Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 07 07 2017

ISSUE NO. 57

WEEK ENDING JULY 7, 2017

Bank robber killed

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Dead: Elton Wray

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…two others held in attack on Republic Bank

$3B for water treatment plants ■ Page 14

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Guyana Chronicle Chronicle New New York York Edition Edition Week-ending Week-ending July 7, 2017 2017 Guyana July 7,

t is becoming increasing clear that the mismanagement and skullduggery which took place in the Sugar Industry during the reign of the PPP/C will be a burden on the entire Guyana population for many years to come.

say what that money was spent on, or like the rest of the money was placed in the treasury and sodomized. It is little wonder that when the State’s paper on the future of the sugar industry was presented and much emphasis was made on plans to diversify, Jagdeo criticized the plan. He was fully aware that the then administration had collected the EU’s funds and did not apply them to where they were intended. It is, therefore, obvious that Jagdeo and Ramotar are denying that those funds were collected and spent, not on the sugar industry. They are now being called upon to explain what was done with the

JAGDEO AND RAMOTAR CAUGHT WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN AS E.U. AMBASSADOR MAKES $34.8B DISCLOSURE I The current opposition realizing that all their misdeeds are unfolding at such a fast rate, the dishonest leaders are on the path of lies, and more lies. As the old saying goes, the leaders are producing lies By Peter Haynes

Jagdeo as stated before, it is yourself, Donald Ramotar and Komal Chand, as the leaders of the sugar workers both individually and collectively that are responsible for the state of the sugar industry. That is not an issue up for debate or worthy of discussion. To remind readers, why that worthless trio must be held responsible for the state of the sugar industry. Jagdeo was President of the Co-operative Republic. During that

faster than a horse could run, not trot. So, shameless are they that on every occasion that their misdeeds are made public, Jagdoe is first out of the blocks to either cast the blame on the current administration or to deny the facts, and in toe are Ramotar and of late, Nandalall. The word shameless is used, rather than the unprintable to describe Jagdeo’s mouthing. He will soon say that the APNU+AFC administration are making decisions to punish the sugar workers because they are known to be the main supporters of his party. Sooner rather than later, the DONALD RAMOTAR BHARRAT JAGDEO KOMAL CHAND sugar workers will wake up and understand why they are suffer- period, both Ramotar and Chand money. ing and who is responsible. were members of Parliament. Clearly the money was not Ramotar and Chand were at the spent for the purpose it was given. same time members of the Board of If the money was applied to the desDirectors of GUYSUCO; and ignated areas, GUYSUCO would Chand was the President of GAWU. not have declined to its current level "There was an error in an artiThat simply means that the trio where the present administration is cle which appeared in the June 30, were the decision makers, even if forced to bail out the industry. The 2017 issue of this newspaper with just rubber stamps for Jagdeo’s decline, rather than being stopped, the headline, “LIAT’s INDEBTEDNESS TO OGLE AIRPORT mouthings, for the sugar industry’s has gained momentum due to the acINC. CAUSES PASSENGERS tions of the supporters of the PPP/C. decline. TO PAY AIRPORT FEES”, there There is no question that the The latest disclosure from Euwere extra zero's in the amounts ropean Union Ambassador, Jerney sugar industry is a strain on the nabeing charged. Videtic that between the period tional economy, thanks to the previThe newspaper wishes to cor2006–2013, the EU disbursed ous administration. rect the error, and state that the fees US$34.8B to the sugar industry is In more recent occurrences, the to be paid by passengers when travyet another example of their skull“leaders” of the unions and of eling on LIAT from Ogle to Barbaduggery. course the PPP/C, have been disdos is as follows, when they check Those monies were supposed couraging the workers at Wales not in. Adults will have to pay — to have been plugged into projects to accept jobs at Uitvlugt and to deG$3,600.00 and children under seven (7) years G$2.400.00 . that would have made GUYSUCO mand severance pay. Komal Chand The newspaper regrets the error more competitive, as well as to ex- is fully aware that the workers have and any anxiety or inconvenience it been offered alternative employplore diversifications. may have caused our readers. Ramotar and Jagdeo need to ment. This is not new. Guysuco

CORRECTION

under the PPP/C Government did the same thing with workers from L. B. I and Diamond. Komal Chand did not say a word of objection. Under such bad advice, the workers would not be entitled to what they are calling on management to pay and should they miss the second crop for this year, they will be jeopardize their employment and lose their entitlements.

POLITICAL FOOTBALL Let’s be reminded that the sugar workers have been used as a ‘political football’ by the PPP for at least six decades — before and after GAWU gained representational rights. They are fully aware that when the sugar industry fails to perform or performs badly, it hurts the national economy. If Jagdeo, Ramotar and Chand had any interest other than their own, why would they do everything possible to ensure that the sugar industry fails. Komal Chand will be first to suffer. When the workers do not go to work, there are no union dues to be collected, so his perks will be affected. The Union has remained silent on another issue, that of which Chand, Ramotar and the other Directors have misused the workers’ money. For the moment, I will allow that issue to remain silent. I am sure that would not remain silent for too long. Could anyone imagine that the likes of Jagdeo and Ramotar, two individuals whose integrity and honesty are in the pits, be so absurd as to accuse the E.U Ambassador of not revealing the facts about the money given to the sugar industry. It’s just a case that they felt that those disbursements would not have come to the fore any time soon. Although it is known that making an apology is not a virtue Jagdeo possesses, he is again called upon to apologize to the sugar workers, stating that he and only he, is responsible for making them suffer and he is responsible for the state of the sugar industry

Bank robber killed Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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…two others held in attack on Republic Bank By Rabindra Rooplall A BANDIT who holds a degree in agronomy was on Tuesday morning shot and killed and two of his accomplices were arrested when they attempted to rob the Republic Bank Water Street branch. Dead is Elton Wray, 25, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), a China-trained agronomist and former crop extension officer of the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI). His accomplices have been identified as Jamal Haynes, a Republic Bank staff member of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, and Keron Sanders. The police have located Wray’s vehicle, a Nissan Juke PWW 1452 abandoned in the Royal Castle parking lot in South Ruimveldt. In a statement, Managing-Director of Professional Guard Service (PGS), Sean Kirkpatrick, whose company provides security service for the bank, noted that Tuesday morning three armed men entered the Republic Bank, Water Street Branch before it was open to the public. The perpetrators wore masks, gloves and carried handguns with which they opened fire on the RBL personnel inside the building. PGS security personnel, who were on site, immediately raised an alarm and Armed Response Teams proceeded to the location. Ar-

riving shortly after the alarm had been raised, the teams assessed the situation and took up defensive positions. “The gunmen then opened fire on the teams who returned fire, being mindful of the civilian personnel caught in the exchange. Thanks to the prompt support of the Guyana Police Force all three attackers were apprehended and the robbery averted,” PGS stated. “Professional Guard Services is very proud of all our personnel who through their professionalism and heroism were able to thwart this brazen attack. PGS wishes to commend the personnel of the Guyana Police Force for their outstanding performance and will continue to cooperate with the Guyana Police Force in the ongoing investigation of this incident.” Police said three firearms, including two 9 MM handguns and one .40 gun were found. The case is being investigated by ranks of the Major Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigation Department. Reports indicate that around 07:10hrs, the bandits gained entry to the lower flat of the bank by entering the southern Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) which resulted in the bank’s alarm being activated. At that time, they were attempting to open several canisters of cash while the staffers were in another section of the bank. When the alarm was activated, it prompted Profes-

sional Guard Service (PGS) officer into action and there was an exchange of gunfire as the police promptly responded and continued the shootout. Many of the vendors and bank staff were seen ducking for cover as the robbery occurred. Reports indicate that Haynes was wearing a dreadlock disguise when he was shot in both of his legs. Another bandit fled to a nearby snackette in the Vendor’s Mall opposite the bank,where he tried changing his appearance into one of a chef when he was arrested by police. “When I look across at Republic Bank I said wow, the line was really long today especially for the senior citizens, then I hear a noise that sound like a gunshot, then I see one of them come out and start shooting up all over the place like he mad,” One eyewitness said “He was performing to scare people off and he keep licking shots in the middle of the street and then he run back into the ATM.” The eyewitness further said that the men were dressed in all over black and their faces were covered. She said the PGS security guards then responded promptly and positioned themselves around the Fogarty’s Department Stores in a professional manner. “I said thank you Jesus when I saw that the police also responded quickly.” She said one of the bandits

then sprinted into the vendor’s mall and fired his gun while a nearby businessman also drew his gun and fired shots in the air to keep him at bay. She further explained that another bandit held a hostage at gunpoint and walked over with him into the marketplace, when he reached the back of the market at John Fernandes section the hostage was released. “He then strip off his mask and his Rasta toupee and throw away the gun in the snackette; when I see the young man he look like he came from a proper home from how he dress. There was blood oozing from his feet and nose, then I learn he was a bank employee, police later arrested him,” she explained. One woman said she was saddened that the young men dared to carry out such a stupid act in the name of greed. “They really thought they could get away with the heist, not when Guyana is so small and police is always on the streets, god place your hands on these young people lives, shield them,” one market vendor said. Traumatised staff members and customers were eventually allowed to leave the bank through a shattered door after police secured the area and conducted their investigations as the crime scene was protected by Professional Guard Service (PGS) security guards and armed police ranks. The area was cordoned

Jamal Haynes was a mail clerk at the Republic Bank

Keron Saunders in police custody

off to the disappointment of curious onlookers. Forensic investigators were seen marking the locations where over two dozen spent shells were seen. Meanwhile, a car HC 7778 that transported the bandits was detained; its driver had claimed that the vehicle was hijacked, but he was taken into police custody to iron out his alibi. Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman said one of the bandits was shot and died while receiving attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and others were arrested. He also confirmed that a bank employee was escorted to a police station for questioning. Republic Bank Water Street branch in a press statement Tuesday confirmed the attempted robbery as staff entered the branch. The Bank’s Manag-

ing-Director, Richard Sammy, said, “All of our staff have been accounted for and, where required, have received medical treatment. The bandits were unsuccessful in their robbery attempt. Our greatest concern at this point rests upon the safety and well-being of our staff and customers. We have initiated trauma-assistance processes for staff and shall continue to work with law enforcement officials in their investigations.” The bank extends gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and security personnel for their alert response, which prevented the situation from escalating further. The bank has closed its Water Street Branch until further notice and advises all customers that their banking business can be conducted at all other branches.

Killed bandit has loan at Republic Bank ELTON WRAY, the bandit killed in Tuesday’s attempted robbery on Republic Bank had recently secured a loan from the said institution to purchase his Nissan Juke car, which he had parked in South Ruimveldt while attacking the bank. Wray was also a China-trained agronomist and former crop extension officer of the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI). His accomplices have been identified as Jamal Haynes, a Republic Bank staff member of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, and Keron Sanders. Police located Wray’s Nissan Juke, PWW 1452 abandoned in

the Royal Castle parking lot in South Ruimveldt. Meanwhile, when the Guyana Chronicle visited Wray’s apartment at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday, no one was home. However his neighbours told this publication that the apartment was also occupied by Jamal Haynesone of the captured bandits and Wray’s girlfriend-a Russian. “We were shocked when we got the news because those people were so quiet… they were living there for a while now and they would usually say hi and bye and just go about their business,” said one of the neighbours. The individuals were always neat so the news

of them being involved in such an act was “shocking,” they said. One neighbour said it is even scary because she was not even aware of what the people who live next to her are capable of. On Tuesday when news broke of Wray’s status, citizens expressed outrage but many persons have told the Guyana Chronicle that Wray whose father holds a senior rank in the Guyana Police Force was a known robber. “He was involved in a lot of things… he was following friends,” a source at Wray’s work place told this newspaper. The source said Wray, 25, was only on Friday last involved in a heated argument at NAREI. “He was requesting a

transfer from his department since he is known for having problems with authority at work. He had received multiple negative appraisals at NAREI,” the sources said. In a statement, Managing-Director of Professional Guard Service (PGS), Sean Kirkpatrick, whose company provides security service for the bank, had noted that Tuesday morning three armed men entered the Republic Bank, Water Street Branch before it was open to the public. The perpetrators wore masks, gloves and carried handguns with which they opened fire on the RBL personnel inside the building. PGS security personnel, who were on site, immediately raised an alarm

and Armed Response Teams proceeded to the location. Arriving shortly after the alarm had been raised, the teams assessed the situation and took up defensive positions. “The gunmen then opened fire on the teams who returned fire, being mindful of the civilian personnel caught in the exchange. Thanks to the prompt support of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) all three attackers were apprehended and the robbery averted,” PGS stated. “Professional Guard Service is very proud of all our personnel who through their professionalism and heroism were able to thwart this brazen attack. PGS wishes

to commend the personnel of the Guyana Police Force for their outstanding performance and will continue to cooperate with the Guyana Police Force in the ongoing investigation of this incident.” Police said three firearms, including two 9 MM handguns and one .40 gun were found. The case is being investigated by ranks of the Major Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Due to the trio’s attempt, the bank’s Water Street branch was closed on Tuesday, but an advertisement from the bank highlighted that they will reopen for business from today.

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G U YA N A S P R O U T S

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The Zena Henry Column

t was a long weekend thanks to the Caricom holiday, so most persons are either well-rested or still tired from the numerous many parties and activities that took place on the three days of the long weekend. Whatever the mood was, no one expected such unwanted excitement that broke the Tuesday morning’s normalcy. Gunshots rang out; police and security guards traded bullets with bank robbers. About five men, all believed to be below the age of 30 years made a daring attempt to rob the Trinidad owned Republic Bank’s Water Street branch. Masked, armed and searching for cash, the men were said to have gotten into the bank, before the gunfire started. When the curtains came down, one was dead, others injured, and the remainder were taken to police headquarters for interrogation. The loss of life was not the only thing tragic about Tuesday’s event, but the fact that these young men had what appeared to be promising futures ahead of them, as they were gainfully employed within the system, doing what we would term as middle class jobs. Some worked at the same bank, the deceased man was an agronomist, with a degree from China, and the others allegedly worked at a photo studio. Many times when these things happen we tend to look at the outcasts, the societal rejects who don’t

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

Guyana must encourage value and love for Self

stand why young men who seemed to have some kind of direction on their lives would want to flip the script and take such a life devastating chance. Facebook and social

Police outside the Water street Republic bank after the robbery. (inset from left are the three gunmen Elton Wray (dead); Jamal Haynes, bank employee (newsroom photo) in hospital and Keron Saunders (in police custody).

fit into what is supposedly society’s structure of success. We expect to see the faces of hardened criminals, from the depths of the gravest ghettos, with nothing to lose, committing these bold attempts at scoring it big. This event left many persons confused, many just can’t under-

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sites went crazy in Guyana. Some even joked about it, because for the most part many felt that a decision was made to rob the bank by educated persons who should have known better and it failed, “oh well!”

Reports that the deceased man made a fairly decent salary, enjoyed tax concession as a state employee and afforded a more modern motorcar, the general consensus was that he was greedy and wanted to get rich quick.

