Guyana Times International

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You can also read Guyana Times daily edition online at www.guyanatimesgy.com week ending may 19, 2013

ISSUE NO. 142

New U.S. immigration bill could benefit Caribbean nationals See story on page 3

Relatives blame each other for young couple’s murder/ suicide Page 21

Vijay “Kevin” Arjune and Parbattie “Priya” Raghoo in happier times

Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions

AFC stands alone in opposition to anti-money laundering bill Page 11

New York to host free Indian Arrival concert this weekend

By Vishnu Bisram

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he 28th Annual Indian Arrival celebrations to mark the 175th anniversary of East Indians in the Caribbean will be held on Sunday, May 19, at the Smokey Park at 127th Street and 95th Avenue in the heart of Richmond

Hill.

The organisers have invited representatives of the governments of Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and India to grace the event. The Indian arrival programme will commence at 2:00 PM and conclude around 8:00 PM. It includes a cultural variety concert featuring a live band

and singing and dancing competitions as well as modelling of Indian outfits.

The idea of observing "Indian Arrival Day" in New York was initiated by a group of IndoGuyanese and Trinidadians in 1984, and since then the concept has taken off, expanding in scope with annual observances.

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NEWS

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New U.S. immigration bill could benefit Caribbean nationals W

ashington, US (CMC) – The United States Congress has started formal consideration of a sweeping immigration reform bill that creates a “path to citizenship” for an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, including Caribbean nationals.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to finish work on the bill, this week, adopting Republican amendments aimed at stronger border security.

The immigration bill requires the US federal government to gain almost total control of the border, authorising money for drones, Customs and Border Protection officers and prosecution of illegal entries.

Under the bill, new guest worker pro-

grammes would be established, particularly for low-skilled workers, and employers would be required to verify the legal status of all employees.

In exchange, Caribbean and other immigrants now in the US without legal status would be eligible for provisional status if they paid fees, fines and taxes.

They could gain legal residency 10 years after the border was declared secure. After 13 years, they would be eligible for citizenship.

The eight senators in the bipartisan group that drafted the bill – four of whom are on the 18-member Judiciary Committee – were successful in fending off changes that would derail the bill.

Immigration advocates and legal ex-

Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions

perts say no previous Congressional effort to change immigration law has offered such a broad, swift reprieve to immigrants deported by the US. The bill would give a legal second chance to thousands of Caribbean and other deportees with-

out serious criminal records who have a child, parent or spouse with a green card or American citizenship.

Many deportees brought to the United States before their 16th birthday would be eligible to return as well.

An amendment from Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, who is among the bill’s most vocal critics, has sought to strip out the deportee reprieve.

But other opponents have welcomed it as a political godsend, describing it as such an overreach that it would make the entire immigration bill easier to defeat.

Some Democrats and immigrant rights groups have pledged to defend the deportee return, characterising it as an important step in right-

ing a wrong.

“We have had four million people deported since 2002 and close to two million since 2008,” said Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

“This is the only way to reunite families that have been destroyed by our outdated, broken and cruel immigration policies,” she added.

The Senate bill would reduce future deportations by giving millions of immigrants in the United States provisional legal status.

But a Senate aide involved in legislative negotiations says deportees would not be granted an automatic right of return; they would have to apply.

He said Caribbean and other deportees would be ineligible if

they had been expelled for criminal reasons, or if they were convicted of a felony or at least three misdemeanors. The waivers would be granted at the discretion of the secretary of homeland security.

Immigration lawyers, however, say that could mean approvals end up being inconsistent, adding that some immigrants would likely not trust the system that had deported them.

“It’s arbitrary. It depends on who picks you up, when, and where they pick you up,” said David Leopold, general counsel for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

“So who will become eligible or ineligible in terms of illegal re-entry is really luck of the draw,” he added. (CMC)

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All aboard!

INTERNATIONAL To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office 106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435 Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com Tel no: 718-658-6804 Guyana Office Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709.

Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685 Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Road safety

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ccording to World Bank statistics, every year the lives of almost 1.24 million people are cut short as a result of road accidents. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury. The Caribbean is no exception. This region has suffered its fair share of disasters on the road resulting in a number of its citizens losing their lives or becoming disabled at a very young age.

Almost every week there is some news that someone was killed on the roadways and despite actions on several fronts, including enacting the relevant legislation and increasing the number of ‘campaigns', the Caribbean does not seem to be winning the battle in significantly reducing the number of road deaths.

The Second UN Global Road Safety Week, which was observed recently (6-12 May 2013), was dedicated to pedestrian safety. The week’s activities drew attention to the urgent need to better protect pedestrians worldwide, generated action on the measures needed to do so, and contributed to achieving the goal of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 to save 5 million lives.

Walking is the most fundamental form of mobility, yet it is also the most vulnerable to road traffic injury. According to the World Health Organisation's 2013 ‘Global Status Report on Road Safety’, over one-fifth of all road traffic deaths (270,000 annually) are pedestrians. In some countries, such as Ghana, the proportion of pedestrians among road traffic deaths is as high as 40 percent.

Many risk factors contribute to the high vulnerability of pedestrians, including the speed of vehicles, alcohol, inadequate visibility, lack of pedestrian safety facilities, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. This is documented in a recent best practices manual jointly commissioned by the World Health Organisation, the FIA Foundation, the Global Road Safety Partnership, and the World Bank.

Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter Zenani was killed in a car crash as she was returning home from a World Cup concert in Soweto in 2010. Her death, two days after her 13th birthday, drew global attention to the high toll in lives and devastating injuries from road traffic crashes globally. Their loss also turned the Mandela family into activists for global road safety.

"On the same day that I lost Zenani, a thousand other families also lost a child on the world's roads," her mother, Zoleka Mandela, writes on the website of the Zenani Mandela Campaign.

Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to victims, their families, and to nations as a whole. These losses arise from the cost of treatment (including rehabilitation and incident investigation) as well as reduced/lost productivity (e.g. in wages) for those killed or disabled by their injuries, and for family members who need to take time off work (or school) to care for the injured.

According to the WHO, national estimates have illustrated that road traffic crashes cost countries between 1–3% of their gross national product, while the financial impact on individual families has been shown to result in increased financial borrowing and debt, and even a decline in food consumption.

Some believe that road traffic injuries have been neglected from the global health agenda for many years, despite being predictable and largely preventable. Evidence from many countries shows that dramatic successes in preventing road traffic crashes can be achieved through concerted efforts that involve, but are not limited to, the health sector.

Organisations such as the WB and WHO have argued that while there is no single measure to address all pedestrian risks, many steps can be taken to improve their safety. For example, a 5 percent cut in speed can reduce fatal crashes by 30 percent. Road design, land-use planning, and vehicle design are other important factors.

Further, collecting reliable data is also essential to improving road safety and reducing risks for pedestrians. According to a recent WHO study, data systems in most countries remain poor, with 71 percent of countries relying on police data systems only. Many deaths occur after a crash victim has been transported to a hospital, so data from health systems are also needed to derive a better understanding of the issue.

The new roll-on/roll-off ferry vessel ‘MV Kanawan’ made its first commercial trip in September 2012, from Parika to Supenaam. The 'Sabanto' and 'Kanawan' were added to the fleet of vessels used by the Ministry of Public Works to boost its water transportation services, as each has a seating capacity of 800 and a decking capacity of 20 lorries or 44 cars, along with a modern VIP lounge.

Government invested Gy$240.1M and Gy$138M for the construction of docking facilities at Parika and Supenaam respectively, to accommodate the vessels.

President’s veto of bills grounded in Constitution

By Whitney Persaud

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ttorney General Anil Nandlall said the president has acted within the constitutional parameters when he withheld his assent to two opposition bills last Tuesday.

The decision by President Donald Ramotar to withhold his assent to two bills which emanated from the opposition benches in Parliament has received much criticism.

The two bills are the Former President’s Benefits and Other Facilities Bill 2012 and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Bill 2012.

The joint opposition has accused the president of precipitating a constitutional crisis.

This, according to Nandlall was expected, however, he said the opposition’s arguments that the president has caused a “constitutional crisis” are rooted in fantasy, rather than reality.

He said the common reasons advanced by the president for withholding his assent in respect of both bills, is grounded in the Constitution itself and concerns the doctrine of constitutional supremacy.

Referring to Article Eight of the Constitution, he highlighted that any law which is inconsistent with that article, is null and void.

“That article declares… the said Constitution to be the supreme law of Guyana and states that of any other law which is inconsistent with it, that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency, be void,” Nandlall stated.

The gravamen of the list of reasons advanced by the president for withholding his assent is that the two bills collide with Article Eight of the Constitution and are accordingly void.

“The reasons tendered by the president are not fanciful, irrational or even political, but are indeed principled and legal. Obviously, one is free to disagree with the reasons proffered. But that cannot be a rational basis for the injudicious assertion of a constitutional crisis.”

The minister lamented that a fundamental constitutional reality which must be recognised in this legislative matrix, is that the president is not a mere rubber-stamp of the National Assembly.

He said the president has a constitutionally endowed jurisdictional freedom to withhold his assent to bills if he believes them to be misconceived and wrong in principle. That is a presidential prerogative which cannot be whittled away at the altar of political expediency.

“One commentator has advanced the contention that it is the function of the courts, not the president to determine the constitutionality of legislation. It is the function of the Speaker, not the president, to determine whether a motion or a bill requires Cabinet approval,” he recalled. These assertions are deeply flawed, the attorney argued. He said it is wrong to say that the president, by expressing his opinion, was unconstitutional.

Nandlall asked, “Can it then, in that circumstance be

intelligently argued that the president has determined the constitutionality of the bill and therefore has effectively ousted the court’s jurisdiction from ever entertaining a challenge to its constitutionality?”

He clarified that the legal truth is that the court’s jurisdiction to question the constitutionality of bills and actions by the state and its various organs can never be dismantled by the president or any other agency. He said the power resided in the Speaker to determine whether a particular bill requires the recommendation of Cabinet is actually the subject of an article in the Constitution, and it relates to a particular type of bill (Article 171).

The Speaker’s power in this regard is not disputed.

“It is the president’s contention, however, that the Speaker fell into error, when he determined that the particular bill under review did not fall into that category of bills which requires the recommendation of Cabinet as signified by a minister.”

This difference of opinion is clearly permitted.

The clear intendment of Article 170 is to ensure that the executive president of this land is not held to ransom or captive by the National Assembly, and it is to be interpreted to prevent such an eventuality, so that there will be at all times due equilibrium between the two constituent components which comprise of that unitary whole called Parliament. “Any other interpretation will certainly result in a constitutional crisis.”

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CN Sharma for High Court trial on carnal knowledge charge

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CN Sharma

arnal knowledge-accused Chandra Narine Sharma was on Wednesday committed to stand trial in the High Court for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl back in 2010. The decision was made by Magistrate Sueanna Lovell at the end of a preliminary inquiry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The magistrate informed the court that a prima facie case had been made out against the popu-

lar television owner and talk show host. Sharma is also the leader of the Justice For All Party, which is part of the A Partnership for National Unity coalition.

The entire court proceedings were held in camera away from the public eye.

Back in April 2010, then Chief Magistrate Melissa Ogle-Robertson had remanded Sharma to prison when he made his first appearance in court on the charge. It was a scene of high drama: Sharma collapsed in front of the media cameras as he was making his way out of the prisoners’ chute. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he regained consciousness shortly after the incident. He was later granted bail in the sum of Gy$ 2 million.

In a sworn affidavit, the 13-year old girl alleged that Sharma had been sexually molesting her and her sisters, with the consent of their mother.

The girl said the abuse only stopped when she refused to return to her mother’s home. In the affidavit, the girl also alleged that Sharma molested her two older sisters and two younger ones (who were nine and five years old respectively at the time).

The girl has said that she would receive Gy$ 2000 weekly from Sharma.

The child also stated that she was afraid of Sharma.

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Murdered cambio dealer was burnt alive – post mortem F

our days after popular cambio dealer Totaram Mootoo and his wife Basmattie Mootoo were killed in their posh Turkeyen home, police said on Monday that the couple died from smoke inhalation and might have been alive after a homemade bomb exploded.

To date, no arrest has been made for the couple’s death. Autopsies on Monday proved that Basmattie Mootoo died as a result of blunt trauma to the back, compounded with burn trauma, while her husband’s death was given as smoke inhalation and burn trauma.

The post-mortem examinations were performed by Dr Nehaul Singh on Monday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary.

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud on Monday told Guyana Times International that the autopsies proved the couple died of smoke inhalation, which meant that they were breathing at the time the house exploded.

Seelall also added that Totaram’s hands were tied behind his back and his wife’s arm was around him when they were found. The police, he noted, have a few leads that they are working on and he remains optimistic that they will apprehend the murderers.

Relatives of the dead couple, when contacted on Monday, were reluctant to speak to the media following a report that was published in a newspaper which implied that the busi-

Totaram and Basmattie Mootoo in happier times

nessman had knowledge of the large guns and ammunition cache in Lethem. They were also furious that the article had also connected the couple’s murder to two men who were executed after they were fingered in “bad business”.

This publication understands that the kill-

ers may have been close associates to the businessman, since from all indications they were allowed access into the home. Sandra Ramdeo, a sister of the dead woman, had earlier indicated that a number of the man’s business associates owed him and a few days before his demise,

he had asked for the money.

Information also suggested that the man might have had a confrontation before the couple was taken to their bedroom, where they used duct tape to tie the businessman’s hands behind his back.

While it was speculated that the couple were shot, the autopsy proved differently.

It is also believed that the woman was struck from behind in her back before she was placed beside her husband. Further information stated that the killers then placed a 20-pound gas cylinder in the bedroom, which they removed from the bottom flat of the house.

The cylinder was reportedly placed at a strategic location in the bed-

room and shot at with a high-powered rifle, causing a hole in the wall and soon after the house was in flames.

The charred remains of Totaram Mootoo, 54, and his wife Basmattie Mootoo, 48, were discovered on Friday morning.

They were reportedly in a hugging position when they were discovered. Persons in the neighbourhood disclosed that they heard sounds, believed to be those of gunshots, followed by a loud explosion. Within minutes, the entire interior of the house was engulfed in flames. It was also reported that a suspicious car was seen leaving the area before the explosion and more so, the front door of the house and the back gate to the property were opened.

WWF plugs Gy$12M into environmental management for Guyana's gold sector

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he World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry signed a grant agree-

ment for the release of Gy$12 million to support capacity building in en-

vironment management in Guyana’s gold mining sector.

On Monday, at the ministry’s Brickdam office, WWF Grants Manager Tonia Newton handed over a cheque to the tune of Gy$5.83 million to the Natural Resources Ministry in the presence of subject minister Robert Persaud.

The money is the first tranche of the Gy$12 million grant.

WWF Guianas Country Manager Dr Patrick Williams said the project, which will be led by the ministry but executed by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has three components.

“The first one is training for miners and new entrants into the mining sector; number two, upgrading of the codes of practice in the mining sector, and the last component will address issues relating to the distribution of mercury.”

The project is slated to be completed within one year.

Dr Williams said under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the WWF is working to extend a global ban on the use of mercury, noting that Guyana should buy into the initiative.

He posited that consideration must be given to the negative effects on the environment and human population if care is

not taken with the use of mercury.

Persaud expressed gratitude to the WWF for its continuous support. He said the project, which focuses on capacity building through training and awareness activities, will “bring about more sustainable mining”.

However, he posited that Guyana cannot afford to ban the use of mercury immediately, thus, “At this point in time… we are working towards a gradual reduction in the use of mercury in the mining sector.”

Mercury, he said plays an important role in alluvial mining, but made clear that the country promotes usage in a very safe and environmentally-friendly way.

In agreement with the Latin American and Caribbean Grouping, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has agreed to phase out the use of mercury within a 10-year period. He said even as the National Action Plan is being structured to tackle the issue, the ministry is engaging international partners in its move to promote mercury-free technology.

However, he emphasised the need for a collective approach on the local arena.

“It has to be done in partnership and that is why we have started to provide incentive for

mercury-free technology, which is why we see miners themselves moving into that direction. Some of the studies done and the track record of some of the equipment that have been brought have recovery within 90 per cent or there about, so the miners themselves have seen the wisdom in moving away from mercury.”

Revolving fund

He said the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) are exploring the possibility of establishing a revolving fund where persons, especially small miners can be able to access finance to purchase mercury-free technology.

Already, the GGMC has acquired mercuryfree equipment and within the next two weeks, the commission will be conducting field testing before it demonstrates to miners how the machines operate and the positives that can be derived from the use of such technology.

GGDMA representative William Woolford endorsed both the capacity-building project and the phasing out of mercury. Turning his attention to the phasing out of mercury, Woolford underscored the importance of partnership, sensitisation and training in the process.

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GDF officer sacked over robbery attempt

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i e u t e n a n t M a d a i n e y Humphrey has been dismissed from the Guyana Defence Force, following the conclusion of court martial proceedings against him, which concluded on Friday, May 10.

L i e u t e n a n t Humphrey was implicated in an attempted robbery at the Julian Ross Landing in January this year. The GDF, upon investigating the matter, took the decision to court martial the lieutenant who was found to have disobeyed a lawful command, and to have been in breach of the force’s standing orders, charges to which he pleaded guilty. The sentence to dismiss Lieutenant Humphrey was unanimous.

He was represented

by Attorneys Bernard Da Silva and Beverly Bishop.

On April 22, Lieutenant Humphrey, 25, of Lot 2196 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, and Lance Corporal Felix Frank, 28, of Lot EP13 Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, both pleaded not guilty to the robbery under

arms charge when it was read to them at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charge states that on January 24 at Julian Ross Landing, Devils’ Hole, Cuyuni River, while being armed with an AK-47 rifle, they robbed Kelly Williams of three pennyweights of raw gold valued Gy$ 36,000, property of Almendo De Souza.

Out on bail

Prosecutor Corporal Kerry Bostwick had related to the court that the defendants were both serving members of the GDF and on the day in question, along with several other officers who were armed and in their uniforms, they went to a mining camp where they demanded the gold and money from the occupants there. They then went to Williams and took away the raw gold she had, and subsequently escaped.

The prosecutor had no objections to bail and asked that it be a substantial sum, if granted, and that both officers lodge their travel documents with the police. Attorney Bernard Da Silva represented Humphrey and made an

Lieutenant Madainey Humphrey

application for bail to be granted to his client in a reasonable sum, stating that his client was court martialled earlier (Wednesday morning).

The attorney also made a bail application on behalf of Frank, whose attorney was absent. Da Silva told the court that the defendants are willing to abide by the conditions set out by the prosecutor.

Humphrey and Frank were granted Gy$ 300,000 bail each on the conditions that they lodge their passports with the police and report every Friday to the F Division.

They made their next court appearance at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on April 25.

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Three renowned classical dancers to perform at JC Chandisingh Secondary School Diamond Jubilee Reunion in NY City

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orld renowned exponents of classical Indian dance, Ms. Preeya Lakshme Singh, Ambalika (Ambi) Deonarine and Rachael Indira Sonley, daughters of graduates of Corentyne High School, will be performing at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School Diamond Jubilee Reunion in the Grand Ballroom of Leonard’s Great Neck, Long Island, NY on June 29, 2013.

Preeya began displaying a talent for dancing at the age of five, when she enrolled in American Ballet and Tap classes. Her mother Savitri Singh, then enrolled her in Indian classical dance classes, where Preeya learned 'Kathak' dancing followed by 'Bharathanatyam'. Later her parents, Prem and Savitri enrolled her at the Sandhanalaya School of dancing where she quickly excelled in both 'Bharathanatyam' and 'Kuchipude' dance forms under the eyes of Smt. Sadhana Paranji. Seven years of diligent and dedicated studies culminated in her 'Arangetram/ Rangaphavesam'.

forming arts.

The versatile Ambalika (Amber) Deonarine will also be performing at the event.

Amber started her dancing at the tender age of six and has a trained background in 'Orissi'.

She has performed at several Bollywood Awards and Mega Star shows in Atlantic City and Toronto and met Bollywood stars as the late Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and many others.

Ambalika is the daughter of Harry Deonarine (Class of 1976) and Naline

Ms. Preeya Lakshme Singh, Indian classical dancer

Honouring great women

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Preeya holds a degree in Biology and in Dance and hopes to give

back to humanity her contribution to science and the cultural and per-

Raghunandan (Class of 1980) and resides in Toronto, Canada with her parents and brother. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in Psychology and is working at JP Morgan Chase.

The third dancer, Rachael Indira Sonley is a Grade 10 Honour Roll student. Rachael has been dancing since she was 6 years old. She was trained in Bollywood, Filmi/Classical, Chutney, Tamil and Modern Dancing. She has performed at numerous events in Toronto, Canada: Chutney in the Park, Guyana Day Celebrations, Summer Bash, Fusion of Taste and various TV programmes. Rachael had the privilege of dancing at several events attended by dignitaries of other countries (including former President Jagdeo of Guyana).

