Guyana_Chronicle_New_York_Edition_E_Paper_26_08_2016

No. 104560

12

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

AUGUST 26, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

GDF ready to fulfil mission -Pres. Granger says at HOMEGUARD closing

Page 21

A section of the troops listening to the Commander-in-Chief ’s speech

Troops assaulting the enemy using the cover of smoke

18 Businessman Memorial to 10% for public servants ...? 20 be erected 12 justifies shooting Page

Page

Page

2 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Ex-husband arrested in strangling death of 9-year-old Queens girl THE ex-husband of the woman charged with strangling her 9-year-old stepdaughter in Queens has been arrested for trying to shield the woman from police after the horrific murder, police and prosecutors said on Sunday. Raymond Narayan, 65, the former husband of Arjun Samdhi Pardas, 55, was charged with obstructing governmental administration

for refusing to allow police into his South Ozone Park home, where the alleged killer stepmom was being kept on Saturday, according to police and the Queens District Attorney’s office. Police charged Pardas with the murder of little Ashdeep Kaur. She was found dead, curled in the fetal position in the bathtub of their 112th St. apartment near 101st Ave. in South Rich-

mond Hill on Friday, police said. “This is a horrifying case of a child, a defenseless 9-year-old, who was left in the care of her stepmother who allegedly strangled her to death,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement. “Her actions, if true, are beyond comprehension and must be severely punished,” he said. Police and Brown said a neighbor at the three-story

complex asked Pardas about the girl when she saw the stepmom leaving the apartment with her ex-husband Raymond Narayan and her grandchildren, ages 3 and 5, around 5:30 p.m. the day of the killing. Pardas told her the girl was taking a shower, police said. But the neighbor’s concern only elevated as she noticed the bathroom light had been on since 11 a.m., the D.A.’s office said.

The neighbor then called Ashdeep’s father, Sukhjinder Singh, who told her to break the door down. That’s when the neighbor and her brother, who helped breach the bathroom, made the tragic discovery around 6 p.m., police said. When cops tracked Paradas down to Narayan’s South Ozone Park home on 134th St., Narayan refused to come out or open his door to them for over an hour, Brown’s office said. The girl had only lived with her father and stepmom a short while. Ashdeep emigrated to Queens from India, where she lived with her Ashdeep Kaur, 9, was found dead in a bathtub in her Queens home. (AARON SHOWALTER/ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Arjun Samdhi Pardas (c.) was charged with the murder of 9-year old Ashdeep Kaur. (ALEX RUD/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

mother, just three months ago, relatives said. But in that limited time it had already become apparent to Ashdeep’s uncle that Pardas was abusing her. “(Ashdeep) told me she got beat up by her,” the uncle, Manjinder Singh, said on Saturday. Pardas and Narayan were awaiting arraignment Sunday afternoon. If convicted, Parabas faces up to 25 years-to-life in prison; also, if found guilty, Narayan faces a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail. (NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

The Peter Haynes Column

Guyana's

3

Diaspora

must

contribute

\ to

the

Development of Sports Congratulations are in order for the leadership of the Cuba, the US Virgin Islands and Panama, formance and results, but fails to address basketball skills were superior to the the development of the game within the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and other members of the Confederation. respective countries. Surely that must not its local organising committees for the planning and It was suggested that the less pow- be the only way to achieve better results. execution of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation's erful teams will need an infusion of playUnder 16 Boys' and Girls' Championships last month. ers who have been exposed to the game in the United States of America or other Praises to the coaches and other team officials for the work countries with higher basketball prodone to succeed in the qualification for the Centro Basket- grams and are eligible to play, either by ball Championships Boys' Under 17 Championships next birth in the Caribbean or through their parentage. year. That suggested avenue for stronger With that being said, the questions also pointed out that within the CBC, teams to be playing the championships for the Federation and the country as a Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, only deals with one aspect of the perwhole are, could there be sustained development of these youngsters, what is required by the GABF, how much will it cost, both in terms of finances and commitment by all concerned, and who will C provide the necessary support to achieve further development and success? The initial budget for the hosting of the Championships was in the vicinity of Eighty Million Guyana Dollars (G$80M). Assistance was received from the Government of Guyana, FIBA, and Corporate Guyana. The cost of refurbishing the Cliff Anderson Sports Flail (CASFI) was not included, which now meets FIBA's requirements for hosting International Championships. Another key question to be answered is whether there is a plan for the maintenance of the Sports Hall, given the substantial amount of money spent to achieve the qualifying status? The Under 17 Championships, scheduled for next summer at a venue to be decided, will be another big bill for the GABF. Airfares at approximately US$500.00 each adds up to US$8,500.00; uniforms will cost approximately US$2,400.00 and other incidentals could cost the local Federation two thousand dollars (US$2,000.00).

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Mr. Clarke proposed that the other English-speaking teams needed to do a number of things to be able to be competitive with the Bahamian team. It was

(continued on page 11)

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Every Guyanese would expect that the team will be there to represent the country at this prestigious tournament, with the best possible team at Guyana's disposal, so we all have to get on board immediately to make this a reality. During the championships, in an interview with the broadcast team. President of the Guyana Federation, Nigel Hinds, identified that the Bahamian teams were definitely superior to the other competing teams. Similar sentiments were also expressed by Glyne Clarke, President of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation. This is so, because most of their players attend schools and colleges in the United States of America, thus being exposed to a higher standard of basketball.

This, to my mind, brings the Guyana Government, through the Na-

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There must be a plan to develop players within the countries, given the fact that most of the financing of the teams for their participation at the regional championships comes from within.

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4 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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6 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Kara Kara toll station could give town $3M monthly

Hillary Clinton’s emails headache IT was Bernie Sanders during a Democratic presidential primary debate last October, in responding to a moderator’s question about then rival Hillary Clinton’s emails controversy, said: “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails. Enough of the emails. Let’s talk about the real issues facing America.” While Mrs Clinton nodded and smiled assent to Sanders’ comments, from news that continues to circulate around the emails, it seems as though persons are not quite yet sick and tired of it and find such useful for political and economic mileage. It is no secret that the dislike for Bill and Hillary Clinton, more particularity by Republicans, has fuelled a literary enterprise, where authors have written best sellers and made millions writing stories, good and bad, about the politics, public and private lives of these two. It is not an unfair statement to say that the Clintons are among, if not the most, simultaneously vilified and admired political couple. Mrs Clinton’s pursuit now for the United States’ highest office, like much that have surrounded her public life, is evidently not going to be without its challenges. Where Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has sought to cast her in the light as “crooked Hillary,” the Clinton Foundation as a “pay- to-play” institution and is threatening to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate it should he become president, the Associated Press (AP) story of August 24 “Many donors to Clinton Foundation met with her at State” will undoubtedly add to her headache and distraction. According to the report, “More than half the people outside the government who met with Hillary Clinton while she was secretary of state gave money — either personally or through companies or groups — to the Clinton Foundation.” It goes on to say that “at least 85 of 154 people from private interests who met or had phone conversations scheduled with Clinton while she led the State Department, donated to her family charity or pledged commitments to its international programs, according to a review of State Department calendars

THE reintroduction of a toll station in Linden, Region Ten, will significantly boost the town’s economy, former Chairman of the Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC), Orin Gordon, said on Wednesday. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Gordon said based on previous collections at the Kara Kara Toll Station, the town has the ability to rake in approximately $3M monthly or more than $36M on an annual basis. Last Thursday, the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan approved the Linden Town Council (Toll) ByLaws 2016. The By-Laws were subsequently gazetted on Saturday, thereby allowing for the imposition of tolls for the use of the roads by 18 categories of vehicles, particularly vehicles passing through the town with fuel, lumber or merchandise. The tolls will range from $2000 to $7000. The re-operationalisation of the toll system in Linden comes approximately three years after it was closed by the then PPP/C Administration. Gordon explained that a toll station was opened in Linden in 1997 under the stewardship of then Mayor Stanley Smith, following an order by then Local Government Minister, Clinton Collymore. The move, Gordon further explained, was in response to cries of Lindeners. “They felt that it was unfair to have persons come into Linden and sell,” Gordon said. Tolls were collected until 2011 when the Town Council took several persons to court over their failure to pay the required tolls. In the court, it was explained by the council’s legal representative that tolls were being collected

