Guyana chronicle new york edition 09 08 2017

com com www.guyanachronicle. www.guyanachronicle.

66 No. 66 ISSUE No. ISSUE

2017 2017 8, 8, SEPTEMBER ENDINGSEPTEMBER WEEKENDING WEEK

N N DISTRIBUTIO DISTRIBUTIO FREE FREE

GUYANESE CELEBRATE CELEBRATE GUYANESE

LABO R DAY DAY

IN BROOKLYN BROOKLYN

Irma leaves death and destruction …as Jose threatens

4

Page

Cannabis in shoes delivered to Camp Street prison Page

8

Storm uproots utility poles, topples trees at Soesdyke 12 Page

Stories and Pictures on Pages 2, 3, 13 and 16 Stories and Pictures on Pages 2, 3, 13 and 16

Nothing could stop the GCA Family Day Page

13

2 2

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September8,8,2017 2017

Guyanese waved Golden Arrowhead flag on Eastern Parkway to salute WIADCA @ 50

By Staff Reporter

E

astern Parkway was a sea of Guyana flags on Labor Day in Brooklyn, as The Republic of Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, joined a contingent to honor the West Indian American Day Carnival Association on its 50th Anniversary. Minister Broomes said she was happy to celebrate with the Guyanese Diaspora, adding that the Guyana government felt it was necessary for a representative from the administration to march with nationals to show unity, and support of WIADCA on its 50th Anniversary. “This is the biggest event in the Caribbean community, and we are happy to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, said Minister Broomes, adding that the government cares about Guyanese in the Diaspora, and reminded them of their newlyacquired wealth. “Your country has oil and gas. We are the richest people in the Caribbean, and we will transfer that wealth to educating Guyanese, as we develop our country,” she said, while calling on the expatriates to work together in unity for the betterment of their homeland. The nationals made history; since this is the first time a group headed by Guyanese-born elected officials joined the parade on Eastern Parkway. This was to say thanks to WIADCA, who last year, celebrated Guyana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence by inviting Guyana‘s Consul General to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly to join its festivities as a Grand Marshall, to honor Guyana’s achievement. Scores of Guyanese, in yellow Tee Shirts affixed with the Guyana Coat-of-Arms and the words

“Guyanese Celebrate WIADCA @ 50”, marched along the parade route singing patriotic songs. The Guyana Celebrates WIADCA @ 50 banner, accompanied by Senator Roxanne Persaud, Justice Ingrid Joseph, Consul General, Hon. Barbara Atherly, Presi-

to march, because she is a born and bred Guyanese, and was very proud to celebrate her culture with her compatriots. “I would not be here were it not for my Guyanese roots,” said Judge Joseph. Senator Roxanne Persaud in turn, thanked nationals for marching together, saying: “ The next time we do this, let us encourage more people to come out to showcase the six races of Guyana. Too often this is what we

Guyanese show national pride to honor WIADCA 50th Anniversary. dent of the Guyana Unity Movement, Sherif Fraser, and members of other organizations marched to the beat of Master Drummer Menes de Griot and the Shanto Rhythms. A group of creative dancers performed a dance choreographed by Verna Walcott-White, to showcase Guyana’s Indigenous heritage. Acting Supreme Court Justice, Ingrid Joseph in an invited comment, said it was important for her

Performers of Impressions Dance Theater perform on Eastern Parkway (pix by Tangerine Clarke)

see, said the politician, adding that on-lookers, questioned if Amerindians (indigenous people) were Guyanese. People in Brooklyn see only one segment of the Guyanese community.” “Thank you for coming out to showcase Guyana. Let’s do this again, but on a larger scale, said Senator Persaud. Consul General Barbara Atherly also thanked Guyanese for their participation, and reminded

them that the consulate is there to serve them, noting that the consulate will start its Saturday service from September 16, www.guyanaconsulatenewyork.org Jonathan Locke, a worldrenown sculptor from the land of Pepper pot, Cook-up Rice and Roti and Curry, said many don’t know the value of Guyanese living in America, and the Labor Day parade was the place to showcase their culture. Eric Joseph of the Guyana Unity Movement, said, “more than anything else, we are here to support WIADCA on its 50th Anniversary because very few institutions have stood the test of time, so it was imperative to honor this organization, and at the same time, display our Guyanese pride in the Diaspora.” Mickey Harte, who travelled from New Jersey, said he was proud to be in the parade and is committed to supporting events that benefit the Guyanese Diaspora. Passionate about preserving the Guyanese culture, G.U.M. member, Kay Gray said, “It is important that we preserve and protect our culture,” and also referred to he lack of vendors on the parkway during the carnival. “We must fight for our culture, and community organizations must mobilize towards this effort.” The Guyanese contingent ramped up their “Guyana Nice” song, penned by Menes de Griot, as they passed the Brooklyn Museum, and later gathered to sing “Oh Beautiful Guyana, Oh My Lovely Native Land in a crescendo, to end their historic participation.

Guyanese strike a pose after marching at the Labor Day Carnival.

8, 2017 September Week-ending Edition York New ChronicleNew GuyanaChronicle Guyana York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

3 3

G.U.M. Expresses Thanks to Elected Officials, Members & Supporters

W

ith Heartfelt thanks and Guyanese Pride, I extend a sincere "THANK YOU" for your participation in our historic march on Eastern Parkway, during the West Indian American Day Carnival Association parade, Monday, September 4th, 2017. According to WIADCA, this was the first time a Guyanese delegation marched and led the parade in 50 years. I am sure all of you have had an opportunity to see the pictures and videos and probably caught a glimpse of us both on Channels 11, 7 and 2, as we

by SHERIF BARKER FRASER G.U.M. President proudly marched and waved the Golden Arrowhead (Guyana’s National Flag), united as one people, one nation, with one destiny. Special thanks to our Consul General, the Honorable Barbara Atherly, for her commitment and dedicated service to our country. This march could not have happened without her input and support. To our esteemed Senator of the 19th, Senatorial District, Senator Roxanne Persaud, who so eloquently spoke of our six races, her passion and commitment to our country and her desire to see ALL GUYANESE working together for the betterment of our people. We thank you. Thanks to Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Honorable Si,pna Broomes for her participation. You were so energized during the march and we applaud you for sharing with us some of what you do on a daily basis to enhance the quality of life for all Guyanese. We appreciate your enthusiasm and positive spirit that helped make our coming together so much fun. To Judge Ingrid Joseph. We are happy to know you serve in a position where your

approach of firmness and understanding is the perfect mix . You make us proud Judge!! To our drummers you brought a sense of patriotism with every beat of your drum, taking us back to “Small days” which are still on our minds. Our Dancers were amazing. We acknowl-

edge Ms. Verna Walcott, choreographer, Founder and Artistic Director of Impressions Dance Theatre for her hard work and dedication over the years, you are a TRUE Guyanese GEM. To Simone, Glory and Faith Paris, Tiffany (continued on page 16)

4 4

Guyana Chronicle NewEdition York Edition week ending September 8, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Week-ending September 8, 2017

Irma leaves death, destruction …as Jose threatens

HURRICANE Irma, the most powerful Atlantic storm in a decade was churning its way across the Caribbean after battering the Leeward Islands on Wednesday, leaving at least one person dead and millions of dollars in damages. But as the storm moved towards St. Thomas and Puerto Rico, residents in the chain of islands were eyeing Hurricane Jose that the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that at 5.00 pm (local time), had become a hurricane with winds of 75 miles per hour (mph) and was located 1040 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Irma damage 2There was at least one death in the English-speaking Caribbean countries, although there have been unconfirmed reports that at least two people died in the French-speaking

territory of St. Martin as Hurricane Irma made its way across the region. Irma, packing winds of 185 miles per hour (mph) first hit Antigua and Barbuda before embarking upon its path of destruction. The executive director of the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ronald Jackson, said the focus now is turning to Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands. “We don’t have all the full details from the British Virgin Islands at the moment but given that the eye passed directly over Tortola given the physical geographical conditions…we anticipate there should be significant needs being generated by the impact of the most severe aspects of the storm,” he told a news conference. “We expect to see significant damage as

a result,” he said, adding that CDEMA is now working to deploy teams into Antigua, hopefully by Thursday “mindful that our plans may be varied somewhat by the fast advancing storm Jose, which is moving within the wake of Irma and showing some signs that it could move along similar path. “This means that there is a potential for secondary impacts for the north Leeward Islands (and) that is being factored into our plans for the moment, but for now we are hoping to deploy into Antigua as our focal point to serve the needs Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands from that point”. Irma damage 01He said even as the teams are being deployed “we are turning our attention, positioning teams to r4espond to potential impacts in Turks and Caicos Is-

Palm trees buckle under winds and rain as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean on Wednesday, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico September 6, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

lands, the Bahamas. ‘Already he confirmed that on death with television footage showwe have on standby military had occurred on Barbuda and ing the storm ripping through engineers and doctors to re- described the housing stock Princess Juliana International spond to the needs of Turks as having been “decimated”. Airport, destroying safety and Caicos and Bahamas,” Browne, who flew over fences and battering nearby he said, adding that relief the island on Wednesday Maho beach. supplies are also being mo- afternoon and reported that Damage caused by Hurbilised. The NHC said that not only was the housing ricane Irma Irma was closing in on St. and businesses destroyed Sand was flung onto e Thomas in the UnitedP11agStates but vehicles and other infra- the runway and huge rocks Virgin islands and Puerto structure destroyed. Browne smashed into planesPrice: as the No. 105028 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 $80 Rico and this general motion accompanied by medical per- storm swept over the tiny Cais expected to continue for sonnel and at least one police ribbean island. Huge chunks the next couple of days. officer, used a satellite phone of the building had also been “On the forecast track, to call into the state-owned strewn across the runway and the extremely dangerous ABS television and radio a jet bridge snapped in half. core of Irma will continue stations, to provide the very Dutch marines who to move over portions of the first reliable news about the flew to three Dutch islands Virgin Islands during the impact of IRMA overnight. hammered by Irma reportnext couple of hours, pass The French government ed extensive damage but near or just north of Puerto said it was worried that thou- no deaths or injuries. St. Rico this afternoon or to- sands of people had refused Kitts-Nevis’ Prime Minnight, pass near or just north to seek shelters on the is- ister, Dr. Timothy Harof the coast of the Dominican lands of Saint Martin and ris, who toured some of e Republic Thursday, and be Saint Barthélemy, where the areas affected byPag the 4

Trans Guyana cleared to resume shuttle service

(VAT Inclusi

Local content must benef

…T&T consultant stresses need for transparency in oil

Irma leaves death, destruction

Wo for wi

Flooded streets in Saint Maarten

— WANTED —

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team selling print and on-line advertising to an established account list. The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle) is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean and is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our weedage (wow.gubernatorially.coma). Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you. Email your resume and references to Dennis Nelson @ denizenation.nycterine@yahoo.coma or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

He Ve

These were scenes in St Maarten on Wednesday following the passage of Hurricane Irma in that island. (Saint Martin News Network photos)

GuySuCo eyes self-sufficiency by year-end

near the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas late Thursday,” it said. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he was thankful that Antigua had been spared any massive destruction as a result, but officials were expected to fly to the sister isle of Barbuda where the eye of the Category 5 storm came ashore. But

Irma left a trail of devastation as homes, hotels and government buildings were reduced to rubble. There were no immediate news of casualties. France sent emergency food and water rations to the affected islandsw where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity. St. Maarten’s world famous airport has been devastated

storm, said he was relieved and thankful there was no Pagesig11 report of loss of life or nificant injury to anyone. “My view is that St. Kitts and Nevis has been spared the ravages of what could have been total devastation given the magnitude of the hurricane—the size and expanse of it as it approached St. Kitts and Nevis. (CMC)

Be ag lau

–G urg

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

5

T TH HE E H HI IS ST TO ORY RY PA PAG GE E

Celebrating Guyana’s Indigenous Culture

his article is in keeping with the Guyana Govern- avoided hunting, because of cultural thatching and hammock-making. ment’s celebration in September under the theme: taboos. RELIGIOUS BELIEFS TRANSPORTATION “Guyana’s First People Sustaining a Rich Cultural The Warao believed that they The canoe was their main means descended from a heavenly figure Environment.”

T

GUYANA’S INDIGENOUS TRIBES Nine main indigenous tribes live in Guyana: Akawaio, Arekuna, Arawak, Macushi, Wapishanas, Patamuna, Waiwai, Warrau and Carib. There are also a few members of the Trio, Atorad and Taruma tribes. Most indigenous communities are in the hinterland region, where they form about 90% of the population. Some are also located along the coast and the many rivers which run through Guyana. ORIGIN These aborigines belonged to a group of people called Mongoloids, who crossed into the Americas from Asia 35,000 years ago by way of the Bering Strait. It is the subject of a scientific hypothesis that humans migrated from Asia to North America across a land bridge known as Beringia when lower ocean levels exposed a wide stretch of the sea floor, both at the present strait and in the shallow sea north and south of it. Guyanese call these people Amerindians, a shortened form of “American Indians,” which is a misnomer. Application of the term "Indian" to identify them originated with Christopher Columbus, who was in search of the East Indies. When he reached San Salvador in the Bahamas, he thought that he had arrived there. Accordingly, he called the area Indies and its people “Indians.” The term Amerindian was coined in 1902 by the American Anthropological Association. More appropriate terms to use are “indigenous people” “aborigines”, or “native people.” FIRST INHABITANTS Guyana’s first inhabitants were the Warao (Waraus), who migrated from Venezuela around 9,000 BCE. They are known as “boat people”, because of their intimate connection to the rivers and seas. They lived in wall-less thatched-roof huts built upon stilts on the highest ground for protection against frequent floods. Each hut possessed a clay cooking pit or oven

located in its center, with sleeping hammocks surrounding it. The only other furniture were wooden stools, sometimes carved in the shapes of animals.

of travelling, because other means were hampered by the many streams, rivulets, marshes and high waters created by the Orinoco. They are excellent boat builders, who invented

DIET The Warao diet consisted mainly of fish; but in July and August, they feasted on crabs. They

the dugout canoe, the earliest sea worthy vessel, some 5,000 years ago. They consider the palm tree the tree of life, providing them with flour, juice, fruit and branches for

they called the Primordial Hunter. They also believed that the earth was not populated by humans at first. The Primordial Hunter shot a bird with such force that his arrow penetrated the sky world and landed on earth. He peered through the hole that was left and saw earth, where he saw many animals. He lowered himself there via a rope he had attached to a tree. His fellow humans joined him later; eventually abandoning their sky home. It is probable that this tribe had driven out an earlier civilization, not identified by historians or anthropoglots. ARAWAKS The Arawaks, who followed the Warao, were pioneer horticulturists, settled at Hosororo creek on the Aruka River around 3,500 years ago. They also occupied the Corentyne River around 2,000 years ago, leaving their unique type of rock engraving, Because of the rich supply of protein found along the coastal swamps, they moved hundreds of (continued on page 20)

Boston Shipping Enterprises, Inc.

