Caribbean Times International

Early general elections likely in Guyana

Early general elections likely in Guyana

-as Opposition coalition signals support for proposed no-confidence motion

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The prospect of an early general election in Guyana has increased significantly after the majority Opposition grouping, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), signaled its intention to back a proposed motion of noconfidence in the Donald Ramotar-led administration.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) is expected to table the motion in the National Assembly soon, and APNU took the decision after its Members of Parliament, who formed a Shadow Cabinet, met on Tuesday afternoon at the Leader of the Opposition’s Office on Hadfield Street, Georgetown to deliberate on the draft AFC motion.

APNU’s Co-Chairman Dr Rupert Roopnaraine confirmed that the decision was unanimous and that no dissenting views were expressed during the Shadow Cabinet meeting about the course of action that the party should

adopt in response to the proposed motion.

“Well, we didn’t see a full draft, but what we saw was a resolve clause… we did not see any “where as” clauses and…that is what we are going to support when it comes to the House which we anticipate will be at a very early sitting in October,” Roopnaraine advised.

The Constitution states that on the House's approval of a no-con-

fidence motion, the President and Cabinet have to resign and make way for general and regional elections within three months. If the motion is passed before the House goes into recess on August 10, the elections would have to be called by November. However, if it is approved at the first sitting in October, the polls would have to be called the latest by January, 2015.

However, Roopnarine said “it is very unlikely” that the motion could be debated before the National Assembly goes into recess on August 10 this year. Additionally, he said the party believes that the decision to support the motion was the right step at the correct time given the feeling and mood of the population. He also explained that the APNU has piloted a menu of other actions to demonstrate its lack of confidence in the PPP/C administration.

He said APNU’s decision was taken to send another strong message to the ruling administration about its conduct and handling of several national and constitutional issues.

“I think it is important that if we were to move a no-confidence motion against the government, that we move it, because we do not have any confidence in the government and that should be part of the parliamentary record,” he declared.

Minister Damion Crawford to address Jamaica Independence gala in Toronto Saturday

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica’s State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, Damion Crawford, has been invited to deliver the keynote address at the Jamaican Canadian Association’s (JCA) 52nd anniversary gala in Toronto, Canada, on Saturday, August 9. Crawford will depart the island on Friday, August 8, the ministry said in an advisory.

The gala will commemorate Jamaica’s 52nd year of independence and the JCA’s 52nd anniversary of serving various com-

munities including people of Jamaican and Caribbean nationalities. It is being held under the patronage of Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sheila Sealy Monteith.

The JCA is a nonprofit charitable organisation that celebrates the cultural heritage of Jamaica in all its forms and seeks to improve life for Caribbean people of all nationalities, people of African descent and all people who subscribe to their core values and goals, the ministry said. Crawford will return to the island on Sunday, August 10.

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EDITORIAL

Chinese colonialism?

Recently, Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar was asked by a local media operative whether the comparatively large Chinese investment –already in place or proposed–is not suggestive of a “Chinese colonisation” of Guyana’s economy.

With the Chinese involved with the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the expansion and modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the “on-hold” Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project and several roads – not to mention the Chinese private investment, against the background of Guyana’s history, the question may appear reasonable.

However, against the entire thrust of the received postWWII wisdom on “growth and development” of poverty-stricken countries, the question is, in fact, rather alarming and even racist in its premises. For 50 years now, following standard economic theory, the latter countries suffered from a “savings gap” resulting in an “investment gap”.

So in a vicious circle, the poor countries would remain spinning their wheels; even going backwards because of population increases, unless something was done to break the cycle.

This “something” was supposed to increase the investment levels–through aid, in the beginning, and this was proven a failure for decades, through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The “aid” was generally from the Western “developed” countries or the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)–which were controlled by the same countries.

The “conditionalities” attached to the “aid” were so fixed that eventually more funds flowed from the poorer countries to the richer ones. As a final irony, the aid was preferentially given to those leaders that supported the U.S. in its Cold War against the USSR.

Many of these leaders, especially in Latin America and Africa, were brutal dictators that oppressed their people. But, in the words of one American President describing one recipient of their beneficence, “He may be a son-of-a-bitch, but he’s our son-of-abitch!”

From the late 1980s, with the ascendancy of the neo-liberal ideology that stressed “market fundamentalism”, the West now exhorted the poorer countries to “liberalise”, which meant opening up their markets to their “investment”. The FDI was supposed to originate from Western corporations, banks and investment houses that could move their funds seamlessly from country to country in search of greater returns.

This introduced a boom-and-bust cycle that exacerbated the usual business cycle, and operated at a global scale as was seen in the 1997 Far Eastern financial meltdown.

With the development of the Chinese economy in that same time frame, few commented that the Chinese did not accept the premise of an open market. But their economy thrived, ran a surplus with the West and right now has reserves of US$4 trillion! With that kind of reserves and that size of economy, it should be a surprise to no one that China would seek to engage in Foreign Direct Investment–first, to diversify its portfolio; second, to secure raw materials and third, to make friends in a globalised world.

Other countries with controls also prospered and the World Bank’s 2013 “Global Development Horizons (GDH)” report, titled “Capital for the Future: Saving and Investment in an Interdependent World”, predicted: “China will account for 30 percent of global investment in 2030, with Brazil, India, and Russia together accounting for another 13 percent. In terms of volumes, investment in the developing world will reach $15 trillion (in 2010 U.S. dollars), versus $10 trillion in high-income economies.

Again, China and India will be the largest investors among developing countries, with the two countries combined representing 38 percent of the global gross investment in 2030, and they will account for almost half of all global manufacturing investment.”

When the West invested, it was applauded; now that the Chinese are doing even better, without attaching “conditionalities”, it is “colonialist”. Since the colour of the money is the same, one can only conclude that the colour of the Chinese is objectionable to the naysayers.

Guyana’s economy to grow by 4.5 percent

- even as ECLAC lowers prospects for

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has projected a 4.5 percent growth rate for Guyana—the highest prediction for the Caribbean and the eighth highest in the whole of Latin America.

Only Suriname is projected to grow above four percent this year in the whole of the Caribbean, with a 4.4 percent forecast. Trinidad and Tobago is at 2.2 percent, Barbados 0.5 percent and Jamaica 1.2 percent.

For Latin America, Panama leads the way with 6.7 percent followed by Bolivia 5.5 percent. The figures were released in ECLAC’s projections for Latin American and Caribbean economies, which the UN body said will experience average growth of 2.2 percent in 2014, affected by the weakness in external demand, less dynamic domestic demand, insufficient investment, and limited room for implementing policies to spur an upturn.

These elements, ECLAC said have a differentiated impact on Latin American and Caribbean countries and subregions, confirming a high degree of heterogeneity in growth dynamics, ECLAC added.

The United Nations regional commission unveiled its report Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2014, in which it cut the regional growth forecast for 2014 that was issued last April (2.7 percent).

Economic slowdown

The study indicates that the economic slowdown observed in the last quarter of 2013 persisted during the first months of 2014, meaning that the region will grow less than it did last year (2.5 percent). Nevertheless, the report sig-

nals that a gradual improvement in some of the world’s major economies should enable the trend to change towards the end of 2014.

“Macroeconomic policies have to take into account each country’s specific vulnerabilities. Without a doubt, it is important in all cases to increase investment and productivity to guarantee structural change with equality in the medium term. Both factors are key challenges for the economic sustainability of development, especially in the current context,” said Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, during the presentation of the document.

On a regional level, 2014 growth will be led by Panama, with an increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 6.7 percent. That country will be followed by Bolivia (5.5 percent) and Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Nicaragua, with expansions of five percent.

South America

The Central American Isthmus plus Haiti and the Dominican Republic is expected to grow 4.4 percent, while South America will expand 1.8 percent, although with great diversity among countries. The Caribbean will grow two percent, which implies a recovery from the 1.2 percent registered in 2013.

The reduction in estimated growth for 2014 responds to different factors, depending on the country being analysed, the document states. In the cases of Argentina—whose GDP will barely grow this year and Venezuela, which should experience a contraction of -0.5 percent--the available data for the early months of the year reflects the impact of some imbal-

Caribbean

ances that have been manifesting themselves in recent years.

In Chile and Peru, which will expand three percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, the decline in economic dynamism is linked to lower levels of investment and a deceleration in household consumption.

In Mexico, a rebound in growth is expected (2.5 percent compared with 1.1 percent in 2013), although the rate will be lower than previously forecast (three percent), while Brazil will undergo a smaller annual expansion of 1.4 percent, compared with 2.5 percent last year.

According to ECLAC’s analysis, the resumption of economic growth in the U.S. will benefit Mexico and Central American countries, while the recovery of the United Kingdom and several economies in the euro zone will have a positive impact, especially in the Caribbean, due to the arrival of more tourists.

Export

The main risk is the lower growth forecast for China in 2014, the report emphasised. The regional economies that are more specialised in exporting commodities to that country could be affected if the Asian giant cannot maintain its growth above seven per cent.

The study adds that in the medium term, the region is expected to face less dynamic demand for its main export goods and more costly external financing.

The Economic Survey 2014 stresses that in light of this new scenario, macroeconomic policies to manage the economic cycle and those oriented towards fostering more longterm growth must be closely coordinated.

Gang membership growing in Caribbean

- IMPACS expresses concerns about high-level of gun violence

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) says membership of criminal gangs across the Caribbean is around 35,000 and again said that there has been an increase in the number of illegal firearms on the streets.

The comment was made at a recent Caricom workshop on the Arms Trade Treaty in Portof-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago by Head of IMPACS Francis Forbes.

Describing it as “more than a cause for concern” while addressing the regional workshop on the Arms Trade Treaty at the Trinidad Hilton hotel last week, Forbes said: “Only last year there were 2143 homicides committed in 11 Caricom states, approximately 70 percent of which were committed by small arms and light weapons (SALW) but that is not all. Let us also place into the equation the 1885 illegal guns seized during the same period and reality sets in. The fact that between 2006 and 2013, law enforcement recovered 16,162 illegal firearms in these same countries is more than a cause for concern. Gang membership is now es-

Francis Forbes, Executive Director, caricom ImPAcs

timated to be not less than 35,000 and growing across Caricom States…”

He said less than half of the 14 Caricom states have ratified the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), although all 14 are signatories to the international agreement. Caricom, he said, has resolved to “push back” as best it can within the confines of limited resources. But “I must take note without commenting that to date, the records reflect 14 signatories to the ATT and as at June 3, 2014, only six members have ratified namely; Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago.” So far 41 countries internationally have ratified the ATT.

The objectives of the workshop were the promotion of the ratification of the ATT; development of a Caricom Common Position on Brokering (‘Political Binding’); adoption and implementation of a Caricom Coordinating and Implementing Mechanism; advancement of Caricom Model Legislation for the ATT; and provision of legal and technical assistance to Caricom member states in the implementation of their obligations under the ATT.

KD Knight, Flo O'Connor among Order of Jamaica awardees

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Politician and legal luminary Keith Desmond Knight, veteran human rights activist Flo O'Connor, and six other distinguished Jamaicans are to be bestowed with the nation's fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ).

The OJ will also be awarded to Bishop Charles Henry Dufour, for distinguished contribution to religion and community development; Professor Joseph Frederick, for distinguished service to the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies and the University Hospital; and Glen Mills, for outstanding contribution to track and field through coaching of Jamaican athletes, including the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt.

Other persons to receive the OJ are Dr Karl Everald Wellington, for exceptional and exemplary service to agriculture--in particular animal genetics; an honorary award to Sir Fitzroy (Roy) Augier, professor emeritus in history at the University of the West Indies (UWI), for over 50 years of distinguished service to academia, in particular Caribbean history; and Dennis Vernon Daly, QC, will be awarded posthumously for his contribution to law and human rights advocacy.

When contacted for a comment, Knight said he accepted the award with humility.

"When an honour is conferred on one, it is really a signal that more is expected from that person and the recipient must himself take

the position that he or she has to work harder to show that it was deserved."

O'Connor, who headed the Jamaica Council for Human Rights, will receive the OJ for distinguished contribution to human rights advocacy.

Three active politicians will be presented with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander. They are Senator Navel Clarke, for more than 20 years of distinguished service to Parliament and the trade union movement; Horace Dalley and Rudyard Spencer, for more than 20 years of distinguished service

to Parliament.

Four senior journalists will receive the

Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for outstanding and invaluable contribution to journalism in Jamaica. They include founding editor of the Jamaica Observer Desmond Allen as well as Observer senior associate editor Novia McDonald-Whyte and Wyvolyn Gager, Franklin McKnight and Owen James.

One hundred and eighty-nine Jamaicans will receive national honours and awards at a ceremony to be held at King's House in October. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Guyana Festival promises a weekend of excitement in Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Hundreds of persons from across the Caribbean have confirmed their participation for the highly- anticipated Guyana Festival, an event that will set the stage for Guyanese to promote their rich culture, talent and mouth-watering food.

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali said Monday that there is tremendous international interest, pointing out that tour operators in Suriname have confirmed that more than 500 persons have signed up for the three-day event. According to him, the ‘domino’ effect will be remarkable for Guyana’s hotel and hospitality industry.

Approximately 20,000 Guyana Festival Passports are being sold in countries

after long weeks of work, Guyanese from all walks of life, along with the international spectators, will converge at the national stadium

around the world, including the United States and Canada, as well as South American and Caribbean countries. The passports will give spectators access to the event on all three days, starting on Friday, August 8.

In the local arena, Ali said the response from the private sector has been “tremendous,”

First leg of Jamaica’s

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Linstead to Moneague leg of the North/South link of Highway 2000 in Jamaica was officially opened Tuesday, giving the nation a huge 52nd birthday gift that will significantly slash the average two-hour travel time between the capital and the north coast tourism belt.

Motorists can travel for free on the highspeed motorway until September 5, cutting out the narrow, winding and treacherous Mount Rosser route.

Opening the highway during a ceremony at the Treadways toll both Tuesday, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller urged local business interests to seize the economic opportunities that

pointing out that there will be 70 booths spread across the tarmac, in addition to the six cultural villages and Coney Island.

The inaugural Guyana Festival will take both locals and foreigners by storm with the opening event–a National Concert, to be held under the theme “Myths and Legends…

Sweet, Sweet Guyana,” as it sets the scene for an action-packed, culturally rich weekend. The National Steel Orchestra, Woodside Choir and Nrityageet dancers are among the line-up for the star-studded concert.

Festival Games

In the T20 Festival Cricket, the Masters will challenge President’s IX, in a heated match Saturday which will be followed by the Festival Football Match which will see the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) taking on Slingers.

“After that we have the Night of the Legend Concert, which is going to be overwhelming, all the great singers, the great actors, all the great acts of the past will be on that stage for one night,” the Tourism Minister said.

Meanwhile, on Sunday,

Highway 2000 opens

will flow from the new development.

“We are expecting new opportunities for tourism. I am urging local entrepreneurs to position themselves for new economic activities to be derived from the new highway,” Simpson Miller said.

The four-lane highway is 19.3 kilometres long and has 11 bridges, a toll plaza, brake check-

the sweet aroma of fingerlicking Guyanese cuisine will fill the air, as persons engage in a National Cook Out. Some 40 individuals, families, and teams have signed up for the grand competition, with some participants coming from North America.

The Guyana Festival will end with a bang on Sunday night with the “Generation Next Concert” featuring all the popular names and upcoming stars in the entertainment arena. “The Festival will be amazing and so we are looking forward to see every single Guyanese, from as far as possible out here to capitalise on this unique event which will put Guyana on the international map,” Ali said, stressing that the Festival was designed to market Guyana. (Guyana Times)

-as country marks 52nd Independence Anniversary

points, and escape lanes.

It will now take approximately 18 minutes to cover the journey which would previously take anywhere over 45 minutes on the Mount Rosser route, which was not designed to accommodate large trucks and trailers that traverse the hilly terrain daily.

Managing director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), said there were plans to construct a rest stop along the highway and relocate 50 of the vendors from the popular Faith’s Pen food stop who have expressed

concern that their livelihood would be severely affected as fewer motorists would be using the Mount Rosser route.