Rachael always tries to perform at a few charity events each year; she performs at shows for temples, hospital fundraising events, and has also performed at fundraising events for a wellknown foundation that assists very ill Guyanese children to receive medical treatment outside of Guyana. Rachael’s parents are Suenaina Sonley (Raghunandan)Class of ’77 and Douglas Sonley of Toronto, Canada.

By Anu Dev

he second Sunday of May, has been set aside as Mothers’ Day. Kids all over the world tried to do whatever they could to make their mothers feel special. Some gave their mother flowers or cards.

Some even prepared a home-cooked meal, or took their mom out for dinner.

When Mothers’ Day became a recognised holiday in the U.S. in 1914, it quickly spread to the rest of the world. And just as quickly, by the 1920’s it had become as commercialised as any other holiday.

But why should you only honour your mother on the second Sunday of May? It’s just a date chosen arbitrarily. It could’ve been any other date or better yet, it doesn’t just have to be one date. Why can’t people show their love for their mother every day?

Or rather, why don’t they? Your mother should be important enough to you that you would have no problem with showing her that you love her everyday – whether you want to show your love by just saying “I love you” or by showering her with gifts, it’s your prerogative. Be spontaneous; show your love everyday in all of the little ways that count much, much more.

You wouldn’t even exist if not for your mother.

With it becoming more accepted for females to have abortions or to be on birth control, your mother could have decided that she didn’t want to have to deal with a noisy kid. She could have decided that she wanted to be some high-powered executive, completely focused on her career, caring about nothing but her job. But she didn’t (at least not at that time). She decided to have you.

So let’s hear it for those wonderful women who had to put up with our wailing in the middle of the night as babies, our whining about going to school, our teenage angst, and everything else. The women who all too often are our shoulders to cry on, the persons we share our hopes and fears with, the persons who worry about us more than we ever worry about ourselves.

And when we become mothers, we often pattern our behaviour after our own mothers. And my mom has certainly set the bar pretty high – ten years from now I’ll have some big shoes to fill. But the good thing is that your mom would be there to help you get through your own journey through motherhood.

She’ll teach you how to hold your newborn child and of course she’ll spoil your kids rotten so they’re always more excited to see their grandmother than you.

And Mothers’ Day isn’t just limited to celebrating your biological mother. It’s a time to honour all of those great women who were mothers to you, who at some point treated you like you were their own child.

And even though you should be showing your love every day, it IS a nice gesture to go that extra mile on Mothers’ Day.

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

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WWF should bring international Tuition hike at UG will not pressure on the opposition necessarily improve the institution Dear Editor, The joint opposition parties have lost themselves completely.

They are either oblivious of or simply do not care about the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The LCDS is of vast importance, seeking to transform Guyana’s economy along a low carbon trajectory. Maybe because this LCDS is the brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the opposition members, being so fiercely antagonistic where the former leader is concerned, just have to be vindictive. It is common knowledge that the LCDS is now a blueprint in the global search for a solution to tackle the climate change phenomenon.

So this begs the question, “Why cut the budget and smother this programme?” I am very moved now by the fact that the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas has expressed a deep concern in this matter.

We all know that with this cut, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will be severely affected, unless some major improvisations and innovations take place.

As for the WWF, this is an international non-

governmental organisation working on issues regarding matters such as conservation, research and restoration of the environment.

It remains the largest independent conservation organisation with over five million supporters worldwide, working in more than 100 countries, and supporting around 1300 conservation and environmental projects.

The WWF can get a pressure group going, even if only the assembling of signatories, to confront the stark reality that is now facing Guyana. The opposition must not be allowed to wreck anything that has this kind of massive environmental effect.

Guyana has shown leadership within the global community in seeking solutions to the issue of climate change and biodiversity conservation through the innovative development of the LCDS. Norway realised this a long time ago. Guyana’s LCDS is one with transformational capacity and the WWF is disappointed with the recent actions in Parliament, and is urging that sincere and urgent dialogue be pursued among key decision makers in an attempt to

bring a speedy resolution to the current impasse.

I am happy that the Norwegian government is adding its voice against the opposition.

The fact that Guyana has already earned US$ 115 million from the Norwegian government with the setting up of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund to implement projects under the LCDS, is more than reason enough to restore the budget.

The almost immediate and direct impact with this cut is worth going through: the Amerindian Land Titling project and a climate adaptation project and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

This says to me that the opposition parties are quickly becoming the bane of Guyana.

They should be ashamed to face Guyana’s indigenous lot, and when it comes to beating the longterm power problems of Guyana, they should really remain silent.

I think that it is time now that an awareness campaign be launched, regarding the debilitating works of the two opposing parties.

Yours truly, Dale Argyle

Janette Bulkan promoting self-interest, disregarding facts on forest sector Dear Editor, Why do some newspapers publish letters to promote self-interest and non-nationalistic views? Once again I see Janette Bulkan is running around promoting herself as the self-proclaimed saviour and preserver of Guyana’s forests.

I have not acquired academic qualifications like Bulkan may have, but I have more than 20 years of experience working in the forest sector as a private business which has grown and blossomed into a sound investment. I say this because Janette has always been doing nothing but being critical and negative of persons working in the forest sector, by reasons known or unknown.

The disrespect to the commissioner of forests and the minister of natural resources and the environment in her recent letter is solely due

to the lack of information on her part, as it relates to the forest sector. The commissioner of forests, in his detailed response to Bulkan, called on her to visit the Guyana Forestry Commission to be updated on all the clarification she seeks.

However, those within the forest sector know she is living overseas and has no interest in Guyana’s forest sector, but to bring disrepute to the sector and spreading misinformation to settle personal scores.

Further, I am not surprised that Stabroek News tolerated her recent attacks on the commissioner of forests and the minister of natural resources and the environment, when her questions were adequately answered by the commissioner, which was published. Now she, in her usual way, is attempting once again to attract attention to herself by disputing the response

and is now sheepishly calling on the National Assembly to waste its time on a non-issue.

The National Assembly should be forewarned and not get dragged into her personal vendetta against persons involved in the forest sector.

Despite the commissioner of forests himself extending a personal invitation to Bulkan to visit the Guyana Forestry Commission to be updated on her perceptions of the sector, she still chose, in her letter of May 11, to call for the free flow of information.

How much more hypocritical can one get?

I wish to close by requesting that Bulkan take up the challenge of the commissioner of forests to visit the Guyana Forestry Commission to seek her clarification and clear her misconceptions about the forest sector in Guyana.

Sincerely yours, Vivian Li

Dear Editor, The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has endorsed the call by the University of Guyana (UG) administration to increase tuition fees, saying that an increase in funds can equip the tertiary institution with the necessary resources to produce a higher calibre of graduates to serve the private sector.

Higher tuition fees can never guarantee a better quality of education.

Quality is contingent upon the actual ability and qualifications of the entrants, the course content, and the ability of the lecturer to teach the material.

In recent times, the quality of the degree at UG has been waning.

This problem must be backtracked. In many instances, it is that students who are admitted to the university just cannot reach the standard; hence, the course is lowered to suit these or to make a lecturer look good. I can prove this by asking any first year student, even before starting studies,

to do a simple diagnostic test in English or Mathematics.

The questions do not reflect solidity of students, nor are they of a very high academic standard. This has been a complaint from many leading lecturers at the institution. I was made to understand that a few

suit of a quality degree from UG. Like I said before, questions hover around how good is a graduate from UG. Then even if the degree is quite weighty, people ask if it can sway other universities and employers outside of Guyana.

Is this why rich people send their chil-

lecturers were censured for sticking to that old standard thing.

One even had many problems with the new “copy and paste” plagiarism thing that is now so common. Something is wrong somewhere then.

So that hike in tuition fees may not redound into a quality degree.

The prevailing mindset in Guyana will most likely preclude the pur-

dren to study outside of Guyana? Is this why the off-shore schools here are attracting more and more people? I am saying that we have to have many long sessions with every possible stakeholder. The matter will take a lot of doing when we are talking fees, quality, and viability of university education.

Yours respectfully, Heather Gould

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Goat bite RumJhaat Satiricus sighed. He so much enjoyed the letters columns in the dailies. Especially in the MuckrakerKN. Looking through the letters, they selected one that always had a pulse on what was going on in the opposition camp. Not that their articles didn’t religiously cleave to the opposition line, but in the letters, you got a feel what was going on beneath the surface.

So he perked up when he read the daily diatribe of KFC apologists Thunderbolt and Rose – even though it meant ploughing a page of ponderous text. The dyspeptic duo declared it was “Time for the KFC”. But in the paean to the AFC’s future, they declared: “Our reading of the utterances of the Naga Man and NoGel Huge clearly revealed two mature and deep thinking and sincere leaders who are ready...” to carry out the KFC Action Plan.

“What going on?” thought Satiricus. “What happened to the Rum Jhaat? Isn’t he still the leader of the KFC?” Luckily for Satiricus his favourite wife’s niece, maid to the opposition, had just brought the Jhaat’s diary.

She assured Satiricus the Jhaat had just made an entry before going off to have a drink (or 10) before lunch.

Satiricus began to read....

Dear Diary, I so mad I could cuss dem ungrateful neemakaraams.

Well, Dear Diary, excuse me but I gonna cuss anyway... Fu#*?/£¥!!!! you, Naga Man, Fu¥+^#%/!!! you NoGel. Is who I talking about? Those two no-good I brought in to me party.

Look how they connive to wuk with that Flour Thief, to try to throw me out. How the Flour Thief and he friend could talk about where the KFC going and not mention me? They think the KFC is some kind of cook shop? I is the KFC and the KFC is me. I wuk too hard to get rid of the TratMan. Naga Man still vex wid me because he think I set he up with GraiNJa. Well I did set he up... but he don’t know that for sure. That was the only way I could get the TratMan to leave. But he shoulda understand. In politics is every man for heself. When we was in the PPEE and I was the lil boy, I use to help him get the votes at Congress. We use to bribe everybody.

(I just tek one drink, Dear Diary). After I write this, I going with the boys for a drink at the rum shop.) But Dear Diary, they don’t know me yet. I ready for them.

I learn good from the Naga Man how to earn friends and influence people: bribery. I already lay the trap for them.

How you think the Bush Doctor get Prado? Is them people who want to build the hospital. I tell them to help out the Bush Doctor and we will get them the hospital contract.

Han’ wash Han’ mek Han’ clean. And you know Dear Diary, it gonna tek a whole lotta washing to ge me han’ clean... (I gone for that drink.)

Wild West… …vigilantism The murders of two men – one in Sophia and the other in Berbice – have forced the nation to grapple with this latest descent into barbarity. Now while there’s been a great deal of ink spilled over the depravity of those who inflicted the fatal beatings – we’d like to make a wider connection.

You see, these kinds of societal breakdowns and the incidents – wide apart as they were geographically and ethnically – are society-wide and are never happenstance. Invariably, they’re connected with broader movements that create a mindset in which the illegal behaviour is justified.

It all has to do with how we are socialised to look at the law and the organs of the state to deal with the inevitable disputes in every society – excepting possibly heaven. And even there, we heard of a fellow, high up the hierarchy, who disagreed with how things were going and had to be expelled. In these matters, the fish, as they say, starts to stink at the top.

Now look at what’s been going on in Guyana for over a year. There’s an election. The opposition can’t wait for the count to be done properly. They march up and down the streets of Georgetown, threatening Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials. The police have to use condign force to keep the peace.

The police get blamed – by opposition leaders, one of whom actually was a former commissioner and another, head of the army. The authority of the forces of law and order is diminished in the eyes of the populace.

A while later, the Alliance for Change (AFC) disagrees with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) about gradually equalising the electricity tariffs for Linden. The PPP/C and APNU worked with the system – the PPP/C wanted equalisation, APNU only agreed after it forced the PPP/C to raise pensions. AFC then breaks the rules of the (political) game, runs down to Linden, screams they were betrayed by the PPP/C (“racist”) and APNU (“sell-out”) and all hell breaks loose as APNU backtracks trying to protect its turf.

The police are called in to keep the peace, the law is broken and flouted, shots are fired, three demonstrators die, and…the police are blamed. Their authority is diminished once again. Protests now pop up every time there’s a disagreement. No one wants to use the legal system. Why are we now surprised when ordinary people take vigilante justice when they “catch a thief”?

The opposition leaders must start leading by example when it comes to using the law to settle disputes. …City Hall The long-running soap-opera “As the World Turns” had evidently been replaced by a local production called “As City Hall Turns”. Every day there’s a new twist but the theme’s always the same: the avaricious mayor Hamilton Green and his band of renegades holding the citizens of our (once fair) city to ransom.

In the recent episodes, the mayor was upstaged by a steely-eyed gunslinger, brought in from the outside by the Local Government Ministry. And to add drama to the storyline – the gunslinger’s a woman. While the mayor was able to outdraw all the other hired-guns brought in to clean up the mess in the corrupt city, it looked like he met his match this time.

Untouched by the dirt that evidently accretes on everyone who’s come through the City Hall swamp, the Town Clerk Carol Sooba had some old-fashioned ideas. Like a person must work for what they get paid.

A real revolutionary, if you know City Hall.

In the latest episode, the mayor wants to fire the town clerk for “insubordination”. Previously, it was for being unqualified. Now, after interviewing eight candidates, they can’t get anyone qualified. Poor mayor. Stay tuned. …Mother’s Day Lest it be thought your faithful Eyewitness is heartless, let me assure everyone that every Mothers’ Day the Eyewitness sings Mighty Sparrow’s “Mothers Love” to his dear old Mom, who’s still around to pull him up!

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AFC stands alone in opposition to anti-money laundering bill

- govt deems move 'vulgar abuse', APNU signals support

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) said it will not support the recently tabled Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, citing President Donald Ramotar’s veto of two opposition bills as its reason, a move which government has deemed an example of “vulgar abuse” on the part of the minority party.

But, from all appearances, the AFC will be standing alone, as its main parliamentary ally, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), said it has already given its commitment in the House that once the bill is fine tuned at the level of the Select Committee, it would get its blessing.

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan on

Wednesday announced that his party is withdrawing its support for the bill until the president assents to the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2013 and the Former President’s (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2012, both passed by the combined opposition using their one-seat majority.

However, last week, President Ramotar informed the Speaker of the House Raphael Trotman that he will not give his approval.

Now, the AFC is vindictively claiming that its decision to withdraw its support is based on the actions of the president.

“The AFC will reconsider its support for the anti-money laundering

bill in view of the fact that the government is not assenting to the two opposition bills, mainly the Fiscal Management and Accountability Amendment and the President’s Former Benefits Amendment,” the party leader stated.

Addressing the press at the SideWalk Café, Ramjattan said that with Guyana’s limited resources, the benefits of the former president must be capped, emphasising that a ceiling must be put in place.

Ramjattan’s acknowledgement

Turning his attention to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Amendment Bill, Ramjattan said when approved, it will have tremendous benefits as it

Vigilantes charged with Berbician’s murder S

ix men, including a Caribbean S e c o n d a r y Education Certificate (CSEC) student were refused bail when they appeared before Magistrate Khrishendat Persaud at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with the murder of Alfred Munroe, 45. Munroe was allegedly beaten to death last week.

They had accused Munroe of burglarising a shop. The six persons: Randolph Samuel called “Rudy”, 22; Arif Cecil, 21; Richard Griffith, 18, called “Brick Head”; Michael Lewis, 30, called “Mickey”; Zafar Seetaram called “Jafar”,

18; and Khruhnaraj Jagdeo called “Chris”, all of Rose Hall Town were not required to plead when the indictable charge was read to them.

The men were rushed into a packed courtroom and taken away after the charge was read to them.

Apart from Jagdeo, the other five are being represented by attorneys Sanjeev Datadin, Rodwell Jagmohan and Charles Ramson. Police Prosecutor Corporal King asked the court to have the accused back in court next Monday. Upon enquiry from Jagmohan, the court was told that more charges are expected to be laid on the de-

Randolph Samuel and Arif Cecil

Zafar Seetaram and Richard Griffith

Khruhnaraj Jagdeo

fendants.

Last Thursday, a group of 12 men were accused by Port Mourant residents of beating a man and a woman accused of stealing from a Rose Hall Town boutique. They were placed into the trunk of a car before being rescued by police. However, Munroe succumbed while receiving medical attention at the Port Mourant Hospital the very day.

Samuel, Cecil, Griffith, Lewis and Seetaram were arrested on the said day, as they were in the car when Munroe was taken out of the trunk.

Jagdeo was subsequently identified by the woman who was allegedly beaten by the men.

Samuel owns the boutique that Munroe allegedly burglarised. The car was reportedly driven by Seetaram.

M e a n w h i l e , Seetaram, who attends

Commission and reiterated that the party will not support the Anti-Money Laundering Amendment Bill 2013 until its demands are met.

relates to accountability.

This bill, the party argued, will help to root out corruption and aid in transparency.

He accused the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) of dragging its foot on the establishment of the Public Procurement

However, from all indications, it appears as though the AFC will be standing alone when the anti-money laundering bill goes to the National Assembly for approval.

APNU Chairman David Granger told Guyana Times International that the coalition made a commitment in the National Assembly to examine the bill in a special select committee and it will stand by that decision.

He said the anti-money laundering bill has been in the pipeline for several years, noting that it is time that the people

of Guyana benefit from such a move. He further added that while passage of the bill is important, enforcement is key.

He said the international community may be more concerned about enforcement, rather than meeting a deadline, adding that the APNU will not be making any deal with the president, since it is his constitutional right not to assent to the two bills.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, commenting on the AFC’s position, said the timely passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill is so important to national interest that any responsible party would take all available steps to ensure its approval.

the Berbice Islamic Private School at Port Mourant, is currently sitting the CSEC examinations. According to reports, he is writing eight subjects. On

Friday, while in custody at the Whim Police Station, he wrote paper two in Agriculture Science. However, on Monday, the murder accused missed paper one

as he had to attend court to answer to the charge of murder. The woman who was allegedly beaten last Thursday is in police protective custody.

Standing alone

AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan

12

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Surinam Airways still eyeing Georgetown-NY route W

ith the recent exit of Delta Airlines, there has not been much progress on the talks between government and Surinam Airways.

Contacted over the weekend about the status of the airline’s entry into the Georgetown/New York route, Surinam Airways Country Manager Rudi Westerborg disclosed that there are no new developments.

Delta, on May 7, carried through with its announced withdrawal from the Guyanese market, creating a void that can possibly be filled by the Dutch carrier.

When questioned further, Westerborg said although there are technicalities hindering its progress, the airline has not given up hope and is still looking into the possibility of flying to New York.

“Talks are still ongoing among all the parties… but there is nothing concrete as yet,” Westerborg told this newspaper.

The station manager had earlier said the airline will welcome with open arms, all passengers who have expressed a preference for flying the Georgetown/ New York route with the Dutch-owned airline.

Westerborg was at the time responding to reports about the possible entry of the airline into direct competition with Caribbean Airlines, which could eventually dominate the market with Delta’s recent withdrawal.

He told Guyana

Rudi Westerborg

Clyde Cairo

Times International that although proposals and plans are in their initial stages, the possibility of Surinam Airways flying the Georgetown/New York route could prove a positive move in the right direction.

According to Westerborg, officials, including Vice President Clyde Cairo who met with Guyana’s head of state, Donald Ramotar in March, have prepared a report for the board of directors as the first step toward concretising plans.

President Ramotar and a delegation, which included Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee met with Cairo on the sidelines of the 24th Inter-Sessional Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Minister RodriguesBirkett said the two sides will have a follow-up meeting shortly as they continue to explore the possibilities of the airline servicing the

route.

Cairo said the meeting with President Ramotar and his delegation was fruitful and he will relay the details to the board of directors of Surinam Airways, according to a statement from the Government Information Agency (GINA).

“We have discussed possibilities; yes, there are options which we will look into… I need to report to my board first… effective July we can begin servicing this route, either non-stop or via another point,” Cairo said in an invited comment.

Cairo had earlier promised that the airline was preparing to offer better packages to the Guyanese travelling public.

The airline’s North America route manager, Henk Fitz-Jim had previously disclosed that Surinam Airways was examining the possibility of re-establishing flights to New York, since during the 1980s it provided flights to New York from Georgetown.

Learning channel broadens scope – Moraikobai residents begin benefitting

R

Education Minister Priya Manickchand delivering a charge to the students of the Moraikobai Primary School, Region Five, as the village begins receiving the Guyana Learning Channel

esidents of Moraikobai, a riverine community of Region Five, Tuesday expressed gratitude to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government for the installation of a dish that allows residents to experience the Guyana Learning Channel, which is expected to boost education delivery. Televisions were set up at the village office, the St Francis Nursery School, and the Community Research Centre, where the students and teachers can access the learning channel at their leisure.

Residents who have television sets can also access the channel once they have an antenna.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand travelled to the community to be part of the event, and urged the students to make full use of the opportunity afforded to them. While the programmes will be edifying to students, she said that the channel is also dedicated to teachers, thus, changing the way they educate their charges.

