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Edghill suspended Page 17

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Member of Parliament Juan Edghill being asked to enter the police vehicle by third in command of ‘A’ Division, Phillip Azore (photo by Adrian Narine)

Vulgarity must stop --PPP behaviour unacceptable, says President Granger

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

Vulgarity must stop --PPP behaviour in Parliament unacceptable, says President Granger

By Ariana Gordon WHILE describing the behaviour of the Parliamentary Opposition in the National Assembly over the past two months as “vulgarity”, President David Granger has called on Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to get a hold of his members so that such acts of disrespect never recur in the National Assembly. Speaking with reporters Wednesday at State House, the Head-of-State said the disrespectful behaviour of the Opposition is uncalled for. “It is a level of vulgarity that I referred to since November 2; we have never seen it before and I hope we’d never see it again. There is no place for that in the National Assembly,” said President Granger. On November 2, 2017, the President addressed the National Assembly but the majority of his speech was inaudible as the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) hoisted placards and shouted while the President addressed the House. On Monday, Opposition MP Juan Edghill defied the orders of Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland to sit down and subsequently leave the Parliament Chambers. Edghill’s inaction coupled with continuous outbursts towards the Speaker resulted in the suspension of the Committee of Supply when the Consideration of Estimates was being deliberated on. The police were called in and a scuffle ensued between the Opposition parliamentarians and the law enforcement officers. Edghill was suspended by the Speaker for the next four sittings of the House and will not be financially compensated and or given benefits for that period. “It is a very poor display on the part of Mr Edghill and his colleagues to demonstrate to the public and our children that the Honourable House should be the scene of such a disorderly show,” said President Granger. “I can’t imagine that the Chancellor of the Judiciary would have to put up with that in the Court of Appeal; she is the head and I can’t imagine that the Speaker should be faced with that type of vulgarity. We have three branches of Government: the Judicial, the Legislative and the Executive, and every branch has its head and the head of the legislative branch must be treated with respect,” he continued.

MUST BE RESPECTED The President made it clear that the heads of the three branches of Government must be respected at all times. “We don’t treat the Chancellor like that, we don’t treat the Speaker like that and you don’t treat the President like that,” he declared. Asked whether he would meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on the matter, the President said he does not have a problem meeting Jagdeo--a former President--on any matter he (Jagdeo) wishes to raise with him (Granger). “I think that the treatment meted out to me on November 2 was completely uncalled for. I think the treatment meted out to the Speaker this week was completely uncalled for and I think the Leader of the Opposition needs to deal with the cultural issues within his party.” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Tuesday described the move by the Parliamentary Opposition as “gross disorderly conduct”. “Their bad behaviour cannot be rewarded,” said the Prime Minister even as several other ministers of government condemned the Opposition’s behaviour. Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, who has been a parliamentarian for 20 years, said Monday’s ruckus was unprecedented. “I have never witnessed anything like this,” he told reporters in the corridors of Parliament. “The Speaker has always been shown respect and when the Speaker has invited a member to sit, be quiet or refrain or withdraw, that has always been complied with; so we have set a new precedent today,” he continued. Trotman, who now serves as Minister of Natural Resources under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, said “We have descended to a new low.” “I also want to say that none of us would like to see chaos erupting further in the House, but at the end of the day the parliamentary system is one where the Speaker is a presiding officer and that presiding officer must be shown respect. “The dignity of the House has to be maintained,” he stressed, noting that it is important for the members of the Opposition to try to de-escalate the situation. Similarly, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the matter is not about the Opposi-

PPP Members of Parliament protest President David Granger’s address in Parliament on November 2

tion and Government, but about what is the lawful position. “This has nothing to do with who can speak; it is a question of the rule of law. The Speaker is the person who controls the business in this House and Edghill or no other member of the House can decide that they can violate these rules of the House by refusing to take action when the Speaker tells them to do so.”

Harmon posited that should such behaviour be allowed, the National Assembly would descend into a place of chaos as no one respects the Speaker’s ruling and can do as they desire. “So Mr Edghill must know, the PPP must know, that the Speaker’s ruling must be obeyed and they can stay in there for as long as they want but it has to be obeyed,” he said.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

Edghill suspended …Gov’t moves motion to suspend Edghill for four sittings …Speaker says conduct was extraordinary, unacceptable

By Svetlana Marshall OPPOSITION Member of Parliament Juan Edghill has been suspended for four sittings by the National Assembly for disobeying the instructions of Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland after Social Protection Minister and Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally successfully moved a motion to have the House sanction him. The motion was carried in the House on Tuesday morning, minutes after the People’s Progressive Par-

of Government to move a motion regarding the matter. Standing to her feet was Ally. In accordance with Standing Order 47(3), Ally moved a motion for Edghill to be suspended from the service of the Assembly for the next four sittings because of his “gross disorderly conduct” during the 79th Sitting. His suspension will end on Friday December 15 when the Consideration of the Budget Estimates will come to an end. In response to the motion, which had the full support of the 33 members on the governing side

Suspended Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill surrounded by police on Tuesday morning

ty (PPP) Parliamentarian was taken into custody for “breaching a police barrier.” Amid heightened police presence in and around the Public Buildings, Edghill in an attempt to access the compound breached the barrier despite being repeatedly cautioned by the police on the ground to desist. He was subsequently released. The Speaker had suspended him from Monday’s sitting after he refused to take his seat when instructed to do so. His refusal to sit during the Committee of Supply, during the consideration of the Budget Estimates for the Ministry of the Presidency had dragged the House into its worst crisis with police ranks stationed at Parliament being summoned to the chambers. In his absence on Tuesday, Dr. Scotland, in no uncertain terms, told members on both sides of the House that “Edghill behaved in an extraordinary, unacceptable manner, disregarding the directions of the Speaker and making it clear that he will follow his own determinants.” “The conduct of the Honourable Juan Edghill is unprecedented in the annals of this House,” the Speaker stated. It was on this note that he called on a Minister

of the House, the Speaker announced that Edghill will remain on suspension. He noted that the Standing Order to which reference was made provides for a penalty that goes to the end of the session. “So grave is that conduct, that allowing the person the benefit of four days, four additional days suspension is the most lenient that it can be treated,” the Speaker said. Jumping to his feet on a point of order was Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo but although being cautioned by the Speaker that there is no provision for the matter to be debated, and that it was already dealt with, he proceeded nonetheless. “Mr. Speaker I just wish to record our significant dissatisfaction with what you just said in this Chambers. You spoke about the unprecedented nature of the behaviour of Bishop Juan Edghill but you did not speak about the unprecedented presence of police in this House, police in this House that assaulted people,” Jagdeo said even as he was repeatedly cautioned by the Speaker. The Opposition Leader said the suspension is an attempt to muzzle Edghill. Jagdeo also used the opportunity to question who

instructed the police to evict the Member of Parliament from the Chamber. Outside the Chamber, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira also protested the decision to arrest Edghill on the public road. “The

pre-suspension starts at the gate of this Parliament. If they wanted to stop him from coming in, it should have been at the gate of the Parliament not at the traffic light that is public road. He has a right as a citizen to be on a public road. This is a constitutional matter and we should be concern,” the Opposition Chief Whip said.

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Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

4

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS MERELY THE SYMPTOM, NOT THE CAUSE, OF WOMEN’S OPPRESSION S

exual harassment has become the functional equivalent of a weapon of male destruction (WMD). It is like a hand grenade that has been lobbed into the workplace, exploding the reputations of celebrities, such as, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, John Conyers, Al Franken and a host of lesser personalities. But in spite of the public outcry against male bad behavior, the self-flagellation about misogyny and male chauvinism, the fact is that women have become the indentured servants of the 21st century. Although women constitute 50.8% of the US population and 52% of the US labor force, they constitute only 14.6% of the executive level jobs, they constitute only 8.1% of the top wage earners, and 4.6% of the ‘Fortune 500’ CEOs. Sexual harassment is merely a strategy used by men in powerful, executive or managerial positions to obtain sexual favors from women in subordinate employment positions. It has nothing to do with sexual desire, but everything to do with the display of male chauvinist power. It is a recognition of the hierarchic social structure which exists today, in which men have a monopoly of the executive and managerial positions in most corporations and public agencies, while women occupy subordinate positions, and are dependent on their male counterparts for promotions, salary increases and favorable working conditions. Misogyny or male chauvinism is not a new phenomenon, it is an institution that is deeply interwoven in the fabric of western civilization. It is based on the patriarchal system of Judeo-Christian theology. It was first articulated by the exclusively male Jewish Rabbis in Jerusalem, who in the Book of Genesis,

postulated the hypothesis that Adam, the first male human being, was created in the image and likeness of Almighty God, while the woman Eve was merely an organ transplant from the rib of Adam. The Book of Genesis also stereotyped the woman as the temptress who seduced the man to disobey the specific instructions of Almighty God. As a result of this act of disobedience, the Lord is alleged to have articulated the foundations of male patriarchy, “yet your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16) The concept of male chauvinism was perpetuated by the early Christian church. St. Paul, one of the leading evangelists of the early Christian church, admonished the female congregation in the church of the Colossians “wives be subject to your husbands” (Cols. 3:18). St. Paul went so far as to compare the role of the men in the household to the role of Jesus Christ in the church. In Ephesians 5:22 Paul stated, “wives submit yourself onto your own husbands as onto the Lord.” For the husband is the head of he wife, even as Christ is head of the church.” The foundation of patriarchy in the

modern era is male monopoly over the productive sector — the commanding heights of the economy. By virtue of White male control over the US economy, White males constitute a minority of the US population, yet they are over 90% of the top wage earners in US corporations. They hold 85% of the jobs at the managerial or executive level and constitute 95% of the CEOs in the ‘Fortune 500’ corporations. Even though women possess 60% of the undergraduate degrees, 60% of the Masters’ degrees, 47% of the Law degrees and 48% of the medical degrees, they constitute a disproportionate share of the positions at the lower end of the pay scale, such as, maids, domestic servants, typists, receptionists and clerks.

While complaints of sexual harassment have become the politically titillating news “du jour” and the public shaming of the socially prominent men. There can be no effective curb on sexual harassment unless there is an end to the system of male patriarchy that has affected western civilization for over 500 years. The existential threat to women’s liberation is not sexual harassment, it is gender discrimination which is part and parcel of the system of patriarchy or male chauvinism. I will submit the following proposals to end the system of patriarchy:

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• Passage of an Equal Rights amendment to the US Constitution which will outlaw the system of gender discrimination and impose harsh penalties for the institutions that perpetuate gender discrimination. • Establishing women’s access to every position in private and public corporations through a comprehensive system of secondary and tertiary education.

• Encouraging women to hold a proportionate share of jobs at every occupational level, through a system of Affirmative Action, numerical quotas, and contractual set-asides.

• “Establishing Human Resources departments in every corporation and governmental agencies to permit women to file complaints of sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual conduct.

• Establishing the principle of equal pay for equal work.

• Eliminating all references to patriarchy from our sacred texts.

• The entertainment industry and all sectors of popular culture should cease and desist from the objectification of women and sexualization of the female anatomy.

The Old Testament prophet, Amos, predicted that a day of Redemption shall arrive when “justice shall run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:24)

Before that day of redemption shall arrive, we must enact and implement policies which demolish the existing system of patriarchy, which has deprived a majority of God’s creation of a proportionate share of social, political and economic power.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

The Handel Andrews Column

5

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

Caribbean Christmastime songs

BACK IN TIME hese are original seasonal songs, Carols set to calypso tempo and Parang. Some of them arose during the juke box era, when they would blare from the front of stores, especially during Christmas week. DRINK A RUM AND A PUNCH A CREMA The Lord Kitchener is my pick for the best calypsonian ever. You might disagree and pick Mighty Sparrow or Mighty Spoiler or Barton. Fine. I have no problem with this, because music speaks to us differently. Drink a rum and a Punch a crema. When I wake Christmas morning, after breakfast with Pepper Pot and home-made bread, I must put on Kitch. “Mooma, Mooma would you like to join your sonny I am over here, happy in the mother country Darling, for the Christmas, your son would be really jumping Listen to the chorus of what we all will be singing. Chorus Drink a rum and a punch a crema, drink a rum Is Christmas morning Drink a rum and a punch a crema, drink a rum Mama, drink if you drinking! The calypsonian ‘Lord Kitchener’ was born Aldwin Roberts in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, April 18, 1922 and died February 11, 2000, at Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He and the great Lord Beginner migrated to England in 1948. Kitch loved singing of back home and this song recreates a Caribbean flair in England. “On Christmas Day, when Big Ben alarms six thirty We are underway to begin this festivity Later in the evening, we passing through Piccadilly Everybody dancing and singing the same melody.

