Caribbean Times International

Ja$2.4 billion allocated to sugar transformation project in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The Sugar Transformation Project has received an allocation of Ja$2.4 billion in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

Of the sum, some Ja$850 million has been allocated for Cane Expansion Activities, including the planting/replanting of a minimum of 1,300 hectares of sugar cane, and the rehabilitation of 80 kilometres of cane roads.

There will also be support for capacity building projects of the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA), and the Sugar Industry Research Institute (SIRI), enabling the entities to deliver full service to the sugar sector; the establishment of a 10-acre green cane harvesting demonstration plot, as well as the installation of drip irrigation systems in a minimum of 300 hectares of sugar cane fields.

The Sugar Area Dependent Programme has been given Ja$950 million of the total, to provide training for at least 600 persons, and commence training of a second cohort of 600 persons by HEART/NTA in housekeeping/ hospitality, small equipment repair, business skills, and other skill areas.

Beneficiaries will be assisted under the Training Fund, to establish/ improve 40 small enterprises in the communities classified as sugar dependent.

The objectives of the project are: to develop a sustainable private sectorled sugar industry by 2015; and to coordinate the smooth and effective implementation of the Jamaica Country Strategy for the Adaptation of the Sugar Industry 2006 to 2020.

The project is being funded by the Government of Jamaica. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana : AFC’s Ramayya ordered to apologise to PPP/C official

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member, Dr Verasammy Ramayya, has been ordered by the court to publicly apologise to Executive Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Zulfikar Mustapha for libel in 2011.

On November 19, 2011, Ramayya had spread lies about the PPP/C official via a television programme called “Issues of the People”, aired on controversial DTV Channel 8 in Berbice.

Both the owner of the television station, Gregory Rambarran and Ramayya were slapped with a libel lawsuit in 2012.

The charges claim

that Ramayya made libelous claims regarding Mustapha during the height of the elections campaign in 2011.

The duo was represented by AFC Leader and Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan while Mustapha was represented by Attorney Adrian Anamaya before Justice Nareshwar

Haranand at the New Amsterdam High Court. After losing the court case against Mustapha, Verasammy will have to publicly apologise via print and electronic media within the next seven days.

He is expected to issue the electronic apology on Saturday on his television programme which airs at 08:00h on DTV Channel 8.

He is also expected to pay the sum of Gy$250,000 to Mustapha, which the politician says he will donate to charity.

Mustapha’s Attorney explained to this publication that his client was not keen on receiving money, but thought it best to do so as an act of detriment. (Guyana Times)

Transport woes hit TT commuters

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Commuters who usually use the Public Service Transport Corporation (PTSC) bus services on Wednesday opted to heed the warnings that bus drivers were on a work-to-rule protest action and sought alternative transport.

In anticipation of this, the Water Taxi Service stepped in and added two additional sailings to its schedule to accommodate stranded passengers. The new sailing times are 9 am from San Fernando and 4 pm from Port-ofSpain. The service already offers six sailings throughout the day. A staff member told the TT Guardian that while the service utilises two

ferrys on most days, a third vessel will be added on Wednesday, to accommodate the anticipated increase of passengers. When the TT Guardian visited the usually bustling San Fernando bus terminal, at Kings Wharf, early Wednesday, few passengers could be seen waiting on the Port-of-Spain service. The transport hub seemed deserted. One employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said by 7 am only two buses, both filled to capacity, had left San Fernando bound for Port-of-Spain. The Coach service, which offers a limited stop service from San Fernando to Port-of-Spain, along with all services to rural areas had been cut

for Wednesday.

Passengers also jostled each other at High Street for taxis to get to the capital city.

The Water Taxi terminal, however, was filled to its capacity, with signs stating that the 6.30 am sailing was sold out up until Thursday morning.

A representative of the Transport and Industrial Workers Union (TIWU), which represents PTSC workers, who spoke to the TT media on Wednesday said a tentative meeting has been set with between the PTSC management, the Ministry of Labour and the union.

Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz has also indicated his willingness to meet with the union. (TT Guardian)

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EDITORIAL

Elisabeth Harper

The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), after much internal discussions, on February 21 announced career diplomat Elisabeth Ann Harper as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming May 11 General and Regional elections. The announcement no doubt came as a surprise to those in the Opposition camp and lots of supporters of the PPP/C.

While stating the rationale behind the party’s decision, General Secretary Clement Rohee explained that Harper was both qualified and competent to function as Guyana’s Prime Minister were the PPP/C to win the upcoming elections. He said her selection was unanimous, hinting that the party stayed true to the agreement it had back in 1992 which led to the formation of its ‘Civic’ component.

The PPP/C’s current Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar appeared confident and upbeat about victory after making the announcement. But their confidence and optimism could not stave off the attacks from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) which entered a formal coalition on February 14.

These attacks started moments after the announcement on social media and when responses were sought from the coalition leaders to the PPP/C’s decision. Any critical analysis of the comments made by the APNU/AFC coalition about Harper’s selection will reveal that there is an attempt to create a storm in a tea cup.

The Opposition appears to be arguing that Harper’s alleged lack of political experience will make her an incompetent PM if she were to be elected at the polls. The Granger-led coalition is also arguing that Harper’s selection will not affect the outcome of the 2015 polls, as she is unable to garner mass electoral support.

That aside, the coalition group is unable to make any formidable criticism of Harper’s selection as the PPP/C’s PM candidate. It cannot criticize her qualifications; moral stock or her integrity when compared to Nagamootoo..

When compared to Nagamootoo, Harper is seen as a cut above the edge and someone with the ability to move Guyana away from the politics of revenge, hate and vendetta which have been endorsed by Nagamootoo when one considers his actions and utterances in the past.

Why should Harper, who is a mature woman, be critcised for being ambitious? If she was unveiled as APNU’s PM Candidate or a Minister in its proposed Government of National Unity, would there be such a frenzy in our society?

She could swing more non-traditional support towards the PPP/C in what could be Guyana’s most historic and closely contested elections. Harper is also seen as an appealing candidate to women from all walks of life and stands a beacon of hope for those women who are fearful to accept such roles in a political system that is dominated by male chauvinists.

This means that she will face many hurdles and challenges as she prepares to hit the campaign trail especially from a coalition that apparently has no respect for women who are outspoken and passionate about a cause or opponents of bullyism.

Ask Vanessa Kissoon, Gomatie Singh, Volda Lawrence, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and a string of others who have suffered various degrees of injustices at the hands of their male dominated party.

The PPP/C’s decision to select Harper, who is the mother of three girls (Michelle, Melissa and Natasha), is strategic and does not appear to be based on the colour of her skin, nor a desire of the party to appeal to race. The PPP/C has not made any reference to the need for the party to campaign in AfroGuyanese communities with a candidate of the same ethnicity.

There is no record, public or otherwise, that Harper was brought on board by the PPP/C because she was never affiliated with its bureaucracy. Therefore, the Opposition parties may be underestimating Harper’s appeal as a woman of substance and a professional with an excellent track record.

She is quite similar to Janet Jagan. And just like Janet, she may be able to cause a major upset at the upcoming elections.

Invocab launches in TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD

: On February 25, Niherst launched the Improving Innovation Capacities in the Caribbean (Invocab) Project at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre, Couva.

The aim of the project is to promote Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in primary and secondary schools in TT and Jamaica, with the ultimate goal of developing critical and innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities in schoolchildren, a release said.

Invocab is a joint initiative of Niherst, the Jamaica-based Scientific Research Council (SRC) and the Technische Universität Dresden of Dresden, Germany. It will be implemented over the course of three years in collaboration with the Ministries of Education in TT and Jamaica, the Mico University College (Jamaica), Church Teachers’ College (Jamaica), the University of Technology (Jamaica), as well as with input from other stakeholders.

The project is being piloted locally in four primary schools–Santa Rosa Government Primary, Malabar Government Primary, Bon Air Government Primary and St Dominic’s Government Primary as well as four secondary schools–San Juan North Secondary, St Joseph’s College, St Augustine Secondary and El Dorado Secondary.

Principals, teachers and students from these schools who attended the launch eagerly previewed the science kits that will soon be available at their respective schools.

The need for Invocab stems from the need to develop in TT an education system that supports innovation. This can only be possible through improvements in education infrastructures, teachers’ competencies,

science centres, science-based events and education policies. Such an innovative system would, in turn, allow Trinidad and Tobago to become more competitive globally and aid its transformation into a diversified, knowledge-intensive economy placing among the top ranking countries in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor as well as the Global Innovation Index, where unfortunately today Trinidad still ranks low.

In her welcome address, acting president of Niherst, Joycelyn Lee Young reminded the young people in the audience of the pervasive role of science and the application of science through technology in transforming society and human existence. She said TT needed to be more, “innovative and strategic in the use of our resources to stay competitive at a global level. Occupations in Stem-related (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century, and they often have the greatest potential for job growth, and for brain drain. It is important that TT trains enough of our youth to pursue Stem subjects and careers. It is important therefore that we instil and maintain student interest in Stem and ensure that they enter the work force with sufficient knowledge to make worthwhile contributions to our Stem industries.”

Given the central role teachers play in advancing Stem education, Ms Lee Young considered Invocab to be a necessary and timely initiative for helping teachers inspire and motivate their students by making Stem learning in schools more engaging.

Speaking on behalf of the Delegation of the EU to TT was programme officer Kathrin Renner, who stat-

ed that the European Union has pledged close to TT$7 million towards this project under the Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Science and Technology Programme, as part of its mission to assist TT to modernise and diversify its economic base through innovation and technology.

Renner also stated that: “The EU is very proud to play a major part in the improvement of Trinidad and Tobago’s business environment through innovation and technology. We have been doing so since 2011 though several EU grants including for the development of an Integrated Business Incubator System; for programmes aimed at strengthening the development of non-energy clusters and for diversification of the agricultural sector in the aftermath of the closure of the sugar industry. The latter is aimed at fostering innovation in a sector that currently relies too heavily on traditional methods.”

She added, “The logic behind all these programmes is to support the government to provide a better policy and regulatory framework for businesses, to modernise business support services, to be more transparent and to increase accountability.”

Looking ahead, the EU remains committed to assisting TT in the development of a sustainable, competitive and innovative business environment. Such assistance will be through the provision of financial and technical support to:

• Improve the governance structures for innovation

• Develop stronger non-energy clusters

• Increase research activity and create stronger links between academia and the productive sector, and,

• Identify ways of attracting and nurturing financing for innovation. (TT Guardian)

Jamaica NLA using technology to improve services

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The National Land Agency (NLA), which won the 2008/2009 Public Sector Customer Service Competition, has been using new technology to improve its service delivery.

The improvements, said the agency, have been assisted by recent agreement with two Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) initiatives -- the International Property Measurement Standard (IPMS) and the Valuer Registration Scheme.

Commissioner of Land Valuations Eric Allen said the IPMS became mandatory in all its valuations of office buildings as of January.

"We want to be compliant internationally. A lot of our valuations are requested by government agencies, many of which interface with donor agencies. So, we want

to ensure that our valuations are compliant to the highest standards," he told Jamaica Media.

According to Allen, the use of IPMS will ensure that buildings are measured properly and that the agency reports correctly on the value. He added that people performing evaluations have to be "compliant with the highest levels worldwide, so they can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone right across the world".

Apart from putting valuation in Jamaica on firmer footing, the NLA has also endorsed other practices to meet international standards and the needs of its customers.

Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Stair said the NLA's core functions came together under one roof (merger), with Land Titles; Surveys and Mapping; Land Valuation and Estate (Crown Land)

Director of business services at the National land Agency (NlA), lori-Ann thompson, speaking at a Jamaica Information service think tank held on october 29 at the agency’s head office in Kingston. Looking on (from left) are Christopher barlow, director of strategic relations and communications at thomson Reuters; and Peter baker, manager of property services at the NlA

Management. Prior to the merger, there were four distinct departments.

Following the merger, a Land Registration System was implemented to improve and computerise the work flow and to link related functions across divisions. This was done using a software known as Aumentum Registry Solutions (ARS), designed by a special team

at Thomson Reuters, a multinational mass media and information firm. Prior to ARS, the work had to be done manually, Stair said.

Since being implemented in 2003, the ARS has enabled the agency to streamline the land registry process, speed up turnaround times and improve its service delivery to customers.

Additionally, the CEO noted that a Document

Scanning System (DSS) was implemented by Thomson Reuters to secure the records at the agency.

The Estate Management System (EMS) was also supported by Thomson Reuters, allowing the NLA to manage rent reviews, enable real-time collection across the island and reduce the time for property divestment from months to a few weeks.

With the introduction of the EMS, said Stair, turnaround times at the agency have "remarkably improved". The agency, she added, will continue to implement new innovations in order to provide a better service to customers.

Meanwhile, registrar of Titles at the NLA Cheriese Walcott said the agency has become more efficient in storing and managing data related to land records and titles.

Walcott said, too, that

the agency has developed a Document Tracking System, which allows customers to track their documents from submission to completion, instead of having to visit the office or call personnel to discuss the matter.

As a result of the system, she said the NLA has been able to allocate more time and resources to go into communities across the island and educate individuals about applying for land titles and the importance of maintaining proper records.

The ARS has also facilitated the implementation of an online portal which hosts two key services -- iMapjamaica, through which people can view land parcel information, and eLandjamaica, which allows people to access copies of various land-related documents globally at their convenience. (Jamaica Observer)

GDF launches Military Electronic Health Information Network - first of its kind for South America

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) launched the first Military Electronic Health Information Network (MeHIN) on the continent of South America last Friday, the Army said in a release.

The launch was done at the headquarters of the GDF’s Medical Corps at Base Camp Ayanganna. GDF’s MeHIN is to be known as the Military Health Information System or “MHIS”. Speaking to the Force’s latest achievement, Colonel Administration and Quartering, Captain (CG) John Flores indicated that the acquisition of the technological resources and training to facilitate the launch of the project had been in the pipeline for a few

years.

“The Force recognised that it needed a more efficient mechanism for the management of patient care, including records management and security, over what it had been doing traditionally. The acquisition of the technological resources as well as the necessary training of our staff means that the GDF has now moved into 21st Century medical management mode,” he said. “The system will allow us to effectively record and manage the medical services and interventions provided for our soldiers, regardless of where they are located across Guyana.”Prevention Programme (DHAPP) Senior Health Informatics Adviser, Mary Kratz, said that the

GDF was to be “…commended for their leadership to Guyana and the Region…”

Kratz also explained that, among other things, the MeHIN will support the tracking of HIV services such as prevention, counselling and testing as well as care services provided by the GDF.

According to her, the GDF has now joined 11 other “military partners” from the Caribbean, Africa, and Central America who participate in the MeHIN. “I welcome the GDF to the Military eHealth Community and look forward to continual improvements to MHIS through the shared contributions of military medical partners to drive the requirements of services provided by both public and private”

Kratz, together with Director of Global Health Informatics Systems for Vista Life Sciences Inc, Brain Mayo, spent the last two weeks training GDF Medical Corps Staff, key GDF administrative personnel as well as GDF ICT per-

sonnel, on the hardware and the software used by the MHIS. During that time, the MHIS was also deployed and practitioners gained practical exposure to utilising the system. The GDF MHIS currently comprises 14 user comput-

ers, one large computer server, robust security mechanisms, Electronic Medical Record Software and is ready to host an eLibrary of medical references. It also contains 36 user accounts across the GDF sites/locations. (Guyana Times)

Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister calls for national buy-in to address illegal wildlife trade

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Amid prevailing challenges, Guyanese must push for tangible results in the area of sustainable wildlife management and conservation, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud said on Tuesday, as he rallied for support.

At the time, Minister Persaud was speaking at a Stakeholders’ Forum to mark World Wildlife Day, which was held under the theme “Wildlife crime is serious; let’s get serious about wildlife crime”.

He said the theme should not be taken at face value, as it put the spotlight on illegal trade and exploitation of wildlife. “As wildlife stewards, you have a responsibility to ensure that your hunting and trapping practices are done according to the regula-

tions. With that said, we recognise that the regulations and other pieces of policies that protect wild flora such as the National Policy on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014 are only as good in practical terms as the partnerships that we are able to forge,” he told those present.

He added collaborative partnerships would aid in the promotion of innovative initiatives that conserve wildlife and combat illegal activities related to wildlife. On the part of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, he said though the air was clear on all the technicalities of wildlife management such as the implementation of a licensing system for wildlife dealers, and the establishment of quotas for harvesting targeted wildlife species, it was also

cognisant of the challenges that must be overcome before these are implemented.

The Ministry has collaborated with an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) –Panthera – to develop a project in the south of Guyana on sustainable hunting practices as a foundation for managing wildlife harvest.

The development of a targeted communication

CDA condemns 14-y-o's

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Child Development Agency (CDA) has issued a statement condemning the

killing of 14-year-old Kayalicia Simpson in St Thomas on Tuesday.

“This wanton assault on the nation’s children continues to be a blot on

strategy to achieve compliance with the regulations, the development of a wildlife management and conservation booklet with key messages and themes on wildlife for distribution to Wildlife Hunters and Trappers, and a closer working relationship with Wildlife Stakeholder Groups are among the gains to be achieved from this ongoing partnership.

Guyana became a party to the Convention

- as World Wildlife Day is observed

on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) in 1977. This mandates the adoption of appropriate measures for effective implementation of the convention.

Failure to enact legislation to implement the Convention can lead to compliance measures being instituted against the defaulting party including recommendations to suspend trade. Guyana was previously subjected to a recommendation for trade suspension for inadequate legislation.

However, the suspension was lifted after the enactment of the Species Protection Regulations in 1999. This regulation along with the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations 2013, which provide for the collection, hunting, sale and possession of wildlife govern the international and do-

mestic trade of wildlife respectively. In an effort to strengthen the regulation and management of the international wildlife trade, a Wildlife Import and Export Bill was tabled in the National Assembly in 2014. This Bill seeks to repeal the Species Protection Regulations and establish the Wildlife Import and Export Authority to replace the Wildlife Division. These regulations make provisions for among other things, penalising the harvesting of prohibited species of wildlife, exporting, reexporting or importing wildlife without permits and the use of prohibited devices and methods to hunt wildlife. Penalties for offenders range from Gy$30,000 to Gy$750,000 and if found guilty they may serve prison time.

(Guyana Times)

killing, calls for J'cans to take a stand

the collective conscience of the society," the CDA said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

The agency said the fact that Kayalicia's mur-

der comes such a short time after the killing of several youngsters since the start of 2015, is an indication that communities need to deepen cooperation with State agencies on stronger action to curb and eliminate violence against children.

“It is time that all well-thinking Jamaicans take a stand to reject violence against children in all its forms, by better guiding and protecting our youngsters; instilling in them proper values to make right choices, and exposing the perpetrators of these vile criminal acts so they can

face the full force of the law. As long as some citizens treat child abuse as normal and acceptable, our children will be

in grave danger of losing not only their childhoods, but their very lives,” the statement from the CDA read.

The CDA said it will continue to work with communities to better educate children, parents, teachers, and community members to play their part in safeguarding the nation’s youngsters.

In the meantime, CDA said its first responders are on the ground in St Thomas providing counselling and other forms of support to those directly affected by "this vicious act”. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana to opt out of UN Good Offices process

…says mechanism has yielded little, favours Venezuela

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyana has signalled its intention to opt out of the United Nations Good Offices Process –a mechanism set up to help resolve the decadesold claim Venezuela has made on a portion of the Essequibo.

For decades the two states have been locked in the Good Offices Process, which ended when the latest Special Representative, Professor Norman Girvan died in April 2014.

In an invited comment, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett explained that the Good Offices Process yielded little results after more than 20 years. “We are, therefore, looking at the other options under the Geneva Agreement,” she added, suggesting that “the other side (Venezuela) is comfortable with the Good Offices Process because it suits their purpose –no movement.”

The Good Offices and Mediation are roles taken up by the UN Secretary-General in the prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as enshrined in the UN Charter. These roles can be set in motion at the SecretaryGeneral’s own initiative, in response to a request from one or more of the parties to a dispute, or as a result of a request from the Security Council or the General Assembly.

According to the UN, the role of the SecretaryGeneral as an important peacemaking actor has evolved through extensive practice. The range of activities carried out by the Secretary-General has included good offices, mediation, facilitation, dialogue processes and even arbitration. But Venezuelan experts have reportedly insisted that their Government sticks to the current mechanism.

Venezuelan newspaper El Universal has quoted the Retired Colonel Pompeyo

Ja$15 million allocated to climate change pilot in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: A total of Ja$15 million has been budgeted for the Climate Resilience II Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism (pilot), as part of measures to bolster support for climate change activities.

This is outlined in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The programme, which is expected to start in April 2015, will generate information on approaches to address climate change challenges, help mainstream climate change into development planning and process and disseminate results across sectors. The targets of the pro-

Torrealba, the head of the Essequibo Advisory Unit of the Venezuelan Foreign Office as saying, “Venezuela should continue the procedure of the Good Officer because it enables us to hold a direct negotiation, without middlemen. We already

know about the results where we have negotiated with intermediaries: we have lost valuable territory.”

According to El Universal, the consulted experts agreed that Venezuela’s approval will be always necessary

for the case to be settled at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction. As such, they saw Rodrigues-Birkett’s call as irrelevant. This was supported by a Caribbean expert in international law who was consulted by this publication.

