Caribbean Times International

Fifa fiasco may affect TT polls

Guyana’s Judicial system to receive Cdn$750,000 grant

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: As the diplomatic community continues to show its appreciation to the new Government, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles paid a courtesy call on the new Attorney General (AG), and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams at the AG’s Chambers, Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

In a brief comment, the AG pointed out that the courtesy call also entailed discussions on areas with which Canada can assist Guyana. The discussion included talks on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill and a grant of Cdn$750,000 to develop the justice system in Guyana.

Representatives of the Canadian High Commission including High Commissioner

Dr. Nicole Giles paying a courtesy call on the new Attorney General, Basil Williams

This money will be spent on drafting of legislation, improving the administrative

department of the courts and training for lawyers and judges among others.

Dr Giles pointed out that this money is part of a project with the Justice Education Society of British Columbia, which is a Canadian NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), that aims at strengthening the justice system.

The reason for selecting Guyana as a beneficiary, she explained, is that “we believe in Guyana, there are strong opportunities to make a difference to improve the justice system.”

She added that, “I think everybody accepts that the impunity rates are not acceptable at this point in time, and that there is also very strong will on behalf

TT set to be big player in tourism

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

TT is working closely with its tourist industry partners across the Caribbean to develop and strengthen capacity, said Samdai Rampersad, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.

She was speaking at a TT-sponsored Allied Awards Luncheon held during the 42nd Caribbean Week New

York at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in Manhattan.

Rampersad told conference delegates while TT was “a bit of a latecomer” in the tourism game, it was poised to be a big player in the region.

“We are happy to be part to the dialogue, to be part of the discussions, to be part of the way forward,” she said.

“We invite you all to come to TT, see what we

have to offer—a growing economy, an economy that is buoyant, that withstood the recession of 2008-2009.

“We are preparing for an election, but we are making good progress, good strides in diversification and good tourism success.”

Rampersad said the islands of Trinidad and Tobago “complement each other very well.”

“We have a very buoyant economy which

is doing very well these days and there is a lot of structural development intended to support our tourism thrust. We have heard a lot over the past two days about the strides that have been made in our visitor arrivals. We have heard so much about Cuba’s coming into the game.

“We are very well positioned to deal with all of the challenges that can prop up as a Caribbean region.” (TT Guardian)

of the police and the prosecution and the judiciary and the courts to try to address that, so we have strong partners and a strong opportunity to try to address that, and that’s why we want to try to assist Guyana.”

Additionally, she noted that there are also two, Gy$20M Regional Justice Programmes for the Caribbean through Canada’s Regional Developing Programmes, of which Guyana is one of the key beneficiaries. She added that one of the programmes will be implemented through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) while the other will be done through the University of the West Indies. (GINA)

Dr. Barton Scotland elected as new Speaker of Guyana’s 11th Parliament

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: After taking the oath of office, the new Speaker got down to the business of the Assembly. He announced immediately that the Deputy Speaker will be nominated by the opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic and in the absence of the opposition, the nomination and election of the Deputy Speaker has been put on hold. Former Senior Guyanese Diplomat, Dr. Barton Scotland was on Wednesday elected the new Speaker of the National Assembly.

Dr. Scotland was nominated by the Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally and that nomination was seconded by Minister of Tourism, Ms. Cathy Hughes.

The People’s Progressive Party is still to identity its members who will be taking up the 32 seats that it won at the May 11 elections.

The new Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland served Guyana for a number of years on the international scene as a senior Diplomat. He is also an Attorney who has focused on the area of investment law, negotiations, international law and national resources

Dr. Scotland is also the holder of a Masters of Laws degree and a gained his Doctorate in International Law. He has served as a foreign affairs expert and advisor to both the PNC and PPP governments.

He is the holder of the Cacique Crown of Honour, which is one of Guyana’s highest national awards.

After taking the oath of office, the new Speaker announced immediately that the Deputy Speaker will be nominated by the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic and in the absence of the opposition, the nomination and election of the Deputy Speaker has been put on hold. He then oversaw the swearing in of the members of the 11th Parliament. Only the members of the government side were present.

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EDITORIAL

Government housing

Without entering any polemics, few would honestly deny that the area of “housing” was quite a bright spot in the achievements of the last Administration of the PPP/C.

When the PPP/C took office in 1992, one of its central planks to return Guyana to its feet and hold its head high in the comity of nations, was to make house ownership accessible to every Guyanese family. Twenty-three years later, to a large extent, this goal has been translated into reality.

Starting in 1994, the Government launched a national housing scheme programme focusing on low-income citizens. By 2014, 91 settlements providing some 50,000 housing units were constructed. The Government had estimated that it should build 5200 homes per year for at least 10 years to meet the national housing need.

By 2015, over 18,000 squatting houses were also regularised and over 90,000 house lots had been distributed. Utilising a variety of mechanisms, the past Government more than exceeded its projected goal of 5200 houses annually.

Under the “Low-income Settlement Programmes”, poor households could apply to purchase house lots at subsidised prices. They had up to two years to complete payment to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) after which they received title/transport for the land.

They are then eligible to approach a commercial bank for a loan of up to $5 million (US$25,000) – recently raised to $8 million – at a concessionary low interest negotiated between the Government and bankers for this benefit.

The main prongs of the programme consisted of the construction of core houses and turnkey houses – by the CHPA, remigrant housing programme, and Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR).

In addition to these direct benefits, the CHPA took care of the infrastructure. It prepared the land for demarcation for house lots, roads and drainage in each Government housing scheme.

The CHPA/ Housing and Water Ministry built the roads and drainage (Guyana is flood prone), and brings in the basic infrastructure for water and electricity. The house lot owner pays for the connection to his home from the road or nearest connection point.

On completion of the scheme, the CHPA hands over the scheme to the local government authority – Neighbourhood Democratic Council or municipality. The house lot owner then pays annual rates and taxes to the relevant local government authority.

The subsidies for water and electricity – elderly persons can apply and access an annual waiver on their electricity and water bills once these bills are in their names.

Keith Scott, the new Minister of Communities, under which “housing” is now subsumed in one of his first announcements declared that the Ministry will be constructing 4000 houses in “cohesive communities”.

From his comments, it appears that the difference with the turnkey houses that the previous Administration launched with its pilot 1000-house project at Perseverance (behind Providence, East Bank Demerara) is that in addition to the physical infrastructure provided as described above by the CHPA/ Housing and Water Ministry, there will now be “social infrastructure such as daycare facilities and functioning playgrounds”, as well as ancillary services provided by “community centres, school, churches and pharmacies.”

While the new Minister is to be commended for keeping with his new mandate to cater for “communities” rather than “houses”, he would know that governments cannot build communities, but can only facilitate its creation by its residents.

In terms of “lower income”, housing he would do well to examine the experience of the turnkey houses at Perseverence – the first 150 houses were built and occupied earlier this year.

At that time it was announced that there were over 5000 applications for the remaining 850 houses.

If the Government is going to get into the business of building day care and community centres, etc, these will have to be coordinated with the new Ministry of Social Cohesion. One questions arising is whether the low interest mortgages to facilitate low-income homeowners will be abandoned in favour of direct transfers.

students of school of the nations in Guyana on Friday turned trash into beauty as they hosted an exhibition as part of world environment Day 2015. in picture are students exhibiting wedding apparel made from recyclable material

Dangers to business in cyberspace

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Listening to international cyber security expert, Dr Darren Hayes talk, one would never switch on a computer again, take a call on a smartphone or use any form of social media. He said danger lurks everywhere in cyberspace.

Dr Hayes said last Friday that terrorists and organised criminal groups are increasingly making use of all these devices as well as the internet and social media to commit crime and steal the personal data of unsuspecting users to harness for their criminal activities.

Dr Hayes was the feature speaker at a breakfast workshop, “Mobile apps and social media used by terrorists and organised criminal groups,” held by the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA) on May 28 at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre, St Ann’s.

He is the Director of Cybersecurity and an Asistant Professor at Pace University in New York. According to a handout provided by the ACCA, Dr Hayes is listed as one of the Top Ten Computer Forensics Professors by Forensics Colleges.

According to the handout, Dr Hayes has worked on numerous cases involving digital evidence in both civil and criminal investigations, he served on the board of the High Technology Crime Investigation Association Northeast Chapter and has made numerous appearances on American business television programmes to discuss cyber crime.

He said, “The internet is being used by terrorists to recruit individuals but also to recruit hackers. Hackers are used to break in and destroy networks in the West, everything from banks to government agencies but hackers are also being used to steal money from banks and other institutions to finance their activities. Organised criminal gangs which were traditionally involved in human trafficking, burglary, car theft, all now have cyber capabilities where they steal credit card information and it’s a lot easier than stealing a car because you can sit at your computer and simply hack into a network from your

home and steal a lot more money a lot faster.”

He said the aim of the seminar was not necessarily to scare people but to educate them about the types of information that is being collected about them, the ways that they might be attacked, “and just make people think a couple of times before they post something on the internet or before they download applications to their phones. They need to be aware of the risks associated with that.”

He said he was not expecting to discourage people from using their devices or downloading, “but I think you just maybe need to think about why a game is available for free. Nothing is available for free because you are giving up something when you are downloading something for free. They want something from your phone, or they want something from your computer or they want to find out about you.” He said that unfortunately a lot of companies do not have the right protection to keep their information safe.

He said that feared terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), were very sophisticated. They know the types of social media that young people are using, they know the key terms and phrases that influence them and they are very, very good at propaganda and recruitment.”

He said all this is especially troubling for business because more and more politics is affecting business. He said that when sanctions were imposed on the banking industry in Iran, for instance, there was a backlash in which Iranian hackers hacked into a number of high profile banks in the US in retaliation for the sanctions. “So politics is very, very closely tied with cyber attacks today.”

He said the threat is real and “anybody who has money is a target,” wherever in the world they might live, even in Trinidad and Tobago. And while business people might feel safely insulated from such issues here in this country, Dr Hayes said, “There are so many banks here that work globally and so people need to understand that cyber crime today is global and

so cyber attacks are global and affect Trinidad. As long as there is money here and there is intellectual property here, you are open to attack and attacks will come and there are hackers and some major networks here in Trinidad so people should not think that any nation is insignificant. Everyone is open for attack.”

Brenda Lee Tang, head of ACCA Caribbean, which organised the workshop, said the information was “pretty scary”but it was necessary to raise awareness of the issue both for members of the ACCA and for the wider community.

“We actually have an arrangement with a particular company which goes to schools and talks about cyber bullying and from there we recognised that there was a lot that needed to be done because children are very vulnerable, they don’t know the dangers that lurk over the internet. They are very naive and so they post a lot of very personal information online, not to mention photos, but also your profile.”

She said Dr Hayes hosted a webinar on the subject with the ACCA on Wednesday and even the adults at that session realised “that there were a lot of things that we probably do in our personal lives that we didn’t remember that affects our professional lives.”

She added that people cannot be too careful when using the different communication devices and avenues available today. “Posting things, sharing conversations that you ought not to have about the company, about your personal life, because everything is being captured somewhere.”

In an address to open the workshop, she said, “Stronger connectivity yields greater risks of fraud, theft and abuse, and ACCA is doing all that we can to promote cybersecurity awareness among our members and the general public.”

She added that “theft of digital information has overtaken physical theft as the most commonly reported fraud, and the relative insecurity of the small and medium-sized enterprises is making them a growing focus for cyber attacks.” (TT Newsday)

PPP/C says Guyana Gov’t dishonest, disingenuous about Gy$500B allegations

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) says it has noted with interest the recent absurd claims about hundreds of billions of dollars being siphoned off annually.

The Party’s statement comes on the heels of assertions by the recently appointed Minister of State and Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, Joe Harmon, that the Government was seeking international help after a world bank report had showed that close to Gy$500 billion was being stolen every year.

Harmon maintained that the Government would move to establish and make operational a State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) which would track down the monies and other assets to ensure that they are brought back into the public’s coffers. He said that SARU is part of a multi-pronged approach to stamp out graft and will be independent,

away from the political direction of the administration. It will comprise of members from civil society agencies, the business community and the Guyana Human Rights Association.

He noted reported of instances where several vehicles belonging to the state were transferred under questionable circumstances the week leading up to the May 11 Elections, explaining that the Unit will also be dealing with this issue.

The Minister has also based his position that over Gy$500 billion could be missing based on some research work done by Professor Clive Thomas on the underground economy and the state’s financial management status quo. “In a country where the national budget is Gy$200 billion, the mere illogicality and impracticality of Gy$500 billion being siphoned off every year should be obvious to all,” the PPP/C statement read.

The main opposition party contended that

the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government can provide no sensible explanation of where this money was being sourced from, how it was being siphoned off, by whom and to whom.

The PPP/C maintained that the simple fact of the matter is that the APNU/AFC is now caught with a serious problem on their hands. Since it never intended on deliver any of the promises in their manifesto, it now needs to concoct an explanation as to why they will not be meeting those promises.

The PPP/C also explained that the plain truth is that the political dishonesty of the APNU/AFC Government is about to be disclosed by their failure to deliver any of their first 100-day promises. “And the stage is being carefully set for this great betrayal to be perpetrated on the Guyanese people,” the PPP/C noted. (Guyana Times)

Killing spree continues: 9 murders in 7 days

Guyana records alarming deaths

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: As the worrying crime rate continues to spiral, Guyana recorded an alarming eight deaths in the space of six days.

Over June 3 to June 8, the Police reported on several matters that resulted in persons being killed or injured during criminal activities, including both victims and perpetrators. During this period, some seven persons died. Six other persons lost their lives during the course of May 29 to June 2. This week saw two persons being killed in separate robberies and one person injured; one man was fatally shot during an argument; a couple was murdered in their home; one man was executed and another was injured in the same incident, while a woman was chopped to death by her partner. Furthermore, another man was killed after he opened fire on a Police Officer, injuring him. In addition, two decomposed bodies were found.

An unidentified man was found floating in the Cozier Canal, Region

Two. He died from drowning. Then, the decomposing body of 41-yearold Sasenarine Baljit, of Clifton Settlement, Port Mourant, Corentyne, was discovered on Friday at the Tain Backdam, Corentyne, with suspected shotgun injuries.

This comes two days after the village was plunged into shock, following the discovery of the bodies of Parbatie Vijrauren and Ramdat Persaud of Tain. The woman’s former common-law husband, 26-year-old Ian Boodhoo, was arrested and confessed to the double murder. He was subsequently charged and remanded to prison.

Promoter Manu Durant, 40, of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, was involved in an argument with another man at a popular night spot on North Road, Georgetown, during which he was shot to his chest.

The incident occurred around 04:30h on Thursday. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries a few hours later. His assailant was

nabbed on Saturday at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, a brazen daylight robbery attempt on popular businessman Neezam Khan resulted in him sustaining a gunshot injury along with one of his attackers being killed, while another was injured. Reports revealed that Khan, who is a licensed firearm holder, was at a snackette in Grove, East Bank Demerara, when four men two on motorcycles approached him.One of the men was armed with a handgun and held up the businessman, relieving him of his jewellery. The businessman was shot to his left arm during the process; however,

dy at the Wisroc Police Outpost.

However, while there, he managed to overpower Police Constable Victor Fausette and took away his service revolver.

he managed to open fire on his attackers. One of them, Michael Grant, was hit to his chest and pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Another perpetrator, Curtis Vasconcellos, shot to his neck and right hand. He was admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital under guard. Police are currently hunting for the two other assailants who fled the scene.

The next day saw Police Officers shooting to death a young man who had escaped from custody after injuring a rank. Eighteen-year-old Regan Richards, of One Mile Extension, Wismar, was arrested on Sunday and taken into custo-

The teenager shot the Police rank above his left ear and escaped with the firearm. Ranks went to Richard’s home, where they came under fire from the teenager. The Police returned fire, hitting him to his body. He was taken to the Mackenzie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Around 21:40h the same day, a group of men were under a shed at North Sophia, Georgetown, when a car drove up and a man armed with a firearm exited, discharging rounds in their direction. Colin Kendall called “Bow Foot” of North Sophia was hit about his body and subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Another man identified as Keith Nedd was hit to his left side and was admitted to hospital where he was treated before being dis-

charged. The gunman escaped in the waiting car.

Then on Monday, 18-year-old Keith Daniels was fatally stabbed during a robbery. It was reported that around 01:50h, the teenager was walking home with a relative when they were confronted by three men.

One of the men was armed with a sharp object, which he used to stab the teenager to his chest.

The three perpetrators escaped while the injured young man was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. On Tuesday, a 42-year-old woman was hacked to death by a man she shared a relationship with.

Reports revealed that the woman, Carol Shako of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, had an argument with the man during which she was struck to her head and chopped to her neck with an axe. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. The suspect has been arrested. (Guyana Times)

Ramotar unafraid of Guyana Gov't's forensic audit

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Completely convinced that the widespread allegations of a corrupt People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is utterly fallacious, Central and Executive Member of the Party and Former President Donald Ramotar said he fully supports any forensic audit spearheaded by the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government to detect the slightest evidence of illegality and unscrupulousness within the former administration.

In fact, Ramotar pointed out that both the APNU and AFC, when in Opposition, constantly accused the PPP/C Government of being in-

volved in all sorts of misconduct but yet, since occupying office, they cannot find any evidence of such; now they have to resort to using a “microscope” with the hopes of discovering something amiss. “The way they spoke about corruption in our country when they were in the Opposition, I think it should not be difficult to find corruption. The fact that they are not finding anything tells you that what they are saying is not true. I think they should bring in experts from abroad, if they want to bring in, and let them audit the big projects,” he said. Contrary to the information being peddled by the APNU/ AFC, Ramotar insists and maintains that the PPP/C has nothing to hide. “I am very con-

vinced that these projects had no corruption in them. The Marriott, we had public open bid tender…the Amaila Falls, we had partnership with Blackstone, a reputable company. It is surprising the distortion and lies peddled in the press before elections; and up to now they are saying they want to set up some

body to look for this or that. If they have to get a microscope to look…I would have thought they would have just walked in and find these things with the way they were behaving,” he insisted.

