Caribbean Times International

Jamaican gov’t sacks HAJ board

Jamaican gov’t sacks HAJ board

The entire board of the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) was Tuesday evening told to resign as the government moved to pull the state-run agency from sinking deeper into crisis and controversy.

The order was issued by Transport, Works and Housing Minister Dr Omar Davies, a day following Managing Director Carl Bennett's resignation after a mere three months in the post.

Bennett was the third managing director to leave the job in the past eight months and his departure was the latest in a raft of resignations of senior managers since April 2013.

Workers and their union have claimed that the resignations are the end result of a politically motivated housecleaning aimed at removing staff members with whom the board was not comfortable.

The board was chaired by Maureen

Webber, a former deputy general secretary of the ruling People's National Party, who HAJ sources say has been a source of discontent among staff.

"It had to be cleared up before it caused any further embarrassment," a senior member of the government told Jamaican media Tuesday night.

"The chairman became too much of a muddling chairman, blurring the line between having responsibility for policy direction and day-to-day administra-

tion," said the government member, who opted not to be named.

"It was either a deliberate act or an ignorant act in believing that as chairman you also have day-to-day operation of the agency. That is not the role of the chairman," the government member added.

Tuesday, the opposition spokesman on infrastructural development Dr Horace Chang, questioned the cause of the more than 40 resignations from the HAJ as he took the government

to task on its housing policy.

Chang said that with the National Housing Trust's commitment of Ja$11 billion per year to handle national debt payments, it is imperative that there are no hitches in the operations of its sister agency, the HAJ, towards meeting the government's delivery of housing solutions.

"This bungling at the HAJ must be linked to an insensitive, uncaring response to the mandate of the people of Jamaica to deliver housing solutions," Chang said in a news release.

"The sooner this turmoil at the HAJ is resolved, it will signal a capability of the government to respond, at a time where with scarce resources, the imperative must be, to be strategically efficient in order to negotiate the delivery of responsive programmes to meet the housing needs of our citizens," Chang said. (Jamaica Observer)

Former gov’t minister mounts

‘naked’

TT’s former Child Development Minister Verna St Rose-Greaves says the current government has failed the children of Trinidad and Tobago, and is attempting to cover up the truth about the cause of death of a newborn baby after a C-section.

St Rose-Greaves walked to Tower D, Waterfront Complex, Port-of-Spain, shortly before the scheduled 1.30 pm start of the Senate sitting Tuesday to protest. She carried a placard that read: “Another baby dies, another mother cries.” The police stationed outside monitored St Rose-Greaves as she walked around in front of the building for more than 30 minutes.

Agriculture Minister Devant Maharaj and Local Government Minister Marlene Coudray hailed her out as they entered.

protest in Trinidad

“butchered.”

She said: “I cannot understand a woman going to a hospital to have a baby and her child is butchered and there is a move to cover it up. We have to stand up and demand justice, not just for this one child (but) for all the children who go through our hospitals and die because of negligence.

“Our delivery rooms are now morgues. You go in to come out joyous and you emerge missing a part of you,” St RoseGreaves said.

CCCC

lauds Guyana’s political leadership in

climate change

The commitment and political leadership shown by Guyana over the years on the issue of climate change has been hailed by Dr. Kenrick Leslie, Executive Director the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCC) as a model for other regional governments to follow.

In an interview with Guyanese media in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Leslie said Guyana continues to be at the forefront of the efforts to ensure climate change adaptation takes the front seat in the Caribbean, one of the regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change in the world.

“Guyana so far in terms of the region has taken on the leadership role in terms of the region, in advancing the issues of climate change…by working through COTED, it was President (Bharrat) Jagdeo and Prime Minister (Stephenson) King who got on the agenda, the idea of putting together a portfolio of projects, this meeting right now going in St Vincent has been led by Guyana,” Dr Leslie said.

President Donald Ramotar was instrumental in getting the just concluded Caricom intersessional meeting in St Vincent to include on the agenda, the issue of climate change.

Dr Leslie urged other Caricom leaders to take a page of Guyana’s book and show more political will to address the issue of climate change.

Meanwhile the CCCC head warned the Caribbean not to see climate change as something of the future.