The video footage and photos immediately brought back memories of the not so distant past, when images of dead bandits and other criminals splashed across the newspapers was almost a daily thing. Surprisingly, in news reports, social media and other discourses, there appeared to be no comparison to the events to the past. Everyone seemed to think it was a one off event; a daring stunt pulled-off by a bunch of young men who probably had nothing to do and decided to “try ah

ting.” That may be the case. Maybe they watched ‘Set it off’ the movie and got some ideas. But the bottom line is what caused it. Surely people will do as they please. A man will rob a bank if he makes up his mind up to do it. The question asked by everyone is: What prompts someone to feel comfortable to make such a grave decision? The agronomist was only 26years-old. Some of the other robbers were younger. Young men have often times been the perpetrators and victims of violent crimes, and are mostly from impoverished communities. This is a telling situation which reveals that our young people are troubled on various fronts. They are not only confronted with poverty, lack of education and broken homes, but they are attacked by consumerism, misinformation, and lack of identity. The latter conditions deal specifically with the mental. Many parents today do not know how to guide the mental of their children and so that job is done exclusively by schools, churches, the media, entertainment and other institutions. Many young people today are driven by outside forces. They believe the key to their happiness lies with money and material things, so they try to achieve them by any means necessary, especially when some seem to commit crimes to achieve this goal, and get away scotfree. Our young people are baited everyday by a global system that creates the environment, and teaches that one must have money or lead a miserable life. These 21st Century toys, increasing worldly wonders, and importantly an unhealed history of domination aren’t making it any easier either. Guyana must not only create a good life for its people physically, but it must build them as individuals, especially its young. Guyana must be a nation that believes in teaching its people value and love for Self.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

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Things That Bother Me

Celebrating Canada’s Independence

land in Ontario by the Government. Canada welcomed American slaves, who escaped via the Underground Railroad, a network of secret tunnels. Most settled in Nova Scotia and Chatham, Ontario. During the Vietnam War, persons who opposed the war and refused to be drafted, sought refuge in Canada.

O

n July 1, Canada celebrated its 150th birthday. His Royal highness Prince Charles and his wife represented Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The country has come a long way since gaining its independence from Great Britain. I will briefly describe Canada’s history from its first inhabitants, its identity and its place in the world. GEOGRAPHY Canada is 3.885 million miles, making it the second largest country to Russia, which is 6.602 million miles. It occupies most of the northern half of North America and shares borders with the US. Its 10 provinces and three territories are: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The three territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. The capital of Canada is Ottawa, in Ontario. Its Prime Minister is Justin Trudeau, son of Pierre Trudeau, a former Prime Minister. FIRST INHABITANTS Canada’s first inhabitants were the Clovis people, who arrived from Asia around 11,500 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age.

EUROPEAN COLONIZATION Canada was “discovered” by Jacques Cartier, A French explorer, in 1534. The French ruled the country until 1563, when it was ceded to Britain under terms of the Treaty of Paris. Britain ruled until July 1, 1867, when it granted the country its independence.

AS A REFUGE Canada has always welcomed persons from abroad, especially

the United States. During the American Civil War, Loyalists, persons loyal to the crown, fled persecution and imprisonment for

MULTI-CULTURALISM The greatest feature of Canadian society is its multi-culturalism, which was officially adopted by the Canadian Government in 1988 by passing of the Multiculturalism Law. In fact, Canada is the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy. “Multiculturalism in Canada is the sense of an equal celebration of racial, religious and cultural backgrounds.” There is, of course, a level of intolerance. However, it is far less than in most industrialized countries.” For example, Michaelle Jean, a the safe confines of Canada. AddiBlack Haitian Canadian, was intionally, the Inuit, whose lands stalled as Governor General on were confiscated by General George Washington, were given (continued on page 22)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

The truth is out! – Jagdeo, Ramotar run for cover Dear Editor, THE truth is finally out and both men, Jagdeo and Ramotar, are running for cover. Ramotar said: “This is a serious mistake; a definite mistake and makes us look bad.” Joe Harmon, Minister of State, has put them to shame: “Tell the nation what you all did with the money!” Joe is on the right track. He did not call them thieves, but when they can’t find the $348B that were given, SPECIFICALLY for Guyana’s sugar industry, then the tune will play. Ramotar said that he knows that it can’t be right, because he was a Director for more than 10 years on GuySuCo Board, I guess

sucking cane, because he can’t remember things that went on in the Industry. He did not know that Jagdeo was building Skeldon Factory with technical help from the Chinese, rather than from the Indian government. Did he not know that Gail Teixeira, Clement Rohee, the deceased Attorney-General, Doodnauth Singh and Jagdeo went to India and agreed on a memorandum of understanding to build the Skeldon sugar factory? Mr. Doodnauth Singh told this writer that Jagdeo reneged on the deal, without informing his PPP colleagues. But Donald Ramotar was on the Sugar Board! Donald Ramotar did not seem to know also that the EU report that was handed

to the PPP regime in 1996, showed that sugar was in rapid decline internationally, and that something had to be DRASTICALLY done to RESTRUCTURE the industry. But the PPP paid no heed to the warning issued by the EU. According to Jagdeo, as stated in a SN news article, he spent $30B on the dilapidated Skeldon factory, which never grind a single cane, and which remains a “White Elephant”. Like the sugar industry, the PPP destroyed the rice industry, losing in the process the Venezuelan “rice-for-fuel” market which delivered the highest price for rice, amounting to $9,000 per bag of paddy. They paid the rice farmers $3,000 and pocketed the $6,000. The FORENSIC AUDIT on the rice indus-

try has resulted in the six persons directly linked to the PPP being charged and facing trial in the Guyanese court for alleged fraud and corruption. Minister Jaipaul Sharma, the Junior Minister responsible for the facilitation of the the 50 forensic audits ordered by the Coalition Government, has stated repeatedly that it is the biggest corruption scandal the rice industry has ever experienced in its entire history. There can be no JUSTICE done until all the culprits that were engaged in massive fraud and theft are put on trial, and their wealth, derived by illegal means, are confiscated and they serve appropriate jail sentences.

Sourcing local labour for oil Remembering the ‘Son Chapman’ and gas industry Dear Editor,

GUYANESE are not only interested in the oil and gas discoveries and what this industry can mean for the country’s development but also theirs as a source of labour. This well placed position given observations and actual practices in this country where Guyanese labour was not used though constructions were being done for the country and with the citizens’ tax dollars. One instance that attracted nation-wide condemnation was the building of the Marriott Hotel where the contract was not only given to China but the labour was also solesourced from there. What this meant is that not only local labour was deprived opportunity to work but also the wages were not returning into the economy, which is a necessary component in development. Wage investment is done through spending, creation of direct and indirect economic opportunities, and increasing tax revenue. The outcries by Guyanese, though the PPP/C government sought to make it about race rather than government duty to ensure citizens’ benefit as far as possible, not only through labour but other resources and developmental opportunities available, were well placed. The issue of Marriott has not been singular though it was the most pronounced on. Understandably, after this experience Guyanese are more vigilant in seeking to ensure they are nor denied future opportunities, and where this new industry brings possibilities, not to be left out. The mobilising fervour that has seen the calls for local opportunities and the several responses by Exxon to hire local talent is encouraging. The placement of advertisements by this company present such opportunities and should be exploited, including establishing the mechanism to provide education and training so Guyanese would not be excluded. The Government will from this month commence a Quarterly Labour Survey (QLS) in the ten administrative regions. This survey, which will be conducted by the Statistical Bureau, intends to capture men and women age 15 years and older, living in private households, and are part of the economically active populations. Where its objective is to enable the collection of accurate and updated data on unemployment levels of the economically active, factors supporting job creation and job description, the composi-

TODAY (6th of July), 53 years have passed since that fateful day when more than 40 of Linden's own were massacred on the Demerara River as they travelled home on the Son Chapman launch at 1600 hours on Monday, July 6, 1964. It has been said that 'To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.' How very true! The men, women, and children who died on the Son Chapman 53 years ago live on in the hearts and minds of their families and friends. AND the

people of Linden. Many of us alive today never knew the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman massacre. Yet, we remember them and reflect on their experience because by their deaths we have an example of what hatred and brutality can lead to-- senseless loss of life and endless suffering. Incidents such as the Son Chapman massacre and the July 18 tragedy of 2012 must never again occur. We must take the lessons taught by tragedies such as these to guide our actions in the here and now. For our society

tion of the labour force in terms of education, gender and other key demographic characteristics of interest and movement of persons between areas, reasons for movement and types of skills lost, such widespread overview could play a tremendous role in national planning. Every year thousands of children are graduating from high schools and young adults from the University of Guyana. That many among these have felt that sense of hopelessness securing employment because the market is not there, and where some remain unemployed, underemployed or don’t see business opportunities, as others see opportunity only through migration, the under-utilisation and depletion of our human capital has had negative impact on development. While not all the unemployed would be able to find employment in the industry, the more Guyanese employed the greater are the opportunities for other direct and indirect economic opportunities such would present for others. There was a time when Guyana ran a Labour Employment Exchange, where those interested in work would register and be called when opportunities as per their signalled interest or qualifications exist. Government may find it useful to revisit

Regards M. JINNAH RAHMAN

to allow such tragedies to re-occur would be indicative of our collective unwillingness to learn and grow as a society. The survivors of the Son Chapman -- 6 crewmen and 26 passengers - must also be remembered for they represent God's never ending mercy and the resilience of the people of Linden. May God rest the souls of the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman. And may God bless the people of Linden and Region 10. Regards Sharma Solomon

this model with modification made for the 21st century and in keeping with its programme of national unity and social cohesion. For instance the exchange, set up in each region, can be manned by a national broad based Board providing overarching policy direction. Building a database off the QLS demographics not only allows for the tracking of movement, but also provides necessary training and education to meet market demands. Undisputedly there are greater benefits to be derived using scientific data to inform planning and decision-making. Non-governmental opportunities can also be created when such data is made possible to better equip the workforce and also as a pool source for recruitment. The oil and gas industry has its pluses and minuses. In the former instance it brings wealth to the society and people, once properly managed. In the latter it can create conflicts/wars spawned through inequity, exclusion, corruption and reckless use of the environment. There is greater premium seeking to minimise or eliminate the latter by preparing for it, and optimising the former by putting systems in place to make realisable the benefits.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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Health Insurance For The Poor That Works

he Medicaid program, which is a form of social welfare, provides access to affordable health insurance to those who meet select criteria. While the program is beneficial, there are also drawbacks you should consider. The simple fact is that Medicaid has worked and is working today for over 72 million Americans. In the context of a Republican onslaught to gut the program under the guise of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) both the House and Senate bills call for deep cuts to the program to the tune of well over $800 billion. There is no question that Medi- So if expenses go up, due to rising caid provides low-income Americans health care costs for example, the Rewith disabilities with life-sustaining publican federal funding fee system support. The program gives them the stays flat. This will inevitably lead to ability and tools to live independently rationing of care. and to develop some decent quality of It gets even worse for disabled life. The fact is Republicans and Pres- Americans that Medicaid has been, ident Trump are only interested in no pun intended, a real life-sustaining cutting the program — not fixing it and enabling crutch and support. and making it into to a 21st century Under the Republican proposed success. But the fact is that very few “block grant” system the kinds of programs in American history have long-term support and care and predone so much good — and for the Re- ventative services that keep them turn On Investment. healthy and integrated into society The galling thing is that a program that is working, albeit with some drawbacks, should not be cut. Republicans are hell-bent on gutting one of the very few programs that really help poor people and on which they depend. And despite mountains of nuanced justifications that amount to pure spin, flawed data and statistics, the truth is that Republicans want to kill the program because they control the Executive and Legislative branches of the United States government. In short they want to kill Medicaid just because they can. But there’s a problem for Republicans because Medicaid and its expansion is now directly linked to the Affordable Care Act, so its future is now part of the “repeal and replace” efforts of the GOP. The stupid argument for decoupling and rolling back Medicaid provision is that it supposedly enrolled too many ablebodied men and women.

These flawed arguments conceal the real intent of the Republican agenda. Both Trump's budget and the various bills in Congress switch Medicaid from a system based on actual costs to an arbitrary cap. Right now, for every dollar that a state spends on Medicaid, the feds also contribute one to three dollars. That’s called Medicaid reimbursement. However, under the Republican touted "per capita caps" or "block grant" systems, states will get a fixed allocation of monies per year.

will be the first to go. With states unable to foot the bill for their care and support this vulnerable community will face serious life and death choices with very few positive choices. Indeed, the grim end-result of states austerity programs — necessary ripple effect cuts to keep Medicaid afloat —will drive thousands of

disabled Americans into nursing homes, deny them attendants that make living in their own home possible, and make it harder for people with disabilities to work. Block grant payments will undoubtedly cost the American taxpayer much more money in the long run with worse results for public health, trapping disabled Americans in unsafe but expensive institutions. Fact is that this kind of regressive and reactionary austerity programs will kill the poorest and most vulnerable Americans because most economists know that these programs only benefit rich people. UNDERSTANDING MEDICAID: According to Medicaid.gov, the So Exactly What Is Medicaid?

program currently serves 72.5 million individuals who fall into one of the following groups:

• Low-income adults and children

• Pregnant women • Elderly adults

• People with disabilities

Funding is provided by both the federal government and states, but the program is managed at the state level. Administration and benefits of the plan may vary from state to state. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA • You must meet the financial eligibility criteria mandated by your To qualify for coverage:

(continued on page 22)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Edition Week-ending Week-ending July 7, 7, 2017 2017

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

EAT THEM TO BEAT THEM: St. LUCIAN 'CONSERVATION CUISINE' BATTLES LIONFISH ST. LUCIA (July 1, 2017) — Lionfish, one of the most destructive invasive fish species ever to reach the Caribbean, are wreaking irreparable damage on coral reefs by eating practically everything they come across. And they eat a lot: A lionfish's stomach can expand up to 30 times its normal size.

