Carribean Star #17

Caribbean First Interfaith Newspaper, Serving The Community

November 21–27, 2014

Caribbeanstarnews@gmail.com

Vol.4 #17

Star

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

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ELDERLY UNDER ATTACK A woman nearing 90 years old, who kept to herself, was found murdered on Monday, the victim of what appeared to be a vicious knife attack.

See More on Page 13

US$ 44.3M

contract awarded for rehab of WCD/ EBE highway

See More on Page 12

GUYANA

All public schools in Regions 2, 3 and 4

CLOSED DEEP FLOODING IN CITY AFTER HEAVY RAIN Page 25

BILL COSBY 14 PLAYERS faces new rape allegations See More on Page 33 —Celebrating —

31 30 Gloriou s Years Yea rs Glorious

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sign by deadline for West Indies tour A month after a pay dispute controversially derailed its tour to India, the West Indies Cricket Board has confirmed that 14 top-flight players have signed contracts committing them to a three-test series in South Africa.

See More on Page 38

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SIERRA Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Mali are the four West African countries that Guyana has imposed travel restrictions on, in face of the Ebola threat.

See More on Page 9

SOLIDER

hospitalised, accomplice dead after robbery See More on Page 4

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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November 21–27, 2014 3 Caribbean Star Newspaper Bandit dies, partner hurt after being run over during getaway

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bandit is dead and his alleged accomplice is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) after they were run over shortly after robbing a woman of a quantity of cash at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara yesterday.

Dead is Trelon Munroe, of Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, while his accused partner was identified as Kevin David, of Agricola, an AWOL coast guard rank.

Crime Chief Leslie James told Sta-

broek News that sometime around 12:30pm, Jasdai Persaud and her husband went to a city bank and withdrew $750,000 before returning home. The money was reportedly to be used for home repairs.

On their arrival at their Cherry Field, LBI home, Persaud’s husband left briefly and it was while the man was away that a black CG motorcycle with two men pulled up in front of the house. The pillion driver, James said, got off the cycle and entered the Persaud’s yard.

There, he held Persaud at gunpoint and demanded the recently withdrawn money from her.

The woman acquiesced and the bandit attempted to return to the waiting motorcycle. However, he was confronted by Persaud’s husband, who had returned. The two men became embroiled in a scuffle for the bag of money and the bandit discharged a single round.

Fortunately, Persaud’s husband was not hit but the bandit used the momentary pause to escape the man’s grip. The

Kevin David bandit returned to his pillion seat on the waiting cycle and sped off with his accomplice. However, a nearby relative of Persaud gave chase in a car. According to James, there was a collision between the two vehicles and the two bandits fell off.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, one of the men was pinned under the car, while the other lay nearby on his stomach. Their motorcycle had been flung to the side.

The police were contacted and promptly arrived on the scene. Residents who had gathered after word of the robbery had spread did not attempt to touch either of the injured men. It was only until the police arrived that persons picked the men up and tossed them unceremoniously into the back of the police vehicle, bloodied and covered in red dirt.

From all appearances, both men were alive when they were taken to the hospital by the police.

The residents were unsympathetic to the men’s plight and expressed disgust at persons who committed robberies.

Residents further noted that many robbers tend to get away with their crimes.

According to the police, a quantity of the stolen cash along with a .32 revolver and four live rounds with a spent shell were recovered.

At the GPH, relatives and friends of David refused to speak with Stabroek News, while Munroe’s relatives failed to show. Munroe reportedly succumbed to his injuries early yesterday afternoon and a source at the hospital stated that GPH staff had taken long to respond to the man.

Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Mark Phillips confirmed that David was a coast guard rank who went AWOL (absent without leave) several months ago. According to Phillips, he was contacted last evening with the news that earlier in the day David had been involved in a robbery.

If the man makes a full recovery, he is expected to be brought before the court.

“He will be before the court and he will be dismissed forthwith,” Phillips said.

David is currently under guard at the GPH.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

Solider hospitalised, accomplice dead after robbery

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RILLION Munroe of Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice died at the Georgetown Public Hospital while receiving medical attention while his robbery accomplice, Kevin David was hospitalised under guard at the same medical institution.

The two were earlier yesterday afternoon chased and caught by residents of La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara after they snatched a bag containing some $750,000 from 37-year-old Jasdai Persaud, also known as Nalani Mohamed, of 45 Cherry Field, LBI, shortly after she had returned from a city bank with the money.

Yesterday neither the woman nor her relatives were willing to speak with this publication about the incident.

However persons who were on the scene related that the woman and her husband had just returned home when two men rode up on a motorcycle and one raced into the yard and snatched a bag from the woman which contained the money.

The woman then raised an

Relatives and friends who gathered at the home after the robbery

The motorcycle the men were riding when they were cornered by residents

alarm and her husband rushed to the men but the pillion rider reportedly fired a shot in his direction causing him to retreat.

However, the woman’s two brothers who were at separate locations in the area were also alerted about the robbery.

The men then attempted to chase the bandits who were on the motorcycle but were getting difficulties in having the men stop as they fired shots in the direction of the woman’s relatives. The relatives then took a decision to ram a car into the

unlicensed .32 revolver.

The Guyana Chronicle was late last evening able to confirm from a senior GDF source that the bandit, Kevin David was indeed a soldier but had been absent without leave (AWOL) for some time.

At the moment the woman has some workers who are carrying out extension works to her wooden house and according to persons in the area the woman only brought the men to the location two days ago.

Yesterday the Guyana Police

motorcycle the bandits were riding, pinning one of them under the vehicle while the other was pitched several yards away and lay in an unconscious state.

The police were then called in.

Meanwhile when the police arrived they were able to retrieve a Guyana Defence Force Identification Card which belonged to one Kevin David who is the second bandit, who is now hospitalised. Cops were also able to retrieve a bag containing the money which was snatched from the woman as well as an

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The two bandits in the back of a police pickup after they were captured Force in a statement said that the men who committed the robbery were confronted by relatives of the woman as they left the premises where they carried out the robbery.

It was during their bid to flee from the area that they were apprehended by the relatives who chased after them. The police were also able to recover four live rounds and a spent shell along with the unlicensed .32 revolver.

IMAG calls for apology from APNU’s Dr. Roopnarine

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HE Independent Media Workers Association of Guyana (IMAG) has condemned in the strongest possible terms, public statements by A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU’s) Dr. Rupert Roopnarine in which he called for a boycott of Guyana Times and the stateowned Guyana Chronicle and the National Communications Network (NCN).

In a public statement, IMAG said, “Dr. Roopnarine’s call is a direct attack on press freedom and should not be condoned. Over the years we have fought extremely hard for a free press and should not allow anyone, including politicians like Rupert Roopnarine to reverse our gains.”

To this end, IMAG called for Dr. Roopnarine to withdraw his comments and issue an apology forthwith.

“Should he fail to do this, we urge the media to boycott APNU activities until such time an apology is issued,” IMAG said.

Speaking at an APNU rally last Friday at the Square of the Revolution, Roopnarine started off by urging attendees, “Do not buy the Chronicle or the Guyana Times; and when you see Channel 11 come on, change it.”

What was cause for alarm, however, was when he took things up a notch, saying: “Within a very short time, we will have to arrange a ceremony at the Square of the Revolution where we can make an

APNU’s Dr. Rupert Roopnarine enormous bonfire of the Chronicle and the Guyana Times.”

Additionally, there has also been no move by the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to address Dr. Roopnarine’s comment, in the same fashion as the association has moved to address other matters.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Two girls killed in early morning city fire – father hospitalised – girls were rescued from same building in 2010 fire November 21–27, 2014

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IREFIGHTERS early yesterday morning removed the charred remains of Theresa Rozario, 12 years, and her sister Clarissa Rozario, 14 years, of 65 Robb and King Streets, Georgetown, after their home was destroyed by an early morning fire.

Their father Randolph Thomas, 63 years, is hospitalised with burns about the body.

The fire service was called to the scene of the fire by commercial sex workers who observed fire coming from the building early yesterday morning.

However, due to the derelict state of the wooden building, the entire structure was gutted while the two children from the St. John’s College and Guyana Trust College remained trapped inside, while their father jumped to safety.

The property at the junction of Robb and King Streets has long been a source of contention between the now hospitalised man, and another gentleman whose name was given as ‘Buddy’.

DESTROYED’: The building at the corner of Robb and King Streets in Georgetown that was destroyed by fire In the 2010 fire, the man called ‘Buddy’ was considered a suspect and he is also being fingered in yesterday’s tragedy that claimed the lives of the two children.

Persons said that after the fire started and the man jumped to safety, he informed persons that his daughters were trapped inside the building but because of the heat, smoke and falling debris persons were unable to enter the building to attempt a rescue.

Meanwhile, the children’s screams were reportedly drowned out by the crackling sounds of firewood and shattering glass as the building was

being gutted.

When firefighters were finally able to put the blaze out and they ventured into the building they discovered the remains of the children, which were removed to a city funeral home to await a post-mortem.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday morning, mother of the children Rosemary Rozario said that the man did threaten to burn the building down with Randolph Thomas and his children inside. Asked if the threat was ever reported to the police, she said that she was not certain since she and the father of her children were not

communicating with each other. Moreover, the children were kept away from her by the man and his relatives.

The grieving mother told this newspaper that she was at home when she got the call about the fire from her eldest son. The woman said that she hurriedly left her Guyhoc Park home and rushed down to the scene where she saw the fire engines battling to put the blaze out.

The woman said she knew that her children were trapped in the building since she did not see them or their father when she arrived on the scene.

The police and fire service are

continuing their investigations into the cause of the fire. Rosemary Rozario has four other children, ages 22, 19, 18 and 17.

Meanwhile, during a visit to the schools the girls had attended, very positive reviews were given about them. The directors and teachers of the Guyana Trust College said that the younger of the two girls was an ‘A’ student who got along well with the other children.

Yesterday the children wrote individual letters to send to the mother and relatives of the young girl expressing their sympathies and commenting on what a pleasant person she was.

Over at St. John’s College, the reviews of the older girl were also positive and the teachers there said that the child was one who was always keen on learning and would also ask questions.

In 2010, the same two children along with an older sister and their father who is now hospitalised were rescued by firefighters from the same building after it mysteriously caught fire.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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“I am the conscience in the heart of

all creatures I am their beginning, their being,

their end I am the mind of the senses, I am the radiant sun among lights I am the song in sacred lore, I am the king of deities I am the priest of great seers…”

T

his is how Lord Krishna describes God in the HolyGita. And to most Hindus he is the God himself, the Supreme Being or the Purna Purushotam.

THE MOST POWERFUL INCARNATION OF VISHNU The great exponent of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu, the Godhead of the Hindu Trinity of deities. Of all the Vishnu avataras he is the most popular, and perhaps of all Hindu gods the one closest to the heart of the masses.

Krishna was dark and extremely handsome. The word Krishna literally means «black», and black also connotes mysteriousness.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING KRISHNA For generations, Krishna has been an enigma to some, but God to millions, who go ecstatic even as they hear his name.

People consider Krishna their leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one. Krishna has influenced the Indian thought, life and culture in myriad ways. He has influenced not only its religion and philosophy, but also into its mysticism and literature, painting and sculpture, dance and music, and all aspects of Indian folklore.

THE TIME OF THE LORD Indian as well as Western scholars have now accepted the period between 3200 and 3100 BC as the period in which Lord Krishna lived on earth. Krishna took birth at midnight on the ashtami or the 8th day of theKrishnapaksha or dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan (August-September). The birthday of Krishna is called Janmashthami, a special occasion for Hindus that is celebrated around the world. The birth of Krishna is in itself a transcendental phenomenon that generates awe among the Hindus and overwhelms one and all with its supra mundane happenings.

BABY KRISHNA: KILLER OF EVILS Stories about Krishna’s exploits abound. Legends have it that on the very sixth day of his birth, Krishna killed lady demon Putna by sucking on her breasts.

In his childhood, he also killed many

other mighty demons, such as Trunavarta, Keshi, Aristhasur, Bakasur, Pralambasur et al. During the same period he also killed Kali Nag (cobra de capello) and made the holy water of river Yamuna poison free.

Krishna’s Childhood Days Krishna made cowherdesses happy by the bliss of his cosmic dances and the soulful music of his flute. He stayed in Gokul, the legendary ‘cow-village’ in Northern India for 3 years and 4 months.

As a child he was reputed to be very mischievous, stealing curd and butter and playing pranks with his girl friends or gopis. Having completed his Lila or exploits at Gokul, he went to Vrindavan and stayed until he was 6 years and 8 months old.

Read About the Radha-Krishna Legend According to a famous legend, Krishn drove away the monsterous serpent Kaliya from the river to the sea. Krishna, according to another popular myth, lifted the Govardhana hill up with his little finger and held it like an umbrella to protect the people of Vrindavana from the torrential rain caused by Lord Indra, who had been annoyed by Krishna. Then he lived in Nandagram till he was 10.

maternal uncle King Kamsa along with all his cruel associates and liberated his parents from jail. He also reinstated Ugrasen as the King of Mathura. He completed his education and mastered the 64 sciences and arts in 64 days at Avantipura under his preceptor Sandipani. Asgurudaksina or tuition fees, he restored Sandipani’s dead son to him. He stayed in Mathura till he was 28.

KRISHNA’S YOUTH AND EDUCATION Krishna then returned to Mathura, his birthplace, and killed his wicked

KRISHNA, THE HERO OF THE MAHABHARATA For many years, Krishna lived with the Pandava and Kaurava kings who

KRISHNA, THE KING OF DWARKA Krishna then came to the rescue of a clan of Yadava chiefs, who were ousted by the king Jarasandha of Magadha. He easily triumphed over the multi-million army of Jarasandha by building an impregnable capital Dwarka, “the many-gated” city in an island in the sea.

The city located on the western point of Gujarat, is now submerged in the sea according to the epic Mahabharata.

Krishna shifted, as the story goes, all his sleeping relatives and natives to Dwarka by the power of his yoga. In Dwarka, he married Rukmini, then Jambavati, and Satyabhama. He also saved his kingdom from Nakasura, the demon king of Pragjyotisapura, had abducted 16,000 princesses. Krishna freed them and married them since they had nowhere else to go.

ruled over Hastinapur. When a war was about to break oput between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Krishna was sent to mediate, but failed. War became inevitable, and Krishna offered his forces to the Kauravs and himself agreed to join the Panadavas as the charioteer of the master warrior Arjuna. This epic battle of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata, was fought in about 3000 BC. In the middle of the war, Krishna delivered his famous advice, which forms the crux of the Bhagavad Gita, in which he put forward the theory of ‘Nishkam Karma’ or action without attachment.

KRISHNA’S FINAL DAYS ON EARTH After the great war, Krishna returned to Dwarka. In his final days on earth, he taught spiritual wisdom to Uddhava, his friend and disciple, and ascended to his abode after casting off his body, which was shot at by a hunter named Jara. He is believed to have lived for 125 years.

Whether he was a human being or a God-incarnate, there is no gainsaying the fact that he has been ruling the hearts of millions for over three millennia. In the words of Swami Harshananda, “If a person can affect such a profound impact on the Hindu race affecting its psyche and ethos and all aspects of its life for centuries, he is no less than God.

By Subhamoy Das Hinduism Expert

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

Petting zoo slated to open next month

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O enhance biodiversity conservation in urban areas for the protection of Guyana’s ‘green spaces’ under the Three-Parks Initiative, the zoological park (zoo) petting zoo is slated to open its doors to the public in December.

In a brief interview, Ms. Annalise Bayney, the Protected Areas Commission officer who supervises this initiative, disclosed that all the major works as well as minor inputs such as the installation of doors, windows and other petty construction, have been completed.

Therefore, small issues are now being addressed surrounding the animals’ adjustment to the new environment (petting zoo).

FREE ACCESS Although access to the facility will be free, it is expected that the facility will contribute to its own upkeep through rental for children’s birthday parties and reduced food costs from visitors making purchases to feed the animals.

The petting zoo will feature ducks, donkeys, goats, cows and chickens. The maintenance of these animals will, however, be less expensive when compared to the other animals in the larger zoo.

ANIMAL WELFARE The zoo’s current primary objective is

The finished petting zoo slated to open in December. to implement international standards to promote animal welfare.

The purpose of the petting zoo is to modernise the larger zoological park and to provide a different experience, since wild animals are normally viewed from afar, thus there is no contact.

The petting zoo, on the other hand, will foster physical interaction with the animals and the public, particularly youths.

The zoo’s 45 species of animals are housed in enclosures that are not in line with current best practices and understanding in zoo husbandry, and are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain.

Therefore the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) and the Protected Areas Commission launched the Three-Parks initiative to modernise the zoo.

Meanwhile, the zoo has established a

Master Plan to augment its prime facilities and regenerate as well as develop road and rail networks in all three parks: The National Park, The Zoological Park and The Joe Vieira Park.

The rehabilitation of the zoo will enable visitors to gain greater knowledge of animal species in habitats that are representative of Guyana’s eco-systems.

