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ISSUE No. 87

WEEK ENDING February 2, 2018

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Respect the Ruling …President urges respect for UN SG ruling

…but Venezuela rejects decision, wants to return to Good Offices process Page 3

President David Granger responding to questions from journalists on the United Nations’ ruling on the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela at State House on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Retired judge heads Lindo Creek inquiry Page x

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

Retired judge heads Lindo Creek inquiry Minister Harmon said. Noting that the commission will be equipped with the necessary resources including researchers, he assured that the Commissioner will have full access to all records conducted by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force. “The Commissioner has full access. He has the powers of a high court judge to summon witnesses, to summon documents, anything that in the opinion of the commissioner could assist him in carrying out the responsibilities assigned to him under this commission; he has that power to do it,” Minister Harmon explained. Describing Justice Trotman as a distinguished Guyanese, the State Minister said that he is more than fit to lead the Commission of Inquiry into the Lindo Creek Massacre, adding that Government is pleased to have at its disposal an individual with decades of experience in the judicial system. “I am confident that the inquiry will be conducted

statements and memoranda and be prepared to give evidence before it,” Minister Harmon urged. In his acceptance speech, Justice Trotman said he is pleased to have been appointed as the Commissioner to conduct the inquiry into the mass killing and expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the eight miners. Stating that it is not a one man commission, the retired judge noted that he will be supported by secretarial and executive members of the commission. “We wish to note that the commission also will be comprised of all persons who know the truth and have a duty and the responsibility to come forward and tell us in the commission what they know. They too are part of the commission de-facto. So while the legal aspect and constitution of the commission is placed into one person and his team, in a social and conceptual context, the commission is made up of several persons and will conduct its inquiry in the national interest and in the best interest of

Retired Justice Donald Trotman (Adrian Narine photo)

RETIRED Justice Donald Trotman has been appointed to lead a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Lindo Creek Massacre which claimed the lives of eight miners, allegedly at the hands of the Joint Services some 10 years ago. Justice Trotman, a distinguished Guyanese, was sworn in as Chairman of the Commission by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and presented with his instrument of appointment by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday. The Commission will commenced its work on, February 1, 2018, for a period of three months with the possibility of an extension. The State Minister, in giving reporters an overview of the inquiry, said the Commission was appointed under the directions of President David Granger in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act. “It has been directed to investigate all matters in relation to the killing of eight miners: Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong at Lindo Creek in the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice Region, on, or, about June 21, 2008,” Minister Harmon explained. He said based on the findings, the Commission of Inquiry will make recommendations on actions to be taken against all persons and or organisations that are deemed responsible for the deaths of those persons. These, he said, are in keeping with the two Terms of Reference (ToR). “We as a government feel that such an inquiry is necessary to determine precisely what happened at Lindo Creek,”

Retired Justice Donald Trotman taking the oath of office before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (Adrian Narine photo)

at the highest professional level,” he said while urging persons with knowledge of the massacre to avail themselves to the commission. “I urge all persons who may have any information to cooperate with the commission by submitting

the families and the people and the Government of Guyana,” Justice Trotman said. Referencing to a biblical term, Justice Trotman said “and he shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,” while positing that the nation cannot be really free unless it knows the truth. Alluding to the commission, he said there must be integrity, independence and impartiality, emphasising that its main objective is to find the truth and bring healing and closure to the bereaved families and friends. According to him, following the completion of all the pending inquiries into the period of ‘Troubles” (20022008), Guyana will be in a much better position to have healing and reconciliation. “We are looking to the past in order to make peace for the present,” he said. On the sideline of the swearing-in ceremony, Justice Trotman told Guyana Chronicle that while the work of the Commission will commence tomorrow, it is his hope to have public hearings and visits to the scene of the massacre within two weeks. In recent days, President David Granger has reassured the nation that full investigations will be done into the deaths of the hundreds of Guyanese, including the former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh. On Thursday, he told Guyana Chronicle that the outcome of the Lindo Creek Massacre will lead to the other commissions, stating that this is just the first in a series. Under the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo (August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011) there were three massacres: Lusignan– where 11 people were killed; Bartica — where another 12 were killed; and Lindo Creek — where eight miners were slaughtered. Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings, with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro-Guyanese males were gunned down.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

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Respect the Ruling Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

…President urges respect for UN SG ruling

…but Venezuela rejects decision, wants to return to Good Offices process

President David Granger By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger has said that the decision by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to refer the Guyana/Venezuela territorial controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should be respected by both countries. But his counterpart in Caracas, Nicolas Maduro, has rejected the decision, saying that it wishes to continue negotiations at the bilateral level. Guyana and several other diplomats had warned that Venezuela was using the Good Offices process as a stalling tactic. On the sidelines of a swearing-in ceremony at State House on Wednesday, President Granger told reporters that the decision to have the UN Secretary-General decide on a method of resolution to the controversy was mutually agreed by both countries. “Sending the matter to the secretary-general was a course of action that was mutually agreed on, so this outcome should be accepted by both sides,” he said. According to facts presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Venezuela after agreeing and honouring the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award for half of a century, the Spanish-speaking country in 1962 unilaterally and without any basis or evidence contended that the 1899 Award was null and void. The 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award had given more than 90 per cent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana). By February 1966, the Geneva Agreement was reached. It was under that agreement that both Guyana and Venezuela in 1982 requested the intervention of the UN Secretary-General in deciding on the method to bring the controversy to an end. At the time of the interview, President Granger expressed the hope that Venezuela would have displayed some level of maturity and accept the decision of Mr. Guterres. ‘The Geneva Agreement was signed in February 1966, even before we became Independent and we hope that Venezuela’s Government has the maturity to accept the decision of the secretary-general,” he said, while reiterating that the course of action was mutually agreed by both countries. Rejection However, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Wednesday rejected the decision of the SG, stating that it remains firm in its position. “The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, faithful to its historical tradition and in accordance with the Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, reiterates its firm disposition to defend the territorial integrity of our Homeland and maintain political negotiation based on the 1966 Geneva Accord, as the only way to reach a peaceful solution, practical and satisfactory for both parties and in favour of our Peoples,” a statement issued by the Government of Venezuela read. It said too that it will continue to defend its sovereign rights. President Granger has expressed the hope that the SG decision would not trigger negative behaviour by Venezuelans, noting that Guyanese have suffered enough. “We have already been victims of unwanted migration even by soldiers, by miners, we have been victims of violence, persons who are destitute looking for food, we have been victims of attacks by what they call Syndicatos, which are Turn to page 8 ►

President Nicolas Maduro

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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THE CASE AGAINST BHARRAT JAGDEO

the Tactical Services Squad (TSS) to carry out the genocidal assault. He also recruited the services “This is the day which the Lord hath made; We of Shaheed Roger Khan, one of the most notoriwill rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) ous drug dealers, gun runners, money launderers, and narcotic traffickers in the history of Guyana. hen we, in the Guyanese Diaspora, By the time Roger Khan had been arrested in had received the glorious news Surinam on January 15, 2006 approximately 400 that the Guyana Government will individuals, primarily Afro-Guyanese, lay dead appoint a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to in the streets of Georgetown, Buxton and Agriinvestigate the murders that had been percola. It is estimated that there were 1,701 murders petrated by the Jagdeo Government and during the tenure of Bharrat Jagdeo. Between the Roger Khan during the “The period of 2002 and 2006, 784 Troubles,” we breathed a colGuyanese were murdered, an avlective sigh of relief. It seems erage of 157 murders per year. that “justice delayed” is not What was amazing during “justice denied.” Hallelujah, this period, was the large number Brother David, as your nameof massacres that took place in sake, David the Psalmist proGuyana. There was a total of 14 claimed, “this is indeed the day massacres that took place at the that the Lord hath made; we will height of “THE TROUBLES.” rejoice and be glad in it.” As • There was the Kitty masMartin Luther King once obsacre which took place in Sepserved, “the arc of the moral tember 2002 at Natoo’s Bar in universe is long, but it bends which four people were shot towards justice”. As Amos, dead and eight others were ROGER KHAN BHARRAT JAGDEO RONALD GAJRAJ the Prophet commented, “let wounded. justice roll down like a river, • There was the Lamaha Garden’s masand righteousness like a never-failing stream.” of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the sacre, in October 2002 in which seven persons Amos 524 Guyana Defense Force (GDF) under the leader- were shot to death. ship of Ronald Gajraj. THE TROUBLES • There was the Bourda killings which took Jagdeo recruited the services of Ronald place in November 2002, in which five persons The period between 2002 and 2010 has been referred to as “THE TROUBLES.” It is the pe- Gajraj, an ex-GDF officer, who had been court were killed. riod when Guyana witnessed the largest upsurge martialed, and dishonorably discharged from the • There was the Diwali massacre in which of gang-related violence and extra-judicial GDF for misappropriation of funds. Gajraj re- five people were shot dead. killings in the post independence history of cruited the services of the renegade members of • There were the Friendship massacre and the Prashad Nagar massacre in June 2003, in which the Guyana Defense Force and the Guyana Police Force executed nine persons. • There was the Agricola-Eccles massacre in February 2006 when a gang of bandits executed eight persons. • There was the LBI massacre in April 2006, in which a gang executed four individuals, including Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh, his sister, Phulmattie Persaud, his brother, Rajpat Rai Sawh, and security guard, Curtis Robinson. • There was the Bagotstown-Eccles massacre in August 2006, in which eight people were killed. • There was the Black Bush massacre in August 2006, in which the security forces slaughtered seven suspects. • There was the Lusignan massacre in January 2008, in which 11 people were killed. • There was the Bartica massacre in February 2008 that claimed 12 lives. PART 1

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Guyana. “THE TROUBLES” began when a group of five prisoners broke out of the Georgetown prison on February 23, 2002 (Mashramani Day), and concealed themselves within the AfroGuyanese villages on the East Coast of Demerara. The Jagdeo government did not resort to the traditional law enforcement techniques to track down and apprehend the prisoners, but instead launched a genocidal war of attrition against the escapees, with the assistance and collusion of the Roger Khan drug gang, and renegade members

by Colin A. Moore

(continued on page 19)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

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Guyana has strong case against Venezuela Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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-- former Guyanese diplomats By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA has a very good case against Venezuela, Guyanese diplomat Rudolph “Rudy” Insanally said as he welcomed the decision by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-Gen-

icant progress was made at the level of the Good Offices process in arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the ICJ will be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise.

has referred the matter to the ICJ. “I am glad at the end that

said “I hope that they cooperate because this is a United Nations decision…”

Former Foreign Minister, Rashleigh Jackson

Former Foreign Minister, Dr Rudy Insanally

Former Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Henry Jeffrey

eral António Guterres to refer the border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final settlement. The Guyanese diplomat, who once served as Guyana’s permanent representative to the UN and as Minister of Foreign Affairs, was among several distinguished Guyanese who supported the SG’s decision on the controversy which dates back to 1962 when Venezuela back-pedalled on the 1899 Tribunal Award, claiming that it was null and void. Approximately 118 years after that award was issued, the Government of Guyana holds strongly to the view that a juridical course of action is the only means through which this matter can be permanently resolved. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Insanally said he is pleased that the controversy has taken on a new direction provided for under the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Former Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon and current Secretary General Guterres, in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, had agreed that if by the end of December 2017, no signif-

Mr. Guterres has upheld this decision and has referred the matter to the ICJ. On Wednesday, Mr. Insanally said Guyana has a very strong case, emphasising that the matter was already settled by way of arbitration. “The matter was already settled by arbitration. It all depends on what the court has been asked to do. There is one thing to do. Confirm that the result of the arbitration and to say that Venezuela’s argument that the 1899 Award is null and void is indeed null and void,” the retired Guyanese diplomat told this newspaper. He said Venezuela cannot change its position more than a half a century after agreeing to the 1899 Tribunal Award. He believes that once the case is properly put to the ICJ, then the matter could be settled. “A lot will depend on the cooperation of Venezuela but the procedure should be given a chance and Government (of Guyana) should be well armed to defend our position,” Mr. Insanally said. Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashleigh Jackson said he too is happy that the UN Secretary-General

this decision was made. We welcome it because it was the logical thing to do,” Mr. Jackson said. He said Guyana had been preparing for this a long time now and he expects her lawyers will do a great job in representing the country’s case. Asked whether he anticipates any untoward reaction from Venezuela, the former Foreign Affairs Minister

He said all Guyanese should be proud of this decision as it was a long struggle. “We all hope we get a definitive answer and we go forward from here,” he commented. Former Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Henry Jeffrey said the nation must pay keen attention as Guyana prepares for judicial settlement. Dr. Jeffrey said the role of the ICJ in resolving

this controversy must be clearly stated. “When the matter is sent to the Court by a UN agent like the Secretary-General, the court is required to give an opinion on the issue; it does not settle the matter. When two countries agree to go to the court, the court settles the matter, a decision is given,” he said based on his understanding. The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN) – established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations. “The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies,” the ICJ website states. Meanwhile, the Private

Sector Commission (PSC) said the Secretary-General’s decision is long awaited. “Successive Governments of Guyana have since sought steadfastly to peacefully resolve this dispute and, for the last 27 years, have relied upon the United Nations Good Offices process. The announcement that the matter will finally be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is long awaited and most welcome,’ the PSC said in a statement on Wednesday. It said Government must be highly commended for its unwavering efforts to spur decisive action on the part of the UN in a bid to finally free Guyana to achieve her potential without this albatross around her neck. The PSC said it stands firmly behind the Guyanese Government in all matters relating to the sovereignty of Guyana.