With this in mind, Ramotar reiterated that the PPP/C has nothing to hide and this is clearly evident in the

J’ca Gov't rakes in Ja$18.5b from property taxes over 2011-2014

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The government collected Ja$18.5 billion in property taxes over the past four fiscal years, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Noel Arscott has disclosed.

Arscott made the disclosure in the House of Representatives last week while responding to questions on the tax tabled by the Opposition's spokesman on local government, Desmond McKenzie, who had accused the Government of doing less with the significant increases in property tax revenues over the period.

"On one hand, substantially more is being charged and is, in fact, being collected in property taxes. But, on the other hand, substantially less is being delivered to taxpayers in terms of services," McKenzie insisted in his recent contribution to the sectoral debate, citing garbage collection as one example.

"Every so often we see stockpiles of garbage strewn in and around communities -- garbage waiting to be collected, but there are no garbage trucks in sight," he contended.

Following the debate, McKenzie tabled a number of questions on the property tax collection, which the minister answered at last Tuesday's meeting of the House.

According to Arscott, collections of property

taxes over the past four fiscal years are as follows: 2011/12, Ja$2.51 billion; 2012/13, Ja$2.8 billion; 2013/14, Ja$5.83 billion; and 2014/15, Ja$7.447 billion.

The revenues totalled Ja$18.587 billion, but the minister explained that the figure included an administrative fee of 2.5 per cent withheld by Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ). He also indicated that the compliance rate had increased from 50 per cent in the first two years, to 51 per cent in 2013/14 and 54 per cent in 2014/15.

Asked by McKenzie about the areas of expenditure, Arscott said that 10 per cent of the revenues go into the ministry's Equalisation Fund, from which parish councils may apply for funding on a needs basis.

The other areas of expenditure listed by the minister over the four years were as follows:

* Street lighting -Ja$666 million; Ja$470 million; Ja$2 billion; and Ja$2 billion;

* Public cleansing --

Ja$1.1 billion; Ja$1.3 billion; Ja$1.8 billion; and Ja$2.4 billion; and

* Administrative expenses -- Ja$466.5 million; Ja$492.6 million; Ja$842 million; Ja$1.2 billion

Meanwhile, close to Ja$27 billion was spent on "promotional expenses", and Ja$328 million public water supply (standpipes).

McKenzie also wanted to know the percentage of the revenues allocated to respective parish councils, the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and the Portmore Municipality.

Arscott said that, after deducting the 2.5 per cent administrative fee paid to the TAJ, 90 per cent of the remainder collected in each parish is allocated to that parish's local authority. The same is done for the KSAC and the Portmore Municipal Council.

The KSAC, as expected, received the bulk of the funds, between Ja$603.5 million in 2011/12 and

fact that the APNU/AFC is yet to uncover something fraudulent or corrupt. He assured that they will not and thus challenged them to pursue the forensic audit.

Recently, the Cabinet granted approval for forensic audits to be conducted in 30 state agencies, national projects and private accounts.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had disclosed to the public that the new Government will be investigating agencies such as the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with the hopes of discovering evidence of corruption.

Jordan explained that the audits are being conducted to determine how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. According to reports in other sections of the media, funding for the project will come from “international and independent donors”. The Government has since contracted several private auditing firms.

Also, reports indicated that the APNU/AFC Government has no interest in using Guyana’s audit office to conduct the investigation. In fact, the Government assured that highly qualified, credible and competent persons will be selected to carry out this critical task. (Guyana Times)

Independent, Opposition senators slam TT Gov't rush

Ja$2.2 billion last year; Manchester was next with between Ja$259 million in 2011/2 and Ja$579 million last year; followed by St James with Ja$226.3 million and Ja$510 million.

Parish councils with the least benefit from the funds were: St. Thomas with Ja$44.8 million (2011) and Ja$86.4 million last year; Portland with Ja$52 million and Ja$115 million; and Hanover with Ja$73 million and Ja$132 million.

Arscott said that the funds were to be used to pay for street lighting, public cleansing, standpipes and promotional and administrative expenses.

In response to McKenzie's query about payments from the funds for street lights, Arscott said that close to Ja$6 billion was paid to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for street lighting over the period, with the KSAC paying the most -- Ja$146.7 -and St Thomas paying the least at Ja$13 million.

However, Arscott said that, up to April 15, 2015, the local authorities owed the JPS Ja$3.1 billion for street lighting, up from Ja$704.2 million in 2011/12. He added that for the current financial year, 2015/16, up to May 21, Ja$1.7 billion had been paid to the JPS.

Figures for payments for garbage collection over the four years totalled Ja$6.6 billion. (Jamaica Observer)

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Government lost its bet on Monday to have the Gambling Bill passed in Parliament as members of the Independent and Opposition benches called for it to be sent to a Joint Select Committee.

Leader of Government Business Ganga Singh called for debate on the bill to be adjourned.

Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi was the first voice against the bill.

“I think it’s gross irresponsibility that the Government, sitting on this bill for 18 months, did not bring it to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament because workers’ rights are being affected,” he said.

Al-Rawi said under the bill, workers can find themselves jailed and subject to multimilliondollar fines because the “Government has not thought through its legislation properly”.

He said it was a “gross dereliction of duty” by the Government to try and “shove the bill in the face of people” at the last minute.

Independent Senator Helen Drayton was the next to voice her dissent.

Drayton said she was not a “very happy camper”.

Drayton said she wanted to ensure the workers knew it was not

a case of the independent bench not supporting the legislation.

“I want the workers of the industry to know that they must not feel that I do not wish to support this legislation, or anyone else on the independent bench who is like-minded. I am sure that all of us want to see laws regulating the gambling and betting industry, but we must ensure that any law has thorough scrutiny of the Senate.”

Drayton questioned how the Government could manage the gaming industry when it cannot get audited financial statements from the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

Independent Senator Dr Rolph Balgobin said a “careful road” needed to be “traversed” because of the amount of people who would be affected by the bill. (TT

Fifa fiasco may affect TT polls

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Political analyst Maukesh Basdeo says the current Fifa scandal involving Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner and subsequent allegations about his financing of the United National Congress (UNC) in 2010 could make a huge impact on voters, thus affecting the results of a poll showing Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar leading in the Barataria/San Juan constituency.

The poll, which was conducted before the scandal broke by H.H.B and Associates and featured on the On the Margin show on CNC3 last night, indicated that

42.8 per cent of constituents polled in the area felt Persad-Bissessar would make the best Prime Minister.

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley was voted

Guyanese

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: A family was on Sunday morning held up by three masked men and robbed at gunpoint of Gy$1.5 million at their Waterloo Street home in Georgetown. The incident occurred sometime between 01:00h and 04:00h.

Young businessman Abdul Saif Kadir was returning home through the passageway with two friends when they were attacked by three masked gunmen. The perpetrators then began to search the young men for valuables and found Kadir’s house keys in his pocket. They forced the businessman into the house at gunpoint, and began to search for valuables. Upon hearing the

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill says Government will be amending the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Act to clamp down on persons operating businesses in the tourism industry without proper registration and licences.

"We are ramping up efforts to boost compliance with guidelines within the sector. We have had constant consultations and will be amending the JTB Act to make it more effective, by introducing stiffer penalties and increased fines," Dr McNeill said.

The minister was addressing the 54th Annual General Meeting

the best option for Prime Minister by 30.6 per cent of respondents while Warner trailed behind with eight per cent.

In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Basdeo

noise, the young man’s mother, Bibi Nafeesah Kadir, and another relative woke up. The bandits then held the man’s

said current issues involving Warner and allegations against the PM would impact the results.

“These polls represent a snapshot in time but opinions can change

with new information,” Basdeo said, adding the issues, including criminal charges against Warner and ongoing public statements from both Warner and the People’s Partnership members were very serious issues.

“If a similar poll was conducted this or next week, the results would change.”

He said there was no way to know how the news would affect voters.

He added: “The scenarios would change. We can only speculate but the new info would have an impact.

“The central figure is Mr Warner. There could be a sympathy vote for Warner... that eight per cent could evaporate.

“There could be a de-

crease but if there is a decrease, the question is where would those votes go. The percentage decrease would result in an increase for someone else, whether Dr Rowley or the Prime Minister.”

Another analyst, Dr Bishnu Ragoonath, had a different view.

“The results of the poll may not necessarily change but people may start to challenge Mr Warner’s credibility.

“It would not create any significant impact on the ratings of the Prime Minister at this time,” Ragoonath said.

He added that whatever the polls said at the moment only represented what was occurring at that present time. (TT Guardian)

mother at gunpoint and demanded cash and valuables. They then went into her bedroom where they retrieved a bag containing Gy$1.5 million in cash; three Guyanese passports with two active United States visas in the passports, one belonging to the young man and the other to his deceased father, Zulfiekir Kadir. After securing the items, the three perpetrators made good on their escape.

A report was subsequently made at the Brickdam Police Station and an investigation is undergoing. (Guyana Times)

and Convention of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and

Spa in Montego Bay last Saturday.

"While we seek to grow our tourism sector, we also have to regu-

late the industry. While most of you here are regulated, there are many others who refuse to be compliant and who place themselves, the industry and Brand Jamaica at significant risk," Dr McNeill said.

He told the industry leaders that he will be taking recommendations to Cabinet for drafting instructions within the next three months.

"The onus is on each and every player in the sector to comply with the relevant guidelines. Compliance with the required standards is very important to the success of the sector, as it improves the overall quality of our tourism product," the minister said. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana’s Finance Ministry to set up tax reform committee

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Government will be keeping its promise to review the tax system and this process will begin soon, according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

During a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Minister said, “The 100-day agenda that talks to the review of VAT, etc, those are attracting immediate attention. Within the 100 days, we are expected to put together a tax reform committee that is expected to look in a more long-term way about taxes in general.”

He pointed out that as the Minister of Finance, he does not favour ad-hoc approaches to taxation, “particularly if you do not have the benefit of a study to know what would happen if you do x, or you do y, but I agree with the public, you should clamour to pay low taxes. Citizen Jordan will be clamouring for low taxes, but Minister Jordan is a different story, and every time somebody makes a demand for reduction and has all the right reasons, you have to know what the reduction will result in, in actually loss of revenue, or gain in revenue.”

He added that he learnt that in terms of

what you call ‘poor people items’, there are 150 of these that are already exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT). “There are little that is left that could attract further zero rate, so it makes for good appeal, so when you look and see there is almost nothing left, to entertain further reduction is to narrow the tax base.” It was pointed out that a reduction in some areas could result in an increased tax rate, but already there has been a call for the reduction in the rate. “Now when you look at it on two sides, there’s a clamour on the revenue side to reduce, effectively reducing revenues. There’s a clamour on the expenditure side to effectively increase wages.”

This increase, Minister Jordan said, would effectively increase expenditure. As Minister in the “hot seat”, he said that he has to look at all of these factors and ensure there is “a judicious mix”. He explained, “You’re not going to please all the people on the expenditure side, and you’re not going to please all the people on the revenue side who are asking for the decline. What you’re hoping for is a balance and you’re hoping that it will net out at the end of the day.” (Guyana Times)

TT PM too busy for national debate

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is busy running the country at the moment and will focus her attention on a national debate after she calls the election date.

This is according to the PM’s debates negotiator, attorney Larry Lalla, who on Sunday wrote to Lorraine O’Connor, project manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission.

attorney larry lalla

“I affirm the Prime Minister’s position that she is willing to debate the issues that are relevant to the forthcoming general election and the future of our country and its citizens,” said Lalla. “However, at present, I am sure you would appreciate, the Prime Minister’s focus is on governing the country, improving people’s lives and delivering a better future for each and every one of its citizens.

“Her present focus is on the delivery of goods and services in the areas of health care, crime reduction, education, infrastructure development and management of the economy, which is in accordance to the mandate that was given to her in the last general election and in accordance with the full expectations of our population. Indeed, the national public have a right to demand nothing less of the Prime Minister. When an election is called, and in good time, we will discuss who should host the debate, who will participate in same and what the format should be,” Lalla added.(TT Express)

Saint Lucian embassy in Taiwan now open

TAIPEI, TAIWAN: The government of Saint Lucia opened an embassy last Thursday in Taiwan – the Caribbean country’s first in Asia, in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Saint Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, and attended by minister for external affairs, international trade and civil aviation Alva Baptiste; permanent representative of Saint Lucia to the United Nations Menissa Rambally; and other Saint Lucian officials. Also present were Taiwan’s Foreign Minister David Lin,

Taiwan’s ambassador to Saint Lucia James Chang and other Taiwanese foreign affairs officials.

During his visit, Anthony met with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jieu, to whom he stressed Saint Lucia’s appreciation for the support received from Taiwan. He also thanked the Taiwan president for the continuous funding of the Constituency Development Program

(CDP), which has provided thousands of jobs across all 17 constituencies in Saint Lucia.

The prime minister also visited with Saint Lucian students in Taiwan.

Taiwan and Saint Lucia have maintained close cooperation in public health, education, infrastructure and culture since the two countries resumed diplomatic relations in 2007. (caribbeannewsnow)

José Graziano da Silva reelected FAO Director-General

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Incumbent Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General José Graziano da Silva was Saturday re-elected to a second term with the highest number of votes ever in the history of the Organisation.

In the ballot by FAO member countries, Graziano da Silva received a total of 177 out of 182 votes cast. Addressing the plenary after his re-election, Graziano da Silva reaffirmed FAO´s commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition.

Nominated by Brazil, Graziano da Silva was the only candidate during this year’s election cycle. His new term will run from July 31, 2015 to July 2019. The election took place on the first day of

FAO’s biennial governing Conference (June 6-13).

Since taking up the post of FAO Director General in 2012, Graziano da Silva has spearheaded major transformational changes within the Organisation, making FAO more responsive to its members’ needs. He sharpened the focus of FAO’s work on five strategic objectives, with the new goal of totally eradicating hunger and

PPP/C blasts Opposition for targeting public servants in Guyana

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA:

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Saturday said it continues to view with deep concern the usurpation of functions of independent constitutional bodies, gross violations of the Constitution of Guyana and the trampling of workers’ rights by the new de-facto Administration.

The party in a statement to the media explained that dozens of workers in the Public Sector continue to be victimised, harassed, sanctioned and dismissed without due observance of natural justice, the rule of law and due process and they are being replaced by party hacks and cronies.

The PPP/C said that

malnutrition. He also reinforced institutional capacities both in the agency’s headquarters and in the field; found significant cost-savings by streamlining administrative procedures; increased collaboration with external partners; and enhanced support for South-South Cooperation.

Graziano da Silva joined FAO in 2006 as the head of its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean and was first elected Director General on June 26, 2011. Prior to that he led the team that designed Brazil’s highly-successful “Zero Hunger” (“Fome Zero”) programme and led its initial implementation. José Graziano da Silva is the eighth FAO Director General since the Organisation’s founding in 1945. (Guyana Times)

all of these ordinary workers are being punished because of their perceived support for the PPP, as it explained that the workers have families to maintain and loans to pay, even as their livelihood and their homes are now put in jeopardy.

“One Minister has disclosed to his staff that he is executing political directions and that thousands of party faithfuls of the APNU have been promised jobs and therefore jobs have to be provided. Qualifications and meritocracy are therefore being sacrificed at the altar of political cronyism”, the statement posited.

Comparing the situation to “ethnic and political cleansing”, the PPP/C said that the

Government was failing to honour its promise to avoid embarking on witch-hunts.

“The Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission, two important independent constitutional entities, are now openly and publicly being given political directions in terms of “who to hire and who to fire”. Two Ministers; Khemraj Ramjattan and Semona Broomes, are on record giving such directions”, the statement said.

The party said it was aware that the Public Service Commission only recently conducted interviews with a view of hiring qualified persons to fill certain vacancies in the Public Sector, including the Director of Youth position but Trevor Williams, an AFC Executive member, was handpicked and appointed to this position.

“In the face of such authoritarianism, rampant discrimination, unconstitutionalities and vulgar violations of workers’ rights, we note the deafening silence of the Trade Union Movement, the Guyana Bar Association, the Guyana Women Lawyers Association, The Guyana Human Rights Association, Transparency International, Amnesty International, Red Thread and those who masquerade as champions of human rights, the rule of law and democracy”, the PPP/C noted. (Guyana Times)

Jamaica’s Youth Minister says thanks on Instagram

K

INGSTON, JAMAICA

- Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna expressed gratitude after escaping major injuries in a motor vehicle collision Sunday night.

The incident is reported to have occurred near the Spanish Town exit of Highway 2000 as the minister was heading into Kingston. She was a passenger in one of the motor vehicles.

"I want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers," she wrote in a post to her Instagram page.

"My driver and I are safely at home... No broken bones or fractures but we have been asked to rest," she continued,

insisting that that is a difficult task for her.

The minister said her thoughts and prayers are with the other people who had been involved in another crash and had been rushed to hospital before her collision.

Reports are that the motor vehicle Hanna

was travelling in collided with a Honda Accord after it cut its speed upon approaching an accident on the highway. The occupants of the Honda motorcar were also taken to hospital where they were reportedly treated and released.

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyana: 29 held in human trafficking raid

…victims mostly foreigners from Latin America

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Twenty-nine non-nationals were apprehended in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) following an exercise carried out by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes and a team of officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons(TIP) Unit and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO).

This operation, which was executed at approximately 01:45h Sunday at a popular hotel and a bar, was led by the Minister herself, who acted on a tip-off she received while visiting the region on Saturday. The alleged victims are between 20 and 30 years of age, and are citizens of Dominica, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. Four were in the country illegally and a similar number overstayed their time. The victims, along with two alleged perpetrators, were escorted by Police

Officers to Georgetown where a proper investigation is expected to be conducted, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Of the 29 persons, 11 are likely to face charges and possible deportation, while the others will be assisting in the investigations.