Moreover, it seeks to create new exhibit spaces that are huge enough to accommodate the animals and give them room to roam freely, as in their natural habitats.

MASTER PLAN PROJECTS According to the Master Plan, five projects are to be completed: the Coastal Wetlands that will cater for the Black Caiman; the Savannah and the Mountain Highlands that will seek to accommodate the jaguars, the Rainforest that will be home to the Harpy Eagle and other bird species and lastly, World Treasures that will hold lions and tigers.

Each habitat zone will provide information on Protected Areas associated with that particular ecosystem, such as a Shell Beach information display in the Coastal Wetlands zone, and a Kanuku Mountains display in the Mountain Highlands zone.

COMFORT STATIONS Covered climate-controlled structures

Dr. Ravideen Ramsamooj. Ph.D. Trained music teacher.

will provide visitors’ comfort stations where habitat views, small animal exhibits, and interpretive information will be afforded in relative protection from the elements.

The storyline will be conveyed to the visitor through conventional graphics, artifacts, interactive elements, live animals, architecture, and landscape simulation. Visitors will be immersed in zones which are created to reinforce and illustrate the interpretive themes of animal interactions (predator/prey), symbiotic plant and animal associations, indigenous peoples and modern human relationships with the natural world.

The Zoological Park came into existence in 1952 and affords locals and tourists alike the chance to experience a diverse animal collection in a safe and accessible environment.

It occupies approximately four acres of land and serves as a shelter for abandoned and abused animals. It is beneficial for visitors, since it provides a spectrum for educational and recreational facilities that serve to highlight information and encourage admiration for wildlife in Guyana. Given that much of the zoo’s infrastructure was designed in the 1950s, it has not since reflected present international standards, hence the Three-Parks initiative.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

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November 21–27, 2014

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Guyana imposes travel restrictions for four West African countries

IERRA Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Mali are the four West African countries that Guyana has imposed travel restrictions on, in face of the Ebola threat. Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday confirmed this, adding that Guyana’s initial position of imposing travel restrictions for all West African countries has been changed.

His comments were made during his weekly post Cabinet press conference at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpal Drive.

Dr. Luncheon added that this position was agreed on following conclusion of the 17th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which was held in Trinidad and Tobago on November 4, 2014.

Guyana was represented at the meeting by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who, according to Dr. Luncheon, briefed Cabinet

on the outcomes of the meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting in Trinidad, according to a communique issued at the meeting, accepted that the likelihood of penetration of the Ebola virus disease in the Region is low, based on the low level of traffic from affected areas.

While there have been no reported cases of Ebola in the Region, it was agreed that there needed to be strengthening of the Regional Public Health capacity to confront the possibility of an outbreak of Ebola.

The meeting endorsed the measures taken so far by CARPHA; the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat and the Government of Cuba, to establish and strengthen regional capabilities to confront Ebola.

10-POINT ACTION PLAN The Heads of Government also adopted the following 10-Point Plan of Action to Stop Ebola, including the need to:

1. Strengthen effective, coordinated measures at ports of entry to prevent Ebola from entering our Community, including harmonising travel restrictions; 2. Strengthen health systems including training, equipment, laboratories and containment, and enlist the participation of airlines in the Region in transporting specimens and response teams; 3. Create a Regional Rapid Response Team (Carib REACT) able to reach any member state in twenty-four (24) hours to support the national response team to contain/stop an outbreak early on; 4. Launch an intensive public education campaign for citizens of the Region, visitors and those outside; 5. Organise a comprehensive resource mobilisation effort, including a possible Stop Ebola There and Here (SETH) Fund, to which governments, citizens and businesses here and abroad may contribute; 6. Finalise and implement the

harmonised regional operational response plan by end-November, coordinated with national response plans; 7. Participate in capacity-building efforts at the global and regional levels to gain experience for our benefit; 8. Establish a Regional Coordinating Mechanism on Ebola (RCME) with CARPHA as Chair, including the CARICOM and OECS Secretariats, IMPACS, CDEMA, and inviting Cuba to participate. The RCME will report to the Lead Head of Government on Health, the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, with the immediate responsibility to develop a comprehensive Regional Strategy to address Ebola preparedness in collaboration with PAHO/WHO; 9. Invite PAHO/WHO, the United Nations, other development partners and contributors to a meeting within one (1) month to expand the effectiveness of our collective response; and

10. Review and reinforce the effectiveness of these measures as implemented, at the Inter-sessional Meeting of Heads of Government in February 2015, and again at the Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in July 2015.

The Heads of Government also agreed on the need for enhanced coordination of the measures proposed in the 10-point plan, with clear responsibilities accorded to regional institutions and international organisations based on competencies.

The meeting mandated CARPHA to complete the national assessments in collaboration with PAHO/WHO and other international development partners and to develop a more comprehensive estimate of the resource requirements of the Region to support an enhanced resource mobilisation plan.

The Community’s responses to Ebola are being coordinated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

Remains suspected to be MFK boss for DNA testing in Trinidad

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AMPLES from the remains found at the Cummings Lodge Cemetery in October and suspected to be the corpse of businessman Mohamed Khan will be taken to Trinidad and Tobago for DNA testing.

This was confirmed by Crime Chief, Leslie James on Monday during an invited comment from members of the media.

Family members of the businessman came forward and identified the headless and badly decomposed remains of a male as that of the businessman who was last seen in late August when he travelled to Guyana from Brazil.

The remains which were stumbled upon by cleaners working in the vicinity of the cemetery were taken to the Lyken Funeral Home and was later identified by the man’s relatives.

However, the police have maintained that they need to conduct tests to ascertain the true identity of the person whose remains were discovered.

Meanwhile, regarding secondary school teacher, Nyozi Goodman, James said that an officer from the Guyana Police Force has already been identified to travel to Trinidad to retrieve the DNA results from the samples and

Police at the scene of the discovery of the remains at Cummings Lodge

Missing Nyozi Goodman

Missing Nyozi Goodman

have them returned to Guyana.

James said that he has been in contact with the mother of the missing school teacher and he last spoke with

the woman on Sunday night.

However the relatives of the teacher are saying that they have not been hearing from the Guyana Police Force with respect to the status of the investigation and the samples which were sent to Trinidad for DNA testing.

On Friday last, Royston Waldron, who police had identified as the main suspect in the disappearance of Goodman earlier this year as well as a policewoman several years ago, was killed in a shootout with the police. Two others who were in his company at the time were arrested when the police came under fire from the vehicle in which they were travelling.

Private sector slams authorities over flooding

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he Private Sector Commission today slammed the authorities over rain-fuelled flooding that has gripped the city and it declared that its confidence has been further diminished in the effectiveness of big ticket items such as the Doppler radar and the Hope canal. The PSC statement follows: Rainfall has once again resulted in major floods in the City of Georgetown and the Coastal Plains of Guyana and the business entities and poor households will once again suffer hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.

While the quantum of rainfall may have been unusual for the time period it fell and natural causes will obviously be blamed as in the past. The PSC is concerned that once again it seems that the leaders of the nation have been caught off guard. The alert mechanisms, forecasters and administrators both in central and local government have disappointed us in their proactivity and reaction to this development.

This situation is unfolding even after the millions being spent on the Doppler weather stations, hundreds of millions spent on drainage and irrigation annually, billions spent on the significantly delayed Hope Canal Project and the billion dollars currently being spent on the cleanup campaign. Our confidence in the effectiveness of these programs has been further diminished.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Sugar industry close to surpassing 2013 production target – Minister Ramsammy November 21–27, 2014

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INISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said Guyana is on the verge of surpassing the 2013 sugar production as the sugar industry is quietly approaching the 200,000 tonne production mark.

Dr. Ramsammy said he is still very optimistic that the 216,000- tonne target for 2014 will be reached as there are still four weeks before the crop is closed off.

“We have enough cane in the fields, and therefore once we have the right weather, I have no doubt that we will be able to meet that target. I am hopeful that by the end of next week we will surpass the 200,000 tonne target mark.”

Once this target is reached, then work will continue to reach the additional 16,000 tonnes that are required to surpass the target established for 2014.

Speaking on the issue of sugar export, the Agriculture Minister said the export

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MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy markets are guaranteed and there is no difficulty in this area.

“In fact it would be nice for Guyana to go back to production of 250,000 to 3000,000 tonnes because we have the market.”

He noted that the industry had fallen short in the last few years in meeting the needs of the Caribbean market, hence an agreement was made with COTED allowing some of these countries to import from outside of the region.

US$ 44.3M contract awarded for rehab of WCD/EBE highway

HE US$44.3M (GY$9.2B) contract for massive rehabilitation of the West Coast Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo corridor, from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie, has been awarded and has received Cabinet’s no-objection, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, at a news conference yesterday.And Chief Roads and Bridges Officer of the Public Works Ministry, Ron Rahaman, told the Guyana Chronicle that the contract was awarded to Surrey Paving and Aggregate Co. Limited, in association with BK International.

The award of the contract followed the approval of the bidding document by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in early September.

CDB ENGAGEMENT A total of 31 kilometres of roadway are expected to be rehabilitated, while 28.5 kilometres of foot-paths for pedestrians and 20 kilometres for cyclists will be developed under an agreement between the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Additionally, the CDB is doing a review of the massive project.

The partnership with the CDB is the fourth road- improvement project, with a financing cost of US$46.7M and Rahaman explained that this sum includes the civil works, supervision and studies.

At the launch of the project in March this year, subject Minister Robeson Benn explained that the primary objective of the project is to increase efficiency and safety of road transportation along the West Coast Demerara/East Bank Essequibo corridor.

Benn pointed out that infrastructural development has a multiplying effect on socio-economic advances in the country, particularly in rural communities.

“There has been significant growth,” he

said, adding that constrained infrastructural development poses real challenges to growth.

DIFFERENT ROLES Benn’s ministry, as per the CDB agreement, will be tasked with maintenance, which was identified by the CDB as a risk to the sustainability of the completed works. The Government will also be expected to report annually on their maintenance works, particularly since the project monitoring and evaluation component of the agreement is key to ensuring the standard and quality of such undertakings.

Additionally, a project management team will be supported by a steering committee and the ministry – all of whom report to the CDB. The Project Coordinator is Kester Hinds, while the CDB focal point is Glen MaCarvell.

The project has several components, including: the actual road works; road safety awareness at the level of schools and communities; capacity- building; engineering services and project monitoring and evaluation.

The project has a life of five years; however, the actual road improvement works are expected to be completed within two years. These actual road works are expected to begin, after the contract has been signed, in early 2015, but it is expected that preparatory works, including the establishment of a site office and surveys, will commence before the end of this year.

However, earlier this year, the minister explained that Guyana indicated that it will meet the demand for the Caribbean suppliers.

“So we continue to supply markets in the Caribbean and Europe and we continue to have a demand for Guyana’s sugar and sugar products, so I’m not worried that in increasing our production that we may have market problems.”

Minister Ramsammy pointed out that this does not accentuate the problems the industry has had with the European market. Those problems, he noted, have nothing to do with standards or volume since Guyana has exported sugar for hundreds of years and meeting volumes and standards is not new.

“As we increase, the market will remain a significant part, our major difficulty in that market is the price. The price was reduced in 2010 by 43 percent resulting in Guyana

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losing some US$37 million annually and in part that contributed to the cash flow problem that GuySuCo had experienced.”

He explained that at present, sugar and sugar products prices are at a very low level. When the production level is not so high, there is the price difference that contributes to the problem, he explained as well.

Nonetheless, Dr. Ramsammy said his ministry is responding to that by ensuring that the industry continues to sell sugar to its regular destinations.

“We have had interest from non–traditional destinations, people want Guyana’s sugar and once the price is right we are going to explore the stability of those markets.”

He noted that Guyana will not exchange its old markets for new ones, but instead the industry will seek to sustain the traditional markets while exploring its other options.

KEEP US SAFE

o fearful are the two Brasso Seco sisters rescued from the clutches of their abductors on Saturday evening they are to be moved to a safe house after pleading with the police for protection.

The girls were released from hospital yesterday and were in the hands of the police assisting with inquiries into their own abduction and the simultaneous kidnapping and subsequent murders of their mother, daughter and family friend. The decision was taken by police last night to afford them round the clock protection.

The siblings, Felicia and Janelle Gonsalves, 17 and 19 respectively, were taken from the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mount Hope shortly after 11 am yesterday by heavily armed police officers to the Arima Police Station and then to the Arouca Station where the Region Two Homicide Bureau is located. There they were interviewed by a five member homicide team which included female officers. They were also spoken to by officers of the Victims Support Unit of the Police Service.

Newsday understands that during the sometimes quite tearful sessions, the girls expressed their fears about their safety especially since the main suspect and person of interest in the crimes, Azmon Alexander, also known as “Pappi”, was still at large. One of the principal investigators in the Brasso Seco kidnappings and murders, Inspector Roger Alexander, noted the plea made on Monday by the suspect’s mother for him to surrender.

“Pappi’s mother come and say surrender boy, surrender boy,” Inspector Alexander said on his prime time television pogramme last night, adding, “But you ain’t listening to your mother. You ain’t listening to nobody. If your mother come and can’t get you to surrender, then who can? Nobody could get you to surrender.

Your mother came and beg and you refuse to surrender.”

Sources told Newsday that a palm of one sister’s hand appeared to be slashed while the other sister displayed several cuts about her body. The girls claimed they were tortured and abused by the suspects.

Several times during the interview officers had to comfort the weeping girls.

Up until late yesterday, Felicia and Janelle remained at the Arouca Police Station following the decision to place them in a safe house.

Their statements will be compiled with that of the 17-year-old boy who gave himself up to police on Saturday last.

Newsday understands police will analyse these statements to determine whether the boy should be deemed a suspect or a victim in the entire situation. The boy is still in police custody at the juvenile section of the Arima police station, and continues to assist officers with the investigation.

Also, according to sources, Nicholas Janet and Aaron Sylvester, both 19, who were also held for questioning in relation to the abductions and murders, have been released from custody. Newsday spoke with Janet’s relatives who said he is now at home resting.

Sylvester has expressed fears over his

Continued on page 13

Caribbean Star Newspaper Audited financial statements not filed for 25 years

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JOINT Select Committee (JSC) has found several deficiencies in the operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, including unaccounted for employees, and not filing audited financial statements for 25 years.

This was reported by JSC (Group 2) Chairman and Independent Senator Dr Victor Wheeler during a media conference held yesterday at the JHamilton-Maurice Room, Parliament building, Port-of-Spain.

He was providing details on the 17th Report of the Administration of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association which was implemented due to media reports suggesting mismanagement of funds and mal-administration. He said there were conflicting reports and positions, and the enquiry was meant to understand the issues affecting the Association and provide recommendations.

One of the findings was that the Association failed to produce annual audited financial statements as stipulated by its governing statute, and also failed to produce annual administrative reports.

Questioned about how long this had been occurring Wheeler responded that the last report from the auditor general was 25 years ago.

Another of the findings was that certain persons employed were not properly accounted for and there were problems with oversight. He said the council needed oversight with properly constituted subcommittees.

The JSC also found there was no Government representative at the time the Association met the committee and there was contention with the Ministry of Education on the management of the School for the Blind, a sub-division of the Association. The JSC recommended: all employment records are reconciled to provide an accurate number of employees and there are job titles and classification of employment; reclassification of persons as a priority; recruitment for an executive officer and specifications for required experience and field expertise; implement procedures for additional allowances; and a registrar of skills and skills database for the blind and visually

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Wheeler said they found no evidence of a “deliberate effort to deceive” but rather weak systems, including a part-time accountant. He stressed that when you are dealing with public funds you have to have proper accounting.

He noted that they need assistance in administration and the executive officer would be key to that.

He also provided a summary of findings on the 16th Report on the Administration of the National Commission for Self-Help Ltd. He said the report was implemented based on media reports indicating shortcomings with the Commission, issues regarding timely payments to hardware dealers and delays in applying grants for grants approved.

He noted that there is evidence that the Commission is constrained by a lack of financial resources and while many people qualified for assistance the Commission lacked sufficient resources to deliver.

Wheeler said that there were also problems with suppliers and some that had been provided with credit were not receiving payments within the two month stipulated period.

KEEP US SAFE from page 12 safety and does not plan to return to the same house where he lived, prior to been arrested, for security reasons. He has also asked the police for protection. On Monday afternoon, the father of one of the teenagers was also released.

In the meantime, police continue to fulfill their promise of an intensified police presence in the Brasso Seco area.

Police vehicles could be seen on patrol on the village road, as they continued their search for Alexander. The officers returned to Brasso Seco with tracker dogs to carry out further searches although they are working on information that he may have moved out of the area.

November 21–27, 2014

However, they are not taking any chances and will continue to comb the area until they are further advised.

Despite their fear, relatives revealed the two sisters are recovering from their ordeal satisfactorily. According to the relatives who spoke with the media at their Blanchisseuse Road home, Felicia, who was earlier reported to have been unable to speak since she was rescued from the Lalaja forest, is now said to be communicating and improving at a good pace. The relatives also commended the police for their assistance, adding they were also grateful to the nation for all their prayers and support.