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Guyana Chronicle New Edition York Edition week ending February 2, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Week-ending January 19, 2018

The Barbados economy is slowing down, warns IMF

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Editorial Editorial

The PPPGAWU Rift IT WAS, at some point, bound to happen. The apparent rift between the GAWU leader and his comrades over tactics and strategies regarding the restructuring of the sugar industry should not come as a surprise to those who have a keen understanding of Guyana’s contemporary politics. That the opposition leader has all but thrown Mr. Komal Chand under the bus for adopting a conciliatory approach to the government’s initiative, should also not surprise those who have keenly followed the politics of the PPP under Mr. Jagdeo’s leadership. Understandably, PPP detractors would be quick to gloat over this apparent crack in the seemingly impregnatable armour. Others would want to make dire predictions about the PPP’s ability to remain a viable political force. Still, others would be moved to condemn Jagdeo and sympathise with Chand. But in the final analysis, this development must alert Guyana to the extent to which our politics have degenerated. It must also impel us to draw lessons and in the process, come to grips with the fact that age-old political modes of operation may well be unsuited to the current environment. It is no secret that from the 1950s to the present, GAWU and the PPP have been mere branches of the same three. GAWU is the PPP and the PPP is GAWU. Most of GAWU members are PPP members. While Dr. Jagan was alive, he was the leader of both organisations. GAWU primary role was to use the trade union arena to fight PPP’s political battles—hard core labour matters were secondary on that agenda. This was also the case of the Guyana Labour Union and the PNC until the latter was outmanoeuvred of ownership of the union. So, when Mr. Chand took an independent position after the meeting with the government last week, he was committing one of the biggest political sins. Some of our political parties in Guyana and the Caribbean do not nurture or tolerate independence. This is indeed one of the sad realities of our political

The Washington based International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern about Barbados’ large fiscal deficit, high debt and low foreign reserves. Executive Directors concluded in the Article IV consultation that after an improved economic performance in 2016, the Barbados economy is slowing down. The directors emphasized that a stronger macroeconomic framework and bolder structural reforms are needed to achieve fiscal and debt sustainability, address the large financing needs, build

adequate international reserves, and boost growth. While they welcomed the authorities’ consolidation efforts over the past two fiscal years, they stressed that additional efforts will be necessary to balance the budget over the medium term, given the urgency in tackling the high debt, meeting the funding requirements, and addressing the balance of payment needs. They recommended that adjustment measures should focus on expenditure, primarily supported by reform of the State?Owned Enterprises

(SOEs). “Efforts to contain the wage bill and reform of government pensions, while improving revenue administration and broadening the tax base, including by reducing exemptions, would also be important,” the lending agency said. The directors emphasized that a comprehensive restructuring of SOE operations is critical to address the structural imbalance in the public sector, in particular by reducing government transfers. They also said priority should be given to defining clear

objectives for SOE reform and implementing the Public Financial Management and Audit Act, as well as other measures. The IMF also encouraged the authorities to continue efforts to phase out direct financing of the government by the central bank and to reorient monetary policy towards supporting the fixed exchange rate regime. The Washington based institution called for steps to ease the recent increase in statutory requirements for banks to hold government securities. (CMC)

Justice delayed is justice denied Dear Editor

PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday announced at the GDF Officer’s conference that extrajudicial killings, phantom death squad murders and other targeted killings as well as torture that occurred in Guyana from 2001 to 2009 under then President Bharrat Jagdeo, will be investigated and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The President made this promise, to ensure that justice is done, a pillar of his 2015 election campaign. Today, two years later, we have another mere promise, with no action. The Jagdeo government committed mass crimes against humanity. There were approximately 400 such killings under President Jagdeo. I fought against these killings on the international stage; including at the Inter-American Human Rights Commission and the United Nations. As head of CGID, the overseas organization that waged the relentless fight for justice for victims and their families in the international community, I wrote the President twice since 2015, petitioning him to commission such an inquiry. On December 2, 2016, Kaieteur News published a letter from me captioned “Quoting Martin Luther King in

the Call For Justice in Guyana,” in which I called on the President to appoint a Commission of Inquiry with subpoena powers, to investigate these murders and other international crimes, to no avail. It makes me wonder who is this government protecting? My relentless advocacy for justice has been on behalf of the victims and their families, and the thousands of young people whose hunger for justice fueled their political support for President Granger and the coalition - which ultimately led to their election victory. They marched, protested, were beaten, arrested and jailed by the then Jagdeo regime; now only to be given mere promises of justice by the Head-of-State. The President’s announcement is a baby step in the right direction, but the betrayal and disappointment is palpable. All of us, particularly our youth, must hold the President and government’s feet to the fire and make them accountable for this betrayal of those whose votes placed them in office. This fight is personal for me. I have endured death threats and multiple NYPD security assessments. Then President Jagdeo sent GDF Intelligence officers all the way to New York to attend CGID meetings and conduct surveillance

culture that has, in turn, contributed to the underdevelopment of our politics. Truth be told, GAWU is caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place.” Now that the government has moved on with restructuring the industry, does the union fight for the workers compensation and other entitlements or does it privilege the PPP’s stated political agenda of non-cooperation with the government? Whether Mr. Chand has deliberately thought through his stance and calculated the consequences, he has punctured the decades-old praxis of the GAWU-PPP pact. He has made the workers’ interest primary. This is not to say that he has abandoned the PPP’s agenda, but on this pivotal matter, he has rearranged the priorities. This is what is so galling to Mr. Jagdeo and his cohorts in the PPP and explains calls for Chand’s removal. Not unexpectedly, to date, none of the PPP stalwarts has come to Chand’s defence, except Indra Chandarpal.

on CGID officers. Our counterparts in Guyana were infiltrated and harassed. An adviser to Mr. Jagdeo sent me a letter which was turned over to the FBI threatening that he has his gun ready and waiting [for] me at the Cheddi Jagan Airport. Although no threat can weaken my resolve and determination to seek justice, we did not endure all of this for a mere promise, and must continue this fight until the justice we seek is obtained. We have noted also that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights [IACHR] named former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, as a culpable party in the disappearance and presumed murder of Franz Britton, aka Collie Wills. There has been a fundamental reluctance on the part of this government which professes to desire justice for the victims, to cooperate with IACHR to seek justice for Mr. Frantz Britton, one of the many [who]disappeared. My question to President Granger, therefore, is "When will this proposed investigation commence? Is it going to commence when the architects, planners, financiers and executioners escape or exit the Country, as some have already done? Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

Given the mysterious ways in which the party operates, Chand most likely would either be removed or forced to retract his conciliatory stance towards the government. That would be an unfortunate outcome, but the dam has already been breached. Jagdeo is correct when he suggests that Chand has given the government a lifeline. That may be injurious to the PPP’s political health, but in the long run it benefits the sugar workers. And that should be of paramount concern. Sugar workers will no doubt be encouraged to denounce Chand, but saner voices should point out to them that Chand is looking out for their material interests rather than pursuing narrow political interests. We are not trying to bat for the GAWU leader nor are we proselytising for the government, but as we editorialised last Sunday, the sugar impasse would be sorted out amicably when all stakeholders sit down and act in the interest of the country.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: views opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper TheThe views andand opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are are those of the authors andand do not necessarily reflect the policies and and those of the authors do not necessarily reflect the policies views of the management of the NewNew YorkYork Edition of the views of the management of the Edition of Guyana the Guyana Chronicle. Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

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Private sector in move to employ sugar workers Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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…requests list of skills available

A number of laid-off sugar workers turned up at Enmore to be part of the job fair

IN an effort to absorb some of the sugar workers who were laid-off by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar has asked the corporation for a list of the various skillset of those workers in order to ensure that they are properly placed in the private sector. Early this year, cash-strapped GuySuCo had to lay off some 4000 workers in order to keep the sugar industry viable but, the Government

had forged ahead with training for those former employees, with support from the Small Business Bureau and other stakeholders. Indar said the GCCI is also ready to do their part by ensuring that workers are not unemployed for a long time. “We want to match their skill to the kind of workers that employers in the private sector need, but we need a list from GuySuCo of all the skillset,” said Indar during his presentation to the ex-sugar workers of the Enmore Estate at a job fair on Monday.

Tried to smuggle ‘weed’ into court lock-ups A 20-year-old Charlestown resident was on Wednesday charged for smuggling cannabis in two cheese stick packets into the Georgetown Magistrates' Court (GMC) lock-ups. Tia Gittens, a mother of one, appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore and denied that on January 29 at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court lock-ups, she smuggled 6.3 grams of cannabis into the prisoners’ cell. According to reports on the day in question, Gittens was seen with a black plastic bag with the items inside, under the pretence that she was taking a care package for her child’s father Steve Howard, who is on remand for the murder of 56-year-old Fizal Shaheed. The ranks searched the package and found the drugs inside the two cheese stick packs. Gittens attempted to run out of the court compound but was nabbed by the police. The magistrate released Gittens on $25,000 bail and adjourned the matter until February 28. Last week, 29-year-old Bourda mechanic Leon Smart also appeared before Magistrate Azore for attempting to smuggle contraband to two murder accused in the court’s police outpost. Smart was busted on January 22 at the GMC by alert police officers as he had prohibited items such as two packs of cigarettes along with a bottle of vodka in a Sprite bottle, intended for remand prisoners Calvin Johnson and Joshua Meredith. He is currently out on $25,000 bail.

President of the GCCI addressing ex-sugar workers at Enmore on Monday (Photos by Adrian Narine)

He told the former sugar workers that GCCI alone has 200 companies which are members of the chamber. Indar believes that those companies can take on the laid-off sugar workers but they need to know what the workers are capable of doing. Most of the men who were present at the fair had worked in the sugar industry for almost all their working lives so Indar told them that some employers might want to exploit them by paying low wages/ salaries because they believe that

they (the workers) are not educated and do not have any kind of skill. “It is a hard time but do not believe you are alone, some men are facing the same struggle but in a different way… we are not going to allow you to be beaten down,” said the GCCI President, adding that the former workers must stand strong for their families. He encouraged them to take a low-paying job, if necessary, until they get a job that is fitting to them as opposed to not having any source of income. The laid-off workers were also

advised to spend their severance carefully and in a way to sustain their family. “Do not rush into something and spend the little money you are going to receive…know what business you are going into because a lot of us go into business and cannot recover,” said Indar, adding that they have to be certain that they will get a return on their investment before investing. For those who choose to save their severance and get a job, he advised them to be productive and give it their best.

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

Respect the...

armed gangs,” he pointed. Mobilising funds Notwithstanding Venezuela’s objection, President Granger said the government will mobilise the necessary funds to ensure Guyana is properly represented at the ICJ and is given the best legal advice. “It is very important, we have waited a long time for this, but now that the matter has reached this stage we will embark on a prudent course to ensure that we get the best representation [at] the ICJ. It is not going to be a swift process, we are aware of that, but we are very confident that the outcome would be one that our children can thank us for,” he told reporters. The President said government hopes that the matter will be called before the ICJ as soon as possible. “We are anxious to have this matter go before the court as quickly as possible. It is not in our hands, the court of course like any court has procedures and we have to abide by those procedures. But I am happy that for the first time since independence we have reached this far and I am very glad that the entire country is united behind this move.” Stating that the controversy has stymied development in four regions – Barima-Waini, Potaro-Siparuni, the Rupununi and the Cuyuni-Mazaruni, the President said he is confident that the 1899 Tribunal Award will be vindicated and boost investors’ confidence in the country. “So we are confident that this will contribute to our development, it will contribute to the confidence investors have in coming to Guyana and will contribute to the infrastructural development that we engaged other countries with Brazil and China, they would

like to know that they are operating in a safe region of Guyana that is not under claim. Equally, our maritime space as we know is the zone of successful petroleum exploration, so we feel that this is a good move for Guyana and the international community must know the threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity will be removed by peaceful judicial means by the ICJ,” he stated. The ICJ will make a final ruling in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Mr. Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 agreement, had agreed to refer the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to the ICJ if significant progress was not made in arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy at the level of the Good Offices process. UN statement On Tuesday, Spokesperson for the UN SG, Stéphane Dujarric, said the long-standing controversy arose as a result of the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. In the Geneva Agreement of 1966, Guyana and Venezuela conferred upon the secretary-general the power and responsibility to choose a means of peaceful settlement from amongst those contemplated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Geneva Agreement also provides that if the means so chosen does not lead to a solution of the controversy, the secretary-general is to choose another means of settlement. “Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon communicated to the parties on 15 December

2016, a framework for the resolution of the border controversy based on his conclusions on what would constitute the most appropriate next steps. Notably, he concluded that the Good Offices Process, which had been conducted since 1990, would continue for one final year, until the end of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation. He also reached the conclusion that if, by the end of 2017, his successor, Secretary-General António Guterres, concluded that significant progress had not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he would choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly requested that he refrain from doing so,” Dujarric said. He added that in early 2017, Secretary-General Guterres appointed a Personal Representative, Mr. Dag Halvor Nylander, who engaged in intensive high-level efforts to seek a negotiated settlement to the controversy. “The secretary-general has carefully

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analysed developments in 2017 in the good offices process and has concluded that significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy. Accordingly, the secretary-general has fulfilled the responsibility that has fallen to him within the framework set by his predecessor in December 2016, and has chosen the International Court of Justice as the means to be used for resolution of the controversy. In reaching this decision, the secretary-general has also reached the conclusion that Guyana and Venezuela could benefit from the continued good offices of the United Nations through a complementary process established on the basis of the powers of the secretary-general under the Charter of the United Nations. The secretary-general, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations, remains committed to accompany both States as they seek to overcome their differences regarding this border controversy,” the statement ended.