The issue of the Guyana/Venezuela territorial controversy was again brought to the fore after the Venezuelan Foreign Minister objected to ExxonMobil’s dispatch of a rig to proceed with the exploration of oil in the concession. A similar incident occurred in 2013 when Venezuelan authorities seized the research vessel, Teknik Perdana, in Guyanese territory and held its crew members.

Former Opposition point person on international affairs Aubrey Norton told Guyana Times that he supported Guyana’s decision to explore other options, concluding that indeed little

progress had been recorded in the UN Good Offices Process.

“The Geneva Agreement has offered a plethora of options; I believe it is correct for Guyana to look at it and see what are the other options,” he stated.

According to him, the Government and Opposition should set up a joint committee to come up with a way forward. “There is need for Government and Opposition to agree on a structured way forward, so that Venezuela has no opportunity to exploit Guyana. A joint committee could help to determine the best way forward in terms of promoting Guyana’s interest,” Norton, a former Lecturer in the Department of Government and International Affairs at the University of Guyana, added. In recent years the two countries have enjoyed mutually beneficial and often amicable relations. (Guyana Times)

Dookeran scores again on Trinidad economic development

PORT-OF-

SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Foreign Affairs

gramme are: to mainstream climate change through sector strategies and action plans, climate change awareness and training programmes and climate change inputs for National Spatial Plan; implement adaptation measures in the sub-watershed through consultancy services –vulnerability assessment and aquaponics system; and procure office equipment for the Project Management Unit.

The project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, is slated for completion in March 2020. It is being funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB). (Jamaica Observer)

Minister Winston Dookeran continues to push for the economic development of Trinidad and Tobago by initiating and formalising agreements with countries in Central and Latin America that could create greater trade and investments opportunities for local businessmen.

Three weeks ago, Dookeran successfully piloted another trade pact with the Republic of Guatemala, the second in less than two years. On October 4, 2013, he signed a similar trade agreement with another Central American country — Panama.

The process leading to the culmination and signing of the Partial Scope Trade Agreement (PSTA) with Guatemala, began on April 11 2012. Its completion took four rounds of negotiations, two in Port-of-Spain and two in Guatemala City. Minister Dookeran signed on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago while His Excellency

Carlos Raul Morales Moscoso signed for Guatemala at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 06 2015.

“The Agreement seeks to promote the harmonious development of the economic relations between the two countries through the expansion of trade in goods and services,” stated a media release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “It is anticipated that this will contribute to the removal of barriers to trade and enhance the development and expansion of trade,” the release added.

In October 2013, when Minister Dookeran signed the PSTA with Panama, he explained that while it was a trade agreement, which is aimed at promoting the expansion of trade in goods and services between the two countries, he said the pact must also be recognised as Caribbean Convergence in action, a philosophy which is a Dookeran dream.

The Partial Scope Trade Agreement would mean for Trinidad and Tobago the creation of

new trade and investment opportunities with the resultant increase in employment and foreign exchange earnings which will contribute to TT’s well-being. The new agreement means hundreds of products from local manufacturers would be allowed to enter Guatemala at preferential rates and a similar number of Guatemala products to become available on the Trinidad and Tobago market.

Signing of the agreement signifies that both countries have recognised the need to expand their domestic

market through economic integration, which is a vital prerequisite for accelerating their processes for economic development, while at the same time, driven by the desire to promote mutually beneficial bilateral trade in goods and services.

Dookeran ensured that stakeholders were involved in the process by holding consultations with several business groups including the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and the American Chamber of Commerce. Also taking part in the discussions were the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications, The Ministry of Food Production, the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, the Ministry of the Attorney General together with government agencies/departments such as the Customs and Excise Division, ExporTT and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards. (TT Newsday)

Harper ready to become Guyana’s next PM

– vows to eradicate domestic violence

By Michael younge

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: The lone woman vying to become Guyana’s next Prime Minister (PM) under the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) says she is ready for the campaign trail and believes that she can make a difference in the socio-economic affairs of Guyana if given the chance.

Fifty-seven-yearold Elisabeth Harper who hails from Kitty, Georgetown, speaking during an interview broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Saturday afternoon, said she accepted the offer made by the PPP to run as its Prime Ministerial Candidate alongside incumbent President Donald Ramotar after praying and consultation with her family.

“I hesitated because I had to pray about it. That was my number one priority and secondly I had to consult with my family. I felt led to accept the offer”, she remarked.

Harper, clad in an orange dress during the interview, believes that she can influence the affairs of Guyana positively and become one of the leading role models for Guyanese especially women.

Explaining that she

felt excited and honoured to be selected by the PPP/C, Harper said if the party were to be successful at the upcoming polls, she would be offering a “public service” as Prime Minister.

“I believe that I can use the almost 40 years that I have spent in the Foreign Service promoting Guyana’s interest abroad to contribute even further to Guyana’s development, particularly in the area of the creation of jobs, a better education system, reducing crime…” a relaxed and low toned Harper said.

She also spoke about the need for youths to be further encouraged to remain in Guyana and to participate in the building of its future.

Harper spoke about the need for efforts to be made to further improve the education system which she believes can have redounding positive effects on the moral stock of the population.

The former Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry also advocated for equal opportunities to be made available to all Guyanese regardless of the socioeconomic differences.

“So once you have an educated population and workforce, you have a better standard of living and better life and the society becomes more comfortable”, she articulated.

In fact, Harper is very concerned about championing the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also wants to work to secure more economic growth which is key to building Guyana’s future.

“I believe that we must have a zero tolerance policy on crime… families must be strong… children must be secure”, she said during the interview.

On a more personal note, Harper said that she is treating the negative criticisms about her decision to run as the PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate differently. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica ideal sports tourism destination, says Neita Headley

ST JAMES, JAMAICA:

Minister without portfolio with responsibility for Sport in the Office of the Prime Minister, Natalie Neita Headley, has said that Western Jamaica is well positioned as a prime destination for sports tourism.

Westmoreland, St James and Hanover being situated in the nation’s tourism belt, “offers the opportunity for you to develop your football, not just as a sport, a community activity or a great outlet for youthful energy, but also as a potential big money earner in sports tourism”, Neita Headley noted.

She was addressing the 2014/15 awards presentation of the Westmoreland Football Association held on March 1, at Sandals Whitehouse Resort.

In her delivery she reiterated that there are great advantages for sports tourism in the region, and that major resort chains and corporate entities continue to support sports. With this support, added to the contribution from the government, the possibilities are endless, she said.

“The advantages are clear…with the right investment from the private sector, I know the development of infrastructure for sports and with full Government support, there is no limit as to how far

(Westmoreland) football can go, and I for one, will be doing everything in my power as Minister to assist,” she pledged.

Through the government’s continued commitment and contribution to sports development in Westmoreland, two schools – Petersfield High and Grange Hill High – will be receiving Ja$10 million each to improve sports infrastructure, Minister Neita Headley informed.

The community members will have access to these upgraded facilities at the schools, with special management teams to be set up to ensure that they are properly secured and maintained.

“One of the things about developing community fields and community hard courts is that the moment you leave those courts alone without proper manage-

ment, without proper organisation…leadership, when you go back there one year later, it is as if you never did work… and so whatever it is we do at these schools, we are very clear that there is a management programme in the schools,” she said.

Neita Headley commended the Westmoreland Football Association for its stewardship in managing the affairs of the sport over the years.

The Minister highlighted the parish for producing the two-time National Premier League champion Reno FC; two daCosta Cup champions, Frome Technical High and Godfrey Stewart High, as well as several members of the national coaching outfit and national players for various squads. (Jamaica Observer)

ACTT launches Quality Institute in Trinidad

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) on Wednesday launched the Quality Institute, a body which will streamline the various services offered by the ACCT to institutions of higher education in Trinidad, to improve the quality of education offered to their students.

The Institute will consolidate into about 18 courses with many seminars and workshops to be provided to institutions; institutional personnel; quality assurance professionals and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sector.

Among the programmes which will be offered are institutional governance and administration; managing in-

stitutional finances; strategic planning for higher education and training institutions; effective teaching and learning; designing student assessment and the forensics of academic credential and CV fraud. Rodney Amar, technical adviser to the Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Senator Faizal Karim, delivered an address on behalf of the minister who was absent because he had to attend a session of parliament.

Amar said the ACTT is now ten years old, having been established in 2004 and has 11 accredited institutions, just under 60 registered institutions and has grown from a small office on Agra Street, St James, to become a flagship national institution with

a presence in Port-ofSpain, San Fernando and Tobago.

Reading from the minister’s prepared remarks, Amar added, “In addition to the ACTT’s watchdog role, the ACTT continues to be instrumental in promoting quality thinking. Many of us here have been exposed to the concept of total quality management, which dates back to the 1950s but the ACTT is very instrumental in promoting total quality thinking. Internationally, the European Foundation for Quality Management and the Malcom Broadbridge National Quality Award in the U.S. provides support to organisations in developing business excellence models. In a similar vein, the ACTT has lent experience to regional coun-

terparts on its own business model which is deserving of recognition.”

He said information from the 2014 World at Work Report indicates that over 200 million new jobs will be needed within the next five years to keep pace with the growing working age population in emerging and developing countries. “Quality must always be considered against the backdrop of fitness for purpose,” Karim said in his speech.

Amar, Michael Bradshaw, executive director of the Accreditation Council; Chairman of the council, Dr Michael Dowlath and other executives of the council, unveiled the logo of The Quality Institute which was designed by Rae-Ann Augustine, a member of

the staff of the Corporate Communications Department of the Council.

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Accreditation Council, Dr Michael Dowlath said that the quest for quality is an ongoing endevour and because it recognised this, the council had hosted numerous workshops to provide accredited institutions of higher learning in Trinidad with information on quality practices in higher education. He added that more such workshops could be provided if requested.

“ACTT is committed to working with you, our stakeholders to design and customise training programmes that meet the specific needs of institutions,” he said.

He said “Not only

does ACTT encourage continual improvement in our nation’s institutions, but we demand it of ourselves,” adding that the establishment of the Quality Institute was one way of accomplishing this continuous improvement.

A statement released at Monday’s function said the benefits of the Quality Institute include access to relevant training by institutions to enhance the quality of their operations and pogrammes; provision of information which helped the institution prepare for quality review exercises from quality assurance bodies; and effective preparation of the personnel involved in quality review and verification processes. (TT Newsday)

Jamaicans with disabilities to benefit from Ja$8.2-million IDB project

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The Government has set aside a sum of Ja$8.2 million to be spent on strengthening their capacity to better cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) for this year.

The funds are being made available under the Support to Improve the Lives of PWDs project, as outlined in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure that is now before the House of Representatives.

The Ministry of Labour and Social

Security, through funding from the InterAmerican Development Bank, is implementing the project.

The project aims to improve the framework for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to advance social protection policies that would impact the welfare of PWDs.

One such objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) Department to identify and target those persons with disabilities for social benefits (reha-

bilitative benefits) on a continuous basis, through the establishment of a database for individuals with disabilities.

The project also aims to improve the quality of life for children living with developmental disabilities through technical support and early intervention strategies.

Guyanese writer calls for open-

door policy for Guyana Prize

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Novelist, Ryhaan Shah, is calling on the management committee of the Guyana Prize for Literature to adopt an open-door policy in the process of selecting a winner.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a string of debates in the local media on the process of selecting winners for the prizes. Local writers had even made calls for an investigation into the competition.

Shah, in a letter penned to the media, pointed out that the “secret society, back-doordeal” process that has been adopted in selecting the winners is unacceptable. She opined that the pieces that are submitted for the competition should be published so that the public can also have an input.

“Hopefully, we will not see the same old faces, those multiple-time winners who are proud of their multiple wins and never stop to ask themselves why they have won one, two, three times,” she stated.

The three-time published author questioned whether such persons win the competition frequently because of a lack of good local writers or because they are “favoured to win” regardless of the type of work they submitted.

“Either way, this is more than enough reason to scrap the prize and mount an investigation… Since Mr (Ruel) Johnson has written to the media on so many occasions to hold government accountable, I am sure he too will insist on this investigation by whoever forms the next

government,” Shah mentioned.

Shah referred to Johnson’s recent articles/letters in local newspapers that claimed that this discussion is too important for the media and needs to be done by “bringing serious, knowledgeable people together.”

However, she outlined that since free press is fundamental to democracy and good governance, “providing a free and open forum where ideas can be exchanged and debated, one must wonder what Mr Johnson hopes for in a post-elections Guyana. Tables around, which a privileged, hand-picked few will meet to make decisions for all of us? This will constitute a free expression of ideas rather than the cross talking that a free press supports?”

According to Shah, Johnson is hopeful of a new dispensation where writers and artists would be free of fear from victimisation, adding sarcastically that he has been so victimised. The writer further pointed out that maybe Johnson can show

when and how this (victimisation) occurred, especially given the fact that he won his two Guyana Prizes under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

“Mr Johnson is proud that he succeeded in getting the Guyana Prize deadline extended and continues to exhort writers to network and workshop to get their work ready for the competition and the goal of a prize, because he is well aware that the million-dollar prize can go to the best of a bad lot. It can be won by work that is poor, badly edited and shows only some promise, making it incomplete,” she opined.

Nevertheless, Shah advises new and upcoming writers to maintain their personal integrity; a quality she said is an extremely rare commodity in Guyana. She further encouraged them to stand above it all and take time to think, write, review and reflect then rewrite.

Shah added “when their work is good and ready, and is the best they can do, then they submit it. They should have their own standard of excellence since Guyana has none”.

Shah is the author of three novels: her first A Silent Life, A Death in the Family and her most recent Weaving Water. She had won the Guyana Prize for Literature First Book Award in 2007 for “A Silent Life.”

The Guyana Prize for Literature was established in 1987, by former President Desmond Hoyte to provide encouragement and development of good creative writing among Guyanese. (Guyana Times)

The office of the JCPD will be retrofitted with the sum of Ja$1.41 million, and to maintain the main server. Additionally, J$1.1 million will be used to conduct public education activities.

Another Ja$5.72 million will go towards the payment for data collec-

tion officers and for data entry for conducting a study on the needs of persons with disabilities.

As of December 2014 the project achievements include: the start of data collection for registering persons with disabilities; the completion of quantitative study on the needs of persons with disabilities; a total of 38 data collection officers were contracted; and 28,533 of the targeted 50,000 PWDs were registered as at September 30, 2014.

A public education and promotion strategy activity commenced, registered PWDs were sensitised on their rights and where to locate services; and stakeholders were sensitised on the types of disabilities that exist in Jamaica.

Other achievements were: social workers of MLSS and JCPD trained in counselling with PWDs; Early Stimulation Programme for children with disabilities strengthened; and parents of disabled children trained in behaviour modification, speech therapy and strategies to prevent child disabilities. (Jamaica Observer)

US customs officials nab several Caribbean nationals

MIAMI, UNITED STATES: The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it has apprehended 10 Caribbean migrants in the waters off Miami.

CBP said that the migrants, whose nationalities were not identified, were nabbed after agents

deployed warning shots and disabling fire to successfully interdict a vessel last week.

It said law enforcement authorities had detected and tracked a suspicious vessel traveling westbound from the Bahamas without navigational lights.

“Training, skill and

commitment of our agents allowed us to safely interdict these migrants attempting to enter the country illegally. Day and night we stand guard against illicit trafficking of people and contraband bound for the United States,” CBP said in a statement. (Caribbean360)

Friends rally support for jailed Canadian in St Lucia

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA:

Friends of Sahab Jamshidi, the Canadian charged in connection with the drowning death of a four-year-old VieuxFort boy Terrel Joshua Elibox at Bois Chadon Beach in Vieux-Fort on Sunday, Feb. 22, have initiated online campaigns calling for his freedom and support of his character.

“Free Sahab Jamshidi” Facebook page was created shortly after midnight and has garnered over 240 likes

at the time of posting this story.

“This site is dedicated to Sahab Jamshidi. We will be sharing thoughts, feelings and insights as he goes through this journey. Please check back regularly,” the Facebook page states.

The 33-year-old resident of Hamilton, Canada was charged with causing death by gross negligence or recklessness on Monday afternoon, Police Press Officer Zachary Hipployte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

Jamshidi’s friends have also reached out to a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada, David Sweet, for help.

Stephen Verbeek, a close friend of Jamshidi who lives in Hamilton, has created a Facebook events page asking persons to submit character profiles for submission to the MP. The page is called “SAVE SAHAB FROM BEING WRONGFULLY INDICTED IN THE DROWNING DEATH OF A CHILD WHILE HE WAS ON HOLIDAY”. (SNO)

International art photography competition to be hosted in Dominica

ROSEAU, DOMINICA:

After spending 25 years in Canada, two seasoned artists are relocating to Dominica bringing the International Ozone Zone Photo Salon and Competition there. The event, already in its third year, is recognized as one of the most ambitious and attractive international art photography contests. Run under the patronage of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) it attracted thousands of photo entries in 2014.

The competition's organizers, Derek Galon, a seasoned photographer and a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, and Margaret Gajek, a writer of multi-awarded Caribbean-themed coffee-table books, are enthusiastic about it.

“It was a simple decision,” said Galon, a winner of over 50 top international awards and medals received for his art photography. “While we travelled extensively working on our books Exotic Gardens of the Eastern Caribbean and Tropical Homes of the

Eastern Caribbean, we fell in love with the whole region. However, every time we passed through Dominica it felt especially close to our hearts. We decided to move to Dominica and bring the competition here with us.”

The Ozone Zone Photo Salon and Competition is to run yearly from early summer, with winners announced in November. Works from previous competitions can be viewed at www.internationalphotocompetition.com. (Caribbeannewsnow)

Guyana Gov’t resolute in improving Amerindians’ livelihood – Benn

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Amerindians are the most at-risk group in Guyana and the ruling party is committed to improving their livelihood and living standards, Public Works Minister

Robeson Benn told residents of Kumaka, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Sunday.

“We recognise that our Amerindian people throughout the country need to access and benefit from all aspects of the social, economic and developmental spheres irrespective of where they are living,”

Minister Benn told residents. “The party I represent has been making great efforts to improve

their livelihood and living standard.”

He said that the combined Opposition’s refusal to approve funds for hinterland airstrips’ maintenance was a thoughtless act which has denied many Amerindians their basic rights. In 2014, Gy$248 million was allocated for rehabilitation of airstrips in Matthews Ridge, Imbaimadai and Kamarang and the maintenance of 43 airstrips in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The Minister, who is responsible for the transport sector, emphasised that the airstrips were critical for the movement of goods and services “in and out of these commu-

nities”.

The failed Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was also addressed by the Minister. “Amaila was so important for our country. The light bill for all of us would be reduced, and particularly we would have savings for renewable sustaining energy project. That way, we can make the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) facilities available to communities that have inadequate power supply,” he disclosed.

There were a number of missed opportunities to attract new investments, the Public Works Minister further stated, as a result of not having cheap, renewable energy.

Approximately Gy$70

GraceKennedy sees revenue growth despite Ja dollar depreciation

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The GraceKennedy Group says it has recorded revenues of Ja$77.97 billion for 2014, a Ja$10.71-billion or 15.9 per cent increase over the prior year.

Group CEO Don Wehby expressed satisfaction with the Group’s results, noting that 2014 was a year in which the company achieved “significant strategic investments, in keeping with its goal of becoming a Global Consumer Group”.

He also noted that despite the continued depreciation of the Jamaican currency, as well as changes in consumer demand due to decreased purchasing power, the Group was able to grow its revenues in the local market.

This revenue performance was accompanied by a net profit of Ja$3.8 billion. The earnings per share increased from Ja$9.66 in 2013 to

Ja$9.90 in 2014 a news release from the company said Monday afternoon.

Group CFO Frank James advised of an increase in dividends paid in 2014.

“The company paid dividends totalling Ja$2.33 per share in 2014 compared to Ja$2.18 in 2013, an increase of 6.9 per cent,” he said. "At the end of 2014, the GraceKennedy stock price closed at Ja$61.03, a 10.8 per cent increase over the prior year, despite there being a 5.3

Howai: TT Central Bank meeting demand for US$

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Finance Minister Larry Howai says a “more proactive stance” by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, which on Monday announced it has sold US$250 million to the local banking system, “has addressed the outstanding demand” for foreign exchange.

get US cash from the local banking system.

In response to questions sent by TV6 News on the Central Bank’s announcement, Howai said: “The figure you quote relates to the total amount sold for the month of February.”

per cent decline of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Market Index over the same period,” he said.

The release said the Group’s main areas of focus were the strengthening of its Jamaican businesses; extending its reach in international markets – more so in Western Africa, continental Europe, and the USA’s east and west coasts; improved capital management, cost containment and continued focus and commitment to customers and employees. (Jamaica Observer)

million has been set aside this year to improve the road networks in Moruca sub-region, Minister Benn announced. “13.5 kilometres of new roads were developed in the area; however, some of them are not up to standard. We have to make a change. I have instructed my Engineer so that we make that change quickly,” Benn stated.

Lamenting that the General Election was less than three months away, Benn called for unity and peace. He also opined that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has the best, most talented, most committed leaders to move Guyana forward.

(Guyana Times)

The Central Bank revealed on Monday that demand for foreign exchange from the business community and public totalled US$592 million in February, while the supply of foreign exchange, mainly from energy sector companies, amounted to US$438 million.

“This resulted in an overall gap of US$154 million. In keeping with its strategic foreign exchange management programme, Central Bank sold US$250 million to the banking system, completely offsetting the gap and providing just over US$95 million in excess supply to be used in early March 2015,” the Central Bank said in a release issued on Monday.