in accordance with Chapter 28:01, Section 301 of the Municipal and District Councils Act but the judicial officer had noted that the act was not specific and as such a By-Law was required. By 2011, Gordon had already assumed leadership of the council, and had crafted a by-law to legalise the collection of tolls. That By-Law was adopted by the then Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall on September 1, 2011. In response to the Minimum Wage Order of 2012, Gordon said mechanisms were put in place to “tighten-up” the operation at the Toll Station in a quest to increase the salaries of the council’s workers who were paid below the $35,000 minimum wage. “We decided to hire some rural constables to assist in the management of the booth and they were doing a fine job under the leadership of Avery Trim and others,” the former IMC Chairman posited. He also noted that the rural constables were able to increase the tolls collected from $700,000 to approximately $3M. Much to his dissatisfaction, Gordon said either in June or July of 2012, the council received a Local Government Ministry instruction, which stated that it was to close the toll station, but the instruction was met with major objection. “A couple of miners, I was told had complained to the government about having to pay the tolls and Cabinet instructed the then Minister Norman Whittaker to close the booth,” Gordon explained. Gordon said he rejected on the grounds that the revenues collected at the boost were critical to the operation of the Council and an alternative financial source was not provided. However, after returning to Guyana from China,

released so far….” It should be said that AP made it known that such actions do not appear to violate legal agreements Mr and Mrs Clinton signed with the State Department before she assumed the secretary portfolio in 2009, though AP and experts say such raise questions about access and influence. And here is where Trump is using the opportunity to “prove” that he has been right all along about the Clintons and the use of the foundation, even though he donated more than $100,000, but was quick to say he never personally benefitted from his donation. The Clinton campaign has responded to the AP’s story by challenging its veracity, which Campaign Manager Robby Mook called “outrageous” and asked that the focus be placed on what matters to voters, even as he identified and stated that Trump has ties to foreign leaders and countries and urged the media to pursue the information. Last week the Clintons made a commitment to put distance between them and the foundation. Should Mrs Clinton win the presidency, the Clintons have committed that the foundation will not take foreign money and former President Bill Clinton will leave the institution.

he was informed that the current Town Clerk Janella Bowen had closed the booth on the instruction of Minister Whittaker. “I saw a letter in which he (Whittaker) threatened the Town Clerk that if she didn’t do it, this and that would have happened,” Gordon recalled. The booth was officially closed on September 26, 2013. In Gordon’s opinion, the Gazzetting of the By-Law is somewhat belated and should have been done immediately after the 2015 General Elections. Linden’s Deputy Mayor Waneka Arrindell dispelled the notion that the imposition of the tolls would be a financial burden to the people of Linden and the business community. “This council is made up of Lindeners who have this community at heart. This toll booth will bring well needed finances to this community,” she posited. According to the By-Law, “vehicles mentioned in the Schedule registered in the name of a person living in Linden shall pay a toll determined by the Council twice a year in January and July.” However, the Deputy Mayor assured that consultations will be held before a figure is arrived at. “Lindeners will not face the day to day toll; there will be discussions with the Linden Chambers of Commerce and businesses as we work on a cost that is suitable and that will not affect the businesses negatively in this community. This will be paid twice a year. No taxies, busses, private or hire cars, will pay the toll,” she explained. With the revenues collected, the Deputy Mayor said the Council would be able to clear its debts and execute much needed works in the Town.

AP’s revelations and the Clintons’ commitments come against a background where the candidate faces trust and “highly unfavourable” issues with the electorate and where in the latter instance, her rival’s rating is higher (Trump 42% to Clinton’s 33%), and in the presence of polling that shows were the election to be held today, she would win. Unfavourable figures are taken from Gallop polling conducted between June 14-23 and published 1st July 2016. Though the presidential election is in the homestretch, i.e. less than three months away, a week is a lifetime in politics, and anything can happen in between; this election is being watched with much anxiety by people and governments around the world. Outside of the candidates’ history-making moments, the U.S. is considered the bastion of democracy. Its leadership plays a very influential role in global relations and efforts at country and human development. Against such a backdrop, there will be abiding interest in how the emails issue plays out and the measurable impact, if any, on polling, which is the only gauge for election watchers until the election is held and the results declared.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

WILLIAMS1 STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL

REMEMBRANCE

OF THE SLAVE TRADE AND ITS ABOLITION NUW VORK, NV: Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader, released the following

statement

in

re-

gards to the International Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, which

is

manizing. Together, they represent one of the longest and most sustained assaults on the life, integrity, and dignity of human beings in our history.

commemorated

every Aug. 23. STATEMENT "The Atlantic Slave Trade will forever be a time in history that is undeniably significant in American culture. For more than three and a half centuries, men, women, and children were forcibly transported in bondage from their African motherland to the Americas. This forever changed the face and character of the modern world. The slave trade was brutal and horrific, and the enslavement of Africans was cruel, exploitative, and dehu-

"Today is about paying tribute to all those who fought for freedom. It is also a day to reflect and use as encouragement in the fight against all forms of servitude, racism, prejudice, racial discrimination and social injustice that are a legacy of slavery. It should also serve as a reminder that many of the problems in communities made up of descendants of slaves are not mere coincidences, but consequences born out of this horrible time in history. I say this not as an excuse from personal responsibility, but to interweave it with a shared starting point, from which to help provide solutions. "I call on all New Yorkers, and Americans in joining forces to support and spread the principles

of freedom, equality and equity. That need is even more prevalent with such divisive messages being not only spewed, but also received, on a national political stage as acceptable political discourse in a way we have not seen in decades. It is imperative that we recommit to the hard work it takes to live together in our multicultural societies, and continue to fight against contemporary forms of slavery, of which millions are still the victims."

e

Councilman Jumaane D. Williams

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

9

Corentyne action plan needed - President urges leaders to develop resource-rich region

THE sprawling resource-rich Berbice region needs to develop its potential and for that to happen, its leaders must come up with an action plan, President David Granger said Friday evening at the opening of the annual Berbice Expo. “East Berbice-Corentyne needs to start planning if it is to translate the economic potential of this great region into economic prosperity,” the President stated. “You need a Corentyne action plan and the stakeholders must work together to produce that plan to transform this region, a resource-rich region, which paradoxically is a production-poor region. “Corentyne you can enjoy sustained growth and you can give your people a good life if you are prepared to examine your tremendous potential and put your resources to work for you.” The President’s statement came amidst a consensus by speakers at the opening of the expo that there is need to diversify the economy of Berbice. “Corentyne faces a challenge and that challenge is of change and the leaders of this great region from the RDCs, the various NDCs, NGOs, Chambers of Commerce, the Rotary, and the Lions Clubs have to knock their heads together if they are to put Corentyne’s tremendous resources to

sugar has been a political football and it is time the people of this region wake up and stop making sugar a political football” Raffik said. Patricia Bacchus, Chairman of the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest), noted that industries such as rice and sugar are susceptible to a number of factors such as world market prices, and as such, underscored the need once again for diversification. “Do not put all your eggs in one basket. I see diversification as simply adding more baskets to put your eggs. Re-engineering the way we do business is as important as diversification, given the integrated world economic trade arena” she said.

President David Granger with two of the students who were awarded by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce for excelling at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment. (Ministry of the Presidency photo) work and make this entire region, a prosperous and productive one. Corentyne has to choose and this is the time for that choice,” President Granger said. The expo, which runs until Monday, is the12th edition which is being held under the theme: ‘ P r o m o t i n g e n t r e p r eneurship for a diversified economy.’ The President underscored the importance of diversification as he delivered the feature ad-

dress at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne. “You have to change, because even if you are depending on rice and sugar and you are getting good prices for a year, you can almost guarantee that you will get unsatisfactory prices another year due to fluctuating world market prices,” he said. Berbice has been described as Guyana’s largest agro-producing region with economic activities centred on rice and sugar,

fishing and cash crops. For 2015, the region produced a quarter of the national production for rice and just over quarter of the national production for fish. However, the President sought to urge residents to adopt new avenues and diversify its activities in order to stimulate growth of the economy. “This is a vast region. You have the potential to give your residents the good life. You are gifted

with a strong production base and an abundance of talent,” President Granger said. President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mohamed Raffik, said diversification could only be achieved with citizens’ willingness to be imaginative. “We are producing sugar at US 40 cents per pound and selling it for US 20 cents per pound. It is unfortunate that we are in this state. For too long

10 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

11

\ A GniM's Diaspora mist Nitrikiti

% Cv s

it tfco Dowlopiwl of Sports (from page 3) tional Sports Commission to negotiate with either or both the United States of America and Cuba to assist by providing coaches for extended periods - at least two years initially, to work with players, male and female at all levels. Earlier, mention was made of the cost involved in the sending our teams to the Championships. To my mind, there is need for the involvement of the various Guyanese organisations in the Diaspora. Members of the Diaspora could firstly assist in identifying the youngsters who are eligible to represent Guyana. An even greater role could be played by these organisations in hosting events to raise funds for the basketball and other sports teams. This is nothing new for the organisations, as they demonstrated how they contributed to assist political parties for general elections. The same must be done to assist in the development of our youths in their sporting endeavors and not in seeking opportunities for "photo ops" with political leaders. It is unimaginable to comprehend why some parents, in the Diaspora, of

Telephone:

potential representatives on local teams behave in the most unpatriotic manner. Without mention of the name of the parents , who have two daughters who were willing to play in the recent Championships, these parents were demanding that the Guyana Basketball Federation pay the airfares for their daughters with a minimum of "three star" hotel accommodation, meals and transportation. If that was not considered unreasonable, the parents — father and mother — were demanding similar privileges - airfares, hotel, meals, transportation and tickets for the games. That mentality of some parents, to say it mildly, is unpatriotic. In addition, they deprived their children of possibly the only opportunity to play for a national team. Yes, I have concentrated on the development of basketball, but the same formula is applicable to other sports. These programmes should not be considered too large to undertake, but in my humble opinion they must be addressed as a matter of urgency, as it should be remembered that procrastination is the thief of time.

