Caribbean Times International

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The Brij Team

Remax West Reality announces another free educational workshop

REXDALE, ON – The Brij Team executed another one in their successful series of You Have A Piggy Bank educational workshops on Saturday May 23rd.

A Great success with over 50 participants , these workshops are continuing to grow and build a strong community base. Another bonus is that these workshops are raising funds for The Caribbean Children Foundation to help save lives of Children in need (www.tccfangels.com).

A unique initiative created by Jay Brijpaul of the Brij Team at Remax Reality West , these workshops are designed to help educate the local community about realistic opportunities on building personal wealth with real estate.

Realizing that there is an overall lack of free, useful, viable and accessible knowledge available to the general public beyond the “get rich quick” and other sales focused seminars – the Brij Team aimed to provide real experienced based advice and insight on all aspects of investing from finding a property to finding and keeping the right tenants.

Pathologist in TT breaks vacation to

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

After being turned away on Monday, the families of three murdered people, all Muslims, finally got their autopsies done at the Forensic Science Centre (FSC), St James, after off duty pathologist Dr. Eastlyn Mc DonaldBurris agreed to come out to do them.

The TT media was reliably informed that Dr Mc Donald-Burris was supposed to be off this week and Dr Hughvon des Vignes was scheduled to work from Monday.

However, Des Vignes will return to Trinidad from Tobago on Wednesday to resume duties. No explanation was given to the media

for his two-day absence.

In a brief telephone interview on Tuesday, FSC director Arlette Lewis referred all questions on the lack of pathologists to the Communications Unit of the Ministry of Justice. Lewis said the code of conduct for the public service did not allow her to share such information.

On Monday, at least six funeral agencies took 15 bodies for autopsies but were left disappointed after all of them were cancelled due to the nonavailability of a pathologist.

The agencies came for the bodies of Ashanti Debidin, Kameel Ali and Ishmael Mohammed, who were murdered on Saturday. Under Muslim rites, the Sanat al-

Janazah (Muslim funeral last rites) is supposed to take place as soon as possible and this was the reason the autopsies were facilitated on Tuesday.

Speaking with the media afterwards, a relative of Ali said she was upset at having to wait most of the day Monday only to be told the autopsy would not be done.

“After 1 pm, or maybe later, someone came and told relatives there will be no autopsies. After waiting so long, that was so disappointing,” the woman, who did not want to be identified, said.

In a telephone interview on Tuesday, forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov, whose term at the FSC end-

Providing real tips and lessons that go beyond the financials but also focusing on making the experience as empowering as possible.

You Have A Piggy Bank workshops are a no pressure, no sales educational platform for anyone interested in leveraging their existing property equity and those financially planning for future.

do autopsies

ed in January, said had he been contracted he would have come out on his vacation to do the autopsies.

Alexandrov said he was brought here seven years ago as there was a shortage of pathologists and queried why the Government was taking so long to renew his contract.

The Russian-born forensic pathologist said under former minister of justice Hubert Volney his contract was automatically renewed.

He said even with three doctors the FSC would still by understaffed by two doctors and the five mortuary attendants currently there, three of them women, also were insufficient. (TT Guardian)

Jay has over 30 years of experience in real estate and investing. Jay and the Brij team have sold over 3000 homes and counting. Jay has been educating clients on Real Estate in the GTA and the surrounding communities since 1988.

To learn more about the workshops, please check out www.

YouHaveAPiggyBank.ca

J’can

Climate Change Ministry beautifies HalfWay-Tree Road premises

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: Staff of the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change used Labour Day 2015 to clean and beauty its offices at 16a Half-Way-Tree Road. Five offices operating under the Ministry are located at the premises. These are: Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP), Environment and Risk Management Division, Planning and Policy Directorate, Land Directorate, and the Climate Change Division.

From very early, members of staff, led by portfolio Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill; and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Alwyn Hales, were seen at the location carrying out cleanup exercises and planting flowers and trees.

Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, Lt. Col. Oral Khan, told the media that the primary aim of the project was to

beautify the environment. He also expects the savings from the exercise to be significant.

“It’s going to be in the thousands because it’s not only what we’re doing here today but the maintenance of what we put in that will also have to be factored in. It’s significant considering all the man hours. When you calculate that, it’s a significant amount,” he said.

Principal Director in the Climate Change Division, Albert Daley, told journalists that he was pleased with the decision to use Labour Day to beautify the grounds.

“This is an ideal time for staff on the property to make a contribution to improve the whole appearance of the area to make it a more attractive environment, so that workers will not only enjoy the inside of the building, but can also appreciate the lush greenery, the plants and the flowers outside,” he said.

(JIS)

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EDITORIAL

After the celebrations are over

In the apparent euphoria of Guyana’s election results, the country has, for the most part, seen much festivity and much enthusiasm for the future as the new president has promised to be a good president. Most newly elected officials often make such promises.

In 2012, Egypt declared its president after its historic first free and fair elections. It was a time of wild celebrations across Egypt. After decades of military dictatorship, Mohammed Morsi was democratically elected by the Egyptian multitude to rule a divided and heavily militarised nation.

As is customary of newly elected rulers, Morsi’s speech was filled with promises of a better and united country in light of its newfound democracy. Within a year however, the celebrations were over as anti-government protests swept across the country when Morsi declared some decidedly undemocratic restructurings.

The promises turned out to be empty for the majority of Egyptians. To the population, Morsi, it seemed, was preoccupied with political issues rather than solving economic and social ones. Today, according to a British newspaper, the current ruler enjoys popular backing, though not internationally.

Whether warranted or not, Morsi has now become a pariah among the majority of Egyptians after being also charged for ordering the deaths of anti-government protestors, many of those whom no doubt had voted him into power with the hope of a new Egypt and were disillusioned that it hadn’t yet arrived.

For if it’s one thing most elected leaders learn early is that their public always wants immediate results. Reform, better opportunities and all the promises made during the election campaigns must be met, preferably promptly.

With such close numbers and barring electoral rigging, the new Guyanese administration has to be quickly and clearly seen as working for all the people, or the very public that voted them in may speedily dispatch them at the next elections.

In one US, news report, many black Americans say the promises of Democratic President Obama have not been met and many are disappointed that after two terms nothing has changed for them. It may have translated to Republican gains in that country’s senate at the last elections.

The euphoria of America’s first black president and the hope it inspired has been deflated for those who had expected more from him within his presidential term. To quote a labour organizer interviewed for the report, “A lot of people don’t understand how government works. They think the president is a saviour.”

And it is not just in the US; many world leaders have swept to victory riding high on popular appeal, only to create widespread disappointment and resentment at the perceived slow rate of change and progress, and delays in keeping promises made on the campaign trail.

With the new administration just settling in, there is indeed a wave of goodwill, as was expected, as expressions of support continue to pour in locally, from the Caribbean and beyond.

Rightly or wrongly, this is why it is vitally important for the new administration to start walking the walk to illustrate to the public, particularly those unconvinced of their validity, that they are indeed for all Guyanese.

For those who looked beyond race, the new administration must swiftly provide them with concrete evidence of the “change” they campaigned upon that would bring about the united Guyana they made these voters envision.

It is not about settling political scores; it’s about swiftly fulfilling basic promises of employment and good governance to its supporters: the die-hards and those who were convinced of its campaign promises.

The element of time is not favourable to an administration that is elected under its promises of change and reform. People want to see quick change; jobs must be quickly provided not just promised, poverty must be quickly reduced, not simply promised to be reduced.

The Guyanese people are watching and waiting, but they would not wait forever.

Bringing value to customers in TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

For financial institutions, not knowing your customer is no longer an option. Not knowing is akin to courting danger and financial distress. Know Your Customer, widely known by its acronym KYC, has become a buzzword in the financial services sector.

Not only has KYC become mandatory but also legally binding for financial institutions to identify the persons who seek to do financial transactions with them and know them fully once they become customers.

With that in mind, the UTC has embarked on a project known as the Unit holder register “clean up” exercise, an initiative that will allow us to meet statutory and international regulatory guidelines, as required by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) regulations.

As a major player in the local financial services sector, the UTC is committed to implementing international best practice into its policies, strategies and processes. We are currently streamlining our operations to incorporate measures to determine and address unit holders who possess US indicia and to institute these processes in such a manner that unit holders are not negatively impacted in any way.

A direct benefit of this clean-up initiative would be compliance with AntiMoney Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) legislative and regulatory requirements. The global threat of money laundering and the financing of terrorism have led financial sector regulators and financial institutions to strengthen their vigilance in support of the efforts of government to more readily detect attempts to launder money and finance terrorism, and to minimise the

possibility that their jurisdictions or institutions become involved in such activities.

This is why Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements remains a key feature. KYC is the process regulated markets utilise to identify clients and ascertain pertinent information — before engaging in business with them. Not only is it a requirement for financial institutions to conform to due diligence and financial regulatory legislation but to prevent financial institutions from being used by criminal elements for money laundering and illegal activities. While the specific details of KYC requirements may differ between jurisdictions and regulatory regimes, organisations are required to understand their customers and clients, this includes identifying the clients’ business, source of funds and wealth, purpose of specific transactions, expected nature and level of transactions and countries from which the customers/clients originate.

KYC requirements mandates that more detailed information is now required to open accounts, perform transactions and operate pre-existing accounts. Where KYC requirements are not adhered to, financial institutions would have the right to refuse business or turn away a customer or client. Financial institutions may also request additional information to support their customers’ profile (both new and longstanding) for transactions to be effected. Don’t be alarmed if the next time, you decide to establish a new account, you are requested to provide proof of identity, residence and income. It is not meant to be cause anxiety but to ensure your protection. At the UTC, our primary focus is to meet the evolving needs of our unit holders and to bring value to what we do in a highly competitive space. We also recognise that our unit holders are the ones that

drive our quest for excellence. We want to work with our unit holders to build enduring relationships, and this unit holder clean-up exercise is an invaluable tool on this path.

Not only will this improve our governance structure but will ensure that all demographic and non-financial unit holder information on our database is current, relevant and accurate. Such information will allow us to take a critical look at our unit holders’ records and improve our unit holder database. Moreover, it will allow us to have deeper knowledge and insight of our unit holders, resulting in the provision of products and services that are better suited to our customers’ financial needs.

With approximately 580, 000 unit holders and about TT$20 billion in funds under management, we are targeting both new and existing unit holders during this clean-up exercise, a collaborative effort between UTC and our valued unit holders meant to bring not only efficiency to our operations but to value to the way we do business with our customers.

Our goal is greater customer satisfaction. In order to achieve this, we need our unit holders to come in and work with us on providing the information. We expect to have the exercise completed in three years, 2018.

In summary, the clean-up exercise will allow us to become compliant with the statutory and regulatory requirements. More significantly, it will ensure that we become better positioned to serve our customers.

In the words of entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, “We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.” Our clean-up exercise is aimed at doing just that. (TT Newsday)

“Six-time monarch heads professionals’ 2015 cast”

TORONTO, CANADA: Sixtime Canadian

Calypso Monarch

“MacomereFifi” (Eulith Tara Woods) and veteran (Dick Lochan), the two lone original members, head up the Professional Calypso Tent cast for their upcoming 9thCalypsoseason with a mix of a returning veteran, two newcomers and a couple of young rising Calypso stars.

This year’s cast will once again include “Panman Pat” (2-time Monarch), The Web (2time Montreal King), Connector (Soca King), Mr. Wonderful and “Sada”(12) Canada’s

youngest Calypso Tent Artiste (2nd Year). This year’s cast will see the return of “Luv Bug”(Herbert Tyson) a former Monarch, after a lengthy sabbathical from the local scene and the debut of Grenadianborn artiste “KennyC” (Kenny Caliste) and fourteen-year-old “Elijah” (Alexander).

The Professionals Calypso, which is run by a trio of strong women namely Judith Thompson, Frances Lochan and Gail King, is now in it’s 9th year of operation and has been touted as Toronto’s Top Calypso Tent.The Professionals Calypso

Tent will once again be backed by a LIVE band “SHAK SHAK” led by Chris Wilson, with Dick Lochan as Master of Ceremonies.

The Tent kicks off on Saturday June 20th and runs for the next 3 consecutive Saturdays i.e June 27, July 4 and July 11at their usual venue “CALYPSO CITY” Steelworkers Union Hall, 25 Cecil Street in downtown Toronto which is central and accessible to all across the GTA and its environs.

For tickets and further information contact Gail-647-856-7996, Frances-416-284-4021 or Judith -416-769-7888.

Dabydeen to feature at Canadian academic conference

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Guyanese-born poet, short story writer and novelist, Cyril Dabydeen will be a featured writer reading from his newest collection 'God’s Spider' with a focus on the iconic Sir Wilson Harris, at this year’s Annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences Conference at the University of Ottawa on Sunday.

Dabydeen will be a special guest at the joint session of the Canadian Association of Commonwealth Language and Literature Studies Society (CACLALS) and the Ass’n of Canadian and Quebec Literatures.

The Congress – previ-

ously called the Learned Societies – is an annual gathering of the brightest and best scholars from Canada and abroad at a Canadian university. The country’s tertiary institutions take turns each year to host this special event focusing on scholarship. It is being hosted this year by the University of Ottawa under the theme “Beyond Borders”.

Dabydeen’s new volume is inspired by his reading over many years of Harris’ work on the mythos of pre-Columbian peoples and archetypes associated with new ways of apprehending our world beyond the conventionally logocentric.

The metaphor of the “spider” symbolises the artist’s combined instinct of creator and weaver, and the greater power of a metaphysically God-inspired universe in symbiosis with

Guyana as focus and interweaved with classical Greece as reflected in “Homer’s Odyssey”.

Dabydeen, in writing the new poems, goes into interior landscapes with motifs springing from his own Indian-indenture ancestry with poems such as 'Tryst with Destiny', 'Sarojini Naidu' and 'Buddha in Ottawa' tied to associations with CLR James, cricket and Commonwealth awareness. This is in a cosmopolitan world-view.

The writer has met Harris in London, UK, and elsewhere. As an adjudicator for the prestigious Neustdat International Prize for Literature given by the University of Oklahoma, he nominated Harris to receive this top award a few years ago.

Dabydeen had his last formal reading was at the University of Vienna at the International Conference on the Short Story, where he also served on an international panel on short fiction (flash fiction). He has been invited to read at the next biennial short story Conference in Beijing in 2016. He has done over 300 readings internationally, and is a previous winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature for his novel 'Drums of My Flesh'. Dabydeen has taught writing at the University of Ottawa for many years, including the Advanced Fiction Writing course. (Guyana Times)

US issues extradition order for TT’s Warner

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

United States diplomats on Wednesday lodged a formal request with the State requesting the extradition of Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner who is wanted in the US along with other FIFA officials on charges of racketeering and bribery relating to a 24-year scheme to allegedly enrich themselves in relation to world football affairs.

Attorney General Garvin Nicholas confirmed he received a request from the United States through the US Embassy at Port-of-Spain and that US law enforcement officials have met with officials of the Central Authority, the body that oversees extradition matters.

The developments emerged after the United States Department of Justice announced the

unsealing of a 47-count indictment in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging 14 defendants – including Warner – with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offenses, in connection with the defendants’ participation in a 24-year scheme to enrich themselves through the corruption of international soccer.

The guilty pleas of four individual defendants and two corporate defendants – including Warner’s sons Daryan and Daryll – were also unsealed on Wednesday.

Warner is due to appear in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. Reports suggested he was on Wednesday morning meeting with lawyers and visiting offices including that of his Sunshine newspaper at Chaguanas. (TT Express)

Guyana’s President inaugurated amid pomp, ceremony

By Bhisham mohamed

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA:

Thousands from near and far flocked the Guyana National Stadium for the inauguration of Guyana’s Eighth Executive President, His Excellency David Arthur Granger which was held to coincide with Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary.

It was a magnificent showcase of colours, creativity and talent, but, most of all, the outpouring of emotions, a spectacle that will last for a lifetime especially for the young children seen taking shelter under umbrellas during the intermittent downpours.

The Guyana National Stadium was bursting its seams as Guyanese assembled for an event that will be marked down as history. The stands of the stadium were packed to capacity hours before the actual commencement of the rich cultural extravaganza. Just about 15:05h, Emcee of the proceedings, Basil Bradshaw announced the first performer who is no stranger to Guyana after winning the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition in 2013, Ryan Hoppie.

He took to the stage performing “Love and Unity”, a fitting rendition to get things rolling. His performance certainly set the tone for the evening’s proceedings which saw the jubilant spectators waving the national colours with pride and joy on their faces. His performance was followed by that of Gavin Blackman who sang a remix of Eddie Grant’s 'Johanna'. Reigning

Pregnant TT Mom charged with killing infant son

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The mother of baby Rojel Jeremiah HillaireFarrow has been charged with his unlawful killing.

Alisha Hillaire, 20, of Exchange Road, Couva, was charged last night with manslaughter, Constable Harripersad of the Homicide Division (South). Hillaire had been in police custody since last Monday, after the autopsy of the 22-month-old child.

A pathologist found that he had died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Baby Rojel was found unresponsive at his home two Sundays ago. He was pronounced dead at the Couva Health Centre.

She is expected to appear before a Couva Magistrate on Wednesday. Hillaire, who is four months pregnant, is a mother of three. (TT Express)

Calypso Monarch King Perai also did his part as he performed his winning song 'Perai' dressed in his native garb including the Amerindian Headdress. As the cultural programme continued, the crowd erupted as Guyana’s own, Charmaine Blackman took to the stage singing her version of 'Stand Up'.

She made way for Reigning Chutney King

Roger Hinds with his tune 'Searching for a Larkhi' which even had the Heads of State and members of the diplomatic corps tapping their feet. Then the title song from the hit movie 'Titanic' was sung by Jennifer Pereira, a Lindener who did justice to the lyrics and notes. As it came down to the formal proceedings, GMoney and Jovinchy out of Kross Kolors also

performed their pieces. At this time, the emcee handed over to Michella Abraham Ali for the formal aspect of the Inauguration ceremony. The formal session began with the guard of honour making its way into the Guyana National Stadium to loud applause from the crowd.

Granger arrived to a thunderous roar from the crowd. He was greet-

ed by the Prime Minister, and the top brass of the security services. As he exited, he waved to the crowd and made his way to greet his Ministers of Government who lined the field. Soon after, the President inspected the Guard of Honour and took his seat where he was entertained by approximately 530 children decked in colourful attire. As the shadows lengthened, a prayer was done by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings in Akawaio language followed by a welcome dance by members of the Amerindian Community, after which Hasting handed over a golden key to the Head of State which meant that he was inaugurated as the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Finally, as the curtains were pulled on the Inauguration Day celebrations, the skies were lit up by an excellent display of fireworks by the Guyana Defence Force. His Excellency was joined by members of his Cabinet, visiting Heads of State, members of the diplomatic community and family all stood in awe as they witnessed the display. (Guyana Times)

All Jamaicans must stand in the interest of children – PM

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson, has commended the volunteers who came out to work on the Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, which was the National Labour Day project.