The project was started during the previous People’s National Party Administration by French firm Bouygues, which detected geotechnical problems with the terrain composed of unstable limestone and shale material.

With the change of government in 2007 the Jamaica Labour Party Administration, through former works minister Mike Henry, inked a deal with China Harbour Engineering Company

(CHEC) and continued the project.

CHEC will reimburse the Jamaican government US$120 million it forked out to Bouygues over the life of the project.

The entire North/ South highway will cost US$730 million and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016, Simpson Miller stated.

The two other legs to be completed are the first leg from Caymanas to Linstead, which will bypass the Bog Walk Gorge, and the third leg from Moneague to Ocho Rios. (Jamaica Observer)

Canada donates Cdn$10 million to eastern Caribbean states

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica is expected to benefit from a contribution of Cdn$5 million from the Canadian government.

According to a statement on the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada website, the initiative will also allocate a sum of Cdn$10 million

to eastern Caribbean countries as Canada promotes enhanced public financial management in the Caribbean.

The total of Cdn$15 million is to be spent in the region over four fiscal years (2014–2017) and is being implemented to assist fiscal management under the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

programme.

“This initiative will assist Caribbean countries in improving their financial situation through a fiscal reform programme supported by the IMF… The ongoing recession in tourism-dependent Caribbean states limits their economic growth potential,” the statement said.

Caribbean Chikungunya cases top 500,000 –PAHO

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says the number of new cases of the Chikungunya in the Caribbean increased by nearly 38,000 last week with the Dominican Republic having the most cases.

PAHO said that the total figure for the mosquito-borne disease had reached 513,393 cases compared with 473,523 cases a week earlier.

The new figures include suspected and confirmed illnesses that

are locally acquired and imported cases. The Dominican Republic accounted for 26,012 of the new cases and more than half of all cases, with an overall total of 307,933, according to PAHO.

By contrast, the neighbouring French Caribbean Community (Caricom) country of Haiti recorded only 50 new cases–all classified as suspected–for an overall total of 64,709.

The death toll in the epidemic, which began last December, grew by six, to 32. PAHO said all deaths were in

Martinique, where the toll is now 19. The country’s overall case count reached 54,075, or 3,620 more than the week before.

The figures for the Caribbean show that Dominica had the highest suspected cases of 3, 559 with 141 confirmed while St. Lucia had 214 suspected cases with 67 confirmed.

According to the PAHO figures, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had recorded 329 suspected cases with 67 confirmed.

In total, the Caribbean countries had a total of 4, 135 suspected cases with 527 con-

Central bank eases TT’s foreign exchange woes with US$75 million injection

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) says it has injected US$75 million into the financial system to support the foreign exchange market following recent complaints of a shortage of the United States currency in TT.

The CBTT said that the injections on Monday, as with recent interventions, “was timed to support the foreign exchange market

and to preempt any significant tightening in light of anticipated lower volumes of U.S. currency conversions by energy sector companies in August 2014”.

The Central Bank said it would “continue to monitor conditions in the domestic foreign exchange market and act proactively to ensure market order and stability”.

The CBTT also stated that so far this year, it has sold US$940 million to authorised dealers, or equiv -

alent to 25 percent of total supply to the foreign exchange market.

“The Bank will to continue to provide further support to the domestic foreign exchange market over the next few weeks,” the CBTT indicated in a statement. It said that as of the end of July this year, Trinidad and Tobago’s net official reserves stood at US$10.1 billion, representing in excess of 12 months of import cover. (TT Newsday)

Increased cooperation in education between China and Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Bilateral cooperation in education between Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China has advanced significantly since the countries established diplomatic relations in 1972.

China’s Ambassador to Jamaica Dong Xiaojung, said over 600 Jamaicans have either been awarded scholarships to study or participated in training programmes in the Asian country over the 42-year association.

Another 11 students have been awarded scholarships this year, and are scheduled to depart the island “very soon”, he said, while adding that “a significant number of Jamaican teachers will be teaching English in China.”

Ambassador Dong was speaking at the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Palisadoes Park headquarters of the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), which will facilitate the introduction of a Chinese language training programme at the institu-

tion.

He noted that Chinese nationals have also benefitted, with six sports coaches receiving scholarships awarded by the government of Jamaica, to study at the G C Foster College of Physical Education and Sports in St Catherine.

This gesture, he said, was extended by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, during her visit to China in August 2013. He advised that all six coaches recently completed their training courses and graduated from the college.

Ambassador Dong

also highlighted the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus in St Andrew in 2009.

The non-profit educational institution seeks to, among other things, promote the Chinese language and culture, and is the first such established in the Caribbean. It was officially opened by then Chinese Vice President, Xi Jinping, during a state visit to the island.

He said there have also been exchanges between Education Ministry officials from both countries, with Minister Rev

Ronald Thwaites visiting the Asian country in 2013, and China’s Vice Minister, Du Zhanyuan, reciprocating in June, this year.

Ambassador Dong said that Rev Thwaites’

visit to his country was “fruitful,” which led to the signing of a cooperative MOU when Vice Minister Du visited Jamaica in June.

In addition to the increased cooperation in ed-

ucation, the Ambassador pointed to advances in bilateral trade, and economic and technical cooperation, active cultural and sports exchange, and mutual support in international affairs. (JIS)

Courts Essequibo Manager dies after vehicle crash in Guyana

ESSEQUIBO, GUYANA: Chandanie

Dass who was involved in a horrific accident on the Essequibo Coast in Guyana last Saturday night succumbed to her injuries early Monday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The 32-year-old of La Union Village on the Essequibo Coast was airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital following the accident at Annandale Public Road, Essequibo. Dass had sustained extensive spinal injuries and other injuries about her body. Although doctors desperately tried to save her, she succumbed to the injuries she sustained.

Dass, the driver of motor car PSS 3067, was heading south on the Annandale Public Road when she collided with motor van PRR 9027 driven by Nicklous Singh last Saturday night. The Courts Manager, along

with Ponnai Dass, was returning from a wedding reception.

Ponnai Dass is presently in the Intensive Care Unit at Suddie Public Hospital clinging to life. Both women were pinned in the wreckage after the accident. They were pulled out and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital by residents from the community. Chandanie Dass was described as a very hard working and determined young woman. Meanwhile, eight persons remain patients

at the Suddie Public Hospital following the same accident, including the driver of the motor van. Those include: Kevin Kumar, Shane Kumar, Linden Marks, Krishna Ramsamooj and Anthony Hanes.

In another accident on the same night, a mechanic of Queenstown Village lost his life also.

Delvin Benn was involved in an accident on the Taymonth Manor Public Road. Three persons remain in hospital following that vehicular smashup. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica launches major project to boost maternal and child health

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The government of Jamaica has launched a Ja$3.3 billion project aimed at improving maternal and child health care in the country.

The Programme to Reduce Maternal and Child Mortality (PROMAC), which is being funded by the European Union (EU), will see significant improvement in the quality of care for expectant mothers and babies.

This will boost the country’s ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health.

Speaking at the launch last week, at the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Oxford Road offices, Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson, informed that a specialised team will be trained to deliver “high-contact” care to high-risk maternity cases.

“Over a four-year period, this team will be built, and the necessary infrastructure such as High Dependency Units (HDU), or beds and material resources provided to ensure programme success. Pregnant mothers can rest assured that here is a programme within the public health sector that can cater to their needs in the event that they fall in the high-risk category,” he explained.

the programme seeks to improve the quality of care for expectant mothers and babies in Jamaica (Jamaica Observer photo)

expansion of service delivery,” he indicated.

Under the project, 11 HDUs will be established in six hospitals across Jamaica to improve newborn and emergency obstetric care.

PM Kamla tables legislation for sweeping constitutional changes

PORT-OF-

SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

TT’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Monday unveiled legislation in Parliament proposing a two-term limit for all prime ministers, a right of recall of MPs and a new provision for run-off elections calling for only persons who win more than half of the votes in a constituency to be elected as MP.

In the first ministerial statement under the new Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister said the measures were “a bold step” which would, “breathe new life and meaning into the democratic process” and give more power to people.

“These initiatives are initiatives we promised in our manifesto in 2010,” Persad-Bissessar said. “We are keeping those promises to place power, and greater power, in the hands of the people.”

During Monday’s sitting at the International Waterfront Centre, Tower D, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, the Prime Minister tabled the Bill containing the new measures, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2014. She indicated that the legislation required a simple majority, though some of the provisions seek to amend the Constitution.

The Government Whip, Dr Roodal Moonilal, said debate on

the Bill will begin next Monday.

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley did not immediately rule out support for the measures. He indicated the proposals would be reviewed by the PNM caucus.

The Prime Minister said term limits for prime ministers would be implemented by way of a simple amendment focusing on holding the hand of the President, who is, generally, advised by the Cabinet. (TT Newsday)

Man of unsound mind disarms cop, shoots two in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: A man believed to be of unsound mind Sunday disarmed a police constable in the normally busy HalfWay-Tree square in St Andrew, Jamaica and used the service pistol to shoot two civilians, including a woman.

None of the injuries are fatal.

The man reportedly fired off several shots before a plain clothes policeman shot him in the leg and recovered the weapon.

Those injured including the attacker

were taken to hospital.

According to one eyewitness, the policeman was writing a motorist a ticket when

Dr. Ferguson stressed that the aim is to reduce the incidence of neonatal deaths due to inadequate access to high dependency care.

“Through the infrastructural and equipment initiatives under the programme, we want to see a noticeable

The HDUs are suited for patients, who require closer observation than those on the general ward, but slightly less than that of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It also provides care for post-operative patients needing close observation. (JIS)

the man of unsound mind approached him and grabbed his firearm from its holster. (Jamaica Observer)

Antigua's AG to face trial on passport fraud charges

ST JOHN'S, ANTIGUA: A magistrate last week committed Antigua’s newly appointed Attorney General Steadman 'Cuttie' Benjamin to face trial on October 1 on allegations of passport fraud.

The prosecution has also been ordered to disclose all evidence to the defence within 21 days.

The prosecution had alleged that in 2008, Benjamin had signed a passport application form and photograph

for Jamaican Shane Anthony Allen, who claimed to have been Antiguan Tyrell Brann when he applied for and obtained the Antigua and Barbuda passport. Brann had died earlier.

Allen and Lynda Brann, the mother of the deceased man, had been convicted and sentenced to two years in jail as a result of the fraudulent activities.

They have since been released from prison after serving their sentences. (Caribbean News)

Jamaica merges two law enforcement agencies

- to better combat organised crime, corruption

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Colonel Desmond Theodore Edwards, the career soldier who now heads Jamaica’s new Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), is welltrained and highly qualified in military intelligence and has developed a reputation for performance, Jamaicans have been assured.

"He's quite adept at managing intelligence matters and is well-respected," a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) officer, who opted not to be named, told the media.

"He doesn't like mediocrity; once he sets time limits for assignments he expects them to be met. However, he's a reasonably balanced man and is very approachable. He knows how to talk to people," the officer said.

Colonel Edwards' appointment was announced Monday by National Security Minister Peter Bunting at a news conference at Police Officers' Club in Kingston.

"The new agency will give us greater reach and increase our capacity to carry out investigations on people of interest, including the police and those in public office," Bunting said.

The agency merges the constabulary's AntiCorruption Branch (ACB) with the former MOCA, and Colonel Edwards has been seconded for a transitional period to oversee and co-ordinate the merger.

"This merger is an interim step in a longer-term plan to create a national law enforcement agency, which will be the subject of a future

Cabinet submission," Bunting indicated.

At the JDF, Edwards is responsible for force policy on operations, training, intelligence, communications, information systems, civil/military relations, and publications.

A graduate of Clarendon College, Edwards joined the JDF in October 1984 and was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant in June 1986 after completing his initial officer training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, India.

Among his long list of appointments in the JDF is a more than 15year stint in the JDF's Intelligence Unit which he served as desk officer, unit second in command and, eventually, commanding officer.

Colonel Edwards is

Almost 18,000 domestic violence cases in

one Trinidad court

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

TT’s Minister in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development Raziah Ahmed recently revealed that from 2012 to 2013, there were 17,748 cases of family and domestic violence or 48.6 cases per day in one court, in a magisterial district in north Trinidad. However, she said these were the cases which reached courts as she observed domestic violence is a hidden issue.

“Imagine how many never reach court because of fear or the desire to protect,” she added.

She also reported that for the same period

the National Domestic Violence Hotline handled 997 new client calls with 767 being from females. For the period January to June this year there were 65 calls, 46 from females.

The National Family Services Division dealt with 104 domestic violence cases for the eight month period from October 2013 to May 2014. She provided the statistics while delivering the feature address at the National Consultation on Strengthening the Domestic Violence Act, 1999, held last week at City Hall, Port-of-Spain. She commented on issues affecting State institutions and her ministry’s response.

also a graduate of the Infantry Officers Advance Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA; Defence Intelligence and Security School at Ashford in Kent, UK; and the International Security Management Course at the Royal Military College of Science (Cranfield University), Shrivenham, UK.

Monday, Bunting said the new agency is a joint effort between the constabulary and the army primarily and will have the capacity to conduct independent investigations and report to the National Security Council, through the Minister of National Security, on matters of policy and performance.

A steering committee, chaired by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Colonel Stewart Saunders, will include se-

nior officers of the JCF and JDF.

The committee will have oversight responsibility for the policy implementation of the agen-

cy and will monitor the agency's performance and inform the public of its findings on a timely basis, Bunting said. (Jamaica Observer)

African Business Expo to be staged in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: In an effort to promote entrepreneurship among people of African descent, the African Cultural Development and Association (ACDA) of Guyana will later this year host the first ever African Business Expo.

ACDA Director Eric Phillips said the event is to recognise black entrepreneurs throughout Guyana and will be launched in November 2014.

“I think that overall the state of some of our nation’s institutions that fall under our ministry and the neglect over the past 30 plus years and the position that we have placed some of our children and women and our youth, we have brought these issues to the front burner, at the centre of the radar and at the centre of the commitment of huge resources,” she indicated.

Ahmed noted the ministry was actively involved in an all out campaign to revitalise community safe houses, domestic violence shelters, orphanages, industrial homes and community residences throughout the country. (TT Newsday)

The event is also a dedication to the life and works of the late Marcus Garvey, who Phillips described as the father of Pan Africanism, a hero, political icon, daring entrepreneur, poet and powerful orator.

This exhibition will also celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Garvey’s United Negroes Improvement Association (UNIA), which was an organisation dedicated to racial pride, economic self-sufficiency, and the formation of an independent black nation in Africa.

This Business Exhibition will highlight and promote prominent Afro-Guyanese businesses and their owners for their significant contributions to Guyana’s economic society. The businessmen and women will also be

rewarded for being significant role models for other young Guyanese of African descent who may travel down the same business path.

The African Business Expo is set to have about 100 booths that will display 100 different products or business ideas from Guyanese locals.

According to Phillips, the event will be a learning experience as persons of the African community can learn and build from each other. Also said to be

present at the expo will be 10 international exhibitors who will assist Guyanese in reaching out to larger regional and international markets. The two-day event will feature the launch of 10 new local products, all produced by Afro-Guyanese. In addition, there will be five workshops tackling all business related issues such as exporting, financing, clusters and product management. (Guyana Times)

TT’s former Sports Minister vows to clear his name amidst controversy

PORT-OF-

SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: TT’s former Sports Minister and D’Abadie/O’Meara MP Anil Roberts Monday vowed to do all in his power to clear his name in the wake of the Life Sport controversy that cost him his Cabinet post and his seat in the House of Representatives.

Roberts made this promise in a letter to Speaker Wade Mark, in which he announced his resignation as D’Abadie/ O’Meara MP.

Charging he has been targeted for character assassination and reit-

erating his claim that the Life Sport audit conducted by the Finance Ministry’s central audit committee was flawed, Roberts declared, “I shall do all in my power to clear my name which has been sullied by political mischief-makers with the assistance of a complicit central audit committee.”

He added, “One is left wondering how a fraudulent report like this central audit committee report makes its way into our Parliament, and subsequently into our public domain.” Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

laid the audit in the House on July 25.