T

MARIA ‘Maria’ is not a Christmas song; but a song I always play on Christmas Day. My mom was a serious Pilgrim Holiness Christian and through my respect for her, I did not

Slinger Francisco July 9, 1935 in play calypso on Christmas Day. playing in that tavern? Grand Roy, Grenada, He moved “Maria darling I must go, Since I began living on my own, But remember I love you so with his parents to T&T in 1937 and ‘after playing ‘Drink a Rum and a Unfortunately we must part grew up there. Punch Crema’ Christmas morning, Girl yuh doh know how it I would play calypsos the remainder HAPPY HOLIDAYS breaks my heart. of the day. This is another favorite of I will let you into a secret. I mine. It was written by ‘Lord I wish ah could ah stay with you was a devout evangelical in my Melody’, arranged by Billy Moore And gih yuh what is yours, dooteenage years and did not drink aland sung by his musical group, ‘The doo cohol period. The first drink I had Four Lords’. Whenever I hear this But until we meet again I know, was on Christmas Eve day 1959. song, It takes me back to the Guyana Right now we got to say aye-o My friend Kenneth Denny took me of my youth. “Church bells are ringing, Santa Claus on his way, Happy Christmas to you dear, Happy Holiday.” Born Fitzroy Alexander in San Fernando, T&T in 1928, Lord Melody died September 26, 1988. ‘Melo’ was a regular to Guyana and teamed up with ‘Al Seales and his Washboard Orchestra’ to produce this Christmas classic. According to Dr. Vibert Cambridge, a calypso enthusiast, Melody wanted to produce a seasonal song to compete with Kitchener’s “Drink a Rum.” Whether he succeeded or not, I will let you be the judge. LORD MELODY

LORD KITCHINER

to Sawh’s Tavern at D’urban and Hardina Street and ordered me an XM and Pepsi. What was the song

PARANG Would there be a Trini Christmas without Parang (Christmas folk songs sung in Spanish)? Tishanna

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Editorial MP Edghill’s unbecoming behaviour THE brawl -- for that is what it was -- in the National Assembly on Monday, 11th December, should see some Members of Parliament (MPs) downing their heads in shame at the dishonour they brought to the Honourable House. History has taught that honourable behaviour requires respecting rules, laws, and exhibiting propriety and decorum. If some may have acceded to serve in the nation’s highest decision-making forum and per chance earlier socialisation did not place premium on these values, at least by now society expected they be cultivated, particularly when in the House. The events of Monday have been witnessed by all and sundry, at home and abroad. And while the unbecoming may think it represented their finest political moment, they have brought dishonour if not to themselves to the House, an important branch of government. Standing Orders in the National Assembly are made by the MPs to govern their conduct in the House. To make rules and subsequently decide they will be respected because it could make a political statement does not justify the disrespect. Efforts to justify People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP Juan Edghill’s refusal to respect Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland’s ruling is not with merit. There can be no justification for refusing to respect the ruling of the Speaker and being supported by colleagues in doing likewise. The adamant refusal of MP Edghill to leave the chamber after ordered to do so by the Speaker set in train the brawl that ensued, and the MP must take full responsibility for what happened thereafter. What is even more conflicting in addition to being a politician, he is known as a man of the cloth and better was expected, especially given that his faith promotes the value of leadership by example. To assume the Speaker should have handled the issue

Guyana Chronicle New September 2017 Guyana Chronicle NewYork YorkEdition EditionWeek-ending week ending December 15,8,2017

Government has to focus on its agenda Dear Editor, THIS letter is an appeal to both my government and the opposition to take their roles seriously. While I do not have a problem with the opposition performing its role in which they are trying to hold on to their supporters,let me add some clarity here The role of the opposition is to question the government and hold them accountable to the public. They have to challenge the policies of the government and will substitute different policies which they feel can work beneficially for the country. The opposition should put the spotlight on serious issues and force the government to resolve them, but they are not doing that, they have their own agenda. However , at times the opposition must agree with the government and this is one area which needs improvement. Therefore, it is clear that for the past two and a half years the opposition has been busy fulfilling its role by getting the government to dance to its tune. My government needs to focus on its agenda and not be derailed by the opposition who gains political mileage all the time. They must focus on their mission. The recent battle for political mileage in Parliament worked in favour of the opposition. The government has everything to lose, not the opposition. The government could have come out unscathed and looking good if the speaker had NOT allowed these types of behavior by the MPs since 2015. In fact, the leader of the opposition is now bolstering his claims of a dictatorial government in the making. The government loses and the people lose.

This is counterproductive to the role of our government. The government must prove to the people that it has their interests at heart and are doing everything to achieve that objective. On the other hand, the government must manage the affairs of the country to ensure economic stability and growth. It must ensure that citizens are protected, their health and education are taken care of and they live a ‘good life’. Therefore, the government must ensure that they implement monetary and fiscal policies which can result in economic growth, full employment and stability. Therefore, I want to remind our government ministers, other government officials and government agencies that they have serious challenges to face in 2018 and they have to stop being unnecessarily bogged down by the opposition. The opposition are fulfilling their functions and are going up in the public’s ratings, while the government is busy engaging them to their detriment. The government must ensure that each sector is growing and is contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and this is where the subject minister needs to be more vigilant to ensure that there is proper monitoring and evaluation. Money is just being spent without due regard for the three Es-economy, efficiency and effectiveness. There are many examples where departmental heads have failed even at the budgetary planning stage. Inflated bills of quantities are common and this has always been the feature of all the governments, including the previous government. Corruption is ingrained

in the engineers’ estimates through the tendering right into the execution of the works. This eats away our value for money. My estimate is that as much as 25% of contract costs are shaved off by varying levels of corruption, leaving contractors no alternative but to do sloppy works. This is a festering sore for a few ministries which need to be addressed since yesterday. When I first joined the RDC as an APNU+AFC Councillor, I was met with an aggressive opposition side and I would normally take offence at that type of behavior, but gradually I learnt that if I focus on fulfilling my role which is aimed at promoting regional and community development, then the approach of the opposition councillors will change. It did and I now have a very harmonious relationship with everyone. Why is it that the government’s side of the House has continuously failed to achieve harmony by executing their roles for the benefits of the people? It was said by a great man that, ‘You don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note’, and the British philosopher and political activist (among other things) once said that, ‘The only thing that will redeem mankind is COOPERATION’. I appeal to both the opposition and the government that as you undertake your various and diverse roles, let there be harmony and cooperation so that we as Guyanese can redeem ourselves as ‘ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION AND ONE DESTINY’. Yours sincerely, Gobin Harbhajan Regional Democratic Councillor

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies and views of the management of the New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle. It is uncanny that Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdifferently such as allowing Edghill to speak is beside the deo was MIA at the beginning, but appeared after the brawl point. The crux of the matter is that of the ruling and the had escalated and members of the Guyana Police Force refusal to conform, which was a challenge to the authority of the House and brought both the august body and MP were in the chamber, to thereafter pronounce that it was all into disrepute. Mr. Edghill is a MP and a participant in the the fault of the Speaker. As a former president, Mr. Jagdeo business of the House. Being an elected member, does not could have seized the opportunity to positively distinguish grant or vest in him any authority or privilege to flout the himself in de-escalating the conflict and help to salvage the rules and directives of the Speaker. The Speaker, whether reputation of the House and the unbecoming behaviour of elected from the List of Representatives or selected from his party's colleagues. The view held by some that if the outside of that List, has been appointed in accordance with PPP/C is not in government, the party’s leadership would the Guyana Constitution. He is therefore vested with the subvert and undermine governance is something of which authority to ensure the Standing Orders are respected, on to take note. Mr. Edghill’s behaviour was totally uncalled for. It is every occasion, and by every member. MP Edghill and PPP/C colleagues could have dealt dif- hoped time will be spent attending to how unbecoming ferently with the apparent disagreement with the Speaker’s it was and on reflection embarrassment is not devoid of initial ruling on conformity to time allotment. Disagreement remorse. Monday 11th December was another dark day does not require being disagreeable, particularly among and a further slide into degeneracy by this 11th Parliathose expected to possess maturity and intelligence. After ment and the desecration of the title Honourable. Finally, the Speaker’s initial ruling was ignored and challenged, he the attempt to conflate Monday’s unbecoming conduct then ordered the MP to leave the chamber and not return to that of the person who invaded the House dressed as for the session. Respect for the Standing Orders should have seen the Santa Claus is false equivalency. The MPs’ behaviour MP obeying the first ruling, then at the break the Chief represented disregard for the rules (Standing Orders) Whip and Opposition Whip could have sought audience governing their conduct, diminished the authority of with the Speaker to address the problem. Opposition Whip the Speaker presiding over the House, and undermined Gail Teixeira, instead of providing leadership in finding a governance. The Santa Claus case was a prank (silly) by solution, encouraged the lawlessness, leaving reasonable a non-Member of the House. Conflating the two skirts The opinions expressed in seriousness articlesof in are minds views to speculateand whether MP Edghill’s actions were pre- the the this brawl, newspaper the role of the legislature planned to create the brawl. and the standards to which MPs must be held.

Disclaimer:

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

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7

Reimaging The Future Human Body

W

e, humans, now live in a world of awesome technology, innovation and stunning inventions. Everyday there are breakthroughs, milestones reached and new, exciting developments across every spectrum of human endeavors. And as our societies evolve under the weight and pressures of globalization, more interpersonal integration, and mass communications, the big question is this: is it right, proper or ethical to also evolve the humans body as society continues to do?

And before everyone goes off fullcocked, especially the righteous cabal of religious guardians of age-old superstitions and illogical dogma, let me say that this question and my opinions are not rooted in, or designed to cast aspersions on anyone’s belief, Sunday morning worship rituals or any such positions, that causes critical thinking and objective reasoning to be such a painful practice for the many. It’s easy for us as humans to accept the daily status quo, largely oblivious to changes taking place around us, never rock the boat, and just let things remain as they are. Complacency is the currency of the ignorant and the crutch of the intellectually lazy. But the fact is that the ONLY THING CONSTANT AND PERMANENT IS CHANGE. So we, as a species in general, may want one thing but nature’s laws and immutable forward march is inevitable. Mankind has come a very, very long way from life in large mountain holes called caves. Truth is that we're at the very beginning phases of putting together the tools together to evolve ourselves. Today, with the rapid advances in science, we can evolve bacteria, plants and animals, predict weather and create rain. And we're now reaching a tipping point where we have to ask: Is it ethical and do we want to evolve human beings? So as you're thinking about that, let me reference this question in the context of prosthetics and prosthetics past, present and future. Since prosthetics was invented centuries ago as appendages fitted to warlords for the purpose of winning wars, they have evolved to retrofit lost human body parts. Centuries ago, a German warrior use an “iron hand” fitted to his body because he’d lost one hand in battle. So this artificial “iron hand” — literally an appendage on a suit of armor — was innovative and changed the outcome on the battlefield. That’s where the term “ruling with an iron hand” comes from. Since then these prosthetics have been getting much more useful, more and more modern. You can hold a soft-boiled egg with them or punch sensitive computer keyboards. You can also run marathons with them, climb mountains, and do so many other amazing things that your own natural hands, arms and legs can never do. They are used as hip replacements, new knee joints, and they’re

now very essential to the daily function of life. Your heart’s pacemaker is a prosthetic. And you're not just talking about something that is like, "I'm just missing a leg.” No, the reality is that this prosthetic is essential and vital — without it you could die. And at this point, a prosthetic — any one of the many that help improve human living and life — has become a symbiotic relationship with the human body. What you're now witnessing is that these prosthetics now get integrated into and onto bones in the human body. They get integrated into and onto the skin. They get integrated into the muscle. Science is now working on ways to connect these prosthetics to the human brain. Can you imagine what that will do? Cyborgs come to mind? When, not if, science accomplishes that, then science, and humans, would have begun changing fundamental aspects of humanity. This science will predict diseases far better (perhaps at birth using advanced DNA testing), strengthen and improve on existing natural muscle and tissue, improve human reaction times

by nerve enhancement and, ultimately, design, create and store human body parts that would replace those that have a fixed shelf life and expiration date. With that technology it is easy to reimagine future humans living longer, stronger and with less health problems, thus enhancing and improving overall quality of life. Living and operating at maximum human capacity, say at 100 years old and beyond, is easy to conceptualize in this scenario. I am a firm believer in science, both as a way to explain the world and a

methodology of inquiry to improve on nature. Human society and humans in general evolved and have been evolving over time. Evolution simply means “slow, gradual change.” Revolutions, by contrast, means sharp, rapid change. Science is about inquiry, testing and retesting its conclusions over and over again. So this brings me to a new age prosthetic – the Phonak hearing aid. It’s a hearing device that has taken the task of helping the hearing impaired hear better to new and dizzying levels. But it’s the potential

‘Terminator’ Arm Offers World’s Most Advanced Prosthetic Hand.

(continued on page 20)

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

GAWU again invited to the table -- to be part of re-organisation of GuySuCo

GuySuCo Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas

ANOTHER invitation to be part of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) decision-making process has been extended to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) by the sugar company. GuySuCo Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas told Guyana Chronicle that despite having the right to sit on the GuySuCo’s board to be a part of the decision-making process as the workers’ representative, GAWU has failed to do so. He said it is not courtesy that GAWU be given a seat on GuySuCo’s board, but they have a right as a stakeholder to be part of the process. “They should be a part of the board and the management. We opened our arms to them. If they want to join the process, we are

willing to have them. There is no hostility.” Thomas however believes that GAWU is not interested in working with the corporation. “They don’t want to exercise their rights because they want the best of both worlds; to stay outside and criticise but not to be part of the decision-making. The only way they can do that is not to be part of the management or the decision- making process.” GAWU President Komal Chand is a long-standing member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and is an opposition parliamentarian. The PPP has heavily criticised the move to make sugar workers redundant. And although the party had been in Government more than two decades, it had not addressed the woes facing the loss-making

entity. “They (PPP) are glad to shift the burden of what they should have been doing to this Government. They are crying crocodile tears. They would have wanted to do this, but didn’t have the courage to do it because they wanted the votes. But we have to think about the future of the country,” Professor Thomas related. GuySuCo’s CEO Errol Hanoman had told the newspaper that in 2015, there was no option remaining for GuySuCo as the entire company was on the verge of collapse and the threat of an industry wipe out existed. It was found that of about eight estates only three could remain if GuySuCo is to return to some point of viability. In the process, some four thousand workers would have to go home and that re-organisation strategy is currently in motion.

Professor Thomas insisted that one harsh reality that must be kept in mind is that considering all expenses, sugar is being produced at 45 cents per pound and selling at 15 cents. “Whom do you think we are subsiding? The people who buy the sugar. Europeans, Americans; and Guyana cannot afford to do that. You can’t do that and call it a solution to help the people of Guyana. “It takes political courage, some amount of will if you want to make a decision and restructure and stick to it. Not every time you run into a problem you will put your hands in the air and say ‘oh God’. If we do not do this, the situation will be worst, next year, two years, three years from now…” Apart from offering alternative livelihoods for redundant workers, the company said the staff will receive their severance (continued pay before Decemberon 31. page 9)

(continued on page 9)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

9

Barrow’s warning coming to pass ATTORNEY AT LAW David Comissiong is highly critical of Government’s intention to sell Hilton Barbados and the Barbados National Terminal Company Limited, and has expressed his criticism by way of a letter in the columns of the news media.