We Make Shipping Overseas as Easy as Shipping Next Door TO WE SHIP GUYANA, JAMAICA BARRELS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOXES GRENADA, BARBADOS DOCUMENTS ST. VINCENT LUGGAGE ST. LUCIA, HAITI APPLIANCES & Other World Wide Destinations FURNITURE CONTAINERS FAST RELIABLE SERVICE CARS & REASONABLE RATES

BOSTON SHIPPING ENTERPRISES, INC. 718.443. 8400

Fax: 718.443. 8403

506 Decatur Street (Corner of Ralph Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11233 Licensed and Bonded as Required By The Federal Maritime Commission — For Your Protection

6 6

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September8, 8,2017 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending

Urgent need for oil and gas programmes - UG Registrar

guyanachronicle.com guyanachronicle.com

For All Publishing Publishing and and Advertising Advertising in in New York York consult consult our our New York York Representative: Representative:

Dennis A. A. Nelson Nelson

dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com

Tel: 917-379-6590

Editorial Climate devastation and denial HURRICANES and storms ripping through the United States (U.S.) and the Caribbean, including Guyana and our exceedingly hot days, are a few examples that the ecological system is being altered and bringing with it serious consequences. Continued denial that climate change is not driven by man’s bad practices and therefore no need to work to restore and protect the environment cannot be allowed to fly in the face of environmental evidence. Guyanese live all over the world, concentrated mostly in countries such the U.S, Canada, United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Hurricane Harvey, which landed last week in Texas U.S, the havoc it wreaked in its aftermath, adversely impacting the lives of those who live there and the economy, is another reminder of what man must confront. TheTexas Governor has reportedly estimated the damage could reach US$180 billion. Ensuing historic rainfalls which overflowed the banks and flooded streets, damaged everything within vicinity. Texans are compelled to evacuate their homes, the death toll has risen, potential for health risks are real, tens of thousands dislocated, homes, businesses and other properties damaged, the state’s economy shaken. Our hearts go out to those who are going through this tough period. What is of significance too is that Harvey has been impacting states through rainfalls and flooding. Even as persons are trying to grapple with its impact and consequences, meteorologists are warning about a coming Hurricane, Irma, presently in the Atlantic and can land this week, with potential impact to the U.S and Caribbean. The frequency and devastation of these hurricanes and storms are bringing once again to the fore that these disasters will not stop, be constrained or averted if man continues to act like the proverbial ostrich, with heads buried in the sand. While there is the argument that hurricane of Harvey’s magnitude lands every 500 to 100 years and that such may be an ‘act of god’ or natural occurrence, technical/ scientific minds have cautioned that atmospheric changes as a result of man’s actions are threatening the ecological system. Where building codes are being discarded, wet land occupied, and the irrigation system not kept pace with development, man’s role in threatening the ecosystem cannot be ignored. Here in Guyana we have had to deal with our own environmental challenges. Though thankfully ours is not

WITH the economic and developmental prospects of Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector becoming more pronounced, the University of Guyana (UG) said there is an urgent need for the building of human capacity to deal with the industry. To this end, the University has commenced a process of negotiations with several regional and international institutions to have the petrochemical programmes quickly come on stream. Following the announcement of the first oil find by US Exxon Mobil back in 2015, stakeholders had begun questioning the country’s ability to adequately undertake what could eventually evolve into a giant commercial industry. At the centre of their concerns was the availability of human resource and training, and whether the country’s premier tertiary institution was in a position to galvanise the promised profits of the sector. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, UG’s Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande said that he only recently returned from a visit to the University of Alberta, in Canada, where he held discussions on Guyana’s oil and gas sector. The University of Alberta is said to be one of the premier oil and gas institutions in North America, and is among a number of institutions with which UG has been in consultation. Dr. Gravesande pointed out that the collaboration is a process and has only recently begun. “In this context, the University continues to work on the development of relevant programmes in the petrochemical levels. This is a process…So we are going to start a process of collaboration and the programme is only approved when it goes through a series of processes,” Gravesande told this publication. That process has already started

and will continue for the next couple of months. According to him, the subject will have to be presented to the academic planning and policy,

University of Guyana Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande

before going to UG Academic Board for consideration. The Board, he pointed out, will set out the courses for the programme. Meanwhile, at the local level, Dr. Gravesande said the University has begun engaging a number of faculties that will be involved in the process, including Technology and Earth and the Environment. “There is a sense of urgency to start the human resource development training in this very important sector. UG is collaborating with a number of institutions both regional and international in fashioning the most appropriate set of programmes at various levels to meet this sector”, Gravesande said, and added that the institution is committed to playing an active role in the process. Last Friday, UG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning and International Engagement, Dr. Barbara Reynolds told a stakeholder’s engagement session in Canada, that the University is working on the

a hurricane zone, we have been experiencing high winds, storms, floods and prolonged dry period, which adversely impact those affected. Sunday afternoon, Kuru Kururu had a rainstorm which sent the area into darkness, as the wind ripped up trees and utility poles. At the time of writing this editorial, there has been no reported human mishap, only damage to vehicles. Where this country has inherited irrigation systems and seawall defence put in place by the Dutch centuries ago, failure to upkeep, preserve and expand has consequences for us. Our building codes too have fallen short. Wetlands play an important role in water management, such as in water purification, streamflow maintenance, flood protection, shoreline

establishment on a School of Energy and Mines aimed at bringing benefits to the oil-and-gas and gold-mining sectors. Dr. Reynolds said the University needs to figure out how to export Guyana’s mineral wealth in a more comprehensive manner, even as it figures out how to deal with the likely increase and demand for ancillary services in the oil-and-gas sector, while recognising that it has a trajectory and staying ahead of that curve in terms of the kinds of specialised engineering that we want to develop.” Dr. Reynolds, who was accompanied by the registrar, said that the University is also working on retooling its geological engineering programme to offer an undergraduate degree in mining engineering, and is looking for expertise in and out of Guyana in this area. UG’s Chancellor Dr. Nigel Harris had last year warned that the institution needed to be prepared for the oil sector. He had said that the US oil company had already approached the University, and was enquiring about its current arrangement for an industry that is likely to place the country’s economy on another level. He had promised to arrange for assistance from the University of the West Indies (UWI). According to Harris, UWI has been training petroleum engineers and other persons in the industry for the past four decades. “It may be that the UG may not be able to provide all the staff they need. So, we are planning to link the University of Guyana with other international institutions. I will be pushing for links with UWI…. It does not make sense that we have the next-door neighbours and not take advantage of the programmes”, Professor Harris had said.

stabilisation and groundwater recharge. The effects of climate change which brings about intermittent higher tide than usual has influenced focus on our seawalls as a priority. This is necessary, given that the majority of Guyanese live around the coastland and the majority of the production of food and economic activity is conducted within the immediate environs of the seawalls. As such any major breach can be disastrous to these communities’ security and economic livelihood. Natural occurrence aside, man still plays a pivotal role in shaping and influencing the environment to ensure his survival and well-being. Harvey is a strong reminder of the importance to be guided by such thinking.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer:

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

7 7

GuySuCo eyes self-sufficiency -- as it moves towards diversification by year-end By Alexis Rodney

WITH government indicating its inability to continually pump funds into the ailing sugar industry, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) said it is hopeful that it would be less dependent on government subsidies by this year-end. But before this is done, the corporation must receive the promised financing for its ongoing capital works, Board Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas, said on Wednesday. “The board has decided to use the subsidy to diversify the operations and seek to move the industry into a more viable and more self-sustaining one, so that there is a reduced dependence on subsidies by the end of this fiscal year,” Dr. Thomas told the Guyana Chronicle. He is hopeful that the funds GuySuCo receives would move the corporation further into diversification. The sugar industry has been marred by economic and production challenges and has been at the core of

much debate over its impending down-sizing and what that could mean for thousands of sugar workers and their families. But government believes that diversification of the sector would not only open avenues for new areas of production, but would also contribute to an economy from which it has been feeding. On Wednesday, Dr. Thomas said the board continues on the road to diversification, all with the aim of the corporation becoming self-sufficient. “We would prefer to give sugar the opportunity to see if it could make itself viable by going into diversification,” he said. Government, he said, has been supportive and has been leading the way through the establishment of a “special purpose vehicle” to investigate the possibilities of diversification. Government was also able to set up diversification and privatisation arms, which will both help to sell identified assets of the corporation. Dr. Thomas said the sit-

Britisher jailed for cocaine-trafficking BRITISHER Orin Lewis Boodi was on Wednesday sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $100,000 after being found guilty of attempting to smuggle cocaine out of the country in milk and ghee tins in 2014. Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus convicted Boodi for having 7.170 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on July 4, 2014, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The matter was prosecuted by Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford. Boodi was busted by CANU agents at the CJIA with cocaine in milk and ghee tins in his luggage, when he attempted to board a TravelSpan flight. At the time he was an outgoing passenger bound for the United States. CANU officers conducted a search and uncovered five tins; two ghee and three milk tins containing what amounted to 7.170 kilograms of cocaine. In 2003, Boodi was sentenced to three years imprisonment for swallowing cocaine and was released in 2008.

Rice farmer on causing death charge

A 48-year-old rice farmer on Wednesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Tarachandra Persaud, called `Doce’ or `Dos,’ of Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, denied that on June 1, 2017 at Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove his car PVV 6494 in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Junior Lakeram. Police Prosecutor Arwin Moore made no objection to bail and Persaud was released on $300,000 bail. The matter has been adjourned until September 18.

GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas

uation at GuySuCo remains untenable and continues to evolve into a serious crisis, not only financially, but technologically and otherwise. “It is undercapitalised and the entire major infrastructure in the industry has broken down, including bridges and culverts and fields. Industrial re-

lations remain difficult, because the management and the union are not joined in a common effort to make the industry viable. They have in fact been tugging at each other and government has indicated its inability to continue the subsidies and without those the industry cannot survive,” Dr. Thomas said.

ALL POSSIBLE AREAS To this end, he noted that the corporation continues to examine all possible areas of diversification. They include aquaculture, aquaponics and seed paddy. He said GuySuCo is also trying to finance some of the measures by the sale of lands by the estate. The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) conducted into the operations of GuySuCo recommended that the corporation be privatised within three years. The commission recommended, also, that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be conducted to avoid total reliance on sugar for GuySuCo’s revenues. The CoI called for an evaluation of the options. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, addressing the National Assembly earlier this year said the future of the industry is considered to lie in a smaller sugar sector with reduced losses and cash deficits, but coupled with a separate and profitable diversified enterprise, which would ensure a viable future, while focus on the

poorly-performing estates should shift from sugar to diversification. The proposed courses of action are to amalgamate Wales Estate with Uitvlugt Estate and reassign the former’s canes to the Uitvlugt factory, since the estate is operating at 50 per cent capacity. Sixty per cent of its drainage and irrigation infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition. The corporation furthermore seeks to divest itself of the Skeldon Estate. The estates of Albion and Rose Hall are to be amalgamated and the factory at Rose Hall is to be closed. Meanwhile, addressing the performance of the industry, Dr. Thomas said 2016 was a “bad year,” principally because of El Nino and the effects of the industrial relations climate. He said the effects of 2016 continued into the first crop of 2017, “but we expect that the second crop would come out far better than the first crop. We are hoping we could turn the corner on sugar production by the end of this year,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

8 8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September 8, 8, 2017 2017

EMPHASIS ONshoes TRAVEL AND TOURISM Cannabis in delivered to Camp Street prison

A 61-YEAR-OLD MAN was on Monday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Judy Lachman for drug trafficking. Ishwar Persaud of Leopold Street, Georgetown denied that on August 31 at the Camp Street prison, he had 20 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. According to the unrepresented man, he didn’t know that ‘ganja’ was in the shoes given to him by a neighbour to take to a prisoner named, Ralph Franklin. “I was not afraid be-

cause the man is my neighbour and I trust him,” Persaud told the court. Police prosecutor, Richard Harris told the court that on the day in question Persaud was at the Camp Street prison to deliver food and clothing for an inmate. During a mandatory search of the care package, the drug was found inside the soles of the shoes that Persaud carried. The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge and remanded the elderly man until September 18.

Fisherman charged for snatching woman’s bag A 29-YEAR-OLD fisherman accused of snatching a woman’s handbag was on Monday charged and released on bail. Arshad Ally of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and denied that on August 31,last at Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, he stole a $8,000 handbag along with $7,000 in cash, the property of Nakeita Cole. According to reports, Cole was in a car at the junction waiting in a line of traffic when the accused came up beside her vehicle, snatched the bag and ran away. The victim however later saw the accused in another part of Georgetown and pointed him out to police. The magistrate released Ally on $60,000 bail and adjourned the matter until September 5.

Sophia youth charged for killing niece

FOUR DAYS after killing his 18-month-old niece over a pair of earrings, Sherwin Roberts on Tuesday appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, charged with murder. Roberts called ‘Big Head’, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on September 1, 2017 at Lot 98 North Sophia, Georgetown, he murdered Ronasha Pilgrim. Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore told the court that the post mortem report is still outstanding and the Magistrate adjourned the matter to September 25, 2017. The Chief Magistrate also ordered that Roberts be placed under the supervision of a probation officer until the completion of the preliminary inquiry (PI). According to reports, on the day in question, the toddler along with her brothers, aged 10 and 12 years, was left in the house by her father, a security guard, while he went to work. It is alleged that the accused, her 18-year-old uncle, at about 03:30 hrs the said day, broke a window, and gained entry into the house where he tried to relieve the child of her earrings. But in trying to do so, the child started to scream and the man tossed her through a window into the swamped yard. He then hurried away

Dead: Ronasha Pilgrim

from the area, but not before placing a pile of wood on top of the child, who was submerged in 18 inches of water and slush. When the child was discovered by her father shortly after, she was in a motionless state and was transported to the George-

Sherwin Roberts

town Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect was arrested at his ‘B’ Field Sophia home shortly after the

incident. He reportedly confessed to the police at the Prashad Nagar Police Station and explained to ranks that he was “high on weed.”

