyewitness hopes it’s not what the Bank of America did by laundering drugs money from Mexico, seeing that we’ll soon be shipping tons and tons of rice to that country now that PM Nagamootoo clinched that deal!

Imagine the UNDP identified our “intricate tax laws” as a constraint to doing business here!!

Intricate as compared to what? The US Federal Tax Code that weighs in at 72,000 pages? Yes… that’s right… we’re talking about 70,000 pages of tax laws!!

Well the UNDP has to spend their hefty US denominated budget… what’s Gaskin’s excuse? …for the Convention Centre OK… by now your Eyewitness has been advised about “confidentiality clauses” in contracts between the government and private companies. He’s told there might be “industrial secrets” revealing that competitors are always lurking in the background to pilfer. Like for instance that real estate contract the Public Health Minister negotiated with Larry Singh.

God forbid EVERYONE finds out how to get your lessee to fund your purchase of the rented property – at a rate three times market rates!!

Anyhow, how come we aren’t being told what’s the “fault” with the Convention Centre, that it’ll take as much money and time as it did to build it from scratch. Since this is a government-to-government contract, does it concern some earth shaking principle of international law or treaty? Or are we pivoting away from the US towards China – like the Philippines – if we get a “fixed” Centre?

Or is it, as your Eyewitness was told, the Chinese built it “back to front”? OOPS!! …on textbooks So what’s wrong with the officials of the Education Ministry getting contracts to rewrite textbooks for our little darlings in school?

Oops! There WERE no contracts and the money was paid BEFORE the books were written!!

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

art & culture 37

"A Favorite Hat 2". Pastel

U

S - b a s e d Guyanese artist Denise Henley first realized her artistic passion at the tender age of eight.

She spent much of her young life immersed in drawing.As an adolescent, she moved to the United States to study art and, after obtaining her B.A. in Visual Arts, went on to pursue a career as an artist.

“From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be an artist, and devoted every spare moment to the pure enjoyment of drawing and creating art. Naturally, my art caught the attention of many adults who would provide numerous opportunities for me to indulge in my obsession.

I would later graduate from Southeastern Louisiana University in the United States with a B.A. in Visual Arts. Pursuing an art career would take a back seat to stints of other occupations:

Painting of "Elsa", the artist's pet dog

teaching, banking, managing a ski lodge, property management and the occasional book-keeping and retail. It was the year of 1998 that I would finally make the decision to pursue an art career and I have been painting professionally ever since,” Denise recalled.

While she works in several mediums and subject-matters, her passion lies in capturing the beauty of the human figure. A constituent of realism, she continuously strives to perfect her drawing skills, believing it to be the backbone of the portrait process.

However, her creations range in style from photo realism to a more painterly depiction, often times opting for a palette knife instead of a paint brush.

Although most of her work has been commissioned, she has been featured in a number of exhibitions in the U.S. which

"Enchantment In The Grass". Oil

Denise talking on the art process

earned her both recognition and awards. Her portraits hang in private homes throughout the United States and abroad.

A resident of Colorado, Denise is intoxicated with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains - it feeds

her artistic spirit. She has been married for more than 29 years and has two beautiful daughters, who are not only her fans, but often the inspiration of her paintings.

“I am fortunate to have won several awards; been invited

"Sunshine". Acrylic

to teach, do demonstrations and give private lessons. My art hangs in homes throughout the United States and abroad. I live in the ‘picture perfect’ Rocky Mountains of Colorado with my husband and two daughters – an artist dream world – inspiration is everywhere; one needs only to see. While I am not a landscape artist, I use the beauty of nature to stimulate my creativity, allowing me to see the human form in all its natural glory, something more than just anatomy. While I work in several mediums and subject matter, my passion lies in the human figure, more specifically, portraits,” the artist pointed out.

Denise explained that it is her intention to paint as simply as possible, rendering only that which is essential to her message and omitting unnecessary marks that only serve to complicate and

make for a banal work of art.

“I consider art a gift; the marriage of craft and imagination to create an aesthetic that should be shared and enjoyed. I have always found the human figure to be the most intriguing and beautiful of subject matters and perhaps one of the most challenging somewhat of a still-life with an opinion. My compositions are often designed to evoke quiet contemplation and an appreciation for simplicity.Please follow me while I attempt to share with you the figure as I see it - simply beautiful!” she declared.

Denise continues to evolve as an artist, ever hungry for the astounding beauty of nature and passionate about portraying it.

For more information on the artist, visit www.denisehenley.com or visit Denise Henley on Facebook.

"Family ties". Oil

38 news

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Edward B Beharry cops top position in 2016 Diwali Float Parade

E

Edward B Beharry Company representatives presented with their prize for copping first place in the motorcade

dward B Beharry and Company Ltd once again copped the top position on Saturday night as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) hosted its grand Motorcade and Cultural Programme at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Ground, Georgetown.

The winning float displayed slogans to raise awareness about breast cancer in Guyana and, as such, copped the best commercial prize, as well as the overall best designed prize.

The event consisted of two categories and the winners were recognised and rewarded accordingly.

In the large category, the Success Hindu Temple came out as the top winner with the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation coming in second position.

Dharmic Naujawaan was awarded third place while Soesdyke Vishnu Mandir copped fourth spot.

Finally in that category, LBI Hindu

Mandir was awarded fifth place and Good Hope Mahaica Mandir followed in the sixth place spot.

In the small category, the Balesar family copped the top position with a float which displayed goddess Lakshmi and her husband, Vishnu, as they stand within the coils of the manyheaded serpent.

The Ba Shri Mandir was awarded second space, while Camille’s Institute, another big winner every year, was awarded third space.

Coming in fourth was Philadelphia Hindu Temple followed by the Windsor Forest Radha Krishna Mandir.

The De Willem Hindu Temple, whose float displayed a large elephant sculpture positioned at its front and was a spectacle for onlookers, was awarded the sixth position.

This year, the Andrew Arts Trophy for best overall designed float in the entire competition was given to the Success Hindu Temple.

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

S

onia Noel's HYBRID collection is a blend of cultural and ethnic interwoven in design and style. “Sonia Noel Designs will ensure you stand out with an exclusive outfit,� the doyenne of fashion declared in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine.

The designer collection offers bespoke outfits that are

comfortable for evening and daytime events.

HYBRID, along with other contemporary collections by talented local designers,will be showcased at the Guyana Fashion Week 2016 slated for November 6-13 at Pegasus Hotel.

For more information, call 226-3099 or visit Guyana Fashion Week on Facebook. (Photos: KeNo George Photography)

fashion 39

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Crisis in crime fighting

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he Minister of Public Security insists “serious crime is decreasing” and spew out statistics to “prove” his contention.

But the populace is unmoved, since their experience tells them otherwise. Even outside observers like the former Chief of Staff and the British Ambassador have explained the widespread scepticism by showing why people dismiss “lies, damned lies and statistics”.

All across the country, the cry is: “Why isn’t the Government getting a grip on crime?” After all, this was one of their major planks during the elections campaign.

Not so long ago the citizens of Berbice and Essequibo used to see crime as a Georgetown problem, but no more.

Anxiety, frustration and fear are palpable across the country. The present crime situation is not only quantitatively different from what prevails in other jurisdictions but possibly also qualitatively so.

Commentators cite Guyana becoming a major trans-shipment point for hard drugs as a reason for the bump in crime. But one spill-off from the drug trade has been the percolation of drug use into our coastal communities. Most policymakers and analysts appear to be unaware of what is going on in the villages. This drug culture has resulted not only in the destruction of the lives of so many of our youths – many not even yet teenagers – but in the creation of an endemic criminal element who prey on their hapless neighbours. And as Brigadier Philips pointed out, these criminals now have guns freely available and are practised in unleashing the most vicious forms of violence on their victims. They are patterning their viciousness from the gunmen who were given political support when they took on the State between 1998 and 2008 – and the drug gangs that took them on and each other. And therein lies a lesson. As crime spreads once again like a dark and malignant cancer across our land, it has grown increasingly virulent. At each stage, the

criminals incorporate the older, prevalent modus operandi into their repertoire then go on to devise some new and greater sadistic twist in an ever-increasing spiral of degradation for their victims.