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R TEMPER TEMPER

Car designers are crazy

Awoman goes to the Doctor, worried about her husband's temper.

Ablonde in New York bought a brand new car and decided to drive down to Florida to meet her friend. She reached there in 24 hours. After spending a few days there, she decided to return, and called up her mother and told her she would be home the next evening. But she didn't reach home the next evening, arriving three days later. When she finally reached home on the third day, her distraught mother ran and asked her, "What happened?" She got out, obviously very tired from a long journey, and said, "These car designers are crazy! They have four gears for going forward, but only one for going back!"

The Doctor asks: "What's the prohlem?" The woman says: "Doctor, I don't know what to do. Every day my husband seems to lose his temper for no reason. It scares me." The Doctor says: "I have a cure for that. When it seems that your husband is getting angry, just take a glass of water and start swishing it in your mouth. Just swish and swish, but don't swallow it until he either leaves the room or calms down." Two weeks later the woman comes hack to the doctor looking fresh and reborn. The woman says: "Doctor that was a brilliant idea! Every time my husband started losing it, I swished with water. I swished and swished, and he calmed right down! How does a glass of water do that?" The Doctor says: "The water itself does nothing. It's keeping your mouth shut that does the trick."

Let's be honest Two lawyers were walking along, negotiating a case. "Look," said one to the other, "let's be honest with each other." "Okay, you first," replied the other. That was the end of the discussion.

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12 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Memorial to be erected at Parade Ground -President says freedom was bought at a high price

FREEDOM from the horrific episode of slavery in British Guiana was bought at a high price - the martyrdom of hundreds of Africans – and the government will set up a monument at Independence Park (Parade Ground) to remind Guyanese of this chapter in history. This was announced by President David Granger on Saturday morning at the 1823 Demerara Revolt Monument at Atlantic Avenue on the Seawall. The early-morning event was the commemoration ceremony of the 193rd Anniversary of the 1823 Demerara Revolt. The seawall monument was commissioned in August, 2013, but prominent African groups had favoured Parade Ground as the most suitable location for a monument. The Demerara Revolt is remembered in the village of Bachelors’ Adventure, where the massacre occurred. In this village, a memorial to remember the Demerara Martyrs was built by the residents. However, President David Granger, during his address, said the government will erect a memorial at Independence Park (Parade Ground) to commemorate the executions during the 1823 revolt. The intention of erecting this monument, the President said, was to remind Guyanese of the price paid for freedom. “Future generations must not forget that freedom was bought at the high price of the martyrdom of hundreds of Africans on 20th August, 1823,” he said. According to the Headof-State, this “atrocity” is perhaps the single most significant event that has-

tened the abolition of slavery in the British colonies during that time. He noted that the Demerara Revolt was the turning point in slave society and is commemorated as one of the most important events in Guyanese and Caribbean history. “The Revolt’s historical role in the passage of the Emancipation Act by the British Parliament in 1833, a decade later, is undisputed.” The Demerara Revolt broke out on Monday, 18th August, 1823. Brigadier General John Murray, the Governor, proclaimed martial law the next day and mobilised a formidable military force. The massacre took place at Plantation Bachelors’ Adventure, where over 2,000 rebels confronted the main body of troops under Lieutenant Colonel John Thomas Leahy. President Granger then went on to reference one account which stated that, “The soldiers poured in volley after volley. The slaves returned fire but soon began to run, leaping the trenches into which many tumbled lifeless. Many were shot down on the road and in the cotton fields. By noon, the roadside was littered with dead bodies. About two hundred slaves had been killed.” He went on to explain that the troops triumphantly moved from plantation to plantation, pursuing fugitives and releasing the planters who, for the most part, were unharmed. They had been placed in stocks to prevent them from obstructing the freedom, which the Africans believed that King George had granted them. However, he noted that

President David Granger delivers his address at the commemoration ceremony of the 193rd Anniversary of the 1823 Demerara Revolt retribution was swift and severe. History records that Colonel Leahy and his officers held summary “drum-head” trials, each lasting only a few minutes. The courts reached hasty verdicts based on hearsay evidence, and according to him, the accused, invariably, were found guilty, tied to trees

and shot, immediately. Their corpses, the president said, were laid side by side on the ground, decapitated and their heads placed on poles on the public roads in front of the plantations. On August 25, the formal Court Martial was convened in Georgetown under Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Arthur

Goodman. The Militia Parade Ground (now Independence Park) in Cummingsburg was the scene of the public executions. Here, President Granger said, the rebels’ corpses were hung in chains along the public roads or were decapitated and the heads stuck on poles, after the hangings. In addition, expedi-

tions scoured the backlands in search of fugitive rebels, particularly, the assumed ringleader, Quamina. He was found by a mercenary who shot him dead on September 16 and his body was carried back and hung in chains outside Plantation Success on the East Coast. The President, also a historian, further pointed out that the planters and populace were exultant. He said that the very excesses for which the planters congratulated themselves in Georgetown were condemned in London. “The Demerara Revolt caused an uproar in the British House of Commons and, although a vote to censure the Government failed, public opinion shifted further in favour of the complete abolition of slavery” he said. Subsequently, Brigadier- General John Murray was recalled and replaced as Governor by Major-General Sir Benjamin D’Urban in April 1824. The Emancipation Act was then passed a decade later. Against this eventful, but horrific backdrop, the Head-of-State underscored the need for Guyanese to remember the price paid for freedom by the Africans. Preceding the President’s featured address was the traditional practice of wreath-laying. The ceremony was punctuated with cultural items, including a dance by the National School of Dance and a melodious rendition of a national song. The short ceremony was attended by Government Ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland and other officials.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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Mashabo’s Big Day

14 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

By Alva Solomon THE village seemed excited about the prospects of visitors travelling there and residents of Mashabo , a small Amerindian community on the banks of the Ituribisi Conservancy on the Essequibo Coast,usually welcome anyone who is willing to walk around their sprawling village lands. It was Sunday,and word spread that a cricket team from the community of Wakapoa in the Pomeroon was visiting Mashabo to engage the village in a Twenty20 cricket match. On arrival at the Essequibo Coast community of Huis t”Dieren, a car driven by “Jango,”Mashabo’s most loyal taxi driver, was awaiting persons who were travelling into the lakeside village that Sunday. The cricket match was the talk of the 10-minute ride into the long stretch of road to the conservancy; the ride was smooth since the road was upgraded several weeks earlier,Jango noted. Once at the eastern end of the conservancy, boats awaited visitors. The chirping of birds and the cool atmosphere under the boat house - with its troolie-palm roof - provided prospects of a bright day ahead. “The team from Wakapoa coming just now,” the boatman noted. Of course, there were several chuckles form those around , including the boatman himself , since “just

The lake is littered with Ite palm trees. now” in those parts of the country can mean an hour, or two or four. Sure enough, it was not until two hours later that the cricketers from the Pomeroon drove up in their cars and a minibus. After loading the boat with their cricket gears, food and fans, the destination was now fixed in the direction of Mashabo which lay in the distance ahead, beyond the Ite-palm trees which lined the water. The conservancy is also known as the

“hot and cold” lake and according to the elders at Mashabo , the waterways of the lake were expanded decades ago to form what is now the conservancy . But many refer to the water-holding area as a lake. As the small, 15-HP engine chugged along the water, the cricketers from the

church was in session a few steps away from the bridge. It was just a congregation of four that day; everyone was probably at the cricket match. The tour was now focused on the edges of the village and this entailed crossing the bridge, back to center of the village and a long walk in a northerly direction which led to the crossing of another bridge, the second of four bridges, which lay almost synonymously with the four cardinal points on the edges of the village. The trek led to the Hosana Housing Scheme, a community which was built for the village via assistance from Food for the Poor. Treks along the white sand seemed onerous but worth the steps and some 20 minutes later , the tour now stretched down to the cool waters of the lake via sloping sandy trails. The views here are breathtaking, almost giving