“I am Broomes and I will not miss a sweep,” the Minister said, ref-

Ruling National Democratic Party wins BVI polls

ROAD TOWN, BRITISH VIRGIN

ISLANDS: – The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) was returned to office on Monday after it won a commanding victory in the general election.

Preliminary results released showed that that NDP, headed by Premier D Orlando Smith seven of the nine constituencies with the main opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) winning the remaining two seats.

The NDP also took the top four positions in the At Large Elections, with Premier Smith polling 2,212 votes.

He was topped by his NDP colleague Myron Vernel Walwyn who received 2,233 votes. The

other successful NDP candidates are Ronnie Skelton (2,063) and Archibald c Christian (1,806).

A total of 42 candidates contested the elections for the 13 member House of Assembly.

The results showed that VIP leader Julian Fraser, who led the party into an election for the first time having taken over from 81-year-old Ralph T O’Neal, who opted not to seek-re-election, won District 3 by a margin of 596 to 561 over the NDP’s Kevin Smith.

The other successful VIP candidate is Andrew A Fahie, who held on to District One, defeating two other candidates. Fahie polled 652 votes as compared to 277 for the NDP’s Shaina Mary Ann Smith and 69 for the independent Preston Stoute. The VIP had entered the elections with four seats in the last Parliament.

The other political parties – People’s Empowerment Party (PEP) and the People’s Progressive Coalition (PPC) – failed to win any seat in the election that was monitored by a team from the Commonwealth. (CMC)

erencing her name. She pointed out that the Social Protection Ministry will be aggressively tackling human trafficking throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. “It’s a great feeling. I know that when I was honoured as a TIP hero I had taken an oath to work with Government, civil society and individuals in bring-

ing Guyana to a decent stage internationally… definitely, with the power invested in me, these are some of the things I will take on. I have been there, I know what’s going on, and I know what to look for,” Minister Broomes emphasised.

The Minister explained that persons are now ‘beating’ the borders and gaining en-

try into Guyana illegally. It was observed that this is a trend by persons from Dominica especially. The Minister further indicated that the hotel owner is a flagged person and the GWMO has been monitoring his activities for a long time. “…there are also persons from Baroombar in Georgetown up here now. We have noticed a shift in how it is running. We got information of his connection internationally and that also is proving right, because, for example, one of the young ladies arrived from Dominica yesterday (Saturday),” the Minister pointed out.

The alleged perpetrators also had the victims’ passports in their possession. According to Minister Broomes, one of the alleged perpetrators who was charged with TIP and released on Gy$1 million bail, was also held for questioning after she walked into the station with two of the girls’ passports. The Minister was also in contact with Public Security Minister

Khemraj Ramjattan whom she said indicated that he wanted a thorough investigation into the matter.

“I’m pleased so far that the minister is on top of this, and has instructed a thorough investigation, because we have lots of persons who are here illegally. One Brazilian was refused entry into Barbados and she returned here and she has an immigration officer number in her phone that she contacted,” Minister Broomes noted.

She said the aim was not to scare anyone, but rather to protect them and ensure they are in Guyana legally, not held against their will, and should have their passport in their possession. This was the largest such operation in Bartica and it demonstrated the new Administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to eradicate TIP, not only in Bartica and Region Seven, but Guyana as a whole. (Guyana Times)

Water crisis cripples Tobago tourism industry

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The water crisis in Tobago is not only affecting residents but also hotels and beaches across the island, including Pigeon Point Heritage Park, along with ANR Robinson International Airport.

World-renowned Pigeon Point Beach turned away many tourists on Sunday as there was no water at the establishment.

Both locals and tourists were told at the security booth that the facility was closed due to no water.

Pigeon Point Heritage Park administrative assistant Marion Baynes confirmed the situation.

“Later in the afternoon on Sunday, a requested truck-borne water supply arrived and all tanks were filled. We are trying at this time to monitor usage of the water supply at the facility,” Baynes said.

ANR Robinson International Airport was not spared as passengers in the domestic waiting area were greeted with signs of the toilet facilities being out of order over the weekend, due to a lack of water.

Airport officials told the media this problem

existed during the entire dry season, when the toilet facilities were closed intermittently because there was no water.

“There were some changes in the plumbing system earlier this year, following ongoing repair works at the airport and, since then, the water problems have been consistent, adding to the already dry season,” said an official who asked not to be named.

Efforts to contact Leslie Charles, deputy general manager of Operations at the airport, proved futile.

And several hotels and guest houses are also facing dry taps and some have closed their doors.

Others along Store Bay Local Road have been depending on truck-borne supplies to remain open.

One guest house owner told media operatives she has had to refund many of her customers.

“The situation is so bad along the western side of the island we have to resort to using our pool water to flush our toilets. The situation is nothing short of a disaster. We now depend on a truck-borne supply,” the owner said.

A Tobago resident, who is a member of the protective services, said she is quite upset with WASA as the four tanks at her home were empty on Sunday.

“My taps are dry, I have no water. My husband and I have to either pay for water or find another area where there is a supply. We usually fill barrels,” she said. Some residents of Mason Hall also complained there was no water in their taps, while villages such as Castara and Charlotteville had an irregular water supply.

Two weeks ago, head of WASA Tobago Raffie David claimed there was no water shortage in Tobago, but that is little comfort to those who are experiencing dry taps, with many tourists checking out of some hotels and guest houses on the island. (TT Express)

Grades withheld again from UWI students

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Students at The University of the West Indies' (The UWI) St Augustine campus are feeling a sense of déjà vu as, for the second successive semester, grades are being withheld.

The Students' Guild is now requesting that the university's Summer School registration period, which ended on Saturday, be reopened as a result of the non-release of grades.

The first semester of UWI's 2014-2015 academic year ended on December 19.

Grades for that semester were withheld as lecturers began protest action against the administration over salary arrears.

The students protested over the non-issuance of their grades as it affected their registration for the second semester, which began on January 18.

At the end of January, the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT), the union representing lecturers and administration at the St Augustine campus, was able to settle its impasse and grades were eventually released on February 6.

Grades for semester two are now being withheld and this is being linked to ongoing protest action with non-academic staff at the university.

During semester two, examinations held in April at the Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC) at the St Augustine campus were interrupted by a group of 35 silent protesters who walked around the room.

The protesters wore Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) T-shirts and walked around for 15 minutes, without any intervention from the invigilators.

Semester II at The

UWI St Augustine campus ended on May 15.

Semester III, commonly known as Summer School, began on May 18.

The Students' Guild on Sunday sent an email to campus registrar Richard Saunders calling for the Summer School registration period to be reopened.

"As a matter of urgency, the Guild of Students is asking that you please give the necessary correspondence to have the Summer School registration period reopened," stated a letter signed by Students' Guild secretary Nikoli Edwards.

"The Guild president has indicated that stemming from a conversation between you both, an assurance was given that you would consult with the Examinations Department.

"However, to date, no new information has been given on this matter or changes observed," the letter added.

The Guild said it has been "inundated" with emails from students on the issue.

"Administration is yet to provide the Guild in writing with a definite date by which grades will be released," the letter stated.

"The Guild is therefore of the firm view that the Campus' Administration has failed the students in this regard. Communication is key to our relationship and this continues to be overlooked," it said.

Summer School is traditionally used as a period for full-time students who fail exams to repeat courses, as well as a means for both parttime and evening students to complete required courses.

"Due to the non-release of official grades to the students by the registration deadline date for Summer School, a number of students have

Caricom will be at forefront of APNU+AFC administration’s foreign policy – Guyana’s President Granger

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government will be prioritising regional integration, President David Granger according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Asked about future cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, the President said that as someone who studied in that country, he was very grateful and respectful of the hospitality shown to him.

Community”.

President Granger will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, and he said he intends to translate talk into action, hence his main reason for choosing an economist to head that key post, because he is “talking economics”.

been up in arms as to whether they need to resit courses or whether they have been successful in their first attempt at the course," the letter stated.

The Guild said the new grade point system adopted by the UWI this academic year has also affected the student's ability to "truly predict a potential outcome" of exams. (TT Express)

His first meeting on taking office was to engage with Caricom Secretary General Dr Irwin LaRocque, and President Granger said that he gave his assurance that the Caribbean Community will be at the forefront of his administration’s foreign policy.

He added that all are aware of the close bonds among Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana, as they were the first four independent states in the region.

“I will be going to the Caribbean Heads of Government meeting, next July, and I look forward to meeting with the heads of all 14 countries so that we can advance the Caribbean

The President was asked about efforts to have many in the Diaspora return to Guyana’s shores. He noted that given the fact that many overseas based Guyanese returned home to vote, the APNU+AFC Administration has already commenced attracting members of the Diaspora to return on their own.

In terms of cooperation on the national level with the former government, he explained that with the political opposition gaining 32 Parliamentary seats, a large portion of Guyanese supported them. It is with this in mind, he said that the PPP/C has been written to, with the aim of forming a “Government of National Unity”.

This, President Granger said, was part of “the strategy of forming a government of national unity”. (Guyana Times)

Guyana Gov’t to return power to Local Democratic Organs – Bulkan

…hinterland regions to benefit from infrastructural development

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Government will be phasing out central Government’s domination and usurpation of Local Democratic Organs powers practiced by the former Administration, says Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. The Minister highlighted this vision to staff members during a recent introductory meeting at the Ministry’s Kingston boardroom.

He informed them that “the Ministry sees its task as equipping and empowering the local bodies to manage their own affairs and better serve communities.” The Ministry’s future role would be one of oversight in keeping with the laws governing Local Government.

Bulkan emphasised that “the authors of the 1980 Constitution were aware out of experience that Guyana is too large to be effectively and efficiently managed from the centre and vested powers in the Local Democratic Organs.”

However, particularly over the past 15 years provisions relating to local democracy were honoured in the breach.

The Minister related that the Ministry of Communities will be devoting its attention and resources to help develop the four hinterland regions.

“These regions are blessed with spectacular natural beauty and are rich in resources but lack opportunities and poverty overshadows the population. As such, Government will be focusing on job creation via sustainable economic ventures, infrastructure and community development to ensure residents have a good life.”

The sorrowful state, he noted, of the Local Democratic Organs and the hinterland regions are reflected in the conditions under which the staffers of the Departments for Local Government and Regional Development operate. “The workers were vocal about their

poor cramped working conditions that were ignored for years and interference in personnel matters,” he stated.

Bulkan related that central to the vision of the David Granger’s Administration is improved working conditions for public servants, payment of decent wages and salaries, and permanent employment rather than contract employment. He added that “there will be no interference in personnel matters and public servants would be given the opportunity to function as professionals.”

Reflecting on President Granger’s charge to Guyana’s most senior public servants, Bulkan said the public service would be the engine to bring development to Guyana. He explained that “public servants have to address the growing inequity and inequality in society. They must be responsive to the needs of the people as well as resourceful, relevant and reliable.” (Guyana Times)

Trinidad: Top cop’s son in court

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Police Constable Justin Abraham, son of veteran crime fighter Senior Superintendent Johnny Abraham, appeared before a Tunapuna magistrate on Monday charged with misbehaviour in public office.

The constable, who has a six- year career in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), appeared before Magistrate Gillian David Scotland in the First Court.

He was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and demanding money by menace.

The charges were laid indictably and he was not called upon to enter a plea.

PC Abraham, 26, from Caparo, was represented by attorney Taradath Singh.

After submissions to the court, bail was granted at TT$350,000 to cover all charges and the matter is expected to resume on July 6.

Speaking to the media after the matter was called, Senior Supt Abraham of the Central Division, who was in court to support his son, said he had faith in the

justice system to exonerate his son from all allegations.

While he described the situation as “unfortunate” he said that since the matter was before the courts, he must allow due process to follow its course and could not comment further.

PC Abraham was charged with the offences on Sunday morning after he was positively pointed out during an identification parade on Saturday night at the Port of Spain CID building on St Vincent Street, Port of Spain.

Charges were said to have been laid by Sgt Daniel of the TTPS’s Professional Standards Bureau.

According to sources, investigations were launched into the actions of the constable fol-

lowing reports of an incident at Aquarius Bar in Tunapuna on May 30, where it was alleged he had a confrontation with another man.

Following this incident, the man left the bar and made his way home, but the constable allegedly followed him to his home in Arouca.

At the home, the two men engaged in another confrontation in which it was further alleged that the constable reversed into the man’s gate. The man demanded reimbursement for this action, but the constable allegedly told the man whom he was and dared him to make a report to the police.

The confrontation soon became physical, and it is alleged the man slapped the constable. The constable in turn allegedly held the man by his neck before pushing him away. It is alleged as well that the constable pulled out his personal firearm and fired shots into the air as a warning.

The man went inside his home and the officer left the scene.

A short while later, the man went to Tunapuna Police Station where he made a report on the alleged incident.

(TT Guardian)

Mixed reactions among public to Jamaica’s new education policy

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaicans on Monday expressed mixed views on the education ministry's plan to this year start placing new secondary level students in high schools close to where they live.

According to Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, the aim is to cut down on travel time and the gathering of students at bus parks which, he said, encourages idleness and other negative behaviours.

While some people greeted the news with anger, others gave it their support but called for more planning.

"I am not in support of this plan. If a child pass for a traditional high school they should be rewarded and placed at the school where they passed for," said Georgina Collington.

"Fix the education system, provide resources in the non-traditional high schools before you put in place such a system," added Collington.

Rushena Gordon agreed: "More needs to be done before such a system is introduced. For now, students should be placed at the school that they pass for."

Andrea Hall also supported those views. "I don't believe in that. I want my child to go to the school he or she passed for," she said.

"To put in a system like that is too sudden, they need more time, more discussions," said Ashlie Edwards.

Michael Rowe also opposed the plan. "I am against it. To

me, a lot of the times traditional schools are more equipped and I believe if a child works towards going to one of these institutions they should not be held back," he argued.

However, Alfred Wright saw no problem with the decision.

"I think such a system can help to take some of the pressure off parents; less bus fare to pay, instead of being forced to send students to institutions located miles away," he said.

Corine Edwards took a middle-of-the road approach. "I am at a crossroads. It all depends," she said. "The travelling distance to school is always a problem, so that factor cannot be ignored. But I also think more planning should be done before the idea is implemented."

Meanwhile, Opposition spokeswoman on education and youth Senator Kamina Johnson Smith called on Thwaites to urgently clarify the policy. "Not only is the Jamaican education system not ready for this type of general placement system, but there has been no Ministry Paper before Parliament or official communication to schools or parents about a change of approach," Johnson Smith said.

"When the ministry is able to generally equalise the resources available to our schools; when the performance of primary and secondary schools are generally improved across the board, geographic placement will make sense," she added. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana cops MDG award for reducing hunger

…Agriculture Minister receives honour in Rome while attending several meetings

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: Guyana was bestowed an award for achieving the distinction of meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG), relating to hunger. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder was in attendance in Rome, Italy, for three specialised meetings, as well as for issues regarding Guyana’s membership of various agriculturally related organisations. The Minister also received the prestigious award for Guyana’s success in meeting the MDG in relation to hunger.

The first meeting he attended was the Thirty-ninth Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations’ (FAO) Biennial Conference, the General Meeting of FAO. This meeting’s agenda included the appointment of the Director General of the Organisation, Dr. Jose Graziano da Silva. The present Director General was returned unopposed almost unanimously. The count showed that of the 179 countries eligible to vote, 177 voted in his favour.

Guyana’s presence at these forums is very significant. The

country, because of its topographical and geographical setting in a coastal zone being below sea level and thus prone to flooding, is a member of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Prudent watch is therefore always necessary as rising sea levels, increasing air and sea surface temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns, as well as the impact of natural disasters and the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems, are always matters that impinge on the ‘Sustainable Development’ of these types of countries.

The second meeting was vital as it provided an opportunity for SIDS to share experiences and highlight priorities

to achieve sustainable development for ‘Food Security and Nutrition.’ Guyana’s success thus far in this area is universally accepted. Guyana has made outstanding progress in MDG1, particularly in the area of halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.

Guyana is also among 38 countries which have met internationally-established targets in the fight against hunger, ahead of the deadline set for 2015. In addition, the country has also met the more stringent World Food Summit (WFS) goal, having reduced by half the absolute number of undernourished people between 1990-92 and 2010-2012.

The final meeting was a Special Event ceremony on June 7, entitled “Completing the Millennium Development Goals Round: recognising achievements in the fight against hunger.” The occasion saw Guyana, as one of four countries in CARICOM, receiving special honour for having achieved the distinction of meeting either the “World Food Summit (WFS) targets and/or the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)” in relation to hunger. (GINA)

Exxon Mobil reminds oil search contract is with Guyana …as

Gov’t

responds swiftly to Maduro’s threats

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Venezuelan

President Nicolas Maduro, in a glaring about turn of foreign policy from predecessor Hugo Chavez, has signed an official Presidential Decree, in the neighbouring South American country, claiming just over two thirds of Guyana’s territory, including its offshore jurisdiction. The Guyana Government has since swiftly responded to Maduro and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela’s attempt to annex maritime spaces pertaining to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana as downright illegal, and an act that will be resisted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the David Ganger-led Administration, earlier this week, by way of public missive, dismissed the

Maduro decree, saying it “cannot be applicable to any part of Guyana’s territory and any attempt by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to apply that instrument in an extra-territorial manner will be vigorously resisted by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

The Guyana Government said it will spare no effort in bringing to the attention of the international community this aggressive and illegal act by Venezuela.

Maduro issued the decree on May 27 last, which seeks to violate Guyana’s territory. The Guyana Government has since dismissed the Maduro presidential decree as a flagrant violation of international law.

The Guyana Government maintains that the decree “is inconsistent with the principle that all states should

Venezuelan President nicolas maduro

respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, large and small.”