ROAR had identified the nexus between politics and criminality as a constant when it launched in 1999. The “Choke and rob” gangs of the sixties were succeeded by the kickdown-the-door-bandits of the seventies and eighties and they by the “resistance fighters” of the first millennium decade – and they all had connections with politics and politicians.

While most don’t see this government having any skin in the present crime crisis, nevertheless, once violence of any stripe is introduced as a tactic to make a political point, it remains as a fixture in the criminal arsenal. If we are ever to get a grip on crime in Guyana, we will have to sever the links between politics and crime.

Poverty and destitution have also been identified as breeding grounds for crime and criminality. This statement should not be a point of disputation: all across the globe, the correlation between crime and poverty holds. But there is the riposte from many in Guyana: that there are many communities here that are poor but do not resort to crime. However, this does not sever the correlation but rather suggests there are other factors in addition to poverty that propel some into crime. The causative factors for criminal behaviours must be identified and tackled.

But so must be the constraints on a more effective police force. From this side of the law and order line, we certainly will not solve crime with statistics, nor, God forbids, by claiming our neighbours have greater crime rates. The Police have been equipped and they must now be professionalised, both operationally and compositionally.

How long will the Government ignore the recommendations of the Disciplined Forces Commission (on which the President sat) and

By Ravi Dev Parliament approved?

This demanded the Police and well as all the Disciplined Forces reflect the composition of our country’s population as part of their professionalisation.

Crime can bring down not only our state but each one of us. This is not a partisan issue and it should not be treated as such.

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6 fined G$20,000 or 6 weeks imprisonment for possession of explosives

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even living ious across

persons in varvillages Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (DemeraraMahaica), who were caught with explosives during Diwali festivities, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Tuesday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

They were charged with possession of explosives without permission.

Pleading guilty to the offence were Bissoondyal Narine, 56, of Somerset and Berks, Essequibo Coast; Alameen Yussuff, 16, of Meten-meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; Ricardo Forde, 38, of Block X Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Zocan Albert, 26, of 26 Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast; Kevin John,

23, of 34 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown; and Muneshwar Chan, 34, of Lot 16 Columbia, Essequibo Coast. They were fined G$20,000 or spend an alternative of six weeks imprisonment.

One vendor Bhagwandat Jones, 69, of Cotton Field, pleaded not guilty and his case was postponed until November 15.

According to information reaching this

newspaper a total of 14 shops and stalls were searched and a total of 280 boxes of illegal fire crackers – squibs and mini ‘channa bombs’ – were unearthed at various locations. The fire crackers were said to be of different brands. All seizures were conducted by Police Officers attached to G Division (Essequibo CoastIslands).

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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44 entertainment

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Miss Global International

Guyana’s Poonam Singh cops SHAM 1st runner-up, several awards TILAK

Miss Guyana Global Poonam Singh

M

iss Guyana Global Poonam Singh last Saturday evening copped the 1st runner-up spot and several awards in the Miss Global International Pageant 2016, held in the Dominican Republic.

The 21-year-old Guyanese beauty queen finished behind the Brazilian representative.

Singh broke the news via a video she posted on her Facebook page following the Pageant. She stated that she could not believe she had done her country so proud, given that the pageant was her first.

“Guyana, I am so glad that I am bringing this home to you. I am bringing all these medals home to you, and I just want to say thank you for your

support,” Singh stated.

The Guyanese beauty walked away with the Best Personality, Best National Costume and Best Evening Gown prizes, in addition to her second-place finish. She also captured the second-place prize for Miss Maja of the World and finished in the top three for the talent competition.

The delegates from around the world participated on the evening of the Pageant in national costume, swimwear, evening wear and intelligence segments.

The delegates who would have placed in the top five in the talent preliminaries had the opportunity of showcasing their masterpieces on the night of the pageant.

Singh, who performed

a song as her talent piece, definitely blew the crowd away with her melodious voice. That came as no surprise, since in 2011, at the age of 16, Singh shot to stardom when she placed second in the GT&T Jingle & Song Competition after which she ventured out to pursue her tertiary education.

She graduated with a Diploma in Communication Studies from the University of Guyana, and is presently pursuing a Bachelor of Law from the University of London through the Nations University.

At the Miss Global International 2015 Pageant, Guyana’s representative, Alicia Bess had secured the second runner-up spot. She came in for high praise from Singh in her Facebook video.

“Alicea Bess, you are the epitome of what a queen should be like,” she raved.

Singh stated that she did not have enough time to train for the international pageant, but it was Bess who worked with her extensively for approximately a month.

Singh’s Facebook video received an outpouring of warm wishes and love from friends, past queens and many others.

S

ham Tilak is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of ‘Nothing Butt Cigarettes’, a highly successful company based in South Florida. But, most importantly, he is the Founder of the Save Abee Foundation, a charitable organisation that has enriched the lives of thousands of underprivileged kids and adults in Guyana.

Sham was born in Cotton Tree Village, Berbice, Guyana. He migrated to Canada in 1976 but it was his move to the USA in 1997 that propelled him to succeed as an entrepreneur and influential businessman. After a decade of trial and error, he finally found success while still in his early 30's. His sacrifice and penchant for hard work paid off as he skillfully managed his business into a profitable enterprise.

Despite his ascendancy as a businessman, Sham remained very humble and devoted to his family, roots and culture. Motivated by his mother, Sham felt it was his duty to share his good fortunes with the less fortunate in Guyana. In 2010 he founded the esteemed Save Abee Foundation.

There's a wise old saying that "charity begins at home". Well, Sham literally began his charity at home. Home is where his heart belonged and he converted his boyhood home into a school where children from all the villages can be educated in computer technology, free of cost.

Sham Tilak with his daughters

Apart from computer education, Sham and his team of volunteers also conduct free annual medical outreach programmes in poor villages in Guyana.

In addition, they have also donated wheel chairs, walkers, eyeglasses, sneakers, clothing, food and much more to the less fortunate. But, the one event that the kids are most excited about is the Annual Christmas Party for 24 Orphanages in Guyana, compliments of Sham and the Save Abee Foundation.

Sham also sits on the Boards for the Diwali Motorcade and The Caribbean Voice; both based out of New York.

Sham and his team also pioneered the web based Radio Station GuyanaChunes. com to promote Guyanese talent. In addition, Sham has collaborated with the Guyana Baboo, Terry Gajraj, to promote Guyanese culture and awareness in many different countries. Sham is also grateful that Trinidadian celebrities like Ravi B, Raymond and Rikki Jai have all come onboard to help the righteous and selfless cause of the Save Abee Foundation.

One of the most successful fundraising events for the Save Abee Foundation is "Chutney Glow" which is always Sold Out. He was recently nominated to receive an award forGuyana's 50 Most Influential People in Florida.

Sham's favorite quote is; "A child today... is the future of tomorrow "

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

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Father pleads for help to raise $50M to save daughter from cancer

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hirteen-year-old Mikelle Brutus was diagnosed with a brain tumour that is progressively paralysing her body and without the G$50 million treatment required, her situation will eventually become life-threatening.

Mikelle is already having difficulties using her right hand and her right leg is practically deformed because of the rare brain tumour known as Glioma. Based upon professional advice, she needs to undergo radiology and chemotherapy treatment, which will cost approximately G$50 million, but her family has only succeeded in raising G$3 million. Her father, Michael Brutus, during an interview with the Guyana Times International, pleaded with kindhearted citizens and corporate Guyana to help save the life of a person who has only now started to live. “(Hers) is an innocent life under siege by this virus, this killer, this monster virus,” he noted. The teenager was diagnosed with the tumour in July last, and since, her parents have been engaging various neurosurgeons on possible treatment plans or surgeries to save their eldest daughter’s life. They consulted with the Caribbean’s Chief Neurosurgeon, Dr Ivor Crandon who advised that the tumour was inoperable.