It has become of particular concern to environmentalists who lament the fact that lionfish, with no natural predators in the Caribbean, continue to grow at an alarming rate, with scientists fearing the invasive species may never be entirely eradicated from the region's seas. But, a high-end resort company in St. Lucia is doing its bit by including the fish as part of its famed cuisine. Karolin Troubetzkoy, executive director of the storied Jade Mountain and its sister resort Anse Chastanet, together with her culinary team, have launched a "conservation cuisine" initiative preparing the lionfish as a delicacy. "It is not much of a stretch," declared Troubetzkoy. "Lionfish is a white flaky, but firm, fish with a flavor between grouper and mahi mahi." To ensure diners get to try as many takes on the fish as possible, Troubetzkoy said, "we are serving a multi-course dégustation menu with paired New World wines, in which we showcase the quality

and taste of this very unique watching to snorkeling on the reef within fish." swimming distance of the beach. The enA perfect dinner setting to vironmentally friendly, award-winning savor a lionfish meal at two of St. resort has 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a Lucia's leading resorts. lush hillside, and 12 that are nestled Diners, seated at a romantic within a tropical garden at beach level. beachside candlelit restaurant, are Innovative menus - one entirely vegetarserved lionfish as pure sashimi, ian - are offered in four different locations citrus ceviche wrapped in a crispy and feature fresh produce served up from tortilla, and either grilled or the resort's organic farm. Guests can join stewed with the flavors of St. interactive chocolate-making classes in Lucia. "It is always delicious and A delicious lionfish meal, compliments of the the resort's chocolate laboratory, or in a a very special dinner experience culinary team at Jade Mountain and Anse Chasprepared by our best passionate tanet resorts. range of watersports. ABOUT ANSE CHASTANET For further information about Anse chefs and sommeliers," she said. Anse Chastanet is set amid a lush Chastanet, email ansechastanet@anseAnd for the diving enthusiasts, the resorts' scuba operation Scuba St. Lucia 600-acre estate with two soft-sand chastanet.com, call 1 800 223-1108 or has introduced PADI's "Invasive Lionfish beaches and breathtaking views of St. visit www.ansechastanet.com. Tracker Specialty Course", which takes Lucia's iconic twin Pitons mountains, a Contact: Bevan Springer, Marketguests on two dives to learn about con- UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amidst place Excellence + 1 201 861-2056 trolling the invasive lionfish population St. Lucia's lush tropical beauty, activities bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com and discover practical methods for hu- range from jungle biking, hiking and bird manely capturing and euthanizing these fish. Lionfish reach adult size at about two years old, and it's safe to say they won't get anywhere near the endangered CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA species list because a female lionfish can TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED release between 10,000 and 30,000 unferELAINE HENRY, CTA, MCC tilized eggs every four days, or about two million eggs per year. Travel Consultant "So, bon appétit and save our seas!" 1053 E 40th Street Tel: 718-377-2071 Troubetzkoy quipped. Brooklyn, NY 11210 Fax: 718-377-1291 For further information visit email: minitravel@hotmail.com www.scubastlucia.com/courses.html#inwww.minervatravel.net vasive-lionfish

MINERVA TRAVEL

To Advertise in this new and exciting paper The New York Edition of the GUYANA CHRONICLE — Guyana’s National Newspaper call: 917-379-6590

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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Bisram denied bail …extradition hearing set for July 13 By Nafeeza Yahya Marcus Brian Bisram, 27, the man who is wanted in Guyana for the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt, was on Wednesday arraigned in a Brooklyn, New York Court where bail was refused and he was remanded to prison. He awaits his extradition hearing on July 13, 2017. At the Court, Narinedatt’s widow Pooja Pitam waited outside from early Wednesday morning to face the man who allegedly ordered the murder of her husband and father of her two children. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle via telephone she stated “I wanted to make sure I get to see and face the man who murdered my husband and has my two children living without their father. I will continue to pray and hope that we get full justice for my husband. This is just one step and I am praying he gets extra-

Caught: Marcus Bisram

dited and goes to Guyana to answer the murder charge”. Bisram’s lawyers cited special circumstances such as weak judicial system and corruption in Guyana as reason for bail to be granted. However, the judge overruled the special circumstances and remanded Bisram until the 13th July 2017 when his extradition hearing is slated to begin.

Bisram is wanted here in connection with the murder of Narinedatt whose lifeless body was found on the #70 Public Road. It is alleged that on the night of the murder, Bisram was hosting an after-party for the Community Policing Group during which he reportedly made sexual advances to Narinedatt, who was present at the party, but was rejected. This publication understands that Narinedatt was urinating when the Guyanese/US based businessman approached him and tried to touch his private parts. Narinedatt became angry and accosted the businessman and slapped him twice. The businessman then reportedly ordered one of his bodyguards to “get rid of him,” and that he (businessman) “will deal with it.” The carpenter was reportedly viciously attacked by the bodyguards and several others joined in beating him to death, allegedly in the

presence of all at the party. His body was placed on the public road and ran over by a car to make it appear to be an accident. Soon after, seven persons were arrested with two allegedly confessing that Narinedatt was beaten to death and fingered Bisram as the mastermind behind the act. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday told this newspaper he is hopeful for the extradition of the fugitive. Ramjattan confirmed that Bisram was apprehended in Rockaway, Queens, New York by police and marshals on Tuesday. “Last year I had made the request to have him apprehended so the US State Department and I were in contact and they gave me the assurance that he will be caught but it will take some time,” he said. Although he is in the custody of the US authorities, there is a procedure that needs to be followed, said Ramjattan, who noted that Bisram is expected to appear before the Brooklyn

Pooja Pitam, widow of Faiyaz Narinedatt, with her one-year-old daughter as they await the commencement of hearing

Federal Court. “In view of the close association we have with the State Department and the fact that he allegedly masterminded it, I am sure he will be sent home,” said Ramjattan.

Reports indicate that after the killing, Bisram moved to the U.S. and lived in Arverne, where he created the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation, which is focused on “making better, brighter futures.”

Guyanese in Grenada keen on investing home – after President Granger calls for stronger integration of region By Ravin Singh in Grenada ONE of the pillars of regional development remains intra-regional trade which provides an opportunity for overseas nationals to freely invest in their home-country – a move Grenadian-based Guyanese are seemingly interested in. This was observed on Tuesday evening when President David Granger met with Guyanese residing in the sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country of Grenada. The meeting, which was attended by more than one hundred Guyanese, was held at Mount Cinnamon. The Guyanese Head-ofState arrived to resounding rounds of applause at the location which is neatly tucked away near the Grand Anse beach. He was accompanied by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams. Despite not being able to address the gathering openly, Minister Williams’ one-on-one interaction with the Guyanese natives proved helpful in encouraging those citizens to

continue to support Guyana in its developmental efforts. Minister Greenidge on the other hand, was able to provide an overview of economic, social and cultural realities which exist in Guyana. He was keen to note that while Guyana is not where it should have been, due to mismanagement and

corruption under the previous administration, the coalition government is working to eliminate same and strengthen democratic organs. He added too that Guyana’s oil find signals a path to further development not only in terms of infrastructure and institutions, but for Guyanese

who will benefit from the proceeds of this highly valued resource. But it was President David Granger, whose speech was punctuated with Guyanese jargons, who stole the spotlight for the evening. The Guyanese leader, who had earlier addressed regional Heads of Government, reminded the

diaspora of how important regional integration is in the Caribbean. He explained that shared cultures and values in the Caribbean were shaped by a common historical past and common interest, and this is why Guyanese can move to different parts of the region to live and still feel at home. The President noted too that regional migration pro-

President David Granger interacting with members of the Guyanese diaspora in Grenada

vides an opportunity for nationals to equip themselves with the tools necessary to contribute to the development of their home-country, particularly through investment. “When you travel overseas; some of you improve your education, some of you improve your employment and you could invest back home…” he said. He then plugged investments for Guyana and encouraged the diaspora to invest in the country since it has unmatched potential. “We can produce everything that the Caribbean needs but we need investment. We need people who are prepared to come back and invest” the President told the attendees, many of whom responded positively to his call. Further, he explained that because of the vastness of the country, the education sector has been severely constrained. However, he was keen to note that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can be a means through which the quality and standard of education in Guyana can be improved. As such, he encouraged the diaspora to help ensure that Guyana’s children are part of the technological revolution.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

YOUTH ARE OUR FUTURE "If you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you." — Mark 11:23

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n Friday, as I was going about my business and mindful of the fact that I had not yet decided on the topic of this week's column, a blue bird of inspiration emerged from its shell. I had just paid my annual driver's licence fee, obtained a receipt and was awaiting the printed version of the licence. After a short while, the officer called my name and asked me to sign on the dotted line as he handed me the updated licence. I thanked him for the efficient service and was about to depart, when out of the blue, he held me in conversation around the topic "until you fix the problem of the deviant youth the social situation in Barbados will only get worse". He went on to offer a solution which was to set up a youth camp (offering military discipline, development of technical skills, entrepreneurship orientation, responsibility awareness, respect for life and law and order) which would be compulsory for at least all those who would not have reached a standard to be entered and tested at the level of the Caribbean Examinations Council and who would at best be expected to get only a school leaving certificate. This is the group that exhibits anti-social behaviour, takes the law in their own hands, is attracted to the drugs trade, sometimes is found guilty of perpetuating heinous crimes and creates havoc in society. I fully endorsed his solution and recognized the Divine inspiration, through him, that led to the topic for this week's col-

umn. I thanked him and departed. This youth delinquency problem is not by any means restricted to Barbados and many people have made similar suggestions. Alas, nothing sustainable has been done. There is much focus on job creation but only lip service is paid to a sustainable

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

solution to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship and its enabling environment would be an obvious outlet for those deviants after their rehabilitation. Whence the investment for this programme? Restructuring is key to the future success of small economies. Restructuring funding must be sought for consolidating debt, for diversifying the economy and for establishing a military style youth camp. May I conclude with a few lines from the song "The Greatest Love of All": "I believe the children are our future; Teach them well and let them lead the way; Show them all the beauty they possess inside; Give them a sense of pride to make it easier;... And if by chance, that special place; That you've been dreaming of; Leads you to a lonely place; Find your strength in love." Let us live in faith and create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive. As the late Martin Luther King Jr. stated: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." The youth need to be taught to remain courageous as they are our future. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is ChangeEngine Consultant, Carib-bean Business Enterprise Trust Inc. - CBET. His email address is basilgf57@gmail.com and his col-umns may be found at www.cbetmodel.org and www.nothingbeats business.com.)

President David Granger and Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira to Speak at the UG Inaugural Diaspora Engagement Conference

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he University of Guyana (UG) will host the historic inaugural Diaspora Engagement Conference (DEC 2017) from July 23–28, 2017, at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, under the theme: Dreaming Diaspora Engagement, Doing Diaspora Engagement. The Conference is expected to attract over one hundred participants from within and outside Guyana. His Excellency President David Granger will host the Welcome Reception on Sunday, July 23 and deliver the Keynote Address to declare the conference open on Monday, July 24, 2017, while the Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Gail Teixeira, will deliver the Luncheon Address on Tuesday, July 25. Additionally, several government ministers, including those for Business, Public Telecommunications, Finance, and Public Health, have confirmed their participation. Video messages also will be coming from Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of the School of Oriental and African Studies in the UK, and Ms. Gina Miller, founding partner of Spencer Churchill Miller (SCM) Direct, of Brexit fame. Additionally, Mr. Glen Khan, Chairman of LAPARKAN; Mr David Lammy, British MP; and Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Mr. Ivan Roberto Sierra Medel will speak at the conference, along with 40 other keynote speakers and presenters. The Indian High Commission will also share

India’s experience in engaging its Diaspora. Guyanese businessmen, academics, and civic leaders scheduled to speak and chair sessions at the conference will be coming from the United States of America, Nigeria, the British Virgin Islands, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Canada, and Russia. They will join local civic and business leaders, government officials, diplomats, and academics in discussions on the various panels, the ministerial round-tables, and the business dinner. Hosted by the University of Guyana with planning input from local and Diaspora stakeholders, DEC 2017 is organised around two overarching pillars: human, social and entrepreneurship dePres. David Granger velopment, and Diaspora philanthropy, diplomacy, and educational engagement. It is expected to provide the platform for developing a Diaspora engagement strategy to inform the work of the first Caribbean Diaspora Engagement Center. The launch of the Center is expected to be a major highlight of the sixday conference. According to UG’s

Vice-Chancellor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, “the conference will contribute to the development of a mechanism to effectively attract Diaspora social and economic investment and engage the Diaspora in educational and economic development.” Brain-child of the Vice-Chancellor, the conference has several components, including academic and policy conversations, community engagement, a Know Guyana Day where local and international attendees will have an opportunity to make day visits to various parts of the country, and the second meeting of UG’s Education Resource Ambassadors. The academic conversations will focus on issues such as international and regional migration policies and Hon. Gail Tiexeira experiences, cultural identity dynamics, financial transfers and remittances, role and contribution of hometown associations, Diaspora trade and investments, and tourism. The historic event will end on Friday, July 28 with two highlights. The first is the Investiture of Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith as UG’s Tenth Vice-Chancellor, the

first time a UG Vice-Chancellor will be officially installed as Chief Executive and Chief Academic Officer. The second highlight will be a cultural extravaganza that will be free of cost to conference registrants. The extravaganza is being organised by London-based music icon Mr. Keith Waithe, and it will spotlight Guyana’s rich cultural diversity at home and abroad. Performers will be coming from Ghana and the UK, and Mr. Waithe will be returning to Guyana to serve a second stint as Visiting Distinguished Artiste-in-Residence at the University. Turkeyen Campus, Greater Georgetown The period for submission of abstracts has ended. Registration, however, is still open, and can be done online at http://diasporaconference.uog.edu.gy. Conference participants in Guyana can pay for their registration at Citizen’s Bank locations and at the Bursary at the Turkeyen or the Tain campuses. The university appreciates the sponsorship received so far from LAPARKAN, Movie Towne, the Ministry of the Presidency, Fly Jamaica, the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, Caribbean Airlines, Roraima Airways, Metro, Republic Bank, GBTI, ENetworks, Slingshot, Go-Invest, the Ministries of Business and Public Telecommunications, E.C. Vieira Investments Ltd. Guyana, and the Guyana Tourism Authority.

Guyana Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017 GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew NewYork York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh A CELEBRATING

SHEPHERD’S PIE RECIPE Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese salt and pepper to taste 5 carrots, chopped 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 1 pound lean ground beef 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ketchup 3/4 cup beef broth 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

3. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. 4. Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Next, spread a layer of mashed carrots. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Directions: 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)

man and his wife are dining at a plush restaurant, and the husband keeps staring at a drunken lady swigging her gin as she sits alone at a nearby table. The wife asks, “Do you know her?” “Yes,” sighs the husband, “She’s my ex-wife. She took to drinking right after we divorced seven years ago, and I hear she hasn’t been sober since.” “My God!” says the wife, “Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?”

The Wheelchair

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onald Trump was out jogging one morning along the parkway when he tripped, fell over the bridge railing and landed in the creek below. Before

IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

MARABUNTA MEMORIES Nostalgic and Possibly Painful

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o one who has lived in the Caribbean would have failed to make the acquaintance of the marabunta. This species of wasp is solid redbrown or black in color and hangs its nest in the eaves of buildings such as houses, schools and churches and other sheltered places. The marabunta also sometimes lives in the branches of trees. Generally marabuntas mind their own business, but inevitably they make contact with people, with mostly painful consequences to the people. Marabuntas build their nests and quietly do their housework. The nests are built of a coarse, papery material, prepared by masticating wood fiber. They go out to feed on insects, grubs, or spiders. Marabunta eggs are deposited in the compartments, or cells, of

THE MARABUNTA

the nest, where they develop into larvae and then pupae, emerging as adults. The marabunta is narrow in the waist. Its thorax is attached to the abdomen by a mere stalk. It has two pairs of membranous wings, and a mouth adapted for biting or sucking. The female has a stinger with which she paralyzes prey, and inflicts pain on humans. Marabuntas are best left alone. Dis-

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turb them, and they dart towards you and attack you. When a marabunta stings, it injects a venomous fluid under the skin, resulting in severe pain and ugly swelling. Its stinger is like a lance and can be used repeatedly. Unfortunately, the fragrance in your cologne, perfume, hairdressing or scented soap can offend marabuntas, in which case they would regard the wearer as an enemy. Brightly colored clothing may also provoke an attack. People stung by marabuntas generally try to remove the stinger and apply ice to the skin to reduce swelling. The pain and inflammation generally subside within a few hours. However, a small number of people who suffer severe allergic reactions to wasp stings may need to seek medical attention.

the Secret Service guys could get to him, three kids, who were fishing, pulled him out of the water. He was so grateful he offered the kids whatever they wanted. The first kid said, “I want to go to Disneyland.” Donald said, “No problem. I’ll take you there on Air Force One”. The second kid said, “I want a new pair of Nike Air Jordan’s.” Donald said, “I’ll get them for you and even have Michael sign them!” The third kid said, “I want a motorized wheelchair with a built-in TV and stereo headset!!” The Donald is a little perplexed by this and says, “But you don’t look like you are handicapped.” The kid said, “I will be after my dad finds out I saved you from drowning!” One of the terrifying things that can happen to you is to have a] marabunta get into the car you are driving. The best thing, in such a situation, is to pull over and open the car windows to allow the marabunta to leave on its own. Many people don’t mind sharing space with marabuntas – especially those people who believe that if marabuntas build their nests in a house, the occupants will become rich. But there comes a time when one wants to get rid of the marabuntas. They may have become just too many near your living area, or perhaps someone just got stung. One way to get rid of marabuntas is to drench the nest with, say, a bucket of water when the marabuntas are quiet, making sure to immediately get out of the way of the few that invariably escape the drenching. Most of them just fall to the ground with wet useless wings unable to fly for a while, and easy to kill. Soapy water has a greater wetting effect. Adding kerosene, easily available in the old days, made the drenching more deadly. Perhaps the most lethal way is using fire. Rags doused with kerosene are set alight and applied to the nest. If this is artfully done, very few marabuntas would survive. It used to be that, after marabunta nests are destroyed, the nests containing the larvae were dislodged and fed to chickens in the yard. In addition, borrowing from Amerindian traditional beliefs, the dead adult marabuntas were mixed into the food of the dog to make the dog “cross”, meaning aggressive.