Levi Williams, a former Toshao of the community gave a brief historical background of the village. Pomeroon kept the mood alive. The light banter included the results of the Caribbean Premier League Finals later that evening between Guyana’s Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs, whether there is internet service at Mashabo, and the diverse ethnicities of those in the boat. Some 15 to 20 minutes later,Mashabo’s popular 650-feet bridge appeared in the distance and ladies in bright orange shirts stood at the edges of the “landing” where passengers usually disembark. Once the boat came to a halt, the cricketers emerged and the ladies and men from the peaceful community greeted each visitor with firm handshakes, a sign of the rich hospitality of the people. On climbing the sloping the landscape to the cricket ground,Toshao Sylvian Raphael and other villageleaders and other residents greeted and chatted with visitors. Toshao Raphael welcomed this publication and noted that the village was free for a tour. After walking around the cricket ground and interacting with the residents who were out in large numbers, a tour of the villagecommenced. But the cricket match seemed the most popular event in the village that day, hence most homes appeared empty and then the realization came - it was Mashabo’s big day. Cricket is very popular here and ranks alongside the village’s annual heritage celebrations in September, which usually attract hundreds of persons from the Essequibo Coast and as far as the capital city. A stroll across the iconic bridge, said to be the longest of its type in the country, led to another section of the village known as Wadadoori, a lesser populated section of the village where ToshaoRapheal resides. The sun was now baking the landscape and

A lad on his way to the cricket ground from his home at the Hosana Housing Scheme, a small community adjoining Mashabo. the Caribbean-island, sandy-beach effect. After enjoying the coolness of the waters,the moments of the tour were coming to an end. A few stops were made along the way through the Hosana Housing Scheme , including at a shop where a villager noted that the village is almost crime free, that

persons abide by the rules which govern Amerindian communities and that a cricket pitch was erected close to her home to further occupy the free time of the youth in the area. Another stop was made at the home of a farmer known as “Stanley” who willingly picked several coconuts for the visitor. After chatting with Stanley about his cassava plants, the walk led back to the cricket ground where the match was about to climax with Mashabo’s cricketers in control of the game . In the meantime,former Toashao Levi Williams stepped across and spoke to this publication about the history of the village. He said it was established around 1969 when the land commission recognized the area as a village. Most persons moved to the area from communities in the Pomeroon area. Born and raise atMashabo , Williams said the primary economic activity there was logging and the village’s wallaba species of trees were in demand in those days by the power company for use as electrical poles. “At the time, it only had about 91 persons here, but today we have 500 and it’s a peaceful set of people,” he said. He said that criminal activities are rare, but the presence of jaguars and dry weather are the two main issues which affected normal life there. Currently, residents are working on several programme ideas which can better develop the community. These include a tourism model which can market its captivating landscape as well as a pitch to telecommunications giant Digicel to establish a tower there. Mashabo is home to a nursery school as well as a primary school which is headed by MrQuadoVancooten ,a career educator who has lived in the village for many years. Vancooten took this publication once more across the bridge which stretches across the lake to the highest point at Wadadoori , where the views are beyond words. A few cows grazed in the vicinity and as the afternoon drew closer to night, the boatman and the Pomeroon cricketers were heard in the distance as they prepared to leave Mashabo . It was time to leave the peaceful people of Mashabo , a tourism gem with natural features which will surely leave a lasting impression on the mind of visitors . It was the end of Mashabo’s big day.

Mashabo’s female cricket team wears the orange colour, which they noted signifies the sun, rising over the horizon.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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Tailoring: A dying art By Zena Henry

HOW easy life has gotten since the emergence of technology and the creation of machines! In fact, life has gotten so easy that it is simply erasing traditional and even cultural ways of doing things. At least, that is what some remaining tailors believe is happening to their trade. It is widely accepted that life has improved since the rise of technology; but for some, it means having to “get with the times”, even if that means the dissolution of something that they once loved. Sixty four-year-old Michael Graham, or “Punt Man”, as his friends call him, got into

in the field. And it’s not because of his age, mind you! Just that he’s now become what he calls “an alteration tailor”. Explaining what he meant, Fowler said, “All people want is mek changes to dem clothes. And it ain’t worth it.” All he’s basically doing these days is working to eat, he said, adding: “Tailoring dead, yes! People ain’t really need we no more; not when dem can go and get it ready-made in de store.” Fowlers’ longtime friend, Cecil who frequents his tailor shop, concurred that tailoring is nothing like it used to be. “I remember dem days wid Agard, Mo-

At 45, Sherwayne Scarce, whose tailor shop is located a building away from the corner of Camp and D’Urban Streets, is a younger breed in the tailoring business; and he does not want to see it end anytime soon. Self-taught, he’s been in the business 22 years now. These days, however, revenue is not like it used to be. For one thing, tailoring has moved to a place where alterations is what’s keeping the trade alive. And although he does not make as much as before, it’s enough for him to get by on. In a “dying trade”, Scarce prides himself on the quality of work he produces. He said while the alterations to clothing pays, he also welcomes the special occasions, such as weddings, where he would be asked to sew the attire of the central ceremony. O’Neal Innis, one of Scarce’s customers, said tailoring will never die. “As long as there are people like me who appreciate that special touch on their clothing, it won’t die,” he said.

come home to Guyana to have his clothes made by his tailor.” Scarce said it’s hard to encourage young people to learn tailoring, because they are not interested. “This is a hard trade; it takes patience and practise,” he explained. Scarce does not plan to be a tailor for the rest of his life, though. He believes he has at least 10 more years before he branches off into some other investment. ‘JAKEY’S’ Leslie Jacob’s place, Jakey’s Tailoring Establishment, is one of the more successful stories. His business, at the corner of Norton and Camp Streets, has been around since 1968. The recipient of a National Award at the recently held 50th Anniversary Celebrations is a more than 50- year veteran who has sewn for some of the most renowned professionals in the county. He said that of the eight Guyanese presidents, he has sewn for six of

Sherwayne Scarce is among the younger folks trying to keep the tailoring trade alive

Leslie Jacobs is proud of his achievements and contributions made to the tailoring trade the tailoring profession a bit late in life, but enjoyed the trade that kept him fed for more than 20 years. With no professional or personal skills to talk about, but surrounded by at least five “tailor friends” within his West Ruimveldt community alone, Graham said it was almost inevitable that he, too, would become a tailor. It was his friend, George Carter, or “Georgie” who now lives abroad, who taught him to sew. But he would go one better and master the art of producing menswear, particularly dress pants. He distinctly remembers he and another tailor, whose call-name was “Bing”, taking over from ‘Georgie’ when he left the trade. Those were the good old days, Graham recalled, since most people like to have their clothing custom-made, particularly around Christmastime and September month when the new school year usually begins. “People never used to buy ready-made blinds; dem used to sew,” he said. “And when is school time, is nuff wuk yuh getting fuh mek uniform.” Those were the days, he said, when he sewed for the likes of former Town Clerk, Carol Sooba’s bodyguard, Shawn Hinds; football coach, Lennox Arthur; and former magistrate, Gordon Gilhuys. Sadly, those days are long gone; for ‘smallfry’ like Graham, the increasing availability of ready-made clothing on the market soon started to take a serious toll on their trade. “All we did getting was one-one wuk; people wanting a lil tek-in-waist and small repairs.” Eventually, he said, work stopped coming in altogether, and he went out of business. REACHED HIS LIMIT Seventy-eight-year-old Julian Fowler, who operates on Russell Street, says he doesn’t see himself lasting too much longer

hamed, de Chin Brothers and dem boys; dem used to sew fuh Burnham and dem men,” he said, adding that young people today wouldn’t know about stores like Bettencourt’s, which imported only quality material from places like England and Italy and so on. “That’s why people used to like mek dem clothes,” he said. People delight in telling him that he’s gotten too old for the job, he said, but nothing could be further from the truth. “What they don’t know is we have all the skills; is just that dem young people ain’t want learn this wuk.” Alas! Most of the recognised tailors of his time, he said, are either dead, retired or live aboard. A YOUNGER BREED

Julian Fowler and his friend Cecil continue to enjoy the social atmosphere at his shop