The learning chan-

nel allows for all kinds of programmes that will help children’s learning process. These include: Mathematics from Grades Seven to 10, Chemistry, English Language, Physics, Biology, Social Studies, debates, spelling, discussions on various issues, examination tips, preparing School Based Assessments, sign language, cultural documentaries, and Guyanese history.

Excelling

Minister Manickchand pointed out that this is an example of government’s commitment to ensuring that children across the country have equal access to education, bringing equality to the services.

This, she said, has resulted in students doing extremely well at CXC and the National Grade Six Assessment from schools across the country, rather than just traditionally in Georgetown.

“You can do very well if you make use of the opportunities presented to you, and we will continue to bring those opportunities,” Minister Manickchand promised.

Praises

Village Toshao and National Toshaos Council (NTC) Chairperson Derrick John lauded government for the continued support to the community, especially in the education sector.

John said that he was very happy that the Education Ministry took this bold step which will see the students doing better academically. He said that the programmes broadcast on the channel are very educational, and will complement the work of the primary and secondary school teachers.

A resident, Junior Smith said: “I feel happy about it because this will serve my children very well.”

St Francis Nursery School teacher Miranda Callestro said that she welcomes the initiative, especially since it will benefit the students in her class.

Callestro added that reading is a challenge for some of the students, and the channel will help them in that regard once they apply themselves.

Gilbert says religious bodies, families need to be more vibrant in shaping society

By Leana Bradshaw

M

aking reference to the sociological concept that society has basic human institutions, with the family being at the fore, National Family Commission Chairman Dr Kwame Gilbert noted that the family unit is most important in fostering a safe and well rounded society. He made these comments during an interview with Guyana Times International,

when questioned on the occasion of International Day of Families, which is observed on May 15 each year, since it was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.

“It is from the family that politicians are drawn, it is from the family that the educational system is developed… and that even religion is drawn. So in essence therefore, the family is critical, because that is where every indi-

vidual receives their first level of socialisation.

That is where the value systems are first of all established,” Reverend Gilbert stated.

As such, he stressed that the institution of the family is vital to the fabric of society, given that it is responsible for the upcoming generation which forms the society.

“It sets the tone for what all the other social institutions eventually demonstrate, manifest or become,” he pointed.

Family morals in Guyana

Speaking in light of the recent spate of killings in Guyana, Dr Gilbert said he does not believe the family unit has intentionally failed in carrying out its functions to nurture a safe environment, but rather, that there are a number of conspiring factors that have contributed to what is being played out in the local context.

He said while the role of the male as a father figure in the family

is critical, in the absence of such, the second most important human institution – the religious organisation, must step in.

“I believe, and this is not just conjecture, from a lot of researches that have been done over time, that one of the major factors that’s affecting families today and robbing them of that ability to really function in a way that is enabling and empowering, is the absence of the role of the male.”

Dr Kwame Gilbert

He continued: “There’s a function for every male and father in continued on page 13

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Repsol signs new deal with Guyana

By Leana Bradshaw

S

panish oil exploration giant, Repsol on Tuesday signed another agreement with the Guyana government to commence drill-

nalisation of the agreement.

“Hopefully by the end of this year, we will have completed the acquisition of the seismic, during 2014, our plans are to process all this volumes

gas producer.

Persaud said “having the two companies with good international reputation operating within our offshore in pursuit of oil exploration, eventually we hope very soon

Repsol’s Latin America Exploration Director Joseba Murillas briefing the media

ing for oil and gas, in the Kanuku Basin offshore Guyana. Affixing his signature to the agreement which was previously signed by President Donald Romotar (who is the minister responsible for petroleum), was Repsol’s Latin America Exploration Director Joseba Murillas.

The signing ceremony took place at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Murillas said Repsol is pleased to be working along with Tullow Oil, as a partner in the basin to access the much anticipated oil commodity.

Repsol has been present in the basin for many years and with an office already set up in Guyana, it is expected to initiate exploration activities following the fi-

and contact, all the interpretation tasks with the objective of finding a well location in 2015,” he stated.

The company’s hope is that following preparations, it will be able to begin actual drilling for oil by 2016. The exploration director expressed his company’s willingness to work with government in search for oil on territorial waters and is hopeful for positive results.

M e a n w h i l e , Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said government is pleased to have Repsol back on board, after a number of in-depth negotiations prior to the agreement.

He believes this undertaking will allow Guyana to fulfil expectations of being an oil and

Gilbert says religious bodies, families need to be more vibrant in ...

from page 12

the parenting, child rearing, child caring process.

When that is removed, I think it contributes in a large way in how the family then is forced to function.”

“I don’t think the school is effectively tasked with the responsibility of nurturing, with respect to establishing some of those more key value systems in our young people,” Dr Gilbert pointed out.

He concluded: “If those two institutions are failing (family and religion), we’re in serious trouble.” The NFC chair-

man therefore blames the downfall of these two institutions for the high rate of violence in Guyana, and believes the religious bodies need to be more vibrant in shaping society.

The International Day of Families reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. It also provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families.

a significant commercial discovery certainly would be a plus for us”.

Repsol will engage in petroleum exploration in Guyana’s concession acreage referred to as the Kanuku Block.

The Spanish oil giant was responsible for the drilling of the Jaguar One Well in partnership with CGX, which is located just offshore of the Georgetown Block.

The operation, which was expected to be the largest, came up empty-handed back in 2012 since the team was forced to stop drilling after being warned it could become dangerous if they continued. Discussions between Repsol and the Natural Resources

Ministry through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission commenced in mid- 2012, in anticipation of the expiration of the Petroleum Prospecting Licence,

which was for the Georgetown Block.

The new Petroleum Prospecting Licence and its Production Sharing Agreement are in respect of an area of approxi-

mately 6525 square kilometres within the sedimentary basin offshore Guyana, and some 100 miles seawards of the mouth of the Berbice River.

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IDB working to strengthen SMEs T

he private sector must work to strengthen interfirm collaboration, reduce costs, maintain employment, and lay the groundwork for strategies of diversification, innovation, and value-added exports

forcement of quality standards that are consistent with global practices and training SMEs in such standards, encouraging business development services that help SMEs access global production networks, and facilitating

Downtown Georgetown

in the medium term.

This is according to a study undertaken by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the strengthening of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector.

The study showed that the public sector can help SMEs integrate more fully and competitively into global production processes through several means.

These include providing investment and trade information, the establishment and en-

the training and capacity building of SMEs. According to the study, the government needs to uncover new ways that are feasible, as well as identify and encourage people to come up with such initiatives.

It stated that the government also needs to discover what public inputs required to support the private sector are missing.

Need for strong public-private dialogue

The IDB report mentioned too that the level of detailed information

required is very high.

In order for government to get access to this information and encourage the private sector to engage in pre-investment activities such as call centres, medical services, and clinical trials, as well as identify problems and their solutions, there is a need for strong public-private dialogue.

The study found that in an effort to enhance private sector development (PSD) and increase the impact of PSD projects, a comprehensive programme is needed to link business climate reforms to cluster development initiatives and to make improvements at the firm-level.

Detailing the role of government and the private sector, the study related that without a strategy to foster private sector development, increase competitiveness, and attract foreign investment, sustained economic growth will not be achieved.

It added that governments need to play an active role in this process by supporting innovative mechanisms to attract investments to improve infrastructure that foster

a business climate that encourages and rewards entrepreneurship, offering transparent laws and regulations that facilitate business development, access to finance and a stable macroeconomic environment. Concerning the cost of doing busi-

ness for SMEs, the study proved that there is a multiplicity of policies, agencies, and instruments that produce overlapping efforts, confusion, inflexibility, and inefficiencies.

The study went on to mention that poor ac-

cess and high transaction costs for users, due to the excessive range of separate channels for requesting support, and lack of institutional capacity make the mechanisms available less transparent and less user-friendly.

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No racial bias in issuance of radio licences – PPP/ C T

he Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) has defended the government’s position on the issuance of radio licences, removing itself from suggestions made that it used “racial profiling” in the process, while condemning sections of society for misleading the nation on the issue. Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall said the PPP/ C administration has never once tried to use its executive powers to impose punitive sanctions in an unreasonable and unlawful fashion against any section of society.

Rudy Grant

Anand Persaud

Alfro Alphonso

Maxwell Thom

Haslyn Graham

Dharam Kumar Seeraj

Omar Lochan

Rawle Ferguson

Rocliffe Christie

Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop

ise, to break the monopoly on radio which was held by the state.

Unlike reports carried in sections of the media, Nandlall said permission was granted to a wide cross-section of individuals.

Government did not

give one or two permissions to operate radio stations, he said, but granted approximately 10 permissions to broadcast.

The attorney general maintained that the manner in which the issuance of radio licences is being portrayed in sec-

tions of the media is one that speaks to “racial profiling”.

an unfortunate practice by some media houses and in fact amplifies irresponsibility where press freedom is considered”.

To this end, the minister maintained that government is cognisant of the importance of freedom of the press and expression.

Nandall said the commitment of the PPP/ C administration to freedom of expression has been questioned. The attorney general restated that the administration has a long legacy and a proud history of protect-

Ethnicity

Nandlall, during his address to the media on Monday at the party’s press conference, said ethnicity has been made an issue with the issuance of radio licences, since the government broke the monopoly in 2011.

Instead, the minister recalled that the decision taken by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, to issue radio licences is a realisation of the 2006 manifesto prom-

Press freedom

He expressed the view that “a deliberate impression is being conveyed that only persons of a certain ethnicity have been granted licences. This is

Continued on page 21

Feature

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Why action on forests now is essential to our futures Written by Bharrat Jagdeo, president of Guyana from 1999 to 2011, and now roving ambassador for the Three Basins Initiative.

First published in the UK Guardian on April 16, 2013 (http://www. guardian.co.uk)

W

hile forests once provided subsistence for local people, for generations clearing forested land has also been good for global business, providing immediate food security for the world.

Put simply, forests have been worth more dead than alive.

As populations grow, emerging and industrialised countries are looking to the three great world forest regions – the Three Basins of the Congo, the Amazon and south-east Asia – for their growing resource needs. The economic imperative to acquire and clear more land increases daily as demand for food and commodities grows. More than half of the global forest loss has occurred in the Three

Basins. But world food production needs standing forests not felled trees.

And forests are not about food: they provide protection for local communities against catastrophic flooding and erosion during rainy seasons. The forests of the Three Basins act as huge carbon capture and storage units, drawing down around 10 per cent of annual greenhouse gas emissions every year. They are the planet’s principal defence against climate change – a fact that is often lost amid a debate about climate change that focuses almost entirely on fossil fuels. Destroying the forests makes our climate unstable and unpredictable, with increasing desert areas and more extreme weather.

Conversely, addressing forest use in the Three Basins has huge potential to limit future damage from climate change.

Clearly, we need to stop damaging the world’s forests, but this is not as easy as it

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

sounds. In the same way as fossil fuels are deeply embedded in the way countries develop, so is a centuries-old model of land use in which forested land is seen as a resource to be exploited.

Stopping forest destruction overnight is neither possible nor desirable, as it would cause the price and availability of food and other commodities to rocket.

However, it is possible to get the balance right.

Brazil is already showing what is possible. By reducing deforestation by two thirds since 2004, Brazil has avoided an estimat-

ed one billion tonnes of CO2 emissions – few people know that this is a larger reduction in emissions than any other country has managed.

This has not come at the cost of economic growth: at the same time, Brazil has lifted 10 million citizens out of poverty and continues to supply the world with food such as beef and soy, and other resources. My own country, Guyana, is maintaining 99.5 per cent of our forest, while investing heavily in new economic sectors that take pressure off the forests over the long term. Many other forest countries in the Three Basins are willing to act. Ambitious national proposals have been made. Many, including Vietnam, Gabon and the Republic of Congo have detailed plans in place, backed by high-level political commitment.

New model

If countries are ready to act: how do we deliver development, reduce poverty and feed increasing numbers of people while protecting

– saving forests offers a new route to alleviating hunger and malnutrition, promoting development and tackling climate change the climate? The challenge is to invest in a new model of land use that addresses the drivers of forest loss, develops alternative sources of income and employment for forest communities, and meets the increasing demand for global food security. This means decoupling poverty alleviation and economic growth from deforestation, much in the same way as the world is beginning to separate economic growth from fossil fuel use.

But this is difficult and expensive – and everyone who benefits needs to share in paying for the valuable services forests provide. We need to make forests worth more alive than dead.

In 2009 in Copenhagen, hopes were high for a forest-financing mechanism as part of a global climate deal which would recognise the climate services provided by those forests.

Pledges were made to mobilise US$100 billion (£65 billion) of new funding a year by 2020.

But despite the urgency,

the process has stalled.

Brazil and Guyana are showing what is possible when international partnerships materialise: in both cases, Norway is paying for some of the avoided greenhouse gas emissions. But beyond Brazil, Guyana, and Indonesia, forest countries are faced with a reality that funds have been delayed; they are beginning to question whether a deal is possible. Such slow progress puts millions of lives and livelihoods at risk in every part of the world.

My consultation across the Three Basins has shown that without the prospect of sufficient, secure, predictable finance, it will be hard to resist growth through the continued destruction of forests.

A deal does not just make sense for food and the planet: it offers a new way of partnering for development.

The west invests in forest-friendly economic growth and gets something in return – less exposure to weather-reContinued on page 23

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Relatives blame each other for

young couple’s murder/ suicide

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wenty-four-yearold Vijay Arjune called “Kevin” of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, who allegedly shot his pregnant teenage fiancée then took his own life last Thursday evening, might have premeditated the act.

Dhanwantie Raghoo, eldest sister of the now dead Parbattie Raghoo called “Priya”, told this newspaper that she accompanied the couple to Suriname where they were supposed to spend two days, but instead they spent eight. During the trip, she added that he treated both of them with a lot of love but more importantly, he confided in her about his problems with his mother, who was not too keen on the relationship. He reportedly told her that he was fearful of losing Priya since he loved her sincerely.

Arjune, she added, told her that his mother was never in favour of the girl he chose to become his wife and would always create a rift between them. Days before they departed for Suriname, Raghoo said that he was happy upon receiving the news that her sister was pregnant with his child. While he was elated, his mother did not share his joys and started to ridicule him about the relationship. This was the reason for him planning the trip to Suriname.

The now dead auto electrician reportedly withdrew all his money

from his bank account with the hope of having a grand time. She explained that while they were returning from Suriname, Arjune threatened to kill her sister and then himself, but she did not take it for granted. In addition, he started to talk about funeral homes and arrangements.

While they did not take him seriously, they laughed off the “talks” as jokes but it turned out to be serious.

At the house of the dead man, his mother Babita Persaud told this newspaper that the last time she saw her son alive was Friday morning when he left the home after telling her that he wanted to spend some time with his pregnant girlfriend. She then received a text message from him on Saturday morning wishing her a happy birthday and that he loved her. From then on, the aggrieved mother stated she has been trying to contact both her son and Raghoo, but to no avail.

She explained that before he left on Friday morning, her future daughter-in-law promised to take care of “her baby” since she was cognisant that her husband was not at home. During their time in Suriname, Persaud was in constant contact with Priya’s mother and updated her of their whereabouts since she was in contact with them. On Thursday, she explained that she went to Georgetown and

Vijay “Kevin” Arjune and Parbattie “Priya” Raghoo in happier times

upon reaching home, she received a telephone call informing her that her son was back in Guyana and he was on his way home with his fiancée.

No response

She explained that surprisingly, the teenager’s mother contacted her to find out if they had reached home. Another half hour elapsed and she called again to find out, but got another negative response.

The mother explained that the relatives of both parties started to get worried, but held out that they will return during the night. Persaud said after time was swiftly passing, her husband decided to look for them but was not sure where to start since they were not certain if he had gone to Georgetown.

Nevertheless, Arjune’s relatives decided to visit the home of the owner of the service from which their son had rented the car, but on their way, they recognised a white Toyota Raum motor car parked in a dark corner along the Caledonia road, but drove pass. At the home of the owner of the rental service, they were told that Kevin returned since Wednesday and in the same breath, the man also told them that he just passed the rented vehicle parked along the Caledonia Public Road.

With a sigh of relief, they telephoned the relatives of the teenager and informed them, who in turn asked them to wait so that they can go to the vehicle together. Upon arriving at the

scene, Persaud jumped out of her car and saw her son and Raghoo lying in the car and thought that they were asleep, but they were confronted with their worst fear when they got close.

“We started to hit the car for them to wake up, but they nah move, so I decide to go around on the left hand side but when meh brace the car meh hand went in the car… de glass break… by this time, she father came and when he look, he seh u known wah, these people dead,” the woman cried.

When asked if Arjune had issues at home, she explained that on Wednesday last, her son informed her that his fiancée was pregnant and wanted to get marry. This, she noted was alarming to her and she told him that it was not possible to get married during this time because of the death of her brother.

She reportedly told him that since the girl is pregnant, and a traditional Hindu wedding was impossible, and she agreed that they would “sign papers” and then they will have a little reception later in the year.

This, she said, did not go down well with her son, thus he became angry and left. She feels that the parents of the girl were pressuring her son to get married to their daughter and he might have been frustrated and resorted to take actions into his own hands.

Meanwhile, the father of the dead girl said the couple shared a special relationship and they loved each other.

He said that they recently returned from Suriname, but upon his return, Kevin refused to go home and instead, he slept over. With tears in his eyes, he said he left for Georgetown on Thursday morning leaving them at home and even when he returned home, they were fine and he was not aware of any arguments.

A few minutes later, Arjune told him that he was heading home and left the Soesdyke house, but subsequently returned and requested his daughter to accompany him. His daughter, he added, was reluctant to go but after some encouragement from her mother, she decided and went along and that was the last time he saw her alive. The next time he saw his daughter was in the rented car, dead.

He said his daughter had a gunshot wound to her right temple in the vicinity of her ear and Arjune had one to his right temple as well. He also stated that Arjune had issues at home since his mother wanted to control his life, which he was not in total agreement with. Both families are blaming each other for the couple’s death.

The man leaves to mourn his parents, and foster siblings, while the teenager is survived by her parents and two siblings.

Lessons from EU remain relevant No racial bias in to Caricom – President Ramotar issuance of radio...

T

he government of Guyana and the diplomatic community joined the head of the European Union (EU) to Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Robert Kopecký and his family in observing 'Europe Day' last Thursday.

At a reception at his Bel Air Spring’s residence, Ambassador Kopecký said the European federation has deepened and broadened since the initiation of Europe Day, pointing out that Croatia will become the 28th member of the EU on July 1.

He said the EU continues to maintain a longstanding relationship with non-European countries in the Caribbean and South America, with Guyana being no exception. Turning his attention to Guyana in particular, Ambassador Kopecký alluded to the EU funded Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project, which was designed to mitigate the impact of natural disasters such as flooding. However, he underscored the importance of the maintenance of drains, pumps and other sections of the drainage system in Georgetown to prevent future flooding.

Ambassador Kopecký also made reference to the 10th European Development Fund, noting that plans are in the pipeline for future financial and technical assistance.

Under the 10th European Development Fund, the

President Donald Ramotar and EU head of delegation to Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký toast on the occasion of Europe Day. Miss India Worldwide 2012 Alana Seebarran looks on

EU will concentrate on macroeconomic support, as well as continued support to the Guyana sea defences and coastal management.

The European Commission’s total allocation since 2008 up until 2013 amounts to €55.4 million.

ing and preserving freedom of expression in all of its manifestation and form.

Turning his attention to one case of suspension of licence, the minister recalled the CNS Channel Six case. He said this was one such scenario where government had the option of revoking the licence granted, after there was a breach in the Constitution.

The minister maintained that the fundamental position of the PPP/ C has always been to champion freedom of the press and expression and has accorded it the highest priority in the legal framework.

Recently, producer of Capitol News, Enrico

From page 16

Woolford and his seven lawyers were a no- show in the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 9 as the matter involving his challenge to radio licences issued by government and frequencies issued by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) to 11 applicants, was called.

The matter was called before acting Chief Justice Ian Chang and has been adjourned to June 3.

Nandlall, named as the respondent in the case, requested a dismissal of the matter. However, the court granted a 21-day leave to the respondent, to allow him to file an affidavit in answer.

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Hotel murder suspect nabbed en route to Venezuela

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he man who allegedly killed Maryann Nauth at a city hotel on Sunday was nabbed at Supenaam en route to Venezuela, police sources have confirmed. Vinod Balgobin was apprehended early Wednesday morning at the Supenaam Stelling by police on the Essequibo Coast. The alleged killer was spotted by officers who were conducting routine checks.

Balgobin is currently in custody at the Aurora Police Station on the Essequibo Coast.

According to information reaching Guyana Times International, someone spotted him leaving Parika on Wednesday and contacted police on the Essequibo Coast to look out for him.

Balgobin has reportedly cooperated with

detectives and gave relevant information, including confirming that he lives at La Penitence, Georgetown.