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EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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Cuba, with present, EMPHASIS ON Castro CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS inaugurates U.S.sponsored honoringinaugurates hero Jose Marti Cuba, with statue Castro present, U.S.sponsored statue honoring hero Jose Marti

HAVANA – President Raul Castro and his expected successor attended the formal unveiling of a U.S.-sponsored statue of indeHAVANA – President Raul Caspendence hero Jose Marti on tro and his expected successor Sunday in a sign that Cuba’s attended the formal unveiling of focus was of maintaining a U.S.-sponsored statue of ties indewith the United States despite pendence hero Jose Marti a on chill in relations under PresiSunday in a sign that Cuba’s dent Donald focus was Trump. of maintaining ties Castro and Vice Miguel a with the United President States despite Diaz-Canel in the front row of the chill insat relations under Presisunrise ceremony along with Demodent Donald Trump.

cratic members ofVice Congress Barbara Castro and President Miguel LeeDiaz-Canel and Karen sat Bass of California and in the front row of the Kansas Republican Roger Marshall, sunrise ceremony along with Demowhocratic weremembers the highest-ranking of CongressAmeriBarbara cansLee at the ceremony. Castro makes and Karen Bass of Californiareland atively public Roger appearances, Kansasfew Republican Marshall, endowing thethe ceremony with a stamp who were highest-ranking Americans at the ceremony. Castro relof particular importance in a makes country atively few public appearances, where the movements of high officials the ceremony withtoa govstamp are endowing closely scrutinized for clues of particular importance ernment plans and intentions.in a country where the movements of Marti high officials The bronze statue of on a are closely scrutinized for govrearing horse was funded withclues $2.5tomilernment plans and intentions. lion raised in the United States in a The bronze Marti on project started by thestatue Bronxof Museum of a rearing horse was funded with $2.5 milthe Arts, which has longstanding ties lion raised in the United States in a with Cuban state cultural institutions. project started by the Bronx Museum of The 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) long, 8-ton the Arts, which has longstanding ties work is an exactstate copycultural of a sculpture inwith Cuban institutions. The 18.5-foot (5.6-meter) long, 8-ton work is an exact copy of a sculpture in-

seum of the Revolution and facing out toward the Florida Straits and the United States. The binational sculpture project seum of the Revolution and facing out began shortly after Castro and President toward the Florida Straits and the Barack Obama announced in December United States. 2014 that they were moving to re-estabThe binationalties sculpture project lish diplomatic and begin normalbegan shortly after Castro and President izing relations. Obama made a Barack Obama announced in December triumphal 2016 visit along with much 2014 that they were moving to re-estabof his cabinet and dozens of U.S. busilish diplomatic ties and begin normalness leaders looking to do business izing relations. Obama made a here, but thevisit relationship chilled triumphal 2016 along withhas much dramatically since then. of his cabinet and dozens of U.S. busiThe Trump administration accuses ness leaders looking to do business Cuba of responsibility for what U.S. here, but the relationship has chilled officials callsince mysterious then. attacks affecting People attend a ceremony to unveil a replica of a New York statue of Cuba's inde- dramatically the hearing, vision and cognitive The Trump administration accusesfuncpendence hero, Jose Marti, in Havana Sunday. The monument was unveiled on the tions of American Embassy staffofin Haof responsibility for what U.S. 165th anniversary of the birth of the Cuban independence hero. ( AP) Cuba vana. The U.S. has pulled most of its ficials call mysterious attacks affecting stalled onattend the south end of to New York’s U.S. People a ceremony unveil a replica of aand NewCuba. York statue of Cuba's indethestaff hearing, vision cognitive funcfrom the and embassy and issued Central Parkhero, in 1965. “I’m extraordinarily pendence Jose Marti, in Havana Sunday. The monument was unveiledoverjoyed on the tions of American Embassy staff in Hawarnings on travel to the island despite 165th anniversary of the birth of the Cuban independence hero. ( AP) Sunday was the 165th anniversary that we in Havana can on this day enjoy The insistence U.S. has pulled most is of no its eviCuban that there on the south end of New York’s Cuba. work of poetic inspira- vana. ofstalled the birth of Marti, a renowned poet, U.S. suchand a beautiful from embassy and dence of the attacks and that theissued island reCentral Park 1965. for Cuban inde- tion,“I’m extraordinarily overjoyed journalist andinfighter “Havana City Historian Eusebio staff warnings on travel to the island despite Sunday was the 165th anniversary that we in Havana can on this day enjoy pendence who was fatally wounded in Leal said in an address to the crowd that mains one of the world’s safest insistence there is no evithe birth of Marti, a renowned poet, beautiful workon of state-run poetic inspiradestinations forthat tourists. anof1895 battle for independence from such was aalso broadcast media. Cuban dence of attacks and that the island re- last journalist City Historian Eusebio Despite the controversy, Cuba the Spanish.and fighter for Cuban inde- tion, “Havana Bronx Museum Chairman of the of more the than world’s safestU.S. pendence fatally saidJoseph in an address to theaddressed crowd thatthe mains year one hosted a million Marti,who whowas spent yearswounded in exile in in Leal Board Mizzi also destinations for tourists. an 1895 battle for independence from was also broadcast on state-run media. — both tourists and CubanNew York City, is almost universally audience and New York Mayor Bill de residents Despite the controversy, Cuba last the Spanish. Bronx Museum Chairman of the Americans visiting family — an inrevered by Cubans on the island and Blasio sent a letter read aloud by an as- year hosted more than a million U.S. Marti, who spent years in exile in Board Joseph Mizzi also addressed the creasing important source of income for overseas despite their political differ- sistant. residents — both tourists and CubanNew York City, is almost universally audience and New York Mayor Bill de the island’s near-stagnant economy. ences, making him a potent symbol of The statue has been placed in a Americans visiting family — an inrevered by Cubans on the island and Blasio sent a letter read aloud by an as(Caribbeannews.net) attempts reconciliation between the sistant. prominent site in Havana, near the Mu- creasing important source of income for overseasatdespite their political differences, making him a potent symbol of The statue has been placed in a the island’s near-stagnant economy. (Caribbeannews.net) attempts at reconciliation between the prominent site in Havana, near the Mu-

Min Sharma calls for audit into Skeldon factory JUNIOR Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma has reiterated his position that a forensic audit should be held into the Skeldon Sugar Estate after the massive US$200M investment failed to bring the facility into full operation. Sharma told a gathering of retrenched workers during a ministerial visit to Skeldon last week that huge sums of money was pumped into the estate but it never performed as it should. He laid the blame for Skeldon and the eventual failure of the industry squarely at the feet of the previous administration, stating that not only had they taken money from other sectors, many of which were in financial disar-

ray, to build Skeldon, but also other sums of money were “secretly” injected into the facility to fix problems that arose after its construction. Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle that apart from finding out what really happened at Skeldon, it is necessary that the failure of such a huge project should attract some type of audit or report. “If you look at the Commission of Inquiry report, you will see that the factory never functioned as it was intended. It never did what it was supposed to do and if you have a project of that size failing, there must be a report. You must know why it failed, what went wrong, what happened.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

Return to Roots

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

ON Friday, I accompanied a ministerial team to Skeldon and Rose Hall in Berbice to ground with retrenched sugar workers, who will receive their severance pay on Tuesday. Some 1,600 at Skeldon and 778 workers at the Rose Hall estates will be paid, most in full. My colleague Khemraj Ramjattan led another ministerial team to speak with sugar workers who were severed from the Enmore estate. At all three locations, there were the familiar PPP mobile pockets of permanent professional protesters. They had hoped to disrupt the meetings, but whilst some listened, others fizzled into a noisy rabble. FREEDOM PROCESSION The journey to Berbice reminded me of my political roots which were first planted in 1961, when I joined what was touted then as the freedom procession from Crabwood Creek. In my book, “Fragments from Memory,” I recounted how, as we drove through an African village called Union, gunshots rang out. Several persons from my truck jumped off and headed towards a house from where the shots came. They quickly raced back, pursued by angry African villagers. I wrote: “It was the first time I encountered the danger of race-baiting and the passions that it could ignite. Some Indians in the procession had tied coconut branches and brooms to their vehicles, and were dragging them on the road. On one car…an alligator was strapped to the windscreen. “It was evident that some supporters of Dr. Jagan’s PPP saw the ‘victory’ as not against the British, but against African people, who supported Forbes Burnham’s party, the PNC. The palm tree was the symbol of Burnham’s party, hence the scorn for the broom and palm tree branches. Sadly, it occurred to me, early in my life, that my country was divided between two leaders and between two major races.” That was 57 years ago. The two leaders have since moved on, but the legacy of division remains. We have experienced over the years episodes of ethnic conflicts and race-based violence, which have been documented and about which we are reminded periodically. POLITICAL SOLUTION In response, the mass-based parties had shifted the debate, or at least tried to, from race and ethnicity to class and nationhood. That ideological shift had resulted in transient political alignment under the doctrine of “critical support” and a proposed programme for a “government of national unity”. In other words, the search has been for a political solution to the racial problem, which Dr. Jagan saw in a return to the 1950s “when there was racial and working class unity”.

While politicians and civil society had pulled, and continue to pull, strong punches over racial discrimination, the language was always measured, so as not to widen ethnic cleavages. It now appears that that approach has been discarded. It was replaced by crude race-baiting and race-hate, judging from the politics (or lack of it) of Bharrat Jagdeo, the new PPP leader. In recent months, Jagdeo has been stoking the embers of racial insecurity. On the eve of the 2015 elections, and shortly after the coalition took office, he has been spreading false claims of “ethnic cleansing” in Guyana. Now, he has accused the six-party, multi-ethnic coalition with practising “economic genocide” against Guyanese of Indian descent. He has been saying that:• closure of four sugar estates was racially motivated and targeted only Indians; • Indians were being forced to migrate; • Indians would consequently be struck off the voters list for the 2020 elections, and • The elections would be “rigged”. RACE BAITING This is the crudest race-baiting in recent times when, coinciding with the tough situation facing the sugar industry, Indo-Guyanese are being fed a daily diet of despair and desperation, supposedly by someone claiming to be their leader. They have been asked to be prepared to wage “all forms of struggle” against a hypothetical, inchoate or future “illegitimate” government -- presumably African-led and dominated. This is fearful stuff, even if it exists only in Jagdeo’s confused mind. The classical tenets of extra-parliamentary or “all forms of struggle” include strikes, sabotage, subversion; insurrection and armed struggles. Jagdeo could not be bothered about the social costs of waging “all forms of struggle” in Guyana. He is gleefully using the “African jumbie” not only to scare Indo-Guyanese, but to huddle them to vote

en bloc as an ethnic voting machine in 2020, should he be allowed to run for a third presidential term. I have opted to engage this issue because someone must expose and counter this misguided but wicked politics to stir racial hatred. In doing so, my mind raced back to 1961 and to that vignette of ethnic insensitivity that could have provoked a bloody backlash. EMPTY RHETORIC If what he has been saying is not so dangerous, it could easily be put aside as empty rhetoric. What warped mind would claim that the coalition is “racially motivated” after allocating almost $40 billion (2015-2018) as bailout packages to Guysuco to help mostly Indo-Guyanese sugar workers? In contrast, the previous regime could be accused of suppressing sugar workers by providing $16 billion over four years (2011-2015) as bailout support. No one would believe that our coalition was “ethnically motivated” by permitting retention by Guysuco of some 11,000 workers, mostly Indo-Guyanese, for the estates at Albion,Blairmont and Uitvlugt. MESSAGE OF HOPE Already, over 900 workers (mostly Indo-Guyanese) who were retrenched, have been retained in certain positions to protect the assets of the industry, pending restructuring. Some 720 sugar workers have since been transferred from Rose Hall to the Albion and Blairmont estates. So, workers cannot succumb to despair or doom. At the Berbice meetings I carried this message of hope, and workers listened. I also appealed for cooperation among government, opposition, unions and workers. We all know that the severance pay would keep families of the affected workers going for just a while, and unless they find alternative means to earn a living, the hurt will only be compounded. In this charged situation, it would be reckless to turn an industrial fiasco into a racial cauldron.

Attorney freed of ‘causing death’ charge A CHARGE of causing death by dangerous driving was dismissed against attorney-at-law Keisha Chase, due to the prosecution’s lack of evidence after almost two weeks of trial into the accident, which led to the death of a 47-yearold man in 2015. Magistrate Allen Wilson on Wednesday upheld a no-case submission made by Chase’s attorney, Roger Yearwood. Magistrate Allen ruled that police prosecutor Vishnu Hunt failed to prove his case due to the lack of evidence. Chase was charged with driving motor vehicle PRR 8181in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Julian Leitch on November 10, 2015, at Duncan Street, Campbellville. She was out on $250,000 bail during the trial According to reports, Chase fatally struck Leitch on Duncan Street, Georgetown. Leitch was attempting to cross the roadway when he was hit. Police in a release had stated that the driver reported that she was proceeding east along Duncan Street, when she heard a loud sound. Upon investigating, she saw a man lying on the road. He was picked up by public-spirited persons along with the driver and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He reportedly suffered multiple abrasions to his body and died while receiving treatment at the medical facility.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh FIVE MINUTE MANAGEMENT COURSES

4. Wipe banana leaves and heat to make them pliable. 5. Cut into pieces about 8 x 8 inches. Wrap round filling. 6. Place in boiling water and boil for about 20-30 minutes. 7. N.B: «If banana leaves are not available, mixture ay be steamed in a greased bowl.

CONKIE

Ingredients: 1 lb. cornmeal 1 lb. pumpkin 1 oz. lard 1 tsp. blackpepper 1/2 pint water 1 grafted coconut 1 oz. margarine 2 tsps. salt sugar to taste 4 ozs. dried fruit twine for tying banana leaves Method: 1. Grate coconut and pumpkin 2. Add all other ingredients. 3. Stir in enough water to make a mixtue of dropping consistency.

(contend from last week) LESSON 3: A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.” “Me first! Me first!” says the admix clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Puff! She’s gone. “Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Cloacas and the love of my life.” Puff! He’s gone. “OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.” MORAL OF THE STORY: Always let your boss have the first say. LESSON 4: An eagle was sitting on a tree resting,

IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

IN PRAISE OF THE MANGO A Caribbean Favorite

M

angoes are among the most loved and celebrated fruits in the Caribbean. They grow in such easy abundance in this region that they would seem native to the this part of the world.

