Guyana Chronicle New York Edition 23 06 2017

ISSUE NO. 55

WEEK ENDING JUNE 23, 2017

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Plot thickens ...President orders CoI into plan to assassinate him Minister of Public Service, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine in conversation with Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs during last Thursday’s sitting (Adrian Narine photo)

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Prison brawl turns deadly – murder accused stabbed to death, brother critical P 8

GRDB accountant nabbed in 14 Canada …to be extradited to face fraud charges P

Critical move

…reassignment of Dr Roopnaraine was necessary P 20

Beware of ‘blood suckers’ …Lewis tells sugar workers to not be fooled by PPP P 15

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GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew NewYork YorkEdition EditionWeek-ending Week-ending June June 23, 23, 2017 2017 Guyana

Guyanese-born Richard David campaigning for City Council — District 28 in Queens I

t is hard to miss the huge image of Guyanese-born, Richard David that sits atop his office space, at 133-04 Rockaway Boulevard, in South Ozone Park, in the heart of Council District 28 that encompasses Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, and South Jamaica.

The Richmond Hill resident, who faces an uphill battle against other candidates running in the diverse community, said he has fought for his neighbors in Southeast Queens, for many years, but they are still being overlooked by government. As such, he is now ready to take that fight to the City Council. After months of making his presence felt in the community to galvanize votes,

By Staff Writer Richard S. David cut the ribbon on Saturday, June 10 to officially open his campaign headquarters to ramp-up his bid for the coveted seat when voters go to the polls on September 12. The mixed district of Latino, West African, Caribbean, Afro-American Punjabi nationals, and from David’s native Guyana, has been underserved according to the former vice president of the NYC Economic Development Corporation, who could very well make history by becoming the first Guyanese-born to sit in the New York City Council. “I would like to be elected to public office because I have spent 10 years in government, and I know that our community is not getting what it deserves, because I have seen first-hand our needs are not being met.

I want to bring resources to this community to empower our people,” said the budding politician who is eager to solve some of the basic problems that persist in the community. David is small in stature but big in determination and inspiration, to bring people together, something that he started in the community as an activist, and co-founder of one of the largest nonprofits. “This campaign is about unity, change, and empowerment — that is our message. “I am very much Guyanese, I came to this country at the age 10. I eat Guyanese food, and I hang out with Guyanese. When certain people in New York meet me, often times they are meeting an Indo-Guyanese for the fist time because they confuse us with other nationalities, even IndoCaribbean, we have all these identities to hold on to and be proud of said David, who noted that Guyanese are the second largest immigrant group in all of Queens. David said it was not easy growing up with students from other cultures in school. He remembers being taunted, and called names, like Gandhi. They told him, he smelled like curry. Insults that he overcame, and went on to tertiary education, earning a Master's Degree from New York University.

Candidate Richard David with some of his supporters as he cuts the ribbon to officially launch his campaign to represent District 28 in the New York City Council on Saturday, June 10, 2017. You could be educated and wealthy, but if you are not compassionate, and care about your neighborhood, then you fail people. What is the point if you can’t help others, asked, David, who worked at the South Queens, Boys and Girls Club which today is one of the leading social justice organizations in Council District 28. His parents came from modest means, and according to the candidate, the saying - “I came here with a penny and a dream,” certainly applies to his family, who worked very hard to make sure he and his brother

were properly educated, and that they gave back to the community.

“We need to reach out to reach to our respective communities. Lack of governance, and corruption affects us all. It does not matter if we are immigrant or American, the government is taking our taxes and not giving us anything in return. This is the reason we are coming together to run this campaign, said David, whose journey started at age 13, when he got his first job, and bought his first home at age 19.

GUM records successful independence unity celebrations

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uyana Unity Movement (GUM) has extended great appreciation to Guyanese at home and here in the United States, particularly in New York, for coming out and celebrating the country’s 51th Independence Anniversary activities just over a week ago.

President of the Brooklyn-based non-profit organization, Sherif Barker Fraser told the Guyana Chronicle (NY) that the event recorded a huge success

By Zena Henry and was well attended by Guyanese, local and Caribbean groups and organizations supporting the unity cause. “It was a unity event,” Fraser declared, highlighting that close to 15 organizations within the diaspora had attended the weekend long events in support of showcasing Guyanese talent, and promoting unity. The events included a Unity and Soul Gala at Antun’s Banquet Hall, in Queens, a family fun day and a meet and greet that saw the attendance of First Lady Sandra Granger and Attorney

General Basil Williams. However, the GUM has been facing much criticism in the last few months ahead of the independence celebrations. The Guyana Chronicle, Guyana fraction had reported an apparent discord between GUM and another non- profit group the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee chaired by Rickford Burke. Both groups were hosting independence events. Burke under his hat as President of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), told the Guyanese public that a lawyer’s letter was sent to Fraser and another associate for defaming statements made. Addressing the matter for the first time with the Guyana Chronicle (NY), Fraser told the newspaper that she could not understand why Burke would go to the extreme to cause division when it is clear the positive impact he could help the Guyanese diaspora make. In an exclusive interview, Fraser explained that while she worked well with Burke in the past, it appears that he is seeking to claim the historic 50th independence anniversary march that was held on Church Avenue last year.

Sherif Barker-Fraser

Fraser said that idea was conceived by herself and colleague Doris Rodney. However at the time, GUM had not yet received its tax-exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and Burke was kind enough to allow the organization to file for the march under his information. Outside of this, Burke has no idea how the march was organization, until the point where he was asked to assist in getting the ministers to attend. He also pro-

vided information on who else should be contacted, Fraser pointed out. She was adamant however that there should be no division when it comes to matters of service to Guyanese; “we are here to work in unity, we are here to work together,” she posited. The president said that GUM is a relatively new organization which started in 2015 and only last year received its designation allowing it to officially launch its non-profit services. Despite being young, Fraser said, GUM members have served as pall bearers, as ushers, assisted in several events that were sponsored in the diaspora, conducted toy drives and many other activities. Charities such as the Sonia Noel Foundation, the Linden Dream Team, and Guyana Cancer Foundation among others have indicated interest in receiving assistance from GUM. It has been stated that the Guyana Independence Celebration Committee was formulated to manage the NY celebrations for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee but has now been defunct. Burke has dismissed that claim saying that there is an orchestrated plot to push out his organization.

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

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The Zena Henry Column

n urban terms, especially among the younger generation, the ‘clap back’ is basically a comeback, most likely pumped with attitude, sass and or ‘shade’. It’s usually a debate or argument between two sides on a particular issue, and just as one side might be throwing major ‘shade’, the other side comes back with a response that is impactful, weighty and even teasing. That is exactly what rightly occurred in Parliament recently. There may very well be more instances where government officials like Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman trades in his usual calm and composed self, for a more outspoken and defensive posture, when former President Bharrat Jagdeo tries to lecture the Administration about good governance. It appears that Trotman had heard enough of the Opposition Leader always preaching doom and gloom and wanting to tell the government how to do its job, when after more than two decades of his party in office and two terms as president, the country is now desperately seeking a clean sustainable economy on which it could grow. During the debate on the Petroleum Commission Bill 2017, in the National Assembly last week, Trotman called Jagdeo a failure and bestowed upon him the title of “doctor of doom.” Trotman was replying to statements made by Jagdeo during his argument against the Bill.

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Minister Trotman and the epic ‘clap back’

nothing to be proud of. Trotman wondered how the Opposition Leader could lecture, when he failed in every sector as President. “How could you?” Trotman asked pointing to the failure of one of the most expensive projects Guyana has even invested in, the US$200M Skeldon

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman According to Jagdeo, the government should adopt a Sovereign Wealth Fund of a Norwegian type model, and not a Trinidad and Tobago model. He spent much time however talking about the APNU+AFC government coming out of power and not winning a second election. But Minister Trotman could not see the weight behind the Opposition Leader’s address because according to Trotman, Jagdeo has

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sugar plant. He went on to the Berbice Bridge where its funding left some state agencies broke and government with little to no control. The broke National Insurance Scheme and the Marriott Hotel that saw no Guyanese employment despite huge spending as other areas thrown into the concoctions of “Dr. Doom.” Facebook and other social media sites lit up with likes, shares and comments of the Dr. Doom statements. The video even went viral. For the most part, many people thought it was high time that someone told off the former president who they claim has been speaking much division and negativity into the country’s future. The Opposition Leader on the other hand thinks that Trotman went overboard in his statements and that the Speaker of the House should have stepped in. He defended in the media that the Natural Resource Minister has been cultivating an image of efficiency, reasonableness and that he is sophisticated, and suave, above the fray. However what Jagdeo sees in Trotman is a

slick, inefficient and one of the most hostile people in the government. This however does not take away from that fact that the utterances of Minister Trotman about the damage done to the sectors, is true. They are all areas currently providing difficulty to the coalition government. They are working to relieve the financial strain the Berbice Bridge poses, they are trying to resuscitate NIS, so persons can receive their benefits. The sugar industry, the country’s largest employer is on the front burner because it is a burden to the country and making absolutely no profit. The multi-million dollar fibre optic cable to help with internet connectivity lost. This list of expensive doomed projects and programmes under the previous government goes on and on, yet we see these former officials living lavish lifestyles in mansions with swimming pools on property, taken away from citizens; driving fancy vehicles and owning several businesses or associated with them. In that vein if one is to truly talk about democracy, Guyana Sprouts sees the need for stiff criticism against the former president who has apparently earned enough for a Cadillac lifestyle, but failed to improve those of citizens after being given the privilege to access and spend billions and billions of taxpayers’ dollars on their behalf. Minister Trotman’s ‘clap back’ may have been funny, but the truth is. what was said is heartbreaking and true, that is what really deserves the attention. In fact, it should be the desire of every Guyanese to know exactly what happened under the PPP’s reign that did not allow Guyana to advance further than where it is today. With this information in hand, the citizens would know what to look for from their elected officials and leaders and react when it is not being done. At that point Guyanese should be ready to ‘clap back’.

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23, 23, 2017

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The Handel Andrews Column

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Things That Bother Me

Why Dr. Walter Rodney is important? and their three children — Shaka, Kanini and Asha — to take up an appointment as Professor of History at the University of Guyana (U.G.). He knew what lay ahead. Dr. Joshua had been shot in an asRamsammy in the Service of Black Liberation". The Hugh Shearer Government (Ja- sassination attempt and the contract maica) viewed him as “persona non of Mohammed Insanally was termigrata’, unwanted person, because of nated. They were professors at The University of Guyhis revolutionary ana and were tarviews. He had geted because of been followed by their anti-governgovernment secument views and acrity in Kingston tivities. and outside JaForbes Burnmaica. When he ham rescinded Dr. returned on 15 OcRodney’s appointtober 1968, his ment. A week or entry was denied. so prior to his He was not algoing to Guyana, I lowed to disemcaught up with bark. The followThe late Dr. Walter Rodney him when he gave ing day, the Government released its “Text of State- a lecture at the Board of Education ment”, which described Rodney as a building in Canada. I told him that he would be killed if he opposed the “threat to national security.” Dr. Rodney returned to Tanza- government. Politics aside, I was nia and resumed teaching at the Uni- disappointed because, as a distinversity of Tanzania. During the next guished scholar, he felt he had much six years, while still at the University to contribute to the then underrated of Tanzania, he travelled extensively Guyana institution. Nevertheless, he did not turn and gave lectures in Africa, Europe, his back on his native land. He Asia and North America. He returned to Guyana in 1974 threw himself passionately into the with his wife Dr. Patricia Rodney political arena, believing that aca-

une 13 marked the 37th anniversary of the death of a great Guyanese. Dr. Walter Anthony Rodney was assassinated on June 13, 1980. He was a noted historian, brilliant debater, important politician, “with a rare gift of intellect” and a friend. Whenever I think of him, I think of what might have been. He was cut down in the prime of his life. It is right and proper to ask if he is important to Guyanese history. Let us examine the facts.

He was born March 23, 1942 at Georgetown, Guyana. Walter attended St. Stephen’s Elementary School, where he was awarded a Government County scholarship to Queen’s College, then the country’s premier grammar school. He was an outstanding student, noted for his oratorical skills and command of facts. He won the Guiana Scholarship to the University of the West Indies (UWI) and, in 1963, graduated with honours in English History. That year he won a scholarship to the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, England, where he enrolled in the PhD in African History. In 1966, he was awarded a doctorate in this area of study. His dissertation was published in 1970, under the title, “A History of the Upper Guinea Coast, 1545-1800.” This seminal work argues that European capitalists gained the most benefits from trading in the region and selling and enslaving Africans. During his tenure in England, he deepened his study and understanding of Marxism through a study group that was led by C. L. R James and his partner Selma James. In “Walter Rodney Speaks: The Making of an African Intellectual”, he states that the group consistently met over a two- to three-year period and it was important in assisting him to “acquire a knowledge of Marxism, a more precise view of the Russian Revolution and of historical formulation. One of the most important things which I got out of that experience was a certain sense of historical analysis, in the sense that C. L. R. James was really the master of the analysis of historical situations” Dr. Rodney taught in Tanzania at the University College of Dar-esSalaam from 1966 to 1968, after which he went to the University of the West Indies at Jamaica and taught Caribbean History. In October 1968, Rodney participated in a Congress of Black Writers in Montreal, Canada. At that conference on 12 October 1968, he presented his paper "African History

demics have a responsibility to share their knowledge and experience with the masses. He also knew that academics could only formulate valid theories and offer reliable advice if they worked among the people and shared their experiences. He had done this in Tanzania and Jamaica. Feeling the need to create a political party, through which he could express his views, he helped form the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a multi-ethnic combination of politicians and intellectuals, who advocated racial harmony, free elections and democratic socialism. It was an alliance of the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA), headed by Eusi Kwayana; the Indian Political Revolutionary Associates (IPRA), led by Moses Bhagwan; the Working Peoples Vanguard Party (WPVP), led by Brindley Benn; RATOON and intellectuals like Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Dr. Clive Thomas and Miles Fitzpatrick.The PPP offered a 17-point proposal for a National Patriotic Front (NPF), which Dr. Jagan, fully and rightly, expected the WPA to accept. They did not. They felt that the PPP had become too Indian and the PNC too African. Alternately, they proposed a Govern((continued on page 22)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

Plot thickens ...President orders CoI into plan to assassinate him

The CSEC cap debate

THE PROPOSED move by the Ministry of Education to cap the number of subjects students sit at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations has sparked a lively debate, drawing mixed reactions from parents, teachers and students. The proposed move by the ministry, which was silently discussed since the time of the previous administration but never gained traction, sought to limit the number of subjects candidates here are permitted to write to not more than 10. Perhaps, the last two education ministers of the previous administration were mindful of the public criticism that such a policy would attract and decided not to give serious heed to the idea proposed by their technical officers. Since then, some of the most senior education officers felt that the school system was too academic-driven and there was little time for students, especially at senior secondary schools to have recreation. Others felt that there was no need for a student to write 20 subjects when just about six, inclusive of mathematics and English, are required to gain employment and to matriculate at institutions of higher learning. These discussions never gained a consensus position because there were others who felt otherwise, and regardless of what decision was taken, it would have had to obtain the blessings of the minister. Some have contended that aside from candidates needing just six subjects to matriculate or gain employment, sitting more than 10 at CSEC puts tremendous and undue strain on them. Undoubtedly, these assertions hold some bit of truth but require careful examination. Based on conventions in the school system, it is the class teacher who after accessing the abilities of a student, recommends if the student should sit 10 or more subjects at CSEC. At no time a student decides willy-nilly to write 10 subjects or more. It is also the student who indicates to the teacher that he intends to write 10 or more subjects and in the vast majority of cases, these are the outstanding students from the top schools, who write to make their families and school proud and to set and celebrate standards of excellence. Moreover, many of them are involved in sports, culture