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, “The Cooperative Republic of Guyana rejects this illegality which seeks to undermine our efforts at development through the exploitation of our natural resources off-shore.”

Mere days before the Maduro decree, ExxonMobil, an

American company contracted to search for oil offshore Guyana, in its Stabroek Block—now claimed by Venezuela— announced a significant discovery of the crude.

This publication understands that a high level meeting was arranged between senior Government officials and the Exxon Mobil team on Monday, but this was cancelled.

Carlton James, Exxon Mobil’s Public

Relations Officer, told this publication the reasons for the cancellation were not communicated to him, but reiterated the position of the company when Venezuela had initially objected to its search.

James reminded that ExxonMobil is under contract with the Government of Guyana and pronouncements by Venezuela do not change this.

He further stated that ExxonMobil will not pronounce on Government to Government relations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its missive, said Guyana will continue, undeterred, to access and develop its resources in accordance with its Constitution and laws in keeping with the principles of international law.

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

What do board members, chief executives, corporate secretaries, board advisors, executive directors and aspiring board members all have in common? The need for certification in proper corporate governance practices.

Until recently, Caribbean business persons had to enroll in one of three corporate governance programmes in the United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa but with the establish-

ment of the Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute (CCGI), headquarted on Alcazar Street, Port-of-Spain, they can obtain the same high standard of certification for less money.

A diploma in CCGI’s Chartered Director Programme (CDP) costs approximately US $7,000 compared to US $12,000 in the UK and about US $16,000 in Canada for the same programme.

There are four modules in the CDP: corporate governance, the board, strategy and risk and corporate reporting.

More details on the programme can be found on the CCGI website www.caribbeangovernance.org

CCGI Chairman, Dr Axel Kravatzky, spoke to the TT media about the importance of the CDP to TT and the wider Caribbean, particularly when seeking foreign direct investments in an increasingly competitive global market.

“It’s also important because the region has an opportunity to become known as a place of good business, ethics and high standards in corporate

Guyana says it is concerned that the decree disregards international law, constitutes a threat to regional peace and security, and breaches the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

“It is therefore imperative that Venezuela adheres to the principles of international law in seeking to delineate its maritime boundaries with neighbouring states, pending actual delimitations.” (Guyana Times)

Government maintains that the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, which was defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899, is recognised by all states. Venezuela also recognised its border with Guyana as settled for over 60 years, having also participated in the demarcation of this established boundary which was completed in 1905.

CDP vital to TT and Caribbean

governance and is therefore a safe place to do business. That’s the role that the CCGI is playing,” Kravatzky said.

The CCGI is the only professional non-profit body in the Caribbean that works on establishing customised world standard education processes, and then assuring that members meet these standards.

The first cohort were all TT nationals, eight of which are taking the exam while a few others have completed three of the four modules.

The group started mid-year 2014 and should complete the programme by either the end of 2016 or early 2017.

“There’s a big differ-

ence between individual performance and collective performance,” the CCGI chairman explained.

“A lot of directors think they are personally very effective but that the board as a whole is not as effective as it could be. Our CDP gives you the tools with which you can assess your own board and your own performance, so that you can close that gap because there’s a lot of latent potential in many organisations that persons often don’t know how to ‘tap into’.”

Kravatzky told the media another “very important reason to do this training” concerns your own personal career prospects.

Once you obtain the CDP qualification, you must maintain it through continuos professional development.

The aim is to have a CCGI chapter in every Caribbean country “because it is very expensive to develop these kinds of customised programmes. That way,” Kravatzky added, “everybody can share in the (expense) and at the same time, have activities and processes that are customised for each country because people would want to influence their laws, legislation, regulation.”

The CCGI is starting another cohort in Barbados next month (July) and another module in Jamaica in October. (TT Newsday)

Prakash urges Jack to head to US: Face trial so we can get truth

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD:

Congress of the People leader and Justice Minister Prakash Ramadhar on Sunday urged former Fifa vice president and Independent Liberal Party (ILP) leader Jack Warner to go the United States to face trial in connection with the ongoing corruption scandal, insisting that the country’s reputation has been tarnished.

“This is the battle for truth and TT has to have its image repolished so that the true beauty of the nation be seen and not be identified by the actions of Mr Warner and those around him. I think it is so important for him to save the reputation of this country,” Ramadhar told local and international members of the media during a press conference at the COP’s Flagship House in St Clair on Sunday.

Warner is one of 14 people wanted by the United States on suspicion of soliciting bribes worth millions in his Fifa dealings. He has

been charged with multiple offenses, including racketeering and bribery, but has denied the charges.

Warner, currently on TT$2.5 million bail after his arrest locally, is expected to reappear in court on July 12. However, he has threatened to reveal secrets regarding “resources” he provided for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s 2010 general election campaign, which are purportedly linked to Fifa.

Scoffing at this on Sunday, Ramadhar said if Warner was innocent as he claimed he should not have a problem going to New York to face the courts. “Go to your trial so that we will hear what the facts are and not what you say they are. And when you go we hope that what you speak will be the truth and not further allegations, as what we have had with you over the last couple of days.

On details of the questionable transactions made by Warner, Ramadhar said due to the judicial process it

would be inappropriate for him to speak on matters before the court. “These are charges that emanate from the United States and therefore the conduct of this Government is only to ensure that the judicial process for extradition is engaged. The Attorney General has done what he has to do,” Ramadhar said.

But he warned that sometimes extradition matters could be dragged on for a lengthy period by attorneys. On his relationship with Warner, Ramadhar described it as one of indifference. He said since 2011 he had called for Warner’s removal from the Cabinet, adding that when the ILP was created he also had views on that, especially with the use of money in politics.

Congress of the People leader Prakash Ramadhar says neither he nor any other Government member has been interviewed by US authorities regarding political funding which may have been provided to the party by Jack Warner. However, he pledged

Trinidad's cooperation with the ongoing probe.

Asked if he had any conversation with Warner about handing himself to US authorities Ramadhar said he had not. Warner, who still holds the position of an MP, was also problematic, Ramadhar said. Saying that Warner was still popular, Ramadhar added that he not only had a say in the Parliament but also questioned the integrity of many.

On whether he believed Warner has not acted in the best interests of TT, Ramadhar was also vocal on this. “I will not say that he has not acted in the interests of Trinidad and Tobago, but what is being unearthed now is that it is a serious self interest and I can’t say now what proportions of his actions were in the interest of TT or that it was self motivated under the cover of the interest of TT,” Ramadhar said.

Efforts to contact Warner on Sunday were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls to his cellphone .(TT Guardian)

Debate on Copyright Act continues in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA

–Copyright stakeholders will be watching Tuesday’s Parliamentary debate closely on the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to increase protection for Jamaica’s copyright holders.

One of the main issues being discussed is the extension of copyright protection from the life of the author plus 50 years, to the life of the author plus 95 years from the end of the calendar year in which it was made.

The Bill also notes that the current Copyright Act does not explicitly protect intellectual property rights over digital networks.

“Without clear protection in the digital environment, e-commerce activities in Jamaica by musicians, performers, publishers and authors would be at risk, and the right holders would not be able to derive the potential revenue from this stream of commerce provided by the Internet,” the Bill’s memorandum of objects and reasons points out.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce

Anthony Hylton thinks that the copyright industry has potential for economic growth and the creation of wealth across all sections of the society.

“Copyright provisions should manage the fragile balance of trade and public interest and, with the proposal of extension of copyright term, we have succeeded in supporting Jamaican corporations and individuals who own and continuously create copyright works,” he told members of the House of Representatives on May 26, when he opened the debate on the Bill to amend the Copyright Act. On Tuesday, the minister is expected to conclude the debate, following contributions from other MPs. (Jamaica Observer)

Ja must resume Caribbean lead role, says UWI vice-chancellor

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: Jamaica needs to resume its leadership role in the Caribbean to foster continued growth and development of the region and declare a war on poverty, according to Sir Hilary Beckles, University of the West Indies (UWI) vice-chancellor.

"If Jamaica does not do well, the Caribbean cannot do well. The smaller islands, in particular, are in need of the stimulus of Jamaica rising," Sir Hilary told guests at a dinner celebrating the 350th anniversary of St Andrew Parish Church at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston last

week.

Noting that having celebrated its 50th anniversary of Independence in 2012, Jamaica is in the second phase of nation-building. Sir Hilary said "the UWI is committed to playing its part" in providing the educated populace that is key to economic and social development.

"The UWI owes a great debt of gratitude to Jamaica," he said, recalling that "in 1948, Jamaica gave the UWI its start, with the establishment of what would be the first UWI campus".

Going forward, Sir Hilary said, Jamaica needs to declare war on poverty and develop a

plan to eradicate the condition, including ensuring proper housing for the poor.

While noting that Jamaica must focus on generating wealth and improving the economy, he said "we must also keep poverty eradication at the centre of our plans and take note of a worrying trend for the region in the incidence of chronic diseases, with close to 70 per cent of persons over the age of 50 being either hypertensive, or diabetic, or both".

"Black people in the Caribbean are among the most unhealthy people in the world with respect to chronic diseases," Sir Hilary declared, as he called on the Church and

other institutions "to be an advocate for change and cultural sensitivity around these issues".

He congratulated St Andrew Parish Church on its programmes dedicated to improving the lot of the poor and called on the "Church as a whole to renew its efforts to be less tolerant of poverty, and everyone in Jamaica to resolve not to accept increasing poverty as a norm".

Describing the Church as "a monument to a movement for justice and moral integrity", Sir Hilary traced the growth and transformation of the Anglican Church from the 17th Century to the current time, drawing parallels and comparisons between Jamaica and Barbados in particular, post-emancipation.

The Anglican Church has overcome some of the darkest moments in our history, Sir Hilary said, though he warned that "we can revert to acts of inhumanity at the slightest provocation".

Applauding St Andrew Parish Church on its 350th anniversary, he declared, "Any institution that insists on human compassion must be supported. Three hundred and fifty years of this church has resulted in triumph of adversity and the rise of enlightenment." (Jamaica Observer)

Caribbean leaders to discuss steppedup action to tackle chronic diseases

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Health leaders from throughout the Caribbean are meeting this week with representatives of United Nations agencies, collaborating agencies from Canada and the United States, development banks, academia and civil society to discuss actions that can be taken to reduce the impact in the Caribbean of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, and their associated risk factors. The “Forum of Key Stakeholders on NCDs: Advancing the NCD agenda in the Caribbean” has been organised by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) in collaboration with the Health Ministry of Barbados, and is being held on

8-9 June in St Michael, Barbados.

Compared with other sub regions of the Americas, the Caribbean has the highest rates of premature death (among people ages 30 to 69) from the four major NCDs: cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. In addition, NCDs are a major cause of suffering and disability, which, combined with direct and indirect economic costs, places a heavy economic and social burden on families, communities, health systems and economies.

Discussions this week will focus on how to reduce the impact of NCDs by addressing their main risk factors, by strengthening health systems and improving care for NCDs, and by engaging sectors beyond health to support and participate in efforts to tackle NCDs. In 2007, Caribbean Community

(Caricom) leaders committed to the Port of Spain Declaration, a series of 27 commitments to guide action against NCDs. In 2012, Caribbean countries joined other PAHO/WHO Member States in endorsing the goal of reducing NCD deaths by 25 per cent by 2025. Since then, Caribbean Governments have been implementing measures addressing NCDs, and premature mortality from NCDs has begun to decline, though not fast enough to be on target to reach the 2025 goal.

A large proportion of NCDs can be prevented by tackling the four related principle risk factors: tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Prevention is the key cornerstone of an effective response. Cost-effective measures, such as stronger regulations, includ-

Postal workers protest in TT

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

TTPOST workers in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday staged a simultaneous protest over delays in the commencement of negotiations for the collective bargaining period of 2011 to 2013.

still there waiting to be advanced to the IMC. That’s why we are here protesting,” Crichlow said.

ing taxation, are needed to protect the population from these risks. Robust public policies are needed in other sectors such as finance, trade and agriculture.

According to the PAHO, Caribbean countries have shown considerable leadership on NCDs at the political level. In addition to Caricom’s 2007 Port of Spain Declaration, Caribbean leaders provided the main impetus for the 2011 United Nations High Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of NCDs. The Caribbean leaders fully endorsed the PAHO Regional Plan of Action on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, 2013-2019, which defines the multi-sector policies, health service and surveillance actions needed to achieve the reductions in NCD mortality.

(Guyana Times)

In Trinidad, close to 100 workers chanted, “how long now CPO?” to the beat of drums, outside the St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain office of Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Stephanie Lewis.

In Tobago, workers protested outside the TTPost office at Milford Road, Scarborough where they chanted, “we shall overcome...we shall overcome someday.” Although the union does not negotiate directly with the CPO, TT Postal Workers Union (TTPWU) General Secretary Reginald Crichlow said Lewis is part of the Secretariat to the Government’s InterMinisterial Committee (IMC), which must evaluate proposals from the union and TTPost management.

“We fall under the Ministry of Public Utilities. I don’t know when the proposal went (to the secretariat) but I know we would have submitted our proposal some time last year (and) as far as we’re aware, the document is

The TTPWU represents approximately 850 of TTPost’s 1,100 employees, including managers and monthly-paid staff among them, delivery officers, mail officers and transport officers.

Crichlow said Finance Minister Larry Howai is corporation sole of TTPost and Howai, as chair of the IMC, would direct the CPO to direct the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities to advise (TTPost) management and the board as to what kind of offer to make to us.”

TTPWU Tobago branch president Carlyn Walters-Patterson on Monday said postal workers are working with 2006 salaries. “Another (collective bargaining) term has begun and nothing is being done. We are of the belief that this protest will force the CPO’s hand to put things in place for us.”

“A job evaluation recommendation was done in 2010 by an independent HR consultant and they recommended an 18.5 percent increase in basic salaries to a number of job positions that we represent. That is yet to be applied,” Crichlow said. (TT Newsday)

Venezuela decree a flagrant violation of international law, says Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The government of Guyana has denounced a decree by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro purporting to annex maritime areas belonging to Guyana under the relevant rules of international law.

According to Guyana’s ministry of foreign affairs, the decree is a flagrant violation of international law and is inconsistent with the principle that all states should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, large and small.

“The Cooperative Republic of Guyana rejects this illegality which seeks to undermine our efforts at development through the exploitation of our natural resources offshore. Guyana will continue, undeterred, to access and develop its resources in accordance with its Constitution and

laws in keeping with the principles of international law, the ministry said in a statement.

The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, which was defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899, is recognized by all states. Venezuela also recognized its border with Guyana as settled for over 60 years having also

Ex-clico

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Two days before the chairman and managing director of CLICO were fired for not following instructions with regard to payouts, its former chief executive, Eugene Dziadyk, was paid TT$17.3 million for his policies.

Dziadyk, a Canadian actuary who had three US currency polices, was paid on June 3.

Unlike other policyholders, like former director Nigel Salina who had a two per cent interest on his policies, Dziadyk had 12 per cent interest on the three policies.

For his three investments valued at of TT$499,919.15, TT$1,083,051.82 and TT$1,086,935.36 in 2007, he was paid TT$3,239,842.96, TT$7,018,970.63 and TT$7,044,138.85 respectively.

The TT$17.3 million represents 85 per cent of the money owed to him with the interest.

The payment was made even after Finance Minister Larry Howai called for a report on the matter.

At the Sir Anthony Colman's Commission of Enquiry, it was revealed that Dziadyk had benefited from an interest credit of TT$63 million

participated in the demarcation of this established boundary, which was completed in 1905, the foreign ministry pointed out.

“The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is concerned that the said decree disregards International Law, constitutes a threat to regional peace and security and breaches the Geneva

on an account.

As a CLICO director, he penned a letter which is available on the Commission's website, retroactively increasing the interest rate of his Executive Flexible Premium Annuity (EFPA) — which he opened in 2004 at CLICO — from 12 per cent to a whopping 75.48 per cent.

“In accordance with the amendment to the above policy dated March 17, 2004 and approved by Mr Duprey, an interest rate of 75.48% shall be credited to this policy covering the period March 17,2004 to April 24, 2007. This policy may be surrendered without penalty,” the letter stated.

The letter which was dated April 24, 2007 was also the day Dziadyk had a meeting at the Central Bank to discuss liquidity issues and the inadequate response of the

Central Bank among others.

Henry Hamlet, a Clico department manager who gave evidence at the Commission, testified on the special arrangement.

As a result, Dziadyk's account grew from US$2.3 million to US$12.5 million.

Hamlet had said Dziadyk took out about US$10 million (TT$63 million) from the account which was left with a balance of US$2.1 million.

That balance left in the account with the interest is what Dziadyk was paid on June 3.

Dziadyk's payment takes the sum paid to former directors of the company to TT$53.3 million.

Four former directors and their companies who were classed as “related parties” when CLICO went bust in 2009, have already been paid TT$36,188,690.90

ritory and any attempt by Venezuela to apply that instrument in an extra-territorial manner will be vigorously resisted by Guyana.

“In light of this Guyana will spare no effort in bringing to the attention of the international community this aggressive and illegal act by Venezuela,” the statement concluded.

on Sunday that permission has been given for a “one-off flight” to take those who were stranded back to their native country.

Agreement of 1966. It is therefore imperative that Venezuela adheres to the principles of international law in seeking to delineate its maritime boundaries with neighbouring states pending actual delimitations,” the statement continued.

According to the foreign ministry, the decree cannot be applicable to any part of Guyana’s ter-

Meanwhile, there is some relief in sight for the more than 40 Venezuelan passengers who were stranded in Guyana following a decision by the Guyana government, via the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), not to allow Venezuelan stateowned airline, Conviasa Airlines to land in the country over the nonpayment of its bond.