Business owners and those travelling abroad have been complaining about their inability to

He added: “My understanding is that this more proactive stance of the Central Bank has addressed the outstanding demand and the Central Bank will continue to proactively monitor and manage the demand to ensure that the concerns of the business community are met.” The Central Bank said conversions by the energy sector contributed 71 per cent or US$310 million to total foreign exchange inflows for February.

“Demand was mainly driven by the retail and distribution (US$141 million), manufacturing (US$38 million), and automobile (US$19 million) sectors. Net credit card sales amounted to US$19 million,” the Central Bank said.

It also said Trinidad and Tobago’s net official reserves currently stand at US$10.7 billion, representing one year worth of import cover. (TT Express)

Caribbean observes World Birth Defects Day

WASHINGTON, USA: The Caribbean

Tuesday joined the international community in observing World Birth Defects Day with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noting that congenital anomalies, or birth defects, are the second-leading cause of death in children under five in the region.

PAHO said that combined with prematurity, asphyxia and sepsis, birth defects account for 44 per cent of deaths among children. Globally, birth defects affect one in 33 babies and cause 3.2 million disabilities each year.

“The commemoration of this day aims to raise awareness about this common, costly and challenging problem but also to foster the development and implementation of prevention programs and to expand healthcare services for all people with birth defects,” said Suzanne Serruya, Director of PAHO’s Latin American Center for Perinatology (CLAP).

PAHO said congenital anomalies can have genetic, infectious or environmental origins, although in most cases it is difficult to identify a cause.

It said the most common serious birth disorders are heart and neural tube defects and Down syndrome.

Each year, an estimated 270,000 newborn babies die in the first 28 days of life from congenital anomalies, which are the fourth-leading cause of neonatal deaths after complications of premature delivery, neonatal infections and complications of childbirth, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.

For babies who survive and live with these conditions, birth defects increase their risk of long-term disabilities, which greatly impact the individuals affected, their families, health systems and society, PAHO said.

It said many birth defects can be prevented or treated. Sufficient folic acid and iodine consumption during pregnancy, vaccination against rubella, which can be transmitted to children during pregnancy, and proper prenatal care are all key prevention measures.

“Our vision is for every child to be born with the best health possible and with the potential for a full and productive life.” (CMC)

Chikungunya damaging to J’can economy — Shaw

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: Opposition spokesperson for finance and planning, Audley Shaw says that the poor handling of the chikungunya epidemic by Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has contributed significantly to Jamaica re-entering a recession.

Shaw said the Jamaican economy went back into recession after it declined in the October to December quarter –the second consecutive quarter of decline.

He said that the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ’s) preliminary estimates showed that the economy contracted by 0.3 per cent in the October to December quarter and 1.4 per cent in the July to September quarter.

The Opposition Spokesman noted that “chikungunya wreaked havoc across the nation over the last five months of 2014, the same time as the economy went into contraction”. He said that the damage to the economy now far exceeds the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) estimate of approximately Ja$6 billion in lost GDP and 13 mil-

lion man hours in the space of a few weeks up to October last year.

The former finance minister noted that, “had the minister and his team acted on the chikungunya preparedness workshop held in Kingston by the Pan American Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control 2 years prior, the country would have at least been prepared for the public health emergency”.

He said that the experience points to a critical need for capable and alert ministers of government, especially in sensitive ministries like Health.

Shaw called for the government to put in place growth Inducement strategies in order to secure the gains being made from passing IMF tests. He said that, “If this is not done with considerable urgency, the economy will continue to drift like a helmless vessel, causing further loss of confidence, exchange rate slippage, anaemic investment and growth prospects, further contraction in employment, and increased crime and instability.”

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyana’s health ministry peeved at release of medical assistance records

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Health Ministry is peeved at the release of information on the medical assistance given to Government officials –one of whom received as much as Gy$2 million for dental services.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry voiced what it described as its “absolute consternation at the unethical and disingenuous exposure of private medical details, concerning selected Government officials”.

According to the Ministry, certain media outlets and personnel, in taking ‘cheap shots’ for political mileage, have revealed not only their political biases, but also an insensitive and inimical culture of journalism, towards the Government of Guyana and the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

“The Ministry of Health notes that it is well established that private details, particularly those dealing with the health and finance of citizens, are not normally exposed, except under certain ‘extreme’ conditions, and even so, not

in a manner to besmirch people’s character, nor negatively sway public opinion against any person or group.”

The Ministry said it should be recalled that in May 2009, Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan did enquire about the then People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Robert Corbin’s medical expenses being offset by the government, stating that a substantial amount of taxpayers’ dollars has been spent, and “there must be a balance between that and accountability”.

However, at the time, he was met with silence concerning the nature of Corbin’s health issues and the sum of the expense incurred, the Ministry said in its statement. “In this vein, the Ministry of Health highlights that it is not ‘decent’ to expose these sensitive issues, as they can redound to both medical and impecunious embarrassment. However, some media operatives went this route, clearly targeting a select few from the ruling party, and in so doing have engendered unease among the family members and other concerned relatives and friends.

“The Health Ministry once again condemns the behaviour of those responsible for the report, and deems their actions as ‘vendetta for no known reason’.”

The Health Ministry also sees the reportage as intentionally skewed with portions being mischievously selected or incomplete, with ulterior and sinister motives.

“Also, it should be emphasised that the Ministry of Health embraces and practises a policy, to render assis-

tance indiscriminately and in a holistic manner, depending upon the nature of the medical condition and the financial needs of those seeking to obtain same.”

Last Friday, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) registered concern over the Ministry of Health spending approximately Gy$361 million in health benefits with more than half of that amount being given to several of Government Ministers and officials. According to APNU Executive Basil Williams, the National Assembly was unaware of the spending, further pointing out that there was obscurity when it came to the basis of the Ministers and other officials qualifying for the amount of monies spent on healthcare.

“We do not know about such spending. Such spending does not come to the House. What we know is that we, the Members of Parliament, do not get and have never gotten any medical benefits. I don’t know that there is a lawful regime governing those expenditure,” Williams said. (Guyana Times)

J’can Gov’t will deliver on number portability, says Paulwell

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, has said that the government will deliver on its promise that cellular phone users will have number portability by the end of May this year.

Number portability will allow cellular phone users to carry their numbers across ports when they switch their service providers.

Speaking at the official opening of the Farm Primary and Junior High School internet café and information and communication technology (ICT) centre in Green Pond, St James, last Wednesday, Paulwell informed that number portability is among the conditions government imposed for the LIME/Flow merger.

The minister emphasised that Jamaica would not return to the days of telecommunication monopoly.

"I want to assure you that as the person who was involved in liberalising (the sector), I am not going back to monopoly situations and I am making sure that in whatever joint ventures that emerge, there is the preservation of competition," he said.

Paulwell explained that at present, the laws governing the telecommunication sector do not allow the minister to regulate mergers and acquisitions. However, he said that a number of checks and balances have been imposed to guarantee fair competition and better rates for the consumer.

Also, the telecommunication providers have

agreed on a co-location arrangement, which will facilitate them and as well as new players in the sector sharing cell sites and tower antennas.

"And, there are many more conditions that we have imposed on (the LIME/Flow) deal to make sure that competition reigns. For example, Cable and Wireless will

now own the undersea fibre-optic cable that links Jamaica with the outside world, and we are making sure that in that ownership, they do not use it in a discriminatory way against competition," the minister said.

Paulwell argued that there is need for additional players, as the marketplace is big enough to accommodate

US stands firm with Guyana

By Alexis Rodney

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: The United States of America said it stands ready to support the

Government of Guyana on the position it has taken against the Venezuelan Government, which, in a recent move of provocation has warned the oil exploration company Exxon

Mobil against drilling in Guyana’s waters.

Charge’ d Affaires of the United States Embassy here in Guyana Bryan Hunt told Guyana Times on Monday that the US has

more than the current two carriers. More providers, he said, would result in more competitive rates, especially those for data.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament for St James Central, Lloyd B Smith, called on users to take care of the centre, noting that sister school, Green Pond Primary, has been plagued by regular break-ins.

He suggested that stiffer penalties should be levied by the courts on criminals who burglarize government properties, particularly schools.

President of the Green Pond Community Development Committee (CDC), Judith Wallace, said the cost of the project was Ja$4.7 million, adding that the centre would serve the community as a resource, train-

taken a negative stance of any attempt by any government that would seek to disrupt the work of Exxon Mobil.

Exxon Mobil is a USbased oil exploration company which was recently awarded concession by Guyana to undertake exploratory work in the Stabroek block. The Venezuelan Government, late Saturday evening however, objected to the dispatch of a rig to dig an exploratory oil well in a concession granted by Guyana to the oil company. The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana immediately responded to Caracas, asking the oil rich country to desist from taking any actions that would stymie Guyana's development.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela desist from taking any actions that could only result in the stymieing of the development of Guyana and its people and that would be in contravention of international law,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said, in a release.

Venezuela’s contention is that the area at which the oil company will be drilling is within its territorial border. But opposition leader David Granger remarked that Guyana is well within its right and pointed out that the territorial controversy between the two countries was resolved more than 115 years ago by an international tribunal.

Alluding to this emerging issue involv-

ing and home work facility.

Wallace said the community is grateful for the input of all the partners, and that the facility would greatly enhance the performance of the students and their teachers.

The centre is equipped with 24 desktop computers, two printers, a retractable screen, wireless internet connectivity, a projector and server, as well as desks and chairs.

This resulted from a community/government partnership among the Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Ministry, the Universal Service Fund (USF), the Green Pond CDC, the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Ministry of Education. (Jamaica Observer)

…against Venezuela’s “aggression”

ing ExxonMobil, he said Guyana should be allowed to explore its economical potential as a small developing state.

Meanwhile, the US official told Guyana Times that his Government, recognising fully Guyana’s authority in issuing the concession to the private company, was heartened by the fact that Guyana had clearly indicated to Venezuela that it has the sovereign right to award contracts for developments within its territory. He said the US has also supported Exxon Mobil’s ability to move forward with the development of its concession Guyana.

“It is our hope that the government and Exxon Mobil continue to collaborate and continue to have a very successful partnership in moving forward in authority to move forward toward its natural resources”.

Asked whether the United States is prepared to intervene militarily should the Venezuelan Government maintain its stance, the US official said he would not want to speculate, or tread on such grounds, but maintained that the U.S. will stand with Guyana’s government on this. The United States had recently suggested that Caribbean countries seek to loosen their ties with Venezuela, which currently provides them with oil through the Petrocaribe deal.

US officials had said Caribbean governments should leverage existing market trends and embrace gas as a near-term

bridge fuel to promote energy security and facilitate investment in regional interconnection infrastructure.

Asked if this call has been justified giving the recent move by the Venezuelan Government, the US Charge’d Affaires said his country’s view on Venezuela is a simple one that is derived from the numerous actions that have been taken by the Government.

The US backing on the issue adds to a position already taken by the main political opposition A Partnership for National Unity, which said it stands firmly behind the ruling administration, against the latest objection by Venezuela. Granger had suggested that the country’s action was consistent with past occurrences as he alluded to the attempted ‘Essequibo Annexation’.

He further stated that President Leoni had also issued “Decreto No 1.152” on July 9, 1968 claiming a nine-mile wide belt of sea along Guyana’s entire Essequibo coast.

Additionally, President Rafael Antonio Caldera Rodriguez (1969-1974) had blocked Guyana’s attempt to permit petroleum exploration rights in the Essequibo by DEMITEX, a German company.

As such, APNU is calling on Venezuela to comply with Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations for the Pacific Settlement of Disputes and to desist from resorting to force in the Guyana-Venezuela matter.

(Guyana Times)

JSIF to spend US$42m on integrated community development project in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund, (JSIF), will over the next five years spend some US$42 million on an Integrated Community Development project which forms a major part of the Government’s 2030 vision for Jamaica.

The project was launched at the Barrett Town United Church Hall in St. James on Thursday February 26.

Speaking at the launch, General Manager for Project Management at JSIF, Loy Malcolm said the Government negotiated a loan with the World Bank for US$42 million which is to be

invested across 18 communities in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Ann, St. James and Westmoreland.

Looking specifically at the Barrett Town Community Development project, Ms. Malcolm said it has three main components: infrastructure development, soft interventions and skills training.

She explained that infrastructure development will include: roads, schools, water supply system, zinc fence removal and things relating to community spaces and sanitation.

“There will also be what we call soft inter-

ventions to include activities largely in the schools. There will be things in relation to skills training, employment opportunities…to include agencies such as HEART Trust/NTA,” Ms. Malcolm said.

She added that JSIF and other Government Ministries, departments and agencies will be working together to ensure that the project is a success.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for East Central St. James, Mr. Edmund Bartlett in welcoming the project told the gathering that the upgrading of Barrett Town could not have come at a better time, as

development of the community, has been a major focus of his tenure as Parliamentary representative over the years.

“I want to say to you Barrett Town that we have talked about it for a while…about how we go about restructuring and redeveloping our community and we have even done some ourselves. We have also talked about the re-engineering of our community to make it a place that we all want to live, to grow our children and our families and to do business and to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. We are today a little closer to that,” Mr. Bartlett said.

In commending JSIF

for selecting Barrett Town as one of the implementing areas for the project, Mr. Bartlett said the area “will be trans-

TT Cops in search for missing designer

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Police searched the Maloney district from Sunday night into on Monday for a white Nissan AD wagon belonging to missing businessman Kirby Mohammed but came up emptyhanded. Investigators said they received a call from someone saying the white wagon, registered PDC 5152, was seen driving through the area but could not identify the driver. Police also were awaiting a print out of Mohammed’s phone records to see who were the people he last contacted on Saturday before he

went missing. Mohammed’s mother, Linda, said the last known contact her son made was a text message to a friend, saying he was returning from Port-of-Spain and would be back by 7 pm. In an interview at her office at Trinzuela College on Monday, Linda said she even went to the bank to see if there were any suspicious transactions. She said after the bank learned of his disappearance, they froze his account. Both mother and son are directors at the college and she said she had not received any ransom calls.

She said there were no known disputes between Mohammed and anyone and he was not known to have any enemies. “We are hoping that he is alright. My concern now is not for the car. They can keep it but just return him to us. “Nobody has called for money and I have his passport so it could not be that he left the country. “ If any of my boys go out, they would always call and tell me where they are and if they are going to be late.

“On this occasion I got no call and whenever I call his phone, it goes straight to voicemail,”

Youths can look forward to a bright future in ICT- Guyana’s President

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA :

Guyanese pursuing careers in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can look forward to a bright future as there are plans on stream to take this sector forward.

According to President Donald Ramotar, the administration has already laid the foundation for Guyanese to keep up with the growing age of ICT.

Speaking on the programme ‘At Home with the President’, during which he was interviewed by a group of youth, he noted that when he prorogued the Parliament in November 2014, it was his hope that the opposition would have yielded to his calls for constructive dialogue.

He noted that several bills were in the 10th Parliament including for the liberalisation of the

telecommunication sector, which would have given ICT a further push.

Nonetheless, he noted that persons pursuing careers in this field have much to look forward to as the Government has made an agreement with the Indian Government for the establishment of an ICT Park. This agreement evolved during a visit by the President to India and meeting with that country’s president, Narendra Modi in January.

The President explained that the facility will more or less become the headquarter for the whole of South America and the Caribbean.

“…And this has great possibilities in creating a lot of jobs, right now Qualfon is in Eccles, they are putting down a campus that will employ about 4000 persons when it is at its maximum going, so ICT has huge possibilities in creating employment

and allowing our people to have better paying jobs and better employment all over.”

Referring to some of the foundation that has already been laid for the further push of the ICT sector, President Ramotar spoke of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative which was launched under the former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

This initiative has seen thousands of Guyanese families benefiting from a laptop and from training to use the device.

In some instances, computer hubs have been established in hinterland communities to power and promote the use of computers.

Stressing on the importance of ICT in developing Guyana as a whole, the President noted that with the expansion of this sector more jobs will be created and opportunities for investments. (GINA)

Mohammed said. Mohammed, 47, of St Joseph Village, San Fernando, is also a Carnival costume designer with Trini Revellers and an interior decorator. He was last seen around 3.30 pm Saturday when he left home for Port-of-Spain to buy supplies for cos-

tumes he was contracted to design for upcoming carnivals in Bahamas, Grenada and Miami. He was expected to return later that day to attend the annual World Laugh Festival at 8 pm at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, but has not been seen since. (TT Guardian)

formed into a community…. where its citizens will be proud to live, work and do business.”

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com

Republic Bank donates TT$5.3m to help sick children in Caribbean

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD: Republic Bank has donated CDN$1 million (TT$5.3 million) to the Canadian Hospital for Sick Children to assist in the provision of treatment to children across the Caribbean.

This was announced on Monday during the launch of the SickKids Caribbean Initiative at the Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

The SickKids Foundation, an initiative of the hospital, is the largest funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada.

To date, the hospital has worked with six Caribbean countries— The Bahamas, Barbados,

St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and TT—to understand the reality for children suffering with cancer and blood disorders.

One of the main goals of the SickKids Caribbean Initiative is to implement universal newborn screening for sickle cell disease in six Caribbean countries.

Speaking at the launch, Canadian High Commissioner Gerard Latulippe expressed gratitude for the contribution and said the aim was to improve the survival rate of Caribbean children born with cancer and other blood disorders.

Children born with leukemia and other cancers in the Caribbean have a less than 50 per

cent chance of survival, he said, due to a lack of proper diagnostics and treatment. He compared this to an 80 to 90 per cent survival rate in Canada.

“It is disheartening to know that in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, children continue to die every day to

the scourge of cancer,” he said.

The fund, he said, will offer an avenue for medical treatment to Caribbean children which, under normal circumstances, would not be attainable.

Latulippe called on other corporate entities to partner with the

SickKids Foundation to ensure children in need of treatment are given a fighting chance.

Through the “Power to Make a Difference” programme, Republic Bank has also partnered with the Foundation in its sickle cell disease initiative, which carries great importance, Chief Medical Officer Dr Colin Furlonge said.

Furlonge noted the sickle cell trait is very common in the Caribbean, with an estimated ten per cent prevalence rate in AfroTrinidadians.

“Here in Trinidad and Tobago, we can benefit from the expertise offered by the SickKids initiative, especially in the areas of pain management and counseling to

conform to international best practices.”

Furlonge added that the Health Ministry has been collaborating with the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders on improving the delivery of services for people with such afflictions.

As a result of these collaborations, a ward had been designated at the San Fernando General Hospital for management of sickle cell disease and other hematological disorders. A portion of land will also be provided near the Couva Children’s Hospital for the construction of a building that will be the centre of a national programme to treat hematological disorders. (TT Express)

Guyanese honoured with int’l award from University of Florida

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Basil Bactawar, a County Extension Director and Assistant Professor who exemplified University of Florida’s efforts to help solve global issues has earned an international award from the institution.

According to the University’s Vice President Jack Payne, “This is a great distinction and honour that reflects the global stature of his career accomplishments, and the high esteem in which he is held not only here

Budget

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The Government plans to spend about Ja$74 million for Entertainment Policy and Monitoring in the 2015-2016 Budget, a massive increase over the approximately Ja$11 million allocated the previous financial year.

Charles Campbell, executive director of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, believes this level of funding is long overdue.

at University, but also worldwide.”

Upon receiving the award, Bactawar said, “I feel humbled and happy because I was able to make a difference in the lives of people who needed my help the most. If we from the University who have the knowledge cannot help the folks overseas, then who would?”

Bactawar spent over a decade working with farmers and agricultural enterprises as a volunteer in nine countries while carrying the duties of his full-time job in Canada and later in the

"The Ministry of Youth and Culture and the entertainment division of the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment have been severely underfunded over the last three years, and so this increase can only enhance the ability of those two government agencies to carry out their mandate," Campbell told the Jamaican media.

"What we hope is that some of the programmes that the entertainment division and the Ministry of Youth and Culture have developed over the years will be finally implemented to advance the industry."

Specific areas of expenditure were identified in the 20152016 Estimates of Expenditure, recently tabled in Parliament. A little under Ja$8 million will be used for employee compensation, while travel expenses and subsistence account for Ja$4 million. The largest proportion, $62 million, is to be used for goods and services.

"The role of the Entertainment Policy and Monitoring activity is to promote the development of the entertainment sector and to strengthen its syner-

USA.

During 2013 to 2011, he collaborated with stakeholders to develop feeding programmes for the cattle, swine and poultry industries in Mali, Liberia, Ghana and Uganda.

In 2010 he collaborated with Kenyan Bureau of Standards and Kenyan Feed Manufacturing Association to develop standards for the production of quality poultry feeds that brought about much needed improvement in this sector.

This initiative has reduced complaints by poultry farmers who

basil bactawar

were dissatisfied by the poor quality of feeds that they were being sold.

In 2007 to 2009 he found himself working with dairy farmers in

gies with tourism; have consultations with industry stakeholders; convene steering committee; establish an Entertainment Advisory Board and develop an

Entertainment Policy," the document explained.

It was noted that Ja$58 million of the provision is to be met from the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

Belize, Bolivia and Egypt to reduce the cost of production of milk by feeding cheaper agro-industrial by-products to dairy cattle. The outbreak of avian influenza crippled the poultry industry in Azerbaijan at the start 2006.

This volunteer was invited to Azerbaijan to formulate concentrate feeds for beef cattle in March of 2006 so that the millers could stay in business.