MINERVA TRAVEL CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED

ELAINE HENRY, CTA, MCC Travel Consultant 1053 E 40th Street Tel: 718-377-2071 Brooklyn, NY 11210 Fax: 718-377-1291 email: minitravel@hotmail.com www.minervatravel.net

$275.00 $589.00

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 September 8, 2017

36,000 girls targeted in HPV campaign

By Svetlana Marshall

PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow detailing facts about cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccines in the presence of the Maternal Child Health (MCH) Director, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton on his right and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle on his left. (Photo by Delano Williams)

stages. Painting the grim reality of the situation here in Guyana, she pointed out that every year 27 out of every 100,000 women die from cervical cancer, even as she further alluded to the fact that Guyana has approximately 750, 000 people. The numbers, she lamented, is worrying. “Two-third of all these cases was women under the age of 60. The age group that we found most at risk is 1539,” she posited. While there is provision within the health care system for the screening and pap smear of women to detect cancer at an early state thus allowing for treatment, Dr. Hamilton was adamant that the most effective way of preventing cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine. Though HPV also attacks males, there is no diagnostic test in the country for them. Turning her attention to the countrywide HPV Vaccination Campaign, which is set to commence on October 16, Dr. Hamilton said the HPV Vaccination is nothing new to Guyana, explaining that from 2012-2014, the HPV vaccine was introduced to the country with a donation of 21,600 doses. Vaccines were administered to girls 11-13 in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The campaign had started on a high note but fell for many reasons. “One: the girls were

damaging effectives not only affect the individual but the society as a whole. Director of Maternal Child Health (MCH), Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, who was also among the panelists that addressed the health journalists, explained that HPV has 150 strains with strains 16 and 18 known for causing cervical cancer. While it is a sexually transmitted disease, Dr. Hamilton noted that a person can become infected if he or she comes in direct contact with the virus from broken skin from any part of the body. Babies can also be infected during delivery if their mothers are infected. “On a normal day, you can have the virus but when there is that broken skin and it attacks the cells, which we call the mother cells,…what HPV does, it goes to that mother cell where everything starts, changes the DNA of that cell, so every other cell that would be formed from that multiplication process is going to be a cancerous cell,” she explained. Once the cancerous cell is developed,

mostly in Grade Six who received the vaccine, which means that some of them would have left their district and their region and so follow-up was difficult…Two: there was a very strong anti-vaccine campaign against the HPV vaccine that would

AIMED at “saving this generation of girls from developing cervical cancer in the future”, the Public Health Ministry in collaboration with the Pan America Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), will roll out a comprehensive Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign next month, as it forges ahead with plans to immunise approximately 36,000 girls between the ages of nine and 13 across the country. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, explaining that the

virus has the potential to develop genital warts and cancer, in particular cervical cancer among women. In 71 countries across the world, health authorities are fighting back utilising one of the most effective ways-that is, through the immunisation of young girls and boys using the HPV vaccine. On Tuesday, during a Media Brown Bag Meeting at PAHO/WHO Country Office, its Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow said, it is “high time” that Guyana re-initiate the widespread use of the HPV vaccine, as he pointed to the facts surrounding cervical cancer including its mortality rate. “Data from WHO clearly identify cervical cancer as the second most common cancer in women of the reproductive age group, and if there is something that we can use to prevent it then it is high time that we get unto using it,” Dr. Adu-Krow told the health journalists. Further alluding to statistical reports produced by PAHO/WHO, the Coun-

try Representative pointed out that over 83,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 36,000 died from the disease in the Region of the Americas, in 2012. “If this trend continues, the number of deaths in the Americas is projected to increase by 45% by the year 2030,” he warned. Added to that, Dr. AduKrow pointed out that cervical cancer mortality rates are three times higher in Latin America and the Caribbean than in North America. However, it must be noted that approximately 70 per cent of cancer cases could be avoided through HPV vaccination of adolescent girls. Additionally, immunisation using HPV vaccines is more cost effective than having to treat with cancer which

it spreads if not detected and treated at an early stage. However, it takes 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop in women with normal immune systems. It can take only five to 10 years in women with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated HIV infection. Symptoms of cervical cancer tend to appear only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage, the MCH Director noted, while pointing out that symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse; back, leg or pelvic pain; fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite; vaginal discomfort or odourous discharge; and swollen legs. Dr. Hamilton stated, however, not all vaginal bleeding is linked to cervical cancer. In Guyana,

Photograph showing the outer layer of the cervix when it is in its normal stage to when it starts develops cancer. (Mobieg Photo)

have caused some of the fall out,” MCH Director explained. Back then, naysayers had argued that vaccinating the girls at such an early age to prevent a STI was providing them with a license to have early sexual intercourse, but the health officials objected, noting that a similar argument was advanced when condoms were being given to adolescents. The research, however, has found that there was no such spike link to the dissemination of condoms or the use of the HPV vaccines. This time around, she said, the Public Health

Gardasil is the preferred vaccine used by the Public Health Ministry (Mobieg Photo)

cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women with the number of cases increasing. For the period 2003-2012, Dr. Hamilton said four per cent of the cancer was detected in Stage One with 96 per cent of all other cancers detected at later

9

Ministry with support from PAHO/WHO is coming back with a “boom” fully prepared with the requisite information. During this campaign, the target group includes girls nine to 13 years, and while the vaccine can be adminis-

tered to persons aged nine to 26 years, it is most effective between the ages of nine and 16 years, with a second dose required after the first six months,” Dr. Hamilton said. “If you are above 16 then three doses would be required,” she added. Some 36,000 girls are being targeted. Gardasil is the preferred vaccine used by the Public Health Ministry. Though HPV is common among males as well, the MCH Director said the focus is on the vulnerable population including girls and women. “If we do a very good job and achieve at least 95% of the girls within the age group, it means that the boys within that age group will be automatically protected,” she posited. With the consent of their parents, girls will be immunised in the schools, at health centres across the country, and even at private health institutions at no cost. Outreaches are also expected to be conducted in remote areas to ensure the majority of the girls within the targeted group are covered. Dr. Hamilton said the Public Health Ministry is collaborating with the Education Ministry and Private Health Institutions and Practitioners to facilitate a successful campaign. Additionally, health personnel in the various regions at all levels are being trained and edified on HPV Vaccine. The campaign is heavily funded by the Guyanese Government with assistance from Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and PAHO/ WHO. Some 40, 000 doses of the vaccine have already been secured.

10 10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September8, 8, 2017 2017

OPTIMAL THINKING "There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out fear." — 1 John 4:18

T

he human brain is made up of five major areas, all of which serve as individual power houses that process conscious thought, control emotional and physical reactions, store memory and much more - www.holinergroup.com. Thinking" has become the succesSimilarly, the business "brain" sor to "Positive Thinking" and has is made up of five major systems, all been endorsed by Dr. Stephen of which serve as individual power Covey, Dr. Ken Blanchard, Dr. Edhouses that lay the foundation, pro- ward De Bono, Brian Tracy, Mark vide security, generate life, inspire growth and engender business sustainability through the tenets of positive thinking, the holistic mind-body-soul resource of homo sapiens, the importance of the education system, the value of hard work and pervasiveness of love, respectively. Optimal thinking facilitates the management of these systems and the collective success of individual businesses stimulates socio-economic success. When I was a teenager the book, "The Power of Positive Thinking" by The Reverend Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, popularized the concept that "faith in yourself makes good things happen to you". Sixty years later the book, "Optimal Thinking" by Dr. Rosalene Glickman, shares how to optimize your life and career on your own to achieve the greatest return on your time and investment - www.optimalthinking.com . The concept of "Optimal Victor Hansen, Robin Leech, Dr.

Nathaniel Branden, other experts, media, celebrities and more than 6,500 corporations. Fascination with optimization has remained with me over the years and my interest has been manifested as follows: (1) Study of Operational Research at the Imperial College of Science & Technology; (2) a thesis on some theoretical aspects of opti-

mization; (3) six consecutive years of service as Chairman of the Bar-

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column bados National Productivity Council; (4) the challenge to set up a value chain system to sustainably export fresh product from the Caribbean to Europe; (5) strategies to allow the West Indies cricket team, once world champions, to return to its glory days; (6) the attempt to introduce the shepherding model as an optimization business tool; (7) involvement in the initial concept and a review of a private, public sector partnership; and (8) the recent authorship of a guide to showcase the investment potential in the CARIFORUM region’s growing agribusiness sector, with increasing global demand for tubers, added value of cultivating the crop, and the governments’ efforts to promote production and value addition. Optimal thinking can generically be introduced, in the business context, by first adopting positive thinking. Secondly, the realization that our people are our greatest resource means embracing mindbody-soul and hence productivity is paramount. Thirdly, getting our educational system right from the cradle to the grave is so important. There is much evidence now of the negative impact on society when our early childhood educational system is neglected. Fourthly, there is no short cut for "hard work! hard work! hard work!" This culture has been diluted by many prevailing distractions such as drugs and the earning of a quick buck. Fifthly, arguably the most important point, the recognition that learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all. Each Life stands under a beam of Light which draws its energy from an infinite pool of Love. Let us recognize that Love is the opposite of fear and hence we need to embrace Love and continually improve our understanding so as to cast out fear completely. Optimal thinking expedites this process and, with God's guidance and grace, will ultimately lead us to sustainable success. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email address is basilgf 57@gmail.com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com and on www. facebook.com/basilgf.)

Guyana week ending September 8, 2017 Guyana Chronicle ChronicleNew NewYork YorkEdition Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

11 11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh YOU’RE THE FATHER

GUYANESE CHEESE STRAWS Ingredients: 4 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese finely grated 1 ⁄3 Cup Margarine (5 Tbsp) 1 ⁄2 Cup flour (A tablespoon more might be needed) 1 ⁄2 tsp Mustard 1 ⁄4 tsp Hot pepper A pinch of salt (optional)

using the tips of your finger to form dough. 4. Place dough in a cookie press or use a pastry bag with the star attachment to achieve the look I did. You may also roll the dough out and cut into strips or use cookie cutter. (Cheese straws can be made in to any variety of shapes) Place on a baking sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes. Enjoy!!!

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add pepper and mustard to the grated cheese and mix well, set aside. 2. In a separate bowl cut the butter into the flour using a knife or pastry blender. 3. Next add the cheese mixture to the flour and gently combine together

A guy goes to the supermarket and notices a beautiful blond woman wave at him and say hello. He’s rather taken aback, because he can’t place where he knows her from. So he says, “Do you know me?” To which she replies, “I think you’re the father of one of my kids.” Now his mind travels back to the only time he has ever been unfaithful to his wife and says, “My God, are you the stripper from my bachelor party that I had fun with on the pool table with all my buddies watching, while your partner whipped my butt with a wet celery and then stuck a carrot up my butt????? She looks into his eyes and calmly says, “No I’m your son’s math teacher.”

THE BAIT

The Pope was cruising along the beach in the Pope-mobile when there was a frantic commotion just off-shore. A helpless man, wearing an English rugby jersey, was struggling frantically to free himself from the jaws of a 25 foot shark.

IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

DIESEL MAKES A COMEBACK

IT’S CLEANING UP its ACT

W

hy did the diesel engine become the darling of those who operate trucks, buses and t,rains the world over? The answers are:

its economy, strength, reliability, efficiency and a versatility that enables it to run on alternative fuel. In 1898 when Dr. Rudolph Diesel unveiled his compression engine at the 1898 Exhibition Fair in Paris, the world was impressed. Here was an engine with a 75-percent efficiency rating when the steam engine’s was 12 percent and the gasoline engine’s was 25 percent. And this engine ran on peanut oil. The fact that it was a compression rather than a combustion engine, allowed the diesel engine to be a stronger, simpler and more efficient engine. Its qualities have allowed it to remain valued for well over a hundred years and it seems that its best years are still in the future. Though they were economical to run, early diesel engines had many minuses. They were generally slow and loud and belched clouds of black smoke. They have been blamed for smog and soot and fouling the air and the lungs of citizens. Even now people complain that the old diesel engines in school buses, when allowed to idle, aggravate asthma rates in some locations. But diesel engines have improved over the years. In 1919, American mechanic, Clessie L. Cummins, purchased the rights to the diesel en-

RUDOLPH DIESEL

gine and began work on making it smaller and more stable for use in automobiles. Cummins continued to work on improving the diesel engine enhancing its speed and endurance. Today the Cummins engine is one of the more popular diesel engines in use around the world. It might have been more popular, seeing that it runs on easily available fuel, but many factors combined to slow its development. The use of biomass fuel did not become widespread as petroleum= producers began marketing a by-product of their operations as diesel fuel and this became the standard for compression engines. Again, for most of the time,

oil was relatively cheap and relatively easily available. But during the oil embargoes of the 1970s, diesel engines got a big boost everywhere in the world. Car buyers, starved for gasoline, looked for efficient alternatives, and fell back on diesel. GM, instead of making a proper diesel engine, produced gas engines and converted them to diesel. Although these “diesel” passenger vehicles earned more than 60 percent of the market, they quickly acquired a bad name as loud, dirty and full of problems, and were eventually shunned by consumers. However, demand for diesel trucks and

As the Pope watched in horror, a speedboat pulled up with three men wearing Welsh, Irish and Scottish rugby jerseys. One quickly fired a harpoon into the shark’s side while the other two reached out and pulled the hapless English fan from the water. Then, using long clubs, the three beat the shark to death and hauled it into the boat. Immediately the Pope shouted and summoned them to him. “I give you my blessing for your brave actions. I heard that there were some bitter hatred between the Celts and England rugby fans, but now I have seen with my own eyes that this is not true.” As the Pope drove off, the harpooner asked his buddies: “Who was that?” “It was the Pope,” one replied. “He is in direct contact with God and has access to all of God’s wisdom.” “Well” the harpooner said, “he may have access to God and his wisdom, but he doesn’t know anything about shark fishing”“Is the bait holding up OK or do we need to get another one?” buses remained high and all major US manufacturers continued to produce them. In Europe, however, interest in automobile diesel engines remained relatively high. Mercedes, VW and other manufacturers have been producing them all the while. Last year, more than half of the luxury vehicles sold in Europe were diesel-powered. Over the years, the British also produced and sold diesel engines in trucks and buses to many countries. Bedford diesel engines, for example, were cherished in the Caribbean. In Guyana, they were much used on the roads of the coastlands and the trails of the interior. In fact a large number of them are still alive and well in Guyana today. In the US, attitudes toward diesels are changing. Consumers, once reluctant to buy diesel-powered passenger cars, are finding that new technologies have made their objections to smell, noise, smoke, hard-starting invalid these days. Secondly, rising and unstable fuel prices are forcing consumers to look more closely at efficiency. In addition to the efficiency factor, there is the environmental. Today’s diesel engines are not only extracting more energy from fuel, but also reducing CO2 emissions. Encouraged by the new National Clean Diesel Campaign and other initiatives, diesels have undergone significant changes. The new “clean diesels,” will be subject to the same emissions restrictions as gasoline engines. The “dirty” diesel will give way to a cleaner, leaner and greener diesel. In the near future, expect to see new clean diesels from Audi, BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Nissan and VW, to name a few. Already, you can drive sleek, quiet speedsters that run on inexpensive biodiesel. Diesel-electric hybrids are also on the horizon. Back to Rudolph Diesel. While crossing the English Channel to discuss his engine design with British navy engineers, Rudolph Diesel disappeared without trace over the side of the ferry. Conspiracy theorists are still trying to answer questions about his disappearance. Were there persons who were disturbed by the growing acceptance of the diesel engine then? Yes. And now? Yes. Will acceptance grow? Very probably, yes.