She said the strong turnout of persons, including opposing political representatives, sends a signal that “all need to stand in the interest of our children”.

The Prime Minister joined scores of residents, public officials, members of the private sector and civic groups, in the rehabilitation of the park under the theme: ‘Labour of Love, Nurturing our Children.’

Scores of volunteers gathered from early in the morning, to paint, erect a perimeter fence, install concrete benches, tables, swings, slides, and plant flowers and trees, among other activities.

The Prime Minister used the occasion to once again declare the Government’s commitment to the protection of children.

“We do not want any child to be ignored; all should be taken care of. So anything to do with their education, and their care and protection, will always be given serious attention. I want to encourage communities to care for and protect the children,” she said.

For his part, Member of

Parliament for Eastern St. Thomas, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, informed that he has committed Ja$5 million to continue work at the park “to ensure that it becomes a treasured recreational ground”.

“We have done all the design work for the park, and we are going to transform this park. It is going to become our own Emancipation Park in St. Thomas. It is going to be a wonderful area for our people and our children,” he said, while calling on residents to protect the facility.

Acting Principal Director of Culture at the Ministry of Youth and Culture,

Dr. Janice Lindsay, said the focus on protecting children “really made a difference for Labour Day 2015, as the theme really got people working.”

Corporal Donavon Gordon of the St. Thomas Police Community Safety Branch, said the Labour Day focus on children will boost measures to keep children safe.

Western St. Thomas Member of Parliament, James Robertson, informed that some 20 projects were undertaken in his constituency through the Social Development Commission (SDC), including restoration of a bypass in the Mount Vernon/Jones Pen area “where we have a major breakaway.” (JIS)

New Ministries created by Guyana’s President Granger illegal – PPP/C

By Vahnu Manickchand

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is claiming that the establishment of several new Ministries by the newly elected A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is illegal.

During a press conference held at Freedom House on Friday, the party’s Executive Members highlighted that the new Government is creating new Ministries without following the proper legal procedures.

Former President and Executive Member of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo, explained that the formation of new Ministries is illegal since monies cannot be released to those entities, which are not represented in the Appropriation Act.

“You cannot disburse monies to Ministries that don’t exist anywhere except by this new decree. There is no budget now at this point in time… only after the budget or in the budget process, you’ll be able to create a Ministry, have it reflected in the budget and the Appropriation Act, allocate funds to that Ministry and then you can disburse resources to it. You can’t create a Ministry today and take money from another Ministry and send it to this non-existence in law Ministry,” the former President outlined.

Jagdeo further pointed out that the 1/12th rule that was adopted by the PPP/C while in power to fund the various Ministries after Parliament was prorogued, cannot be used to fund the new Ministries.

This view was sup-

ported by former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who stated that the 1/12th rule was in relation to budgetary allocations that Parliament had already approved for Ministries that were in-existence at the time.

“Now you have monies being obviously spent in relation to Ministries that were not existing and did not fall under

any Appropriation Act. This is being done by people, who over the last three years, you would have seen and heard championing causes of constitutional spending, lawful spending and all these novel and lofty ideals. You would have heard them advocate very loudly and you see them now, in just a matter of days, violating the

More international investment for Jamaican tech start-ups

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaican tech entrepreneurs continue to get more support from international investors as Start-Up Jamaica rolls out a second set of participants for seed funding.

What's more, California-based accelerator company Devlabs will top the previous funding set by Jordan company Oasis500 to up to Ja$5 million in cash and business support for each successful local start-up seeking to solve social and economic problems, whether nationally, regionally or globally.

The second pitch got underway last Thursday and saw 10 companies from Start-Up Jamaica, the University of Technology and Northern Caribbean University making five-minute pitches to Devlabs co-founders Ruben Hernandez and Jose Lopes at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) building on Duke Street in downtown Kingston. Devlabs incubates tech start-up companies founded by outlier entrepreneurs from small cities and rural towns around the world. It expects to select the winning companies over the next few months.

Last September, the Government and the World Bank inked a deal with Oasis500 for seed funding of up to

US$30,000 (Ja$3.48 million) for each participant under the Youth Employment in Digital and Creative Industries (YEDCI) project.

Start-Up Jamaica is a key element in a strategy developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining to help innovators and entrepreneurs in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to grow their ideas into marketable products and services, thus contributing to economic growth, increasing employment, and generating foreign exchange.

The strategy aims to transform Jamaicans from being technology consumers to technology creators over the next few years, and to position Jamaica as the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Caribbean.

Start-Up Jamaica con-

ducts a 45-hour intensive boot camp, welcoming potential entrepreneurs in the areas of digital media, mobile technologies, ICT and digital content at its incubator facility at JNBS. The programme provides participants with key skills and technology, business, management, legal and accounting support they need to prepare them to pitch to equity investors and receive investment to grow their businesses.

Following the training, three start-up projects, RevoFarm, CrimeBot and the Vinelist, were selected from a pool of 60 potential entrepreneurs to benefit from seed funding and a trip to the company's headquarters in Jordan last March.

The tech companies have been benefiting from a 100-day training initiative, which saw

Constitution, violating the financial laws, violating financial regulations,” he noted.

Nandlall went on to point out that there are a series of legislations in place that ascribe Statutory responsibilities to specific Ministers under specific Ministries, but now there are a host of new ministerial bodies.

A few days after Leader of the APNU+AFC coalition

David Granger was sworn in as Guyana’s eighth Executive President following the May 11 polls, the new Government opted to reduce and rename several of the Ministries that were established under the 23-year reign of the PPP/C.

Oasis500 planned investment come in the form of cash, mentorship, training, and other business support. In exchange, the Middle Eastern development company has the opportunity to take up to a 20 per cent stake in each start-up.

The new partnership with Devlabs is expected to take the same form.

Currently, the participating start-ups include developers of mobile and social media games Pandasoft; online wholesale club Pantrypan; social shopping platform and two-time participant Vinelist; electronic farm monitoring system Smart Farm; Jamaica Care Packages, which delivers monthly care packages to members of the Jamaican Diaspora; and DaiMangou, a platform for game developers -- all from Start-Up Jamaica.

Seek, an android application for job seekers, also entered the programme from the Northern Caribbean University, along with iTech Student Information Management System. From the University of Technology, Jamaica, Callin Russell pitched JaApps Medical, while Stephen Smith and Rickardo Hyde pitched Working Enigma.

Start-Up Jamaica will be open to another 60 applicants over the next two months. (Jamaica Observer)

Meanwhile, on the issue of the budget, the new Finance Minister under the APNU/AFC Government, Winston Jordan, has indicated that extensive consultations are ongoing with high-level Ministry staffers with a view to completing and presenting the National 2015 Budget.

The Minister, who is a highly qualified financial expert, said that he inherited some of the groundwork which was already laid out by the previous Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. However, these preparations were made based on the previous Government’s priorities, but now the focus will be changed to reflect the agenda of the APNU/ AFC Administration.

Some of the new Ministries established by President Granger include the Ministry of Citizenship, the Ministry of Governance and the Ministry of Presidency, formerly known as the Office of the President.

(Guyana Times)

TT Pres meets Hosein, other IC members

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

President

Anthony Carmona has met with Integrity Commission chairman Zainool Hosein over the controversy surrounding the commission’s closure of its Emailgate probe and the subsequent resignation of two commissioners.

The meeting was held even as calls for the dismissal of the remaining members of the Integrity Commission— Hosein, Pete London and Deonarine Jaggernauth—mounted.

Last Saturday, information specialist at President’s House Theron Boodan confirmed that Carmona and Hosein met for nearly two hours at the Office of the President, Port-ofSpain.

He was, however, unable to divulge what the two men discussed in the meeting which began around 10.30 am.

It seems likely that

Carmona and Hosein’s discussions centred around the ongoing furore over the commission’s statement on Tuesday which indicated that there was “no or insufficient evidence” to continue the probe, thus closing the IC investigation into the allegations levelled by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. The discussions would likely have included concerns over the subsequent resignations of deputy chairman Sebastian Ventour and Dr Shelley-Anne Lalchan.

Lalchan was the first to resign, citing personal reasons for her departure.

The President spent a total of five hours meeting with all three members separately.

Carmona is expected to meet with the three remaining commissioners early this week to ascertain their positions with respect to continuing at the IC.

He is expected to issue a statement on the matter following that meeting.

The president’s meetings with the commissioners were necessary for him to hear all parties involved before making an official statement.

The Sunday Guardian learnt that the issue of quashing the IC does not arise at this stage for the President, as he is still gathering information. (TT Guardian)

Guyana Elections were manipulated – 3 GECOM Commissioners

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Three of the six Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) say they strongly believe, based on factual evidence, that the General and Regional Elections 2015 were rigged.

In a press statement, the three Commissioners: Mohamood Shaw, Athmaram Mangar and Sase Gunraj; all of whom were nominated by the ruling Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) stated they have enough reasons to accurately declared that the Elections were far from free and fair.

The statement explained in details, the series of irregularly activities within GECOM that led them to believe that Elections were indeed rigged.

Starting with a Commissioners meeting on May 13, prior to the announcement of the preliminary results, the Commissioners related that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield acknowledged that there were significant disturbances with the electoral process.

“The Chief Elections

Officer…disclosed that it goes against his conscience to disclose the results in his possession,” the statement noted.

Some reasons why it is assumed that Lowenfield went against his conscience is because he mentioned the fact that there were “variances in the data contained in the Statements of Poll within his and those in the possession of the Returning Officers of the respective Electoral Districts; and the number of votes cast as recorded on some of the Statements of Poll in his possession far exceeded the number of electors on the official list of electors for the corresponding division.

Moving along to the Press Conference at 9pm, Lowenfield, against his conscience, announced that results of 1809 polling stations (excluding results from 490 polling stations).

“This led us to the belief that there were at least 490 Statements of Poll affected by the irregularities disclosed by the Chief Elections Officer,” the Commissioners concluded.

Then on May 14, Lowendfield made another public announcement of the irregulari-

ties discovered on the previous day.

“Notwithstanding the public disclosures by the Chief Elections Officer, he proceeded to announce the preliminary results of all 2299 polling stations across the country,” the statement noted.

22 ballot boxes

On May 15, a delegation from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) met with the Commission to discuss the said irregularities and provided a sample of 22 Statements of Poll and requested that the corresponding ballot boxes be opened to verify the said results.

The statement said the Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, gave an undertaking to open the

Tobago sanitation workers protest

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: “We fed up of the same thing...over and over,” was the chant of sanitation workers employed with the Division of Agriculture Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment as they downed tools on Monday morning and gathered outside the office of the Secretary, Assemblyman Godwyn Adams.

Convinced that they have explored all options, the protestors told journalists they are totally fed up as they have not been paid their arrears and overtime from since 2005.

“We are the outstanding monies owed to us from 2005, overtime monies, up to now we en get a cent and we saying we need our monies now… Is ten years now, the unions came in, administrators came in; we exploit all the possibilities within the years and to date still nothing.

“All they give us each and every time is promises… yes they would pay, yes they would pay. We decided that this is the next step that we

want to take, so we’re here saying we want we money now. We were told by February month end, this is May month end, enough is enough. We are saying it is too long, time enough and we want out money now,” sanitation worker, Norris Walcott explained.

Walcott is adamant that the workers need to send a message to the Tobago House of Assembly and those in authority, that ‘this treatment is unnecessary and should not be tolerated.’

The communications unit of the Division acknowledged the overtime wages owed to the workers, in a press release. “The sheets have however been received by the accounts department in the Division and are currently being processed. At this time, priority is being given to regular wages which are due to be paid in a couple of days. Thereafter, the overtime sheets will be attended to and are estimated to be completed and paid within the first two weeks of June,” the release indicated. (TT Newsday)

said 22 ballot boxes be opened to verify the said results.

This position was later recanted at a meeting of the Commission that continued immediately after the departure of the delegation aforesaid.

Following this, the three Commissioners said they made requests of the CEO, pursuant to the disclosures aforesaid, for the information on several concerns, including: the steps taken to ascertain the authenticity of and the information contained in all the Statements of Poll within his possession; the total number of Statements of Poll affected by the irregularities; steps taken to correct the discrepancies as aforesaid; and the extent

to which the discrepancies affected the overall results of the said elections.

On May 16, the statement noted that the CEO “refused and/or neglected to provide to the Commission, the requested information.”

Then on May 20, one of the CommissionersSase R. Gunraj wrote, in his capacity as a Commissioner, to Lowenfield, in his capacity as CEO, requesting the information on results from each Electoral District, disaggregated by Polling Division, as compiled by the Chief Elections Officer; results from each Electoral District, disaggregated by Polling Division, as compiled by the Returning Officer of each

Electoral District; report from the Information Technology Department, disaggregated by Polling Station; photocopies and/or electronic copies of Statements of Poll of each Polling Station, as submitted to the Chief Elections Officer; and photocopies and/or electronic copies of Statements of Poll of each Polling Station, as submitted to the Returning Officer of each Electoral District.

On May 21, the Commissioner received a response from Lowenfield who said “that he requires the consent of the Commission to release the requested information.”

However, the statement explained that “information similar to which was requested was provided to the Commission, as a matter of course, after every past election.”

In conclusion, the three concerned Commissioners said they find it amiss that the Chairman did not convene a meeting since, especially in light of the many outstanding issues regarding the conduct and outcome of the General and Regional Elections 2015. (Guyana Times)

Optimism over St Lucia’s ability to host Commonwealth Youth Games

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA:

The CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), David Grevemberg, says he is “more optimistic” about St Lucia’s ability to host the youth meet in 2017.

Grevemberg made his disclosure after a visit to St Lucia over the weekend in which the country’s hosting of the Commonwealth Youth games dominated the agenda.

There appears to have been some uncertainty surrounding the ability of St Lucia to host the games two years from now.

The CEO says the CGF stands ready to lend assistance to the local authorities, and he is looking forward to the island having a great event .

Grevemberg was among some 29 delegates from 21 member territories of the (CGF) in St Lucia over the weekend, at a joint meeting of the Caribbean and Americas region.

“Commonwealth Games is very important but we need as sports organisations and National Olympic Committees to get our respective Governments involved,” said Juman Yassin, Regional Vice President of the Americas.

“We need for Ministers

cEo of the commonwealth Games Federation (cGF), David Grevemberg

in the Caribbean, in the Americas, and throughout the Commonwealth to appreciate the Commonwealth Games is important, but we need… their contribution so it could go much further.”

During the course of their visit, the CGF officials met with the Governor General, Dame

Pearlette Louisy, Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Pierre and Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Shawn Edward. The Caribbean and the Americas together comprise the second biggest region of the Commonwealth in terms of member territories, behind only Africa. (CMC)

Contracting firm in TT seeks leave to file for judicial review

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD:

Contractor China

Jiangsu International Corporation Ltd, which constructed the TT$40 million Las Alturas apartment complex in Morvant which is now the subject of a Commission of Enquiry, has initiated legal action against the Commission and its chairman, Justice Mustapha Ibrahim.

The contracting company is seeking leave from the High Court to file an application for judicial review after the commissioners added it on January 26 as a party in the probe into the structural failure of

the multi-million dollar project.

It is contending that there are no provisions in the Commissions of Enquiry Act that gives power to the Commission to make the company a party in the enquiry and, as such, its decision to do so was unauthorised and contrary to law.

The hearing came up before Justice James Aboud, at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain on Monday, with the company's lead attorney John Jeremie SC submitting, given that China Jiangsu is currently engaged in a private dispute with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC),

PPP/C salutes Guyanese on 49th Independence Anniversary

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) salutes the people of Guyana on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the attainment of independence from Great Britain.

The PPP/C is proud of the role it has played in the struggle for a free and independent Guyana. Indeed, it was the People’s Progressive Party/Civic that led the struggle for a free and independent Guyana under the charismatic and dynamic leadership of Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Regrettably, the celebrations are taking place in an environment in which the democratic rights of the Guyanese people to elect a Government of their choice are once again trampled upon by the de facto Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change regime, which has been foisted on this nation by way of electoral fraud.The PPP/C is also concerned over the attempts that are being made to divert the true meaning and significance of independence by meaningless fanfare and extravaganza, in order to lend legitimacy to the fraud which took place on May 11. This day will

at this stage it did not wish to accept the invitation to attend the Commission of Enquiry.

Jeremie said on two occasions attorneys representing China Jiangsu wrote to the commissioners outlining the company's position, but to no avail.

Given the order, Jeremie said his client was now obligated to attend the enquiry whenever there is a hearing, adding that the order affects China Jiangsu's public law rights.

He accepted that the company could choose not to accept the invitation and refuse to attend, but stated that "to not appear is not a reme-

J’ca

dy that a responsible organisation would take".

He said even though the company did not wish to be added as a party, his client had no issue with attending the enquiry if a summons was issued for it to give evidence.

Senior counsel Pamela Elder, who is seeking the interest of Ibrahim and the Commission, claimed the application being made for leave by China Jiangsu was "doomed to fail" as there was no arguable grounds for success.

Elder said the company was a "crucial player" in the enquiry, given that it was China

Jiangsu that constructed the apartment complex.

She pointed out that by being a party in the enquiry it gave the company a bigger role to play should it choose to cross-examine other witnesses. Elder said if China Jiangsu was not a party and was to only receive a summons to testify, it would be unable to cross-examine.

Questioned by the judge on the status of the enquiry, Elder said hearing is expected to resume on June 15.

By the end of June, Elder said, the Commission may very well complete the gathering of all the informa-

tion required from witnesses before moving to compile the report.

Given this piece of information, Justice Aboud commented that the enquiry may be complete even before the judicial review comes up for hearing if leave were to be granted to China Jiangsu.

Various deadline dates next month were given to both parties to file and respond in writing to each other's affidavits.

On June 26, the parties will return to court when Aboud is expected to deliver his decision on if leave would be granted to China Jiangsu. (TT Express)

Gov’t rolls out programme to prevent Zika virus

Kbe remembered with shame down the corridors of time.

The PPP/C takes this opportunity to reiterate its unwavering determination to protect our hard won democracy, and the democratic and constitutional gains scored by the party over the decades. The right to vote, which we all take for granted today, was fought for and won by the PPP/C in the early 1950s. Its remains a lasting scar on our national psyche that this right was stolen by the People’s National Congress for 28 years (from 1968 to 1992) and has once again rear its head in the recent elections, which coincide with our Independence Day celebrations.

To add salt to the injury, David Granger is now using Independence Day to inaugurate himself as President with great pomp and fanfare at the expense of the taxpayer.

Be that as it may, the PPP/C extends best wishes to the Guyanese people on this important milestone. The People’s Progressive Party takes this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to intensify the struggle to protect our democracy which is under threat.

(Guyana Times)

INGSTON, JAMAICA: The Government will shortly roll out an integrated vector control programme to prevent the Zika virus from reaching the shores of Jamaica, and to step up a public education campaign on the disease.