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Guyana 2017 Guyana Chronicle Chronicle New New York York Edition Edition Week-ending Week-ending July July 7, 7, 2017

hondell Williamson, the mother of two who was doused with a corrosive substance by her estranged husband back in January has successfully completed the first of three surgeries to help repair her vision.

the doctor who will perform Williamson’s vision correction surgery is one of the top three doctors in the field, and he is extremely optimistic that the woman’s vision could be restored. Phase three of her treatment will focus on further skin graft and corrective surgeries. SHEA said that Williamson’s road to recovery is a long one, but she is upbeat and grateful for the chance at a normal life. “We would like to extend sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who are caring for Shondell. Additionally, we would like to commend Destiny

Vision repair surgery commence on acid attack victim S

Williamson is currently in the care of US-based charity, Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA), which is facilitating her medical treatment through their services. The mother of two young boys was doused with what is believed to be acid after she had ended an abusive relationship. The man reportedly dressed as a woman and waited for the 26-year-old at her residence.

tion among the collaborated team of doctors treating Williamson, she had her first of three scheduled surgeries less than a week ago. “The surgery lasted three hours and she is currently in recovery.” SHEA said that the surgery focused on the areas around Williamson’s eyes and lips. With regards to her eyes, they said, the doctors operated to reopen

SHONDELL WILLIAMSON The substance which was thrown completely damaged the woman’s face, blinding her and damaging other parts of her body’s upper region. Providing an update on Williamson’s condition, the charity’s website said that after several weeks of evaluations and coordina-

her left eye, which was sealed close due to her injuries. They also prepared the surrounding areas for vision correction surgery. Shondell must now wait approximately four weeks for this first phase of surgery to heal, then move forward with vision correction treatment, SHEA continues. They said

Latoya Williamson for her dedication in caring for Shondell. Latoya has left her employment and put her life completely on hold as she provides 24/7 care for her sister, and her commitment has not wavered. Thank you, Latoya, for all that you do on Shondell's behalf.” SHEA also extended gratitude to the persons who “extended a helping hand to Shondell.” SHEA said that donations are urgently needed for Williamson. Persons can see her journey and donate on the charity’s site:http://savinghandsemergencyaid.org/shondellwilliamson.

New group to push constitutional reform Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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…denies being a ‘political party’ By Alva Solomon AN advocacy movement which plans to “pressure” the authorities into undertaking constitutional reform was unveiled on Wednesday evening and has denied it is a new political movement seeking to be the third force. The group, Reform-Inspire-Sustain-Educate (RISE), believes the reform process is being foot-dragged by successive governments and according to its principals, the process, if implemented, would lead to executive accountability, racial harmony and political, economic and social inclusivity. The group met with curious members of the public who packed the main room at the Moray House Trust on Camp Street. Its members include attorney-at-law Nadia Sagar, engineer Marcel Gaskin, businessman Terrence Campbell, realtor Jainarine Singh, civil servant Remington Nelson and psychologist, Will Campbell, among several others. Attorney –at-law Timothy Jonas provides legal service to the group. Sagar, a recent nominee for the position of chairman of the Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM), described the group as a notfor-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) which was established in June this year. Its members see themselves as free-thinking, postracial individuals who have taken on the task for calling for the reform in the absence of any political mandate. Speaking to a packed room, Gaskin noted that over the years major political parties have stridently and loudly called for amendments to the constitution or for it to be changed in its entirety. He said that the very political parties, when they assume office, “drag their feet” on the issue. He said over the past few months he has been involved in social issues and he has realised that there are a number of persons who feel “disadvantaged “and “helpless”. He said that while he would be considered privileged, he understands the experiences of those persons who are not as privileged as him. Gaskin said that “it is time that some sort of pressure be brought to bear on those in authority to actually deliver on the promises of constitutional reform.” He cautioned that there

has been changes to the constitution but according to him, whether those are far enough, remains “questionable”. Gaskin said that there are many criticisms of the present constitution and according to him, the movement will be studying those and will act on such criticisms. Campbell noted that each citizen should consider it their duty to participate in the constitutional reform process. He said that the post-2020 oil economy is “far too important” to be left in the hands of any government, noting that the movement is non-partisan towards any government. He said that the constitution in its current form is “far too deficient” in that regard. Campbell said the process must be consultative and inclusive, and he noted that the movement believes the society must confront the government in ensuring the process is best suited for their benefit. CHANGES IN ELECTORAL PROCESS According to RISE, constitutional reform would lead to changes in the electoral process such as allowance for constituency–based

Attorney Nadia Sagar of RISE introduces members of the body to the audience

voting as opposed to the winner–takes all outcomes. The body said too that the reform is needed to counter social, economic and political marginalisation which provides a platform for social cohesion. It was noted too that the process would address what the movement called “hyper-presidential” powers of an executive president with limited oversight from Parliament and the judiciary. RISE said that presently the Executive is morphed with the Legislature –the members of the Cabinet (Executive) are also members of the legislature, serving as members of par-

liament (MPS). “We must ensure that proper separation of powers is established “, the body noted. RISE said that it will be engaging with the citizens of Guyana to create awareness using the media. It plans to undertake dialogue within communities and marginalised groups countrywide to determine specific issues of concern. It will be meeting with persons across the country providing its resources can support such moves. It plans to meet with political parties, private sector groups as well as trade unions among other

bodies. On Wednesday evening a number of persons turned up at Moray House to witness the group’s unofficial unveiling. Some questioned whether it was another political party in the making while others provided moral support to the body’s interests. This week, the government announced that it will be tabling constitutional reform legislation in the National Assembly. The move will be undertaken before Parliament goes into its twomonth recess. RISE will be undertaking its public engagements next month.

Investment in public education system priority for gov’t – Harmon MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon said that the task of preparing the young generation for leadership of Guyana falls primarily on the public education system; noting that while the private schools seem to be attaining higher pass rates at examinations, they only account for about onethird of the total number of students who wrote the examination. It is for this reason he said, that the Government, as a matter of policy, allocated $144M to implement measures that would improve the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results, particularly in mathematics and English. The minister made

these remarks on Wednesday at the Ann’s Grove Primary School’s graduation ceremony. “We have to produce out of the public schools in Guyana the quality of individuals

A section of the audience of students of the Ann’s Grove Primary School

who can take their places in a world that is changing, in a country that is going green, we want to produce environmentalists, scientists, biologists, doctors, lawyers, people who can move the country

forward to its rightful place in the world… I am happy to see the turn around that is taking place in education. It is our responsibility as a Government to ensure that the education system is given the resources

that it needs, more importantly, it is our responsibility to ensure that the public education system gets the quality of resources that it requires from the State,” he said. Minister Harmon said that while the improvement in this year’s NGSA results is indeed significant and ought to be celebrated, it is just a small step in a long journey to ensure that Guyanese students, regardless of where they live, excel. Turning to the graduating class, the Minister said that the world is constantly changing and must be able to embrace and adapt to these changes. He also called for greater partnership between teachers, parents and

the community at large to ensure that children are not led astray. “I want to encourage you to take your education seriously…Remember education is a partnership between the State, the parents, the teachers, the students and the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA), and as a Government we will continue to do our best to ensure that the facilities are provided for you.” The Minister also distributed a quantity of school supplies to the graduating class. This year, the school’s top student, Ms. Shoneza Adams, secured a place at President’s College with 494 marks. (Ministry of the Presidency)

An act of greed 14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

…Ramjattan to address issue of “educated criminals” at forum next week By Navindra Seoraj MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has committed to address the issue of “educated criminals” at an upcoming crime and youth violence seminar which is slated for next week at the Pegasus Hotel. His commitment followed the attempted robbery of the Republic Bank, Water Street, Georgetown branch on Tuesday which resulted in one of the men being killed and two others captured. During the attempted robbery, one of the bandits, an agronomist who is attached to the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), Elton Wray was killed, while his accomplices Jamal Haynes, a Republic Bank staff member was injured and Keron Saunders was held by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). “It is not a nice scene and pretty negative to know that people who graduated will be the masterminds for crime,” said the minister in an invited comment on Wednesday. Though, the reports on the issue are still preliminary, Ramjattan said he is confident that the GPF got it right. “These are bright kids,” he said while lamenting they have done their parents wrong by attempting to rob a bank. This act, he said, was one of greed and showed immaturity, therefore, the Minister pointed out he will have a lot more to say about this issue to youths at the upcoming seminar because it is an issue which needs to be addressed. Meanwhile, the Minister commended the Professional Guard Service (PGS) and the GPF for their ef-

Minister of Public Security, Kemraj Ramjattan

forts which ‘foiled’ the attempt to rob the bank. “The combination of private and public security services provided the best results, so it is something I would like to see more often,” he said. The good work of the force continued on Wednesday, as Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told this publication that Haynes who was injured, has been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and is assisting with investiga-

tions. Haynes is reportedly cooperating with the police but more time is being sought to investigate the matter so, Blanhum said, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will apply to the High Court for an extension of the suspects’ detention today. It was reported that on Tuesday morning the three armed men entered the Republic Bank, Water Street Branch before it was open to the public. The perpetrators wore masks, gloves and carried handguns with which they opened fire on the RBL personnel inside the building. PGS security personnel, who were on site, immediately raised an alarm and Armed Response Teams proceeded to the location. Arriving shortly after the alarm had been raised; the teams assessed the situation and took up defensive positions. Police said three firearms, including two 9 MM handguns and one .40 gun were found.

Dead: Elton Wray

DREADLOCK At the scene Tuesday morning, witnesses said that Haynes was wearing a dreadlock disguise when he was shot in both of his legs. Another bandit fled to a nearby snackette in the Vendor’s Mall opposite the bank, where he tried changing his appearance into one of a chef when he was arrested by police. “When I look across at Republic Bank I said wow,

The police marking the areas where there is evidential value

Jamal Haynes who is now assisting with the investigations

the line is really long today especially for the senior citizens, then I hear a noise that sound like a gunshot, then I see one of them come out and start shooting up all over the place like he mad,” one eyewitness said. “He was performing to scare people off and he keep licking shots in the middle of the street and then he run back into the ATM.” The eyewitness further said that the men were dressed in all over black and their faces were covered. She said the PGS security guards then responded promptly and positioned themselves around the Fogarty’s Department Stores in a professional manner. “I said thank you Jesus when I saw that the police also responded quickly.” According to the eyewitness, one of the bandits then sprinted into the vendor’s mall and fired his gun while a nearby businessman also drew his gun and fired shots in the air to keep him at bay. She further explained that another bandit held a hostage at gunpoint and walked over with him into the marketplace, when he reached the

Keron Saunders in police custody

back of the market at the John Fernandes section the hostage was released. “He then strip off his mask and his Rasta toupee and throw away the gun in the snackette; when I see the young man he look like he came from a proper home from how he dress. There was blood oozing from his feet and nose, then I learn he was a bank employee, police later arrested him,” she explained. One woman said she was saddened that the young men dared to carry out such a stupid act in the name of greed. “They really thought they could get away with the heist, not when Guyana is so small and police is always on the streets, god place your hands on these young people lives, shield them,” one market vendor said. Traumatised staff members and customers were eventually allowed to leave the bank through a shattered door after police secured the area and conducted their investigations as the crime scene was protected by PGS security guards and armed police ranks.

$3B for water treatment plants OVER 50,000 residents are expected to benefit from a $3 .977B project, which will see the construction of three new water treatment plants at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Diamond, East Bank, De-

merara (EBD) and Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice. During his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing last Friday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon announced that Cabinet has

given the green light to the project contract which will be executed by the Chinese company, Sinohydro Limited. The project, which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank

(IDB), will provide for the procurement of plant design, supply and instillation of water treatment facilities and the upgrade of matriculation at these three areas, Minister Harmon said. The facilities

will be constructed under the water supply and sanitation infrastructure improvement programme of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). It also includes a component for non-revenue water reduc-

tion in the areas where the treatment plants will be constructed. Residents in the areas slated to benefit from the water plants will be issued with water meters in an effort to reduce water wastage.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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Floods lash Rupununi – several evacuated, shelters set up By Ariana Gordon THE overflowing of the banks of the Tabatinga Creek has left the savannahs and several other areas within the Region Nine community inundated. The overflowing of the river banks is not a result of the rainy season, but due to the backing up of water at Rio Branco River. Region Nine Mayor Carlton Beckles told the Guyana Chronicle just after an emergency meeting Sunday night that the situation

has not yet elevated to a crisis level, but noted that systems are in place to ensure residents are safe. The mayor explained that the water is rising in Tabatinga, certain parts of Lethem and Culvert City and noted that the flood is occurring in low-lying areas in close proximity to the creek. Importantly, he noted that those residents who occupy the areas are squatters. “Most of the persons [affected] are those who would have squatted,” said Beckles, who added that the

The part of the Lethem bridge under water (Richard Renie photo)

An area within Tabatinga, Region Nine, that is flooded (Richard Renie photo)

road leading to the Lethem airstrip is also flooded. Residents of Tabatinga Drive, he said, have water lodged in their backyards while in the Culvert City area, close to the Moco Moco Creek, also have a similar experience. A number of persons have relocated to their relatives’ homes as a precautionary measure until the situation returns to normalcy. “The majority of Lethem is not affected by floodwaters,” the mayor added. The Region Nine river

system is integrally linked to that of Brazil and when there is heavy rainfall in the Amazon, or even in the mountains, that water runs into the Rio Branco River. The western half of Regions Eight and Nine are drained by the bordering rivers, the Takutu and the Ireng, which flow into the Rio Branco, Brazil, and downwards to the Amazon. These river basins are over-loaded and have overflowed their banks. BACK UP “The water is backing up from the Rio Blanco… the flood has nothing to do

with the rainy season in the region,” the mayor added. Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was convened with the regional chairman, deputy regional executive officer, regional health and environmental officers, the police and the Guyana Defence Force, along with the disaster preparedness committee. Shelters at Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery School and the Amerindian Hostel have since been set up in the event persons are to be evacuated. Mattresses and other items have already been furnished and Radio Lethem 95.1 FM is being used to provide updates and inform residents of the location of shelters and precautionary measures. Another meeting will be held this morning at 09:00 hrs where all stakeholders will meet and assess the situation on the ground. Beckles explained that all toshaos in Region Nine have reported that farms in the savannahs are inundated. CUT OFF The satellite communities of Parishara, Nappi and Hiowa are cut off from Lethem because the access road is almost completely under water. In the interim, meals and other necessary supplies will be provided to those affected and in need.