But Mango — Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) — originated in southern Asia. The first plants to arrive in Jamaica were captured from a French ship on the high seas by one of Admiral Lord Rodney’s

ships, the HMS Flora, and taken to the island in 1782. Over the centuries, men have used their skills in grafting to produce dozens of varieties of the most delectable eating fruit in the world. Today, mangoes come in various shapes, colors, flavors and consistency of flesh. They may be oval or round or kidney shaped; although they all tend to start out green when immature, the outer skin of the ripe fruit may be yellow, orange, red, purplish or combinations of these colors; the basic sweet mango taste may hint at other fruits such as peach, coconut, pineapple, berry, even lime; the consistency of flesh may range between smooth and melting and firm and fibrous, between light and dense. E v e r y Caribbean territory has its own f a v o r i t e s . Jamaica has its Julie, Bombay and Haden. Guyana has its Buxton Spice, Long Mango and Turpentine. In mango season, chil-

dren of the Caribbean find a mango tree loaded with fruit almost magnetic. Boys routinely get into trouble climbing other people’s mango trees. Girls love to cut up the sour green fruit fresh, and eat it with pepper and salt. Adults too use the unripe fruit in many ways. They too add pepper and salt and sugar to make pickles, chutneys, and salads. They also make mango nectar, jams and other sweet delicacies. Pickled, cooked, crushed, dried, grated, pulped, chopped or scooped, mangoes are enjoyed in all forms for their unique taste. But it is as just plain fruit that mangoes excel. The Mango Sellers, a children’s song by Guyanese, Sister Rose Magdalene, reflects traditional mango life in much of the Caribbean. Early in the morning, before the break of day, See the market women going on their way. Baskets filled with mangoes, ripe, juicy and sweet, Their faces bright, their eyes alight Swaying down the street. The chorus is: Get your mangoes, ripe, ripe

doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do nothing?” The eagle answered: “Sure, why not.” So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it. MORAL OF THE STORY: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

LESSON 5: A turkey was chatting with a bull. “I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,” sighed the turkey, “but I haven’t got the energy.” “Well, why don’t you nibble on some of my droppings?” replied the bull. They’re packed with nutrients.” The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth day, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree. MORAL OF THE STORY: BU might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.

mangoes, The market women cry Sweet and nice, Buxton Spice Come to market and buy. Fully ripe mangoes are generally very juicy and are difficult to eat without making a mess. It is easy to get yellow mango stains on your clothing. Because of this, eating mangoes in formal settings could be a problem. However, there are types of mango you can roll between your palms so that the insides get pulped. You can then bite or cut a hole in the skin and neatly suck the contents out. To do this, you need to squeeze the mango gently as you suck, taking care that you do not apply too much pressure that the sides of the mango would split. These mangoes must have flexible skins that would nott break as you squeeze them. In India, such mangoes are called “sucking mangoes.” M a n y people feel however, that there should not be a lot of fuss about eating a mango. Eat it at home, they say. Use an apron, if necessary; and make a mess, if you must. Hold it in your hands and let the juice run down to your elbows, if you wish. Enjoy your mango, change your clothes, and take a bath. It is not surprising to learn from the Indian writer Madhur Jaffrey, of a mango — centered ritual for all graduations from school or college in many Indian communities – a mango and ice cream party, in which family members of all ages take part. She says: “For most Indians, the mango is, quite simply, the King of Fruit, no questions asked. And most Indians would not even try to define its flavor. No, a mango is like nothing else. It is, itself.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

Organizers outline plans for 30th Annual Phagwah Parade — April 14 T

he 30th Annual Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, Queens will be a spectacular presentation, according to the planning committee that announced the event will take place on April 14, and celebrated with 30 floats to commemorate the festival’s historic milestone.

The parade will commence at noon at the corner of 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue, and will wind its way along Liberty Avenue, and into the Phil Rizzuto Park (formerly Smokey Oval Park), Richmond Hill,

By SANDRA CLARKE

where a cultural presentation of music, song and dance will take place until 5pm. Chairman Naidoo Veerapan told a recent press conference at Villa Russo in Ozone Park, that the actual Hindu Phagwah, or Holi would be observed on March 4, with Pooja and Chowtal, and other events as part of the Hindu festival. However, due to the frigid weather last year that caused spectators to stay away, and prevented artistes from taking the stage, it was decided that the warmer month

of April would be more suited to the celebration. The organizers adding that they look forward to generous donations from the business committee. The committee cautioned however, that only the 12-member committee and Attorney Mr. Todd Greenberg are authorized to receive money from the public. All checks must be made out to the Phagwah Parade of NY, Inc. A GoFundMe/Phagwah Parade page has also been set up to encourage financial support online. Committee members present at the press conference included: Herman Singh (Chairman), Naidoo Veerapan, Co-Chair, Anup Ramnauth, Balram Rambrich, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, Romeo Hitlall, Sagar Rajpaul, and Navin Phagu. The committee assured the press that the Arya Spiritual Center and the Federation of Hindu Mandirs who have feuded about who should host the parade, two year ago, causing the parade to be sidelined, have put aside their differences and are working in symmetry to made the parade an enjoyable one, according to Mr. Herman Sigh, who thanked the Mayor’s office and the NYPD for their commitment to the display. The New York Police Department that has been an integral part of providing secu-

(From left) Herman Singh (Chairman), Sagar Rajpaul, Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, Anup Ramnauth (Co-Chairman) Phagwah Parade Committee.

(From left) Nardoo Venerance, (Pharoah Committee) Council Member Eric Ulrich, Captain Courtney Nilan, (102nd Pct Commanding Officer), Romeo Hitlall, (Phagwah Committee) Captain Brian Bohannon(106th Pct. Commanding Officer).

rity for the Phagwah Parade in the past, was represented by commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, Capt. Brian Bohannon Jr. commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, Captain Courtney Nilan, Det. Brenda Reddick of 106th Precinct and P.O. Mark Competello, and P.O. Edwin Martinez of 102nd Pct. The law enforcement group assured organizers, that street closures and security would be adequately provided to ensure the parade is a success. Eric Ulrich, City Council Member of the 32nd District, thanked the organizers for working together, noting, “this was an issue that was important to the community, not only the West Indian population but also the whole of queens. “This is an event I certainly look forward to, I come every years. We hope Borough President Melinda Katz could attend. And hopefully, the Mayor will find his way to queens this year. We are looking forward to an inclusive, wonderful, celebration of the West Indian culture and heritage.” “The committee is doing a good job, especially Romeo Hitlall who work very hard to bring everyone together.”

“It is no different from any other immigrant community that is emerging and assimilating, but there are differences of opinion and sometimes differences in personality. “I think they will put together the best parade we have ever seen. I want to thank the police department for working so closely with the committee, so early on, I know this year, we will have gorgeous weather, “ he said. “On behalf of elected officials we want to thank you and let you know that we support you and we will be working closely with you to make sure this is a spectacular parade.” Council Member Ulrich invited the committee to City Hall for a “Chowtal” to commemorate the festival of Holi, and encouraged any form of ceremony in the City Council chamber to kick-off the festivities. Vijah RamJattan, founder and president, United Madrassi Association (UMA), and member, Pooran Rambaran, were in attendance. TO LEARN MORE GO TO PHAWAH PARADE/FACEBOOK.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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Llewelyn John’s 93 Birthday Celebration rd

L

ast Saturday, January 27, the members of the New Life Center of Truth and close friends of Llewellyn Clifton Mortimer John, gathered at the Church on Snyder Avenue in Brooklyn, to celebrate the 93rd birthday of this political icon and Barristerat-law from Guyana (now retired from politics) but still practices his legal profession in Guyana. Rev. Helen John, his eldest tions as one of the outstanding legal daughter, offered prayers, asking minds in the country. The gathering was entertained God to continue blessing and keepby recorded music in the background ing her father in good health.. Barrister-at-law, Colin Moore, and a superb display of dancing in who performed the duties of Master the tradition of Michael Jackson by of Ceremonies, outlined some of the young Isiah Brepaul, who is the grandson of one of the church members, there was also lots of dedlightBy HANDEL ANDREWS ful Guyanese food and beverages. many achievements of Lldewellyn SOME FACTS ABOUT John, whom he dubbed a great icon LLEWELLHN JOHN of Guyana. He was born Clifton MorSpeaker after speaker praised timer Llewellyn John on January counsel for his great contributions to 27th, 1925 at L'Oratoire, Canal No.1 Guyana, while he was a member of Polder, West Bank Demerara,

Llewellyn John (center) and two of his associates from the old days Eustace Hall (left) and Vincent Britton. duced five children: Helen, Richard, Dinah, Marie and Hannah. He is an Attorney-at-law, a former Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Judicature in England and of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana. He held the following appointments in Guyana: • Minister of Agriculture. • Minister of Home Affairs. • Minister of Local Government. • President of the Guyana Association of Local Authorities (GAL — the forerunner Isaiah Brepaul performing his of the Village Chairmen's Michael Jackson routine. Conference). Peacethrough Law Center (A • President of the Guyana Bar Washington-based organizaMembers of the Head Table from left: granddaughter Daniella, son Association. tion devoted to the settlement Richard, Guest of Honor Llewellyn John and daughter Rev. Helen John. • Member of the Constituof international disthe Burnham-led government. They Guyana. tional Conference Reform putes by legal means). praised him for his honesty and hard He was married to the late Rev. • National Chairman (Guy• Member of the World Jurist work while he was a Minister of the Dr. Evelyn John, founder of the New ana) of the World Association and contributer government and also his contribuLife Center of Truth. This union proto its worldwide publication of Law and Judicial systems of Nations. (the Local Government Act. Cap 28:01). • Member of the Rating Appeals Panel for the Municipality of Georgetown. • Member of the Joint Task Force for Local Government Reform appointed by the late President Desmond Hoyte and President Bharat Jagdeo. I have known Mr. John since the 50s. In point of fact, he was my first employer. He was a brilliant solicitor and an outstanding lawyer, who is still practising. When he gave the vote of thanks, his voice was till strong. May Attendees gather around the Guest of Honor Llewellyn John (center) to his left is Colin Moore (MC of the God continue to richly bless this great event), at extreme left is Handel Andrews, New York Edition of Guyana Chronicle writer, all eager to secure but humble son of Guyana. a photo-op with this Guyanese icon. (pictures by Dennis Nelson)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

New CJIA must boast efficiency

-President says during site visit PRESIDENT David Granger on Saturday charged the management and staff of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to commit to ensuring that with a newly modernised airport comes efficiency, high standards and quality service. He said the facility must be the place where an increasing number of investors, tourists and the travelling public can be in and out of the airport as quickly as possible. The airport, which is currently undergoing US$150M in expansion works, he said, must also be a showcase of Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda and operate as a first-class entry point into a modern state. The President was at the time speaking during a site tour at the CJIA, where the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and members of Cabinet, were invited by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson to have a first-hand look at the state of works. The head of state said that he expects that there will be an influx of tourists and investors, especially with the impending oil and gas sector and Guyana’s pursuit of the ‘Green’ State Development Strategy (GSDS) and it is important for there to be greater efficiency. “This is the entry point for the modern

our country. It is the gateway to the ‘green’ state and I hope these can be reflected in the murals, so that it can showcase the character of the country. It is also a gateway not just to the Caribbean but South America as well, so it is an important cultural statement as well. From a functional point of view, a major problem in Guyana is the absence of adequate infrastructure and many people do not come to Guyana, because it is very bothersome because there are a few direct flights and so this is very functional,” the President said. Noting that it is a historic moment as this is the first time in over 50 years that work on such a major scale has been undertaken at the facility, President Granger said that it is a day to be acknowledged and of which all Guyanese must be proud. “This area was given by the United Kingdom to the United States 75 years ago for the establishment of a base and the aircraft coming from North Africa would land here. The aircraft would take off from here to protect the bauxite ships, which were taking bauxite from here to Chaguaramas to build aircraft for the Americans, so Guyana played an important role and this was called Atkinson Field. When we gained independence, it was given back to

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being escorted during a tour by Cabinet members of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Saturday to inspect ongoing expansion works there. With them are Senior and Junior Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson , first and second left respectively (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

is where we are now going into finishes [sic] and for a project this big, we want persons to give their inputs now before we go ahead. The Ministries of Business, Public Health and Public Telecommunications [are] already catered for, but they can review and give their comments,” he said. Mr. Ramesh Ghir, Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, said that this is the first time such a large delegation from any government has visited the facility. This, he said, is a clear indication of the interest and commitment the current administration has towards the project. “We are very honoured and privileged to have you here. It is the first time that we are having such a high-level team at the CJIA. The fact that we are here this weekend is a practical demonstration of this government’s commitment not only to the project, but improving the country’s infrastructure and the lives of Guyanese and for this we want to thank you Mr. President,” he said. While the project was slated to be completed in December 2017, there were numerous challenges which affected this deadline.

However, with the deadline now extended at no further cost to the government, Minister Patterson said that the new arrivals terminal building, generator building, pipe installation, pump station and water tank, boarding corridor and passenger boarding bridges will be completed by the first quarter of the year. Works on the check-in and departure lounges and the first phase of the departure terminal, Screening and VIP areas and the south-west runway will be completed by the end of June. All other works will be completed by December 2018. The terminal building area will increase from 13,431 to 13,737 square metres; checking counters will be increased from 20 to 32, and the runway length increased from 10,066 metres to 10,090 metres. On completion, the US$150M expansion project is expected to yield two passenger boarding bridges for arrivals and departures, a 450-seating departure area, escalators and elevators in addition to its extended runway catering for larger categories of aircraft. (Ministry of the Presidency)

One of the two boarding bridges at the airport

state. It is very important to our development. Infrastructure would attract tourists and now that we are embarking on a new industry, people would want to come in their numbers and they should be coming to Guyana at a modern airport. In time to come, we should be able to put a time on visitors, meaning that no visitor should be able to spend more than 10 minutes in the airport. We need an efficient service so that as soon as someone lands, they can be on their way, of course after satisfying all security requirements. We need to plan for the future,” he said. President Granger said that the project is not an ornamental one but is rather, a key element in the development of the entire country. “It will be very functional and it is very important to the future development of

Guyana as an independence gift. The main building [was] burnt in 1959 and when the government changed in 1964, we got a new terminal building; but this is now the first change to be made since then so we are standing on history,” he said. Minister Patterson, in brief remarks, said that the site visit was arranged since the project is entering what he called the ‘third fix stage’, where he said that the first set of final touches will be applied. As such, he noted that it was best felt that the members of Cabinet should have an input on things they may or may not want, so that those touches can be applied. “We thought it would be good to bring all the members of the Cabinet here today, so that if there are any inputs, they can do so today. We are at the third fix stage and this

President David Granger leads his cabinet on a site tour of the Cheddi Jagan Int’l Airport