The feed millers requested his service again in November of the same year to formulate feed concentrate for dairy cat-

tle. One of these mills is now the leading producer of livestock feeds in country.

Bactawar is no stranger to exceptional achievement. In 2010 he received a Meritorious Service Award in recognition of 16 years of dedicated and valued service to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in British Columbia, Canada. His career began in 1972 when he began his studies at Guyana School of Agriculture and later at the University of the West Indies. (Guyana Times)

An Entertainment Registry and Noise Abatement Initiatives will cost Ja$12 million each, while 90 Days/90 Ways of Summer will cost Ja$14 million. Arts in the Park is expected to cost Ja$8 million, and implementation of the Events Rating system around Ja$3 million.

Other expenses on the list include the Visitor's Night Out programme, Artiste Ambassador programme and the Entertainment and Creative Industries Franchising at Ja$5 million, Ja$4 million and Ja$250,000, respectively.

Campbell insists that based on the fact that entertainment and culture have done so much for Jamaica, more should be done to enhance their growth.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Youth and Culture has had to significantly curtail its activities in the past, because of its very limited budget.

"The Ministry of Youth and Culture should equally be given a substantial increase, because they cover a wider spectrum of the arts. We cannot overlook the development of the arts if we want to have quality commercial ventures in entertainment," Campbell told the Jamaican media.

"In fact, it is a historical sleight of hand that the two agencies that are responsible for encouraging the development and growth of the entertainment sector have not been given the type of budget to allow them to do so. They have not been given the priority that they are due," he said.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

TT teen dies after choking on watermelon

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

A 16-YEAR-old Biche school girl died after eating a slice of watermelon at her home on Monday.

Tenelle Sealey, of 7 ¾ mile mark Plum Mitan Road was pronounced dead at the Biche District Health Facility.

According to a police report, at around 5 p.m. she was at her home where it is believed she choked while eating watermelon.

Her family took her to the nearby health centre but she could not be revived.

Police said the teenager was being treated at health facility for some time for chest and gas pains.

An autopsy expected to be performed on Tuesday at the Forensic Sciences Centre.

Biche Police are investigating. (TT Express)

Cocoa industry returning to path of growth in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Battered by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the island’s cocoa industry is slowly returning to a path of growth.

Secretary Manager at the Cocoa Industry Board (CIB), Leroy Grey says the industry returned to positive growth during the 20132014 crop year with a 10 per cent increase.

He notes that production moved from 400 metric tonnes in 2013 to 440 metric tonnes in 2014.

He attributes the growth mainly to the Government’s post-Sandy injection of Ja$13 million to assist farmers with fertilizer and rehabilitation.

“To ensure that the sector maintains a growth path, the CIB also gives sustained technical, advisory and extension services to farmers,” Mr. Grey tells JIS News.

He further states that under a project sponsored by the European Union (EU) two years ago, 250,000 seedlings were guaranteed to as-

sist farmers.

However, that has been exceeded and to date, over 350,000 seedlings have been disbursed for rehabilitation and new planting, he says.

“We average 500 metric tonnes per year, earning some Ja$225 million, unfortunately we are coming from a situation when we used to produce some 2500 metric tonnes 20 years ago,” he says. Mr. Grey also informs that an estimated 6000 registered farmers engage in cocoa farming across the country with 90 percent being small farmers, while adding that he wants this number to expand.

He explains that there are plans to get back into the school gardens through the 4-H Clubs, by providing technical and advisory support, so that the youth can get interested in planting cocoa.

Jamaica produces cocoa beans and the CIB purchases the beans from farmers in the wet form, which is then put through a process called fermentation where it is dried under controlled

conditions in preparations for export. The parishes that are heavily involved in cocoa farming are Portland, St. Mary, St. Catherine, with Clarendon being the largest producer. These parishes enjoy conditions that are conducive to cocoa farming.

The plant takes five to seven years to come into full bearing, but has a life span of 30 years. It is one of the easiest crops to grow, reap and market.

The country is looking to create the founda-

tion for a modern, viable cocoa industry that will flourish and attract new investors, enhance rural livelihoods, encourage self-employment and maximize Jamaica’s opportunity to continue receiving a premium price for the product on the world market.

A signatory to the 17-member International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), Jamaica is one of eight countries recognized as a producer of fine or flavoured cocoa. Jamaican cocoa is of premium

quality, which means that the locally grown crop is used as a spice to give flavour to cocoa that is produced in other parts of the world.

“We produce exclusive fine or flavoured cocoa, which is not returned to Jamaica in cocoa powder form but in premium chocolate,” Mr. Grey informs. Currently, the island exports 98 percent of its cocoa to Europe, Japan and the United State of America. Reports show that during the 2011-2012 crop years, the sector experienced an increase of 190 per cent growth in production which moved from 215 to 650 metric tonnes. However, 20122013 was negatively impacted by Hurricane Sandy, as a result there was a 49 percent decline in 2013. The sector was also adversely affected by drought.

The Cocoa Industry Board is the sole marketing agent for Jamaican cocoa. Processing normally takes place at the four fermentaries located in the parishes of Hanover, Clarendon, St. Mary and Kingston. (JIS)

‘Cost of utilities a major challenge for J’can businesses’

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Wayne Cummings, the senior director for administration and business processes at Sandals Resorts International, has cited the high cost of utilities as a major challenge for businesses operating in Jamaica.

"The cost of doing business has to be the primary focus for any business, first of all, but it needs also to be the same for any regulator and governance structure because your viability is a viability of the economy," Cummings said.

Cummings was speaking on the topic: 'The cost of utilities to businesses', during a panel discussion at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Power Brokers'

Workshop and Luncheon held last Thursday at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Rose Hall, St James.

According to Cummings, companies such as Sandals, currently pays Ja$1.5 billion annually to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for electricity, noting, however, that a recent drop in the price of oil had resulted in a reduction in electricity bills.

He stressed, though, that he was concerned that there was apparently no clear measures in place to keep the cost of electricity low.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Public Service, Kelly Tomblin, who also addressed the function, pointed out that steps

(l)cUmminGs… the cost of doing business has to be the primary focus for any business & (r)Kelly tomblin, president and chief executive officer of the Jamaica Public service company addressing the workshop

were being taken to lower the cost of electricity, and to improve stability.

Paulwell said these include the establishment of the Caribbean's largest 24- megawatt electricity generating solar system in Clarendon, for which ground is expected to be broken before the end of this

Central FC’s co-owner now TT minister’s adviser

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

British citizen Kevin Harrison who co-owned (SIS) Central FC football club with Sport Minister Brent Sancho is now Sancho’s adviser.

This was confirmed by the ministry and Harrison last Thursday.

Sancho was appointed on February 2 to replace Rupert Griffith. The latter replaced former minister Anil Roberts, who resigned last year amid the Life Sport furore and corruption allegations concerning that programme. It is under probe by police, the Integrity Commission and other authorities.

Central Football Club, “The Sharks”, is a TT professional football club.

It was founded in 2012 by Sancho and is based in California, Couva. It plays in the TT Pro League.

After the club’s first season, it built a reputation in bringing football in community events, having completed over 12 projects and had reportedly struggled over the years.

In September 2013 the club received sponsorship from Couvabased Super Industrial Services (SIS) Harrison joined the team in 2013 as operations director. After Sancho was appointed, Harrison was reported to

tract and he also had a short-term—about three months—contract and was “just a civilian paid by the ministry” but gets no public service benefits like gratuities or such. He said the contract may be extended depending on when the general election was held and Parliament dissolves.

Harrison said CFC, which qualified for the Carib Cup Championships on Wednesday night, had applied to the ministry for assistance since last October, well before Sancho was appointed minister. Efforts to contact Sancho last Thursday were futile.

have taken over as managing director of CFC since Sancho, as minister, had to separate himself from the club.

He was quoted in news reports that the changes would not negatively affect the club and that Sancho would not be involved in the club.

At that time Harrison was quoted as saying while it was a good move for Sancho “politically, it was not the best time to take the position with all the controversy that’s going on.”

He said last Thursday the ministry had an allocation for the post of adviser and secretary.

He said the secretary was under con-

Formerly from the UK, Harrison, 52, lives in central Trinidad. His business career includes real estate and giving financial advice to footballers from several leagues.

After the 2006 World Cup, he was reportedly approached by Sancho, Kelvin Jack and Ian Cox, who asked for his help with a dispute over bonus payments to the squad.

After visiting the region to deal with legal action, he reportedly declined a TT Pro League offer but later helped negotiate a sponsorship arrangement between DirecTV and North East Stars FC, where Sancho was CEO and subsequently both established CFC. (TT Guardian)

expected to supply 24 megawatt of electricity.

And more recently, ground was also broken last Wednesday for the creation of another farm in Malvern, St Elizabeth, set to cost of Ja$10.2 billion. The 36.3-megawatt farm is being developed by BMR Jamaica Wind Ltd.

Meanwhile, Cummings reiterated his call for a review of how sewerage rates are calculated.

month. That project, he said, is expected to cost Ja$7 billion.

Just over two weeks ago, ground was broken for the creation of Wigton III in Rose Hill, Manchester, at a cost of Ja$5 billion. The project, which is scheduled to be completed within another 12 months, is also

Currently, the amount charged by the National Water Commission for sewerage is 100 per cent of the domestic water consumed.

Emphasising that this should not be the case, Cummings argued that "domestic water is also used for cooking and watering lawns, resulting in less water return-

ing to the NWC treatment plant as waste".

Cummings had raised his concern about sewerage charges with Water Minister Robert Pickersgill and officials of the National Water Commisison at a consultation meeting in Negril in January.

Cummings also had concerns that the acquisition of Columbus Communications, operators of FLOW, by Cable and Wireless PLC -- parent company of LIME -could result in "a monopoly behaviour by LIME, to include higher rates for customers".

Paulwell and head of legal and regulatory affairs for LIME, Rochelle Cameron, sought to dismiss the concern, stressing that the deal will work positively for Jamaica. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana: CIOG commissions computer centre at Aurora in Region 2

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: In an effort to foster Information Technology and other life skills in young people as well as elders in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Saturday commissioned a computer centre at Aurora.

The Islamic organisation has thus far built five computer and sewing machine centres in Berbice, Essequibo and East Bank Demerara. The commissioning of the computer centre at the Aurora Masjid was done in collaboration with Asad Al Sanad Trust and Br Asad Abdul Aziz Al Sanad, Chairman of Al Sanad Real Estate Group Co State of Kuwait. The centre is equipped with 10 computers that create

a learning environment.

Present at the commissioning of the centre was head of CIOG Shaikh Moen ul-Hack. Moen ul-Hack said that CIOG is dedicated to improving the welfare as well as the overall standard of living of Muslims.

The Imam explained that the organisation is engaged in many nonprofitable deeds that foster sustainable development and bring relief to the poor.

Moen ul-Hack explained that with the computer centre at Aurora, young people will have access to basic knowledge that can make them more marketable.

The Islamic organisation believes in charity and as such over the years, it has been involved in charitable pro-

grammes such as feeding programmes, clothes distribution and providing shelter for the poor and needy. It is also working to boost health and educational services in vulnerable communities.

To achieve the various charitable gestures, CIOG survives by working in togetherness with affiliates, sponsors and volunteers. Computer classes will commence on Saturday and will accommodate 10 persons per session.

The coordinator for those classes is Deputy Imam of Aurora Masjid Iqbal Khan. A computer centre of similar nature was commissioned at Meten-Meer-Zorg Islamic Academy. The centre is presently providing literacy classes for students. (Guyana Times)

School feeding in TT resumes

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

After thousands of students were affected last Thursday when the school feeding programme was suspended out of an abundance of caution because of the oily water incident which on Wednesday impacted over 200,000 persons, the programme is expected to resume on Friday.

Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Water Resources and the Environment Minister Ganga Singh are scheduled to visit two schools in the Caroni Education District on Friday. During the visit, officials would be taking water samples and conducting tests on the schools’ water supply.

A media release from the Education Ministry stated that National Schools Dietary Services Ltd (NSDSL), which is responsible for the school Nutrition Programme completed the process of cleaning and sanitising water tanks of the affected kitchens.

The Ministry, through its Corporate Communications Division, gave the assurance that a safe water supply had been restored

at all facilities. “The safety of the nation’s children comes first, and as such, the company shut down operations in Caroni, East and the East/West Corridor to take the precautionary measure of cleaning and sanitising the water tanks at the affected kitchens,” the release stated. It further stated: “

The Programme is ready to resume full operations, therefore, full service of all 60,000 breakfast meals and 94,000 lunches to our nation’s students will resume on Friday.

On Thursday, five primary schools remained closed due to the water problem while nine primary were dismissed early. An official from the Ministry told journalists that four secondary schools were dismissed early as well. The official identified the closed school as Cunupia Government, Edinburgh Government, Jerningham Government, Monroe Road Government and Monroe Road Hindu but was unable to provide the names of the schools that were dismissed early on Thrusday. At the Charlieville Presbyterian Primary

Chinese delegation

School located at Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas, two officials from the Environmental Management Authority were seen on the compound. A parent told the TT media that there was no water supply at the school and the officials were conducting tests.

He noted that parents returned home with their respective children, having learnt of the lack of water at the school on Thursday.

Students at the Chaguanas South Secondary School at Lange Park, Montrose, were seen leaving the compound at about 11 am and they confirmed it was due to the water issue. Only prefects were allowed to stay on the compounds for a longer period due to a workshop. Staff members advised students to return to classes on Friday when the problem is expected to be resolved.

At the Chaguanas RC Primary School classes continued as normal although the previous day, students were sent home early due to a pungent smell from the water. Students had, on Wednesday, complained that the water was slimy. (TT Newsday)

in J’ca

EU to plug €34M into Guyana

…to boost social sector, infrastructure

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica announced on Monday that 30.5 billion euros worth of EU development cooperation shall come on stream following entry into force of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

Guyana will benefit from 34 million euros (some G$8 billion) of the aid. “The EU and its Member States remain collectively the world’s largest donor, providing more than half of global official aid. As an important part of its external action, the EDF is a cornerstone of the EU’s international cooperation and development policy that concretely implements our partnership and dialogue with African, Caribbean

collecting data for proposed design of hospital

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Data collection is currently being carried out by a Chinese delegation, which is on the island to inform the proposed design of the child and adolescent hospital to be constructed in the Western region of the island.

A discussion with the delegation was led with personnel from the Ministry of Health, the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the National Environment and Planning Agency at PIOJ Monday morning, regarding their activities for the next three weeks of their visit.

Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson made the point that this type of hospital was needed, as presently there is a requirement for children to be transferred to Kingston to receive intensive care services, specialist services and appropriate care. Additionally, there is no specific facility geared towards the needs of adolescents.

“I am happy that the members of the Chinese delegation were able to visit Jamaica to start

this important process. The health team and other Government agencies will be working with the delegation to ensure that at the end of the visit we can have an idea of the way forward in terms of design and budget,” Dr Ferguson said.

The hospital is expected to provide services for children from 0-19 years old and will be the only facility of its kind in Jamaica, Permanent Secretary,

Dr Kevin Harvey said. It is proposed that the facility will be constructed on lands identified on the grounds of the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

“The idea is to create a facility that is integrated with the Cornwall Regional Hospital as there will be shared services. The hospital will be a modern facility which is self-sufficient in many ways, energy efficient as well as environmental-

and Pacific (ACP) countries under the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement,” a statement from the EU on Monday said.

With a total of 30.5 billion euros, the 11th EDF will finance EU development cooperation projects until 2020 to assist partner countries’ own efforts in poverty eradication. These funds come from EU Member States and will be managed by the EU to target the people most in need and to finance different sectors such as health and education, infrastructure, environment, energy, food and nutrition. The promotion of good governance, democracy and the rule of law are also other key areas that are supported as is sustainable development, including sustainable agriculture and rural development.

These are ways how the EU and its Member States are clearly signalling support to the future post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals so that they continue focus-

ing all efforts in countries where the EU aid can have the most impact. This is in line with EU vision set out in the 2011 “Agenda for Change”.

EDF long-term development programmes are always agreed in close partnership with each of the countries or regions. This ensures that cooperation is aligned to the respective national or regional priorities and that partner countries exercise their ownership of the development process.

The allocation to Guyana comes to 34 million euros until 2020 and will focus on climate change adaptation, disaster reduction and sustainable infrastructure (including sea defences), building upon successful cooperation in this area in the past. The EU is the largest grant donor to Guyana and is a committed partner to Guyana’s development. This year will mark the celebration of 40 years of EU-Guyana cooperation. (Guyana Times)

St Lucia expands tourism outreach with new Diaspora program

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA:

ly friendly,” Dr Harvey said.

The delegation will depart the island on March 22, 2015.

According to a news release from the Ministry of Health late Monday, Jamaica has benefitted from developmental assistance from China for more than 40 years. However, this is the first time in recent years that China will be providing support to the health sector. (Jamaica Observer)

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board has launched a dedicated marketing initiative to reach the island’s Diaspora in North America and the United Kingdom. Called Se Sannou, meaning “our thing” in Creole, the program is designed to strengthen ties with the Diaspora community as a knowledgeable and valuable resource to showcase the island as a choice vacation destination in lead source markets.

The Tourist Board will offer dedicated training sessions for members of the Diaspora community who wish to become skilled “Diaspora Touchpoints.” The tourism ambassadors will also receive a “Se Sannou” toolkit, marketing materials, merchandise, a quarterly newsletter with trends and island developments, and more. A dedicat-

ed website landing page will be included and an invitation-only Facebook group will connect the Diaspora community and encourage worldwide member dialogue. Prizes will be awarded for lead generation, including the chance to win a family vacation for four to Saint Lucia.

“Members of our Diaspora community are in a unique position to share their love and knowledge of their home with other members of the community and any potential visitors” says Louis Lewis, director of tourism for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. “They are an untapped resource who can be passionate advocates and help contribute to Saint Lucia’s leading tourism industry.”

Additional Se Sannou launch events will be held in New York City on March 5; Toronto on March 7; and Washington DC on March 14. (Caribbeannewsnow)

J’can Gov’t allocates Ja$380m to UTech for upgrading

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The University of Technology (UTech) Enhancement Project

will get a Ja$380 million allocation next fiscal year to undertake work to upgrade facilities at the institution. The Caribbean Development Bankfunded project aims to enhance the university's capacity to provide quality-level education in Jamaica through expansion and upgrading of the school plant, and to further the development of staff and improve financial sustainability.

Details of the allocation are outlined in the 2015/16 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

The targets for this year include upgrading the laboratory facilities and installing equipment at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Physical achievements under the project, up to last September, include the expansion of sections of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; electrical and laboratory upgrades; construction of new

classroom blocks; procurement of equipment; and construction of administrative offices for the School of Business.

Institutional strengthening has also been carried out, including improvements to human resources capacity and the carrying out of a market needs analysis and a graduate tracer needs study.

The project, which commenced in July 2008, has seen several extensions and is scheduled to continue beyond June 2015. (Jamaica Observer)

40 get grants in Tobago

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Young entrepreneurs on Monday benefitted from grants, totaling TT$693,588.29, from the Tobago House of Assembly, Division of Finance and Enterprise Assistance Unit.

Addressing the 40 recipients, who gathered at the Victor E Bruce Complex in Scarborough, Secretary of Assistance and Enterprise Development, Assemblyman Joel Jack urged them not to let their dreams for a successful business die.

No consensus on a Caribbean candidate Commonwealth to pick Secretary General

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders have failed to agree on a single candidate for the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said.

The leaders, who met in the Bahamas last week for their 26th inter-sessional summit, said no agreement had also been taken regarding the position of Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

“The answer to that question is no, but the Community continues to review its position on that and we know there are a number of candidates who have had their names put forward but we have not

yet determined whether or not there will be a single candidate,” said Caricom chairman and Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie.

Browne told reporters the failure to agree on a single candidate does not mean there is disunity within the 15-member grouping on the issue or otherwise.

“It shows that we have a large cadre of qualified candidates within the region. I believe of the three candidates that they all have the capacity of serving as the Commonwealth Secretary General.

“I also believe too that they all have the capacity to succeed. Clearly, if it was a situation where you had inferior candidates then I believe the Community would have asked the inferior ones to stand down.”

Antigua and Barbuda has named its High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sir Ronald Sanders, as its candidate, while Dominica has named former British attorney general Baroness Patricia Scotland as its choice.

Trinidad and Tobago has named Planning and Development Minister Dr Bhoe Tewarie as its candidate to replace Kamalesh Sharma, the former Indian high commissioner to the United Kingdom, who is ending his term as the Commonwealth Secretary General. The last Caribbean national to serve as Commonwealth Secretary General was Guyana-born Sir Shridath Ramphal, who served as the second person in the post from 1975-1990. (CMC)

Guyana seen as one of the best sport fishing destinations

GJack indicated that the Enterprise Assistance Grant Programme is an initiative designed to assist Tobago businesses and is also offered to individuals who have already established small businesses, but require additional support for expansion.

“The Enterprise Assistance Fund is a loan facility for expanding the small and micro enterprise sector in Tobago. It targets innovative and committed entre-

preneurs who are unable to access the necessary capital and/or support to realise their dream of owning a successful business are managed by the division’s Business Development Unit,” he explained.

The secretary said he is fully aware of the serious challenges faced by the applicants from the time they presented the applications to the time they receive the cheques.