PRESIDENT David Granger has ordered a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into an alleged plot to assassinate him. Well-placed s ources told this newspaper that the Commission could be sworn in this week. It is unclear what the Terms of Reference (TOR) are for the COI, but the Guyana Chronicle was told that it would address among other things the police’s investigation of the case. In April, an investigation was launched by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the police legal advisor into an alleged plot to shoot President Granger while he was on one of his outreaches. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had disclosed that the administration had been provided with some information by the police about an ongoing investigation of this nature. Harmon noted that the security of the president has been increased and made it clear that while the president was popular there were some “misguided people”, and as such extra measures had to be put in place. Thus far, specifics of

the investigation have not been revealed by the administration but Harmon had said: “I have the full confidence of the ability of the security forces to protect our President and the Ministers of Government who have been elected by the people to run the Government. The Minister of State, when asked at that time if names of high-ranking policemen were listed as being involved, said he was not briefed about such information. Meanwhile, in an interview on Nightly News, a man who was approached to carry out the act spoke of a $7M bounty that was offered to him to shoot at President Granger during one of his outreaches. The $7M it was said was offered by a prominent individual. The whistleblower in the interview stated that the businessman told him “… President Granger, we have to have him assassinated before he moves from where he is living, before of course if he moves his security will enhance and you can’t get to him.” He further related that the businessman told him, “you know we and the com-

President David Granger

missioner is friends, the whole judiciary is friends, we will take care of you, all you have to do is don’t let who you know get it done to know who is we, and we ain’t want know who you get.” The informant explained that the businessman entered his house and brought out a large weapon which he collected and minutes later returned. He explained that he had approached the businessman to conduct a business worth $6M when the proposal was made to find someone to assassinate the President and he would be paid $7M. “The next day I go back to he and

said watch, me ain’t deh in them thing yo know, me aint even want you tell me back about that,” the informant said, claiming that he never killed anyone before and was just a businessman. Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud had condemned the act while noting that it was one of treason. He said, “Any plot to kill the President or to overthrow government is one of treason, and on the other hand if someone tells a police officer something that is false and causes the officer to act in accordance with the call of duty, then there is a charge in giving false information.” Persaud had explained that security of the state apparatus is the number one function of the Police Force, “if you want a country go into chaos then attack the state apparatus and make it dysfunctional and its chaos, a threat against any President cannot be pushed under the carpet.” “Even if there are elements within the force with an objective to prevent a professional investigation, it is difficult to implement and almost impossible to do that,” the police chief said.

City Hall says all pumps, sluices working THE Mayor and City Council says that all of its hydro pumps and sluices are working as heavy rainfall continues to beat down on Guyana. In a statement City Hall said that in addition, teams from the Engineer’s Department are working around the city to clear chokes and ensure that

storm water is not restricted in any of our water ways. “However, the council calls on all residents to ensure that their surface drains are clean and clear and the drains at the front of their yards are kept free from garbage and other things that would facilitate restriction of storm water.” According to City Hall

and the arts. The claim therefore that these students are pressured to sit 10 or more subjects at the regional examinations is somewhat ill-informed. Maybe, in this delicate mix a public consultation might be useful in arriving at a position that will satisfy both the ministry and students and their parents, who may have a different view from what is being proposed. The education sector is still grappling with many challenges despite billions of dollars being pumped into it every year. Students’ performance in mathematics and English remain poor, the state of technical and vocational education geared at stemming school drop outs is unknown and there needs to be greater attention paid to science and technology- something

for 2017, council budgeted $231M for maintenance of 644.5 miles of drains and canals and to enhance the general environment of the city but with the coincidence of high tide and heavy rains there will always be overtopping in certain areas in the capital. Notwithstanding, the council is appealing to

store owners and, in fact, all residents to allow their down pipes to flow into surface drains and not directly into street drains. “The Mayor and City Council calls on all citizens to do everything practicable to support the effect of the council to make Georgetown clean, green and safe, for all.”

which President David Granger has promised to fix and has been taking steps to do so. Then there are issues of teachers’ absenteeism, teachers not delivering duly in the classroom, ghost teachers in the school system, coupled with an absence of a wellthought out strategy to reform or better direct students who are academically-challenged, among other challenges. Given these myriad problems, it is understandable why President Granger, who has spoken passionately about education, has indicated he will create a department within the Ministry of the Presidency chaired by him to oversee education innovation and reform.

Disclaimer:

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

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Trump, Celebrity Culture And The Politics Of Lying

n a barrage of recent cable news coverage much currency and time has been given to the President Trump vs. Former FBI Director James Comey’s political dust up. Both men have accused each other of lying. In the ensuing verbiage and media hype the big questions are not about the disintegrating state of the United States’s body politic under Donald Trump, but a partisan line-drawing about which side the American people are on, and who they support in the ugly lying kerfuffle. Former FBI Director Comey’s testimony is a matter of public record as are the President’s tsunami of tweets and untrue statements that former President Barack Obama was born in Kenya. We also have the President’s “thousands of Muslims in New Jersey dancing in the streets” in the wake of 9/11 and his “largest crowds ever at a Presidential Inauguration,” not to mention the “millions of undocumented immigrants” who voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential elections. All of those are lies repeated over and over by the US President. All were proven to be without any basis in fact or a shred of foundation. So who will you believe in the accusation and counter accusation between President Trump and former FBI Director James Comey? Me? I don’t bloody care. In fact, in the aftermath of the Comey testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Trump with complete contempt for the truth and his adversarial relationship with it, tweeted that Comey’s testimony vindicated him, adding that it was Comey — not him — that was BOTH a liar and leaker. The fact that Comey did not make public any classified information was lost on the President Notorious for only seeing things his way. Moreover, there is some measure of humor and political irony here in that one of the biggest flaws in Donald Trump's presidency, his candidacy, and his ability and fitness to be President, is that he's a notorious serial fabricator. "Those are lies, plain and simple," Comey said, referring to Trump's description of his firing.

that he will not lie. But in the context of President Trump’s declaration of war on the truth, where dissembling is the modus operandi in the White House and “alternative facts” the character of the kakistocracy — government by the worst people — does give Comey the benefit of the doubt. Moreover, President Trump cannot be trusted. He not only in-

PRESIDENT TRUMP JAMES COMEY Of course, the fact that Comey was a highly-respected FBI Director fects genuine political discourse and a Republican does not mean with an arrogant language of hate,

bigotry and lies, but also because he has allowed an ideology built on the use of disinformation and falsehood to take root in the White House. The end result is that under the Trump Administration, the truth has become a casualty of politics, is distorted for partisan ideological, political and commercial reasons. Lying is now a Trump governing political industry and tool of power and control. Let me hasten to add: all administrations and governments lie. That is not in dispute. The difference here is that under Trump lying has become normalized and that is most troubling. The roll out of the Trump Presidency had left no doubt that he’s a combination of snake oil salesman and schoolyard bully. He uses his limited celebrity profile to browbeat any credible inquiry and lambasts the media as “the enemy” branding any unfavorable report of him as “fake news.” His cozy embrace of narcissism and “I alone can fix Washington” is a mix of political bombast, super hyperbole, hyper-masculinity and an inflated (continued on page 22)

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM 8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

Prison brawl turns deadly – murder accused stabbed to death, brother critical By Nafeeza Yahya A BRAWL at the New Amsterdam Prison has left one brother dead and another in a critical condition following a fight at the facility, located at Penitentiary walk, New Amsterdam. Dead is 27-year-old Neshan Jagmohan known as “Bully”, while his 23-yearold brother, Ramnarine Jagmohan is currently battling for his life at the New Amsterdam Hospital; they both previously lived at Hamphshire Squatting Area. They have been on remand since 2013 for the murder of a businessman. Neshan is a father of five while Ramnarine is a father of one.

Parents of the two brothers, Pamilla Jagmohan and Jagdat Jagmohan

This newspaper understands that Ramnarine received several stab wounds to his neck and chest, while his younger brother also received injuries in the region of the chest. Director

of Prison, Gladwin Samuels told Guyana Chronicle that an improvised weapon was used to carry out the attack on the brothers. He noted that the police are continuing their investigations.

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relatives came by her home and asked if she knew what occurred at the prison with The incident occurred her sons. at approximately 14:30 hrs “Them come tell me on Wednesday, when three them see pon the internet, murder accused pounced them boy get stab up , suh on the two inmates as they me just get up and rush to returned from court. The go down at the hospital suspects have been identi…until now me ah wait fied as 25-year-old Dillon fuh hear what happen,” the Boucher of Haslington, East distraught woman told this Coast Demerara, 23-yearnewspaper. old Ramchand Latchman of Jagmohan said she wants Number 65 Village, CorenDead: Neshan Jagmohan justice for her sons and for tyne and Rooplall Abraknown as ‘Bully’ the authorities to get to the him of Lot 4, Bath Settlebottom of the story. When Court but they returned to ment,W.C.B. this newspaper caught up According to reports, the prison after the Magis- with the mother, she and as the brothers were head- trate failed to show up. her husband were sitting “Me cook duck curry ing into their cells, the trio at the entrance to the New cornered them and inflicted and take fuh them and they Amsterdam Prison awaiting several stab wounds with seem ok. Meh seh like dem information from officials; an improvised weapon. Up people go kill out ayo in they were subsequently givto press time, it was still here. Every time them ah en permission to visit the unclear as to what prompted give ayo date fuh come and other injured son at the New ah magistrate ah just postthe incident. Amsterdam Hospital. The mother of the two pone am or he nah ah come The brothers were inmates, Pamilla Jagmohan, …and he meh left and come charged with the murder of way,” the grieving mother told the Guyana Chronicle businessman, Devendra Dethat she saw her sons earlier said. odat called “Dave”, of Lot S h e r e l a t e d t h a t a t at the Albion Magistrate’s 72 Hampshire Village.The around 17:00hrs, several businessman was shot and CLIA/IATA OSSN/SATH APTA/PATA The improvised weapons which were seized chopped during an armed TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED robbery at his home on October 13, 2013 .His fatherELAINE HENRY, CTA, MCC in-law, Rafeel Abdul was also shot twice during the Travel Consultant attack when he came to the 1053 E 40th Street Tel: 718-377-2071 rescue of the family. Brooklyn, NY 11210 Fax: 718-377-1291 The businessman’s wife, Shaneza Deodat was email: minitravel@hotmail.com www.minervatravel.net not spared the attack as she too was also injured.

MINERVA TRAVEL

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GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23, 23, 2017

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WALTER ANTHONY RODNEY – WHAT MANNER OF MAN WAS THIS? Mark 4:41

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he Rodney Commission in its final report, came to the conclusion that the Burnham government and the principal agencies of the Guyana government were part of an “organized conspiracy to assassinate Dr. Walter Rodney.” I disagree. While there was circumstantial evidence that governmental agencies, such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defense Force and elements of the Judiciary, played a role in covering up the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, there was no direct evidence implicating the Prime Minister Forbes Burnham in the assassination. There was no proof that he made any attempt to solicit, importune, command or direct Gregory Smith to assassinate Dr. Walter Rodney.

While it is true that the PNC Government did utilize the services of Rabbi Washington, to orchestrate a campaign of violence and coercion against supporters of the WPA, it is also true that the PNC did not have an exclusive monopoly over the instrumentalities of violence in the 1980’s. • On September 19, 2010, the leader of the WPA, informed the Stabroek News that “the party was accumulating weapons long before the murder of Dr. Rodney.” • The activists in the WPA had publicly proclaimed that it was the policy of the movement to overthrow the “Burnham dictatorship” by any means necessary. • In pursuit of this mission, they had pursued a policy of infiltrating the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defense Force. • In 1979, activists in the WPA, allegedly set fire to the office of the General Secretary and the Ministry of Mobilization. The Rodney Commission failed to articulate the elements of a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, and it failed to establish proof of guilt, beyond a reasonable doubt. The following are the findings of fact that the Commission should have made: • That the overwhelming facts of the case established that Rodney’s death was an intentional act of homicide perpetrated by Gregory Smith, a former electronics expert employed by the GDF; • That there was circumstantial evidence that elements of the Guyana Defense Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Judiciary were involved in a cover-up of the crime; The following is an outline of the facts and circumstances leading to the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney: Gregory Smith met Dr. Walter Rodney in 1978 at a house party in Second Street, Alberttown, and indicated his support of the WPA. Dr. Rodney gave him several assignments, which

sought to utilize his specialized knowledge in the electronics field. On or around June 13, 1980, Dr. Rodney brought three portable citizen band radios or walkie-talkies to his home. He also brought several photo flash bulbs, antennas and batteries. The purposes of the devices allegedly were to act as triggering devices for the walkietalkies. Dr. Rodney allegedly asked Gregory Smith to test the walkietalkies. Dr. Rodney brought his brother Donald with him, and the three of them drove to different locations in the City

Dr. Walter Rodney to test the communication devices. At some point, Gregory Smith, gave the devices to Donald and Dr. Walter Rodney and left to see an Indian film at the Empire Cinema. Later on when he returned home, he was informed that the device had gone off prematurely, and that Dr. Rodney had died in the explosion. Dr. Leslie Mootoo, the government pathologist, testified that Dr. Walter Rodney died of wounds caused by an explosive device which exploded in his lap. He testified that the bomb blast propelled him through the roof of the car, and down through the seat, ripping open Dr. Rodney’s abdomen, and blowing his brother out of the car. The cause of death was “blunt force trauma” to

the vital organs caused by the detonation of an explosive device. The British bomb experts who examined the device, stated that the walkie-talkies contained a powerful anti-personnel bomb that exploded causing Rodney’s death. The evidence by Donald Rodney, identifying Gregory Smith as the person who handed the walkie-talkie to his brother, Dr. Leslie Mootoo’s diagnosis that Dr. Rodney’s death was caused by the detonation device in his lap, and the statements by the two British bomb experts, that the walkie-talkie contained a powerful anti-personnel bomb, established the elements of a prima facie case of murder, beyond a reasonable doubt. Gregory Smith, in his book, entitled, “Cry of a Failed Revolution,” stated that, after the death of Rodney, he was driven to an airstrip outside of Georgetown, and put on board a plane bound for Kwa-Kwa-ni. A communiqué from the British Ministry of Defense, stated that “following the bomb blast that killed Walter Rodney and injured his brother, Gregory Smith was seen alive at the bauxite mining town of Kwa-Kwa-ni, where he boarded a GDF plane for an unknown destination.” Gregory Smith further stated that, a few days after the death of Walter Rodney, he was taken to Timehri Airport and introduced to an immigration officer who provided him with a passport in the name of Cyril Johnson, a plane ticket to Cayenne, French Guyana, $300 in US currency, and a letter to the authorities in Cayenne. The immigration officer then accompanied him to the tarmac, where he boarded an Air Martinique plane bound for Cayenne, French Guyana. On January 29, 1987, WPA Parliamentarian, Eusi Kwayana, introduced a resolution in Parliament, calling on Chief Magistrate, Desmond Birch Smith to file charges against Gregory Smith, aka Cyril Johnson and have him extradited to Guyana. The application was denied and Mr. Kwayana stated that he would submit a list of witnesses who could establish the elements of a prima facie case of murder. Among the prospective witnesses that Mr. Kwayana promised to produce were Dr. Leslie Mootoo, the government pathologist, deputy police com-