12 12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September 8, 8, 2017 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending

Storm uproots utility poles, topples trees at Soesdyke

A FREAK storm roared through the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Sunday uprooting utility poles and toppling and cracking trees in its path. The occurrence happened even though the hydromet website had forecasted only scattered showers for Sunday. At Splashmins, a Toyota motorcar was damaged as a utility pole crashed onto the windscreen and bonnet. With the aid of an electric saw, the damaged utility pole was cut at the base and removed from the bonnet of the vehicle.

Benabs were also damaged and overturned into the creek. The electrical wiring which ran through the water of the creek did not deter patrons from enjoying the water as children and adults continued to splash. “This thing was like a small cyclone that lasted two minutes and just pass through the area quickly,� an eyewitness said. Throughout the highway, trees and vegetation were damaged or uprooted as a result of the storm. In an indication of the strength of the

storm, vegetation in some parts faced one direction while scores of uprooted trees and shrubs lined the pathways. Residents of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway explained that the storm is an annual phenomenon, but this is the first time it had

passed through Splashmins. Last August, another freak storm on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway flattened a house, toppled trees and ripped roofs off buildings, leaving residents, including some with young children, traumatised.

Damaged benabs in the aftermath of the freak storm as patrons continue to enjoy themselves in the creek

This utility pole that crashed onto the vehicle was removed with the use of an electric saw

Guyana York Edition week ending September 8, 2017 GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

13 13

Not even the thunder and showers stopped the GCA Family Day

Edinburgh crowns new queen at Miss East Bank Berbice Pageant

14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

By Abigail Brower

HUNDREDS of Glasgow residents made their way to the Multi-Purpose Community Centre Ground to view who would have been crowned the new “Miss East Bank Berbice” queen on last Sunday. The night’s activities began at 18:00 hours with a concert, followed by the Junior Pageant which featured the little princesses on the stage to give the audience their first look at their adorable dresses. The senior pageant began shortly after. Like any other pageant the pageant saw the delegates showcasing their talent in a talent segment and thereafter showcasing their beauty in casual and evening wear. However, the organisers explained to the Pepperpot Magazine that the event was also staged with the intention of celebrating the rich culture of the Glasgow Community, while providing an opportunity to empower young girls in the community. The six delegates who vied for the coveted crown in the senior category, had been working for the last

The Queen, Tiffany Caesar surrounded by other finalists

three months to perfect their skills for the pageant. During the question and answer segment, which ultimately was the deciding factor as to who will wear the crown, saw the young contestants tak-

ing to the stage and each asked a question pertaining to their platform. The answer given by the respective delegates to their specific question was testimony that they each had done an excellent job at

Tonicka Rose in the gown which earned her the ‘Best Gown ‘ award.

researching the topics they had embraced as their platform. And, while the judges deliberated the audience was given a last glimpse of the contestants in their evening wear as a group. Then, finally it was the moment everyone was waiting for, with Tiffany Caesar of Edinburgh Village being adjudged the winner and being crowned Miss East Bank, Berbice. The queen whose platform focused on ending domestic violence in her community, said that she took on the platform of domestic violence as a service of helping women, who are victims of such circumstances. Her aim is to execute major services and projects in targetted the communities on the East Bank of Berbice. Copping the First runner-up position was Alikea Cort, with Tenisha Taylor getting the nod as Second runner-up, followed by Tonisha Rose, Sarafeina Adonis and Stacy Samgollam, taking up the third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Speaking with Pepperpot Magazine, the pageant coordinator, Karen France, congratulated the winners even as she noted that each

of the contestants gave a good representation of themselves, and therefore, should consider themselves all as winners in their own right. Alluding to the role the queen is expected to undertake during her reign, France said she should an excellent role model to other young women in the communities, and too, willing to

work hard to execute community services, as well as, seek to promote the development of the new Housing Scheme. The pageant dubbed the largest community event in the new housing scheme was one of the main three events on the East Bank of Berbice. President of the Glasgow Development Association, Terrence Cummings, awarded all the winners with certificates and prizes. In addition to her prizes, the senior queen has also earned the right to wear her tiara and sash at all important functions throughout her reign. Meanwhile, individuals in the community who contributed in a meaningful way were presented with certificates as a token of appreciation. The gifts and prizes were sponsored by Director of Health Services in Berbice, Mr. Stephen; Regional Educational Officer, Region Six, Miss Kim Stephen; Promoter of the Annual Car and Bike Show, Mr. Andrew France; Commander `B’ Division, Mr. Paul William and the Pageant Coordinator. The pageant was emceed by Sharon Trim who did an excellent job in keeping the crowd entertained and informed throughout the evening.

Two of the junior delegates

Chronicle Pepperpot September 3, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

XXI 15

Greenlight brings joy to hundreds of children By Shirley Thomas

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of Greenlight Guyana Educational Inc., Ms. Salome Osborne, has redefined the term ‘giving back’ in every practical way through her life-long commitment to the youth in her Guyanese hometown and community. These sentiments were expressed by her Alumni colleagues, in a review of her humanitarian work in Guyana. Osborne resides in the USA, but spends much of her time back and forth between New York and Guyana, ‘giving back’ by way of attending to the educational needs of Guyanese children. Quite recently, she honoured and presented financial incentives to 38 students from four primary schools on the West Demerara for success achieved at the last National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Exams. The aim is to better equip them to turn out at their new schools in September, imbued with a sense of pride and feeling good about themselves. Greenlight Guyana Educational Inc. is a U.S.-based Not for Profit, founded by Osborne in 2006. Since then, Osborne, a tax consultant in the United States, has been travelling to Guyana on Greenlight business, reaching out to the children and responding to the needs of people of those communities in diverse ways. Greenlight Guyana Educational Inc. is a patron for the following schools: Bagotville, Nismes and La Retraite Primary. The presentations were done at Nismes Primary on August 10 and La Retraite on August 15, bringing joy to the hearts of the children. From Nismes, 19 students were awarded; Nine from Bagotville and nine from La Retraite. Top student and all-round performer from Nismes was Dwayne Darrell; second

was Afeicha Ricchardson and third, Omeil Thomas. The top two will attend West Demerara Secondary, while Omeil will attend Patentia Secondary. From Bagotville, Tenisia Gordon was top performer from a class of nine and was awarded Le Venture Secondary School. Meanwhile, from La Retraite, Narissa Parkes won the highest marks, followed by Joshua Evelyn. They will both attend West Demerarra Secondary School, while Seon Small and Vickram Persaud were runnersup. Joining the students in celebration were their parents; heads of the respective schools; past teachers, including Mr. Allan Robertson who also made personal presentations to the three outstanding students; Ms. Ingrid Moore and Grace Felix. Providing tangible support for academic endeavours for hundreds of young children in Guyana, Osborne’s focus for a number

La Retraite top student, Norissa Parkes, retiredteacher teacher receives her cheque from aretired Allan Johnson

Omiel Thomas receives his cheque from Nismes former teacher, Grace Felix

Dwayne Darrel and Afiecha Richardson receive personal gifts from Ms. Salome Osborne in addition to their cheques

Bagotville top student, Tenisia Gordon, receives a cheque from CEO, Ms. Salome Osborne

munities, as well as donors in the United States who continue to see tangible evidence of transparency and her commitment to the cause. Her organisation was conceptualised 13 years ago when, on making a visit to her hometown, Bagotville, she observed that even though school had reopened in September, a lot of children had not gone back to school. On making enquires, she found that many of the children were still at home. When contacted, their parents explained that they did not have school uniforms and so were ‘holding on’ until they could get supplies. Devastated by this announcement, she contacted friends back in New York and put the idea of forming a not-for-profit charity to address this need. Thirteen years have passed, and it’s getting bigger and better, and the children are the better off for it. A past student of Cambridge Academy in Georgetown, Guyana, in acknowledgment of her distinguished works, the New York-based Cambridge Academy Alumni Association International (CAAAI) in 2010 conferred on Osborne, the prestigious Robert A. Pinkerton Award for Outstanding Community Service. The Executive Board and all Alumni Members congratulated Osborne for this noble achievement. “Cambridge Academy Alumni Association International is proud to celebrate the success and achievement of one of its member-supporters Ms. Salome Osborne, whose dedication to a strong educational foundation and learning opportunities for children in Guyana, reached another rewarding high-point at a recent graduation ceremony on the West Bank of Demerara. Ms. Osborne has redefined the term ‘giving back’ in every practical way through her life-long commitment to the youth in her Guyanese hometown and community,” they said.

Nismes top student Dwayne Darrel receives cheque from Greenlight CEO, Ms. Salome Osborne (at right)

Vickram Persaud receives his cheque t from Teacher, Pearlie Damon

of years was centred primarily on the distribution of backpacks and school supplies including books, magazines, uniforms - complete with custom-made shirts and trousers, as well as shoes, socks and other necessities. Each year she donates at least 500 such kits to children of the three schools. Come December, she’ll be back with a number of barrels for her Toy Drive and clothing distribution initiative, through which she manages to bring abundant joy to the deserving children and assuring them of having a Merry Christmas. And placing a high premium on education and reading as a tool, Osborne continues to exhort the children to stay in school and to make reading a habit. Towards this end, she has established a Book Centre in her home at Bagotsville where the children are allowed to come in and read. She also places herself at their disposal to offer assistance with areas of school work that are challenging to them., Osborne’s innovative and sustainable leadership throughout the years has been commended by members of the local com-

16 16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September8, 8,2017 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending

G.U.M. Expresses Thanks to Elected Officials, Members & Supporters

(from page 3) Herod, Liane Henry and Shanice, you all were phenomenal. You danced like there was no tomorrow, your energy was contagious and it propelled the marchers forward. To our journalist and photographer, Ms. Tangerine Clarke, words cannot express our thanks for the work you have done over the years, showcasing the beauty and

culture of Guyana. Because of you, over 13,000 viewers from all over the world tuned in to watch us march down Eastern Parkway. We Thank you TC, we appreciate you and all you continue to do to showcase our beautiful Guyana. To the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle, the success of our events can be attributed to your positive exposure and we hope

Some of the marchers (from left) Justice Ingrid Joseph, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Sherif Barker Fraser, Minister Simona Broomes and Consul General, Hon. Barbara Atherly.

to maintain our partnership as we endeavor to structure, implement and participate in programs and projects that improve the economic position of Guyanese residing in and out of the U.S. and continue our efforts to unite Guyanese one at a time. Mr. and Mrs. Clement Yhap, a special thank you. Your presence

and support affirmed what a true friend really is. Thanks for always being there and for sharing the many pictures when we are sometimes strapped or too busy to take pictures ourselves. To our families, friends, supporters, members of the diaspora organizations, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for accepting our invitation to participate in the march and please share our Thank you to ALL. This was made possible because of people like you who remain focused on bringing about cohesiveness and unity amongst the diaspora. We made Guyanese proud, those sitting in the stands and standing on the sidewalks waving their golden arrowhead as we passed by, to name a few, Rose October-Edun and Claire PattersonMonah who captured us on film and shared with the world. We hope to do this again next year, marching together, one people, one nation marching in unity. With Sincere Gratitude. Sherif Barker Fraser

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

17

790 Guyanese doctors trained in Cuba Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

By Rabindra Rooplall

MORE than 100 Guyanese will be graduating in the field of medicine next year, adding up to a total of 790 to have graduated in Cuba and Cuban Ambassador Julio César González Marchante said Guyana will benefit from more scholarships. The Cuban envoy said Cuban physicians, other health professionals and those in other spheres are a reflection of the solidarity and internationalism the Cuban people and Government practice. He said there are more

than 50,000 Cuban collaborators in 70 countries. “Here in Guyana, we have 202 health collaborators deployed in seven regions of the 10 in the country, who today continue more than 41 years of uninterrupted Cuban health collaboration in Guyana. Among them, special recognition today goes to the 74 professors and other persons linked to the undergraduate teaching for the excellent work they have done,” the Cuban ambassador said. Solidarity uplifts human beings, González Marchante noted, adding that the Cuban Revolution and its

‘Smallie’ still in Linden

- police believe escapee trapped in mining town

Wanted man: Royden Williams

By Vanessa Braithwaite POLICE Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan is of the belief that death row prison escapee Royden Williams is still in Linden, even though the Joint Services which have launched an extensive manhunt to recapture him, have not received a breakthrough thus far. On Thursday, Williams reportedly narrowly escaped ranks who pounced on him and another escapee Uree Varswyck, who was shot dead in a Central Amelia’s Ward shack where they were hiding out. Police have since taken the owner of the shack, 52-year-old Linden Orin Gordon known as “Priest,” as well as another person into custody for questioning. Ramlakhan said the two should be charged this week

for harbouring the escapees, if the investigation that is ongoing proves that they were. Meanwhile, acting Commander of ‘E’ Division Superintendent Anthony Vanderhydren confirmed that family members of Uree Varswyck have positively identified him and his body is still at the Wismar Hospital Mortuary. There continues to be heavy police presence in Amelia’s Ward and the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway and residents of Linden are encouraged to report any sign of Williams to the police. On Thursday evening, Varswyck was shot in a yard in Central Amelia’s Ward, located 10 lots away from the Amelia’s Ward outpost. Neighbours told the Guyana Chronicle that they had spotted Williams up to a week ago, but did not take it for anything, since the yard is often filled with Rastafarians smoking marijuana. The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the escapees had been hiding out in Linden for a few weeks. The police retrieved from the house a 9mm pistol with 40 live rounds, bags of pastries, beverages, medication, a tear gas mask, ropes, army clothing and toiletries, among other items.