Mr Comissiong not only mentioned these entities, but also referred to other previously sold businesses such as the Barbados National Bank, the Insurance Corporation of Barbados, Barbados External Telecommunications Ltd, Heywoods

Hotel and the Pine Hill Dairy – all potential profit-making commercial enterprises in which Government had vested interest. What Mr Comissiong may or may not know is that a group of supposedly intelligent people among us still believe that the

best thing that can happen for Barbados and Barbadians is the flow of direct foreign investment in the form of a buy-out of majority shares and other similar types of acquisitions by foreign businesses, whose main interest is the maximisation of profits and profits alone. Yet, all of this is part and parcel of backward ideas and thinking that can envelop the minds of people who from time

to time hold the destiny and fate of Barbadians in their hands. Sadly, the sell-out of Barbadian enterprises, and by extension Barbadians, is not restricted to those that are Government-supported, but others across the private sector. The prophetic words of warning uttered by the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow are coming to pass. (Nation News) Caribbeannews.net)

Bermuda now votes to end same-sex marriage WASHINGTON D.C. [United States]: After legalizing it before, the Senate in Bermuda has now voted to end same-sex marriage in the British island territory and permit only domestic partnerships.

Several media reports have stated that Senators approved the Domestic Partnership Act. The House of Assembly approved it 24-10 last Friday. It must now be signed by the Governor before it becomes law in the Atlantic Ocean territory. If the bill makes it way into law, samesex couples who have already married will stay married, but new couples would have to enter into domestic partnerships.

This comes after some time in May, Bermuda's Supreme Court ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, stating "the common law discriminates against same-sex couples by excluding them from marriage." The ruling Progressive Labor party took up the matter after winning power in the July election. Supporters of the domestic partnership law say it codifies the rights of same-sex couples as essentially the same as traditional marriages, reported the Fox News. Opponents argue that the law discriminates against same-sex couples by allowing only domestic partnerships. Meanwhile, Australia, last week, became the 26th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

Thousands of children need assistance three months after Caribbean hurricanes — UNICEF UN - Thursday 14th December, 2017 — Three months after two category-5 hurricanes tore through the Caribbean, thousands of children across the region still need support, the United Nations Children"s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday. "Even before the hurricanes hit, UNICEF was on the ground, working with Governments and local partners to prepare

communities and preposition humanitarian supplies for the areas at highest risk" said Maria Cristina Perceval, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "These included life-saving supplies that were most needed during the immediate response when access to clean water,

shelter and basic social services were scarce," she added. Irma, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, caused extensive damage to the islands of the Eastern Caribbean, Haiti and Cuba. Hurricane Maria then wrought additional damage across the region, with UNICEF estimating that together, they left 350,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance. "Three months on, UNICEF is still on the ground in these countries and territories, working on programmes to support children and families in rebuilding their lives and returning to a sense of normalcy," she added. However, challenges remain, with many of the most vulnerable families still feeling the effects of the storms. Over 35 per cent of Dominica"s children " particularly those in shelters " are still not enrolled in education activities, while in Antigua and Barbuda many families remain in shelters, unable to return home. Working in collaboration with governments and non-governmental organizations, UNICEF has been providing immediate humanitarian relief and working to ensure longer term recovery and resilience.

"While life is returning to normal for many, children and families who have lived through these storms will need committed, sustained support to get their homes, communities and lives back on track," maintained Ms. Perceval.

UNICEF and its partners are supporting communities through programmes focused on recovery and resilience in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica and Haiti. (Caribbeannews.net)

— 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.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

TREES FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE "He also took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside abundant waters; he set it like a willow. Then it sprouted and became a low, spreading vine with its branches turned toward him, but its roots remained under it". — Ezekiel 17:5-6

R

otary International President Ian H. S. Riseley from Australia has challenged each of more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries to make a difference by planting 1.2 million trees, one for each Rotarian, before Earth Day on April 22 2018. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which slows global warming. Trees release oxygen through its leaves which we human beings need to breathe. At the incoming District Governors' Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, earlier this year, Riseley, unveiled the 201718 Presidential theme "Rotary: Making a Difference". He stated then that "Environmental degradation and global climate change are serious threats to everyone. They are having a disproportionate impact on those who are most vulnerable, those to whom Rotary has the greatest responsibility, yet environmental issues rarely register on the Rotary agenda". He went on to say that “It is my hope that the result of this initiative will be far greater than the environmental benefit that those 1.2 million new trees will bring, I believe the greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility not only to the people on our planet, but to the planet itself.” In the Caribbean, not only are our residents vulnerable to the impact of devastation caused by climate change but we have seen in 2017 what the impact of two successive category 5 hurricanes can do to the tourism industry, the major industry in most Caribbean

countries. In response to the RI President's challenge, just over a week ago, a group of eight Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Central Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, a club of over 40 members and growing, set about to plant 50 trees at the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP) in the northern hills of Port-of-Spain. FACRP is a community based organization which began in 1982 to fight

the dry-season fires that had been ravaging the Fondes Amandes watershed every year. Along with bush-fire fighting, the project began with agroforestry activities, including the planting of forest and fruit trees and gathering of seeds and other natural materials for making craft. It has grown over the years to become one of the most innovative and successful ecoprojects in the Caribbean and is widely recognized as a model of sustainable development in the region. It was an amazing, exciting and rewarding experience and the project deserves all the support it can get. Let us recognize and embrace the importance of trees to the survival of

Dr. Basil Springer’s Column

the planet. If each one of us plants seeds or cuttings in fertile soil under radiant sunlight and beside abundant waters, then God provides the system for them to sprout or grow and alleviates the negative impact of climate change. (Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email address is basilgf57@gmail .com. His columns may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com and on www.facebook.com/basilgf)

Star U.S. Diplomat Quits With Fiery Letter To Rex Tillerson

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distinguished U.S. diplomat who was seen as a rising star at the State Department resigned after writing a searing letter to Secretary Of State Rex Tillerson, accusing him of gutting the department and damaging America’s standing across the world. Elizabeth Shackelford, who served as a political officer based in Nairobi for the U.S. mission to Somalia, lamented in a Nov. 7 letter obtained by Foreign Policy the “stinging disrespect” President Donald Trump’s administration had shown the diplomatic corps and how it was “drivRex Tillerson ing” the department’s most experienced staff away in growing numbers. “The cost of this is visible every day in Mission Somalia, my current post, where State’s diplomatic influence, on the country and within our own interagency, is waning,” Shackelford wrote. She said she was “shocked” when Tillerson, who stepped down as ExxonMobil CEO to serve as Trump’s secretary of state, told department employees that advancing human rights across the globe “creates obstacles to our ability to advance our national security interests.“ If Tillerson is unable to “stem the bleeding” and preserve the department’s mission, she added, “I would humbly recommend you follow me out the door.” Trump’s administration has been harshly criticized for downplaying human rights issues in countries like Russia, Turkey, and the Philippines. Democratic lawmakers and former ambassadors have also accused Tillerson of gutting the department’s budget and staff at a critical and dangerous time, as difficult foreign policy challenges persist in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula. Tillerson, who has still has not denied having called Trump a “moron” in private earlier this year, has been the subject of a raft of rumors that his time at the State Department will be short-lived. The White House last month reportedly floated a plan about replacing Tillerson with CIA Director Mike Pompeo in order to help push out the secretary of state. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

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Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh making sure that there is enough liquid to cover pork completely. 3. Leave to soak for 3-4 days or longer if possible. 4. Into a pan, put pork with some of the vinegar liquid and leave it to boil until liquid evaporates. The fat of the pork should also melt supplyng the fat in which the pork will fry until brown. 5. Serve hot.

GARLIC PORK

Ingredients: 3-4 lbs lean pork (with just a little fat) 2 pints vinegar 1 ⁄2 lb. garlic 1 bunch thyme (1 broad and 4 stalks fine leaf) 6-8 wiri-wiri peppers 4-6 cloves 4 tsp. salt Method:

1. Cut pork into suitable sized pieces. Steep pork in a solution of 1⁄4 pint vinegar and water, then lift out using two forks and put into a large jar or bottle. 2. Pound garlic peppers and thyme. Add to the rest of the vinegar. Add salt and cloves. Pour over pork,

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

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balding, white haired man walked into a jewelry store this past Friday evening with a beautiful much younger gal at his side. He told the jeweller he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweller looked through his stock and brought out a £15,000 ring. The man said, 'No, I'd like to see something more special. Price is immaterial. The jeweller went to his special stock and brought another ring over. “Here's a stunning ring at only £140,000” the jeweler said. "It's the famous Azure Blue which belonged to a Maharajah." The lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. Seeing this, the old man said, 'We'll take it.' The jeweller asked how payment would be made and the man stated, 'By check. I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I'll write it now and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds; I'll pick the ring up Monday afternoon.'

IT’S A FACT by JAMES SYDNEY

GREEN INSIDE AT CHRISTMAS L

ong before Christ was born, the ancient Egyptians and then the Romans cut down evergreen trees and decorated their homes with them. This was part of their Baalworship in December.

When Christmas began to be celebrated on December 25, the practice of cutting down trees and taking them into homes continued. Such trees, or parts of trees, came to be called Christmas trees. There is no connection between the Christmas tree and Christ. In fact, worship of the Baals was deplored as pagan worship. Today many Christians and others have Christmas trees in their homes because of a long-standing tradition. And now many people cannot imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree. In fact, they have found practical uses for it. For instance, it is something on which lights and decorations could be hung, and under which presents could be placed.

In cold countries, sometimes white with snow, people still find it attractive to have some green inside. It also forms a useful backdrop for the colors with which people decorate their homes, and has become the center of a number of Christmas activities.

The Fraser Fir Tree

The Christmas tree is also the subject of Christmas songs, and, perhaps, more importantly, the industry that has grown up around the tradition. The trees of choice for most people are the firs and spruces. Many who celebrate Christmas obtain such trees, even if they have to import them. In Europe and America, people choose from among the many firs available — the Fraser Fir, the Noble Fir, the Douglas fir, the Colorado blue spruce, the Norway spruce and so on. When deciding on a tree, they consider the ease with which the Christmas tree could be decorated, the strength of branches for holding ornaments, their shapes, how long they retain their needles and so on. However, people in various parts

On Monday morning, the jeweller angrily phoned the old man and said 'Sir . . . There's no money in that account!' '''I know,' said the old man . . . 'But let me tell you about my weekend.'"

FROM THE MIND OF CHILDREN

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kindergarten pupil told his teacher he’d found a cat, but it was dead. “How did you know that the cat was dead?” she asked her pupil. “Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move,” answered the child innocently. You did WHAT ? ! ?” . . . the teacher exclaimed in surprise. “You know,” explained the boy, “I leaned over and went ‘Pssst!’ and it didn’t move.” # # # # # # #

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n exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him “How do you expect to get into Heaven?” The boy thought it over and said, “Well, I’ll run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, ‘For Heaven’s sake, Dylan, come in or stay out!’”

of the world have improvised. In India, while those who could afford it may choose to acquire a fir or a spruce at great expense, many happily use the mango tree as a Christmas tree. The mango is highly regarded in India. It is a symbol of love, and the tree is believed to contain the power to grant wishes. At Christmas time Indians also decorate their houses with mango leaves. Indians also decorate Christmas trees using whatever suitable resources are available and considered suitable. They devise garlands out of palm fronds or jute rope, and would sometimes cover the trees in green silk, colored stones, and gold paint. People all over the world similarly improvise, using whatever they regard as beautiful and suitable. Other trees used as Christmas trees are bamboo and banana. In Guyana, Christmas time was, perhaps and still is, the time to bring in the croton and fern. An old practice in Guyana was to place some rice paddy in a jar or bowl of water a few days before Christmas so that by Christmas Day, green leaves from the germinated seeds would be looking healthy and beautiful and ready for prominent display. There are also those who choose not to have a Christmas tree at all, but enjoy Christmas just as much as those who do. Christmas tree or no Christmas tree, have a merry Christmas.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

World AIDS Day event screens film — You Are Not Alone G

uyanese-born Antoine B. Craigwell, President/CEO of Depressed Black Gay Men Inc. (DBGM), received a warm response after screening the film ‘You Are Not Alone’ — an award-winning documentary where Black gay men are telling their stories, breaking an inherent taboo of silence in the Black community and speaking about their struggles with depression. The December 1, World Aids Day vigil, and educational presentations, at the Queens Community House in Kew Gardens, was one of Craigwell’s many projects, addressing the stigma of AIDS that continue to affect minority communities. Craigwell, who will address the upcoming “Ending The Epidemic” summit in Albany to push By TANGERINE CLARKE

for reform through the New York State Department and New York City Department of Health, said. “Despite the film’s focus on Black gay men, it is also relevant to other ethnicities. “It is extremely applicable across the board, and were it not for statistics, we would not know how disproportionately, Black and Latinos are affected by HIV, and the numbers are climbing in

these communities,” said Craigwell. He noted that mental health is one of the factors that contributes significantly to HIV and if this is addressed in communities, then persons would feel much stronger, that he or she could say to their partner, you need to use a condom, or we are not having sex if you are not tested. That person is able to take control and possession of his/herself and their partners, but only if their mental health problem is taken care of, said Craigwell. The film, written and directed by Stanley Bennett Clay, made its début in Queens, thanks to Executive Director of the Caribbean Equality Project, (CEP), Guyanese-born Mohamed Q. Amin. He said it was important to bring the film to Queens, even if it had attracted 10 people to ignite a conversation, “for us to accept folks who are positive. You don’t have to be infected, to be impacted by HIV,” he noted. Council Member Daniel Dromm, who said he lost many friends to the disease, lauded the organization for taking the lead in Queens and communities of color to show the film that draws attention to the AIDS crisis. “You are the future, we are in this struggle together to draw attention to the AIDS crisis,” said Dromm, adding that there is great hope, but despite

Participants from left : William Cruz, Ceyenne Dorsohow, Sasha Washington, Antoine B. Craigwell, Mohamed Q. Amin, and Theo Brown.