When she did so, Persad-Bissessar said copies would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, the acting Commissioner of Police, Integrity Commission and the Head of the Public Service for further investigation.

Roberts signalled his intent to resign as minister and MP in a letter to Persad-Bissessar last Thursday.

The Prime Minister subsequently announced that she had accepted Roberts’ resignation as a member of her Cabinet,

raising questions over whether he voluntarily resigned or was forced out.

In making the announcement at the post Cabinet briefing in San Fernando last week, the Prime Minister said she continued to be “disillusioned, disappointed and distressed” by the level of deception and dishonesty associated with the Life Sport programme. The programme had been initially tailored to assist disadvantaged young persons through sporting disciplines. She told the briefing she had decided to accept the resignation

of the Sport Minister under whose ministry the programme was created and administered.

She also announced that Minister of Science

and Technology

Griffith, was given the additional responsibility to oversee the

Barbados targets U.S. market to boost tourist arrivals

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority Adrian Elcock says Barbados is placing more emphasis on tourists from the United States as it diversifies to cushion the industry from shocks in the external market.

"We're building on a strategy of growing the USA market through new hotel investment," Elcock said recently.

"If we are to achieve growth in our country from tourism, we have to get the U.S. market kicking on all cylinders, that's where the growth potential lies for our country." Barbados' core tourism market has traditionally been in the UK, but since that country began suffering from a

Jamaica reduces food import bill

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says that food imports to Jamaica have declined for the first quarter of 2014.

Food imports for the quarter were valued at US$252.2 million, which was US$14.4 million less than the US$266.6 million recorded for the corresponding period of 2013.

Simpson Miller made the remarks while addressing the 62nd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show on Sunday, in May Pen, Clarendon.

Urging Jamaicans to eat more local produce, she stressed that the quality of poultry, fish and livestock produced by the country’s farmers continues to be “remarkable”.

She noted that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in its continued drive to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in the world, has recognised the importance of a country’s citizens consuming food produced by their own farmers.

“In the context of our International Monetary Fund (IMF) obligations, our high debt and our high energy bill, we must act now with urgency to seize the potential of agriculture to assist

and to energise our Jamaican economy,” she stated.

Turning to developments in the sugar cane sector, Simpson Miller noted that following the divestment of the industry, the country is now seeing a recovery, with sugar production moving from 128, 196 tonnes in 2013 to 153,990 tonnes for this crop.

“In fact, this year, we witnessed the highest level of sugar production ever at Appleton, Worthy Park and Golden Grove,” she informed.

She added that the surge in production has been helped by the cane loan programme where cane farmers can access loans for plant-

ing and replanting at five percent interest rate.

“Through this facility, some 2, 240 loans have been approved to date involving 11, 920 hectares of cane, including 2, 200 hectares in Clarendon,” Simpson Miller said.

Jamaica’s sugar cane sector remains a major contributor to the local economy and the social wellbeing of citizens. In terms of foreign currency earnings, the sugar sector earns an estimated US$90 million on average, each year. As such, sugar is the largest foreign exchange earner in the agricultural sector. It is also the largest employer in the sector, accounting for about 18 percent of jobs. (JIS)

recession over six years ago, the island saw a decline in visitor arrivals.

Declines in its tourism arrival figures began since 2007, but the Central Bank reported a slight improvement of 0.1 percent growth for the first six months of 2014, compared to -1.6 percent for the corresponding period last year.

"To mitigate the risk of global shocks, we needed to diversify our markets," Elcock said. "We've recognised that we just cannot grow that market without an abrupt change in strategy.

"We've put in place more airlift than we would ever have had out of the United States.

"We launched Delta on December 4th out of Atlanta and out of the New York City area JFK...We have just got JetBlue to add an additional service into the winter period, starting in January when we will have two flights a day coming in on JetBlue for five days a week.

"We would have more seats into Barbados from the United States than we've had in a very long time," he added. (Caribbean News)

West Berbice residents praise Guyana gov’t for free laptops

WEST COAST BERBICE, GUYANA:

Guyana’s One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Programme is adding to its long list of recipients, with hundreds more happy and grateful people, as it continues its distribution exercise.

An additional batch of computers was distributed on Sunday to Region Five Residents at Hyde Park. Residents who benefited from the distribution were quick to comment on their pleasure at receiving the government laptops.

Whitney Joseph expressed appreciation at receiving her laptop, stating that, “it could help my children with their homework and everything”.

For Alexia Richmond, the laptop will be used by her entire family.

“Being a mother and parent of two, I can be able to assist my kids at home with their homework without having to go to the Internet café and pay, which adds more ex -

pense for the family. So I am grateful for what the government is doing in our community.”

Monty Moonesar feels good about the laptop, stating that his children would learn from the computer while Sirmattie Mangar, a widow, is happy because it will benefit her four grandchildren who are without parents. Phulmanie Jadubh is also happy that her grandchildren will learn and do a lot of school work on the new computer.

Janat Jadoo stated that his entire family will now become computer literate and will be able to access information which is important for them, and he is “…much thankful for this gesture”.

Meanwhile, Rena Ramah expressed the hope that government continues its distribution exercise to ensure that each family in Guyana can access a computer. The novel OLPF programme targets the distribution of 90,000 laptops to Guyanese by 2015. (GINA)

Guyanese doctor aims to improve diabetes care

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires in Guyana Bryan Hunt met with Dr Nichole Nedd-Jerrick upon her return from the United States after participating in an Embassy-

U.S. training

sponsored International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) exchange.

In a release, the U.S. Embassy said that Dr Nedd-Jerrick, head of the Enmore Polyclinic, participated in an IVLP exchange on “Public Health

Issues in the United States,” from July 6-25.

Dr Nedd-Jerrick highlighted a visit to primary health-care facilities including Life Flight Air Ambulance, Family Health Care of Worcester and the Barre Family Health Clinic, Massachusetts.

She was delighted to see the operations firsthand and underscored the value of this experience. She also discussed how she intends to apply the knowledge gained to the benefit of her organisation and other healthcare facilities in Guyana.

With this experience, Dr Nedd-Jerrick will seek to improve diabetes care plans at the Enmore Polyclinic, enhance use of nutrition displays, and follow up on the monitoring of the use of pesticides in cash crops. She also underscored the value of the many professional linkages made with U.S. institutions and other IVLP participants from countries around the world, which can only strengthen her work for the benefit of the

Guyanese people.

During the programme, Dr NeddJerrick and her counterparts from 15 countries visited several cities, including Washington, DC; Worcester, Massachusetts; Phoenix, Arizona; and Seattle, Washington.

The IVLP participants had an opportunity to examine public awareness campaigns about health issues and challenges to health-care delivery systems. They also examined federal, state, and local efforts at preventative screening and well-

ness programmes, such as projects promoting maternal and child health. In addition, participants had the opportunity to assess U.S. and international healthcare programmes and increase information sharing and transparency on global health issues.

Chargé d’Affaires Hunt highlighted collaborative partnerships between the U.S. government and Guyana in working to build in-country capacity and strengthening the public health systems to ensure the availability of compre-

hensive medical care for the people in every region of Guyana.

The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange programme. The programme brings together emerging leaders in their respective professions to learn how U.S. experts in their professions operate, and to share best practices with the other programme fellows who hail from across the globe. To date, approximately 51 Guyanese mid-level professionals have participated in the IVLP.

Nearly Ja$1 billion in crops destroyed by prevailing drought in Jamaica - 16,000 farmers affected

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaica’s acting Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier says the prevailing drought has resulted in the destruction of some 1,600 hectares of crops valued at nearly Ja$1 billion across the island.

Kellier, however, insisted that there is no shortage of ground food provisions in the country, despite the severe drought and a series of bush fires that destroyed several hundred acres of farmland.

Speaking over the weekend at the annual three-day Denbigh Agricultural and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, Kellier maintained that there is an adequate supply of staples including pumpkin, yam, banana and plantain.

He said the Agriculture Ministry is predicting a 20 percent decline in vegetable production.

The minister indicated that several short-term mitigating strategies, in addition to long-term climate change adaptation initiatives, are being implemented.

He added that the drought has not affected livestock and so there

is an adequate supply of meat in the island. The Agriculture Ministry, he assured is monitoring the situation and will decide if there will be a need for minimal importation of some produce.

Meantime, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) has said that 16,000 farmers have been affected.

JAS president, Senator Norman Grant stated that domestic food production, which was set for exponential expansion in 2014, has fallen sharply in the second quarter of this year.

The Senator remains optimistic though that the sector will rebound and avoid a major crisis.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has since announced that an additional Ja$15 million is to

be allocated for drought mitigation efforts in the worst affected parishes.

She said the money will be used to help truck water for domestic and farm usage.

Simpson Miller also said she has instructed the Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, to pay special attention to Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth.

Clarendon is said to be the worst hit parish, while St Elizabeth has had hundreds of acres of farmlands destroyed in bush fires.

Last week, the government allocated Ja$30 million to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority to increase crop production in areas of the country not severely affected by the current drought.

Jamaica strengthens Ebola preparedness plan

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health says it is strengthening its preparedness measures and will increase efforts to make Jamaicans become more vigilant about the Ebola virus currently plaguing West Africa. This follows a recent meeting led by Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson with health officials including Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse.

Dr DuCasse explained that while Jamaica does not at this time fall into the category of at risk countries, “we continue to ensure that our systems are strengthened so that we can have an effective response if the need arises. Our surveillance system has already been heightened, we will be sensitising staff and undertaking training specific to the Ebola virus and continue with our monitoring of the situation.”

She said public education is also an important feature of the ministry’s strategy and stressed that there has been no change in the position of the ministry as it relates to facilitating interviews and providing information through the media about any health related matter.

“As part of our communication plan, we will continue to partner with the media through interviews and other methods of disseminating information so that the public is kept informed and understand their part of the responsibility to deal with these types of diseases,” she indicated.

The Ebola virus is a severe, often fatal illness with a death rate of up to 90 percent.

It is transmitted through direct contact with blood (for example through broken skin), other bodily fluids or secretion such as stool, saliva, urine and semen of infected persons. Infection can also occur if broken skin comes in contact with environments that have become contaminated with an Ebola patient’s infectious fluids such as soiled clothing, bed linen or used needles.

Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This may be followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases both internal and external bleeding. (Jamaica Observer)

Canadian project helps indigenous farmers in Guyana to boost production

ESSEQUIBO, GUYANA: Amerindian women residing at the farming community of Tapakuma Village (located 14 miles in the forest) in Region Two, Guyana, will no longer have to endure the arduous task of tree-cutting and manually tilling the land.

These tasks have been rendered unneccessary with the donation of farming equipment to the community.

The community has been gifted with a brand new 45 horse power new John Deer tractor with disc plough, four chain saws (large and small) and four knapsack sprayers, compliments of Caribbean Local Economic Development Programme (CARILED).

The machinery was donated to the Tapakuma Women’s Agricultural Diversification Project (TWADP).

According to CARILED National Coordinator Dhanraj Singh, the project with the Tapakuma women is a Gy$42 million initiative. The sixyear programme is being funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and is being implemented by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Singh in an overview said the project commenced a year ago with initial consultations with residents from the community. He said based on the consultations, he found that the community lacks equipment and most of the work was done by manual labour.

He said that it was realised that a tractor, chainsaws and spray cans could be used to improve large-scale agriculture.

The equipment, Singh stressed, would be used to ramp up peanuts, citrus, plantain and pineapple production.

Diversification

The project also seeks to increase agricultural production and encourage diversification.

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker said Guyana has always been deemed as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, noting that the country provides the Caribbean with vegetables.

According to Whittaker, indigenous persons play a pivotal role in food production in Guyana and noted that the women from the Tapakuma community play their part.

He noted that the government through the Agriculture Ministry has invested heavily in helping farmers to diversify cultivation as well as increase production.

“The machines allow you to pre-

pare a larger proportion of land, this will prompt you to cultivate more, the Amerindian people always sustains projects,” Whittaker emphaised.

The minister used the opportunity to thank the Canadian government for supporting the project, which will improve the livelihoods of local farmers.

Toshao of the community, Doreen Jacobis, said the 128-year-old community depends heavily on farming.

The community has a population of 500 residents, with 114 families.

She welcomed the good gesture by CARILED.

“Our dream has become a reality, chainsaws, spray cans, we are so happy these equipment will help, we can do more with them. I am extremely happy as a Toshao, I can ensure you that the equipment will be taken care of; I will work side and side with residents to maintain and put in full use,” Jacobis said.(GINA)

Private hospital in Guyana performs historic cornea transplant operations

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Balwant Singh Hospital in Guyana last Saturday reported that it has successfully undertaken six cornea transplant operations since it recently began offering the service.

Corneal transplant, also known as corneal grafting, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissues in its entirety or in part.

The graft is taken from a recently deceased individual with no known diseases or other factors that may affect the viability of the donated tissue or the health of the recipient.

The six patients, including one female, successfully underwent surgery on July 26 and 27.

Preceding this surgery, all of these patients were at the time waiting to go overseas for treatment as it was not readily available locally.

The hospital reported that all the patients were released between 24 to 48 hours and are recovering satisfactorily thus far.

Balwant Singh Hospital Administrator, Dr Madhu Singh, stated that preparations for this process have been ongoing for the last six months, and the hospital is pleased to report on the success.

She noted that the Balwant Singh Hospital is now offering the surgery, which was done at the Georgetown Public Hospital some time ago.

Singh, at last Saturday’s press conference, explained that several persons are faced with both financial and visa limitations, and as such, it was fitting for them to do this procedure in Guyana.

All the corneas were obtained from three different eye banks located in the USA, and Dr Singh called for greater awareness in Guyana.

She said Dr Stephen Waller, who was responsible for arranging the corneas and bringing them to Guyana, has many years of experience in setting up

eye banks and cornea donations around the world, and is actively working to set up Guyana’s first eye bank.

She called on eligible Guyanese to pledge their eyes for donation as the hospital is working to widen its own donation programme.

Meanwhile, Operating Surgeon, Dr Neeraj Jain, explained that there is a list of about 25 persons waiting to undergo the surgery, which will see the replacement of the superficial layer of the eye or the replacement of the entire eye.

With the cornea transplant procedure now being offered in Guyana, it will be more beneficial and less costly for Guyanese patients. (Guyana Times)

UNC election before general election in TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Acting United National Congress (UNC) Chairman Khadijah Ameen said there would be nothing wrong if the party’s internal elections were to take place just before TT’s next general election which is constitutionally due by May next year.

Asked if last week’s resignation of Anil Roberts from the Cabinet may cause the UNC to put its internal elections on hold should a snap general election take place, Ameen said the issues are not connected.

“Anil Roberts is not a member of the UNC. The UNC continues to remain very strong,” she declared. Ameen said this strength is reflected in the continued confidence that members have in their incumbent political leader, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

She added that the way in which Persad-Bissessar handled Roberts’ resignation has political stocks within the UNC. Ameen observed that at no other time in the party’s history has support for its leader been stronger. Recalling Persad-Bissessar was first elected UNC leader on January 24, 2010, four months before a general election, Ameen did not

discount the possibility of a similar situation taking place next year.

Noting that after winning the UNC’s internal elections four years ago, Persad-Bissessar was later elected Prime Minister, Ameen said, “I don’t see it being an issue.” Reiterating the UNC’s internal polls will be held once the party approves changes to its constitution, Ameen said the first draft of the new constitution has been sent back for review.

Stating several recommendations were made and reservations expressed about the first draft, Ameen said it would have been impractical to hold the elections with those matters remaining unresolved. (TT Newday)

Trinidad university offers two Malala Fund full scholarships

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Two full scholarships will be awarded to girls from developing countries to study in TT, which, Malala Yousafzai says, is an example for the world.

The announcement was made last Thursday by chairman of the board of governors of the University of TT, Curtis Manchoon, at a ceremony held in Malala’s honour at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain.

Speaking at the event, Malala thanked UTT for the initiative. “Those girls in developing countries who have no access to education need support. This would help those girls to continue their education and get quality education in the good university here in TT. Thank you so much for that.”