The virus, which has caused a recent health scare in the South American country of Brazil, is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Its symptoms include severe fever, joint and muscle pains, headaches, rashes and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually appear within three to 12 days following a bite.

“We are going to come very shortly with an integrated clean-up programme, (including) drain cleaning, but the citizens of the country must also take responsibility for their health,

even as Government must lead the process,” emphasised Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson in an interview with the Jamaican media.

The minister added that his ministry has started a public education campaign encouraging people about the ways to protect themselves if the virus should come to Jamaica, but stressed that having surroundings where people gather remain clean, is key to preventing all mosquitoborne diseases.

“It is the same Aedes aegypti mosquito that is responsible for that Zika virus, and unless we clean up around our homes, place of worship, and workplaces, the country will be vulnerable to the disease,” Ferguson pointed out.

The Minister informed that he met recently with the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa Etienne, and Jamaica will be getting support from that group with its vector control programme.

He said in the past PAHO has helped Jamaica in other health emergency drives, and in this they will be giving technical support.

“I had the commitment of getting additional support with our vector control programme, and more so, the integrated programme, for the control of mosquitoes,” the minister noted.

In the meantime, Ferguson wants individuals to be vigilant by destroying mosquito-breeding sites, by filling old tyres with dirt or getting rid of them and any other container in which water can settle.

He is also appealing to individuals to punch holes in tins before disposing of them, changing water in vases and cleaning them regularly to destroy mosquito eggs and covering large drums, barrels and tanks holding water. (JIS)

St Lucia explores legal framework for establishing medical research facility

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA: Invest Saint Lucia last week hosted a series of consultations with relevant stakeholders to determine the way forward for establishing Saint Lucia as a preferred location for investments in medical research and education, with downstream opportunities for health tourism and other economic activities.

As cited in the 2015 Throne Speech by Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, the government has engaged the British law firm of Clifford Chance LLP to review the legislative and regulatory framework needed to trans-

form Saint Lucia into a world class medical research centre.

Accordingly, a number of local stakeholders, as well as relevant government officials, are expected to meet with the representatives of Clifford Chance LLP over the next few days to present their respective inputs into the consultative process designed to facilitate the regulatory framework for developing Saint Lucia as a preferred location for medical research.

During the Senate debate on Friday, independent senator Dr Stephen King acknowledged that the establishment of a medical research sector would have a far-

reaching impact.

"This is going to be transformational because it will create another industry within the health field,” he noted.

It is anticipated that the outcome of this initiative will help develop a clinical research environment that would attract international research institutions and researchers, thus promoting subsequent economic benefits for Saint Lucia through additional demand for goods and services such as real estate, food and beverage services, office space, skilled labour and transportation. (Caribbeannewsnow)

Hundreds show support for former Guyana President Jagdeo

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Supporters of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Monday, gathered outside of the Whim Magistrate’s Court to show solidarity with him after he was slapped with what is believed to be politically motivated charges, filed by political activist and social commentator Christopher Ram.

Armed with placards bearing “Justice for Bharrat Jagdeo”, “The matter for the case against Bharrat Jagdeo should be dismissed”, among others, the supporters showed solidarity with the former Head of State. Speaking with this newspaper, the protestors said that they will continue to stand with the Former President and believe that he should have never been brought to court to face

such a matter since he is an advocate for racial unity. They are of the view, that the Former President is a “just and respectable” man who would not incite ethnic fear into the people of the country. As Jagdeo, made his way into the court compound the protesters shouted that the matter be dismissed.

An elderly woman, who was part of the protest, said she left her Black Bush Polder home since 08:30h, as she wanted to be a part of the protest action to voice her concern for the matter to be dismissed. The woman, who was brought to tears as the former President arrived, said he should not

TT Health Minister unveils 25year upgrade for hospitals

Protesters in front of the Whim Magistrate’s court demanding justice for former President bharrat Jagdeo be brought to court. “I went to Babu Jaan, he was the one who talked against racism, how can they bring him to court for saying he causing racial tension …this is not right, this man is the one who fight for the betterment of Guyanese,” she stated. Lucille Ayana of Albion said during the election period opposition parties were on television uttering many racist remarks. She questioned why they were not brought to court. The protesters were assured by the former President not to worry as he will fight this to the end and will not let up until justice is served.

One of Jagdeo lawyers, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, had previously said that Ram, a known Government critic and holder of a British passport, “seems to have an unnatural obsession with the former President”. De Santos noted that he has examined the allegation and the section of the law under which the charge that has been laid. In his view, it is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court in which it has been filed. He further went on to state that it is a gross

misinterpretation, colossal misuse and abuse of Section 139D of the Representation of the People Act, Chap1:02. The Senior Counsel noted that while he will not speculate in relation to the motive which inspired the institution of the charge, he will, however, state that “it constitutes an abridgement of the constitutional right and freedom of my client to speak and express himself freely”. De Santos further noted that the unprecedented use of a criminal charge to muzzle speakers at public political events was an assault on the democratic right of political leaders to speak freely on matters of national interest, as well as a violation of the democratic right of the citizenry to receive such information. He said that the case was nothing more than political sensationalisation and mischief. However, the Senior Counsel has expressed faith and confidence that the matter will be speedily reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. (Guyana Times)

tt’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, centre, shows the new plans for the major hospitals in trinidad and tobago. looking on are Doug strout, left, lead master planner, KMD Architects; and chris McQuillan, at the opening ceremony on tuesday, at the Hyatt regency, Wrightson road, Port of spain. (Photo: Ishmael Salandy)

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD: The Ministry of Health is seeking to upgrade three of Trinidad's major hospitals over a 25-year period.

The Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), the Port of Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) and the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) are each earmarked for redevelopment, with an aim of creating modern, stateof-the-art facilities.

On Tuesday, during a news conference at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, the individual master plans for each hospital were presented.

The initiative to devel- op the master plans began in July 2014, under the guidance of Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, and was undertaken using country loan funding from the

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through the Ministry of Public Administration, in the amount of TT$16,432,903.12. The contract was awarded to a consortium led by B+H Architects in Canada.

Among the improvements outlined in the master plans are the elimination of wards and the introduction of individual rooms to allow for "privacy and dignity", according to Chris McQuillan of B+H Consultants.

Increases in the number of beds, spaces for outdoor therapy and increased parking capacity are also among the developmental plans.

Speaking at Tuesday's news conference, Khan said the PoSGH, in particular, is in need of an upgraded as Port of Spain is the capital city and should have a proper medical

centre, as well as medical teaching facilities. Khan said he was looking towards the future of medical care, adding the upgraded facilities would make way for the introduction of telemedicine and telesurgery.

He said a master plan for the St Ann's Hospital would also be sought as the institution is currently in "a total mess".

"St Anns Hospital is in a dilapidated state. Mental health has not been put on the front burner until we came into office," he said, adding one in four persons in Trinidad suffers from some form of mental disorder.

Ministry of Health deputy permanent secretary Lydia Jacobs described the initiative as a "milestone project" and said it was the first time in three decades a hospital master plan has been undertaken in Trinidad. (TT Express)

www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |

Cuba to help Guyana “salvage” sugar industry

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Cuban Government will work with Guyana to help salvage the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said.

Nagamootoo made the comments following a meeting with Cuban Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Sugar and Agriculture, Ulises Rosales del Toro who is currently in Guyana as a special guest to share in the country’s 49th Independence celebrations.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the Prime Minister pointed out that part of their discussion was centred on areas of interest, particularly in the field

of agriculture. He added that Cuba will work with Guyana in a joint effort to “help salvage our sugar industry”.

Only on Monday, GuySuCo reportedly threatened to shut down operations across estates owing to the lack of funds, which has affected its ability to pay staff. This announcement was made by the labour unions representing sugar workers – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

The two unions in a joint release said they were informed at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rajendra Singh on Monday that

the Corporation was unable to pay senior and junior staff members this month’s salary. According to the release, Singh said the Corporation may have to cease its operations on all estates with effect from Sunday unless funding to the Corporation becomes available within a

TT Stock Exchange launches new app

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

few days.

“Should the Corporation cease its operations, the CEO explained all employees – waged and salaried –except security personnel would not be provided with work from (Sunday), May 31, 2015,” the unions expressed in the release.

The CEO also advised the unions that the Government has been apprised of the situation. GAWU and NAACIE believe that the ceasing of operations by the Corporation would further jeopardise the state of the industry and impact negatively on some 16,000 workers of the industry. The two unions hope that the new Government ensures the continuation of the industry’s operations at this crucial time.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday evening, GAWU President Komal Chand said the new Administration needed to at this time be clear on its intentions for the sugar industry in Guyana. He said while the CEO needed to provide answers on the financial dilemma being

reported, as he sees it, millions of dollars are urgently needed in the industry or else there could be a major collapse.

Efforts to contact new Agriculture Minister Noel Holder were also futile, although he indicated in another section of the media that he was informed by the CEO of the situation and said the industry would be financed.

The Corporation on Friday said that it had missed its first-crop target by over 5000 tonnes of sugar and blamed it on bad weather. It said at the close of the first crop, the Corporation had achieved some 81,194 tonnes, some 5007 tonnes below target. The industry had set a first-crop sugar production target of 86,201 tonnes. (Guyana Times)

The company's corporate websitewww.ttsec.org.tt was also relaunched.

At the launch are Kristian Thomas, left; Andrew Proudfoot of Proudfoot Communications (developer of the investor education website); TTSEC director of communications Arlene

The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) on Monday launched its free mobile app and investor education website. The website - www.investucatett.com - can be used across all platforms such as tablets, smartphones, and desktops. The new app is compatible with both Apple and Android devices and was launched at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad), Port of Spain on Monday.

Stephen; TTSEC chief executive officer Wainwright Iton; Phillip Colthrust of Sighfactory Ltd (corporate website developer); Chenoa Marquis and Denzil Doyle of Caribbean Ideas Ltd (app developers).

Express)

J’ca Farmers to be trained in environmentally-friendly practices

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: President, Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, says educational programmes will be implemented for farmers, particularly in the coffee growing areas of the island, to discourage them from using the slash and burn method for land preparation.

He said this, among other measures, form part of the Government's strategy to encourage farmers to apply safer and more environmentally-friendly practices in order to protect their farms and boost productivity.

Senator Grant was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for 36 Peace Corps volunteers, held Friday at the residence of the United States Ambassador to Jamaica in Kingston.

His remarks come on the heels of recent bush fires, which raged for about 15 days in sections of East Rural St Andrew, destroying approximately 500 acres of prime cof-

fee lands and causing losses in excess of Ja$200 million.

The fires were attributed to the use of the slash and burn technique.

The JAS President suggested that farmers use other methods for land preparation such as contouring and composting.

"Our farmers and our young farmers, in particular, need to be continually exposed to new environmental practices, which can be infused in our agricultural framework. Agricultural education and environ-

mental awareness are inextricably linked as one clearly has an effect on the other," he said.

In the meantime, Grant commended the Peace Corps volunteers for their unwavering service to the people of Jamaica through their various programmes.

"Leave an indelible mark as it relates to your training and your involvement and interaction with our Jamaican citizens," he urged.

The volunteers, who will spend two years in Jamaica, have successfully completed approximately 10 weeks of training, and are versed in the Jamaican culture, including language, food and mode of transportation. They will work in two projects: education (primary literacy) and environment (green initiative). The education volunteers will engage with students in the rural parts of the island, to increase the reading and writing skills of children operating below the required level.(Jamaica Observer)

Guyanese dead, 3 injured in Brooklyn

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: One person was killed and three others were hospitalised when a car crashed into a pole on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn early Monday, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

The driver, who is believed to be Guyanese, was dead on the scene of the 01:15h accident on the Erskine St exit ramp

in the Spring Creek area, Police said.

First responders rushed the car’s three passengers to Brookdale Hospital, where one was in critical condition, according to cops.

NYPD officials didn’t identify any of the four victims of the single-car accident early Monday morning. Investigators examined the scene overnight. (Guyana Times)

TTMA signs labour supply MoU

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Ten manufacturers on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training to address some of the labour problems they have faced. The agreement is expected to increase the labour supply at the ten companies.

The signing comes as members of the business community have been complaining about the labour shortage and its impact on their operations.

Tertiary Education Minister, Fazal Karim, delivering the feature address said the initiative would produce the required quantity and quality of skilled labour to satisfy the needs of the manufacturing sector.

He added that the initiative would resemble an apprenticeship system and would entail: “The establishment of the on-the-job training (OJT) manufacturing and an export manufacturing apprenticeship programme (EMAP), premised on the dualsystem of education and work-based training, in-

Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim, right, and TTMA president Rolph Balgobin, second from left, look on as TTMA CEO Ramesh Ramdeen and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Amroodeen Ali sign an MOU at TTMA headquarters, Barataria, on Tuesday. (Photo: Marcus Gonzales)

cluding the use of workforce assessment centres and worker productivity schools for the next seven years.”

Karim was speaking at the signing ceremony which was held at the Manufacturing Association headquarters in Barataria. Also at the event, Trade and Industry Minister Vasant Bharath said the MoU would position the manufacturing sector to be more competitive.

“We are now forming bilateral agreements with many of our Central American neighbours, which would not just allow us market access to

their country, but also allow their products into T&T, therefore it is imperative we are in a position to be competitive.”

Reacting, Ashmeer Mohamed director, KC Confectionery Ltd said he welcomed the signing since it would increase the labour supply in his operation.

Asked how difficult it is to source labour, he said: “In the case of KC where we are located in the Point Lisas area, we are competing with huge multinationals for skilled employees. We have been losing a lot of our people. Now that they are becoming versed

in what we are training them in, especially in exports, they are going to the multinationals who are willing to pay top dollar but not train.”

Andrew Dalgliesh, chief executive of SCL (Trinidad) Ltd said he looked forward to the launching of this initiative since one of the problems he faced was sourcing reliable, educated labour.

“Hopefully by this initiative TT can turn the corner, whereby both labour and manufacturers would benefit from it. The standard of living will increase and productivity would increase and TT can become more competitive in the Export sector.”

Nicholas Lok Jack, executive, Associated Brands Ltd said it would assist his company to develop the staff there.

“It is the first time we are going to take our employees and send them to workforce centres and give them formal certificate training for jobs they have been doing for the last 20 years, so they could understand the concept and the technical skills behind what they are doing for the last 40 years.” (TT Guardian)

Guyana’s President to assent to all bills passed in 10th Parliament

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: The benefits of former Presidents will be a major target in the new Parliament, President David Granger has said as he promised to assent to all bills that were passed in the 10th Parliament, but were not assented to by former President Donald Ramotar.

During an interview on Monday, the President related that he was displeased with the current benefits which are in place for former Presidents. He noted that it was the taxpayers who were funding these and as such, it should be reasonable.

To this end, President David Granger said that the bill will be assented to by him since it was amended and passed in the 10th Parliament but was not signed into law by the then President, Donald Ramotar. “We are going to be reducing the benefits in accordance with the bill which was passed by the National Assembly in 2013. It was passed but

Guyana’s President David Granger

was not assented to. But I intend to assent to it as it was passed..,” he related to media operatives.

Granger said that those bills which had been unanimously passed by the National Assembly during the 10th Parliament will receive his signature to ensure that they become law while the others, which were not passed or were not given due attention due to the prorogation of the Parliament, will be returned to the 11th Parliament for debate and passage.

“Everything that

was passed by the 10th Parliament but was not assented to will now have to be returned to the 11th Parliament, so I will have to cut benefits to which I am entitled. We introduced the bill because we felt that the whole bill was unfair. We have redrafted it and reintroduced a fairer bill, and I will be a beneficiary of that bill,” President Granger stated.

The benefits of former Presidents have been a contentious issue by the current Government when they were in Opposition. They had vowed that the matter will be given due attention when in the 11th Parliament.

The National Assembly in 2013 passed a bill repealing the controversial 2009 Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act but was not signed into law by then President Donald Ramotar. Passed by acclamation, the bill which will also replace the law faced heavy opposition from the then PPP/C Government. (Guyana Times)

Foodie Seminar in Jamaica gets under way

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Ahead of the much-anticipated Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, players in the culinary industry are now at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston, for the Jamaica Observerhosted Foodie Seminar.

Several presenters will be sharing their expertise

and adding their voice to the discussion on the culinary industry, with topics such as Knock-off Louis V: Identifying premium coffee in a world of counterfeit, New frontiers for Caribbean cuisines, among others. The event promises to be a riveting one with riveting presenters such as CEO of Wallenford

Coffee Company Mark McIntosh; G Charles Chambers, attorney Dylan Coke; Caymanian chef Vidyadhara Shetty; Barbadian chef Jason Howard; Executive Chef Dennis McIntosh; Executive Patry Chef Alecia Woodbine-James, and Executive Chef Brian Lumley, all lined up.

(Jamaica Observer)

Vasant: TT$20m

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Close to TT$20 million in pharmaceuticals is being lost annually because of wastage, Government Senator Vasant Bharath says.

There was no shortage of pharmaceuticals, he said, rather, they were being wasted because there was no stocktaking system in place at C 40 in Chaguaramas, where the Health Ministry’s pharmaceuticals were stored.

“They are stored in corridors, in shacks out in the rain. It’s a complete disaster,” Bharath said, referring to the system that had been in place for decades.

He said the Health Ministry would soon be inviting tenders for the construction of a proper pharmaceutical ware-

house facility which recently was approved by Cabinet.

He said under the new system, a radio frequency would track the movement of the pharmaceuticals.

Bharath said people who were supposed to account for the pharmaceuticals could not currently be held accountable because of the lack of a monitoring system.

As a result, there were major leakages of pharmaceuticals from C 40, he said.

Bharath was making his contribution to a motion calling for a review of the regional health authorities in the Senate on Tuesday.

In a few weeks, too, the Government will launch the National Health Card for all citizens.

This will greatly enhance the dispensation of prescription medicine, Bharath said.

The cards will enable the tracking of patients in any location in a medical emergency, improve record keeping and reduce the risk of errors and fraud.

Bharath, comparing the delivery of health care between the last administration and this Government, recalled the TT$584 million cost overrun on the Scarborough Hospital project.

The PNM began the hospital in 2003 with TT$135 million through the Inter-American Development Bank. Construction halted in 2006, by which time the cost had increased to TT$719 million, he said.

(TT Guardian)

Haiti airline to expand to more Caribbean destinations

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI:

Haiti’s Sunrise Airways is moving to increase flights between Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo to regularly scheduled status and expand to other destinations throughout the Caribbean.

The expansion is being made possible with Sunrise Airways being awarded a Part 129 Operating Permit from the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation. It is the first Haitian airline to earn Part 129 status.

“We’ve taken another big step forward with this announcement, one that will have a significant impact on our ability to successfully grow our route network in the months to come,” said Philippe Bayard, president of the airline which was launched in December 2012.

“My hat goes off to our dedicated team whose commitment to excellence in every phase of our operations made this possible. We’re proving something that many would’ve likely thought impossible not long ago: that Haiti can produce a world-class airline.”