Minister of public infrastructure, David Patterson, with responsibility for the transportation sector, said

It was previously revealed that Conviasa owed landing and administration fees to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the GCAA. In addition, the airline has never lodged a bond for its operations in Guyana. Patterson stated that the airline has paid the monies owed to the CJIA and GCAA, but is still to lodge the bond with the Guyana government. It is standard procedure that airlines operating out of Guyana would usually have to lodge a bond in case there is a need to cater for passengers affected by issues which may negatively affect their flights in and out of the country.

(Caribbeannewsnow)

million.

They are Ian Garcia and his company Events Unlimited; Clinton Ramberansingh and his connected parties (Bianca Ramberansingh and Martina De Silva); Vishnu Ramlogan and Salina and his company Nigel Salina and Associates.

The directors and their connected parties are among ten identified to be paid TT$63,207,849.78 million on their policies with interest added.

On May 1, Salina received his money which amounted to about TT$2 million. Salina had four policies-two in US dollars and two in TT dollars.

The directors include people who were summoned to the Commission to be cross examined but opted to pay the TT$2,000 fine instead of giving evidence.

The payment issue had led to a faceoff between Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran and former CLICO chairman Gerald Yetming.

Rambarran, a former employee of CL Financial's CMMB, is being advised by Ram Ramesh, his former boss and former adviser to Duprey when the company sought a bailout from the Government.

Last Friday, hours after he defended the directors' entitlement to be paid, Rambarran fired Yetming and managing director Carolyn John.

Yetming said the reason he was fired is “a blatant lie”.

Rambarran had written to Yetming on Friday evening stating: “The bank has re-evaluated its strategy for the future conduct of the affairs of CLICO and in this regard the bank is constrained to discontinue your appointment as chairman of the board. We wish to record our gratitude to you for your contribution to the management and affairs of CLICO.”

However, the Central Bank had said in a release on Friday night: “The Central Bank took this action after CLICO failed to follow direct instructions issued by the bank on March 26th, 2015 setting out the protocols for all disbursements to policyholders and creditors under the CLICO Resolution Plan. These instructions included obtaining approval from the Bank for all payments prior to disbursement.”

Wendy Ho Sing, the former inspector of financial institutions, has been named as executive chairman with immediate effect. (TT Express)

All on board safe after small plane crash in Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS : A small plane has gone down in the Atlantic Ocean in the Bahamas, but all five people on board are safe after spending several hours in a life raft.

The Bahamian government says the five were rescued by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force after their single engine Cessna went down late Monday about 15 miles (25 kilometres) southeast of Nassau. A government statement Tuesday reported that they were examined at a hospital in Nassau and released. All five are from the Bahamas. Their plane had taken off from Crooked Island.

A US Coast Guard air crew was called in to help with the search and spotted the five people floating on a life raft about nine miles (14 kilometres) off Nassau. (AP)

Jamaica records 5% increase in tourist arrivals — Minister

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Tourism and Entertainment Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill says Jamaica recorded a five per cent increase in overall visitor arrivals for the 2014/15 winter tourist season over the corresponding period last year.

Speaking at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's (JHTA) 54th annual general meeting and convention at Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay on Saturday, Dr McNeill said Jamaica recorded a 9.1 per cent increase in stopover arrivals from the United States, with 445,000 visitors coming from that country between January and April 2015.

This was 37,000 more than the corresponding period in 2014.

The minister said 61,670 visitors arrived from the United Kingdom, up from 48,363 last year, representing a 27.5 per cent increase, and described this as a "marked improvement over previous years."

He further said that cruise ship passenger arrivals increased by 11.2 per cent for the period under review, compared to 2014.

The minister attributed these outturns to renewed and significant growth in the United States, Jamaica's largest source market, as well as the United Kingdom and Europe.

Dr McNeill said based on these figures, Jamaica should record a positive 2015 summer tourist season, with expectations high for the autumn, and 2015/16 winter periods, based on the continual upward trend in visitor

arrivals.

"The sector continues to perform well, even with the challenges we are having with the harsh (global) economic environment. We are building on the successes of 2014, which was, again, another record year for Jamaica in which we broke the two million (stopover arrivals) mark again," he pointed out.

Dr McNeill said the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is already promoting the 2015 autumn, and 2015/16 winter tourist seasons, while advising of plans for the island to have a continuous, year-round tourist season without the traditional breaks.

He also commended the JHTA on its role in and contribution to Jamaica's achievement of its tourism performance targets, noting that the

public/private partnership facilitating this "is now bearing fruits".

"A large part of the work that goes into bringing those arrivals to Jamaica is done by the people in this room, and I want to thank each and every one of you," he added.

Meanwhile, Tourism Director Paul Pennicook in his presentation on the topic: 'The Changing Face of Travel and Tourism', urged industry stakeholders, particularly hoteliers, to become more responsive to market changes.

"What we are seeing in 2015 is a travel industry that is very different from the industry of a few years ago. As stakeholders, we need to embrace these challenges and determine how best to adjust our strategies and mindsets to continue to grow market shares,"

Government shifts TT$2.1bn to pay salaries

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Government’s decreased costs in several areas go towards funding payment of salaries, wages, cost of living and other allowances arising from new industrial agreements for various public sector employees, Finance Minister Larry Howai announced on Friday.

Howai made the point while piloting a motion seeking parliamentary approval for variation of TT$2.1 billion in the 2015 Budget, via decreasing funds in four ministries and shifting them to 31 other agencies to fund important expenditure up to September 2015.

Howai said in the light of “some of the misleading reports in various media I want to emphasise this is not a supplementation request for more money, but a variation of current expenditure.” He noted that the Prime Minister, after the oil price drop, had requested that no work be started on capital projects which had not been funded and that reductions in recurrent expenditure should take place to realise a savings of approximately TT$3.5 billion. He said government’s Budget Division in its mid-year review, “after taking into account the considerable savings under some areas of expenditure, as well as the need for additional funding in some areas, has estimated revised total

expenditure of TT$62.9 billion—TT$1 billion less than in the 2014/2015 Budget.

The majority of the variation of funding was in respect of Personnel Expenditure, he said. Variation of funds was also required for goods and services, current transfers and subsidies and current transfers to statutory boards and similar bodies.

Of the TT$2.1 billion figure, some TT$1.4 billion would go towards the payments of salaries, wages, other allowances for members of the teaching service, officers employed in the civil service and statutory authorities, monthly and daily-rated Port Authority employees, daily-rated Water and Sewerage Authority employees and four regional corporations, as a consequence of new industrial agreements.

Some TT$787,854,000 million will be spent on the needs of the Judiciary; Ministries of National Security; Housing and Urban Development;

Trade, Industry, and Investments; Communications; and the Environment and Water Resources.

In the case of the Judiciary, he said, an additional TT$27 million was required to complete refurbishment of the Chaguanas (TT$12 million) and Old San Fernando Magistrates Courts (TT$15 million).

For National Security, an additional TT$478 million was required for the acquisition of naval assets: four coastal patrol vessels, two utility vessels and six on-board interceptors.

In the Environment and Water Resources Ministry, an additional TT$148 million was required to cover the cost of desalinated water supplied by the Desalination Company of Trinidad and Tobago, he added. Another TT$51 million was required to meet liabilities to be incurred for contract and short-term employment, fees, financial support to sporting and cultural entities and security services.

he stated.

During its awards luncheon, the JHTA recognised a number of industry stakeholders, deemed to have distinguished themselves over the past year.

Notable among these was Sandals Resorts International chief executive officer and JHTA second vice president, Adam Stewart, who was named 2014/15 Hotelier of the Year.

Other awardees included: Hotel Employee of the Year, Earl Cummings, Sandals Royal Caribbean; Hotel Manager/Supervisor of the Year, Marcia Morris, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel; and Tourism Employee of the Year, Christopher Bailey, Appleton Estate Rum Tour.

Howai explained that in the Finance Ministry, savings of TT$748 million were achieved because funds for capital projects in various ministries/departments were not fully used as a result of contracts not being finalised. He said savings of TT$100 million also accrued from the Caricom Petroleum Fund, whose current balance was TT$240 million. There was also a TT$410 million savings from the Constituency Development Fund idea which had not been operationalised.

Howai said in respect to Caribbean Airlines Limited, funds were provided to meet increased air subsidy and arrears of fuel subsidy, but no decision had been taken on the proposed increase of the air subsidy, whereas the outstanding fuel subsidy was much lower than had been projected, thereby resulting in a savings of TT$150 million.

Declining oil prices and their ensuing impact on petroleum product prices also resulted in a significant reduction in subsidy claims, which translated into savings of TT$693.8 million.

Howai said while TT$120 million was listed in the Budget for the Baby Care Assistance plan, based on an assessment of the demand for the facility, savings of approximately TT$100 million would be realised.

(TT Guardian)

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to tourism industry stalwart, Joyce Wright of Rondel Village in Negril, while the Abe Issa Award for Excellence went to Olympian, Alia Atkinson.

Guyana

The International Airline Award was copped by Jet Blue; the Allied Members Service Awards, by purveyor, J Wray and Nephew/Campari; Local Transportation -- Tropical Tours; and Attraction -- Dolphin Cove. (Jamaica Observer)

Gov't rethinks promised 13% hike

…says any increase must be tied to productivity

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Government seems more cautious about delivering the promised 13 per cent pay increase for public servants, saying now that any increase would have to be tied to productivity to stave off inflation.

However, it assured that the Gy$2000 increase in Old Age Pension is almost certain and can be achieved in the 100-day plan the coalition had unveiled during the election campaign. The plan promised “significant pay increases for Government workers including: nurses, teachers in primary, secondary and tertiary education, security personnel and civil servants on the traditional payroll”.

According to a report by the Government Information Agency, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said as it relates to salary increases for public servants, Government would be “the first to admit that salaries are not where” they should be, but noted, “you have to have a plan about taking them where you want to be, it cannot be a one-shot thing”.

The Minister said that salaries should be a part of the compensation package, and that increases must also be premised on productivity increases otherwise “you are just going to a circle which is the easiest part, but then you thus encourage inflation, which will have an impact on competiveness and an overall impact on the country”.

He said that a salary increase is one of the issues on the Government’s front burner, but one that will be done in a sustainable manner. “I could give you 10 per cent today and by year-end, you probably give me back 11 per cent in taxes or more, so it has to be in a menu of measures that we have to look at to lift public servants who have stagnated over the years,” he said.

The Minister said that he knew for a fact the allowances for some public servants have not moved much in 20 years. “I understand people are getting Gy$200 for meal allowance…” he noted.

In the lead-up to the May 11, 2015 elections, then Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had warned that some of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) promises were unrealistic, and had described them as “empty”. “This is nothing short of a blatant attempt to bribe voters and is a gross insult to the Guyanese people,” Dr Singh had said. What is worse, Dr Singh highlighted, is that the members of the APNU+AFC bloc have become notorious for inconsistency, offering a different set of “goodies” every time they speak. (Guyana Times)

Fr Ho Lung in Canada, next stop Australia

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Missionaries Of the Poor (MOP) cofounder Father Richard Ho Lung left Jamaica early last Friday morning for Canada where his musical, The Messiah, will play on the first weekend in July.

Immediately after that, Ho Lung and three of his missionaries will fly to Australia where they will stay for a month meeting with church officials and tying up offers of assistance for MOP's missions in the Far East.

Last week, Ho Lung told the Jamaican media that he'll use the time in Canada before the show to promote the staging and for worship.

First staged in Kingston, Jamaica in October 2012, The Messiah tells the story of the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

As is the custom with Father Richard Ho Lung and Friends productions, The Messiah played to

sold-out audiences and has since been staged abroad.

In Canada, it will play at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts in Toronto July 3-5.

The trek to Australia will be a first for the 77-year-old Ho Lung who, with two colleague priests -- fathers Brian Kerr and Hayden Augustine -- founded MOP on July 19, 1981 in Kingston.

"Can you imagine me travelling so far at my age?" he joked.

Ho Lung said the invitation was extended to him a few years ago. "So I said, you know, before I stop walk it would be a good idea for us to do that," he added with his customary laugh.

His hosts, he said, learnt about MOP from Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), a United States-based news organisation that provides Catholic programming and news coverage from around the world. The network also

missionaries of the Poor (moP) cofounder Father richard Ho lung (centre) and two of his brothers, Father Karl savio Francis (left) and Father Henry V lozano head to the departure lounge at Norman manley International airport in Kingston last Friday morning. they are now in canada where the Father richard Ho lung and Friends musical stage production, the messiah, will play July 3-5 in toronto. after that Ho lung will travel to australia at the invitation of groups that want to help moP. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

has a radio platform.

"We're on twice weekly," Ho Lung said, adding that the Australians who extended the invitation have been visiting MOP's homes in The Philippines and Indonesia after seeing the charity's works on EWTN.

TT$10bn energy losses claims Deyalsingh

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Opposition

MP Terrence Deyalsingh on Friday claimed that “the combined losses” for companies at Point Lisas were an estimated TT$10 billion.

Deyalsingh told legislators during Friday’s House of Representatives debate on a motion to approve the Second Report of the Standing Committee that his claim could not be refuted.

The motion seeks to vary the 2015 budget to allow for payment of increased wages and salaries to public servants, among other matters.

The motion was presented for debate by Finance and the Economy Minister Larry Howai.

Deyalsingh said the National Gas Company had lost TT$1.4 billion in revenue.

He said the Government had lost TT$1.3 billion in corporation tax “and the Green Fund has lost TT$8.8 billion, due to the mismanagement of our energy affairs.”

Deyalsingh said the energy sub-committee of Cabinet met only twice in 2012. That subcommittee advises the Cabinet on energy matters.

Deyalsingh sought to make fun of Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine when he told Parliament that helicopter flights had increased under the PP Government.

He said Ramnarine was seeking to tell the population the Government should not be judged on the economic losses, nor on the latest Moody’s Report which downgraded Trinidad, but on the increase in helicopter flights.

Deyalsingh said the Opposition, which returned to the House on Friday for this particular debate, would not be supporting the measure. The Opposition has been staying away from the House in protest since early May over the suspension of its leader, Diego Martin West MP Dr Keith Rowley.

Works and Infrastructure Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, in his contribution to the debate, denied that the Government had spent TT$400 billion over the past five years. The claim was repeatedly made by Opposition MPs. On Friday, he said it was just over TT$200 billion.

Rambachan insisted there was no overspending by the Government as claimed by the PNM.

He also said the Government spent the money on several projects, including roads and drains.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also said her People’s Partnership Government had not discriminated against opposition constituencies.

She said she had recently opened three schools in opposition constituencies. She said the laptop computers were distributed to students who attended schools not in PP-controlled constituencies as well.

She accused the Opposition of being against the workers of Trinidad because of its decision not to support the motion.

Persad-Bissessar said the majority of the money being varied was to pay increased salaries for public servants and other increased wage bills. (TT Guardian)

"What we're trying to do is, we have expanded quite a bit in the Far East. We have three homes in The Philippines where we take care of the homeless and destitute," he said.

‘Make

"We're opening a new home in East Timor, a heavily Muslim country... it doesn't matter to us what the faith is, what matters is that they are children of God, and wherever there are poor people we will go there to

help. Our community exists to serve the Lord and the poorest of people," he told the media. He said that he and his brothers will visit Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, meeting with a number of bishops, archbishops, "and, of course, with people who are attracted to the vision of the new evangelisation", which, he said, is to serve the poorest of people and to recognise that the church has got to be involved in justice, righteousness, worship, and the word of God.

"They really want to support us strongly, and it takes something of a burden off Jamaica," Ho Lung said. "But wherever we are, we're known as the Jamaican brothers because Jamaica is the founding country, and it's where all the brothers are trained -- they all have to come to Jamaica to be trained and then they're sent to various missions in different parts of the world," he said. (Jamaica Observer)

youth a priority’

– Ambassador Ramdin

GEORGETOWN:

GUYANA: “Any Government in the hemisphere should make youth a priority, and the simple reason for that is that [if] we do not work with the youth, which is the majority of our population, we will have severe problems on our hands in the coming years.”This is according to the outgoing Assistant SecretaryGeneral of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin, who gave an exclusive interview to this publication at the Pegasus Hotel on June 4.

Ramdin, a Surinamese national who served in the OAS since 2005, was at the time responding to the question of the importance of youth and the fact that Guyana is still working on a national youth policy after 20 or so years.

Ramdin pointed to the reality that if the youth are not given direction “in terms of education about care, about upbringing, about social norms [then] we will see many of them end up in criminality.”

He reasoned that youth are not inherently criminal but are railroaded into that position because of circumstances. The senior OAS official spoke further to the need for providing education and job training for youth who are now pushed into “disillusionment, marginalisation, and in the end, frustration” because of limited employment opportunities.

The Guyana National

ambassador albert ramdin

Youth Council has long advocated for a national youth policy to address the issues which are detrimental to youth participation, empowerment, and engagement in Guyana. A policy of such a nature was started some 20 years ago but has remained in draft since.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnarine has given assurance that under his watch the policy “is not going to remain in draft for very much long”.

While the Minister could not specify a time for the launching of the national youth policy, he said, “I can assure you it will not be 20 years.”

Youth unemployment remains one of the major concerns in the western hemisphere and specifically for Guyana. A recently released report by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) showed that youth unemployment in Guyana sits at 40%.

“Youth have to become the

productive part of our population,” Ambassador Ramdin stated in his interview. He cautioned against a small productive population in the face of a private sector that is not consulted on how to boost youth employment and training.

Ramdin recognised that unless young people are given an opportunity at economic development, they will continue to burden the state’s resources. “We have to be careful that we don’t alienate a generation of youth and create a problem for the future because the cost will be enormous.”

The OAS Assistant Secretary General, during his interview with this publication called for governments to recognise that the absence of opportunities, education, social norms, and stable homes, all contribute to the situation of youth in criminal activities, and he asserted that governments should recognise these factors and address them.