Balgobin has been identified as the main suspect in the murder of his 31-year-old reputed wife who was stabbed to death in a city hotel.

Police had visited his mother’s premises on several occasions at Albouystown with the intention of finding him, but to no avail. His mother reportedly told investigators that her son left home for work on Saturday and did not return. She was arrested, but later released.

Nauth also called “Baby” of 110 Vryheid's Lust, North East Coast Demerara, was found lying on her back in the hotel with the murder weapon stuck in her chest.

The woman’s body,

Murdered woman: Maryann Sunita Nauth

which bore about 28 stab wounds, was discovered by staff of the hotel sometime after 02: 00h on Sunday after they saw the door was left ajar. Nauth sustained stab wounds to her chest, breast and abdomen.

Reports are that the woman had checked in with a male companion at the hotel on Saturday

evening, but by 02: 00h on Sunday morning, the man was seen leaving the establishment.

Indranie Bharat, the mother of the dead woman, on Monday disclosed that Nauth endured a lot of abuse from the time she 'hooked up' with Balgobin some 13 years ago. She explained that her daughter had separated from the man in the latter part of 2012, but he had been attempting to reconcile the relationship.

Meanwhile, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in a statement said it is alarmed over the recent tragedy that befell two of the nation’s women on Mother’s Day – a day when the nation should have been celebrating its women.

Later that same day, a mother of seven burnt her home to the ground.

UG signs agreement with Ohio University for further collaboration

T

he University of Guyana Centre for Communication Studies (UGCCS) and Ohio University Scripps College of Communication on Friday signed an activity agreement to build on their existing relations.

CCS Director Carolyn Walcott said the partnership is significant as it takes the relationship the UGCCS enjoys with Ohio University to a new level.

“About three or four years ago, the University of Guyana Centre for Communication Studies signed a three-year agreement with the Ohio University for the strengthening of journalism and mass communication in Guyana.

That was a very successful project and we have since enlarged or expanded our relations with OU to include partnership or relationships so to speak with other faculties at Ohio University.”

Ohio University School of Media Arts and Studies, Professor

Emeritus Dr Vibert Cambridge said the agreement forms a new phase of relationships between the two universities.

“This agreement speaks to human resource development in terms of organising a special doctoral programme, a special PhD programme for members for the Centre for Communication Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences at UG, special masters’ programme, it speaks to arrangements in curriculum development and it speaks to opportunity for faculty and student mobility,” he explained.

The model agreement is expected to be instituted in other faculties at UG, as the relationships develop. He noted that colleagues from the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University are currently in conversation with their counterparts in the Faculty of Education and Humanities and the medical school. As such, UG anticipates in-

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi and Ohio University School of Media Arts and Studies Professor Emeritus, Dr Vibert Cambridge shake hands after signing the agreement

tensified relationships throughout this year.

Meanwhile, UG Vice Chancellor Dr Jacob Opadeyi said since being appointed to his current position, he has been looking forward to such opportunities.

“In July… I will be visiting Ohio University to sign the head agreement that will fully link the two universities in all the faculties and all

departments,” he said.

“Following this, we’re looking at joint appointments between Ohio and UG where we can appoint the faculty as visiting professors and this will give the students the opportunity to be able to contact professors that we cannot retain here, but who are at Ohio University and they can get benefits of such nature from them.”

Life in limbo …Virtual piffle There’s always been speculation about what happens after life. Some say you go to heaven… or most likely, human nature being what it is, to hell.

Well, after Executive Committee (ExCo) member Ralph Ramkarran left the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which was life to him, we’re finding out.

We’d have said Ramkarran was in some kind of limbo.

You know, that region right outside of hell where you hang around until the powers that be, decide what to do with you.

But Ramkarran just informed us as to where he actually is. Seems there is such a thing as “virtual reality” and Ramkarran has taken up residence there. We should’ve suspected. For the past year, we haven’t actually seen the man. The only clue he’s still around is a column in a blog called “Conversation Tree”. Conversation Tree exists in virtual reality.

Now the real Conversation Tree, at the turnoff where Ramkarran lives, has dried up and died. This was one clue that all was not well with Ramkarran.

I mean, if the signifier of your existence dries up, it doesn’t send a reassuring message, does it? Anyhow, every week, the Stabber News picks up Ramkarran’s column and reprints it in its Sunday edition with a photo of Ramkarran and everything.

This is to reassure us that Ramkarran is still around…and, more to the point, that he matters. To drive home the latter point, the Stabber then goes on to carry the contents of the column as a news story later in the week. They just add “he said” and “she said” and other codes to imply that they’re reporting the words of a real life person from Earth. But in this week’s column, Ramkarran blew his cover, so to speak.

Actually, he tried to paint a picture of the PPP/C he left back on Earth. Said they’re in a virtual reality, which he first compared to the “Matrix”. But he blew his analogy when he also said the PPP/C was in the Orwellian world of “1984”. I mean, George Orwell described a real life world that would be created if true-believer Marxist-Leninists like Ramkarran ever got into power. In the “Matrix”, it’s machines that take over.

But Ramkarran really ought to visit the real world if he wants to be taken seriously. When he was back on Earth with the PPP/C, the rap against him was that he was “alienated” from the masses. Now that he exists only in virtual reality, who listens? …Virtual arrival We really wonder what’s going on over in the Ministry of Culture. Dr Frank Anthony comes over as a humble guy. But to paraphrase Winston Churchill, seems like he has a lot to be humble about. He just can’t seem to make up his mind on this “Arrival Day” business. Is it “Arrival Day”? Or “Indian Arrival Day”?

We’re getting all confused out here. All the events the ministry sponsored seem to say, “Indian Arrival Day”, but then he shows up and talks about this generic “arrival business”. Enough already!

Then to rub salt into the confused local wounds, the ministry goes and invites two Trinis – Brinsley Samaroo and Kusha Haracksingh – to lecture Guyanese about our indentured experience. Two problems. First, these fellows are real establishment types, spouting only the “official line”. Haracksingh, for instance, used to be chairman of the Caronie, the Trinidad sugar company they eventually closed down.

Secondly, don’t we have any Guyanese who can speak on these matters? Guyana’s ethnic relations are significantly different from those of Trinidad, and people who comment on our ethnic affairs at this critical juncture ought to be more aware of our nuances.

Tambo award With Forbes Burnham’s award in limbo (not virtual reality) – if not nixed, Barrington Braithwaite of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) took his fellow executive member Tacuma Ogunseye to task for putting the People’s National Congress (PNC) on the spot about Dr Walter Rodney.

Ah…the trials and tribulations of the true believers!

Feature

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The story of privatisation: Part II

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I

n our issue two weeks ago (week ending May 5th), we gave a background to the privatisation drive that was initiated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) back in 1989 under the then People’s National Congress (PNC) regime of President Desmond Hoyte. The rationale for privatisation was that the performance of the enterprises would be improved; employment increased; government would not have to subsidise them and in fact could collect taxes from income and profits; market forces would be strengthened in the economy; and a domestic capital market could be developed.

We used as examples, the cases of the telephone company, Guyana Telecommunications Corporation, and the National Paint Company to evaluate examples to what extent the goals of privatisation were realised. The former, while sold for a song, delivered on most of the goals and is still around as the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company.

The latter has disappeared ignominiously, leaving an unpaid balance of US$900,000 on its purchase price of US$1.15 million.

The PNC had rushed into the privatisation with gusto, placing 20 companies on the block and tried to complete as many as they could before the elections of October 5, 1992, which could be termed ‘Phase I’. After the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took over the reins of government, they went into a more considered round of privatisation, which could be termed ‘Phase II’. From this round, we will consider the case of Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC) and from the PNC’s Phase I, the case of Demerara Woods Limited (DWL).

Lord Maxwell Beaverbrook

Demerara Woods

Like the privatisation of the giant Guyana Telecommunications Corporation, which was sold to a new U.S. company Atlantic Tele Network (ATN), Demerara Woods’ divestment was also executed outside of the purview of the Public Corporation Secretariat and the Divestment Unit that were responsible for privatisation matters. It had long been rumoured that more money passed under the table than over. It is not surprising, therefore, that historian Odeen Ishmael, lumped the Demerara Woods’ privatisation among the PNC’s “controversial deals”.

He wrote: “There were indeed some controversial privatisation deals which took place. The one that received the most publicity was the sale of Demerara Woods Limited.

Lord Maxwell Beaverbrook, a former treasurer of British Conservative Party, bought the entity in February 1991 for £9.7 million. He also negotiated and obtained a 50-year lease for 1.1 million acres of rainforest.

“Just two months later, in April 1991, he sold his interests to United Dutch Company for £61 million worth of equity in that firm. The new en-

Why action on forests now is essential to our futures...

From page 17

lated damage, cheaper insurance premiums, and a lower need to invest in flood and other climate defences. A fair payment for the services provided by forests supports a forest country’s own efforts towards development and poverty alleviation, creating the catalyst for private investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable employment. In return, new markets for food and resources are developed, trade increases and we deliver climate change targets. This will not just bring momentum and confidence to these commitments, but

will divert private capital away from deforestation towards maintaining forests sustainably.

The international community should commit to deliver on existing pledges, including commitments to ramp up support for Three Basins countries to develop new forest-friendly economies as part of global efforts to combat hunger, nutrition and climate change. Just by delivering a fraction of funds that have already been promised – we estimate nine per cent – richer nations could kick start a change that benefits us all.

tity was re-named Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL). Even though Beaverbrook had up to mid-1992 not finished paying the Guyana government for Demerara Woods, he merged the enterprise into the giant United Dutch Company. This latter company took control of Demerara Timbers, of which Beaverbrook remained a major shareholder. By 1992, United Dutch valued Demerara Timbers at £74 million!

“The rainforest concession alone was estimated at between US$160 million to US$206 million. The IMF cited Demerara Woods as a priority item for the state to sell despite the fact the bilateral donors and the World Bank had poured a huge amount of financial aid (including £14 million from the European community) for the development of Demerara Woods.

Furthermore, Demerara Woods’ debt was underwritten by the government as part of the sale agreement. Thus, the citizens of Guyana subsidised the bargain-basement sale of a timber asset to entice foreign investment into the country.”

The lucky purchaser was Aviation Investments, a consortium led by the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana. The businessmen invested US$1.8 million in the operation while government’s 49 per cent stake was underpinned by US$1.7 million of GAC’s assets. The airline was renamed ‘Guyana 2000’.

The Aviation Investments group was comprised of a consortium of nine companies representing the crème de la crème of the Guyanese business community, including the aforementioned small aircraft operators. It was headed by Demerara Distillers

While Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC) was always on the IMF’s list of companies to be privatised, the PNC did not find any buyers. The PPP/C government held on to it until it collapsed in February 1999 due to problems primarily with its single aircraft – a Boeing 757-200 it had leased and to a top-heavy bureaucratic structure. The government worked feverishly to put the corporation back on its feet while placing it on the bloc. When it was privatised in 1999, the group that bought the 51 per cent controlling fraction of the shares in the new corporation renamed it ‘Guyana Air 2000’ (GA 2000), and had to assume only US$2.2 million of US$10 million of GAC’s liabilities.

Limited (DDL) Chairman Yesu Persaud and its board of directors suggest the spread of local corporate might and savvy: Vic Oditt, vice chairman; Carole Hebert, secretary; and directors messrs Anthony Mekdeci, Michael Correia (Jnr), Stanley Ming, Maurice Solomon and Feroze Mohamed.

The company began flying in June 1999 to New York and Toronto by wet leasing an A300-600R Airbus from an Australian company. It was granted National Flag Carrier status, and promised to have its own crew within a year, as per requirement. It was obviously following a strategy of aggressive expansion and going all out to capture mar-

Guyana Airways

ket share. It began to look for a second A300-600R and started runs to Trinidad and Miami. The company talked grandiosely about expanding to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia to figure as a regional hub. On the partnerships sector, it said it hoped to sign an agreement with the British Virgin Atlantic in order to provide connections to Europe.

The strategy demanded low fares in the traditionally cut-throat airline business which GA 2000 plunged into. But within six months, responding to a news report, Chairman Persaud heatedly

The aircraft used by GA 2000

denied that the airline was in “crisis” and boasted that GA 2000 had already captured 60 per cent of the New York and Toronto routes. He had to admit, however, that while they were hauling more bodies than GAC, because of their much larger aircraft, they were travelling with a much lower “load capacity”. What was the point?

Three months later, Miami was cut and Trinidad was pulled. By June, GA 2000, after promising so much, had collapsed ignominiously.

Many Guyanese passengers were left holding their tickets.

Very little was heard from the corporate backers constituting Aviation Investments to this day.

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Guyana lauded for progress in HIV/AIDS fight A

s the countdown to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) continues, Guyana is being lauded for its remarkable progress in fighting HIV/ AIDS. Guyana/Suriname United Nations HIV/ AIDS programme coordinator, Dr Roberto Luiz Brant Campos, said Guyana is on track for the achievement of goal six of the MDGs, which seeks to combat HIV/ AIDS by 2015.

He pointed to the outstanding feat of Guyana in decreasing its HIV prevalence in pregnant women in the last 10 years from 2.6 to 0.9 per cent. This was achieved through the ‘prevention of mother-to-child transmission’ programme, which has received accolades internationally and is now being used as a best practice in many

countries.

The UNAIDS representative also lauded the fact that access to HIV/ AIDS treatment is now readily available to 80 per cent of the population in need.

Guyana has also seen a steady decrease of HIV/AIDS cases from 2006. According to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases in Guyana has been reduced to one per cent of the total population, complying with the UNAIDS target of 1.3 per cent.

Guyana is currently pursuing a trajectory of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2020, as outlined in its strategic plan. Health officials in Guyana said the country is on a path to achieving a collective goal of having zero new infections, zero stigma and discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero mother-to-child transmission by 2020.

Government said this progress in part has resulted from strong political will and commitment, and a willingness to frontally address social and cultural norms that serve as a driver of the HIV epidemic.

In terms of AIDS cases, Guyana recorded an average of about 500 cases annually up to 2003.

In 2011, this dropped to 40 new AIDS cases.

In 2002, AIDS-related deaths accounted for 9.5 per cent of all deaths.

This was reduced to 4.7

per cent by the end of 2008. Presently, more than 3500 persons are in Guyana’s HIV/ AIDS treatment programme and are being treated with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).

Another 1500 persons are being managed, although they have not yet been recommended by their physicians to start ARV treatment. At the end of 2011, approximately 300 persons were being treated with second line ARVs. In addition, close to 1200 persons are receiving treatment and care through an innovative home-based care programme in Guyana.

Youth, women of childbearing age, commercial sex workers, mobile populations such as miners and loggers, and menwho-have-sex-with men have been identified as among those most at risk of contracting HIV in Guyana.

Persaud wrongfully accused of U.S. visa fraud

T

ulsie Persaud also called Ajay Jaikaran, 33, of Lot 4 Cemetery Road, Triumph Village, East Coast Demerara, who was arrested a week ago as a suspect in a major U.S. visa scam has been cleared of the charges which were read to him.

There was no evidence against Persaud when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday last,

since the person whom he was accused of conning confirmed that he was not the person who collected the money.

As such, the man told the court that he did not want to continue with the matter, thus the magistrate dismissed the case and told the wrongfullyaccused prisoner that he was free to go.

Persaud told Guyana Times International on Saturday morning that

upon his arrest, he told the investigators that he was wrongfully accused, reiterating that he did not collect any money from persons purporting that he can secure U.S. visas for them.

He added that he has been wrongfully locked up for at least five days and was dragged to court where the fraud charges were read to him, to which he indicated his innocence.

Tulsie Persaud

Persaud went on to say that the first time he was arrested for the visa scam, he was set up,c but after the magistrate realised that he was innocent, she also dismissed the case.

Ghost of the Kabaka S

atiricus believes in giving Jack his jacket and in the case of the Kabaka, giving the man his khaki jodhpurs he liked to wear when he rode around on his (high) horse.

Why were all these people denying him the Lambo Prize? Satiricus had just finished his dinner – foo-foo soup – and he was relaxing in his Berbice Chair. He became philosophical at times like this…was it the foo- foo? So, not surprisingly (to his wife) he fell asleep. And started to dream.

It was night and it was dark at Seven Ponds. It was getting towards the midnight hour. Things were beginning to stir. Who was that coming from beyond the Palm Tree? Was it Michael Jackson, doing a reprieve of his Thriller? Nah… the fella didn’t have on the trademark white glove. And he was much heavier. And his hair wasn’t long and straight. It was the Kabaka.

He was muttering to himself. “How can they possibly deny me, the great Kabaka, the Lambo Prize? How much did I not do for South Africa? Did I not tell them to stop calling me “Odo” and call me “The Kabaka”? How much more African can you get?”

“Odo, you couldn’t be African if you lived 50 years in the Congo,” said a voice from behind the mausoleum. It was Robney. “All you life you just trying to be a white man. Riding horse!!!”

“Is what the arse you doing here. I thought you lived in Le Repentir. Like you still have your high-jumping skills?” The Kabaka was mocking.

“Well my friends jump high enough to stop you from getting the Lambo Prize,” mocked Robney. “I was grounding with those brothers for a long time, Odo. Time longer than twine.”

“You may have been grounding in the dirt, you scruffy ragamuffin,” said the Kabaka scornfully, “but I sent $50,000 a year for the struggle. How ungrateful they are!”

“Ungrateful? Odo, is who $50,000 you sent? You wasn’t even a real president. You rig election and they should have jailed you ass for stealing people’s money,” said Robney scornfully.

“Listen my good man, in those times fair was foul and foul was fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air,” said the Kabaka superciliously.

“Did you not know those people would have ruled us?”

“Macbeth, eh? Don’t forget I went to Queen’s too,” replied Robney. “But you squeezed your own people Odo. That is why I had to remove you by any means necessary.”

“Remove me,” snorted the Kabaka derisively. “Like you forget is who remove who!”

“Nah, I didn’t forget. And neither did the world,” replied Robney calmly, “And that is why you will never get the Lambo Prize.”

Satiricus woke up with a stare. His wife was shaking him. “You were yelling ‘Good fuh yuh!

Good fuh yuh! What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I just learn why Jack didn’t get his jacket. It was never his to begin with.”

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NEWS

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Granger urges more citizen participation in electoral politics

O

Opposition Leader David Granger

pposition Leader and A Partnership for National Unity Chairman, Brigadier (retired) David Granger has called for greater citizens’ representation in Caribbean electoral politics.

He made this call while participating in a two-day regional forum on “strengthening regulation of political parties and political financing systems in the Caribbean”.

The forum, sponsored by the Organisation of American States and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, brought together representatives from government and opposition parties from 14 Caricom states in Bridgetown, Barbados May 8-9.

Granger, reacting to the “Draft Model Law on the Regulation of Political Parties and Political Financing Systems” advanced by the OAS, suggested that, at this time, emphasis should be placed on strengthening ‘representation’ of citizens rather than ‘regulation’ of parties.

Granger pointed out that Caribbean constitutions guaranteed freedom of association and the political system should aim at reinforcing, rather than restricting, that freedom.

The forum was declared open by Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and was addressed by OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza.

Insulza said political financing reform is necessary, “not only for the consolidation of free and fair elections, but for the strengthening of democracy”.

“This is not only our duty, but our obligation

so that the peoples of the Americas may realise their aspiration for a fair, democratic system, and benefit from the certainty of liberty and equality, which are intrinsic to democracy and indispensable for greater freedom and justice,” said the OAS leader.

“Political funding should not be stigmatised,” the secretary general added, “as it is a necessary part of a healthy and normal democratic life. However, it is undeniable that money can introduce important distortions to the democratic process.”

Addressing those distortions is crucial, he said, as “the perception of legitimacy lies at the core of this discussion”. The leader of the hemispheric organisation stated that in most countries of the Caribbean where the OAS has deployed Electoral Observation Missions, there is a need for greater regulation of political parties and political financing systems.

Nonetheless, he noted as positive the tendency in the region to “seek a balance in the influence of money in politics, and to strengthen the mechanisms for transparency and accountability”.

The meeting saw the participation of 42 delegates, and was aimed at discussing the underlying complex relationship between money and democracy.

The forum builds upon a 2010 regional consultation on model campaign finance legislation organised by the OAS in Kingston, Jamaica, and aims to engage high-level stakeholders in the development of laws and regulations on political financing in order to ensure transparent and equitable electoral processes in the region.

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Feature

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star of the week

C

arlotta Mohamed will soon be a 2013 York College Graduate with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Journalism. Born in Georgetown, Guyana on July 12, 1990 and raised in Richmond Hill, New York, since she was six years old, Carlotta hopes to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.

Carlotta already has some experience in the media field. She did a fourmonth internship at the Queens Chronicle where she covered issues relating to politics, arts and entertainment, education, crime, and local neighbourhood news.

She said: “Growing up, writing was always a passion of mine and it helped me express myself—all I needed was a pen and a piece of paper to write poems and short stories.