“Climate change is here, you saw in terms of the frequency of extreme weather events, those are some of the indicators that the climate is changing,” he reasoned, adding that “but more importantly, people don’t realize that the sea level is rising at this time, at a rate of five millimeters per year, and they might say that five millimeters, what is that, but in ten years, five millimeters will become 50 millimeters and in terms of the English system that’s two inches, in 30 years that is six inches, now consider the sea level rising a further six inches in Guyana or Suriname or Belize.” (GINA)

IPI renews calls to drop criminal charges against Bajan journalists

The International Press Institute (IPI) Tuesday again urged authorities in Barbados to drop criminal indecency charges against three journalists.

video of the incident online.

“The drafters of the Protection of Children Act specifically contemplated instances in which the publication of images that might otherwise violate the act should not lead to criminal liability,” said IPI executive director Alison Bethel McKenzie. “Those exceptions include cases where there was a ‘legitimate reason for distributing or showing’ such material.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, who was in the Senate to answer questions on the order paper about other matters, later told TT media: “This is a democratic country still and Verna is doing what she does best.”

Moments later, on leaving the building, Khan passed within inches of St Rose-Greaves in silence as she hummed a

song. Later she said they passed each other “like the missing Malaysian aircraft.” In response to questions about her protest, St Rose-Greaves said the baby boy was

There was a history of abuse in hospitals, she added, saying the nurses had the information but were afraid to release it. “The truth must be told and we cannot continue like this,” she stressed. Recalling several disparaging public statements about homosexuals and about women being lewd at Carnival, she said there had been no public comments on the death of the child. “This is not important. They are there to moralise and not to recognise what is happening to our children,” she complained. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Vivian-Anne Gittens, publisher of the Nation newspaper, as well as Nation editor-in-chief Roy Morris and senior journalist Sanka Price face up to five years in prison in connection with the newspaper’s publication in its October 26 edition of a photograph that appeared to show two minors engaging in a sexual act in a classroom at a rural Barbados school.

Gittens, Morris and Price were scheduled to appear in court Tuesday at a preliminary hearing on the charge that they allegedly violated Barbados’ Protection of Children Act, Chapter 146A.

The photograph—in which both minors were fully dressed and their faces were blurred—accompanied an article noting that the incident depicted occurred in the presence of other minors and that students at the school had circulated a

“Here, it is clear that the Nation believed that a news story with great impact on the community—a perceived failure by school administrators to adequately supervise students in their charge, and the resulting consequences—was in need of being told.

“Opinions may certainly differ widely on the tastefulness and propriety of printing this photo. But the decision to do so does not merit prison time. We urge authorities to end the criminal proceedings against these journalists,” the executive director added. (TT Express)

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EDITORIAL

For 200 years a slave

Aweek ago, the film, “12 years a slave” won the Best Picture award at the Hollywood Academy Awards – the highest accolade in the industry and one that will guarantee the film cinematic. But it will do more than that: it will for the very first time, tell the story of a slave from the point of view of the slave. Solomon Northup was a free citizen of New York who had been sold into slavery in Louisana and endured the 12 years of slavery, he wrote of in harrowing detail, in 1853.

The foreparents of Director of the film, Steve McQueen, a Black Briton of Grenadian descent, had been slaves. He was the first man of African origin to have won the Oscar for directing the Best Picture. All of this publicity is rather serendipitous since Tuesday, Hilary Beckles, the historian who is Pro-ViceChancellor of the University of the West Indies in Barbados, presented the specific demands for reparations for the horrors of slavery to the Heads of Government (HoG) of Caricom against several European nations – including the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

In an ironic historic twist, the British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, playing the role of a plantation owner in “12 years a slave” is descended from the family that owned the plantation in Barbados to which Beckles’ ancestors had been enslaved. The HoG had already approved the plan for reparations last year, which has now been distilled into 10 demands. Since last year, there have been meetings by the several national teams on reparations in the various territories of Caricom.

One of the demands expected to be most contentious would appear to be on the surface, the most innocuous one: an unqualified apology for inflicting the institution of slavery on people shipped across from Africa. There is not a European nation mentioned that can deny their involvement with either the slave trade or slave ownership, nor can they deny the horror of slavery.

Yet there are fears that an apology would lead to an acceptance of “guilt” from which monetary reparations would flow. The contention that restorative justice for the descendants of the victims would at last be given does not seem to be persuasive.