The scholarships are being offered in conjunction with the Malala Fund, an organisation founded by Malala to advocate for universal education. “I set up the Malala Fund to fulfill the dreams that I have to see every child go to school.”

She said the work of the fund was two-fold: raising awareness and doing ground work.

Malala commended TT for its achievements

in education, saying other countries should take an example from the twin-island republic.

"I’m taking this country as an example to tell the world that this is a country where education is free from primary to secondary to tertiary and children are even supported at university level".

Saying there were about 57 million children around the world who were out of school, she added, “I want to tell the international community to come together to learn from this country and to make sure that every child gets quality and free education… This is how every country should be.”

She added: “In Kenya,

there are so many girls who are out of school. One out of ten girls hardly gets the opportunity to go to secondary school. And in this country secondary education is totally free so I think you should be thankful for it.”

Saying UTT had a lot to offer to the world through its wide range of courses, Manchoon said: “We look forward to an ongoing and mutually rewarding relationship with Malala and the Malala Fund as we offer these scholarships to scholars all around the world and right in TT. This would continue to take the message of Malala, UTT, and TT all over the world.” (TT Guardian)

Caribbean youth business training programme expands

ST. VINCENT:

Training for the Region’s atrisk youth continues to grow, with the recent launch of the Creativity for Employment and Business Opportunity, (CEBO) programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, July 21-26 2014.

Targeting at-risk youth aged 15-29, CEBO is a tool to engage, inspire and create entrepreneurial interest and action among young Caricom nationals as a means of countering youth unemployment, mitigating drug abuse, crime and violence and fostering economic resilience.

Twenty-five young persons benefited from the National CEBO training in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Participants were divided into teams and each team was tasked with developing a business plan. Teams were then given small loans from the Bank of CEBO to start a simulated business. The businesses de-

veloped were: One Stop Cuisine, Fruity Blast, Jolie Pops and Yummy Pastry. All businesses developed were profitable.

At the opening ceremony held at the Girl Guides Headquarters, the Minister with responsibility for youth, Frederick Stephenson told participants: “This training can propel you into becoming one of the most successful youths who start their own businesses and become a regional leader in the service or goods which you provide.” The minister challenged the participants to not only think locally as they develop their initiatives and ideas, but to become creative and think regional and even international.

Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development of the Caricom Secretariat, Dr Douglas Slater in his remarks expressed optimism that the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines would continue to roll out CEBO after the initial work-

Historic surgery bodes well for chest injury treatment in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Vascular surgeon Dr Hilary Brown-Nixon has performed the first endovascular repair for traumatic thoracic aneurysm in Jamaica.

"This case represents the first of its kind in Jamaica and heralds a new era of treatment for patients with this kind of injury, as well as simplification of an old problem," Brown-Nixon stated.

She said the historic operation was done with surgeons Drs Roger Irvine and Bart Muhs, from Yale University, at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) recently.

A traumatic thoracic aneurysm results from chest injuries which result in a disruption of a blood vessel and could lead to leakage from that blood vessel.

Brown-Nixon, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is a consultant general surgeon and a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

According to her, high-speed motor-vehicle accidents may lead to traumatic aortic injury and these have traditionally been repaired with a large, extensive and invasive operation that involves opening the chest.

Blood transfusion

shop.

CEBO is a regional programme that is currently being implemented in eight Caricom member states. The Caricom Secretariat with the support of the government of Japan, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Youth Innovation Project, had piloted CEBO in five Member states in 2012-2013, namely, The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica and St.Kitts and Nevis.

The Secretariat has since received additional funding from the USAID and the “Caricom/ SPAIN Citizen Support Security Project-Support for Youth Empowerment and Resilience” to deliver CEBO in seven additional member states, namely: St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, St.Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Noting that the patient is usually hospitalised for a long period in the intensive care unit, she said there was also need for blood transfusion during the operation.

Patients who have regular surgery are also likely to get pneumonia, blood clots and wound infection.

However, with this new treatment on local shores, the endovascular repair involves small incisions in the groin and replacement of an endovascular stent in the disrupted portion of the aorta to exclude the tear.

With this new method of treatment, Brown-Dixon says the strain on the patient and the hospital is reduced considerably.

According to her, an average of two to three thoracic aneurysms are treat at the UHWI per month as a result of motor-vehicle accidents or falls from heights.

The extent of the hospital stay is 10 to 14 days, however, with the technologically enhanced method of using a stent, the hospital stay is reduced to two days.

Patients can purchase the stent themselves, she revealed.

Although costly, at approximately US$5,000, Brown-Nixon says it is a better option, "because the patients do better, the complications are much less and there are hardly any post-operative issues".

In locations such as North America and Europe, it is the standard of cure for those with access to the technology.

The operation takes approximately 90 minutes, in comparison to an open thoracic surgery which would take twice the amount of time, requiring at least five or six team members.

"What this means is that we can deliver therapy which patients would only be able to get overseas," she said.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Caribbean maritime students to learn Mandarin

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The curriculum for nearly 2,000 students enrolled at the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) in Kingston, Jamaica, is to be expanded, come September, with the introduction of a Chinese language training programme.

The initiative will see two lecturers from the Confucius Institute in China being seconded to the CMI to deliver instruction in Mandarin, the official standard dialect of the People’s Republic of China. It is being facilitated under a Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU), which was signed by the principal stakeholders during a brief ceremony at the Institute’s Palisadoes Park campus last Wednesday.

The signatories included: Transport, Works, and Housing Minister, Omar Davies, who has portfolio responsibility for the CMI; Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Dong Xiaojun; and CMI Executive Director, Dr Fritz Pinnock.

Delivering brief remarks, Davies said the MOU represents the continuation of an “expanded range” of agreements

forged between Jamaica and China, particularly in relation to the maritime industry.

“This is of significance, and for that reason, on behalf of my ministry and, indeed, on behalf of the government of Jamaica, I am pleased to be associated with this. We look forward to building on (this and other) relationships,” said Davies.

Ambassador Dong, in his response, said the MOU’s signing is “evidence of the cordial relationship between the education sectors of our two countries”.

“It clearly shows that we have to explore all kinds of possibilities (between our countries); and as long as we can explore and find different ways to cooperate, I think we will be able to get things moving and done,” he stated.

For his part, Dr Pinnock, described the signing as an “opportune moment” to lay the platform that will further advance and consolidate Jamaica’s preparations for global developments, particularly in the maritime industry. (Jamaica Observer)

Ghanaian loses bid to stay in TT

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD: Immigration officials have been given a two month deadline to deport an illegal immigrant from Ghana who has failed in his bid to stay in TT while seeking permanent residency through his wife and three-yearold son.

In an oral ruling delivered at the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, last Thursday afternoon, High Court Judge Vasheist Kokaram granted Ghanaian Musah Ibrahim a condition release if immigration officials failed to deport him by September 30.

Kokaram’s ruling came after hearing submissions from lawyers for acting Chief

Immigration Officer Gerry Downes, who claimed that his office was having difficulties finding a suitable flight for Ibrahim, as he refused to sign his deportation forms and visa applications for a proposed route through Brazil and South Africa.

Kokaram said the State was obligated to deport Ibrahim within a reasonable period of time as he asked if a chartered flight had been considered. The National Security Minister will decide on the terms of Ibrahim’s release if the deadline is not met. Ibrahim, who has admitted to entering Trinidad illegally in May 2009, will remain at the Immigration Detention Centre in Aripo until

University of Guyana graduates not repaying gov’t loans

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Guyana government has expressed concerns about the increasing number of students defaulting on their University of Guyana student loans even as it prepares to increase the portfolio with the recent hike in tuition fees.

Speaking to this newspaper recently, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said the increase in tuition fees at UG and discussions on the access to students’ loans for the new semester is currently engaging the attention of the government.

He noted that the government still needs to reflect on the fullness of the implication of the loan increase before a more definite pronouncement could be made on the matter.

discussion on student loans have to be viewed within the context of his earlier statement, relating to the level of compliance of students who were granted student loans.

deadline if officials fail to find an alternative route. He is being isolated from other detainees after he suffered head injuries in an alleged altercation with staff on July 22.

The incident reportedly prompted his wife Ashley, who he married in 2010, to file the writ of habeas corpus before Kokaram.

According to an affidavits from his wife, who he lived with at Second Street West, Barataria before his arrest, Ibrahim wrote to the National Security Ministry in March, last year, seeking permission to leave the country and re-enter officially to begin his residency application.

She said after consulting a member of staff at the Immigration Department’s Port-ofSpain office, her husband decided to go ahead with the process.

On April 2, last year, Ibrahim was arrested at Pier One, Chaguaramas, while attempting to board a boat bound for Venezuela with his son, Jamal.

He was charged with entering the country through an illegal port of entry and was taken to the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court. (TT Guardian)

Compounding the issue is also the voting down of the Gy$450 million student loan subvention in this year’s budget. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Leader David Granger and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan have said that the voting down of the UG Student Loan subvention was not a premeditated act.

They have indicated

that if the government brings a Supplementary Bill to the House, they will most willingly reinstatement funding for the university. UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi had told this newspaper that if the decision to axe the budgetary allocation is not soon reversed, a severe crisis would ensue at the country’s premier tertiary institution. Professor Opadeyi had explained that the situation was further complicated, since loans to students are issued on a yearly basis.

He said if the situation is not urgently addressed, some 3500 students will not be able to enroll in the new academic year, which commences in September.

Compliance

Meanwhile, Minister Singh said that the increase in tuition fees and

The Finance Minister had said some weeks ago that thousands of graduates from the university have failed to honour their debts in the repayment of their loan and that alternative courses of action would have to be implemented to encourage greater compliance with the Student Loan Agreement which is issued by the University of Guyana Student Loan Facility and funded by the Finance Ministry. But since that pronouncement, Minister Singh said there has not been any amount of cooperation by students who had benefited from the loan programme. This, he explained is troubling. According to him, it was his hope that persons would have come forward and begin the repayment process.

Asked about measures taken to address the issue, the minister said “We are considering the measures. We are currently examining the various measures and we have several options and models that have been proposed. All of the options are being considered.” (Guyana Times)

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

Petrotrin suspends VP over oil spill in Trinidad REDjet founder Ian Burns dead at 58

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

State-owned oil Petrotrin has suspended Mado Bachan, its vice president of refining and marketing over last week’s oil spill in Trinidad which saw 17,000 barrels of oil dumped at the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery.

The announcement of Bachan’s suspension was made Sunday by Petrotrin’s chairman, Lindsay Gillette, at a press conference, as mopping up operations continue of the oil that was spilled into the Guaracarra River following the incident last Tuesday.

The oil spillage, which resulted from a ruptured oil tank (MP 6) and the collapse of a bond wall which was supposed to contain the spilled oil from the tank, was the second major oil spill at the State-owned refinery facilities. In December, approximate-

ly 7,000 barrels of fuel oil were spilled into the Gulf of Paria.

Addressing a media conference Sunday, Gillette also announced the immediate appointment of an independent auditor to investigate and report on how the bond wall collapsed and the leak occurred on the tank.

Present at the press conference were: Gillette (chairman), Khalid Hassanali (president) and Aleem Hosein (deputy chairman).

The independent auditor is expected to be given a two-week deadline to complete the report, Gillette indicated.

Hassanali, while offering an apology to the Marabella community for the inconvenience suffered following the spillage, said an inspection had been performed on the tank in May 23, 2010, and it was observed that while the bond wall was ‘good’,

there was seepage on the eastern end of the tank. Hassanali said, “What is supposed to happen after this is the information is supposed to be entered into our computerised maintenance system and then action taken. As of today, it is obvious that it was not entered. There was no entry into our computerised system. That is most unfortunate. So with the tank, we had indications of this before.”

Meanwhile, the company has reported that approximately 202 residents had received medical treatment for a variety of ailments related to the oil spill, including headaches, eye pain, aggravated asthma, vomiting and skin irritations.

Approximately 92 children were attended to while three pregnant women were also given treatment with one being sent to the Augustus Long Hospital. (TT Newsday)

Ian Burns, the founder of REDjet, the airline that was the flag carrier of Barbados, died in his native Ireland last Wednesday.

Burns, 58, died from a massive heart attack.

Barbadian businessman Ralph 'Bizzy' Williams said last Thursday that Burns probably died of a broken heart due to the failure of the low-cost carrier.

Burns founded REDjet in 2010 with one-way fares as low as US$9.99 across regional destinations.

Though widely popular among Caribbean commuters, the airline never got the institution-

al support sought from regional governments, Williams said. It ran into financial problems and collapsed in 2012.

"The man came to Barbados. He tried to set up a regional airline. He was frustrated nonstop by technocrats, here

and in the other islands," contended Williams, an investor who said he lost millions in the venture.

"And I guess he died of a broken heart. His heart failed him, and having to go back to Ireland to face all the people who invested in his project would have been a tough time for him. He was not a guy who was trivial with people's money," Williams told Caribbean media.

On the day Burns died, chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority Adrian Elcock bemoaned the loss of that airline, pointing to the dramatic reduction in visitors from the region to Barbados. (Caribbean News)

Caribbean youth to advance issues at SIDS confab

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Caribbean youth advocates have agreed to unite around common issues that impact the region and speak with one voice for greater impact at the upcoming Third International Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The meeting will take place in Samoa, September 1-4. Building on the Youth Declaration which emerged out of the Youth Empowerment and Sustainability conference held last year, the young people, who participated in a twoday Regional Youth Advocacy Workshop in Jamaica on July 24 and 25, reaffirmed key issues to be advanced in Samoa.

They include Education, Climate Change, Good Governance, Social Protection and Health Care. They also developed key messages around each issue

to help create a better understanding of the uniqueness of Caribbean countries and the vulnerabilities that threaten sustainable development in the region.

Given the size of the youth population, young people have a stake in ensuring that the world takes account of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and economic shocks said Sheila Roseau, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean.

“As young people, you have many concerns and ideas and we want to hear them. We want to ensure that the voice and realities of Caribbean people are echoed on the international stage and in Samoa so that your priorities, the priorities of the region cannot be ignored; and that the development agenda post 2015 is truly reflective of all our regions.”

Warren Chanansingh, Deputy Global SIDS Focal

Point and UNFPA Youth Advisor based in Trinidad and Tobago, while acknowledging that youth voices are increasingly being recognised as important in development and developmental processes, warned that this inclusion must never be tokenistic.

“We, therefore, need to continuously ensure and advocate for youth to be recognised as equal partners in creating sustainable futures,” he stated.

Thirty young people from 13 countries across the region participated in the workshop which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. It was organised by UNFPA and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in collaboration with other UN agencies and Caricom as part of the preparatory activities leading up to the Third International Conference on the Sustainable Development of SIDS.

Distance learning programme for Guyanese farmers

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Recognising the importance of training for improved farming practices, Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry is working on a project whereby courses could be offered in the various regions dealing with specific issues such as control of acoushi ants.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy explained that not everybody is in the position to return to school to obtain a diploma, and as such, the ministry is working to reach out to communi-

ties via distant learning. This project can be implemented in areas where state farms/ nurseries already exist such as in Hosororo, Kairuni, St Ignatius and Number 63 Village on the Corentyne Coast.

Minister Ramsammy said students undergoing the distance learning programmes can be attached to those centres, where they can be exposed to the practical aspects.

With regard to the question of decentralising the services of the Guyana School of

Agriculture (GSA), the minister explained that while the setting up of a campus in every region may not be feasible,

these distant learning programmes can go a far way.

GSA has traditionally been a residential learning institution; however, the board is currently considering the possibility of allowing students who live within its vicinity, to come to the institution for their classes so as to create space to accommodate more students, particularly those from the hinterland.

The GSA has seen an enrollment of 164 new students and 89 continuing students for the 20132014 academic year (from

both the Mon Repos and Essequibo campuses) studying courses such as Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health, Certificate in Agriculture, Certificate on Agro-Processing and Certificate in Forestry.