“We are working very feverishly, one of the first things I would have done when I assumed this new role is to alert the staff that we would have to

treat with this delay, because you must appreciate that you are dealing with public funds,” Jack said.

Manager of the Enterprise Assistance Unit Shelly Ann Baptiste also encouraged the young recipients to follow their dreams despite the challenges.

“Whatever life throws at you, use it as the impetus to push forward.

As Buju Banton sang, ‘I want to rule my destiny.’ Don’t let anybody determine and confine you and determine what is your destiny,” the manager urged. (TT Newsday)

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: A filming crew from GM Productions, out of the United States, has just concluded the filming for a new documentary in Guyana titled ‘The Obsession of Carter Andrews’ to be aired on the Outdoor Channel inSport Fishing Documentary was shot in the Rewa Area, North Rupununi, and follows renowned angler and guide Carter ‘Big Boy’ Andrews as he tackles his single obsession: fishing.

With a household reach of 40 million, the Outdoor Channel spotlights Carter who journeyed to Guyana to wrangle our ‘river monsters’. He has led expeditions with friends and clients to 15 different countries and manages nearly 300 days of fishing annually, and he has earned the reputation of being the most ‘complete’ angler on the water today.

The power of his obsession is strong enough to reverberate through incredible television stories

and even social media, where fans can participate with him. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh was quick to highlight the benefits such international exposure will have for the country, with efforts to promote Guyana as a sport fishing destination well underway.

“Guyana will be featured on the Outdoor Channel for the first time. Often called the “Land of Many Waters” or the “Big River Country” Guyana’s rivers are still unspoilt and Sport Fishing is a new area of tourism attraction in Guyana with many unchartered river terrains virgin to man,” Haralsingh explained.

In the waters surrounding Rewa Village, anglers can target Peacock Bass, Arapaima and Pyara among many others; the rivers hold plenty of fishing options to explore in an exciting catch and release experience. “I just got back last night from one of the greatest fishing ex-

periences of my life, fishing for Arapaima in the Jungles of Guyana…” Andrews commented. Rewa Village is situated on the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi Rivers. This remote Amerindian settlement is a fast growing tourism destination, known for its wildlife and fishing adventures. All of the fresh water fish species known to the Amazon Region can be found in the Essequibo, Rupununi and Rewa Rivers including the Payara, Arowana, Himara, and what is considered by professional anglers worldwide as the world’s most popular fresh water game fish, the Peacock Bass (Lukanani). Local Handler, Deborah Sutherland from Travel Experts facilitated the trip and provided logistical support to the crew and cast. OCEARCH (Ocean Research) and Costa Del Mar companies, GTIS/USAID in the past, assisted with the development of sport fishing regulations in Guyana. (GTA)

Guyana’s Opposition backs Gov't stance against Venezuela’s “provocation”

By Svetlana MarShall

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: Leader of the Opposition David Granger said A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was standing firmly behind the Government of Guyana, against the latest objection by Venezuela for planned oil exploration by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block.

The Venezuelan Government has written the Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, objecting to the dispatch of a rig to dig an exploratory oil well in the concession granted by the Government of Guyana.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana has responded swiftly to Caracas and also has informed Caricom; Union of South American Nations (UNASUR);

the Organisation of American States (OAS); the Commonwealth as well as the United Nations Secretary General. ExxonMobil recently dispatched its oil rig dubbed “Champion” for drilling activities and also contracted the services of a Trinidadbased helicopter company to assist with its operations.

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Sunday, Granger, who would oversee the Foreign Affairs Ministry should his coalition win the upcoming elections, said Venezuela had “no legitimate claim over the maritime zone where the exploration is to be conducted”.

Granger said history would show that the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela was resolved more than 115 years ago by an international tri-

J'can heroes, Bob Marley celebrated at Brazil carnival

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaican national heroes Nanny of the Maroons, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, and Marcus Garvey, as well as reggae icon Bob Marley were celebrated at this year's staging of carnival in Brazil.

The Jamaicans were highlighted in the Ilê Aiyê Carnival Association's feature of Jamaica's contribution to the struggles faced by the African diaspora.

The parade in Salvador, Bahia took place over the four days -- February 14 to 17 -- under the theme, 'A Diaspora AfricanaJamaica - Of Afro descendentes' (The African Diaspora - Jamaica - The Afro-Descendants).

It was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people along different parade circuits in Salvador.

The theme of the carnival was inspired by the International Decade of African Descent, declared by the United Nations, which started on January

bunal. Alluding to this emerging issue involving ExxonMobil, he said Guyana should be allowed to explore its economical potential as a small developing state.

This latest act by Venezuela is reminiscent of the seizure of the RV Teknik Perdana which was conducting seismic surveys in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone in October 2013. Back

then APNU had called on the Government to safeguard Guyana against the peril of Venezuela’s renewed position to block economic development in Essequibo. The Opposition Leader had explained that the seizure was unlawful, in particular, the unwarranted use of force went against the Charter of the United Nations. Granger had suggest-

ed that Venezuela’s action was consistent with past occurrences as he alluded to the attempted ‘Essequibo Annexation’.

“The Venezuelan Government, under President Raúl Leoni Otero (1964-1969), placed an advertisement in the Times newspaper of London on June 15, 1968 to the effect that Essequibo belonged to Venezuela and that it would not recognise economic concessions granted there by the Guyana Government,” he explained. He further stated that President Leoni had also issued “Decreto No 1.152” on July 9, 1968 claiming a nine-mile wide belt of sea along Guyana’s entire Essequibo coast.

Additionally, President Rafael Antonio Caldera Rodriguez (1969-1974) had blocked Guyana’s attempt to permit petroleum exploration rights

in the Essequibo by DEMITEX, a German company.As such, APNU is calling on Venezuela to comply with Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations for the Pacific Settlement of Disputes and to desist from resorting to force in the Guyana-Venezuela matter.Meanwhile, the Guyana Government on Saturday in a statement said it has asked Venezuela to desist from taking any actions that would stymie Guyana's development. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela desist from taking any actions that could only result in the stymieing of the development of Guyana and its people and that would be in contravention of international law,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said. (Guyana Times)

TT Elections in the air

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD

General Elections are in the air as three of Trinidad’s main political parties — the United National Congress (UNC), People’s National Movement (PNM) and Congress of the People (COP) all hold mass political meetings this week.

1, 2015 and in recognition of Jamaica's activism and leadership in fighting against racial prejudice, intolerance, discrimination and xenophobia.

At the end of the ceremony, white doves, popcorn and grains were released, followed by mystical drumming by the Ile Aiye Band which cleared a path for the Ebony Goddess and principals of Ilê Aiyê and those who would be marching in the actual parade later in the evening.

The costumes and the Trio Eletricos (huge trucks transporting performers) all bore the motif with the faces of the heroes being celebrated and the Jamaican flag. Original songs were recorded to complement the theme -in particular one entitled Força Umbilical Curuzu Kingston -- which highlighted the likes of Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and Desmond Dekker and had the crowds singing along and dancing.

(Jamaica Observer)

The UNC will be at the Brazil Secondary School on Monday for the return of its Monday night forum. Prime Minister and UNC political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar will deliver the feature address at the meeting which is certain to have some bombshells to throw at the PNM and other parties challenging the ruling People’s Partnership (PP) coalition in this year’s elections which are constitutionally due by September 17.

The PP comprises the UNC, COP, Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC). The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), which was a founding member of the PP, left the coalition in June 2012. The forum, the UNC’s first for 2015, takes place in the marginal seat of La Horquetta/Talparo, currently represented in Parliament by Land Affairs Minister Jairam Seemungal.

On Tuesday, the COP holds its first public meeting at the St Augustine Girls’ High School. Party leader and St Augustine MP Prakash Ramadhar will be the feature speaker. The meeting comes in the wake of the February 8 Cabinet reshuffle, in which Persad-Bissessar advised President Anthony Carmona to revoke the appointment of COP member Timothy Hamel-Smith as Senate President and the removal of Gary Griffith as National Security Minister. Griffith’s wife, Nicole Dyer-Griffith resigned as COP chairman last month.

On Saturday, Ramadhar maintained that the COP would not leave the PP and remained strong despite the resignation of DyerGriffith and other persons from the party.

On Wednesday, it will be the PNM’s turn with a walkabout along the Marabella Train Line followed by a public meeting at the Gopaul’s Hardware car park. Opposition Leader and PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley will lead the battery of speakers at that meeting.

In providing details about the meeting in Brazil, Acting UNC chairman Khadijah Ameen disclosed that the chairmen of the four parties which comprise the PP will meet on March 8 to begin the

process of negotiating the seats which each party will contest in the elections.

Saying the UNC has not selected any candidates for the elections as yet, Ameen explained that one of the things the chairmen would decide upon is a negotiating committee, comprising representatives from each party in the coalition, to determine the allocation of seats. In this regard, Ameen said she was unaware of a request by the COP to contest more than the five seats it currently holds in Parliament (St Augustine, Tunapuna, San Fernando West, Arima and Lopinot Bon Air West). The D’Abadie/O’Meara seat, formerly held by the COP’s Anil Roberts, was declared vacant last August after Roberts resigned as MP and Sports Minister in the wake of the Life Sport scandal.

Dismissing reports that Griffith and his wife are talking with other parties to form a new coalition, Ameen was confident the population would re-elect the PP for a second term. Claiming the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), led by former Cabinet minister Jack Warner is “singing in chorus with the PNM,” Ameen said people needed to look at “the bigger picture” rather than be guided

by “individual desires, needs and emotions.

Ameen also said new Sports Minister Brent Sancho will make his debut at the UNC’s platform on Monday and she will make an appearance at the COP’s meeting on Tuesday. COP general secretary Clyde Weatherhead said Tuesday's meeting is evidence of the party preparing itself for the polls.

NJAC leader Kwasi Mutema said no NJAC representatives will be at the UNC meeting as the party has an important internal meeting of its own on Monday.

Mutema also said recent developments in the COP set back the time for the PP chairmen’s meeting. He agreed with Ameen that any coalition which Griffith and his wife were seeking to form “will not reach very far.”

Warner said the ILP’s national executive met on Saturday to discuss the selection of candidates and schedule of public activities. Disclosing those discussions continue on Tuesday, Warner said the possibility of the ILP being part of a new political coalition for the elections remains on the table.

Warner said the COP is “hoping to be given political intravenous fluid and a breath of life.” (TT Newsday)

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD:

The love of Trinidad’s wondrous natural heritage is beautifully expressed in Clint Quintal’s recently published work Trinidad’s Northern Range Mountains- vistas/ water/ life.

This charming pictorial essay captures the steep forested hills, our rivers and waterfalls, and the bounteous wildlife living there. The beautiful photographs are highlighted with brief text descriptions so that the reader never has to wonder what they are seeing.

He is a Southerner like myself, so I wonder if Clint’s love of the Northern Range came from the same source as had my fascination. From long drives up North from the South, gazing at the steep green hills rising majestically

out of the Caroni Plain?

The hills which, except for that panorama we see from the south and central, remain mostly hidden from view and then hiding even more within hidden valleys and below thick green canopies. It is these hidden valleys, with their waterfalls, streams, and abundance of wildlife and flowers, that Clint now shares with us in his work.

Looking through it— it is more of a view than a read—I felt that Clint was sharing an intimacy

of secret places. Some of these I have known, and some were new to me, and now they call me to explore further, to discover secret streams and waterfalls and pools, and to enjoy the pleasures of these secret places. But he also shows us familiar places, the vistas, the beaches and the roads that wind through the hills. Many of us know the North Coast Road to Maracas, Las Cuevas and Blanchisseuse. Fewer know the only road which crosses

the Range—the Arima Blanchisseuse Road, and just the adventurous, the lucky ones are familiar with the hidden secrets of the Northern Range.

Clint’s fleeting glimpses of these places should encourage more of us—especially our younger citizens— to discover our Northern Range. But as he cautions, we must enter these forests with respect and understanding, and do nothing to degrade or damage them or any of the wildlife they harbour.

Trinidad’s Northern Range Mountains- vistas / water/ life is a delightful read, and an invitation to explore beyond its pages. It is available at the Asa Wright Nature Centre Gift Shop, all Nigel Khan and RIK Bookstores, Ishmael Khan at Piarco and Nigel Khan Bookstore in San Fernando. (TT Newsday)

The Holy, Hardy and Handy Lotus found in Guyana’s

waters

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The lotus, because of its abundance in murky ponds and trenches, is often taken for granted and even considered a nuisance by some as it clogs up canals, but this plant’s self-cleaning mechanism and religious significance make it worthy of a second look.

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that produces individual leaves and flowers directly from a root system. Its leaves float on the water or are held up about six inches above water by their stems. Each flower spreads about four to eight inches across and has pink petals. The receptacle holds theseeds (the seeds are known locally as “water nuts”) of the flower, and is located in the centreofthe flower.

James Rodway writes in “The Story of Georgetown”(1920) that the Nelumbium, or Lotus was introduced to the Botanic Gardens “in the early eighties…” (1880s)

The lotus, sometimes called the Indian lotus or the sacred lotus,is widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers.

Over time, throughout many cultures, the lotus has been a powerful image and a spiritual symbol. In Hindu, Buddhist and Egyptian religions, the lotus is considered a sacred flower. Among its many meanings and significance, the lotus represents divine birth, spiritual development and creation itself.

“The Story of World Religions” (2005) states: “The lotus is the cosmic plant of Hinduism. When the divine substance of life is in the process of bringing forth the universe, a thousand-leaf lotus grows out of the cosmic waters and is the opening, gateway and mouth for the development of the universe. The cosmic lotus is the organ of procreation of the Absolute that gives birth to the universe and symbolizes the never-ending succession of existences.

In pre-Vedic times, the lotus was the symbol of the

Mother Goddess or “Earth Goddess”, Shri or Lakshmi. In the postVedic period the image of the one born of the lotus was transferred to Brahma, and shortly after a number of gods were depicted sitting on the lotus.”

Many of the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are linked to the flower. The goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, is usually depicted as being seated atop a fully opened lotus flower. Likewise, Brahma, the god of creation, is depicted as emerging from a lotus that crawls from the naval of the sustainer Lord Vishnu.

The lotus is able to emerge from muddy waters un-spoilt and pure; it is considered to represent a wise and spiritually enlightened quality in a person, representative of somebody who carries out their tasks with little concern for any reward and with a full liberation from attachment.

Lotus plants stay dirt-free, an obvious advantage for an aquatic plant living in typically muddy habitats, and they do so without using detergent or expending energy. Leaves of the sacred lotus are self-cleaning thanks to hydrophobic nanoscale bumps.

Surface finishes inspired by the self-cleaning mechanism of lotus plants have now been applied to paints, glass, textiles, and more, reducing the need for chemical detergents and costly labour.

In Guyana, “seven-curry” is only enjoyed in lotus leaves at Hindu weddings and other Hindu functions.In Chinese cuisine, mature lotus leaves are used to wrap steamed food. In many parts of the world, they function as water vessels for fetching and drinking water.

Because of the lotus’ incredible history and biology, there is on-going research in many parts of the world on the biological and technological importance of the lotus.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

GGuyanese Nicketa Campbell is treading the path to become a celebrated makeup artist and model

EORGETOWN, GUYANA: Born in Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara, at the age of 15,US-based Nicketa Campbellonce worked as an understudy for her cousin, veteran makeup artist Paula DeSouza, and “fell in love with the creative aspects and freedom” of makeup artistry.

She competed in the Miss Bartica Regatta pageant a few years ago, and emerged first runner-up. She enjoyed the glitz and glamour of pageantry and decided to pursue a career in makeup artistry.

“My first job, believe it or not, was working in a commercial campaign for Courts furniture store. I was 15. From then on, I appeared in many of Courts’ commercials and campaigns, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”Nicketa recalled in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

“I then went on to do numerous commercials for various businesses, promoters and modelled for quite a few of Guyana’s leading designers, such as Michelle Cole, Roger Gary and

Olympia Small - to name a few.”

Nicketa would later migrate to the United States.

Now, fully established in New York, Nicketa is sought after by some of the city’s finest photographers, show producers and even magazine editors, for her talented makeup capabilities. In the past, she has worked for both Plitzs New York City Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week. In addition, Nicketa has also worked with Hype Hair Magazine – the number one hair and beauty source for women of colour. Other notable clients include former Miss Guyana Universe 2012 and Miss World Guyana 2013, Ruqayyah Boyer, among many others.

“As a model, I am surrounded by people that are creative and inspiring. When you are surrounded by fellow makeup artists, you get to share tips and creative ideas. With makeup, you never stop learning. Your brush is an extension of your arm. There are times when I feel like giving up, but because I love what I do I keep pushing and will

never stop pursuing my passion,” Nicketa declared.

The makeup professional’s advice to women who want to pursue a career in makeup artistry is to “accept that you will fail in most things you first try. Your ability to keep trying is what will help you succeed.

Surround yourself with people that support and encourage you; be determined in whatever you choose, whether makeup or otherwise. Most importantly, have fun with it and do not take yourself too seriously. Do not be afraid to take risks. Remember with makeup you can always wipe it off and do it again”.

is

er afraid of trying new things and so there are

Mahal – the walking TT legend

PORT-OFSPAIN,TRINIDAD:

How did he ever escape the Guinness Book of World Records, is yet to be known. There is little doubt that no other man, outside of the stone-age, had ever walked a total mileage comparable to the legendary Mahal of Trinidad.

To most old timers recalling the period of the 1930s through to the early 1960s, the name Mahal was enough to conjure up pictures of a lone “pedestrian-motorist”’, if there is such a term to describe one who mimes or pretends to drive a car, while he, in fact, walks, trots or runs. For miles and miles, the man Mahal walked barefooted and untiring, from village to village, small towns and through the city of Portof-Spain.

The Creole-Spanish man, or ‘cocoa pahyorl’, wore an old, weather-beaten police cap on his head, long pants with legs rolled up to just under his knees unveiling sinuous calves. Around his waist

he wore a thick, broad leather belt like that of the cocoa workers of that period, and across his shoulders hung a ham sack with a hand-stick or baton and other unknown objects.

With one hand clutched to an imaginary steering wheel, the man was ready to begin his long journey.

The free hand played the gear lever into the first gear position. He released the hand brake and jerked off to a start. “Beep! Beep!” he voiced the warning horn.

Again the free hand geared up to the second and third gears. Mahal was on his way, to where, no one could predict. So precise and true his act appeared, that to him, there was no doubt that he was in fact, driving a car.

He was viewed with suspicion, as the most unusual and questionable character in Trinidad.

Long before World War II, people stared curiously out of windows from little houses, big houses and barracks throughout Trinidad to see

Mahal as he “drove” past, along the roads.

Schoolchildren gaped with curiosity and fear as the “driver” went by, making appropriate hand signals and blowing horns as a true motorist.

It was early in the 20th century, when dirt roads cut through forests, dark cocoa and coffee plantations and open sugarcane fields; the period when motorcars were few, monstrous curiosities, and when children hid under beds and sugar bags at the noisy approach of a car.

It was a time when drivers were hailed as heroes and masters of the moving machines or horseless buggies. There was at that time a little boy called Hose Gonzales of humble parentage in Siparia.

He was passionate with the dream of becoming a car or bus driver, and so, he often shied away from school, intent on fulfilling his ambition. He frequently wandered around a bus garage, whiling away his time in daydream-

ing; seeing himself as a bus driver. In those far-off days the bus owners gave their buses names. One of the buses in that garage was named, “Taj Mahal,” after which, he was supposedly nicknamed.

He played car, as he went on errands for his mother. Up and down George Street in Siparia, he babbled his lips to the sound of the engine, as he trotted along, togging at his imagined steering wheel and changing gears while on his errand to the parlour and back home.

Some folks from south Trinidad related how Mahal was encouraged to enter a walking race from Charlie King Junction in Fyzabad to San Fernando, one Easter Sunday. He recalled:

“Dat morning wen Mahal line up foh de walking race in Fyzabad, well dat was de best ting foh ah long time. We fool him an’ tell him dat it was ah car race. Man Ah tell yuh! Fellahs betting big, big money orn de great Mahal, because dey know dat he is de best walker in de

whole island. Wen dey buss de pistol so, Mahal screech out like de bullet from de pistol. By de time de odder fellahs mek t’ree corners, de ole Mahal done goin’ up Tito Hill in Oropouche, bat-outa-hell!

“Ah fellah who bet orn he, t’row ah bucket ah water to cool dong Mahal. Well Mahal mash he brakes one time. He watch de fellah cross-eye and bawl, ‘why de hell yuh t’row water orn mih car foh! Yuh want to flood mih cabaratah o’ wha!’ He put he mout’ one side so, and start to chug chug like he goin to shut dong. Soon after, he pick-up speed again.”

A crowd of supporters followed on foot and on bicycles urging the man to the winning post. On reaching the middle of the Mosquito Creek, Mahal began to limp and bounce, soon coming to an abrupt stop. He scooped the sweat off his forehead. He pulled up his hand brake, opened the car door and walked out; and throwing up his hands in despair. (TT Newsday)

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Italian reggae band Mellow Mood is in Jamaica filming a documentary and recording songs by emerging acts for their Dub Files project.

According to vocalist Lorenzo Garcia, Dub Files is a new musical style which combines freestyle and deejaying.

"We brought our own producer and we are currently operating from a mobile studio. In addition to recording established acts, our aim right now is to give unheard talents a chance to shine," he said.

So far, the band has recorded upcoming artistes such as Hempress Sativa, Juba Lion, Daddy John and Philip Krucial.