Antoine Craigwell, President & CEO ‘Depressed Black Gay Men Inc.’ (DBGM). addressing the World Aids Day event. the drop in AIDS cases, the rate of women of color with the disease, has risen by 5%. Jamaican-born Tina Burke, Intervention Services Director, Clergy United for Community Empowerment, spoke of intervention and warned Caribbean parents of their hesitation to educate their children about intimacy and the dangers of AIDS and other communicable diseases. The event that was co-sponsored by the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Queens Community House, Generation Q, Queens Pride and Queens Center for Gay Seniors, and Out Rockaway, was attended by Board Chair of PFLAG, Judy Sennesh, and featured presentations by Chynna Pitlock; Anna Martinez, Director of Project Equal Access; Abbie LeWarn; and a panel discussion titled — ‘My Lived Experiences Impacted by HIV’. Panelist included Marcelo Maia, Ceyenne Dorsohow, Hernon Poza, Sasha Washington and William Cruz. The audience enjoyed a performance by International dancer Zaman before a candlelight vigil in remembrance of those who have passed on. Lindsey Duel, director, Generation Q, did the closing remarks.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

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Psychiatric care to be decentralised next year ties. Works on the compound have already started, while the demolition exercise will commence soon. PARADIGM SHIFT PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William AduKrow, said he has seen a paradigm shift in the approach that has been adopted by the ministry and pledged PAHO’s assistance to the minister and team in any way possible. He continued that the transformation he has seen over the past few years was humungous, having seen the facility in its previous state to present. He also cautioned on the use of the term “inmate” as was previously used to refer to patients at the facility, pointing out that the word “inpatient or outpatient” is more appropriate since the facility is a hospital. Acting Medical Superintendent Vinashri Khirodar also reflected on the transformation. “Conditions were very adverse, but with the dedication and constant motivation of staff who worked around the clock in spite of these conditions, today we are on a far better horizon for a Psychiatric Hospital where we were and where we are today its far better, not just for us but for the staff as well.” Khirodar and a few other healthcare personnel recently

returned from a visit to Belize where they were able to interact and learn new methodologies being used in mental health. The visit was part of the upgrading of the level of care for mental health patients, moving from institutionalising patients to out-patients. Regional Health Services Director Jevaughn Stephens thanked the Health Ministry and PAHO/WHO for their support and asked that they continue to support the region, since he believes with continued support, Region Six has the opportunity and potential to provide the best healthcare in the country. Stephens posited with the continued support of his staff and the Ministry’s Liaison` Alex Foster, they should by August 2018 be closer to making this a reality. He cautioned however that while there has been tremendous improvement over the past two years, the need for sustainability in the quality of service is paramount to the success and achieving set goals. Minister Lawrence was on an all-day outreach in Region Six where she met with medical administrators and other staff to listen and address concerns affecting the region. During the outreach, the minister also participated in a tree-planting initiative and inspected the New Amsterdam and Skeldon hospitals.

Health Minister Volda Lawrence is assisted by a little girl in cutting the ribbon to commission the medical complex at the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, Fort Canje, East Berbice, Corentyne, last Saturday

By Nafeeza Yahya THE decentralisation of psychiatric care will begin in Region Six and across the country early in 2018, Health Minister Volda Lawrence has said. The minister made the announcement at the re-commissioning of a medical complex at the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, Fort Canje, East Berbice, Corentyne last Saturday. “To the patients who are here, there will be a new programme which we will be rolling out in terms of how we deal with them, whether we keep them in house or offsite and added to that, we will be taking over all of the health facilities that are presently under the control of GuySuCo in this region and other regions, placing some of their services that you offer here at those facilities, so it’s closer to the neighbourhoods. It is within the community’s reach and people won’t have to pay much transportation cost to get here and most importantly we can treat patients from an outpatient,” she said. The new and improved building houses a doctor’s office, nurse’s station, pharmacy and waiting area, all done in collaboration with PAHO/WHO. Minister Lawrence also said that greater focus will be placed on the facility and mental health next year. “We know that the methodology used to attend to psychiatric illnesses has changed over the years. We have had some interaction with other countries through the assistance of PAHO/WHO… It cannot be what it can be if we don’t have your input from the central/regional level. We want to ensure that we can be able to have this place fixed in such a way that you are comfortable to work here and it puts you in a new frame of mind to be able to render service to others.” The minister said the commissioning of the complex comes on the heels of a promise made to improve services, working conditions and security at the institution. In addition to the services offered at the facility, some new ventures such as poultry-rearing and greenhouse initiatives, among others, will be introduced soon. The National Psychiatric Hospital Complex which only recently looked like a ghost town is undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade. The dilapidated wooden structures will be demolished and replaced by a modern patient and staff-friendly facili-

Health Minister Volda Lawrence participated in a tree-planting exercise in the compound of the National Psychiatric Hospital

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017 3

$1B Foodmaxx opens

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

–– creates opportunities jobs - creates opportunities forfor overover 1000 1000 jobs

By Navendra Seoraj THE Giftland Group has once again taken a significant stride in the local retail and wholesale industry by opening the doors to its $1 billion state-of-the-art Foodmaxx Supermarket on Sunday. Foodmaxx is an addition to the Giftland Group existing array of integrated stores at the US$24 million Giftland Mall, Liliendaal. The facility is located on the bottom floor of the mall

Prior to the tour, the prime minister said despite the prophecy of “doom and gloom” for the economy, there are local businessmen who have big dreams. In recognition of the large investment, Nagamootoo lauded Beepat for being one of those businessmen willing to bank their confidence in the local economy. The mall is new, innovative and placed Guyana on a different level of innovative businesses, the prime minister said, noting that the

was rice, which has been on the rise since Guyana acquired new markets in Cuba, Peru, Panama and Mexico. However, in local indigenous communities which have been producing sundried tomatoes, as well as many farmers who produce a wide range of crops, they at times struggle to find markets for their produce. Ironically, the prime minister pointed out that a recent visit to a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) camp revealed that the soldiers were using

GREAT OPPORTUNITY “We have been encouraging thousands of small farmers to produce more, but they need markets although they are willing… they need support,” said Gaskin, adding that Foodmaxx provides such an opportunity for farmers to have access to big markets. Local products will be displayed, marketed and advertised to the many persons who shop at the supermarket. “I do not believe we need to ban imported foods… we just need to encourage our

it,” he said, pointing out that the investment is long-term and would send positive signals to other investors willing to invest here. The business minister went on to say that there was need for someone to take the lead and show there is still confidence in the economy, despite predictions of doom and gloom. Through this investment, he said the government hopes that local investors will understand that the economy is in no danger of collapsing.

FRESH FOOD SPECIALIST He said another dream of his was to launch Foodmaxx which was already labelled as the “fresh food specialist”. The proprietor explained that although only 20 per cent of the supermarket is currently occupied, it will expand over the next 90 days. Their intent is to stock local fishes, quality cuts of meat that are processed right at the supermarket, fruits, vegetables, Italian breads and other items.

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo (left) and Monica Beepat (right) cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare Foodmaxx open

A customer service representative welcomes Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo to the newly opened Foodmaxx Supermarket

Owner of Foodmaxx, Roy Beepat (right) in conversation with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during a tour of the facility on Sunday

A section of the gathering at the opening of the supermarket

and will be officially opened to the public today. It reportedly has 100 employees, but with the need for farmers, fisheries and breeders, openings for over a 1000 jobs have been created. While members of the public will be able to browse the aisles of the expansive facility today, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, members of the private sector and other distinguished persons were given a tour of the supermarket on Sunday.

supermarket is a significant addition. “Some local businesses are busy importing foreign products rather than encouraging local producers… nothing is wrong with packaging and branding local products… one day we can even have canned fish here,” said Nagamootoo, as he went on to highlight the potential that local products have for both the local and international markets. A produce that was highlighted as a top performer

imported products. A decision, he said, had to be made to ensure they consume local products. “Local is good and edible! It is a sense of who we are and that is Guyanese to the core,” the prime minister said. Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin expressed similar sentiments, and noted that Foodmaxx will be a way to encourage consumers to consume a great percentage of local produce and products.

people to consume what we produce…we can eat a lot more of what is produced locally,” the minister said. In view of that, he acknowledged Beepat’s investment, adding that the supermarket was launched at a time when there has been a noticeable slowdown in the economy. “Over the past week in the National Assembly during the 2018 budget debates, the political opposition cried about no investments; I wish they were here to see

The budding oil and gas sector was also used as a signal of hope for the country, and Gaskin urged local businesses to cash in on the sector. Beepat, who took advantage of existing opportunities, encouraged persons to apply themselves and follow their dreams. According to him, one of his dreams came through when he opened the Giftland Mall which is now 99.5 per cent full with stores.

“The Caribbean has a US$13.2B food import bill and we have full access to the market…we can lead the way and supply a major part of the bill because we have enough resources to make the country very strong,” the businessman said. His intent is to work with farmers to make this a reality, but he noted that the disparity between the prices for local and imported products needs to be addressed.

GUYANAChronicle CHRONICLE Monday, 2017ending December 15, 2017 Guyana New YorkDecember Edition 11, week

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Vessel named after after fallen fallen prison prison officer officer commissioned commissioned Vessel named

A $127M marine vessel to transport prisoners, staff and 10 cargo between Parika and the Mazaruni Prison was officially commissioned on Saturday at the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Wharf, Lombard Street, Georgetown.

distinction until his death. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said the aim of the Government is to improve security, efficiency and proficiency of the services and new assets are more than helpful in this regard. “ [The] Georgetown Prison, like so many of the other prisons, are more than a 100 years old; that prison was flattened. The other assets accompanying these institutions are very old and for the transportation of ranks and prisoners, safe transportation is needed,” Ramjattan said. He said Cabinet has agreed that only brand new vehicles should be bought WHETHER you like it or fatalities. ‘It’s Christmas’ they would forget and they than reconditioned not, during the next few and for many this simply rather will understand the signifthat proper weeks you will be swept means anything is permissi- ones icance do of not thegive things that along as if a tidal wave has ble. Unfortunately, children service. happened. Therefore, adults Expressing satisfaction at hit you as we, Guyanese, are usually in the mix- up, need to pay special attention of work andsay thein get ready for Christmas witnessing adults either be- thetoquality what they do and at which thechildren vessel was and year-end celebrations. having badly or taking un- rate front of their and During this season ‘big necessary risks. do not let the festivities completed, Minister Ramjatpeople’ in particular like to Grown-ups like to think tanofsaid theheseason makeat their is pleased the sport and this includes the that children do not fully finished ‘tongue loose’ orthat their beproduct and local Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan formally excessive useMinister of alcohol ( understand the things that persons haviour ‘worthless’. Think benefitted from jobs. hands over the key of the vessel to acting Prison and other illegal substances) adults do and say, but chil- positively, and In keepingstay withpositive the modDirector, Gladwin Samuels followed by situations that dren are silent witnesses ernisation set goodofexamples for chilthe prison sersometimes get out of hand. who are forever taking in dren -- not just during this vice, Ramjattan said GovOne of the worst scenar- information. Depending season, but all year through. The vessel, the M.V ommended the vessel be ernment intends to do of what ios is when a person is en- on their ages, maybe their During this time year Troy–W is named afterone Troy after Williams, said is needed to safeguard the couraged to take morenamed ability to deduce a situation there are many gatherings Williams, officertheyall or prison officersmay should of society. drink the ‘forprison the road’ and parties where food occurrence not be interest whousually was killed the spirit Wil-but and “We want say, during but thatthe drinkserve drink willtobealso freeexand as in refined as anthat adult; 2002could jailbreak. out as that the Mazaruni Prisonmust to impair the cognitiveliams youdid, canpointing be sure that they pand plentiful , but parents His sister, prison they officer served with include another 500 prisonskills of aBriana driver,Wilresult-the grow always remember to put will remember liams, who was only four years old when he was killed and his mother Alexis Williams cut the ribbon to officially launch the vessel before it was given a test run in the Demerara River. Acting Prison Director, Gladwin Samuels, who rec-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Time to get real ing in an accident or even

the things that adults wish

their children first. Children

The new passenger-cargo vessel “M.L Troy” for the Guyana Prison Service is docked at the GNIC shipyard on Lombard Street, Georgetown (Photos by Rabindra Rooplall) should leftallocation alone at ers… andnot thebe 2018 take care themishome $1.5tobillion that of will see selves their the start while of works nextparents year,” orsaid. caregiver is out having he a fun time. Children must National Indusbe Guyana adequately provided for trial Chief and Company supervised(GNIC) at all times; Executive Officer it is a parental duty to(CEO), ensure Clinton Williams said the that children are nourished, company confidentIt of safe and is protected. is its so products and the quality of easy for adults to get caught up in the excitement and maintenance offered. merriment the season that “In fact,ofover the years, they neglect their children through collaboration with to Board the extent where,Trainwhat the of Industrial should be we a fun time for all, ing (BIC), have trained in just becomes a miserable excess of 1,000 youths within season for children. our facilities in wielding Making the season a fun and timefabrication, for childrenelectrical needn’t installation and plumbing,” mean spending money you do not have or aiming to put

your hat higher than your he explained. handHecan reach. You“In could continued: our take this to teach view, weopportunity make a contribuchildren about values that are tion to the country’s poverty not purely based on matealleviation we rialism. Theprogramme… wonderful fact are continuously engaging that families can share time a number vendors and together andof enjoy each othservice providers oil er’s company over in thethe holiand and gas sector withisaalready view to day new year expand ourtoservices.” something be celebrated: you The have vessel all made it through has accomanother year. we are modation for While 80 passengers all aware is as meant above the that mainthis deck well to season for of giving, as be fora 60 tonnes cargolife beitself andmain good deck healthahead are theof low the most beautiful of the engine room.presents It contains all so any ‘present’ received three watertight bulkheads after that is indeed a bonus. which divide the hull into Teach children humilifour compartments. ty and thankfulness for the things they have, things

sought come Theafter, boatwill which is in dedue time.with Caring, sharing, signed a free running loving nurturing are12 speed and of not less than aspects of togetherness knots, is fitted with two Perthat should lie at the heart Dieselthis Engines developofkins families season and ing about 500HP. throughout successive TwoSo, warders had underyears: parents emgone training to operate brace your family withthe vessel in the correct manner. love and devotion: show attendance themAlso how in much you reallyat care. the commissioning were If you are concerned Public Infrastructure Minabout welfarePatterson; of a child ister,theDavid ring the CPA hotline on Commander of ‘A’ Divi227 0979 or writeChapman; to childsion, Marlon caregy@gmail.com and other senior officers A MESSAGE FROM from the Guyana Police THE CHILDCARE AND Force and the AGENCY, Prison SerPROTECTION vice. MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

gain employment 376 youths More a matter of inexperience than corruption throughpolice police career -–– through careerfair fair