For the new academic year, a one-year Certificate Programme in Agro-Processing was introduced as well as procedures for tractor operations (practical and theoretical aspects), and two short-term skills training courses in operation, repair and mainte-

nance of small equipment and urban agriculture techniques, grow box/hydroponics. Last week, the GSA graduated another batch of 120 persons, including 55 females who completed courses at the Mon Repos and Essequibo campuses with diplomas and or certificates. This is in keeping with priority 15 of the Agriculture Ministry’s 2013-2020 National Strategy, which aims at securing an agricultural workforce through human resource development. (Guyana Times)

Turkey to finance projects in Jamaica Oil and gas analyst says TT production set to increase

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Brian Gallagher, an oil and gas equity analyst, says predictions about TT becoming an exciting exploration destination for oil and gas companies are rapidly becoming a reality.

In a report published online by ‘Investors Chronicle’, Gallagher noted that “exploration activity across Trinidad has rapidly accelerated while interest from speculative investors is exploding.” He noted that one energy company, Leni Gas & Oil, has seen its share price rise four-fold following successful drilling at its Goudron field onshore Trinidad.

“Shares in rival onshore operator Range Resources (RRL), meanwhile, have doubled in value since May, as have shares in Toronto Stock Exchangelisted Touchstone Exploration (TSX: TXP). This is despite the wider Aim oil and gas sector retreating a miserable 20 percent over the past six months,” he said.

Gallagher attributed these developments to changes to TT tax regime which include cost recovery measures as well as exploration and development tax breaks designed to reward companies seeking to increase onshore oil production. He said: “Reductions in royalty rates have also been successfully negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

At the same time, there has been early progress toward redeveloping major onshore oil fields previously op-

erated by the likes of Texaco and stateowned Petrotrin. Onshore fields have largely been left alone for the past 40 years but rising oil prices, technological advances and the proposed changes to Trinidad’s tax regime have caused oil executives to look at them with fresh eyes.

The analyst said key issue facing TT’s energy sector is that, just like in the UK North Sea, oil and gas production has dramatically declined over the past decade as new discoveries have failed to keep pace with depleting reserves. “While it will undoubtedly take time for the new stimulus measures to take full effect, they have already spurred several Aim-traded oil juniors to ramp up drilling. As a result, hydrocarbon production on the islands should quickly increase,” Gallagher said. (TT Guardian)

Cuban doctor drowns in Trinidad

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

A Cuban doctor’s body washed ashore in Guayaguayare, Trinidad, Sunday after he drowned at sea last Friday, the Emancipation Day holiday.

Dr Analdo Java, who worked at Port-of-Spain General Hospital, disappeared underwater while swimming with a Cuban nurse in the waters off Rash Beach Resort, Guayaguayare, late last Friday evening.

Police reported at about 6.30 pm last Friday, Java and one of two Cuban nurses, who were spending the holiday weekend at Rash

Beach Resort, went for a swim.

Java and the nurse began struggling to stay afloat in the water. Fishermen and bathers present on the beach went to their rescue, but were only able to save the nurse. The National Security helicopter,

Viper, searched the waters for the doctor but it was futile.

The Cuban nurse was taken to the Mayaro Health Facility, treated and later transferred to Sangre Grande District Hospital where she was warded for several days.

(TT Newsday)

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica is to receive US$200,000 to carry out various projects under a development co-operation arrangement with the Republic of Turkey.

The island is one of the Caribbean Community member States benefitting from an overall US$2 million being provided by the Turkish government.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade AJ Nicholson made the announcement in the Upper House last Wednesday. He was reporting on his participation in the First Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Caricom-Turkey Consultation and Cooperation Mechanism, which convened from July 17 to 20 in Istanbul. The meeting was held as part of efforts to strengthen relations and co-operation between the region and the country that bridges southeastern Europe and western Asia.

Nicholson reported that he had bilateral discussions with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkey Ahmet Davuto-

lu to explore further proposals for co-operation.

During the discussions, he said, he emphasised the need for cooperation between both countries in tourism.

"In this regard, Turkey recognised the importance of tourism to Jamaica and offered to train Jamaican tourism managers, especially given that Turkey is a booming high-end tourism and heritage destination," he related.

Additionally, the minister said he indicated that Jamaica was seeking to expedite the conclusion of the Air Services Agreement with Turkey for signature as soon as remaining aspects of the arrangement are finalised.

"This agreement will help to improve transportation links and tourism connections between

Jamaica and Turkey," he stressed.

Jamaica already has existing agreements with Turkey on trade and economic co-operation, which came into effect in August 2005, as well as under the JamaicaTurkey Joint Economic Commission.

Nicholson said he expressed appreciation to Turkey for its continued co-operation, especially for the provision of scholarships to Jamaican students for undergraduate, master's and doctoral studies in Turkey in engineering, computing and civil transportation management.

"It was particularly important for me to acknowledge the assistance and co-operation from Turkey in the area of education, and the recent approval by the Turkish government of projects relating to the installation of a solar energy system for schools and installation of an intelligent solar system," he pointed out.

He also thanked Turkey for its donation of a fire truck to the Jamaica Fire Brigade in 2009 and more recently, of an ambulance to the health sector. (JIS)

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

Rapper-turnedactor Will Smith took time out from his busy schedule to grab some rare downtime on a solo trip to Barbados over the August holiday weekend.

The family man, who has two children with his wife of 17 years Jada Pinkett Smith, and a son from a previous marriage, travelled alone for his latest visit which coincided with the peak weekend of the country’s annual Crop Over Festival.

The “I am Legend” star arrived in the island last Thursday and was spotted at a party later that day, according to a report in the Nation newspaper.

The versatile entertainer was reportedly “dressed casually in a T-shirt, jeans and boots” and “was spotted chat-

ting to a couple females with dutiful bodyguards nearby.”

The following day, the former Fresh Prince stripped down to white swim shorts for a snorkelling trip off the island’s glittering west coast.

The 45-year-old double Oscar nominee was

also spotted taking a run on one of the island’s white sand beaches.

According to Variety magazine, the prolific actor is slated for the leading role in an as yet unnamed film about the groundbreaking work of Dr Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist credited with publicising

the danger of concussion in the NFL.

It is thought that the role will consolidate Smith’s position as one of Hollywood’s most bankable box office draws.

Smith reaped success early as half of the rap duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, going on to branch out to TV with the hugely successful sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

He soon graduated to big-screen blockbusters like “Bad Boys,” “Independence Day” and “Men in Black” and quickly moved on to more challenging fare.

His portrayal of the ex-heavyweight champ in “Ali,” earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, with his second Best Actor nomination coming in 2007 for “The Pursuit of Happyness.” (Caribbean News)

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The 62nd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural Show in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica, over the weekend had no interruptions from the trough currently moving across the region.

The event saw the likes of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen

and acting Minister of Agriculture Derrick Kellier, who both had a chance to view the different displays and partake in the day's events.

The show was well supported as patrons got a taste of horse racing action, live performances as well as opportunities to participate in various competitions.

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

Slated to have 24 bands including one visiting group from Guadeloupe, Crop Over 2014 ended in Barbados Monday as 22 bands in total paraded through the National Stadium.

Commencing once again from this stage before a medium-size crowd of spectators in the stands, the revellers had a blast in their radiant colours.

Amongst the individuals on parade there were a few local dignitaries and international celebrities such as the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. Stephen Lashley; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Irene SandifordGarner; the Member of Parliament for St. John, Mara Thompson; the Member of Parliament for St. Michael West Central, James Paul; members of Cover Drive the Band, Livvi Franc, and Robert Christopher Riley alias Terrence Wall from VH1’s ‘Hit the

Floor’ all took part.

Stepping out of Contact Band for a brief interview, the Minister of Culture told the media, “We have had an excellent season so far. I am having fun. Everything is good.”

The minister was most pleased to see his projected outcome be realised.

After earmarking the Crop Over 2014 season at the start of the Festival as one to be the best ever, Lashley said, “I believe this year we have had a phenomenal response. Every plane coming into Barbados has been very full. The hotels are full and of course Crop Over translates into a tremendous amount of economic activity. No taxis are available. You can’t rent any sound systems. Everything has been booked. That tells me that something good is happening.”

He even made mention of the increased attention the Festival is receiving globally to the point that it is attracting international persons.

While excited as can

be to part of the celebrations and festivities for the first time ever despite having Barbadian roots, one such international actor was Riley who was playing mas with Krave The Band.

He said, “This [Barbados’ Crop Over Festival] compares to everything. My father’s Bajan. My mother’s Trini. I have done Carnival everywhere–Miami, Brooklyn, Trinidad, this is my first Crop Over; I never felt more complete.”

Starting at 8:30 am, over 10 000 individuals passed across the stage before the judges and the viewing public by around 12:30 p.m., before making their way along the newly extended route to Spring Garden. And the minister said this change in route is not the only one on the books going forward. Refusing to let the cat out of the bag and reveal too much, he however disclosed that plans are in the works for next year and they already have some “planned innovations”. (Barbados Today)

Jamaican artiste Popcaan scores big in UK

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaican artiste Popcaan has scored his first British pop hit with ‘Kisses for Breakfast’, a song he did with singer Melissa Steel.

The song debuted at number 10 on the UK national chart last week.

‘Kisses for Breakfast’ is the first single for Steel, a 20-year-old from Bradford, England. The song was co-produced by British producer Wundah and Richie Flores.

The latter is a Cayman native residing in the UK, who is a founding member of the Black Chiney sound system. Flores is also manager of Jamaican-born, UK-based deejay Stylo G. The video for ‘Kisses for Breakfast’ was filmed at Hellshire Beach in Portmore, St. Catherine, earlier this year.

"The song has a summer, island feel to it, which is pretty much why we envisioned Jamaica as the perfect

UNITED STATES:

Guyanese songstress Lisa Punch’s dreams were shattered on Sunday evening following her elimination from the ABC’s singing competition “Rising Star” which is aired live across the world. But the singer did her country proud to even make it into the competition, and progressed to the second round.

Performing Alicia

place to shoot the video," Steel said in a release from her label Atlantic Records.

She is currently working on her first album which has songs directed by several producers including Jamaican Trevor 'Baby G' James.

Popcaan, a protege of Vybz Kartel, came to prominence through the smash hit 'Clarks', a collaboration with Kartel and Vanessa Bling (aka Gaza Slim).

He followed up with songs like ‘Dream', 'Only Man She Want’ (which reached number 89 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart in 2012), ‘Ravin’, ‘Unruly Rave’ and his latest, ‘Everything is Nice’.

Popcaan's debut album, ‘Where We Come From’, has sold 1,837 copies since its release eight weeks ago. (Jamaica Observer)

Key’s “Girl on Fire”, she failed to raise the wall.

Performing first, Macy Kate sang “Who Knew” and managed to score 60 percent which put her in the hot seat after Alice Lee scored 48 percent and was sent home.

Punch had to beat 60 percent but was short by a mere one percent. She would have gotten “yes” from all the judges, but the voting public let her down, although her performance was incredi-

bly energetic and charismatic.

Nevertheless, she still had another chance to reach the quarter finals if the West Coast voted for her, but this time around, she was not saved. After the performance, she said she enjoyed herself to the “max” and thanked her fans for their support over the past weeks. “Do not be discouraged because this is just the beginning of greater things in store for me and all of Guyana. I’m very happy because unity was formed in my country and everyone agreed on one thing which is to make sure that I win. I didn’t win the show, but I’m a winner because I have you, the best set of people and best set of fans backing me all the way! We all can live our dreams,” Punch stated in a Facebook post.

At the beginning of the show, she expressed her gratitude to President Donald Ramotar and the citizens of Guyana for believing in her. She was proud to say that Guyana’s motto, One People One Nation One Destiny was evident as the country rallied for her success. It is with this in mind that she noted she reached thus far in the competition and despite her not moving on, “this is not the end of Lisa Punch”.

The evening saw eight contestants going through to the quarter final which continues on ABC next Sunday.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

As the sounds of Emancipation echoed throughout TT over the weekend, the captivating voice of renowned South African-born singer and songwriter Lorraine Klaasen was among the many commemorating the freedom of African slaves in the region.

Klaasen, who is based in Montreal, Canada, was a guest of the Emancipation Support Committee, scheduled to perform alongside the king of Afro-beat, Seun Kuti at the Pan Africa Spectacular concert on July 31, at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, Queen’s Park Savannah.

And although she has performed all over the world, Klaasen is no stranger to TT.

“This is my fourth time in Trinidad. I always come for Emancipation,” she related with a smile.

“I love Trinidad. Every time I come it is special. It’s like the first time because the experiences are so different because I don’t wear yesterday’s uniform,” she says, adding that Trinidad and South Africa share a number of cultural similarities.

Klaasen’s powerful voice and infectious dance moves are reputed to have a hypnotic effect on her audiences.

But this on-stage energy and dynamism didn’t come about by chance, as there are people who have greatly inspired and have made significant impacts on her musical career.

Namely, her mother, jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, whom she accompanied to performances, and Miriam Makeba, the ex-wife of civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael.

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life last Friday turned out at the National Park to join in the Emancipation celebrations, which have been deemed the biggest ever hosted by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA).

The grand celebrations featured a number of songs, dances and other cultural displays by both local and overseas performers.

The highlight of the day was the grand showcase of the different African wear.

From the brightly multi-coloured traditional pieces to the conservative and the western piec-

Klaasen says after Makeba died in 2008, she dedicated the album, ‘A Tribute to Miriam Makeba’, to her mentor.

“That album won the 2013 Juno Award in Canada for World Music Album of the Year. The Juno is equivalent to the Grammy’s in the U.S. My performance at the concert highlights her (Makeba’s) songs,” Klaasen indicated.

But of her numerous performances the world over, Klaasen said nothing tops her experience performing at the funeral of the late free-

es with African prints, the National Park was a grand catwalk, showcasing African attire.

There were also group designs as families matched up their attire; friends competed with each other to see who wore the best, while there were a few persons just indulging in whatever little fashion bug they had nestled in them.

dom fighter and former South African president, Nelson Mandela last year.

“I had performed for him several times before, but that was an extraordinary experience.

Mandela and music played a very important part in the liberation of the people of South Africa. I remember the rain literally poured as if nature had joined the people in weeping for the loss of this great man. It was an honour to have been there on the platform with world leaders such as U.S. pres-

ident Barack Obama paying tribute to him (Mandela).”

Although a celebrity in her own right, Klaasen still remains humble enough to acknowledge the musical talents and experiences of other musical greats.

“I remember sharing a stage with two of the women who performed with Bob Marley (Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths). I was so in awe that I kept asking the audience if they knew who they were listening to,” she said. (TT Newsday)

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

When Dave Susser, Jesse Serwer and Martei Korley got together five years ago to start a website highlighting Caribbean lifestyle, they were determined it would transcend the region's sun and sea stereotype.

Their website, largeup.com, is one of the goto forums for fans who want to know the latest news about Caribbean artistes and trends.

This week, largeup. com was named one of the 100 most influential music blogs and publications in the world by the popular British magazine, ‘Style of Sound’.

According to ‘The Style of Sound’, "The sites contained in the Style of Sound 100 cover popular music genres such as alternative, electronica, dance, hip hop, folk, soul, pop, rock, punk and others. Many blogs strictly adhere to one music genre whilst others tread into multiple categories."

For editor/writer Serwer, the most satisfying aspect about ‘The Style of Sound’ nod, is recognition of largeup. com's unique look at Caribbean pop culture.

Susser, a guitarist/ keyboardist also known as DJ Gravy, is largeup.com's founder and publisher. He says he was always taken with Caribbean music, especially traditional reggae and dancehall.

That impact was strong enough for him to start a website committed to showcasing the region's movers and shakers.

Largeup.com has done feature stories on

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Dr Neal Hall, hailed as the Malcolm X of International Poetry, is special guest at the fourth annual Jamaica Poetry Festival—The International Edition, which takes place Sunday at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre in St Andrew.

Sizzla, neo-roots acts Chronixx, Addis Pablo and Jesse Royal as well as Bunji Garlin, the current Trinidadian soca sensation.

Korley, born in Denmark, has Ghanaian roots. As largeup.com's creative director and chief photographer, he has soaked up the energy of many Caribbean acts and events including Sting, Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute and the Portland Jerk Festival.

"We're more about presenting the Caribbean in a positive way. We stay away from things like the high murder rates and stick to the positive," he stated.