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woman nearing 90 years old, who kept to herself, was found murdered on Monday, the victim of what appeared to be a vicious knife attack.

Also, a day before turning 74, a man who sold goods out of his home, was found dead, bound and gagged yesterday afternoon.

Police are now piecing together evidence that could lead them to find out how and why Edna Reid, 88, of Tyson Trace, South Oropouche, was killed, and who was her assailant.

These are the same questions police are seeking to answer in the death of John Celric Mitchell, who died at his home on the corner of Archer Street and Cadiz Road Belmont.

The senior citizens sadly join a list of murders of persons over 60 this year, which now numbers 18.

Ried’s nude and frail body, in early stages of decomposition, was found by her female helper near a water course behind her remote home on Monday afternoon. Initial findings by police revealed she was stabbed 19 times.

Investigators are leaning towards ruling out robbery as a motive for the deadly attack since Reid was still wearing two gold bracelets on her right hand, and an undisclosed sum of cash was found inside her house.

An autopsy performed on Tuesday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James revealed the old woman died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Further tests are expected to be done to determine whether or not she was sexually assaulted.

Reid has been well known for selling market produce at the High Street entrance of Carlton Centre, San Fernando.

A police report stated that at about 3 pm on Monday, the woman who helped Reid went to her home but when she didn’t respond, the woman went in search of her. The woman is said to have stumbled upon Reid’s bloated body lying naked near the water course. She raised an alarm and a party of officers including Inspectors Parriman and Ramdeen and Sgt Neemai visited the scene.

Following Tuesday’s autopsy, which

revealed the elderly woman was stabbed to death, investigations were handed over to the Southern Homicide Division.

Reid, a grandmother of eight and great grandmother of five, lived alone on a dead-end road and her home was surrounded by tall bush and trees.

There was only one other house relatively close to her premises on the lonely road.

One of her sons described her yesterday as a “very independent woman” who never depended on anyone in the village to do anything for her. When Newsday visited Tyson Road yesterday, relatives were busy cleaning up the surroundings.

Her son, David, told Newsday, “Mom was a vendor for years in San Fernando and everyone knew her.

“How could someone do that to her?” the distraught son wondered.

Another son, Peterson, told Newsday although his mother complained of small aches and pains she was a healthy woman.

“She would walk to the parlour at Ralph Narine Trace to buy what she wanted,” he said. “She cooked for herself and never depended on anyone. She still reared rabbits, chickens and planted her crops, a very independent woman.”

He said relatives had spoken to her about two days before she was found dead.

“I don’t know what to say about this,” Peterson said. “I am really hurting. Getting news that she get killed is not something nice at all.”

One worried villager said Reid’s killer seemed to have wanted to send a message.

“That she could be stabbed so many times and left naked in the rain, shows that the person or persons who did it, hated her a lot,” the woman told Newsday. “Not many neighbours spoke to her.”

No one has been arrested. PC Patrick of the Southern Homicide Division is conducting enquiries.

And Mitchell, 73, was found by neighbours at about 2.30 pm. He had been bound and gagged.

Continued on page 20

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November 21–27, 2014

ISLAM Peace / submission to the will of our creator.

Salaat - prayer in the life of a Muslim.

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bdullah bin Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: “Islam is founded on five pillars: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is His servant and apostle; establishment of salaat; paying of Zakaat; performance of Hajj; and fasting in Ramadhaan.”

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has compared Islam to a canopy resting on five supports. The Kali-mah is the central support and the other four pillars of Islam are, so to say, the remaining four supports, one at each corner of the canopy. Without the central support, the canopy cannot possibly stand, and if any one of the corner supports is missing a collapse will result in the defective corner. Now, let us judge for ourselves how far we have kept up the canopy of Islam. Is there really any pillar that is being held in its proper place?

The five pillars of Islam mentioned in this Hadith signify the most essential duties of a Muslim. Although a Muslim cannot do without any one of them, yet Salaat in Islam occupies a position next only to Imaan. Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiyallaho anho) says: “Once, I inquired of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), which act (of man) was the dearest to Allah. The Prophet replied, ‘Salaat’. I then inquired which act came next (in order of merit) and the Prophet replied, ‘Kindness to parents’.

I again asked what was next and he answered ‘Striving for Islaam’.”

Mulla Ali Qari (Rahmatullah alaih) has quoted this Hadith in support of the belief that Salaat is the most important religious duty after Imaan. This is further corroborated by a hadith, in which the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said: “Salaat is the best of all that has been ordained by Allah.”

Abu Zar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) came out of his house. It was autumn and the leaves were falling off the trees. He caught hold of a branch of a

tree and its leaves began to drop in large number.

At this he remarked, ‘0, Abu Zar! (Radhiyallaho anho) when a Muslim offers his Salaat to please Allah, his sins are shed away from him just as these leaves are falling off this tree.”

In autumn, usually, the leaves of the trees fall in large numbers, so much so that on some trees not a single leaf is left behind. The same is the effect of Salaat performed with sincerity and devotion. All the sins of the person offering Salaat are wiped off.

It should, however, be remembered that according to the verdict of the theologians, it is only the saghaa’ir (minor sins) that are forgiven by the performance of Salaat and other services.

The kabaa’ir (major sins) are not pardoned without repentance. We should, therefore, in addition to saying salaat, be particular about doing taubah (repentance) and istighfaar (seeking forgiveness). Allah may, however, pardon, by His bountiful Grace, even the kabaa’ir of any person because of his salaat.

Abu Uthman (Radhiyallaho anho) says: “I was once sitting under a tree with Salmaan (Radhiyallaho anho). He caught hold of a dry branch of the tree and shook it till all its leaves fell off. He then said to me, “0, Abu Uthman! (Radhiyallaho anho) Will you not ask me why I am doing this?” “Do tell me,” I entreated. He said, “The Apostle of Allah had done exactly like this before me, while I was with him under a tree.

He caught a dry branch of it and shook it, till all its leaves fell off”. At this he said: 0, Salmaan! (Radhiyallaho anho) will you not ask me why I am doing this?’ I replied: ‘Do tell me why you are doing this?’ He remarked: “Verily when a Muslim takes wudhu properly and then observes his Salaat five times a day, his sins fall off just as these leaves have fallen off. He then recited the following verse of the Holy Qur’an: “Establish Salaat at the two ends of the day, and at the approaches of the night.

Verily, good deeds annul ill deeds. This is a reminder for the mindful. (XI: 114)” The behaviour of Salmaan (Radhiyallaho anho) in the above Hadith displays the

Caribbean Star Newspaper

profound love which the Sahaabah had for the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).

They would often cherish the sweet memories of the time when the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was living among them. They would, while quoting him, enact exactly what they had seen him doing at a particular moment.

It is really very difficult to cover all the traditions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), which deal with the importance of Salaat and which declare forgiveness for those who guard it. As had already been said before, the theologians restrict this declaration of forgiveness to saghaa’ir (minor sins) only, but in the text of the Hadith there is no such restriction.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it does not really become a Muslim to commit any of the kabaa’ir (major sins). If perchance any such sins are committed by him, he cannot rest in peace (due to inherent fear of Allah in him) until he washes them with his tears of repentance in crying before Allah. Secondly, the person who performs his Salaat with sincerity and thoroughness is very likely to do istighfaar quite a number of times daily.

Look for instance at the closing prayer of Salaat itself, viz: “0, My Lord! I have wronged my soul a great wrong, and none forgiveth sins save Thou alone. Then forgive me and have mercy on me. Verily, Thou art the Forgiving, the Merciful.

In the above Hadith, mention is made of wudhu to be done properly. We should, therefore, be sure of the regulations about wudhu and try to observe all of these. For example, take the case of miswaak. It is sunnat of wudhu, but is very often neglected. It is said in a Hadith that the Salaat offered after doing miswaak is seventy times superior to the Salaat without miswaak. In another Hadith, use of miswaak has been enjoined very strongly, and the following benefits are attributed to it:— “It cleanses and sweetens the mouth and checks its bad smell.”

“It is a cause of Allah’s pleasure and a blow to the Devil.”

“Allah and his angels love the person doing miswaak.” “It strengthens the gums and improves eye-sight.”

“It is a purge against bile and phlegm.”

To crown all, “It is a Sunnah i.e. the practice of our beloved Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).”

As many as seventy virtues of the miswaak have been enumerated by the theologians. It is said that a person in the habit of miswaak dies with the Kalimah on his lips. The rewards of taking wudhu properly are very many. It is mentioned in Ahad-

ith that the parts of body washed in wudhu shall glitter on the Day of Judgment and, by this (distinction), the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) will at once recognize his followers.

Jaabir (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: “The likeness of five time’s daily Salaat is as the likeness of a deep brook running in front of the door of a person who bathes therein five times a day.”

Running water is generally free from dirt, and the deeper it runs the cleaner and purer it is. A bath in such water surely removes dirt from the body and makes it clean. Salaat offered with due regard for its essentials likewise cleanses the soul of all sins. There are several Ahadith of the same meaning, though with slight variations in expression, narrated by different companions of the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). Abu Sa’eed Khudri (Radhiyallaho anho] narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: ‘Each of the five Salaat expiates the sins committed since the Salaat preceding it.

To explain, let us take the case of a person working in a factory. His job is such that his body gets covered with dust. But there are five streams of running water in between the factory and his house and, on his return from the job, he takes a bath in each stream. The effect of five time’s daily Salaat is quite similar. Any sins of omission and commission between two Salaat are forgiven on account of ‘istighfaar and taubah in each Salaat.’

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) through such parables, aims at impressing that salaah has the wonderful power of removing the sins. If we fail to avail of Allah’s mercy, surely we ourselves are the losers.

To err is human. We are likely to commit innumerable acts of displeasing Allah and deserve thereby. His wrath and punishment, but look how relenting our dear Allah is! He has most graciously shown us the way to earn His mercy and forgiveness. It is a great pity if we do not avail of this great favor. Our Allah is always eager to show us His mercy on very small grounds. It is said in a Hadith, that if a person goes to bed with the intention of getting up for Ta-hajjud and perchance does not wake up, he receives the full reward for Tahajjud, although he has been enjoying his sleep at the time of Tahajjud.

How boundless is the grace of Allah and what a tremendous loss and deprivation if we do not receive blessings from such a Giver.

Shayk Abdullah Khan Al-Ihsan Academy Abdullah.khan@ihsanacademy.org

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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Robbery accused faces more charges

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andy Rampersaud, who appeared in court on Monday charged with armed robbery, made a second appearance in court yesterday on four other charges.

Rampersaud, 26, a DVD vendor of 124 Middle Road, La Penitence, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

It was alleged that on October 22, on Robb Street, being armed with a gun, he robbed Savitri Harricharran of a hand bag, a quantity of cash, a Samsung cellphone and a quantity of documents, which carried a total value of $43,000.

It was also alleged that together with another, on November 11, being armed with a gun, Rampersaud attempted to commit a felony, that is, he attempted to rob Rakima Ally.

Rampersaud was also charged with two counts of discharging a loaded firearm. It was alleged that on October 22 and November 11, he discharged a loaded firearm at Inshan Ally and Savitri Harricharran, respectively, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

Rampersaud, after being told by the magistrate that the charges were in-

dictable and that he was not required to enter a plea, questioned why he could not be given a chance to enter a plea and why so many charges were levelled against him.

It was then the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied and he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was subsequently remanded to prison and ordered to return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Three on November 28.

Rampersaud’s mother, after hearing the magistrate’s ruling, cried incessantly outside the courtroom.

Randy Rampersaud

T&HD Ferry runs aground at Wakenaam Island

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HE Ministry of Transport, through the Transport and Harbours Department, Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), says it is currently investigating the circumstances which resulted in the MV SABANTO running aground on to Wakenaam Island during the wee hours of yesterday.

The T&HD confirmed reports that the Chinese-donated vessel, the MV SABANTO, ran hard aground at Wakenaam Island in the Essequibo River early on Monday morning while plying its Supenaam/Parika route. The incident is reported to have occurred at approximately 00.35 hrs.

There have been no reported injuries, according to the Transport Department, which reported that all passengers and crew members were safe and were able to disembark the vessel and depart the scene with the use of water taxis which responded to the vessel’s distress call.

Nobody was allowed to disembark the vessel until first light (when the place became clear) yesterday morning.

The Transport and Harbours Department, in its statement to the media yesterday, said efforts are being made to have three trucks and seven cars taken off the vessel with the use of dumb barges. In the meantime, mariners, marine surveyors and engineers will assess the vessel to determine the extent of its damage. The vessel is to remain at its present location where it ran aground, until this coming weekend, when the tide would rise to the level that would facilitate its re-floating.

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn yesterday visited the area where the vessel encountered its difficulty, and was briefed by workers on the ground as to the moves being adopted to ensure that everything is being done to return the vessel to operational status.

Meanwhile, the vessel will be guarded to prevent any form of damage or vandalism by anyone.

Traffic movement would be maintained at normal levels by a doubling up of runs of the MV KANAWAN and the MV MALALI, to ensure that commuters are not inconvenienced.

The T&HD has, in its statements, apologised to commuters for the inconvenience caused.

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November 21–27, 2014

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November 21–27, 2014 Caribbean Star Newspaper Free bus ride from Mayaro to S/Grande Bullet grazes NAREI manager during robbery T

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week of robberies at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, ECD came to a head yesterday when an employee of the institute was shot while attempting to accost bandits.

Wylock Sahadeo, the Human Resources Manager of NAREI, is now at home resting after a bullet grazed his neck following an encounter with three masked bandits.

According to information reaching this newspaper, reports of a break-in first spread when a young lady in one of the staff homes informed Sahadeo that she had heard “blamming” in an unoccupied home located at the back of the NAREI compound. Sahadeo in turn questioned the director on whether someone had been sent into the home. When the response was in the negative, Sahadeo and a few other men went up to the home to investigate.

Upon their arrival there, they immediately realized that the door had been pried open and some household items had been stolen.

Sahadeo made his way back to the front of the compound but on his way he intercepted one of the residents who had just returned. In light of the recent robberies, Sahadeo decided to check the resident’s home at that moment. A quick inspection at the back of the house revealed that louvres had been missing from some of its windows.

Sahadeo decided to investigate further and, as he was cautiously heading up the back stairs, he was confronted by the three bandits, one of whom was armed with a firearm.

Sahadeo attempted to accost the armed man and a scuffle ensued between them.

Another bandit, it is said, attempted to help his accomplice and in the process a round was discharged from the gun.

Sahadeo was grazed on the neck by the bullet and the men managed to escape.

According to Sahadeo, the men had been “small guys”.

He was taken to a private hospital for treatment but by early morning had been released and is now recuperating at home.

CEO of NAREI Oudho Homenauth told Stabroek News that investigations are still ongoing to determine just what was missing from the two residences. He added that reports received indicated that the homes had been ransacked and a number of items such as laptops appeared missing.

The NAREI compound, he further said, housed 20 or so homes for staff. He explained that there had been robberies for about a week or so which have been under investigation by the police.

He added that it is difficult to fully secure the compound as the back was bordered by a sugar plantation and was easily accessible. “So, it’s very difficult at the back, to police the entire back,” Homenauth said.

Nevertheless, NAREI will attempt to ramp up its security and has already provided more lighting for the compound, he said.

HERE is a bit of good news for commuters affected by the massive damage to the Manzanilla Main Road caused by recent flooding, as from today, the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) will be providing bus transportation

to the public free of charge via three of the corporation’s buses, from Mayaro to Sangre Grande.

PTSC Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Communications) Carl Ramdeo told Newsday yesterday, “the PTSC is committed to en-

suring we provide a reliable source of transportation in this period of severe flooding.”

The PTSC in a media release yesterday said the service is intended to provide the residents of the affected communities with transportation to

17

conduct their daily business and also for students to attend classes.

“The PTSC is honoured to assist the affected citizens in their time of disaster, to restore their lives to normalcy in the shortest possible time frame,” the release noted.

18

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

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19

In Everything Give Thanks Sometimes we can give thanks when everything is going fine. At other times, it is not quite so easy to offer thanks because it may not turn out the way we want it to be. It is natural to ride the emotional roller coaster. That means we feel happy when we get what we want or when we feel cared for. In happy times, we can sing and shout and give God thanks for all the good things we enjoy. On the down turn of the roller coaster, we can get frustrated and upset when things don’t work out good for us or when we are disappointed for some reason. In those times, we tend to complain or get angry.

A Thankful heart is important to God. It takes a heart that trusts God and His promises to feel content and not complain, patient and not frustrated, hopeful and not bitter. We need to remember God is always in control and nothing happens outside of His vision. He knows what we are going through and He cares. There is an incident where Jesus wondered about people having a thankful heart. Luke 10:11-18 says: “And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem,that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Sa-

maritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

Jesus wondered at the level of gratitude of people when God blesses them.

Jesus reaches out with love.

• Jesus came to everyone. In the story, we have nine Jews and a Samaritan receiving healing from Jesus.