The five-member band, who are all in their 20s, consists of twin brothers Jacopo and Lorenzo Garcia, Giulio Frausin, Federico Mazzolo and Pilippo Buresta.

"Reggae music has the best feelings attached to it. All of the emotions that one experienced throughout the day are often expressed in a song. Reggae gives off a positive and spiritual message, one that is soothing," Frausin explained.

A Brief History of the Georgetown Hospital in Guyana

first-hand knowledge," Frausin added.

"We played at some of the largest venues in Europe, but to come to Jamaica and perform for just a few has been our greatest achievement. We heard that the Jamaican audience is the hardest to please, so to get a positive feedback from even a small gathering is just a blessing," Lorenzo said.

"It's not that easy getting it right because we were not born in Jamaica. Therefore, we had to study the genre and we decided to come to Jamaica to get

The musicians made their debut performance in Jamaica in Papine recently and said the reception warmed their hearts.

Mellow Mood formed in Pordenone, Italy, in 2005. Four years later, they released their debut album called Move!

Produced by close associate, Paolo Baldini, Move! was an unexpected success, according to band members. Two singles, ‘Only You’ and ‘Dance Inna Babylon’, received more than 10 million views on YouTube.

Three years later, Mellow Mood released their second album called Well Well Well.

"Well Well Well is intense and elegant, and showcases the progression of Mellow Mood, as

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Film student

Reneissance Francis migrated to the United States many years ago but recently returned home to shoot a documentary about her life in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I want to tell a story about our strengths as a nation and a people,” she said.

Francis’ family moved to New York when she was four, opening her to a new life and a different culture but according to her, “Trinidad was never far away.”

The food, music, and local customs were a part of her childhood in the United States and when she got older, Francis kept abreast with the news. In January this year, 19-year-old Francis returned home to retrace her early years living in Diego Martin and Valsayn.

“This return was important to me because

I’ve been away for so long. I wanted to come home and capture this experience on film, to document my journey and to tell a story about how much Trinidad has changed.”

Film has been a constant in Francis’ life since she got her first camera at age ten years – she started out taking pictures of her family and progressed to shooting videos at school. One of her first videos, which captured a friend at school asking his girlfriend to a dance, featured on a local newscast in New York.

“I was so blown away when they featured my video on the news. That’s when I knew I had to pursue my passion and get into film school,” Francis explained during an interview. She managed to purchase better equipment and worked on professional videos to gain entry into film school.

Francis recalled ap-

plying to film school in New York two years ago, but missed a crucial deadline and was unable to get in. Determined to get in, she re-applied last year and was accepted.

She is interested in writing scripts, documentaries and exploring cinema and the school curriculum includes cinema as a global art, a business and a technology.

Speaking specifically to her project in TT, she said the documentary shot in TT will count as her second-year final thesis.

“The focus is to capture the essence of Trinidad and help people to see it for what it is; a beautiful country populated with a resilient people.”

Francis said many of her peers often lump the Caribbean as one and would rarely differentiate one island from another.

She explained that

we proved to be among the protagonists of a new generation of reggae artistes coming from all over the planet," Lorenzo said.

The tour to promote that album took them to 12 European countries. They performed at top festivals on the continent such as Rototom Sunsplash, Sziget Festival and Sumol Summer Festival.

During the second half of 2013, Mellow Mood did several collaborations with Jamaican artistes. Among them, ‘Extra Love’ with Tanya Stephens and ‘Wipe Away’ featuring Jah9. (Jamaica Observer)

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, managed by the Ministry of Health, provides a variety of health services to Guyanese free of cost. To care for the sick and the elderly has been its mandate for more than 177 years.

In 1759, a Jaques Salignac applied for a grant of 500 acres of land for cotton and coffee cultivation. Granted permission by the Court of Policy, Salignac named this tract of land La Bourgade. In 1807 Thomas Cumming, a Scotsman, became the owner of the estate and renamed it Plantation La Bourgade, Cummingsburg. The Public Hospital occupies one and a half blocks of Cummingsburg.

the project is an opportunity to set the record straight and also to tell a different story about Trinidad beyond the stories about Carnival and the rising crime rate.

During her recent visit Francis spent time at the museums and library in Port-of-Spain and also travelled across the island reconnecting with family and friends. She stressed that it was important to learn and understand the history of the country.

“Sometimes even Trinidadians are unaware of their full history, which is why I went to the museum and also spent time talking to my elders. This experience really opened my eyes,” she added.

In addition to her project on Trinidad and Tobago, Francis plans to tackle other subjects which she said are relevant to her experience growing up in America.

(TT Newsday)

The hospital is bordered by Lamaha Street, Thomas Street and Middle Street. Its oldest section, the Seaman’s Ward, was first built in 1838, mainly for the benefit of seamen.

In the book “The Story of Georgetown”,James Rodway stated that the buildings were the “finest collection of buildings next to the Eve Leary Barracks”.

Rodway added, “As may be supposed, the beginnings of the Seaman’s and Public Hospital were in a very small way. Like most of our other institutions, it was introduced by the British. In the Dutch period, there was a Military Hospital at the back of the town and a Yaws House in the bush, probably on the site of the Orphan Asylum. [The Ministry of Health building on Brickdam, prior to being destroyed by fire, was once the Orphan Asylum.] In 1799 it was enacted that every captain on clearing his vessel must pay for every man or boy to the Receiver of the poor chest in aid of the hospital”. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Hell hath no fury like a Trini woman scorned

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Fresh off her debut as director of the 2015 Dimanche Gras production, TT writer, actor and director Rhoma Spencer is excited to prepare for the rest of her year, which includes the export of the play adaptation Carnival Medea: A Bacchanal.

The original Medea play by Euripides is an ancient Greek tragedy first produced in 431 BC. It is based on the myth of Jason and his wife Medea. The “bacchanal” begins when Medea, a barbarian, finds her position in the Greek world threatened as Jason leaves her for Glauce, a Greek princess of Corinth.

In the original play, Medea is told by Creon, the king of Corinth, that she must be banished for Jason to have Glauce.

self-assured batonnier or stickfighter of the TT martial art of kalinda. King Creon becomes the governor general of Trinidad and is a marauding midnight robber.

The interpretation also includes thematic influences from the Orisha faith with the incorporation of the African gods Ogun, Oshun and Shango, who play a role in bringing the play to its climax, waging war in the mind of a tormented Medea

Americans at Georgia State University.

“The language is very poetic, but there is a poetry that is distinctly Trinidadian in its text.

When asked about any thematic adjustments or changes, Spencer revealed that she also incorporated a lot of the geography of the Caribbean in the setting and an additional major and perhaps controversial plot change near the end of the play.

“In the original, Medea kills her children

Jason agrees and attempts to banish Medea. Enraged, Medea takes vengeance on Jason by killing his new wife as well as her own children with him, after which she escapes to Athens to start a new life.

The journey to Carnival Medea: A Bacchanal began as an African-themed play originally written by Dr Shirlene Holmes of Georgia State University in Atlanta. In 2003, Holmes approached Spencer to be the play’s dramaturge, a literary editor who liaises with the author and edits the text.

Through that process of creative collaboration, the inclusion of Caribbean and Carnival motifs evolved naturally and Spencer was named co-playwright along with Holmes on the project.

Over the next 12 years, Holmes and Spencer rewrote and re-imagined a distinctly African-Caribbean interpretation of this Greek tragedy and set it squarely in the middle of 1950s Trinidad.

In the Holmes and Spencer version, each character is given a Carnival archetype which the writers thought would best suit the original personalities. For example, Medea is a baby doll who is also endowed with mystical healing and otherworldly powers through potions and spells. Jason is interpreted as the

who struggles with the decision to kill her own children in seeking vengeance upon Jason.

The play has been showcased in several script readings from as early as 2005 and subsequently premiered as a full production in July 2014 at Georgia State University in Atlanta as a part of the International Collegiate Fringe Festival.

Most recently, Carnival Medea: A Bacchanal came to TT for the first time in December 2014 through a reading of the play hosted by the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW) and directed by Timmia Hearn.

Another creative collaborator credited with the play is Natalie Joseph-Settle, former Best Village limbo queen of Malick Folk Performers, who is responsible for choreography.

As a connoisseur of history and an avid appreciator of the local vintage, Spencer recalled her personal preparation during the writing phase of the production. She consulted with many elders of both the Carnival and of the 1950s era, to learn more about the time and setting.

A key artistic reference she used was the incorporation of a heightened poetic language, which remained distinctly TT-influenced. This provided some challenges to the original cast who were all

Jamaican Sean Paul Gets Busy

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Sean Paul's 2003 Billboard chart-topper ‘Get Busy’ is showing no signs of slowing down. The single is one of several featured in the upcoming animation flick ‘Home’, slated for release on March 27.

The international act said he was elated by the news.

"I love that fact. My music is full of energy and it reflects a good time, so I'm glad people can still feel energy from it," said Sean Paul, in response to the Jamaican media’s queries.

Originally released in 2002, ‘Get Busy’ is on the Steven 'Lenky' Marsdenproduced Diwali riddim. The single is on Sean Paul's sophomore, Grammy-winning album Dutty Rock. That set was re-released the following year for the international market.

but in my version of it, I prefer not to kill the children. I don’t want people to go out and have thoughts and ideas about killing their children.

“That’s a thing that the Caribbean woman does—spite the father through the children. So instead she leaves. Instead of killing his children, she kills his spirit.

Carnival Medea: A Bacchanal will be the source material for a workshop on March 21, by Lordstreet Theatre Co. Later in the year, the play will be exported and presented (upon invitation) at the International Collegiate Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, from August 5-16.

Even with the progress the play has made, Spencer would love nothing more than to have the full play presented in TT. She confirmed that Carnival Medea could easily be a million dollar play in terms of cost. She also revealed that the recent reading at TTW showed promise, and already, there are hints that it may be produced under TTW in 2016 or by Lord Street Theatre under the management of Tony Hall at a later time.

“Ultimately the real production to me is a Trinidad production of the play. This is where it’s from, this is where it belongs and I would like to see it played here with a Trinidadian cast.” (TT Guardian)

am proud to be part of a big staple dancehall riddim like Diwalil," he said.

"That song was written by me and my brother, JigZag, and was number one on the Billboard charts for a couple of weeks. It was a big accomplishment for myself, everyone involved such as producers, other artistes on the riddim and dancehall music, in general. I

This is not the first time ‘Get Busy’ will be listed in the movie credits. The song's remix was featured in Grind (2003), Chasing Liberty (2004), and Baby Mama (2008).

"This only means that you've made cultural history!!! You never can tell which songs will be the big ones. You have to just love music and do work. Each player brings their own flavour to the game.

There's space for everyone," he added. Home -- based on the 2007 Adam Rex's children's book The True Meaning of Smekday -- is an American 3-D comedy film starring Barbadosborn international recording star Rihanna and American actor Jim Parsons. The voices Jennifer Lopez and funnyman Steve Martin are also featured in the DreamWorks Animation project. (Jamaica Observer)

the scarlet Collection by Guyanese Designer sonia Noel

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel is heating up her clothing collections by adding bright red to her bespoke designs.

“Red, the colour of blood and fire, is associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, lust, sexuality, sensitivity, romance, joy, strength, leadership, courage, vigour, willpower, rage, anger, danger, malice, wrath, stress, action, vibrancy, radiance, and determination. With all this

in mind, I designed the Scarlet Collection from the First Resort line. Sometimes colour determines your moods,” Noel said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

Noel added teenagers to the mature adult could make a statement and “feel comfortable” in one of Scarlet Collection’s elegant pieces. The collection is currently available at Noel’s studio located 176 Barr St Kitty, Georgetown. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

‘A Priceless National Asset’

From simple beginnings, the National Collection over the years has gathered and exhibited the artwork of Guyana’s best artists

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyana’s national gallery of art, officially known as the National Collection, is housed at Castellani House, the name given to the building in honour of its designer and builder Cesar Castellani.

The art collection’s unofficial beginnings developed in the 1950s when public subscription was mustered to purchase aDenis Williamspainting, “Human World”.

Its official start came in 1962, when the National History and Arts Council was established, which began to acquire works of art by Guyanese artists. The council acquired important pieces for the fledgling collection, but since it had no actual gallery, many pieces were held in various government buildings and in Guyana’s foreign embassies.

After a change in government in 1992, it was realized that the thendisused residence would make a good home for the national collection, so on May 24, 1993,

it was designated the home of the National Collection and renamed Castellani House. With this move, the collection at last gained a permanent site and space in which its pieces could be displayed.

Everley Austin was appointed first curator in 1994, and he was succeeded in 1996 by Elfrieda Bissember.

The National Collection is now managed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and it has grown to approximately 1,200

pieces of fine art by major and lesser-known Guyanese artists.

The collection encompasses work from early Guyanese masters such as E.R. Burrowes, Vivian Antrobus and Hubert Moshett, to the second generation that includes Denis Williams, Stanley Greaves, Ron Savory, Donald Locke and others who followed them.

It also includes other artists who contributed to the visual imagination of Guyana over the years – major names such as

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: A southbased mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation has started an island-wide exercise, visiting schools and community-based groups, to channel positive energy to youths through the sport.

Empowering the youth of today for tomorrow through the sport of mixed martial arts and sambo, is the theme of the initiative headed by sensei Kerry Grant of Southern Warriors of Mixed Martial Arts.

Started since last November, Grant and his team have visited several schools in south and central and intends to expand to North Trinidad very soon.

Grant said they have been well received at every institution they have visited so far.

“We are not just focusing on schools, we are also focusing on developing communities in a positive way and trying to show kids something positive they could do with their time, instead of liming and smoking on the block and falling into a life of crime,” Grant said.

Grant said it was imperative that leaders, teachers, guardians and parents find positive ways of steering youths on the right path, in the face of negative influences.

He said: “Our main goal and vision is to educate society and empower the youths through mar-

How to be yourself

By Narine Dat Sookram

Aubrey Williams, Philip Moore, Gary Thomas, and others, including contemporary names such as Winslow Craig, Bernadette Persaud, George Simon, Oswald Hussein and many others. Containing many artistic treasures, the National Collection is a symbol of Guyana, an invaluable resource, and a priceless national asset. (Text based on “Panorama: A Portrait of Guyana. Images from the National Collection of Guyana”)

tial arts to stand up individuals in society and to make their country proud.”

Given concerns of increasing school violence and bullying, Grant believes that the sport could help curb those problems because it teaches among other things discipline, self control, self confidence and team spirt.

Through MMA, which is a fairly new sport in TT, he said youths are exposed to several opportunities, including travelling all over the world to compete in competitions.

“There are a lot of opportunities in this sport. Youths can get scholarships and jobs,” said Grant.

“Most people don’t know that judo and boxing are part of the school curriculum, you could write that for CSEC. Most people have the wrong concept of MMA, it is not brutal.”

Although his club is facing its own problems, mainly finding a home, Grant has also pledged their assistance to Lady Hochoy Centre with the centre’s fundraisers. Two weeks ago, the team had visited the Lady Hochoy Centre in Gasparillo, which caters for students with special needs.

“While I was there my heart melted,” Grant said.

“They are not government funded and I think they are being forgotten.”(TT Guardian)

It’s very hard to live life to maximize our potential if we can’t live with our own self. It is very crucial to accept our body, our choices, etc and our life story, because we all have our own unique one.

The worst thing we can do to is to say things against ourselves. It is important for us to make every effort to be a better person and to love ourselves, because we need to be strong enough to be able to put up with our mistakes and learn from them.

Believing in ourselves is so important, because if we don’t then no one else will which is a fair statement to make. The thing is, if we don’t have faith in ourselves, there is that possibility for us to second guess ourselves and the problem with this is that we tend to turn to other people for help every time we need to make a decision.

I wouldn’t support this, because when we rely on people for everything, then we are slowly disabling ourselves.

I always encourage people to be independent, because when they do, they learn to see the both sides of people, the good and bad that is and then make their own choice from there. In other words, we must learn to accept the world as it is and choose to be strong. This will help us to realize that there are many ways to live in this world and nobody is forcing us to follow just one, because ultimately it’s our own choice.

Accepting the fact that life is not fair will make things easy for us, because though we were raised a certain way with certain values, society does not function that way, of which I am aware is a huge problem in today’s society.

Generally speaking society protects either the majority or the people with money and power. I am sure this sounds familiar to most people. It is not uncommon that people will treat us differently for all kinds of reasons.

For example, the colour of our skin, our weight, our gender and everything else in between. But despite of all of that, we still have to be happy with ourselves. Sometimes it’s very hard to face challenges when we try to be ourselves, but we should never allow any wrongness in this world keep us from doing what we want to do in life.

The most important thing about being independent is to stop caring about what other people think or say about us. This usually happens because of people’s own low self-esteem.

The reality is, if we only rely on others to tell us that the things we do are great, then we wouldn’t necessarily be very happy, because their opinion is different from ours. As far as I am concerned, if I like what I do then nothing else really matters.

So the message here is to stop worrying about what other people are saying, because at the end of the day, they are our decisions, and not someone else’s.

For questions, comments or feedback, them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

Manisha Koirala has been in a spiritual bent of mind for a while now. Even before her tryst with cancer (she is currently cancer-free), the beautiful actress was drawn to the teachings of a spiritual guru who has an ashram on the outskirts of Chennai.

Of late, the actress has been spending much more time in the ashram. And the latest piece of news is that she herself has started to conduct classes where she teaches students the art of meditation and chanting. (TOI)

Unexpected rains cause huge losses for Sunny Deol

Sunny Deol, who is directing 'Ghayal Once Again', was in for a rude shock when the city woke up to an unexpected downpour on Saturday. The actor, on reaching Kamalistan Studios, saw his unit hands running helter- skelter as rain water started dripping onto the lavish set.

One hears that they did their level best to salvage the situation, but to

no avail. It is estimated that the losses may run into crores. Dan Bradley, the foreign action director and the rest of the foreign crew that consisted of nearly 300 members could do nothing but sit back and watch as water played havoc on their set.

To add to their woes, another set standing at Madh Island also suffered. A distressed unit hand said, "Our set at Madh Island has also suffered extensive damage due to gusty winds and rain. We were to shoot there from March 8 onwards, but our shooting will need to defer because it will take a while for repairs."

It is also learnt that the actor-filmmaker had hired a hundred vehicles and was planning to shoot in a South Mumbai location yesterday because permission for such expansive shoots are only given for Sundays when the streets are deserted and the traffic situation is under control. However, because of the mishap suffered in the suburbs and the cloudy, overcast skies through the better part of Sunday, even this shooting was cancelled.(TOI)

Tina Desai: Bollywood very hard to crack for me

Tina Desai has made all the right noises in the west ever since starring in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' but the actress fails to understand why the success has not made much of an impact to her Bollywood career. The 28-year-old actress has starred in Hindi movies like 'Yeh Faasley', 'Sahi Dhandhe Galat Bande', 'Table No 21', but none of the films have seen the success that the British film has enjoyed.

"Yes, it worries me. I don't know why but Bollywood seems to be very hard to crack for me. I certainly hope I get big budget Bollywood films as soon as possible. I want to know what that complete Bollywood experience is. When anyone asks me to compare Hollywood and Bollywood, I find it very hard because I have done bigger projects in the west in terms of films, directors, budget

and I have done smaller budget productions in India... I have not had the experience of working in popular films in Bollywood. I absolutely look forward to such opportunities," Tina told . The actress said 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' has given a major boost to her career in the west.

Rani Mukerji was felicitated for the kind of work she has been doing to create awareness about child trafficking in New Delhi by Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, the chairperson for the National Institute of Gender Justice.

The past awardees include Anna Hazare, Pratibha Patil, Pandit Jasraj and Mahashweta Devi. Rani is the first ever film personality to be felicitated with this prestigious award.

Rani is being honoured not just for her incredible work in cinema but also for the kind of work she has been doing to create awareness about child trafficking. It's been a natural extension of her character in Pradeep Sarkar's sleeper hit Mardaani, where Senior Inspector (crime branch) Shivani Shivaji Roy tracked down child trafficking cells and protected the girl child like no other.

"It's really heartening to see that not only has the film been loved by audiences worldwide, but it has transcended the realm of filmmaking and become something that inspires the people who have been tirelessly working for years for the cause of child trafficking, and are the real heroes. I feel humbled to meet these people and I am glad that I am able to contribute in a small way. This award is special as it recognises my contribution to cinema

in a different manner," said Rani.

Known for her fearless rehabilitative actions towards the homeless and abandoned citizens, especially women and children, women's rights activist Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, Chairperson National Institute for Gender Justice said, "The powerful and fearless performance of Rani Mukerji in Mardaani idealises the role of police in prevention of crime against women, especially trafficking of girl child for commercial sexual exploitation. I feel she symbolizes the pride of uniform and inspires change. That's the reason we decided to felicitate her for excellence in artistic performance." (TOI)

Bhumi Pednekar: Weight has never been an issue for me

For Bhumi

Pednekar, putting on oodles of weight for her debut film 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' was not a problem as the actress says being a plump girl almost all her life she has always been comfortable in her skin. The 25-year-old actress, who has earned wide-spread praise for her character Sandhya in the film, said being a hard-core foodie she loved preparing for the part that only required gorging on delicacies.

'Dum Laga Ke Haisha', directed by Sharat Katariya, has received rave reviews for its honest story and endearing performances by both Bhumi and Ayushmann Khurrana. Bhumi, a former cast-

ing member at Yash Raj Films for six years, has trimmed down post the shooting of the film, which began in February last year. The actress, who has a three-film contract with YRF, said she does not mind altering her body size for movie roles.