Cuban Ambassador Julio César González Marchante

leaders, Fidel and Raul Castro, together with the Cuban people have promoted and multiplied this, convinced of its value to make their reasonable ideas triumph. He noted that hundreds of thousands of Cubans have fulfilled internationalist missions in different sectors like education, construction and health with its ‘Army of White Coats’ that contribute to saving lives daily and help in elevating the quality of life and expectancy around the world.

17

Cuba cooperates in making doctors available at the international level, and they have elevated the sanitary indicators in the world. “We are training thousands of physicians, nurses, dentists, technicians and technologists in all the specialties,” the diplomat underscored. Further, the Cuban envoy said the Latin American School of Medicine, created in 1999, is an example of Cuba’s cooperation in the health sector.

A programme of scholarships for foreign students has graduated around 49,000 health professionals from 135 countries and from them more than 28,000 have graduated from the Latin American School of Medicine. On Wednesday last, 38 medical doctors who have spent the last six years in Cuba studying, graduated at a ceremony hosted by the Department of Public Service, Ministry of the Presidency, at the National Cultural Centre.

18 18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September8,8,2017 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending

Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business

I

The Edgar Henry Column

Securing A Loan For Your Business

n today’s market, one cannot expect to run any business without a loan. To secure a loan from any lending institution, you must qualify in several departments. Although you may have a substantial amount of cash hidden under your mattress, utilize the old system of OPM - Other People’s Money -Therefore, you must have an idea what banks look for when lending to businesses. BORROWING TO START A BUSINESS IS NOT THAT EASY Getting a bank loan, particularly for a start-up business especially if you are a new kid on the block, is like pulling teeth. More so if your business is home-based and online. No matter how you turn or twist it, banks always look for a good and solid track record. Banks would tend to favor an established businessperson with a solid credit rating, a sizeable bank account, experience in the business they propose to enter and business plans that show the ability to repay the loan. If you do not qualify in all these areas, then you need to double your preparations to convince the banker to lend you that much needed start-up capital. Lenders will ask an awful lot of questions, and it takes a great deal of work, time and effort to put it all together. One of the cheapest and most popular ways to finance a business is through the basic bank term loan. Term loans typically have fixed interest rates, monthly or quarterly repayment schedules, and a set maturity date. You may have to put down 20 to 25 percent of the total you want financed, because the banks want you to carry some of the risk. WHAT DO BANKS LOOK FOR? Character: How you have previously managed other loans either business or personal? What is your business experience? If

you're a corporate executive and want to open a restaurant, it’s good for you to have some restaurant experience. Credit capacity: The bank will conduct

a full credit analysis, including a detailed review of your financial statements and personal finances.

Collateral: It's the primary source of repayment. Expect the bank to want this source to be larger than the amount you're borrowing. Capital: What assets do you own that can quickly be turned into cash if necessary? The bank wants to know what you own outside of the business such as bonds, stocks, apartment buildings etc. that might be an al-

ternate repayment source. Comfort/confidence with your business plan: How accurate are your revenue and expense projections? You can expect the bank to make a detailed judgment depending on the condition of the economy and the industry? APPROACH COUNTS Many small business owners often make the mistake of not being adequately prepared when going to the bank for a loan.

Surprisingly, many loan applicants don't even have the slightest idea how or when they intend to repay the money they requested. Often they don't even know how much money they need. When asked how much money they want to borrow, many people give these two common responses: "How much money can I get?" or "As much as possible." Is it any wonder that lenders say ‘no’? The bottom line is that it pays to do your homework before you ask for a loan. Bear in mind that the probability of getting your loan

approved goes up if the degree of risk associated with lending you money goes down. To lower your risk and improve your odds of getting the loan, you need to anticipate the questions lenders will ask you. You need to present your banker insights into your business that may enable him or her to easily approve your loan. YOU MUST KNOW * Exactly how much money you need? Be as exact as possible, adding a little for contingencies and the unforeseen extra expenses. * How you plan to use the money? Telling the banker that you want a loan to "have working capital" is the fastest way for your loan to be denied. There are only three things you can do with a loan — buy new assets, pay off old debts, or pay for operating expenses. Be as specific as possible. * How long it will take you to repay the loan? Your cash flow projections will help you formulate a repayment time frame for the loan. This is the time when you need to convince the banker of the good potential of your business and its long-term profitability. * What rate of interest can you afford? There is no sense in tying yourself up in a loan that will squeeze out your profits and bleed your business dry. It does not benefit you to take on a debt that cannot be repaid. * What can you use as security for the loan? A loan is a risk, and the bank needs to make sure that they can get their money back. You need to present collateral and your personal guarantee to repay the loan. Your goal is to convince the banker of the value of your collateral. PAY ATTENTION TO • Poor credit reports: If your credit report is blemished, the bank will naturally wonder why you would pay them on time when you have failed to do so for others. • Poor collateral: Banks want to see liquid assets, which will be assessed on their market value, not on what you paid for them or what you think they're worth. • A poor business plan or none at all: Make sure you have one, and be sure it's realistic. Getting a loan is going through a hard rocky road. Bankers need to be sure that they are not taking inordinate risks with you. Your main role as the loan applicant is to convince the bankers that you and your business are good credit risks. That’s all. “It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

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

Mocha/Arcadia rising from the ashes

Guyana New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017 GuyanaChronicle Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

THE quiet, semi- rustic farming community of Mocha/Arcadia is a community that is easy to miss. It is nestled far aback the New Providence Housing Scheme, off the East Bank of Demerara Public Road; isolated by distance and surrounded by dwindling cane fields deep in the backland area. Added to the access challenges, was the disregard for the village experienced in the past, which Mocha residents believe contributed immensely to the slow growth of the village- which has just over 4,000 residents. About two years ago, residents believe that Mocha/ Arcadia was treated with intense neglect. The roads in the community were derelict. Most, if not all, of the thoroughfares, were crater-filled and often times, drivers were not mindful of taking their vehicles into the area which meant residents were required to walk long distances to their homes. Tall grass and undergrowth were regular features; drains and other community facilities were neglected and unable to receive the necessary attention because of limited funds. Adequate lighting, demarcations and signage were absent.

for much more improvement. It was for these reasons, programmes targetting young and older persons were rolled out with the help of Central

NOT ANYMORE Today, Mocha/Arcadia is rising from a lonely place, as residents work tirelessly to position the community in a place where they can benefit not just from the country’s expected oil wealth, but from activities that promote sustainable development and growth. This was according to Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Mr. Rudolph Adams. Following a visit to the community, Adams related that a lot is now happening for Mocha/Arcadia. He was proud to highlight, in particular, the physical changes the community has undergone since the ascension of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) government. With the new administration, came change, he said. This also meant a change in attitudes and behaviours. In the past persons were allowed to vend on community parapets and other spaces because of circumstances, while young people and those less academically inclined, procrastinated and spent many of their days ‘liming’ on the street corners. These are habits that are hardly evident now, even though there is room

Government and the Caribbean Local Economic Development Programme (CARILED), a Canadian-funded organisation that works to improve the capacity of local government by working with individual communities. The Ministry of Communities and the Ministry of Public Security both have programmes targetting, in particular, young people in the areas of entrepreneurial training and skills development. “But one challenge to the NDC is getting them (young people) to come out,” Adams said. He spoke of the unwillingness by persons to attend community meetings, training programmes and other such events. One training programme, it was pointed out, was supposed to help assess the abilities of the people in the area before a comprehensive approach could be taken. However, after a commendable turnout, the numbers soon started to dwindle, the Chairman related.

leaders visit the community with the aim of implement programmes that target specific groups, it would better serve the purpose if

19 19

ty where almost everyone is related, but a farmer selling large amounts of produce at a cheap cost to residents, many of whom who need it,

is barred from operating at the roadside. “Yes they have programmes, and yes, it is hard to get people, but that is be-

The poor roads that characterised Mocha’s entrance is no more

CONSULTATION NEEDED Some young people in Mocha/ Arcadia are of the belief that the approach towards them is misguided, insisting instead that when

prior consultation is done with the targeted groups to ascertain what are some of the things they like and appreciate so as to capture their attention, as well as, keep them interested and occupied. Twenty-eight-year-old Travis Kulen who was born and raised in Mocha/ Arcadia, is an electrician, however, he only gets work only when it is available. This young man wants to establish and operate his own electrical firm, but he lamented that access to capital and assistance with the basic knowhow in relation to business plans, are areas where he really needs some guidance. Then there is Matilda Gittens, a 23-year-old housewife and mother of two, her interest is in opening a cosmetic shop in her community, but like Kulen, she lacks the much-need financial capital. Thirty-one-year-old Kenton Haynes, and 40-year-old, Clint Ramdular, is a miner and businessman, respectively. They, too, say they find it hard to cope in their community. Ramdular, for instance, said he was self –employed as he operated a detachable food tray, however it was removed by the NDC. “ They (NDC) say Mocha/Arcadia is a family- oriented communi-

cause ideas are being offered that many are not interested in,” members of the group pointed out. The young people have suggested the startup of community groups to which capital and guidance can be offered for farming and livestock rearing, which they say has potential in the community. The young people noted too, that more opportunities must be created for sports and other talents that young people possess as that is what will keep them interested, even as they reiterated that too much time is taken to implement programmes. “When people got mouths to feed you think dem able sit down and listen to you over and over? ” one youth remarked. The young Mocha/Arcadia residents are, however, very pleased with the physical changes in their community and have commended their NDC for helping to improve roads, street lights and drains. And, while they proudly declared that their community rarely experiences crime, they remain adamant that more collaboration and a genuine move to improve the lives of the young people now and for the future has20) to be made. (continued on page

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

20

Celebrating Guyana’s Indigenous Culture tons of earth with wooden shovels, to build habitation mounds and raised fields for farming. They planted cassava (manioc), on the hilltops, which they baked into bread on ceramic griddles. The word “Arawak” was given by the Europeans at a very early age of the Columbian era to a specific indigenous group living in the Guianese coastal area, Suriname, French Guiana and Venezuelan Guayama. Initially, they lived in the Northwest, Pomeroon and Berbice, between the Corentyne and Waini rivers. A British writer noted that, “of all the tribes this tribe is the most docile and possessing none of the warlike spirit of the Caribs and Akawois.” The Dutch and British considered them the Aristocrats of Guyanese native civilization. ARAWAK SOCIETY They were farmers and fishers. Their most important crop was cassava or manioc, which their women ground into a meal and baked bread. Other Arawak crops included beans, squash, peppers, peanuts and corn. They caught fish, turtles and other seafood. Among the game commonly hunted were deer, labba, tapir, peccary or wild hog, agouti and birds. Guyana’s national dish, pepperpot, derives from the Arawaks.

(from page 5)

ARAWAK RELIGION The Arawaks believed in many gods called Zemi, whom their medicine men or priests consulted for advice and healing. This was done in public ceremonies with song and dance. The priests (Shaman) presented carved figures of the Zemi at agricultural feasts. Women served bread (a communion rite), first to Zemi, then to the Cacique followed by the people assembled. They believed that the sacred bread was a powerful protector against sickness and evil.

CARIBS (KARINYA) The Caribs followed the Arawaks and, like them, migrated from Venezuela and settled along the Essequibo, Mazaruni, Cuyuni, Pomeroon and Barima rivers. Shortly afterwards, they outnumbered the Warao and the Arawaks and were the most powerful tribe throughout Dutch occupation. This tribe was unique in their

mastery of painted ceramics and their pottery was distributed as far as the mouth of the Amazon. They gave the Caribbean area its name and the word ‘Carib’ is used to refer to many Amerindian groups scattered throughout the Caribbean islands and the South American mainland, north of the Amazon.

CARIB SOCIETY Like the Arawak, Carib society was patriarchal. The men were mainly warriors, who travelled in raiding parties. Women, who lived in

WAPISHANAS The Wapishanas are recent migrants to Guyana, who arrived in the 18th Century ACE from the Rio Negro area in Brazil. Living in the Rupununi, they are described as the most reliable and industrious of Guyana’s native tribes. They are more agriculturists than hunters and fishers. Their Piaiman (Shaman) is called ‘Marinau’ and is believed by the Wapishana to have power over evil spirits, sickness and disease. The

Some of the Guyana’s Indigenous people at GCA Awards Ceremony at Brough Hall separate houses to men, farmed and performed domestic chores. Each tribe’s religious beliefs are centered Carib village was ruled by a local on spirits they call ‘Durimas’. leader, known as a Cacique or Chief, PATAMUNA who, like his Arawakian counterpart, Very little is known about this was usually a son or nephew of the tribe’s history. Its people are found previous ruler. mainly in the North Pakaraimas and The view that Caribs were can- are known as great mountaineers. nibals has been discounted by recent They are known archaeologically scholarship. It is generally believed from pottery collections in the Yathat the Spanish described them as wong valley and the upper Siparuni such, because of their fierce resist- River. ance to Spanish occupation. The mystical figure “Old Kaie” belonged to this tribe. He is the AKAWOIS The Akawois were next in im- Amerindian Chief in the legend portance to the Caribs. They were which explains how the magnificent nomads and are found in the lower Kaieteur Falls got its name. In many Essequibo, the upper Cuyuni, the De- of the Kaieteur legends, the falls is merara and the Pomeroon. Very ag- called “Old Man’s Falls.” The legend I relate states that gressive, they were so feared that the Kaie’s tribe was frequently plundered other nations left them alone. They pioneered the occupation of the hin- by a warlike neighboring tribe. Kaie went to the Great Spirit (or Makonterland forests around 80 B.C.E. aima) and asked him to help his peo-

ple. The Spirit told him to make a sacrifice. He sailed his boat over the falls to his death. The Great Spirit was moved by his heroic act and saved the Patamuna from further plunder.