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

The Handel Andrews Column

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

THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT IN GUYANA

During March and April 17, Guyana Labour Union, Guyana 1963, the Government held meet- Agricultural and General Workers' ings with the TUC and the employ- Union, Manpower Citizens Associers' association, the Consultative ation, Clerical and Commercial Association of Guianese Industries Workers Union, National Workers Union, Guyana Local Government (CAGI). These discussions led to seven Officers Union (GLGOU), Guyana changes in the 13-clause proposed Postal and Telecommunication legislation. Among those, the Gov- Workers Union (GPTWU), Guyana ernment agreed to the TUC proposal Public Service Union (GPSU), for a Labour Relations Board and Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), General Workers Union (GWU) the enactment of a Labour Code. On April 26, Dr. Jagan asked and the Guyana Bauxite and Genthe TUC to list its views on the eral Workers Union (GB&GWU). In 1943, it joined the World amended Bill. A week later, the PRESENT STATE OF Federation of Trade Unions LABOUR UNIONS (WFTU). When that Federation “The movement split during the Cold War, tit withhad been placed on very drew and joined the pro-Western Informidable foundation ternational Confederation of Free through the efforts of Trade Unions (ICFTU). stalwarts like Hubert In those days, trade unions Nathaniel Critchlow, were the stepping stone to political Ayube Edun, Boysie prestige and most politicians were Ramkarran, Joseph Polmembers of trade unions. lydore, Alex Perry, EgI remember as a teenager lookbert Bolton, Harrylall, ing at the 1951 May Day Parade. At Andrew Jackson, Joseph its front were line were Ashton Agard, Gordon Todd Chase, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Forbes and others far too nuBurnham, Dr. J. P. Latchmansingh, merous to chronicle. Jai Narine Singh, Lionel Jeffries, Militancy is conspicuChet Huntley, Rory Westmas and ously absent and several Martin Carter. The comrades were thousand workers have all united then. In later years, the been left adrift on a rudGAWU became fully PPP and the LINCOLN LEWIS GENERAL SECRETARY GTUC derless ship in open BGLU fully PNC. sea.” proposals additional submitted TUC On March 25, 1963, the PPP Since their split in 1988, the Government published a draft of a and in a meeting with the TUC on 7 Federation of Independent Trade Labour Relations Bill to be intro- May, the Government agreed to 13 Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the duced in the House of Assembly. Its of those proposals. Guyana Trade Union Congress During this strike which lasted (GTUC) still operate independently. aim was to allow workers to choose, by secret ballot, which trade union 80 days, the TUC obtained financial FITUG, whose members include should represent them. If a union support from questionable trade GAWU and the National Associagained support of 60 percent of the union sources in the United States, tion of Agricultural, Commercial workers in an industry it was to be from the British TUC and from the and Industrial Employees (NAAempowered by the Commissioner of ICFTU. Some have alleged that the CIE), maintain a separation from Labour to represent them. The TUC TUC received over one million US the GTUC. opposed the legislation and called a dollars during the strike. Coretta McDonald, President general strike on April 18, backed LIST OF TRADE UNIONS of GTUC regrets this separation and by the PNC and UF. Guyana currently has 18 trade points out that “the goals and objecDr. Odeen Ishmael says that, unions. Thirteen of these fall under tives of every trade union were the “From the inception, the TUC, the umbrella of the Guyana Trade same and the only difference that which was now heavily anti-Gov- Union Congress, the original trade existed was personality issues, ernment, opposed the Bill. The main unions umbrella. Four of these which, we are hoping at some point reason for this was because the unions are members of the Federa- we would be able to decide and put President of the TUC was also the tion of Independent Trade Unions of aside political differences. unless President of the MPCA which was Guyana, formed in 1988, when the fractured trade union movement challenged by the PPP-backed some unions broke away from is unified and the apparent rivalry GAWU for the right to represent GTUC. between union leaders ended, it sugar workers and was thus afraid Guyana trade unions include: would continue to be disrespected. to face a poll.” The strength of the trade union

T

he Guyana Trades Congress Union (GTUC), formerly the British Guiana Trades was Council, Union founded April 8, 1941. Mr. Theophilus Lee was its first President and Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow its first General Secretary, a position he held until his resignation

Conclusion

movement depends on each union joining forces together with their partners under one umbrella body.” The greatest obstacle to trade union militancy is attachment to political parties. This has always been the case; but has grown much worse. When the PPP was in power, the GAWU and the GLU were unapologetically attached to the party. NEED FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT General Secretary of the GTUC, Lincoln Lewis, one of the many speakers at the event, called on the government to re-establish a Ministry of Labour. After the APNU+AFC coalition took office, the Labour Ministry was absorbed into the Ministry of Social Protection and labour issues are being dealt with by a Department of Labour headed by the Minister within the Ministry. Both GTUC and FTUG have consistently called for the re-establishment of an independent Ministry of Labour. Lincoln Lewis, Ppresident of BGTUC, said that this would not be a challenge for President David Granger, given his stated desire commitment and desire for trade union unity. TRADE UNION’S RELEVANCE Trade unions have lost some of their power; but they are still relevant. They act as a buffer on unscrupulous employers. They also provide a strong institutional system for the orderly resolution of conflicts through the grievance procedure, where the interests of workers are adequately represented and resolved. Guyana is a developing country and, since the interests of trade union members are tied to the country’s development, our trade unions should not encourage unnecessary indusial conflict. Trade unions have traditionally played an important role in the political, economic and social life of Guyanese. One can only hope that this will continue. Guyanese have shown that they are up to the chalNathaniel lenge that Hubert Critchlow, Dr. Monteith Rohlehr, Ayube Edun and others faced and won.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

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Major overhaul for GuySuCo …gov’t mulls removing entity from Agriculture Ministry

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is expected to undergo massive restructuring as part of government’s programme of right-sizing the sugar industry and there is a possibility of the entity being delinked from the Agriculture Ministry, well placed sources have said. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the administration is focused about the transition taking place within the sugar industry in particular, with authorities leaning towards having the corporation managed by technical persons. On Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the restructuring was already taking place, pointing to the fact that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Errol Hanoman has resigned. But said further changes are expected once Cabinet receives some critical information. “At the level of Cabinet, we are waiting on some information that will allow for decisions to be made as to how the board will be restructured, how the management of GuySuCo will be structured,” Minister Harmon said. He assured that

within a short period of time, a public statement on the “additional changes” will be made public. The administrative changes will complement the operational changes that have already taken place with the scaling down of the industry in keeping with the State Paper presented to the National Assembly in May 2017 by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder. The ‘new’ GuySuCo consists of only three estates – Blairmont on the West Bank Berbice, Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice and the Uitvlugt-Wales in West Demerara. They completed with factories and are being supplied with cane from five locations. The State Minister at the time was addressing journalists during his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday. In his opening remarks, he noted that Cabinet was briefed about the meeting between the government and the two unions in the sugar industry – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Minister Harmon said, Cabinet was informed that during the meeting, the unions made several proposals that would contribute to the industry’s return to viability from their perspective. “These included the infusion of private capital through partnerships, the issuance of bonds and other investment devices and through funding under the Guyana Green State Development

Strategy,” he explained. He said too that the unions agreed that privatisation was an option to be pursued, but urged that maximum value be sought for assets through the sale of the estates. GAWU and NAACIE had also urged government to ensure that the rights of sugar workers are guaranteed under “any new arrangements” within the industry. Additionally, the unions requested that lands for agriculture be provided to the displaced workers. Questioned as to how many ex-sugar workers have signalled their interest in having lands for agricultural purposes, Minister Harmon said though he is unable to give “specific details,” during his interaction with workers at the now defunct Wales Estate, some had requested lands for the purpose of farming. However, he said a determination will be made following the completion of the evaluation of GuySuCo’s assets currently being done by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). “They have started the work of making a full survey of all the assets of GuySuCo, including the lands and once that is done, then we will be in a better position to determine

who gets what and how much of it they will get. We have to have a clear valuation of these things as well, so we don’t just say, you take this and you take that. It has to be done in a structured way, and that is what we are doing,” the State Minister explained. PwC has been ranked as the most prestigious accounting firm in the world for the last seven consecutive years. It is presently conducting the valuation of all assets under the control of GuySuCo, in addition to providing other advisory and financial services. After the valuation exercise, PWC will develop an investment prospectus and will, through the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), distribute to all interested investors. PWC has been tasked with ensuring a level playing field for all interested parties and stakeholders. Cabinet has agreed that government representatives will continue to engage the two unions so that the best possible decisions could be made with regard to the welfare of the sugar workers who are affected by the economic and structural adjustments of GuySuCo.

‘I don’t have to consult with PPP’ …Chand says GAWU’s members are from all the parties

By Zena Henry PRESIDENT of the Guyana Agricultural and General workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand says he does not have to consult with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on matters concerning retrenched sugar workers. He insisted that the union is independent and represents workers who are supporters of all of the political parties in the country. General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo at a news conference on Saturday said he was upset with Chand for the position he took at a meeting with the government two Fridays ago. Jagdeo also hinted at the removal of Chand as President of GAWU saying that the union had young bright minds who can lead it. A top union source said that they will fight Jagdeo in his attempts to destroy Chand a long standing trade unionist. Sources in the PPP had told the Guyana Chronicle that the attack on Chand has widened the inner-party divisions. Chand is seen as one of the few Jaganites remaining in the PPP. The source said these divisions were caused by Jagdeo, who unilaterally dumped the long-standing policies of both the party and the union against privatisation of the sugar industry. “Jagdeo discarded a policy held sacred since Dr. Jagan was at the helm. He did so without the consent of the Central Committee or party congress,” one stalwart said, asking not to be identified by name. Jagdeo had declared: “Now that the termination has been done … we were opposed to it — closure of these estates but we will push…we hope that we can get decent private investment into these estates. This is a position that we have changed, because we were saying ‘no closure,’ but now that there is closure, there is no job that we can… we can get decent investments into this,” Jagdeo was quoted as saying by Demerara Waves. He said the PPP would support any initiative with “decent investors” to get jobs for sugar work-

ers, adequate land, more cash for small loans and immediate payment of accurately calculated severance. NO NEED TO CONSULT Meanwhile, in an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Monday Chand declared that there was no need to consult with the opposition party, despite him being a senior member of that organisation and a Member of Parliament representing that body. After much resistance toward government’s plans to transform the financially strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the conclusion of a meeting between unions and the government two Friday’s ago saw GAWU and other unions commending the government for seeking to honour payments to retrenched sugar workers and claiming the positive exchanges that were had. However, Chand himself posited that a “smear campaign” has been launched against him for what seems to be his support for government as they feverishly search for a sum of $4B to pay the retrenched workers. Chand explained that despite being a longstanding member of the PPP and a MP, GAWU is independent and separate from the party. “We are GAWU, we have our organisation. There was no need to consult with them (opposition). We do not having to meet with the opposition about this issue or that issue. Our union has members who belong to the APNU and AFC, all the parties. So we have to be careful, we have mass members, we can’t represent the PPP, AFC or APNU positions.” The trade unionist continued that prior to meeting the government team two weeks ago, GAWU spoke with the representatives of the thousands of workers within GuySuCo and a collective stance was taken. “…you could not physically reach all the persons, but we consulted with the representing body, the executive committee. So we had a collective position…,” Chand stated. However, the position to not report to his political party may have cost Chand some points, since a call for his removal

President of GAWU, Komal Chand

as head of GAWU is coming from his own colleagues at Freedom House, some observers say. It is believed that Chand’s failure to discuss the union’s plans with his party may have upset the organisation’s primary leader(s) since again, observers believe, any sense of stability or partnership between government and the union would spell negatively toward the PPP/Opposition’s agenda. Former long-serving PPP member and public commentator, Ralph Ramkarran weighing in on the issue in his Sunday Stabroek News column stated that, “Chand’s tenure as head of GAWU is within sight.” Ramkarran who had served the PPP for almost five decades, believes that the attack against Chand and calls for his resignation could be the work of the Opposition Leader who has so far positioned himself as head of the party, surpassing senior members such as Clement Rohee, and former President Donald Ramotar, among others. Ramkarran claimed that with Chand as head of GAWU, the union is not fully under the PPP control. He said, “By meeting with President Granger, perhaps without consultation with the PPP leadership and taking a position which may not have been cleared with the leadership beforehand and which runs counter to the campaign of the PPP against the closure of the estates, thereby demonstrating a modicum of independence, it has clearly attracted the ire of the PPP leadership.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business The Edgar Henry Column

T

oo many of us fail to plan, monitor and enhance our financial base, leaving huge gaps which eventually lead to worry, pain and at times total disaster. This grave situation could be avoided if certain steps are taken to cure this delimma. Now that Black History month, — the shortest month in the year — is upon us, it is incumbent upon us to control our money and to be wise in the process. Do not allow money to get the better part of you. Adopt a few basic money management techniques and get total control over your money. MONEY PROBLEMS

If for some reason your money is in control of you, it can virtually drain your entire life and ruin relationships. Did you ever wonder, what is the one main commodity in life that bothers the majority of people on a daily basis? It is not kids, it is not sex, it is not basic needs, it is not love, it is, and will always be MONEY. It was the Mighty Sparrow who sang the famous song -“You can’t love without money.”— Generally, people worry about money more than any other component of their everyday lives and it has become a colossal problem. People fight over it, and all sorts of diverse methods are used with money throughout the world, which includes laundering. When money becomes the worrisome portion of your life, it causes and can lead to all types of other disasters, such as stress, over eating, depression, divorce, health issues, gambling, addictions, over consumption of alcohol and as we say in the Caribbean it can ‘drive you to drink’ not realising that after you become sober the money problem still exists. You have to be firm in thought, and at times exercise good management and judgment in terms of money control. Never ever allow money to get the better part of you. You must be committed and adopt new attitudes, new ideas, new focuses, new concepts and administer

Do Not Let Money Control You your payout you have to monitor the situation carefully or you would end up messing up your credit score which would haunt you in the long run. Once these basics are prioritized and put in place, you will now be in a better posi-

to work for us. Prepare a budget of yourself. Track your spending for a month or two, no matter how small your purchases might be. Review these purchases and see where you could've saved some money. Any item you need should be documented on a list prior to visiting the mall or the supermarket; one common mistake most of us make is to go to the Supermarket without a shopping list. What we do, we go without a list, depend on memory to find out when you return home you realize that you purchased items you do not really need and the main basic items were still not purchased. Make a desperate effort to curtail your spending, while in the process place the excess savings in your bank. CONSOLIDATION