Learning how to write articles was important to me because I wanted to master the craft of print journalism but also broadcast as well. My dream is to become a foreign correspondent for CNN or Al-Jazeera news eventually climbing up the ladder to become an anchor at the desk. I know this road will be long and bumpy but I am willing to accept all of the challenges in order to make that dream come true”.

“As a young Guyanese woman who is striving to be successful in life, I hope to someday leave behind a legacy in the news industry as other phenomenal women have done…I hope to inspire all young ladies in our West Indian community to be proud and that the sky is the limit in any profession they choose to pursue”.

A tribute to ‘Papa’ Crosby Dr. Basdeo Mangru, York College, City University of New York

I

t is customary during historic occasions, like the 175th Anniversary of the presence of East Indians in the Caribbean, to extol their manifold contributions to the development of the region.

While suitable memorials are being erected in Guyana in commemoration of [Indian] Arrival Day we tend to overlook the contributions of ‘forgotten heroes’ who dedicated almost their entire lives to the upliftment of the most exploited group of workers, the indentured Indians, who toiled for nearly 80 years under the iniquitous indenture system. One of these ‘forgotten heroes’ was James Crosby, the longest serving Immigration AgentGeneral in the recipient colonies.

For 22 years (18581880) this indefatigable public official headed the Immigration Department in British Guiana at a time of planter dominance and Indian helplessness. He so intimately identified himself with the Indian immigrant population that he became “a sort of deity and impersonation of protection”, so much so that the Immigration Department became synonymous with Crosby.

Despite chronic staff shortages, poor transportation, an ever-increasing indentured population and his ignorance of Indian languages, Crosby “burnt at any sense of wrong and the defenceless at once made him a crusader”. He was a man

of exceptional industry, and he discharged his onerous duties fearlessly throughout his long and eventful career.

Indentured workers regularly approached him with full confidence that their complaints, no matter how trivial, would be carefully attended to, thoroughly investigated and speedily redressed.

Arrayed against him were the influential plantocracy, who comprehensively monopolized both economic and political power, the proplanter press, the moneyed interests and imperious Governor Francis Hincks who had a penchant for personal vendetta. In fact, Hincks, from the “dangerous neighbourhood of Belfast”, not only stripped Crosby of his prosecutorial powers but also denied him travelling expenses. This prevented him from investigating the cascade of complaints which warranted his personal attention. It was indeed a herculean task but Crosby never flinched, as he was motivated by a fervent desire to secure justice and fair play irrespective of the consequences. While others, even Governors, endeavored to appease the planting interests, Crosby refused to succumb to pressure in his relentless pursuit of justice.

Crosby’s vigorous advocacy of the rights of indentured workers could hardly be matched. It was Crosby who secured for indentured Indians a recognized daily minimum wage, reduced working hours and additional pay for extra work.

It was Crosby who re-

peatedly exposed defects in the law and the bias of magistrates in their interpretation of it. It was largely through his perseverance, untiring industry and legislative scrutiny that a perceptive improvement occurred in the lot of the oppressed.

Concomitantly, his ability, uprightness and fearless discharge of his duties incurred the odium of the plantocracy.

When he died in 1880 at the age of 74, the tributes, inter alia, extolled his “sterling and valuable qualities” his “indefatigable and loving services”, his “amiable qualities” and his conscientiousness and ability.

Crosby’s funeral on 3rd August 1880 brought together the largest crowd seen in Georgetown for several years. Flags were at half staff throughout the capital. Besides Governor Cornelius Kortright and members of the Legislature, some 300 Indians had walked for over 15 miles to pay their respects to ‘Burra Crosby’. Both the Royal Gazette and ‘Missionary’ called for the establishment of a movement to raise funds for the erection of a suitable memorial of this incredible Englishman.

As we observed the 175th anniversary of these resilient, enterprising people, the need for a loving memorial to honor this Champion of the Oppressed is as pressing as ever. I urge the Government of Guyana, the Indian Arrival Committee, Indians in the Diaspora and the Guyanese public to implement this call made 133 years ago without delay.

Feature

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By: Hillary Ramroop

A

Stress

lmost everyone has experienced some sort of stress.

When a person experiences stress, his or her body reacts with a fight-or-flight response, and makes hormones that speed up the heart beat, increase breathing rate and blood pressure and divert blood flow from the skin to the body’s core. Sweating occurs to cool our muscles down.

Stress is normal and can be helpful- such as completing a task on time. However, if stress happens frequently or lasts for long periods of time, it can be damaging to your health. It can cause headaches, upset stomach, back pain, trouble sleeping and fatigue. It can also cause more serious issues such as heart disease and depression.

When stressed, eating certain foods can reduce and help cope with stress.

• Oatmeal increases the levels of serotonin, which calms the brain.

• Complex carbohydrates are good stress reducers and take longer to digest. Examples include whole grain cereals and bread.

• Oranges have an abundance of vitamin C and experiments have shown that consuming oranges strengthens the immune system and reduces the amount of stress hormones in the body.

• Spinach is a great replenished of magnesium, which if there is too little of, may cause headaches.

• Fatty fishes such as salmon and tuna have a great supply of omega-3 fatty acids and can help prevent stress hormones from ris-

A

ing. Fatty fish also reduce the risk of heart disease and depression- two common results of long term/lasting stress.

• Black tea has been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and has a calming effect.

• Pistachios have omega-3 fatty acids and eating pistachios, walnuts or almonds can help lower cholesterol and the risk of diabetes, and help reduce stress.

• Avocadoes are not only known for reducing blood pressure because they contain lots of

potassium but also are great substitutes for a high fat diet.

• Vegetables, mainly raw ones such as carrots or celery are great for not only relieving tension by clenching of the jaw but they are very nutritious.

• Milk, is recommended before bedtime not only because it reduces insomnia but also because experiments have shown that milk, which contains calcium eases anxiety and mood swings, thus reducing stress.

Exercising and meditating are also excellent stress reducers.

Legal corner

Decision-making authority after someone has passed

By Richard Kistnen, Esq.

I

have been approached a number of times in recent weeks by individuals wanting to learn more about what mechanisms are available to settle the affairs of someone who has passed. Consequently, I wanted to take the opportunity to gloss over how a person can obtain the authority to wind down an estate of a deceased person.

This topic falls under the larger umbrella of estate planning.

Wills, trusts, insurance policies, changes to title – these are all devices the law has created that a person can utilize to map out who would be left in charge of an interest in property when a person passes. The easiest document to create to delegate authority and division of interests when someone dies is the will. Within a will, a person (known as the testator) generally always appoints an Executor.

The Executor’s duty, generally, is to control the administration of the will and to wind down the affairs of the estate. This includes the ability to handle liabilities, signing authority, and probate of a will. Many of the other tools listed above and

Ardyss International - A business review

available are tools designed to facilitate the transfer of interests in property.

What happens, though, when there is no executor identified because someone died without a will? The answer lies in the courts. A person may petition the Surrogate’s Court for Letters of Administration to handle the affairs of an estate. Letters of Administration, generally, give the successful petitioner much of the same authority as someone who was appointed executor in a will. The grantee of Letters of Administration becomes the person in charge of the estate.

The difference between an executor and a grantee of Letters of Administration, then, is that the executor was identified before the person died (in a will), whereas a grantee of Letters of Administration obtains the authority after the person has died (post-humous court order).

Letters of Administration are obtained by filing a petition in the Surrogate’s Court. An applicant must demonstrate that they qualify to obtain Letters of Administration in accordance with the law. The petition must also be served on other interest-

ed parties, including persons who could have a beneficial interest in the estate, such as family members, to give them an opportunity to contest the petition. In some instances, a petitioner attempts to get waivers from interested parties that include consent to the petitioner being issued Letters of Administration.

The challenge, often, is that the commencement of a proceeding for Letters of Administration may foster discord and disagreement between family members as to who should be in charge and how an estate should be handled.

This could result in time-consuming and expensive litigation. It might be prudent, then, to consult with family members before filing a petition for Letters of Administration to gauge whether they will support you or not.

I take this opportunity to encourage you and others, if possible, to plan ahead. If you have not created a will, look into whether you can and should. If someone has recently passed and it seems like a situation where Letters of Administration are appropriate, please call or visit the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324.

rdyss International is an old company that offers a new opportunity. Ardyss was started in Mexico in 1989 by the Diaz de Leon Family. In May of 2008, Ardyss International relocated their corporate headquarters to Las Vegas, Nevada and changed from a direct sales model to a network marketing business model.

This change opened the door for thousands of people to be a part of a life-changing network marketing opportunity and presents the chance for them to build a successful home-based business.

Today, Ardyss does business in the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico with more than 45 distribution centers worldwide. Ardyss is a leader in the Health and Wellness Industry with their ongoing product research and development staff of engineers and doctors. Ardyss has combined the best of industries: Nutrition, Skin Care and Reshaping garments.

The Ardyss nutritional products have been developed with the health-conscious consumer in mind. Ardyss helps people internally with great nutritional products, one of them being a beverage the Ardyss Le'Vive juice.

It has the world's top 5 antioxidant-producing "super fruits" concentrated in one bottle: Pomegranate, Goji, Acai Berry, which is the same berry that Oprah has flown in from Brazil, Noni, and Mangosteen.

The Ardyss Skin Care and Cosmetic lines are quite impressive, as well. The same company that manufactures Estee Lauder also created the skin care line that Ardyss offers. And, the makers of MAC Cosmetics produce Ardyss' line of makeup. Therefore, a consumer can be sure they are still getting a high-quality product even if they aren't familiar with the Ardyss name, yet.

The Ardyss Reshaping line was designed by an orthopedic surgeon, so they have tremendous health benefits, as well. Ardyss has garments for both women and men.

For women, Ardyss has a complete line of body reshaping garments that help restore the shape of the body. What these garments do is called "Lipo Transportation." That means it moves the fatty tissue in the body from where it is to the places it's supposed to be. On a woman's body, there are only two places where fat tissue is necessary: the breasts and buttocks.

The Ardyss Body Magic, their flagship reshaping garment, flattens the tummy, lifts the breasts, reshapes the legs, lifts and reshapes the buttocks, straightens the back and pulls the shoulders back to correct posture, giving a woman the shape and posture she had in her younger years. This garment will allow women to drop 2 to 3 dress sizes in 10 minutes.

If a person wishes to take advantage of the network marketing side of Ardyss International, they may join one of three ways. Start-up costs with Ardyss range from a $30 membership to a $199, $299 or $499 Power Pack association. All three ways to enroll will be plus tax and shipping costs of new distributor kits.

There are several Ardyss distributors earning significant incomes within the first two to six months of starting their Ardyss business, putting them on pace to earn well over six-figures a year in their first year of business. That is highly unheard of in network marketing for that level of income to be reached so quickly, but it's happening everyday in Ardyss International.

As it is well-known, network marketing has created many millionaires in the past. It is no different with Ardyss International. Their solid compensation plan has laid the groundwork to allow a person to recoup their initial investment very quickly and make a substantial income.

The Ardyss products are solid in that they are affordable for the average person and gives them instant results, which could make this opportunity very appealing to those who take a closer look.

Even though Ardyss International has been around for over twenty-two years, it is still a ground-floor opportunity for anyone interested in growing a solid home-based business.

If anyone is looking for a ground-floor opportunity, a strong compensation plan, phenomenal products, and strong leadership, Ardyss International seems to deserve a deeper consideration for those searching for a homebased business.

SAA International Independent Health Consultants Brooklyn, NY 11203 917-754-2731 email: bibi5402ansel@optonline.net www.ardysslife.com/ansel An Appointement With Ardyss Will Change Your Life, Forever

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The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

A Village Odyssey ‘Guyanese Finding Roots in India’

by Parsram S. Thakur; Overview of the book by Vake Parsram

By Petamber Persaud

D

r Parsram S. Thakur, Psychology Emeritus Professor from the United States, and more recently Director of University of Guyana Berbice Campus, has recently revised his book “Guyanese finding roots in India”. The book has been revised with a few more families that were originally left out.

Dr Thakur has visited India several times, and among those times, with the help of the Immigration Pass (1912) of his grandfather, Ball Mukund, Thakur was able to locate the village of Bidhouli, in the district of Agra, land of the famous Taj Mahal.

In the company of his wife, Jean Marie, he had set out to find the small village, Bidhouli, near

aware that a village is made up of several hamlets, or cluster of homes, built mainly of mud walls and thatched roofs. The first hamlet knew nothing of a Ball Mukund, who left for “Demra” (Demerara) around the year 1912. The family name was Sharma, but this was omitted in the Immigration Pass.

Brahmin immigrants were not preferred, as they were known trouble makers. This was heartbreaking.

Finally, an elegant looking elderly gentleman in white attire, approached. He wondered about the commotion.

By now the entire hamlet had gathered to investigate the strange happenings. Slowly and curiously he entered the middle of the crowd.

He vaguely recalled a man being taken away

English. At this point, a school teacher and a distant relative were very helpful.

Dataram Sharma, his grandfather’s nephew and oldest living relative, presented himself in his best attire.

His white moustache beamed; a clean dark jacket and a new headwear made him look special. While still standing in the sandy yard, his sons came forward. Each wanted to be noticed as part of the larger family and the extended family. Anil Swaroop Sharma was especially assertive in presenting himself and family.

He was a grand nephew of Ball Mukund. He lived across the pathway from Dataram, in a place where Ball Mukund was born, but the mud hut was replaced with a small concrete structure.

(From left to right) Rampergrass Maraj, Sipdial Sahddu, and Paterhat Maraj, priests and healers who assisted International Health in convincing IndoGuyanese to undergo treatment for hookworm disease. December, 1916. (From British Guiana-423, Photographic Collection, Rockefeller Foundation, RAC.)

ry professor, who could not offer much information about migrants to the sugar plantations in the West Indies. She was far more interested in the United States than in Guyana.

For the next couple days they travelled through Lucknow, visiting the war-torn buildings in the area and then on to Calcutta. The archives did not provide much information nor was he able to contact the people in the know.

What was noticeable in

in the communal living.

Pictures were not allowed inside because it is now a ship-building centre with high security.

In that July the ship Indus took his grandfather and others to British Guiana. Pictures of the ship are available at the Maritime Museum in Groton, Connecticut, USA. He was able to recreate a picture of the logies at Plantation Albion, where his grandfather lived for more than 40 years, and

have moved on to other parts of the country, while only the poor ones remained in the village.

Some heard of his visit and did contact him.

Some showed keen interest in visiting the USA; very little in Guyana.

The significance of this trip was the bond that was developed with those families. He and his wife made several other trips to consolidate the relation. There are frequent letters between them. Other members of the extended family,

Labourers returning home after a day's work in the fields

the town of Keragarh.

So small is Bidhouli that the police station [Thana] did not know of the village; so small that the people had never seen a taxi, nor did they ever see a white person in the form of Jean Marie.

In December 1995, the Thakurs left the city of Boston en route to India via London and Singapore. This was not their first trip, but the 23 hours of travelling was no less tiresome.

After a few days in New Delhi, they set out with a recognized taxi to Agra, where they spent the night. Keragarh was on the map but Bidhouli was not: was this a needle in a haystack?

When they arrived in the village, he was not

from the next hamlet.

Fortunately, Thakur’s grandfather returned to India in 1922 after a ten-year indentureship at Plantation Albion on the Corentyne, British Guiana. Some older folks had sketchy memories of his returning.

The taxi proceeded along a dirt road to the next hamlet. Somehow the word got there before the taxi, and a crowd was anxiously waiting.

Fortunately, they were equipped with still and video cameras, and Jean Marie followed her husband, capturing every detail, including the curious and noisy children.

School broke up for the day.

Communication was difficult as Dr Thakur spoke very little Hindi and the locals spoke very little

Dataram provided tea on his porch where his ailing wife sat. Later they took a tour of the farm, which Ball Mukund helped to buy when he returned in 1922.

Dr Thakur’s aim was to follow his grandfather's steps from Bidhouli to the train in Agra, where his grandfather would have spent a few days waiting for other intended migrants to Calcutta and British Guyana. With the help of his wife, this was recorded for posterity. The difference was, he made the trip in the cool days of January, while his grandfather made it in the hot steamy month of July, and probably not in an air-conditioned car. They spent the day in Agra visiting the railway station and a histo-

Mohammedan worshippers

Calcutta (Kolkotta) was the extremes of wealth in this sprawling city.

They took time to visit with Mother Teresa at her abode and her sanctum. The City of Joy was of special interest.

Much time was spent at 61 Garden Reach Road, where his grandfather and other intended migrants awaited the ship to take them to the West Indies. It was huge warehouse with high ceilings and open yard. One can appreciate the caste breakdown

where he and his father, Sri Thakur, were born.

Dr Thakur spent his early years and schooling at Plantation Albion, with numerous cousins and the extended family.

The book contains pictures of relatives in India and Guyana, including a family tree going back more than two thousand years. Better records were kept of Brahmin families than of other castes, but one has to seek them out.

Many of the educated and well-to-do relatives

including Dr Thakur's mother, visited.

Dr Thakur and his priestly family are steeped in Hinduism, but this trip had a resounding effect on his relationship with the families, with Hinduism and India itself.

Dr Thakur has written three books on Hinduism.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com (Guyana Times Indian Arrival Magazine)

caribbean News

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Canada to help with TT’s forensic science improvement C anadian assistance has been obtained towards operationalisation of Trinidad and Tobago’s new Forensic Science Centre and for local defence, security and related infrastructure using Canadian products and services, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran.

Dookeran, in a statement to Parliament last Friday, outlined benefits from the prime minister’s recent trip to the US and Canada.

On the PM’s meeting with US deputy secretary of state William Burns, he said discussions concerned the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance act designed to combat tax evasion by US citizens holding overseas investments.

Dookeran said it required foreign banks and financial entities to disclose the balances, receipts and withdrawals

of American account holders to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or be subject to a 30 per cent withholding tax on income from US financial assets held by the banks or financial entities along with other requirements “which are a cause for concern” he added.

“This is a topic (Finance Minister Larry) Howai and the Bankers Association will meet to discuss next week,” Dookeran added.

On the Canadian visit, Dookeran said heads of both states expressed satisfaction with the launch of negotiations between TT’s Air Guard and provincial Aerospace Ltd of Canada with respect to two long range multi-mission aircraft which “would allow the Air Guard to be more effective in the fulfillment of its security, surveillance and searchrescue mandate.”

Jamaican govt to build million-dollar medical facility

Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Arnaldo Brown (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)

T

he Jamaican diaspora is expected to play a key role in the development of health tourism in the island.

According to Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnaldo Brown, discussions are far advanced with nationals abroad for the realisation of health tourism projects in the island.

Cabinet has approved the construction of a US$200 million medical facility in St. James, which will be spearheaded by the diaspora.

Speaking at a recent ‘JIS Think Tank’, Brown said that health is “one of the areas that the diaspora is strongest in”.

Brown said that nationals abroad have made significant contributions to the health sector through various means, including medical missions, and the donation of equipment to hospitals and other facilities.

He said that there

were 132 medical missions to Jamaica in 2012 and 135 in 2011, many of which were spearheaded by the diaspora.

Brown added that there is an established process to allow for the smooth movement of medical equipment into the country, noting that there is a drive to donate 1,000 blood pressure machines to medical facilities in the island.

He said that a team of Canadian health professionals also visited Jamaica in March, and conducted an audit of hospitals to see what equipment and furnishings were needed, and they are putting containers together to address those needs.

In addition, he has also met with officials at the Sony Brook Hospital in Canada, during a recent visit to the country, where discussions focused on donations, training, and the sharing of knowledge and information, Brown said.

(JIS)

TT’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran (TT Newsday file photo)

Dookeran stressed: “As of now, there’s neither a formal contract nor any other agreement for purchase between the parties.” He said memoranda of agreement were signed

on Canadian military training and co-operation, providing training in peace support, communications and leadership.

Another focuses on defence and security, providing the National Security Ministry with products and services of Canadian security and defence companies and “augurs well for crime fighting efforts both within and outside TT’s borders,” he said.

A third MOU between UWI and Brock University promotes research and exchange between the two institutions. The fourth, between the National Training Agency and the Career Foundation of Toronto will improve existing employment centres. He said assurances were received Canada would assist with the new Forensic Science Centre.

There would be engagement

between the Eastern Ontario Regional Forensic Pathology Unit and the Forensic Pathology Centre of TT’s forensic centre for a quality assurance review.

Canada’s Correctional Service also agreed to develop a proposal for provision of training and technical expertise for TT’s prison service in key areas. He said new negotiations would start with Canada on three other MOUs including defence as well as an overarching framework for collaborating with Canada on such priorities as border security, law enforcement and anti-money laundering.

Another MOU concerns health promotion, mental health and maternal and child health. TT would work to give impetus to stalled CaricomCanada trade talks. (TT Guardian)

PetroCaribe oil agreement remains beneficial to Antigua and Barbuda

T

he government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that it will continue to benefit from the PetroCaribe agreement.