THE MAKUSI This tribe is skilled in the preparation of the deadly ‘curare’ poison, which they place on the tip of their arrows. They live in the Northern Rupununi Savannahs. Their outstanding contribution to Guyanese culture is the blowpipe, described as the most ‘mysterious and awe-inspiring weapon in the world’. They were a powerful tribe who were the growers and suppliers of cotton to the other tribes, especially the Makusi. WAI WAIS They seemed to have moved into Guyana from Brazil during the early 19th century and occupied the Upper Essequibo River. They are one of the few tribes that still use their traditional dress of loincloths and aprons. “A glorious sight to behold, a Wai Wai man decked out in full sartorial regalia, he imposes an impression of fowl and flight, and distances himself from the dowdy attire of women, for the Wai Wai men rule the universe, and women contain men.” (George Mentore 1993). The Wai Wais were skilled weavers and bead workers and the traditional Wai Wai architecture, exemplified in the Umana Yana, is considered by many Guyanese as the embodiment of Amerindian architecture. When I was a boy, the Government did very little for the native peoples. Stephen Campbell, the first indigenous Member of Parliament (1957), should be praised for his sterling efforts on behalf of his people. I applaud the present Government for setting aside this September to celebrate the unique cultural contributions of indigenous people to Guyana’s heritage. The only country that calls native people “Amerindian” is my country. We must cease using this erroneous term. I also detest calling the native peoples “buck people”, a derogatory term referring to their short stature. I applaud the Guyana Government for setting aside this month to celebrate indigenous Peoples’ Cultural Heritage! I celebrate the indigenous people of my native land!

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 65 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Invest wisely. Your personal life could have you tied up in knots. You should be looking at ways to spoil yourself. Social events may lead to a romantic interlude. Deception will play an important factor in relationships. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Monday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Sudden changes regarding colleagues may surprise you. Someone close to you will get upset easily if you are insensitive to their needs. Alienation may be the result of a misunderstanding. Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Sunday.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) If you try to manipulate emotional situations you will find yourself alienated. You may divulge private information without realizing it this month. You will gain knowledge through your adventure. Don’t blame every thing on your mate. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Your doubt could lead to insecurity. Be sure to spend time helping children with projects that are too difficult for them to accomplish alone. You can make some money if you get involved in a conservative financial prospect that is presented to you. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. Minor accidents could occur if you don’t take precautions. You may have difficulties finishing projects you start. Strengthen your position among your peers. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Sunday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices. Someone you care about may not be too pleased with you. Children will be of major concern if you haven’t kept the lines of communication open. Partnerships will be favorable and contracts can be signed. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Monday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental. You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence. Romance appears. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Saturday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) There’ll be difficulties if you spend too much. Someone may be trying to take advantage of you. You must get out and mingle. You may find that your family responsibilities are piling up. Your luckiest events next week will occur on a Sunday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. Don’t let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. Avoid getting trapped in internal disputes. Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups this month. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Monday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair. Don’t go hog wild when it comes to entertainment or you could find yourself short of funds at the end of the month. Trips will be more than adventurous. Try to include the one you love in your plans this month. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. You may want to get a little extra rest. You are prone to infections and fevers. You should teach children some of your unique creative talents. Your tendency to dramatize may be a little much for your partner to take constantly. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Friday. PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You may be admired by colleagues and employers for your diplomatic way of handling your work and those you work with. Be cautious who you deal with financially. Broaden your horizons and look into programs that will teach you awareness and relaxation. New relationships will surface through work related events. Your luckiest events next week will occur on Wednesday.

37. Interrogates 39. ___ de foie gras 40. TV forensic cop show 41. Shortens a skirt 43. Builds again 45. Singer Janis 47. Abolish 48. “The Good Earth” star (2 wds.) 52. U.S. citizen (abbr.) 56. Otherwise 57. Cariou of “Blue Bloods* 58. Srta.’s neighbor 59. Distant 60. Drumstick 61. Coal holder

ACROSS 1. Dinghy need 4. Tabby, e.g. 7. Knight and Mack 11. ”___ Ideas” (2 wds.) 13. ". . . ___ mouse?” (2 wds. 14. Cookie from Nabisco 15. Poison weed 16. Balm 18. Building addition 20. Game, ___, match 21. Follows secretly 25. Rollaways 28. Turn left 29. “___ Nellie!” 31. Talking palomino (2 wds.) 33. Epoch 34. Diva Beverly 36. Once ___lifetime (2 wds.)

W O R D F I N D

ACTOR

A R T I S T R Y

ADVERTISER ARCHITECT ARRANGER ARTISAN

BALLERINA

I N A C T I O N

1. 2. 3. 4.

DOWN Furnace fuel Time past ___ room Topping in the

DECORATOR DESIGNER

DIRECTOR

DRAFTSMAN ETCHER

ILLUSTRATOR

BUILDER

MAKEUP ARTIST

CARVER

SCULPTOR

DANCER

WRITER

CALLIGRAPHER CARTOONIST CHEF

COMPOSER

PAINTER POET

SINGER

WEAVER

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 17. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 26. 27. 30. 32. 35. 38. 42. 44. 46. 48. 49. 50. 51. 53. 54. 55.

freezer case (2 wds.) Onassis, to friends Converts hides Drum type (hyph.) Poet’s prior Bear’s hideaway Drunkard Pigeon-___ Sleuth, informally Highs’ opposites Where the Mets played Grating Up and about ___ panels ___ or treat Common ___ Changing Raised platform Big rig Happy one Newsman Donaldson Abel’s father ___ and void Green orb Candidate Landon “Surfin ___’ Born as Gp. for the Cubs (abbr.) Hebrew high priest Stimpy’s cartoon pal

ISSUE 65 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

Venezuelans flock Region One for treatment - as malaria outbreak hits areas across the Amacuro River By Alva Solomon IT IS the national holiday of Eid ul-Adha at White Water Village and the health worker at the Region One (Barima-Waini) Indigenous village is unusually busy. He is responding to a number of patients, who in agony, ventured across the Amacuro River from Venezuela to seek treatment for their ailment, at the village’s health post. In March this year, small numbers of Venezuelans started crossing the Amacuro River looking for medication to treat themselves and relatives suffering from malaria, as medical supplies in the crisis- torn nation have ran out in most states. Today, that number has ballooned to dozens seeking treatment for the aliment as many have been making the trip to the health post at White Water for relief from the ailment almost on a daily basis. This is even as reports from the area suggest that

ported and the authorities have been responding to the persons who turned up at locations in the region for treatment. According to Dr. Persaud, the treatment supplies were running low at one point but the situation has been rectified. “We have to ensure that everyone take all the necessary treatment,” Persaud said, noting that persons from across the border would be making attempts to rid themselves of the ailment. As regards the scope of the health workers on the border locations to address the situation, the CMO said health teams in such areas are placed there to cater for the population within the locale. He noted too that in each community at Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, there are community health workers, along with malaria personnel who are trained to conduct testing for the ailment.

he assured that the health authorities are responding to ensure that Guyanese have the necessary treatment through immunisation. On August 15 this year, Al Jazeera reported that malaria infections have been spreading in the crisis-ridden Bolivarian Republic. The report pointed out that 18 of Venezuela's 23 states are experiencing an outbreak. According to the report, Marianella Herrera, the Director of the Venezuelan Health Observatory warned that neighbouring countries may be at risk of infection, if proper preventative measures are not taken soon, as desperate Venezuelans will seek to cross the borders in search of "medical attention and medicines that are not available in Venezuela". Dr Oscar Noya, Director of the Centre of Malaria Studies and Researcher at the Institute of Tropical Medicine and Associate Professor at the Central University of Venezuela, told

become worrisome, pointing out to this newspaper that the village first noticed the influx of persons seeking treatment during the first quarter of 2017. “On some Sundays we get like over 100 smears done here and out of that 50 per cent are positive cases,” he said, while noting that

GOV’T RESPONDING Dr Persaud said there are also reports of a measles outbreak in Venezuela and although he was not sure of the exact locations, including if those cases were at the border with Guyana,

Al Jazeera that there is also a "[significant] exchange of [transmission] cases at the borders with Brazil, Colombia and Guyana". Meanwhile, White Water Village Toshao, Cleveland De Souza, has said that the situation in Venezuela has

a few confirmed cases of malaria from the village itself, and it includes persons who have returned from the goldfields, across the border in Venezuela. While noting that the figures from across the border have been worrisome, Toshao De Souza said that there have been a few cases

The circle at left, indicates the location of White Water in the North West District

Patients in severe pain, await treatment at the White Water health post last Friday

there is an outbreak of the disease across the border in Venezuela. Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud told Guyana Chronicle this weekend, that there are a number of malaria cases which have been re-

even on holidays to assist the sick. Reports are that in recent months the numbers have climbed dramatically, as close to 200 persons are treated on a weekly basis for malaria at the village. Malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite plasmodium, and according to the World Health Organisation

the medical samples have increased as the weeks progressed. DRAMATIC INCREASE The villages’ deputy Toshao is also a trained a health worker and he has been working overtime,

(WHO), human malaria is caused by four different species of plasmodium. These are P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. vivax. The malaria parasite is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which bite mainly between dusk and dawn. The most severe form is caused by P. falciparum and variable clinical features include fever, chills, headache, muscular aching and weakness, vomiting, cough, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. At White Water, the health post has been treating persons for the vivax and falciparum forms of the disease. “Over in Venezuela do not have medication so they flock here,” a health worker in Mabaruma noted. De Souza said the health post in the village has been providing tablets to patients and the drugs are sourced from the Mabaruma Regional Hospital. He said for those diagnosed with malaria, cortem, cloroquine and primiguine, tablets have been provided. He said there have been

in which White Water residents have been diagnosed with malaria. These include those persons who reside along the Kurisima Creek, a tributary of the Amacuro River, as well as persons who live on the banks of the border river. “Three men came over from Venezuela last night but they couldn’t walk, so we had to send transportation for them at Gaja Landing to bring them to the health centre for treatment,” De Souza said. The landing is a primary point in the village where traders from both sides of the border usually congregate. “Today is a holiday and still the health worker had to go and help them out,” said De Souza, who was referring to the national holiday, Eid ul Adha, which was observed on Friday. The health post was filled to capacity with women, children and adults seeking treatment, a scene which has been a regular occurrence, as medicine in Guyana’s western neighbour dwindles.

8, 2017 September Week-ending Edition York New ChronicleNew GuyanaChronicle Guyana York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

23 23

CHALLENGES TO INTERIOR DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND The development of Guyana’s interior, which comprises over 70 percent of the country’s geographic area, was deliberately neglected by the colonizers, while they concentrated on the coastal region to facilitate the ‘plantation economy’. As a result, there was a major shift in social and economic activities from the interior to the coastlands in the mid-eighteenth century, and the economy of the country has not benefitted fully from the natural resources of the interior. The plantation owners viewed the interior as a major competitor for financial aid and coastal labor. And, aided by the colonial government, spared no effort to discourage development of alternative economic activities in the interior region. Furthermore, the ‘shift’ had major implications on the future development of settlements, industrial activities and transportation in the country. u First, it determined that the future of the country depended on coastal agriculture (mainly sugar). u Second, attention was turned away from the interior region, thus restricting any further development in the region. u Third, since the coastal region is below sea level, an elaborate and sophisticated coastal sea-defense and inland irrigation system (kokers, canals, trenches, et al) had to be built, to drain the land and also used for internal waterway transportation. u Fourth, the entire political machinery was shifted to Georgetown, which became the main seaport and capital-city (cityport) of the country. u Fifth, it laid the foundation for certain economic, social and political structures, that contained the ‘germs of indebted development’. (Korner, et al. “The IMF and the Debt Crisis: a guide to Third World’s Debt Dilemmas” — Zed Books. London 1986). It was a model with a distinctive geographical pattern, whereby settlements, industries and transportation were all designed and built to channel raw materials i.e., sugar, rice, timber and bauxite, etc., through Georgetown, the cityport capital, for processing and marketing overseas. Professor Adams accurately describes the system as follows: “. . . in the international hierarchy of colonialism, the colonial economy functioned as lower order appendages to the economies of the colonizers, and their port capital cities [cityport] were the points where the appendages were attached. Such developments , once established, are extremely difficult to change and hang like a millstone around the development aspirations of the [developing ] countries”. (Adams, J. ”Transport Planning Vision and Practice”. London, 1981). Furthermore, the colonial administration forced these countries to adopt one-sided monocultural export structures, which restrict them from earning the foreign exchange necessary for national development. After independence these countries were unable to set in motion a self-sustaining process of na-

tional development, and, remain dependent on transnational corporations and international funding agencies. These problems are not restricted to Guyana alone, but typical of most developing countries. GEORGETOWN As far as Guyana is concerned, the development process is characterized by the essential dependence on circumstances in and around Georgetown — the cityport capital , which has a dominant role in terms of political and administrative structures and social and economic activities, including transportation. Furthermore, the discovery of oil and the proposed deep-water harbor projects are located within the