‘Offline social network’ to launch in TT

YoPro Global, a social impact community for graduates and young professionals, has announced plans to start its first international community in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, as it launches a global campaign to start 75 cities in 78 weeks worldwide, while capturing the entire experience then making a documentary about starting “the world’s first offline social network.”

The company’s objective is to provide an eco-system for graduating students and young professionals, where they have a forum to explore career interests, interact with experienced professionals, make friends and find resources that advance their careers.

The company first launched its beta web site in March 2013 and has since made revisions based on the user interaction.

Community Project

The Community Project, the name of the campaign, takes YoPro’s CEO, Dr Ty Richardson, and YoPro’s direc-

tor of communities, Brett Torina, and additional staff members, to each of the 75 cities, one week at a time, where they meet with influencers, young professionals and local media to execute five events over the course of the week.

The events are targeted to start-up founders, young professionals, graduates and passion-seekers. To commence this campaign, the team has selected Port-of-Spain as the first location to launch a community, based on where CEO, Dr Ty Richardson was born.

“…With such a rich history and vibrant culture, I believe Trinidad is the perfect location for the launch of our campaign, showcasing diversity and inclusion as the cornerstone of what we represent at YoPro”, said Dr Richardson.

YoPro intends to launch Port-ofSpain as its first community on its 75city campaign, commencing on August 25, with a week of activities which includes a demo night for start-up and early stage companies, and a presentation entitled ‘From Trinidad to the World: One Trini’s Journey Around the World and the Steps he took to do it.’ Toronto launch

This will be followed by a small career fair and the launch party and ribbon-cutting to officially launch YoPro in TT entitled ‘YoPro’s Las Lap Lime’ which will round-out YoPro’s launch and wrap up summer break in Trinidad, as students return to school the next Monday.

YoPro’s team will then head to Toronto, Canada as the next stop on the campaign.

The organisation will announce the venue and sponsors for the events on its Facebook page, YoPro Port-ofSpain, Trinidad, through a series of competitions and contests for free tickets. (TT Guardian)

The author of acclaimed books such as ‘Nigger For Life’ and ‘Winter's A Coming Still’, Hall is a graduate of Harvard and Cornell universities.

Yasus Afari, founder and chief organiser of the festival, says Hall's appearance "is of great significance".

"He is a poet of intellectual passion and artistic significance whose

poetry has consistently championed socio-economic and socio-political issues pertinent to social advocacy, of which we are a part, and of which poetry is pivotal," Afari added. Another featured artiste will be Jean 'Binta' Breeze, a trailblazer

in the genre known as dub poetry. She is the Jamaica Poetry Festival 2014's honouree and main performer in the 'Poetree Showcase'.

Breeze, whose latest work is ‘Third World Girl’, will also participate in the creative writing workshops.

Representing the Eastern Caribbean is 'designer poet' Alexis Ryan of Anguilla. Iran's Shema Ahmadi will also perform.

In addition to Breeze, the Jamaican artistes include Afari, Kellie Magnus, Dr Karen Carpenter, Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Maia Chung, Steppa, Viv Morris Brown, Annmarie Wilmot and roots singer Admiral Tibet. (Jamaica Observer)

Professor Kumar spreads message of Sai Baba in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Botanist, Professor Anil Kumar is in Guyana on a mission to continue to spread the message of love and harmony, the universal message of the late Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba was an Indian guru and spiritual leader.

Professor Kumar, who arrived in Guyana last Saturday morning, is best known the world over as the translator of Sri Sathya Sai’s discourses from Telugu to English.

Kumar is also internationally known as the author of many books on Swami’s message, mission and teachings for leading an ideal human life.

Currently, his publications include 20 books in English and six in the Telugu language.

Professor Kumar received his

undergraduate degree from AC College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and his Master’s Degree from Andhra University, Waltair, Andhra Pradesh. He was a lecturer in Botany,

AC College, Guntur from 1963 to 1989 before starting his service at Sri Sathya Sai University.

Since 1995 to now, he is serving as the Professor of Bio Sciences, Sri Sathya Sai University, Prasanthi Nilayam campus.

Professor Anil Kumar has served the beloved Swami in various capacities since 1980. He was appointed as a Zonal Convener of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations of Andhra Pradesh in 1980, Vice President in 1984 and finally served as the State President from 1985 to 1989.

He was then appointed Principal, Sri Sathya Sai University, Whitefield Campus, Bangalore.

Professor Kumar travels extensively to give talks on Swami’s message and mission. In addition to giving talks in the various states of India, he has also travelled to Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, USA, UK, Canada, Argentina, Mexico and Brazil to speak to the devotees in these countries, and now, he has set foot in Guyana.

On his visit to Guyana, Professor Kumar met with youths in Vreed-enHoop last Saturday evening to address them of the teachings of Sai Baba. He will also hold a general meeting at the ‘Love all Serve All’ Building, 102 Laluni Street, between New Garden and Ornoque Steet, Georgetown. (Guyana Times)

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: A group of young people in Guyana began foundational training in computer animation last Monday aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage, steering young people away from crime and violence, and offering them different career options.

According to a release by the Caricom Secretariat, the training, taking place at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, is being undertaken as a partnership among the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat, the United States government and Animae Caribe. The exercise offers participants the opportunity to use technology to tap into their creativity and enter a very lucrative field which spawns advertising, education, and the film industry, and combines art and technology.

Caricom member states recently ramped up efforts in developing cultural and creative industries of which animation is a key component.

Programme Manager of

the Culture and Community Development sub-programme at the Caricom Secretariat, Dr Hilary Brown, said in 2010, the Caricom Secretariat began exploring the field as one of the creative industries with potential for development in the Caribbean.

CBSI

The workshop is the fourth in a series under the CaricomUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID) Crime and Violence

Prevention Project and the Caricom and Animae Caribe regional initiative called “Animating the Caribbean” that engages young people between 15-29.

The partnership with the United States (U.S.) government comes under the umbrella of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) between the U.S. and Caribbean governments, which was announced by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2009 dur-

Cacique award-winning actress back in TT spotlight

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

After spending a few years away from the spotlight, Cacique award-winning actress Eunice Alleyne mounted the stage once more in Trinidad and Tobago on Emancipation Day to perform in Pearl Eintou Springer’s short play ‘Freedom Morning Come’.

In it, Alleyne played the role of Ma Sandrin, a Yoruba elder and one of the many enslaved Africans who gathered outside the Treasury Building, Port-ofSpain, to hear Governor George Fitzgerald Hill read the Emancipation Proclamation in 1834.

While last Friday’s national celebrations commemorated the abolition of slavery and honoured the enslaved Africans who suffered through it, Alleyne was among the living figures honoured by the Emancipation Support Committee with a Spirit of Emancipation Award for her contributions to local theatre.

In an interview with TT media on Sunday at her home in Santa Cruz, Alleyne recounted some of the highlights of her career as an actress and as a public servant.

She was born in Venezuela, where her parents got married, be-

ing the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. President Obama, in announcing the CBSI initiative, had emphasised the need for critical development in communities through support for social justice programmes and the importance of providing opportunities for education, jobs, and careers for young people in the Region, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana, Mr Bryan Hunt said at the opening of the workshop last Monday.

The animation skill-building workshop, he added, expands the work that the Caribbean Community has been doing under the CBSI partnership, investing in youth training in a science and technology field that is very relevant today.

Booming industry

Mr Alfred King, Permanent Secretary of Guyana’s Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, which is also partnering with the Caricom Secretariat for the initiative, lauded the workshop for its potential to counter unemployment among youth. Noting that animation

fore moving to Trinidad at the age of two. After studying at St Joseph’s Convent Port-of-Spain, she began a career in the public service that would span 36 years. She worked for a number of years in both radio and television on what was then known as the Government Broadcasting Unit before becoming director of information at the office of the prime minster. It was while working at White Hall that she received a government scholarship to study mass communications at Boston University. Throughout her career, she worked closely with playwright and poet Derek Walcott. In 1998 she won the Cacique award for Best Actress

for her performance in his play ‘Remembrance.’

She was among the founding members of the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW) which Walcott founded along with Errol Jones, Beryl Mc Burnie and Stanley Marshall.

Alleyne is the last surviving female foundation member of the TTW and she remains one of its board members. In 2003 she won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Drama Association of TT.

It wasn’t the first time she acted in the Emancipation Day play—she did it in 2011 and was contacted again this year by Springer to play the role of Ma Sandrin. (TT Guardian)

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: What started out as an experiment with rosemary, nettle, thyme, and peppermint in Antoinette Davis's kitchen back in 2010, has blossomed into a thriving Jamaican hair and skincare product line made from natural products.

Called Ettenio--from Davis' first name spelled backward without the last three letters--the products are allnatural and were developed especially for women of colour who wear their hair natural, relaxed or locked.

Davis said her first-ever product, a scalp restorer, was made at the request of a friend whose daughter's hair wouldn't grow.

"The first batch was very crude. I had thyme oil in there (and) peppermint, and you could actually see some of the thyme leaves, but it worked!" she exclaimed.

She also made the product for close family and friends whenever it was needed.

Research to find the right growth formula led her to an Italian-made product, which impressed her so much she travelled to Italy to meet with the distributors and buy a year's supply.

Davis related that the distributor was shocked at the quantity she ordered and suggested that she distribute the product in Jamaica.

“A new business idea came about. I said 'OK, I can distribute this product line in Jamaica'," said Davis.

And so the experimentation began.

For months, the businesswoman would go to her 9-5 job as the owner of a tiling company, then go home and work up until 3:00 in the morning researching and testing until she got it right.

The brand launched in 2012 with one line of products-- the Classics--but has since added the Nurtured and the

was responsible for a booming multibillion-dollar industry in the United States, he said it has similar potential for the Caribbean Region.

Two one-day workshops were previously held in Suriname during CARIFESTA XI in August 2013, with approximately 50 young people benefiting from the training. A third one-day workshop involving 20 young inmates was held at the Youth Training Centre (YTC) in Trinidad and Tobago in October 2013 prior to the Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival. However, this workshop in Guyana is the first community-based intensive short course in animation.

A critical component of this workshop involves using animation to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Caribbean. This is being done through an introduction to the Caribbean’s oral tradition to orient the participants in the rich culture and diversity of the Region. The participants were encouraged by Dr Brown to design their storylines using Caribbean personalities and folklore. (Guyana Times)

Body Care lines.

The Classics, which was developed for women with damaged hair, features shampoos that are sulphate-free and which have ingredients such as Jamaican black castor oil and tea tree oil. There are also two deep conditioners, a leave-in conditioner treatment, and two daily moisturisers.

Her signature product--a scalp restorer--is also among the Classics. It promises to treat balding, itchy, eczema-prone scalp and hairline loss with its moringa oil, coconut oil and Jamaican black castor oil.

The Ettenio range of products is available across the island and is also sold in the Cayman Islands. Davis plans to expand to St Thomas and Portland, as well as to other islands across the Caribbean. (Jamaica Observer)

Kareena Kapoor learns to grind spices on set

Seems like Kareena Kapoor is not only busy learning the local language but also is leaving no stone unturned to get into the skin of a Marathi girl which she plays in ‘Singham Returns!’ It so happens that for a particular scene in the film, Kareena was supposed to grind some spices! It has been reported that Kareena took special interest in knowing the art of grind-

Arjun Kapoor had always been tight lipped about his equation with step mom Sridevi until he decided to spill the beans on Karan Johar's Koffee couch. It was during K Jo's chat show that Arjun opened up this aspect of his life. In a candid conversation Arjun Kapoor said that his relationship with Sridevi would never be normal.

He also said that for him Sridevi was just his father's wife and nothing beyond that. He also added that his mother Mona Kapoor had taught him never to disrespect anyone and he would never disrespect Sridevi.

He went onto add that he would never be able to live with them

ing spices in a typical Maharastrian way. The local women in Goa who were present on the sets were obliged to give a small tutorial to Kareena about grinding of spices.

A source close from the production team said," Kareena is doing a scene wherein she is grinding the spices in the traditional way. Kareena seemed to be very fascinated with the mechanism and the way the women used it for grinding the spices to get the powder form. So during of one the breaks while shooting, she took a few spices grinding lessons from those Goan women!" (TOI)

like a normal happy family does but he holds no grudges against anyone. However, Sridevi has never spoken about

Kapoor in public. In fact the two have never been spotted together at any event or function (TOI)

Tanishaa: Kajol is my best friend

VTeteran Indian actor Om Puri was honoured by a renowned museum in New York for his contribution to cinema through a special tribute that showcased clips from some of his finest films and highlighted the actor's journey from a theatre student to one of the most prominent actors.

The tribute featuring Puri, 63 was held at the Museum of the Moving Image, the only U.S. museum devoted to film, television and digital media.

The tribute programme was followed

by a preview screening of his latest film ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’, in which he co-stars with Academy-Award winning actress Helen Mirren.

In the film, Puri plays the patriarch of a family displaced from their native India and trying to settle into a new life in France. (TOI)

Vidya Balan goes back to school

Vidya Balan, an alumna of St. Xavier's, was the centre of attention at her alma mater. But this appearance was special as the actress was there as a chief guest to educate the students about the college's Women's Development Cell.

A student of the institute told Indian media, "Every year we have a celebrity guest who talks to the new students about the initiative. Vidya spoke about the importance of speaking up against harassment and other problems they may face as women and college students." (TOI)

Akshay Kumar walks the ramp for the first time ever with dogs

The lead cast of Farhad-Sajid's ‘Entertainment’ found an interesting way of promoting their film.

friendship's day with Kajol. I remember using my pocket money to buy her the prettiest friendship band", says Tanishaa.

They walked the ramp in India's first ever fashion show with dogs. While Akshay has always been a dog lover and owns three dogs, Tamannaah turned one during the shooting of this film and now owns a hybrid between a Poodle and Bedlington Terrier, whom she has named Pebbles. Akshay chose to walk with not just one, but two dogs at the same time and looked

his macho best.

Talking about dogs, Akshay said, "Love your dogs and they will entertain you for the rest of your lives. If you have a child at home, I would

encourage you to buy a dog or better still, adopt one. Even science has proven that when a child grows up with a dog, he learns how to give unconditional love." (TOI)

Salman Khan to promote 'Dr. Cabbie' in Toronto

‘Kick’ superstar Salman Khan will take off for a three-day tour of Toronto from Aug 28. to promote Vinay Virmani's big-ticket film ‘Dr. Cabbie’.

The flash-decision to fly in Salman to Toronto post ‘Kick’ was taken in a move to upstage the Toronto International Film Festival which starts on Sep 4.

Like all siblings, the sisters have a love-hate relationship but they adore each other to bits.

"When I was 11 years old, I celebrated my first

anishaa Mukerji revealed some secrets about her relationship with her first and best friend, her older sister Kajol recently. Tanishaa believes that Kajol has been instrumental in every aspect of her life.

Kajol has always extended her love and care for her baby sister, according to Tanishaa. "We are like friends today and share everything from secrets to shoes. Kajol has always been protective of me and so have I of her. I remember, when we were younger, I had fallen sick a day before a family wedding. I was only eight then. She sat all night beside my bed putting a cold pad on my forehead. I have tons of similar memories and I can think of no one but her when I hear the word 'best friend'", says Tanishaa. (TOI)

‘Dr. Cabbie’, directed by JeanFrancois Pouliet was to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. But with a clutter of Hindi films being screened at the festival this year, the Toronto-based actor Vinay and his entrepreneur-dad Ajay Virmani have decided against screening ‘Dr. Cabbie’ at the festival.

Instead, they have decided

Kim Kardashian is now Kim Kardashian West

The 20-year-old singer reportedly angered female revellers at Ibiza's Amnesia nightclub at the weekend by handpicking women from the crowd to join him at his VIP balcony area and insisting they left their friends behind if he didn't feel they were pretty enough.

A source said: "Justin was causing trouble by getting his entourage to walk around the main club floor. They told girls to come with them if they wanted to party with Bieber.

"But some were told only they could come along because their friends were not 'hot enough'."

to them. He just sort of stood in the middle as they danced around. It was pretty strange."