"My aim was never to become skinny. I started eating home-made foods

and began losing weight. Definitely, if a certain part requires me to be extremely fit I will do it. It is not a thing for me. If I have to gain weight again I will do that as well," she said. Bhumi welcomed the acceptance of plus-size actresses in Bollywood and said that their success in the film industry motivates newcomers like her. (TOI)

Dharmendra wanted to play Sanjeev Kumar's role

in ‘Sholay’

AShe has not only bagged the sequel of the film 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' but also a role in upcoming American science fiction drama series 'Sense8', which has been created, co-written and co-directed by 'The Matrix' trilogy creators Andy and Lana Wachowski. (TOI)

ccording to a report on ndtv.com, Dharmendra was keen to play the character of Thakur Baldev Singh and he was told that Sanjeev Kumar would then play Veeru and get the girl (to be played by Hema Malini). Finally it was Dharmendra who got to romance Hema in the film. The report further stated that Hema Malini had no scenes with Thakur Baldev

Jennifer Lawrence has boarded Warner Bros 'What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War' which will be directed by Steven Spielberg. Based on the memoir by Lynsey Addario, the project was be-

ing eyed by a number of Hollywood bigwigs as a starring or production vehicle but Warner finally managed to win the right.

Addario travelled to war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq and was part of the New York Times team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2009 for International Reporting for her work in Waziristan, reported Variety. She was jailed for several days in Libya in 2011.

Spielberg is currently busy with the post-production work on his upcoming Cold War thriller, starring Tom Hanks while Lawrence is shooting for David O Russell's 'Joy'. Other bidders for the project included Working Title Films with Reese Witherspoon starring, Darren Aronofsky with Natalie Portman as the lead and The Weinstein Company with George Clooney and Grant Heslov involved and Margot Robbie starring. (TOI)

Meryl Streep's daughters land fashion campaign

Actress Meryl Streep's daughters -- Mamie Gummer, Grace Gummer and Louisa Gummer -- front Clare Vivier's new collection for H&M s sister brand, & Other Stories. The stunning sisters -Mamie, 31, Grace, 28, and Louisa, 23 -- showcase shoes and handbags by the accessories designer, reported People magazine.

Vivier's latest collaboration with the online retailer features everything from nail polishes to tote bags to fanny packs, and the entire collection will be available starting Thursday. "This collection was inspired by the urban busy woman, and like all my pieces

these are utilitarian, but distinctively chic and fun," Vivier said of the inspiration behind the new pieces.

In the pictures, the sisters wear colourful button-down shirts and jeans, showing off different styles of loafers and handbags. Louisa is the only professional model among them, hav-

Ryan Phillippe has revealed that he went through a lot of emotional struggles of his on-screen characters and has felt like tortured at

Cara Delevingne dating St. Vincent

Model-actress Cara Delevingne is reportedly dating singer St. Vincent. According to a source, Delevingne was spotted kissing Vincent at the Universal Music after party on February 25, reports aceshowbiz.com. "They made no effort to hide their affections," The Sun newspaper quoted the source as saying.

Delevingne reportedly met Vincent in December last year and has since been following her around the globe on her tour. The 22-year-old attended Vincent's seven concerts including in Tulsa and Tokyo in the last four months. Also, Delevingne recently tattoed Vincent's real name initial "AC" on her ring finger. She revealed the tattoo on Instagram photograph she shared as a hint at Beyonce Knowles collaboration. (TOI)

Zelda Williams: My hummingbird tattoo dedicated to father

Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams' daughter, Zelda, has revealed she got a hummingbird inked on her hand last year after

ing been signed to IMG Models agency. The other two are actresses, like their famous mother. Grace has appeared on 'American Horror Story', 'Extant' and HBO's 'The Newsroom'. Mamie, who has a recurring role on 'The Good Wife', played the title role on the shortlived CW series 'Emily Owens, M D'. (TOI)

times.

The 'Cruel Intentions' actor, who plays a tormented man suspected of murder in the new ABC series 'Secrets and Lies', said in an interview with Elle.com that depression has been a huge obstacle for him ever since he was a child, and thought that that would decrease with age but it actually didn't, People Magazine reported.

The 40-year-old actor explained that he is empathetic, and take on the feelings of others and transpose himself into the position of others, and even admitted that if given choice then he would prefer to suffer through the sadness of others, rather than being a complete moron with no feelings.

After asked by multiple fans on social media about the reason behind the sadness, Phillippe replied back that the list includes more than acting, like his goals range from producing more films to launching a startup to 'helping liberate a small country' with 'Isolated', a documentary that he produced about the genocide in West Papua. (TOI)

his death to honour him.

Robin committed suicide last year. He was 63. Zelda paid homage to her beloved father and his humanitarian side at the Noble Awards in Beverly Hills on Friday, reported Us magazine.

While paying tribute to him, she said the Hollywood star can never be forgotten.

"For me it's easy to continue remembering someone that is impossible to forget. It comes and goes in the sense of actual visceral moments, but as anyone who has lost someone knows, it's not like they were never there, it just means that they're not there anymore. You can continue enjoying those memories, and inhabiting them as much as you like, as long as they don't stop you from continuing to live, and doing wonderful things." (TOI)

Jessica Biel gets surprise visit from husband on set

Actress Jessica Biel got a surprise visit from her husband Justin Timberlake while filming in New Orleans.

Biel may have thought she was filming just another scene with co-stars Jason Sudeikis and Maisie Williams on Thursday afternoon in New Orleans. But in between takes, the pregnant star was joined by Timberlake on the star-studded set, reports eonline.com.

The couple was all smiles as they reunited in chilly temperatures. Timberlake opted for a black hoodie to keep warm while Biel tried to conceal her growing baby bump in an oversized jacket. She completed her look with

and

a special

old actress who has been working tirelessly on her latest project even though she's due to give birth as early as April.

(TOI)

Abiopic on Bruce Lee is in the making by his family, it has been reported. Shannon Lee, the late 32-year-old actor's daughter, announced that she was developing a definitive biopic on the action icon with Hollywood help, Deadline.com reported.

Shannon said that there have been projects out there involving her father, but they've lacked a complete understanding of his philosophies and artistry. She continued that the only way to get audiences to understand the depth and uniqueness of her father was to generate their own material and find amazing like-minded partners to work with.

The untitled film is being produced by Bruce Lee Entertainment, which opened last year to create content about the martial artist, and it will be the first movie of its kind to be produced with the full support of his family. The last movie to attempt to tell the martial arts expert's life story, 'Dragon', was a well-received effort when it hit theaters in 1993. (TOI)

A rugged but scenic adventure destination in Guyana

GEORGETOWN,GUYANA:

Imbaimadai is a small mining town deep in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region of Region Seven,founded by miners. It is now well known for its gold, diamond and other precious mineral deposits.

The mountains surrounding Imbaimadai, part of the Pakaraima range along the Guiana Highlands, the hundreds of miles of jungle,and its cold nights and steamy days,make it an adventure destination not for the faint of heart. (Photos by Sam Rich)

school

simonette just wants to make great music in trinidad

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD:

Four years ago, he told the TT media he was not interested in becoming a household name too quickly, rather his focus was on perfecting his craft. Fastforward to 2015, Hashim Simonette who lived in Tortola since childhood, has moved back to TT to pursue his music career.

The 22-year-old has been knocking on soca’s doors for a few years well. In 2011, he offered the self-written composition 'Ready to Jam', which he entered in the Groovy category of the International Soca Monarch competition, but failed to make it to the finals.

Simonette is the composer of 'Out on D Road' sung by Roy Cape All Stars’ Darnella Simmons.

KINGSTON,JAMAICA

:When

David Crosgill entered the EXED Community College 13 years ago, he had his mind set on a career in the tourism industry. It was not long before he had a change of heart.

“It just wasn’t for me. I switched to the performing arts and did drama,” the 29year-old told the Jamaican media.

Last week, Crosgill was nominated for an Actor Boy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for his role as area don Shotty Mark in the Patrick Brown/Trevor Nairne play, 'Saving Alligator High'.

“That means a lot. I’ve been doing theatre a long time and it’s good to be recognised,” he said.

Crosgill made his stage debut in the 2006 play 'Hot Pepper Sauce', written and directed by Kenny Salmon. This was followed by 'Through The Fire' and 'I Take This Man', both written by Pablo Hoilett, as well as a number of “small produc -

tions”.

Saving Alligator High is his big break.

The comedy is about an innercity school beset by economic and social problems. Crosgill taught drama for one year at Innswood High School. He identifies with teachers in Jamaica’s challenged education sector.

Crosgill is from Spanish Town and attended Spanish Town High School. He went on to EXED where his brush with a career in the hospitality industry lasted one term. His switch to drama did not impress his parents, but he said working in productions like 'Saving Alligator High', has made it worthwhile.

“It’s the first play I’ve been in that has gone 70 performances. Up to 250 people see us a night, which speaks for itself,” said Crosgill.

'Saving Alligator High', has earned 12 Actor Boy Awards nominations. (Jamaica Observer)

Letitia Wright: Guyanese actress on the rise

Despite the disappointment he remained consistent, putting out material every year.

This year he again entered the competition with his songs 'Free Up', produced by DarellFahie, and 'Sweet Carnival', produced by Precision Sound.

However, for yet another time, he did not make it to the finals. But, the Diego Martin resident is not being sappy about it.

He is always grateful for the opportunity to have even made it this far.

This year is also particularly special for the former R&B/ pop singer as it was the first time he penned a song for another artiste.

The song appears on the popular KanKanRiddim which also features 'Phenomenal' by Benji, 'Ola' by Olatunji Yearwood, 'Best Gal' by Sekon Star and 'Her Love' by Flipo.

Asked about this experience, Simonette said he was happy but also humbled.

“I am just happy that they took a chance on the song and me as an upcoming entertainer in this business.

“I have always said I am here for the fun of it. I work hard but I also give myself the opportunity to enjoy my work. It is not always about competitions. Sometimes it’s just about making great music.” (TT Guardian)

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Born Oct 31, 1993 in Georgetown, Guyana, Letitia Michelle Wright is a UKbased actress known for her roles in “Glasgow Girls”, “My Brother the Devil” and “Urban Hymn”.

Migrating to London with her mother at age six, Letitia first fell in love with acting at her primary school when she got the opportunity to play a young Rosa Parks onstage.

“I felt so comfortable,” she recalled. “I even did the whole American accent!”

Beginning her career in 2009, Letitia has worked her way up the UK film industry ladder. At age 17, the actress became one of the leads in a four-part drama, “Chasing Shadows”, which premiered in 2011. The series focused on the work of a missing person field unit charged with tracking down serial killers who prey on impressionable and vulnerable people.

She also appeared in the 2011 television drama film, “Random”. In 2012, she played Nyla in Idris Elba’s production “Victim”,

and Aisha in the award-winning drama “My Brother the Devil”. She was named screen international star of tomorrow in 2012.

Letitia, who was named one of Screenterrier’s top british teenage actresses in 2013, also appeared in series two of the British television drama series, “Top Boy”, which is set in East London and looks at the lives of the young, ambitious and sometimes reckless.

In 2014, she played an activist named Amal in the movie “Glasgow Girls”, a story based on a group of seven young women in Glasgow, Scotland, who highlighted the poor treatment of failed asylum seekers.

In October 2104, the 21-year-old actress wrapped up shooting the starring role for the movie, “Urban Hymn”. “Urban Hymn” follows a troubled young female offender, Jamie Harrison, who possesses an amazing singing voice and an inspiring and unconventional care worker, Kate, who encourages her to use it. The movie is scheduled for release in 2015. (http://guyanesegirlsrock.com)

The Legendary Pomeroon River

-

One of the seven great rivers of Guyana

By Isahak BasIr, CCh

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: Of the seven great rivers of Guyana, the river Pomeroon is unique in its history. It is the deepest river in Guyana without any sand banks or islands,and discharges its waters into the Atlantic Ocean in northwest by west direction, unlike the Essequibo, Berbice and Corentyne rivers,which discharge their waters into the ocean in a northeast direction.

In the last 250 years, the 200-odd mile Pomeroon Riverhas lost eight miles of its original length by erosion, of which the cycle has replaced one mile in the last 20 years, where sea vegetation provides beautiful landscapes.

The Pomeroon River is the most populated one in Guyana and runspar-

allel to the seacoast for 20 miles, beginning from Charity to Plantation Glen Hurst.

While there are many special facilities like schools, health quarters, churches, shops or sports ground, all means of transportation is by boat. At an early age, parents would teach their children practical lessons on how to paddle their way to school, and crossing the river.

This river was first in-

habited by the Cariwanna tribe,which left many historical landmarks, one of which is the largest shell mound in Guyana, located in the upper Pomeroon at Siriki.

An original Dutch plantation now known as Charity is now the main transit point for the North West District, Venezuela and Trinidad. Charity is also the point where the river is traditionally described as Lower and Upper Pomeroon.

With the exception of the brief Spanish occupation, the Pomeroon River was occupied by the Dutch in 1620, and cultivated cotton. Remnants of a Dutch hospital at Siriki and a huge bronze bell being part of the Dutch Fort, recorded as Fort Zeelandia, is located in the back lands of plantations Panama and Caledonia in the Lower Pomeroon.

We know of Kyk-overal, Fort Island and Fort

Nassau,which were built with baked bricks and cement,but there was also the Pomeroon Fort that was built with "pitch pine" materials. Sadly, the forest has fuelled its disappearance.

Other historical happenings include the St Louis Church, built in 1896 at Siriki, and the consecration of the Kabacaburi Mission in 1872. A bronze bell at Kabacaburi with the inscription of the first Amerindian convert to Christianity is still visible.

While there are several Amerindian communities in the perimeter of the Pomeroon River, it still has the largest contingent of Portuguese dwellers - other than the capital city of Georgetown.

The Portuguese pioneers came to Pomeroon in 1837, reoccupied the Dutch abandoned cotton fields, rehabilitated the existing canals and began cultivating coconuts and ground provisions to subside the remaining sugar estates on Essequibo.

At Charity, the river, leading up to the Cuyuni ridge, has changed its course beginning from a northeast direction running up its source in a southwest direction. This area facilitates the growing of coffee, citrus and ground provision, but also experienced several

mudslides in the past 150 years.

Like the Essequibo and the Demerara rivers, the upper Pomeroon has deposits of bauxite, columbite and gold.

James Tilsbury, Joseph Scadd, M. Sankar, Edron Gouveia and Manson Melville were the five pork knockers who found traces of gold in 1944. The legendary village is still occupied by Caribs, Warraus and Arawaks, its original occupants. Charity presently faces the strongest current of the Pomeroon, and is susceptible to movement to the existing riverbank and structures. However, the Pomeroon River is the supply reservoir for fivemile wide Tapacooma Lake, on which 55,000 rice lands are dependent.

The diversity of the two riverbanks is very strange since the right bank is alluvium clay forest, suitable for coconuts and cotton, while the left bank is a combination of bagasse, suitable for the production of rice, cassava and cattle rearing. The Pomeroon River changed its course several thousand years ago. The river has a 90-degree U-turn at one point, leaving a three-mile trail of bagasse to the nearest point of the seacoast at the Somerset area. (Isahak Basir, CCH, is a historian who resides in Essequibo)

Hike to Guanapo Gorge in TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Island

Hikers explores Guanapo Gorge on Sunday.

In the Heights of Guanapo, there is the Guanapo Gorge; a spectacular place, filled with adventure and worthy of a visit. Deep down in the valley, the river flows and over time its downstream force has eroded the hard limestone to form an astonishing 400-metre narrow V-shaped gorge.

The source of the river comes from the El Cerro Del Aripo Watershed where it combines with many tributaries to form the Guanapo River. In the centre of the valley enclosed by steep walls of Jurassic Rock is the gorge. Inside the river has magnificently carved the rocks into colourful prehistoric shapes that have smooth and shiny surfaces. On the inside of each bend, inter-looking spurs just out from the slopes and divide the gorge into sections.

There are two routes to get access to the canyon. The

first is from Lalaja Road located six miles north on the Arima, Blanchisseuse Road. The walk begins on top the mountain and is a steep descend to the river. The other and preferred route for the exploration starts at the Guanapo Quarry at the end of the Guanapo Road. The trail placed at the top of the bank leads along the river. The walk to the mouth or exit point of the gorge will take an hour. This area has a shallow pool and is a lovely spot to picnic and those not wishing to explore can spend the time there. It will take a further fifteen minutes, through the forest to get higher up the river to enter the gorge. Exploring the inside is full of adventure and requires one to jump into pools, paddle and climb over obstacles of fallen debris.

Exploring the gorge is optional and those not wishing to get wet can relax at the mouth.

For details contact Marcia visit islandhikers. com (TT Express)

Holder not worried over Gayle’s form

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Chris Gayle’s current poor form is not a major worry for West Indies captain Jason Holder, who believes the talismanic opener will come good soon.

Gayle has found himself in a lean patch, scoring just 111 runs from his last seven innings, at an average of nearly 16. He is without a hundred in the last 20 months with just one half-century in the intervening period.

Yet, Holder remained confident that the veteran could fire at any moment.

“Well, every time I see Chris Gayle, I expect to see a positive Chris Gayle,” Holder told the media.

With Gayle out of form, West Indies have endured dodgy starts with his opening partner Dwayne Smith also struggling.

In the two World Cup games so far, Gayle and Smith have posted stands of 30 and 17.

Despite this, West Indies managed to top 300 on both occasions

and Holder believes once Gayle came good, West Indies could be looking at a massive score.

Holder said Gayle will move on from the re-tweet made by president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Dave Cameron, which suggested that Gayle should be given his retirement package after he failed against Pakistan.

Cameron re-tweeted the comment from a fan and has since come under fire for his action,

especially from former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding.

Asked how this has affected Gayle, Holder said: ”The comments are beyond me and I am sure that Chris will put that away and play his game.”

Looking towards the rest of the World Cup, Holder was confident his team can keep the momentum gained from the Pakistan win. “We have been working hard, the win against Pakistan was good and we are preparing to bring our A game for the rest of the tournament. We need to keep that momentum going.”

He was happy with the batting overall but called on his top order to fire. “ We have gotten in excess of 300 twice and this is a good psychological advantage going into the second half of the game. It will be better to get the top order to fire and we are hoping to do that in this game. Once they fire, I think that we can even get 400 runs. Aggression won us the last game and we will continue in that way.”

(TT Guardian)

Jamaican U-17 Boyz on salvage job against Guatemala

SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS

— Jamaica’s Under17s will be hunting their first points of the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship when they tackle Guatemala in the Estadio Francisco Morazan at 3:30 pm Jamaica time.

In the other Group A encounters, the United States of America (USA) play Trinidad and Tobago (TT) before host Honduras take on Cuba to complete the triple header.

The USA, Honduras and Guatemala are all on three points, but the Americans are on top with a better goal difference. Caribbean teams Jamaica, TT and Cuba are all pointless.

Jamaica, who lost 0-2 to Honduras in their opening game on Friday, need a positive result against Guatemala to rekindle their campaign and head coach Andrew Edwards is confident his charges can deliver.

“We have been studying the Guatemalan team from the first game. I did some scouting of them in November and I believe that what I have seen, we are a better team,” Edwards told the Jamaican media.

“But obviously we have to go out there and put the performance to

match that belief. But they showed some signs of weakness against Trinidad on Friday and we are looking forward to the opportunity to exploit those weaknesses and get our first three points in the win column,” Edwards added.

The young Reggae Boyz had their final training session on Sunday morning at the Complejo Deportivo Muebles Herrera facility and a few players sat out training nursing minor injuries. Centre halves, Ajeanie Talbott and Jahwahni Hammond picked up knocks in the first game, while midfielder Deshane Beckford picked up his in a freak accident in the hotel’s elevator.

“We have a few concerns with Hinds, Beckford and Talbott, but I don’t think any of

those will be out of the game based on the doctor’s report. We took them out of the session for precautionary reasons,” Edwards explained.

“It was a very good session, I thought. We were focusing on our pressure game and our activity in front of the goal. I thought both of those areas of the park we did quite well and they really understand what we want them to do in terms of defensive shape,” he added.

“We trained at 10 o’clock, very deliberate, because we wanted to give ourselves an extended time for recovery and training at that time we would escape the sun at its peak and rehydrate ourselves in the recovery process,” Edwards noted. (Jamaica Observer)

USA’s Joseph Rivera is Guyana’s 1st CrossFit champ

Inaugural CrossFIt games… – Alisha Fortune takes female title

By TreisTon Joseph

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyana crowned its first CrossFit champ on Sunday when the inaugural E-Networkssponsored event was held at the National Park tarmac.

Completing a series of fitness tests that included leg thrusts, 50 jump squats, pull-ups with toe touches as well as a 1500 metres race, Rivera accumulated a total of 485 points to win the men’s final.

The last event of the day sparked the most interest as all competitors

had to do a 1500 metres run before returning to do chin pulls with 45lb dumbbell bars.

The sequence continued with 60 push-ups for the men then loading a wheel barrel with five sacks of sand weighing 60lbs each before carrying it for two metres and carrying one sack of sand for another two metres.

Dillon Mahadeo of Cross fit won the event to the cheers of the crowd, but was only able to finish third with a total of 413 points. Tim Lombardi of the USA was second with 413 points as well, but had a faster aggregated time

of 1h 30s while Mahadeo had a time of 1h 36s.