coastal region. It appears that Georgetown will continue to be the dominant center of social and economic activities in the country for a long time to come. However, it is well established that the coastal region/ Georgetown is below sea level and is highly vulnerable to the existential perils of global warming and climate change. (“Impacts of Climate Change on Guyana and the world at large ”, Office of Climate Change, Office of the President, Georgetown, Guyana, March, 2010). Over the years, the country has suffered from serious floods that cost the Government billions of dollars. In addition, huge cost to residents for loss of crops and livestock; cleaning-up and rebuilding of damaged property and personal effects, etc. For example, in 2005, flood damage was estimated at G$9.2 billion, which represents some 59% of the country’s GDP for the previous year (2014). (Tash Van Domien, “Climate change and sea level rise in Guyana”, Ecology and Jesuits in Communication, September, 15, 2013). Most alarming, is the fact that approximately 70km of coastal sea defense require intervention over the next five years, of which 12km is in poor condition. (Caribbean Development Bank, Guyana Country Strategy, Paper 2013 -17, Chapter 1, Section 1. 34.). Also, scientists have found that Guyana’s coastland is subsiding,

faster than the global average, and faces serious flooding — if not complete inundation, owing to rising sea levels, etc. (Union of Concerned Scientists”, Climate Hot Maps — Global Warming Effects . . .” MA, USA, 2011). This raises the question, once more, about “shifting the capital to higher ground”, as was discussed by the late President L. F. S. Burnham in the 1970’s. (Hamilton Green, “ We do not have to move the Capital”, Stabroek News 06/09/2017). While ‘shifting the capital to higher ground’ may be a long term strategy, 47 years is too long a period to have ignored what seems a pending disaster. The NDS points out that, “ in case of a disaster caused

by flooding of Georgetown, there is inadequate road capacity between Georgetown and TImehri to enable the rapid transport [evacuation] of persons from Georgetown and environs to higher grounds, (National Development Strategy ‘(Guyana), Chapter 8, Section 8.11.1.1.21). The writer would like to suggest that the authorities appoint a committee comprising suitably-qualified professionals to conduct a feasibility study on the development of a ‘township’ to be located on ‘higher ground’ as an alternative capital . Also to start planning now, instead of waiting for Georgetown to become submerged. INTERIOR LINKS Since a majority of social and economic activities in Guyana is concentrated on the coastal areas, nearly all transport services evolve around Georgetown and linked to the interior. Water transport carries the smallest share of interior traffic, about 15 percent. The numerous rapids and sandbanks that exist in every major river, restricts navigation and limits the potential contribution of water transport to interior development. Road transport carries some 60 percent, mostly via the GeorgetownSoesdyke- Linden highways and the unfinished Linden-Lethem road. The existing interior road system is, for most part, limited to trails built of clay and/or sand, and traversable by strictly 4-wheel drive vehi-

By Lennox O. Britton cles. These trails are often bisected by rivers and swamps of varying sizes, which makes the cost of building and maintaining interior roads very high. In 1897, a railway penetrating the interior from Wismar to Rockstone was built .The eighteen and three-quarter mile ‘Demerara - Essequibo Railway (DER)’ carried passengers and cargo destined to Potaro goldfields, until the services ceased in the 1940’s. In 1913, under the policy of governor Sir Walter Egerton, a reconnaissance survey was made from Wismar to the Brazilian boundary by( Bland, E M. “Report on railways to the interior of British Guiana”, Georgetown, 1913), and in 1914 a similar study was made by (Buck, E C. “ Proposed Railway Development in the Hinterland of British Guiana”, Timehri 5,1914). Both studies reported that a railway was feasible and presented no engineering problem. Despite the recommendations of these two eminent British engineers, the railway proposals and others seeking to build a highway in Guyana’s interior were turned down by the British government. Air transport is probably the most important link (not necessarily the cheapest) to the development of the interior. Over the years, Ogle airport (renamed Eugene F. Correia international airport) was expanded, and provides regular passenger and cargo/charter flights to the interior. The services have contributed immensely to the growth of the country’s tourism industry. After gaining independence in 1966, Guyanese leaders felt that the ‘key’ to the nation’s prosperity is in the opening-up of the interior. However, finding suitable means of settling the interior is one of the major challenges facing the planners. In other words, how to decentralize the population from the coastlands to the interior has proven to be very difficult. Apparently building link roads between the coast and interior is inevitable. The view is, once it becomes possible to drive safely from Georgetown to the interior and neighboring countries, an entirely new attitude towards settlement in the interior would develop. During the 1970’s, with funding from international funding agencies, the government rebuilt the coastal and Georgetown approach roads, and built the first ‘real’ highway in the country — Soesdyke-Linden

(continued on page 25)

24 24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week endingSeptember September 8, Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending 8, 2017 2017

CONGRESS MUST OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENT’S REPEAL OF THE DREAM PROGRAM

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

America benefits more with Childhood Arrivals

T

he dreadful news that President Donald Trump has scrapped the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy is very troubling. In addition to the legal actions to preserve and/or reinstate it, Congress must swiftly act to make it law. The people protected by DACA have been referred to as “DREAMers” and are people who were brought by their parents to America as children, before they were able to make an independent choice to immigrate. These folks are, as President Obama said when enacting DACA, American is every way--except for possessing papers. Former President Obama condemned President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, saying a “shadow has been cast over some of our best and brightest young people once again.” Obama decided to implement DACA through an executive order during his presidency because “it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know solely because of the actions of their parents.” “To target these young people is wrong

– because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating – because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel,” he said. Deporting them back to countries they have no memory of and where they know nobody demonstrates the basic lack of human decency. National pride and interest dictate that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA initiative, should have been made permanent years ago. This year marks the

Our kids — the future leaders and defenders of America, should not be divided into first and second class citizens by repealing the Dream Act. fourth anniversary, and although the track work authorization remains vital when it record supports that conclusion, these dream- comes to helping DACA recipients particiers still languish for some permanence to pate more fully in the labor force. Eightytheir hopes and endeavors. All Dreamers are seven percent of respondents to the 2016 products of America, and most also have survey are currently employed, with an addisomeone in their family who’s an American tional 8 percent not working but in school. citizen-17 percent are married to a citizen, 26 percent have children who are citizens, and The current survey is one of the first to 59 percent have a sibling who’s American. systematically identify the industries in Surveys and studies confirm that the which DACA recipients are working, and the economic, educational, and employment ex- results show wide-ranging labor market conperiences and outcomes of DACA recipients tributions. The data indicate that 21 percent make clear that DACA has had a positive im- of respondents work in educational and pact, not just for recipients but also for the health services, 11 percent work in the nonprofit sector, 9 percent work in wholesale and American economy more generally. Through executive action, DACA pro- retail trades, and 8 percent work in profesvided temporary relief from deportation and sional and business services. The results ilwork authorization to eligible unauthorized lustrate that DACA recipients are immigrants who entered the country at a contributing across all sectors of the econyoung age. 800,000 unauthorized young peo- omy. ple have received DACA, improving the Furthermore, after receiving DACA, 63 lives of its recipients and their families. percent of respondents reported moving to a The data illustrate that DACA recipi- job with better pay; 49 percent moved to a ents are making significant contributions to job that “better fits my education and trainthe economy by buying cars and first homes, ing.” 48 percent moved to a job with better which translate into more revenue for states working conditions. These figures are largely and localities in the form of sales and prop- consistent with previous findings from the erty taxes. Some are even using their entre- 2015 survey and show that the temporary preneurial talents to help create new jobs and work authorization that comes with DACA further spur economic growth by starting has helped to unlock recipients’ economic their own businesses. potential. The positive wage effect of DACA is The 2016 survey also found that 6 peralso significant. The data show that DACA cent of respondents started their own busiincreased recipients’ average hourly wages ness after receiving DACA. This rate of by 42 percent. Given that higher wages trans- business starts is higher than that of both the late into higher tax revenue and economic American public as a whole—at 3.1 pergrowth, these findings reinforce the fact that cent—and the entire immigrant population— DACA benefits all Americans. Moreover, a at 3.6 percent. These businesses include tech full 95 percent of survey respondents are cur- startups, online craft stores, and tax prepararently employed or enrolled in school. Con- tion services, among others. One business sistent with the 2015 survey, the data indicate owner who employs nine people hopes to that many DACA recipients are getting better continue to grow and “hire [even] more peoand higher-paying jobs because of DACA. ple from the community.” Statistics don’t lie! Congress must act Many are pursuing educational opportunities that were previously unavailable to them. The accordingly, and make President’s signature majors, specializations, and training that initiative law! DACA recipients are pursuing include early Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights childhood education, biochemistry, computer activist and community advocate. As science, creative writing, graphic design, President of the Baldeo Foundation and neuroscience, nursing, social work, and urban Queens Justice Center, he has continued planning, among many others, which benefits to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision making process. our nation. The latest data indicate that having He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foun-

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017

‘Queh queh Nite’ lights up Guyana Folk Festival LAST Friday evening, the auditorium of the St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, New York was transformed into a grand Queh queh, as one of the main events planned for this year’s Guyana Folk Festival. Both the local and Guyanese communities gathered to participate in this African- Guyanese tradition, which has been an annual event of the fest. The Queh queh is a celebration the night before the marriage ceremony of a couple and involves the singing of traditional songs, dancing, eating and drinking.

25

The festivity allows the two families the opportunity to become acquainted whilst they share marriage advice to the potential bride and groom. Friday night’s Queh queh kicked off with ‘a ganda’ where the celebrants sprinkled rum on the floor, to invite the spirits of the dead to come and be part of the celebration. This was followed by the greeting song – “Good Night Ay, then by the general invitation to all the visitors attending – “Come to My Queh queh.” The buying of the bridegroom followed with much A woman dances at the Queh queh celebration

A large turnout for Queh queh night at the St Stephens Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, New York

laughter and banter as advice on matrimonial matters was dispensed, and a demand for a demonstration of the couple’s sexual skill as the song “Show Me Yuh Science” was chanted. The evening closed with the departure song “Las Wan, Las Wan”. Friday evening’s festivities saw persons of all ethnic backgrounds participating, including the Karao indigenous troupe who graced the occasion with a cultural dance as they encouraged persons to embrace Guyana’s diverse cultures. “Culture is the framework that defines…

it is the framework for history,” remarked New York State Senator, Kevin Parker, who took time out to attend the function. While Queh queh celebrations are not as popular as they once were, the hosting of a Queh queh night as part of this year’s fest serves as a reminder of Guyana’s rich African cultural roots and traditions. It is the aim of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York to encourage Guyanese at home and abroad to make Queh queh, with its distinctive music and dance, part of their educational and cultural experience. (GINA/DPI)

CHALLENGES TO INTERIOR DEVELOPMENT (from page 23)

highway. With the construction of paved coastal roads, which run parallel with the railway and waterway services, traffic (passenger and goods) was creamed away by the pliable and faster motor vehicles, resulting in “huge loss of revenue” and closure of the railways in 1974. ( Augustin, A.D. & Others, “Report of the Committee which investigated the phasing-out of the Railways”, The Cabinet Committee on Economic Matters, Guyana,1968). Similarly, the Soesdyke-Linden highway made travel to Linden much quicker, resulting in curtailment of the steamer service (RH Carr) up the Demerara river. It also assisted in the growth of social and economic activities along the highway. Today, more than ever, there is an ur-

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

gent need for a proper interior transportation system and road/road transport is an important link to interior penetration. The road to Lethem is a critical component in the development process, and requires special attention after many unsuccessful attempts to build to ‘highway’ standards. Also, serious attention must be given to the other roads that link the coastal region to major development projects in the interior that are in progress and/or earmarked. Lethem must not be viewed as merely a commercial center or a port-ofentry for people and goods moving between Guyana and neighboring countries. In keeping with the “Framework” for Guyana Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), Lethem is ideally located to be developed as the first ‘green city’ model in the interior and truly become the ‘gateway to South America’. Lethem should be developed as a major interior city with sustainable economic activities, including tourism, agriculture and manufacturing industries. This would certainly encourage more Guyanese citizens to settle there permanently, and contribute to the further development of the region. At the same time, economic activities must be developed at strategic locations along the highway, so that the indigenous people could benefit from the massive investment in these projects. PLANNING CONSTRAINTS In view of the large investments required and the heavy foreign costs involved

in the development of interior settlements, industries and transport, a careful economic appraisal of the projects/investments is critical, and must be applied to each and every proposed project as it relates to the overall regional and national development plan/ strategy. Today, Guyanese planners are faced with some serious constraints, such as, (1) Feasibility of projects — economic evaluation of interior road projects has shown that it is not economically feasible; (2) Cessation of activities — experience shows that whenever the main activities cease,, e.g., gold, diamond, manganese, bauxite etc., there is a corresponding movement of residents and decline in traffic; (3) Funding — international funding agencies do not readily fund non-economic projects, and the question of financing becomes the main obstacle; (4) Allocation of funds — funds for interior projects would have to be taken from the limited funds needed for economic and social development, including transport in other areas; (5) Technical feasibility — with an accelerated road development program, there is the problem of insufficient manpower, skills, trained professionals, equipment and other resources; (6) Benefits — where the project is not part of a specific development plan, it is difficult to calculate the true benefits. The main purpose of economic appraisal of a project is to measure its economic costs and

benefits from the point of view of the country as a whole, and to determine whether the net benefits are at least as great as those obtainable from other marginal investment opportunities. In dealing with projects in the interior, the government will have to decide whether personal mobility that facilitates improvement in social life – jobs, healthcare, education, etc., justify the investments. CONCLUSION The future development of Guyana’s interior and country in general depends on several factors, such as: growth in population and industries; available resources for investment in developmental projects; government policy on transport and development; sound regional and national development plans/strategy; and acquisition of suitably qualified personnel at every level. The magnitude of development required to justify investment in interior projects (including transport) is not likely to come about through normal growth in the existing economic base. The volumes required will most likely come from large development projects, such as the deep water harbor. Undoubtedly, the existence of proper communication between the coastal region and the interior, and between interior centers, would certainly stimulate interest and encourage settlement. Late development of a system penetrating the interior would defeat national objectives and retard social and economic development of the country.