Sunrise Airways’ new regularly scheduled service to Santo Domingo

builds on its scheduled operations between Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Travellers can connect on same-day service from Santo Domingo to Santiago de Cuba, via Port-au-Prince or vice versa.

The carrier also operates 52 weekly scheduled domestic flights between Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien – four rotations daily Monday-Saturday, plus two rotations on Sundays.

“Even as we were working toward Part 129 certification, we were already in expansion mode, increasing our domestic flights between Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien to meet consumer demand.” said Bayard. “Now we’re looking at acquiring larger aircraft to better connect the Caribbean.”

The current Sunrise Airways fleet is comprised of 19-seat Jetstream 32 EP aircraft. (Caribbean news)

Discovery could put Guyana on oil, gas map – analysts

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

ExxonMobil’s

“significant oil discovery” offshore Guyana has been described as the most exciting thing happening in terms of Latin American exploration right now, analysts with Wood Mackenzie told Rigzone, an online news outfit covering the oil and gas sector.

Wood Mackenzie is a global leader in commercial intelligence for the energy, metals and mining industries and provides objective analysis and advice on assets, companies and markets, giving clients the insight they need to make better strategic decisions. Rigzone reported that the discovery is the first oil discovery in Guyana, and indicates that ExxonMobil’s strategic focus on ultra-frontier acreage is starting to pay dividends after a period of exploration underperformance. However, it will take months to ascertain the size and commercial potential of this discovery, Wood Mackenzie said in a May 21 press statement.

“The fact that ExxonMobil is describing this as a significant find is certainly of interest,” said Matt Blomert, research manager for Wood Mackenzie, in an interview with Rigzone. Two disappointing wells were drilled on the shelf in 2012: CGX Energy’s Eagle-1 and Repsol’s Jaguar-1 wells. The Liza discovery marks the first material discovery in the Guianas since

2011, when Royal Dutch Shell plc encountered oil with its Zaedyus oil field in French Guiana. But subsequent appraisals of Shell’s discovery in 2012 and 2013 proved disappointing, Wood Mackenzie analysts told Rigzone.

“The Zaedyus appraisal demonstrates the risks around discovery volumes in the basin, specifically regarding seal integrity and hydrocarbon migration.”

Seal and migration are key petroleum system and reservoir parameters for any conventional explorer when looking at prospects and then how large the discovery might be, Julie Wilson, research director of Global Exploration at Wood Mackenzie, told Rigzone in a statement.

Days after announcing its discovery of hydrocarbons, oil and gas giant ExxonMobil last week reported the discovery of oil-bearing rock

in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

The United Statesbased oil company said the Liza-1 well has encountered more than 295 feet of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoirs. The well is the first on the 6.6-million acre Stabroek Block and has been drilled to 17,825 feet. It was drilled by ExxonMobil local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd.

ExxonMobil’s President, Stephen Greenlee said he was encouraged by the results of the first well on the Stabroek Block. He assured that over the coming months, the company will work to determine the commercial viability of the discovered resource as well as evaluate other resource potential on the block.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd has a 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess

'I am innocent', says TT’s Warner on FIFA corruption probe

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD

: Political Leader of the Independent Liberal Party Jack Warner has spoken up in response to international news reports that he has been named as one of the people being sought by police in connection with corruption allegations linked to FIFA. The following is his statement"My attention has been drawn to certain developments in world football which started several hours ago and is at the present time still ongoing.

It has been reported that a number of FIFA officials have been arrested in Switzerland and that at least one raid conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigators in Miami is being execut-

ed at what I presume to be CONCACAF offices.

My name is being reported by international media as being one of those persons sought in connection with the probe.

The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit FIFA and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation. This is where I have let my bucket down.

I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.

I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am in-

nocent of any charges. I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.

The actions of FIFA no longer concern me. I cannot help but note however that these cross- border coordinated actions come at a time when FIFA is assembled for elections to select a President who is universally disliked by the international community. At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football. World football is an enormous international business.

That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago. (TT Express)

Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest. The multibillion-dollar oil exploration project, which is expected to be executed over 10 years, got underway early last month. Guyana has been receiving sustained international attention from huge companies, especially in the oil sector, after the US Geological Survey said in 2000 that the Guyana-Suriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world af-

ter Greenland.

Reacting to the discovery, President David Granger said it becomes even more important for his Administration to set up a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) A SWF is defined as pools of money derived from a country’s reserves, which are set aside for investment purposes that will benefit the country’s economy and citizens. The funding for a SWF comes from Central Bank reserves that accumulate as a result of budget and trade surpluses, and even from revenue generated from

the exports of natural resources. The types of acceptable investments included in each SWF vary from country to country; countries with liquidity concerns limit investments to only very liquid public debt instruments. Some countries have created SWFs in diversifying their revenue streams. For example, the United Arab Emirates relies on oil exports for its wealth. Therefore, it devotes a portion of its reserves to an SWF that invests in other types of assets that can act as a shield against oil-related risk.

President Granger said he was elated and vowed that the disposal of any natural resource will go towards benefitting the people of Guyana. He reminded that before assuming the office, he had announced the creation of a SWF which would see that surpluses from exportation of all minerals being paid into that fund so that “children will not have to live in poverty; that no matter what happens to the resources of the country, there will always be wealth to look after their education”. (Guyana Times)

After UWI scrIpts stolen from vehIcle...

Students in TT to resit exam

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Scores of affected students who sat the GOVT 3020 Power and Politics in Latin America Examinations at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, are left upset and frustrated after they were told by UWI officials they would have to resit the examinations.

They were informed over the weekend that the exam scripts were stolen from a vehicle, owned by an examiner.

It is alleged that the vehicle was broken into and several items stolen, including the examination scripts, which is written up by students.

TT media was informed the vehicle belonged to lecturer Kristy Smith.

Smith is a full-time employee at UWI and is in charge of the evening university, the evening administrator. She also teaches part-time.

Speaking with the TT media on Tuesday, a student, who wished not to be identified, described the situation as unfair.

“We are caught in a hard place because preparing for exams at this level is already stressful, more than words can ever describe, and for us, who sat the exams felt that relief coming out of the examination room and now being told that we have to resit the exam is so unfair to us and so unbearable the thought,” the student said.

GOVT 3020 Power and Politics in Latin America is an undergraduate programme and falls under the Department of Political Science, which is headed by Dr Bishnu Ragoonath.

The student said they were threatening to send a signed petition to UWI’s registrar demanding a full explanation. The examination was held last May 11.

TT media was informed a meeting was held by UWI officials subsequent to the incident to discuss and attempt to resolve the matter in accordance with the university’s regulations pertaining to lost examination scripts.

In accordance with the regulations, the affected students were giv-

en three options.

Firstly, either, completing a substitute examination, the form to be authorised by the chairman of the Campus Committee on Examinations. That substitute examination has been scheduled for June 5 at 1 pm.

The second option entails writing the next scheduled examination in the course, example, supplemental or repeat examination, abiding by the grade obtained in that exam.

In a memo, sent by Jessie-Ann George, senior assistant registrar (examinations), with regards to the second option, an examination will be offered in the summer examination session on a date to be identified.

In the meeting, journalist was also informed that it was agreed that in the event candidates were unable to accede to the first option or sit the summer examination, they would be allowed to write the examination in the 2015/2016 Semester II Examination Sitting.

The memo was sent to all affected students and they were asked to identify their preference by ticking a box accepting the respective option and then returning a signed copy to George by Friday.

When contacted on Tuesday afternoon, UWI’s pro vice-chancellor and campus principal, Professor Clement Sankat, who said he was just about to board an aircraft said he did not know anything on those issues and referred the TT media to the campus’ registrar Richard Saunders.

However, an official at the registrar’s office said Saunders was out of the country and asked that he be emailed the relevant questions. Saunders responded acknowledging receipt of the questions and assured an official response from UWI would be sent shortly to the media. However, up to press time that response was not sent.

All other attempts to contact George, Ragoonath and Smith for comment proved futile. (TT Guardian)

Green launches basic school rehab project in Jamaica

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA

: Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for South West St Elizabeth, Floyd Green will use Labour Day 2015 to launch a basic school rehabilitation project in the constituency, named 'Right from Start'.

'The Right from Start' project is geared towards setting a solid foundation and raising the level of education and positive stimulation in the Early Childhood Institutions (ECIs) across the constituency," Green said, adding that "this will augur well for the future of the communities in the constituency as the education and development of our children are of utmost importance."

The first component of project 'Right from Start' will begin on Labour Day with the

Shrewsbury Basic School and the Parrotee Basic School. The team will be erecting a perimeter fence at the Shrewsbury Basic School as well as doing some structural repairs, painting the classrooms and building a ramp to facilitate wheel chair access at the Parrotee Basic School.

"We have embarked on a social media focused

campaign to encourage citizens and corporate Jamaica to contribute to the cause and we are partnering with local hardware stores who will host registries for a number of the schools. Persons are being encouraged to contribute lumber, cement, paint and fencing," Green also pointed out.

'Right from Start' is

a long term project as Green hopes to elevate the safety, educational as well as infrastructure standards of all ECI's across the constituency. The need of each school will be identified and a schedule to address them implemented.

"There is much to be done with this project, many schools do not have sufficient fencing, are having space issues and do not have play areas for the children, I intend to change that.

"The project will also boost the morale and increase the pride and actual involvement of our people in their community school system. It is a project that will be ongoing and a project that I will take on a larger scale when I become Member of Parliament," said Green. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana: Thousands attend Babu Jaan meeting …as PPP/C ups ante against GECOM for recount

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has vowed to ensure that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) recounts all of the votes casted at the May 11 poll, as it ups the ante against the elections body during a public meeting held at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant on Tuesday.

The party started its campaign to pressure GECOM to commit itself to a recount last week, and is now mobilising supporters countrywide to take the fight to GECOM, while at the same time asking for the resignations of

its Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally. The PPP/C is calling for Surujbally to resign saying that he has no integrity as the Commission’s Chairman.

Among those who addressed the rally were former President Donald Ramotar, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and General Secretary of the party Clement Rohee. The rally preceded marches from Albion Estate Road and Whim Middle Walk, which met at Port Mourant Train Line Square where the rally was held. More than 2000 marched from Albion and some 600 from Whim.

According to Rohee,

the party will continue its struggle until democracy is restored. Rohee said during the elections campaign, the PPP/C had given warning of some concerns it had in relation to GECOM. He said the party kept complaining to the GECOM but was paid no attention by Dr Surujbally, who he referred to as a betrayer. “Our greatest achievement since Independence…has been the right of the people to choose a Government of their choice. We are back to where we started. The PNC (Peoples National Congress) has been masquerading as APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) and has stolen

your votes, but this time they will not be allowed to get away with it.”

The former President spoke about the strides in democracy the PPP/C made since 1992, how the country was transformed, and what plans were in store to further develop the country if they were in power. Ramotar took timeout to speak about the sugar industry and assured the gathering that they will ensure that the Government follows their plan to transform the industry to ensure continuity for the thousands who depend on sugar for their living; the PPP’s plan is the only one that can make sugar work. “There was a need to restructure the sugar industry and I had promised that when we would have won the elections, that the PPP/C Government would have given Gy$20 billion to the industry so that it can survive and thrive. We have a blueprint plan for the industry. They more or less seem to want to abandon, and we understand that they now won’t be able to pay workers at the end of this week. We would have to put pressure on them to go back to our plan to save the industry. We will demand of them to go to our plan because our plan is the most viable plan to save the industry, and we depend on your support.” (Guyana Times)

Broke GuySuCo unable to pay staff …threatens to cease operations

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA:

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has reportedly threatened to shut down operations across estates owing to the lack of funds, which has affected its ability to pay staff.

This announcement was made by the labour unions representing sugar workers – Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE). The two unions in a joint release said they were informed at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DrRajendra Singh on Monday that the Corporation was unable to pay senior and junior staff members this month’s salary. According to the release, Singh said the Corporation may have to cease its operations on all estates with effect from Sunday unless funding to the Corporation becomes available within a few days.

“Should the Corporation cease its operations, the CEO explained all employees – waged and salaried – except security personnel would not be provided with work from (Sunday), May 31, 2015,” the unions expressed in the release. The CEO also advised the unions that the Government has been apprised of the situation. GAWU and NAACIE believe that the ceasing of operations by the Corporation would further jeopardise the state of the industry and impact negatively on some 16,000 workers of the industry. The two unions hope that the new Government ensures the continuation of the industry’s operation at this crucial time.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Guyana Times on Monday evening, GAWU President Komal Chand said the new Administration needed to at this time be clear on its intentions for the sug-

ar industry in Guyana. He said while the CEO needed to provide answers on the financial dilemma being reported, as he sees it, millions of dollars are urgently needed in the industry or else there could be a major collapse.

He said the President David Granger-led Administration needed to come clean on its plans, particularly in light of threats made at its political campaign before the General and Regional Elections that there might be a major shutdown of the industry.

The Corporation’s CEO, when contacted by this publication Monday evening, said he had nothing to say on the matter, since he nor GuySuCo did not issue the release. Efforts to contact new Agriculture Minister Noel Holder were also futile; however, he was quoted in another section of the media acknowledging receiving a document pro-

vided to him at a meeting on Monday by GuySuco’s CEO. He said the document forecasts that the Corporation would not generate “sufficient funds to pay its wages and small routine costs” for May 2015, and “financing is required from June onwards”. “There is no intention of having GuySuCo go under … The funding of GuySuCo would have to continue probably for the rest of this year,” Holder was quoted in the media outlet as saying.

The Corporation on Friday said that it had missed its first-crop target by over 5000 tonnes of sugar and blamed it on bad weather. It said at the close of the first crop, the Corporation had achieved some 81,194 tonnes, some 5007 tonnes below target. The industry had set a first-crop sugar production target of 86,201 tonnes.

According to the Corporation,

Skeldon Estate began grinding four weeks later than scheduled as a result of the late arrival of critical materials required for the completion of the modification works on its pump dumper which commenced during the last outof-crop period.

Meanwhile, Holder in an earlier interview with the Guyana Times had said he intended to commission an inquiry into the operations of GuySuCo as one of his top priorities after assuming office. He noted that it was absolutely necessary that a Commission of Inquiry be conducted since the sugar industry was a vital part of the country’s economy.

He said it was not, and would never be, the Government’s intention to close the sugar industry, stating that it was important that the problems hindering the development of the industry be identified and worked upon so that it could once again bloom. This comes against the backdrop of several calls being made by several members of society for an inquiry to be launched into the operations of the sugar company since it was failing to produce despite the substantial amounts of money invested.

GAWU was the first to issue the call during the course of 2014. In the November/December 2014 edition of its newspaper “Combat”, GAWU urged that a Commission of Inquiry be set up to probe the operations of the sugar industry, while criticising GuySuCo over 2013’s “disappointing” performance, including the cost of producing sugar, the harvesting of young canes during the second crop and failing to negotiate a better sales deal with Tate and Lyle. GAWU further said a comprehensive inquiry is “long overdue” into the operations of the sugar industry and must not be delayed further if the industry “is to be saved from collapse”. (Guyana Times)

CDB projects slight economic growth for C'bean countries in 2015

BASSETERRE, ST KITTS:

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says preliminary forecasts indicate that the economies of regional countries will expand by nearly two per cent in 2014, mirroring an anticipated moderate acceleration in the economies of its major trading partners.

The CBD in its annual review of the region’s economic fortunes, noted that further improvement is “currently being projected for all 19 borrowing member countries (BMCs) with most set, once again, to grow by between one and three per cent”.

The CDB said that Trinidad and Tobago is expected to be in that range, “albeit at the lower end, as unscheduled maintenance activities

that have been disrupting petroleum production over the past few years are expected to come to an end”.

The region’s premier financial institution said notwithstanding current projections of continued decline in key commodity prices, “growth in export commodities should be supported by large-scale investments in gold in Guyana and Suriname that should come on stream during the year.

“Marketing arrangements already established by regional producers of bauxite, alumina and key agricultural products are also expected to positively impact the economies of those countries. However, a more rapid hike in rates of between 3.5 per cent and 4.5 per cent is being projected

for Guyana, Haiti and Suriname.”

The CDB said that similarly high rates of growth are also expected in Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis “as the recovery in regional tourism is expected to strengthen”.

“By the same token, there are positive projections for Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

The CDB said that the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) expectations of continued recovery are mainly being influenced by forecasts for rising source market incomes and lower fuel costs.

It said stay-over arrivals should also be supported by negotiated airlift increases to several regional destinations, along with ad-

ditional room stock and enhanced marketing associated with current investments by major hotel brands.

“Given the higher value-added of the stayover segment of the industry, this would more than compensate for the impact of the planned return of cruise ships to Mediterranean destinations in 2015. Additional, recovery in tourism should have further spin-off benefits for construction and other real sector activity,” the CDB said.

But the bank warned of “key downside” risks to the region’s prospects, even as it noted that there are some opportunities as well.

It said in tourism, destinations that are highly dependent on the United Kingdom market may see some fall-

out from expected fiscal tightening and that a similar risk exists in relation to the possibility of further Euro area weakening.

The CDB notes that European visitors account for approximately 14 per cent of stay-over visitors.

For regional commodity exports, the CDB is forecasting that a major concern is still the prospects of a further decline in prices “beyond the level anticipated by the market, as this would curtail mining and quarrying output, as in 2014.

“At the same time, further reductions in oil prices could threaten the sustainability of the PetroCaribe arrangement, under which many BMCs finance petroleum imports on extremely concessional terms. This represents a

tail-end risk to fiscal and debt stability,” the CDB added.

It said that in addition, growth and fiscal perspectives, the regional outlook is subject to the perennial risk of natural disasters and other weather-related challenges which, over the years, have randomly and devastatingly reversed the economic fortunes of the BMCs.

But the bank said, conversely, some of these risks also hold potential opportunities, noting for example, a reduction in commodity prices would contribute to lower fuel and energy costs, further tamping down inflationary pressures.

“It would also allow regional governments to reduce expenditure on fuel subsidies, where applicable,” the CDB said. (CMC)

case

Jagdeo on temporary overseas travel ban

– cannot leave Guyana without court’s permission

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Former

President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday made his first court appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court to answer to what is believed to be a politically motivated charge.

The private criminal charge, filed under Section 139 D 1A of the Representation of the People Act by political activist and social commentator Christopher Ram, stated that on March 8, 2015 at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Jagdeo said: “The Opposition consistently shout about racism of the PPP, but they practiseracism.The Opposition beat drums at six in the morning and say let us throw the coolie people out.”

The former President was at the time on the campaign trail for his party, the then ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Ram, an outspoken critic of the Government, contended that the statements

made can result in racial or ethnic hatred among the people.

The case, which was being heard for a second time, was first called at 09:00h; however ,the defendant was not present at the time. At that point, Magistrate Charlyn Artiga indicated that an arrest warrant would be issued for Jagdeo if he did not make an appearance. His lawyers then indicated to the Magistrate that he was on his way and asked the court to give him some time to arrive.