Justin has caused a lot of controversy since flying out to Ibiza.

A week ago, actor Orlando Bloom "jumped a sofa" to try and punch him at restaurant Cipriani because of remarks he allegedly made about the star's ex-wife Miranda Kerr, who he was rumoured to have had a fling with while the couple were still married.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has legally changed her last name to West after marrying Kanye West in Italy in May.

The ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star has applied for a

passport with her new moniker, reported Contactmusic.

The 33-year-old beauty shared an image of her new passport photograph on Instagram with the caption, “New passport pic #Mrs.West #NameChange (sic)”

Kardashian, who has 13-month-old daughter North with the ‘New Slaves’ hitmaker, first changed her name to Kim Kardashian West on her social media accounts four days after she exchanged vows with Kanye, 37, in Italy on May 24.

The brunette beauty also previously revealed she wanted to have the same last name as her third husband and daughter. (Indian Express)

And the hitmaker's behaviour with those who were chosen to join him was "pretty strange" as he didn't even speak to the women.

According to The Sun newspaper: "He didn't even seem to talk

The hitmaker is said to have taunted Orlando with the claim that the Victoria's Secret beauty had promised to "make him a man". (Excepted from The Sun)

Mariah Carey spends 115k pounds on dog holiday

Mariah Carey is reportedly splashing out 115,000 pounds to send her pet dogs on a luxury holiday.

The 44-year-old singer is set to spend 100,000 pounds jetting her eight pooches from the U.S. to the UK as well as forking out 15,000 pounds on a lavish stay at a dog hotel, reports Contactmusic.

“They’ll be washed, groomed, taken on day trips, sleep in their own hotel beds and the chef will cook them personalised meals, according to a menu plan Mariah’s sending over. She’s even spending 100,000 pounds to charter a private jet to the UK for their luxury break,” a source said.

Carey, 44, is no stranger to splashing the cash on her four-legged friends as it was recently revealed the singer – who has three-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with husband Nick Cannon – allegedly pays out 28,000 pounds a year getting her dogs groomed. (Indian Express)

Shia LaBeouf was best onscreen kisser: Megan Fox

Megan Fox admits she had the best onscreen kiss with her ‘Transformers’ co-star Shia LaBeouf.

The ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ star, who has locked lips with the likes of Adam Scott and Amanda Seyfried in the past, enjoyed her smooch with the 28-year-old actor whilst filming the scifi movie in 2009, reported Contactmusic. When asked with whom she had her favourite on-screen kiss, she replied, “Shia LaBeouf.” Fox, 28, also recently admitted she is not worried about her former co-star after he was arrested in New York in June. “I’m not worried about Shia. I love my Shia. He’s perfectly fine. I haven’t talked to him in a couple of years, but I don’t worry about him. He’s a brilliant kid, talented and funny… There’s no reason to worry.” (Indian Express)

Jessica Alba

feels confident with her body

Actress Jessica Alba says she finally feels comfortable with her body and does not shy away from doning a bold avatar on screen.

The ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’ star, who has two children with husband Cash Warren, said she never used to feel at ease starring in raunchy film roles, but is now confident about herself, reported E! Online. “I just have an ownership of my body and of myself as a woman that I didn’t really have before. I was such a tomboy, and I would always kinda like try and do role-playing to try and do these sexy things, but now I’m very much woman.”

“I know who I am, I’m confident in my sexuality and now it’s not so much

After stripping off for films like "Horns" and "Kill Your Darlings", Daniel Radcliffe is

of a departure from myself when I have to do photo shoots or play a character,” the 33-year-old actress said. (Indian Express)

getting naked once again.

In his latest flick "What If", the 25-year-old has a skinny-dipping scene with co-star Zoe Kazan.

"It was the nicest nude scene I've ever done. And that is quite a substantial list at this point. We've both done a lot of it. This was a nice just skinnydipping scene that was kind of fun," Radcliffe was quoted by eonline.com as saying.

"I had a modesty patch on for part of the night. But then part of the night I was offered, as a man, you get offered a G-string kind of thing. It feels a lot more weird than being naked in front of a lot of people, wearing a weird plastic G-string," he added.

Kazan said: "I had pasties on. I wrote 'Hi, Dan' on them." (Times of India)

Katie Price gives birth to baby girl

Former glamour model Katie Price has given birth to a baby girl two weeks early from her scheduled delivery.

Price’s agent confirmed the news this afternoon, reported Daily Mirror.

“LFM can confirm that our client @misskatieprice has given birth to a baby girl this afternoon – no more details will be given at present,” Lunn Farrow Media tweeted.

The 36-year-old star, who welcomed her fifth child with cheater husband Kieran Hayler, was due to have a C-section on August 15th but was taken to hospital Tuesday and gave birth 11 days earlier.

She already has four children –Harvey, 12, from her relationship with Dwight Yorke, Junior, nine and

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Fuelled by the similarities he observed between the traditional African practices described to him by Dr Doris Rogers (based on her experiences in Africa) and those he observed among Hindus in Guyana, Gajadhar began a gradual intellectual interrogation of his works’ content and its specificity to a singular ethno-cultural group within a multi-cultural context. However, his interrogation, which began in the 1980s, did not materialise in his art of the period; the germination had only begun.

Gajadhar’s musuku tree (a Bemba symbol of fertility) did not burst forth

from the soil and bear fruit until his time in Botswana (2003-2006) led him to Zambia and a personal journey, which resulted in a deep familiarising with Bemba culture, deepened by a further five months spent between 2012 and 2013. Gajadhar approaches his reference to Bemba culture from lived reality. His is not an artificial study of a culture of fascination for a superficial transplantation of its symbols, lore and beliefs. Gajadhar has integrated Bemba with his Hindu identity and multi-cultural situation of nurture. Consequently, while the paintings are largely instructive on an aspect of Bemba culture and belief, they reinforce

the points of synchronicity with Guyanese culture, even offering in some instances traditional symbolism and, by extension, memory for quotidian objects whose symbolism was lost to the agonies of the impositions on the African in South American space. For instance, the hoe has significance in relation to the hut and the pestle in relation to the mortar. These find presence in Gajadhar’s imagery.

Gajadhar’s paintings are largely based on the chisungu ceremony of the Bemba. Through the ceremony a girl is initiated into womanhood as she is instructed on her duties as a wife and a mother. Within the ceremony, ceremony-specific

wall and floor paintings are made, and special pottery are dug up from secret hiding places and are used. These objects of ceremonial art are called Mbusa. Each Mbusa has an associated didactic song and dance and through their use reflect the Bemba belief that by seeing rather than hearing one is better able to learn.

In like manner to Caribbean song, the songs of the Bemba have double meanings so they can be sung among children and their true meaning not be discerned. As in Guyanese queh queh the dances/ mimetic acts are performed and the initiated girl is expected to mimic the actions of the performers; this mimicry is a demonstration of learning. If she successfully performs her mimetic acts, she performs a special closing action

as she says, “With me, I have grown, I have just picked the beads.” These beads would have been used to bless the ceremony and the ceremony’s matron with right words to inspire the young lady to be a good wife and a good mother.

While Gajadhar’s content is informed by the Bemba, his aesthetic is a culmination of stages in his journey exploring the technical nuances of his medium and the synthesising of influences from artists as diverse as Dudley Charles, Bernadette Persaud, Wifredo Lam and Picasso. From Charles he claims influence on his use of colour, the layering of paint in washes, and the manner of “breaking up” of figures and the space within the picture plane. These influences from Charles are evident and not surprisingly as he claims

Charles as his most significant artist-influence. Mwansa cembe – the white eagle and Mafwasa – the heart stones, the most recent of the paintings, show Gajadhar returning to his early aesthetics source – Dudley Charles (and by extension Wifredo Lam).

As with songs, Gajadhar’s paintings read differently depending on one’s situation of initiation.

“My paintings discuss the iconography of the Bemba figuratively or abstractly. [To] some things I react abstractly [and to others] figuratively. The primitive flatness of the figure reflect the folk art tradition of Zambia and the colours [are] of the African sunset with each [...] carefully contained within its own space.” (Text by Akima McPherson, Lecturer, Division of Arts, University of Guyana)

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: A record number of stalls are on display at this year’s Bridgetown Market in Barbados.

There are a total of 326 stalls, 96 in the Bajan Craft Village and 230 on Spring Garden Highway.

“This is unprecedented. Never has this happened before in terms of those numbers,” Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley said Sunday evening at the Celebration of Emancipation Day and the Official Opening of Bridgetown Market held at the Bajan Craft Village.

The most visible change this year, Lashley noted, is the in-

the thousands traversing the

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Marcia Henville has become known for her gritty reporting from the nation’s crime hot spots, once even putting herself in the midst of a violent confrontation between police and residents of Picton, Laventille. Now Henville is helping to bring the true-to-life repercussions of crime to filmmaking. She’s coproducing a movie— currently being shot— about drug trafficking in TT. Sean Hodgkinson— who made the well-received short film ‘A Story About Wendy’—is the writer and director of ‘Trafficked’.

Henville was among the cast of ‘A Story About Wendy’ and its sequel, which premiered recently at the Zanzibar International Film Festival. ‘Trafficked’

On the set of ‘Trafficked’

tells the tale of three 20-something-year-old friends vacationing in the Caribbean who find themselves in trouble after being wooed into doing a favour for a local

(Photo: TT Guardian)

man they befriended. The film is based on real-life stories told on the popular radio programme ‘Eye on Dependency’.

Hodgkinson said ‘Trafficked’ is two-thirds

complete and is expected to be between 40-50 minutes long. He expects shooting to wrap up this month. The filmmakers—part of a company called Quirky Films—

are going to try to get it into various international film festivals before premiering it in TT next year, said Hodgkinson. He said funding has been one of the challenges in making the film.

First Citizens Bank, the Ministry of Tourism and the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme have so far stepped up to the plate.

'Trafficked’ is a cautionary tale. We've all seen ‘Locked Up Abroad’. But what happens when the story is about our

own people, who look like us and sound like us?” said Hodgkinson via e-mail.

“So I hope that we can educate and inform Trinis about the dangers of narco-trafficking and I really hope that someone from Caribbean Airlines is reading this so they can put the film on one of their 12 empty channels!” he added.

‘Trafficked’ is one of many local films that are in different stages of production this year. (TT Guardian)

Star of the Week

Onesha Hutson is a natural charmer. She is a third year medical student at the University of Guyana and a model. This 22-year-old is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of pageantry. She was a contestant in the Miss Guyana Universe pageant 2012, and the Miss Jamzone Guyana pageant where she placed first runner-up. Notably, she has walked the runway numerous times locally and regionally. The beauty is also currently one of five Guyanese models chosen to take part in the Music and Fashion Battle (MAFB) in Suriname and the Netherlands. Apart from Hutson’s life as a runway model, she has been actively involved in various health programmes with the Ministry of Health and private entities. She is a trained Phlebotomist and volunteers at the St Anne's Orphanage. She enjoys reminiscing on her school days, which were spent at St Gabriel's Primary and St Rose's High School, where she graduated as an honour student in 2009. A wellrounded individual, Hutson formed and directed the first drama club at her high school and also played basketball and badminton in her fifth year. Hutson also managed, directed and edited the Daily Ros, her high school's newspaper. The beauty is the first daughter for her parents, and puts her family first at all times because they are her biggest supporters. She is inspired and encouraged by her mother and other young women she refers to as her “chicas”.

Terrific Limacol CPL, despite slow start - Stewart

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Despite a slow start to the 2014 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), com-

games.

The defending champions are just behind on net run rate to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel after victories over the Antigua Hawksbills last Thursday, the Guyana Amazon Warriors last Saturday and the Barbados Tridents on Sunday.

The last two games, which came down to the last over, provided a lot of drama for the virtual full house that turned out to witness the action. Stewart was among them.

mercial director Jamie Stewart believes things have gone really well so far this season. His beliefs were buoyed by the turnout at Sabina Park

from last week Thursday to Sunday, where home team, the Jamaica Tallawahs, won all three games to be second in the standings after seven

'It was Jamaica's Commonwealth Games,' says Fennell

shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a picture of satisfaction at the end of the 4x100m relay final at the XX Commonwealth Games inside Hampden Park in Glasgow, scotland, last saturday (PHOTO: COLLIN REID)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND: It's hard to imagine what the XX Commonwealth Games would have been like without the Jamaican spark and flavor, and Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt.

There was excitement, as there was anxiety, as people there got nervy he wasn't going to show. But he finally took to the track last Friday in the semi-final heats of the men's 4x100m.

And Bolt further obliged a day later in the final with a scintillating anchor leg to lead Jamaica to gold in a meet record and world-leading 37.58 seconds on a wet Hampden Park track, showing that the weather failed to put a damper on Bolt and his fired-up relay teammates of Jason Livermore, Kemar Bailey-Cole and Nickel Ashmeade.

The Jamaicans already had the world record of 36.84 seconds, set in London in 2012.

Jamaica's 22 medals in Glasgow represent one of the best-ever hauls in the Commonwealth Games, or any other major championship for that matter. The team secured 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze medals—the majority won in track and field as expected.

Away from Hampden Park, Alia Atkinson won two of those medals—silver in the 50m breaststroke and bronze in the 100m breaststroke. And, on the final day of competition on Sunday, the Sunshine Girls quenched their medal thirst by winning bronze by defeating England 52-48.

On the track, the two sweeps took the cake. Firstly, the 400m 1-2-3 with Stephenie McPherson (50.67) winning gold, Novlene Williams-Mills (50.86) taking silver, and Christine Day (51.09) copping bronze.

Seeing the women's success, the men's 200m trio got jealous and decided that

they, too, could repeat this feat. And they obliged. Rasheed Dwyer (20.14) took gold, with Warren Weir (20.26) following close for silver, and Jason Livermore (20.32) with a late burst completed the sweep.

On the final night of competition in track and field, the 4x400m relay team of Day, Williams-Mills, Anastasia LeRoy, and McPherson ran a games record 3:23.82 minutes for gold.

But the record bug did not just sting quarter-milers, the sprinters were also infected.

Coming back from injury and showing little signs of not being fully fit, Olympic and World Championships gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ran a blistering anchor leg to guide the Jamaican team to a Commonwealth Games record and world-leading time of 41.83 seconds.

Her teammates Kerron Stewart, Veronica Campbell Brown, and Schillonie Calvert got the baton around seamlessly to handover to the 'Pocket Rocket', who opened up the jets to finish in style.

With the inimitable Usain Bolt on a

Jamaica’s usain bolt delivers his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose after guiding his team to victory in the 4x100m relay final at the XX Commonwealth Games inside Hampden Park in Glasgow, scotland, last saturday evening (Jamaica Observer photo)

relay team in a final, fireworks are bound to go off. And they did. In another games record and world-leading 37.58 seconds, the Jamaican men, with textbook baton changeovers, had no match.

"Certainly Jamaica's performance has been outstanding, the track and field last (Saturday) would blow anybody's mind, and I think in a way...we had four relays, and they won three of them in record-breaking style, and of course our superstar Usain just blew the crowd away," said Jamaica Olympic Association President Mike Fennell.

"It was Jamaica's Commonwealth Games," he added. (Jamaica Observer)

"If you look at the last three weeks, it's been terrific with some of the cricket that has happened; (Saturday), with home town boy André (Russell) hitting a six to win. We had it the week before in Guyana with Darren Bravo hitting a six off the last ball, the tied match with a super over in Guyana. So it's been terrific, and it's great to see the fans come out here at Sabina in full force to support the team because that's what it's all about," he said, above the din of the celebrations following the Tallawahs' 19-run win over the Tridents on Sunday.

Great opportunity

He said that it has

been a great boost for the CPL, because Sabina Park had great crowds, even though the matches would have been competing against the motorracing meet at Dover in St Ann and the Dream Weekend parties in Negril.

"I know it's been a busy week in Jamaica, and yet we have had full houses, so thanks to the fans for getting behind us," he indicated.

In retrospect, the poor crowd turnout in Grenada--a country that was hosting its first CPL match--was a disappoint-

ment, Stewart conceded, but it is something they will learn from going forward as they continue to build the product.