It is consistent with Scripture that He came to bring salvation to all people of all nations.

• Jesus responds to anyone who calls on Him. He responds to our faith.

When we call on Him, we demonstrate our trust in His promises. He never disappoints people who call on Him. It does not matter what we have done in the past, He listens to our call.

• Jesus observes God’s order. He instructed the leprous men to report to the Priests in accordance with the Law of Moses which prevailed

•

until His death and resurrection.

He would never act against the norm unless it violates God’s word.

A disciplined life is important to godliness.

Jesus notices the gratitude of people. He commended the Samaritan, but questioned the attitude of the others. Maybe the Jews felt a sense of entitlement and did not see the need to express thankfulness. The Samaritan was outside the covenant and was grateful for this grace given to him. A thankful heart shows faith in God and acknowledges God’s goodness.

We must respond to His love with gratitude.

The Bible says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Really? Give thanks for all the bad things we suffer? Should we say “Thank You, Lord” for sickness, financial losses or when our hearts are broken? Has anyone felt good thanking God for difficulties whilst going through an unfortunate situation? This idea of thanksgiving is not to be seen as a regimental directive. If it is regimental, then we are forced to appear satisfied even if we do not feel that way. No one can force a smile or kind words if we feel otherwise in our hearts. Rather, it is to be an attitude of our hearts. We are not exhorted to be thankful “for” bad things, but be thankful “in” everything. So God wants us to have a positive attitude even when things are not well. Soon we will begin to see His wonderful plan unfold for our lives after the storm passes. Many saints look back and thank God for the difficult times they experienced. The storms of life help anchor our faith and build our character.

In those times, God can smooth out the rough edges of our lives. Some of us can be abrasive due to pride or selfishness. So God uses trials to humble us and cause us to appreciate Him and others around us.

As He changes us, we change our attitudes towards others. I googled stories of people who missed their flights on 9/11 and am so touched by their words of thankfulness in the situation. Although everything is not the way we want them to be, can we find something to be thankful for?

We can find things to be thankful for.

We can be thankful that God loves us.

This is not about our circumstances. Rather, it is about our relationship with Him. The Bible says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, be-

cause it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3.

The Gospel of John 15:13 says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” God loves you, my friend. You may be going through some difficult times, but you can be sure God loves you. Keep your faith and He will show you His purposes for your trials.

We must be thankful for our salvation.

Looking away from problems, we look unto Jesus and begin to feel a sense of gratitude for all He did for us on the Cross. Jesus endured severe pain and agony on the night He was betrayed until He gave up His life on the Cross. The prophets foretold His coming and paying the price of redemption. He was willing and determined to pay that terrible price. Satan tried to prevent Him going to the Cross. We may not have all the things we want, but we can thank God for Jesus’ death and resurrection that purchased our eternal redemption.

Thank God for His wonderful presence with us daily. He gives us peace. He is faithful to His promises to all who believe Him. We have access to God through prayer in Jesus’ name. We are thankful for our family. They bring us comfort, happiness and much more. All of these things are reasons to be thankful. The Bible says in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

A thankful heart is a trusting heart, and a trusting heart will experience more miracles. Get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving Day! Take your family to church this weekend.

Pastor Haniff Bacchus Calvary Assembly

of God

102-07 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417 Tel. 718-659-4500 www.calvaryozone.org

20

O

Caribbean Star Newspaper Police to maximise use of manpower in Christmas policing plan -plainclothes detectives an integral part November 21–27, 2014

N Monday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) unveiled its Christmas policing plan which covering those sections of the city which are the hub of commercial activities for the festive season.

The plan entails utilising all their ranks, including those attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

According to Crime Chief, Leslie James, there are a few surprises for criminal elements who are bent on getting easy money for this season and urged them to

desist from committing robberies since they have measures in place.

He stated that CID ranks will be strategically placed in all city wards, especially the busy downtown area to monitor activities and they will blend into the crowd nicely, since they will be dressed in civilian clothing.

James said the GPF is ready and equipped to fully police Georgetown for the Christmas season and gave the assurance that criminal elements will be dealt with since all ranks have since been briefed on their duties during this

period.

He added that the GPF policing plan also caters for the business community, but still advised that they put measures in place to secure themselves nevertheless.

James once again called on all to be aware at all times, especially when conducting business and monetary transactions and to be alert and cooperate with the police.

He noted that the Christmas plan was unveiled by the police to prevent the commission of crimes that are likely to occur as a result of the increase in com-

mercial activities for the festive season.

James added that in addition, the police will also be involved in the following: > Maintenance of an intelligence-led posture > Community Policing/GPF collaboration > Private sector/GPF collaboration > Robust beat patrols > Stop-and -search operations by anti-crime ranks > Monitoring of commercial hubs > Road blocks (snap/deliberate) > Monitoring of choke points

ELDERLY UNDER ATTACK from page 13 Crime scene investigators were still processing the area late last evening.

Lead investigator WPC Bobb-Lynch of the Homicide Bureau said they would not be able to give a definite cause of death until an autopsy was conducted later today.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, claimed Mitchell was found with a plastic bag over his head. Police could not confirm this.

“I just knew him in passing. I know something was wrong with his leg. He would sit in his chair in front his door and sell cigarettes, and sweets and snacks. It was someone who went to buy something found him, his legs were sticking out the door,” the man said.

Mitchell’s home had been ransacked and a pouch in which he kept the money from his sales was missing.

His brothers, Roy and Charles, who were at the scene, said Mitchell was an independent man who made his own way, despite his disability.

Roy, a public relations consultant and author of the book, Public Relations: A 40-year- Journey, said Mitchell lived in Belmont since the late 1990s and never had any altercation with anyone.

“He was always a person who was very independent, he never wanted to be a burden on anybody, even when we tried to help. He used to sell his goods on Duke Street until they moved them and he started selling out of his home.

“He worked a little while as a security officer, but this is what he did most of his life. He was born with a disability, his left side seemed to be paralysed. As he grew older it became more and more difficult for him to walk,” Roy said.

Charles, a former management consultant and chief executive officer at the North Central Regional Health Authority, said he could not think why anyone would want to harm his brother.

One distraught woman, who identified herself as a family friend, described Mitchell as a “Godsend.

“He was one in a million, if anybody asked him for anything and he had it, he would give them it. He wasn’t a rowdy old man. He and my grandson were real close, and look at the day they kill him, my grandson’s birthday,” the woman sobbed.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

25

All public schools in Regions 2, 3 and 4 closed today

H

eavy rain overnight and this morning has left deep flooding along the East Bank and East Coast Demerara and public schools in the city and regions two and three are closed today as a result.

A notice this morning from the Ministry of Education said: “We are now learning of other areas severely affected by flooding. The ministry I seeking your help to make the following announcement: Due to severe weather conditions all public schools in Regions 2, 3 4(East Bank and East Coast) and Georgetown will be closed today.

We are advising parents and guardians of children in those regions to keep their children at home as schools will be closed”.

The rain has been heavy and unrelenting and like on previous occasions where severe weather systems have struck there was no warning from the hydrometeorological department of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Despite government’s massive clean-up of city drains and other infrastructure in the

last two months, there is deep flooding in the city and garbage can be seen floating in many places.

Astronomer/consultant Alfred Bhulai in a comment said “My weather station recorded 130 mm of rain up to for the morning up to 6 a.m. That’s over 5 inches of rain. 4’ is considered a disaster here. It was 155 mm (= over 6’) by 8.30 a.m. The colour of the water was ominously looking like conservancy water.”

APNU today issued the following press release on the flooding: “The flooding of wide swaths of coastal communities in Guyana is a clear indication that the Peoples Progressive Party Civic administration has failed to address infrastructure, environmental and agricultural development in a comprehensive manner. This is also a clear manifestation of the failure of the local government system.

A Partnership for National Unity-APNU sees this as an environmental catastrophe.

APNU calls on President

Donald Ramotar, The Minister of Local Government, Mr. Norman Whitaker, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. Roberson Benn, and the Minister Responsible for the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud to immediately take action to alleviate this catastrophe.

APNU affirms that this flooding is a failure of governance.”

Meanwhile, the hydrometeorological department of the Ministry of Agriculture issued the following notice at around 10.30 am Expected Condition: The outlook over the next six (6) hours: Regions 1 to 5 can continue to observe cloudy to overcast skies with moderate to heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms. Other areas across Guyana can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers. Rainfall values are likely to range between 5.0 mm and 50.0 mm over Regions 2 to 5. Other areas rainfall values are expected to range between 0.0 mm and 20.0 mm.

In an updated advisory at around 11 am, the hydrom-

et department said that the highest rainfall reported was recorded at Strathavon in Region four (4) with 244.0 mm followed by Helena no. 2 also in Region 4 with 202.4 mm.

About yesterday’s rainfall, it said the following: Yesterday’s rainfall: The Hydrometeorological Service as at 08:00 hours on November 20, 2014, received reports from a number of its rainfall stations across the country. These reports give a total accumulated rainfall between 08:00 hours November 19, 2014 to 08:00 hours on November 20, 2014.

The highest rainfall reported thus far was recorded at Georgetown in Region four (4) with 186.6 mm. According to the data available from our Synoptic Stations, most of the rainfall experienced would have occurred during the early morning.

Weather Forecast for today: Cloudy to overcast skies can be expected across coastal and inland areas with occasional to frequent moderate to heavy showers and scattered thundershowers. Other areas across

Guyana can expect mostly cloudy skies with brief showers.

Rainfall is expected between 5.0 mm to 50.0 mm. Highest rainfall is expected over coastal areas.

Friday: Cloudy skies can be expected in Regions 1 to 4 and 7 with frequent showers and scattered thundershowers.

Other areas, partly cloudy skies becoming cloudy with scattered showers. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 45.0 mm.

Saturday: Cloudy to overcast skies with showers can be expected throughout Guyana with scattered showers over coastal areas with isolated thunderstorms during the morning becoming partly sunny into the afternoon. Other areas, isolated showers can be expected. Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 30.0 mm.

Sunday: Mainly overcast skies can be expected throughout Northern Guyana with intermittent rain and scattered to occasional thundershowers.

Rainfall intensities are likely to be moderate to heavy and accompanied by gusty winds.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper QUEENS BASKETBALL COACH CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND OTHER CRIMES November 21–27, 2014

Allegedly Coaxed Teen Boys To Send Nude Pictures And Engage In Other Inappropriate Activity If Convicted The Defendant Faces Up To 15 Years in Prison

Q

ueens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced today that a Jamaica, Queens man, who claimed to coach three basketball teams and regularly conducted basketball workouts with teenage boys has been charged with possession of child pornography and other crimes after a 15-year-old he coached told his parents about his alleged video chats with the defendant and they contacted police.

District Attorney Brown said, “The defendant is accused of taking advantage of his position as a basketball coach and instructing a 15-year-old and others to engage in inappropriate activity.

The results will no doubt emo-

tionally scar the youngsters for the rest of their lives.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Robert Walker, 42, of 164th Street in the Jamaica section of Queens.

The defendant is presently awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court in Kew Gardens on a criminal complaint charging him with use of a child in a sexual performance, first-degree disseminating indecent material to minors, possessing a sexual performance by a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

If convicted, Walker faces up to 15 years in prison.

District Attorney Brown said that, according to the charges, on April 22, 2014, the defendant

communicated with a 15-yearold boy on OoVoo, a video chat and instant messaging computer application, instructed him to strip naked and pose naked during a video link. The defendant also is alleged to have convinced the boy to pose in front of the camera and expose his penis, buttocks and anus. The defendant is also accused of having the teen send him naked pictures of himself.

A search warrant executed on the defendant’s home computer allegedly found the video of the 15-year-old victim showing his genitals. The defendant also allegedly made statements following his arrest in which he admitted to conducting workouts with

teens under the age of 16 during which he would have them remove their clothes during which time he would take pictures and videos of the boys. The defendant also allegedly stated he had taken some videos of boys as young as 14 masturbating.

District Attorney Brown urged that any other individuals, who believe they may have also been victimized by the defendant, call the 105th Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 776-9252.

The investigation was conducted by Police Officer Colin Sparks and Detective Sean Ward of the New York City Police Department’s 105th Precinct’s Detective Squad under the supervision of Lieutenant Dennis

Klein.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Kateri A. Gasper is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Anthony M. Communiello, Bureau Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Proceedings Bureau, and Oscar W. Ruiz, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Peter A. Crusco and Deputy Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Linda M. Cantoni.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Arson suspected in fatal Robb QUEENS TEENAGER and King streets fire CHARGED WITH RAPE AND ROBBERY OF FEMALE T LIVERY DRIVER Faces Up To 25 Years In Prison If Convicted

Q

ueens District Attorney Richard A. Brown today announced that a 19-year-old Jackson Heights man has been charged with assaulting, robbing and raping a female livery cab driver this past weekend.

District Attorney Brown said, “The allegations in this case chronicle a frightening ordeal of mental, physical and sexual violence. Hopefully, the young woman who was brutally victimized will rest easier in knowing that her alleged rapist has been brought to justice and will be vigorously prosecuted. However, even after the physical abuse has stopped, the psychological trauma caused by sexual assault can be severe and long lasting.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Luis Barrija, 19, of 94th Street in the Jackson Heights section of Queens. Barrija, who is presently awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, is charged with first-degree rape,

second-degree robbery and second-degree assault. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

District Attorney Brown said that, according to the criminal charges, the 32-year-old female cab driver had pulled up in front of 26-24 93rd Street in Queens sometime between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2014, when her passenger, Barrija, choked her and demanded her money, stating, “I am in a gang that robs and rapes people. I am the leader.”

It is alleged that the victim gave Barrija approximately $100 in cash and that he then tried to pull her into the backseat of the cab while continuing to threaten her life.

It is additionally alleged that Barrija choked her with one hand and told her that he had a knife and would kill her if she did not comply with his sexual demands. It is alleged that he then forcibly raped her.

According to the charges, the victim suffered bruising and

redness on her neck, chest and wrists due to the force used by Barrija.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Josephin Lalli of the Queens Special Victims Squad under the supervision of Sergeant Douglas Bistardi and Chief Michael Osgood.

Assistant District Attorney Jacqueline Rizk, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Kenneth M. Appelbaum, Bureau Chief, and Eric C. Rosenbaum and Lucinda C. Suarez, Deputy Bureau Chiefs, and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Charles A. Testagrossa and Deputy Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Daniel A. Saunders.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

he Guyana Fire Service is working with the belief that arson was the cause of the early morning fire at King and Robb streets which claimed the lives of two children on Monday, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle Theresa Rozario Clarissa Rozario said yesterday.

Theresa and Clarissa Rozario, in the top flat of the three-storey 12 and 14 years, respectively, building, while other parts of the perished in the blaze, while their building were occupied by small father, Hilrod Thomas, suffered businesses. burns about his body and he is Zamara Rozario, sister of the now a patient at the Georgetown two girls, informed Stabroek Public Hospital Corporation.

News yesterday that she knew His condition was listed as sta- from the beginning that the fire ble up to yesterday and he was was not caused by an electrical speaking. problem. She called on the poGentle told Stabroek News lice to deal with the matter sethat based on the interviews and riously, while noting that it was evidence acquired, the Guyana not the first time that someone Fire Service is operating on the set the house on fire. theory that the fire was caused She added that the building by someone maliciously setting has always been at the centre of the house alight on Monday a bitter dispute and a man, who morning. she identified as “Buddy,” would There had been unconfirmed often try to evict her father and reports that a person or persons sisters from the building. unknown threw Molotov cockIn 2009, there was also an attails at the building. tempt to destroy the building by Commander of ‘A Division setting it on fire.

Clifton Hicken informed this The fire was quickly extinnewspaper that he had no guished by the Guyana Fire Sercomment on the issue since vice and the girls and their father arson was for now only mere were rescued on that occasion. speculation and had not been When approached for comproven. ment, Thomas’ brother, former Thomas jumped from the minister in the PNC administraburning building, after he was tion Jeffrey Thomas, stated that unable to save his trapped chil- he wished not to make any comdren from the fire, which started ment since his major concern at at around 2am. that moment is to console his He and his two daughters lived relatives.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

27

Voice Of The Youth M

y name is Shaw Ryan Khan. I am the son of Shaw M. Khan and Camille Zeena Khan and I am the grandson of Haji Ali Akbar Khan and Azeezan Khan from Canegrove, Guyana ,as well as Harry Singh and Lillian Ganpati Singh from Industry, Guyana. My respect to my parents and my grandparents always.