When it was requested that the matter be stand down for a further few minutes, Ram’s lawyer, Trenton Lake argued if granted, it would show that the court bent over backwards to accommodate the defendant. After the adjournments, the former President arrived a few minutes after 11:00h and the charge was read to him by Magistrate Artiga.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Jagdeo was represented by Senior Counsel

Bernard De Santos, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs

Minster Anil Nandlall and Attorneys-at-Law

Adrian Anamayah and Perry Gossai. The defence team told the court that the defendant has never been charged and has a fixed place of abode, adding that he was an Executive Member of the PPP/C, former Executive President of Guyana, an internationally-recognised person who has been awarded as a Champion of the Earth

TT Chamber CEO: Diversification taking too long

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: CEO

TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Catherine Kumar said diversification projects have taken too long to implement. Noting that diversification does not happen overnight, she said those plans should be in TT’s medium-term plans. “We’re probably going to continue to be reliant on the energy sector for quite a while, so what we need to do is look within the energy sector and see how we can diversify.

“It is not just about moving the sectors. There is a lot to be done from a policy point of view in order to prescribe diversification and that is where the Government comes in, as opposed to where the private sector comes in.” Her comments followed Moody’s Investor Services’ downgrade of TT earlier this month. The New York-based rating agency also lowered the country’s outlook from stable to negative.

Kumar added said she is concerned about the downgrade because

it has an impact on Trinidad in terms of investment and credit. “If it is that we are not able to access the international credit market as easily, or it becomes more expensive for us, that is an issue we are concerned about. “Besides the fact that it is more difficult, or maybe more expensive to borrow outside, it is the mere fact that you are downgraded that sends the wrong message to any country as far as bringing in foreign direct investment,” she said.

(TT Guardian)

by the United Nations and has several honorary doctorates, so he did not pose a flight risk and had no reason to not attend further hearings. The magistrate ruled that Jagdeo be released on his own recognisance and ordered him not to leave the jurisdiction without the court’s permission. During the first hearing, De Santos had argued that the charge filed show no evidence that an offence was committed. “The charge before the court does not disclose any offence leading to the law, so we want it quashed. We want it thrown out; that’s essentially what we are aiming for…you cannot charge someone if there is no offence.” De Santos said after examining the allegation and the section of the law under which the charge has been laid, in his view, it was frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court in which it has been filed. Further, he pointed out that it was a gross mis-

interpretation and colossal misuse and abuse of Section 139D of the Representation of the People Act, Chap1:02. The Senior Counsel noted that while he would not speculate in relation to the motive which inspired the institution of the charge, he will, however, state that “it constitutes an abridgement of the constitutional right and freedom of my client to speak and express himself freely”. De Santos further noted that the unprecedented use of a criminal charge to muzzle speakers at public political events was an assault on the democratic right of political leaders to speak freely on matters of national interest as well as a violation of the democratic right of the citizenry to receive such information. He said that the case was nothing more than political sensationalisation and mischief. The Preliminary Inquiry is set commence on June 22 at 10:00h. (Guyana Times)

Opposition in Jamaica calls for SLB penalty rollback

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Opposition spokesperson on education and youth, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says she is extremely concerned at news that the Students' Loan Bureau (SLB) has implemented penalties for the late or partial payment of loans.

The senator says that while she understands the SLB is working on ways to increase re-payment of loans in the interests of all who seek to benefit, this step does not seem logical in the current economic environment or consistent with the SLB’s public messaging, and must be reversed.

She said: “In this tough economic environment where the Bureau is trying to get persons to pay what they have, a monthly penalty of Ja$750 will only increase the burden on those who genuinely have challenges. Adding a further Ja$9000 to the loans of

persons already struggling to pay loans and interest is a backward and uncaring step.”

She continued:

“The SLB cannot be running ads on radio encouraging debtors to pay what they have, but at the same time charging a penalty when they do so. How can they ignore that youth unemployment is more than 30 per cent and many students who pay what they have are in low paying jobs that are not commensurate to their qualifications?"

The Opposition spokesperson also raised concerns about the Ja$1500 per

month penalty applied to some loans.

"Adding a Ja$18000 penalty is really burdensome. We are really trying to understand the rationale for this, as when you add it to the interest rates, this could mean that many students will simply take even longer to pay off their loans.”

Johnson Smith added that the SLB and the Government need to find better ways to identify debtors who have real challenges, and to encourage timely payments without simply increasing the burden on struggling young people.

(Jamaica Observer)

Ramotar leads PPP/C’s protest for ballot recount in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: Former

President and Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Donald Ramotar led peaceful protest outside the High Street, Kingston office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), demanding a total recount of the ballots cast at the May 11 General and Regional elections.

The protest action is one of three going on currently across Guyana. The others are in Regions Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The PPP/C last week had signalled the inten-

J’can Gov’t advances plans to establish National Human Rights Institute

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Officers within the public sector are to commence human rights training in June, as the Government advances plans to establish a National Human Rights Institute for Jamaica.

The training, which will begin with judicial officers, is targeting all public sector professionals, whose work involve aspects of human rights.

The Government has been working on establishing the institute since May 2014 with technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It will complement the existing network of institutions that are mandated to protect the rights of nationals.

In a statement in the Senate on May 22 on Jamaica's recent Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights, Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding explained that the intention is to "go through the system to train the different cohort of persons, who are part of the key agencies and institutions that touch and concern human rights".

"Part of the plan of action is to train people on human rights issues, the conventions, the existing infrastructure in Jamaica, and the role of

the National Human Rights Institute," he said.

He said the Government is looking at the Office of the Public Defender "as a possible and likely candidate for the expansion of its role to become the National Human Rights Institute. We have been working with them around that issue."

Opposition Senator Kavan Gayle commended the Government on the work it continues to do in the area of safeguarding human rights.

"As a developing country, we appear as if we are really first world in protecting human rights and we must be commended on that," he said.

Jamaica participated in the meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, from May 13 to 15 which considered the country's report to the 22nd session of the Second Cycle Universal Periodic Review.

The Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council was established pursuant to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution of March 15, 2006.

All UN Member States participate in the Universal Periodic Review process, which is aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground, and supporting co-operation in the promotion and protection of human rights; ensuring the fulfilment of each state's human rights obligations and commitments.

It also encourages the sharing of best practices among states and other stakeholders; as well as full co-operation and engagement among the Human Rights Council, other human rights bodies, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The review takes the form of an interactive dialogue between the state concerned and the other UN member states.

(Jamaica Observer)

tion to protest GECOM calling for a recount

as well as demanding the resignation of its Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally.

Other big names at on the picket line are former Government Ministers Irfaan Ali, Priya Manickchand, Anil Nandlall and Clement Rohee, who is also PPP/C General Secretary.In a statement last week the party had said that its Central Committee met on Tuesday; the first meeting of the Central Committee since the May 11 General and Regional Elections with the aim of reviewing some of the develop-

Offshore Patrol Vessels

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Prime

Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Sunday displayed on a screen at Sunday’s People’s Partnership anniversary rally, photos of the first of 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) that have just arrived in TT.

She said that under the

PNM regime the OPVs were estimated to cost US$135 million, but her administration was able to purchase the vessels for TT$35 million, “which is US$100 million less.”

“These vessels will lockdown all maritime borders, so we can fight the drug trafficking, the human trafficking and the trafficking of guns and am-

ments which occurred during and after the elections.

The Committee said that based on the feedback from its Polling Agents and the Statements of Polls which it has received, it remains convinced that it won the majority of the votes in both national and regional elections. “However, notwithstanding that support, the results of the election as declared by GECOM failed to reflect the true will of the Guyanese people,” the party said. (Guyana Times)

arrive in TT

munition,” she said.

“By next month, more will come in. So today I rededicate and recommit that we must join hands and together we will fight the criminals. There will be zero tolerance for crime. We will lockdown the criminals and take back safety and security in TT.” (TT Guardian)

6 million die every year from tobacco- related diseases – PAHO

GEORGETOWN,

GUYANA: Tobaccorelated illnesses are among the biggest public health threats the world have ever faced, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

It added that approximately one person dies from a tobacco-linked disease every six seconds, equivalent to nearly six million people a year. That forecast, the WHO said, will rise to more than eight million people a year by 2030, with more than 80 per cent of these preventable deaths occurring among people in low- and middle-income countries.

The WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) entered into force in 2005 allows countries to enact national legislation in areas that include protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke; eliminating illicit trade; banning advertising, promotion and sponsorship; banning sales to minors; including large graphic health warnings on tobacco packages; increasing tobacco taxes; and protecting all these public polices from commercial and other vested interests in the tobacco industry. There are 180 Parties to the Convention, 30 of them from the Americas.

Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) is honouring six individuals and organisations as winners of the regional 2015 World No Tobacco Day awards, in recognition of their contribu-

tions to advancing tobacco control in the Americas to reduce deaths and illness from the tobacco epidemic, which kills one person every six seconds worldwide.

The World No Tobacco Day awards honour individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to advancing policies and measures on tobacco control. The regional winners from the Americas of the 2015 World No Tobacco Day awards are: Nicaragua, represented by President Daniel Ortega.

Nicaragua was the first country in the world to ratify the FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products. The country’s leadership and example are expected to encourage other countries of the Americas to follow suit and help to secure the number of ratifications needed for the protocol to enter into force internationally; Uruguay, represented by President Tabaré Vásquez. Uruguay was the second country of the Americas to ratify the FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Vázquez, a medical doctor and oncologist by training, played the lead role in advancing his country’s comprehensive and effective tobacco control policies. Despite legal challenges by the tobacco industry, he has continued to support tobacco control during his second presidential term and is also encouraging public policies to reduce harmful con-

sumption of alcohol; Marcelo Fisch, head of the Fiscal Special Control Division of the Federal Revenue Secretariat in Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. Fisch has been a key partner in advancing tobacco control both in Brazil and internationally.

He was a key participant in negotiations of the guidelines for the implementation of Article 6 (price and tax measures to reduce demand for tobacco) of the WHO FCTC as well as the Protocol on Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products.

Bialous co-authored the 2002 PAHO publication “Profits over People,” which is based largely on her research, and gives generously of her time to mentor young tobacco control advocates; and Mirta Molinari, who serves as Regional Tobacco Control Coordinator for Latin America of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and Director of the Union’s country office in Mexico. The Union’s Department of Tobacco Control is a global leader in the fight against tobacco use and for the implementation of the FCTC. In the Americas, the Union has partnered with PAHO/ WHO and others to advance the FCTC, through its Mexico City office, which opened in 2007. Molinari is a long-time tobacco control expert and has been a key partner in advancing tobacco control not only in Mexico but in many other countries of the Americas. (Guyana Times)

Celebrating 49 Years of independenCe

By Odeen Ishmael

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Throughout the early part of 1966, preparations for Guyana's independence celebrations went in full swing. A special committee appointed by the Government designed the new coat of arms and selected the Canje pheasant as the national bird.

The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called "The Golden Arrowhead", had already been chosen during the period of the PPP Government from entries submitted through an international competition.

The winning five-coloured design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the independent nation - Guyana - was also chosen since 1962 by a select com-

mittee appointed by the House of Assembly.

The flag of Guyana was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana's journey into the future. The golden arrowhead, with narrow white and black strips along its sides, was set on a green and red background with narrow white and black strips along the sides of the arrowhead.

The five colours were also seen as symbolic to Guyana's various assets: green for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country's mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation building; black border, depicting the people's endurance; and white symbolising the natural water potential of the country.

A nation-wide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, also helped

to select the words of the new National Anthem.

The winning entry, "Green Land of Guyana", was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician.

Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued un-

til 29 May. Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag.

On the evening of 25 May, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park (later to be renamed the National Park).

Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing

Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments.

Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast. Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence.

With the raising of the new flag, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then around mid-morning, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry.

Significantly, for this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham.

The meeting of Parliament was chaired by the Speaker, Aubrey Alleyne. The Duke of Kent read a throne speech on behalf of the Queen, after which on behalf of the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Prime Minister Burnham the constitutional instruments designating Guyana an independent nation.

Immediately after, there were speeches by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Leader of the Opposition Cheddi Jagan.

Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: "The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free."

In welcoming independence, Dr. Jagan seized the opportunity to point out that the Burnham government was abusing its powers through the extension of the state of emergency beyond the date of independence. This, he said, was generating fear throughout the country and was detrimental to the struggle for peace and security.

He also highlighted the view that his party

was "the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office." He added, "We are confident that despite these manipulations the People's Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections if these are fairly held."

Later that afternoon, Sir Richard Luyt was sworn in by the Duke of Kent as Guyana's first governor general at a ceremony in the ballroom of Guyana House, the official residence of the governor general.

During the period of the independence celebrations, many public events were also held. These included carnival-style parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies addressed by Burnham and his ministers.

On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. The new state received instant recognition internationally. However, in its note of recognition signed by Foreign Minister Iribarren Borges, the Venezuelan Government stated that it "recognises as territory of the new State the one which is located on the east of the right bank of the Essequibo River".

The Venezuelan note claimed that the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela ran "through the middle line of the Essequibo River, beginning from its source and on to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean".

In a response to the Venezuelan government (sent on 18 August 1966), Burnham rejected this assertion and expressly stated that the "Guyana constitution stipulates that the territory of Guyana embraces all that area, which immediately before the 26th May, 1966, comprised the old Colony of British Guiana, together with the area which by Act of Parliament may be declared as part of the territory of Guyana."

He added: "The territory which extends between the middle line of the Essequibo on the east and the boundary of the old Colony of British Guiana all along the rivers Cuyuni and Wanamo on the west, was already included on the 26th May, 1966, judicially and administratively, within the old Colony of British Guiana and forms part of the State of Guyana." (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The question of what happens after we squeeze the last drop of oil from the last oil rig lurks always at the back of the minds of not just oil producers, but anyone who has thought about what powers their cell phones, cars, and homes.

High hopes are pinned on solar energy, but while this technology evolves, others, less well-publicised, are also evolving. And at the forefront of petroleum substitution technology is Prof Suresh Narine, the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence joint laureate in Science & Technology for 2015.

Prof Narine, a jovial, gregarious man, as willing to talk about cricket and politics as alternative energy, was born in Guyana, in the small rural village of Herstelling. After attending Queens College in Georgetown, he went to school in Canada, where he studied physics and chemistry.

He realised early on that his love for science had to be balanced with a need to make a living, so he was always attracted to the practical uses of science. His PhD was in food science and material physics at the University of Guelph. His great departure from orthodoxy

there was that “I convinced by PhD supervisors to let me take a materials physics approach to understanding foods, in particular lipids”. This paid off in 21 publications in peer-reviewed journals by the time he had concluded his PhD, in just two-and-a-half years.

Such achievements ensured he was offered a job with M&M Mars, the global food company, even before graduation.

“At Mars, I learned that when the world of science is wedded to the world of commerce, amazing things can happen and have pivotal impacts on people’s lives,” he says. “I think I ceased to be a purely fundamental scientist from this time onwards.”

But like many Caribbean people, in the midst of his success, his heart yearned for home, and that yearning changed his life in 2005.

“I returned to Guyana to assist after there had been a series of devastating floods,” he says.

“And I was challenged by (then) President Bharat Jagdeo. He said ‘what have you done for your country which has prepared you for the success you now enjoy?’.”

In response, Prof Narine took over the Institute of Applied Science (IAST) which had fallen into dilapida-

tion. By sheer will power and persistence, he managed to outfit the laboratory, recruit staff, and engage in research with commercial potential. And he has succeeded. The IAST and sections of the Guyana government now uses biodiesel made by an IAST programme to power government vehicles. The institute has projects for using waste biomass from the milling of rice and sugarcane, to create brickets to burn as fuel which preserves forests. And the IAST is working on projects which will find a substitute for toxic mercury in the gold extraction process, as well as producing food products like breakfast cereals from local produce and construction materials from agriculture and forestry fibres and plastics. In fact, the IAST is currently building a factory to commercially produce breakfast cereal and nutrition bars, with funding from the Government of Guyana.

One of his main areas of research of special relevance to the Caribbean is in “lipid derived biomaterials”. These are materials that have traditionally been made by petroleum byproducts, like plastics and polymers. His approach sounds simple enough: “Five to 700 million years ago, photo-

Rick's Café

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Undoubtedly the most successful restaurant and bar enterprise in the island of Jamaica and, indeed, the Caribbean is the world-famous Rick's Café, to be found on the cliff of West End, Negril, in the parish of Westmoreland.

The Rick's Café story began in 1974 when Richard ''Rick'' Hershman bought this stony cliff-side oneand-a half acre property from Dr Winston Campbell, son of Jamaica's first native Governor General, Sir Clifford Campbell. He then set about establishing the first public bar and restaurant on the west end of Negril.

Over the years, despite two major setbacks due to extensive property damage by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988

synthetic materials from plants were buried in the earth’s crust. Now, millions of years later, we are harvesting that material as petroleum. But why wait 700 million years? Let us take biomaterials and figure out the chemistry and physics and turn it into those materials today. And we have seen a remarkable amount of success in this approach.”

This technology does have the potential to change the world, and in addition to the plant being constructed in Guyana, others are being constructed in the United States and Indonesia, with others planned for Malaysia, Canada and Israel. However, despite his success as a scientist, Prof Narine believes that there are limits to science. “Science without the arts would lead to tremendously barren and desolate lives… for scientists, a lack of appreciation of the arts would create a life without joy...I believe great scientists and artists are made not born. So men-

torship is central to fully developing our young people….and first of all, young people need mentors who believe in them…I am a great believer in the Pygmalion effect.”

This need for nurturing human potential is of special concern to him. His acceptance speech at the Caribbean Awards for Excellence Ceremony in 2015 contained an impassioned plea for Caribbean unity not as an emotional necessity, but as a pragmatic necessity. The islands are small, and by themselves cannot generate the critical mass necessary for success. The only way to survive is by cohesion, and the region needs to exploit the vast resources of land and fresh water available in Guyana, Suriname and Belize if it is to address the serious issue of food scarcity and security in the Caribbean.

“In my own efforts in Guyana,” says Prof Narine, “I have seen first firsthand how important a tool science and tech-

nology can be in leapfrogging the developmental process. I firmly believe that our region’s science and technology portfolio should be heavily focused on technology transfer and the harnessing of S&T for development and wellbeing of our people. Much more needs to be done in integrating the UWI, the University of Guyana, Anton de Kom University, University of Technology in Jamaica, and UTT.”

Notwithstanding his success in the Caribbean, Prof Narine’s accomplishments go much further. He is also responsible for a number of international researchto-application initiatives in India, Malaysia, Brazil and Israel. He is presently director of the centre for biomaterials research at Trent University, Senior NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials, and Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering. (TT Guardian)

-the Caribbean’s world famous Rick’s

Café located in Jamaica

and almost total destruction by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Rick's Café not only survived but has also been rebuilt bigger and better and now

boasts a staff complement of 80 employees including management.

The popularity of Rick's Café is almost unparalleled.

It is not uncommon to see 200 or 300 patrons on the property at any one time, nor for Rick's Café to cater to over 500 patrons for the day,

especially during the tourist season.