(Guyana Times)

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: Professional photographer Saajid Husani enjoys capturing, through his camera lens, memorable moments of people and nature. He believes that it requires an artistic mind to capture beauty through the lens. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Saajid shares his tips on capturing life in most beautiful way.

Sunday Magazine: What sparked your interest in photography?

Saajid Husani: It began in 2013 when I saw a Facebook friend had a very unique profile picture. I started doing some research and realized I can create similar images. The more photos I took the more I got addicted to it, the more I wanted to create something unique.

Sunday Magazine: Is photography a hobby, passion or career?

Saajid Husani: It started off as a hobby and then I got into doing paid jobs. I won’t say I have a passion for it, but would say I have a determination to get better and to keep trying and improving what I do already.

Sunday Magazine: What do you like photographing?

Saajid Husani: I love photographing people and the ordinary scenes that peo -

ple pass hastily, forgetting to stop and breathe and enjoy what is around them.

Sunday Magazine: What is your focus when you want to capture something?

Saajid Husani: My primary focus is getting something that stands out, something that the ordinary person doesn’t see. There isn’t a single thing that I focus on; I pay attention to lighting, composition, and posture and expressions of people in my photography.

Sunday Magazine: Is good photography dependent on a good camera or an artistic mind?

Saajid Husani: A good camera does indeed yield better images, but one needs to learn to use it properly. A high-end camera is just as good as an amateur camera;however, it depends on how you use it and to have the artistic mind to see what is possible and what you can do to create something that’s unique.

Sunday Magazine: Any projects you are currently working on?

Saajid Husani: I’m currently working on some surreal photographs, but that’ll be a surprise when I’m finished with them. Check out my page on Facebook, SH Photography & Designs, for recent and upcoming photos. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

TT fruit festival on this month

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Farmers and agriculture sector stakeholders were at the Nu Image Simplex Complex in New Grant last Thursday to continue planning the TPFA's National Fruit Festival 2015 to be held on the 26th – 28th June. The discussions included several matters: the fruits of our land, your children, for whom we must continue to create safe, family and community-oriented social spaces for their own growth and development, present weather conditions and the availability and cost of planting material for the sector.

In her message to the nation, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar S.C. recognized that gardeners in Trinidad and Tobago consider the day to be good for planting, as it is believed that anything planted on this day will thrive.

Both farmers and first time planters try to get the best fruit and vegetable plants for this occasion. However, Agricultural Economist Omardath Maharaj discussed the difficulty and cost farmers face in accessing sufficient quantities of planting material. He said that this is critical in saving the spirit of Corpus Christi in Trinidad and Tobago.

On the religious Corpus Christi holiday, farmers either try to plant crops or families are in their backyard planting kitchen gardens or fruit trees, as per the local custom. It is a traditional Roman Catholic celebration to honour the Eucharist, or Holy Communion he body and blood of Christ. Local tradition holds that because of this, it is therefore the most fertile day of the year for planting. (TT Express)

Jamaican-born Canada based reggae act Exco Levi adds another accolade

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaican-born Canada-based reggae act Exco Levi has added another accolade to his growing list. His awardwinning track 'Welcome the King' has been included in the soundtrack of the Canadian film Camelion.

According to the artiste he is pleased to have contributed his work to this latest project.

"I am happy to have my music included in the film Camelion. The storyline is something I'm a little familiar with, which is coming to a new country and trying to make it. I can't wait to see the movie to know if their outcome is like mine."

Exco Levi has the distinction of making history with Canada's JUNO Awards for which he has won Best Reggae Recording on four consecutive occasions. His most recent win was earlier this year.

Camelion, is produced by Josh Ary and directed by Reza Dahya. The film chronicles the

experiences of a group of undocumented workers who live together in an apartment in Toronto who face experiences of trying to survive. The dynamics of the characters is heightened as one member of the group is from Ireland, while the rest of the members of the group are people of colour.

A screening for Camelion will be held this Tuesday, June 9, as part of the Toronto International Film Festival. 'Welcome the King' is featured during

the opening scene. 'Welcome the King' was produced by Queens, New York-based producer Kheilstone Music and engineered by Exco Levi for High Priest Records. Exco Levi's album, Country Man is distributed by Pacific Arts & Music / Warner Music Canada. Exco Levi is currently preparing to go on tour starting later this month until September. This will take him across the western United States, Europe and Canada. (Jamaica Observer)

Encouraging Guyanese to excel in aviation

colonel charles Hutson, co-founder of the art Williams and Harry Wendt aeronautical Engineering school, talks about his lifelong dedication to improving Guyana’s aviation industry

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Aeronautical engineer

Colonel Charles Hutson believes “necessity is the mother of invention” and out of ‘necessity’ he co-founded the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School.

Since its conception, the school’s mission is to provide lucrative opportunities within the aviation industry - ultimately developing it. Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School was conceived by Capt. Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, an aviation pioneer, and Hutson. It became operational in 1993.

The school was named after the pioneers of aviation in Guyana - Art Williams (Arthur James Williams) and Harry Wendt (Herman Edgar Wendt). Both were pilot-mechanics who, in the early 1930s, laid the foundation for aviation in Guyana and by so doing, opened up much of the country’s interior for the first time.

“When I decided I was going to remain in Guyana to help pull together the aviation industry, there was a need to establish an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO). To do so, one had to prepare a disposition, which

outlines all the procedures that will govern everything in the AMO. As part of the AMO, a training institution is required and that is how the school was established,” Hutson recalled in an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.

In 2006, the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School was nominated as the school of Caricom by the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS). In that same year, the school became the first tertiary institution in Caricom to have ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems Standards. The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards certified the school on July 24, 2006.

Additionally, the school is accredited and certified by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, CASSOS, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Suriname and the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority. The school is also approved under the rules and regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Document 7192, Part D1.

Hutson pointed out that the school’s policy is to ensure meeting the regulatory

and statutory requirements of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, customer satisfaction, employee development, environmental protection and safe training practices.

Growing up on Great Troolie Island in the Essequibo River, three miles east of the mainland Essequibo Coast, Hutson reminisced being fascinated with the amphibian planes that would land there.

“At a very tender age I expressed to my parents I wanted to become an engineer because of my fascination with planes and helicopters. I joined the aviation industry in 1961. I have studied helicopters in France. In the US, UK, Brazil and Canada, I studied

engineering and various plane types,” he recalled.

The engineer disclosed that he never attended high school, but went straight from primary school to the Government Technical Institute where he spent four years studying mechanical engineering. Hutson stated he was successful because of his extensive reading. Additionally, he credits his unwavering dedication, and never allowing anything to distract him, for his success.

He revealed that when he came to Georgetown, at the age of 15, he did not know how to ride a bicycle. Hutson counts himself fortunate because he received much needed help from various individ-

uals - something he is very grateful for.

Currently the head of training, Hutson stated that the school’s programme is very extensive and recognised internationally.

Last year, the institution collaborated with the University of Guyana for the establishment of a degree programme in aircraft maintenance engineering. After completing three years of theoretical and practical training at the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, the partners are planning to have students complete a degree programme at the university. Located in the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Services Ltd.’s hangar, Ogle International Airport, the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School is a non-governmental organisation committed to developing aircraft engineering skills and technical expertise essential to the development and safety of air transport within Guyana, the Caribbean community and the world at large. Visit www.aesguyana. net for more information on the school. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Artist Kenwyn Murray, will unveil 24 pieces of his work in his first solo exhibition titled “Portrait of An Angel”, on Saturday. The primary focus of Murray’s painting is the healing, liberation and elevation of black people.

By placing black figures centre-stage within his paintings, Murray’s work is actually the beginning of a black consciousness campaign. Through his work, Murray’s dialogue with the viewer is simple – he is appealing to the black consciousness and saying it’s time to take a good look in the mirror.

Murray recently explained to the media that his latest body of work is a response to society’s tendency to privilege “lightness” — the lighter the skin, the more acceptable you are. The darker the skin, the more marginalised you become. He wants to emphasise the beauty in black and he wants to get the conversation into the mainstream.

To change the way dark skin is viewed, “Portrait of an Angel” explores the concept of an angel metaphorically and overlays it onto the Caribbean landscape. His work was described as one in which the work focuses on the presence of spirituality, power and grace through the embodiment black skin and Caribbean culture.

The artist said “mainstream” media continue to paint black people negatively. “The work is re-

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA :

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel will be launching a major fashion next week in celebration of CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month in New York. The event will feature a number of designers from the Dutch, French and English-speaking Caribbean countries and

from Brooklyn, US. The event, Bridging the Gap, aims to connect vibrant Caribbean style with the wider world.

“I feel so blessed to produce an event that will provide an opportunity to showcase the talents of our designers from the French, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean to the world. Caribbean-American

ally about black skin. It is about afro Caribbean people and culture and the way in which we have not been represented traditionally in media. We only have images that are exotic but they are not images that connect us with spirituality and images that connect us to having value and worth in this world. My interpretation of black encompasses all those people who have not been represented. My interoperation share an experience

of not being included in the conversation that you are valued in this world. This body of work is to put us in the conversation,” Murray said. Murray said it took some time before he could identify himself as worthy. He said it took years of research to bring truth to himself and his work.

“I had to accept myself as an artist because artists are made to feel that they are not worthy and what they are doing is not valuable. I needed to

be true to myself. I needed to do this. I needed to see what it feels like to me; I had to say to myself that I am an artist. It is only when you look at yourself and be honest with yourself that you will be willing to bear the burden and the sacrifice of working hard. I

texture to explore the idea of the angel and to translate into the visual realm the concepts associated with these beings. Additionally, this first-of-its-kind exhibition incorporates workshops, an artist clinic, open days for children and a musical show-

had to ask myself what I am willing to put into this,” Murray said.

Murray, who has had joint exhibitions in the past will stage his first showing at a newly opened space, The Kenwyn Murray Studio which will entice the senses with a series of large paintings in which he delves into colour, form, light and

Month is the perfect time to launch an event of this nature,” Noel said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, who is currently in the US preparing for the highly anticipated fashion event. This week Sunday Magazine features chic pieces from two of the designers participating in the event.

Christine Samuel is a multi-talented award winning St. Lucian artist who has earned recognition for her impressive skills in different artistic genres. She uses her extensive artistic skills in the visual arts to produce original women’s bags that reflect vibrant Saint Lucian/Caribbean artistry and beauty.

Then there is Creative

case, among other activities. Murray’s exhibition opens at Number 19, Alcazar Street, St Clair, Port of Spain on Saturday and will run until June 28 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday). For further information visit www. kenwynmurray.com or check out Kenwyn Murray on Facebook. (TT Express)

Director Kimberly Solana. Inspired by all things musical, magical and vibrant, Solana’s pieces are a part of an intricate puzzle mirroring the past and present experiences. Born in Abilene, Texas, to St. Lucian parents, Solana was always encouraged to express herself

creatively through art, which is heavily influenced by her St. Lucian heritage and her passion for Middle-Eastern dance. For more information on the event, contact Noel on 592-226-3099 or email soniaenoel@gmail. com. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Fancy accoutrements by J’can Megan Mc Kain

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Who steps out the door without as much as a pair of earrings, a trendy necklace, your favourite handbag, or even a wristwatch these days? Accessories are a means of self-expression. Jewellery by Megan and Cinderella Hats accessories have been making the rounds at Corporate Area fashion

shows recently. Fashion trend spotlights artisans Megan McKain and Marcella James. Megan McKain's eponymous line of handmade jewellery employs standard goldsmithing techniques to create polished contemporary pieces made from an array of materials such as silver, copper, bronze, brass, aluminium, semi-precious stones, dyed wood, recy-

cled buttons, dyed mother of pearl, and glass. Cinderella Hats & Bridal House Company Limited is a group of second-generation milliners equipped with the experience, insight and tools to make fab headgear for all occasions. They manufacture hats and fascinators from almost any fabric or textile, and also make custom designs. (Jamaica Observer)

The Place of the Seven Ponds

Lies central in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Place of the Seven Ponds, known also as the ‘Place of Heroes, the Seven Ponds’ or ‘Seven Ponds’, lies south of the central avenue in

the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown.

As its name suggests, it consists of seven small ponds: six trapezoidal and surrounding a central monument, which stands in a circular and seventh pond.

It was constructed in 1969 as the burial site of then recently independent Guyana’s first Governor-General, Mahaica-born Sir David Rose.

It would later accommodate other eminent Guyanese such as presidents Arthur Chung and Desmond Hoyte, and national poet Martin Carter.

The graves lie north of the monument. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Soca artiste Destra Garcia won the Best International Act (Caribbean) at the 2015 Black Canadian Awards on Saturday at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto, Canada.

This is the second

year running that Garcia has captured the award the nominees of which this year included fellow Trinidadian acts Benjai and Farmer Nappy. Garcia posted on her Facebook Page; “We won again this one is for all my dedicated and loving fans. I love you so much.”

The other nominees were popular internationally acclaimed acts Gyptian (Jamaica), Chronixx (Jamaica), Etana (Jamaica) and Charles Jahfaa (Haiti).

This enhances Garcia's accomplishment and signals that soca music is really coming of its own in North America where reggae music was always the dominant Caribbean genre in the United States and Canada including the West Indian communities in these places.

Garcia beat out these artistes to win.

The Black Canadian Awards focusses on showcasing and celebrating the achievements, successes and cultural/artistic expressions of Canadians and others of African descent.

The award ceremony and other activities surrounding the event are organised by the Diversity Advancement Network under the direction of Canadian businessman, Paul Ade. (TT Express)

A rhythmic slave - Jamaican Grace Jones; model, artiste

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The avant garde world was blessed with its share of characters in the 1970s: Andy Warhol, Lou Reed and Jamaican Grace Jones.

The Spanish Townborn singer was a big part of global pop culture in the late 1970s into the late 1980s. After relocating to Syracuse, New York as a pre-teen, Jones become a model and was later immersed in the punk/new wave music scene.

She is best known for club hits including 'That's the Trouble',

'Sorry', 'Pull Up to the Bumper', 'Slave to the Rhythm', 'My Jamaican Guy' and 'Sex Drive'.

This year marks 30 years since Jones released 'Slave to the Rhythm', her seventh studio album. It was distributed by Island Records and has sold over one million copies worldwide.

It is among Jones' most successful albums in terms of sales, doing well in Europe. Slave to The Rhythm reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart in November 1985, peaked at number 73 on the

Billboard 200 Albums Chart and number 25 on the R&B Album Chart. The title song was a major hit and is Jones' biggest chart success. It went number 20 on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and number one on the Dance Music Club Play Chart. Jones also made an impact in Hollywood, starring in films such as the James Bond flick, A View to a Kill, the comedy Boomerang which also starred Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry and Conan the Destroyer. Her last studio album was 2008's Hurricane. Last year, she recorded the song, 'Original Beast', for the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack. BBC Films, the film arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation, recently announced that it is backing a documentary on Jones. Titled Grace Jones... The Musical of My Life, the project is being co-financed by BFI Film Fund and the Irish Film Board. It has been in the pipeline for seven years.

James Wilson and Katie Holly are co-producers of the documentary. (Jamaica Observer)

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD: CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD) presented a panel discussion on the role of film and new digital technologies in healing the historical hurts created by our colonial past, CTWD said in a press release. These hurts “have fueled divisions between Africa and the Creole cultures of the Caribbean and the Americas,” the release said.

The presentation took place during the 40th Annual Conference

of the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Presenting on the panel were CTWD chair Dr Keith Nurse; filmmaker and co-founder of Banyan Ltd Christopher Laird; and filmmaker and “art-ivist” Nicole Brooks. CTWD’s attendance at CSA was made possible by CTWD's 3D Distribution Project, financed by the ACP Cultures+ Program.

“Caribbean studies is growing in popularity among scholars and universities worldwide. This educational field is a core market for CTWD’s cat-

alog of over 300 titles, many of which are used effectively as curriculum tools on a range of subjects, including history, cultural studies, immigration, sociology, economics, politics, and gender studies,” the release said.

At the conference CTWD announced its partnership with the Banyan Archives, a collection that spans four decades and includes more than 3,000 highquality documentary video recordings of Caribbean rituals, cultural festivals, and hundreds of interviews with

celebrated Caribbean artists and icons.

“After two presentations at the CSA and the enthusiastic response from those who attended and who heard about the existence of this remarkable entrance into the resources available for Caribbean enquiry and research—which one person described as ‘epic’—I think the use of video/film as a research tool in a context heavily invested in text is at last getting some traction,” Laird is quoted in the release as saying. “The excitement generated was palpable."

“Film records and documents our cultures, both past and living, and has the power to unite territories divided by distance, language and bodies of water,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, founder of CTWD and herself a filmmaker. “The synergies and similarities throughout the diaspora are undeniable, haunting, resonant, and healing. “Films on Caribbean subjects provide tools for education that did not exist before. They are invaluable for education, documentation and forward development.” (TT Guardian)

Guyana: The Arthur Chung Convention Centre

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Formerly known as the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC), located in Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara, the centre was recently renamed theArthur Chung Convention Centre, in honour of Guyana’s first president, Arthur Chung.

On Feb 16, 2006, the People’s Republic of China presented the ultra-modern GICC to Guyana, after a request by the government of Guyana in 2002. The paperwork was inked in January 2003, during a state visit by State Counsellor of China, Madame Wu Yi.

The People's Republic of China had granted the funds, which amounted to approximately US$ 8M, for its construction. The cen-

a main conference hall with a seating capacity of 372,

five smaller conference rooms, a business centre and a restaurant.

Arthur Chung was born Jan 10, 1918 at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

Although an apprentice surveyor and sworn land surveyor, Chung studied in England to qualify as a barrister in 1947.He returned to Guyana and began his career in law as acting magistrate before moving on to Puisne and Appeal Court Judge in 1963.

When Guyana became a republic in 1970, Chung was elected its first president. He held the position from March 17, 1970 to Oct6, 1980.