I remember one morning I woke up to a phone call. It turned out to be a fan who said he was a fan of my articles since my first article. At first, I thought this was another wonderful phone call from a fan who loved me and my work. But, it turned out I was wrong. As he kept talking, he asked me a few questions. And, as all of us knows, I try my best not to lie because it won’t get me anywhere. He asked me if I maintain constant contact with my family, if I visit my family constantly, if I am peaceful always, and if I am ever angry. I answered all of his questions to the best of my capability; I told him I do not maintain constant contact with my family but we still connect through Facebook and still have that mutual family love that will never go away; I don’t visit my family a lot because , as all of my family knows, I love being home. But I would still connect with them through Facebook but would not go out much (School, work, home, and the occasional errands my mom would need to get done). I am not always peaceful and I sometimes do get angry. Believe it or not, there are sometimes when I get upset and sometimes lose my peace. I am not God, nor am I a prophet, nor am I perfect. The man then started to scold me and tell me that, if what I said is true, I should not waste my time writing anymore; I should quit because all that I write about is garbage. After that, he hung up the phone. I won’t lie about this; I am a person that rarely cries but this person made me cry. There is an old expression; sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you. I disagree, words will hurt.

Words can be the sharpest dagger and the most lethal of poisons inflicted into the mind! Trust me, for almost the entire day, those poisonous words inflicted my mind and caused me to be shaken up. I began to question myself and question my years of talking to all you wonderful friends and family. Was I wrong for doing what I am doing? Is my work really garbage? Were all 40 articles I wrote just a waste of time?

Should I quit? Should this be my last article before I say goodbye to writing?

I thought about it and I almost let those words fully overtake me but something made me change my mind. It was as if God whispered into my ears and told me not to worry and that everything will be ok. It was as if God advised me

to use this experience into my article and write about it.

We are all human; plain and simple.

We make mistakes, we get angry, we get sad, and we get happy… We sometimes are rude, we sometimes say the wrong things, and we sometimes don’t let peace win in our constant battle in life… We bite our own tongue on accident, we stump our own toe on accident, and we trip and fall sometimes over things that seem impossible to trip over! But what makes us so unique is that our body naturally attempts to fix the small mistakes so we have an easier time fixing bigger mistakes.

Take for example if stump your toe; if you stump your toe as a result of accidentally hitting into one of the table’s legs, your body tends to remember this moment and the next time you walk around there, you naturally become more careful. Our human nature is not designed for us to be perfect. Rather, it is designed for us to work towards becoming something that can be close to perfect. So if you make a mistake; realize that you are human. If you make a mistake, don’t let that bring you down. Don’t ever put yourself in neutral gear because it makes you only remain where you are and eventually slow down. Rather, keep yourself accelerating so that you can stir up what God has put in you and get better at it.

I say this with the utmost of respect; don’t waste your valuable time with people who aren’t contributing to your growth. Life is too short. I find that, in particular, young people are concerned about what people think of them. I learned, through the hard way, that I was a person just like that, as shown above with how this person made me want to quit writing. But, what we need to learn about what other’s think of us is this; don’t worry about what others think. Happiness is about liking and loving yourself.

If life has correctly thought me anything about hardships and struggles, then I can say that we should learn to not let negativity sink us down; we should rather take that negativity, shrug it off, and take a bigger step to improve your own self. Like I said before, life is too short. And because of that, you need to see time as a gift. God gifted us 86,400 seconds in a day and it’s up to us to find out how we want to utilize it. Would you rather be caught up in the negativity that life sometimes sends your way or would you rather find the treasure in you that is waiting to be developed? Redeem the time and use it to keep yourself in forward gear rather than reverse. It’s up to you to decide where to go; what will you choose?

Sometimes you might feel that you are not as good as someone else; that

someone else has the charisma, the potential, the experience to become someone better than you. But that is not true; your attitude in life should be “I may not be tall, tan, or as talented as someone else. But, that’s okay. Nobody will ever be better than me. I am unique, I am special, I am gifted, I am blessed, and most of all, I am me.” If you want be successful and move forward in life, you have to stay productive. There is an old saying that says, an empty mind is the devil’s workshop.

And it’s true! If we let our mind idle, we open ourselves up to negativity.

When you are not producing, you are not growing! You may quit or retire from your job but don’t ever quit or retire from life. Stay busy, keep using your mind, keep helping others, and find some way to be productive. Volunteer at a hospital, feed the homeless, mentor a young person. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself productive and moving forward! Do whatever it takes to say “I don’t know about you, but I have too much in me to quit right now.”

I have dreams that have yet to be realized; I have messages that I have yet to give. I have children yet to be born.

When I get to the end of my journey in this life, I want to be able to be satisfied with what I did. I want to be able to say “God, I am satisfied. I am ready for my change of address.” If you keep bring the negative baggage from yesterday into today, your future will be poisoned. You may have had an unfair past, but you don’t have to have an unfair future.

Whether you are a driver or a passenger in a car, the next time you enter a car I want you to do something.

I want you to notice the windshield in the front and the rear view mirror.

Hopefully you will notice something.

Hopefully you will see that the windshield in the front is so much bigger than the rear view mirror. The reason the front windshield is so big and the rear view is so small is because what happened in the past is not nearly as important as what is/will happen in your future. Your future is where you are going, your past should be left behind. Just remember, where you are going is going to be a lot more important than where you’ve been.

With all of this in mind, I have one more thing to say; no matter who tells me that I should stop writing, I will not listen. I may not practice what I preach every single day of my life but I still do practice it as much as I can. I am human, you are human, and we are all human. We cannot be expected to be perfect from the moment we are born.

There is no such thing as perfect because mankind would always find a flaw in what was considered perfect. I make mistakes and so do we all. What real-

ly matters is what we do to learn from those mistakes and move on. What I write is things I believe in and try to practice to the best of my capability.

But sometimes, I get strayed away and not do what I practice. And like I said before, those are called mistakes. And like I said before, what matters is that you learn from your mistakes. Through the help of my parents and myself, I am able to conquer my mistakes and move forward rather than hold onto the past.

I write so that you all may learn from my mistakes, I write so that you all may learn practical lessons that can be used in life, I write because I enjoy writing, I write because you all enjoy my writing.

I will write until I have nothing more to write about and trust me, I have so much more to write about. I will not quit, nor will I give up. I am a human being, a journeyer in this world, a tourist in this gift we call life. I am the Voice of the Youth and I intend to have my voice heard.

Before I end my article, I just want to say this; may God continue to bless each and every one of you and I wish for you to achieve peace and serenity in your lives!

Lastly my readers, in your journey through life, I hope you heed my advice. I want nothing except peace and serenity. And remember this; “If you live long enough, you will make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity that matters, not how it affects you. The main thing is to never quit, never quit, never quit.”

God bless you all and see you in two weeks!

(Like my articles? Want to give me feedback? Do you have a topic suggestion for my next article? Let me know! Add me via Facebook @ Facebook. com/ryankhan0721 or give me a call @ 646-269-8227 or 718-849-1006)

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

World News Highlights

BANGKOK – Three Thai university students were taken into police custody on Thursday for handing out free tickets to the latest film in the Hunger Games series, from which Thai protesters have borrowed a gesture of resistance to a totalitarian government.

LONDON – Three men appeared in court on Thursday charged with terrorism offences relating to an alleged plot to carry out a beheading in Britain.

BAGHDAD – An Islamic State leader has been killed in an air strike in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, residents and a local medical source said on Thursday.

MOSCOW/KIEV – Russia warned the United States on

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Thursday against supplying arms to Ukrainian forces fighting pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, hours before U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden was due to arrive in Kiev.

GENEVA – The United Nations has begun to investigate suspected human rights abuses in Eritrea blamed for an exodus of migrants from the Horn of Africa country, U.N. officials said on Thursday.

VIENNA – A deadline for resolving a 12-year-old dispute over Iran’s nuclear program may be extended from Monday until March, because of sharp disagreements between Tehran and Western powers, officials close to the talks said on Thursday.

VIENNA – The European Union said on Thursday it deeply regretted Iran’s failure to address

U.N. nuclear agency concerns about its suspected atomic bomb research.

COPENHAGEN – Somalia’s president said on Thursday a military campaign would push Islamist al Shabaab fighters out of all towns and major territories by the end of the year, though the militants would still be able to mount guerrilla attacks.

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish court rejected on Thursday an appeal by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to revoke a detention order issued over allegations of sexual assault, but called on prosecutors to make more effort to question him.

DUBAI – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday pardoned Iranian-Canadian blogger Hossein Derakhshan after six years in prison

for spreading propaganda, insulting Islam and cooperating with hostile countries, Iranian media said.

DUBAI – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday pardoned Iranian-Canadian blogger Hossein Derakhshan after six years in prison for spreading propaganda, insulting Islam and cooperating with hostile countries, Iranian media said.

CAIRO – Egyptian police on Thursday arrested Mohamed Ali Bishr, one of the few Muslim Brotherhood leaders to escape jail after last year’s overthrow of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, in the latest sign of a crackdown on political dissent.

CAIRO – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Thursday he was considering

Farmers to get urea at $5,000

even thousand tonnes (140,000 bags) of urea fertilizer is on its way from Venezuela for farmers in Guyana.

A release from the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday said that the fertilizer will be available to farmers by Monday, November 24th. The release said that the Ministry of Agriculture has mandated the Guyana Rice Development Board and the Guyana Rice Producers Association to ensure that farmers access the fertilizer at a cost no greater than $5,000 per bag and to explore possibilities of a cost under $5,000 per bag.

The release said that the imminent arrival of the 7,000 tons of urea from Venezuela is another component of the PetroCaribe concessionary oil arrangement.

However, Guyana is paying cash from advances being made through the Government of Guyana. (GOG) The release said that the GOG wanted to ensure the availability of urea at this price because the price being charged by the private sector has again been creeping up.

The release added that the arrangement for procurement of fertilizer on behalf of farmers is a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, the GRDB

and the RPA. Some of the fertilizer will be available to cash crop farmers, but most of it will be used by rice farmers around the country. During the 2nd crop of 2013, the GOG offered fertilizer at $5,000 per bag at a time when the price had risen to between $7,000 and $8,000 in the private sector, the release said.

Since then the price stabilized at about $5,200 in the private sector, but has moved up in recent months. In the first crop of 2014, the price had climbed closer to $6,000 per bag, but in a partnership with the RPA, the GOG was able to offer farmers urea at $5,200 per bag in a subsidized programme.

The rice industry presently has reached almost 90% land preparation for the next rice crop (the 1st of 2015), the release disclosed.

With greater than 97% of the 2014 harvesting completed, Guyana’s rice production stands at 627,463 tons of rice.

The release said that in 2014, so far, Guyana has exported 423,900 tons and it has contracts for 2014 delivery of 90,176 tons. This means, the release said, that Guyana would eclipse 500,000 tons for 2014.

The release said that Panama has become an important new

market. Haiti, a market in which Guyana has been on and off is growing at this time.

Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua and other destinations have been added, the release noted.

However, one challenge remains as an important constraint. The industry cash flow of almost $50B has proven to be a big challenge for rice millers.

“The consequence is payment to rice farmers continue to be a major barrier in the industry.

The Government of Guyana has ensured we support the process and we have made advances to allow some ease of the problem.

The Government is working with the Bankers association and millers to increase their credit available to them; this is in an effort to ensure a more timely payment to farmers”, the release added.

The first crop of 2014 saw payments made to farmers of about $25B, the release said, adding. that even though there was a significant delay in payment, almost all payments have been made except for about $200M, more than half of which the GOG has stepped in to pay off.

In the second crop, almost $24B of sales were made by farmers and millers have so far paid about $17B, the release disclosed.

pardoning two of the three Al Jazeera journalists jailed in his country.

PARIS – French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry, acknowledged on Thursday there was some way to go to iron out differences with Iran over its nuclear program.

PRISTINA – A former minister-in-exile during Kosovo’s 1990srebellion against Serbian rule is poised to become the state’s next prime minister, a senior party ally said on Thursday.

DUBAI – Groups placed on a terrorism list by the United Arab Emirates can appeal against the designation if their “approach has changed”, a senior UAE official said on Thursday, after several organizations criticized their inclusion.

Cop charged with stealing $7.5M from police force

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he former Sergeant-in-Charge of the Leonora Police Station is being accused of stealing just over $7.5 million from the Guyana Police Force.

Aleem Subhan, 34, whose address was given as 403 Block ‘A’ Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was granted $500,000 bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan after he pleaded not guilty.

The charge against Subhan stated that between October 1st, 2013 and August 8th, 2014, being employed as a Clerk/Servant with the Guyana Police Force, he stole $7, 536, 733, which was the property of the Guyana Police Force.

Subhan, a married father of one with 14 years of service in the force, was represented by attorneys Ganesh Hira and Patrice Henry.

Henry told the court that since the allegation was levelled against his client, he was placed on an open arrest and he reported to work throughout the time of the investigation, while his passport was lodged with the police.

Henry, noting that Subhan was a senior member of the police force, pleaded for lenience in the granting of bail.

No objection was made to the granting of bail, which was set at $500,000 on the condition that Subhan report to the Leonora Police Station every Friday.

After Henry heard of the amount for bail, he pleaded further with the magistrate for a reduction, saying it might be difficult for his client to produce that much.

The magistrate was, however, unmoved by the attorney’s plea and noted that the amount was considered lenient by the court.

The case will be called again on December 2nd at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

29

PUZZLE! Which College is Right For You?

By Davanie Singhroy

T

he college hunt can be an intimidating one, especially for first-timers. With so many options, how do you know which college is right for you?

A big mistake that many people make is choosing a college simply because it’s an ivy league or well-known.

Each student is an individual, and they need a college which meets their individual needs. Yes, it may feel good to say that your child goes to (insert fancy ivy league here), but it’s not worth it if the school doesn’t coincide with your child’s interests and goals. If Harvard or Yale matches up with what you’re looking for in a college, then by all means, go for it. But if a smaller community college works better with your plans, then that’s the way to go.

At the age of seventeen or eighteen, many students may not be sure what exactly they want to do in life, and some may not have any idea at all. Don’t worry, this is perfectly natural and not a cause for concern.

Look into colleges that have classes and majors which interest you and you can even choose to enter with an undecided major. You may be one of the few students who know what you want from life, and enter college with a major of your choosing. But if you have an epiphany of some sort, and decide to study something else, remember that there is always the option of switching majors. Pick a college that allows you to grow as both a student and a person, and within those four years, you are guaranteed to find your niche.

Parents—I’m sure you have a pretty good idea of what you want your child to pursue. But if every child grows up to be a doctor, then there will be no patients! In all seriousness, while you may only want what’s best for your child, it will be in their best interest to let them follow their own path. If your child is interested in a field where it may be difficult to find a job after college, maybe they can minor in another field as a backup plan.

But if they do succeed, and find a job they love, then they will truly be happy. As they say, if you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life.

Another question which arises in the college process is whether to stay home or to go away. Many students may be ready to leave home and become independent, while parents may not be ready to have their little chicks leave the nest just yet. Ultimately, each party must be realistic and decide whether or not the student is mature enough to be on their own. If a student is adamant on leaving, perhaps they can attend a college nearby but choose to dorm. That way

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9 6 they could technically be on their own, but have family close enough in case of emergency. While going away may have its benefits, another thing to consider is that out-of –state tuition is usually greater if you choose to go to another state for college.

Unfortunately, this brings us to the one final factor which one must consider when choosing colleges—money. This is one of the most important issues, and may be the deciding factor on whether or not you choose to go to a college. Parents must take a good look at their financial situation and see how much they will be able to spend on college tuition. If the college of your dreams is out of this range, don’t lose hope.

Before you turn down a college simply because of price, take a look at what financial aid and scholarship money can do to help. If the tuition is just out of reach, then these factors can help to fill the gap.

Hopefully, with these factors in mind, you are able to narrow down your list of colleges to the ones that are best suited for you. After you have your select few colleges, all that’s left to do is apply and wait for your acceptances. When this big hurdle is out of the way, high school seniors can finally enjoy their senior year and parents can rest assured that their child is on their way to bigger better things.

Good luck!

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Reggae Boyz Win 2014 Caribbean Cup WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica notched a sixth Caribbean Cup title following a dramatic match that went to penalty kicks to determine the winners after 120 minutes of football against arch rivals Trinidad and Tobago at the Montego Bay Sports Complex tonight.

One of the happiest men in Montego Bay last night was Reggae Boyz head coach Winfried Schaefer.

"I am very delighted for the win," Schaefer said after the tense penalty shoot-out.

"The team was very disciplined. I hope that now that we have won that everyone will see that we have a strong team."

It was sweet, sweet victory for the Reggae Boyz who had goalkeeper Andre Blake to thank in part as his brilliant save of Trinidad and Tobago's first penalty kick taken by their captain Kenwyne Jones.

It gave Jamaica the decisive advantage in the series of penalty kicks.

Jermaine Taylor, Jobi McAnuff, Demar Phillips and captain Rodolph Austin scored from the spot, while striker Michael Seaton had his kick saved by the Trinidad keeper.

There were no separating the two finalists as wayward shooting and excellent defending stopped them from gaining an advantage. In the 15th minute, Dane

Richards had his shot parried to safety by the Trinidad keeper and McAnuff picked up the ball before hitting a torrid shot that flew past the upright as the Trinidad defenders breathed a sigh a relief. Darren Mattocks who shared the Golden Boot award with Trinidad’s Kevin Molino then had a great chance in the 85th minute to give Jamaica a late winner in normal time but his flashing header drifted just wide of the upright.