The tourists come on excursions from as far as Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, as well as Negril itself, and the café is also well supported by returning Jamaican residents as well as the local populace.

What is it that attracts people from all over the world to this café? Is it the awesome sunset view, the spectacle of seeing patrons and the local ''professional'' divers jump off the thirtyfive-foot cliff into the crystal clear waters below, the wonderful sound of the live reggae band or is it the excellent array of food and drink that is served at Rick's Café. This has led to the belief to be a combination of all of the above that has created this unique ambiance. (Jamaica Observer)

Giving hope to endangered species in TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: In 2014, there were 2,464 animals and 2,104 plants that have been labelled “critically endangered” and therefore face a high risk of extinction in the wild.

(International Business Times, UK)

Among the top five critically endangered species is the hawksbill turtle, which is an annual visitor to the twin islands. Endangered Species Day, celebrated the third Friday in May, highlights the plight of many at-risk and critically endangered species of wild animals, as well as ways in which we can alter our behaviour on a daily basis in order to help to protect and save these creatures.

The hawksbill is a critically endangered sea turtle found in the tropical reefs of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The turtles have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells which have made them highly valuable and commonly sold as “tortoiseshell” in markets.

Hawksbills mainly feed on sponges, using their narrow, pointed beaks to pick them from a reef, and also on jellyfish and sea anemones. These ancient creatures are 100 million years old and are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, widely recognised as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species, TT is home to over ten species of concern. Among these includes the critically endangered and environmentally sensitive species, the pawi or pip-

ile pipie.

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is embarking on a national survey to gauge the public’s awareness of the pawi and of its current status in Trinidad. This data will prove useful towards developing strategic management plans for protecting this species. The pawi is endemic to Trinidad, with estimates in 2001 indicating a population of 77 to 200 individuals. Much of its known remaining habitat has been designated as a national park under the protection of the Matura Environmentally Sensitive Area (Mesa).

Other fauna species which are environmentally sensitive in TT include the ocelot, the West Indian manatee, the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird and sea turtles, namely: the olive ridley, the green, loggerhead, leatherback and the hawksbill.

In addition to the EMA’s designation of Environmentally Sensitive Species, the National Wildlife Policy, 2013, provides guidance on the sustainable management of undomesticated animals and plants found in TT, whether introduced, resident or migratory, their parts or derivatives thereof, and their habitats.

Time and time again, we see graphic horrors committed against our sea turtles, our threatened wildlife, including our West Indian manatee, and even against our precious scarlet ibis. Changing a culture will not happen overnight, but we need to ensure the mechanisms are in place to influence change for our future generations.

Education and sensitisation is probably the best option to encourage people particularly within rural communities to abstain from hunting protected species and

rather become part of the drive to safeguard these amazing creatures.

Other simple practices such as hunting within the prescribed season—October 1, to the end of February—catching only the specified number of game, size and type of game available during the season; opting to abstain from wild meat for a year or two, or even exploring options of game farming.

Both flora and fauna species require a committed, strategic and sustainable intervention to protect what we have left and to encourage proliferation of what was lost.

Some of the major direct and indirect causes for wildlife loss in TT include:

• Increasing transformation of remaining natural areas to industrial, and commercial landscapes

• Forest fires, which remove soil-stabilising vegetation on hillsides

• Quarrying (strip mining for sand, limestone and gravel)

• Agriculture and residential squatting, including marijuana cultivation in forested areas

• House construction on sensitive hillsides or in forested areas; unsustainable agricultural practices (slash and burn, overuse of agricultural chemicals); invasive alien species; pollution of rivers, coastal and marine waters; natural disasters such as storms, hurricanes, drought, floods etc, coastal erosion; unsustainable extraction of wildlife, including illegal logging, illegal hunting and overhunting (of game and protected species), and over harvesting of nontimber forest products (eg, herbs, horticultural species and raw materials for craft) and

• Weak legislation and poor enforcement of existing wildlife conservation regulations. (TT Guardian)

Award turns Guyanese writer’s dream into reality

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Imam Baksh, like many of us, had dreams of writing a novel since he was small. But, as with so many of us, life got in the way. “My laptop has about 20 outlines of novels I’d like to write,” said Baksh. “You say, ‘One year I’ll get to that.’” Baksh, 36, eventually wrote his first novel last year. And what a debut it turned out to be. The manuscript for his young adult fantasy adventure, Children of the Spider, took first place at 2015 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature during the recently concluded NGC Bocas Lit Festival in Port-of-Spain.

It’s the second year the award, administered by the Canadian charity Code, has been offered in the region. Jamaican Diana McCaulay won second place with her novel The Dolphin Catchers. And Trinidadian Lynn Joseph took third place with Dancing in the Rain. Besides awarding Baksh’s effort, Code and Bocas were why he made it in the first place.

Baksh first studied literature at university in the U.S. Then he became a teacher. He wrote short stories, winning awards for some of them. He mentored young writers. He started a school himself. He still had the desire to write a book, but it was trailing all the other things he was doing in his life.

When he heard Code, in conjunction with Bocas, was offering a twoday workshop in children’s writing in Georgetown, conducted by Canadian author Richard Scrimger, he took the opportunity. He wrote the opening paragraphs of Children of the Spider the night after the first class, then laboured over the novel for the next few months, right up until minutes before the deadline for submission for the Burt Award. Having a deadline made a difference, he said.

“So many things in life we put down on our bucket list. ‘I want to do this. I’d like to do this.’ And you never get around to it because life gets in the way, basic day-to-day stuff,” said

Baksh. Writing a novel, he said, “always seemed like so much work. And you never feel like you have the time to devote to it. So if somebody chains you to the desk and says, ‘Do it,’ [you do it].”

All but one of the five finalists for the Burt Award, said Bocas director Marina Salandy-Brown, were in manuscript form. This means people are writing for the award. This is exactly what organisers had hoped for. “We’re trying to improve publishing and increase reading. We want audiences, but we want more and better product,” Salandy-Brown said of the Burt Award’s goals.

Children’s writing workshops were also offered in Jamaica and TT last year as well as during this year’s fiveday Bocas festival, which wrapped up on May 3. Baksh received Cdn$10,000 in cash as part of the Burt Award, but probably more important 2,500 copies of Children of the Spider will be printed and distributed to schools, libraries and community organisations around the Caribbean.

If they’re well received, said Baksh, a sequel might be in the offing. “If I see that they’re really connecting,” Baksh said of young readers, “I can say, ‘Okay, I can do more of this.’” (TT Guardian)

J’can artiste Omi makes UK history

omi performing for players and fans at bayern munich’s allianz arena in Germany on saturday

Khis-

last weekend when his song 'Cheerleader' topped the United Kingdom pop chart for a fourth straight week.

This is the longest reign at number one in the UK by a Jamaican artiste. Cheerleader was recently certified platinum for sales of over 600,000 copies in that country.

So far, the song has sold more than 1.9 million copies worldwide. It is currently making moves on Billboard Magazine’s main charts.

It is number 31 in its third week

on the Billboard Hot 100; number 29 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay; number 31 on the Mainstream Top 40; and number 28 on the Rhythmic chart. Cheerleader has also topped charts in 12 countries, including Australia, Germany, Sweden and Denmark. The song has sold over 600,000 copies in Germany. Twenty-eight yearold Omi, who is from Clarendon, was presented with a plaque commemorating that milestone on Saturday shortly after his performance at a football match, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, between champions Bayern Munich and Mainz. (Jamaica Observer)

- Celebrating the anniversary of Guyana’s independence

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Certainly, the seeds of seeking an end to colonialism must have been planted in the hard days of slavery and indentureship when life was unbelievably difficult and the reason for the crushing oppression and cruelty was easy to define.

Billions of words have been written about slavery, the middle passage, the unbearable cruelty of the slave masters and the many uprisings against slavery. These were dealt with in ways which are almost beyond belief.

Cheddi Jagan in his book “The West on Trial” writes about the prisoners in the Berbice uprising: “...53 of the defendants were condemned to death. Next day, 15 of them were burnt to death over a slow fire and 16 were broken on the rob rock. The remaining 22 persons were hanged...”

After slavery was abolished, indentured labourers for the many sugar estates were brought to Guyana. Their conditions were slightly better than the slaves.

Dr. Jagan in his book quotes Elizabeth Caesar, a labourer of Pln. Vreeden-Hoop: “...the Coolies

were locked up in the sick house and next morning they were flogged with a cat-o’-nine tails; the manager was in the house, and they flogged the people under his house; they were tied to the post of the gallery... I cannot tell how many licks; he gave them enough. I saw blood. When they were flogged at the manager’s house they rubbed salt pickle on their backs.”

With these experiences and much more, the spirit of resistance against those who caused the sufferings was inlaid and would later be ex-

J’can dancehall producer Blaxxx’s trial rescheduled

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaican dancehall producer Anju Blaxxx had his case rescheduled to July when he appeared in the North Dakota District Court in Bismarck on lottery scamming charges, recently.

Blaxxx is facing conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. He has, however, declared his innocence.

Lottery scamming involves duping victims to send millions of dollars for 'lottery winnings'.

"His new trial date is now July 13," said a court worker who requested anonymity.

According to court records, 10 cases are to be tried on that day.

"With that volume, chances are that his case may be postponed again, as the judge can't do two trials in one day," the court work-

pressed in a desire ‘to be free of such exploitation.

Guyana’s history shows that the very beginning of the recognition of the need to be independent of Britain began with the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950.

The ‘concept of a struggle to free British Guiana of colonialism probably had its origin in Cheddi Jagan’s studies, while a student in the USA, of the writings of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

At that time, India was on a course aimed at

er told the Jamaican media.

Blaxxx (given name Andrew Myrie) was arrested in Florida in February 2015.

One of dancehall's leading producers, Blaxxx is the CEO of UIM Records.

In March, his label released the Mildew riddim to coincide with his court appearance.

The riddim boasts highriding dancehall artistes, including Mavado, Popcaan and Alkaline.

"We have a slew of productions by Anju Blaxxx, Kadeem and Dinearo which will be released soon," said Tanya Thelwell, manager of UIM Records, in a statement accompanying the riddim's release.

Blaxxx rose to prominence in 2013 with Bugle's ‘Nuh Compatible’. Prior to Bugle, he made local charts with hits from the Purge, 300 Round, Sanction, Journey, Beach Bunx, Coolie Gal, Nymphomaniac, and Klappaz riddim. (Jamaica Observer)

complete independence from British rule. The struggle inspired many in the British, Dutch, French and Belgium colonies in all parts of the world to follow suit.

As early as 1945 Cheddi Jagan, in an article wrote: “It therefore behoves the working class people to get control of government through their Constitutional ballots in our forthcoming election, with a view towards complete independence.”

And after the PPP was founded, in its first Manifesto, the Party de-

clared: “The People's Progressive Party recognising that the final abolition of exploitation and oppression, of economic crises and unemployment and wars will only be achieved by the socialist reorganisation of society, pledges itself to the task of winning a free and independent Guianese society in which security, plenty, peace and freedom shall be the heritage of all.”

Thus began the struggle in the then British Guiana for independence. Somewhere in the psyche of the onetime slaves and indentured workers lay the elements of resistance to those who brought about the misery of their forefathers. It took time for most Guyanese to accept the idea that Guyana could be a free and independent nation.

Many scoffed at the advocacy, by the PPP, of independence from Britain. British Guiana is too small to be independent they said. There was talk of an amalgamation of the three Guianas - British, Dutch and French - into one country.

Conservatives and recipients of favoured positions from the British, the business and religious

community (Christian), were against such an “outrageous” idea. There was, indeed, a lot of opposition to the concept of independence.

The PPP pursued its objective through the years. Former allies fell out and I can recall, would only support independence if Jagan were not at the head of government. The Cold War, too, had its negative effects which led to political interference and a nation in dire conflict.

Despite the long and difficult struggle for independence, which many countries also experienced, Guyana became a free and independent nation 40 years ago and proudly took its place in the United Nations and other organisations, like the Non-Aligned Movement, the OAS, etc. All Guyanese can be proud that we have overcome oppression, exploitation and attempts at a dictatorship. Guyana is a democracy that upholds all the finest principles of a democratic state. We have our problems, serious problems, but they will be overcome. Unity is the password to our future. (First published in GINA’S 40th Independence Anniversary magazine)

TT’s Ramnarine releases ‘Heartbeat’ album

PORT-OF-SPAIN,TRINIDAD: Rennie

Ramnarine has released his new CD, Heartbeat. Rennie, of Dil-E-Nadan is the brother of TT’s heartthrob Raymond Ramnarine, and has done 14 tracks on this compilation. He dedicated this CD to his two daughters, Samara and Samiya Ramnarine, who he says are his heartbeats.

“I realise that everything I do in life is really for my children,” he said, adding that every day he is inspired to do all things right because of his two lovely daughters. His elder daughter, Samara is also a singer.

Ramnarine pointed out that today there are many people who prefer to copy a song off the Internet instead of purchasing a CD.

“Then there are lots of people who collect these CDs and enjoy playing the songs in their original state,” he said. His CD is available at record shops here and overseas.

Ramnarine has won several awards including Best Song and Best CD from the annual 103 FM Hall of Fame. At home on Ramnarine Street, Gasparillo, which was named after his family, Ramnarine said that he was12-years-old when he started playing the guitar with his father Ramnarine Tole Moonilal who was then the leader of Dil-E-Nadan. One of the most versatile artistes around, Ramnarine plays the guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, trumpet and percussion. He also programmes music and is one of the lead vocalists of the band.

“I believe that my father did a lot of work to es-

tablish the band and as a result of this, his three sons, including Raymond, Richard and myself were able to benefit from this venture.”

The music, he says, has taken him all over the Caribbean, North America, South America, England, Spain, Germany and Holland. Very much in demand, he has very little time for anything else.

Rennie recorded the song, “Rehena Rehehum” with Samara on the CD, Heartbeat. Samiya, a standard three student of the Gasparillo Hindu School, has been diligently studying piano for the past year and will soon begin guitar classes under the guidance of none other than her father.

Ramnarine say he has been greatly influenced by playback singers from the Indian film music industry including Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh Chand Mathur, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Sonu Nigam and Babul Suprio.

He thanked his sponsors, ADON Limited, Sona’s Jewelry and Gift Centre, Mohammed Book Stores Associates Ltd and Brian Maharaj for their contributions.

Supporting artistes on this CD include, Raymond Ramnarine, Samara Ramnarine, Michael S’obrian, Vijay Boodoo, Devica Ram, Bruce Sieunarine and Savita Singh. They worked with Bakyard Studios, South Side Studios, Wizz Studios and Pungalunks Factory in compilaing the CD. Previous CDs by Dil-E-Nadan include: Revolution, Saadhanaa, Bhangra King, Countdown and For Lovers Only. (TT Newsday)

Notable quotes on Guyana’s independence show a common goal

“I am determined to retrace our footsteps and build a united nation for all our people. We must break down prejudices and barriers. These hopes and aspirations of our ancestors and past generations to build our country into One People, One Nation, One Destiny have again come alive under our new government.” –

Dr Cheddi Jagan

“The attainment of independence on 26 May 1966 remains, and will always be, an outstanding landmark in the long history of the struggles of our people for freedom. It was the culmination of centuries of monumental battles...”- Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

“The lowering of the British flag and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead was an emotional-filled moment, which brought memories of the hard and bitter battles fought to make Guyana ours.” – Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: She’s reserved, curious, determined, adventurous and loves experiencing every aspect of nature.

In the daytime she works as a research and stockbroking manager at Victoria Mutual Wealth Management, but once she's free, Nicole Thompson embraces the outdoors.

She tells the media that as a child she enjoyed nature and under the leadership of her mother, a nutritionist who has an adventurous spirit, her love for the natural elements further blossomed.

"I've always enjoyed the outdoors. When I was younger we would visit my grandparents in the country and they had a large property," she explains. "My mother has an adventurous spirit and she would go on hikes and I would follow her."

As such in her mid-20s Thompson started taking drives to the country as an adventure to experience

“Today is historic, primarily because we are indulging in an exercise which is the first of its kind by the Parliament of Guyana. After 150 odd years of British rule, and in some cases misrule, we are now independent. But we harbour no bitterness... It is difficult and impossible to change the facts of past history and, in the circumstances, though we welcome with enthusiasm our new status, we are prepared not to spend the time ahead of us abusing those who once dictated to us, but rather to seek means of cooperating with them to our mutual advantage - shall I say, self-interest.” – Former President L F S Burnham

“As citizens we must cherish our political independence, our freedom and responsibilities, our democracy and our unique brand of culture and history. This is a time for understanding and tolerance. This is a time to renew our faith in our people and country and to pledge by those who fought for our freedom, to build a united, prosperous and free Guyana.” –Former President Janet Jagan

“What our experience of independence has proven is that we are a people of strong moral fibre with the patience to preserve the capacity to achieve.” – Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte

Accepting change

By Narine Dat Sookram

Acceptance is the key to experience happiness and to move from feeling happy to actually being happy.

I know this is very hard to do, but the truth is when we can accept change, it certainly prepares us to live in this changing world, where we just never know what is going to happen next.

The best example I can come up with is that acceptance is like protecting ourselves with our own shield. In many instances, we tend to forget that there are many reasons for change. One of the ways to look at it is to remember that whenever there is a change, there is a reason.

Change can certainly be an emotional experience and I am sure most will agree with me on this. I wouldn’t be surprise that if we were to look back and think about a recent change and try to figure out how it felt, I am sure we will have some similarities.

For example, some of us may be worried, sad, and angry. In some cases too we may be excited and motivated as well, because for some of us, we can have both a positive and negative experience.

I have seen how people get upset when things doesn’t go their way. The one thing we have to keep in mind is that nothing is permanent.

nature and the unknown.

Known as a 'parish trotter', Thompson, who holds a bachelor of science degree in actuarial science and a master's in finance, economics and econometrics, is also a chartered financial analyst and financial risk manager. She says she enjoys stimulating her mind and being challenged. As a result she's always seeking to explore and discover new things about the island.

As such she has taken a three-day drive around Jamaica, just to touch all 14 parishes, while taking pictures at the borders.

Some of her favourite places include Portland, St Mary and Clarendon, parishes she often visits with her hiking club, Jamaica Hash House Harriers.

She's also into cycling, swimming and running, and though they all have health benefits, Thompson says she's more into it for the fun.

"I feel rejuvenated and I don't need a holiday, just

Even before when the time comes for us to accept any change, we much keep in mind that it is necessary to allow new things to come and let old things to go. Therefore we should also prioritize what is really important, because I have seen how some people get disappointed even over a small change.

Once we realise that some things are more important than others then I guess things wouldn’t be so bad.

I really don’t like to say it, but if we don’t accept the fact that everything changes, life becomes very challenging to find perfect composure.

a visit to reggae Falls

a weekend or a day," she says. "I love being in the sun, feeling the breeze, hearing the waves, seeing nature. I love the feel of grass and I love being in water. That's where I'm most relaxed, most natural and most comfortable."