“I don’t think the situation is alarming …and I don’t foresee mass evacuation,” said the Region Nine mayor, who noted that today an assessment will be made to see how far the water has risen from last night. Vehicles have also been made available to assist with the evacuation of residents. “…from my estimation, what we see tomorrow will give an estimation how serious the situation is,” he said. The overflowing of the Tabatinga River usually occurs approximately every five years; however, the last time there was widespread flooding was 2011. “It was far [more] serious than this…” said Beckles. Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Major Kester Craig, told the Guyana Chronicle that the CDC is on standby to deploy a team to Region Nine tomorrow to support the regional operation there. An aerial reconnaissance will also be done. In the interim, he said assessments are being done on the ground, and monitoring of the situation will continue overnight. Major Craig noted too that the CDC is in communication with the Regional Democratic Council and all stakeholders and advised them to activate a Regional Emergency Response Centre.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

Guyana has highest diabetes, premature cardiovascular mortality

– than any other country in the Americas, says CARICOM Health Commission By Ravin Singh in Grenada CHRONIC Disease Research Centre and head of the Port of Spain non-communicable diseases (NDCs) Evaluation team, Dr Alafia Samuels said Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have the highest mortality for premature cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the Americas. “So out of 54 countries, Guyana is number one and Trinidad is number two. More people are dying during their working life. And not only that, they are getting sick and they get chronically ill and disabled so there is an implication for the family. So the Caribbean has some serious health

problems and we have to ask ourselves why is this so,” Dr Samuels told reporters Wednesday. Her disclosures come at a time when efforts are being intensified to further integrate the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for states to benefit from functional cooperation, since regional health strategies targeting non-communicable diseases (NDCs) have been failing. In 2007, CARICOM leaders signed what they described as the “ground-breaking” Port of Spain Declaration aimed at uniting countries to stop the epidemic of NCDs. The declaration was recently evaluated by a team which included Dr Samuels and

other regional and international experts. Based on the CARICOM Health Commission team’s findings, the health expert informed reporters that death from non-communicable diseases of persons between the ages of 30 to 69 in the Caribbean is double the rate in North America.

Suspects make bail – as probe into Sophia child’s murder deepens THE police on Wednesday confirmed that the three persons held for questioning in the murder of eight-year-old Isaiah

Smartt have been placed on bail. According to Commander ‘A’ Division Marlon Chapman, the decision was

taken following a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that the police should widen their probe.

She said that what needs to be recognised is that there is a great deal of variation in this region, which has a land space of just over 462, 352 km2. These statistics were analysed by the team of experts within the context of the Port of Spain Declaration and Dr Samuels said her

team was able to examine the risk factor profile across countries and the findings were unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol abuse. The health expert pointed out that of the four areas, the region was only able to record success in one, which was having tobacco consumption reduced. The other three areas, she added, are worse than they were 10 years ago when the declaration was signed. Pointing out that the risk factor across the region remains poor, Dr Samuels noted that among children it is even more worrisome. She then went on to share global statistics which indicate that the Caribbean con-

Chapman disclosed that two of the three persons who were in custody are the child’s relatives, while the other is a fellow villager. The body of Isaiah Smartt of Lot 148 ‘E’ Block Plum Park, Sophia was found in a yard two Tuesday afternoons ago by a relative of his.

The boy was last seen alive the Monday night when he left home to visit his father, who resides a short distance away. An autopsy done on the child’s remains has revealed that he died as a result of asphyxiation due to broncho-aspiration, which was compounded by compres-

sumes the most soft drinks than any other part of the world. “Per capita we [the Caribbean] drink on average, two soft drinks per person per day. Nowhere else in the world consumes that much,” she informed reporters, while adding that it is the Commission’s hope that countries will introduce a tax on soft drinks, like Barbados, to reduce consumption of the product. The report produced by the Commission, after its assessment of the progress or lack thereof made in relation to the Port of Spain Declaration, will be discussed by Heads of Government of CARICOM during their meeting.

F. E. Pollard Primary School pupil, Isaiah David Smartt

sion injuries to the neck. The police have since said that the findings of the autopsy is a clear indication that Smartt’s death was unnatural, and as a result has to be ruled a homicide. Though young Isaiah’s body was found in a swampy yard in the neighbourhood, relatives are insisting that he did not drown because he was an excellent swimmer. They’re insisting that he died of foul play. Commander Chapman had told the Guyana Chronicle at the time that the child’s body, which bore no visible marks of violence, was found at around 19:45hrs that night in about two feet of water. He’d related that after the child did not show up at his father’s house, relatives mounted a search party, and after finding the body, summoned the police.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

M&CC mulls extending Le Repentir Cemetery THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is mulling the extension of Le Repentir Cemetery since it has become overcrowded. According to City Engineer Rawle Eastman, the current Le Repentir is overcrowded and it has been proposed that the council extend the cemetery farther east, where there is an abundance of unused lands. The proposal entails that the cemetery will be extended to the unused and densely vegetated

land between Cemetery Road and Mandela Avenue. The extension is proposed to begin from the area closer to Mandela Avenue and the total dimensions of the extension will be 3000 feet to 600 feet, which will be divided into six plots. A number of works must be done to the land, including clearing away the dense vegetation; however, the engineer related that the works should be done in about two – three months.

While viewing the site and the site maps, Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green, related that the estimated cost for this extension is around $45-$47M, but there will be an official tendering process due to the size of the project. The engineer reassured that residents of the area will be notified of the intended works and will be alerted, because the vegetated area is inhabited by bees.

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Aviation sector pumps $20.7B annually into economy – study A RECENTLY COMPLETED international study on the impact of Guyana’s aviation sector revealed that the sector contributes a whopping $20.7B to the economy annually. Director General, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Retired Colonel (Col), Egbert Field told the Department of Public Information (DPI). Colonel Field explained that the authority contracted Oxford Economics in London to execute the study. Oxford Economics was founded in 1981 as a commercial venture with Oxford University’s Business College to provide economic forecasting and modelling to United Kingdom companies and financial institutions expanding abroad. “I’m very happy to say that the first sentence in

Director General, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Ret'd Colonel Egbert Fields

the report that was sent to us states that the economic impact of the aviation sector in Guyana is substantial. So we play a big part in the development of Guyana. The sum of $20.7B in annual economic activity is a sizable amount which the aviation industry contributes to the economy,” Field highlighted.

Most visitors come to Guyana come by air. In August 2016, Minister in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), Annette Ferguson had announced that the study commenced in June 2016 and is expected to be completed by year-end. The GCAA Director posited that even with this completed study, it is still the responsibility of GCAA, to not only regulate the aviation industry but strengthen and grow it, to meet the foreseen challenges ahead. GCAA formerly the Civil Aviation Department is under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works and Communications. It was established in March 2002 through the Civil Aviation Act 2000 approved by Parliament. The main law governing the air transport sector is the Civil Aviation Act (2000). (DPI)

Family and Friends say Goodbye to

A

The proposed area (as seen from Toucan Street) where Le Repentir Cemetery will be extended

City engineer Rawle Eastman explains to Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and members of City Council, the proposed layout of the cemetery extension

CHARLES (TONY) CORBIN

Celebration of Life Service was held on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 for Charles Anthony Corbin, affectionately known as “Tony”, who departed this life on June 27, 2017. Tony was the fourth child born to Charles and Maryann Corbin in Guyana, South America. He attended Campbellville Government and Tutorial High Schools and worked in Guyana at the Rice Marketing Board and John Fernandes Company. He migrated to the United States in 1980 and worked at the Bank of Tokyo and then the MTA until his retirement in May of 2017. Tony was a well-respected family man and an avid domino player. He was married to Dionne O’Donahue since 1989. He was a member of the Caribbean Dominoes Association and represented the USA both locally and internationally.

CHARLES (TONY) CORBIN Tony leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Dionne; a son Anthony; daughters: Carla, Melissa Tonia and Tiffany; brothers: Charles, George and Kevin; sisters: Zilma, Enid, Nora, Joyce, June, Jean and Elizabeth; sistersin-law; Joan, Norma and Joan; nine grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Gone But Not Forgotten. May His Soul Rest in Peace

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Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business

R

The Edgar Henry Column

ecently I went on a trip to the land of my birth. I took a taxi to JFK and as usual, in order to keep the cabby focused on the road, I forged a conversation of his interest.

I discovered from his accent that he was Trinidadian, so the dialogue moved from one topic to another, we spoke about the weather; the demise of the West Indies cricket team; and finally we arrived at the subject of real estate. Interestingly he is the one that made this incredible statement. “Business is pretty slow and I can’t afford my rent this month.” I ventured to ask him why? He gave me a slue of excuses from supporting his kids, who were in College to the rising prices of food and clothing. I simply asked him how many years since he migrated? His answer was blurred with a barrage of reasons which never really answered my inquisitiveness. In order to receive an answer I deliberately asked him again and again searching for a number. He finally responded stating that he lived in the US for over 12 years. FACTS OF LIFE Truth be told, I asked him what was his average monthly rent over the period of time he lived here in the United States to which he responded with a positive $1,200. I quickly intimated to him the obvious astonishing fact that he paid approximately $172,000 in rent since he left the beautiful island of Trinidad. He paused for a moment and in retrospect reflected on my observation. The driver who was very talkative from the onset became extraordinarily quiet. His long silence was frightening. A few questions crossed my mind. Was he hallucinating? Was he paying attention to his driving? Was my life and safety in

danger after revealing a simple statistic to him? I pondered for a moment and quickly decided to change the conversation to Brian Lara and cricket, a topic with which he was comfortable with earlier, to which I regained his full attention. I then breathed a sigh of relief and the journey to JFK suddenly seemed longer than usual. DECISION MAKING There are so many persons living here in the United States for over 10 years that cannot decide whether to continue renting apartments or to make that calculated choice of purchasing real estate property. The story above was indeed a wake up call for my taxi driver. That same rental could have been

Guyana Guyana Chronicle Chronicle New New York York Edition Edition Week-ending Week-ending July July 7, 7, 2017 2017

To Rent or not to Rent? converted into a number of choices viz. a condominium, a co-op or possibly a one- or two-family residential home or perhaps a four-family property where equity could be accumulated at a growing rate. Today, people are generally scared to venture into the real estate purchase arena, basically because they are ill-informed or perhaps not knowledgeable enough to start the process. It is not that they do not want to do so, but it all stems from a growing fear. This fear is generated by the fact that some of their peers probably had foreclosure experiences as a result of a number of reasons, such as loss of employment by one member of the household, divorce, or probably mismanagement in the household budgetary constraints. Several control mechanisms could be put in place to balance situations such as those mentioned above. For example if you have real estate that has rental income you can secure from your insurance company additional coverage to cater for rental loss. Some of my close friends tell me they do not like the idea of purchasing a two family house because they do not intend to live with tenants. Baloney! The tenants could help subsidize your rent especially if you or your spouse is laid off from your job. Also

do you know that in the event you have to take your tenant to court you can have the tenant pay your legal fees? All you need to do is to include an additional clause in the lease agreement which the tenant would sign. This clause would deter him from defaulting on the rent. The clause would state as follows:“Upon the commencement of any legal action by the Landlord against the Tenant, The Tenant hereby agrees to pay reasonable legal Landlord fees.”

PURCHASE TIPS To purchase property needs some education so that you can save substantially in a number of various ways. Proper caulking of windows and doors and special openings in the property can save on your heating and cooling systems. Prepayment on your mortgage principal could save thousands of dollars. These funds saved could be used to purchase other property. I am therefore making a formal appeal to all rent payers reading this article to seriously consider thinking about owning a piece of the rock. Now is the time before prices get further out of reach. Do not be like the couple who waited for the price of real estate to reduce as they both died waiting. Get in touch with your professional and seek sound advice. I am certain once you are advised properly you will have no regrets whatsoever. Owning property offers many glorious benefits. With each mortgage payment, you will build equity in the property instead of just lining the landlord's pockets. As a landlord, you control the space, deciding everything from what color to paint the building to a choice of tenants. You control costs, since you can decide on financing, maintenance and upgrades. Also you would not be subjected to arbitrary rent hikes. The tables would now be turned. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Carefully examine the tax consequences of becoming a landlord. If you purchase, you need to figure out how much you will pay on the mortgage vs. how much you will pay in rent, as well as the effects of appreciation, amortization, depreciation, taxes and repairs. Coming up with a positive figure when you calculate the rate of return is no guarantee you'll like being a landlord instead of a tenant. But it can be a good way to lock up a desirable location, avoid future rent hikes and get a good grip on controlling your own future and at the same time making a potentially profitable investment. Now that you have some of the facts, it is of paramount importance that you make them work for you and not against you. “It is always better to have information and not need it that to need it and not have it”

To have all your real estate questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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Nandlall threatens charges over search warrant FORMER Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has threatened to institute private criminal charges against anyone who attempts to execute a search warrant on his premises with the intention of retrieving 14 Commonwealth Law Reports (books) he allegedly stole from the state. Nandall in a letter to Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud, said the charges would be instituted “against anyone who attempts to execute or executes, or aid and abet the execution of any such illegal, unlawful and contemptuous Search Warrant.” Nandlall, a practicing attorney is currently before the courts for the larceny of the law books he said was given to him by former President Donald Ramotar during his tenure in office. The charge alleged that Nandlall fraudu-

lently converted 14 Commonwealth Law Reports valued at $2.3M to his own use, while serving at Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. He is currently on self-bail. Nandlall secured a Conservatory Order preventing officers of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) from searching his properties. On July 3, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement to the media said the 14 Commonwealth Law reports in Nandlall’s possession were not the subject of the Conservatory Order issued by Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George- Wiltshire. However, Nandlall described the police statement as “ingenious and perverse contention”. In response to an article published by the Guyana Times Newspaper and headlined “Did SOCU hoodwink Chief Magistrate?”, the police said that on Tuesday, June

27, officers of SOCU were to conduct simultaneous searches of residences controlled by Nandall in an ongoing effort to recover the 14 Law Reports of the Commonwealth which were allegedly stolen prior to him demitting Office in 2015. “These searches were abandoned after Mr. Nandalall was apprised of the pending searches,” the statement noted. Additionally, the Police said that the Acting Chief Justice had already granted the Conservatory Order restraining the SOCU officers from executing a warrant to search and seize the Law Reports. “The Force wishes to advise the Public that the publications being sought by the Guyana Police Force are fourteen (14) ‘Law Reports of the Commonwealth’ which were not the subject of the Conservatory Order issued by the Acting Chief Justice and which is the subject of crimi-

Postman pleads guilty to at trial for murder of manslaughter –four-year-old stepson FORMER postman, Rawle Samuels, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter for the February 6, 2013 murder of his stepson, four-year-old Jamal Nedd. His plea was accepted by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan in the Georgetown High Court through his attorney, Maxwell McKay, after which the panel of jurors was discharged and expected to return on July 11, 2017. Samuels, whose face was devoid of any expression throughout the proceedings, will return before the said judge for a probation report and sentencing on July 18, 2017 in Court 9. According to state prosecutor, Siand Dhurjon, on the day in question the accused had a problem with his common-law wife, Neisha Naranjan, who is the mother of the deceased four-year-old. Naranjan reportedly ended the relationship with Samuels over an argument involving her 17-year-old sister, who, at the urging of her nephew, managed to elude the accused who was chasing her.