In the dying moments of the game, Khaleem Hyland had an uncontested header from inside Jamaica’s six yard box but sent it over the crossbar.

Blake’s heroics, his second in as many matches, was a fitting end to the tournament, which received passing grades from Caribbean Football Union president Gordon Derrick, who praised the local organisers for the “outstanding work”.

30

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

It’s kind of a slow week overall, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be interesting! Take your time on Monday and Tuesday, as you need to be sure to get all the details exactly right before moving on. Once that’s behind you, gear up for some good, if lowkey, social adventures before the weekend kicks in. Your natural charm is on display, and people love it. Saturday and Sunday are best spent in quiet pursuits, maybe puttering around the house or reconnecting with old friends or family members.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22)

Something small catches your eye on Monday or Tuesday and gets you thinking about friends or family. It’s a good time to repair relationships that have been unraveling for a while.

Watch out for a rebound later in the week, though, as unintended consequences pile up and require extra attention. You can handle them as long as you set aside the time. The weekend brings good emotional energy, but you may encounter opportunities that are too good to be true. Be wary and trust your intuition to guide you in the right direction.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The weekly horoscopes are updated on every week to gives you an in-depth insight into your family, your love life, any career opportunities, friends and money issues.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Early in the week, your good energy endears you to someone you really want to get closer to, so make sure you’re spending time with the right people.

It won’t take much, though. Wednesday through Friday fills you with a need to shop that you haven’t felt so strongly in quite some time. If your finances can take it, stock up -- otherwise, distract yourself with online browsing or some other (more or less) safe activity. Romance can blossom or deepen this weekend if you decide you’re with the right person.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(May 21-June 20)

Expect minor miscommunications, especially with family members, early in the week. The best you can do is be clear and upfront with everyone -- subtle signals are almost certain to be misread. That should all wash away pretty quickly Wednesday morning, and the next several days are full of great, brainy energy. Apply it to work or school and watch old problems fade away to nothing. Your emotional state consumes your attention this weekend, and you may need to work on letting go of old baggage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take a break early this week and let others catch all the flack. You’d rather sit back and watch someone else take an active part in the events of the day. You certainly deserve it! Your energy ramps up in a big way on Wednesday, and you should have a big smile on your face through Friday, thanks to nothing in particular. Share the good times with those you love and you’ll all coast into the weekend feeling fine. Make sure you’ve got one eye open for those who don’t have your best interests at heart on Saturday and Sunday -- your trusting nature could land you in trouble otherwise!

Your great energy helps you organize your life to perfection on Monday and Tuesday -- yes, even more so than before! You’re on a roll, and friends and coworkers are amazed at what you cook up. Try a big display of romance or friendship later in the week. Amaze someone close and bring them even closer. It should be much easier than you imagine to make a great impression. You can be a terrific listener when you put your mind to it, and this weekend brings a perfect opportunity to help someone who really needs you.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The week begins with your sharp eye noticing details that elude everyone else, making it a good time for business deals, politicking and finishing up negotiations of all kinds. Your good energy flares up in a big way on Wednesday, so take time out to enjoy life later in the week. You may find that people are more willing than usual to see things your way and give you the latitude you need. The weekend is the best time to get started on those big changes you want to make in your life.

Your social life improves a bit on Monday and Tuesday, even if that doesn’t seem possible. You may make a new friend or take an existing friendship to a new level. You spend more time waiting than you may like later in the week, but your patience is rewarded in the long run. Try to find positive ways to fill your time.

The weekend is perfect for romance -- or for any endeavor that needs other people to work out. Your personal energy is so intense that most folks find you deeply fascinating now.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Your inquisitive mind is ready for new information as you begin the week, so seek out a few new sources and see what you can dredge up. You may finally solve a problem that has been nagging you for weeks! Your job or career path takes up more time than usual from Wednesday through Friday, and you should be ready to follow up with new leads and new opportunities quickly. You’re called on to settle a dispute this weekend, and your answer may cement your reputation as someone who can maintain objectivity.

Things aren’t quite what they seem on Monday and Tuesday, and you may want to look into matters more closely before committing to any particular course of action. Once you know what you’re dealing with, go for it! Your social energy picks up in a big way midweek, and for the next few days you find yourself meeting new people at a prodigious rate -- especially folks you might never have had contact with under ordinary circumstances. Take a long, slow weekend if you can, and try your best to take it easy without pushing any one activity too hard.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

GEMINI

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

It’s a thoughtful week for you for the most part. Early on, you need to focus on small details in work or home projects, as your mindset is just about perfect for juggling them and bringing them in line with each other. A minor legal issue may pop up on Wednesday or Thursday, and will require your full attention.

But it should be resolved quickly and painlessly. The weekend is a great time for reflection on the past week’s events -- you can learn quite a bit that will come in handy later.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

Your friends and family need you as the week begins, but it’s almost certain that they’re too confused or proud to let you know. Ask or observe until you see what needs to be done, then take care of it.

On Wednesday, your life may feel a wee bit out of balance, but it should only take a couple of days for you to figure out how to realign all the elements and get rolling again. You feel great this weekend, but may not want to do much of anything. Follow your instincts or let your friends make the call.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

31

Entertainment News

Jackie Shroff's wife Ayesha receives threatening messages, files fresh FIR

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ctor Jackie Shroff's wife, Ayesha has registered a fresh FIR with the Bandra police after she received threatening messages from an unknown number.

"Yes, a fresh FIR has been registered by Ayesha Shroff after she received some threatening calls from unknown numbers," said an officer at the Bandra police station.

Ayesha had earlier this month filed a complaint against her former business partner, actor Sahil Khan, saying that he cheated her of close to Rs.5 crore.

Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan come together for IFFI

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n Thursday, if you are in Goa, you may just be in chance to collect some stardust.

The 45th edition of the IFFI, which gets underway Thursday, is all set to host a coming together of two celestial objects, Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, who have helped millions of Indian cinema lovers soar into orbit over decades.

The duo, two supreme stars of a galaxy called Bollywood will attend the inauguration ceremony at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee indoor stadium on the outskirts of the state capital on November 20.

While Big B will be the chief guest at the event, the Nizam of the Southern cinema Rajnikanth will be present to accept the Centenary award for Indian Film personality of the year at a ceremony which will be attended attended Union ministers for Information and Broadcasting Arun Jaitley (cabinet) Rajyavardhan Rathore (state) and Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, among others.

Bachchan's entry this year is significant because the tenure of his absence from IFFI, India's biggest state-backed film festival has coincided with his falling out with the Congress-led central governments in the recent past. 'The President' directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf will be the opening film of the fest, while "The Grandmaster" by Wong Karwai, who will incidentally receive the lifetime achievement award, will be the closing film.

The 11-day festival will also screen 179 films from 75 countries across different categories which include World Cinema (61 films), Masterstrokes (11 films), Festival Kaleidoscope (20 films), Soul of Asia (7 films), Documentaries (6 films), and Animated Films (6 films).

The Indian Panorama section will include 41 feature and non-feature films. Seven films from the India's North-Eastern region will also be screened at the event, as part of

a special package.

"In all sixty two films in the world cinema section will be screened, while 15 films will be screened in the IFFI's competition section this year," says Shankar Mohan, a senior official of the Union ministery for Information and Broadcasting, who is also Director of the IFFI. Retrospective sections on Gulzar and Jahnu Baruah, special homage films on Richard Attenborough, Robin Williams, Zohra Sehgal, Suchitra Sen, and special tribute to Farooq Sheikh would be other attractions this year.

A special section of films that focus on dance, personality based retrospectives, and Masterclasses or specialized workshops conducted by master artistes will also form a part of IFFI 2014.

This positioning of China as a guest country at this year's event is a result of cinematic partnership as envisioned in an India-China agreement signed between the two countries when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year.

"This is only a beginning of sorts. We will see a greater interaction at all levels. Right from representatives of the Chinese film industry as well as other cultural exchanges between the two countries," Mohan said.

The organization of the latest edition of IFFI has also seen its share of controversy, with the main opposition party, the Congress, alleging a tendering scam in creation of temporary infrastructure for the event, a charge which the organisers have rubbished.

The festival will also pay tribute to British film maker Richard Attenborough, the maker of the iconic film Gandhi who died in August this year. His Academy Award winning film 'Gandhi' is also one of those films which will be screened to the general audience (non delegates) free of cost everyday.

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Priyanka Chopra: I too want to be a zombie

he is someone who enjoys the star status in Bollywood but the critically-acclaimed actress Priyanka Chopra wishes to become a zombie for their inability to feel.

The actress took to social networking site Twitter to express her peculiar wish.

"I too want to be a zombie... Easy life must be when u don't feel... Or at least it seems so while u r in zombie land!" she tweeted Nov 18.

Priyanka, who has shown her acting calibre in films including "Barfi!" and "Mary Kom", has now started shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani", which also stars Ranveer Singh.

"Make up-check, hair-check, wardrobe-check, lines-check! Brains... foggy!

In so many ways! Gliding to set! #BajiraoMastani," she further posted.

Meanwhile, the actress has also attended the big fat wedding of the Bollywood's "Dabangg" star Salman Khan's sister Arpita. The 32-year-old actress wished the couple a blissful future.

"Mere yaar ki shaadi thi... @khanarpi-

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ta I wish you love that is like a beautiful song... from the beginning to the end... A lifetime of joy..." she tweeted Nov 18.

Arpita tied the knot with businessman Aayush Sharma on a star-studded evening in Hyderabad Tuesday.

Jennifer Lawrence 'scared' of paparazzi

ctress Jennifer Lawrence says she is "scared" of paparazzi.

The 24-year-old says that photographers make her anxious every time she goes out, reports contactmusic.com.

"I knew the paparazzi were going to be a reality in my life," she said.

"But I didn't know that I would feel anxiety every time I open my front door, or that being chased by 10 men you don't know, or being surrounded, feels invasive and makes me feel scared and gets my adrenaline going every day."

Lawrence - who had personal photos hacked and then leaked online earlier this year - is lobbying for people to be protected against the sharing of such images.

"If somebody jumps my fence and takes a picture through my window of me naked, that's illegal, but the photos can still be everywhere the next day, and that makes no sense," she said.

Meanwhile, the star previously slammed the photo hack, calling it a "sex crime".

"It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime.

It is a sexual violation. It's disgusting.

The law needs to be changed, and we need to change."

"Just because I'm a public figure, just because I'm an actress, does not mean that I asked for this. It does not mean that it comes with the territory. It's my body, and it should be my choice, and the fact that it is not my choice is absolutely disgusting. I can't believe that we even live in that kind of world," she said.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper Jolie's 'Unbroken' premiere makes audience gasp in Oz

November 21–27, 2014

Brooke Shields regrets marrying Andre Agassi

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odel-turned-actress Brooke Shields says that soon after her marriage to former tennis star Andre Agassi, she realised it was a mistake.

The actress and Agassi split in 1999 after being married for two years, but Shields feels she always had relationship doubts, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"It hit me all of a sudden - I knew I had made a mistake. For the next two years we saw very little of each other. I was working on my show, 'Suddenly Susan,' and he was playing at various tournaments.

"He alienated me when he lost and was on to the next tournament after he won.

We were drifting apart," she wrote on her biography.

Andre confessed he'd been "addicted to crystal meth" since their dating life began, but she says she had always hoped to work things out.

"I was the one who had supported him unconditionally when he told me (after we started dating) that he was basically bald and had been wearing hairpieces

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most of his adult life. Why would this have been any different? I would have been his biggest advocate and supporter," she shared.

ngelina Jolie hires son Maddox as 'assistant' for new movieAngelina Jolie reveals she is open to role in politicsAngelina Jolie: Being husband, wife feels niceAngelina Jolie praises Jack O'Connell for brilliant performance in 'U...Angelina Jolie invites local heroes to 'Unbroken' premiere Angelina Jolie's movie 'Unbroken,' based on the subject Louis Zamperini, has drawn positive reaction at its world premiere in downtown Sydney, Australia.

The 137-minute film's one particularly shocking maritime moment and the unrelenting visceral wartime brutality that punctuates Zamperini's tale of survival made the audience gasp audibly, Fox News reported.

The often-intense film is based on the international bestseller 'Sea biscuit' by Laura Hillenbrand and is among the last high-profile Academy Award-eligible films to open Stateside.

The project is set to release on Dec. 25 in the U.S.

Keira Knightley explains her refreshing take on body image

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eira Knightley, whose dare-to-bare moment with topless photo shoot for Interview was about standing up to unrealistic expectations of women's bodies, has explained her refreshing take on body image.

The 29-year-old actress, who earlier stated that she has no issue baring her breasts in photo shoots so long as they are not made any bigger or retouched, said that she didn't realize that it was going to be such a big deal.

The 'Imitation Game' star added that she thinks, in general, women's bodies have sort of become this kind amazing battleground where there is nothing they can do right. Knightley continued that it's just kind of ridiculous because women are either too thin or too fat and either too tall or too short, making every bit of them "weird."

Salman Khan thanks fans for Arpita's wedding wishes PK: Rajkumar Hirani misses Sanjay Dutt

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ecently the team of P.K. was in Delhi for the first song launch of the film and the team that had worked on the song was present at the event, except Sanjay Dutt.

The song is really special for Rajukumar Hirani as he wanted to try something dif-

ferent and it has worked well for the film.

Also, it was his idea that the characters in the song don the clothes of a bandwalla.

The ace director missed Sanjay Dutt a lot at the launch as he felt that he was a major part of the song and also because it was the last leg that Sanjay shot for.

P.K. stars Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput and is set to release on December 19, 2014.

Rajkumar Hirani comfirms the news and adds, "I really missed Sanju on the launch.

Its my first film where he is not standing with me on the dias."

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alman Khan has been receiving wishes for his sister Arpita's wedding from his fans and the superstar has thanked them for the blessings.

Arpita's wedding to businessman Aayush Sharma that will take place in Hyderabad Tuesday has created a buzz on Twitter. It is trending on the microblogging site and the big brother appreciates the love from his fans.

"Thank u for all the blessings n good wishes. Vil tweet sm pics frm the wedding later. Arpita n ayush thank n appreciate it," Salman tweeted Tuesday.

Arpita had also shared a photograph of her pre-wedding celebrations.

"Wedding madness from last night (Monday)!,' she captioned the picture in which she is seen getting mehendi done on her hands.

Bollywood celebrities like Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Dharmendra and his wife Hema Malini, Karan Johar and David Dhawan will reportedly attend the wedding that will take place at Taj Falaknuma, the luxury heritage hotel of the Taj Group located in the old city.

November 21–27, 2014 Caribbean Star Newspaper Bill Cosby faces new rape allegations Arnold Schwarzenegger rules out 'Junior' B sequel Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger says there won't be a sequel to the 1994 comedy "Junior", which was critically panned at the time of release.

The movie, starred the 67-year-old as Alex Hesse - a research geneticist who falls pregnant after taking an unapproved fertility drug, a role which he doesn't want to revive, reports contactmusic.com.

"There's certain movies that we went a little overboard. The fact of the matter is, this is life. You make movies and do things. Some of the stuff is successful, and some stuff go down the toilet," he said.

The father-of-five added that he was expecting the movie , which also starred Emma Thompson, to be much better than it actually was when it was released. He said: "I've had great successes and a lot of things that went in the toilet and failed.

There's no science to the whole thing".

"You read scripts and think it's a great idea, and then when you see it and realise that it's not quite how you envisaged it, you move on," he added. However, Schwarzenegger, who will reprise his Terminator character in 2015 in "Terminator: Genisys", confirmed there will be a "Twins" sequel.

He said: "They're doing a 'Twins' sequel, to be called 'Triplets'. I've read the first draft. There's rumblings of a new 'Running Man' movie, so it's a great honour to be asked back."

ill Cosby's problem doesn't seem to end as another rape accuser has come forward to blame the actor for drugging and raping her on two occasions decades ago.

Accuser Joan Tarshis posted on a website that it took her about 20 years to admit this to anyone, the New York Post reported.

Tarshis said that but during those years as she grew into adulthood, she watched Cosby be praised by everyone from Presidents to Oprah to the Jello Corporation.

She continued that it all made her ill despite knowing first-hand

that there was something "unbalanced" about the 77-year-old actor.

Tarshis added that she was 19-years-old in autumn of 1969 and Cosby seemed to take a liking to her, and so she was invited back a few times.

The accuser added that she was sickened by what was happening to her and shocked that this man she had idolised was now raping her.

Cosby has been besieged by accusations of multiple sexual assaults during his decades-long career that have resurfaced in the last couple of weeks.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

Caribbean Connections

The virus that makes us stupid and lasts for years

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viral infection that could make nearly half of us more stupid has been discovered by scientists in the United States.

The mind boggling revelation suggests that millions may be carrying a long-lasting infection that impairs the normal functioning of the brain.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the University of Nebraska found the virus in the throats of 44 percent of volunteers tested in the study.

The volunteers who were carrying the infection performed measurably worse in intelligence tests, even when taking into account such factors as age and education.