If you have several payments with different interest rates, it may be wise for you to seek out a small loan with a low interest rate and consolidate the debts into one monthly payment. This will save a considerable amount of interest. PUT YOUR CREDIT TO WORK

them in a positive manner in order to be successful. Insanity is defined as "repeating the same mistakes over and over again and expecting different results,".” Basic money management habits once instituted can certainly make a complete metamorphosis of your life span. Do you save money on a monthly basis? Do you make your bill payments on time? Do you carefully manage your credit card debt? You must know at all times the cash you are expected, and what cash you have to pay out. If for some reason your cash intake is less than

tion to control your money and not your money control you. HOW TO MAKE PAYMENTS? It is a general practice for people to spend all their money and hope that cash will suddenly surface from out of the blues to rectify financial situations. For example, let us suppose you receive a net of $1,000 cash weekly on your paycheck from your employer, and your rent is $1,000.00 monthly. Most of us spend the first three (3) weeks pay on other so called priorities and wait for the last pay check to pay the rent. This is ludicrous. The prudent thing to do is to create an envelope labeled ‘RENT’ and every week place $250 in that envelope so by the end of the month the $1,000 would have accumulated automatically. This same principal should be applied for bank savings accounts and other payments. Is your automobile fully paid? Do you know that once you have equity in your car or vehicle, you could refinance your car loan, probably at a lower interest rate, and save some cash for your retirement or any type of investment? This is an area that is not usually explored. We sit on a lot of available cash and do not put the cash

A bad credit rating can prevent you from getting the home or car you really want, or cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest. Credit scores run between 350 to 800. Your score determines your qualification for your mortgage on a house, ability to qualify to rent an apartment etc. A good rating is considered between 620 to 800. A high credit score will earn you a better interest rate on your mortgage and the reverse is also true. The best way for your credit to be repaired is to pay up your bills and pay them on time, especially your credit card bill payments. One month late payment in a 12-month time frame can surely spell disaster. Once you control your money wisely, you can now accomplish all your other financial goals effectively, which will empower and place you in that prestigious category of money control Gurus. Adopt these simple concepts and you will be in that elite club. “It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

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

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

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THE CASE AGAINST BHARRAT JAGDEO

(from page 4) • There was the Lindo Creek massacre in June 2008 that claimed seven lives. • There was Cummings Lodge massacre in September 2010 that claimed the lives of five members of one family. It is amazing that there were 14 massacres claiming 92 lives, and yet, no Inquest or Commission of Inquiry was appointed by the Jagdeo government. All of the five escapees were shot to death, and again no Inquest or Commission of Inquiry was appointed. The traditional law enforcement techniques were never utilized. There was no forensic investigation into the circumstances of the breakout, and no serious attempt was made to apprehend the escapees. No due process rights were ever extended to the escapees. There was no attempt made to effectuate an arrest based on probable cause or reasonable suspicion. There was no attempt made to obtain inculpatory or exculpatory statements from the escapees, there was no right to counsel, no right to trial by jury, no rights to confront witnesses, no rights to cross-examine witnesses, no rights to demand proof beyond a reasonable doubt, no obligation to extend to these escapees their fundamental human rights articulated in the Constitution of Guyana. The only strategy adopted by the security forces and the Roger Khan gang, was “shoot first and ask questions later.” The security forces of Guyana had appropriated, at one fell swoop, the roles of judge, jury and executioner. COMMISSION OF INQUIRY AND TERMS OF REFERENCE I would propose that the Guyana government appoint a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the deaths of approximately 400 Guyanese nationals that took place between 2002 and 2008. I would also propose that the Guyanese government should formulate the TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) under which this COI should operate. I would propose that the Guyana Government retain the services of the International Commission of Jurist (ICJ) to perform the task as COI. There are four reasons that I would propose the ICJ.

Firstly, the ICJ is comprised of 60 attorneys, judges and academics who are versed in the areas of international criminal law, comparative criminal law and human rights abuses. Secondly, they are an NGO that is recognized by the United Nations, International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court as the most competent and professional tribunal to conduct investigations of criminal activities and human rights abuses. Thirdly, they are an independent body that does not owe allegiance to any country, political party, or ideology, and is respected throughout the international community for their independence and integrity. Fourthly, they have had experience with the ethnic and human rights situation in Guyana. In 1964, they were commissioned by the PNC/UF coalition to conduct an investigation pertaining to the under-representation of IndoGuyanese in all sectors of the Guyana Public Service — Civil Service, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Teaching Profession and the Guyana Defense Force. The ICJ found that, even though there was no subjective intent by policy makers to discriminate against IndoGuyanese, that there were in fact policies which had created an institutional discrimination against IndoGuyanese, particularly in the

Guyana Police Force, the Civil Service and the Teaching Profession. It formulated a set of proposals to eliminate institutional discrimination in the public service against the Indo-Guyanese. Based on these factors, I propose that the ICJ would be the most competent, professional and independent tribunal to conduct this investigation. I would propose the following seven terms of reference: 1. The COI should be empowered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of approximately 400 Guyanese nationals between 2002 and 2010. 2. The COI should investigate the role played by the following individuals: • Shaheed Roger Khan • Bharrat Jagdeo • Ronald Gajraj • Dr. Leslie Ramsammy • Any other members of the cabinet who were involved. 3. To examine the role played by the following agencies of the Government and their officers: The Guyana Police Force, Floyd McDonald, former Commissioner of Police. The Guyana Defense Force and the commanding officers between 2002 and 2010. The Attorney Generals and the Directors of Public Prosecution (DPP) between 2002

and 2010, and certain members of the judiciary, in particular, the Magistrate at the Spartanism Magistrate Court, who, in December 2002 dismissed weapons charges against Roger Khan, Haroon Yahya and Sean Belfield. 4. The COI should determine whether the acts perpetrated by Roger Khan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Ronald Gajraj and Dr. Leslie Ramsammy were criminal, unethical, inappropriate or constituted a violation of domestic or international law. 5. If the COI determines that the acts committed by these individuals were criminal, then the COI should refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). 6. If the COI determines that the acts perpetrated by Bharrat Jagdeo were either criminal, unethical, inappropriate or constituted a violation of international law, then it should refer the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC). 7. If the COI determines that the relatives of the victims who were killed or injured in the activities that occurred between 2002 and 2010 suffered economic loss or emotional, mental or psychological distress, pain and suffering, the COI should be authorized to grant them reparations in an amount to be de-

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

MEDGAR EVERS CENTER FOR LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WINS BROOKLYN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PRIZE

BROOKLYN, NY., — The Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College is a winner of the Brooklyn Community

Foundation's annual Spark Prize, which recognizes exceptional nonprofits rooted in Brooklyn that advance racial and social justice. The Center will receive $100,000 in general operating support from the Foundation. CLSJ is one of five organizations receiving the prestigious award, the Foundation announced earlier this month. Those winners will be honored February 8 at a celebration breakfast hosted by actress and comedian Ana Gasteyer that includes a tribute to Hildy J. Simmons, a philanthropic leader and longtime Brooklyn Community Foundation board member. Other Spark Prize winners are the Cave Canem Foundation, Exalt Youth, GRIOT Circle, and the Red Hook Initiative. “We are absolutely thrilled to be selected as a winner of the Spark Prize award," said Esmeralda Simmons, Esq., founder and executive director of CLSJ. "It is our mission to advocate for and assist African descendant and disenfranchised communities on racial justice issues such as voter rights, educational inequity, police violence, as well as tackling issues that impact women of color, and this award will help us further that mission. Simmons thanked Foundation President and CEO Cecilia Clarke for aiding social justice initiatives in Brooklyn. She also thanked the Brooklyn community for their continued support. “It is such an honor to be selected for the Spark Prize alongside these amazing Brooklynbased organizations,” said Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., general counsel at CLSJ. “In this time of political and social upheaval, it is empowering to know that institutions like the Brooklyn Community Foundation are ready and willing to provide support for groups that are engaged in protecting some of our most vulnerable pop-

ulations.” Each recipient will be awarded $100,000. The organizations were selected from a pool of over 130 applicants by a 30-member committee of Brooklyn leaders in business, civics and philanthropy. The Brooklyn Community Foundation is dedicated to Brooklyn’s charitable community and partners with donors and community leaders to bolster nonprofits, strengthen neighborhoods, and increase opportunities for youth. Medgar Evers College’s renowned Center for Law and Social Justice provides advocacy, training, and expert services in a personal manner. CLSJ conducts research and initiates advocacy projects and litigation on behalf of community organizations and groups that promote human, national, and international understanding. The Center recently held a Town Hall Meeting and information session at the College to address “temporary protected status,” and other pressing immigration issues. The Center for Law and Social Justice is one of the College’s four research and advocacy centers. The others are The Caribbean Research Center; the DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy and The Center for Black Literature. The College, located in Crown Heights, remains committed to its mission of serving the educational and social needs of the Central Brooklyn community. The Spark Prize, sponsored by TD Bank with support from National Grid, is presented by the Brooklyn Community Foundation in partnership with the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. CONTACT: FELICIA R. LEE DIRECTOR OF NEWS & INFORMATION 718-270-5046 Flee@mec.cuny.edu

Pope to send envoy to investigate Chile sex abuse claims Pope Francis is sending the Vatican's top expert on sexual abuse to Chile to investigate accusations that a bishop covered up for an abusive priest. The Pope met the priest's victims on a recent visit, but then affirmed his belief that Bishop Juan Barros was innocent, and accused people of slandering him. He later apologised for the comments. Critics have insisted the choice to ordain the bishop should be reviewed, and asked for further action. A statement on Tuesday said new information had emerged in the case and announced that investigator Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, was going to the country to "listen to those who want to submit information

in their possession". He is known for prosecuting a number of cases for the Vatican's doctrinal body from 2002 to 2012. Bishop Barros has not been accused of abuse himself, but of being present when another priest, Fernando Karadima, molested young boys. Karadima was accused of molesting several teenagers in Santiago, starting in the 1980s. The Vatican found him guilty and he was sentenced to a lifetime of "penance and prayer", but did not face criminal prosecution in Chile. The Pope has been criticised since Bishop Barros was announced bishop of Osorno, in south-central Chile, in 2015 despite stiff opposition.

His recent visit to the country was met with protests, and he was then sharply criticised for defending the bishop. "The day I see proof against Bishop Barros, then I will talk. There is not a single piece of evidence against him. It is all slander. Is that clear?" the Pope had said. Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston, a key papal adviser, accused the Pope of causing "great pain" with the words, and several of Karadima's victims held a news conference saying it was "offensive and unacceptable to say that we need to provide concrete evidence". On his way home, the Pope then apologised for upsetting any of the victims. (BBC)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 86 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You may find out that someone is trying to undermine you. You may find yourself in the midst of a pretty good deal. You’ll be dropping friends for no apparent reason. Only offer to do the things you have time for. Luxury items will cost you more than you can truly afford. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Do something special for them. You are best to do something energetic with friends instead. Limitations with females could lead to unfortunate circumstances. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

GEMINI (May 22 -June 21) You will meet new friends and enjoy a multitude of new activities. Try to keep a low profile. Don’t trust a deal that looks too good, or a lover who appears to have it all. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel. Be cautious who you deal with financially. Your emotions are soaring and if you don’t get your way, look out world. Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Get involved in physical activities that will stimulate you. Your high energy should be spent pleasing your mate. Romance may be better than you ever thought possible. You will enjoy events that lean toward theater, art, or music this week. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Don’t get involved in other people’s problems. Rely on yourself and you will look good to superiors. Travel will promote new romantic encounters and additional cultural knowledge. Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Travel in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge. Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Be careful not to divulge secret information this week. Relatives may be less than easy to deal with. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you’ve neglected the ones you love. Your ability to relate will close the generation gap. You mustn’t take on other people’s responsibilities or you may find yourself irritable and exhausted. Extend an invitation to clients you enjoy spending time with. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental. You will find it easy to learn and excel. You might not be as reserved on an emotional level as you’d like. Deal with in-laws this week. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Ignore colleagues who appear to be going in circles. Self-deception about relationships is a problem. Verbal abuse may lead to walkouts; don’t make any rash statements you may regret later. You mustn’t give too much to your children. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe. Situations could easily get blown out of proportion if you have made unreasonable promises. Secret enemies may be holding a grudge that you’re not even aware of. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Be sure to keep communication open with those you live with. Get busy doing all those things at home that you have been putting off for so long. Think of joining a health club that will benefit your physical appearance. This is not the best day to visit relatives who get on your nerves. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

34. Yearly checkup 35. Wooden fastener 36. Web-footed animal 38. Xmas mo. 39. Steep-walled canyon 41. Caviar base 42. Frightens 44. In a balanced way 46. Narrow openings 47. Speedy 48. Finish last 49. Cold ___ DOWN 1. Responded to smelling salts (2 wds.) 2. Modern cash dispenser (abbr.) 3. Null’s partner 4. Plead with

ACROSS 1. Mountain hideout 5. Built to ___ 9. Squelched (2 wds.) 10. Map book 12. Perpetrate 13. Lyndon __ Johnson 15. Single 16. Finishes the dishes 18. Are indebted 19. Jolie’s husband 21. Listening locale 22. Dog’s nuisance 23. Jackie who played Uncle Fester 25. Fibbers 26. Make trimming 27. Bambi’s mom 28. Start an uprising 31. Obsesses

W O R D F I N D

I T A L I A N

ACQUACOTTA

C U I S I N E

MINESTRONE

BREADSTICKS

MOZZARELLA

CALZONE

PANCETTA

CARBONARA

PESTO

BRUSCHETTA

CANNELLONI CIABATTA CROSTINI

OLIVES

PANDORO PIZZA

RAVIOLI

FARINATA

RISOTTO

GNOCCHI

SPACHETTI

FOCACCIA LASAGNE

5. Curved sword 6. School gps. 7. Biblical judge 8. “Healthy” cooking oil variety 9. ___ boom 11. Stitcher 12. Joe Friday, e.g. 14. Ionian and Ross 17. Author Fleming 20. ___ pole 22. Devilish sort 24. Milk amount (abbr.) 25. Gehrig of the Yankees 27. Stilettos 28. Bordeaux exports 29. Office VIPs, informally 30. Actress Lauren 31. Yonder lady 32. Edible root 33. Rebuke 35. Sheriffs force 37. Sardine-can attachment 39. Obtains 40. Writer Hunter 43. “Pooh” character 45. Environmental gp.