The family was subsequently contacted by a team of neurosurgeons from Miami and Puerto Rico who recommended radiology and chemotherapy to get rid of the tumour, which is very aggressive and dangerous.

The surgeons pegged the cost of the surgery at approximately US$172,000, but cautioned that the fee may be inflated. Taking into consideration travelling expenses, accommodation and meals, as well as unforeseen ex-

penses, Brutus rounded the overall cost to about G$50 million.

He reminded that time was of the essence and implored everyone to contribute to saving his little girl’s life.

Brutus has already raised G$3 million, of which G$1 million came from the Government through the Public Health Ministry. But he was extremely disappointed with their support. “Even though they have a policy for which G$1 million is allotted for medical cases, I do believe they should take into consideration extreme cases because G$35–$50 million is a very tall target,” he explained.

He was also heartbroken that some multibillion-dollar commercial entities and religious organisations that preach the message of love turned their backs on helping to save a life. Nonetheless,

Brutus is not discouraged and is adamant in doing everything in his limited powers to save his daughter’s life.

“I gotta be strong for my daughter and I intend to be. I declare every day that I will not bury my daughter. In my old age, my daughter must bury me,” he expressed. As for young Mikelle, though saddened by her condition, she is handling the situation very bravely.

“Well, I am a little sad… I am sad for not getting to ride a bike like my sisters and brothers, not getting to write properly like my sisters and brothers… but I know Jesus will heal me,” she said.

The family can be contacted on 694-6500 or 231-5545 or funds can be transferred to their Republic Bank Account, 2653475.

Procrastination – my unconventional views

By Ashley Anthony

B

eing a high school student, it’s not ground-breaking news that I procrastinate.

Procrastination has long been demonised as the killer of productivity, the cardinal sin of workers, and basically, an all-round bad guy.

However, consider this, despite the fact that I openly own up to procrastination, I still manage to get work done. Some argue that by procrastination we place ourselves under unnecessary stress, and that perhaps it is better to work on everything a little at a time, distributing tasks.

But I argue that, if done right, procrastination actually aids productivity. Most times, when one thinks about being productive, we think about distributing our work over the time that we have, for example, perhaps working 15 minutes each night on an essay for five nights. But, what if, one night, you sit down to write a part of the essay, and nothing flows? Should you keep going just to complete those

…of Mash? he economy continues its inexorable downward slide into the abyss of recession and worse; political acrimony rises in and out of Parliament; crime just won’t go away but becomes qualitatively more dangerous because now even the petty bandits have “big guns”; thousands are facing layoffs; official corruption is exposed every day in the newspapers – but thank God, being Guyanese, we’re maintaining our sporting traditions.

After presumably a hard year’s work in 2016, we’ll be Mashing in 2017. Under the theme, “Celebration with dignity, liberty and greater unity”. Your Eyewitness isn’t so sure how much dignity we’ll have, since Mash, of course, will come after the Christmas and New Year “sports” and we would’ve started the year flat broke – or more to the point – in hock to everybody who was willing to listen to our entreaties as to why they should give us credit to “get down” for the “holidays”.

But let’s talk a bit more about Mash, shall we, dear readers? This year, Mash – which commemorates our attainment of Republican status – was downplayed so we could “big up” the 50th anniversary of our Independence from Britain. And boy did we “Big it up”!! The Bill for just building the “Jubilee” wooden stadium came out around G$1 billion. Yep… that’s right… ONE BILLION! With G$300 million sourced from the Lotto Funds on an “emergency” basis!

Now “Republic Day” is just gilding the independence Lilly. The only change is we exchanged the “titular President” and an all-powerful Prime Minister with an all-powerful Executive President and a “titular Prime Minister”. And to be frank about it that change to the Executive Presidency was made just to satisfy the megalomaniac ego of Forbes Burnham, who wanted to be Queen! Barbados, for instance, still has a Governor-General representing the Queen as Head of State and isn’t a Republic. And they’ve done quite well, thank you. But of recent there have been rumours of throwing out the Queen!

But back to us and our Mash. This is just a poor man’s hand-me-down TT Carnival. If we’re going to bring back the Republican celebration, why don’t we create something uniquely Guyanese? With the emphasis on the word “create”. There are so many Guyanese out there with oh so much talent… why don’t we harness that energy and show the world who we are? Who knows… they may even pay us to come down as tourists.

There aren’t many countries in the west who can market a “Chinese” heritage that goes back to 1853, are there? Or Indian?

These two BRICS countries just happen to be sending the most tourists into the world today. …of the experts It had to happen sooner than later now that it’s confirmed by three wells out of four have struck it rich in the Stabroek field. “Experts” will be coming out of the woodwork to tell us natives how to spend our money. The first one gave a lecture and imagine, he still kept talking after the fella who sold us that Smart City Parking meter deal appeared as a “Guyanese businessman”.

You’d think the “oil expert” would’ve recognised a fellow member of the “Sacred Order of Used Car Salesmen” and beat a quick retreat. But then, that just meant you don’t know the species!! Take for instance the pearls of wisdom that dropped from the mouth of the “oil expert” as every one of the dailies dubbed him.

We might just develop “Dutch Disease”. Really??!!

Too bad that’s already happened with the neglect of agriculture. That we need to build on-shore petroleum processing facilities, really? Why didn’t the Government and opposition think about that?

Hey!! There’s no harm in listening, is there. Just be sure to watch for the bill. …of definitions It’s not only in the boxing ring “some can run, but can’t hide”. Did you see former president Jagdeo repeatedly jab a hapless Jordan with: “What’d you mean by ‘fiscal space”?? Ouch!!

T

Mikelle Brutus and her father, Michael Brutus

15 minutes? What if on the first day, you wrote 500 words, but on the second day, you wrote a mere 50. Are we really being efficiently productive here? Yes, we are still getting the essay done, but had we waited and written the entire essay when we felt inspired, maybe we could have gotten it done in less time. Here is where procrastination can help efficiency.

Another strategy I like to employ is procrastinating from work, by doing other work. Usually, in

our minds, we prioritise our tasks.

We know which task is of most importance, and should be completed as soon as possible, but we might not be in the mood to do it. Rather than go against our own will and force ourselves to complete it, why not do a less important task in the mean time? As a student, that translates into putting off doing a hard Mathematics worksheet, due to a headache, but doing some light reading instead. Had I tried to do the Maths problems with my headache, I would have taken far longer than I ordinarily would have. So, even though I understood that the problems were of more importance, I also understood that it didn’t make sense to force myself to do something I wasn’t in the mood to do.

Obviously, this is not an excuse to ignore deadlines; it’s just providing a means of getting to the deadlines using less work.

Chances are if you don’t feel like doing something, you won’t do it well. Don’t feel guilty about procrastination, just do it right.

Taking stock…

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Keep that Divali spirit burning bright!

“Diwali- A festival full of sweet memories, sky full of fireworks, mouth full of sweets, house full of diyas and heart full of enjoyment.”

Diwali blues

S

atiricus was mumbling to himself as he sat on his veranda and read the newspaper. His wife looked over at him from under her lids but didn’t say anything. Finally he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“So which day we celebrating Diwali?” he asked her, while putting down his paper.

“YOU want to know when we celebrating Diwali?” she asked with raised eyebrows.

“Like you miss Cappo or what?”

“That’s not fair,” Satiricus said in an aggrieved tone. “You know I don’t drink on Diwali.” He smirked virtuously. “And I’m sure he’s drinking like a fish over in New York!”

“Well, we’re celebrating both days,” said Mrs Satiricus, with a smile. “And it’s not because you don’t drink on Diwali!”

“Both days?” asked Satiricus. “Why would you want to do that? It’s more work for you.”

“Sato, I can’t follow what those Pandits are saying about the different days,” confessed MrsSatiricus. “So I’m playing it safe.

And I get you at home for two days!”

“So how many diyas we lighting this year,” he asked as he looked over to his wife as she went to “turn the pot” in the kitchen behind them.