The virus, “chlorovirus ATCV-1,” was previously only known to appear in green algae in freshwater lakes, and scientists have not established how it came to infect humans.

The virus does not appear to have infected watersports enthusiasts exclusively, probably ruling out a direct link to algae, and it is thought that humans could have long carried the virus, which had not previously registered with doctors.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that chlorovirus ATCV1 changes the genes in the brain.

The scientists found the virus in throat swabs from 40 out of 92 volunteers, and discovered those with the virus performed measurably worse in cognitive testing.

According to study author Professor Robert Yolken of Johns Hopkins, millions of viruses in the human body are being investigated for the first time.

“We’re really just starting to find out what some of these agents that we’re

carrying around might actually do,” he told the Healthline website.

“It’s the beginning, I think, of another way of looking at infectious agents — not agents that come in and do a lot of damage and then leave, like Ebola virus or influenza virus.

“This is kind of the other end of the spectrum. These are agents that we carry around for a long time and that may have subtle effects on our cognition and behaviour.”

The research team went on to confirm their findings with tests in mice.

The infected mice exhibited a decrease in cognition, memory and other brain functions.

The virus also broke through the barrier between blood and tissue, altering the activity of genes in the brains of the mice.

The affected genes included those producing dopamine, a hormone which influences memory, emotion, spatial awareness and pleasure.

According to the University of Nebraska’s Professor James Van Etten, a biologist who first identified the virus in algae 30 years ago: “There’s more and more studies showing that microorganisms in your body have a bigger influence than anything anyone would have predicted, and this could be something along those lines.

“The thing that’s different about what we found is that chlorovirus ATCV-1 is something that we wouldn’t have suspected would actually have any effect on humans or animals.

“It points us in a direction of looking to see if we can improve people’s cognition, their behaviour, by changing the composition of their microbiome [the balance of bacteria and viruses in the body],” he said.

Trade Union body agrees to three year wage freeze

he St.Lucia Trade Union Federation (TUF) which groups most of the islands public sector unions, has agreed to a three-year wage freeze, as part of efforts to help resuscitate the economy.

The decision was announced in a statement earlier this week at the conclusion of negotiations between Government and the Federation for the period April 2013 to March 2016.

The TUF has described the wage freeze offer as “a huge contribution” to national development, and expressed hope that other sections of the country will follow the “good example”, in making a sacrifice for country in times of need.

“The Federation conveyed to government its understanding of the current economic situation facing the country, and was ready to assist by making certain sacrifices towards alleviation of the situation,” the statement signed by TUF President, Julian Monrose noted.

However it made no reference to Government’s request for a five per cent wage cut for public sector workers, as part of government’s prescription to deal with an EC$76 million fiscal crisis.

While Government’s proposal for the wage cut had been initially rejected by all public sector unions, Prime Minister Kenny Anthony urged the public servants to either keep it on the agenda or come up with alternative ways in which

the fiscal deficit could be funded.

While the TUF made a list of recommendations, which included the introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax) on electricity, the St Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA), which is not, a member of the TUF refused to include the wage cut in any discussions with the GNT. In response to the decision of the TUF to accept a wage freeze, CSA President, Mary Isaac said she was not surprised, and declined further comment until negotiations between the CSA and government are concluded.

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony who has not spoken publically for several weeks on the state of the economy, gave the unions several ultimatums for resolution of the wage cut issue, all of which have longed passed.

During his budget presentation in April this year, Anthony without prior consultation with public service unions legislated the 5% wage cut, which he said was urgently needed to resolve the islands fiscal crisis.

US Coast Guard makes US$5.1m cocaine bust in Caribbean Sea Coast Guard Cutter Alligator conducts drug offload in St Petersburg, FLA

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LORIDA, United States, Monday November 17, 2014, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says crew members aboard the Cutter Alligator offloaded cocaine valued at US$5.1 million in St. Petersburg, Florida on Thursday.

The Coast Guard said the cocaine was seized in support of Operation Caribe Venture.

During a routine patrol last week, a Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine aircraft detected a 25-foot “go-fast” vessel in the Caribbean Sea.

Coast Guard officials report that an armed Coast Guard helicopter crew aboard observed suspicious packages on board the go-fast vessel.

“After the suspected vessel failed to heave to, the armed helicopter crew employed warning shots and then disabling fire to stop the vessel,” the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard said three suspected smugglers aboard the go-fast vessel were detained and later turned over to law enforcement officials.

November 21–27, 2014 35 Caribbean Star Newspaper Jamaica health authorities report progress Police chief in the fight against Chikungunya permitted to take Caribbean C cruise while appealing prison sentence hief Inspector at the Kingston and St. Andrew Public Health Department, Everton Baker, says progress is being made with the vector control programme to tackle the outbreak of the Chikungunya virus.

He says the Health Department checked more than 41,000 homes between June and last month.

Seven thousand were found with breeding sites for the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes.

Baker is urging the public to take care of the environment, as the country continues to deal with the effects of Chikungunya.

The Chief Inspector says community based organisations can also play a part in assisting with the clean-up to get rid of mosquito breeding sites.

In recent weeks there has been a significant decline in new cases of Chikungunya in the eastern parishes of St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew and the central parish of St. Catherine.

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HODE ISLAND, United States, Tuesday November 18, 2014, CMC – A Rhode Island judge has granted permission to a police chief to take a cruise to the Caribbean as he awaits Supreme Court intervention that would save him from a six-month prison term.

On Monday, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that John Whiting received permission from the Rhode Island Supreme Court to stay at his Florida vacation home in Fort Myers and to also go on a Caribbean cruise this week.

Whiting was found guilty in 2012 of stealing money from a woman’s purse, after her car crashed during a chase in August 2011.

He was sentenced to six months in prison but was allowed to remain free on bail while he appealed.

The Attorney General’s office said they did not object to Whiting going on vacation because he had followed the rules of his release.

Whiting officially resigned as North Providence police chief last month.

The town’s Mayor, Charles Lombardi said the town was in the process of selecting a new chief.

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

Barbados signs FATCA agreement with US to improve international tax compliance

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Elderly woman ordered to withdraw $400,000 from bank then abducted

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he Matilda’s Corner police have reported that a senior citizen was abducted and robbed outside a commercial bank in Liguanea, St Andrew this afternoon. Reports reaching OBSERVER ONLINE are that two armed men approached the 73-year-old woman outside the bank. The men then probed her

bankbook before ordering her to withdraw $400,000 from her account and return.

The woman reportedly complied with the robbers’ demands and upon exiting the bank she was pulled into a car and the money taken from her.

She was then released some distance away along Mona Road in St Andrew.

S tax form 1042 foreign person's US source income subject to WitholdingBRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tuesday November 18, 2014, CMC –The government of Barbados, on Monday signed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) with the United States and pledged the implementation of global standards for the supervision and regulation of the international business and financial services sector.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss and US Ambassador to Barbados, Dr. Larry Palmer.

“The signature of this FATCA agreement represents one of the salient pillars in the transformation of how we as an international business and financial services centre interact not only with other jurisdictions on the sharing of vital information, but is an indication of the transformation of how we interact with our clients and apply greater due diligence in an ever-changing environment,” Inniss stated.

He however cautioned that the signing was not a deviation from Government’s belief that “businesses and investment

must be allowed the flexibility to thrive”.

Palmer welcomed Barbados’ commitment to intensifying its cooperation with the U.S. to improve international tax compliance, and hailed the signing as “a significant step forward in efforts to work collaboratively to combat offshore tax evasion”.

“The FATCA introduces reporting requirements for foreign financial institutions with respect to certain accounts held by U.S. taxpayers. Because access to information from other countries is critically important to the full and fair enforcement of domestic tax laws, information exchange is a top priority for the United States.

“By working together to detect, deter and discourage offshore tax abuses through increased transparency and enhanced reporting, we can help to build a stronger, more stable and accountable global financial system,” Palmer stated.

The signing is the culmination of discussions between Barbados’ Task Force and Negotiating Team, chaired by Secretary to the Board of the Central Bank, Elson Gaskin, and the U.S. Treasury Department.

CEO: Kevin Mohabir Chief Editor: Rhoda Mohabir Head Of Distribution: Shevin Mohabir Director/Sales Manager: Kevin Mohabir Distribution: William Despot, Sham Mohabir, & Shevin Mohabir Sports Editor: Darshan Chikery Layout & Design: Michelle Disclaimer: Caribbean Star Newspaper Inc. & Advertisers are not responsible for typographical errors on the published Ads. We accept articles, artwork, and photography which are in accordance with our Mission. We reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any material we receive but do our best to honor the integrity of the author/artist. We do not endorse any particular writer or advertiser. We simply offer our readers information on various subject matters. It is expected that all material is submitted in “Good Faith” with no intent to mislead or harm others.

It is the readers responsibility to make intuitive decisions that are right for themselves.

November 21–27, 2014 37 Caribbean Star Newspaper Japan re-thinks aid policy to developing countries including the Caribbean

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apan Monday has said it is reviewing the aspects of its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme for developing countries, including the Caribbean, with emphasis now being placed on development cooperation rather than on assistance.

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, addressing a symposium commemorating the ODA’s 60th anniversary, held under the theme “Growth and Poverty Reduction-The role of Japan’s ODA,” said that the Tokyo is also facing financial constraints that have also led to a drastic reduction in its overseas aid package.

He told the symposium that as a result, Japan would now be targeting its aid programme along the lines of peace, prosperity, human rights and involvement of the private sector.

“I think in an age like this, the ODA has its role to play which is not just the distribution of funds,” he said, adding that private sector led growth would be necessity given the fact that there would be no sustain development without private sector assistance.

“The future of ODA is to link private sector to quality growth,” he said making reference to the various problems

JICA PRESIDENT DR. AKIHITO TANAKA including globalisation, the deShe said despite the progress velopment of new technologies made on the Millennium Develand the spread of infectious dis- opment Goals (MDGs) “progress eases affecting socio-economic has been uneven across coungrowth in developing countries. tries with many left out of the In her address to the sympo- loop”. sium, Helen Clarke, the former She said the UNDO, like Japan, New Zealand prime minister, is building new relationships who is now the administrator around partnerships. of the United Nations Develop“Japan’s solidarity with dement Programme (UNDP), said veloping countries is very very that Japan has been a leading important and as UNDP we look player in the global partnership forward to continued developfor development. ment with Japan for many many

Tracy Morgan battling severe brain injury

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racy Morgan is fighting to recover from a severe brain injury suffered in a highway crash more than five months ago, and it's uncertain if he will be "the Tracy Morgan he once was," his lawyer said Tuesday. Benedict Morelli said the former "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" star suffered a traumatic brain injury in the June 7 crash on the New Jersey Turnpike, in addition to a broken leg, nose and ribs.

"He's fighting to get better, and if there's a chance for him to be back to the Tracy Morgan he once was, he's going to try to do that," Morelli said. "But we just don't know because of the severity of the injuries that he sustained and the fact that he had such a severe brain injury."

Lawyers were in court in New Jersey for a scheduling conference in Morgan's lawsuit against Bentonville, Arkansas-based WalMart Stores Inc, whose truck was involved in the crash. Morgan wasn't at Tuesday's proceeding, during which lawyers met with the judge to settle on a schedule. A WalMart truck slammed into a limo van that was carrying Morgan and several friends on their way back from a show in Delaware.

One person was killed, and three others were injured, two seriously. Morgan spent several weeks in a hospital and in rehab.

years to come.”

Following the symposium, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JIICA), Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, told journalists that Tokyo’s aid would also be guided by the requests from developing countries.

With specific reference to the Caribbean, Tanaka said Japan had been using the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for providing aid “and in that respect some of the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries are already beyond the scope of aid.

“But that does not indicate that we neglect the need of the countries,” he said, noting that regional countries were now receiving assistance in dealing with the impact of climate change and natural disasters.

“Japan continues to explore how we would utilise the concept of human security for our activities. In a way from your view point to slow, but we are beginning to realise the importance of cooperation, particularly with the small island nations.

“So we are in the process in a way reformulating our approach to island nations including the Caribbean. There may be specific needs and so we have to be attentive to the needs of specific

countries, but then as a while, particularly after Prime Minister Abe declaration when he visited the Caribbean, we are now in the process of formulating how we should do our efforts of development cooperation”.

“Our approach has long been emphasising the ownership and self help of our partners and our basic approach is what we call request principle, this is a principle to all countries of the world that we will not come forward and tell our partners this is what we are going to do in your country.

What we would like to do is to ask you what you would want us to do and that is what we call the request principle, so I think with the Caribbean we are now in the process of having the request from the partner countries in the Caribbean, but that does not mean we are simply waiting.

Tanaka said that Tokyo would like to “receive requests based upon conversations between JICA staff and the officials in the partner country”.

He said one area where request has already been made is for Japanese volunteers “as one form of people to people interaction, and also technical cooperation programmes that would be quite appropriate for the countries”.

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38

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

CRICKET & Sports

14 players sign by deadline for West Indies tour A month after a pay dispute controversially derailed its tour to India, the West Indies Cricket Board has confirmed that 14 top-flight players have signed contracts committing them to a three-test series in South Africa.

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he Board of Control for Cricket in India, the most powerful stakeholder in the game, suspended bilateral ties with the West Indies last month and threatened to claim millions in compensation after the Caribbean players quit the tour.

There was initially concern about the South Africa tour going ahead next month, but West Indies management took the first step last week by selecting a 15-man squad and giving players a week to sign and return the tour contracts.

The WICB on Tuesday said Darren Bravo was the only player among those selected

who asked not to be considered for the series, due to personal reasons. He is yet to be replaced in the squad. West Indies chief selector Clive Lloyd last week announced Denesh Ramdin was retained as captain and star batsman Chris Gayle was included in the squad for the test series starting December 17. The tests will be followed by three Twenty20 matches and five limited-overs internationals. The World Cup starts February in Australia and New Zealand.

“Of course at all times the selection panel aims to select the best and strongest team available,” he said at the time.

The decision to quit the tour plunged West Indies cricket into turmoil just a few months out from the World Cup and was widely criticized by the game’s administrators.

The International Cricket Council described the West Indies’ withdrawal from the India tour as “damaging and unacceptable” and indicated that similar actions in future would jeopardize players’ participation in lucrative domestic tournaments like the Indian Premier League.

West Indies test squad: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Braithwaite, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton. One to be added.

The WICB said Darren Bravo was the only player among those selected who asked not to be considered for the series, due to personal reasons.

Dhoni’s absence a guide to India’s future I

f India approach it the right way, MS Dhoni’s absence from the first Test at the Gabba could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. His Test captaincy of late has been erratic at best - brilliant at home but botched on tour - and his keeping was below par in England.

His absence provides an opportunity to see what the future is likely to hold, with Virat Kohli leading the side. Every captain has a use-by date, and my sense is that Dhoni has reached his in Tests. He has failed to ignite his side on three tours now - twice in England (apart from in the early stages in 2014) and last time around in Australia.

While India’s abject capitulation in all three instances wasn’t entirely Dhoni’s fault, he has contributed to the failures with his lack of inspirational leadership, strange selections, and shoddy glovework. His lack of footwork while keeping, and consequent failure to cover any territory in England led to a team fielding exhibition that would have been lamentable if it was the local Under-11 matting side committing the errors.

While wicketkeeping is always important, in Australia it is crucial because the extra bounce means it’s imperative to select a keeper who covers a decent expanse standing back.

Dhoni is not that man.

However, Dhoni is quite capable of holding down a place in the Indian side as a batsman.

If Wriddhiman Saha performs well at the Gabba then that is how Dhoni should be used for the rest of the series, especially as India will be looking for batsmen who show grit and determination when it comes to facing the fiery Mitchell Johnson on bouncy pitches.

The only downside would be if Dhoni’s presence as a batsman meant the exclusion of Rohit Sharma from the side.

Rohit has as much, if not more, talent than Kohli, but so far the latter has shown a far greater mental aptitude to batting in the five-day game.

If Rohit’s latest extravaganza - a huge double-century in an ODI - is a sign that he’s finally knuckling down to make the most of his extraordinary talent then India will benefit.

Another reason why he is crucial to India’s performance in Australia is his ability to play

the horizontal bat shots.

To succeed, touring batsmen have to score rather than just survive off the back foot in Australia. Given the form Rohit displayed against Australia in Barbados in 2010, when he dispatched the short stuff with ease while those around him were losing their wickets, he will play an important role in this series. Admittedly on that occasion it was a World T20 match, but his execution of the pull shot was disciplined and destructive.

India have much to prove on this Australian tour. While a four-Test series doesn’t have much in common with a demanding World Cup schedule, a good showing in the five-day matches could go a long way to building confidence for their defence of the trophy.

However, first things first India need to show the world they are not invincible at home and easy beats on the road when it comes to Test cricket.

In most cases the loss of a captain for the first match of an important series would be a disaster. However, in this one it may just turn out to be a good guide to what India’s future will look like.