Innis, who looks fairly young himself, said there are the professionals and ordinary persons who still want custom-made items. “I know a friend who lives overseas, but he does still

them, including the incumbent, President David Granger. Jacobs’ establishment is an ideal description of what was said about that special touch that is customer-made items. The 70-year-old has not only managed to stay relevant in a trade he says is dying worldwide, but his establishment can easily fit into any urban society, given the modern touch he has added. Jacobs says that it’s not just technology that’s killing the trade, with cheap clothing through mass production, but it’s also the reluctance of young people to make the sacrifice to learn the trade. “They don’t want to make the sacrifice,” ‘Jakey’ said, adding: “Nowadays, they are being taught about fast money.” Back in the day, he said, young people could have learned such trades as tailoring in the National Service, and later work in shops like his for a stipend until they would have improved. “But this is no longer the case; and many of the youths are not finding a way out.” As he advances in age, ‘Jakey’ says his family would love to see him retire and join them overseas, but he is still unsure as to when he will be hanging up his tailoring tape. He owes his continued recognition in the field of tailoring to his experience, consistency and timely delivery of the product.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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18 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Businessman justifies shooting at car on his bridge

THE Tucville, Georgetown businessman who fired at a car on his bridge, killing a youngster and leaving a woman hospitalised, has reportedly told police he feared he was being attacked by bandits. Dead is 24-year-old Colin Perreira, called “Malcolm” of 213 Barr Street, Kitty. His female friend, 22-year-old Gailann Chacom of Region One, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Reports indicate that Chacom was in Georgetown visiting relatives. The businessman has been identified as Robert Benn, a licensed firearm holder. This newspaper understands that Benn reportedly opened fire with a 9 mm handgun when he saw the car - Toyota Allion PRR 4393 – turning on his bridge. Reports indicate that Perreira was teaching Chacom to drive at the time of the shooting. Benn reportedly told the police that he felt threatened when he saw the car turning on his bridge since he believed the vehicle had bandits. Benn remains in police custody and according to police sources, he will be charged with murder and attempted murder. Perreira was shot multiple times about the body and six bullet holes were registered on the front windscreen of the car; the shooting occurred around 20:50 hrs. Residents in the area described the businessman as a harsh and ill-tempered individual.

- says felt threatened by ‘bandits’ - to face charges of murder, attempted murder

Injured: Gailann Chacom

The car the duo was in when the businessman opened fire killing Colin Perreira in the process. Six shots were fired at the front windscreen.

Dead is 24-year-old Colin Perreira called ‘Malcolm’ “This man is always having problems with people,” one resident said. A cousin of the dead man who requested anonymity said she is traumatized at the senseless killing. “It’s not like he was sick and he died, then it would be different. “He leave the house to make two drop-offs and he never returned home. “This man has a two-year-old daughter who will never know her father.” She explained that when relatives visited the East La Penitence police station, the businessman was there with his lawyer. Perreira’s mother, Cerene Roberts, said she was at a church event at the Melanie School Ground, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday night when at 21:30 hrs she received several calls simultaneously informing her that someone had shot her son in Tucville. Ms Roberts said she visited Perry Street, Tucville, where she was shown the area where the shooting had occurred. “I last saw my son at 1PM Tuesday afternoon when he came home to use the washroom..and I never heard anything from him after. “This man [the shooter] must be crazy.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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US$5.7M project targets at-risk youths - 4, 000 persons to be trained in 20 communities in ‘grass root attempt’ to reduce crime By Svetlana Marshall

OVER the next four years, the Ministry of Public Security and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will attempt to transform the lives of 4,000 at-risk youths in 20 communities as a way of reducing crime and violence. On Wednesday, the Ministry and the IDB launched the “Community Crime and Violence Prevention” component of the programme at the cost of US$5.7M, which represents 38.2 percent of US$15M budgeted for the Citizen Security Strengthening initiative. Delivering the feature address at the Shopping Plaza Tarmac in South Ruimveldt, Vice-President and Minister of Public Secu-

is a link between illiteracy and unemployment, and unemployment and crime, and as such will be fostering youth development with the emphasis on education. Through this component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, he said at-risk youths will be empowered. “We will be spending some US$3M on providing technical and vocational education and training to cover all costs associated with re-enrolling youths in skills training and entrepreneurship training.” Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, who was also present at the launch along with the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, said the Government regards crime prevention a national priority. But government, she said, cannot do

every citizen must play a role,” Minister Henry posited. According to the Junior Education Minister, the issue of crime and violence must be addressed at the root, noting that children from an early age must be taught how to cope with and deal with conflicts and problems without using force. While the Government is playing its part through the implementation of projects, programmes and policies such as the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, Minister Henry emphasized that parents must also play their part in positively affecting the lives of their children. One of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme Community Action Specialists, Mark Ross, explained that the 20

At the launch of the Community Crime and Violence Prevention programme are, from left: Clement Henry, Project Coordinator of the Citizen Security Strengthening programme; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Acting Police Commissioner (Administration), David Ramnarine; and Gladwin Samuels, Deputy Director of Prisons rity, Khemraj Ramjattan, said this aspect of the programme is a “grass-root attempt” designed to address crime and violence within communities by reducing the contributing factors and simultaneously strengthening the protective factors. Cognizant of the short and long-term impact of crime and violence on human development and the economic well-being of the country, Minister Ramjattan said the Public Security Ministry with local and international support will continue to find solutions to the problems affecting youths – a percentage of whom are considered to be both perpetrators and victims of crime and violence. Government, he said, is aware that there

it alone as she called for a collaborative movement. “Crime Prevention cannot be tackled by the Government alone or by the Ministry of Public Security alone. It requires an integrated, multi-agency approach where all relevant departments view crime prevention as a shared responsibility and collective priority,” she told those present. Minister Henry said it is time to reclaim communities that are constantly plagued by crime and violence. “We have to reclaim our communities, child by child, family by family, community by community. Every community can become a safe place, but for this to happen,

communities being targeted were selected following an intense study based on a twostage methodology. “In the first stage, crime data at the community level for murder (2010, 2011 and 2013) and domestic violence, robberies, breaking and entering and larceny (20112013) were used to identify 25 communities with the highest crime rates in Guyana,” he further explained. According to him, the shortlisted communities were then ranked in terms of suitability for intervention, based on a range of additional criteria including the percentage of youths and young adults, the percentage of persons who have primary or lower educa-

tion, the percentage of persons who have no formal qualifications, the percentage of unemployed persons, the population size within each community and the ethnic composition of each community. In the end, Vreed-en-Hoop in Region Three, Albouystown, Charlestown, Sophia, South Ruimveldt, Alberttown, Kingston, La Penitence, McDoom, Providence, Annandale, Buxton/Friendship and Enmore in Region Four, Rosignol in Region Five, Friendship, Albion, Port Mourant, Adelphi Village and Angoy’s Avenue in Region Six and Wismar in Region 10, were the 20 communities selected. “The specific objective of this component is to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in target communities, which will contribute to the overall aim of the programme which is to contribute to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana, especially in the targeted communities and among youths,” he noted. This component, Community Crime and Violence Prevention, is therefore designed to address the high incidence of violent behaviour at the level of the community, which is a result of the prevalence of social norms that tolerate the use of violence within interpersonal relationships, low employment and education levels and low participation of community members in resolving community problems. “This component aims to address community crime and violence vulnerability through differentiated social-prevention interventions focused on developing a common core of skills and capabilities among community members to allow them to cope with violence, unemployment, and counterproductive behaviour risk factors and stimulate protective factors,” Ross said. Three types of interventions will be carried out in existing community facilities, targeting individuals, families, and the community. These are the behaviour change and awareness-raising campaigns, socio-educational and employment-related activities to create opportunities for economic integration and productive use of time to reduce probability of involvement in criminal activities; and mechanisms to help community members to identify problems and develop bottom-up solutions to prevent crime and violence through Community Action Councils (CAC). IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen, the Public Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Daniella McCalmon and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan were among other officials present at the launching ceremony.

10% salary increase

20 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

- Gov’t makes final offer for public servants earning below $99,000 - GPSU to respond after meeting of its general council

THE government has made a final offer of a 10 percent increase in salaries for public servants working earning below $99, 000, and has made an offer of 1-6 for other categories of workers. The GPSU is to respond to the government’s final offer after a meeting of its general council. Below is the full statement from the Ministry of the Presidency. Statement of the Government of Guyana on Wages and Salaries Negotiations for Public Servants for 2016 * On Wednesday August 24, 2016, the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) concluded discussions on Wages and Salaries for Public Servants within the Bargaining Unit for 2016. * The negotiations were conducted in the spirit of cordiality and mutual respect, and were consistent with the obligations of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Guyana Public Service Union and the Public Service Ministry for the Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes. * The negotiations were conducted within a two-month period from June 22, 2016 to August 24, 2016, during which period both the GoG and the GPSU presented proposals and recommendations having mutually agreed that relief for public servants was both immediate and necessary. This timespan was influenced by requests made by the union for information and data which the GoG as far as possible, sought to provide.