“Twenty-four,” she replied, as she returned, wiping her hand.

“Only twenty-four?!”Satiricus sounded incredulous. “But you’re always trying to outdo Champa. And she always has at least sixty!” Champa was our next door neighbour and was married to Hari, Satiricus’ sometimes fellow habitué at the Back Street Bar. “Boy, things really hard with Champa and Hari this year, you know,” confided MrsSatiricus. “Champa says she can only light one dozen diyas.”

“Well, things getting hard with us too, you know,” complained Satiricus. “Why don’t you light just one dozen like Champa?”

“Well, you know how you still buy beer for the boys, not to let them know our story?” said MrsSatiricus. “I can’t have Champa and the girls know, can I?” “I hear Cappo already got a job in New York, you know,” said Satiricus, suddenly.

Both he and his wife fell quiet. Satiricus thought about why he’d voted for Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat. His wife thought about getting a visa to the States.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

D

Anu Dev

ivali has always been one of my favourite festivals.

And I guess what has always been its most attractive feature has been the air of tranquility that lingers in my memories as I remember my mom and I spending most of the day, puttering about the kitchen cooking up a multitude of dishes – both “sweet and salt”. My personal favourites were the samosas and “aloo balls”.

But before the actual day of Diwali, the house would have been given a thorough cleaning- both inside and out. I haven’t been able to be home for Divali during these last two years – but to be honest I didn’t miss the cleaning part!

Most Hindus – and this includes my Mom – literally don’t even leave a stone unturned when cleaning up for Diwali because we are symbolically welcom-

ing God into our house and who would want to welcome God into a house that’s less than spic-andspan?

By six o’clock, we would be in our pooja rooms, offering prayers to the deities, Mother Lakshmi in particular. Mother Lakshmi is the Goddess of Light so we pray to her on Diwali, which is the darkest night of the year (Amaawas night). Families praying together and singing bhajans to Mother Lakshmi is one of the many wonderful ways that Diwali strengthens the family bond.

We would then carefully place a Diya in every room of the house – especially the ledges of the verandas – and then proceed outside where the passageways, fences and bridges would be outlined with Diyas. Because we live so close to the Ocean, the wind is invariably very strong and it’s always a challenge to keep the Diya’s going.

You evolve strategies like placing them where two

wicks touch and keep each other lit!

Divali is a harvest festival and the underlying message – like with most Hindu festivals – is the triumph of light over darkness (good over evil).

Poverty is seen as one of the greatest obstacles to living a virtuous life, so from this perspective, banishing it through a bountiful harvest is a powerful message.

The lighting of the millions of Diyas every Diwali is significant- it means we are battling the odds and lighting up the world on the darkest night of the year. Though the moon isn’t out, we’re making our own light. We’re forging our own paths in this life. And that’s importantyou can only build up good Karma if YOU take action, not if someone else does it for you. And Karma is an integral part of Hinduism – we believe that we can only achieve moksha (liberation) based on our actions in life.

Sure, lighting up fireworks and cooking are really, really fun but the whole essence of Diwali is that every Diya that you light, you are making a conscious decision to end the darkness.

The darkness doesn’t just mean external ‘demons’ like drugs, bad friends, poverty, sickness, etc, it also means tackling your own internal conflicts, like trying to fix that bad aspect of your personality or cultivating better discipline.

On Diwali, family members across the globe reconnect- whether they just call or even visit for the holiday is up to them, but the important thing is that the bond is being maintained. This Divali, I will be shuttling between north and south Trinidad, but I still hope, as I did last year, I will be in the Pooja room with my family, singing our favourite Divali Bhajans – via the magic of Skype!!

So go out there this Diwali, light a Diya, keep on burning bright, and keep on shining.

From light…

S

…to darkness in border protection

ome readers do take time to respond to their Eyewitness’ take on current affairs. He thanks them from the bottom of his (jaded) heart! They provide him with much grist for his daily mill. So here it was one upstanding citizen thought his Eyewitness was a tad too harsh on Public Security Minister Ramjattan for his Report as to what he did at the high-level meet with the Americans who fund the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

Responding to the American’s concerns about drugs transshipped into their country via Guyana’s porous borders, Ramjattan reported: “We told them that we would like to have surveillance equipment. If it is not going to be airplanes, drones that could go a good hundred miles and come back and be at some command centre. They have other technologies that I am not too savvy about that they can probably utilise through satellite imagery.”

Now, all your Eyewitness said was the Minister ought to’ve been briefed about border concerns, since, unlike OUR government’s practice, the Americans insist on agendas before meetings. Just to ensure discussions don’t descend into interminable “Rum shop gaffs”. So Ramjattan’s advisors made him appear rather clueless with his report.

For instance, what’s this about even considering “airplanes”?? Where in the world can you patrol a jungle border with airplanes? So we build airstrips, along the four-hundred mile border between us, Brazil and Venezuela and fly continuously over it – even at night? And drones? We know he ain’t talking about those portable drones since even the most expensive ones (about US$6000+) only have a range of 2km or so. And with forested terrain, the range becomes even more limited.

So we’re talking about those military-type drones that the US flies out of Nevada to film (and hit if necessary) targets in the Middle East? Now the “Reaper Drone” isn’t even an expensive Drone –

yet it costs US$13 million and US$2500 per flight hour!! So let’s look at the “Unmanned Aircraft Systems” that’ve been put to civilian use to patrol the US border. We’re still talking costs of US$4-8 million a pop…with US$1000/hr flight time!! And we’re not even mentioning the “command center” that Ramjattan so glibly mentioned. And “satellite imagery”!!! What’s this? Bourne Conspiracy?

But as your Eyewitness mentioned yesterday, it doesn’t matter what kind of electronic systems the Americans install for us. We still need bodies on the border to follow up on data revealed by the “drones” or whatever.

And with Ayanganna practically empty, more than Cabinet meetings can be held there!! …to darkness of party paramountcy Your Eyewitness mentioned, en passant, that PNC General Secretary Oscar Clarke’s announcement that the general public can visit PNC “Congress Place” Headquarters at Sophia on specified days to discuss their problems. Not believing what one respected commentator called “absolute dotishness”, your circumspect Eyewitness held his quill. Until, the GS firmly put Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon in his place, for suggesting that Oscar might’ve misspoke.

Not so! Protested Oscar! He insisted he saw “nothing wrong” with the procedure that’s redolent of “party paramountcy”! He was stoutly supported by one young member of the PNC Press Brigade.

So any suspicions you may’ve harboured that old guard Oscar was just reflexively regurgitating the said doctrine of Forbes Burnham – which saw the party flag flying over the Court of Appeal – should be put to rest. Following Prezzie’s announcement, the party will be guided by the ideology of Burnham.

And that’s that!!

And who doesn’t like it – can very well, stuff it in a place where the sun don’t shine!! …to darkness in sugar The good news in sugar is we’ve secured some new markets for our product. The bad news is, this crop our production’s just over HALF of the already emancipated production projections for 2016.

So we buy from Nicaragua and ship as ours?

48 Bollywood

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a director’s actor, says Sarbjit director Omung Kumar

Shraddha Kapoor can take up professional singing, says composer Ankit Tiwari

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ilmmaker Omung Kumar has praised the acting skills of former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turned 43 on Tuesday, and also said that she is a director’s actor.

“She is a good actress…but she is a director’s actor. So, she can mould herself completely for the character.

When we decided to cast her as Dalbir Kaur for Sarbjit, she proved that and on screen, we saw her as a character and not as a glamorous diva,” Kumar told IANS. After clinching the Miss World crown in 1994, Aishwarya starred in many hit films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal and Dhoom: 2.

Kumar said that “after the release of Sarbjit (2016), people have changed their perception about her as an actress”.

What makes her so special?

Kumar said: “Even after becom-

ing such a huge star, she is extremely hard working and a hardcore professional. She does not just work in a film, she collaborates with the director of the film. She is very cooperative by nature, and that is why I share a very good bond with Aishwarya.”