Dear Editor,

mission to a meeting at which he would have informed them of the impending possibility of the matter of the Venezuela MY initial thinking is that the coalition government’s claim going theaICJ and By Rabindra Rooplall etor, Morris Wilson, whotowas part ofthe theneed for Guyana to have readily handling, if not bungling of the signing bonus with Exx-saidavailable, an aunencumbered planning, the eventinwas success be- manner, financial resources on Mobil from are inexperience not incompetence, to meet its bills. His Excellency could then have informed SOMEresults 376 youths assured of if employcause of the efforts of Senior Superintendent rather than a desireinstitutions to be corrupt. them, having laid out a convincing case of the need for these ment at various while another Mansell. Time may perhaps tell.education However,as noaone can be blamed, to be job usedinitiatives to protect and maintain our territorial 32 will start a tertiary result “We needresources more of these otherofthan the government itself for and our natural resources, of the negotiation of, a career day fair hosted by the thewidespread Guyana perception and based on integrity future collaboration more will that Police corruption was themonth intent.in ‘C’ Division. and intent he to use Force last be done for the youths,” said.a signing bonus from Exxon Mobil for the ThatCommander, having been Senior said, I Superintendent am of the view,Steas has been evi- Foulis purpose of meeting our expenses. He could also have advised Buxton Neighbourhood Democratdenced byMansell several said letters which I have previously themChairman, that because the complex international architecture phen theand fairarticles was a partnership ic Council (NDC) LeonofAbrahams written, no stoneadministration should be left and unturned in ensuring that of the including Exxon’s own problems with withthat the regional included said that activities thatarrangement, promote the well-being Venezuela’s to sector our geographic space, including ourand Venezuela, that the arrangement public andclaim private stakeholders. of youths opens up opportunities for em- had to remain secret for the maritime is finally and permanently settled inare time and that he counted on their support on this issue. Heboundaries, told the Guyana Chronicle that the ployment most being welcomed. Guyana’s favour.of I120 therefore have accepted absolutely President applications youths were for no difficulty “The driving Then force the behind crimecould is thehave gone on to explain to this withemployment the government’s negotiate and uselack a signing select group the funds would be initially deposited in an at thedecision GiftlandtoMall Foodmax of employment and that poverty, the fact bonus from Exxon 37 Mobil for the purpose payment legal interest-bearing account through the Central Bank (Bank of Supermarket; at Qualfon GuyanaofInc.; thatofCommander Mansell could have come fees 200 and at funding of heightened diplomatic inwith prepaGuyana)isand not deposited into the Consolidated Fund and the Guyana Defence Force; 10 atactivity the up this initiative commendable since ration for mounting our arguments the International arguments in support of this. Further, he could Guyana Prison Service; and nine before at the Mon young peoplepresented need the the support in society,” Court of Justice (ICJ). have invited the select group to meet with him every quarter Repos Neighbourhood Democratic Council. he said. I amTwenty also wellpersons aware that are entrance certain arrangements, for more an update on how theyoung funds were being spent, a report that alsothere sat the Adding that agencies and especially those with a complex international architecture haveonboard, been delivered to the group by the Governor of examination to gain entry into the Guyana people that shouldwould be brought the chairfor aPolice host of reasons require a certainthe amount Bank ofthat Guyana. Force and they are awaiting results.of secrecy, man saidathe the is hopeful next year the least forTwenty-seven a period of time until disclosure Now, to Christopher Ram, some laws may have youths willpublic be enrolled at the would event have can be larger andaccording greater since many limited negativeTechnical impact. Institution I want totobelieve that this signing will beenbenefit. broken with this approach and the constitution even Mahaicony commence communities bonus arrangement is 2018 one such But five hereare is where“Many I haveyoung violated. If not theknow approach I have suggested had been used, classes in January whilecase. another people do of opportua problem with approach the coalition and have created no problem with breaking laws and violating slated to be the enrolled at theofGuyana Schoolgovernment of nities out there then and theI event the occasion where its inexperience is exposed. constitution defence of our territorial integrity and the Agriculture. where this wasthe presented to theminand the offers If corruption notasthe intent --and andaI crime repeat that don’t it’spreservation of theeven vastpersons natural resources therein. “We see is this a success wereI taken, a huge plus because thinkprevention it is -- I am of the as view thatempowerment the President should have In fact, it would have been nice, if not comedic, to see strategy, youth from Georgetown benefitted. Despite what we say, invited leader of the opposition, the Speaker Nationsome want ministers of and government andthe development, partnership, building publicof the many young persons to work if given charged with breaking laws al Assembly, the Auditorrelations,” General,Mansell the Chair of the this amongsaid. the defence witnesses are Jagdeo, trust and community said. theGuyana opportunity,for they willpurpose take it,” and Abrahams CouncilHe of Churches andsupport the Chair theregional Private SectorThe ComEddie priest, or imam et al. praised the of of the career fair Boyer, which some was held at pandit the administration, the Joint Services, the proprietor of Buxton Gas Station and other private enterprises for supporting the career day fair. Buxton/Friendship Fuel Station Propri-

Buxton Community Centre Ground saw some 2300 in attendance of which about 1800 were youths from Buxton and its environs.

I would like to see which court would punish anyone for the legitimate pursuit of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Just my take. Regards, WESLEY KIRTON

Hindus iron out differences over religious dates Dear Editor, I AM pleased to inform that the issue of Hindus celebrating religious holidays on different dates has now been resolved. According to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Calendar for 2018, it will be celebrating Holi, Diwali, Janma Ashtami and other religious occasions on the same dates as other Hindu organisations in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and North America. Come 2018, all Hindus will be celebrating on the same dates. Yours truly, Pt. R. Balbadar President, Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region Three

From left: Commander Stephen Mansell; Proprietor of Buxton/Friendship Fuel Station, Morris Wilson; and Chairman of the Buxton Foulis NDC, Deon Abrams discussing the results of the career fair and future events (Photo by Rabindra Rooplall)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

Exxon says fully prepared to handle any oil spill 16

US OIL firm, ExxonMobil says it is fully prepared to handle any oil spill here even as Guyana gears up to go into oil production in 2020. The American oil giant ExxonMobil says its systems are always at ready to respond to an oil spill, should one occur and while government is also working to improve its own capability to address such occurrences. Speaking at a public lecture at the Queen’s College auditorium on Sunday afternoon Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman told those gathered that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is the lead agency as regards environmental issues and it receives support from the ministry as well as the GGMC and Maritime Administration Department and the Environmental Protection agency (EPA). He said the CDC has benefited from training regarding oil spills and he noted that there is a draft plan which is constantly being revised. He said it is universally accepted that there be a standard response. “So it is not as if we are coming up with our own plan but what we are coming up with of course is what unique features we would have to build in or overlay to the standard plan,“ Trotman said. As regard funding for response activities, the Minister noted that there is a percentage of revenue from the oil earnings which will be channeled into the Environmental Trust Fund which has been established by law to address potential risks or accidents. Speaking on the present situation where monitoring is concerned, he said that GGMC officers are on board the oil vessels engaged in oil exploration on a 24 hours basis. “This will likely to be ramped up as we go into further explorations and production,” Trotman said. He said

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

other agencies including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are likely to play a similar role. In addition, Trotman noted that government is working with the Caribbean Disaster Environmental Management Agency (CDEMA) and has established a draft Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) with the government of Trinidad and Tobago on the issue of response. He said in the first year of oil production, the government may not have the income to respond as it would wish, however from year one the country will earn some US$380M and this would strengthen Guyana’s capacity to respond as time progresses. Speaking on Exxon’s preparedness in the event there is an oil spill, Thomas Tomblin, Oil Response Advisor of the oil company noted that there is no other place that is anymore prepared than Exxon Mobil in Guyana. ”We are prepared,” he said. He said there are a host of experts including biomedical scientists, toxicologists and other highly trained staff in the company’s employ and they are ready to respond if a spill ever occurs and offer advice to the population to prevent persons from being harmed. Tomblin noted that the company has employed experts to evaluate its oil response plans adding that it has also contracted agencies to evaluate such plans. “So we use third parties all the time, to test and evaluate the validity of all our firms,” he told those gathered. Exxon’s Country Manager, Rod Henson told the gathering that the company has undertaken “extensive mapping“ of Guyana’s coastline to identify sensitive areas should an oil spill occurs. These include residential areas, birding and nesting grounds as well as the beaches. In terms of meeting its obligations in the event of a spill, he said “we have the financial strength to deal with any event, even a tier three event.”

Jason Abdulla takes the rap --for dousing Freddie Kissoon with faeces PEOPLE'S Progressive Party (PPP)’s Jason Abdulla will be spending Chritmas behind bars, after being convicted and sentenced to six months in jail for throwing faeces on newspaper columnist, Freddie Kissoon. His two cohorts, on the other hand, former government information liaison officer, Kwame McCoy and confessed death squad member , Sean Hinds were allowed to go free. The decision was handed down by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday at the conclusion of the trial into the matter at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Magistrate Latchman ruled that based on a caution statement given to police by Abdulla, there was enough evidence

for a conviction. She said that though Abdulla had implicated both McCoy and Hinds in committing the act, there was insufficient evidence to prove it, as the two never made any statement nor confessed. The Magistrate further revealed that Abdulla,in his caution statement, gave a detailed account about his involvement in the assault on Kissoon. In his statement, Abdulla gave such details as his getting into a car with Hinds, his witnessing the assault, and afterwards calling McCoy to report that the job was done. It also detailed that Hinds should be paid the $100,000 that was on offer to do the job. Jason Abdulla leaving the court yesterday on his way to serve his six-month sentence

Magistrate Latchman said she made her decision after considering the need to discourage the committing of such a crime, and the fact that the incident will forever be in the memory of the victim. After the ruling was handed down by the Magistrate, Hinds and McCoy exited the courtroom immediately, while Abdulla stood transfixed, a blank stare on his face. Reports are that on May 24, 2010 at around 19:00hrs, Kissoon had just emerged from Nigel’s Supermarket on Robb Street and had already entered his vehicle when a man walked up to him and threw the faeces in his face. Kissoon managed to drive behind the perpetrator, who ran north along Light Street then west into North Road before jumping into a waiting white AT 192 Toyota Carina motorcar and escaped. A soiled Kissoon tried to intercept the car, but was forced to back off to avoid a collision. Police sources later revealed that McCoy had been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the attack on Kissoon, and that Abdulla and Hinds confessed to the crime while in custody. Hinds had provided security services to a number of PPP personalities, while Abdulla, who also worked at the then Office of the President, was, up until his sentencing yesterday, a functionary at the PPP’s Freedom Radio, housed at the party’s headquarters on Robb Street, (continued on page 17) Georgetown.

Musical sensation, Keron Richards Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

with the other members of the band every Thursdays at their Band Room in Laluni Street, Queenstown. He is a fan of reggae, lover’s rock, oldies and of course soca but would sing any other songs; a hobby which he describes as being "fun". Richards was also in the Brazilian Band FaMix which used to have live-stage shows in the interior but that band has

Keron Richards, the singing sensation.

By Michel Outridge WHEN it comes to music, the sky is the limit for 35-yearold Keron Richards who feels that music is in his blood. Richards has a long musical resume as a selector, a drummer, a steel pan player and also one of the lead singers in the Yoruba Singers Band which hosts a live-stage show every Friday night at the Guyana National Service (GNS) building on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. The father of one told The Pepperpot that his musical journey started ever since he was a boy when he used to ‘play drums’ by beating the table in his house. He admitted that his passion has always been embedded in playing the drums, though he had no formal training. He started out working in the El Sadiek Band as a maintenance person after which he joined the EC Connection Band as the lead singer and moved on with the City Jammers Band. He later joined the Yoruba Singers Band in 2000 and remains a member of the band to date. He diligently practices

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For this inspiring individual, he believes that practice makes perfect and because of this, he is always seeking to sharpen his skills. Moreover, having developed his love for music since he was very young and does not see himself doing anything else. “Working with people isn’t my thing because from past experiences I did not get paid on time and sometimes I had to wait long for my money and I told himself I do not want to live that way and went about doing my own thing,” Richards said. Although music takes up much of his time, he wouldn't have it any other way since it gives him that ‘adrenaline’ rush; a spark that will continue to light up his life and is something he can only get better at. Whenever Richards takes the stage, one simply has to stop and stare to see who is singing because he has a very good voice and with that, he captures the attention of people at any gathering.

Keron Singh – On stage with the Yoruba Singers.

since returned to their home country. “You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it,” Richards said, and this belief proves accurate just by Richards' varying musical talents alone. Yet, his true love is still African drumming. Despite his lack of formal training, the musician can play the drums very well and is usually hired for many functions including weddings, church services and other events. Apart from music, he works as an electrician, but his main job is music and, and that is the job that not only brings joy to his heart but puts music on the table. In fact, Richards would sing just about anywhere; at birthday parties, weddings, and ‘wake houses’ once the price is right he does it from 08:00hrs to midnight.

Keron drumming – At his best: Keron practising African drumming.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

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

H

omeowners should seriously consider home equity loans, and use the proceeds to purchase another house, or perhaps to start a business of their own. This simple procedure will enable you to own multiple real estate investment properties. Attention all homeowners! Getting one’s hands on an extra pile of cash has not been easy for homeowners in the past. Thanks to the deluge of home equity lending offers where traditional home equity loans can help make planned house strategies, so you can own multiple real estate properties and to some people, to start a new business. Homeowners should consider several things before jumping into this process. Generally home equity loans are typically a good deal for those who want to: a) Lower up-front interest rates. b) Have access to money at unpredictable times Generally home equity loans are better suited to those who require a specific amount of money and payment stability. With a home equity loan you can open it and you are only going to pay for the amount of money you use. On the other hand, in a refinance you are going to get a check and you will make payments for a fixed term on the entire amount until you pay it off. Since payments will be locked in at signing rather than fluctuate along with the outstanding balance. The rate is fixed and etched in stone for the life of the loan. For example, a lender evaluating your $100,000 loan with $40,000 still outstanding on the first mortgage will multiply its value by 90%. The companies will then take the $90,000 result, subtract the outstanding debt and allow the borrower access to as much as $50,000 in credit.