Dhoni is still useful as a gritty batsman in the Test side but his inclusion means the talented Rohit Sharma will have to sit out

Caribbean Star Newspaper Finch and Starc down South Africa Australia 5 for 329 (Finch 109, Smith 73*, Warner 53) beat South Africa 256 (Amla 102, de Villiers 52, Starc 4-32, Hazlewood 3-51) by 73 runs

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enturion Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were central figures in Australia’s commanding 73-run victory over South Africa in Canberra, despite a pair of sparkling innings by Hashim Amlaand AB de Villiers.

In front of a crowd of 10,583 at Manuka Oval, Finch set the platform and Smith capitalised fully upon it against a South African bowling attack that found less assistance than they enjoyed in Perth but also did not help their cause with a quartet of no-balls.

Dale Steyn was the lone exemplar of parsimony for the visitors, but even his 10 overs ultimately yielded 53 runs, and he was unable to take the wickets he had yearned for when describing a new attack role for himself on match eve.

A target of 330 was always going to be difficult for the visitors given Australia’s selection of a deep and varied bowling attack that in Starc and Hazlewood had relevant experience of Canberra climes. Hazlewood and Starc both bowled piercingly with the old ball, the latter gaining sharp reverse swing to bring a swift conclusion to the match. Six wickets went down for 32 following de Villiers’ exit, and last man Imran Tahir did not emerge due to a knee strain picked up while bowling.

For a while, the cultured Amla and impudent de Villiers seemed capable of threatening, but the otherwise expensive Kane Richardson struck the critical blow by pinning de Villiers lbw just when South Africa’s equation had started to become realistic.

Hazlewood found the right line and length to spread-eagle Amla’s stumps soon after, and Starc followed up with verve. Australia’s performance was the

November 21–27, 2014

Kamini 192 and Kaur’s nine flay South Africa India Women 400 for 6 dec (Kamini 192, Raut 130) beat South Africa Women 234 (Du Preez 102, Chetty 56, Kaur 5-44, Gayakwad 4-54) and 132 (Kaur 4-41) by an innings and 34 runs enturies from Thirush Kamini and Poonam Rautimposed enough scoreboard pressure forHarmanpreet Kaur to run through South Africa Women as India Women recorded an innings and 34-run win in the only Test in Mysore.

India had won the toss and their top-order ensured the advantage would be converted despite an early setback. Smrithi Mandhana, who was dismissed for 8, was the only wicket to fall on the first day as Kamini and Raut strung a 275-run second-wicket stand - aworld record - that smothered South Africa. Kamini’s 192 took 430 balls, with 24 four and a six and is thesecond-best score by an India batsman in Women’s Tests after her captain Mithali Raj’s 214 against England in August 2002. Raut struck 130 off 255 balls,

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equal of anything they have produced in ODI matches over the past 12 months, indicating that the team is warming up nicely in a World Cup season - albeit minus their hamstrung captain Michael Clarke.

Having not passed 50 for state or country since the final of the ODI triangular series in Zimbabwe in September, some 13 innings ago, Finch played within himself to begin with, allowing Warner to make the swifter start while occasionally unleashing with shots such as his pulled six off Vernon Philander.

He would have been conscious of the selectors’ decision to drop Glenn Maxwell following his somewhat ordinary start to the home season, a highest score of 29 in four limited overs innings across the Twenty20 and ODI series. As T20 captain and Warner’s preferred ODI opening partner, Finch has enjoyed a stronger expression of faith from the national selector Rod Marsh and the coach Darren Lehmann.

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with 18 fours. India declared on 400 for 6, with offspinner Sunette Loubser responsible for three of those wickets Eight of the visitors’ XI were making their debuts, including captain Mignon du Preez who rallied with 102 off 253 balls which formed the spine of the South African reply until it was broken. She struck 15 fours and had added 102 runs for the fifth wicket withTrisha Chetty, who reached a maiden fifty before India hit back. Seamer Kaur took 5 for 44, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s offspin accounted for four batsmen as South Africa unravelled from 209 for 4 to be 234 all out - four of those wickets fell on 234.

Asked to follow-on, South Africa could only muster 132 with Chetty’s 35 off 131 balls being the top score. The openers were dismissed for single-figures, and were joined by five of their team-mates as Kaur picked up 4 for 41 to finish with 9 for 85 for the match, the second-best figures by an Indian bowler.

Poonam Raut and Thirush Kamini added a record 275 runs for the second wicket in the first innings

South Africa to host rare four-Test series

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outh Africa will play their first fourTest series in six years when they host England in 2015-16. The tour is scheduled to include four Tests, five ODIs and two T20s and will run from December 11 to February 21.

England will play two three-day warm-up games before kicking off with the Boxing Day Test, which returns to Durban after being moved to Port Elizabeth for this season against West Indies.

St George’s Park does not get a Test at all in the 2015-16 period, with Newlands retaining the New Year’s Test, Johannesburg’s Wanderers back on the Test calendar after missing out this summer, and SuperSport Park in Centurion the other Test hosts.

The five ODIs take cricket to Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth as well as

Centurion, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the latter two cities also staging the T20s.

The Test venues are exactly the same as they were the last time England where in South Africa in 2009-10. That series, memorable for England hanging on nine wickets down in Centurion and Cape Town, was drawn 1-1 and was also the last time South Africa last played in a four-Test series.

Since then, the teams have only met in one other Test rubber, in 2012, when South Africa took the Test mace off England. Their last Test series defeat to England came at home in 2004-05.

England drew nail–biting Tests in Centurion and Cape Town on their last tour of South Africa © Getty Images

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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Rain saves T&T, slim win for Jamaica, Guyana wins big

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arbados were forced to accept a draw againstTrinidad & Tobago in their opening game at the Queen’s Park Oval, as rain denied them a chance to shut out a match they had dominated.

The Barbados bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and Carlos Brathwaite, skittled T&T for 96 in the first innings, giving their side a formidable 264-run lead. Warrican took 4 for 12, cleaning up the middle and lower order after Carlos Brathwaite dismissed three of T&T’s top four batsmen.

Asked to follow-on, T&T began the final day at 163 for 3 and quickly slipped to 193 for 5 before the game ended with their score at 213 for 5.

Earlier, Barbados’ dominant first-innings performance was built around Kraigg Brathwaite’s

182 and a 76 from wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich. The pair came together with the score at 85 for 4 and stabilized the innings with a partnership of 176.

Barbados lost a few quick wickets after Dowrich was dismissed but Kraigg Brathwaite shep-

herded the tail-end batsmen to steer the score to 360.

Jamaica began their Professional Cricket League campaign with a hard-fought, 13-run win overWindward Islands, sealed by a final-innings seven-for from legspinner Damion Jacobs.

Jamaica had grabbed the initiative in the first half of the match itself, courtesy a fine all-round showing from leftarm spinner Nikita Miller in a game that was dominated by the bowlers - apart from Miller, there was only one other fifty in the game, in Windwards’ chase, from Devon Smith.

Miller had scored 57 from No. 8 in Jamaica’s first innings, pushing their total past 200, before 4 for 25 off 18 to wreck Windwards’ reply along with pacerMarquino Mindley, who picked up a five-for on first-

class debut. That meant Windwards had conceded a 198-run first-innings lead, and it looked like the game had slipped well away from them. No one told their bowlers though, as they combined to skittle Jamaica for 162 the second time round. Leftarm spinner Alston Bobb was the destroyer-in-chief with 5 for 48 - a tally, which added to a career-best innings haul of 6 for 45 in the first innings, gave him his career-best match haul of 11 for 93.

Windwards’ batsmen, led by openers Smith (74) and Tyrone Theophile (40) who added 91 runs, made a good fist of the chase of 261, but fell just short against Jacobs’ wiles.

Guyana, meanwhile, registered an innings and 10-run win against Leeward Islands.

They had got to 343 in the first

innings courtesy a Narsingh Deonarine century, and then the Guyana spinners, led by legspinnerDevendra Bishoo, took over.

Bishoo combined with leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul and pacer Ronsford Beaton to shoot out Leewards for 94 in their first innings. Each of those bowlers took three apiece, as four of the Leewards line-up were out for ducks. The follow-on was enforced, and while Leewards did better the second time around, the first-innings lead of 249 that they had conceded proved too much to overcome.

Bishoo led Guyana’s charge in the second innings, taking 4 for 67. Permaul, who took the new ball, also chipped in with a couple of strikes as Leewards fell for 239, 10 short of making Guyana bat again.

Yanks ‘sleeping giants’ for Max Scherzer

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perception is out there that the Yankees, in the words of one NL executive, are “sleeping giants” on Max Scherzer. That by the end of the winter, they will be players for arguably the best ace on the freeagent market.

That is the perception. But the reality, according to a source with knowledge of the Yankees’ plans, is that the team is avoiding long-term, nine-digit contracts for players 30 and older.

Scherzer turned 30 on July 27, 2014.

A source did add, “Never say never,” but emphasized the initial plan is to try to re-sign Brandon McCarthy and not go after the top tier of Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields.

The Yankees are engaging the trade market. They have already turned Francisco Cervelli -- a popular, but spare part -- into Justin Wilson, a talented, if not yet consistent, lefty reliever. The Yankees could try to fill shortstop by dealing for Jimmy Rollins, Elvis Andrus, Alexei Ramirez, Didi Gregorius or Troy Tulowitzki. Each situation has its upside, but none are close to sure things. If they turn to the free-agent market, Stephen Drew would seem the most likely option at short.

Drew is represented by Scott Boras, who is also Scherzer’s agent. Boras is known to wait out the market to receive the price tag he deems appropriate.

Yankees don’t sign McCarthy, strike out on Headley, and David Robertson leaves as a free agent. Meanwhile, Jon Lester returns to Boston or goes north to Toronto, and while the Orioles either maintain their nucleus or add to it, the Yankees may sit back a month from now and re-examine Scherzer.

The NL executive called Scher-

Max Scherzer is the surest bet of all the free-agent starters available, says one exec. zer the surest bet of the three top starters on the market. Scherzer has fanned more than 10 batters per nine innings, which is a stat that often suggests that success can be maintained.

(It is not as foolproof as CC Sabathia’s numbers -- his K/per 9 have stayed the same as he has declined -- show.)

Scherzer, despite the fact he would cost a No. 1 pick -- while Lester, who was traded midseason, would not -- is the more desirable starter out there, according to the NL executive.

“He’s the best,” the executive said.

“He has a little less mileage [having

pitched fewer major league innings], and what he does is more sustainable.”

Boras knows all this, too. Is there any way -- no matter what the Yankees are saying or thinking internally right now -- Boras is not going to give the Yankees last licks?

At the end of the day, any agent -especially one as successful as Boras -- is going to let the Yankees have one last shot to say yes, if nothing else to drive up the price on other clubs.

When the inevitable call comes, the Yankees will have to look at their

roster and decide if they are going to be better than the 84-win club from 2014. They have a bunch of question marks in their rotation, from Masahiro Tanaka (elbow), Sabathia (knee), Ivan Nova (elbow), Michael Pineda (history) and Shane Greene (youth).

Scherzer could be a difference-maker. As of now, the Yankees are trying to stay out of any sweepstakes. But the NL executive’s term “sleeping giants” seems appropriate. At some point this winter, would it really surprise you if the Yankees made a big play for someone like Scherzer?

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Difficult to surpass Rohit Sharma’s 264, says Lara

rian Lara believes the advent of T20 cricket has been a major factor in the record for the highest ODI being broken three times in the last five years. Sharma stunned the cricketing world with his monster score against Sri Lanka last week, smashing the previous record of 219 held by fellow Indian Virender Sehwag.

“We all grew up with the innings of Sir Vivian Richards’ 189 in Manchester against England, and how he dominated the bowling then and that was the world record for quite some time,” Lara was quoted as saying by Herald Sun on Wednesday.

“But I felt that 200 was possible. I just believe that this one (Rohit’s innings) is a little bit unreachable now. This one is an exceptional performance, getting to that total and he still got out. It was a special innings. It’s very, very difficult to see it

being surpassed.”

Lara, who holds the world record for the highest individual score in a Test match (unbeaten 400)and first-class match (unbeaten 501), was on a flight to London for much of the innings but arrived at his hotel just in time to see the 27-year-old Indian right-hander reach his double-hundred.

“When he got to 200 I thought, ‘this man has got to a double century twice in one-day internationals’, but I didn’t know it was going to go on to something that, to me, seemed impossible,” Lara said.

Lara, whose highest ODI score was 169, says he thought 200 was an achievable target when he began his career but believes Sharma’s mark is a stretch too far for any players starting out now.

The 45-year-old believes the advent of Twenty20 cricket has been a major factor in the record for the highest ODI being

Taylor not bothered by KP ‘slagging off’

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Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

evin Pietersen rattled off potshots at several former England teammates in his recent autobiography but one of his targets had a right to feel more wronged than most. James Taylor only played once alongside Pietersen - and they put on 147 runs together - but that didn’t stop Pietersen from recording his reservations about the diminutive Nottinghamshire batsman.

Pietersen described Taylor as more

suited to being a jockey like his father, though he has denied criticising Taylor’s ability while in the England dressing room. Taylor, who will get another chance to establish himself on the forthcoming Sri Lanka tour, admitted to hearing about Pietersen’s comments second-hand but said he was used to being “slagged off” by people who doubted him.

“Yes, apparently he did. But it doesn’t really bother me at all, I’m sure plenty of peo-

broken three times in the last five years.

He also said that his table-topping Test score is also on the chopping block as the influence of T20 seeps into all forms of the game. And he’s nominated a player who is about to arrive on Australian shores as a likely candidate to pass the magical mark.

“People ask if 400 is going to be broken and I believe it’s going to be broken because of T20 and the way the guys are batting. The likes of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, (if) these guys get two days in a Test match on a good batting track, and the pace they bat at, everything is possible,” Lara, who scored 22,358 international runs before retiring in 2007, said.

“And I believe T20 has definitely developed people’s confidence. They have made scores in the 200-250 range - easy scores to get to. Batsmen and teams now have to look way beyond that.” ple have said things behind my back before and it will happen again,” Taylor said. “It was a few years ago and I haven’t spoken to him since and it doesn’t really bother me. Plenty of people have slagged me off behind my back and he’s just another one of them.”

Geoffrey Boycott, the former England batsman now a prominent voice in the media, has been another to suggest Taylor is too small to succeed at international level - despite Taylor being roughly the same height as Sachin Tendulkar. Taylor’s 34 on Test debut against South Africa at Headingley, compiled as Pietersen

blazed a century before being dropped over text messages sent to members of the opposition, hinted at his talent but he has found opportunities rare, playing just one other Test and two ODIs against Ireland in three years.

“Like I say, I’ve got many doubters out there and it hasn’t stopped me performing,” Taylor said. “A big thing that spurs me is proving people wrong, as my size, naturally I’m going to have plenty of doubters and I’ve proved them wrong over the years and I’ll prove more people wrong in the coming months.

Sammy handed Titans captaincy

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est Indies allrounder Darren Sammy has been handed the Titans captaincy for the remainder of the South African domestic 20-over competition with the franchise yet to decide who will take over in other formats.

Sammy replaces Henry Davids, who has been asked to concentrate solely on his batting as the Titans attempt to overturn a poor start to the tournament which has seen them slump to three straight defeats.

“This is a tactical decision to see how we can turn things around,” Jacques Faul, CEO of the Titans franchise told ESPNcricinfo.

“He is a World T20 winning captain. If you have someone like that at your disposal, you should use them.”

Sammy is one of five West Indies players and one of six internationals who have been signed on for the duration of the Ram Slam but the only one who has been given the additional responsibility of leading a team.

Ironically, he is the only one who has yet to deliver a stand-out performance for his side. Currently, both their leading paceman Marchant de Lange and key batsman Farhaan Behardien are in Australia with the South African ODI squad. They were also without David Wiese, who travelled for the T20s and Albie Morkel, who was injured pre-season and is not expected to be back before January after first targeting a December comeback.

The player drain has had an impact on

both areas of the Titans’ game, with bowlers struggling to contain line-ups and batsmen unable to chase tall targets. The former may be boosted by the return of Wiese but the latter is why Davids, who has played two ODIs and nine T20s for South Africa, has been asked to focus on runs, rather than leading the side. This is the second time this season that a performance-related demand has cost Davids the captaincy. He was left out of the opening game of the season, despite being announced as the franchise captain over the winter, because of a lean run in the 2013-14 first-class campaign in which he averaged less than 20. Behardien captained the Titans in that match, which they lost by 190 runs. That prompted a change in personnel and Davids was brought back for the next game. He scored 22 and 43 and the Titans beat the Warriors by 170 runs.

Davids has led the side since then but there is uncertainty over whether he will continue to do so in future. Sammy will take charge for the rest of the Ram Slam, in a bid to get the Titans to qualify for the final and the Champions League T20.

In mid-December, when the first-class competition resumes, the Titans will make another decision about whether to return to Davids or seek someone else. Behardien could be the front-runner, having already done the job this season, or they could look to the experience of Roelof van der Merwe.

Caribbean Star Newspaper

November 21–27, 2014

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November 21–27, 2014

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November 21–27, 2014

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