26 14

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 8, 2017 GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 4, 2017

‘Green’ agenda synonymous with Indigenous culture By Synieka Thorne GUYANESE of different ethnicities and religious backgrounds flocked the Heritage Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre to witness the official launch of Indigenous Heritage Month, 2017. This year’s observance is being celebrated under the theme, “Guyana’s first peoples -- Sustaining a rich cultural environment.” Among those attending the event were, First Lady Sandra Granger; Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Ministers within the Ministries of Finance and Education and Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Joel Fredericks, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the various indigenous organisations. Minister Allicock, during his featured address, noted that this year’s theme is timely, as it is in keeping with the government’s approach of a ‘green’ economy. He said the indigenous peoples have learned from their forebearers, the value of adherence to the virtues of nature; the people have learned that living as one with nature is the most important lesson if they are to survive, be comfortable with themselves and others, while providing a universal guarantee that the natural

environment remains intact for posterity. The younger generation, Allicock said, must seek out with enthusiasm those older, wiser ones from their midst and make maximum use of their wisdom and teachings. He urged them to use the products of the electronic age to record, for those to follow, the practices that will help them to realise the true meaning of this year’s heritage theme. Just like the indigenous peoples, who have been living the ‘green way’, Minister Allicock emphasised that every Guyanese has a role “in bringing to life the culturally valuable teachings which can serve not only to inspire, but also to realise

the green economy.” He noted that Guyanese must be proud to celebrate and tell the world with great pride that the rainforest of Guyana is an invaluable resource which supports life. The minister said Guyanese must be proud that Guyana is a signatory to the Paris Agreement. “Such is our government’s commitment to developing a green pathway; such is our government’s commitment to national development, while ensuring the protection of our natural environment.” DEAD WRONG On the issue of land, Minister Allicock said “To those who suggest that the

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, addressing the launch of Indigenous Heritage Month at the Sophia Heritage Village

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton; First Lady Sandra Granger; and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, at the event

A cultural group performing at the launch

Presidential Commission of Inquiry into land matters will divide us, are dead wrong”. Government, he said, is however committed to resolving such issues. He urged the people to utilise the forest, lands and other resources in a responsible manner, so as not to lose sight of who we are as a people. Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe remarked that as the indigenous people celebrate this auspicious annual celebration, they must reflect on how far they have come and where they hope to go in the future. Speaking of the unique culture of the indigenous peoples, she noted that they have much to share with the rest of Guyana, especially regarding the natural environment and the ecosystem.

The minister addressed the need for the people to work together for the betterment of their communities and by extension, the country. Meanwhile, NTC chairman Joel Fredericks, mentioned that the history of Guyana’s first people is a great testimony to the world and Guyanese must be proud of that. “If you look at the theme, it says sustaining, and our ancestors have been sustaining the rich, green forest we have today,” he said. Fredericks said the Indigenous peoples have a major role to play in the ‘green economy’ agenda and so, it is very important that the land issues that have been pending for decades, be resolved in a timely manner. Those attending the launch were entertained with dances and songs from various indigenous cultural groups and students at the Amerindian dormitory facility. The celebration continues at the Heritage Village, with a cultural extravaganza from September 1 to 5; dances, songs, food, craft, and an art exhibition will be on display. Also scheduled is the heritage pageant, sports, a fund-raising event and reflections on the life of Stephen Campbell. The National Heritage Village is Pakuri Village. St Cuthbert’s Mission will host its village events on September 9. (GINA/DPI)

This group performed a beautiful cultural item

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending SeptemberGuyana 8, 2017 Chronicle New 27 26 York Edition Week-ending September 8, 2017

MCC’s First Match at the Rose Hall “Oval”

M

CC first played in the Ancient County against an allBerbice team. They were the second international side to play in Berbice, after the Pakistanis’, the year before. For both sides, the three-day game at the Rose Hall “Oval”, Canje was a run fiesta. It took place during the MCC-West Indies 1959-60 series, 57 years ago — scenes from the match still linger in the minds of many cricket fans. How well I remember that match after so many years, it still lives in my memory as if it were just yesterday. It produced over 1,000 runs for only eight wickets, including five centuries. One was a double and four scores of over 50 runs. A fine exhibition of superb stroke play by Joe Solomon, the Berbice captain, who treated the bowling with disdain in his chanceless knock of 201 not out, which included 21 fours. 15,000 ecstatic Berbicians cheered for their hometown boys. Showing a welcome return to form, Basil Butcher, Solomon’s partner displayed crisp and powerful strokeplay, including in his 131 not out, were 20 majestic boundaries. Solomon excelled in the cut and glide while Butcher delighted with drives and pulls. The Berbice side was: Joe Solomon (Capt.), Alvin Bacchus, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Leslie Amsterdam, Vic Harnanan, Lloyd Benjamin, Sonny “Sugar Boy” Baijnauth, Steve Bhagoo (wk), Mohamed Khan, Vincent Andrews and Indal Persaud (12th man). MCC was comprised of: Rahman Subha Row (Capt.), Geoff Pullar, Mike Smith, Ted Dexter, Ken Barrington,

BASIL BUTCHER Ray Illingsworth, Jim Parks, Roy Swetman (wk.), David Allen, Allan Moss and Tommy Grenhough. Solomon and Bacchus, the Berbice openers, gave the home team a grand send off on a perfect batting strip, scoring 70 runs in 90 minutes before lunch. But after the interval, the patient, if not, sedate Bacchus was beaten all ends up and was comprehensively

bowled by a Grenhough leg break for 28. Grenhough was bowling an almost medium-paced spin. The first time we had seen a spin bowler, bowling with such pace until Chandrasekhar came on the scene, a few years later. The opening stand had produced 77 runs. Kanhai who came next took strike, flattered

Smith quickly got into the festive mood. Pace bowlers Vincent Andrews and Mohamed Khan were roughly treated. So quickly did they score that the first half-a-century was realized in 40 minutes and 100 was scored in 86 minutes. Left-hander Pullar was first to go for 54, hitting 10 fours with the score at 113. Not long afterwards, Mike Smith who struck seven boundaries in his 50 was brilliantly run out by Vic Harnanan with a direct hit from the covers. The Sussex wicketkeeper/ batsman Jim Parks, who was doing a stint of coaching in Trinidad, was flown in to replace the injured Peter May. Parks joined Ken Barrington and together they carried the score merrily to 282-2 by stumps. Parks 40 and Barrington 36 . The MCC batting continued unabating in the final day as Parks and Barrington literally slaughtered the Berbice bowling. They put on an enterprising 285 for the partnership before Barrington fell to off-spinner Benjamin for 103, the first of three wickets for Benjamin. Then Ray Illingsworth joined the century band

JOE SOLOMON only to deceive for after scoring 13 with two promising fours, tried to hook David Allen out of the ground but was beaten and bowled by a slow off-break. As he made his way slowly and sadly back to the pavilion, a section of the crowd booed him. Interestingly enough, Rohan Kanhai, was the only Guyanese to keep his place in the West Indies side during the visit of the MCC. He hit a defiant century in the second Test match at Queen's Park Oval which we lost and so lost the series. Had he even had fair support on the wearing wicket, the match could have been saved. Kanhai’s dismissal brought in" Twinkle toes" Basil Butcher, who went immediately in full cry and from then on there, was no let up on the MCC attack. Rahman Subha Row, who captained the team in the absence of Colin Cowdrey, tried six bowlers without success in an effort to break through. Solomon and Butcher pulverized the attack to all parts of the ground. They featured in an unfinished third wicket stand of 290 before Solomon declared at lunch on the second day with Berbice scoring a massive 387 for two on the board. Solomon was 201 NO and Butcher 131 NO — gave the crowd much to cheer about. But the MCC was not to be outdone. Openers Geoff Pullar and Mike

JIM PARKS sixes and five fours) in less than an hour against Police at the small Parade ground, Esplanade New Amsterdam in 1959. Parks hit a belligerent 183 including 21 fours and 5 sixes. Ted Dexter hit a breezy 54 (10 fours, one six) while skipper Subha Row was left undefeated on 58 as MCC, amassed a hugh total of 641 for 6 — 438 runs coming in the day’s play. It was entertaining cricket at its best. Off-spinner Lloyd Benjamin was the pick of the Berbice bowlers, taking three wickets for 172 runs off 46 overs. Joe Solomon and Mohamed Khan took one wicket each for 75 and 83 runs respectively. Sonny Baijnauth, in the twilight of his illustrious career, bowled his heart out without taking a wicket. He sent down a marathon 69 overs of which, 19 were maidens and conceded 182 runs. Fifty-seven years seemed too many to have flown away so quickly. I was a bare-kneed high school student

TED DEXTER with a crisp 100. Parks struck three consecutive sixes off Benjamin moving from 143 to 161. The first one sailed out of the ground straight towards a house at the back of the northern sightscreen. At one time it seemed certain to crash against the upper glass panes. But the late Reggie Bhagwandin, a plucky cricketer from Providence, looking out from his vantage point had no such fear. He stood his ground, and as the ball was entering the house, he made one of the neatest catches you could imagine, and then swung his arms round and round in glee! Rightly so, Bhagwandin kept the ball as a souvenir. Whenever this match is mentioned in cricketing circle there is much discussion on that superb catch. Bhagwandin was an extra-ordinary ‘slugger’ of the ball and once slugged his way to a whirlwind 98 (12

GEOFF PULLAR then; but perhaps because I was assigned the task of scoring for two radio commentators, Kenny Wishart and Harry Cressal relaying the match for the first time from Rose-Hall “Oval”, Canje. I remember the MCC/Berbice match all so vividly.

Will the re please sta

Ninvalle optimistic ahead of high-l

Rifle-shooter Richard Rashid and `Dickie’ Fields laid to eliminate Rifle-shooterrest Richard`Dickie’ Fields laid to tributes rest after moving tributes after moving Tallaw

By Stephan Sookram

The former life member of the Surrey Rifle Club and one-time vice-president of

the British Commonwealth Rifle Club was known affectionately as ‘Dickie’

Fields and was the runnerup Sportsman-of-the-Year in 1999.

Persaud continued, “He P e was a soft-spoken2a0gperson. You could go to him at any

A SOFT-SPOKEN man with tact and grace is how the late Senior Counsel and Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Executive Richard `Dickie’ Berkeley Fields will be remembered. His funeral service took place at Christ Church on Waterloo Street yesterday. The former rifle-shooter, who was a lawyer by profession as well as the Honorary Consul to Finland and Italy, was also an avid lover of Jazz, according to one of his eulogists Nigel Hughes. Meanwhile, president of the Guyana NRA Mahendra Persaud contended that the loss of such a wise and fierce competitor will surely have a gigantic impact. “He was one of the few Guyanese to have made the Queen’s Final (at Bisley). He is the only Guyanese out of three West Indian shooters to shoot 150 out of 150 in the Benson and Members of the Members of the Guyana National Rifleformed Association formed an archone to honour one of their fallen, `Dickie’ Fields. Guyana National Rifle Association an arch to honour of their fallen, Richard Hedges short range Cup.” (Adrian Narine photo) Richard `Dickie’ Fields. (Adrian Narine photo)

GFF hosts second CONCACAF Rashid and Ronchi eliminate Jamaica Goalkeeping Training Programme Tallawahs

time for advice and the advice was very short, to A hat-trick from Rashid the point and with a legal Khan and abehind rapid it.” fifty interpretation from Ronchi proHe was Luke a wonderful friend, the Guyana apelled wonderful team Amamate and of thetobest teamin zon one Warriors victory shooters I knew, and I knew the 2017 Hero Caribbean a lot of people and he was Premier League an exceptionally good(CPL) guy, Eliminator against Jamaiboth on and off the ranges,” ca Tallawahs Persaud said. at the Brian Fields started his shooting Lara Stadium in Trinidad career in early 1950s at the , last night rifle .range Thomashat-trick Lands AfteratRashid’s with his uncle. After being in had derailed the Scouts Tallawahs Queen’s College he inningsthe- restricting them to joined Queen’s College 168 for Corps 8 - Ronchi blitzed Cadet where hea continued to excel. fifty off just 20 balls to lead He wentWarriors on to be a the then Amazon chase member of the British which was sealed with 11 Guiana Volunteer Force balls to spare. (BGVF) where he attained Finalofscores (Guyana the rank 2nd Lieutenant before he left to study169-5 Law Amazon Warriors in(Ronchi England in 70,1961. Walton 39, On his return 3-25) in 1967, Mahmudullah beat Richard Fields was Jamaica Tallawahs 168-8 admitted to the Bar. In (Sangakkara 1974, he joined57*, the Simmons Guyana National Rifle3-32) Association 34, Rashid by five where he soon became wickets). one Amazon of the top riflemen in Warriors opener Guyana and the Caribbean. Sohail Tanvir struggled to time the ball in his brief innings and eventually picked out Rovman Powell in the

d

W re P z

d r t a b a la li

in a p h p s to

r J G a p w r r

Page 20

A hat-trick from Rashid Khan and mar Santokie. a rapid fifty from Luke Ronchi proHowever, Chadwick Walton and pelled the Guyana Amazon Warriors Ronchi struck regular boundaries in the to victory in the 2017 Hero Carib- Powerplay to lift the Amazon Warriors bean Premier League (CPL) Elimi- to 53 for 1. nator against Jamaica Tallawahs at The field dropping back did not the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad stem the flow of runs. Walton and RonWednesday night. chi took 37 off the seventh and eighth After Rashid’s hat-trick had de- overs, striking boundaries off the front railed the Tallawahs innings - restrict- and back foot, as the Tallawahs bowling them to 168 for 8 - Ronchi blitzed ers strayed in line and length. a fifty off just 20 balls to lead the AmWalton eventually fell in the ninth azon Warriors chase which was sealed over, slapping a drive ball to backward with 11 balls to spare. point off Mahmudullah, but his innings Final scores (Guyana Amazon of 40 off 23 in partnership with Ronchi Warriors 169-5 (Ronchi 70, Walton had slashed the required run rate to 39, Mahmudullah 3-25) beat Jamaica 6.58 runs per over. Leg-spinner Rash Tallawahs 168-8 (Sangakkara 57*, Despite Mahmudullah removing Claine Plummer of his classroom sessions of the CONCACAF Goalkeeper Course. the first hat-trick in Simmons 34, Rashid 3-32) by five Anthony Walton, and thenduring Jason one Mohammad wickets). and Gajanand Singh shortly after, Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 32 43-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 52 04, 2 2 7- 52 16. Fax:2 2 7- 52 08 TH Amazon Warriors opener Sohail Ronchi continued unperturbed, Tanvir struggled to time the ball in his punishing some wayward bowling brief innings and eventually picked out from the rest of the Tallawahs to Leg-spinner Rashid khan took the first hat-trick in CPL history. Rovman Powell in the deep off Krish- reach his fifty.