“During our shooting of Sarbjit, she didn’t even use mobile phone on set.

That’s her dedication level. I wish her a very happy birthday and wish to see her growing as an artiste,” he added.

Meanwhile, a source has shared that the Padma Shri awardee, who has a daughter with actor Abhishek Bachchan, celebrated her birthday with family.

Aishwarya’s latest appearance in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is currently the talk of the town. Her glamorous avatar is one of the best takeaways from the film which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. (Indian express)

Excited to feature in web series ‘The Trip’, says Lisa Haydon

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ctress Lisa Haydon, who is all set to be seen in The Trip, says she is excited to be a part of the web series.

“Very excited to be a part of The Trip. It’s my first fiction series on the web with Bindass. Love

ebrations. As they set off on this journey, there comes an emotional roller coaster that establishes the relationships that they share with one another and with their own self.

“Like the name suggests, it’s based on an

page, followed by the premiere on the channel.

Lisa has sprung into news since the past week. Firstly, her guest appearance in Karan Johar’sAe Dil Hai Mushkil, where she plays the girlfriend of Ranbir Kapoor made news. Soon

hraddha Kapoor has already impressed everyone with her acting prowess with films like Aashiqui 2, Haider, Ek Villain and Baaghi. The occasional singer is now trying to explore new horizons in her career. Her upcoming film Rock On 2 is all about music and some more music. And Shraddha looks the perfect casting, considering she even required to croon all her num-

bers in the musical drama. Giving her company will be actors Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli and Prachi Desai, who are all reprising their roles in the sequel. But Shraddha is fitting in perfectly.

Singer-composer Ankit Tiwari had sung the blockbuster number “Teri Galliyan” in Shraddha’s film Ek villain, which also starred Sidharth Malhotra. He believes that the actress

is well trained to take up singing as a profession.

“Shraddha is a classically trained singer.

So, when she renders a song, she delivers all the musical nuances beautifully. I think she is well trained enough to take up singing professionally,” Ankit told IANS. Shraddha has lent her soothing voice to “Galliyan Unplugged”, also composed by Tiwari. Her other songs “BezubaanPhir Se” and “Sab tera” have also been well appreciated by listeners. Now, she got a chance to sing her own songs in Rock On 2.

In Rock On 2, she has sung three songs — “Tere Mere Dil”, “Rock On Revisited” and “Udja Re”. The actress is also performing live on the concert for the promotion of the film. It is slated to release on November 11.

(Indian express)

Dear Zindagi: Alia Bhatt just made our hearts melt

D

ear Zindagi revealed a new look of Alia Bhatt and she looks heart-meltingly good. So good that we actually coined that phrase just for her.

Alia plays a girl worried about love and life and Shah Rukh Khan seems to be her life coach with all the solutions.

But in this new still, we see no confusion but only confidence and love for life.

In fact, the film’s new song is also about love and zest for life.

Composed by Amit Trivedi and sung by Jasleen Royal, it is a peppy number which captures the theme of the film.

Alia posted a small clip while crooning the song, as a prelude to its release.

The film stars Shah

Rukh Khan and Alia but they are not romantically involved. Directed

by Gauri Shinde after the much-loved English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi is a quirky film about a girl and her quest to find the meaning of life and love.

The film has already revealed two teasers, which it is calling takes.

No trailer of the film will be launched. Apparently, SRK was also the life coach for Alia on the sets of the film.

According to reports,

“SRK advised Alia on performing her scenes more effectively. He helped her improvise her scenes with other actors. He also shared plenty of his own experiences and wisdom with Alia which she absorbed well. And in the schedules that didn’t feature SRK, we saw Alia practically following his advice to the T, which only improved the quality of her performance.”(Indian Express)

‘Bigg Boss 10’ November 2nd preview: Will Indiawale lose to celebrities?

B the story. Looking forward to shooting,” Lisa said in a statement.

The Trip is a coming-of-age story of four friends, who go on a road trip and realise their friendship through the journey. The road trip is a part of one of the friends’ bachelorette cel-

all-girls trip with four friends as they embark on a journey together,” said the actress, who has worked in films like Queen, Housefull 3 and Aisha.

The show is slotted to go online in December on Bindass. It will first air on Bindass Facebook

after, her wedding news emerged. Lisa tied the knot with long-time beau Dino Lalvani. The two had a white beach wedding, and their pictures are too dreamy. Looks like everything is going right for this dusky leggy lass. (Indian express)

igg Boss has introduced the luxury budget task – ‘Raja aur Rank’ — in which Indiawale and celebrities have transformed themselves into various characters.

While the Maliks portray a royal family, celebrities are their obedient staff.

The luxury task has begun and that too on an extremely entertaining note. For the first time in three weeks, celebrities are in it to win it.

Their spirits are high because they have to enact

a character, which is absolutely up their alley.

Bigg Boss has handed over a secret task to Celebs, and the Wazir of the house – Gaurav Chopra – is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every task is done as per the instructions. Bigg Boss has laid down a few rules for the celebs — they should capture a moment with Indiawale on camera but they must do it secretly.

In fact, Mona Lisa kissing Manoj Punjabi was also a part of this

task. However, by the end of the day we also saw some arguments waiting to happen.

Most of the tasks have been completed on the day one itself but ahead are more hurdles for the celebrities. We shall finally see VJ Bani screaming at Indiawale.

And will the commoners get to know what celebs are upto? Will celebs win the task or remain the sevaks for third consecutive week? (Indian Express)

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Hollywood 49

xXx 3 new trailer, posters out Miranda Kerr slipped ...Deepika Padukone’s role is special into depression after and powerful split from Orlando Bloom

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eepika Padukone and her Hollywood debut xXx: The Return of Xander Cage is what we all are waiting for. And now, the makers have served us with a special gift. The new action-packed trailer of Deepika is out and so is a new power packed xXx 3 poster too. The film stars Vin Diesel as the eponymous Xander Cage. The makers have now unveiled new posters for every cast member of

the film. The xXx 3 cast members all have their personal trailers too but we are truly in love with Deepika and her action avatar.

The posters introduce us to each of the characters and teased us with their strengths which will be showcased in this much-awaited film.

Deepika’s poster shows her brandishing a gun on two separate occasions.

She is set to play Serena Unger.

Deepika is again seen

doing some breathtaking stunts, points knives and firearms at Vin Diesel himself but you know what is even more dangerous when she trades one-liners with him. It is all there in this new trailer too and we can make out that Deepika is part of Vin’s team which has been brought together to save the world.

The makers have also served us with a surprise that international football star Neymar Jr is a part of the film, though probably only in a cameo appearance. xXx: The Return of Xander Cage is directed

by DJ Caruso and also stars Ruby Rose, Nina Dobrev, Donnie Yen, Samuel L. Jackson and Toni Collette, among others. It is scheduled for a January 20 release.

(Indian Express)

M

iranda Kerr has revealed that she fell into a bad depression following her break-up from Orlando Bloom in 2013.

The Australian model, now engaged to Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel, raises a son with Bloom.

They were married for three years.

“When Orlando and I separated, I actually fell into a really bad depression. I never understood the depth

of that feeling or the reality of that because I was naturally a very happy person,” she told Elle Canada in an interview.

Kerr says she got through the bad phase by realising that “every thought you have affects your reality and only you have control of your mind.” The model says she has learnt to co-parent with Bloom and ensures that her

son, 5-year-old Flynn Christopher Bloom, spends quality time with both the parents. “The most important thing is that when he has his time with me, we have quality time together, and when he’s with his dad, he has quality time with him,” she says.

“And it works out really well because I book in my photo shoots for the time he’s with his dad, and the rest of the time I just get to be a mom.”

Kerr, 33, says she has learnt to trust herself over the years. “What I have found is that everything you need, all of the answers are deep inside of you. Sit with yourself, take a few breaths and get close to your spirit.”

(Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Leonardo Dicaprio vows to protect planet Johnson wish fans Happy Halloween Earth in an inspiring documentary by the effects of climate

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riyanka Chopra and her Hollywood debut film Baywatch co-stars celebrated Halloween in their own style. While Baywatch’s villainous Victoria Leeds aka our very own Priyanka shared her Halloween special Baywatch poster, other cast members of the film — Dwayne Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Jon Bass and Ilfenesh Hadera — also revealed their scary yet hottest side.

Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram to share the Baywatch poster and wrote: “I’m watching you… #BooWatch #BeBad … Happy Halloween, everyone! @baywatchmovie.” The poster has given a sneak-peek of her villainous character.

The 34-year-old star is seen in a black one-shoulder, high-slit gown and

also sports bat wings and devil horns in the poster. The blood- dripping from the side of her lips and a gun strapped to one of her thighs makes her look every bit like her bad girl character of Victoria Leeds from the film.

Other posters were also shared on the film’s official Instagram handle.

The two other Halloween-themed posters feature Johnson and Efron alongside their co-stars in full holiday regalia and the tagline reads, “So hot it’s scary. #Boowatch.”

Other than Priyanka, Baywatch stars ZacEfron, Dwayne Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, Keely Rohrbach, Jon Bass and Ilfenesh Hadera. The main poster of the movie was launched in July and it featured all the lead characters. The film will arrive in theatres on May 19, 2017. (Indian Express)

E

verything he does makes headlines.

Be it his films at the box office, his Oscar win or even his efforts towards bringing about a global change, Leonardo Dicaprio knows how to rule the internet. And he is doing it yet again.

Leonardo gave us a sneak peek into his concern towards spreading awareness about the issue of climate change, during his winning speech at the Academy Awards this year. But more than his win for the film The Revenant, what made news was his concluding line “Let us not take this planet for grant-

ed. I do not take tonight for granted.” And now the 41-year-old Hollywood megastar is once again educating people about the adverse effects of climate change through a special documentary.

Leonardo has been featured in a documentary titled ‘Before the Flood’, which was released on the National Geographic channel on Sunday night (October 30). In the 95-minute documentary, the actor has stepped into the shoes of a science journalist who is out interviewing researchers, innovators, and people who are already being affected

change. We can also see Leo meeting President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Pope Francis to discuss the issue of climate change. The documentary is helmed by Oscarwinning documentarian Fisher Stevens.

National Geographic has posted the documentary for free on various channels and streaming platforms across the internet until November 6, so that people can get easy access to understanding the issue.

The documentary came a day after Leo asked people to make donations for the needy while supporting another cause.The icing on the cake was this can help you go on a lunch date with him! All his fans need to do is donate $6 and fly to Edinburgh to become eligible for the contest. This actor surely knows how to use his brand name to work towards making the world a better place. (Indian Express)

Nihil, and he’s lawyered

by Jacob A Bloom at

Bloom Hergott. (Indian Express)

Johnny Depp signs with CAA

H

ollywood star Johnny Depp has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the company has announced. Depp, 53, was previously with the United Talent Agency.

His move comes after a series of failed movies and a very public split from Amber Heard. The pair reached a divorce settlement of USD 7 million after Amber accused Johnny of domestic assault, reported Deadline.

“We had a great 30year run with Johnny and we wish him well,” said a UTA spokesman said. Depp’s diverse performances have earned him more than USD 7 billion at the worldwide box office, including films like Edward Scissorhands, Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean, Alice Through the Looking Glass and Black Mass.

Disney’s Pirates films alone have earned more

than USD 3.7 billion at the worldwide box office.

With his career spanning more than three decades, Depp hasbeen nominated for several Oscars and won a Golden Globe for his 2008 performance in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Depp will next star in Universal’s The Invisible Man, an on-screen adaptation of HG Wells’ 1933 novel. He is also set to star in “Murder

on the Orient Express” and Labyrinth, which will explore the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Depp is managed

by Christi Dembrowski and represented by attorney Jacob A Bloom at Bloom HergottDiemer Rosenthal LaViolette Feldman Schenkman& Goodman. Depp continues to be managed by Christi Dembrowski, his sister and producing partner in Infinitum

50 sport

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Guyana Softball Cup 6 bowls off in Guyana …as int’l teams compete for softball cricket supremacy in the Americas

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The females will open the show on ‘Finals Day’ at DCC from 10:00h

he most look-forward to softball cricket tournament on every player or fan, bowls off in three days in Guyana after an international invasion once again. The sixth edition of the annual International Softball tournament organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) is all set for November 4, 5 & 6.

This three days of competition will see teams from Canada,

New York, Florida and Guyana competing for softball cricket supremacy in the Americas.

Over the years, the tournament was played in the Open and Masters Categories and this year will be no different with 14 teams registered for the Masters category and 10 for the Open segment.

Action on the opening day starts at 9:00h with 12 games playing simultaneously at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayangana,

Guyana Police Force Sports Club at Eve Leary, Malteenoes, Demerara Cricket Club DCC and Gandhi Youth Organization grounds.

The second round of 12 games starts 13:00h at the same venues.

On Saturday morning, the action picks up at 9:00h with the final 12 preliminaries games across the same venues in both categories again. At 13:00h, two semi- finals will be played simultaneously at the Police Sports Club

ground, while at DCC another semi-final will begin also at 13:00 h.

The other semi-final will be played at DCC from 17:00h making way for finals on the final day.

On Sunday November 6 also at DCC, the Masters and Open Finals will be played along with three exhibition female 10/10 matches.

The female teams that are invited are Mikes Wellwoman, Trophy Stall Angels, 4R Lioness and Blue Divas.

The day’s event starts at 10:00h with the female semi-finals. Over two million dollars in cash and incentives are at stake. Only the finals at DCC will attract a charge of G$1,000 which will be collected at the gate.

Guyana Softball Cup 6 is being sponsored by Stag, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Survival Group of Business, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta Soft Drinks, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jewanram Printery, WJ Enterprise and Mikes Pharmacy.

Holder predicts 100 Tests for Kraigg Brathwaite

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est Indies captain Jason H o l d e r has praised Kraigg Brathwaite for showing the qualities "we have been asking for in the dressing room" during his 142 off 318 balls, an innings in which he carried his bat and gave his team a 56-run lead in Sharjah.

Holder went on to take three wickets early in Pakistan's second innings, and they were four down before they wiped out the deficit. He put that performance down to the motivation Brathwaite had given West Indies, and predicted that the opener would go on to play 100 Tests.

"He showed great character, great composure, great faith," Holder said of Brathwaite. "It was very inspirational for me and gave me the energy to go and do what we did in the end.

"I have played a lot of cricket with Brathwaite - Under-13, 15, 17 and 19, and now senior cricket. He has scored a lot of runs in junior cricket. He has already played 30odd Test matches and he has been the mainstay

in terms of opening partnerships. I have no doubt in Braithwaite, who has shown the world what he can bring. If he can remain consistent, he will definitely play 100-plus Test matches."

After Brathwaite secured the lead, Holder consolidated the advantage by taking out Sami Aslam, AsadShafiq and Younis Khan inside the first 20 overs, reducing Pakistan to 41 for 3. They were ahead by only 31 at stumps, with six wickets in hand.

"We knew there's just limited time in the last session, so we wanted to just give it our all," Holder told Ten Sports.

"Fortunately for me, I was able to get some balls

to lift off a good length, which took the edge or the gloves. Fortunately, we had some luck in this session. I think we put ourselves in a good position because of this session."

When asked about offspinnerRoston Chase bowling 13 of the first 39 overs in Pakistan's second innings, while DevendraBishoo bowled only two, Holder said the legspinner had a big job to do on the fourth day.

"As the pitch wears out, Bishoo will come into the picture. He has a big job to do for us tomorrow," Holder said. "The plan is to just keep rotating bowlers.

"It was important to be disciplined and get

wickets, and not allow them to get away from us with the runs. Roston was outstanding in the first innings. He has done a tremendous job for us since he has come into the team, so we've given him that responsibility."

Holder was concerned about the bounce in the pitch, but said that if it did not become variable, a target of around 200 was achievable.