Thompson also enjoys swimming, and was once a competitive swimmer with an undying love for synchronised swimming.

Apart from her love of the outdoors, Thompson is always up for a challenge and has also done a triathlon, a swim across the harbour, the blue hole ride in Negril, hikes in the Cockpit Country, and has gone spelunking in Jackson Bay.

"I want to try new things even if they seem difficult and I want to

have good experiences. People will always be surprised, but I'm still the goto person at work for fitness tips," she says.

She's also a lover of yoga, which she did sporadically as a child, as it was part of the whole package of synchronised swimming. But now she does mainly the ashtanga style of yoga, which she says is more rigorous and will allow her to work up a sweat while building her upper body strength.

An avid reader, Thompson enjoys John Grisham novels. She sees her adventurous spirit as an inspiration to other people to go after their dreams and realise that anything is within their reach. (Jamaica Observer)

But the fact is it is true and I know it is difficult for us to accept it, but the way I see it is that there is no other way around it. As human beings we are probably not wired to accept change, because it is something we do not want to accept easily.

I know many of us may not want to hear this, but the reality is whether we like it or not change will never change, meaning that things will always change around us and will always keep changing soon or later.

And the interesting thing is that in some cases we are aware of certain changes, but for some reason we do not want to accept all of them. A good example is that we expect our children to grow etc, but I guess it’s those unexpected ones we are having difficulties with.

With my experience, I think it is much easier to accept change when we are expecting something to happen. However the challenging part is when we least expect something to happen.

And change itself could be anything from a simple change in our daily routine or it could us having to accept the death of a love one. Whatever the case may be, it is important for us to take time to accept the change if we want to move on smoothly with our lives.

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

Nadiadwala to promote 'Housefull 3' at IPL 2016

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is planning to tie up with Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 to promote his film 'Housefull 3' on a large scale.

Confirming the news, spokesperson for the film said: "Even though IPL 2016 is a year away, we have tied up with it. It is the first of its kind and Housefull 3 will be promoted there on a grand scale."

The announcement comes after Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 came to an end with Mumbai Indians clutching the trophy.

After successes of Housefull and

Housefull 2, the third installment of the film is being helmed by director duo Sajid-Farhad.

The sequel, which feature Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh among others, is slated to hit the screens on June 3.

Housefull 3 will be releasing soon after the IPL and the team of the film will be promoting the film extensively there, read a statement.

Meanwhile, the team of Dil Dhadakne Do including Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar promoted the film at the IPL final in Kolkata on Sunday. (TOI)

Tabu replaces Rekha in 'Fitoor'

Rekha, who was not so pleased with the rushes of ‘Fitoor’, has decided to opt out of the film. Rekha had finished shooting for the film. A source has been quoted in a Mumbai Mirror report as saying that Rekha came to the con-

clusion that she is not looking good on screen and that no re-shoot can salvage it. She therefore decided to exit the project. The source also assured that the producers won't be taking any legal action against the veteran actress. Confirming the news, a forlorn

Actor Ranbir

Kapoor's latest film 'Bombay Velvet' failed to strike a chord with the audience, but superstar Aamir Khan is all praise for the versatility of the 32-year-old and says "he can do any film".

"Ranbir is a fantastic actor. He can do any film, he is that good," the 50-year-old, who is himself known for his ability to slip into myriad roles, said here in an interview.

Both Aamir and Ranbir were seen to-

Actor Shakti Kapoor will be seen playing the role of a crazy professor on a quest to seek the meaning to life as well as death, in his upcoming film 'Untouched Love'.

According to a source, the 56-yearold will be seen as an insane person, who is experimenting with the cycle of life and tries to determine the birth and death of a person.

Apart from peeping into other's lives, the professor will even discover the day of his death. His whole plan turns into a fiasco after he becomes the focus of an intense media circus. At the same time, he tries to save the life of his son who is dying a painful death.

Shakti, who is known for his villainous and comical roles in films, is said to have liked the narration of Untouched Love.

"He was very amused and had a hearty laugh. He found it to be different from the type of movies he has done in the past. The script prompted him to take up the project," the source said a statement.

Besides 'Untouched Love', Shakti will also be seen in 'Shimla Mirchi', 'Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3' and 'Surkh Wala Love'. (TOI)

Abhishek has been quoted as saying that, "It is entirely our loss to have missed this chance to work with the legendary Rekhaji, and I hope to work with her in the future." However, according to a report on Miss Malini.com, the makers have approached Tabu for the project and she has agreed to be a replacement to the veteran actress. Apparently, Rekha's scenes will now have to be re-shot and Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif would have to allot more dates for the film. Rekha's decision to opt out of ‘Fitoor’ comes as a shock to many. (TOI)

gether in PK. While Aamir had a full-fledged role, Ranbir was seen in a cameo at the end of the entertainer.

As of now, Aamir is busy with his film 'Dangal', a biopic on the life of wrestler Mahavir Phogat. (TOI)

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, whose film

'Piku' - on the fatherdaughter bond - has garnered plaudits galore,

has shared an old photograph featuring himself with his late father Harivanshrai Bachchan and son Abhishek in the same frame.

Reminiscing the moments, the 72-yearold took to micro-blogging website Twitter to share the image, which was taken on the sets of his the 1979 film Kaala Pathar.

"Three generations, one frame ...(on the sets of 'Kaala Pathar' in Pune, at Raj ji's farm)," the Paa actor tweeted alongside the picture perfect capture.

Kaala Patthar is a 1979 Bollywood action drama film produced and directed by Yash Chopra. (TOI)

After reality show, former Miss India set for her Bollywood debut

After showcasing her athletic side in the reality show Zor Ka Jhatka — Total WipeOut hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, former Miss India Priyanka Shah is all set for her acting debut with the Hindi film ‘I Love Desi’. Releasing May 29, the film is a family drama in which Priyanka plays the role of a hoitytoity Punjabi NRI, who learns the value of her culture after getting married to an Indian.

The nuances of the spoilt yet sophisticated NRI came easy to her, says Priyanka, thanks to her background in fashion. An engineer in electronics and telecommunication from Pune, Priyanka was already dabbling in modelling when she decided to participate in Miss India in 2007, where she was placed in the top 10. Following that, she won the Miss Tourism 2007 international pageant and since then has modelled for some of the most well-renowned fashion designers and choreographers.

Talking about the film, Priyanka says, "I was apprehensive about the film initially as it stars a newcomer and has a relatively new team. I usually never end up doing films I want to, but this worked

out well. For instance, I was called for look tests for Chak De but it didn't work out since I was a student. This movie came in an unexpected way. The makers didn't even disclose the script to me till they had signed me."

Even though she is now focused on a career in films and TV, this multi-faceted actress loves to model and indulge in sports too. "I was the former captain of the Indian netball team and also represented the country at the Asian Games. Right now though, acting is my priority. I have done another Bollywood film and am in talks for a few more projects, including TV." (TOI)

Actor Johnny Depp has reportedly decided to adopt an orphaned bat after it was found close to the set of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’. He has named the creature Jacki Sparrow.

The 51-year-old actor, which he is currently filming in Australia, is said to have offered to pay for the bat's medical care after it was rescued by the The Australian Bat Clinic. He named it Jacki Sparrow after his character Jack Sparrow in the pirate movie franchise.

"He was very interested in it (Jacki Sparrow) and so we asked if Johnny would like to sponsor her (it),

because we do sponsor little babies and he said yes. We're going to be sending Johnny an adoption certificate and little update photos, which is what we normally do with our sponsors," the Bat Clinic's director Trish Wimberley told dailymail.co.uk. Depp is incredibly

Actress Demi Moore and her daughter Rumer Willis looked like identical twins in a photograph featuring them in the similar outfits and pose.

The image was shared on photo-sharing website Instagram on May 25.

In the photograph, Moore and her eldest daughter sport the same black jumpsuit and matching glasses.

Wearing their straight long hair down, they have posed with their hands in their pockets while smiling and leaning their heads toward one another, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Moore captioned the image: "Bookends!! #twinning."

Later, Willis also shared the specific photograph on her own Instagram account.

"That moment when you realize you actually are becoming your mother #twinning #imnotmad," she wrote.

The photograph was posted only days af-

fond of his pets and could be facing jail time after illegally bringing his two dogs in Australia.

He landed in hot water earlier this month after flying on a private jet with his Yorkshire Terriers, Pistol and Boo, breaking the country's strict quarantine laws. (TOI)

‘The Imitation Game’ actress Keira Kightley and musician husband James Righton have welcomed their first child.

The sex of the child is not revealed yet, reported People magazine.

Knightley, 30, began dating Righton, 31, in late February, 2011. The couple married on May 4, 2013 in Southern France. Knightley and Righton live in Islington. (TOI)

ter Moore watched her daughter and her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy being named as the winners of the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars". They took home the Mirror Ball trophy on May 19.

Moore said in an interview for the show that she actually didn't approve of Willis joining

Rapper Azealia Banks has landed her first starring role in an upcoming feature film, titled ‘Coco’.

Banks will play the titular character in the film, a drama for Lionsgate and Codeblack Films that will be directed by Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, an American music producer, reported Deadline.

Banks, 23, stars with Oscarwinning composer Common, Jill Scott, Lucien Laviscount, Lorraine Toussaint and Hana Mae Lee.

It has a script from Nicole Jefferson Asher and will be produced by Paul Hall.

In the Brooklyn-set drama, Banks plays an aspiring 20-something rapper who wants a career in hip-hop but is torn by her parents' dreams that she

finish college. She gives in.

While matriculating, she finds herself in the classroom; she experiences the true calling of the power of the spoken word, which helps her goals as a hip-hop artist. It has a bit of 8 Mile edge to it. (TOI)

Actress Katie Holmes paid homage to her grandfather, who was a WWII veteran, on this

Actor George Clooney doesn't think there's any point trying to "fight" ageing.

The 54-year-old, who married lawyer Amal Alamuddin, 37, last year, has argued that men who dye their hair and have plastic surgery usually make themselves look even older than they are, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think for all of us, you have to come to terms with getting older and not trying to fight it," Clooney said on a radio show.

"You have a couple of optionswhich is get older or die. And so you have to get used to that idea that your roles in films and who you are and how you're perceived is going to change. That will disappoint people at times," he added.

Asked if he'd ever considered cos-

Memorial Day.

The 36-year-old actress posted on her Instagram account a black-andwhite snap of her late grandfather dressing in his uniform as he posed looking off-camera.

"My grandfather. He served in world war 2. Thank you to all of the great men and women who serve our country. Happy Memorial Day!!" she captioned the image.

On the same day, Holmes also shared another Instagram photo that showed a person wearing jeans with printed stars on it. "Happy Memorial Day weekend!!" read its caption. (TOI)

metic surgery or dyeing his hair, Clooney added: "Clearly I haven't.

"For me it's never been an issue or an option. I don't think it would make much sense quite honestly. I've seen it happen - particularly on men - I don't think it really works, I think it actually makes you look older. (TOI)

Robert Redford gets Arts degree

the dance competition.

"When she said she wanted to do 'Dancing with the Stars', my whole insides - I have to be honest - were screaming no," Moore said at that time. "But one of the most beautiful things that I've witnessed is watching her passion become greater than her fear."

(TOI)

Veteran actor Robert Redford has received an honourary degree in Fine Arts from a US university. The 78-year-old Oscar-winning ac-

tor was given the degree by officials at Colby College in Maine and prior to receiving it he gave a speech to students advising them to not shy away from tackling the world's big issues, reported Contactmusic.

"You're stepping into a world that's, well, pretty rough.

It's pretty chaotic, pretty divisive. You've got climate change, you've got debt, you've got wars, you've got political paralysis. It's kind of a grim story. But the story, I think, can be retold, and I really believe that you're the ones to do it.

"Don't be afraid to take a risk, don't be afraid of failure - be bold," he said. (TOI )

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

As the white hearse pulled up to the Hagley Park Seventhday Adventist Church in Kingston on Sunday, scores of mourners and fans gathered to get a final glimpse of entertainer Latoya 'Toya' Jackson.

She was a fashionista to the end. The singjay was clad in a short white dress with white stockings and stilettos.

Jackson died in the United States in May from diabetic complications. The 30-yearold had been ailing for nearly two years.

Josef Bogdanovich, her husband and CEO of Downsound Records, clutched their son Joseph, as he stared at Jackson's body.

'Joe Loves You' and 'Boss Lady Toya' were some of the words on the numerous wreaths placed by her casket.

When officiating minister Bishop Dr GG Cooper began the service, it was a mixture of tears and laughter as those closest to Toya reflected on her life.

Her songwriting partner and close

friend, Black Pearl, gave a tearful tribute.

"She was one of the best souls I have every met. She was fun-loving and she asked me to be her give-away father at her wedding. She was very straight-foward but very forgiving, and I know that her soul is safe as she got baptised before she passed away. She just slept away," he said.

Members of the congregation were moved to tears as singer Carlene Davis offered words of comfort through the song 'Been Through Enough'.

Throughout the service, Bogdanovich was a picture of grief. Toya's mother, Crystal Gayle, sought comfort in prayer for her only daughter.

Kingsley Cooper, CEO of Pulse, delivered the eulogy. He described Toya as a "meaningful lady, who had a inner wisdom and insight".

"She was a dancehall fashionista who always looked out for those she loved. She was very vigilant when it came to her husband. Whenever Joe

would visit Washington Gardens and other places she would call his chief of security to ensure he was OK. Joe didn't know that, but she always did," he said.

Cooper said that while Toya got a 'fight' from other women in the industry, she remained focused.

"Toya was dancehall. She recorded over 20 songs for Downsound Records and worked hard at promoting her fashion brand," Cooper said.

Delano Graham, cousin of the deceased, concurred with Cooper, saying that 'Toya was always the vibes of the party' who was a 'mother figure' in his life.

Tributes also came from dancehall artiste Harry Toddler, who said "Toya's death reunited the Downsound Records camp". Among the mourners were Ninja Man, Fantan Mojah, British Link Up's Owen 'Roy Fowl' Clarke, and Supreme Promotion's Isaiah Laing.

Interment followed at Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine. (Jamaica Observer)

GEORGETOWN,GUYANA:

Stamps released on an envelope are referred to as “Official First Day Covers” - signifying the first day of release. In addition, information leaflets known as “Stamp News” may also be issued providing collectors and users with the historical background and significance of the said stamps.

Stamps provide a vivid reflection of history through the ages. At the time of issue, virtually every stamp has clear historical significance. There are various types of stamps issued for several occasions.

Commemorative stamps honour important people, events or special subjects of national appeal and significance. Their subjects frequent-

ly are former presidents, statesmen, other prominent persons and national shrines.

Perusing the vast collection of stamps and medals of Mr Netram, owner of an antique store in Craig, East Bank Demerara, Guyana Times Sunday Magazine was able to discover first day covers celebrating Guyana’s independence, which were released on May 26, 1966.

Netram is very passionate about his collection and was kind enough to share it with Sunday Magazine.

Postmaster General, Henry Dundas, in an interview with Sunday Magazine said that stamps are significant because they highlight a country’s culture and rich history. He added that first covers are still made by the Guyana Post Office upon requests by companies, government ministries and other entities.

Henoted that first covers are mainly made to commemorate momentous occasions and may worth a lot in future years. ( Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Ms World for Ja finals

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel recently put on a mesmerizing display of her latest designs in St Lucia, while displaying the beauty of her country on the catwalk.

Noel’s latest collection ‘First Resort’ received accolades at the recently concluded Hot Couture, a fashion event as part of St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

Chic white lace jumpers, dresses and suits were the talk of the show, while images of Guyana’s flag and

scenery set the mood on the catwalk.

“This is my second year at the Hot Couture show and the response has always been tremendous. It’s a great feeling to attend St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and seeing so many prominent women proudly wearing my designs,” Noel expressed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

For more info on the collection, contact the designer on 592 -226-3099.

(Photos by Andrea De Silva)

Reigning Miss World, South Africa's Rolene Strauss, and Miss World organiser Julia Morley will be special guests at the Miss Jamaica World 2015 Grand Coronation Show scheduled for the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, on August 15.

The announcement was made at the launch held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, on Wednesday.

Miss Jamaica World franchise holder Laura Butler said she'll be ramping up the production on this year's staging.

"We have had many challenges due to limited resources, but we are dedicated to keep improving and staying our course," said Butler.

Prior to the coronation show, the 20 finalists in this year's pageant will be unveiled at an elimination to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, on June 21.

"We are looking at se-

lecting 20 girls this year for the finals and, of course, two will be automatic finalists -- the winners of Miss Jamaica World Middlesex and Miss Jamaica World Cornwall," said Butler, who has had the franchise since 2013.

An added component of this year's pageant is the availability of more scholarships for participants.

"We are committed to working hard and creating opportunities for the young women through the scholarships. We are also bringing back the swimsuit parade component and we will be doing more events in Kingston. We will also be showcasing the rest of the island through visits to various attractions," said the

franchise holder.

This year's prize package has been increased to over Ja$15 million in cash and prizes.

Current title holder Laurie Ann Chin recalled the highlight of her reign.

"Competing in London at the Miss World finals was the highlight for me. It was my first time and it meant so much to me to carry my country on my shoulders. I also got the chance to network and to meet many friends," said Chin.

Chin finished in the top 30.

FLOW's Michael Look Tong said the event would be broadcast in Antigua, St Lucia, Trinidad, Barbados and St Vincent. (Jamaica Observer)

Rosemand’s building bridges for talented TT kids, teens

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Rosemand’s Vocal and Performance Academy is creating avenues and building bridges for its students to showcase their talent locally and abroad. When asked if the popularity of American reality shows such as America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and Dancing With The Stars had an influence on people wanting to learn or seek coaching in singing and dancing, founder and principal of the academy, Stacy Nurse, said people who were so inclined always wanted that type of training and would gravitate to it.

“It was a matter of knowing where to go, now that there were more places that offered such training. More opportunities arose as more people were promoting themselves as well.” When asked if TT had the potential to produce a Tessanne Chin or Rihanna, she said there were many talented students with the potential to be like the Jamaican and Barbados singing sensations.

Nurse said it was now a matter of creating that opportunity for them to really get outside there or bring people to TT who might be interested in nurturing talent.

She said not only does Rosemand’s train its students in the development of their professional careers in the arts, but the school also showcased their talent, bringing them to meet the movers and shakers in the industry to help them take their performances to the next level.

The academy celebrated its one-year anniversary on May 6, and has several productions planned throughout Trinidad to mark the occasion. Nurse said the school, instructors and students were there for a whole year now because it had been a wonderful and very interesting journey.

She said the school had fully launched it kids and teens programmes and it had a whole new slew of students for its Artists Development Programme.

Nurse said there were several other projects for children such as the Trincity Mall promotions in July, workshops, showcases, and other events planned for the latter part of the year. She said the academy just finished a camp comprising different art forms and expressions, singing, dancing, drama, music and instruments, as well as visual arts.