Arthur Chung died June 23, 2008, and was buried at Seven Ponds. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Stumbling blocks

By Narine Dat Sookram

Stumbling blocks come in different forms. There are not too many people I know who can just go into a room full of strangers and feel comfortable to start off a conversation. Therefore an example of a stumbling block would be the reluctance to talk to a stranger.

This is not surprising to me, because we were brought up with the idea that talking to strangers is not a safe thing to do. Please do not get me wrong here, because most definitely this can be true in certain circumstances, so in a sense it is still a good piece of advice.

However, when it comes to business, taking the first step to talk to a stranger is a great opportunity to connect with other professionals who may be very interested in our products and services.

It is so crucial, because if we only talk to people we already know, we will surely miss out on other great opportunities to make new connections that can enhance our business.

Another stumbling block would be the fear of being seen as too pushy. Sure enough some people can certainly be that way, but if we really think that we might turn people off with our assertiveness and expect them to talk to us first, then we might find ourselves spend time all alone at what whatever function we may be at.

One thing I know for sure is that when we are open to people and being friendly to them, they surely find it to be very interesting and it does not turn them off.

There is sometimes that feeling that other people may not like us. This in some cases may be very true. However, if we recognize a situation as such, we should never take it personally.

There is always that slight possibility not everyone will be interested in us and may not even want to talk to us. The best thing to do is to move on to the next thing on the list or the next person in line.

Sometimes we can certainly have our intentions totally misunderstood. For example if we were to approach someone of the opposite sex and start off a conversation, it may be seen as a form of flirting, whereas the intention was to totally network. In some cultures this is more of a bigger problem for women than men.

We have to keep in mind though that women have an equal opportunity in the work arena and they too need to make all the professional connections the same way men do. I say this, because I feel like women can no longer afford to hold back to move forward with their professional career.

The thing is, whatever our stumbling blocks may be, we much face them before we attend our next networking event and set a plan for ourselves so that we can move on. If we take the time to do so, we will sure to approach our next networking opportunity with more confidence.

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

Aamir Khan says he’s a relaxed parent

Afamily, says he believes in being a friend to his children.

Asked about the kind of parent he is, the father of three told IANS: "I am a very relaxed parent and believe in trusting my children and in teaching them what I know and what I have learnt in life. Then I trust them to take the right decisions in their life.

"I believe there should be a lot of trust and faith in the relationship of parents and children... a child must feel relaxed and be happy to share whatever they want to share -- their concerns, fears, dreams... they should be able to share it all with you."

Aamir is a doting father to sons Junaid and Azad Rao and daughter Ira. (TOI)

Ranbir-Katrina to wed in 2016

Ranbir Kapoor has finally confirmed his relationship with Katrina Kaif after years of dodging media speculations and according to IANS, he also revealed that he will marry her by the end of

2016. The actor, who is usually guarded about his personal life and his closeness with Katrina even as they continued to be spotted together, opened up about the actress in an interview to Anandabazar Patrika.

"This year both of us are extremely busy, so there won't be any time for the marriage. We have planned to tie the knot by the end of next year. Both of us have agreed on that," the report quoted Ranbir.

He was further quoted saying, "Both of us are sure about our relationship and if we don't open about it now, it would be showing disrespect to the relationship. I am 33 now and it is time I have my family. Even Katrina wants that. I have grown up in a family where film is everything. So, I know the importance of gossip and my funda is simple. When there is gossip, try not to react and it is advisable not to think too much about yourself."

(TOI)

Deepali Sathe is the new kid on the Bollywood playback singing block

If you've heard the song 'Yeh kaisi jagah' from Hamari Adhuri Kahani, if it made you hum, then you surely must have wondered whose lilting voice it is. It's Deepali Sathe, the new rising sensation in the Bollywood music world. Deepali has already lent her voice to the song 'Daingad' in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, and can't stop gushing about her experience of having worked with music composer Jeet Gannguli.

"This isn't the first time I've sung for Jeet da. I first worked with him for a Bengali track

'Janemon' for Herogiri," says Deepali. Jeet liked her voice so much that he called her for 'Yeh kaisi jagah'. "I got to know that Jeet da told Mahesh and Mukesh Bhattji that he was gifting them a fresh and new voice in this film and had praised me a lot too. He also told me that this is the most important song of my career and will prove to be a turning point for me. So frankly, I was nervous and excited all at the same time while recording the song. But at the time of recording, Jeet da helped me and narrated the story to me about a woman being in

Shah Rukh Khan buys CPL team

Shah Rukh Khan has purchased the Trinidad & Tobago franchise in the Caribbean Premier League. According to reports, Khan's company Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd, along with Kolkata Knight

Riders co-owners Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, has invested in the T&T franchise. The next edition of the tournament is scheduled to run from June 20 to July 26, 2015. Khan is the first owner of an Indian Premier League team to own an overseas cricket franchise. He told TOI, "This is in line with our vision to expand globally . We are thrilled to become part of the cricketing tradition of Trinidad & Tobago. The passion for franchise cricket in the Caribbean is evident with the success of CPL and we hope to bring all the best practices of KKR to the T&T franchise."

Hollywood stars Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler already own CPL franchises. Wahlberg owns reigning champions Barbados Tridents, led by Kieron Pollard, while Butler owns Jamaica Tallawahs, captained by Chris Gayle. (TOI)

Aanand L Rai confirms Salman Khan's rejection to play dwarf

Director Aanand L Rai has confirmed that superstar Salman Khan turned down an offer to play a dwarf in his next film. But he says "it's all part and parcel" of the business. The Raanjhanaa director confirmed the report on Tuesday night at the success bash of 'Tanu Weds Manu' Returns here.

"You're in a business, you tell stories, you work on films, you work on the scripts, you go to your actors. Sometimes they like it, sometimes they don't. It's a part and parcel of your game," Rai said. Rai, who is known

for his content-driven and women-centric movies, made headlines with Tanu Weds Manu in 2011. Later, he followed up the success with Raanjhanaa.

Currently, Rai is busy

a dilemma because she is happy being in love but at the same time, she is already married to someone else. It really made me get into the mood of the number and I could sing it well," she says.

Deepali isn't new to the music world. She started crooning at the raw age of three during Sai samiti bhajans and live shows. She started mingling people in the music industry including Udit Narayan with whom she sang a duet, Asha Bhosle, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Khayyam, Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, Suresh Wadkar among others who were her judges at the reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

The singer then went on to lend her voice to the title tracks of shows like Vaari Apne Piya Pe Vaari, Main Lakshmi Tere Angan Ki and Jodhaa Akbar before moving on to playback singing for Hindi films. (TOI)

enjoying and celebrating the success of Tanu Weds Manu Returns as the movie has been appreciated by audiences and critics alike and has already grossed over Rs 100 crore. (TOI)

Karan Johar: I am incapable of directing 'Brothers'

Filmmaker Karan Johar, who has once again teamed up with director Karan Malhotra for their upcoming film 'Brothers', said he is incapable of helming such a film. Brothers, produced by Dharma Productions, is an official Hindi remake of 2011 Hollywood release Warrior that essayed story of two estranged brothers.

"Today audience prefer films that are entertaining. Content matters a lot irrespective of the genre. I am happy that at Dharma Productions, we are making all kinds of films. We are excited about Brothers and proud to be associated with Akshay Kumar and Jackie Shroff," Karan told reporters at the trailer launch of 'Brothers'. In the film, Akshay and actor Sidharth Malhotra play on-screen brothers who will battle out each other in a martial arts tournament.

"I don't know about Martial arts... I am incapable of directing a film like Brothers. I can't make a film like this. Karan (Malhotra) has done a brilliant job. This film will see never-before-seen avatar of Jackie, Akshay, Sidharth and Jacqueline Fernandez," he said. Karan and Malhotra have earlier worked in Hrithik Roshan-starrer Agneepath.

As a producer, Karan insists he is not running behind any one particular

genre but his focus is on content. The director, who is known for his family dramas, said Indian cinema has seen many movies made on siblings. Karan and Akshay are teaming up for the first time with the project. The duo was earlier supposed to work on a film that was to be directed by Punit Malhotra but things did not materialise. "It is not about making right film but a better film. I am happy and proud that Akshay is a part of Brothers," he said. When asked Akshay whether actors cut down on remuneration to do a content-driven film, he said actors should turn producers. 'Brothers' is slated to release on August 14, 2015. (TOI)

Laverene Cox to get wax statue at Madame Tussauds

Actress and reality TV star Laverene Cox will be the first transgender to have her wax figure displayed at Madame Tussauds.

The "Orange Is the New Black" star's wax figure will make its debut on June 26 during Pride Weekend festivities, reported Aceshowbiz

"I am so deeply honored to have been asked to be part of the Madame Tussauds legacy," said Cox, after being announced to have her wax figure displayed at the museum.

Cox's likeness will sit at the Madame Tussauds in San Francisco with wax figures of other celebrities including Lady Gaga, George Clooney and Anne Hathaway.

The 'Grand Street' actress was grateful for the honor.

"I am so deeply honored to have been asked to be part of the Madame Tussauds legacy.

"When I think about being who I am, a black trans woman from a working class background raised in Mobile, Alabama, this honor feels even more improbable and extraordinary," said, the LGBT advocate.

Madame Tussauds San Francisco also posted a video on its YouTube channel showing Cox working with the museum's studio artists for her upcoming wax figure.

Cox has been the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in the acting category.

She has been an outspoken advocate of LGBT community. (TOI)

Sofia-Joe to tie the knot soon

Actress Sofia Vergara will soon tie the knot with fiance Joe Manganiello.

The 'Hot Pursuit' actress said that her wedding with fiance Joe "is going to happen soon" in a "very secret place where nobody is going to find us," reported E!Online.

The actress looked all set to start a family with her fiance.

"Joe is younger than me. He is 38. He has never had kids.

How am I going to say no? I tell him if we are going to do this, we have to do it, like, now,

because I don't want to be 50 with a baby," Vergara said.

Vergara, 42, and 38-year-old Joe began dating in July 2014. The

Colombia-born actress opened up about her relationship with the 'Magic Mike XXL' actor during an interview in August last year. (TOI)

Melanie Griffith, Banderas reunite for daughter's graduation

Actress Melanie Griffith and her ex-husband Antonio Banderas reunited at their daughter's Stella's high school graduation.

Melanie took to Instagram to share some photos from the celebration. One of the photos showed the 'Working Girl' actress posing alongside her former flame, reported Ace

Showbiz.

In the photo, Melanie, Stella and Antonio posed arm-in-arm. The 57-yearold actress wore a red sleeveless floral dress and gold sunglasses, her daughter donned a red gown while the 'Spy Kids' actor sported a white long-sleeved top and blue sunglasses.

"Mama, Stella and Papi. Our angel is amazing. Beginning the

Vanessa Hudgens'' run on Broadway to end

'High School Musical' star Vanessa Hudgens's run on Broadway is coming to an end.

Her musical 'Gigi' is set to close later this month after she made her debut on the 'Great White Way' in April earlier this year, reported Contactmusic.

The revival of the

play, about a simple Parisian girl, who is trained to be a courtesan, received less-thanstellar reviews and only 30 per cent of its USD 1.3 million potential in the box office.

The show's producers announced the curtains will come down on 'Gigi' for the last time on June 21 after about 100 performances. (TOI)

Reese Witherspoon developing Wall Street comedy

Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon and Australian producer Bruna Papandrea's Pacific Standard Banner is developing a film adaptation of Maureen Sherry Klinsky's forthcoming novel Opening Belle.

The film is being adapted for Warner Bros, reports variety.com.

The novel, which is due to be published later this year, is loosely based

on Klinsky's real life experience working as a managing director at Bear Stearns, New York. It is a comic version of a woman juggling motherhood with a career at Wall Street in 2007, when she must deal with the impending financial crisis while raising three children.

Witherspoon and Papandrea formed Pacific Standard in 2012 in order to fill the vacuum for movies with fe-

male protagonists. They produced 'Wild', 'Gone Girl' and 'Hot Pursuit', and are also developing an adaptation of the novels Big Little Lies, The Engagements and The Outliers. (TOI)

Chris Pratt once worked as amateur stripper

Hollywood actor Chris Pratt, who will be seen in the action-adventure film Jurassic World, has confessed that he once worked as an amateur stripper.

Pratt, 35, opened up about his struggling past in the July issue of The Red Bulletin, reported aceshowbiz.com. "I was always a very much naked person. I loved to always get naked," the Guardians of the Galaxy star said.

"I was very free, so I thought, 'I may as well get paid.' "

next chapter of her life! Freedom!!" she captioned it.

She also posted a photo of her hugging Stella. In the photo, Melanie noticeably covered her "Antonio" tattoo with bandage.

Melanie added a photo of Antonio hugging Stella along with caption, "Father and daughter celebrating at Bacclaureate luncheon! So sweet!!"

In another picture, Stella could be seen posing alongside her father and her family. She wore a black-and-navy dress, while her brother Alexander and father Antonio donned suits.

Melanie, who filed for divorce from Antonio in 2014, also shared a photo of her posing with her three children including Dakota Johnson. (TOI)

The 35-year-old actor dropped out of college in his first semester. Since then, he sought a job

that could support himself. His job as a discount ticket agent was shortlived which led him to work as a stripper. He dubbed himself a "cheap Magic Mike" because he was paid US$40 for each performance.

The actor also admitted that his career

in Hollywood didn't go smoothly. He once auditioned for Avatar, but failed to make the cut. "That's just one of the movies I auditioned for and didn't get. I wasn't getting any parts. None! I tried for almost every movie you didn't see me in," he told the magazine.

Pratt is currently busy promoting the highly-anticipated 'Jurassic World' which will be released in the US on June 12. The movie features Chris Pratt, joined by Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Ty Simpkins, Judy Greer, Omar Sy and Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan. (TOI)

Zoe Saldana's husband takes her last name

'AZoe

ly got married two years ago. The "Guardians of the Galaxy" actress made the revelation in a magazine which featured her on the cover,

reported Ace Showbiz. The 36-year-old actress said she initially rejected her Italian artist husband's decision to become Marco Saldana.

"I tried to talk him out of it. I told him, 'If you use my name, you're going to be emasculated by your community of artists, by your Latin community of men, by the world,' " she said Saldana and Perego tied the knot in the summer of 2013. The couple welcomed twin boys Cy and Bowie back in November 2014. (TOI)

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Mabaruma, in north-west Guyana, was built high above the forest on an enormous hillock of green. Up there, running along the ridge, is an avenue of stately rubber trees, and a pleasing sprawl of orchards, paddocks, and tiny wooden farms.

Located in Region One (Barima/Waini), Mabaruma is approximately one and a half hour flight from Georgetown. It is also located near the Venezuela border.

One of Mabaruma’s attractions is the Kissing Rocks. The hike from the main road of Mabaruma to the Kissing Rocks takes

approximately 45 minutes by foot. During this hike it's likely that you'll hear and perhaps even spot some monkeys climbing in the trees surrounding the path. Once there you can cool down in the river. It is said that each person of a couple would stand on one rock and lean to try to kiss their partner, if they could reach it meant that their relationship would be a successful one. There are other stories, tales and myths associated with the Kissing Rocks.

A large population of indigenous persons continue to live off the landing Mabaruma. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Kindred SpiritS – inSpired by nature

Sculptor and painter Sigrid Sandker

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Sigrid Sandker is an Austrian visual artist who lives and works in Guyana, which has become her second home over the years. Together with Tracy Douglas and Nicholas Young, she forms part of the group exhibition “Kindred Spirits – Inspired by nature”.

Pottery and painting are Sandker’s major artistic activities.“It was here in Guyana that I was inspired to develop my love for ceramics and started doing pottery. The beauty of working with clay I find its directness, there is nothing between you and the material. Your hands knead, center and shape the clay. Painting on the other hand, which I have been practicing for many years, is more narrative; a painting can tell you a whole story or transmit messages and

moods. It offers a wider range of means of expression like colours, shapes, textures etc.”

Early art education is another issue very close to her heart. She believes that creativity is the freest form of self-expression. Moreover, there is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling for children than to be able to express themselves openly and without constraints.The ability to be creative, to

create something from personal feelings and experiences, can nurture children's emotional health. The experiences children have during their first years of life can significantly enhance the development of their creativity.

In her art class, she tries to stimulate this freedom of expression. “At age five, 90 per cent of the children measure high in creativity, at age

seven, 10 per cent measure high in creativity; among adults, 2 per cent measure high in creativity. Something in our education and culture seems

to blow out the candle of creativity. As a consequence, corporate trainers all over the globe spend millions to get CEOs to think “creative-

ly”, whereas small kids have it by nature,” she relates.

Something to think about… (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

J’can dancehall artiste Spice lifts 3 Star Awards

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: The Star awards concluded Saturday night, with dancehall artiste Spice taking home three awards for her work in 2014.

The recording artiste won the awards for the Female Deejay of the Year, Performer of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her video ‘So Mi Like It’.

According to the deejay, she was overwhelmed during the presentations. "I am overwhelmed and of my three awards, I am more proud to be awarded Performer of the Year, because I went up against people like Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. Those persons are icons so to win the award this year, is definitely something I am very proud of," Spice told the Jamaican media.

As for the formula she employed to reap success in 2014, Spice says she was tired of being overlooked.

"I have always been working hard and I never felt that I was getting the respect I deserve. So in 2014 I decided that I was going to put my all into it and thanks to my fans it paid off. When The Star put up the polls I was jumping in my room because I saw that the people recognised my work, hence they were voting for me,"she said.

Other winners for the night include Vybz Kartel who won Deejay of the Year and Chimney Records which won Producer of the Year among others.

Sizzla Kalongi, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, gave a strong and positive performance, showing patrons why he deserved the honour bestowed on him by The STAR.