"It's important to keep them under pressure in the first hour.

We just have to continue to maintain the intensity. We all have to really toil for the wickets.

We are very happy with the situation but we need to start well tomorrow."

(ESPNcricinfo)

Denmark topple USA to create threeway tie for first

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enmark's fast bowling unit, led by stand-in captain Amjad Khan, produced an inspired display of death bowling to contain USA to 261 for 9, setting up a comfortable chase as Denmark defeated the tournament hosts by four wickets at Severn Cricket Field in Los Angeles. It was an emotional win for Denmark; Amjad dedicated the victory to captain Michael Pedersen, who missed the match after flying home on Tuesday night to attend to a family emergency.

USA were 244 for 6 at the end of the 46th over, after being put in, with Timroy Allen on 41 and Elmore Hutchinson - who had just hit two sixes in the 46th over off Aftab Ahmed - on 13. They appeared set to score at least 280, especially with the 48th and 50th due to be bowled from the end that produced ten of their 11 sixes, thanks to wind assistance.

However, USA scored just 16 off the next three overs, and the big-hitting Allen, who was on 52, only managed a dot and a single off the first two balls of the last over. He couldn't regain the strike after that as Aftab fired four consecutive balls in the blockhole, and took three wickets in the process to reduce USA to 261, a below-par total on a flat pitch.

Aftab then opened the chase, and smashed Hutchinson for four and six on either side of being dropped in the first over. This set the momentum for Denmark - before it was briefly halted by Aftab's dismissal in the third over, and the temporary retirement of fellow opener Saif Ahmad, who injured himself attempting a sharp single.

Hamid Shah (6) was dismissed shortly after, and Denmark were reduced to 54 for 2.

But Zameer Khan and Freddie Klokker came together to put on a 166run third wicket stand during which they were barely troubled. While Ali Khan and Timil Patel kept things relatively tight bowling from the north end, there was hardly any sustained pressure as runs continued to leak from the south end as USA's bowlers struggled to adjust bowling into the wind.

Denmark also seized on USA captain Steven Taylor's decision to bypass specialist left-arm spinner Danial Ahmed, for the part-time spin of Alex Amsterdam. Danial had bowled an exceptional spell against Oman a day earlier to finish with 0 for 29 in ten overs, with two

chances grassed off his bowling, but a day later he bowled just one over, the 16th, for nine runs before he was taken out of the attack for good.

The partnership was broken in the 40th over Klokker was bowled for 86 - and three more wickets fell after that, but Zameer saw Denmark through with his unbeaten 97.

Bermuda continued their remarkable turnaround with an 85-run (D/L) win over Jersey at Wright Cricket Field, and are now outside contenders for promotion after a poor start to the tournament.

Kamau Leverock and captain Oliver Pitcher (63) shared a 211-run stand for the opening wicket after Bermuda had opted to bat. Leverock struck 137 off 111 balls with ten fours and eight sixes, including three consecutive sixes off Rhys Palmer's offspin in the 32nd over. The match was reduced to 45 overs after heavy winds blew away the sightscreens in the 15th over. But this did not stop Bermuda from posting the highest total of the tournament, as they finished on 312 for 8.

Left-arm medium-pacer Cejay Outerbridge then took two wickets at the start of Jersey's chase, and Janeiro Tucker mankaded Will Harris in the 16th over, to reduce them to 82 for 4. Their chase never took off, despite Corey Bisson's 23-ball 48, as Outerbridge struck regularly and finished with 5 for 25 to bowl them out for 227.

Oman defeated Italy by five wickets at Wong Cricket Field, as they chased down a target of 206 with 9.3 overs to spare.

Italy's top order was wrecked by Rajeshkumar Ranpura and Oman captain Ajay Lalcheta, as they stumbled to 2 for 3 in the sixth over after electing to bat. A 74-run fifth wicket stand between Italy's captain, Damian Crowley (54), and Carl Sandri (40) managed to steady them, and a lower-order contribution from FidaHussain (51*) helped take them to 205.

Sandri then took the new ball, bowling offspin, and removed Zeeshan Maqsood for a duck in the second ball of the chase, the opener's second duck in as many days. But Italy couldn't capitalize on the early breakthrough as Arun Poulose (42) and Khawar Ali (30) put on 68 for the second wicket, before Zeeshan Siddiqui hit 54 not out and put on a 63run stand with Jatinder Singh (29) for the fifth wicket to steer Oman to victory. (ESPNcricinfo)

sport 51

WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016| guyanatimeSinternational.com

Ming wins big on best track day

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alvin Ming continued his climb up the International Formula car racing ladder as he completed a podium-filled weekend in Mexico. Competing in the Formula 4 supporting races for the 19th round of the Formula 1 World Championship, Ming bettered his third place finish on Saturday, with a race win on Sunday in front of a huge crowd.

Driving as a member of the “Ram Racing Team”, the Guyanese started from sixth on the grid and was the victim of an incident at the start, causing his car to spin off the track.

However, he recovered and was relegated to the back of the field in 14th position for the re-

Golden Arrowhead moment! Calvin Ming stands at the top of the podium as Guyana's National Anthem is played at the Mexican stadium

start of the race after the safety car exited the track.

Guyanese-UK veterans throw challenge to Everest Masters

Sahadeo Hardaiow (left) and Hafeez Ali recently walked out to bat against St Cuthbert’s Mission

T

he Guyana Overseas Cricket Club (GOCC. UK) consists of mature Guyanese club cricketers based in the United Kingdom (UK) have thrown out a challenge to the Everest Masters in a 35 overs a side game. The highly talented and confident Everest Masters have accepted the challenge and will host the visitors on Friday from 11:00h.

The game will be played using standard One Day International rules.

Everest Masters batting will revolve around veteran batting ace Shivnarine Chanderpaul and includes Looknauth “King” Persaud and Hafeez “Mr. Rockaway” Ali while the visitors

will be spearheaded by Maurice Sukul, Joey Birke and Richard Locke.

Everest Masters will come from; Rajesh Singh (Captain), Sahadeo “Fines” Hardaiow, Hafeez Ali, Hemraj Garbarran, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Saheed Mohamed, Rohan Sarjoo, Saeed Khan, Prakash Balgobin, Johnny Azeez, Rakes hGangaram, Ronald Jaisingh, Basil Persaud, Ishwar Singh and Looknauth Persaud.

GOCC (UK) squad reads; Maurice Sukul (Captain), Rabi Sukul, Khamechand Persaud, Roopnauth Sharma, Joey Burke, KrishNath, Richard Locke, AnandPersaud, Isaac Chung, SaeedGopie and Lee James.

In a very determined effort, he managed to claw his way up the

field, making his final pass on the last corner of the last lap to finish

in third place.

Race two on Sunday, had him starting in

sixth position, before launching his way up to first, by the time the field of competitors had arrived at the first corner at the start of the race. An incident shortly after caused the safety car to go on track resulting in the competitors bunching-up, after Ming had established a comfortable lead of over 2.5 seconds.

On the restart of the race, Ming was hounded by the second place driver for a couple of laps, before he managed to build-up a safe lead, and went on to win the race after a good fight.

After the race Ming thanked the team for the car’s set-up, indicating that he was overjoyed by his performance at the weekend.

We must not get complacent – Holder W

est Indies captain Jason Holder has said that his side has what it takes to win a Test match, but insisted they must not get complacent after winning only one match.

Holder said he was a "proud" captain to pull off such a fight and beat Pakistan by five wickets in Sharjah.

West Indies, after being whitewashed in the ODI and T20I series, showed more resistance than most would have expected to finish the Test series 1-2.

"This is a very good group of guys," Holder said after the fifth day's play. "We showed glimpses that we can have what it takes to compete at this level. For us, it is just a matter of consistency. We must not get complacent, we have no reason to be complacent. One Test victory is by all means not enough. We have to stay hungry, and that is something I really believe we have in the group."