SALAMI

STRACCIATELLA

ISSUE 86 WORDFIND ANSWER

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018 EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

22

City councillors hail Garrett’s selfless service

By Lisa Hamilton CITY councillors on Wednesday eulogised their late colleague Junior Garrett, saying that despite the fierce debate around the horseshoe table at City Hall, the former finance

Friday shortly after attending a meeting of the Finance Committee. City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, in her reflections told the gathering that she had grown closer to Garrett over the years and although the two had their disagreements, at the end of

once had at this chamber, we will never get another person like Councillor Garrett,” the City Mayor remarked, adding: “Councillor Garrett, at the end of the day, after all the ranting and raving…was loved by all.” She then told of many

City Councillors and members of staff of City Hall paid tribute to Junior Garrett (Adrian Narine photo)

committee chairman was loved by all. Councillor Junior Garrett, also a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), died suddenly last

the day, they both made the decisions that were in the best interest of the citizens they serve. “We know the character of Councillor Garrett that we

of the acts of kindness and benevolence which were done out of the spotlight by Garrett, saying: “I know the pain that some councillors and some staff are feeling

because Councillor Garrett did a lot of charitable work, a lot of assistance he would have given to persons without ringing a bell [sic],” the Mayor remarked. Also attending the assemblage was Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who expressed his condolences to the family of Garrett, as well as the Mayor and City Council members. Speaking to the spirit of self-less service and volunteerism which he says largely drives the effectiveness of the Local Government; he acknowledged Garrett’s contribution to the country. “The City of Georgetown has lost an individual that has such service over an extended period of time,” Bulkan stated, adding: “I believe that efforts of Councillor Garrett bare testimony and that as he makes his final departure and exit that his record of contributions can be a testimony.” He then encouraged the members not to become daunted by the passing of their colleague and friend but to strive each day to make the world and their communities a better place. Former Prime Minister and Former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, described the late

A portrait of Councillor Garrett at City Hall on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

councillor as a man of “trust and zeal”, who was snatched away at the prime of his life. “To me, the loss is fundamental and we must begin to wonder how we will replace a man of his energy and calibre,” Green said. Beginning his tribute by repeating the words of the hymn, ‘Now the labourer's task is o'er’, former City Mayor, Ranwell Jordan, later said that although he and Garrett had at times “crossed swords” they nonetheless shared a cordial relationship even after he (Jordan) exited the council. Deputy Mayor of

Georgetown, Lionel Jaikaran, remarked that although he did not know councillor Garrett for many years, he described him as “a man of principle” and “a very punctual man” whose passing shook him to the core. Meanwhile, many of the council members were visibly emotionally distraught at the loss of a man whom several similarly described as a “confidante”, “brother”, “friend” and a source of endless financial advice. Garrett served the council from 2002 to the time of his death.

Commissioner-General hosts anniversary staff, taxpayers appreciation COMMISSIONER-GENERAL of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), God-

frey Statia, took time off from his busy schedule to distribute tokens and light

refreshments to staff and taxpayers at the authority’s headquarters on Saturday.

— WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle, Inc.) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team, selling print and online advertising to an established account list. The New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean. It is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyana chronicle.com). Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you. EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: DENNIS NELSON @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

Commissioner-General of the GRA ,Godfrey Statia, sharing snacks to taxpayers in the waiting area of GRA headquarters

This show of appreciation came on the eve of the eighteenth (18th) anniversary of the establishment of the GRA, which is mandated by law to administer the country’s tax, trade, border laws and regulations. In a release, the GRA said staff and taxpayers appreciation is a regular feature of the anniversary activities intended to say thank you to those who have been dedi-

cating their time and effort to service, responsible enforcement and compliance with the tax laws on a daily basis. The January 26 press conference hosted by the commissioner-general and the visit to Mabaruma Region One for assessment of locations for a new tax office, was also in keeping with the anniversary activities. The GRA was established on January 27 in

the year 2000, following the merger of two departments, the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Department. This change was a result of the passing of the Revenue Authority Act, No. 13 of 1996. Mr. Edgar Heyligar was the first to occupy the post of commissioner-general. He was succeeded by Khurshid Sattaur and the incumbent Godfrey Statia.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

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Gifted hands Hundreds attend Maths Camp From page 15 ►

ON Saturday, more than 1200 children turned out for the start of the Ministry of Education (MoE) Maths Camp, which is aimed at improving the performance of children at the National Grade Six Assessment, 2018. According to the ministry, the camp is another in its intervention to improve performance at the grade six level. The camp will be held at three locations, namely West

Ruimveldt Primary, F.E. Pollard Primary and North Georgetown Primary. Also, present to assist and learn strategies on Saturday were scores of parents helping teachers for a collective impact. The initiative was commended by parents and students and according to the ministry, the camp will run until March 24, 2018.

Scenes from the Ministry of Education’s Maths Camp.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

Ex-Wales workers sensitised about job opportunities By Navendra Seoraj EX-sugar workers of the Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara (WBD) were sensitised about the hundreds of employment opportunities in the private sector at a job fair at the Patentia Market Square (WBD) on Wednesday. The fair was organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and received support from various ministries, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and over 20 local companies. Early this year, cash-strapped GuySuCo had to lay off some 4,000 workers in order to keep the sugar industry viable, but government had forged ahead with training for those former employees, with support from the Small Business Bureau and other stakeholders. PSC Chairman Edward Boyer said the fair is part of the commission’s effort to ensure the retrenched sugar workers do not remain unemployed for too long. On Monday, the PSC took the fair to the Enmore ground where former workers of the East Demerara Estate were told that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (GCCI) alone has 200 companies which are members of the chamber. The PSC’s membership extends further than 200 companies, so the chairman believes that they can absorb most of the workers who lost their jobs. Most of the ex-sugar workers were excited to know about the opportunities that are available, but some were skeptical because they are not educated. “I ain’t know how I gone get a work here boy but I see places like Banks and Sterling here, so I hope I get in to at least make some money… I feel we really need the fair,” said one of the ex-sugar workers, Michael (only name given). Michael said he had been moving from job to job since he was laid-off in 2016, but he hopes to find a stable job very soon. He encouraged the younger ex-sugar workers to participate in the fair in order to find good jobs, so that they could sustain their families. GCCI President Deodat Indar had told ex-workers at the Enmore fair that some employers might want to exploit them by paying low wages/salaries be-

The GPF booth attracted a number of people (Samuel Maughn photos)

Hundreds of ex-sugar workers and residents of Wales turned out to enquire about job opportunities in the private sector

cause they believe that they (the workers) are not educated and do not have any kind of skill. “It is a hard time but do not believe you are alone, some men are facing the same struggle but in a different way… we are not going to allow you to be beaten down,” said

the GCCI President. He added that the former workers must stand strong for their families and encouraged them to take a low-paying job, if necessary, until they get a job that is fitting to them as opposed to not having any source of income.

Miner admits man gave him drugs to keep

A 39-year-old miner was on Wednesday charged and remanded to prison by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore for drug trafficking. Randy Grant of West Ruimveldt denied that on January 29 at Lot 72 West Ruimveldt, he had 704 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. According to reports, the cannabis was discovered in

Randy Grant

Grant’s yard following a raid in the West Ruimveldt area by ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch. The drug was reportedly found under a plant pot concealed in a black plastic bag. Grant, under caution, admitted that the drugs had been given to him by a man to keep. The Magistrate remanded Grant to prison until February 28.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 2, 2018

25

Doctor with Guyanese roots aiming to unseat NDP leader

By Frederick Halley THE prospect of facing Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Andrea Horwath in the provincial elections on June 7 has little or no effect on Progressive Conservative (PC) newcomer Dr. Dionne Duncan. Born to Guyanese parents, Hector and Util Duncan, who currently reside in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the scholar is looking forward to not only “giving Horwath a run for her money” but to emerge victorious in the Hamilton Centre which Horwath has dominated since 2004. Born and raised in Hamilton, Horwath was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament in 2004 and was chosen as the party's leader at its 2009 leadership convention. She is the first woman to lead the NDP and one of only three women to serve as leader of a political party with representation in the provincial legislature, the others being current Premier Kathleen Wynne and Lyn McLeod, both Liberals. Dr. Duncan was officially acclaimed as the PC candidate at a recent ceremony held at the Hamilton Public Library and among those in attendance were; her parents, close relatives and senior officials of her party. In an eloquent and emotional acceptance address, Dr. Duncan said she was quite confident that her campaign platform will appeal to voters in Hamilton Centre, assuring that her main role was to focus on the community. She described her nomination as an honour and explained that it was indeed a happy day for her. According to the 44-year-old Dr. Duncan, she loves Hamilton and sees a lot of hope and spirit there and is undaunted by previous elections results. She opined that the community has been forgotten or ignored and faces a health care crisis with patients sitting in hallways for days waiting for a room or a physician. “Why? Because nobody is handling the issue properly,” she said. While supporting the recent increase in the minimum wage, Dr. Duncan felt that it should have been done on a gradual basis. The Liberals are proposing to add another dollar to the $14 per hour minimum wage on January 1, 2019. The PCs have stated they would ease the increase over a number of years. Dr. Duncan said the increase to $14 from $11.60 on January 1, 2018, was too fast, too soon and it has resulted in parttime employees in the restaurant business feeling the brunt of employers having to recoup their higher labour costs in other ways. Based on that, she declared that the increase wasn’t thought out since it needs to make sense. An ardent supporter of PC leader Patrick Brown, Dr. Duncan supports his proposal to provide the $1 billion in

Dr. Dionne Duncan delivering her acceptance speech

capital funding for its light rail transit system in Hamilton but cautioned that it should only be built if the city wants it, since residents and businesses will feel the brunt of the project’s construction. Hence, they need to be heard. Dr. Duncan also showered praise on Brown for venturing into Ontario’s diverse communities since becoming the party’s leader and seeking their support. “Nobody went to them over the years, nobody asked for their opinion.” As a woman of colour, she wanted to “show the party has multiple backgrounds (and) different types of people. I’m glad the PC party recognises a face like mine, it’s different from the past. I too am the face of the party.” In his congratulatory message PC leader Brown pointed out that “Dionne brings incredible experience to our Ontario PC team. After 15 years in power, life is harder with the Liberals. Families are working harder, paying more, and getting less. Only the Ontario PCs will make life more affordable for everyone.

“In Hamilton Centre and across the province, the Ontario PC Party will continue to work hard for a better future. I look forward to working with Dionne to bring change that works for the people, not the insiders.” Dr. Duncan has years of experience in community fellowship/stewardship and has supported a variety of boards across Ontario and internationally. She was born in 1973 in London, England and immigrated with her parents to Canada in 1974. She graduated from York University with a BA, and completed her MBA from the Kellogg Schulich School of Business. She also has completed her PhD in Health Policy and Informatics from the University of Toronto. Also, she is currently the Vice President of Healthcare and Client Advisor-ship at the Rosas Center and is a Facilitator at the PHD Acquired Brain Injury Services Group/Mind Forward in Ontario. In this role she services and supports patients who have brain injuries and require direct assistance with rehabilitation, medication, community support and extended life management. Dr. Duncan serves on several boards across Ontario and also acts as the general manager of the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA) which has been in existence for the last 30 years. The non-profit entity offers scholarships to community members interested in advancing education in the area of arts, sciences, healthcare and technology and also focuses on programmes to help enhance community relations between families, seniors, individuals and youth. Dr. Duncan is also the recipient of the 2018 International Women’s Achievers Award (IWAA), a recipient of the JS Woodward Award for Humanities and Community Support, a board member of Wychwood Open Door and a board member and vice-president for the Enlightened Women’s Core team. Dr. Duncan also has experience in production and media, as she produced 18 shows for Rogers TV. The shows focused specifically on a male perspective on politics, family, love, sports, health and education. She has appeared on a variety of programmes as a support host for topics specific to health and community affairs. Most recently she appeared on the Agenda a TVO programme, where she was part of a panel that highlighted the importance of Men’s Health. Dr. Duncan was also the keynote speaker at International Women’s Day at City Hall in Markham Ontario, and had worked as a key note speaker and guest advisor on radio and TV across Canada. In more recent developments, however, Patrick Brown resigned on Thursday as leader of the party, amid sexual misconduct allegations by two women.