(TT Guardian)

Chanderpaul

– was due to join squad on Sunday

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

There appeared to be massive confusion among the powers that be at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Sunday surrounding veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s inclusion in the West Indies squad for the two-Test series against Australia next month.

The Region’s premier Test batsman was reportedly booked to travel on a LIAT flight out of the Ogle International Airport at 14:50h on Sunday, destined for Barbados to join the rest of the squad in a preparatory camp on the island ahead of the first Test, starting June 3 in Dominica.

However, a source told Guyana Times Sport that WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron phoned the left-hander a few hours before the flight, informing him that some of the WICB Directors who had previously backed the move to include him in the squad have now rescinded their decision.

Moments after, the

WICB sent out a release confirming the 12-man squad for the first Test, excluding Chanderpaul.

Efforts to contact Chanderpaul and Cameron for a comment on the saga proved futile.

Meanwhile, Convenor of Selectors, Clive Lloyd, said he has communicated to Chanderpaul both verbally and in writing the reason for his omission.

“This was a tough decision for the Selection Panel to make,” Lloyd said. “We recognise the significant contribution Chanderpaul has made to the West Indies teams over the last two decades, but we want to

take this opportunity to introduce a number of young, promising players into the squad.”

Late last week it was reported in sections of the press that Chanderpaul had been sacked by the Lloyd-led Selection Panel ahead of the Australia series, and was thanked for his service to West Indies cricket.

Days after, information surfaced that a few WICB Directors were successful in reversing the decision made by the selectors, thereby paving the way for the former captain to head off to camp.

All set and ready to travel on Sunday,

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD : President of the TT Football Association (TTFA) Raymond Tim Kee was convinced that the organisation’s tainted past, under the brand TT Football Federation (TTFF), is behind it.

Speaking at Thursday’s TTFA Awards (FA and Super League) held at the VIP Lounge at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Woodbrook, he said despite recent rumblings between his association and the Ministry of Sport over outstanding audited financial statements, the local govern-

ing body for football was on a new path.

Earlier this month

Sport Minister Brent Sancho told the nation his ministry had discontinued releasing tax-payers funds to the TTFA, until the outfit was able to produce audited financial statements for 2008-2014.

Last week TTFA's management and the accounting firm KPMG explained the issues which caused the delay in the finalisation of the audited financial statements from 2008 to 2014. Minister Sancho was then presented with a copy of the draft audited financial state-

Chanderpaul had his plans abruptly derailed by news of the Directors recanting their decision.

This latest development is reminiscent of 2011 when the then coach Ottis Gibson axed a trio of senior players, blaming them for the team’s poor performance in the 50-over World Cup.

Chanderpaul was part of the group, and that signalled the end of his ODI career. His Test career now potentially faces a similar fate.

The Guyanese batsman is 86 runs shy of eclipsing Brian Lara’s Test aggregate of 11,953 runs, which is the most by a West Indian.

However, it has not been all smooth sailing for the left-hander over the past few months, amassing just 183 runs in 11 innings.

Cameron last week proclaimed that Chanderpaul deserved a special send-off as his illustrious career draws to a close.

Cameron said he had not been pleased with how former players had been treated at the end of their careers.

“I have never really liked how we have ushered out our players, so as President I am always trying to figure out how to honour them,” he told the Jamaican media.

“We’re doing it now on a continuous basis, year by year, for their performances, but at the end of a long and illustrious career like Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s we want to ensure that whatever we do, it is well respected and that he knows and the Region knows how much we value his services to West Indies cricket.”

However, Cameron said Chanderpaul recently met with the West Indies hierarchy to discuss his future and more

would be revealed in coming days.

“Unfortunately, I am not privy to the discussions, but obviously it is where he is at and what are the next steps,” Cameron said.

He added, “In another couple of days it will be made a lot clearer as to the end result of those discussions or how we go forward.”

The squad is: Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Veerasammy Permaul, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Jerome Taylor. (Guyana Times)

New path for TT football

walk the road and then I recognised there were a lot of splinters and shape instruments that I had to walk through in order to get from point “A” to point “B”. We had taken on more than TT$36 million dollars in debt;

ment for 2008-2009.

Seemingly satisfied with the progress the TTFA had made so far, Sancho made it clear that the Tim Kee administration must submit audited financials for years which have not been accounted. Even so, the TTFA president was confident that under his leadership the new executive for football had been able to restore credibility to the sport.

“When I took that very bold and brave step to get back into football, I expected that there would have been some challenges and just some challenges, until I started to

(had a) skeletal staff–badly paid staff; (and) a very vexed and annoyed population. We lost our brand, a brand that took many years (to build) that climaxed in 2006.

Those of you who were in Germany would rec-

ognise what football has done for Trinidad.

People who remained home and assembled by the various sports bars can tell you one the experience. That was a motivator,” he said. (TT Guardian)

Tridents-Warriors clash to open CPL season

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS: A clash between champions Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors will set in motion the 2015 edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in Bridgetown next month.

The contest between Tridents and Amazon Warriors is set to be played under lights at Kensington Oval on June 20th, organisers have announced.

It will be a repeat of last year's final at Warner Park in St Kitts, when Tridents came

away with an eightrun victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method in a rain-affected affair.

"The rivalry between Tridents and Amazon Warriors will be pretty intense and no doubt we would like to confirm to people that we would have beaten Guyana, even if the game had finished," said Jason Holder who plays for the Tridents.

"No doubt Guyana will be looking to make amends for that hard loss so I think the opening day should be a cracker and one that I am really

looking forward to be a part of."

Sell-out crowds are expected for Limacol

CPL which runs from June 20th to July 26th, and features some of the biggest names in international T20 cricket.

The 23-year-old Holder, the West Indies one-day captain and a senior player in the Tridents set-up, believes the reigning champions are more than capable of successfully defending their title.

"I think we have a well-balanced side in terms of our batting. We have plenty of batsmen who have not only done well in our domestic cricket in the Caribbean but guys like Dilshan

Munaweera who did well for us in the Champions League last year," said Holder.

"Shoaib Malik has obviously done well for us as well and obviously he has a very good international record. There's also Robin Petersen and Justin Ontong so I'm very pleased with the make-up of our side".

The Limacol CPL features six franchises - Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs, TT Red Steel, St Lucia Zouks, Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots - contesting 33 games. (CMC)

GFF names 31-member squad ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA: The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has named a 31-member squad ahead of their Round Two World Cup qualifying match against St Vincent and the Grenadines in June.

The squad will consist of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, 12 midfielders and six forwards. Jamaal Shabazz will be the Head Coach of the team for the time being.

The squad reads: Goalkeepers: Akel Clarke –Central FC; Derrick Carter –Western Tigers FC; Anthony Whyte – University; Matthew

Allick – UK-based formerly of Dagenham & Redbridge –

Trial with National team.

Defenders: Jamaal Smith – Alpha Utd; Matthew Briggs – Millwall FC; Joshua Brown – Slingerz FC; Kris Camacho – Alpha Utd; King Solomon Austin – Slingerz FC; Colin Nelson – Slingerz FC; Adrien Butters – on trial from Toronto FC; Daniel Whyte – University and Walter Moore – FF Jaro.

Midfielders: Dwayne Jacobs – Slingerz FC; Neil Danns – Bolton Wanderers FC; Clive Nibriga – Slingerz FC; Daniel Wilson – Alpha Utd; Eon Alleyne – Fruta Conquerors FC; Konata

Manning – Pele FC; Vurlon Mills – Slingerz FC; Brandon Beresford – Graceland University; Christopher Nurse – Carolina Rail Hawks FC; Ricky Shakes – Boreham Wood FC; Sam Cox – Boreham Wood FC and Trayon Bobb – Caledonia AIA.

Forwards: Emery Welshman – Real Salt Lake; Marcel Barrington –Leicester City FC; Purnell Schultz – Caledonia AIA FC; Kevin Beaton – University; Sheldon Holden – Alpha Utd and Kadell Daniel – Charlton Athletic. (Guyana Times)

J’can Elaine Thompson steals spotlight

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: On an evening when three personal best times were registered, it was rising sprint sensation Elaine Thompson of University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) who stole the spotlight at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative

Association (JAAA) AllComers Development meet two at the National Stadium on Saturday. Thompson, the current world leader in the 100 metre with a time of 10.92 seconds, continued her rich vein of form when she clocked a fast 22.37 seconds to win the wom-

200-metre event.

en's

The 22-year-old, who was competing in her first 200-metre event for the season, came off the curve ahead of teammate Shericka Jackson and sprinted away from the field in the home straight in a positive wind speed of 0.4 metres per second.

Jackson was second in 23.03 seconds, while Natasha Morrison of MVP track club finished third in 23.37 seconds.

The men's event was won by American Terrel Cotton in a new personal best time of 20.22 seconds. Cotton, who has been based at Racers track club for the past two years, came with a storming run in the closing stages to get by Olympic bronze medallist and teammate Warren Weir (20.55secs).

Rusheen McDonald of MVP was third in 20.57 seconds, while Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis representing Team Nike finished seventh with a time of 20.82 seconds.

Meanwhile, Calabar's young prodigy Christopher Taylor also registered a personal best time on his way to victory in the boy's junior event.

The 15-year-old clocked a blistering 20.78 seconds in a positive wind speed of 1.8 metres per second to win ahead of Nathon Allen (20.96sec) of St Jago and Michael O'Hara (20.97sec) of Akan track club.

Sashalee Forbes of Holmwood Technical stopped the clock at 23.94 seconds to win the girl's event ahead of St

elaine thompson of UTech in full flight during the women’s 200-metres at the Jamaica athletics administrative association (Jaaa) all-comers Development meet at the national stadium on saturday. thompson clocked a fast 22.37 seconds to win the event.

(Photo: Bryan Cummings)

Jago's Shaneil English (24.19sec) and Ashley Williams (24.26sec) also of Holmwood Technical.

Janieve Russell of University of Technology had earlier given the meet a fine start when she won the women's 400-metre hurdles in 56.52 seconds. She won ahead of Ronda Whyte (57.07sec) of GC Foster College, and Junelle Bromfield (58.07sec) of St Elizabeth Technical High School

(STETHS).

Ansert Whyte of Racers took the men's event in 50.23 seconds, followed by Andre Clarke (50.48sec) of GC Foster College and Spintec's Romel Lewis (51.14sec). The boy's junior event was won by Norman Pickersgil of Akan track club in 53.92 seconds, with Duran Crooks (54.43sec) of Munro College and Zavier Lawrence (55.08sec) also of Akan taking the runners-up spots. Jauavney James of STETHS finished on top in the youth equivalent in 53.07 seconds ahead of Timor Barrett (53.99sec) of St Jago and Leonardo Ledgister (54.00secs) also of STETHS. In the women's 800-metre run, Samantha James (2:08.91) of UTech ran a well-timed race to get the better of the fast finishing Bobby-Gaye Wilkins-Gooden (2:09.62) and Chrissani May (2:11.03) of Holmwood Technical. Jowayne Hibbert, running unattached, won the men's event in 1:49.87 minutes, followed by Chad Miller (1:51.70) of Kingston College and Rory Rhoden (1:52.45) of GC Foster College. (Jamaica Observer)

CONCACAF Women’s Day attracts large turnout in Guyana

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA:

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Saturday joined the rest of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) region to celebrate Women’s Football Day, and the massive turnout can only serve to inspire administrators of the game to commit more resources to the development of the game.

Female footballers from all across Guyana converged on the Tucville ground in Georgetown, braving a heavy early morning shower to showcase their skills, and ultimately catch the eyes of coaches and officials of the GFF, as well as die hard football fans, who turned up at the venue.

Female football has been relatively dormant at the national level over the past few years, and the CONCACAF Women’s Day activity was used by the GFF as a springboard to revive that area of the game.

Despite a soggy outfield and occasional slight drizzles on Saturday, approximately 60 young ladies participated in three-

on-three games where they were assessed by a team headed by Technical Director of the GFF, Claude Bolton.

Bolton said he was impressed with the turnout, given that female football had been stalled recently.

Bolton took the opportunity to express gratitude to the referees, who volunteered their time to officiate the games, noting the GFF is extremely grateful for their input and cooperation. The newly appointed TD also divulged the short-term plan for the development of female football, starting at the grassroot level.

“The reality is our short-term is planning for the long-term, so we need to get into that Under-13, Under-15 age group, for both boys and girls, but the girls in particular to identify players,” Bolton explained.

He continued, “We don’t know where they [the players] all are in the country, but we want to develop them so you will see over the next six months an effort to push that.

On top of that, there will be announcements about a women’s league, a modified rules league, and a women’s confer-

ence to decide how to move it forward.”

Another critical component of development is the involvement of schools; a process Bolton said has already been initiated with the Education Ministry under the previous administration.

The CONCACAF Women’s Day was designed to empower all Member Associations to join forces for an annual day of celebration of women’s football. The initiative was the first of its kind for the confederation and focuses on accomplishing several goals.

Among the goals were: to generate awareness about the transformative power of women’s football; to promote and encourage continued investment in women’s football; and to unite every Member Association in creating a memorable day of women’s football.

The event was open to girls from ages nine and up and included several elements, including grassroots girls games; Under-14 three-on-three tournament; women’s threeon-three tournament; women’s national team announcement; and coaching achievement presentation. (Guyana Times)

TT hockey men begin training camp

PORT-OF-

SPAIN, TRINDIAD : England-based hockey standout, Kwandwane Browne along with two of his fellow coaches at English Hockey League Premier Division club, DicconStubbings and Stuart Goodman began a ten-day camp with the TT men’s hockey team on Monday.

The camp was organised by the TT Hockey Board to help with the team’s preparations for the upcoming Pan American Games to be held in Canada in July where the 29th world ranked “Calypso Stickmen” will compete in a tough Pool A with Argentina, Cuba and USA. Pool B comprises Brazil, Canada, Chile and Mexico.

It will be the first tournament for TT since it participated in the FIH World League Round Two qualifiers in San Diego, California

in March. At that tournament, the “Calypso stickmen” who were without some of their top players due to injury and work commitments were beaten in all six matches they contested.

First up TT went under to Russia (6-1), USA (7-1) and Canada (30) in Pool B round-robin player before losing to Ireland (12-2) in the quarterfinal, 2-1 to Italy in the fifth to eighth semifinal, and 5-3 to USA in the seventh place playoff. However, for the Pan Am Games, the TT team is expected to be at full strength as Browne, who has 302 appearances for the national team targets a lifelong dream of qualifying for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.

He is currently the England Under-21 assistant coach and coach for National League Premier Division’s Canterbury, and in 2012/13 won the award

J’can Salcia's big bang!

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: After her gruelling 16-event schedule in last weekend's NCAA Division Two outdoor championships at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, Salcia Slack would be excused if she said she felt extra fatigued.

The former Holmwood Technical and UTech athlete, however, said she felt the same way she normally feels after a track meet. "No I am not that tired," she said when questioned by the Jamaican media on Saturday night.

Slack, who is in her final year of eligibility at New Mexico Highlands University, had just completed one of the most extraordinary weekends in track and field, competing in 16 events, the seven-event Heptathlon as well as the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, triple jump, shot put, and long jump as well as running both rounds of the 4x400m relays.

She ran the heats and finals of both hurdles events and made all but two finals, failing to score in the triple jump and shot put events, but ended up with 31 of her school's 42 points for fourth place in the women's section and single handedly beat 63 other schools that managed to score a point in the three-day championships.

for England Hockey High Performance Coach of the Season. Today, the 25-man national training squad under the supervision of coach Glen “Fido” Francis will have a field training session at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Current senior men’s hockey training squad: Ron Alexander, Terrence Baptiste, Lyndell Byer, Daniel Byer, Darren Cowie, Shaquille Daniel, Aidan De Gannes, Solomon Eccles, Kristien Emmanuel, Brian Garcia, Marcus James, Tariq Marcano, Teague Marcano, CheModeste, Kiel Murray, Joshua Olton, Justin Pascal, Mickell Pierre, Jordan Reynos, AndreyRocke, Christopher Scipio, KelonSkeritt, Karlos Stephen, Akim Toussaint, Jordan Vieira, Dominic Young, Ishmael Campbell. (TT Guardian)

In addition to retaining the Heptathlon title, she was second in both hurdles events, both in new personal best times of 13.42 seconds and

58.24 seconds, respectively, and sixth in the long jump, also with a new personal best of 6.22m.

Given the notion that Jamaican athletes are often time over-worked and burnt out by American college coaches, one of the first questions posed to Slack was whose idea it was for her to embark on such a potentially energy-sapping and gruelling schedule.

Slack was forced to take a break in early May after an injury at the Mt Sac Relays, but noted that she has her eyes set on competing at the World University Games in Korea, July 3-15 and the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, August 22-30.

Her personal best of 6,141 points in the Heptathlon done this year is over the 6,075 qualifying standard for the World Championships.

With the wear and tear on the body that the multi-event can inflict, Slack might be looking for a new event to extend her competitive years and said the 400m hurdles might be the event she will focus on.

"I really love the Heptathlon," she said, adding "it is my favourite, but after so many injuries I need to find a new event."

She basically used her natural speed and strength to run the event, explaining she has not learnt to 'hurdle' yet, "I was just jumping over the hurdles and running," Slack said.

(Jamaica Observer)

INTERNATIONAL

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO, CANADA:

Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club bounced off their 2015 Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier Division 50-over competition in clinical fashion having humiliated Deccan Hawks Cricket Club by a comprehensive 208-run margin.

Playing at the Ashtonbee ground on Saturday, the club aiming for their six title in succession, piled on a formidable 332-1 from the reduced 44-over while Deccan Hawks, in reply,

struggled to 124-9 at the expiration of the overs.

Opener Reyaz Prahalad plundered 10 fours and three sixes in his run-a-ball; unbeaten 154 while Azhad Amidon also capitalized on the innocuous bowling performance registering 121 not out.

They began an attractive, undefeated 238-run second-wicket partnership after former Guyana batsman Krishna Arjune departing for only 26. The right-handed Amidon also showed good aggression during his 116-ball appearance at the crease hitting 12 fours and two maxi-

mums.

When Deccan Hawks batted, the off-spinner Hemnarine Chattergoon grabbed two wickets for 19 runs from 10 economical overs while another part-time spinner Iqbal Rahaman with two victims yielding 34 runs from his 10 overs.

Hawaiian club has dominated this competition over the past six years and created history since the formation of the association three decades ago,the team won 17 consecutive matches in last year’s tournament.

Eon Gunraj stated that the players are ea-

ger and ready to make another big impact this year and have resumed with the right momentum for more success in 2015.

“I think we started off the right way winning by such a big margin; we [are] not underestimating any team, we

want to go out there and play good cricket for the club again and to ultimate win the championship,” Gunraj, who is the Secretary/Manager, pointed out.

Some of the longstanding executives of the club have also been recognized for their con-

tinued dedication and commitment and they must be very proud for such an unprecedented feat, according to Gunraj.

Hawaiian Arctic will be in action this Saturday at the same venue but against Durham United Cricket Club.