The Government re-considered its position and a final offer was presented as follows:

* The initial proposal of the GPSU was for a 40% across-the-board increase for public servants. This was subsequently adjusted to 25%. The union had also requested that allowances be included in the negotiations. * In response, the GoG proposed a differentiated approach to increases that sought to provide the greatest relief to those within the lower salary bands of the Public Service wages and salaries structure. In this regard, the Government proposed the following: * persons earning below $100,000 would receive 5.5% * persons earning

$100,000 to $300,000 would receive 5% * persons earning $300,000 to $800,000 would receive 4.5% * persons earning $800,000 to $1,000,000 would receive 2% * persons earning over a $1,000,000 would receive 1% The below $100,000.00 percentage offer of 5.5% was later increased to 6% The GoG also agreed to consider a review of allowances for public servants immediately upon the conclusion of the negotiations for wages and salaries. As a consequence, a Tripartite Committee comprising representatives from the

Department of the Public Service, the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Public Service Union was established to address this issue. The GoG’s proposal took into consideration the fundamental need for a restructured Public Service which included the adjustment of scales for wages and salaries; the implementation of a merit increment system; and a resolution of the issue of bunching. It was pointed out to the union, that each of these would entail an additional cost to Government and result in increased earnings for Public Servants. The GOG’s proposal was rejected by the union.

It was pointed out to the GPSU that the GoG’s final offer for wage and salary increases for Public Servants had taken into consideration the current socio-economic environment; the difficulty in agreeing to increases that would entail having to raise additional revenue and the unsustainability of any further addition to its offer with regard to the current and future budgets. The GoG reiterated to the union that its members were also the Government’s employees and that the Government was equally mindful of the need for financial relief for the workers under consideration.

The union was also reminded of the relief measures that were granted to public servants since the ascension of the new administration to office in May 2015. Those measures included an increase of the minimum wage to $50,000; a 5% acrossthe-board plus $5000 increase, all within the 2015 National Budget, and, a one-off bonus of $50,000 for Public Servants earning below $500,000 per month in December 2015. The GPSU agreed to consider the Government’s final offer and indicated that a response will be forthcoming after a meeting of its General Council.

GDF ready to fulfil mission

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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-Pres Granger says at HOMEGUARD closing

COMMANDER-in-CHIEF of the Guyana Armed Forces, President David Granger, on Thursday congratulated troops of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who participated in the weeklong Field Tactical Exercise (FTX) “HOMEGUARD.” The President, who was accompanied by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, and officials from the Ministry of Finance at the Tacama Training Area (TTA), Berbice River, said the exercise serves as a reaffirmation to the Defence Board and the Guyanese people that the force is always prepared to carry out its mandate. The exercise began on August 16 and concluded one day early with the final contingent of troops moving into the Exercise Area located in the jungle and savannahs of Ituni, U p p e r D e m e r a r a - U pper Berbice (Region 10) and Tacama East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). The Exercise was designed to assess the GDF troops in Close Country Warfare (CCW) and Open Country Warfare (OCW) simulations of battle. It utilised all available resources and pitted the troops against a simulated enemy to validate training at all levels.

President Granger said that the GDF has a mandate to protect citizens and defend the territorial integrity of the country. As such, the President noted that round -the -clock training is mandatory to ensure that the force is always ready. “The force, in order to accomplish its mission, if it is to master the art

of war, it must train. In Guyana, you must master, also, Guyana’s diverse landscape consisting of the low, flat coastal plain, hilly sandy zone, undulating savannahs, swampy wetlands, verdant rainforests, majestic mountains and myriad meandering creeks and rivers. You have to learn to operate in all of these areas and I am happy

that HOMEGUARD has moved you in different terrains, different landscapes, so that you master all of the ecological zones in this great country. The force’s mandate demands leadership on the part of every officer and, on the part of every soldier and unit. You have to have the ability to operate anywhere in Guyana, by day

or by night, whether the sun is shining or [if] it’s raining,” the President remarked. The TTA is the main training area of the Colonel John Clarke Military School which is located 160 km up the Berbice River in over 350 km² of savannah. It has been an ideal site for defence training over the years for

President David Granger addresses the troops upon completion of the ‘final attack’ and consequently, Exercise HOMEGUARD, at the Tacama Training Area, early Thursday morning

generations of troops, the President said. “Exercise Home Guard ensures that the force is tactically trained and adequately equipped to defend this country should the need arise. Exercise Home Guard is a reaffirmation and reassurance to the Guyana Defence Board, some members of which are present today, that the force is properly commanded and ready to fulfil its mission. Exercise Home Guard, through the training and tactical prowess that you have displayed so competently and convincingly, is a source of comfort to our citizens. They can rest secure in the knowledge that you stand watch over our motherland, securing it [from] danger,” the Commander–in-Chief said. Meanwhile, Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, congratulated the troops on their performance. He noted that success of the troops is evident in the early completion of the exercise. Ninety-one officers and 945 ranks from the force participated in the exercise. Exercise HOMEGUARD comes 10 months after the successful completion of Exercise GREENHEART, which was conducted in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) last November.

22 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

La Penitence top students honoured at awards ceremony

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo flanked by students who received prizes along with Influential Millennial representative (extreme right standing)

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N order to stop school dropouts and promote education a La Penitence Academic Awards ceremony 2016 was hosted for the first time by Influential Millennial in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister (PM) and Essential Care Agency. The event was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo. It was held at 175 Middle Road La Penitence. Awards were given to the most improved student Mariam Mansook, National Grade six Assessment students that included: Rawle Alleyne, Rena Hilliman, Siara Evans, Ms Rayshane and topping the list with 550 marks was Ms Tasalya Congreaves who will attend Queens College. In addition, winners in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) category include Ms Candace Barrett, Stephan Sobers and the top spot went to Ms Omallia Thorington who gained eight grade ones, three grade twos and one grade-3. Students received tablets, vouchers, bicycles, backpacks, hampers and other prizes. Prime Minister Nagamootoo in giving brief remarks congratulated the students on their success while

advising them about the benefits of education and the effect it will have on their lives and future. Reflecting that he started teaching at the age of 16 at the Corentyne Comprehensive School, the First Vice President said with determination and hard work anything is possible. “Becoming Prime Minister starts from the very modest first steps that you take at this age in your life. You all have the opportunity to become Prime Minister, President or Ministers of Government if you start to prepare yourself from now, you have a friendly government that is paying attention to education and social needs…” the Prime Minister stated. “We can’t correct everything in one year, but we are trying to bring improvements to the lives of all in this country.” Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo who is a Former Head Teacher, in her remarks noted that teachers should pay special attention to students while trying to develop their respective talents and growth. She advised students who did not do well that they should focus on their studies and try again next year, while paying attention to their school and home work. “Can you do it, yes you can,” she encouraged the students.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

Tutorial High girl cops Summer Blaze Teen pageant crown A T the end of a night of excitement and close competition, 15-yearold Paulene Dhuman of Tutorial High School walked away with the ‘Miss Summer Blaze Teen’ pageant crown and a degree scholarship from the University of Guyana. Under the theme: ‘Suicide prevention and awareness’, Maggie’s Craft in collaboration with Ms. Summer blaze promoted the ninth edition of the contest at the Theatre Guild auditorium in Georgetown on August 13, and pageant Directors Natasha Cornette and Andrew Daly

were pleased with the pageant’s success. Suicide has become a dominant social ill affecting youths in Guyana over the years and government has said that it welcomes support from non-governmental organizations as well in combating the scourge. Reports earlier this year indicated that Guyana was a leader in suicide in the world. It has been reported that in January alone, there were 15 recorded cases of suicide in Guyana. Government, through the Ministry of Social Protection has held consultations with stakeholders countrywide on suicide prevention to discuss the way

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forward to reduce and eventually eradicate suicide. While many pageants complain of lack of support, Director Cornette told the Guyana Chronicle Miss Summer Blaze has gained favour with scholarships and gifts for its queens and platforms for awareness campaigns against suicide. The pageant queen is expected to participate in forums on ‘suicide prevention and awareness’ in New York and Atlanta Georgia in the United States of America (USA), the Director said. In addition, Queen Dhuman has won herself scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at the Queen: Miss Summer Blaze Teen 2016 Paulene Dhuman

Beauties in a row! (From left to right) Second runner-up Kalisha Frank; third runner-up Afisha Phoenix; Queen Paulene Dhuman and first runner-up Kayanne Grant