The accused, Rawle Samuels

The deceased child, Jamal Nedd

At the time, the court heard, Samuels was chasing the teen, and upon hearing the four-yearold encouraging her to run as fast as she could, became so enraged that he turned the knife he was carrying on the child, stabbing him five times about his body. The incident reportedly occurred at Buck Hill Foot, Wismar, which is just a few yards from the Wismar Police Station. The murder weapon was eventually recovered from the child’s back, where it was stuck, during the post-mortem.

The court further heard that the argument had to do with the child returning home from school earlier than expected and finding Samuels and his aunt in a compromising position. Samuels reportedly confessed to committing the crime by way of a caution statement, and the State is also in receipt of an eyewitness’s report. The State is being represented by Prosecutors Siand Dhurjon, Shawnette Austin and Lisa Cave, and the defendant by Attorney at Law, Maxwell McKay.

nal charges against the former Attorney General of Guyana.” But Nandall in his missive to the Police Commissioner questioned whether the Police Force was trying to do damage control or “an exhibition of manifest incompetence or it is an expression of puerile vendetta, or it is all combined.” He argues that the Acting Chief Justice’s order states “This court orders that an interim Conservatory Order be and is hereby granted preventing and/or restraining officers and/or agents of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and/or the Guyana Police Force of the State of Guyana from seizing and/or detaining fifteen (15) Commonwealth Law Reports for the years 2012 to May, 2015, in the possession of the Applicant.” The former Attorney General stressed that as the “own-

er of these books” and the applicant for the Order, the 14 law books referred to by the police and the 15 law books referred to in the order granted by Justice George are one and the same save and except for the numerical difference. “In the circumstances, I am to inform you that any attempt to execute the aforesaid Search Warrant or any such similar Search Warrant in respect of the subject Law Reports of the Commonwealth will be a contumacious and aggravated violation of the Order of the Honourable Acting Chief Justice and contempt of court proceedings, constitutional actions and appropriate private criminal charges will be instituted against anyone who attempts to execute or executes, or aid and abet the execution of any such illegal, unlawful and contemptuous Search

PPP, MP, Anil Nandlall

Warrant.” Nandall also described the efforts by the government to retrieve the law books as “wastage of public monies, scarce resources, time and energies by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in persecuting me, in respect of a contrived charge of larceny in relation to my own property, when the real criminals are at large wreaking havoc against the citizens of this country.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

Second paddy shipment off to Mexico

…ambassador touts Guyana’s rice strands one of the best

THE second shipment of 17,000 tonnes of paddy destined for Mexico left Guyana Thursday afternoon and Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Roberto Sierra, is optimistic that the strong relations between the two countries will continue to grow. In an invited comment, Ambassador Sierra lauded the efforts of the Guyana Government in ensuring that all the requested requirements of Mexico were met in the shortest possible time. “It is remarkable that from the business forum held in Mexico in March of this year systems were fast-tracked, allowing for the start of trade in a matter of mere months. Thanks to the efforts of the players in both countries,” he said. The ambassador singled out the role of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) in ensuring that all the necessary paperwork and general requirements of

the Mexican market were finalised with the local producers. He added that the two countries have started out on what will be a very fruitful relationship. The trade in paddy and rice could be just a start of a long range of products that could be sold on the Mexican market. Asked about the possibility of Guyana’s producers selling packaged rice in Mexico, Ambassador Sierra said plans are already in the pipeline as he has been meeting with local producers of packaged rice and has provided them with samples of packaged rice sold in Mexico. “I have showed them the quality of packaged rice on our market shelves in Mexico and I have told them that once the quality matches that which is sold there, then I see no reason why local producers cannot access that lucrative market,” he said. The Mexican Ambassador has just returned from a

Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, H.E Ivan Roberto Sierra

trip home during which he facilitated the fast tracking of paper work with the Panamanian authorities, relative to the next shipment of rice from Guyana to Panama which was today handed over to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). “The Mexican Embassy takes very seriously its role as a facilitator, but not only between the Governments

of Guyana and Mexico, but also other partnering states as is with the case of Panama in the rice trade,” the Ambassador noted. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has welcomed the comments of the Mexican Ambassador, especially as it relates to the imminent opening up of the rice trade, which will be more lucrative than the

paddy deal. He reminded local producers that the 150,000 tonne limit gazetted by the Mexican Government is opened to all paddy producers in the region on a first- come-first-served basis. It therefore means, that if Guyanese producers are the first to apply for the entire 150,000 tonnes, then it is a win-win situation for the industry and Guyana as a whole. According to the ministry, producers are allowed to apply for three tranches of 10,000 tonnes each. The first contract signed allows for a total of 60,000 tonnes to be shipped. The start of paddy shipments to Mexico, comes at a time when Guyana’s rice industry recorded paddy production of half a million metric tonnes for the first crop this year. The industry continues to hold strong inspite of the challenges facing rice farmers across the country. Guyana last Friday commenced loading 17,000

tonnes of paddy for export to Mexico following that Government’s decision to allow tax-free importation of 150,000 metric tonnes of paddy and rice products from outside of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) member states. The value of the contract is US$17.7M, the equivalent of approximately G$3.8B. Witnessing the loading of the first shipment of rice to be sent under the Guyana/ Mexico rice agreement, at John Fernandes Wharf, was General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Allison Peters. She said the contract to export the paddy is between two private companies, although the government-to-government export to the Mexican rice council is pending. “We are due to visit them sometime later in the year with the hope of expanding on our exports,” she said.

CARICOM to push for improved intra-regional travel – at heads meeting in Grenada CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Monday said he hoped that regional leaders will sign off on an age-old Multilateral Air Services Agreement that seeks to pave the way for easier inter-regional travel. Ambassador LaRocque made the observation during a curtain-raiser press conference in Grenada, ahead of the opening on Tuesday of the 38th Regular Meeting of

the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The Conference, which is being held in the Grenadian capital, St George’s from July 4 - 6, is being chaired by Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell. “We are hoping that the Multilateral Air Services Agreement will get policy sign off from the Heads of Government. It will allow greater ease of travelling

within the region in terms of CARICOM-owned airlines,” Ambassador LaRocque told journalists in Grenada for the HOG meeting. The aim of the Multilateral Agreement Concerning the Operation of Air Services within The Caribbean Community, commonly called Multilateral Air Services Agreement, is to improve the level, quality and efficiency of air services within and beyond the Caribbean Community. It dates back to 1996. During the Conference of the Heads of Government,

the CARICOM Secretariat would seek approval for all aspects of the policy of the agreement from the Regional Leaders. According to Ambassador LaRocque, the policy will allow for more opportunities for inter-regional travel. “The agreement concerns operations of CARICOM Air carriers...It provides for fair and equal opportunities for all CARICOM Air Carriers to compete in air transportation covered by the agreement,” he posited,

Caribbean Airlines, one of the many air carriers owned and operated by CARICOM member states

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

while adding that in addition to the large carriers, there are a large number of small carriers within the region. CARICOM nationals have long complained about the high airfares attached to inter-regional travel, and according to Ambassador LaRocque, the Secretariat is aware of the issue. “The issue of cost of air transportation is one that continues to concern us; it will come up again,” he emphasised. Through the Regional Transportation Commission, CARICOM airlines “are now

talking to each other,” Ambassador LaRocque said. “The airlines are looking to see how they could cooperate and collaborate better,” he added. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTRC) has been meeting to advance its work towards the provision of adequate, efficient and safe transportation services at affordable cost to the people of the Community. In July 2013, conscious that transportation services delivered in CARICOM had to address the needs of the travelling public and intra-Regional trade, CARICOM Heads of Government agreed to the urgent establishment of a Transportation Commission to address air and maritime transportation matters. Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines and Trinidad and Togabago have all ratified the Multilateral Air Services Agreement, which came into force in 1998.

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

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C CR RO OS SS SW WO OR RD D

ISSUE 56 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Be sure to organize events that will keep the children busy. Your intellectual charm will entice new love interests. Caustic language may cause you to want to get out of the house. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Saturday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can beautify your surroundings by renovating or redecorating. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don’t get to see that often. If you can get away for a vacation, do so. Losses are likely if you get involved with uncertain individuals. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You can help them more than they can help you. You need to keep everyone on your domestic scene too busy to complain. Someone you work with may be trying to make you look bad. You need to do your own thing and work on making yourself the best you can be. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Friday. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Changes to your self image will be to your benefit as long as you don’t over pay. Do not let others exhaust you financially. You can make some money if you get involved in a conservative financial prospect that is presented to you. Changes in your residence may be financially favorable. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Saturday. LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Your emotions are fluctuating, so be careful not to say things you’ll regret. Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in on your family dilemmas. You’ll be prone to tears if your mate is harsh with you this month. You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Tuesday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You could come into extra cash. Hobbies will be good for your emotional well being. Take a second look; another person’s philosophy may be extremely different from yours. You can make favorable changes in your home environment. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Saturday. LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Your reputation may be at stake if you partake in gossip. You’ll regret every word for some time to come. Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Monday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don’t let your family put demands on you. Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in on your family dilemmas. Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Friday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) If they’re really interested, they’ll wait. You are best to concentrate on your professional endeavors. Do things for them but don’t allow them to make unreasonable requests. Sentimental feelings may make it difficult to get much done at work. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Tuesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can’t do everything on your own. Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste. Don’t spend too much in order to impress others. Take work home but be sure to spend some time with your mate. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Thursday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You may want to try your hand at a little creative writing. Don’t let your boss get the better of you. You may find that your boss is not delighted with your work lately. You will be subject to pushy individuals if you get involved in uncertain organizations. Your luckiest event next weel will occur on a Monday. PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Go out with friends and avoid the situation on the home front. Accommodate others but not before you do your own thing. Do the proper safety checks before you go out. You can make excellent career moves if you are open to the opportunities that exist. You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Your luckiest event next week will occur on a Friday.

ACROSS 1. Snare 5. Sea-___ (Seattle airport) 8. Be in debt 11. Senor’s German kin 12. ___ rule (2 wds.) 13. Winter sight 14. “Beautiful dreamer, wake ___ me . . .” 15. When crocuses bloom (abbr.) 16. Sheltered, asea 17. Dictator 19. In that event (2 wds.) 21. Feedbag filler 22. Bearded range creature 24. Color of waves of grain 27. High-arced throw 28. Korean car company 30. Fountain drink 31. “___ betcha!”

W O R D F I N D

S K Y D I V I N G

32. Religious denomination 33. Become old 34. Cud chewer 35. Triplets number 36. Signed 38. Damage 39. Give out 40. Redacted 44. Army vehicle 46. Kindled 48. What some call Grandma 49. Belonging to us 50. Abel’s mom 51. Theater sign 52. Decade divisions (abbr.) 53. Dweller (abbr.) 54. Use a bike DOWN 1. Dull sound 2. Russo of “Outbreak”

COMPETITIVE

RUNNING

DEPLOYMENT

SAFE JUMP

EXIT

SOLO

FLARE

SPEED

HANDHOLDS

SPORT

JUMPING

SPOTTER

JUMPSUIT

STRAPS

MAIN CHUTE

TANDEM

NERVES

TEAMS

OPEN

THRILL

PILOT CHUTE

TURNS

RESERVE CHUTE

VELOCITY

3. Skills 4. Fortuneteller 5. Yummy 6. Horned viper 7. Large deer of cold, northern climates 8. Viewer 9. Grief 10. Farm mama 13. Smart talk 18. Boating implement 20. Trivial lie 23. “___ going!” 24. Med. group 25. Wise threesome 26. Certain electrical appliances 27. Not high 29. Took nourishment 31. Alpine singer 32. Mason 34. Animation collectible 35. Trifle 37. Keystone ___ 38. Parcels out 41. “___ Driver” 42. Author Bagnold 43. Palm fruit 44. “The ___ of Cooking” 45. Italy’s cont. 47. Common contraction

ISSUE #56 WORDFIND ANSWER

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Guyana Chronicle New New York Edition Week-ending Week-ending July 7, 2017 2017 Guyana Chronicle York Edition July 7,

Celebrating Canada’s Independence (from page 5) September 27, 2005.

WHAT VISITORS THINK OF CANADA Most visitors speak of Canada as being clean, courteous and with less crime than most developed countries. The low crime rate might be because Canadians do not have a constitutional right to bear arms. CANADA AND THE CARIBBEAN In 1884, the Barbados Agricultural Society sent a letter to Sir Francis Hincks (co-Premier of Canada East 1851-1854 and Governor of Barbados 1856 to 1862) requesting his private and public views on whether the Dominion of Canada would admit the then colony of Barbados as a member of the Canadian Confederation.

The requested discussions did not ensue. At least, one Jamaican legislator had a similar idea. Michael Solomon was the only vote in favor of union with Canada. ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION Canada has a long history of co-operation with the Caribbean. Canada was a founding member of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in January 1970 and contributed $181.5 million during the first six cycles of the CDB's Special Development Fund. In 1986, the Canadian Government established The Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement ("CARIB-CAN"). It was created to promote trade, investment and provide industrial cooperation through the preferential access of duty-free goods from the countries of the British Caribbean. to the

Canadian market. Most CARICOM countries are members. Several Canadian Government agencies have played wideranging roles of assistance to many countries of the region. Some of these agencies include the Canadian International Development Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Canadian Trade Commissioner, the Transport Canada, the Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission. CANADA’S FUTURE Canada will continue experiencing economic growth. Its multiculturalism will continue as the backbone of its great society. Quebec will not leave Canada. Montreal will revive its West Indian annual parade. Nova Scotia will

introduce one, not as specifically West Indian; but as a celebration of Black culture. I do not see a Black Prime Minister in the near future. York University will overtake University of Toronto as Canada’s premiere university. Canadians will do much better at the Summer Olympics. In 20 years, Canada will host the games. Maple Leaf season tickets will continue being willed. Television and radio signals will be open to Canada and the US. Finally, Americans will know more about Canada than at present. That is the way this naturalized Canadian citizen sees it anyway. I am a week late in saying “Happy Birthday” Canada. As my mother used to say, “Better late than never.” From what I hear, you had a wonderful time. God’s willing, I shall be with you next 150 years.

Medicaid 101: Health Insurance For The Poor That Works (from page 7) state of residence. • You must meet residency and immigration status requirements. • You must have documentation of U.S. citizenship. BENEFITS According to Medicaid.gov, the following benefits are offered under Medicaid plans. MANDATORY BENEFITS OPTIONAL BENEFITS • Prescription drugs • Inpatient hospital services

• Outpatient hospital services • EPSDT: Early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services • Nursing facility services • Home health services • Physician services • Rural health clinic services • Federally qualified health center services • Laboratory and x-ray services • Family planning services • Nurse midwife services • Certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner services • Freestanding birth center services (when licensed or otherwise recognized by the state) • Transportation to medical care • Tobacco cessation counseling for pregnant women

• • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Clinic services Physical therapy Occupational therapy Speech, hearing, and language disorder services Respiratory care services Other diagnostic, screening, preventive, and rehabilitative services Podiatry services Optometry services Dental services Dentures Prosthetics Eyeglasses Chiropractic services Other practitioner services Private duty nursing services Personal care Hospice Case management

PROS If you are considering the Medicaid program, there are a few key benefits you should be aware of. Affordable Healthcare Individuals on the lower end of the income spectrum who cannot afford costly insurance premiums have access to healthcare, both basic and specialized, through this program. In some instances, coverage is offered free of charge to policyholders. Mandatory Benefits As noted in the chart above, each state has to offer certain benefits to all Med-

icaid recipients. Many of these mandatory benefits, including physician visits and family planning services, play an integral role in the overall health and wellness of both individuals and families.