By COLIN MOORE

missioner Cecil “Skip” Roberts and other police officers, the British bomb experts who had examined the walkietalkie that killed Dr. Rodney and Donald Rodney, who could identify Gregory Smith. In spite of these submissions, Magistrate Birch Smith denied the application. It is clear that the PPP’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the assassination of Walter Rodney was not predicated on any compassion for Walter Rodney or for the Rodney family, but was a Machiavellian plot to create dissension between the PNC and WPA and to sabotage the formation of APNU. The PPP had failed to extradite Gregory Smith between 1994 and 2002 when he finally died, even though they knew that he was “hiding in plain sight” in Cayenne, French Guyana. I would like to submit two proposals to the Government of Guyana. 1. The Guyana Government should, sua sponte, award a sum of money, to be determined by the National Assembly, to Dr. Pat Rodney, the spouse of Dr. Walter Rodney and the three Rodney children, for the loss of consortium, economic loss, emotional distress, pain and suffering that they have endured since the tragic death of their husband and father some 37 years ago. This is not to be regarded as an acknowledgment of guilt by the Guyana Government, but as a magnanimous act by a compassionate government. 2. The Guyana Government should appoint a Walter Rodney Memorial Commission to formulate the most appropriate method to commemorate the legacy of one of Guyana’s most illustrious scholars. — Dr. Walter Anthony Rodney. *Colin A. Moore, Esq. was Adjunct Professor of Law at Brooklyn College. He was a classmate of Walter Rodney at Queens College between 1954-1960, and a contemporary of Walter Rodney at the University of West Indies between 1960-1963.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

– deportee husband on the run

“I looked through my door and I saw Drucilla running off with the baby, screaming loudly. I rushed to the house and I saw Goldburn chopping at his wife. I shouted at him to stop, and he told me to mind my own business. He later left the yard as the woman left bleeding ; but seconds afterwards he returned to the yard, picked up a bench and dealt her several lashes to her head before walking off with a rope,” Miss Barbara said. The witness said after neighbours converged at the scene, attempts were made to arrest the suspect, but he fled towards the Canje river where he was seen plunging overboard.

Mother of 5 chopped to death A MOTHER of five, who rejected sexual advances from her recently-deported reputed husband, met a gruesome death at their Lot 19 Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice home on Wednesday. Mintie Karamchand, 40, a waitress, was chopped and beaten repeatedly about her body, even as she attempted to escape through a wooden window on the lower flat of the house. The suspect, Goldburn December, is being vigorously pursued by a team comprising of police and civilians in the Canje River area. Police said that an argument erupted between the couple over the victim being unfaithful. As a result, the suspect became annoyed, picked up a small wooden stool and dealt the victim several lashes on her head, causing her to flee the house by jumping

through a window. Not satisfied, the suspect armed himself with a chopper, went after the victim and inflicted several chops to her hands, feet and head, causing her to collapse, after which he allegedly collected a piece of rope and fled across the nearby Canje River. The victim was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where she succumbed at about 10:30hrs while receiving treatment. This newspaper understands that the couple’s eldest daughter, Drucilla December, was on the upper flat with her 18-day-old baby, when she an to her mother’s assistance. At this time, her father was chopping the woman; she got between them, but her father warned her to move. “I became afraid. I had the baby in my hand. I re-

Dead: Mintie Karamchand

cently delivered via caesarian section. I looked at my father. He looked strange. I decided to go. I hugged my daughter and ran, alerting neighbours of the tragedy as I fled. But no one went to her rescue as they were all afraid,” the distraught daughter said. A neighbour, identified as “Miss Barbara,” said it was just before 09:00hrs when she her loud screams emanating from the couple’s yard.

ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP Meanwhile, Drucilla related that when she returned to the scene, she saw her mother’s bloodied body, and

criminal prosecution. However, the status of the matter is unknown.

On the run: Goldburn December

it was her step-grandfather who assisted in taking her to the New Amsterdam hospital where she was pronounced dead. Further, this newspaper was told that the suspect, Goldburn December, was in the habit of abusing his wife, and it was because of acts of cruelty that he had left Guyana eight years ago. It was also revealed that eight years ago, Karamchand was in a relationship with someone else, who was also beaten by the suspect, resulting in

DEPORTED Guyana Chronicle understands that in December 2016, the suspect had threatened to kill his wife, but the threats were not taken seriously. However, later that month, he was returning to Guyana from Suriname via overland, when he was intercepted by Surinamese police. A search was carried out on his personal belongings and it was discovered that he had a pistol concealed in a radio. The suspect was arrested, charged and was sentenced to six months imprisonment in Suriname. At the conclusion of his sentence, he was deported to Guyana in May 2017. Upon his return home, the now unemployed man would allegedly attempt to make sexual advances to his wife, but an argument would usually erupt.

JAZZY JAZZ FESTIVAL HONORS LENA HORNE — JAZZMEIA HORN, ALEX BLAKE, BASHIRI FREE JOHNSON — AMONG PERFORMERS AT MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE FREE (BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Medgar Evers College’s Dr. Mary Umolu Jazzy Jazz Festival 2017, to be held on nine Friday evenings from July 7–September 1, will pay tribute to the legendary Lena Horne this year. The FREE, public event takes

place in front of the College’s Academic Complex Building at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Crown Street in Brooklyn. Each performance is from 7:00-10 p.m. Seating is on a first-come basis for the festival that has become a Brooklyn summer tradition. The 2017 lineup of performers includes: Eric Wyatt Quartet (July 7), Steven Kroon & Sextet (July 14); MEC Jazz Ensemble (July 21); Hilliard Greene and The Jazz Expressions (July 28); Ngoma Hill (Aug. 4); Melba Joyce Bradford and Friends (August 11), Rhythm Healing featuring Bashiri Johnson & Frances Elizee (Aug. 18); Jazzmeia Horn (Aug. 25); and Alex Blake & Collective (Sept.1) This year’s honoree, Lena Horne, was born in Brooklyn on June 20, 1917, which makes this her centennial year! Horne’s influence extends to the per-

formers at this year’s festival and her historic contributions will be acknowledged at all nine concerts. The legendary actress, singer, dancer and civil rights activist shared the company of such musical greats as Max Roach and Randy Weston, among others. Beyond her artistic talent, Horne never failed to lift her voice against rampant racial discrimination. Her associates included the likes of Medgar Wiley Evers, Harry Belafonte, and Paul Robeson. Horne lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant and began performing in clubs in Harlem at age 16. Her illustrious career spanned almost eight decades in Hollywood but it was not without controversy. Her association with Paul Robeson — blacklisted as a communist during McCarthyism -— dampened her tinsel town stint but she continued to perform in the most elegant clubs here and in Europe. The standards “Cabin the Sky” and “Stormy Weather” are considered Horne’s signature pieces. About the Jazzy Jazz Festival Originally created as the Jazzy Jazz Festival in 1996, the festival was renamed the Dr. Mary Umolu Jazzy Jazz Festival in honor of Dr. Mary

Umolu, a professor and chair of the department of Mass Communications, Creative and Performing Arts and Speech at Medgar Evers College. Dr. Umolu was committed to educating a new generation about the history of the only uniquely American art form created in the 20th century—Jazz—thus ensuring that the entire community heard the music.

About the Department of Mass Communications, Creative and Performing Arts & Speech The mission of the Department of Mass Communications, Creative and Performing Arts and Speech (MCCPAS), located in the School of Liberal Arts and Education, is to provide highquality instruction in the media and performing arts which will enable students to experience personal growth, broaden their cultural perspectives, and develop the talents that create opportunities for both graduate study and employment. Currently, the Department offers an A.A. in Liberal Arts degree. About Medgar Evers College Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Medgar Evers College is a growing institution offering both Associate and

LENA HORNE

Baccalaureate degrees. It is a senior college within the City University of New York system and has nearly 7,000 students. Medgar Evers College was established in 1970 with a mandate to meet the educational and social needs of the Central Brooklyn community. For more information about the festival, follow Jazzy Jazz 2017 on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr and YouTube

Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23,23, 2017 GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017

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Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh MEAT LOAF Ingredients 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 ⁄4 cup 2% milk 2 ⁄3 cup finely crushed saltines 1 ⁄2 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄2 teaspoon rubbed sage Dash pepper 11⁄2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean) 1 cup ketchup 1 ⁄2 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

8 x 4-inch loaf in an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan. 2. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients, 1 stirring to dissolve sugar; remove ⁄2 cup for sauce. Spread remaining mixture over meat loaf. 3. Bake 60-65 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved sauce. Makes six servings.

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into an

Cure for the Common Cough

IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE

ohn was a clerk in a small drugstore but he was not much of a salesman. He could never find the item the customer wanted. Bob, the owner, had about enough and warned John that the next sale he missed would be his last day at work. Just then a man came in coughing and he asked John for their best cough syrup. Try as he might John could not find the cough syrup. Remembering Bob’s warning he sold the man a box of Ex-Lax (Laxative) and told him to take it all at once. The customer did as John said and then walked outside and leaned against a lamp post. Bob had seen the whole thing and came over to ask John what had transpired. “He wanted something for his cough but I couldn’t find the cough syrup. I substituted Ex-Lax and told him to take it all at once,” John explained. “Ex-Lax won’t cure a cough” Bob shouted angrily. “Sure it will” John said, pointing at the man leaning on the lamp post. “Look at him. He’s afraid to cough!”

here was a guy named John, who was the most positive guy in the whole world. Every time anyone says something negative, John would always say, “It could have been worse.” One day, John’s coworkers all got together and decided to come up with a scenario so bad that John couldn’t say that it could have been worse. When John arrived at work that day, one of his coworkers asked him, “John did you hear what happened to Sam last night?” John replied, “No, what?” The coworker replied, “When Sam got home last night, he found his wife in bed with another man, Sam shot the man, his wife, and then turned the gun on himself,” John replied, “Well , it could have been worse.” In disgust the coworker replied, “Now how could that have been any worse?” John replied, “Because if it had been the night before, he would have shot me!”

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IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

GUYANA’S OL’ TIME COSMETICS

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imes have changed, so much so that most of us have forgotten, if indeed we ever knew, the ways in which some Guyanese maintained personal hygiene and beautified them-selves long ago.

Let’s think in terms of a young lady maintaining cleanliness and good looks. How long ago? Before everything came in a bottle. Where in Guyana? Practically everywhere, but mostly the country areas. Note however, that much of what she did would be done by everybody else as well First the bath. There was soap and water of course; but added to these were crushed lime leaves and pot salt (as ordinary sodium chloride was called), mixed in a vessel with water and poured over the body to serve as a deodorant. The toothbrush was a ‘Black Sage’ stem, cut and beaten into a brush at one end. The toothpowder was powdered charcoal or salt, or both. People like to say that a woman’s crowning glory is her hair. Yesteryear’s young lady took this seriously and spent a great deal of time on it. A frothing preparation of crushed young ochroes and ochro leaves was made and used as shampoo and

opuntia cochenillifera

conditioner. It helped to keep the hair in place. If the young lady intended to go out, she needed a special. The big, fleshy leaves of the cochineal (which she herself might call “crutchineel” and which much of the rest of the world calls “cactus pear”) was sliced into pieces of appropriate size and put in water. The water became clammy after a little while. The clammy liquid was then rubbed into her hair and scalp, brushed

flat down (an operation they strangely called braiding) and tied with a damp cloth until just before the final arrangement was done. The hairdressing was sometimes “engine grease”, which some people obtained from the sugar estate factory. It was white in color and much resembled lard, but it had to be “bleached.” Bleaching meant leaving the engine grease in water every night for a

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week — but out in the dew. It was “washed” every morning — as one would “wash” or stir butter for making a cake. It was then mixed with crab oil, coconut oil or castor oil and scented before use. Hair dressing could also be a blend of mutton fat, castor oil and beena seed. The beena seed supplied the fragrance. A mixture of brandy, brown petroleum jelly and castor oil served as hair grower. While many of the methods and substances mentioned relate to African hair, some of them were used by everyone. Oils were used to massage the face in mainly upward motions. The massage would probably follow rubbing with slices of the mildly astringent cucumber. Roughness of the elbow was treated by sticking the elbow into half of a large lime. This was used to remove unsightly marks from the skin also. Crab-oil was supposed to do the same. Crab-oil, the oil processed from the seeds of the crabwood tree, has held its own over the years and can even now be had from pharmacies all over the country. Crab oil also has the properties of an antiseptic, repels parasites, and helps make the skin smooth and soft. Crushed papaw (papaya) leaves were used to soften the hands. The crushing released papain, which is used as a softener in many of today’s toilet preparations. Aloes (often called “bitter aloes”) have long been used as a healing agent for skin rashes, and other unsightliness. It has other uses, of course. Today, many of these cosmetic aids are being processed and elegantly packaged, but in the old days, people did what they could with what they had. And guess what – it worked.

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GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York York Edition EditionWeek-ending Week-ending June June 23, 23, 2017 2017 Guyana

Freedom Congregational Church in Stewartville celebrates 175th Anniversary O By Edgar Henry

h! what a glorious occasions it was on Sunday June 18th, when the Reverend Valeska Austin; Sister Keisha Mc Collin, Secretary; Sister Erica Adonis, Treasurer; Rev. Oslen Small of Smith’s Memorial Church and members of the Freedom Congregational Church Board, chose Father’s Day 2017 to conclude the celebrations for the 175th Anniversary of Freedom Congregational Church in Stewartville on the West Coast of Demerara in Guyana.