There were also energetic performances from Kalado, Demarco, Spice, Chi Ching Ching and Ding Dong among others. (The Jamaican Star)

J’can Blake happy to shake rust as he cruises to 200m win

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: Double

Olympic silver medallist Yohan Blake made a long-awaited return to the track when he competed in the men's 200 metres at meet four in the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) All-Comers development series.

The Racers Track Club representative, who has not competed in almost a year due to a hamstring injury, cruised to victory in his heat at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Blake, who is also known as 'The Beast', went out hard and opened up a gap ahead of the field coming off the curve before easing down in the end in a moderate 21.57 seconds.

However, his time placed him in 13th position overall, as Anguillan native Zharnel Hughes, representing High Performance Centre topped the event with a time of 20.44

olympic and World championship medallist Yohan blake glides home to victory in the men’s 200m at the Jaaa all-comers development meet four at the National stadium on saturday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

seconds. Hughes won ahead of the Racers Track Club duo Miguel Francis (20.73sec) and Terrel Cotton (20.84sec).

Despite having pre-race jitters, Blake was elated to be back in competition.

"First I have to give God thanks that I am back on the track; it felt different [because] I was really nervous [and] didn't know what I could do really. But I feel really good to the get the rust off," he told reporters.

The 25-year-old admitted that thoughts of aggravating the injury played out on his mind, but encouraging words from coach Glen Mills and teammates assisted him significantly.

"I felt it so it was on my mind a little, but my coach and Usain (Bolt), and Warren (Weir) kept telling me to not think about it and just go out there and enjoy the race and that's what I did," he explained.

The 2011 World Championship 100-metre gold medallist confirmed his participation in next weekend's meet five in the series, as he looks ahead to the National Senior Championships set for June 25-28.

"I don't take long to get going, so I am going to come next week and run one more and head into the trials. I just have to keep it simple and do some speed work and I will be good," said Blake.

However, he expressed uncertainty about doubling up in the sprints, and is optimistic about a podium finish which will earn him a spot on the team to the World Championships in Beijing, China in August. "I am not sure as yet I am still leaving it for the coach to decide what he thinks is best for me. I just want to get back my competitiveness and see what happens, but I would like to be in the top three," he added. (Jamaica Observer)

Limacol renews Caribbean Premier League deal – NEW

GPC brand to partner with umpires, referees

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: NEW GPC INC, under its popular Limacol brand, on Monday confirmed that it will continue as a Principal Partner of the Caribbean Premier League. As partof the agreement, Limacol will become Umpires and Referees Partner, which will see Limacol represented on the Umpires’ uniforms and during the Third Umpire review.

Limacol was title sponsor of the first two seasons of the Caribbean Premier League, and its support of the tournament has helped the League rapidly become one of the most popular T20 competitions in

the world. In that time, the Limacol brand has become the most recognisable brand name synonymous with CPL.

NEW GPC Chairman, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, said; “We are delighted that Limacol will be continuing our successful relationship with CPL – this year’s tournament looks bigger than ever and we look forward to continuing to provide ‘Genuine Caribbean Cool’ to cricket fans across the region and around the World.”

Caribbean Premier League

Commercial Director, Jamie Stewart, said; “Limacol has been the central supporter of CPL since before the first ball was bowled, and cricket fans across the region have the brand to thank for helping to

make the CPL dream a reality. We are very pleased to extend the strong relationship with Limacol into 2015 and we thank the company for its continuing support of the Biggest Party in Sport.”

Global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, as well as exciting upand-coming local talent.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high qual-

ity action

)

Amazon Warriors training camp to start Thursday Hero Caribbean Premier League 2015…

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana Amazon Warriors’ first step to winning the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for the first time will be taken on Thursday when the official training camp gets underway at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

New Head Coach Carl Hooper, who resides in Australia, has already landed in Guyana and will lead the players through their drills ahead of the June 20 start of the Caribbean’s mega T20 tournament.

The foreign-based players – Australian Brad Hodge, Pakistan’s Umar Akmal, Trinidad and Tobago pair

Sunil Narine and Lendl Simmons, and the Sri Lankan trio Tillekaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga and Thisara Perera – are expected to arrive in Guyana in time for the start of the camp.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and spinners Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul are currently part of the West Indies squad for the Test series against Australia, and they are expected to link up with the Guyana Amazon Warriors unit for the opening game against defending champions Barbados Tridents on June 20.

Hooper, who previously worked in the now defunct Antigua Hawksbills set-up, said during an interview with

carl Hooper

Guyana Times Sport recently that the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad is a balanced one, and he is confident the

franchise can go one step further and win the title.

The South America-based franchise finished runner-up in the first two seasons, losing to the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and the Barbados Tridents last year.

Prior to the Player Draft in February, the Guyana Amazon Warriors had Narine, Simmons, Ramdin and batting all-rounder Christopher Barnwell as the retained players from last year, while they picked up the remaining 11 during the Draft process, five of whom had previously represented the franchise.

Malinga, Dilshan and the Guyanese trio – left-arm spinner Permaul, fast bowler Ronsford Beaton and open-

er Trevon Griffith – have all returned to the franchise, while the newcomers are Perera, Hodge, Akmal and the Guyanese quartet – veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, leg-spinner Bishoo, batsman Assad Fudadin and seamer Paul Wintz.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad reads: Denesh Ramdin, Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Tillekaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Brad Hodge, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Umar Akmal, Trevon Griffith and Paul Wintz. (Guyana Times)

Hero MotoCorp is new title sponsor of Caribbean Premier League

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Hero MotoCorp Ltd, the world’s largest twowheeler manufacturer, as the new Title Sponsor of the league for a period of one-year.

With this sponsorship, the much-awaited third season of CPL will be known as the ‘Hero Caribbean Premier League’.

Synonymous with some of the marquee sports partnerships in India as well as globally, New Delhi (India)headquartered Hero

MotoCorp has for long had a steadfast commitment towards promoting various disciplines of sports including cricket, golf, football and hockey.

Hero has been associated with cricket for over two decades in various capacities. In 2007, Hero was the Global Partner of the ICC World Cup, held in West Indies. In CPL 2014, Hero MotoCorp was the Presenting Sponsor of CPL teams, St. Lucia Zouks, and defending champions, Barbados Tridents.

Richard Bevan, Chairman, Hero Caribbean Premier League, said: “It is our pleasure to have the

CONCACAF

world’s largest twowheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, as Title Sponsor of CPL. Hero has been one of the leading sponsors of cricket throughout the game’s history, and it is a testament to CPL’s growing success that the event

cancels Under-15 Boys’ Championship

MIAMI, USA:

CONCACAF has cancelled its Under-15 Boys’ Championship scheduled for Cayman Islands and Jamaica in August.

The regional body made the announcement in a release that did not include a reason for the cancellation.

The statement said the Under-15 development tournament has been postponed until further notice but made no mention of the bribery scandal which has engulfed the game worldwide.

“By decision of the CONCACAF Executive Committee, CONCACAF regrets to advise of the postponement until further notice of the CONCACAF Under-15 Boys’ Championship

2015,” the statement read.

The news is seen as not just a blow to youth football in the region but also to the Cayman economy, as the tournament was expected to provide a late summer boost to hotel and service sector.

Over thirty regional squads as well as squads from Brazil, England and the Oceania Football Confederation’s Vanuatu were among teams down to compete in the regional competition.

“CONCACAF is committed to restoring a full slate of complementary

youth development tournaments in the shortest possible time,” the release said.

“This includes our objective to re-schedule the Under-15 Boys’ Championship, at the soonest opportunity”.

The Under-15 Boys’ Championship is part of CONCACAF’s grassroots programme, which has been championed by Jeffrey Webb, the former FIFA Vice President and until recently president of both Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) and CONCACAF.

Webb is among several FIFA officials imprisoned in Switzerland fighting their extradition to the United States, accused of being involved in a US$150 million bribery and racketeering scheme. (CMC)

will now be known as the ‘Hero CPL.’ We look forward to Hero’s support and to making Season 3 of the CPL the biggest yet.”

Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO, Hero MotoCorp Limited, said:

“Hero MotoCorp has been associated with sports, and particularly cricket, for well over two decades. The game of cricket has for long remained the most popular sport in India, and also in the Caribbean. As Hero rapidly expands its global footprint, we have been forging strong associations with sporting icons and events as part of our global brand building initiatives. Caribbean cricket and cricketers have always been highly popular in India and in many other parts of the world, and our title sponsorship of the CPL is a logical extension of our longterm association with the game. We look forward to a highly exciting month of cricket in the Caribbean.” Renowned international cricketers, Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi, will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. The tournament will also witness participation of talented local players from the Caribbean region. CPL 2014 attracted a massive global audience in excess of 65 million. This number is expected to break all previous records to post record participation of spectators from around the world. (CPL Release)

TT’s Ammon makes Davis Cup team

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Ethan Ammon will make his Davis Cup debut next month after placing second when the four-day trials concluded Sunday at Tranquillity Tennis Club, Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain.

The United Statesbased 17-year-old won four of his six matches in the straight round-robin tournament.

Dexter Mahase, who also won four times but lost to Ammon, and Tobagonians Vaughn Wilson and Akiel Duke also made the team for American Zone Group III of the world’s premier male team tennis competition, which will take place on clay courts from July 20-25 in Panama.

Wilson, who has already played Davis Cup on four occasion, impressively won the trials as he beat all six opponents and was only challenged in two matches.

The 22-year-old national champion was made to work to defeat Ammon 6-3, 6-4 and had to pull out all the stops to nose out two-time Davis Cup player Richard Chung 3-6, 6-3, 7-6.

Mahase, a member of the Davis Cup team about a decade ago, managed just two games against Wilson, while Jovani Lewis and Duke, who made their Davis Cup debuts last year, notched three and four, respectively.

Ammon defeated Lewis, Mahase, Chung and Jerome Ward in straight set, but the 2010 doubles champ of the ITF (International Tennis Federation) 13 & Under Development Championships went under in straight sets against Wilson and was

edged 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 by Duke.

Mahase, who only returned to competition last year after an absence of over five years, also had four wins. But his only straight-forward victory was against Ward as he needed three sets to get by Duke, Lewis and gain revenge over Chung, who had beaten him in straight sets in March in the quarterfinals of the Tranquillity Open.

The 21-year-old Duke got past Lewis, Ward and Ammon, to clinch the final place ahead of Chung.

Just as he had done when they met in the final of the “Tranquil”, Chung beat Duke again in straight sets (7-5, 6-2). The former national champ also took out Lewis, but blew his chance to make the team for the third time when he was stunned 5-7. 6-1, 6-2 by Ward.

Ward, who recently returned home after being in the United States for over five years, also took down Lewis as the left hander failed to win a match.

However three members of this year’s team—Mahase, Duke and Ammon —are lefthanded.

The nine participating countries— Bahamas, Bermuda, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Paraguay, TT, Panama— will be placed in two round-robin groups.

The two from each group will advance to the knockout phase and the winners of the two semifinals will be promoted to American Zone Group II next year.

Trials results: Wilson bt Duke 6-1, 6-3; bt Lewis 6-1, 6-2; bt Ammon 6-3, 6-4; bt Mahase 6-2, 6-0; bt Chung 3-6, 6-3, 7-6; bt Ward 6-1, 6-0.

Ammon bt Lewis 6-3, 6-2; bt Mahase 6-1, 7-6; bt Chung 6-3, 7-6; bt Ward 7-6, 6-2. Mahase bt Duke 6-3, 3-6, 6-1; bt Lewis 6-3, 4-6, 6-4; bt Chung 3-6, 6-2, 6-4; bt Ward 6-2, 6-1.

Ward bt Lewis 6-0, 6-1; bt Chung 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Chung bt Duke 7-5, 6-2; bt Lewis 7-5, 7-5. (TT Express)

Julien to skipper TT U-15s

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The national Under-15 cricketers will begin preparations for next month’s regional tournament when training gets underway on Wednesday under coach Glen Dwarika.

The first session will be conducted at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre at Balmain, Couva starting

at 5 p.m. with outstanding East Zone wicketkeeper/ batsman Leonardo Julien captaining the side.

The team will be preparing for the West Indies Cricket Board Under-15 Championships which is scheduled to take place in Guyana from July 20 to 30.

TT U-15 Squad: Leonardo Julien (captain), Michael Ambard,

Joshua James, Sachin Dookie, Renaldo Forester, Samir Ali

Brandon Singh, Rohan Singh, Jaydon Seales, Mbeki Joseph, Mathew Patrick, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Nicholas Ali, Gereeb

Louis, Giovanni Letren, Leonardo Francis. Glen Dwarika (coach), Anthony Ramjit (manager). (TT Express)

Sir Andy, Gayle praise Pietersen

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA:

Legendary West Indian fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts believes the St Lucia Zouks stand to gain from Kevin Pietersen’s England omission as he prepares to play in the Caribbean Premier League while superstar batsman Chris Gayle says the embattled middle order batsman should be representing England in all forms of the game.

Pietersen had been hoping for an international recall after last being selected for England during the 2013-14 Ashes Tour in Australia.

However, his prospects of a come-back on the English team suffered a setback when new director of cricket Andrew Strauss told him he would not play for England again this summer.

“Once Kevin Pietersen comes to St Lucia Zouks and prepares to play his part, I don’t think he’ll have a problem with anybody,” said Roberts.

“He didn’t have any problems with any of us last year when he came for two matches. I found he helped and he looked to help some of the youngsters. They had a few conversations with him and some have seen wisdom in what he’s said.”

Pietersen will represent the Zouks for the second time after turning out for St Lucia in

chris Gayle... added his voice to debate on the controversial English batsman Kevin Pietersen

between himself and the 34-year-old cricketer.

“One of the best players England has ever produced. But it’s your loss. KP is looking forward to the CPL. England don’t want him? We will take him,” said Gayle who took his tally in three NatWest T20 Blast innings to 328 as Somerset defeated Hampshire by eight wickets last Friday. “He (Pietersen) will entertain the fans. We will make some sales off him, sell some tickets. It should be fantastic. The CPL is going to be one big party.” (CMC)

the latter stages of the Caribbean’s Twenty20 competition last year.

Gayle has added his voice to debate on the controversial English batsman who was sacked by the England and Wales Cricket Board after last year’s whitewash Ashes defeat in Australia.

The record-breaking batsman was hoping for a recall to the England side after apparent preseason encouragement from new ECB chairman Colin Graves.

But even after his maiden triple-century for Surrey on Monday, he was informed within hours by England director of cricket Andrew Strauss that there is no imminent prospect of him playing for England again.

“He should be playing for England, there are no two ways about it,” said Gayle.

“They (the ECB) must have their reasons but we would love to see your best player in action, out in the middle, entertaining. It doesn’t matter what format – Test, 50over, Twenty20 – he’s a class player”.

Strauss was Pietersen’s Test captain in 2012, when he discovered the batsman had sent “provocative” texts about him to opposition players from their native South Africa.

Strauss has confirmed that Pietersen is “not part of our plans” for the Ashes summer citing a “massive trust issue”

CPL: Fudadin looks forward to debut

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Out of favour Windies Test batsman Assad Fudadin is anxiously awaiting his Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut after being snapped up by the Guyana Amazon Warriors during the 2015 draft.

“It’s a great opportu-

nity for me to represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the first time,” the 29-year-old Fudadin said.

The batsman, who was selected in the 15th round for US$5000, will be one of those looking to add firepower to a squad that has found itself in second position for the last two editions of the tournament.

Fudadin will be joined by Australia’s Brad Hodge, West Indies veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera and local superstars Devendra Bishoo and Paul Wintz as the newcomers in the Amazon Warriors outfit.

“It will be a good experience for me, since I will get the opportunity to mix with a few international players, who are specialised in oneday cricket, so it will be a good opportunity for me to experience and I want to thank the management unit for putting their faith in me,” he said.

Other members of the squad include Trinidad’s Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons and Denesh Ramdin and Guyana’s Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul and Ronsford Beaton. (Digicel Sportsmax)

SCA Women’s cricket tournament bowls off

-Canadian-based Guyanese Deo Samaroo welcomes teams…

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO, CANADA:

The inaugural Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA)

Women’s T20 cricket tournament bowled off on Sunday at the Ashtonbee ground with two matches.

President of the Association and Canadian-based Guyanese Deo Samaroo was on hand to welcome the four participating teams while Member of Parliament Rathika Sitsabaiesan

of Scarborough-Rouge River also attended.

Superstars defeated Kaisoca Women Cricket Club A team while the SCA Junior Under-13 side got the better of Kaisoca B team in the first round fixtures.

The action will continue on Sunday at the same venue with two more matches while two other teams have expressed their interest to participate . Samaroo, in his opening remarks, thanked his fellow executives of the SCA for this initiative to have a tournament for

women’s cricket and is very optimistic it will be successful upon completion of the season in early September.

“I [am] very thrilled to see the involvement of women’s cricket in our Association for the very first time; I must commend the ladies to take up the challenges and play the game in good spirit. Great job by my executives to see the action gets cracking and I am very hopeful it will continue to be very successful,” Samaroo declared.

Sitsabaiesan extend-

ed congratulations to the SCA for having women’s cricket tournaments and feels this version of the game is undoubtedly exciting and entertaining.

Nancy Lowes, who is the Manager for Parks and Golf Courses in Scarborough District, stated that she was not too familiar with cricket but learned few things about basic bowling and is heartened to be given the opportunity to bowl off the commencement of the competition.

Main sponsor of the competition Krishna Sarju of Caribbean

Restaurant also in Scarborough took the opportunity to say that he was thrilled to come on board and when approached by the SCA, there was no hesitation and expressed happiness to display his generosity.

Other executive members were presented and promised to continue with the great degree of commitment including Vice-President Bisham

Singh, Secretary Eon Gunraj, Treasurer Vish Jadunauth and Assistant Ground Coordinator Francis Mathew.

Other special invitees including Archie Mohan of Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club and Kim Sue of the Ontario Softball Cricket League echoed similar sentiments to the SCA on bringing out the ladies to the ground.