CONS Unfortunately, the program also has drawbacks that may weigh heavily on your decision to enroll. Coverage Limitations There are many exclusions, with regards to treatment, in Medicaid plans. Even if the medical provider is adamant about providing the procedure or service, Medicaid will not consider it, and the patient will be forced to either forgo the treatment or pay out-of-pocket. Limited Health Care Provider Options In select areas, the number of reputable providers who accept Medicaid may be limited. Medicaid reimbursement rates are substantially lower than what many medical providers are accustomed to billing. As a result, they may be deterred from accepting new patients who have Medicaid coverage. Furthermore, reimbursement windows range from 37 and 155 days. This timeframe can lead to cash flow issues for small-scale medical providers. Unfair Treatment of the Elderly Discrimination is also common amongst Medicaid recipients in nursing homes. "There have been reports of elderly people being transferred to a different setting (e.g., from a private or semi-private room to a ward) upon switching from private pay to Medicaid," according to MedicaidPatients.com. In some instances, facilities immediately rejected these individuals at the door upon learning the type of coverage they carried on the grounds that the "Medicaid quota" had been met, the article adds. FINAL THOUGHTS Medicare and Medicaid are two different, yet frequently confused, governmentrun social insurance programs. While they are both overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for individuals who are 65 and older, and Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to individuals with low income. Seniors with low income may qualify for both of these programs, which is called dual eligibility. Doing your research on these programs will ensure that you and your loved one make informed decisions regarding health coverage, thereby reducing the likelihood you will incur medical expenses that need to be paid out of pocket.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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Teen kills taxi driver – confesses: ‘I want to finish him off’ By Nafeeza Yahya A TEENAGE boy on Wednesday stabbed to death taxi driver, Deonarine Laljit, called “Baba”, of Number 72 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne. Reports are that around 12:30 hrs, the 15-year-old suspect was a back-seat passenger in Laljit’s car when he dealt him two stabs, one to the neck and the other to his shoulder. During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam revealed that the act was reportedly premeditated. “The teen told investigators that he specifically caught the victim’s car with the intention of finishing him off, because the taxi driver would taunt his sister on numerous occasion,” Amsterdam said. The teen, a former stu-

dent of Skeldon Line Path Secondary and of Number 65 Village, was subsequently arrested and is in police custody assisting with investigations. This newspaper understands that the teen concealed the murder weapon in a knapsack he was carrying, and caught the vehicle at Number 65 Village. It was also learnt that while in the vicinity of Line Path, Corriverton, the teen carried out the act, because the “teasing of his sister became unbearable”. After committing the act, the teen reportedly fled the scene, while the victim exited the vehicle, bleeding profusely and calling out for help. He minutes later collapsed in front of a yard. When this newspaper visited the crime scene, the road was still wet with the man’s blood, as were the driver and front passenger

seats of his car. Meanwhile, Tashodra Joseph, the 32-year-old wife of the deceased, related that minutes before her husband died, he had dropped her off at the NIS Office with the intention of returning to pick her up shortly. “I got a call asking if I could drop off his NIS card,” she said. “He picked me up on the road and drop me off at the insurance place to take care of some business; he promised to pick me up back. “I finish like in 15 minutes and come out, but didn’t see he.” After not seeing her husband, Joseph said, she borrowed the NIS security guard’s phone to call and inform him that she was waiting but the phone rang out. It was at this point, she said, that she noticed a few family members’ cars speeding down the road. “Suh, in me mind, me say

Deonarine Laljit (second left) with his family in happier times

something happen; me say lemme guh hospital,” the distraught woman said, adding: “When me reach de hospital, me nah see none car me know, suh meh tell de driver guh up li’l mo’. “I stop and mek a call home; ah den dem tell meh somebody stab meh husband and kill am. Me go down to the scene, only to find meh husband lifeless body in blood.”

Decriminalise suicide By Svetlana Marshall

PAN AMERICAN Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow has renewed calls for decriminalisation of suicide in Guyana even as he lobbied Government to invest more in mental health. Dr. Adu-Krow made the call while addressing a widecross section of stakeholders including Members of Parliament and United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka at Parliament Building on Wednesday. He was among officials participating in a confab organised by the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services in collaboration with UN/PAHO/WHO. According to him, there is an urgent need for legislative changes to be made as he alluded to the Criminal Law Offences Act Cap.8:01, the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act Cap. 8:02 and the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act Cap, 68:09. Reference was also made to the Customs Act, the Food and Drugs Act and the Mental Hospital Ordinance Cap. 140. Singling out Section 95 of the Criminal Law Offences Act Cap. 8:01, the PAHO/WHO representative concluded that the legislation would only fuel more suicides. According to that section, “everyone who

aids or abets any person in the commission of suicide shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life”. “If such a person escapes prosecution! This person is encouraged to commit suicide,” he opined. Section 96 criminalises the act, and creates provision for imprisonment. “Everyone who attempts to commit suicide shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years,” Dr. Adu-Krow said while quoting the law.

NO PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE In addition to objecting to the criminalisation of suicide, he bemoaned the fact that the legislation makes no provision for psychological assistance to be offered to survivors. “The current mental health system in Guyana is fragmented, poorly resourced and not integrated into the public health system,” Dr. Adu-Krow said as he turned his attention to the mental hospital ordinance. The ordinance makes provision for the care of persons of unsound mind and for the administration and management of the mental hospital at Berbice, but the PAHO/WHO representative believes that the situation leaves much to be desired. A review conducted by UNICEF found that there is no mental health legislation in the country but only a draft mental

health policy. As such, it is recommended that a Mental Health Act be put in place to address mental health issues, including suicide and care custody and treatment of persons with mental health issues.

MORE MONEY Additionally, he championed the cause for government to pump more resources into the area of mental health, pointing out that in countries such as Papua New Guinea mental health accounts for five per cent of the country’s health budget. It was pointed out that in 2011, 0.11 per cent of the health budget went to mental health and by 2017, it had moved to 1.16 per cent. While the increase is 10 times more than the amount provided for in 2011, Dr. AduKrow believes that it is still very low. According to the WHO, globally every year, close to 800, 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Guyana, according to WHO, has the second highest suicide rate in the world after Sri Lanka with a rate of 30.6 deaths per 100, 000. Sri Lanka has the highest rate with 34.6 deaths per 100, 000. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings said Guyana had an alarming suicide rate of 44.2 suicides per 100,000 people.

“With the global average for suicide being 16 per 100,000 people, Guyana had the ignoble record of having the highest suicide rate in the world. Thanks to the work done by the Ministry of Public Health, through the newly established Mental Health Unit, Guyana has now dropped a place and has the second highest suicide rate in the world,” the public health minister said. She, however, admitted that much more needs to be done to bring down the rate. The statistics in 2012 have shown that suicide was the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-44, and the second leading cause of death among the 20-24 age group. Females attempted suicide more frequently than their male counterparts at a ratio of 3:1; East Indians had accounted for 50 per cent of the cases, whereas Afro-Guyanese had accounted for 26 per cent of cases, the minister reported. The common risk factors identified were acute emotional distress and depression (37 per cent), accessibility to lethal substances such as herbicides and pesticides (64 per cent), alcohol and drug use (32 per cent) and family dysfunction (34 per cent). ROBUST STEPS Since entering office, the coalition Government has been taking critical steps to arrest the

Joseph related that her husband would usually keep money in his car, and at the time of the incident, he had about $30,000 which was unaccounted for. “He does save de money he get daily, and does gimme pon ah weekend, but we nah find it in de car; we only see some change scatter up, and about $2000. Suh me nah know wha’ happen,” she said.

Joseph said her husband has been working as a hire car driver for over 10 years, and is the sole breadwinner of the family. He leaves home at around 05:00 hrs every day to work from Number 65 to Crabwwood Creek, and was described as a caring and understanding person. Laljit leaves to mourn, besides his wife, two children aged 16 and 13.

– invest more in mental health, PAHO/WHO rep. urges situation, Minister Cummings said, as she pointed to the multidisciplinary team which was formed by President David Granger to address the issue. The Ministries of Education, Social Protection, Agriculture, Indigenous Communities and Public Security make up the National Task Force which covers four strategic areas: (1) Risk Factors Reduction, Health Promotion and Prevention; (2) Reduction of Access to the Means of Suicide; (3) Health Systems response to Suicide Behavior; and (4) Surveillance and Research. Additionally, a National Stakeholders Conference was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in April 2016. “I must let you know that consultations have since intensified in Regions Two ( Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the hub of the suicide occurrences – to ascertain the best possible way the Ministry of Public Health could affect positive change and be more strategic in targeting the communities concerned so as to stem the tide of suicide,” she told those present. COLLABORATIVE APPROACH Additionally, she said the Ministry has been raising awareness and prevention through education but said more needs to be done, and all must get involved. “We need to create a tidal

wave of support and policies that will effectively deal with the issues identified. We need professionals and non-medical human resources like psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers; we need to train all members of the mental health staff in the mental health gap action programme, thus equipping the multidisciplinary team to not only bridge the gap between available resources and the large need for services to address mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialised health settings, but to be able to have these health care workers communicate effectively and deliver good quality care to adults, adolescents, and children in an integrated approach in a Primary Care Setting involving the community,” Minister Cummings stated. On this note, she said it has become necessary for all stakeholders to play their part in the enforcement of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020. “We must work collaboratively to bring about an end to suicide, strive resolutely to achieve positive outcomes including the Sustainable Development Goal Number Three of Good Health and Well-Being for all Guyanese. Let us work together to take Guyana further down the list of most suicides committed globally,” she admonished those present.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

Guyana set to boost coconut industry by 5000 acres – prospects also look good for plantains

GUYANA’S push to grow the coconut industry will see at least 5000 more acres being put under the plough in the near future. This is according to Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Dr. Oudho Homenauth, who also announced upcoming plans to reveal a second phase of activities for the promising coconut sector. He recently seized the opportunity to encourage cashcrop farmers in East Berbice, during an outreach there, to consider doing coconuts instead, since the constant floods in the region were making life difficult for them. He said that with the proposed expansion of the industry by 5,000 acres, the total

acreage of land under coconut cultivation countrywide will soon be 30,000. Their biggest supply, Dr Homenauth said, comes from the Pomeroon, on the Essequibo River, where some eight to 10 acres of land are strictly dedicated to coconuts. “We anticipate, based on our records and what we have at the moment, that within another two to three years we will see another 5000 acres in the Pomeroon,” he said. And with good going, he told one East Berbice cash-crop farmer who seemingly has an interest in going coconuts, the same strategy may very well apply to Region Six. The farmer at reference, who seemed to be well informed, spoke authoritatively

of the benefits to be derived from experimenting with hybrids and soil types, and employing planting techniques practised in Mexico. Dr Homenauth said that he is well aware that farmers have been concerned about planting materials and other crop-related issues, and that is why they have been allowed to bring in planting materials from places like Brazil, and to some extent Mexico and Sri Lanka. Particular planting styles observed in Mexico have been said to increase quantity, and improve crop success. Dr Homenauth said it is understandable that for the first, farmers would have to start small, but the coconut sector is one where they could comfortably become

NAREI CEO, Dr. Oudho Homenauth

involved. One farmer said that with the favourable prices coconuts are fetching on the overseas markets, Region Sixers have nothing to lose if they too dedicate 5000 acres of land to the cultivation of the fruit as the Pomeroonians have done. Dr Homenauth couldn’t agree more, as the industry is open to anyone who cares to invest in it. “We do have a plan for coconuts as an industry,” he said. On the subject of plantains, farmers at Crabwood Creek, on the upper Corentyne, were encouraged to continue growing it, as the area is one of the largest plantain producers in the country. Dr Homenauth said that thanks to the many government interventions to improve production, the com-

modity has seen its highest production ever of in excess of 78,000 tons. He said the emphasis is not squarely on plantain chips as a by-product, but noted that a breakthrough could be made in this industry, since many varieties of the commodity by foreign producers, continue to flood the local market. The NAREI head said this should not be the case in Guyana, pointing to the country’s very own ‘Kaieteur’

plantain chip brand which is currently in the trial stage in local supermarkets. Homenauth said that feedback is being sought on the item which is being sold at $140 per packet. Apart from plantain chips, other products are being looked at, Homenauth revealed. “So you won’t have an issue with plantains in terms of marketing.” He said this could be achieved in the shortest possible time, hence the reason for emphasis being placed on the crop. Guyana, for the first time, held its coconut festival last October and which was hailed as a great success. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin had stated possibilities surrounding the “new and non- traditional” engagement. He said that coconut was ideal as there seemed to exist a “seemingly endless market.” A plantain chip factory was also set to be opened in Leguan to encourage local production and consumption of the product. The factory is expected to commence operation this month.

A bunch of plantains

A thrush of coconuts

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

Guyana to build embassy in Brazil

By Svetlana Marshall

Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson turned the sod Wednesday last to mark the construction of a permanent building for the Guyana Embassy in Brazil. According to a press statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Saturday, work on the new building is expected to commence soon in Brasilia. Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1968. Bilateral relations between the two countries have developed through mutual

understanding and trust, including cooperation in the technical and military areas. In addition to the turning of the sod, Guyana and Brazil held bilateral discussions on a range of issues including the construction of the Linden to Lethem road, linking the two South American nations. During the deliberations with the Guyanese ministers and Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Aloysio Nunes, the importance of infrastructural links with regard to the promotion of trade and investment was underscored. Moreover, in the area of infrastructure, focus was placed on steps to be taken

jointly to advance the paving of the Linden to Lethem Road as a complement to the work already initiated covering the Linden to Mabura Hill segment and the bridging of the Essequibo River at Kurupukari. While in Brasilia, Minister Greenidge and Minister Patterson used the opportunity to meet with members of the Guyanese community living in Brazil to update them on developments in Guyana and the prospects for the future. Next year will mark 50 years since the two South American neighbours established diplomatic relations.

Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, turned the sod on Wednesday last to mark the construction of a permanent building for the Guyana Embassy in Brazil

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Guyana Shore Base Inc. offers job opportunities GUYANA SHORE BASE INC., a joint venture entity has advertised for a number of positions here to be filled. The company, which is based at Houston, East Bank Demerara, is recruiting operational and administrative personnel to support an expanded shore base operations in the offshore oil and gas sector. Noting that experience in the oil and gas industry would be a major asset, the company says it is recruiting persons to fill the positions of accountants, directors, as well as office staff. The company said it requires operational staff such as foremen, security staff, machine operators as well as labourers. As time ticks towards first oil in 2020, interest has grown from local and overseas entities in the country’s petroleum sector.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Natural Resources approved the ExxonMobil Liza Phase 1 development plan and issued a production licence to the American oil giant for the Liza field. Production is expected to begin in 2020. Following the approval of the production licence and environmental permit, it is expected that ExxonMobil and co-venturers Nexen and Hess will make a final investment decision on the Liza Phase 1 development. In a separate process, the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (GEPA) issued the Liza field environmental permit on June 1. The environmental permit ensures that the environment is protected through the lifecycle of the project. Several weeks ago, the Ministry of Natural Resources released details

of the production-sharing agreement between the Government and ExxonMobil. The Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will receive a royalty of two per cent on gross earnings and benefit from 50 per cent of the profits from the sale of petroleum, once production commences. The government has also laid a bill in the National Assembly for establishment of a Petroleum Commission to serve as a governing body to guide and give direction to the new oil and gas industry. The Ministry of Natural Resources and other ministries and agencies are actively pursuing a number of undertakings on the policy, along with the legislative and infrastructural needs of both sides to ensure the country is prepared for oil production in 2020.