It was approximately three months ago when Reverend Austin called on the members of the Overseas-based Miller Reunion group —whose ancestors are from Stewartville — to assist in the celebrations. She intimated that tributes will be paid to recognize and celebrate the church’s 175th anniversary along with Pastors who contributed to sustain the development of the church under the heading, “Champions of Freedom Impacting the World of Christ.” A Rally on April 11, 2017 celebrating Past Ministers who served at Freedom was held:- The late Rev. Dr. Allan Carlyle Miller, who served from (1952–1960) was one of the ministers along with Rev. Adam. T. Johnson, Rev. Pat Matthews, Rev. Glen Johnson and Rev. F. E .Pollard. The Miller overseas group spearheaded by President Maurice Tait, along with committee members Edgar Henry,

the celebrations. The repairs and upgrade were professionally administered by a local Miller contractor Mo Joe Miller who hails from Buxton on the East coast of Demerara. This demonstrated the Miller’s commitment to keeping with the historical legacy left by the late Claude Tait Snr. The Reverend Minis96-year-old Irvin Ferreira and 80-year-old ter Austin explained the President Granger addressing the congreNatalie Norville receiving their gifts which itinerary for the one week gation at Freedom Congregational Church. of celebrations for the Anincluded a plaque. persons 90-years-old and over followed by niversary from June 11 to 18, an Evening of Talent, ending with a SunAudrey Tait, Carlyle Miller and Claude Tait Jnr., together with 50 other members 2017. The Celebrations began with a day Anniversary Service at Freedom Con-

gregational church. His Excellency. President David Granger was in attendance at the service and he addressed the capacity church, explaining the importance of the church to recapture the spirit of community, which should stand as beacons of hope to dispel despondency and contribute to the overall development of strong communities. During his remarks he insisted that “Our communities and our A packed church listening to the service at Freedom Congregational Church in villages cannot be allowed to falStewartville, West Coast of Demerara in Guyana on Father’s Day. ter or fail, and the Government cannot repair the damage alone. in the United States, United Kingdom and 'Bang'. A Communion Service, followed There need to be a collaborative effort beCanada decided to replace the floor with by a Love Feast, and a Torch light parade, tween the State and the Church; between ceramic tiles and make repairs to the pulpit, from the Church around the village, a chil- the communities and non-governmental providing the church with a makeover for dren feed program, hampers distributed to organizations.

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23, 23, 2017

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FLY JAMAICA opens new office on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn

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uyanese-born owners of Fly Jamaica Airways, Captain Ronald Reece and Roxanne Reece, since launching the carrier four years ago to airlift passengers from JFK International Airport to Guyana and Jamaica, and recently, Canada, opened a ticketing office in Brooklyn to better serve the Diaspora.

Marketing Manager of Fly Jamaica Kayla Reece and Consul General of Guyana to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly, cut the ribbon on Thursday, June 15, 2017 to open the 1397 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn building to accommodate the By Staff Reporter

thousands of Jamaicans and Guyanese that live in that borough. The new office also received ecumenical blessings. CEO Captain Ronald Reece told a reception at the Jamaican restaurant Trelawni Place, at 1140 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, later, that the airline plans to lure the Diaspora back to

He thanked travellers, and lauded the cabin attendants and the team of Fly Jamaica Airways for their hard work, which made the airline the success it is today. “With the support of our passengers and tourists and business travelers from the Diaspora which make our operations successful, I say thank you. I hope you continue to support Fly Jamaica Airways, he added. Consulate General, Barbara Atherly congratulated Fly Jamaica Airways for the new initiative. “We are impressed with the expansion in Brooklyn. This is a great opportunity to reach more people in the Diaspora, and to forge

Consul General of Guyana to New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly second from left, cut the ribbon with Marketing Manager Kayla Reece to open Fly Jamaica’s Brooklyn office.

fident that a tourism package to include Jamaica’s sand and sea, and Guyana’s Eco-tourism, would attract passengers to both destinations using Fly Jamaica Airways as the carrier of choice.

Mrs. Roxanne Reece, in turn expressed thanks to the traveling public for their continued support which has made the airline the success it is today. Book your flight @www.fly-jamaica.com

Congratulations To Graduate KALEIS HENRY

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aleis Henry recently graduated from her 8th grade class of 2017 from Young Scholars Charter School in Pennsylvania and was the valedictorian. She obtained a 4.0 grade point average, and received many other awards for her scholastic prowess.

Mrs. Roxanne Reece, Capt. Ronald Reece and CG Hon. Barbara Atherly.

their homelands of Guyana and Jamaica using Fly Jamaica Airways to get to their destinations.

stronger bonds between Guyana and Jamaica,” she said. Consul General Atherly is con-

Capt. Ronald Reece delivering his speech at Trelawni Place in Brooklyn.

Her proud parents Corwin Henry and Kenya Archer look forward for greater achievements as she continues to climb the ladder of success. Kaleis is already admitted to Shipley High School in Pennsylvania on a six-year scholarship to continue her education. Her happy Grandparents Edgar Henry (who is a staff writer of this paper), Carol Archer and Lynette Alleyne wish her God’s blessings as she forges forward in the world. Good luck Kaleis on all your future endeavors, and may God continue to guide and shower his manifold blessings on you.

KALEIS HENRY

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

GRDB accountant nabbed in Canada …to be extradited to face fraud charges FORMER accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter Ramcharran, was on Tuesday arrested by the Toronto Fugitive Squad, authorities here have confirmed. Ramcharran, who has been charged jointly with several other former top officials of the GRDB, had fled the jurisdiction prior to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) insti-

tuting criminal charges. His arrest in Canada followed an extradition request which was made by the Guyana Government to their Canadian counterparts. The Guyana Chronicle was told that Ramcharran will be subjected to a court hearing to determine the extradition request before he is sent back to Guyana. He is currently in police custody. Just recently, Chief Magis-

trate Ann McLennan issued an arrest warrant for Ramcharran, even as SOCU had made formal representation for him to be extradited to face the charges. Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James, had told the Guyana Chronicle that the arrest warrant was issued for Ramcharran on five counts of falsification of accounts. James had appeared before

the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to explain why an arrest warrant should be issued for the former accountant. Ramcharran was responsible for ‘signing off’ on a number of questionable transactions that were traced to the six officials who were recently charged and others caught up in the GRDB probe. Last week, five charges of falsification of accounts were filed and sworn to in court by an investigating rank; however Ramcharran was not present in court, since he reportedly fled the jurisdiction to Canada during SOCU’s investigation. But SOCU’s Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry had explained to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan that the ac-

cused was informed about the court proceedings and was ordered to be present in court. The magistrate had adjourned the matter until June 5, 2017 at 13:15hrs and ordered that the Head of SOCU be present at the next hearing to satisfy the court why an arrest warrant should be issued for Ramcharran. The allegation was made against Ramcharran during

SOCU’s investigation in which six former GRDB officials were charged and released on $500,000 bail for failing to make a proper entry into a register of a company two week ago. The six officials charged are former GRDB head, Madulall Ricky Ramraj; former General Manager Jagnarine Singh; former GRDB board members Dharamkumar Seeraj, Badrie Persaud, PPP Parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall and former Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine. During SOCU’s investigation, Ramcharran was found to have falsified accounts at the GRBD of over $400M between the years 2011 to 2015, while being the accountant at the company.

Haitians detained pending investigation By Ravin Singh FIFTEEN Haitians who were detained by the authorities upon arrival here recently are currently the subjects of an investigation which is being conducted with consideration of international obligations. This is according to Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who was at the time speaking at a press conference at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office on Friday. Minister Greenidge said the persons were detained by police who acted on information that they may have been victims of trafficking. The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a partner in the coalition government, has called for the release of the persons detained which include children. In a letter to President David Granger, the party said the seven adults and their eight children entered Guyana legally and are being held in detention. Further, the party stated that the individuals had their passports taken away while the children were separated from

the adults. However, Minister Greenidge could not confirm whether these reports are accurate. He offered that there would have been justifiable reasons for their passports to be taken away, if this had indeed happened. “There are circumstances where if you are held by authorities, for immigration issues, they hold on to your passport until you are ready to leave. So that may very well be a legitimate action,” the foreign minister said. He minister noted that the Haitians are held because of ongoing investigations. Minister Greenidge related that although this is the case, his ministry is concerned about the need to move expeditiously in determining whether there is evidence. He said too that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has made efforts to ensure that the women and children in the group are not put in any unacceptable circumstances, in terms of conditions, while the police sort the matter out. The matter is being handled by the Ministries of Public Security, and Citizenship

and Cabinet has called on the ministers with these portfolios to speedily resolve it. “They’ve [ministries] been encouraged by Cabinet to deal expeditiously with the matter before them and to go and look at the legislation and ensure that if the legislation needs to be modified or updated, it is modified and updated,” Minister Greenidge said. He said the two ministers and the police were also reminded of Guyana’s international obligations with regard to migrants. “The treatment and holding of migrants are of concern to us. So it is a subject of intense attention by these bodies,” the minister said. Asked about Haitians still needing visas to travel to Guyana, despite the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) free movement in the region’s policy, the foreign minister said this requirement is a product of existing legislation. He pointed out that only certain categories of travellers from Haiti were allowed to travel to certain Caribbean countries without visas and one of the categories include politicians.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

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Beware of ‘blood suckers’ …Lewis tells sugar workers to not be fooled by PPP VETERAN trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis delivered a stinging rebuke to the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party in their heartland on Tuesday when he addressed an anti-sugar reform rally and march at Albion/Port Mourant, Berbice. Addressing the large gathering, Lewis told the workers: “Sugar has been in crisis for decades. What has happened is that sugar did not have the benefit of a good plan of action to revitalise the corporation and further the diversification programme implemented in the 1970s, which rather than be built on was torpedoed.” He added: “Today I speak without fear or favour…I continue to do what I have been doing all the years…today we come full circle that those who were in opposition are in opposition again. You would think that this will be a lesson to do right by the people, who they rely on to put them in government. If they were correctly reading the tea leaves, they would have a plan in the making years now. They tell you sugar can be saved and at the same time refuse to make public the plan to save it.” The PPP while it attended the consultations on the sugar industry, had refused to put forward a proposal for the restructuring. Lewis continued: “While the Jagdeo Government al-

lowed bauxite to go, ignoring the entreaties for rights to be respected in the decision-making processes, they kept on to sugar to use as a political football, paid management super salaries with the sweat of your labour,” Lewis, who is general-secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress, declared. “Those who are blood suckers on sugar workers let us not be fooled, for the only reason they are now standing with you is to deepen their political ambition. When they had the power to give, they gave support to the fat cats at the top. Jagdeo said the industry can be saved and while he failed to put measures in place to do so when the levers of power were in his hands, demand of him that he now make public his plan to save GuySuCo…,” Lewis told the crowd. BAUXITE WOKERS WERE IGNORED He reminded the gathering that when bauxite workers called for consultation, involvement and participation on the future of the industry, “we were ignored and shut out. Many families were placed on the breadline, went hungry, and endured serious jeopardy. What was different about those workers? But these rights of which I speak do not change under a working-class government, under a caring government, under

Lincoln Lewis

a government of the people by the people for the people. These rights do not change. If anything they become more entrenched, more preserved, more protected,” Lewis asserted. “And we the workers must ensure that such protection is not taken for granted, for then we stand the risk of losing grounds: of losing all that our ancestors struggled for and bequeathed to us through norms and laws. The colour of our skin, our ethnicity and political persuasion must not matter or determine whether we are treated with respect and dignity. We fought that battle and settled that score long ago…what we must fight for now is the preservation, strengthening and deepening of the gains achieved.” Lewis reminded the gathering that the Skeldon factory, which has cost the taxpayers more than 200 million U.S. dollars, on

completion was found to be no good. “This was the single largest investment in taxpayers’ money, and [the] Jagdeo Government as quick as it was to spend yours and mine tax dollars did not see the need to ensure during the construction process we, the taxpayers, would have been getting our money’s worth. The fixing of this factory requires tens of millions more, which we too will have to shoulder and we must demand of the David Granger/ Moses Nagamootoo Government that in the repair works they ensure proper oversight,” Lewis thundered. He added that when the Jagdeo Government moved to close Diamond and re-organise the East Bank Demerara Estates, he did not engage in consultation, involvement and participation with “you and your representatives. For those sugar workers to get their redundancy benefits they had to take GuySuCo to court. Do not be fooled by any in their own political self-serving agenda tell you today that they care about you…for when they had the opportunity to care they trampled you. Beware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing,” Lewis admonished the workers. Turning to President David Granger, Lewis said in running for office the head of state had talked about the Good Life…the sugar workers, bauxite workers, public servants, teachers, and

all workers want the Good Life…”it is not only for him, Moses, his ministers, friends and families. It is time this social parasite-ism ends… regardless of which government is in power or party has our support. Let us not waver in our responsibility to protect and defend universally acceptable principles.”

WE TRADE UNIONISTS The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) has been organising a series of marches and rallies in the sugar belt and Lewis in speaking directly to the leadership of the union, cautioned: “We trade unionists -- rank and file and leaders -- must be cognisant of politicians who will seek to use us in their political agenda and not necessarily ours. As a young trade unionist, the things I believed in that are at the core at the trade union movement, that I was led to believe they believed in too, when they got into office they turned around and became our worst nightmare.” He said today he is cognisant of the tight rope he had to walk: “As I speak before you and I want you to be also because we are all on this journey together. If we stand for workers in the sugar industry and around the world, we must stand for good governance, irrespective of which party [is] in power, has your support, or received your vote. While politicians vacillate, we in the trade unions must remain

constant.” Lewis stressed that workers are still entitled to human rights, the right to a living wage, equality, equal pay for equal work, the right to organise and freedom to associate, the right to education and health care, decent retirement benefits for those who served this country and are entitled, the right to work and earn, and a social welfare programme that helps to alleviate economic deprivation for those who are indigent and less fortunate, police protection, justice and fair play. And these values we stand up and continue to fight [for], and it must matter not which government is in office or which party is out. “Let us today pledge and commit ourselves to these basic principles of trade unionism, for they were relevant in the days of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, they were relevant at the time of the Enmore Martyrs, they were in 1999 when public servants were shot at John Fernandes Wharf, relevant for bauxite workers who since 2009 have been engaged in a bitter struggle for the protection of their fundamental rights and freedoms, they were relevant under colonial rule, relevant under successive PNC governments, under successive PPP/C governments, and remain relevant under the APNU+AFC government,” the trade union leader stated.