University of Guyana, compliments of Carimer Care, a return trip to the United States of America (USA), compliments of Fly Jamaica and was also guaranteed a job with Fly Jamaica upon completion of her university degree. First runner-up Kayanne Grant of North Ruimveldt Multilateral School won herself a Diploma scholarship to the University of Guyana, compliments of the Public Service Department within the Ministry of the Presidency, while second runner-up Kalisha Frank of Brickdam Secondary won a Phablet. Third runner-up Afisha Phoenix of Bishops High won a hair dryer set and gift vouchers. Ronise stoll won the Miss Congeniality award. Sixteen delegates drawn from Tutorial High, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Brickdam Secondary and Bishops High schools competed

in the pageant, which was staged with the aim of boosting self-esteem in the teenagers. Director Cornette said the pageant was an educational one with scholarships as its main prizes. “So we’re looking at teen development,” Cornette said. The contest featured three sequences - casual wear, evening wear and question and answer. Other delegates participating in the contest are Tariquea Eversley, Queeneisha Inniss, Aisha Fraser, Tia Lashley, Trechell Horatio, Resheda Stoll and Iyanna Grenardo. Pageant Director Daly said the pageant committee is grateful to its sponsors, which include the Ministry of Social Protection, Fly Jamaica, Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Service Department, Carimer Care and Banks DIH, among others.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 26, 2016

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week Ending August 26, 2016

The Secret of Jamaica’s Runners

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Among the most enigmatic features of Jamaica, an island of only 2.8 million people, is its astonishing supremacy in running. Currently, the world’s fastest man and woman are both Jamaicans. Nineteen of the 26 fastest times ever recorded in 100 meter races were by Jamaicans. The list goes on. Jamaica’s global dominance is broad and deep, both male and female, and started to emerge over half a century ago. At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Jamaica was ranked 13th by the International Olympic Committee. By the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, it was first in sprints, with Usain Bolt winning three gold medals, and an unprecedented clean sweep of the women’s 100 meters. How do Jamaicans do it? It’s not because of genetics, as some claim. A vast majority of Jamaicans’ ancestors are from West Africa, which has relatively few outstanding sprinters. Nor can genetics explain why Jamaicans outperform other blacks in the Americas, especially in Brazil, which has 36 times as many of them. Ask a Jamaican like me (I was born and raised there), and we’ll give you a very different answer: Champs. Officially called the InterSecondary Schools Sports Association Boys and Girls Athletics Championship, Champs is an annual competition attended by 30,000 wildly enthusiastic fans. Jamaica is perhaps the only country in the world where a track and field meet is the premier sporting event. But it’s not just Champs. The competition is one part of a broader framework —

track and field is huge at every educational level, with periodic regional meets drawing athletes of all ages from the most remote rural areas. So the real question is, why is Jamaica nuts for track? Part of the answer is institutional. The British first introduced organized and informal athletics, and interscholastic competition, to Jamaica and other colonies in the late 19th century. One of Jamaica’s founding fathers, N. W. Manley, was the greatest student athlete of his generation; later, as the revered head of state, he tirelessly promoted track and field. Jamaica quickly stood out from other Caribbean islands in extending these competitions from elite white schools to those of the nonwhite classes. Starting early in the 20th century, several outstanding athletes, like G. C. Foster, emerged as role models, mentors and promoters of the sport, and they identified and trained the next generation of talent. By the time I went to high school, in the ’50s, track and field was as popular among my friends as baseball was among kids my age in Brooklyn. My heroes were the runners who had triumphed at Helsinki. Noel A. White, one of our country’s most revered coaches, joined Foster to coach my high school to Champs victory in 1957. White was also my homeroom and history teacher, and he coached me after school, free of charge, to the top of my graduating class and a university scholarship. But the institution is only part of the answer. These efforts succeeded because of an abundance of very healthy children and

Arthur Wint of Jamaica, left, winning the men’s 400 meters at the London Olympic Games in 1948. Herb McKenley of Jamaica, right, won the silver medal, and Mal Whitfield of the United States, center, won the bronze. young people — the result not of Jamaica’s Carter tested positive for a banned substance mountainous terrain, as some have claimed, as a result of a retest of samples from Beijing but of the extraordinary success of a public has caused consternation in Jamaica — health campaign partly spearheaded in the though, to be fair, the Swiss-based Court of 1920s by specialists from the Rockefeller Arbitration for Sport has overturned or reFoundation. duced penalties imposed on Jamaican runThe program began in the small town of ners on the grounds that there were May Pen, where I later grew up. It empha- nondoping explanations for the results. (Jasized hygiene, clean water and fecal and maicans have a long tradition of taking herbal mosquito control. The old mantras “healthy supplements to promote good health.) bodies, healthy minds” and “cleanliness is Jamaica has also creatively exploited its next to godliness” took hold in our commu- proximity to the United States. Some of our nities and primary schools, whose teachers best runners went to college there on athletic were recruited in the public health campaign. scholarships, and they stayed and even comRunning, as the cheapest sport, was the nat- peted for America, as many now do for ural beneficiary of this movement. As a child, Britain and Canada. But a critical number of Usain Bolt received his initial training at a re- them, like the world-record holders Dennis mote, poorly equipped rural grade school. Johnson and Herb McKenley, who was also The result was what the historical de- an Olympic medalist and a former Jamaican mographer James Riley calls the Jamaican national coach, returned to train generations paradox: one of the rare instances of a poor of new stars. Jamaican student athletes also country with the life expectancy of an ad- acquired international experience by particivanced society, a health transition that began pating in American meets like the annual in the 1920s and improved at one of the Penn Relays, where they frequently excel. fastest paces on record, from 36 years at birth Until recently, Jamaican athletes who in 1920 to 70 by 1977. It’s no accident that didn’t get scholarships or coaching jobs tended the oldest individual medalist in Olympic to leave the sport after high school. But even track history is a Jamaican woman, Merlene that is changing. Beginning nearly 20 years Ottey, who was still sprinting in international ago, Jamaicans started establishing for-profit meets at age 52. track and field clubs, which have brought Yet another factor is Jamaicans’ com- American-style sports entrepreneurship to the bative individualism, the dark side of which island. Now nearly all the island’s major track is the country’s chronic violence. Its bright stars are being trained locally, greatly reducing side, though, is extreme self-reliance — the talent drain and shifting the focus to adult which, along with effective health policy, is runners, lengthening their careers and, with Riley’s main explanation for the life-ex- their greater local visibility and wealth, intenpectancy paradox. But it also dovetails nicely sifying the island’s passion for the sport. with running, in which performance is enThe remarkable success of Jamaicans in tirely up to the athlete. Jamaican track is a far building the institutions of a globally dominant cry from the British ethic of winning with sports enterprise and a complementary system grace. One Olympic medalist and alumnus of of public health is a positive story, but it raises one of the dominant schools at Champs was another question: Why have they failed so quoted by the writer Richard Moore as telling badly in developing a successful economy? young athletes: “One thing we go out there The answer is complex and incomplete. for, and that’s to win. To win. To win. To win. But it might lie in a deeper truth about the isTo win. To dominate. To crush them!” land. Political and economic successes are The world got a taste of Jamaica’s cut- often top-down, relying on leadership that throat track culture in Beijing, where Bolt, on adapts and manages appropriate institutions the verge of winning the 100 meters in record that also benefit the non-elite. But things like time, slowed down, thumped his chest and health reform and sports success — and the spread his arms in a taunting, triumphant ges- reggae industry, for that matter — are largely ture. “We are a confident people,” he later bottom-up. Jamaica is yet to acquire the leadtold the BBC. ership for national development it deserves. This self-assuredness can lead to reck- But it has no lack of talent, energy and selfless behavior. Although Bolt has a clean slate, reliance — qualities as evident in health staseveral Jamaican athletes have tested positive tistics as they are on the track. for prohibited substances. Some are no doubt guilty, and the recent disclosure that Nesta (reprinted from the New York Times)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week Ending August 26, 2016

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Michael Abrahams . . . Jamaica . . . Boom!

T

he Billboard Hot 100 is the official singles chart for America’s music industry. Rankings are based on radio play, online streaming, and physical and digital sales. Two weeks ago, I took a look at the chart and made some interesting observations.