The beauty of the home equity loan is that you only have to endure the application process once since you can write checks as needed up to the credit limit, rather than obtain multiple fixed amount loans. The monthly payments are usually interest only depending on the lender. However additional amounts are accepted with these monthly payments, which could be applied to principal making these additional payments eligible as the equity, increases. Home equity loan borrowers will know in advance what their payments are, allowing for a more disciplined approach in repaying the lender. It should be noted that homeowners should ensure that they

really need the cash and should have a constructive plan in place to invest into either another property or to start a business. Oft times homeowners would utilize the equity funds uselessly with no return on investment plans or feasibility study, allowing lenders on occasions to seize their homes via the foreclosure process. Many smart homeowners who have an idea, with no cash and who own property can wisely purchase additional real estate. Putting your largest asset up as collateral can be the

Consider Home Equity Loan Instead of Refinance most cost-effective way for someone without a banking relationship or any established business to get enough cash for start up. It’s not ideal financing but it’s always better than credit card debt or a signature loan because the rate is lower and the deal is more flexible. In other words, if you are not investing with a solid plan or objective do not squander the use of equity funds. If you are married and the property is jointly owned, you will need your spouse’s signature but lenders often will require joint personal guarantees when a business is in the embryonic stage and has no track record. There are two kinds of home equity loans: closed-end loans and lines of credit. A closed-end loan is what most people think of when they hear the phrase “second mortgage”. The rates

can be very competitive, the repayment can be up to 25 years and closing costs are usually low. A line of credit is much more flexible, it allows the borrower to draw money from time to time up to a specified limit. Payments are made on a schedule based on the outstanding balance, not on the maximum credit line, and you can take up to six years to pay it off. If the homeowner does not use any of the money for a while nothing is owed. The rate is usually lower than a home equity loan. Normally the prime rate plus the addition to a number is determined by the lender.

BEWARE It is easiest and cheapest to get a home equity loan or to refinance your home when you are getting a steady paycheck working for someone else. If you are contemplating starting a new business, and still on the 9-5 job market, it is better for you to do your equity loan or refinance first. To tell your mortgage banker that you are going to use the money to start a business may not be a good idea because the banker may feel obligated to send you to the

commercial side of the business. Adopt a “no-ask, no-tell policy”. However, if you have already left your regular job persuading a lender to give you a home equity loan or refinance your situation can be a bit different. If you have a good credit history, you may quality for a “noratio” or a “no-doc” loan. A no-ratio loan requires that you have two years’ worth of work or self-employment history. A “no-doc” loan is particularly good for self-employed people who have a hard time proving their income. Normally the lender would charge extra percentage points to facilitate these types of loans which are rare. However, a ‘no-doc’ mortgage is an extinct mortgage product that does not require mortgage lenders to document the borrower’s income or assets. ‘No-doc’ mortgages are illegal today because they violate the requirement that lenders must verify the borrower’s ability to repay before approving a mortgage. The original idea behind ‘no-doc’ loans was to make home purchases easier for business owners, who often had plenty of cash flow to make a mortgage payment but couldn’t document their income in the traditional way because of all the tax write-offs available to them. In addition, some homebuyers’ financial situations were so complicated that these loans were created to make the process less burdensome for lenders and applicants. The loans, when made to borrowers with stable businesses, exemplary credit and large down payments, performed well. However, lenders increasingly pushed the envelope, and eventually sub-prime loans with very high rates and fees and no down payment requirement or income verification hit the market. We all know what eventually became of the sub-prime market. Beware. When all is said and done, consider a home equity loan instead of a refinance.

“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 December 8, 2017

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Caribbean Christmastime songs Williams summarizes it brilliantly in “Trini Christmas”: “A very interesting thing happens in Trinidad during the Christmas season. The traditionally English-speaking population “goes Spanish.” This doesn’t mean they all switch languages, of course not, but don’t be surprised if you’re visiting the island for the holidays and turn on a radio, only to feel as if you’ve been transported to Venezuela, Cuba or one of the country’s other Spanish-speaking neighbors. You see, while most of the English-speaking Western world celebrate the holidays to strains of traditional carols like “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “Jingle Bells,” here in Trinidad there is no Christmas without the sweet sounds of “Parang music.” Every Trini calypsonian sings parang these days, but here are a few that appeal to me. One of these is (from page 5)

some of Trinidad staples during the season, such as puncha crème, ham and bread, sorrel and ginger beer. “Anita” by Scrunter is another favorite of mine. This is Scrunter at his best: Anita, (aye aye aye) SCRUNTER Meh Senorita, (Oy yo yo) Oh Baby what you want for Christmas (aye aye aye) Tell me what you for new years, (Oy yo,yo) Ah say Anita.” There are also some calypsoniCRAZY WINSFORD DEVINE THE BARON ans who have very popular Parang Christmas songs and I would be retogether with a pastelle Trini Christmas (is de Bess)” by miss if I didn’t mention Edwin AyGinger beer, punch ah creme Susan Macio. Here are two stanzas: oung “Crazy’ and Timothy Watkins and sorrel I met a mister from Margarita “The Baron” who have made considA glass of local wine went to And he wanted to take me to erable contributions to this form of his head dinner music. Also a great composer who is He turned to me and said, I said dinner will be fine responsible for many of the calypsos Oh yes, Trini Christmas is But now is Christmas time and parang songs we enjoy, I am the best And my table is well prepared speaking of Winsford ‘Joker’ Devine. Is the best, is the best. So I'll take you to my home ‘So Long For now’. It is a beautiful song, which ininstead HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY. troduces the non-Trini listener to I give him bread and ham

Cuba Tells US Suspension of Visas Hurting Families HAVANA - Cuba has told senior U.S. officials during talks on migration in Havana that the U.S. decision to suspend visa processing at its embassy on the island was 'seriously hampering' family relations and other people exchanges. Relations between the former Cold War foes became strained after Donald Trump became the U.S. president, partly reversing the thaw seen during Barack Obama's presidency. In September, after allegations of incidents affecting the health of its diplomats in Havana, the U.S. administration reduced its embassy to a skeleton staff, resulting in the suspension of almost all visa processing. 'The Cuban delegation expressed deep concern over the negative impact that the unilateral, unfounded and politically motivated decisions adopted by the U.S. government ... have on migration relations between both countries,' the Cuban Foreign Ministry said Monday in a statement. The statement was issued after delegations led by Josefina Vidal, Cuba's Foreign Ministry chief for U.S. affairs, and John Creamer, U.S.

deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, met to discuss migration issues. Many Cubans said they were heartbroken because they could not visit or be with their loved ones.

While Cuba has a population of 11.2 million people, there are an estimated 2 million Cuban-Americans in the United States. The Trump administration also issued a warning on travel to Cuba

and in October expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from Washington. The Cuban Foreign Ministry said this had 'seriously affected the functioning of the diplomatic mis(continued on page 20)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

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Reimaging The Future Human Body (from page 7)

to improve human cognitive hearing to near superhuman levels that’s most exciting. These hearing aids have crossed the threshold from where prosthetics are something for somebody who is "disabled" and have now become something that anybody who is "normal" might want to actually have, because what this prosthetic does, is not only help you to hear better. It helps you focus your hearing, so you can hear a conversation going on relatively far from you — like 100 yards. Yes, today you, a normal person, can have super hearing. You can also have hearing in 360 degrees. And with this device you can also record audio, and most exciting, use this same device as a phone. So this functions as your super hearing aid and also as your phone. All of these things are literally thousands of loosely connected little pieces that are coming together, and so it's about time we ask the next question: HOW

DO WE WANT TO EVOLVE HUMAN BEINGS OVER THE NEXT CENTURY OR TWO? Maybe the ultimate prosthetic isn't having something external, like the metal, titanium arm or leg. Maybe the ultimate prosthetic is to take your own gene code, remake your own body parts, because that's a whole lot more effective than any kind of a prosthetic. In case you are not up to nano-science speed one of the things that scientific researchers have been doing is trying to figure out how to reprogram human cells. If you can reprogram a cell, then you can change the cells in human organs. So if you can change the cells in human organs, maybe you can make those organs more radiation and disease resistant. Maybe you make them absorb more oxygen. Maybe you make them more efficient to filter out free radical stuff that you don't want in your body. Understandably, a lot of people are very scared by this stuff. Humans, are scared and suspicious about things they

just don’t understand. Even my writing this seems incomprehensible, sacrilegious even, and your first instincts are to get angry and yell about how I’m tinkering with “the Creator’s work” and that Mike Roberts is “doing the Devil’s work.” Most of you reading this, do not want to countenance the thought that human beings may someday have the ability to extend and prolong life, way beyond the “three score and ten.” You can’t open your minds and embrace the awesome march of scientific discovery and innovations despite the fact that you can now use your smartphone to do most anything today. So why would we really want to alter the human body in a fundamental way? Life on earth is fragile and unpredictable. All of a sudden, you can have periodic extinctions. Despite what your preacher tells you, it has happened five times on earth, and therefore it is very likely that the human species is going to go extinct someday. Not next week, not

next month, but maybe 10,000 years from now. And it becomes a moral imperative because it's going to be really hard to live on Mars if we don't fundamentally modify the human body. Yes, human beings go from one cell, mom and dad coming together to make one cell, in a cascade to 10 trillion cells. But we don't know, if you change gravity substantially, if the same thing will happen to create your body. We do know that if we expose our bodies as they currently are to a lot of radiation, if we will die. So as you're thinking of that, you have to really redesign things just to get to Mars. Me? I am already reimaging the human body as a new entity (being) that is a unique merger between natural body muscle and machines driven by technology. Nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, automation and computerization — all that’s needed is to find ways and means to merge, integrate, fit and join these technologies to the human body just as they’re used, essential for and central to external day-to-day life.

Cuba Tells US Suspension of Visas Hurting Families

The U.S. decision to cancel the visits of official delegations to Cuba sion, particularly the consulate and was also having a 'counterproducthe services it offers to Cubans retive effect' on cooperation in fields siding in the United States.' (from page 19)

like migration, the ministry said. ILLEGAL MIGRATION DECREASES On the positive side, both the U.S. and Cuban delegations commented on the drop in illegal Cuban migration to the United States during the talks as a result of past moves toward normalizing relations. Obama, who announced the detente with Cuba nearly three years ago, eliminated a policy granting automatic residency to virtually all Cubans who arrived on U.S. turf in January, just before leaving office. Cuba had asked for the change for years, saying that policy encouraged dangerous journeys and people trafficking.

'Apprehensions of Cuban migrants at U.S. ports of entry decreased by 64 percent from fiscal year 2016 to 2017, and maritime interdictions of Cuban migrants decreased by 71 percent,' the U.S. State Department said in a statement. Trump said in June he was canceling Obama's 'terrible and misguided deal' with Havana, returning to Cold War rhetoric, and his administration has tightened trade and travel restrictions. He has however in practice left in place many of Obama's changes, including restored diplomatic relations and resumed direct U.S.-Cuba commercial flights and cruise-ship travel. VOA (Caribbeannews.net)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

New York Chronicle Horoscope

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CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 79 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you. Take a close look at any contracts you’ve signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely. Visit friends you don’t get to see that often. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Set a limit, or you’ll wind up on a tight budget. You may find yourself caught in a triangle. Opportunities for romance may develop through dealing with groups that have a purpose. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. Losses could occur if you haven’t been careful when dealing with joint financial ventures. Talking to those you trust and respect will help you sort out any problems. In return, the satisfaction you get is enough for you. Your lucky day next week will be Friday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Listen, but don’t make any rash decisions. You need to be around friends and family. Don’t fall into the trap. You should be looking at ways to spoil yourself. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday. LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) Look into career choices and courses being offered. You can make new friends and get involved in new hobbies successfully. Put your thoughts into action. Exercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner’s feelings. You’ll find it easy to upgrade your environment by redecorating or changing your residence. Satisfy your passionate mood. You need to do your own thing and work on making yourself the best you can be. Your lucky day nerxt week will be Tuesday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Look out for those wanting to push you into a disagreement. You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive. Do whatever your mate wants; it really doesn’t matter as long as you’re together. Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay. Your lucky day tnext week will be Saturday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) The key to feeling good about yourself will be to do something about it. You are in a high cycle where travel, education, and creative endeavors are concerned. You will need to finalize important deals this week. Educational courses will be stimulating and successful. Your lucky day next week will be Monday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You can make money if you are careful not to let it trickle through your fingers. Correspondence may not clear up issues. New hair, new outfit, new you. Spend some time with the one you love. Pleasure trips will be satisfying. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Business trips might prove unproductive. Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with, but try to do things by the book. Enlist the aid of family members and consider the feelings of your mate. Be honest in your communication and don’t lose your cool. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Exercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits. Make changes to your home that will be pleasing to everyone involved. Your greatest gains will come through your creative ideas. Be careful not to take on other people’s problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You can easily impress others with your generous nature. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Try to be understanding. You need a change of pace. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

ACROSS 1. Author Wister 5. Quaint 8. High trains 11. Son of Leah 12. Tennis teacher 13. Frankenstein’s helper 14. Chef Paula ____ 15. “___ Love You” (2 wds.) 16. Barnyard calls 17. Ring verdict letters 19. Snooze 21. Dinnerware 24. Reach for greedily (2 wds.) 28. Rustic hotel 29. “___ Smart” 31. ___ Janeiro (2 wds.) 32. Sunburn-healing plant 34. Speck 36. Bellow

W O R D F I N D

Y O G A

ABDOMEN ARROW ASHRAM BACK BALANCE BOAT BODY CHILD CROW DIVER EAGLE EFFORT ENERGY FOCUS FREEDOM KICK LEGS

5. Locked horns with 6. Hosp. employees 7. “Nothing ___ 8. Freudian word 9. Brit’s bathroom 10. Graduating students (abbr.) 13. Hamper 37. Gumption 18. Beer container 39. Blemish 20. Train schedule abbr. 41. Movie studio letters 21. Singer Ross 42. Reach 22. Small bay 44. Disarranges 23. Horse sneeze 46. Heredity inits. 25. Explosion sounds 47. From ___Z (2 wds.) 26. “Haste makes waste,” e.g. 48. Cornbread’s kin 27. Contract’s contents 51. TV knob (abbr.) 30. Actor Hanks 53. In ___ of (instead of) 33. Circumvents 57. Gershwin and Levin 35. Spicy Mexican treats 58. Prior, to poets 38. Herr’s article 59. Doesn’t feel well 40. On a pension (abbr.) 60. Subside 43. Orange variety 61. “Viva ___ Vegas” 45. ___eclipse 62. Wheel parts 48. Thanksgiving dessert 49. Sphere DOWN 50. Seize suddenly 1. ___ Testament 52. “ . . . a man ___ mouse?” 2. Itsy (2 wds.) 3. Abel’s mom 54. Clock numeral 4. Like the pitcher in the 55. Graceful tree batting order, often 56. Ship’s letters

MIND MUSCLE NERVE PUNCH REPOSE SMELL SOUL SPINE SPIRIT STAND TENNIS TOUCH TREE VISION WARM-UPS WHEEL WITNESS

ISSUE 79 WORDFIND ANSWER

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

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BP DIAZ TO ICE: GET OUT OF NEW YORK COURTS Ruben Diaz Jr. Bronx Borough President John DeSio Communications Director

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has written a letter to officials at the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding that the agency remove its officers from New York State’s courts. If that removal is not forthcoming, Borough President Diaz is asking Hon. Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the New York State Court System, to refuse to allow State court officers and other court personnel to cooperate with immigration offi-

cials in a courthouse absent a warrant from a Federal judge, and, further, to ban immigration officers from the State’s courthouses, extending New York State’s sanctuary state policy to the courts. “The presence of ICE agents in New York State courtrooms has had a chilling effect on justice in our state,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We have heard from advocacy organizations that individuals are not coming to court in our state for fear of being arrested by immigration agents and then deported. This is preventing the fair adjudication of cases within our system, and is an affront to the concept of impartial justice. Governor Cuomo has correctly declared New York to be a sanctuary state, and these protections must extend to our court system.” In the letter, the borough president notes that failing to come to court can have grave consequences in a wide variety of areas, and that fear of deportation should not be clouding the legal process. “[ICE’s] approach and its ideological roots would be problematic in any context. But when it is employed in a place that undermines our society’s pursuit of justice, the courthouse, it is no longer just a problem,” wrote Borough President Diaz. “It is an offense to decency.”