Man gets 60 years for 2009 Old Year’s Day murder STEVE Allicock was on Tuesday sentenced to 60 years imprisonment for the 2009 Old Year’s Day murder of Wendell Tappin in Albouystown after a 12-member jury found him guilty in the Georgetown High Court. In handing down the sentence, Justice Navindra Singh told the court that Allicock has been sentenced to 60 years and ordered that the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) deduct time served and then asked that the

prisoner be removed from the courtroom. After a few hours of deliberation, the 12-member jury returned to the courtroom and the forewoman announced a guilty verdict, which was unanimous. When the judge asked Allicock if he had anything to say he told the court that he feels the testimony of the father of the deceased, Dan Tappin, was inconsistent since he gave different versions. As such, he added that his father and uncle were

both freed for the same murder and the sister of the deceased, Natasha Tappin, testified that she did not see him at the scene on the day in question. Allicock noted that he was nowhere near there (scene) at that time. Meanwhile, in his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Maxwell McKay told the court that his client is 35 years old and has seven children and had no prior incident. He related that his client is a model

Accused: Steve Allicock

prisoner during his incarceration. In response, State Prosecutor, Tuanna Hardy said that Wendell Tappin

lost his life at age 23 years old. She stated that the accused took a knife and pierced the heart of the deceased and asked for the maximum sentence to be handed down since a life was lost. After the sentence was handed down the relatives of Allicock began crying, after which they exited the courtroom and was loud outside the High Court while, they register their disappointment. Allicock had murdered

Tappin, 23, called “Wendell Keyco” of 88 James Street, Albouystown at about 16:00hrs on December 31, 2009 (Old Year’s Day). Tappin was involved in an argument with Allicock, who inflicted stab wounds to his chest and escaped. Tappin, the father of two was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was stabbed to death during a row over a cell phone/battery.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

We do not have a sense of entitlement –WPA – calls for greater inclusion of coalition partners in gov’t

By Ravin Singh

ONE week after one of its members was reassigned at a ministerial level, the Working Peoples’ Alliance (WPA) – one of the coalition parties in government has said that it does not believe it is entitled to any particular ministry. This was expressed by executive member of the party, Dr David Hinds, on Monday at a press conference at the party’s Queenstown headquarters. As part of the education reform process, the government announced last week that Dr Rupert Roopnaraine was reassigned from the Ministry of Education to the Department of Public Service, under the Ministry of the Presidency. However, he would remain a minister. Dr Roopnaraine is

the WPA’s representative at a ministerial level, as is the case with all of the other coalition parties in government. Asked about the reassignment of Dr Roopnaraine from the education sector, which was allocated the largest amount of money in the 2017 budget, Dr Hinds said he does not believe the party has a sense of entitlement. “We do not feel there is a particular ministry in government that we are entitled to. I think we do feel that if we are going to be assigned a ministry, it should be a ministry that makes sense” the WPA’s executive member said. The WPA has often been described as the party comprising a high number of academics and intellectuals. Without inferring same though, Dr Hinds said that

the party has over the years contributed “immensely to the shaping of policies,” and remains committed to doing same even now. However, he noted that the party has not been able to contribute to the development as it would like, and that it remains ignorant as to what its role in government is, since the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition has not met since securing executive office in 2015. “The WPA was not consulted after the coalition won. There was no meeting between the WPA and the coalition or the President… We want to be meaningfully engaged. We want to play a meaningful role in shaping policy and shaping the vision of the government” he said. However, one opinion

shared by political commentators is that more could have been done and achieved at the Education Ministry under the stewardship of Dr Roopnaraine – an internationally recognised scholar. Having been the WPA’s representative in government, the WPA was asked about Dr Roopnaraine’s performance at the ministry and whether the party is satisfied with what has been achieved under him. Dr Hinds explained though that the party had not been monitoring the performance of the ministry and would not be in a position to provide a definitive answer. He noted too that: “We [WPA] feel that Dr Roopnaraine had ideas about reforming the education sector and he did put some of those in the public domain. I think he begun to bring about

Executive Member of the WPA, Dr David Hinds

some of those changes in the ministry. It’s a delicate and important ministry.”

Dr Hinds was also asked about his party’s contribution to the education sector, having expressed an interest in wanting to contribute to the government content and policy. However, he told reporters that the party was never involved in the day-to-day operations of the ministry nor the policy which guided it. “As a party, we did not have a voice in the day-today working of the ministry nor policy. We were not part of the policy making in the ministry. We have a lot of ideas in education, but as a party we were not involved” he said. Dr Hinds made it clear too, that the WPA remains committed to ensuring the coalition government works, despite some level of dissatisfaction. “We are firmly committed to making this government work. We have been in the trenches for the last 40 years trying to bring about some change in this country. The government has a unique opportunity to bring about change. We worked hard to put them in power and we do not want to bring them down” the executive member said.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

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New Yorkers honour ‘GT’ child designer – for exemplary humanitarian service By Shauna Jemmott BUDDING fashion designer and entrepreneur, nine-year-old Sapphire Autumn Rose was on Friday awarded the ‘Golden Arrowhead of Youth Award of Achievement and Distinction’ during Guyana’s 51st Independence Anniversary Celebrations in New York. The event, held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall on Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, also saw the child prodigy receiving two citations, one from the celebrated Mathieu Eugene, the first Haitian native to be elected to the New York City Council, and the other from Hon. Eric Leroy Adams, President of the Brooklyn Borough. The New York City Council’s citation presented to the young designer and humanitarian reads: “Whereas a great city is only as great as those persons who give exemplary service to their communities, whether through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their professional or other endeavors or simply through a lifetime of good citizenry; and whereas, such service, which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the

The New York City Council citation presented to Sapphire Autumn Rose by Councilman Mathieu Eugene

city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded; now therefore be it resolved, that as duly elected member of the New York City Council, we recognize that in Sapphire Autumn Rose, we have an outstanding citizen, one which is worthy of the esteem of both community and the great City of New York.” Rose was the only child among 11 persons honoured at the prestigious awards ceremony organised to commemorate Guyana’s 51st Anniversary of Independence. The ceremony followed a cultural presentation, and a ‘Taste of Guyana’ reception held in the Rotunda of the municipal

building. The ceremony was reportedly organised by the Guyana Tri-State Alliance (GTSA), under the patronage of Brooklyn’s Borough

Sapphire Autumn Rose receiving her award from Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Ms Barbara Atherly last Friday

President and Councilman, Dr. Mathieu Eugene of the 40th Council District of

Brooklyn. The lead paragraph of a feature article on the child and published in a special magazine by the GTSA for Guyana’s Independence anniversary reads: “Sapphire Autumn Rose was born to design! She has inherited her skill from both parents, Guyanese-born fashion icons Michelle Cole and the late Trevor Rose, and now, at nine years old, her star has risen.” The young designer’s work was first recognised when she was featured in the January 7, 2017 edition of the Sunday Chronicle

Pepperpot Magazine, in an article detailing how she moved from simply setting a goal to becoming a young professional designer, humanitarian and entrepreneur while still working to achieve excellence in education. Sapphire was awarded for her work with her ‘Heart full of Dreams’ project with her brand D’Obviousrose, which is marketed mainly through her website: http:// dobviousrose.com. Just last month she was honoured in the USA by the international KiddiePreneur brand as a successful child entrepreneur. When contacted by the Guyana Chronicle, Sapphire’s mother, Michelle, said they were both honoured and excited about this latest development in the child’s life. Describing her eldest as a “focused child” in whom she has always had high expectations, Michelle told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday: “Well, she told me a long time ago that she will be better than I am. My response was, ‘I expect nothing less, since I am your teacher.’ I expected her to do well. She is a very focused child; almost a perfectionist at times. She will try and try until she gets it right.”

Presentation to Consul General in New York of ‘Guyana at 50’

P

atrick Zephyr the sole distributor in New York of the book “Guyana at 50”, which commemorates the Golden Jubilee of Guyana’s Independence (19662016) and is a reflection, celebration and inspiration of Guyanese and their way of life with beautiful pictures. This book was first published in Great Britain by Hansib Publications and is edited by Arif Ali. In picture at right Mr. Patrick Zephyr makes a presentation of this book to Guyana’s Consul General of New York, Hon. Barbara Atherly, while members of staff and visitors to the consulate look on. Copies of this book can be obtained from the Guyana Consulate General’s office in Manhattan or by contacting Patrick Zephyr @rickfyrd2016@ gmail.com or by calling 347-217-2551. Part of the proceeds of sales goes to charitable work with youths in Guyana

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business

W

Your Car . . . Sell Or Trade In?

The Edgar Henry Column

henever we think of replacing our existing car there's nearly always an accompanying question: What to do with the old one? If you've already promised it to your son for college, your decision is made. But for most of us, we have to decide whether to trade it in for a new one, or sell it ourselves on the open market. THE TRUTH Everyone knows, once the old car is in good working order you will get more if you sell it yourself. There are understandably some exceptions to this rule depending on the year and make of the vehicle. One huge exception occurs if your current car is on a lease program that provides certain benefits if you trade it in and lease another vehicle of the same brand. Most manufacturers offer such lease programs, basically to support their return policy. For people who absolutely must have a new car every couple of years, these programs have their advantages. Selling it yourself is dependent upon the marketability of the car in question. It is a known fact that we real estate brokers will tell you that the easiest homes to sell are those that are, pretty much, like the other homes in the neighborhood. It's the odd-ball custom-built homes, or the ones with strange interior decors, or weird gardens, with a swimming pool in the backyard or the one that's been remodeled to the point of being the most expensive house on the block, that are the difficult ones to unload. Basically an unusual house requires an unusual buyer. The same goes for cars. What's easy to sell are four-door Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys and the like, with no silly

certification, maybe fixing a few dents and scratches, and just the overhead of running the business. Therefore, if two identical used cars are for sale, one by a dealership and one by a private owner, it is to be expected that the one at the dealership will

FOR SALE BY OWNER

modifications such as fancy wheels, loud exhausts, paint stripes, boom-box stereos or even window tinting. When you go to sell the car, your task is easier if it's a nice clean normal car because that's what the market demands. Most certainly, if the car isn't a nice clean normal one, no dealership is going to want it for a trade-in either. TRADE ADVANTAGE All used cars have a certain retail value. If that car is sold by a dealership, the dealership will have some expenses involved, for things such as cleaning it, getting it past any necessary smog

carry a higher price. On the flip-side, the dealership purchase will offer certain advantages to the next buyer: If something goes wrong with a used car bought at a dealership, the new owner has a place to take it and, to a certain extent, expect a reasonable fix, since dealers would normally give some sort of warranty. But the used car bought from a private party includes no such implication or warranty, and if something goes wrong the new buyer should expect to be on his or her own. Since the dealership has to make a profit on its used cars — in fact, dealer-

ships make a lot more money on used cars than new cars — it must therefore purchase that vehicle for less than retail value in order to make a profit. When a dealership takes a vehicle in trade, the dealership is in effect buying it from the customer of the new car, and at a price that is, of necessity, below retail. That's what's known as the trade-in value and that's why trade-in is less than retail. REALITY CHECK But when you sell your old car yourself, you can set any asking price you want. If you're reasonable you'll ask a fair price, something around retail. If you get a price that's something around retail, you'll make more money than if you had traded it in. But, there's one thing that lingers along and that is the "hassle." Here's another part of the deal: If you trade in the old car, you can drive away in your new car right now, show it to the neighbors this afternoon and take it to dinner tonight. Wow! But if you decide to sell your old car and then put that money toward the new one, you're going to have to wait a while before you can get your new car.

SELLING YOUR CAR YOURSELF Selling a car on your own is good insurance that you'll obtain top dollar, and it may be your only option if you are buying your next vehicle through a private-party sale. But be aware of the work involved. Prepping your vehicle for sale will take time, and depending on its condition may also cost you some money. Honestly assess the car's condition, and then decide how much you want to spend on minor repairs, always remembering the liability involved with a private-party sale. Be sure to fix things well enough to avoid running into possible legal troubles farther down the road. THE RIGHT PRICE Once the vehicle has been cleaned and repaired, you'll need to determine what its worth is. Utilize the Kelley Blue Book values as a starting point. By looking at both the trade-in and suggested retail values listed by Kelley for your car, you can determine an asking price. Also check your local newspaper's classifieds, and newsstand publications containing used-car ads in order to determine local market pricing. Look for listings of vehicles similar to yours and compare their asking prices. Truth be told, one has to do the homework to ascertain what is required before applying a value. “It is always better to have information and not need it than to need to and not have it.”

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

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OPM condemns Cocaine swallower Nandlall for gets 3 years – fined $1.5M allegedly ‘lying’ …calls on sugar workers not to fall prey to attempts to incite PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo has refuted claims that he had promised sugar workers 25% wage increase, saying that the statements are all part of efforts to incite sugar workers. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall who made the claims, has descended to an all-time low against the Prime Minister and has fabricated a litany of lies in his desperate diatribes published in Monday’s edition of the opposition newspaper, Guyana Times as an “Op-Ed”. Nandlall is reported to have stated that in 2011 the Prime Minister, then in opposition, had promised sugar workers 25% increase in wages. “This is a crude invention for which Nandlall can give no proof. It is clear that Nandlall was unleashed by his handler against the Prime Minister after his devastating exposure of the Bharrat Jagdeo regime for bankrupting the sugar industry during the June 15th sitting of the National Assembly,” the OPM statement read. “The Opposition Leader had fallen into a trap when he insisted on speaking after the Prime Minister, only to receive a brutal verbal thrashing and bludgeoning by Minister of

PPP MP, Anil Nandlall

Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, the footage of which has since gone viral under.” According to the OPM, the Prime Minister has consistently exposed the Jagdeo-led PPP for bringing the sugar industry to its knees. “While addressing a Cane Conference in August 2015 – three months after the Coalition took office – the Prime Minister said, “[to]day sugar is no longer king; it has been reduced to the state of a pauper, a beggar that lives off handouts from the State.” The OPM said Nandlall is resorting to typical vendetta politics, in a lame attempt at getting at the Prime Minister for Jagdeo’s inept attempt to avoid blame for the crisis in the sugar industry, and for trying to sidetrack the $82B indebtedness of GuySuCo and the colossal waste of $50B on the failed Skeldon factory. Jagdeo could not shrug off

claims that his regime had started to close sugar estates and that sugar lands were hived off to PPP cronies. “Nandlall is also peddling the gargantuan lie that the Coalition Government had blocked bailouts for the sugar industry. On the contrary, the Coalition Government, even while it was in opposition, voted for every bailout package for sugar workers.” Further, after it took office, the Coalition Government voted for over $32B (2015-2017) to further help the sugar industry stay afloat, and to pay wages to sugar workers whilst it worked on a plan to make the industry profitable. The Coalition Government has tabled in Parliament ideas to do so through the merger of operations and diversification. “The Office of the Prime Minister condemns Mr. Nandlall and the PPP for attempting to exploit the situation in the sugar industry by making it into a political fun-game, and for kicking the fate of sugar workers like a football. Sugar workers must not allow themselves to be fooled by opportunistic, political hustlers like Mr. Nandlall, and must not fall victim to their desperate campaign of stirring racism and division.”

Woman caught on camera stealing gets bail A FEMALE Tucber Park, New Amsterdam resident who was caught on surveillance camera stealing a purse containing a $100,000, was granted $ 60,000 bail when she appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court, before Magistrate Marissa Mithelholzer, in East Canje on Monday. Initially, she pleaded guilty to the charge of simple larceny, but changed it to not guilty moments after. Police Corporal Winston Poliah,

prosecuting, said that on June 10, last, the defendant, Keane France went into the Kassim Poultry and Grocery shop at Main and Kent streets in New Amsterdam, where Donette Hinds was concluding a business transaction. But the virtual complainant was seemingly in a hurry, and was seen picking up her handbag from the shop counter, leaving the purse behind. France was seen looking at the purse as the complainant exited the building, before picking it up,

placing it into her bag, concealing it with a black plastic, before exiting the store. However, after realising that her purse and its contents were missing, the complainant returned to the store and thereafter reported the matter to Central Police Station. Following the report, the police uplifted the images from the surveillance camera, which was circulated via social media. Subsequently, France was identified, arrested and charged. The matter has been transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court for hearing on June 26.