Dr. Duncan, second from right, poses with close relatives including her mother and father, third and fourth from right, respectively

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

SOUTH AFRICA vs INDIA Pitch doctoring and whimpering just ain’t cricket! ricket is a most precarious profession; it is called a team game but, in fact, no one is so lonely as a batsman facing a bowler supported by ten fieldsmen and observed by two umpires to ensure that his error does not go unpunished” John Arlott, An Eye for Cricket

"C

“I

learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. — Nelson Mandela

“It is far more than a game, this Cricket” South Africa’s admitted doctoring of the recent 3rd Test pitch, which backfired on them and ended in their defeat while India scored a glorious triumph, was just “not cricket.” Giving South Africa the benefit of the heavy roller on the morning of the last day, in addition to using it at the beginning of South Africa’s second innings, compounded the umpires’ bias and indecisions in this game, not least their efforts to bring a premature draw to this Test. Captain Faf du Plessis brazenly confessed to ordering pitches, to the point of wanting someone to oversee national grounds so they can work on a “common strategy.” Faf has learned that old lesson that, “you have to be careful what you wish for.” Allowing host teams to overreach and escape responsibility and accountability in overdoing pitch preparation is wrong. Cricket is a gentlemanly sport, and must be played in the right spirit, especially at the highest level. Trying to wrest the No.1 Test ranking from another side, which is what South Africa tried to heist from India, is no excuse for the unsportsmanlike and deceitful conduct they employed. The ICC, including its umpires, must make this clear to all host countries — you will be responsible for the pitches you prepare and what is good for the goose is good for the gander! Moreover, any consideration of abandoning the Test by the umpires and officials should have been considered before India batted in the second innings. Instead, they made it clear that they were more concerned about the welfare of the South Africans than they were of the Indians, who batted on the same wicket a second time, in an obvious attempt to save South Africa the improbable ordeal of having to make the highest innings total to win the Test! Many people felt it was curry favoring with the home team, perhaps a reflexive relic of the perverse, yet extant, vestige of apartheid. Since South Africa prepared a bowler-friendly surface to favor their own attack, they

should also bat on it. Cricket is the great equalizer. Worse yet, South Africa, after its barrage of bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers from their fearsome quintet of pace bowlers consisting of Morkel, Philander, Rabada, Ngidi and Phehlukwayo had inflicted some serious pain and bruises to the Indian batting line-up, started whimpering and looking for excuses when their turn to bat came against India’s Kumar, Bumrah, Sharma, Shami and Pandya — bowlers of lesser pace and hostility than South Africa’s, but who utilized accuracy and moving the ball both ways, rather than intimidation as their trump card. India played

— Sir Neville Cardus

FLASHBACK: Roy Fredericks on his way to making 169 off only 145 ball against the might of Australia’s three-pronged pace attack of Lillee, Thompson and Gilmour, with no protective gear. He was a fearless batsman.

bravely, and they deservedly won. South Africa and cohorts waxed hypocritical when they tried to avoid facing the music, without surrendering the match in defeat to India, which should have been the only logical option since one side (India), had already batted and endured the pitch for the second innings. Such abandonments of matches rob the spectators of their money and a good game — cricket of its sporting

legacy and spirit — and creates a dangerous precedent, where teams can manufacture excuses to evade its international responsibilities. We were taught as children to play the game in the right spirit, accept defeat with grace and applaud the winning side. Moreover, whimpering is just not cricket. What would the South Africans have done if they had to face bowlers like Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Malcolm Marshall, Courtney Walsh, Joel Garner, Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Fred Trueman, Harold Larwood, Richard Hadlee, Bob Willis, Imran Khan and company with the new ball, as Sir Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks, Conrad Hunte, Hanif Mohammad, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas and such brave batting maestros had to without flinching or scampering for cover, without the luxury of helmets, each demon bowler coming at them one after the other, bouncing to their noses and bowling at almost 100 mph consistently? Do you think they dared run away from a fight, or hide behind any excuse not to bat? What would they have done had Larwood been bowling his deadly bodyline thunderbolts to them, as he did to get rid of Bradman by any means-injury

FLASHBACK: Sunil Gavaskar, here taking on another fast bowler with no protective gear, was arguably one of the bravest batsmen. He scored most of his 10,122 test runs against the most hostile pace bowlers, and had guts, impeccable technique and immaculate defense. Against the West Indies’ fearsome pacers, he scored 13 of his 34 Test centuries.

or otherwise? Indeed, these gladiators faced more hostile bowlers, and reduced them to the ordinary — on worse pitches. Roy Fredericks showed batsmen how to blunt pace bowling way back in 1975 when he famously bludgeoned Australia’s Lillee, Thomson and Gilmour at the then light-

ning fast Perth pitch, thrashing 169 off only 145 balls, as the bowlers kept targeting his body with short balls and Fredericks hooked and pulled them mercilessly and magnificently in retaliation. Lillee and Thomson had combined figures of 37-0-251-5, and Fredericks’ attack proved to be the better part of defense. India’s cricket has developed by leaps and bounds, while other countries, like the West Indies, have sadly declined from its golden years. In 1977, India surrendered the Sabina Test on a treacherous pitch to the West Indies, after Anshuman Gaekwad was hit on the left ear and had to spend two nights in hospital, Gundappa Viswanath had his finger both fractured and dislocated, Brijesh Patel was required to have stitches after being hit in the mouth, and none of them could take any further part in the match. With six wickets down for 306 and two batsmen being forced to retire, Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi was forced to declare India’s first innings. Trailing by 85 runs after West Indies made 391, and without the services of three top batsmen, India were soon reduced to 5 for 97. With five Indian batsmen absent in the second innings due to injury, and Michael Holding in the middle of a hostile spell of shortpitched bowling, Bedi once again declared the innings with a lead of merely 12 runs on the board, and conceded that the Indian innings should be recorded as completed, thereby allowing the West Indies to make the 13 runs to defeat India, and go on to win the series. Issues were raised about the “unfair tactics” of the West Indies, but Bedi sportingly acknowledged defeat. Now, in addition to their trademark mystery spinners, India produces pace bowlers, independently capable of winning Tests without bowling any of these much vaunted spinners, to complete a unit richly blessed with brave world class batsmen, as the South Africans experienced to their chagrin.

by ALBERT BALDEO

Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate, and his political battles placed previously ignored minority communities like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park firmly on the political and economic map. As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Queens Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: AlBaldeo@aol.com or (718) 529-2300.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 2, 2018

27

Windies announce enhanced retainer contracts for players ntigua [West Indies]: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that it has enhanced its central retainer contracts for Test and limited-overs international players, which will be effective from July 1.

which will set out the responsibilities of both player and CWI to each other, together with ensuring that the players are contractually bound to new and existing

cricket board has made significant progress over the years and is now able to bring new incentives for the international players. "These new contracts will embrace additional terms and conditions

policies that aim to further increase standards. All future contracts for all of our professional cricketers will start on the same date, July 1st, which will become the start of our cricketing year," he explained.

A

According to new arrangement introduced by the CWI, the contracts have been split into three categories — all-format contracts, red-ball contracts and white-ball contracts. Though CWI chief executive officer Johnny Grave did not reveal the value of the contracts, he said that the new system would offer increased remuneration to the Caribbean players. "The new retainer contracts aim to incentivise our players to play cricket for the WINDIES and be contracted to CWI. All the new contracts offer increased remuneration to our WINDIES Men's team as well as enhanced medical and insurance policies," Grave said. The new West Indies men's contracts will officially run from October 2017 to September 2018, but Grave confirmed that new retainers would be offered to both international and regional players only from July 1, 2018. He further confirmed that the new system reflects how the country's

WINDIES TEAM

A maximum of 11 all-format contracts can be awarded by the CWI Selection Panel under the new arrangement, while the aggregate can go up to 11 for red-ball and white-ball contracts. The total number of contracts is capped at 18. Meanwhile, CWI also said that four new development contracts could also be offered to those players who are yet to fully establish themselves in the Playing XIs in both red and white ball categories. List of retained players is as follows: All-format contracts — Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Devendra Bishoo. Red-ball contracts - Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Jermaine Blackwood, Miguel Cummins, Jomel Warrican (Development — Shimron Hetmyer, Kieran Powell, Vishaul Singh). White-ball contracts — Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Jason Mohammed, Evin Lewis, Rovman Powell (Development—Kesrick Williams). (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

Chris Gayle, Joe Root go unsold on day one of auction M

ore extensive bidding ensued for Kieron Pollard, the West Indies allrounder. Again Kings XI were involved, and again a RTM was used by Mumbai, snatching Pollard off Delhi Daredevils for INR 5.4 crore (USD 843,750 approx).

Two more RTMs were used in the first round, with Super Kings buying back Faf du Plessis for INR 1.6 crore (USD 250,000 approx) and Royals getting Ajinkya Rahane for INR 4 crore (USD 625,000 approx). Australian quick Mitchell Starc was the last player put out in the first round of marquee players, and, after extensive bidding, was secured by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.4 crore (USD 1.4m approx). While Kings XI were involved in bidding for almost every player in the first round - they lost out to the RTM on several occasions - Royal Challengers Bangalore did not make a single bid and Sunrisers too were quiet save for the RTM they used on Dhawan. Offspinner Harbhajan Singh opened the second round of bidding, attracting only one bid and going at his base price of INR 2 crore (USD 312,000 approx) to Super Kings. Sunrisers finally got their first bid in when Bangladesh allrounder Shakib

Al Hasan came under the hammer, and they claimed him for INR 2 crore (USD 312,000 approx). Royals and Sunrisers then went head to head for Australia allrounder Glenn Maxwell, bumping up his base price from INR 2 crore to INR 6 crore before RCB finally made their first bid

KIERON POLLARD

faced off before Daredevils picked him up for INR 2.8 crore (USD 437,000 approx). Yet again, Kings XI lost out on a winning bid after a RTM was exercised, when CSK bought back allrounder Dwayne Bravo for INR 6.4 crore (USD 1m approx). New Zealand's Kane

CHRIS GAYLE

of the day, 10 players into the auction. It was Daredevils, though, who won the bid at INR 9 crore (USD 1.4m approx) after Kings XI did not use their RTM on him. It was believed Daredevils and Kings XI would bid for Gautam Gambhir, in order to give themselves a solid captaincy option, and so it was. The two

JOE ROOT

Williamson also went back to his old franchise, Sunrisers, for INR 3 crore (USD 468,000 approx) - without the use of a RTM. After all their constant bidding, Kings XI finally got their second player of the day, local Punjab boy Yuvraj Singh at his base price of INR 2 crore (USD 312,000 approx) - Sunrisers

chose not to use their RTM on him. Karnataka and India player Karun Nair opened the third round of bidding, featuring batsmen, and his base price grew more than ten times - INR 50 lakh to INR 5.6 crore (USD 875,000 approx) - before he was secured by Kings XI. Soon after, opener KL Rahul became the most expensive India player of the morning, going for INR 11 crore (USD 1.7m approx) to - yet again Kings XI. His opening partner in Tests, M Vijay, did not get any bid at all. Kings XI used a RTM for their first overseas player of 2018 - South Africa's David Miller for INR 3 crore (USD 468,000 approx). The franchise from Punjab capped their frenetic morning of bidding by picking up Australia's Aaron Finch for INR 6.2 crore (USD 968,000 approx) - this was the fifth straight bid won by Kings XI at the time. A big surprise was in store late in the batsmen's round when Manish Pandey became the joint-most-expensive Indian player on the day, alongside Rahul. Pandey's base price of INR 1 crore swelled more than ten times, with Kings XI involved in bidding all the way. They bowed out when the price touched INR 10 crore, though, and Sunrisers claimed him for INR 11 crore (USD 1.7m approx). (ESPN Cricinfo)_ (Caribbeannews.net)

Coach Estwick gets the boot

W

est Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick has been sacked for the upcoming ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, March 4-25.

The 56-year-old, who joined the Caribbean side’s coaching staff 20 months ago, will be replaced by a coach from outside the region. CWI president Dave Cameron confirmed the move but declined to name Estwick’s replacement, citing “protocol”. “We are bringing in a different bowling coach and we will also solidify the batting,” Cameron told TVJ Sports here, while hinting at other changes in the management set-up. “I’m not sure I’m at liberty to disclose the name of the coach . . . but he’s not from the region. Again, we want to bolster our bowling. I believe that if we have good bowlers, then whatever we get to make our batting will take care of

that.” Estwick joined the Windies management in May, 2016, replacing the legendary former Windies fast bowler, Sir

RODDY ESTWICK. (GP)

Curtly Ambrose, ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in the Caribbean involving Australia and South Africa. Througout his tenure, the Barbadian has earned praise from players, with seamers like Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach crediting him with their recent development. Gabriel snatched 44 wickets in Tests in a 15-month period ending last December, while Roach, who returned to international cricket last August following a 19-month break, picked up 25 wickets in seven Tests. However, West Indies endured a wretched run in New Zealand last December, failing to win a single game as they suffered 3-0 whitewashes in the Test and one-day series, and a 2-0 defeat in the three-match Twenty20 series. The Caribbean bowlers struggled, dismissing the Black Caps just once in the two Tests. (CMC) (Caribbeannews.net)

PSL calls up Archer and Ramdin A

couple days after fetching a million-dollar deal in ’the Indian Premier League (IPL), Barbadian Jofra Archer has landed another major Twenty20 contract but the fee wasn’t disclosed. In the replacement draft

held in Lahore yesterday, Quetta Gladiators selected the 22-yearold Sussex sensation to replace West Indies T20 cricket captain and fellow all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Brathwaite, who will play for Barbados in the early rounds of the Regional Super50 Cup which starts today, has been named in the West Indies’ 15-man squad for the ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe in March. Archer, who has been creating a stir in the Big Bash League in Australia following his good performances in the Bangladesh Premier League, was purchased by Rajasthan Royals for US$1.125 million in the IPL auction on Saturday. He claimed a double-wicket

Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, which bowls off on February 22. Ramdin has replaced Mustafizur Rahman, who will be available for a few games before joining the Bangladesh side. Another West Indian, wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton, is among three replacement players drafted by Islamabad United. “We brought in an extra keeper [Ramdin] as backup for Umar Akmal, in case we want to play Umar as batsman only,” a Lahore Qalandars spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. Defending champions Peshawar Zalmi also brought in former West Indies batsman Dwayne Smith as cover for one of their selected players. Meanwhile, superstar Chris Gayle squeezed into JOFRA ARCHER the 2018 edition of the IPL after he was chosen on the sional Cricket League Regional 4-Day third time of asking on Sunday’s second Tournament, experienced wicketkeeper day of the auction. Denesh Ramdin has found favour with The 38-year-old, once the face of maiden on BBL debut for Hobart Hurricanes and continued to impress with his rapid pace. In addition, he has a strike-rate of 143.93 with the bat, which makes him an exciting prospect. After being bypassed by the West Indies selectors despite his excellent form with the bat in the recent Profes-

the lucrative Twenty20 league, found no takers in the first two rounds of bids before Kings XI Punjab claimed him the third time around for his modest base price US$312 000. Gayle’s heir apparent, Evin Lewis, was also snapped up by Mumbai Indians for nearly $600 000. The left-hander will join fellow Trinidadian Kieron Pollard, who was retained by the franchise on Saturday’s opening day. Barbadian all-rounder Javon Searles will have his first out-

ing in the IPL after he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for his base price of just over US$50 000. Several West Indies players, however, went unsold in the auction, including seasoned IPL batsman Lendl Simmons, who entered at a base price of $236 000. Also untouched were West Indies Test and one-day captain, Jason Holder; Johnson Charles; Andre Fletcher; Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell; Kesrick Williams and Sheldon Cottrell. The IPL bowls off April 7. (CMC) (Caribbeannews.net)