DEPUTY BOROUGH PRESIDENT GREENE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT D

eputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene announced today that she would be retiring at the end of the year, following more than four decades of dedicated public service to the people of The Bronx and the State of New York. “My life’s greatest reward was being able to serve the constituents of The Bronx,” said Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene. “My time working with Borough President Diaz has been a major highlight of my career, and I appreciate the opportunity to have served.” “For more than eight years, Aurelia Greene has been my partner in borough hall. She stood with me every step of the way as we brought new investment and new attention to our borough, helping to guide my office’s agenda through the benefit of her considerable experience as a legislator and community activist,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The people of The Bronx have always had a strong advocate in Aurelia Greene as both Deputy Borough President and as a member of the New York State Assembly. Her passion for service will be truly missed, and I wish her nothing but the best in her retirement.” A native Bronxite, Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene served as New York State

Assembly Member representing the 77th District from 1982 to 2009, which includes the communities of Highbridge, Claremont, East/West Concourse and Morris Heights. Prior to her election to the New York State Assembly, Ms. Greene served as the Female Democratic District Leader for the 76th Assembly District and was an active civic leader in the South Bronx. During her 27 year career in the New York State Assembly, Ms. Greene used her urban planning skills to negotiate for affordable housing and effective tenant groups, quality education, employment opportunities, affordable healthcare and housing, senior services, youth services, economic development and worked hard for a strengthened business community. She was a regular sponsor of educational and informational seminars to aid her constituents on issues of current concern. As the first woman to chair the Assembly’s Committee on Banks, she passed landmark legislation to fight predatory lending. During her legislative career, Ms. Greene introduced a number of important bills which later became state law to improve the quality of life for residents of New York State. After many years of rising through the ranks of the New York State Assembly, in January 2006, Ms. Greene was elevated to the position

of Speaker Pro Tempore. The first African-American to hold this prestigious position, Ms. Greene became responsible for officiating over the Assembly session proceedings in the absence of the speaker. At the close of her tenure in the New York State Assembly, Ms. Greene served as a member of the Rules, Ways & Means, Social Services and Cities Committees and was Ranking Member of the Education Committee. Ms. Greene also served as the Chair of the State Assembly’s Bronx Delegation and, prior to becoming Deputy Bronx Borough President, was the longest serving Member of the Assembly in Bronx County. As Deputy Bronx Borough President, Ms. Greene regularly chaired meetings of the Bronx Borough Board. Additionally, she assisted in the office’s management of both the budget and community board process, and was an invaluable source of guidance and advice to staff members in every department. Ms. Greene has taught at Antioch College, as well as lectured at numerous universities and colleges in the metropolitan area. She has also served as a major proposal writer and experienced social coun-

AURELIA GREENE Deputy Borough President selor for numerous organizations. Greene is a graduate of Livingston College at Rutgers University, where she majored in Community Development; and a former Public Agency Administrator. She was married to the late Reverend Jerome A. Greene, a prominent minister, administrator and educator in The Bronx. Ms. Greene is the proud mother of two children, Rhonda and Russell, and grandmother of five. An announcement regarding the selection of a new Deputy Bronx Borough President will be made in the coming weeks.

‘No reward for bad behaviour’

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017 GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

23 3

… PM backs Speaker’s decision to disallow questions on some agencies

By Svetlana Marshall SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland on Tuesday moved ahead with the consideration of the 2018 National budget by disallowing questions on the estimates of some agencies that were slated to be scrutinized on Monday but were held hostage when Opposition, Member of Parliament Juan Edghill was ruled out of order. The opposition protested this move and accused the government and Speaker of trying to muzzle them and dodge scrutiny, but in a quick reaction Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Leader of the House emphasised that there was a time that was agreed to for each ministry to be examined. He said if by their own act the PPP decided on Monday to frustrate the process “by gross disorderly conduct then you have to suffer the consequences.” “Their bad behaviour cannot be awarded with additional time. The Speaker quite correctly put the matters that were left over from Monday for approval and that was done…This is not an opposition that you are likely to convince by reason or by principle it is a runaway train and will remain so once Bharrat Jagdeo is in driver’s seat,” the Prime Minister declared. Among the agencies whose budgets were approved without questioning were: Ministries of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Ministry of the Presidency, which included the Prime Minister’s Office. The total budget for those agencies amounted to around $23.3B. The Speaker’s decision was met with objec-

tion by the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party (PPP), who took a decision to walk out of the Chambers but not before hurling insults not only at the Government Members of Parliament but the Speaker as well. EDGHILL FIASCO At the convening of the National Assembly

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland on Tuesday, the Speaker reminded the House that the Capital Expenditure for the Ministry of Presidency was not considered on Monday because of the Juan Edghill fiasco which resulted in the work of the Committee of Supply being suspended. The consideration of the estimates for the Guyana Defence Force, the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources was also affected as a result of the crisis that faced the National Assembly on Monday in which police were called in to remove Edghill. Dr. Scotland informed the Parliamentarians that as a result of the situation, questions will not be

permitted for the agencies that were scheduled for Monday December 11, 2017. But this was met with shouts of no from the Opposition benches. “The Speaker is complicit,” the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo said. “This is rape of democracy” another opposition member shouted even as the Speaker attempted to maintain order at the level of Committee of Supply, to which he chairs. Despite major objection on side of the Opposition, the Speaker held fast to his decision. “Honourable Members I am not entertaining questions until we get to Tuesday, on Tuesday’s agencies, members are free to ask questions… I propose to treat with all the agencies that were untreated yesterday (Monday), without debate,” he told the Parliamentarians. After being repeatedly told that they are not permitted to ask questions on the agencies that were scheduled for consideration on Monday, the Opposition MPs took a decision to walk out of the Chambers for yet another time. Subsequently, the Capital Expenditure for the Ministry of the President Ministry was approved to the tune of $1.8 billion. Additionally, estimates for the Prime Minister – $839 million; Ministry of Agriculture – $16.8 billion; Ministry of Business – $2.1 billion and the Ministry of Natural Resources – $1.8 billion were also approved without any explanation. Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira upon exiting the Chamber told reporters that the Speaker’s decision is a threat to Parliamentary Democracy. “We are taking the blows one after another and it is showing that the government doesn’t

want transparency, doesn’t want accountability, and in fact what is going on in this Parliament is a threat to Parliamentary Democracy,” she alleged. The opposition members returned in the Chamber when the Committee of Supply had completed the agencies listed under Monday’s schedule and was about to commence the consideration of agencies for Tuesday. WITHOUT BASIS Meanwhile, Nagamootoo argued that the opposition’s protest is entirely without basis. He said the Standing orders provided for a maximum of seven days for the consideration of the estimates with the Committee of Supply meeting from 2pm to 10pm for seven days. He said they have decided to meet from 10am to 10pm which accounts for 12 hours per day for five

days totaling 60 hours. The Prime Minister added that by a motion moved by him and approved by Assembly the time was regulated to 10 am to 10pm. “We are meeting four hours more… The opposition has more time to scrutinize the estimates. But in keeping with their policy of non-cooperation, there was a stalemate to settle on the time schedule and they chose instead to come to parliament floor to use this issue for political propaganda,” the Prime Minister told the Guyana Chronicle. Responding to accusation of the government muzzling the opposition, Mr Nagamootoo said the PPP had raised this issue before. However he said the records would show in the 10th Parliament under Donald Ramotar the National Assembly met for 88 sittings. He said the APNU+AFC Government is just midway in the 11th

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Parliament and has met 80 times. “This is hardly likely to be a Parliament where they are muzzled because by the time we go into recess for Christmas we will be just four sittings behind the 10th Parliament.”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo leading the way as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) MPs make their way out of the Chamber

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

MODERN DAY SLAVERY IN AMERICA How America’s prison factory works— by Albert Baldeo Baldeo The Invictus Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

In my formative years, I was taught at the prestigious Queens College in Guyana that we must change the world for the better, and lift humanity up. I can still remember my form master, now Ambassador to Belgium, Dr. David Hales, exhorting us, “You have been selected from the entire country and, indeed the Caribbean, to attend this prestigious school to become leaders of men, ambassadors of human kind,

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. and trail blazers to make the world a better place. Take your roles seriously.” Quoting Luke 12:48 and JFK, another beloved teacher, C.A. Yansen, (Yango) told us, “To whom much is given, from him much is expected.” I have endured various experiences, some great, and some not so great, to carry out that mandate. The most eye-opening was not as a prosecutor ridding society of violent —WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

criminals, a Magistrate dispensing justice, a Justice of the Peace, a three-time Congressional, State Senate, Assembly or City Council honoree, Ambassador for Peace, a District Leader, Judicial Delegate, County Committeeman, Head Prefect, Lion or Rotarian, in which capacities I served, but as an incarcerated citizen. It is from that perspective that I unashamedly advocate for the many who have suffered injustice, bigotry and downright evil. “God has sent you here to expose the injustice and evil we have been burdened with,” they tasked me. Evil, indeed, because our Above is the cover of a book written by Lennox nation’s criminal justice system Smith-Stewart a lawyer, who analyses and is a disgrace. The United States explains ‘The War On Drugs’ campaign. makes up about 5% of the table human sausage factory. world’s population, but has 25% of Many of you related how the the world’s prisoners. People of government wasted millions of dolcolor, particularly African Amerilars intimidating my campaign concans and Latinos, are unfairly tartributors, making an administrative geted by the police and face harsher matter into a huge, bogus federal prison sentences than their white crime, and threatened these immicounterparts. grant contributors to testify falsely. Indeed, people of color are dis- Where are they regarding these real proportionately affected, targeted criminal enterprises that steal, waste and destroyed by the criminal justice and pillage tax payer funds? My system, to the extent that they are consultants predicted correctly. I significantly overrepresented in the was either going to be assassinated U.S. prison population, making up or incarcerated. My story is not more than 60 percent of the people unique, but all too common for mibehind bars — despite being only 13 norities. percent of the overall U.S. populaI became part of the stock in tion. A whopping 40 percent of those this revolving door of evil, where who are incarcerated are Black. Latione in three Black men will go to nos represent 16 percent of the overprison at some point during their all population but 19 percent of lifetimes; one in six Latino males those who are incarcerated. On the will have the same fate. By contrast, other hand, Whites make up 64 peronly 1 out of every 17 White males cent of the overall population but acis expected to go to prison. A similar count for only 39 percent of those pattern exists among women: 1 in who are incarcerated. 111 White women, 1 in 18 Black It is a burgeoning industry for women, and 1 in 45 Latina women the real criminals. These vested in- will go to prison at some point. terests pillage $80 million while inFurthermore, African Ameristitutionalizing mass incarceration of minorities. The consequences for cans are 2.5 times more likely to be the people who become their targets arrested than Whites. These horrible and stock in trade suffer destruction statistics are driven by the so-called of lives, families and reputations, War on Drugs, which has disproporleading to barriers to employment tionately affected people of color. and housing, social stigma, and Despite using and selling drugs at many other evils. It is a perverted rates similar to those of their White form of modern day slavery, a veri(continued on page 25)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

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Make lands affordable for domestic use …Harmon tells GL&SC

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon has urged the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) to be thoughtful of Guyanese seeking lands for domestic use, recommending that the rent, for such, be at an affordable cost. He made the call, last Friday, whilst addressing GL&SC staffers at its Visioning Retreat held at the Impeccable Banquet Hall on Brickdam. Minister Harmon, while urging the Commission to continue finding creative ways to improve its revenue base, said it should do so without having to increase land rent for domestic use. “I ask that you find creative ways especially

as it relates to domestic use. I believe that we should always try to find ways that our people have access to land, that is cheap and that is reasonable.” Minister Harmon stressed that he was not putting a “caveat” on the commission in relation to commercial lands, “but certainly lands for domestic use I ask that you pay careful attention to that so that the small man is not burdened, by high renting fees.” Meanwhile, the Minister drew attention to the growing incidences of marijuana cultivation across the country. According to him, it is found that much of the cultivation is being done on

state lands. He said in instances where the illegal act is done on private lands, the law requires that those leases should be cancelled. “Where these large cultivations of marijuana are found by the police, the lands on which they are cultivated, I’m asking that you repossess them and reissue to persons who want to do legitimate agricultural activity”, Minister Harmon posited. He also stressed on the issue of the illegal occupation of state reserves, which often causes delays with government projects, including plans for infrastructural expansion and development. He said the Commission must therefore, be firm in its resolve to cor-

rect these anomalies and ensure that there is an end to the illegal occupation of state and local authorities’ reserves. Land rights he said also remain a burning issue and an obstacle to achieving the ‘good life’ for many citizens. He reminded, “At the individual level, the flawed policies of the previous administration has left much confusion with regard to house lot allocation, with more than one person having title to the same land and several persons having several house lots and state land leases, while many others have been waiting for years for an allocation.” (DPI)

MODERN DAY SLAVERY IN AMERICA

ing in New York state, when I (from page 24) counterparts, African Americans and launched my first campaign in 2005. Students of color continue to Latinos comprise 62 percent of those in state prisons for drug offenses and face harsher punishments at school 72 percent of those sentenced for than their White non-Hispanic counfederal drug trafficking offenses, terparts. A 2010 study found that which generally carry extreme more than 70 percent of students who are “involved in school-related mandatory minimum sentences. arrests or referred to law enforceMoreover, people of color, particularly Black males, face longer ment” are Black or Latino. Indeed, sentences than their White non-Hispanic counterparts for similar crimes. According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, between 2007 and 2011, sentences for Black males were 19.5 percent longer than those for Whites. Indeed, Black men were 25 percent less likely to receive sentences below the sentencing guidelines for the crime of which they were convicted.

percent of White students.