A CONSTRUCTION worker who ingested 72 cocaine pellets to smuggle to Barbados, was sentenced to three years in prison and fined $1.5M for the offence of trafficking in narcotics. Randolph Muir, 32, known as ‘Roach’ of Enterprise, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday admitted before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore, that between June 8, and June 19, 2017 at the Woodlands Hospital, Georgetown, he had 592 grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford told the court that on June 8, 2017, the defendant was an outgoing passenger on a LIAT flight destined to Barbados. However, while checking in at the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, ECD, a CANU rank observed him acting in a suspicious manner at the scanning area. As a result, Muir was

Randolph Muir known as ‘Roach’

taken off the plane and taken to the Woodlands Hospital, where he underwent an

X-ray scan which showed he had ingested strange objects. Muir was given a laxative to assist in him excreting the objects; he passed a total of 72 cocaine- filled pellets between June 8 and the weehours of June 9. The prosecutor disclosed that Muir had assisted CANU with its investigation and told ranks that he was promised US$1,700 to traffic the drugs. The court was told by his attorney, Davina Persaud, that Muir is the sole breadwinner for his three minor kids. After reviewing the charge, Magistrate Azore sentenced him to three years imprisonment and imposed a fine of $1.5M. (Clestine Juan)

The cocaine pellets which the suspect excreted

Critical move 20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending June 23, 2017

…reassignment of Dr Roopnaraine was necessary

THE Ministry of the Presidency has said the decision to reassign Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine as Minister of Education to Minister of Public Service was a critical, administrative one and slammed a Stabroek News editorial on Sunday which among other things deemed the move insensitive. In a statement calling for the retraction of the editorial the Ministry of the Presidency said it “rejects outright, the misrepresentations and obvious discrepancies, which appear to be designed to damage the reputation of President David Granger and, by extension, the Coalition Government, in the Stabroek News Editorial published on Sunday, June 18 regarding the reassignment of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.” Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief, Anand Persaud has since taken to his facebook page declaring: “No...there will be no retraction of the Sunday Stabroek editorial of June 18...it was

perfectly in order...” The ministry said on Tuesday, June 13, the Ministry issued a release announcing the adjustments in ministerial responsibilities, which saw Minister Nicolette Henry now holding the post of Minister of Education, while Dr. Roopnaraine, who held that position since 2015, was reassigned to the Ministry of the Presidency. “These adjustments were made in response to the findings in the preliminary report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Education sector, which prioritised the need for reform and innovation.” According to the ministry, Dr. Roopnaraine had submitted that report on June 1 and the President, having reviewed that report on his return from the European Development Days (EDD) 2017 conference in Belgium, recognised that immediate action needed to be taken to address the findings of that report. On Monday, June 12

President David Granger

President Granger convened two separate meetings; one with Dr. Roopnaraine and the other with the WPA’s Chairman, Mr. Desmond Trotman, during which the reassignment was discussed before it was taken to Cabinet the following day. This was confirmed by Dr. Roopnaraine himself, who is reported in the Stabroek News editorial as saying that he was personally consulted.

Minister of Public Service, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

“Ignoring the need for urgent action in the education sector, the writer intimates that this move was insensitive on the part of the President with regard to the death anniversary of Walter Rodney on Tuesday, June 13. So desperate was the writer to make that unfortunate correlation that Monday, June 12, was referred to as June 13 in the first line of

the editorial. Further, the writer sought to draw some bizarre correlation between the Head of State’s so-called “insensitivity” and his military career, referencing the latter twice in the article. The Ministry questions the insinuation being made here and reaffirms that the decision to reassign Dr. Roopnaraine was a critical, administrative one.” Government said the editorial also stated that upon aligning itself with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the WPA was allocated the Ministry of Education. “This is a falsehood. The assigning of Ministerial office is done by the Head of State, the only one with the Constitutional authority to do so. Minister Roopnarine was assigned as Minister of Education. The Minister of Education was not allocated to the WPA or any political party. While there were certain agreements in the Cummingsburg Accord with regard to the Alliance

for Change (AFC) that were adhered to, Ministerial appointments are done at the discretion of the President,” the MOTP statement emphasised. Further, the Editorial states according to the MOTP that “As far the PNC is concerned…the WPA brought no votes of any consequence to the partnership”. “This is another falsehood. The PNC has never made any such statement at any forum. This is conjecture by the writer, which they then erroneously attribute to the PNC. The WPA remains a strong member of APNU and the Coalition Government and it is noted that the author ignores the fact that Dr. Roopnaraine remains a member of the Cabinet, as well as, a Member of Parliament. The Ministry therefore calls on Stabroek News to retract the Editorial and for an apology to be issued to the President.”

Lindeners want ‘call centre building’ freed up …NICIL says no feasible business plan presented By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Guyana Stores building that formerly housed the Toucan Connection Call Centre in Linden in which scores of young Lindeners were employed before closure in 2015, remains empty and while many investors have expressed interest in setting up shop at the building, Region 10 officials are blaming the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) for holding up progress. Lindeners were calling for Qualfon to establish a branch in Linden since recent announcement of its expansion and aggressive recruitment campaign. Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, however said that while Qualfon has not expressed interest, several other investors have done so and have put forward their business plans but to date, nothing has materialized, while the

business centre continues to be dormant. Speaking to Guyana Chronicle on the issue on Monday,a top Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) official who asked not to be named, said a section of the building has been handed over to LEN, which currently houses a car dealership and a security firm. The official told the Chronicle that several investors have seriously engaged LEN in renting the other sections and have presented extensive business proposals. “Nothing has been realized, however NICIL is holding the building hostage while awaiting payment from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for extensive repairs that were done.” The official explained that the section LEN became custodian for underwent extensive repairs to the roof, while the other section remains exposed to the elements as a result of that side of the roof that is

in a state of disrepair. “The roof needs changing, there are computers in there, furniture in there that is left to wet every day and you know what I am hurt about; people in Linden need jobs even if it is minimum wage,” the official said, adding “there are several correspondences to show that LEN expressed interest in engaging NICIL in the matter since investors are being turned away, while Linden continues to suffer, despite in dire need of development. Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, in an invited comment said that the municipality is more than happy to see the building utilised since he personally engaged persons who have expressed interest but nothing has materialised. “I believe that there is some difficulty; I want to know why persons cannot access the facility, I want to know why?” Holland asked. Chief Executive Offi-

cer of the NICIL, Horace James, however rubbished the claims that NICIL is holding the building hostage, but in fact said that the investors who have visited the facility and expressed interest have not presented feasible business plans thus far that can be passed by both the Ministry of Business (MoB) or GO INVEST. James said that NICIL has written the MoB informing them that the building is one of the few available in Linden for investment and has even organised visits- the latest being last week to the facility. The CEO confirmed that NICIL had requested reimbursement from the MoF for funds utilised on the building but this is in no way hindering the process. “Anyone of those investors has to come up with a feasible business plan that will be passed. Up to Saturday we had a small group; two youngsters who started a call centre in Linden. I had made arrange-

The Guyana Stores building at Kara Kara, Mackenzie

ments for them to visit but they have to come up with a plan,” James stressed, while adding that the onus is not on NICIL to decide which type of business should occupy the building but it’s up to the MoB. In September of 2015, 90 employees of Toucan Connection Incorporated,

a St Kitts-based company, were abruptly sent home after the company closed doors without even paying them severance packages. Many of those workers are still unemployed and were given many promises that they would be given first preference when another firm invests in the building.

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23, 23, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

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C CR RO OS SS SW WO OR RD D

ISSUE 54 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Be honest in your communication and don’t lose your cool. Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. Someone you live with will be quite unreason able next week. Residential moves will be in your best interest. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You should get out and enjoy social events where you are likely to meet new potential mates; however, don’t over spend. Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Residential moves look hectic and sudden changes in your life are likely. You need to make your lover feel wanted, not like a piece of furniture. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Take a look at the possibilities of starting a small part time business with friends or relatives. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. Secret affairs may be brought out in the open. Try to stay calm and do the best you can. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Your partner will blow situations out of proportion. Take the whole family and make it an enjoyable outing. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. Be careful not to sign your time or your cash away. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Sudden changes will occur through communications with friends or inlaws. Question your mate if you must. Chances are you split up the last time because you didn’t really want to make a commitment. Travel in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge. Your lucky day next week will be Friday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You may have difficulties with in-laws or family members. Observations will be far more productive. Social activity should be on your agenda this week. Involvement in fitness clubs will be conducive to engaging roman tic connections. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday. LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Don’t be afraid of opposition; your suggestions are valid. Outdoor sports events should entice you. Don’t let your health suffer because of worry. Talk to someone you trust. You can make new friends if you get involved in group activities. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You could make extra cash through creative hobbies. You can make the most headway if you put in some overtime. Try not to at tempt to do something unless you are fully intent on following through with the plans. Do something special for them. Your lucky day next week will be Monday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Don’t be afraid to talk to close friends or relatives about pressing personal problems. You can invest in profitable ventures. You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Strengthen your position among your peers. Be fair, not colorful. Coworkers may not be giving you all the pertinent information. If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves. Your lucky day next week will be Friday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Help with your aspirations is likely, and profits could follow. Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Do you really want to start something with someone you can’t reason with? New relationships will surface through work relate events. Your lucky day next week will be Friday. PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Make plans to meet again in the near future. You will be looking for creative ways to make a little extra cash. Your changing philosophies may lead you into new circles and open doors that will give you a unique outlook on life. Go out with friends or family. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

ACROSS

1. Fifth note 4. Charlie Chaplin, e.g. 8. Pres. on the dime 11. “Stop, Dobbin!” 13. What Fe stands for 14. Nautical assent 15. Party to (2 wds.) 16. Gilbert of “Roseanne” 17. Male sheep 18. April and August 20. Oak’s beginning 22. Half of VI 23. Inc., in England 24. Diner at the Last Supper 28. Input 32. Musician Rawls 33. Arrange (2 wds.) 36. Fleur-de-___ 37. Duration

W O R D F I N D

5. One Gershwin 6. Ethical 7. Legislate 8. Klinger’s portrayer 9. Actress Cannon 10. Sleep stage (abbr.) 12. Those against 39. Stirs 19. Successes 41. NYC summer 21. Singular setting 24. Model Carol 44. Swiss mountain 45. Fine country home 25. Edgar Allan ___ 26. Of us 47. Mandatory 27. Greek letter 51. U.S. spy org. 29. Unser and Jolson 52. TV’s Arnaz 30. CEO’s neckwear 54. ___ Scotia 55. Diamond stud spot 31. Farm animal 34. Reactor fuel 56. Hawaiian island 35. Mast 57. Suppose 38. Fathers and uncles 58. Psychic’s letters 40. Turn upside down 59. Bloom support 42. Dummies 60. Compass point 43. Halloween alternative (abbr.) 45. Farrow et al. 46. Senior citizens’ gp. DOWN 48. Accomplishes 1. Use the pool 49. Twilights 2. Shout of dismay 50. Knight’s wife (2 wds.) 51. Third letter 3. Diving bird 53. “Murder, ___ Wrote” 4. Projectile

E L E C T R I C I T Y

AMMETER BLENDER BOOSTER CD PLAYER DISHWASHER DOORBELL DVR ENGINE ESCALATOR FANS FARAD FREEZER IRON

LAMP LIGHTS OPENER PLUG RADIO REACTOR RHEOSTAT SPEAKER STEREO SWITCH TELEVISION TOASTER WIPER

ISSUE #54 WORDFIND ANSWER

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GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew NewYork YorkEdition EditionWeek-ending Week-ending June June 23, 23, 2017 2017 Guyana

Why Dr. Walter Rodney is important?

(from page 5) ment of National Reconstruction. The concept was “an evolutionary product of political exasperation about PPP betrayal of its “Marxist” ideals and of economic perplexity about PNC realization of its “objectives.” Out of this PPP “negation” and PNC “affirmation” the new WPA revolutionary synthesis was born. One could say that it was more Marxist than Democratic. After 1976, it concentrated less on ideology and became a multi-racial, working class party. In July 1979 Dr. Clive Thomas, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and five others were arrested after arsonists destroyed two government buildings. Dr. Rodney was charged with arson. There are those who believe that he would have united the two main races and that Guyana would have become a great nation under him. We would never know, because he was assassinated 13 February,

1980 in Georgetown. He was carrying a device when a bomb placed in it exploded. Gregory Smith, a retired member of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), had given the device to him. His murder, like Vincent Teekah’s and many other political murders, remains unsolved. In 1993, the Government of Guyana posthumously awarded Walter Rodney, Guyana's highest honour, the Order of Excellence of Guyana. It also established the Walter Rodney Chair in History at the University of Guyana. In 1977, the African Studies Centre, Boston University, inaugurated the Walter Rodney Lecture Series. In 1982, the American Historical Association posthumously awarded Walter Rodney the Albert J. Beveridge Award for A History of the Guyanese Working People, 1881-1905. In 1984, the Centre for Carib-

bean Studies of the University of Warwick established the Walter Rodney Memorial Lecture in recognition of his life and work. In 1998, the Institute of Caribbean Studies, University of the West Indies, inaugurated the Walter Rodney Lecture Series.

Dr. Rodney is also important because of his belief that academics should share their knowledge with the masses. Too many intellectuals live in an ivory tower and talk down to the masses. He walked the talk. He was in tune with the “grassroots.” In addition to lecturing at UWI, he taught in neglected communities of Jamaica. His talks with Rastafarians resulted in his book “The Groundings with my Brothers,” published in 1969.

THE REASON DR. RODNEY IS IMPORTANT Dr. Rodney is important for his emphasis on multi-racialism. The PPP had, indeed, become “too Indian” and the PNC “ too African.” I do not blame Jagan or Burnham for this. They were two powerful men, who belonged to two different races and it was natural for members of their race to follow them. Despite the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, being Indian and the President, David Granger, being African, racism still plagues Guyana. However, I must grant that the Government is taking steps in the right direction to improve the situation.

I am a week or so late in paying tribute to Dr. Rodney. As my mom used to say, “Better late than never.” Whether we shall see his likes again is unclear. One thing is clear. We, the people of Guyana, should cherish his memory. The power of his legacy lives on in the undying fight for the total liberation of Africa and all African People and the uniting of the people of Guyana. He knew that he would be killed; but sacrificed his life for the struggle.

ments, an embrace of the spectacle, and an alignment with a banal theater of celebrity culture. Indeed, in this political theater of the absurd, rumors are more important than truth telling. In a culture of short attention spans, Trump provides a huge mountain of misrepresentations and values in which thinking is done by others, power is exercised by a ruling elite, and people are urged to cease narrating their own experiences and give up their ability to govern rather than be governed. Trump offers his followers a world in which absolutely nothing is connected, destabilized perceptions reinforce a politics that turns lethal, and community becomes dystopian — unconnected to any viable democratic reality. Sadly, what convinces “Trump’s masses” are not facts. Not even those he and his Administration and the Republicans in Congress invent. The point of these fabrications is not to establish facts, but to create a coherent fictional reality. What a movement demands of its leaders is the articulation of a consistent narrative combined with the ability to abolish the capacity for distinguishing between truth and falsehood, between reality and fiction. In Trump’s

world to win, you don't need reasons anymore, only power. I shudder to contemplate this creeping brand of modern American nihilism that is corrupting and affecting the body politic and the rabid embrace of same by large segments of the American population. Trump’s nihilism does not state or contend that there is nothing but that everything is meaningless. Reductionism is the basis for his unwavering support among a group of people that reject education and learning, still believe that thunder and rain are things controlled by the whim and fancy of a supreme being. This of necessity breeds a cynicism towards all educated and enlightened things aided and abetted by a man well versed in peddling untruths dressed up as facts, and reason as undisguised ignorance. This explains why Trump’s supporters see nothing wrong with their champion grabbing women by their private parts, shoving his tongue down their throats, or obliquely inciting violence. Trump’s movement is willing to and with complete adoration genuflect and collectively suck on his inert, stupidity phallus.