According to a government statement, at the recently concluded Ninth Ministerial Meeting of PetroCaribe and the Summit of Heads, it was agreed that the PetroCaribe programme would continue in its current form.

“Participating countries also agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the terms and conditions which will enable the parties to assess jointly, the proposals for the establishment of a PetroCaribe Economic Zone” the statement said.

Antigua and Barbuda, along with nine other CARICOM countries, are members of the PetroCaribe programme

Antigua and Barbuda, along with nine other CARICOM countries, are members of the PetroCaribe programme.

Assurance about the continuation of the PetroCaribe agreement comes since there were concerns

that the programme would come to an end with the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in March.

Under PetroCaribe, payments are stretched over 17 to 25 years at one per cent interest. The intent was designed to allow Caribbean countries to put the savings into programmes to develop their respective economies.

Maduro had campaigned on a pledge to fulfil Chavez’s vision of a “21st century revolution” in South America’s largest oil producer.

During his 14 years in power, Chavez tapped the world’s biggest oil reserves to help cut poverty to 29.5 per cent in 2011 from 48.6 per cent in 2002, according to the United Nations. (CMC)

Barbadians must reap benefits as int’l franchises enter market - Manufacturers’ Association

J

obs for Barbadians! This must be the first priority when permission is granted for international franchises to set up shop in Barbados.

This is according to Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA), Bobbi McKay who delivered remarks recently at a press conference at the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS).

She said that persons tend to respond well to these companies when they come in, but one has to question what their real value is to the local economy if their main priority is to sell the final products to Barbadians, but they do not get items from local farmers and other sources in order to make those said items.

“What is the real value of any company to Barbados if it makes its money off of Barbadians, but buys very little from Barbadian producers. This does not help to feed our economy in any substantial way.”

McKay stated that often these companies come under the pretences that they would be provid-

Executive Director of the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association, Bobbi McKay (Barbados Advocate file photo)

ing jobs for Barbadians.

She said that while they do provide jobs for locals working directly in their franchises, there are more jobs that they are providing for the persons in their home countries who they source their produce from, all for the sake of attaining a higher profit margin at the end of the day and this must not be acceptable.

“Whether you are a company

securing jobs for another country or you, deliberately in the midst of a recessionary period when everyone is focused on maintaining meaningful employment, are focused on that additional one percent profit, home drum must beat first for Barbadians.”

The Executive Director added that Barbados must protect its citizens because if they do not, no one else will. (Barbados Advocate)

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J k es

School daze

This week's Crossword

The child comes home from his first day at school.

His mother asks, "Well, what did you learn today?"

The kid replies, "Not enough. They want me to come back tomorrow."

New wings

A mother travelled 2,000 miles to be with her only son on the day he was to receive his Air Force wings and also get married.

"It was wonderful," she said later. "It isn't every day that a mother watches her son receive his wings in the morning and have them clipped in the evening."

Proud papa

One day, shortly after the birth of their new baby, the mother had to go out to do some errands. The proud papa stayed home to watch his wonderful new son.

Soon after the mother left, the baby started to cry. The father did everything he could think of, but the baby just wouldn't stop crying.

Finally, the dad got so worried he decided to take the infant to the doctor. After the doctor listened to all the father had done to get the baby to stop crying, the doctor began to examine the baby's ears, chest and then down to the diaper area. When he opened the diaper, he found it was indeed full. Phew!!

"Here's the problem," the Dr. said. "He just needs to be changed."

The father is very perplexed...

"But the diaper package specifically stated it's good for up to 10 lbs!"

Punishment

The minister's little six-year-old girl had been so naughty during the week, that her mother decided to give her the worst kind of punishment. She told her she couldn't go to the Sunday School Picnic on Saturday.

When the day came, her mother felt she had been too harsh and changed her mind.

When she told the little girl she could go to the picnic, the child's reaction was one of gloom and unhappiness.

"What's the matter? I thought you'd be glad to go to the picnic." her mother said.

"It's too late!" the little girl said. "I've already prayed for rain!"

The mother

This week's Puzzle

A man answers the phone and has the following conversation: "Yes, mother, I've had a hard day. Gladys has been most difficult - I know I ought to be more firm, but it is hard. Well, you know how she is.

"Yes, I remember you warned me. I remember you told me that she was a vile creature who would make my life miserable and you begged me not to marry her.

"You were perfectly right.

"You want to speak with her? All right."

He looks up from the telephone and calls to his wife in the next room: "Gladys, your mother wants to talk to you!"

Empty

One day a little girl went up to her mother and said, "Mommy I have a stomach ache!" Her mother replied, "That's because it's empty dear, you have to put something into it."

Later that night when they had the pastor over for dinner he said, “I have a headache!"

The little girl smiled and replied, “That's because it's empty; you have to put something into it!"

Last generation

"Mummy, Mummy!" called Little Johnny one day. "Do you know the beautiful vase in the dining room that's been handed down from generation to generation?"

"Yes", said his mother. "What about it?"

"Well the last generation just dropped it."

--A lady inserted an ad in the classifieds: "Husband wanted."

Next day she received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: "You can have mine."

Consequences

see solution on page 46

A boy had reached four without giving up the habit of sucking his thumb, though his mother had tried everything from bribery to reasoning to painting it with lemon juice to discourage the habit.

Finally she tried threats, warning her son that, "If you don't stop sucking your thumb, your stomach is going to blow up like a balloon."

Later that day, walking in the park, mother and son saw a pregnant woman sitting on a bench.

The four-year-old considered her gravely for a minute, then spoke to her saying, "Uh-oh ... I know what you've been doing."

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Feature

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F

rom just 8 years old, Sookrane Boodhoo knew it was her responsibility to maintain the musical heritage she grew to love. Now, she dedicates her life to preserving it and transmitting this to younger generations who share her passion.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the artiste said that her formative years in sing-

and I took classes in singing there,” she recalled.

Developing her vocals, Boodhoo decided to join the Indian Cultural Centre to improve her talent. There she found her voice, developed herself as a singer and learnt the basics. The singer learnt the different raags, the modern Hindi pronunciation used by musicians, and later took part in the

Sookrane (L) with her family

ing began at the La Penitence Mandir, Middle Road. Hearing the kirtan group singing at her mandir inspired her to join them.

“One day I finally gathered the courage to join the group. Gradually I started learning to sing. I soon managed to sing a song by myself and from then on I was doing hawans, religious songs, on the microphone. I then attended the Pandit’s Council where Bhai Shyam Basdeo was my teacher,

Melody Queen Competition held by the Guyana Pandits Council.

In the competition she chose two categories: ‘devotional’ and ‘classical’.

This “remarkable experience” helped her to develop as a well-rounded singer.

“For that period of time my teacher was Mr Satpatty. In those days, for me to be a part of such a competition was a great privilege. I was the youngest contestant to participate. I appeared

on stage first and placed third among thirty-one contestants,” she noted.

Boodhoo’s career in singing flourished and she began to sing with the Merrytones Band for about four years.

In 1986, she married Neil Boodhoo and started a wonderful family of four children. Her daughter Roshini was crowned Miss Guyana India Worldwide 2011. Her other daughter Tahirih was also a participant in the competition. Boodhoo’s other children are Ravi and Shoghi.

Although engrossed with family responsibilities, Boodhoo continued to perfect her singing talent. She joined the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and has been with the organisation for more than 12 years. She appears on all its shows including the Sabha’s ‘Naya Zamana’ and has been a regular judge of the Kala Utsav events. In 2003, she produced a CD, which was done in Canada and was dedicated to her parents. This was a dream come true for Boodhoo.

Blessed with pure talent in her art form, the singer always seeks to give back. She is a humanitarian who volunteers at homes for the elderly and orphanages, and has been involved with the work of the Inner Wheel Club and other charitable organisations.

“Currently, I’m a judge on the GT&T Bollywood Jingle & Song competition, which has been a privilege to encourage new, young and upcoming singers to pursue their goals and enthusiasm in singing. It is a way for me to pass on my knowledge and to guide and motivate these singers. My advice to them is to always appreciate their

Sookrane Boodhoo

uniqueness, develop their skills, and be humble, discipline and dedicated.

Also, to be constant and always believe in themselves, regardless of who else believes in them. They should never forget that they must sing for the love of it, for the enjoyment and appreciate the essence of true music. Music has a way of healing the soul and they should recognise that. I wish all singers the best, may they always remember to thank God and respect themselves,” she encouraged.

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C

onceived as an innovative way to disseminate and sustain cultural art forms, the Dharmic Sabha’s ‘Kala Utsav’, meaning “festival of arts”, continues to be the launch pad for talented youths from the various regional branches of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

Over fifteen years ago, it was recognised that there was dwindling interest among the young generation in playing the diverse Indian musical instruments; that knowledge of Hindi and the Ramayan was limited to a minority, and trained classical and folk dancers were fewer in numbers. The idea of a cultural forum encouraging friendly competition, with cash and trophy incentives, was born. It is the brainchild of Indrani Persaud.

It was not meant for professionals, but seen as an avenue to motivate young people to continue traditions of their fore parents and to simultaneously build bases of amateur talent in various regions for further development, thereby providing temples and communities with the continuity in these art forms.

Every community’s mandir satsangh: gatherings where minds unite through music, meditation, and wisdom to experience a higher state of consciousness, required musicians and singers, and Kala

Utsav was the way to fulfil this need. The standard of dance countrywide was at an all-time low. People were only too willing to send their children on television and stage to gyrate in garments that bordered on lewd – in the name of Indian dance.

Kala Utsav’s mission was to sensitise communities about wholesome and trained dance techniques that could be

guage.

By 2008, the Utsav was able to accomplish improving the standard of folk dance, and Guyanese were able to enjoy wholesome group dances countrywide. Training was being provided by the Sabha free of cost in classical dance in most of its praants. A few upcoming classical dancers were identified and succeeded in securing prizes at Kala Utsav.

Kala Utsav

Over the years, Kala Utsav has been noted as the forum for discovering young singers.

The Sabha continues in its commitment to nurture these talented singers, and they are assured of wide exposure and promotion in all the Sabha’s programmes. One of the triumphant winners of Kala Utsav, who won the male category of singing as a child, went on to sing on the famous tele-

Young dancers showcasing their talent at a past Kala Utsav

performed in a dignified manner, and also to provide training to those dancers who were serious about this art form.

Shri Ramcharitmanas has always had mass appeal among Hindus throughout the world.

The Utsav’s focus is to encourage young people to be familiar with Shri Ramcharitmanas’ teachings, and, at the same time, revive the Hindi lan-

Noting the upsurge of interest in musical instruments over the years, the Utsav capitalised on this and introduced a new category entitled, ‘Instrumentals’. This allowed five or more young musicians to work together forming small bands that played creative pieces. The Utsav’s mission of providing each region with musicians was satisfied.

vision programme “SA RE GA MA PA” hosted in New York.

If there is a negative to the Utsav, it has been the impact of migration from Guyana, which has led to the loss of talent that had only just begun to be nurtured. In spite of that, hundreds of youths still assemble on stage of the annual event at the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra for the

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Kala Utsav, eagerly looking forward to receiving their trophies. This is testimony of the festival’s growth, ensuring its permanent fixture on the Sabha’s annual calendar of events, and providing assurance of the propagation of Indian art forms by the Sabha.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Dr Vindhya Persaud, assistant general secretary of the Sabha, noted that the Utsav brings together people from all over the country to compete in a friendly atmosphere in various categories.

“We have been doing this since in the 90s. Kala Utsav encourages people 25 years old and below to develop their skills in various fields such as music, dance (classical and folk), and Hindi singing (kirtan). We’re doing this because we want to ensure our culture is maintained in Guyana, instil an appreciation for their cultural heritage in young ones, and to develop their talents to their fullest potential.

The Dharmic Sabha’s unwavering commitment, through its many programmes like the Kala Utsav, ensures that the torch of art forms, culture and tradition is secure for future generations. (Guyana Times Indian Arrival Magazine)

arts & Culture

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Sandra Brewster

S

andra Brewster an overseas- based artist of Guyanese parentage, is a multi-media artist creating work (drawings, paintings, video and mixed media) that engages issues of race, identity, representation and memory. One of her interests is African Canadians born in North America and those who arrived in North America from the Caribbean during the 60s and 70s.

At times, she references old photographs and recreates elements using painting, drawing, and gel transfers, juxtaposing imagery to provide a dialogue through contrasts or likenesses. In this work, she visually represents a time or a memory and provides a platform to tell stories of “back

home”. In other pieces, Sandra presents portraits of individuals that challenge stereotypes and perceptions.

Her series, 'Smiths', question prevalent assertions to the existence of a monolithic black community. This series of multimedia works, begun in 2004 and still evolving, is a playful attempt to “offer a questioning around concerns of identity and representation.”

Brewster’s parents migrated from Guyana in the late 1960s. Her parents were part of the wave of northbound post-Independence migration that has left an indelible Caribbean imprint on contemporary Canada. When Brewster was nine her family moved from Toronto, where she was born. After high school, Brewster joined the fine arts programme at nearby York University, with one of Canada’s most diverse student bodies.

During a trip to Guyana in 2008, the artist was inspired to create her ‘Guyana Art’ collection, which includes “transferred images of places and people and align[ing] them with drawings/paintings of Toronto-based scenes and people, to expose some contrasts and similarities between the two spaces, and to allow feelings of nostalgia.”

In 2012, Brewster was asked to be among 41 artists to participate in a project called ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’, a piano art work installation that has been touring internationally since 2008. That year ‘Play Me’ partnered with the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, and requested artists representing each of the 41 countries, to create art work on each piano. The pianos were then placed in public parks, streets and squares in the U.S. for any member of the public to play.

The painter worked on 2 pianos: Guyana and Suriname.

The Guyana piano was placed in Mel Lastman Square, New York, and the Suriname piano in Sick Kids Hospital. For the Guyana piano, the images geltransferred to the surface of the piano refer to the streets, people, food and landscape of Guyana. The map of the country is repeated on the area behind the pedals and a painting of the flower ‘Bird of Paradise’ is located on the left side.

Brewster holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from York University. She is a recipient of numerous grants to develop projects. Her work has been published in journals and magazines: Of Note, The Walrus, Small Axe, Chimurenga, MIX and NKA, among others. Also, she has held numerous exhi-

bitions worldwide. Her practice includes work as an arts educator, community arts facilitator, and has coordinated

among others. Recent exhibitions include 28 Days, Georgia Scherman Projects, Toronto; Serious Play, SPACE, London,

The artist's ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’ piano art installation

numerous exhibitions involving local artists. She recently completed an artist residency at Alice Yard in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, she is a recipient of numerous grants to develop projects. Her work has been published in several journals and magazines: Of Note, The Walrus, Small Axe, Chimurenga, MIX, and NKA,

UK; (Re) Visions, The Print Studio, Hamilton, Ontario; Listen Installation, Robert Langen Gallery, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario; Fortune Tellers, Five Myles Gallery, New York; and Fleeting Face, A Space Gallery, Toronto.

For more information on the artist visit www.sandrabrewster.com.

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history

Settlement in Guiana

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From earliest times V (CONTINUED FROM APRIL 28)

T

he war which at the time raged between the English, French and Dutch nations in the outer world affected these same nations in the Guianas.

In 1664 Lord Willoughby wrote home regarding the Dutch seizure of several places in Guiana...and advised that they should be attacked before they grew too strong; and in the following year, Sir Thomas Moddyford submitted his proposition for rooting the Dutch out of Guiana and the West Indies generally.

Accordingly, in this latter year, Lord Willoughby set out himself to attack the Dutch in various places, and sent Major John Scott with a small fleet and a regiment of foot...Scott in 1666 “by the assistance of the Caribbee nation...burnt and destroyed the enemies' towns, forts and goods and settlements...and disbursed for His Majesty’s service 73,788 lbs of muscovado sugar.”

From a certain state-paper, it appears that the settlements taken by Scott were those on the Pomeroon and Essequibo. Scott left some of his men in possession of these captured places. ...Very soon indeed the Dutch reprisals began...In terms of capitulation, mention was made of the men whom Major Scott had left to guard the settlements which he had captured on the Pomeroon and Essequibo.

These had been attacked, had suffered great misery, and had been much reduced in number. One of them, a cer-

Dutch colonies in Guiana. Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara (now Guyana).

Map of the History (1888) by PM Netscher (IVN)

tain Lieutenant Everard, was in command in Essequibo with twelve men under him “who were all that were left of our men at Bowrooma and Dissekebe, all the rest perishing for want of supplies”.

They were soon forced to surrender to the Dutch, who then possessed exactly the same Guiana of which the English had been able to boast but a few months earlier.

[After several more battles with the English over the Guianas, the Treaty of Breda allowed the Dutch to continue] developing the colonies which already existed there. Only one new one was

founded; but that one has since proved itself the first of them all.

The history of its formation is briefly this.

It has been said that the River Demerara lay unused, and almost unknown, between the Essequibo and Berbice long after these two rivers had been settled and had given their names to colonies.

Things remained somewhat in this condition till about 1739, by which time cultivation, spreading from Berbice on the one side and Essequibo on the other, had gradually approached the Demerara. By that time there was a

settlement, an offset from Berbice, on the Mahaicony to the east of Demerara; and there were some few plantations, offsets from Essequibo, on what is now called the west coast of Demerara.

In 1745 an elaborate plan was drawn up and accepted for the cultivation of the intermediate lands, at the mouth of the Demerara. From the plan it is evident that it was Essequibo, and not Berbice, which eventually gave birth to Demerara.

It was stipulated that the people of the mother colony should be allowed for ten years to remove to the Demerara; but those who availed themselves of this permission were strictly enjoined to obey the authority of Essequibo.

It was not till 1765 that Demerary obtained a separate governor. This may, therefore, be considered the date of the separate existence of Demerara.

There were at the time about 130 estates, chiefly planted with coffee and sugar, in cultivation. The government was at first carried on from Borselen, an island some twenty miles up the river; but it was removed in 1775 to the newly-built town of Stabroek, at the mouth of the river, the same which is now known as Georgetown.

Thus the history of the foundation of each of the colonies of Guiana, which are now, or ever were, in the hands of the English, has been told.

(From: ‘Timehri: being the journal of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society of British Guiana’ 2. The founding of the Colonies A.D. 1580 – 1745.

Edited by E.F.Im Thurn. Vol 11:1883.)

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A

nti-Indian racism again took its inevitable course into violence in the 1960's riots as the PNC worked in cahoots with the CIA to remove the PPP from office. The "communist" bogeyman provided cover for the hate that had been nurtured for over a century against Indian-Guyanese.

The most terrifying episode in those dark days when Guyana experienced its first bout of "ethnic cleansing" in the Wismar-ChristianburgMcKenzie (soon named "Linden" after Burnham) when almost the entire Indian population had to flee.

mitigated tragedy. At about 8.00 a.m. it was rumoured that an East Indian man had kicked an African boy. The Police subsequently investigated this but found it to be untrue. If any was needed, this was the casus belli.

The violence of May 25th, although started at the river front, was at first mainly concentrated in remote areas such as Half Mile, One Mile and Valley of Tears. It was only later that large buildings such as those owned by Messrs.

T. Prashad, Lalta Paul and Hakim Khan in Silvertown and Silver City were destroyed. Protection money was

II. Conduct of the security forces at the scene

Torched home Wismar

Below are excerpts from the Commission of Inquiry into the violence.

Background

The population of these three areas was about 18,000 in May 1964, and of these, about 3000 were East Indian, the majority of the rest being Africans...Although some 350 of the East Indians were employed at Demba, the majority were businessmen who in many cases owned their places of business and their homes.

Some of them owned more than one building and were engaged in more than one occupation. The majority of the Africans were wage earners.

The majority of the 3,000 East Indians were supporters of the P.P.P. or were so identified. The majority of the Africans were P.N.C supporters who had the satisfaction of knowing that the representative for the Upper Demerara River constituency in the House of Assembly was an African, Robert Jordan.

The news of the murder of the African couple - the Sealeys - at Buxton reached Wismar on Friday the 22nd May, and seems to have been the incident which precipitated the planned reprisal against the East Indians in the Wismar-Christianburg area on Monday 25th May, 1964. The economic prosperity of the East Indian community must have been a latent source of jealousy, which determined that the major aim of the attack would be the destruction of property.

The violence

Between 7 and 8 o'clock on the morning of May 25th the situation deteriorated rapidly. There was widespread violence, arson and looting. The stage was set for a day of un-

in forming bucket brigades to save African homes. African furniture was removed from Indian houses so that the houses could be burnt.

Neighbours and other members of the public were either afraid or were unwilling to render any assistance to the security forces. They never lent a hand to extinguish fires kindled on East Indian homes, and the very few who offered shelter to East Indians were threatened to such an extent that they had to put out the families whom they had succoured. The majority of the Africans laughed and jeered at the East Indians as blood stained and battered, raped and naked, shocked and destitute, they helplessly went their way to the only place of refuge, the Wismar Police Station. African women played their part in these events to the fullest extent.