Alleged assassination plot...

CoI members to be named soon Government will within two weeks announce the persons identified to conduct a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the alleged assassination plot against President David Granger, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said. Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference, Harmon confirmed that President Granger has ordered a CoI into the matter, and said, “We are going through the phases of preparations”. Responding to concerns raised by the Opposition relative to the President’s confidence in the Police Force, the Minister of State stressed that the head-ofstate has every right to determine if a matter requires a deeper level of investigation. Harmon said too that CoIs are used by the APNU+AFC administration as a mechanism to ferret out information which would

not necessarily be made available during regular investigations. In April, it was announced that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and

the police legal advisor were assisting with investigations into an alleged plot to shoot President David Granger while he is on one of his many outreaches.

To advertise in this newspaper call Dennis at: 917-379-6590

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The Peter Haynes Column

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

GUYANA CRICKET BOARD 75 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS TO HIGHLIGHT DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH AND FEMALE CRICKET th

he Guyana Cricket Board will be observing in a big way the 75th Anniversary of its founding next year. The Board which was formed in 1943 having taken control of cricket in all of Guyana from the Georgetown Cricket Club. The Cricket Board will be holding a Grand Anniversary Raffle in aid of Youth and Female cricket development. The first prize is a motor car, second prize — a Motor Cycle; third prize — a 60” TV; fourth prize — airfare for two to New York; fifth prize — a Gold necklace; sixth prize — a round trip for two to Kaieteur Falls; seventh prize — a Laptop computer; and eighth prize — a day-trip for two to Arrowpoint Resort. Tickets are G$200.00 each or G$5,000.00 for a book of 25 tickets. The final drawing will be held on April 7th, 2018. There will also be consolation drawings in August and December 2017. The formation of the G.C.B. followed the formation of the Berbice Cricket Board in 1939. William Stanley Jones, then President of the Georgetown Cricket Club became the first President of the G.C.B. Jones, who was born in New Amsterdam, also donated the Jones Cup to the G.C.B. in 1954. The Jones Cup soon after became the symbol of supremacy between the three counties. When the G.C.B was formed in 1943, cricket was run by the

Berbice Cricket Board in Berbice and by the Essequibo Cricket Committee in Essequibo. Before the formation of the G.C.B, First Division cricket was played for the Parker Cup in Demerara — mostly Georgetown — and the Davson Cup in Berbice. Though the Parker and Davson Cup competitions were open to players of all races, club membership often followed ethnic groups. These included, East Indian Cricket Club, now Everest Cricket Club, Chinese Sports Club — now Cosmos Sports Club, Georgetown Cricket Club (although the names were not changed, its membership excluded non-European descendants. There was also Portuguese Sports Club, renamed Non Pariel Sports Club. Other clubs which consisted mainly of Guyanese of African decedent were British Guiana Cricket Club, — which changed its name to Guyana Sports Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club, Post Office Sports Club and Transport Sports Club. The change of the names of these clubs from their ethnic groups was occasioned by Prime Minister L. F. S. Burnham after

WEST INDIES WOMEN’S TEAM Guyana attained Independence in (1968-1970); Kenneth Wishart 1966. The clubs also opened their (1970-1972); Frederick Rammembership to individuals of all prasad (1972-1973); Berkley McGregor Gaskin (1973-1979); Joe ethnicities. Past Presidents of the Guyana Solomon (1979-1980); MajorCricket Board were William Stan- General Norman McLean (1980ley Jones (1943); John St. Felix 1991) and Chetram Singh Dare (the exact period is to be de- (1991-2011). termined); Sir Clyde Walcott

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending July 7, 2017

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Who was the greatest cricketer — Bradman or Sobers?

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

“Where are your heroes, Caribbean, show them to me” —Dave Martins, Tradewinds

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o understand what cricket supremacy means in a global context to the average Caribbean man, is best summarized by the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, “The West Indies are Third World countries, but we belong and are in the first World of Cricket.” Cricket is not only a religion in the Caribbean, but it best defines the region in any context. Regional political integration has followed cricket as a unifying and defining force. In a deeper psychological and historical context, a West Indian cricketer’s artistry and flamboyance is the product of the post-colonial era, where the psyche is the celebration and liberation from that bondage. His glorious successes lifted a marginalized people from their daily burdens, and took them to flights of pride over their achievements, living in the ecstatic comfort of the superlatives that always followed — helping them overcome their daily burdens. Cricket is simply the lifeblood of the Caribbean, and its greatest adhesive force. C. L. R. James, the renowned cricket scholar, in his work "Cricket in West Indian Culture," at, p 119 aptly noted, "From its beginning to this day cricket in the West Indies has expressed with astonishing fidelity the social relations of the islands." In his seminal work, "Beyond a Boundary," James puts cricket in perspective when he wrote, "Cricket is first and foremost a dramatic spectacle. It belongs with the theatre, ballet, opera and the dance." As kids, we were inspired to become famous and reach the pinnacle of cricketing fame like Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Learie Constantine, George Headley, Sir Frank Worrell, Rohan Kanhai and other West Indian icons so revered around the cricketing world. They are the very embodiment of the West Indian dream, and the fruit of its labor. One of the great lessons we learnt as aspiring cricketers was to walk when you knew you were out, without waiting for the umpire's signal and to acknowledge a good performance from the opposing side. In fact, sportsmanship was as intrinsic a part of a cricketer's development as his ability to flick the ball off the legs, late cut or hook a bouncer off the eyebrows. The latter was a necessity in those days because our paraphernalia consisted only of a sculptured coconut tree branch or carved piece of wood for a bat and a cork ball, much in the traditions of the great

West Indian players listed above. There were no helmets or pads, you had to play off the legs or get crippled. As Samuel Selvon chronicles in his book,

Bradman over Sir Garry Sobers as the cricketer of the last century, and, a fortiori, the greatest cricketer. Hopefully, this article will put the issue to rest. Sir Garfield Sobers was the greatest cricketer, as distinct from being the greatest batsman, which honor belongs to Bradman and others. Sobers was the greatest cricketer of this and any other century, and by parity of reasoning, that he was the greatest cricketer that has ever lived, or the greatest the world has ever seen. The son of a merchant seaman from the small island of Barbados, he was only five

Sir Garfield St. Aubyn Sobers "The Cricket Match," Ways of Sunlight, p. 162, a dry mango seed often substituted for a ball, and a pitch oil tin for a wicket. Yet, what cricket meant for us as kids is best summarized by Nobel Laureate Sir V. S. Naipaul, in “The Middle Passage,” p. 44, "Cricket has always been more than a game in Trinidad. In a society which demanded no skills and offered no rewards to merit, cricket was the only activity which permitted a man to grow to his full stature and to be measured against international standards . . . The cricketer was our only herofigure." This question as to who is the greatest cricketer has spurred great debate when Wisden's so-called panel of experts chose Sir Don

Albert Baldeo cherishes the moment he set the record straight with Wisden, and congratulated the Caribbean legend, who visited Albert’s alma mater Queens College, Guyana and coached QC boys in 1972.

when his father died at sea in January 1942, after his ship was torpedoed by a German Uboat. Sobers’ rise from his ensuing hardship to greatness, to his sobriquet “King Cricket,” is a monumental inspiration for many to follow, and his genius has bequeathed an indelible memory wherever cricket is played. He was born with an extra finger in each hand, which he removed himself, a harbinger that the Good Lord had overflowed that extra talent into him, demonstrated by him playing golf, soccer and basketball for Barbados, and making his first class and Test debuts in cricket at the age of 16 and 17 respectively. He was a one-man cricket team, the dream of any captain. His versatility with the ball enabled him to bowl left-arm orthodox and wrist spin and fast-medium pace, including bowling bouncers. The completeness of his versatile skills and talents bestrode the cricketing world like a colossus, and like the proverbial Napoleon on the battlefields of cricket, he conquered all before him, excelling in every conceivable department of the game — except wicket keeping. Oh, if only Sir Garry, and players like Kanhai, Hall, Lara, Richards, Headley and others were available to proudly don West Indian flannels . . . West Indian pride will soar once again. Uniquely gifted, he was blessed with supreme athleticism, panther reflexes, eagle eyesight and the heart of a lion. He was a peerless exemplar of cricketing brilliance, endowed with an alliance of such natural gifts of talent and genius, that cricket may never see his like again. He was the cricketer's cricketer, whose phenomenal genius hardly brooked human limits. It was legendary, both in quality and quan-

tity. Sobers has set the standards by which other cricketers are measured, and like Muhammad Ali in boxing, Michael Jordan in basketball and Pele in soccer, Sobers is similarly unrivalled in the world of cricket. Sir Neville Cardus, that doyen of cricket scribes, gave the appropriate imprimatur to his all round genius in Wisden, 1967, p. 38, when he wrote: "Garfield St. Aubyn Sobers . . . the most renowned name of any cricketer since Bradman's high noon. He is, in fact, even more famous than Bradman ever was; for he was accomplished in every department of the game, and has exhibited his genius in all climes and conditions . . . We can safely agree that no player has proven versatility of skill as convincingly as Sobers has done, effortlessly, and after the manner born." In fact, Sobers is to cricket what Shakespeare is to literature, Michelangelo to art and Mozart to music. His only perceivable Achilles heel was as a captain, a consideration which can be excluded in the present context of argument. Sir Donald Bradman, who saw his 254 against Australia for a World XI in Melbourne in 197172, reckoned that it was the best innings he had ever seen on Australian soil. Sir Clyde Walcott said, "Sir Gary is remembered not only for his remarkable trail of statistical records, but for the quality of his cricket and the way he enjoyed the game." E. W. Swanton reminded us that "the true measure of his influence must take account of his sportsmanship and an unselfishness that were never questioned, an example second to none." John Arlott described Sobers as "the finest all-round player in the history of cricket." C. L. R. James reiterated that, "A man of genius is what he is, he cannot be something else and remain a man of genius." Michael Manley once said this of Sobers, "Sobers was destined, in typically Caribbean fashion, to shine like some great star alone in the firmament of his own genius." Let Sobers have the last word. In his book, The Changing Face of Cricket, he commends C. L. R. James' words to all readers everywhere, as if answering those who chose him second best, "What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?" Sobers played 93 Tests for the West Indies, scoring 26 centuries and 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, taking 235 wickets at an average of 34.03, while holding 109 catches, most spectacularly close to the wicket with panther like reflexes. He has the fourth highest batting average in Test cricket in the list of cricketers with more than 5,000 runs. In his 383 first-class matches, he scored over 28,000 runs and took over 1000 wickets. His statistics eschew any comparison. Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate, and his groundbreaking political efforts placed previously ignored minority communities like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park firmly on the political and economic map. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Queens Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in government and decision making, and in recognizing role models like Sir Garry Sobers. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: (718) 529-2300.

Adapted from an article by the author previously published in Wisden, the Bible of Cricket.

Centurion Kohli and Karthik help India sink Windies and seal series VIRAT Kohli made a brilliant unbeaten 111 as part of a superb Kohli before Bishoo trapped him lbw. century stand with Dinesh Karthik as India battered West Kohli was his typically composed self, driving a wide Bishoo Indies by eight to wrap up a 3-1 ODI series victory. delivery for four and taking the cheap singles before drilling Nurse The Windies had defended 189 in match four to give them- to the rope to go beyond 50. selves hope of squaring the five-game series. An easy six over deep midwicket accelerated his score and five However, Mohammed Shami took 4-48 and Umesh Yadav more fours arrived, included a clip between mid-on and midwicket ended with three wickets as Jason Holder's hosts stumbled to 205- for his 29th ODI century. 9 in Jamaica. Karthik's role was equally important and his knock came India put aside their Antigua wobble on a more favourable from just 52 balls, but it was left to Kohli to seal the win with Kingston pitch, Kohli constructed a fine captain's innings, while a mammoth six off Chase over long-on. Karthik (50 not out) proved a valuable foil in their unbroken stand of 122 as the visitors won with 79 deliveries to spare. The Windies' innings was a story of failing to build on starts. After Eldin Lewis contributed just nine, the Hope brothers, Kyle and Shai, contributed the bulk of the runs with Kyle striking nine fours in a 50-ball 46. But Umesh Yadav ended his innings before immediately trapping Roston Chase (0) leg before to stem the hosts' decent start. Jason Holder's (36) striking was crisp and he hit four fours and two sixes, but whacked Shami to an athletic Shikhar Dhawan at long-on and the seamer had another when Ajinkya Rahane pulled off a superb grab at deep-wicket to end Shai Hope's knock of 50, which came off 98 deliveries. Rovman Powell (31) added a couple of late sixes, but the batsmen had failed to deliver. India lost Dhawan (4) early and Rahane was put down West Indies were undone by the brilliance on five by Devendra Bishoo at cover point, although it was of Virat Kohli as India celebrated an ODI a tricky chance. series win in Kingston Rahane went on to contribute 39 in a stand of 79 with

Kyle Hope walked off in anger as he premeditated a pull to fall four short of a maiden ODI fifty ©AFP

Master blaster Viv Richards judged best of past 40 years ONE of English longest serving cricket writer’s, Scyld Berry, has named West Indies master blaster Viv Richards as the best player he’s witnessed in the past 40 years. This English summer will mark four decades covering cricket for The Telegraph for Berry, so to commemorate his ruby jubilee, the veteran compiled a list of the best 40 players during his tenure. The top 10 features two Australians; destructive wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist at No.7 and the mercurial King of Spin, Shane Warne, at No.3. "(Gilchrist) had the advantage of coming in at number seven behind one of the

strongest line-ups, but he made it count, as when he dismantled England in Perth with a century that took only one ball more than Viv Richards’s 56, the world record at the time, taking away games which had been within the opposition’s grasp," Berry wrote. Berry paid tribute to Warne for resurrecting the art of spin bowling in the 1990s from near extinction. "Pakistan’s Abdul-Qadir had kept alive the flame of spin in general, and wristspin in particular, but nobody else was a role-model - until Warne delivered his first ball of the 1993 series at Old Trafford, that divinely perfect leg-break," he wrote.

"He quickly became the greatest post-war spinner, perhaps of all time, his only rival Bill O’Reilly; and when his shoulder injury reduced the fizz of his legbreak, he became the greatest con-man - or magician - who ever bowled spin and took 500 more Test wickets." What separated Richards above all else, for Berry, was not just his destructive ability with the bat, but the imposing, intimidating presence he carried. "King Viv," Berry wrote. "The king who subjected every opponent to his will. The unvanquished king who never lost a Test series as captain. "Intuitively he under-

stood Sun Tsu’s Art of War - defeat an opponent mentally then victory will surely follow - and if opponents were not demoralised by the time he had strolled out nonchalantly, never deigning to wear a helmet, they were when he whipped his first ball through mid-wicket for four." Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram, who Berry writes is "quite undisputedly" the finest left-arm fast bowler of all time, entered at No.10, with the ‘Prince’ Brian Lara one spot lower at No.9. South Africa’s premier allrounder Jaques Kallis slotted it at No.8, below Gilchrist and India’s ‘Little Master’, Sachin Tendulkar. On Tendulkar, Berry be-

Viv Richards in his prime, 1980

lieved the Indian had the finest cricket brain off all. The top five features England’s larger-than-life allrounder Ian Botham, who pipped Tendulkar due to the fact he won more Test series.

At No.4 is Windies champion speedster Malcolm Marshall, followed by Warne and inspirationAL Pakistan captain Imran Khan in second spot. (Cricketcom.au)