Trump, Celebrity Culture And The Politics Of Lying (from page 7)

sense of self that is found only in strutting generalissimos of bygone banana republics. Recall the following: In the nine times Trump either met with or called James Comey, it was always to discuss how the FBI’s investigation into Russia's alleged election interference was affecting him directly and personally, rather than concern for the security of United States. He apparently cared little about understanding either the magnitude of the Russian intelligence charge and threat, or how the FBI might be able to prevent another attack in future elections. President Trump seems incapable of or unable to comprehend that a de-mocracy cannot exist without informed citizens and educational apparatuses that uphold and protect standards of truth, honesty, evidence, facts and justice. His blatant disregard for truth and his combative relationship with it has produced an odd occurrence and outcome — disinformation now masquerades as news and truth. In this process, Trump’s Twitter activities have become a weapon for legitimizing ignorance

and civic illiteracy. In the present political situation there is more at stake than the threat of censorship or the normalization of lying; there is also an attack on long-valued sources of information and the public actions and activities that produce them. Trump's government has become a powerful disimagination machine in which the distinction between fact and fiction, reality and fantasy, are erased. The President has aligned himself with a culture of immediacy, sensationalism, and the theater of the absurd where thoughtful reading, informed judgments, and respect for all uncomfortable facts disappear. In short, Trump capitalizes on a digital culture of immediacy and short attention spans in which complexity collapses in a barrage of tweets and the need for a narrative that offers a sense of consistency and a respite from fear. Finally, with a toxic brew of lies, celebrity culture, disinformation and dishonesty, the Trump regime peddles consistent narratives based in forms of civic illiteracy and a deep distrust of the truth. All of this reinforces and strengthens a disdain for measured argu-

Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23, 23, 2017 2017 June Week-ending Edition York New ChronicleNew GuyanaChronicle

GAPF’s Symposium on Guyana’s Independence

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n Saturday June 17th, 2017, The Guyana American Patriotic Front (GAPF) sponsored a symposium on Guyana’s independence. The topic was: “After 50 years of independence, are we better off now, than we were on May 26th, 1966?”

Chairperson for the event was Attorney-at-Law Derek Arjune. There were four speakers: Colin A. Moore, Attorney-atLaw, Journalist and Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law; Handel Andrews, Historian, Journalist and Author; Charles Sugrim, Accountant, Lecturer at York College and Economist and Mr. James McAllister, political activist. Each speaker approached the subject from a different point of view. Mr. Andrews evaluated Guyana’s journey from a political perspective. He emphasized political rule and the state of the people. Mr. McAllister also approached the subject from a political perspective. He suggested that Guyana can only improve, if it adopted the principle of shared governnance. Mr. Sugrim discussed the economics of

Guyana’s journey. He showed that Guyana’s GDP does not trickle down to the people. He discussed at length the problems facing the sugar, bauxite, rice and mining industries. Mr. Colin Moore gave an analysis of Guyana’s history from a legal perspective. He examined Guyana’s constitution, the three branches of Government and the fundamental rights articulated in it. The consensus was that Guyana is better off in some respects and worse off in others. The Q&A session was passionate and informative. Hon. Mrs. Barbara Atherly, Guyana’s Consul General to New York, thanked the organizers for inviting her and expressed the hope that more such symposiums would be held. Mr. Arjune informed the audience that this was the third symposium sponsored by GAPF and said that another symposiums is scheduled to be held in the month of July and it will be advertised in the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle as soon as the venue is secured. The topic that will be discussed at that symposium will be: “The Relevance of Walter Rodney.”

The Guyana American Patriotic Front (GAPF) head table at

their symposium on: “After 50 years of independence, are we better off now, than we were on May 26th, 1966?” From left: Derek Arjune, Attorney-at-Law, Chairperson; James McAllister, political activist; Charles Sugrim, Accountant, Economist and lecturer at York College, Handel Andrews, Historian, journalist and author and Colin A. Moore, Attorneyat-Law, journalist and Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Law.

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NOTICE 2017-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-476 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-476 BETWEEN: YVONETTE SMITH, Applicant -vMICHAEL BISSOON, Respondent

TO: MICHAEL BISSOON New York, United States of America TAKE NOTICE that on the 18th day of April, 2017 a Application Relating to Children was filed against you by YVONETTE SMITH, the Applicant in the Family Division of High Court in Georgetown. Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 19th day of April, 2017 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around New York, United States of America. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt or the certified copy or the Application, you must file an, Answer and or Notice of Intention to Defend and/or Reply to Application Relating to Child (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 42 (forty two) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday 19th day June, 2017 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Answer and or Notice of Intention to Defend and/or Reply to Application Relating to Child, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 20th day of April, 2017

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GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew NewYork YorkEdition EditionWeek-ending Week-ending June June 23, 23, 2017 2017 Guyana

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS THE TRAGIC REALITY OF THE US JUSTICE SYSTEM “W with ALBERT BALDEO

hoever has ears, let them hear . . . If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will g . . . This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people . . . The Beast out of the Earth . . . Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon . . . It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed . . . And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.”Revelations 13:11

You could be made the next “criminal” of the USA, the prison capital of the world. Thousands of laws exist that most people are not aware of, and which penalize conduct that few would even imagine was criminal. Daily, ordinary Americans are prosecuted and even jailed for routine activities that somehow contravene the multitude of statutes and regulations that can

be used by governments to trap the unwary. Surveillance cameras, immigration raids, drug-sniffing dogs, SWAT team raids, roadside strip searches, blood draws at DUI checkpoints, mosquito drones, tasers, privatized prisons, GPS tracking devices, zero tolerance policies, over criminalization, free speech zones—these are all symptomatic of our police state in America.

In their revealing book, “One Nation Under Arrest: How Crazy Laws, Rogue Prosecutors, and Activist Judges Threaten Your Liberty,” Paul Rosenzwieg and Brian W. Walsh highlight the over criminalization — the skyrocketing trend at both the state and federal levels of criminalizing conduct that could be regulated through civil law or administrative action, or should not even be regulated at all. It is a must-read for all. Many other treatises expose our emerging, chilling, Orwellian police state. Our so called “Department of Justice” is accountable for the outrageous reality that the USA has the highest per capita incarceration in the world. Although we have only 5 percent of the world’s population, we top the world’s prison population with

fastest-growing public private industries, with Wall Street investors, having its own trade exhibitions, conventions, websites, and mail-order and internet catalogs. 95 percent of people charged with crimes plead guilty in the US, an inexhaustible supply source, and a tragic reality of how justice is dispensed in America. Most have suffered the brunt of injustice, discrimination and oppression at every level, from top to bottom. Immigration raids on homes and businesses, livelihoods disrupted and families torn apart, undocumented children taken out of schools, the police issuing tickets to meet daily quotas, the City issuing sanitation tickets or invading homes issuing housing and building violations, traffic maids ticketing for expired

Albert Baldeo’s efforts and success took our community to many heights, including his congratulatory meetings with President Bill Clinton and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. 25 percent of that total! Worse yet, the US meters, state and federal agencies harassing incarcerates a disproportionate ratio of mi- residents or the FBI overreaching minor innorities- One in every 15 African American fractions to major crimes have put us under men and one in every 36 Hispanic men are siege, and we must fight back. incarcerated in comparison to one in every Always take counsel from Rev. Mar106 White men. The Bureau of Justice Sta- tin Luther King’s warning that “Injustice tistics reveals that one in every three black anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” men go to prison in their lifetime, making We must realize his dream of making our justice system one big cesspool of democracy, equal justice and the rule of law brazen injustices, unashamed bullyism and for all! I speak from personal experience, transparent contradictions. as this Daily News article by leading social In 2008, two judges, President Judge reformer, professor and NY 1 political anMark Ciavarella and Senior Judge Michael chor Errol Louis exposes the injustice my Conahan, were convicted of accepting family, community and country suffered money from Robert Mericle, the builder of when I ran for public office: two private, for-profit youth centers for the http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/errol detention of juveniles, in return for con- -louis-nyc-campaign-finance-tangle-artitracting with the facilities and imposing cle-1.2403316. Take a few steps in my harsh adjudications on juveniles brought shoes and read it! before their courts to increase the number Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil of residents in the centers. Appropriately, it rights activist and community advowas dubbed the "kids for cash" scandal for cate, and his political battles placed the judicial kickbacks. Unfortunately, the previously ignored minority communiConstitution has been perversely whittled ties like Richmond Hill and Ozone down to, “One Nation under Arrest, With Park firmly on the political and economic map. As the President of the Liberty and Justice for Some!” This catastrophic reality is further ex- Baldeo Foundation and Queens Jusacerbated by the fact that this country, the tice Center, he has continued to fight land of the free and the home of the brave, for equal rights, dignity and inclusion has led the world in making incarceration in the decision making process. He can a leading industry by itself. Our multimil- be contacted at the Baldeo Foundalion-dollar prison complex is one of the tion: (718) 529-2300.

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017 Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23,23, 2017

The Peter Haynes Column

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N.S.C. MUST MANDATE CONDITIONS FOR ASSOCIATIONS SEEKING GOVT. FUNDS

his column over the past two publications highlighted plans and programmes for the development of sports, with emphasis on youth, the improvement of facilities infrastructure and upgrading of grounds in communities throughout Guyana. This week, the column will review the plans and projections presented by the Ministry responsible for Sports, with my interest in rallying all the stakeholders to ensure that success is attained.

The Minister of Sports, who is now given additional responsibility for Education, which also carries with it Youth and Culture responsibilities. It is, therefore, necessary for the stakeholders who claim to have genuine interest in the development of sports in the country to get on board to ensure that Guyanese sportsmen and sportswomen refrain from being mere competitors and become genuine contenders. As stated in earlier columns, comments from the Minister who stated: “Sport is highly regarded as a tool for human development. Sport is a great way to bring diverse communities together. Government will move to strengthen sports related activities guided by the National Sports Policy to be adapted later this year.” Of course, this column will not rest on this issue until it is presented and accepted by the National Assembly, as was recently the case with the National Youth Policy. Numerous columns were written over the past decade calling on the previous administration to make good the promise to prepare and present a National Sports Policy. As we all know that never happened, despite numerous promises for more than a decade, that it would be prepared. The reason for the failure, like so many other projects that administration undertook, was because of their inability to produce the goods and services, so vital for the Nation’s development. It was highlighted that because of bilateral agreements, assistance will be sought from several South and Central American countries for several sports. However, I will take it that the list provided is not complete, as a missing element is Basketball. The Minister referred to the development of sports facilities to be able to host Regional and International events. Currently, Guyana is

one of the few countries in the region whose basketball facility — the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall — comes close to the requirements of F.I.B.A. It was stated that with additional works to be does this year, the Sports

like many others were disregarded. As a matter of fact, the feasibility study also included plots of land for housing, electricity, water and roads. The failure of the administration after 1992 to implement the recommendations is the main reason for the condition of the estate communities. I am compelled to refer to the proposed National Sports Policy, since we have been told that Ministerial consultations and reviews have been ongoing throughout, with strategic engagements with stakeholder groups and the public. In my opinion, the Ministry

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Basketball Court Hall will satisfy all F.I.B.A’s stipulated standards. I would be failing if the Ministry and its Sports Commission is not reminded that in the discussions with the countries with whom they have bilateral agreements, the officials of the respective sports must be included in the discussions, and possible selection of the technical personnel. The rehabilitation of grounds around the country is also part of the Ministry’s plans for the year. It would be remiss of me not to mention the role Bookers Sugar Estates and later GUYSUCO played in the maintenance of the Community Centers on the Estates. Unfortunately, due to the company’s position, the community centers deteriorated with the other operations of the company. An attempt was made in 19901991 to address the situation, with a comprehensive feasibility study completed, but after 1992, that plan

must include the sports media, if it is not already done, as the operatives are closer to the issues that any of the government officials. A five-point plan which was presented: 1. Provision of Sports Education from Nursery to Tertiary. 2. Developing athletes from Amateur to Elite. 3. Allocating Funding and Financing National Sports Associations and Federations. 4. Selection of National representatives and teams based on established criteria, and 5. Hosting Annual Competitive Games in various sports disciplines. My comment on item (3) is that the National Sports Commission must mandate the Associations/Federations

present, not later than the end of February their Annual Reports, inclusive of Audited statements and the proposed plans for the ensuing year. Any failure to present these reports would exclude the Associations/Federations from funding until there is compliance. And on item (5), the nation must not continue selecting athletes who attain the lowest qualifying times/distances for their respective events. The athletes must attain standards which make them competitors and not pretenders. Many critically important national imperatives will be part of the National Sports Policy. One such is the “Role of the Diaspora”. I have preached on several occasions the very important role the Diaspora must play in development of their homeland, and sports is no exception. Unfortunately, we have been hearing only talk from our friends in the Diaspora, and regretfully, it is not supported by actions. I am forced to refer to a group of “sports enthusiasts” in New York who made far reaching pronouncements almost a year ago. Unfortunately, all my efforts to hear of the second step after a year have proved futile. So far, we have heard much talk and we are awaiting the implementation steps. This includes my friends in the New York Diaspora. It is my hope that next week we will be able to present an update on their programme.

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

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GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York York Edition EditionWeek-ending Week-ending June June 23, 23, 2017 2017 Guyana

Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs did us proud

The "Bholalall" scored separate hundred in each innings; Gibbs achieved the rare feat of a hat-trick in Test cricket

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f the West Indies cricket tour of Australia in 1960/61 was dramatic and entertaining, it was not just that the quality of play was superb; it was the sportsmanship that was rigorously tested, and mutually admired. No wonder the tour produced the (then) unique result of a tied Test in the first match at Brisbane, and also contrived to evoke a spontaneous outpouring of people on the streets at Melbourne to bid goodbye to the tourists as they were about to depart from Australia at the end of the tour.