Sprint queen Alisha Fortune was the winner of the female event with a total of 495 points as the females had to do lighter weights in the final round with their sacks of sand weighing 30lbs while only having to do 30 pushups in the same sequence of events. Team USA won the team event with a total of 1376 points while the Guyana Defence Force was second with 1181 points. Elite System finished third with 1161 points and Interline fourth with 1032 points. (Guyana Times)

Harley continues to make waves in TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Tidal Wave

Aquatics (TWA) Jahmia Harley earned yet more qualifying standards as the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) National Long Course Age Group Swimming Championships continued on the fourth day, Saturday.

At the Marlins Aquatics Club’s 50-metre pool, Harley attained her first mark of the evening with a 2:22.22 timing for the Girls 1112 200m freestyle in which she was ahead of Marlins’ Jada Chatoor (2:26.81) and TWA Keona Yorke (2:37.65). Harley’s time was good enough to earn her a Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN) mark. Harley then produced a 1:13.38 for the Girls 11-12 100m backstroke that was inside both the CCCAN and Carifta B standards. Harley’s teammates Mayah Baptiste (1:19.74 ) and Celine Baboolal (1:24.20) finished second and third respectively.

Areios Aquatechs Vrisnelit Faure sped to a Carifta B clocking in the Girls 13-14 50m breaststroke when she touched the time pad in 37.20 seconds in a race in which Flying Fish’s Ileana Bocage (39.54) was second and TWA’s Sabrina David (39.95) third.

Atlantis Aquatics Jeron Thompson secured a Carifta B time of 32.28 seconds when he won the Boys 13-14 50m breaststroke from Marlins Luke Gillette (33.63) and Areios’ Obadayah Ince (34.96).

Thompson’s teammate Abraham Mc Leod (29.23) attained the CCCAN time for the boys 18 & over 50m breast-

stroke with Jivan Chee Foon (34.23) in runnerup position and UTT’s Giovanni Newallo (35.58) taking the bronze. Blue Dolphins Swim Club’s Ariel Cape dominated the Girls 1517 100m backstroke in 1:10.55, a Carifta B standard while Abraham’s younger brother David Mc Leod booked his trip to El Salvador (CCCAN) with a 59.17.

TWA’s Aqeel Joseph notched up another qualifying time, this time in the Boys 11-12 200m individual medley (IM) in 2:35.43, good enough for a CCCAN and Carifta C mark. The competition concluded on Saturday. (TT Express)

sport

Lara ready to take Cameron job

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara is ready to throw his hat in the ring and contest the post as president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

In an exclusive interview with the Trinidad media, Lara, who is currently doing television commentary at the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, said he is becoming increasingly concerned at the deficiencies in the management of the sport in the Caribbean, and he would have no hesitation in accepting a nomination and contesting the top post as president of the WICB.

Lara said he is frightened by the breakdown of an institution that has been mostly responsible for giving him the opportunity to become the person he is today.

“If you are a West Indian, and understand what cricket means to us, you have to feel that we could do a lot better than we are currently doing. We have had so many talented young men coming up and suddenly, they just disappear off the scene, while our cricket continues to decline. Nobody appears to care about them.”

Lara said there was too much bickering and fighting between players and administrators, and it appeared that people in top positions did not understand their roles.

He said he was approached some months ago by TT Cricket Board president Azim Bassarath to get involved in the administration.

ed that someone of Lara’s stature was interested in taking charge of West Indies cricket.

“I believe that Brian would be an ideal person to lead West Indies cricket, and as a matter of fact, I approached him a few months ago about such a possibility. But unfortunately, he is too late for us to nominate him for the elections which will take place on Saturday.

The constitution of the WICB does not allow us to nominate him at this late stage, since nominations closed one month before the elections.”

et and lift the region’s credibility. He said it was reassuring and refreshing to know that whatever the outcome of the elections, Lara was waiting in the wings for the chance to serve. “The presence of someone as great as Lara on the West Indies Board can give us so much credibility and stature in the eyes of the rest of the world. It’s a pity he is unable to be part of this year’s process.”

Incumbent Dave Cameron will contest Garner for the job at the WICB’s annual general meeting on Saturday.

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: With the aim of affording the Golden Jaguars every opportunity to play competitively ahead of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, set to start in June,the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has finalised an international friendly game against St Lucia on March 22.

The match will be played at the Guyana National Stadium, marking the return of international football to the venue after a brief hiatus.

“In keeping with its mandate of playing more football at ev-

“Mr Bassarath had suggested that I should get involved and he and his Board would seriously consider supporting me. I am here in Australia with most of the top administrators and players, and even they appear to be concerned at the state of our cricket. The way they speak is like they have little faith in our future. I am ready to get involved.”

Bassarath said that his Board would be supporting another former West Indies cricketer, Joel Garner, on Saturday. The TTCB will also support Baldath Mahabir as vice-president.

Contacted, TTCB president Bassarath said he was delight-

Bassarath said he hopes that whoever wins the elections would heal the current wounds in West Indies crick-

Cameron has been under fire for his handling of the recent aborted tour of India, and has angered West Indian fans with a retweet of an attack of West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle, which suggested that he should pack up and leave West Indies cricket. (TT Guardian)

Golden Jaguars, St Lucia to square off March 22 in Guyana

ery level, the Guyana Football Federation’s Normalisation Committee is pleased to formally announce that

we have successfully negotiated with the St Lucia Football Association to play an international friendly match. The game

has been confirmed for Sunday March 22, 2015 at the Guyana National Stadium Providence, kicking off at 19:30h,”

the Normalisation Committee said via a release.

The game will be the Golden Jaguars’ second international friendly of the year, following their 2-2 draw with hosts Barbados on February 1.

The release continued, “In a similar vein, this St Lucia engagement will serve to also give the Head Coach and Technical Team another chance to further assess where our competitive game is as we continue to prepare for the CONCACAF preliminary qualifying round in June for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. More players would be given the op-

portunity to impress the technical staff as we aim to put together the best possible team to represent Guyana.”

The Head Coach and Technical Team for the upcoming game will be assembled this week and the Normalisation Committee will host a press conference on Wednesday to announce the appointments.

The Normalisation Committee is also currently exploring the possibility of hosting another international friendly against a yet to be named country, almost immediately following the St Lucia game. (Guyana Times)

Fireworks on and off the track at 39th Gibson/McCook Relays in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

While most of the excitement was concentrated on the track, Nicholas Gordon sparked fireworks of his own at the 39th Gibson/ McCook Relays, leaping a distance of 7.95 metres to win the men’s long jump open on Saturday.

Gordon, who jumped unattached, retained his title after topping the event last year with a leap of 7.72 metres while representing Eagles Track Club. What was significant about Gordon's performance was that it surpassed Jermaine Jackson's sixyear-old record of 7.86 metres set in 2009. However, Gordon was assisted by a positive wind speed of 4.6 metres per second, which made the jump illegal thereby allowing Jackson's record to remain intact. Kamal

Fuller of Eagles Track Club was second with a leap of 7.55 metres, while Jamaica College's Obrian Waysome was third with 7.53 metres.

Another Jamaica College standout, Clayton Brown continued his rich vein of form when he outjumped opponents to top the men’s high jump open with a height of 2.10 metres. Romario Douglas of St Jago and Akeem Robertson of UWI Mona claimed the runners-up spots at a height of 2.05 metres.

Immaculate

Conception's Safia Morgan has placed herself in contention for the top spot in the high jump at Boys’ and Girls' Championship after she expertly got the better of the highly-talked-about Hanifah Abdulqadir of St Jago High. Both athletes cleared the bar at 1.75 metres, while

Meisha Gay Dacosta of UWI Mona was third at 1.70 metres.

The impressive Lamara Distin of Rusea's High finished a disappointing fourth at the 1.70-metre mark.

Shaquille Shaw of Kingston College cleared 4.00 metres on his third and final attempt to top the men’s pole vault open ahead of Hugh Lewis (3.80m) and Arnold Franz (3.70m), also of Kingston College.

Meanwhile, Tyquendo Tracey returned to win the men’s 100-metre dash open in 10.34 seconds, after running a superb anchor leg earlier to hold off the world's fastest man Usain Bolt, leading UTech to victory over Racers Lions in the men’s clubs and institutions 4X100-metre relay. Tracey won ahead of Kwisi McFarlane (10.40s), also of UTech,

Utech’s tyquendo tracey (2nd right) wins the 100-metre open in 10.34 seconds to cap a fine day at the Gibson/McCook Relays at the National Stadium on Saturday

and Oshane Bailey (10.43s) of AKAN Track Club. Christine Williams of UTech easily took the women’s event in 11.30 seconds with Jenelle Kelly (11.54s), also of UTech, and Shaneil English (11.63s) of St Jago finishing second and third, respectively.

Young Tiffany James of Papine High did just enough to get by MVP's Janique Day after the two were locked in a heated battle for the final 50 metres of the women’s 400-metre open. James won in a time of 53.86 seconds, while Day clocked 53.92 seconds with Sashel

Frater (58.91s) of St Jago high back in third. The men’s onemile open run was won by Darryl Oliver of UTech in 4:22.21 minutes, followed by teammate Chadoye Dawson (4:23.83) and Holmwood Technical's Kajay Walker (4:26.85). (Jamaica Observer)

Sancho keen to develop women’s football in Trinidad

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Brent

Sancho, Minister of Sport, is keen on the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago football, which he served with distinction as a player during the 2000s.

As a result, he is paying particular attention towards the state of women’s football in the twin-island Republic. Sancho is pushing forward with plans to have a women’s professional league and utilising gate receipts, from inter-

national fixtures at home, to offset the salaries to members (players and the technical staff) of the men’s team.

In a telephone interview, the Sports Minister, commenting on the women’s agenda, noted, “we want to have an in-depth look at having the possibility of having a women’s professional league. So it’s something that is very high on the agenda of things that I’ll like to do.” The former national team defender added, “I strongly believe it would

assist in the development of our sport. I would make sure that, with discussing with the stakeholders involved in it, that we make sure that the input would see the development of our young talent as well as the continued development of our existing talent.” Sancho admitted that it is currently a proposal, but he wishes to have it implemented as early as this year. “It’s still in the embryotic stages,” he said.

“I’ve mentioned to both

WoLF (Women’s League Football) and the TTFA. They like the idea. It’s just now to see the feasibility of it. It’s something that we can continue to push forward.” The Sports Minister plans to see teams from all areas of Trinidad and Tobago involved in the pilot project. “We want to raise the level of women’s football in the country,” Sancho stated. “We’re looking at bringing players from outside the country, doing a draft system, and also (expecting)

that each team have a certain amount of youth players. It really is an opportunity to try and lift the women’s programme. We understand the financial constraints of the (TTFA) and the WoLF.” He continued, “we were 20-odd seconds from going into probably extra time and probably into a World Cup. We want to put forward a plan that will see us continuously qualify for world tournaments, in the women’s side of football.” (TT Newsday)

Windies take time out to party with Caribbean fans

PERTH, AUSTRALIA:

West Indies were on Sunday feted at a Caribbean Day organised by the Western Australia government, as the team took time out from their preparations to mingle with the large West Indian community here.

The side arrived in the coastal city on Saturday to begin preparations for their fifth game of the ICC Cricket World Cup against reigning world champions India on Friday.

Caribbean musicmainly calypso and reggae - and the smell of West Indian food filled the air at the Perth Cultural Centre as fans got the chance to meet

with the West Indies stars.

As expected, among the biggest drawing cards were talismanic opener Chris Gayle and former Test and One-Day International captain Darren Sammy, who took photos with and signed autographs for numerous excited fans.

Team manager Sir Richie Richardson and bowling coach Sir Curtly Ambrose, both former stars, were also mobbed by eager fans.

However, it was Gayle who stole the show. He joined the live band on stage to showcase his singing and dancing skills, and was joined by fellow Jamaican Andre Russell, who also enter-

Defending Caribbean motor racing champion starts successful title defence in Jamaica

BY TreisTon Joseph

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Defending Caribbean motor racing champion Kristian Jeffrey started his title defence successfully on Sunday in Jamaica.

Jeffrey driving his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 in Group Four won all three of his races despite having mechanical problems during his first race.

However, in his second race of the day, Jeffrey clocked his fastest lap time of 1.08.785s.

Rameez Muhammed in his Toyota Starlet Turbo copped the second position in two out of three Group Three races, while Affraz Allie in his Toyota Glanza Turbo

was able to finish in second and third in two out of three races in the same group.

In the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) Super stock Bikes, Stephen Vieira won two out of his three races while finishing second in his third. Elliot Vieira was not far behind winning one of his three and finishing second in the other two.

Meanwhile, Jamaica leads in the overall points standing with 323 points, while Guyana falls in second with 156 points. Trinidad finished third with 126 points, Cayman Islands third with 62 points, and Barbados 0 due to no participation. (Guyana Times)

tained the crowd.

West Indies turned their attention to their preparation on Monday with a full training session at Murdoch University.

They have had a mixed run in the World Cup to date, losing two and winning two of their four games, with form that has lurched between spectacular and substandard.

They opened their Group B campaign with a shock four-wicket defeat to minnows Ireland before rebounding to hammer Pakistan by 150 runs in Christchurch.

The Windies then scaled new heights when they piled up 372 for two to beat Zimbabwe by 73

runs in Canberra, but then plummeted to the joint worst-ever defeat in World Cup history with

Bounty Farm Handicap squasH tournament…

second round.

Guyanese Khalil retains title with dazzling display

BY TreisTon Joseph

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Defending champion Jason Ray Khalil dazzled those in attendance at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts on Sunday to retain his title in theDigicel-sponsored Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament.

Khalil with a handicap of -24 defeated Nyron Joseph with a handicap of -16 in three thrilling sets.

Although both players were athletic and gifted at their craft, Khalil showed how dominant he can be in his first set by quickly overcoming his handicap to level the scores at 5 all.

The rallies were long between the two as they showcased their speed, athleticism and at times power before Khalil went on to win the first set 1513.

The second set was a different story, as Joseph brought his arsenal of shots to the fore and pulled away from Khalil who showed signs of frustration, losing the set 15-4.

However, Khalil quickly refocused and started hot in the third set to easily overcome his handicap, but he fell behind 8-0 to Joseph who was beginning to look fatigued.

Khalil on the other hand kept his composure and battled back with variety of shots to level the score at nine all before going on to win the game 15-11.

Meanwhile, in the Category A final, Lucas Jonas (-3) came up against his brother Ethan Jonas (-1).

In the first game, Lucas won the first eight points before his brother secured his first point, but Ethan got no further than seven as Lucas won

the first game 15-7.

The second game was no different to the first as again Lucas won the first eight points before Ethan secured his first point and the set ended 15-9 win.

In the Category A third place playoff, Michael Alphonso (-1) defeated Demetrius De Abreu (-1). De Abreu won a close first game 15-13, but lost the next two to Alphonso 15-10 and 15-6.

Full Final Results:

Open Category: Jason Ray Khalil (-24) defeated Nyron Joseph (-16) 15-13, 4-15, 15-11; third place: Nicholas Narain won by walkover from Raphael De Groot.

Open Category Plate: Final: Alexander Cheeks

(+7) beat Joe Mekdeci (0) 15-11, 15-12; third place: Tiffany Soloman got a walkover from Stephen Fernandes.

Category A Final: Lucas Jonas (-3) beat Ethan Jonas (-1) 15-7, 15-9; third place: Michael Alphonso (-1) beat Demetrius De Abreu (-1) 13-15, 15-10, 15-6.

Category A Plate

Final: Jason Gomes (+4) beat Kamir Khan (+7) 15-11, 15-13; Third place: Paige Fernandes (+10) defeated Chad De Abreu (+11) 15-9, 15-7. The presentation of prizes was done by Stephen Fernandes and Dr Peter De Groot, representatives of the sponsors Bounty Farm Ltd. (Guyana Times)

Guyanese Bisham Singh to manage Ontario cricket team in Dubai

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO,GUYANA:

Guyanese Bisham

Singh will be managing an Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) 14-member squad for the forthcoming limited-over tournament scheduled to be held in Dubai, compliments of International Cricket Council (ICC).

At a press conference recently in Scarborough, Singh, the vice-president, stated that he wants his team to perform well and the players selected are highly optimistic of their performance.

Apart from the qualified umpire Singh, Azad Khan, another Canadian-based Guyanese is the secretary while Vish Jadunauth, a former veteran Guyana’s softball player currently serves as both Treasurer and junior coordinator.

Singh also took the opportunity to relate that the team toured Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago early last year and was deemed very successful and confident and hopes the outing would also benefit the players significantly.

“I think the exposure would be great again; the ICC has done a very excellent job in ensuring these North American players get international trips to enhance their promising cricketing career,” Singh mentioned.

Speaking also at the function Jadunauth expressed delight to see the growth of cricket in Ontario and by extension Canada.

“I just want to congratulate the ICC for having this trip where our boys would play three 50-over matches and they will also involve

Thrilling end to

MONTEGO BAY, ST JAMES:

The inaugural staging of the Jamaica Winter Open Table Tennis Championships came to a thrilling end at the Montego Bay Community College auditorium on Sunday night with France's top player Damien Provost and Guyana's number one female player Trenace Lowe taking top honours. Provost beat the Dominican Republic's

in training camps to help by developing their skills,” Jadunauth commented.

President of OCA, Gulwant Bajwa declared that the experience should be exciting for the under-25 players who can capitalise on the opportunity to make an impression.

“This could be an once-ina-lifetime opportunity for a lot of budding players to train and play at the ICC Oval in Dubai; The 7-day camp will focus mainly on improving batting and bowling skills, fielding, physical fitness

which includes bio-mechanics, mental preparedness, technical analysis and strategy, Bajwa revealed.

The OCA, which was formed in 1949 and incorporated in 1977, is responsible for managing administering, growth and development of cricket in the province of Ontario with special emphasis on the development of youth cricket from the grassroots level.

It also aims to foster relationship among its member leagues and invites other non-member leagues to part-

ner and become members.

The OCA noted with much regret that Canada had lost its Associate Member status in the ICC to Affiliate Member, resulting in the country losing One-day International status.

It also disclosed that Canada had been relegated to Division Three. In this regard, the OCA has set up what it termed a dynamic advisory board which is being chaired by Khalid Usman.

“It is now imperative that we practice articulate and sound governance to help grow this sport from grassroots and once again make us worthy competitors on the international stage; it has become important for us to have people with clear vision, great management skills and a thorough knowledge of the game to help us get back to our World Cup status and beyond.” Usman stated.

Meanwhile, Canada participated in several ICC World Cup tournaments but missed out on the current one that is taking place in Australia and New Zealand after failing to qualify.

winter table tennis champs in Jamaica

Emil Santos 11-8, 11-7, 11-8. 9-11, 11-8 to take the men's Open crown, while Lowe thrashed Jamaica's Yvonne Foster 11-5, 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 to capture the female Open title.

In other matches in the two-day event, the exciting young Jamaican talent Onika Francis dominated the junior division, winning the girls' Under-21, and Under-15 titles, while finishing second in the Under-18 sec-

tion, where she matched skills with national representative Dadrian Lewis in all three finals.

Shemar Britton from Guyana was the outstanding performer in the junior division winning the Under-21; finishing second in the Under-18 segment and losing out in the semi-finals of the men's singles.

Keith Evans, the veteran and current head coach at Texas Wesleyan University in the USA, dominated the Senior sections, winning the over 40 and over 50 events.

Young Lenia Campbell from Jamaica ruled the Under-9, Under-11 and Under-13 girls' divisions.

Alessio Tulloch, another Jamaican, won the Under-15 boys' title beating Miguel Wong of Guyana.

Mike Henry, also from Jamaica, was victorious

in the rural singles, while Warren Bailey, another Jamaican, won the B Open division.

The boys' Under-11 was won by Daniel Isaacs while Jon-Ross Daley both from the Jamaicabased Supersonics Club copped the boys' Under-13 title.

Earlier, Minister with responsibility for Sports Natalie Neita Headley who officially opened the tournament, thanked the organisers and the sponsors for making the event a reality.

Noting that the tournament is the first of its kind in western Jamaica for more than a decade, Neita-Headley stressed the importance of table tennis in the development of sports in Jamaica.

"This initiative is good for the advancement of the sport. I don't believe that table tennis has got-

ten the focus that it deserves, and is where it should be, but I believe that with the present organisation [Jamaica Table Tennis Association] now in place, table tennis will excel beyond our wildest expectations," she argued.

Tournament director Robert Hyatt, who along with his brother Michael both represented Jamaica in table tennis said the tournament was conceptualised by them, in an effort assist in the development of the sport generally, and in western Jamaica in particular.

"The game really needed a fillip, it was going down and that's why we decided to do it now," he told the Jamaican media, adding that the event which was staged in collaboration with the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) will

be held annually.

More than 200 persons from Jamaica, the USA, Dominican Republic, Guyana and France participated in the tournament.

Additionally, the tournament attracted an equal number of students from across primary and secondary schools in western Jamaica who came out to get free lessons from national technical director Stephen Grant at the 'Coaches Corner'.

Among the sponsors for the tournament were Jamaica Sport, Sports Development Foundation, Global Aviation Solutions, JTTA, Fly Jamaica, Victoria Mutual Building Society, KLAS ESPN, Hotel Montego, Roots FM and Nationwide News Network. (Jamaica Observer)