West Indies tested Pakistan in phases in the entire Test series; they nearly won the Dubai Test and put on a late fight in Abu Dhabi too. The third Test saw Holder's men find gaps in Pakistan's complacency and carelessness, and went on to win without any troubles on the last day. "My message is simple; stay with us and keep supporting us," Holder said. "One Test match victory doesn't make us a world beating side, but we have showed people that we can do it. We have what it takes.

"We have competed with Pakistan throughout this series.

We fell short in Dubai, were outplayed in Abu Dhabi, but to finish the last Test on the winning side is a wonderful feeling. For the fans back home, and West Indies fans in general, just keep supporting us, keeping giving us that love, and hopefully this team can turn things around for West Indies. It was extremely important, especially after the Dubai Test match,

Jason Holder

where many people felt we could have won the game.

"We personally felt we could have won the game as well, but we didn't get across the line. To come here in this last Test match, and put ourselves in the position to win, and actually get across the line, is a great feeling. We have the ability to win Test matches, it is just about stringing together the complete game. If I could sum up my feelings in one word now, I'd say 'proud'. Proud of the character the guys showed, proud of the fight they showed."

Winning two Tests was not as easy for Pakistan as they had to overcome resilience by West Indies. Darren Bravo's century in Dubai gave Pakistan a scare and Devendra Bishoo frequently tested Pakistan's batsmen to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the series, taking 18 wickets at an average of 27. His strike rate of 45 was better than Yasir Shah's 55, who was the top wicket-taker with 21 scalps.

Another positive for West Indies was opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who became the first opener to stay unbeaten in both

innings of a Test, in Sharjah. He carried his bat in the first innings for his 142, and then scored an unbeaten 60 in the second innings to see the side through successfully.

"He is young; everyone is looking to make their mark on the international circuit," Holder said in Brathwaite's praise. "Everybody is hungry for success, and one thing I have really enjoyed on this trip is the fact everybody is happy for each other's success. We just need to string together consistent performances over an extended period of time. If we can do that, we will get back on the right track, to take West Indies cricket back up to the top.

"The negative things around West Indies cricket are beyond my control. I can't control who signs contracts, I can't control who is here with me. All I can control is my destiny on the cricket pitch when I step over that line. That goes for everybody in that dressing room. As players, we just have to be responsible for our own individual actions, take our personal pride onto the field, and play good cricket." (ESPNcricinfo)

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WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 6, 2016 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Young Boyz crash 0-3 to USA counterparts Reprinted from Jamaica Observer

J

amaica’s Under-17 Reggae Boyz crashed 0-3 to their USA counterparts in the first contest of a twomatch friendly series at Stadium East field yesterday (Wednesday).

Goalscorers were Ayomide Akinola (21st minute), Joshua Sergent (31st) and Zyen Jones (90th).

The contest kicked off 30 minutes behind its original 3:00 pm start, due to what was said to be a foul-up which resulted in the late arrival of the officiating team.

With that aside, the game, played before a lively pocket of spectators, was crucially one of two halves, especially from a Jamaican perspective. In the first 45 minutes the visitors dominated the action, but the hosts returned from the locker room more purposeful and organised, and pleasingly managed to intermittently impose themselves on the game in midfield and attack.

Even though the Americans were clearly more clinical in their organisation and transition play, and who should rightly lay claim to be the better on the

day, the Young Boyz will nonetheless go to bed ruing the numerous missed chances.

But it was the USA who put down the early marker as a threatening force in the 10th minute when Andre Carleton attempted to scoop the ball over goalkeeper Daniel Russell’s head after the visitors snatched possession in a dangerous area.

But after a spell of putting the ball on the ground and moving it around, the Young Boyz announced themselves at the other end when Kaheem Parris and Blake White combined down the right side.

Left with the task of finishing off the move, White’s low, firm rightfooted shoot crashed onto USA goalkeeper Justin Garces’ near post and trickled behind.

The USA, looking the more organised going forward, used the width of the field to good effect, a ploy that unruffled the Jamaicans for the most part.

In one of those forward ventures, the Americans threatened the Jamaican goal in minute 18 when Ayomide Akinola and Christopher Glaster worked a one-two combination, with Glaster

Ayomide Akinoa (left) of the USA slots home past Jamaica’s Daniel Russell to open the scoring during their Under-17 friendly match at Stadium East yesterday. (Photo: Antonio Graham)

grazing the Jamaican near right upright with a solid angled drive.

In another promising Jamaican foray at the opposing end, Parris and Raewin Senior conspired on the top of the opposing penalty box, but despite doing well to give his marker the slip, Senior’s final effort soared high.

After surrendering crucial territory to the visitors, the USA’s confidence grew and they counted their raids on the Boyz’s goal area, forcing the central defensive pair of Nickashe Murray and JamoiTopey into errors.

And in one of those good moments for the visitors, Russell was

forced to produce something special when in the 30th minute he denied Blaine Ferri, whose 20-yard free kick looked certain of going in.

But a minute later, USA extended their lead when a ball out of midfield left the Jamaican defence in a scrambling response, allowing Sergent to glide into open space to beat Russell at his near post.

Jamaica had an opportunity to cut the deficit near the halftime break when White played a neat pass for Nicque Daley, but his

finishing did not justify the preceding move.

In the second half where Jamaica presented a more competitive front, they had a number of chances that went abegging.

In the 49th minute, Daley and Senior could not beat Justin Garces in the USA goal from point-blank range with a rapid fire of low shots.

Senior, the Excelsior High School striker and a constant threat when he came into view, could not put the required sheen on an otherwise pale Jamaican show

when his thunderous left-footed shot shook the crossbar in the 54th minute.

In the 65th minute, another chance was spurned when Parris and Senior broke away from the USA defence, but both lacked conviction to make the move count.

But on the other end, the visitors kept chipping away at the Young Boyz’sdefence with George Costa (63rd minute), Ferri (65th) and Sergent (82nd) having fantastic attempts wellsaved by Russell, who gave yeoman service on the day.

The USA put the icing on the cake in time added when substitute Jones sneaked behind the opposing defensive wall to beat Russell with a low right-footed shot.

The USA and Jamaica will meet again on Sunday at Winchester Park in the second match of the series as both fine-tune for the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship in Panama from April 21 to May 7 next year.

Britton, Greaves reign supreme at Titans Gold Cup

The various prize winners at the conclusion of the tournament pose with their spoils and President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, Godfrey Munroe (2nd from right)

N

ational table tennis players Shemar Britton and Precislla Greaves took centre stage in the in the second annual Titans Gold Cup over the weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Looking to win his first championships, Britton had to contend with the experienced Colin France in the men’s singles final.

The talented Britton proved too strong for France taking the game in three hard fought straight sets 11-911-8 and 11-9.

Britton, who is one of Guyana’s Olympic prospects explained that he was simply hungry for success.

“It was an excellent performance, I put in a lot of work for this gold I especially wanted to win the men title cup I lost the last two times and I really wanted to rectify that so I made sure I put in the work,” the player stated.

He added, “I had to make sure I was scoring my shots and putting in the easy balls while making sure I play a strong back hand stroke and then the game opened”.

Britton also got the better of Elishaba Johnson in the under 18 before going on to beat Miguel Wong for

the under 21 title.

Similarly, Greaves who was also at the top of her game, got over the hurdle of Selenas Jackman to take the under 18 title before going on to overcame a field of Jackman, Naveh Clarkson and Abagail Martin in a round robin final to take the women’s open crown.

Grreaves touted fitness as the reason for her ascension to the top of the heap locally.

“I recently started back training because I had CXC so I was on a break, we had Inter-Guiana games so I started training for that and basically this upcoming tournament so that brought back my touches,” the young player stated.

Jackman took the girls under 15 title and Jamal Nicholas took the boys the under 15 category and second place in the B class open .

Other winners included Shanesh Persaud in the 9 and under category, Krystian Sahadeo in the 11 year and under , Niran Bissu who beat Isaiah Layne to the boys under 13 category while Martin also got the better of Clarkson for the under 13 title.

The three-day tournament also featured a team from Jamaica.

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