Three of the songs in the top 10 contained components of Jamaican music genres. The number one song was Cheap Thrills by Sia, featuring Sean Paul. At number two was a former number one, One Dance by Drake featuring WizKid and Kyla. Both songs feature dancehall elements. At number seven was Ride, a reggae song by the duo Twenty One Pilots. Drake’s songs at numbers 20 and 21, Too Good (featuring Rihanna) and Controlla, respectively, contain traces of dancehall, with the latter sampling Beenie Man’s Tear Off Mi Garment, while the number 24 song, All In My Head (Flex) by Fifth Harmony, featuring Fetty Wap, utilises some of the melody and lyrics of Mad Cobra’s Flex. In addition, former number one songs Work by Rihanna, featuring Drake, and Sorry, by Justin Bieber, were still on the chart, at numbers 34 and 50, respectively, and are dancehallflavoured songs. After perusing the chart, I marvelled at how a country as small as Jamaica could produce a culture with such a strong global influence. Then I noticed what was taking place at the Rio Olympics. Jamaica has been dubbed the sprint factory of the world, and the exploits of athletes representing our country have been well documented. Indeed, at the recently concluded Olympics, we witnessed Usain Bolt achieve the historic tripletriple, mining gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, and Elaine Thompson becoming the first woman in decades to win the sprint double, as well as Omar McLeod becoming the first Jamaican man to win a gold medal in the sprint hurdles at a major global event. Jamaica won 11 medals at the Rio Olympics — six gold, three silver and two bronze, finishing at number 15 on the medal table. But what is even more remarkable is the presence of Jamaican DNA in athletes representing other countries. Natasha Hastings, who ran for the United States of America and won gold as a member of the 4x400m relay quartet, and came fourth in the 400m final, has a Jamaican father. Nethaneel Joseph Mitchell-Blake competed for Great Britain and reached the semi-final of the 200m. He was born in England, of Jamaican parents, and lived in Jamaica for a while during his adolescence, where he represented Jamaica College at the ISSA Boys and Girls’ Championships. In 2013,

Mitchell-Blake was the European Junior champion, and his personal best time of 19.95 seconds is the second fastest ever for a British sprinter.

But what is even more remarkable is the presence of Jamaican blood in the men’s 100m sprinting pool. Usain Bolt completed the sprint double, and the quartet of Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake, Nickel Ashmeade and Bolt won the sprint relay final, with Kemar BaileyCole and Jevaughn Minzie being gold medallists as well, as they ran in the semi-final. In addition to these men, there were several others who were born in Jamaica or are of Jamaican parentage who graced the track.

Jak Ali Harvey, formerly Jacques Montgomery Harvey, who was born in Hanover, competed for Turkey and reached the semi-final of the men’s 100m event. At the 2016 European Athletics Championships, he won a silver, becoming the first Turkish athlete ever to claim a medal at that event. Emre Zafer Barnes, formerly Winston Barnes, is also Jamaica-born, and along with Harvey ran a Turkish record of 38.30 as part of the 4x100m men’s relay team during the first round in Rio.

Andrew Fisher and Ashani Kemarley Brown, Jamaica-born athletes who have represented the land of their birth, now represent Bahrain, and both qualified for the 100m semi-finals. While attending Merritt College in California, Brown twice won the California Community College title in the 100m, clocking 9.93 seconds for his second title, the fastest ever 100m by a junior college athlete.

Akeem Haynes, who was born in Westmoreland, now represents Canada, and was eliminated in the first round of the men’s 100m, but was part of the 4x100m relay final quartet that won bronze. Aaron Brown and Brendon Rodney, who are of Jamaican parentage, were also included in the team, with Rodney also competing in the first round of the 200m. Then there is Asuka ‘Aska’ Antonio Cambridge, born here to a Jamaican father and Japanese mother. Cambridge reached the semi-final of the 100m and won a silver medal in the 4×100m relay for Japan, while helping to set a new Asian record of 37.60 seconds. Cambridge is so connected to his Jamaican roots that he ran the sprint relay final with an image of the Jamaican flag on his left spike.

The Jamaican 4 x 100 Relay Team (l-r) Yohan Blake, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Nickel Ashmeade

So, in the sprint relay final, the first two men to cross the finish line were born in the same country, and at the medal ceremony, of the 12 men standing on the podium, eight were either born in Jamaica or of Jamaican parentage. How we good so?

Michael Abrahams is a gynaecologist and obstetrician, comedian and poet. Email feedback to: columns@gleanerjm.com and michabe_1999@hotmail.com, or tweet @mikeyabrahams. ABOUT MICHAEL ABRAMS

(Reprinted from the Jamaica Gleaner online)

SportS CHRONICLE

Director of Sport hands over flood lamps for MSC ground DIRECTOR of Sport Christopher Jones came through on a promise to the Linden Community when he formally handed over to the Region, yesterday, 15 flood lamps and 10 bulbs that will be erected at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) facility to support the existing fixtures. Jones had committed to providing lights for the facility, in a meeting with the MSC management and the Boyce/Jefford Committee last month, stating that such developmental initiatives were an important facet of the work of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Sport. The initiative was facilitated under the Ground Enhancement Project and delivered to the Region that’s now the conduit for the project. The 1000W Quad Voltage Metal Halide Flood Fixture and 1000W E40 Metal Halide Lamp Bulbs will be erected in time for this weekend’s Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Classic VII at the MSC facility. The lamps and bulbs cost $1 798 000 of a $2M grant under the project. Regional Executive Officer of Region 10, Gavin Clarke, received the items yesterday on behalf of the Linden community. MSC president Avery Trim had welcomed the collaborative efforts that is seeing a much-improved and developed facility. “We are appreciative of these kind sentiments and we will continue to work to get this venue up to the level that we know it to be,” Trim had said. “MSC is upbeat about sports within the community and it is only fair that they have a proper facility.” The facility was a hive of activity yesterday with works ongoing on repainting the stands, along with several other corrective and renovation works. The outlook of the ground was fully grassed and flat with just the marking and final rolling to be done.

ILLUMINATION! Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) hands over one of 15 flood lamps that will be erected at the MSC ground to Regional Executive Officer of Region 10, Gavin Clarke, yesterday while in background from left, Colin Boyce, MSC president, Avery Trim and Edison Jefford share the moment in Linden.

Windies, India T20s

Florida to get taste of top-class cricket THE United States will get a rare taste of world-class cricket this weekend when Florida will play hosts to two Twenty20 internationals between the West Indies and India. It is just the third time that full international cricket matches will take place in the U.S., following on from the West Indies’ matches against New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 2010 and against New Zealand again two years later. But this is the first occasion that the world’s most popular team will grace U.S. soil. India’s cricket board, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is expecting the 15 000 capacity Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale to be sold-out for the matches on Saturday and Sunday. It promises to be a lucrative venture for both India and West Indies cricket, with tickets priced from $75 up to $250. But the game’s global governing body insists it also fulfils the latest step in developing cricket

in the United States. Last year the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the USA Cricket Association and took control of the right to sanction which events could take place in the U.S. That led to a three-match Cricket All-Stars tour last November, featuring legends of the game led by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne. And, in announcing the ICC’s approval of the series earlier this month, chief executive David Richardson explained what he hopes the U.S. will get out of matches between the sides ranked second and third in the T20I rankings. “The ICC has approved these matches because we believe they can play a significant role in the long-term development of cricket in the USA and our ongoing efforts to unify the USA cricket community,” he said. “Having the ICC World T20 Champions playing India in Florida will undoubtedly inspire both existing and new fans and players, but perhaps more importantly, the sanction fees will be invested into the ICC’s ongoing

work to lay a sustainable foundation for the development of cricket in America.” It certainly promises to be a high-quality matchup. While the West Indies continued their struggles in Test cricket in recent weeks with a comprehensive 2-0 series defeat at home to India, they are the reigning kings in the sport’s shortest format having won the World T20 earlier this year. However, disorder has never been far away in West Indies cricket in recent years. And it has reared its head once again just ahead of the series with India, with the man who led the team to glory in the 2016 World T20, Darren Sammy, being replaced as captain by Carlos Brathwaite. Sammy has also been excluded from the 13-man squad to travel to Florida. The West Indies Cricket Board has insisted that the decision was based solely on performance. And, if so, there may be some method in the sudden change this time around. Sammy contributed little with the bat or ball during the World T20, while Brathwaite,

despite having only ever played eight T20 internationals, stole the headlines by hitting four consecutive final-over sixes to beat England in the final. However, the decision has still sparked angry reactions among some supporters, particularly with Sammy enjoying a strong season in the Caribbean Premier League. Along the way to the title, the West Indies beat India in the semifinals, ending their hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil and likely providing added motivation going into the two matches in Florida. After an inexperienced team was fielded in a three-match series against Zimbabwe in June, the series will mark the first time that the bulk of the squad from the World T20 will be back in action in the format for their country. After guiding his team to a 2-0 Test series win in the West Indies, Virat Kohli will revert to just batting duties as limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni takes command.