In Tony Cozier’s piece, ‘Reflecting on a rich past’ he wrote: “on the eve of their departure, someone had the idea to stage a motorcade for the popular losers through the streets of Melbourne. Nearly 100,000 turned out-and this was at a time when Australia still observed a whites-only immigration policy. It was a highly significant chapter in West Indian cricket history, the first time they were led on tour by a Black captain, Frank Worrell. The captaincy of the cricket team was a post previously preserved for the three per cent White elite, and Worrell was only appointed after a hard-fought campaign. There were those waiting for him to fail to say ‘we told you so’. That the opposite was the case was an enormous fillip to the people’s self-esteem. The second and third Test matches were almost as absorbing as the first. So was the fourth, although it is nowadays almost forgotten, except for the crucial incident in the final session of play on the final day. So much so, but how many of you remember the outstanding performances by the two Guyanese heroes; Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs? As a matter of fact, by virtue of their outstanding performances they were considered then as the best in the world. Rohan Kanhai became the first West Indian to score a hundred in each innings of a Test match in Australia. As for Gibbs, who achieved the rare feat of a hat-trick in Test cricket. It is the only hat-trick in an Adelaide Test. There was a big question mark against Gibbs’ name when he arrived in Australia. True, he had done reasonably well at home in his first series against Pakistan. But since then he had a lean time in India and Pakistan, and had not played at all in the series against England. Generally, he was regarded as a sort of second-string bowler, as one who would do a lot of work in the state matches and so allow the famous Sonny Ramadhin to be at his best in the Tests. Thus, more than a few eyebrows were raised when Frank Worrell told the press before a ball was bowled in the series: “Gibbs can well prove the sensation of our tour.” Worrell, of course, proved to be correct but it didn’t look so for the first four matches when Gibbs, like the other West Indian bowlers was hit all over the place. Nor did it look like anything more than wishful thinking, when Gibbs pulled a muscle before the first Test and, consequently could not be considered for that or the second. But then came the third Test. Ramadhin was dropped — a sensation in itself! Gibbs took his place, and the Guyanese icon, bowling in tandem with Alf Valentine, almost collected a hat-trick, as he took three wickets in four balls and propelled the visitors to a comprehensive win. He followed up this feat with a most astonishing one — a hat-trick in a Test in Australia since 1903-04 and the second West Indian to do so. According to Gibbs: “I can remember that quite clearly. It sticks out as one of my

better performances. I had two for about 60 at the time and I first dismissed Ken Mackay lbw and then Wally Grout was caught by Sobers at short-leg and a fellow by the name of Frank Mission was coming out to bat, so we had the fielders crowd round him, as we put the pressure on, but he was expecting me to get up in the air with an off-spinner, but I bowled a real quick delivery and before he could have brought the bat down, he was bowled, in any language, that was sensational! Gibbs followed this with four wickets for 74 runs in Australia’s first innings in the final match at Melbourne, after playing in three Test matches, he found himself heading the bowling averages with 19 wickets at 20.28 each. In Rohan Kanhai, West Indies had one of the true originals of modern batting. Small and perfectly balanced, Kanhai had all the conventional shots, plus many inventions of his own — particularly a sweep hook on the

Rohan ‘Bholalall’ Kanhai in action

leg side into which he would put all his weight and after fell over in the follow through. From his first Test in 1957, he played 61 international matches without a break and, although the range of his shots and exciting attacking play made him appear an impetuous batsman, he was in fact extremely consistent and rarely threw his wicket away when there was a big score to be made. When the fourth Test opened at Adelaide Oval, both teams had won one match each, and it was evident that whichever side won the fourth Test would have the advantage of setting the tactical agenda for the fifth and final Test: the fourth Test could therefore be decisive in the rubber. Immediately before this Test, the West Indies showed excellent form in annihilating a weak South Australian County Eleven by an innings and 215 runs. Sobers and Joe Solomon, for instance, scored a century partnership in only thirty-nine minutes. The Australians, on the other hand, seemed less buoyant: because of illness and injury, they had to leave out three of their most reliable players — Davidson, Meckiff and Harvey. The match opened on a scorching, hot day, and Hunte (6) went early, lbw to Hoare: 12 for one. Kanhai and Cammie Smith scored quickly until Smith (28) was caught and bowled by Benaud only to be followed by Sobers (1) being bowled by Benaud: 91 for

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three. Skipper Worrell and Kanhai scored at back until about 5.30 p.m when West Indies breakneck speed, adding 107 runs before were 432 for six, before declaring and giving Kanhai (117) was caught at slip off Benaud: Australia 35 minutes to bat before close of 198 for four. It was a vintage innings, all play. He had left his opponents 460 runs to power, daring and speedy reflexes, and it was make in 395 minutes, an astute gamble that thanks mainly to Kanhai that West Indies he was well on his way to winning that very ended the day on 348 for seven, and finished day when McDonald (2), Favell (4) and the second day 393 all out. Worrell in his Simpson (3) were all back in the pavilion and usual consistent way contributed 71, Nurse the Australian score only 31. 49, and Alexander 63 not out. Benaud took On the final day, since the wicket was five wickets for 96 runs in 27 overs and Kline lifeless and of no use to Hall, it was Sobers, no wickets for 109 runs in 21 overs. It gives Gibbs and Valentine who carried the attack to some idea of how fast the West Indies made runs, the two main Australian bowlers conceded nearly four runs per over. In their reply, Australia lost Favell (1) at 9 and O’Neil (11) at 45. McDonald and Simpson steadied things with a stand of 74 before McDonald (71) was caught by Hunte off Gibbs: 119 for three. Then Simpson and Burge took the score to 213 when Burge (45) was bowled by Sobers. At the end of play, Australia had reached 221 for four, with Simpson on 85 and Benaud on 1. When play resumed the next day, Simpson fell for his Lancelot Richard Gibbs at nets overnight score early on the third day; but skipper Benaud rallied his troops by the Australians of whom O’Neil and Burge scoring a gallant 77, seeing his team through fought back most stoutly with a brave stand to a total of 336, only 27 behind the of 82. Runs were no matter. Survival was all, West Indies. and the air itself became heavy with concenIt was a splendid recovery, consid- tration, tension and desperation as, bit by bit ering that Australia were 221 for five wicket by wicket, the battle swung inexorably when Simpson was dismissed. Sobers towards the West Indies. took three for 64 in 24 overs and Gibbs After O’Neil was caught and bowled by five for 97 in 35.6 overs — it was 8- Sobers for 65 and Benaud dismissed in an balls an over then. Gibbs achieved the identical manner for 17, the score was 144 for rare feat of a hat-trick in Test cricket six. At tea, following an invaluable 42 from when he had Mackay lbw, Grout caught Grout, the total had moved to 203 for seven. by Sobers, and Mission clean bowled in At that stage, mere bowlers —Hoare, Mission consecutive deliveries. It is the only hat- and Kline remained. Of these, Mission (1) trick in an Adelaide Test. was caught by Solomon off Worrell, and Cammie Smith — Pat Legall’s Hoare (0) was bowled by Worrell; 207 for bunny at Bourda — roared ahead like nine. Now Mackay and Kline, Australia’s last an out-of-control fire engine, when West In- pair, stood between West Indies victory. dies second innings started. In just about one Surely they could not survive for long! This hour he scored 46 blistering runs, including thought was evidently in the minds of the 10 fours. When he was caught by Hoare off West Indies players, when, with almost an Mackay with the score at 66, he had set the hour’s play remaining. Mackay pushed fortone of dash and daring. The tone perfectly ward to Worrell and Sobers caught the ball. suited Kanhai, who went even faster than Sobers and other West Indies players, certain Smith, so that when stumps were drawn on Mackay was out, began to walk off the field. the fourth day, West Indies were 150 for one But Mackay stood his ground; and umpire wicket with Kanhai 59 not out, and Hunte 44 Egar’s finger did not budge. not out, although Hunte had started batting alThis was the crucial incident mentioned most one hour before his dashing partner. earlier; it changed the course of the match, Kanhai continued his fierce onslaught on and it turned out, the fate of the entire rubber. the fifth day, calling his partner for such sharp Try as they might, the West Indies bowlers singles that Hunte had to caution him. It was could not dislodge Mackay and Kline who in vain, however. For when he was on 99, on blocked, pushed, padded and defended for the verge of a separate hundred in each in- one hundred minutes until the game was nings of the same Test match, he called for an- drawn with the Australian score at 273 for other impossible single and caused poor nine: Mackay 62 not out and Kline 15 not out. Hunte to be run out for 79 after a dazzling From an Australian point of view, Mackay partnership that had realized 163 breathtaking and Kline were heroes. Today, it scarcely runs. seems possible that so much could have hapKanhai showed remorse by staying for pened in one match: one hundred in each innearly an hour on 103. He seemed to recover; nings by Kanhai, Gibbs’ hat-trick, Benaud’s but briefly; for he was soon lbw to Benaud for 200th Test wicket (not to mention his heroic 115 — the bowler’s 200th Test wicket. Kan- 77 not out in the first innings), Alexander’s 63 hai is the first West Indian to score a separate and 87 unbeaten in both innings, and hundred in each innings of a Test match in Mackay’s defiant 62 not out. For Australians Australia. His first hundred lasted 126 min- the last ditch heroism of Mackay and Kline utes, and his second 150 minutes. By tea on must stand out. But what probably stands out the fifth day West Indies had reached 360 with for most West Indians is the catch that the Alexander on 45 and Worrell 40. Worrell held record books tell us Sobers never took.

Guyana York Edition Week-ending June 23,23, 2017 GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew New York Edition Week-ending June 2017

Eastman, Williams sparkle at 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in New York

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ast Sunday there were approximately two hundred plus Guyanese cycling fans, myself included, that were in attendance at the Fathers’ Day Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic that was held in Manhattan.

The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic was created in 1973 by David Walker—a former New York Police Officer and NYPD Community Affairs Officer in Harlem’s 25th Precinct. The Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic was designed as a community

Paul, Jermaine and Horace, (Horace is presently the Guyana Cycling Federation President) . It was a 30-mile race with a field of about 65 cyclists. From the first lap, the pace was blistering, averaging about 30 miles per hour, and this continued for the entire race. Hicks, Holder, Husbands and Agard all rode as well as was expected, and at no time were ever in danger of being left behind, Hamza Eastman is a WARRIOR, PURE AND SIMPLE. Geron Williams rode with a sense of calm and purpose, as is the norm for him in every race enters, and for some reason, one always have the feeling that when the final bell

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Hamzah Eastman (left) took second spot in the 2017 Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic NY At the bell lap, as usual, Geron was well placed in about event focused on bicycle racing eight place, Hamza was in about and safety programs for youth. 15th place, with nowhere to go, as Within three years, the race they were now spread right across became one of the premiere attracthe street. The Guyanese fans were tions of the United States Cycling now at the point of insanity. When Federation. Each year the race they swung for home at about two draws over 400 United States Cyhundred yards, I did not pick up cling Federation (USCF)—(now Hamza through my binoculars. No known as USA Cycling) licensed one knew where Hamza came cyclists from the greater NYC from, but with about 50 yards to area, national and international ridgo, he was driving on the left of the ers, as well as hundreds of commupack and was placed second in a nity participants. photo finish, with Geron fourth. Guyanese representatives in Most of us who were there at the Pro race were Hamza Eastman, the line felt strongly that he had Geron Williams, Andrew Hicks, won, and so did numerous nonChristopher Holder, Stepano HusGuyanese . . . but he was awarded bands, Shaquel Agard, Joelyn THE FINISH second place. Joseph, the Burrowes brothers. rings, he will be in the MONEY There is a cyclist by the name (on the podium) no matter who might be leading coming home. of Stepano Husbands and I'll say Hamza rode like he was at war this with all respect to him. He Shaquitoday, every single break looks like your little brother that that was attempted by the other cy- you want to protect on the way to clists, he responded to and covered school every day, but he has begun them. The impression he gave us to scare lots of big-time cyclists was, no matter who or what hap- when he goes to the front and bepens in this race, I will have to be gins to pace. I estimate that in carried out on my shield if I lose. about two years, he will be a nightThere was a four man break mare on two wheels. He is coming, from the pack. With three laps to believe me on this one. Also by the go, all hell broke loose, as the time Shaquel Agard returns to chasing pack decided to go after Guyana at the end of this Summer, he will also be a cyclist to be reckCycling enthusiast and former Guyana champion cyclist, Victor the break. At this point the decibel oned with. All the Guyanese cyRutherford (right) who lives in Florida was in New York last Sunday to of noise was deafening with cy- clists performed very well, so I can support the Guyanese cyclists also in picture are Hansa Eastman (left) clists trying to position themselves safely say, the cycling future of and Geron Williams (center) in black and blue gear at back is Shaquel into spaces that only a hair-pin Guyana seems to be in good hands. could fit. Agard. By Hugh Pickering

Director of Sport Christopher Jones (first from left) and GTT’s CEO Justin Nedd are joined by some members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors and revellers at the signing event yesterday

GTT pushes Amazon Warriors to ‘do more’ with Signature Sponsorship By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Amazon Warriors, one of the most consistent teams of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), were yesterday given a boost in their bid to ‘do more’, with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company Limited being announced as the team’s Signature Sponsor. The announcement came with much fanfare and also the unveiling of the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ theme song, which was produced by Drew Thoven and performed by local sensation Calvin Burnett. Set to bowl off on August 4 in St Lucia the Zouks will take on the Trinbago Knight Riders. The Guyana National Stadium will host the Guyana Amazon Warriors versus Jamaica Tallawahs game on August 17, Trinbago Knight Riders two days later, followed by a clash against Barbados Tridents on August 22, and would wrap up their four-game home stand against the St Lucia Zouks. The Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago, will host the final this year from September 5-9. “GTT will be bringing the heat, the passion and positive vibes to cricket and the Guyana Amazon Warriors. We promise nothing short of excitement for CPL in Guyana 2017. GTT and the Guyana Amazon Warriors will blaze these stands and grass mound on match day in full party mode,” GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd explained. At the VIP area at the national stadium, where media, representatives from GTT, Amazon Warriors players and the National Sports Commission gathered, Nedd Nedd asked Guyanese to “embrace what it means to be an Amazon Warrior. We want you to be strong, courageous and powerful. We want you to stand up for what you believe in and we want you to make a positive impact to your families and the community.” Nedd explained that indeed, his company had taken an

hiatus from major sponsorships, more so from sports events, but pointed out that the sponsorship of the Guyana Amazon Warriors presents a perfect opportunity for them to re-enter the ‘sponsorship arena’. Assistant Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, John Ramsingh, said the Franchise is “really very

GTT’s CEO Justin Nedd (left) and Guyana Amazon Warriors representative Ashminie Jailall, after their symbolic signing yesterday. (Delano Williams photos)

appreciative and pleased to be partnering with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company in doing more, as GTT Slogan says: ‘DO MORE’ for not only the cricket-loving people of Guyana but for the entire population of Guyana.

“Together with GTT we plan to unveil a number of promotions and competitions where the people of Guyana will have a chance to participate and get the opportunity to win free tickets to the games or even win a GTT Special Prize. In the coming weeks leading up to the games you will be provided with all the details of these initiatives,” Ramsingh said. Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, in congratulating GTT for its partnership with the CPL through the sponsorship of the Amazon Warriors, was more enthused that the company chose cricket as its reintroduction into the arena of local sponsorship, and wished the team well ahead of the tournament. The Guyana Amazon Warriors had featured in every final of the CPL, with the exception of the 2015 edition where they finished third in the seven-team tournament. However, despite the team’s success, they’ve never hoisted the trophy which was won twice by the Jamaica Tallawahs (2013 and 2016) and once by the Trinbago Knight Riders (2015) and Barbados Tridents (2014). “Champion Teams are made of Champions and with the likes of Martin Guptill, Chris Lynn, Sohail Tanvir and the Man-of-the-Series in the recently concluded West Indies/ Afghanistan ODI Series - Rashid Khan, together with all our local home grown players who are here today, we of the Guyana Amazon Warriors know that once we instil the passion, determination, will-power and self-belief in all our team members throughout the tournament, especially in the Final, we are confident that we will emerge as Champions,” Ramsingh said with enthusiasm. The Guyana Amazon Warriors 2017 team; Martin Guptill, Rayad Emrit, Sohail Tanveer, Chadwick Walton, Christopher Lynn, Rashid Khan, Jason Mohammed, Steven Taylor, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Gajanand Singh, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Steven Katwaroo, Shimron Hetmyer and Muhammad Ali Khan.