Your Commissioners are convinced that "this was a diabolical plot, ingeniously planned and ruthlessly executed."

demanded and in some cases obtained from the owners of big business. But this did not prevent their business places being looted and burnt, subsequently, nor did it prevent them from being assaulted.

Comment

The local population in the majority supported these acts.

A few of those who engaged in

On the day of the disturbances at WismarChristianburg there were 57 cases of assault, including rape, which were treated at the Mackenzie Hospital.

Two persons were killed and at least 197 houses were destroyed in addition to several cases of looting. With the single exception of Assistant Superintendent Lashley, who

Robert Jordan

extinguish fires, supplying gasoline to arsonists and being politically partial by telling people who were beaten and stripped to go to their political leaders.

Several witnesses have alleged that Mr. Robert Jordan, member of the former Legislative Assembly for the Upper Demerara River constituency, bears a major responsibility for the events of May 25th and 26th. Mr. Jordan was said to have been seen on Thursday May 21st and again on Saturday May 23rd, inciting African people to violence against East Indians.

Three witnesses said that on the Thursday be was seen with a newspaper on the public road drawing to the attention of those he met the murder of Mr. & Mrs. Sealey, African farmers of Buxton, East Coast, Demerara, and asking what the people of Wismar were going to do in reprisal for such actions by East Indians on the coast. Four witnesses claimed to have seen Mr. Jordan on the Saturday in company with various community leaders and at least one of the known criminal element, either inciting Africans or planning acts of violence against East Indians.

Loss and damage

Two hundred and twenty houses were destroyed.

Stocks, including household furniture and general merchandise, were looted, and what could not be taken away

was burnt with the buildings.

The Social Assistance Department compiled statistics relating to the displaced persons from WismarMackenzie area and they were made available to the Commission. The number of families displaced is 744 comprising 1,249 adults and 2,150 children making a total of 3,399 individuals. The estimated value of the houses is $1,457,810. The number of business premises is 87, valued at $448,540. There were 8 farms destroyed valued at $6,500 and livestock lost valued at $30,000. The estimated value of the total amount of property destroyed or lost is $1,942,850.

We have come to the conclusion that the disturbances which took place in the WismarChristianburgMackenzie area on May 25th, 1964, were politically and racially inspired. Although there is a difference of opinion among the security officers who gave evidence before us on the point, the thorough-going destruction of East Indian property, and the fact that the security forces were in no case able to apprehend arsonists, force us to conclude that the destruction was not "spontaneous" but was organised, and well organised. (b)The recent disturbances in Wismar-ChristianburgMackenzie have been examined by your Commissioners in the context of the wider pattern of planned violence, murders, arson, bombings, reprisals and counter-reprisals that characterised life in British Guiana during 1964...

There, within the brief period of 48 hours, a total section of a community was attacked, outraged and subsequently had to be evacuated. Nearly all their property was maliciously destroyed, while the majority of their erstwhile friends and neighbours either took part in the destruction or stood idly by. (Guyana Times Indian Arrival Magazine)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Fire in Wismar

these acts of violence might well have come from other parts of the country, some were undoubtedly drawn from the criminal elements who made periodic visits to the area, whilst some others were from the area. Wherever they might have come from, however, they were certainly well informed about the precise location of East Indian premises in the Wismar-Christianburg area, and were well equipped and trained for incendiarism.

The local population knew how to prevent fires spreading and indeed lost no time

in company with Lieutenant Wishart and a party of men, apprehended and shot a looter who refused to halt when ordered to do so, no member of the Volunteers or Police admitted witnessing any cases of assault or rape, looting or arson.

A variety of allegations were made by witnesses against the security forces - the Police and Volunteers.

These included bribery, partaking in loot, standing by and refusing to give assistance whilst rape and assault were being committed, refusing to

Hollywood

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Justin Bieber serenades ‘I did it for my children’ mom on Mother’s Day - Angelina Jolie

S

By: Sarah Flannigan

J

ustin Bieber had something special up his sleeve for his mom, Pattie Mallette, on Mother's Day: a sweet serenade.

While the 19-year-old pop star performed to a sold-out crowd in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday night, he surprised both the audience and his mom by bringing her up on stage and dedicating his popular song ‘One Less Lonely Girl’ to her.

Just after the show, the singer took to Twitter to further express his love, writing, "Happy Mother's Day @ PattieMellatte. Today U R my #OLLG. Love u."

Pattie was, of course, equally touched by her son's thoughtful gestures and tweeted, "So yep … @ JustinBieber surprised me for Mother's

Day tonight & brought me out for OLLG! #VerySweet!" (OMG!)

Filmmaker Michael Haneke wins Spain's Asturias prize

A

ustrian filmmaker Michael Haneke was announced as the recipient of the 2013 ‘Prince of Asturias Award’ for the Arts, reports IANS. The 71-yearold writer and director's films include, ‘The Piano Teacher’, ‘The White Ribbon’ and ‘Amour’, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

Meeting in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo, capital of the principality of Asturias, the jury for the arts award selected Haneke from among more than 30 nominees.

"Employing radical sincerity, keen observation and extreme subtlety, his work constitutes an original and highly personal approach to fundamental issues that

concern and affect us both individually and collectively," the jury said of Haneke.

"With a constantly evolving filmography, which also stands out for Haneke's prodigious talent for choosing the right actors, this European creator is a major reference in contemporary filmmaking," the state-

ment continued.

Haneke greeted the news of his selection with extraordinary joy and satisfaction, as he thanked the jury for the honour.

Along with a cash award of 50,000 euros and a sculpture by Joan Miro that symbolises the awards, each recipient gets a diploma and an insignia bearing the Prince of Asturias Foundation's coat of arms.

The arts prize is one of eight ‘Prince of Asturias Awards’ given out annually.

The prizes, which Spain's Crown Prince Felipe will hand out at a ceremony in the fall in Oviedo, are regarded as the Ibero-American world's equivalent of the ‘Nobels’.

(Hindustani Times)

DiCaprio's environmental art auction tops US$38 million

L

eonardo DiCaprio urged wealthy art collectors Monday to bid at an environmental charity auction in New York as if the planet's fate “depends on us” -- and they responded by splashing out US$38.8 million, AFP reported.

The “11th Hour” auction at Christie's featured 33 works of mostly contemporary art, much of it created for the event and addressing environmental themes.

Most of the proceeds went to environmental protection causes championed by the Hollywood actor's ‘Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’.

Even after the sale, the haul shot up when an anonymous collector donated US$5 million to match the prices realised for three tiger paintings featuring in the line-up “in order to protect tigers”, Christie's said.

“The gifts of many other generous donors totalled US$500,000, generating an overall amount of US$38.8 million,” the auction house said.

DiCaprio, currently starring in a

lavish new production of ‘The Great Gatsby’, describes his foundation as “dedicated to protecting the last wild places on earth and the critically endangered species that inhabit them.”

However, DiCaprio said the world's embattled environment needs far more help. “We are at the 11th hour, we are facing a tipping point of environmental crisis unprecedented in human history,” he said. (Times of India)

uperstar Angelina Jolie has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy, after learning she carried the BRCA1 gene which leads to an increased risk in breast and ovarian cancer.

The 37-year-old, who lost her mother Marcheline Bertrand, 56, in 2007 to ovarian cancer, finished three months of medical procedures on April 27.

Jolie opted for the surgeries because the gene put her at an 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer, reported New York Times.

“I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy. I started with the breasts, as my risk of breast cancer is higher than my risk of ovarian cancer, and

the surgery is more complex.”

Jolie's surgery was a success and doctors say her chances of developing breast cancer are now less than five per cent.

The 'Salt' actress, who raises six children with fiancé Brad Pitt, revealed her kids were one of the main reasons why

she had the surgery.

“I can tell my children that they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer. It is reassuring that they see nothing that makes them uncomfortable. They can see my small scars and that's it. Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was.”

(Times of India)

Cannes film festival to pay tribute to Alain Delon

F

rench actor Alain Delon will be honoured at the Cannes film festival later this month with a screening of ‘Plein Soleil’, Rene Clement's 1960 adaptation of, ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’, in which he starred.

The tribute will be paid to the 77-year-old Delon, who now lives in Switzerland, as part of the ‘Cannes Classics’ series, festival organisers said, confirming a newspaper report.

‘Plein Soleil’ (Purple Noon), marked a turning point in Delon's career and led to the critically acclaimed, ‘Rocco et ses Freres’ (Rocco and his Brothers).

Delon, regarded as a talented and versatile actor, has made some 100 films in a career lasting over half a century.

The original version of, ‘Plein Soleil’, has been restored by the ‘Immagine Ritrovata’ laboratory in Italy with financing by the France-based film production and distribution company ‘Studio Canal’.

(Hindustan Times)

Suri Cruise to launch fashion line

T

om Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter, Suri, is all set to bring out her very own fashion line.

The 7-year-old has inked a 1.5million-pound deal and her label has been imaginatively named 'Suri', the Sun reported.

The fashion-conscious schoolgirl, who often tops lists of most stylish celebrity child, will launch her first collection for young girls this autumn in a New York-based department store.

The brand will be launched in shops across North America next year, if it gets successful.

A source told the Sun that Suri is only seven but she is incredibly interested in clothes.

The source said that the little girl has been through a very difficult year and adapted amazingly to her new life in New York, including the upheaval of starting normal school.

The same source revealed that while most girls dream of being able to make their own clothes, this just means that Suri's drawings will now become a reality.

However, plans for the fashion range - which will cover everything from dresses, tops and jeans to shoes and accessories - have been in the pipe-

line since last year, after several firms approached Holmes.

In the beginning, the idea was for Suri to have a fashion blog, but the concept was extended after she started to talk about special designs for her clothes. (Times of India)

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Shahid Kapoor completes Amitabh Bachchan will miss film festival in Melbourne 10 years in filmdom

A

A

s he completes a decade in Bollywood, actor Shahid Kapoor thanks his fans for showering their love on him, reports IANS. Shahid debuted in 2003 with hit movie ‘Ishq Vishk’, which portrayed him as Rajiv, a college boy confused about his feelings for best friend Payal, played by Amrita Rao. “10 years. Thank you all for all the love,” Shahid, who later gave hits like ‘Vivah’, ‘Kaminey’ and ‘Jab We Met’, posted on Twitter.

The movie was directed by Ken Ghosh and it also starred Shenaz Treasurywala.

Actor Vishal Malhotra, who also got his big break with the same film where he played Mambo, Shahid’s best friend, also took to the social-networking site to thank his fans, the report said.

“10 years ago today my first film

‘Ishq Vishk’ released. Mambo says …

Thank you,” he tweeted.

Shahid and Vishal worked together in 2008 movie ‘Kismat Konnection’ as well. (Bollywood Celebden)

Kareena claims acting is in the Kapoor genes

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hen Kareena Kapoor says that acting is in her genes, the actress, who represents the fourth generation of her family, is absolutely right, as the Kapoor family enjoys about an 85-year long association with arc light, greasepaint and camera.

It was Kareena’s great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor who laid the foundation of acting in the family by entering showbiz in 1928, which was taken forward by his three sons – Raj Kapoor,

Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor whose wife Jennifer was the first female from the clan to act in movies.

Later, all three sons of Raj Kapoor – Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev faced the camera. In the fourth generation, it was Randhir and actress Babita’s daughter Karisma who carried forward the legacy of her family. Later, Kareena followed in her sister’s footsteps.

As Indian cinema celebrates its 100 years, talking about her association with filmdom, Kareena told IANS: “Being a Kapoor, acting is genetic. My sister paved the way for me in the industry when she became the first Kapoor girl to take up acting.”

Reminiscing of filmdom as a child, Kareena said she would accompany Karisma, who entered filmdom in 1991 with ‘Prem Qaidi’, to the sets and has grown up with the industry.

“As a child, I used to accompany Lolo (Karisma) to the sets of her films, so I’ve seen the industry grow and vice versa. I have nothing but the highest regards for the industry,” said Kareena, who completes 13 years in filmdom and has been part of over 45 films, including hits like ‘Ajnabee’, ‘Aitraaz’, ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘3 Idiots’.

(Bollywood Celebden)

mitabh Bachchan has cancelled his Melbourne visit reportedly due to the illness of a close relative, according to PTI reports.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne issued a statement, saying, "IFFM regrets to announce that Amitabh Bachchan's appearance at the festival's closing night has been cancelled. Amitabh Bachchan is unable to travel due to the illness of a close relative…We are all obviously very disappointed, as the festival has been soaring with all the various events, screenings and 100 years celebrations, and having him close it would have been the perfect finish."

Bachchan was to receive the first of its kind 'global citizenship award' and launch a scholarship under his name, incepted by the La Trobe University.

The university said they have postponed the ceremony for the time being.

The three-week long festival will

end with the screening of 'Bombay Talkies' on May 22. The film is a collection of four stories by directors Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar. (Times of India)

Kiran Rao doesn’t believe in women-centric films

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ilmmaker Kiran Rao, who made her directorial debut with ‘Dhobi Ghat’ in 2011, says she prefers creating “challenging roles for wom-

en in films” over women-oriented movies. She was at the time speaking at an awards function organised by Women In Film and Television (WIFT), reports IANS. “I would like to present women in all their diversity and colour. I think that’s what we should do best because filmmaking is ultimately storytelling and I believe that to tell a story you need talent that women bring on the screen…I certainly will have more interesting women characters in my film,” she added.

Talking about her next project, she said, “I have started writing. It’s a long process for me since I am unable to write a script faster. Though I have started, but I will make it only if something good turns out.”

Actors Imran Khan, Jackie Shroff and Kabir Bedi were also present at the function and felicitated the winners. (Bollywood Celebden)

Pran conferred with ‘Phalke Award’

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n a rare gesture, union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari, specially flew down to Mumbai to present the prestigious 44th ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ for Lifetime Achievement to veteran character actor Pran Kishan Sikand, famously known as ‘Pran’, reports IANS. The frail 93-year-old Pran was unable to travel to New Delhi on May 3 when the national film awards were handed out by President Pranab Mukherjee.

Tewari was accompanied by Information and Broadcasting secretary U.K. Varma, officials from the ministry and from the Directorate of Film Festivals. He presented the award, comprising a Swarn Kamal, a citation, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs.one million (Rs.10 lakh) to Pran.

“It is an honour for me to present this award to Pran saheb in person, in the centenary year of Indian cinema. Pran saheb is one of the most deserving persons to get the award and this has added lustre to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award,” Tewari said, paying glorious tributes to Pran.

India’s highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, is given annually since 1969 to recognise the contribution of film personalities towards the development of Indian cinema and their distinguished contribu-

tion to the growth and promotion of the medium.

Born in 1920 in Delhi, Pran started his career as a photographer in 1940, but a chance meeting with a film producer got him his first role in a film called ‘Yamla Jat’.

After a brief pause due to Partition in 1947, when he moved from Lahore to Bombay, with the help of the renowned writer Saadat Hasan Manto and actor Shyam, Pran got a break in ‘Bombay Talkies’ film ‘Ziddi’, in which Dev Anand played the lead role.

Since then, Pran never looked back and has acted in over 400 movies spanning six decades. (Excerpt from Bollywood Celebden)

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Farhan Akhtar to endorse smartphone

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ctor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has been named the new face of smartphones brand ‘Intex Technologies’ and he says the products are value-for-money, reports IANS. “To me, Intex has been a long standing player that spells trust, credibility, innovation and evolves with the usage patterns of consumers like us,” Farhan said in a statement.

“The products are versatile and offers value-for-money, I am looking forward to this association and the next line up of innovative offerings from the Intex stable,” he added.

Calling the 39-year-old actor “versatile and youthful”, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, general manager-mobility division, Intex Technologies Ltd., said: “We are pleased to announce one of the leading icon of film industry, Farhan Akhtar as our brand ambassador, who would be the face of our mobility division.”

He added: “A tech enthusiast himself, we look forward to his refreshing ideas and are confident of a successful partnership that would take the Intex

Shraddha Kapoor hopes for fairytale romance

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mandate to another height.”

For the next year, Farhan will be seen in the brand’s campaigns.

(Bollywood Celebden)

die-hard romantic, Shraddha Kapoor, who has an appetite for love stories ‘Titanic’, would love to experience dream-like romance in real life too.

Shraddha, who has finally arrived with musical romantic saga ‘Aashiqui 2’, said: “I am very romantic as a person. I believe that love should be something mad and full of ‘pagalpan’…It should be mad or it should not be there.

I love romantic films. I hope I have a fairytale romance.”

The actress revealed, “I always wanted to be a part of romantic films.

There are lots of romantic films, which are my favourite like ‘Pyasa’, ‘Devdas’, ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Notebook’. These are the ones which really stand out in my mind. Now there is ‘Aashiqui 2’ as well.

I have a thing for mad passionate love stories,” she said, according to an IANS report.

Currently shooting for Karan Johar’s production venture ‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’, the 24-year-old wants to

be part of films which help her to connect with her fans.

“Even though ‘Teen Patti’ didn’t do well, people said nice things about me. I want to be a part of films where the story connects to the audience. I want to do good stories and work with good directors,” she said. (Bollywood Celebden)

Soha and Kunal living together SRK gets ‘Chevalier Sivaji Award’

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A

ctress Soha Ali Khan, who is in a relationship with actor Kunal Khemu, says commitment is more important for her than just finishing the formality of signing a paper. Her mother, actress Sharmila Tagore, wants her children to settle down soon in their lives, but Soha has a different view on marriage, IANS reports.

“We have taken a big step together, where we are living together, which is equivalent to being married. For me, that’s the biggest step,” Soha told IANS. “She is a mother and she wants her child to be settled. But for me, moving [in] together was the biggest step. Now whether we get married

ollywood ‘Baadshah’ Shahrukh Khan was conferred with ‘Chevalier Sivaji Award’, constituted after veteran Tamil actor Sivaji Ganeshan, at the 7th edition of Vijay awards, reports IANS. "I have enjoyed working with Kamal Haasan and Ajith Kumar in my career. I may be the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL cricket league, but my favorite team is Chennai Super Kings," said Shahrukh while receiving

or when we get married is not on my mind right now,” the 34-year-old, seen in films like ‘Rang De Basanti’, said.

“For me, this is the biggest commitment and we have made this commitment to make things work. The formality is just associated with sign-

ing paper, but the value and commitment is more important to me,” she added.

In fact, Soha’s actor brother Saif too tied the knot with actress Kareena Kapoor after they had been staying together for five years.

(Bollywood Celebden)

Ranbir Kapoor costarring with parents

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ctor Ranbir Kapoor, who will be sharing the screen space with father Rishi Kapoor and mother Neetu Singh in Abhinav Kashyap's 'Besharam', says it was a learning experience.

"It was a great experience working with mom and dad. It was for the first time we shot together. It is always fun to work with family. My father bullies the director and it's fun to watch him. It's a learning experience," said the 30-yearold.

Ranbir, who was appreciated for his role in 'Rockstar' and 'Barfi!' recently, says, "I have not achieved anything, there

is miles to go and lots of films to do. My parents are proud of my work and this is my biggest

achievement," he said.

'Besharam' is slated to release Oct 2. (Times of India)

his award.

Shahrukh, 47, worked with Kamal Haasan in Tamil-Hindi bilingual ‘Hey Ram’ and with Ajith Kumar in Hindi film ‘Asoka’.

‘King Khan’, as he is often called, also handed over special category awards to actor Vijay and filmmaker A.R Murugadoss.

The awards were presented to actors under different categories for the year 2012. (Times of India)

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Sports in History

Fifteen-year-old schoolboy Harry Ramanand bowled Clyde Walcott for a first ball duck!

Continued from last week

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ack to my boyhood hero, Harry!

While he didn’t do anything spectacular with the ball, Harry nonetheless played a great part to help Berbice retain the intercounty title. In a finish full of drama and tension, Berbice held on to the end to draw the final with archrivals Demerara in the 1955 inter-county cricket tournament at Bourda.

Scores in the match were: Demerara 441 for eight declared, Berbice 260 for nine. Interest in the game was kept alive until the last ball, when the Berbice pair at the wicket and the umpires acquiesced to the third appeal for bad light. Basil Butcher batted well for his 46 runs, which came in 90 minutes and in, which he struck seven boundaries.

Earlier, Rohan Kanhai was caught at the wicket

by Mc Watt off “Bruiser” Thomas for 19, making an injudicious cut.

Lance Gibbs, in his first spell sent down seven overs for six maidens and had only on run scored off him for two wickets. Berbice skipper and former BG and West Indies star batsman Robert Christiani, who missed out on the Berbice side on the qualification rule the year before, was cheered to the wicket at the crucial point. He stayed three quarters of an hour and scored 14 runs.

Then came the SolomonAmsterdam stand for the sixth wicket that was mainly responsible for the match petered out in a tame draw.

Left handed Leslie Amsterdam, the little man with the broad bat, was not afraid to hit the ball as he settled scored

Clyde Walcott

some attractive shots to all parts of the ground.