"I think it was tough taking on the football at the World Cup that was happening at the same time," he said of the 2014 launch on the Spice Island.

"We probably put the games in Grenada a bit too late, and we didn't have the necessary build up there, so we will take that away and have a look at that and see how we do things next year."

(Jamaica Gleaner)

Guyana crowned Regional Under-19 champs

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyana won its second youth cricket title last week sealing the West Indies Cricket Board Regional Under-19 Three-Day title with a crushing win over TT on the final day of the tournament last Friday in Guyana.

Guyana also claimed the regional U-15 crown last Wednesday in Jamaica, dethroning defending champions TT.

Last Friday the Guyana U-19 team got past TT by an innings and 41 runs to lift the title.

TT started its second innings needing 193 runs to make Guyana bat again. The opening pair of Jeremy Solozano and Amir Jangoo started positively for TT putting on 62 for the first wicket. Unfortunately for TT when Solozano was dismissed for 22 a collapse followed. Guyana had victory in sight with TT on 80/6 at the lunch interval. TT was eventually bowled out for 152, handing Guyana an emphatic victory. TT’s top batsman in the tournament Amir Jangoo struck 35. Guyana’

spin bowling attack again proved to be the difference as Sharaz Ramcharran (3/25) and Steven Sankar (3/42) both ended with three wickets.

In other matches, Barbados chased down 117 to defeat the Leeward Islands by eight wickets at Enmore. At the Guyana National Stadium, Windward Islands held on for a draw against Jamaica. Chasing 111 in 19 overs for victory, Jamaica closed on 95/5. The 50-over U-19 competition bowled off on Monday in Guyana.

Guyanese golfer prevails at Grand Cypress Challenge

FLORIDA, UNITED

STATES: The Golden Arrow Head was flying proudly at the Grand Cypress Challenge in Orlando, Florida at the weekend as U.S.-based amateur golfer Crisendat Guyadeen emerged the winner from a field of more than 150 golfers.

In fact, the Golf Channel Amateur Tour (GCAM) two-day major tournament had 170 players from all parts of United States, Canada, Mexico and of course Guyana converging on the Championship North/South course played by many PGA and LPGA players.

Guyadeen made a first round shot of +3 and a second round shot of +6 to end with a winning total of 9 over par.

“The course has a brick wall that you have to hit your tee shot over and a creek that runs across the fairway that is not visible until you get near the green. Many golfers are victims to this creek. However, despite all those difficulties and intense competition I managed to beat the field and come in first place,” an elated Guyadeen said.

He added: “I was once again able fly the Guyana flag high above the rest and felt very privileged and proud to do so again. I once again would like to represent Guyana internationally at the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) Golf Tournament to be held in Argentina in

January 2015. I have repeatedly pleaded with the Guyana Golf Authorities in Lusignan, and nothing has been done.

“The important thing is that Guyana has to be a registered member of the LAAC and World Golf Association. Just to let you know I am paying all my expenses and is no monetary burden to the country.”

Guyadeen’s win on the major tournaments also qualifies him to play in the USA National tournament to be played in October 2014 in Arizona where he is hoping to represent Guyana at a higher level. The USA National tournament will be telecast on The Golf Channel.

WICB RegIonal UndeR-19 one-day CRICket…

Guyana, Barbados claim early victories

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

For a second day in succession, hosts Guyana relied on their spinners to complete yet another convincing victory in this year’s West Indies Cricket Board’s Regional OneDay cricket tournament.

The Guyanese whipped the ICC Americas by 49 runs in their second round encounter at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground on Tuesday.

Chasing 230 for victory, Guyana rotated their barrage of spinners to good effect in dismissing the visitors for 180 with 37 deliveries of their innings unused.

Off-spinner Sharaz Ramcharran and leg-spinner Steven Sankar both claimed three wickets each.

Balchand Baldeo and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were the other two successful bowlers.

For the visitors, Onias Bascome top scored with a cameo 53 off 35 balls, inclusive of one four and five massive sixes.

But shots selections were ICC Americas main downfall and Nikhil Dutta (29), Farhan Malik (26) and Alex Dores (13), were the only batsmen to reached double digits.

Earlier, Kemo Paul and Askay Homraj stroked fluent half-centuries and piloted Guyana to a position of strength after they lost wickets at crucial intervals during the innings.

Paul first shared 33 for the fourthwicket with Sharaz Ramcharran and then put together 44 for the fifthwicket with Homraj before the latter stitched the innings most crucial partnership that was worth 69 runs with Kemol Savory.

Apart from Paul and Homraj, no other of the Guyanese batsmen could play an innings of substance. The

ICC Americas struggled against the

right-hander Homraj was the top scorer with 69. The Berbician, who came up with some audacious strokes, hit seven boundaries and a six during his 56-ball knock,

Paul smashed his way to 51 off 84 balls, inclusive of two fours and a similar amount of sixes.

Had it not been for some small contributions from First-class players Shimron Hetmyer (21) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (18), who put together 49 runs for the first wicket, along with Ramcharran (17) and Savory (19), the Guyanese would have struggled to get close to the 200-run mark.

The visitors’ bowlers were disciplined with Keifer Phill (2-43), Arsh Buch (2-37) and Nikhil Dutta (2-35) being the best bowlers on show.

Farham Malik, Delray Rawlins and Onias Bascome also claimed a wicket each.

In the other second round games, Barbados edged Windward Islands by two wickets and the game between Jamaica and the Leeward Islands was abandoned without a ball being bowled at Wales. (Guyana Times)

Sabina lights up

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was among hundreds in attendance at Sabina Park late Sunday evening to witness the first public powering-on of the newly installed floodlights at the venue.

The Guyanese golfer and businessman, who resides, works and plays golf in the USA, has been playing on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour for the past 4 years and has won several times

Prior to last weekend’s tournament, Guyadeen won the Palmer Flight tournament in the Golf Channel Amateur Tour (GCAM) on Long Island, USA in July. He shot 74 (+2) to win at Harbor Links Golf Course.

Prior to winning at Harbor Links, Guyadeen continued his winning streak with a first round shot of +1 and a second round score of +7 to finish with a best score of 8 over par at Naples. (Guyana Times)

Several minutes before the clock hit 8:00 pm, during the ceremony to commission the lights at the world-famous ground, the prime minister gave the nod by declaring “Let us now have light,” and within mere seconds, all four towers lit up brightly.

The long-awaited installation of lights will allow for, among other things, night cricket at Sabina Park.

Considerable controversy has surrounded the absence of lights at the ground, particularly since the country spent over US$100 million for its part in the region’s hosting of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

The lighting project, powered by a US$2.1million grant from the government of India and

a further US$600,000 contribution from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), began in early April and was wrapped up by the end of July.

The state-run Urban Development Corporation (UDC) managed the operation, while the FosRich Group of Companies was the contractor. FosRich is linked with Philips Lighting, an international firm with substantial ties in Europe, Asia and South America.

JCA president Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven, who thanked sponsors Digicel, Foska Oats and

soft drinks for throwing in a helping hand “at late notice”, said the major focus for stakeholders is to ensure that the upgraded Sabina Park can attract significantly greater revenue.

Natalie NeitaHeadley, the minister with responsibility for sport, hailed the pioneering role of Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) board director Dr Akshai Mansingh, who aided in clearing the way for communication between the governments of Jamaica and India. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana crowned IGG athletics champions

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA:

Guyana dominated both days of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) Athletics to come out convincing victors of the 2014 event on Sunday. The local athletics team amassed 333 points to beat Suriname who tallied 295 points over the two days at the Camp Ayanganna Ground.

Tevin Garraway made amends for his 100 metres loss to fellow Guyanese Kevin Abbensettes in the male 200 metres with a 21.40s run to top Abbensetts who ran 21.50s for second. Suriname’s RoOmario Pansa was

second with 22.10s. Ornesto Thomas copped a middle distance double by winning the men’s 800 metres with a time of 2:00.70s to finish ahead of Suriname’s Uracio Seedorf who clocked 2:01.50s for second. Miquel Shepper was third in 2:10.90.s

Avon Samuels won a double after winning the girls 200 metres in 24.90s while Guyana’s Jevina Sampson was second to her countrywoman in 25.20s. Suriname’s Sabrina Menso was third in 26.40s.

Cassey George also doubled with a win in the female 3000 metres with a time of 10.58.50s while Claudrice McKoy

was second for Guyana in 11.19.30s. Esmeralda Amania was third in 12:07.60s.

Carifta 1500 metres bronze medalist Andrea Foster won her first gold of the 800 metres event with a 2:21.80s run while Shontel Hinds was second for Guyana in 2:33.90s. Suriname’s Davinia Asantiba was third in 2:45.60s.

Meanwhile, Suriname dominated field events on the second day of the competition but was unable to oust Guyana from the top position at the end of day two.

French Guiana did not field an athletics team. (Guyana Times)

Sarwan, Lambert to captain sides at Guyana Festival cricket match

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Clayton Benjamin Lambert has been named captain of the Masters’ IX that will play against a President’s IX in the Guyana Festival cricket match to be staged on August 9, 2014 at the Guyana National Stadium.

The left handed Lambert, 52, who also bowls off-break, will skipper the side that includes names such as Travis Dowlin, Sew Shivnarine, Derrick Kallicharran, Clyde Butts and Colin Stuart.

Meanwhile, the experienced Ramnaresh Sarwan will lead the President’s IX that include big names such as Test batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Lennox Cush, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Reon King and Easun Crandon.

The 20 overs match on Saturday takes place from 16:00h to 18:00h.

The Master’s XI reads: Clayton Lambert –

Captain, Travis Dowlin, Sudesh Dhaniram, Rabindranauth Seeram, Faoud Bacchus, Steve Messiah, Sew Shivnarine, Derrick Kallicharran, Shiek Mohamed – Wkpr, Kevin Darlington, Arjune Nandu, Clyde Butts, Keon Joseph, Raun Johnson, Colin Stuart, Hubrun Evans and Amir Khan. Manager/Coach –Mark Harper

The President’s XI reads: Ramnaresh Sarwan – Captain, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Azeemul Haniff, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Assad Fudadin, Lennox Cush, Vishal Nagamootoo – Wkpr, Mahendra

Regional players to get monthly salary

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Players taking part in the 2014/2015 Regional First Class cricket series will be paid a monthly salary as well as match fees.

Director of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Baldath Mahabir said Monday that the players will be compensated much better than they were, when they just played for the country and the franchise system was not in place.

The WICB has revealed that the next season, which starts in November, will see a franchise system coming into play.

Players from the region would have free movement and can represent any of the six territories (TT, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Windward Islands and Leeward Islands).

According to the new arrangement, each territory has 10 picks from their country and the other five spots have to be filled by players from other countries in the region.

There is also an op-

Nagamootoo, Roderick Lovell, Rayon Griffith, Zaheer Mohamed, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Anthony Bramble, Reon King, Easun Crandon and Jermaine Neblette. Manager/Coach – Garvin Nedd

In addition to this, on the same day, there will be the spectacular Night of Legends Concert which will see renowned local artistes such as Dave Martins, Sammy Baksh, Terry Gajraj, the Yoruba Singers, Mighty Rebel, Sash Persaud, Celia Samaroo, Teddy Jones, Johnny Braff, Glenn Miller, Hilton Hemerding, Winston Caesar and Aubrey Mann performing.

tion to have one extraterritorial player.

This change in the structure of regional First Class cricket came about based on a recommendation by WICB Cricket Operations Director, Richard Pybus. He saw this move as a critical one in improving the standard of cricket in the region.

Some of the weaker territories can now invest in some quality players and this would lend to more competitive cricket.

The next season will see the number of matches also increased.

There will be two rounds of matches on a home and away ba-

sis and a winner will be crowned at the end of the round robin stage. This means that each territory will play a total of 10 matches.

The WICB will be subsidising the league and hence players will get a monthly salary in the range of US$1,500 (TT$9,500) to US$2,500. (TT15,507). A player’s salary will be matched to his seniority. In addition to this monthly salary, each player that makes the final 11 for any match will be paid US$1,500.

President of the TT Cricket Board (TTCB), Azim Bassarath, himself a WICB director said that TT will not field any extra-territorial player.

“We are going to only use regional players in our set up. We will pick 10 players from here and then we will choose another five from the Caribbean. We are in support of this move because we think that the quality of cricket will be enhanced and this would then improve the quality of cricketers we have coming through to represent the West Indies.” (TT Guardian)

Jamaica’s Nicholas Walters to defend title in October

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica's Nicholas Walters, the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion, moved his training base from Panama to California Tuesday, and will be there for the next several weeks as it has been confirmed that he will be making his next title defence in October.

His manager, Jacques Deschamps, told Jamaican media that Walters, who is now being promoted by world leading promotion company Top Rank, which is

headed by Bob Arum, will definitely be fighting in October, although the opponent has not yet been finalised.

Boasting a 24-0 record with 20 knockout victories, Walters is not only riding high, but is also becoming a feared opponent and Deschamps confided that his fighter's record is making bouts hard to arrange, as several top boxers approached do not want to fight him.

"We have a short list of opponents and are now just trying to tie up some loose ends," said Deschamps.

Walters said that he

has been back in serious training and is anxious to get back into the ring at an early date, following his dramatic fifth round knockout victory over Vic Darchinyan, in Macau, China, on May 31. He said that he wants to keep busy and is highly motivated when he is preparing for a specific fight, rather than just going to the gym day after day with no opponent in sight.

"I am happiest when I am in the ring against an opponent and doing what I am being paid to do," he stated. (Jamaica Gleaner)

- budding stars get their chance to shine on the int’l stage

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) not only entertains crowds with high-intensity Twenty20 cricket, but is also helping to develop home grown talent by giving aspiring young cricketers the opportunity to showcase their skills. At pre-match press conference ahead of their second home game last weekend, St. Lucia Zouks Head Coach, Matthew Maynard, lauded the young players in his team who continue to demonstrate tremendous talent on the pitch. “The injuries we have had in the tournament have meant that our young players are getting op-

portunities to perform. Ray Jordan wasn’t even eligible to play at the start of the tournament, but he came in Saturday night and performed magnificently.”

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel Head Coach, Simon Helmot, also mentioned the fantastic experience young players are gaining by playing in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League. He said; “Tournaments like the CPL are providing up and coming cricketers with the chance to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. When Twenty20 cricket first came about, we didn’t think the skills young players learn from the game would be

adaptable for the longer format but, that is no longer the case as many players who are getting their first opportunities in Twenty20 are going on to be good test match players.”

St. Lucia Zouks all-rounder, Liam Sebastian, got his first taste of Twenty20 cricket in last Saturday's match and is looking to hone his talents in this format of the game. He said; “I have played lots of first class cricket throughout the Caribbean, but it was amazing to play in the CPL for the first time, especially in front the home crowd. I am looking forward to more opportunities to play and to make my team proud.”

Kudos for Grenada's Kiranai James

ST GEORGE'S, GRENADA:

Grenada's Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has described Kirani James' 400m victory at the Commonwealth Games as "another historic milestone" for the Grenadian quarter-miler.

James powered to the finishing line in a Games record time of 44.24 seconds to add Commonwealth gold to his Olympic and World Championships triumphs.

He was considered the favourite in the event as he commands this year's fastest time and a personal best of 43.74 seconds.

Prime Minister Mitchell heaped praised James for his achievement saying that it was "another historic milestone in the life of a very special young man; equally important is the achievement to our nation".

The Grenadian leader also congratulated Kurt Felix who captured Commonwealth bronze for Grenada after placing third in the decathlon event.

"To Kirani, Kurt Felix, who placed third in the decathlon event..., and to the other young athletes competing at the games, and to all our young men and women who are aspiring to

be successful and productive, your Government and people will do whatever we can to support your endeavours by investing in your future," Dr Mitchell said.

"By so doing, we are making a down payment on the future of this beautiful nation."

James' gold was the first for Grenada in the history of the games and the third overall following Felix's bronze and a silver won by Alleyne Francique in the 400m in Melbourne, Australia, eight years ago. (Caribbean News)

Guyana crowned IGG athletics champions