People of color are targeted unfairly in the juvenile justice system. According to a 2014 report on racial discrimination in America, juveniles of color represented 67 percent of “juveniles committed to public facilities nationwide,” nearly twice their share of the juvenile population. Despite comprising only 15 percent of

WITH DRUG USAGE RATES MOSTLY EQUAL AMONG ALL RACES. WHY ARE THERE 3 BLACKS FOR EVERY 2 HISPANICS AND EVERY 1 WHITE INCARCERATED FOR NON-VIOLENT DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES?

During traffic stops, people of color are more likely to be searched than their White counterparts. National survey data show that Blacks and Latinos are three times more likely to be searched than Whites. Blacks are searched in six percent of Black students are three times more traffic stops and Hispanics are likely to be suspended or expelled searched in seven percent of stops, than White students. During the whereas Whites are searched only 2011-12 school year, 16 percent of two percent of the time. Imagine Black K-12 students were sushow many times worse this would pended, compared with seven perhave been had we not defeated the cent of Latino students and five bill seeking to legalize racial profil-

the juvenile population, Black juveniles were arrested two times more often than their White counterparts. Voting restrictions on the formerly incarcerated have disenfranchised millions of voters, particularly African Americans. Today, ap-

proximately 5.9 million people are not able to vote due to felony convictions. While laws vary from state to state, with some allowing for restoration of voting rights, 1 in 13 Blacks nationwide are disenfranchised due to felony convictions. In Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia, more than one in five Black adults are denied the right to vote.

Those who gorge off the trough of mass incarceration are the biggest criminals and have committed crimes against humanity, perpetuating a revolving prison factory. Harsh punishments only fill their pockets with tax payer dollars, and does not reduce crime or recidivism rates. America must take immediate steps to reduce the disparate impact that the American criminal justice system has on people of color and institute reforms that apply justice fairly and equitably for all.

America can, and must do, better! Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate. As President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty 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: (718) 529-2300.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending December 15, 2017

$10M cleared for law reform office

THE Committee of Supply of the National Assembly, on Tuesday approved some $10M for the setup of the long-awaited Law Reform Commission and also cleared a total of $867M for current expenditure. A sum of $200M was approved for capital expenditure for the Ministry of Legal Affairs. These allocations will go towards: the provision of buildings to house the Law Reform Commission and Justice Improvement Programme; staffing of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA); provisions for enhancing the DPP’s Chambers and the Magistracy; as well as strengthening of the criminal justice system and the launch of pilot legal aid programme. Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams was thoroughly grilled by Opposition Shadow Minister, Anil Nandlall on the estimates. The Committee of Supply considered and approved $4M for capital expenditure under programme 523 - Attorney General’s Chambers; Purchase of furniture and equipment, Agency 52; $195M for capital expenditure under programme 521- Main Office; Provision for institutional strengthening, justice reform and purchase of equipment - IDB and, Purchase of furniture and equipment, Agency 52; and $494M for capital expenditure under programme 524- State Solicitor; Provision for equipment, Agency 52. Williams in response to queries said increases under his portfolio are for the development of the ministry and its programmes for 2018. Nandlall wanted to know why under line item 6231-fuel and lubricants, in relation to agency 52 of main office, in 2014 a sum of over 800,000 was expended but for 2018 only $2.2M is budgeted. The subject minister explained that the monies would be catering for three existing vehicles which were crashed and need repairs. Alluding to the rental of building under line item 6241, Nandlall questioned about location and purposes of the rental under the $8.6M allocation, with the Attorney General responding that a building on Hadfield Street Georgetown is being rented for the Justice Education Society (JES) improvement programme and its operations. Further, Nandlall asked about line item 6271, in relation to telephone charges, as he pointed out that in 2014 $668,000 was paid but for 2018 the amount budgeted is $1.2M reflecting a 100 per cent increase. But Minister Williams pointed out that the amount budgeted for 2018 is the same as obtained in 2017 and that it catered

for the services used for various secretariats and IDB projects under the ministry. Touching on line item 6281 – security services, the former attorney general noted that the Special Constabulary had provided such services at a nominal fee of $90,000 annually in 2014. “This has increased to $3,066,000 an increase by 3000 per cent. I am asking for an explanation because I am aware that the Special Constabulary still continue to provide services,” Nandlall said.Williams said in response that there is need for additional security services at the JES building in Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Under line item 6321 which deals with subsidies to, and contributions to local organisations, Nandlall queried the purpose, use and which local organisations will be utilising

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams

Opposition shadow Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall

monies from the $260M that has been set aside. Minister Williams answered that the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) will be using a major part of the sum to offset its operations. Meanwhile, Nandall observed an increase in monies budgeted for contracted employees in the Attorney General Chambers’ expenditure under line item 6116. The amount in 2015 was $61M but has increased to $86.6M in 2018. The Legal Affairs Minister explained that the difference was as a result of an increase in salaries and officers for the ministry. Questioning the progressive increase in line item 6241 from zero in 2014 to $10M in 2018 for the rental of buildings, Nandlall notied that in 2017 a sum of $8M budgeted and it continues to increase and wondered what purpose does this serve. The Attorney General said the increase is budgeted for a building on Robb Street Georgetown to house the Law Reform Commission which is being rented for $815,000 a month.

Suspect held over illegal aircraft A PRIME suspect who allegedly fled the jurisdiction while he was being sought for questioning in relation to an illegal aircraft found at Santa Fe, North Rupununi, Region Nine on August 13 is now in police custody. He was handed over to police in the presence of his attorney. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said the man is in the custody of a team of detectives led by a senior officer who travelled to Lethem two days ago to receive him. The suspect, who is a businessman and resides at Tabatinga, Lethem, will be brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown for further questioning. The Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft was found by the security forces in the Rupununi on August 13. No one has come forward to claim ownership of the aircraft, and to date, the Brazilian companies with which its registration is affiliated have not reported it as stolen. The twin-engine aircraft is tied to an investment bank in neighbouring Brazil. The financial institution, Banco Bradesco, facilitated the sale of the aircraft between its owners, a Rio-based company and another private entity. The bank is listed by the Brazilian authorities as the owner, since the process of transfer of ownership is ongoing. The aircraft was found near Santa Fe in the North Rupununi on a recently cleared illegal runway.

The aircraft which was found abandoned at Santa Fe on August 13

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending December 15, 2017

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Windies fined second time for slow over-rate T

he West Indies have once again been fined for maintaining a slow overrate during the second Test against New Zealand, which ended with their 240-run defeat in Hamilton on Tuesday. Chris Broad of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fine after Stand-in skipper Kraigg Brathwaite's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration. Brathwaite has been fined 40 percent of his match fee, while his players have received 20 percent fines. If the Windies commit another minor over-rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offence with Brathwaite as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by him and he will face a suspension.

The 29-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. Windies have been fined in accordance with Article 2.5.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minor over-rate offences, players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount. This is the second game in a row where the West Indies have been fined for slow over-rate. Earlier, captain Jason Holder received suspension after being found three overs short in the first Test in Wellington, which the hosts won by an innings and 67 runs. (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

Stand-in-skipper Kraigg Braithwaite

Shakib Al Hasan named new Bangladesh Test captain

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hakib Al Hasan has been named Bangladesh's new Test captain, starting with the upcoming Sri Lanka tour next month. Mahmudullah will take over the vice-captaincy from Tamim Iqbal while the BCB is yet to announce a new coach. Shakib takes over from Mushfiqur Rahim who had replaced him in 2011. BCB STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HEAD COACH BCB chief Nazmul Hassan also said that the board is still considering candidates for the position of the head coach after the departure of Chandika Hathurusingha. Richard Pybus and Phil Simmons were interviewed by the BCB, who is waiting for another big name to get in touch with them. "Two other coaches have contacted us so we will talk to them in the coming days," Hassan said. "We are waiting for someone who is currently working in the Big Bash League and will probably not be available until February." ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCB is chasing Gary Kirsten, although he is reportedly interested in a limited role, probably that of a consultant. The BCB is also considering Neil McKenzie as a batting consultant.

BCB president Nazmul Hassan said that Shakib will lead the side in the two Tests against Sri Lanka, but did not confirm his tenure. "We can't really talk about the exact reason for changing the cap-

year, though there were plenty of questions about his captaincy. For instance, he was asked not to captain the side in the most crucial part of their win against England, with Tamim leading the side on the field.

taincy. We now want Mushfiqur to focus on his batting and remain pressure-free," Hassan said. Mushfiqur captained Bangladesh in 34 Tests, winning seven, losing 18 and drawing nine of them. He was in charge when Bangladesh beat England last year, and then Australia and Sri Lanka earlier this

Bangladesh lost seven of the nine Tests they played this year — losing two in New Zealand, one in India, drawing a two-match series in Sri Lanka, and drawing against Australia 1-1 at home before heading to South Africa, where they were whitewashed in all three formats. Under Mushfiqur, they lost the two

Tests in South Africa by massive margins — 333 runs in Potchefstroom and an innings and 254 runs in Bloemfontein; Mushfiqur's captaincy had come under scrutiny in South Africa, and a decision on his future was expected once the team returned home. Shakib, who is also Bangladesh's T20 captain, had been rested for those two Tests in South Africa after he had requested leave following the Australia series at home. Leading Bangladesh in the longest format will not be new to Shakib but it is something he will be doing after over six years rest; he led them in nine Tests in the past. His first Test as captain was against West Indies in 2009 before leading the side for seven more matches in the first half of 2010, and one more Test in August 2011, against Zimbabwe. His exit as captain in 2011 had led to a controversy after he fell out of favor with the then BCB chief Mustafa Kamal following an acrimonious Zimbabwe tour in August that year. Bangladesh won only one of those matches —against West Indies in 2009. Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84 ESPN Sports Media Ltd. ESPNCricInfo(Caribbeannews.net)

Ferguson, Astle return to ODI squad against Windies WELLINGTON [New Zealand]: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and spinner Todd Astle have been recalled in the 13-man ODI squad for the three-match series against the West Indies beginning December 20 in Whangarei.

While Astle has returned to the squad after recovering fully from a groin injury, Martin Guptill will miss the series due to a hamstring injury. In Guptill's absence, Central District’s batsman George Worker will open the batting for the hosts. Talking about Ferguson's inclusion, New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the fast bowler has been in an excellent form in recent times and to have him and Adam Milne in the squad is exciting from a pace perspective. Recently, Ferguson bagged two wickets giving away only 39 runs for Auckland in the Ford Trophy. He has taken a total of eight wickets from the seven ODIs that he played for his country. Meanwhile, two senior players Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been rested for the second and third ODIs, which will be played in Christchurch. Tom Latham, who has led the

ODI team during a tour to Ireland, will also lead New Zealand against the Caribbean side in Williamson's absence. Batsman Neil Broom and spinning all-rounder Mitchell Santner

tour New Zealand for a five-match ODI series and three-match T20I series, before the Black Caps will lock horns with England in five ODIs and two Tests to end the summer. "It's a long summer, so for those guys playing in all three formats it's important we keep them fresh and build depth leading into a world cup year. Tim and Kane will both take breaks during this series, but there will be others who will also rest throughout the season," ESPNcricinfo quoted Larsen, as saying. Williamson has also been given rest for the first T20I of the three-match series against West Indies, which starts on December 29 at the Saxton Oval, Nelson. New Zealand ODI squad: Kane Williamson (capt.), Tim Southee [first ODI only for both], Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Larsen said the decision to rest the Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Ross two senior players has been taken Taylor and George Worker Neil Broome and Mitchell keeping in mind a busy home seaSantner (second and third ODIs son. After the ongoing series only). (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net against West Indies, Pakistan will have been called in to replace Williamson and Southee in the squad for the second and third ODIs. Reflecting on their absence,

Taylor moves into top 10 in Test rankings Dubai [India], Dec 13 (ANI): New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has moved into the top 10 of the ICC Test Player Rankings, after a fine performance during his side's 240-run win over the West Indies in the second and final Test in Hamilton. Taylor, who enjoyed a careerhigh third position in December 2013 when he tallied 871 points, 132 more than his current total of 739, scored 16 and 107 not out to move up three places and take 10th position in a list led by Australia captain Steve Smith. The 33-year-old's 17th Test century has helped him re-enter the top 10 after last being there in Au-

gust 2016. He is now the secondbest placed New Zealand batsman with captain Kane Williamson occupying fifth position. New Zealand opener Jeet Raval and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme have also made significant gains. Raval has gained four slots to reach 30th position after scores of 84 and four in Hamilton, while de Grandhomme has gained five places to reach a career-best 70th position with scores of 58 and 22. Mitchell Santner (up one place to a career-best 51st) has moved up among bowlers for New Zealand, while pace bowlers Shannon Gabriel (up two places to 21st) and Miguel Cummins (up 14 places to

ROSS TAYLOR

63rd) have gained for the visiting side. Among the Windies batsmen, Roston Chase has gained seven slots to reach 38th position while Shane Dowrich has gained six places to reach 83rd position. Meanwhile, there has been no

change of positions in the ICC Test Team Rankings. New Zealand have gained three points to reach 100 points but remain in fourth position. The Windies have lost three points but are still in eighth position, ahead of Bangladesh on decimal points. (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)