It was when skipper

Bruce Pairaudeau tried Neville Thomas that he got Amsterdam caught and bowled for a classy 45 Solomon and Ivan Madray also defied the regular bowlers and it was left to Neville Thomas to once more break the stand.

From then, the game seemed to be in Demerara’s hands.

But although Neville Thomas disposed of “SugarBoy” Baijnauth and Lance Gibbs bowled Saranga Baichu, fifteen-year-old schoolboy left-arm spinner Harry (last man) and Madray stayed through the remaining overs and batted as though their lives depended in not getting out, until bad light forced the stoppage with Berbice precariously placed at 260-9. The most successful bowlers for the Demerara side were Lance Gibbs three for 31 in 25 overs and Neville Thomas three for 33.

Look at Gibbs’ figures again, three for 31 in 25 overs against the likes of Charles Paul, Kanhai, Harnanan, Butcher, Christiani, Amsterdam and Solomon. The guy had class then, no wonder he turned to be one of the finest, if not the finest off-spinner the world had seen.

Demerara batted first on a batman’s paradise, with Glendon Gibbs and “Bruiser” Thomas featuring in an

opening stand of 115.

Thomas was first to go for a well-made 62. It is interesting to note that “Bruiser” Thomas made a brilliant 250 against Essequibo in the preliminary match. Demerara ended the first day’s play on 270 for two; Glendon Gibbs 123 and Bruce Pairaudeau 69 both undefeated. When play resumed on the second day, the first success came to Berbice when Bruce Pairaudeau was stumped off Baijnauth for 85. His third wicket with Gibbs had put on 154 runs. Neville Thomas helped Gibbs put on 51 runs before he was caught Christiani off Madray for 21. Colin Wiltshire, the leading run-getter in the Case Cup that season, left five runs later, leg before to Harry for one run. The Gibbs long innings, which started from the opening over on Saturday, came to an end when he was bowled by Madray for 171. His knock included seventeen boundaries. Pairaudeau did not declare during the interval, as many had expected, and Demerara lost two more wickets before the declaration was made eventually at 441 for eight. At the time, Edun was 35 not out and Lance Gibbs on 13. Legspinner Ivan Madray was the main wickettaker for Berbice with three for 129. Medium pacer Saranga Baichu chipped in with two for 98.

The teams were: Berbice: Robert Christiani (Capt), Charles Paul, Rohan Kanhai (Wkt), Vic Harnanan, Basil Butcher, Leslie Amsterdam, Ivan Madray, “SugarBoy” Baijnauth, Saranga Baichu and Harry with Sony Moonsammy as emergency fieldsman.

Demarara: Bruce Pairaudeau (Capt), Glendon Gibbs, “Bruiser” Thomas, Neville Thomas, Leroy Jackman, Colin Wiltshire, Clif Mc Watt (Wkt), Wilfred Edun, George Green, Lance Gibbs and Julian Archer with Lance Jonas as emergency fieldsman.

Clyde Walcott informed the selection

By Shan Razack

committee that on account of his close association as Coach for the Berbice players he was reluctant to take part in the tournament.

The next week, a Berbice X1 took on a Rest Side led by Clyde Walcott in a feature match at the Mental Hospital ground. It was in that match that fifteen-year-old, left-arm spinner my boyhood hero; Harry Ramanand bowled Clyde Walcott, one of the illustrious three Ws for a first ball duck. It is believed that it was the first time that this great batsman had ever failed to disturb the scorers. At his peak, like Viv Richards later, he was one of those rare power-packed batsmen to whom bowlers preferred not to bowl on a long afternoon. Walcott who has the unique distinction of scoring a century in each inning of a Test series (twice against Australia in 1955), and, whose work on the sugar estates cannot be evaluated in how many players he brought to national and international prominence.

Rather, it must be seen in the light of creating an abiding interest in the game that on the sugar estates, if you are not a cricketer and aspiring to be another Kanhai (Rohan), Butcher (Basil) and Solomon (Joe) it is because you are incapacitated, or past when anyone cares much what you are. And his contribution to West Indies cricket, and as a cricket administrator in Guyana when he was solely instrumental in in-earthing Kanhai, Butcher and Solomon from the sugar estates in Berbice; and as a national coach, manager, director and West Indies Cricket Board president are all now forgotten.

Harry’s reputation grew by leaps and bounds with every passing game. Eventually, he was invited by his eldest brother Seepersaud to play league cricket in England. Harry jumped at the offer, hoping, of course, that it is once-ina-lifetime opportunity to develop his cricketing skills and at the same time to enhance his career.

SPort

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Guyana versus Jamaica boxing showdown on June 8

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he intention of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) and the Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) to have a solid and working partnership was aptly exemplified following the sealing of a deal to have a Guyana versus Jamaica five-fight showdown on June 8 on the Island of Wood and Water.

GBBC’s matchmaker Eion Jardine told the press last Thursday that five tantalising fights

are billed for the next month’s card, with five Guyanese fighters set to represent the Golden Arrowhead in the land of reggae.

Heavyweight Theophilus King, welterweights Gladwin Dorway and Iwan Azore, middleweight Edmond DeClou and flyweight Dexter Marques have been earmarked to represent Guyana on the historic card, which will be the first to be jointly promoted by the governing bod-

Edmond DeClou

ies of the respective nations.

King will trade skills

Iwan Azore

with debutant Jamaro Nooks in a four-round contest; Dorway will face

Dexter Marques

Donavon Campbell in an eight-round exhange; Azore, the welterweight

champion of Guyana, will face recently crowned WBC CABOFE welterweight champion Sakima Mullings in a 10- rounder; De Clou will put his WBC CABOFE middleweight title on the line against Anthony Osbourne; and Marques will defend his WBC CABOFE flyweight belt against Rudolph Hedge.

A touring party to accompany the boxers will be announced soon, while a venue for the card is yet to be finalised.

NACRA 15’s Championship…

National ruggers preparation in advanced stage, says Henry

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he national rugby squad’s preparation for the clash against Barbados in the NACRA 15’s championship on Saturday is in an advanced stage, according to head coach Theodore Henry.

Henry made the comment moments after spearheading the final trial match for the squad on Saturday afternoon at the National Park rugby field.

While he is extremely satisfied with the progress made so far, Henry said there is still an amount of work to be done to reach the desired level of preparedness.

The national 15’s rugby squad during the final trial match on Saturday afternoon at the National Park in Georgetown

“I am pretty satisfied with the progress seen so far, but there is still some work to sort out. In my opinion we are well on our way to getting into the type of form that will make it difficult for Barbados to beat us,” Henry confidently remarked. He added that everyone has remained injury-free so far, pointing out that that is due mainly to the rigorous preparations they’ve undergone over the past weeks.

According to the coach, for the past weeks the squad went through the conditioning and tactical phase of its preparations,

where some deficiencies were identified.

Henry also noted that during this week the squad will be focusing on game play and the general structure on how they will approach Barbados.

“All in all, I am pretty much pleased with the team’s progress and there are no excuses to be made,” Henry said.

While overseas-based players Ronald Mayers and Dillon Downer have joined the squad, the third foreign-based player, Richard Staglon, due to work commitments, will arrive days before the game against Barbados.

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Mars tops GABBFF national novices

Overall winner Dwayne Mars of Berbice collects his trophy from Banks DIH Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie

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he Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) hosted the national novices championships on Sunday evening, with Berbician Dwayne Mars flexing his way to the overall title

at the Threatre Guild in Kingston, Georgetown.

Mars, the 2012 Berbice Flex Night champion, proved that his success at that event in the Ancient County was no fluke, as he powered his way to victory over the very best

novices at the national championship, dubbed “Muscle Invasion”.

Mars of ‘Fitness Zone’ gym had earlier won the Light Middleweight division and was up against other category winners in the overall pose down.

Mars did well on the night, displaying ripped abdominals, well-defined quadriceps and sculpted arms in his free routine and compulsory poses.

He was up against Kelvin Bobb-Semple, who had earlier won the under-21 category, Shahid Toloram (flyweight champion), Jermaine Bacchus (lightweight champion), Rawle Cole (welterweight champion) and Anthony Peres (heavyweight).

On the distaff side, 2012 Flex Night Miss Bikini winner, Shawnell Warner, copped first place in the Miss Fitness

Open, beating gym-mate Stacy Small of ‘Fitness Paradise’ into second.

Small also secured the runner-up spot to Candacy Lynch in the

ey’s worth, as he strutted his well-chiselled structure to the lyrics of Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Moment for Life”, much to the delight of the female section

‘Fitness Express’ located on Sheriff Street.

Other corporate entities on board were Guyana Lottery Company, DeSinco Trading, Sterling

The category winners flexing their stuff during the overall pose down

Miss Physique showdown.

The event was graced with the presence of Mr Barbados 2012, Stevenson Belle, who was the guest poser. The 5’7”, 215lbs Bajan certainly gave the audience its mon-

of the gathering.

The top performers were presented with cash prizes and trophies compliments of Banks DIH Limited, while the winners of each division also received supplements, provided by

Products Limited, Trophy Stall, Sleep Inn and Windjammer International Hotels.

At the conclusion of the night’s activities, officials of the GABBFF dubbed the event a major success.

Barbados crowned ‘Regional Four-day’ champs

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istless Trinidad and Tobago slumped to a heavy innings and 22-run loss in the Regional Four-day final, to hand Barbados their 21st first class title on Saturday.

Starting the penultimate day at Kensington Oval on 140-4 and requiring nothing short of a miracle to stay alive in the contest, TT folded meekly for 237, 25 minutes after lunch to complete a miserable outing and finish the season with little to show for

by his team’s triumph.

“It feels great after you have completed a season after the kind of start we had, win a trophy and still look around and see some of the young guys improve as well. That is the definition of success for me,” he said.

“We had guys that were willing or fight, willing to prove their worth and that was important.”

We are the champions! The Barbados players and management team pose with Sir Everton Weekes (centre), in whose honour the Regional Four-day trophy was named

their efforts.

Attacking opener Lendl Simmons converted his overnight 111 into a top score of 140, while Stephen Katwaroo got 34, but the lower order was devoid of fight as TT lost their last six wickets for 97 runs.

Seamer Javon Searles was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing 3-31, while impressive fast bowler Miguel Cummins added one to his three from overnight to finish with 4-75. He was voted Manof-the-Match for his ninewicket match haul.

TT captain Denesh Ramdin said afterward, his side’s campaign had suffered because of the loss of key personnel, with the new players not performing up to scratch.

“It was an up and down season and we had to keep chopping and changing players, some going and some coming.

We did not get that balance in our batting department so we were al-

ways struggling to put 200 runs on the board and our bowlers have done it throughout the season for us,” the West Indies wicketkeeper said.

“This is [one of the few times] we have gotten over 220 runs for the season. It is something we have to think about and we have to go back to our drawing board. The top five or six batters need to come to the party. They didn’t come consistently as we wanted them too in this tournament.”

He added: “Well played to Simmons this game. He got a hundred but coming from 260 behind it is a hard task to overcome that.”

Barbados coach Hendy Springer, meanwhile, was understandably elated

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he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will earn US$ 4.5M each year from their deal with Verus International the owners of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), a WICB director has announced.

The WICB earnings will also include an annual licence fee of US$ 1.5M, which takes inflation rates into account, Director Baldath Mahabir has stated.

“The West Indies Cricket

Board was running the regional T20 tournament and was losing US$ 3M a year because there were no sponsors,” said Mahabir. “ Now with this deal with the CPL we have our players playing good quality T20 cricket and the WICB don’t have to fork out the US$ 3M to stage it.” The CPL, which has replaced the regional T20 tournament, will bowl off on July 30 and will have six teams coming

WICB Director Baldath Mahabir

from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua, Guyana and St Lucia.

Mahabir said it would have been difficult for the WICB to go the route of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by owning the tournament and having franchises.

“The WICB needed someone to bankroll this tournament because when you look at the economy in the region, it would have been difficult

for the WICB to sell the franchises,” he said.

“You might have gotten buy-in from say Trinidad and Tobago but some of the other countries would have found it difficult to be part of it.”

CPL fixtures revealed over the weekend saw each franchise playing seven matches, three at home, three away and one at a neutral venue.

The semi-finals and finals are carded for Trinidad and Tobago.

NEW GPC INC supports referees’ council with state-of-the-art cameras

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EW GPC Inc continued its support of the Guyana Football Referee Council (GFRC) on Friday, supplying the body with state-of-the-art digital camera monitoring devices at the company’s head office, East Bank Demerara. The digital cameras, which are expected to monitor the actions of referees during a game, will aid referees to improve and work to become better referees according to junior vice president of the GFRC Dion Inniss.

Marketing Manager of NEW GPC INC Trevor Basoo indicated that the company is delighted to be a part of the progres-

Trevor Basoo (third from right) hands over new camera equipment to Dion Inness in the presence of a few referees and general secretary of the referees' council Dwayne Lovell (extreme right)

sion of the council and by extension the game of football. “We are pleased

to be associated with the council and in expressing our support of the coun-

cil this is another one of our gestures to support the council in order to en-

hance the game of football,” Basoo stated at the handing over ceremony.

Meanwhile, Inniss expressed thanks on behalf of the GFRC, stating that the new equipment will go a far way in assisting the referees. “We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the New GPC, it is some of the best technical equipment and we think it will enhance our performance greatly over a short period of time.

“They (NEW GPC) have been good partners with us and they would always render assistance to us and I think it is a company that puts their money where their mouth is and this will go a far way in helping improve refereeing,” Inniss mentioned.

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Cook focused on beating New Zealand

England Captain Alastair Cook and New Zealand Brendon McCullum display the tournament trophy

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aptain Alastair Cook says his England side need to be at their best to beat New Zealand after drawing their three-Test series 0-0 earlier this year.

England are ranked the second best Test team six places higher than the Kiwis - and were expected to win the series.

“I don’t think there was complacency around, but we didn’t play as well as we could have done, that’s the bottom line,” said Cook, 28.

The two teams meet in the first of a two-Test series at Lord’s today (Thursday).

England will again start the series as heavy

favourites despite only tying the previous series in New Zealand by drawing the final Test in March when the last-wicket pair held on.

But Cook says his side will need to improve to beat the tourists.

The opening batsmen said: “We all know cricket is not played on paper or on rankings. It’s out there in the middle, 11 v 11.

“It doesn’t matter what’s gone on before or after. It’s those five days.

“I think every Test series you play for England is a hugely important series, it doesn’t matter what has gone before.

“We are fully focused on these two weeks of

Test cricket versus New Zealand. We have to be at our best to win.”

Spinner Graeme Swann and seamer Tim Bresnan are back in the squad after they both recovered from elbow operations during the winter.

“It’s great to have Graeme fully fit after his elbow surgery, you want your best players available,” added Cook.

“I think you miss every experienced player who doesn’t play. You can’t buy experience.

“It’s very crucial you have that. You always miss players of that kind of calibre when they’re not around.

“It’s obviously great to have Bressie back. His elbow surgery has gone well.

“With the amount of cricket we have coming up in the next 12 months we’re going to need more than 11 players and it’s great he’s back.”

England’s only likely selection issue is whether Bresnan is chosen in place of fellow paceman Steven Finn.

The visitors must decide whether to field an all seam attack, with rightarm seamer Doug Bracewell and left-arm spinner Bruce Martin

competing for the final bowling place.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum expects England to raise their game at home but said his players were once again looking to “punch above their weight”.

“They will be more aware of us. They’re play-

ing in their backyard as well, so we know we’re going to have to improve on the performance at home,” he said.

“They will probably swing the ball a bit more than in New Zealand, where they also struggled a touch with the Kookaburra (ball).

“They will be a far more dangerous proposition. Their batters are very clinical at home, from what we’ve seen.

“We believe we have some guys favoured by these conditions, but we’ll have to be on our game.

It’s pretty mouth-watering.” (BBC Sport)

guyanatimeSinternational.com

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

week ending may 19, 2013

Warriors take KKR down with them

Y

File photo: Yusuf Pathan was involved in a near-collision again

usuf Pathan ended his three-year IPL fifty drought, but the day was meant for the end of another barren spell. Pune Warriors won their first match since April 15, which knocked Kolkata Knight Riders out of the tournament on Wednesday.

This was their third win in 24 matches, which gave them hope of avoiding the bottom of the table for a second year running.

For a majority of the contest, the match seemed going down the familiar Warriors script. A good start from Aaron Finch and Robin Uthappa, a slowdown after they fall, a middling finish, then a good start with the ball, then a recovery from the opposition, and then Warriors break down.

Wednesday night, though, it was Yusuf, who seemed to have committed the crucial error, getting out obstructing the

field when his 72 off 44 had brought his side to needing 23 off 14 balls. It was not a clear-cut decision.

Parnell, who had started well with two wickets in his first spell, was going through a torrid comeback over - 14 off four balls - when he bowled a yorker. The ball was on the pitch but Yusuf took off for the single. Parnell closed in on him while going for the ball, which was also in Yusuf’s path.

Parnell stuck his hands out as he approached Yusuf, who slowed down, possibly because of the contact.

Yusuf ended up kicking the ball with the face of his foot open, like footballers do. The umpires, with the help of replays, deemed Yusuf had done so deliberately, and ruled him out.

Presumably the umpires also deemed that Parnell did not deliberately block Yusuf’s path by raising his hands. Had they seen it as deliberate obstruction by Parnell, they would have called the ball dead and awarded the batting side five runs.

Repeated replays showed neither was Parnell looking at Yusuf when he ran into him nor did Yusuf seem to be looking at the ball when he kicked it.

Yusuf was livid at being given out, and he watched the rest of the match from the stairway to the dressing room, punching the railing at one point. The railing was sturdier than Knight Riders’ lower order, who managed only 15 further runs. This was the kind of finish you could have attributed to Warriors in the normal course, but this time they managed

to come back every time they slipped.

When Finch fell for 48 off 32, Warriors were 97 for 2 in the 13th over, and the expected slowdown began. Yuvraj Singh struggled against spin, and the next nine balls produced only two runs.

Manish Pandey, though, put paid to that, hitting

fell early too. Yusuf and Ryan ten Doeschate, though, added 98 for the fourth wicket to take Knight Riders close.

Then came Yusuf’s first mistake of the night when he refused to respond to ten Doeschate’s call for a single to short fine leg.

That single was fair

three consecutive fours off Jacques Kallis.

Despite later stumbles, Warriors managed 72 off the last six overs.

Parnell put them further ahead with full swinging deliveries to Manvinder Bisla and Kallis. Gautam Gambhir

game for the final overs of limited-overs games, but Yusuf was now left needing to make amends. He nearly did make amends by rearranging Parnell’s figures, but he was adjudicated to have made the final mistake of the night.

(Cricinfo)

Guyana retains long range shooting title G

uyana’s rifle shooters retained the long range title while Lennox Braithwaite remains the West Indies individual shooting champion as the West Indies rifle shooting championships continued Wednesday at the Paragon ranges in Barbados. The national shooters defied tough, windy conditions and fierce opposition from nemesis Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua/ Barbuda and host Barbados to capture victory in the 900 and 1000 yards shoot with a grand total of 697 with 30 V bulls.

Guyana shot 349 with 15 Vs at 900 yards and came back to record 348 with 15 Vs at 1000 yards.

Jamaica secured the second position with 673 with 28 Vs points with Trinidad and Tobago securing 632 with 25 Vs and Antigua/ Barbuda 595 with 15 Vs. In the Individual shoot, Braithwaite retained the West Indies individual

shooting title with a grand aggregate of 451 points with 44 Vs but he finished 28th overall in the international individual championship which was won

by British shooter David Luckman who recorded a grand aggregate of 470.65.

Braithwaite was on fire for Guyana and proved to be the best regional shooter against some of the best international shooters from Great Britain, Australia, Canada and Channel Islands.

He shot a perfect 50.3 at 600 yards and recorded 41.2 to end with 91.5 on the final day.

National captain Mahendra Persaud was third overall among regional shooters with 442 points and 30 Vs finishing behind Trinidad and Tobago’s Michael Perez who was one point behind Braithwaite with 450.44.

Norris Gomez was fourth with 439.24, Anderson Perry of Antigua/ Barbuda with 438.26 fifth, National vice captain Dylan Fields sixth with

Lennox Braithwaite

435.28 and Jamaican Jose Nunez with 435.24.

ACP retired Paul Slowe finished on 420.18 to be in the top 20 shooters from the region.

The other Guyanese grand aggregate are Ransford Goodluck 416.23, Sigmund Douglas 414.18, Charles Dean 413.18, Dane Blair 412.20, Lieutenant Colonel Terrance Stuart 404.71 and Peter Persaud 387.10.

Rain had curtailed shooting on the third day forcing the Guyanese riflemen to return early on the final day to complete 900 yards.

The conditions proved to be detrimental as all the shooters found the lighting and wind challenging especially at 900 yards.

The West Indian shooters will be in action again today (Thursday) in the short range match over 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges and once again Guyana will be defending their title won last year at the Timehri ranges.

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