Some of the other demands would be to provide diplomatic help to persuade countries such as Ghana and Ethiopia to offer citizenship to the descendants of people from the Caribbean who “return” to Africa. Some 30,000 have made such a journey to Africa and have been offered generous settlement packages, but lack of citizenship rights for their children is causing difficulties.

Specific to the Caribbean would be proposals designed to change the structural factors inherited from the days of slavery and which have conspired to keep the Caribbean in a state of underdevelopment. One of these calls upon the European nations to craft a development strategy to help improve the lives of poor communities in the Caribbean. This development strategy, for instance, would have to take into consideration the question of capital for development since during slavery the slaves received no money they could save.

There is also the demand that cultural exchanges between the Caribbean and West Africa be fostered to help Caribbean people of African descent rebuild their sense of history and identity. Without this strong sense of identity, they will always remain defensive. In tandem with the preceding, there would have to be support for literacy drives designed to improve education levels that are still dire in many Caribbean communities.

Even more specific, the plan calls for medical assistance to the region that is struggling from high levels of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and Type two diabetes that have been linked to slavery. The claims are being channeled through the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Jamaican manufacturer highlights problems affecting regional integration

President of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) Brian Pengelley, says that despite efforts by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to promote policy initiatives and programmes for the region’s socio-economic development, regional integration continues to be met with discord.

Addressing an award ceremony of the St. Lucia Manufacturers Association (SLMA) on Sunday, Pengelley said while there was support for regional integration, it has been marred by weak implementation of decisions, mistrust, poor leadership and institutional decline.

However he contended that as long as regional manufacturers can overcome the shortcomings and as private sector show greater interest and participation in the process, there can be economic, political and environmental gains.

“There are some ways in which this can be done–developing two of the key growth sectors of the Caribbean, manufacturing and agriculture. This will help to reduce dependency on international forces and increase food security in the region,” he said.

He suggested that a cooperative, rather than competitive dynamic within the region would however be necessary.

In 2012, the manufacturing sector contributed 8.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Jamaica and 5.7 per cent in St. Lucia, while the agricultural sector contributed over three per cent to GDP in St. Lucia and more than six per cent in Jamaica.

Growth

The Jamaican businessman said there is a correlation between growth in the productive sector and economic growth, therefore increasing these indicators will augur well for Caribbean economies.

Likewise, he said the creation of Caribbean linkages, through manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, is vital in strengthening regionalism.

Pengelley urged the region to prepare to take advantage of opportunities related to the expansion of the Panama Canal as the Caribbean lies within the major shipping lanes.

“Our deep water ports are expected to become significant trans-shipment and logistic hubs for international commerce. It is anticipated that cargoes from China, Japan and the Pacific Rim will be transported to the region and then go on to ports in North, South and Central America.

“The Caribbean is also expected to become the gateway to Europe and Africa. Opportunities will therefore arise for providing technical services and undertaking light manufacturing for countries seeking to get their products to market quickly,” he said.

The JMA boss stressed that to grasp these opportunities the region must develop its capacity and skill set to support the enormous increase in foreign trade, which will take place on this side of the hemisphere, resulting from bigger ships passing through the Panama Canal

come 2015.

He said the higher volume of trade is expected to spur economic growth in the Caribbean, which now captures a greater part of the market and become an important part of the global value chain.

He said there are also opportunities to secure contracts, adding that understanding the government procurement process across borders is therefore paramount, for regional manufacturers to supply governments as they are one of the largest procurers of goods and services.

Imports

“Small countries often miss out on this, because they do not know how to bid and multinationals instead get the job.

“Buying inputs regionally for our manufacturing entities should also be encouraged to expand manufacturing and intra-regional trade thereby reducing our trade deficit; given that in 2012, Caricom imported a total value of US$29 billion from the rest of the world.”

However, Pengelley said as manufacturers of inputs they must ensure that there is adequate supply at the highest quality and competitive prices so that they can compete within their own markets and internationally.

He advised that this is critical also as producers of finished goods especially as the region continue to negotiate free trade agreements, such as Caricom/Canada which will open regional markets, as reciprocity is the name of the game.

Caribbean leaders end successful Caricom summit in St Vincent

Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders say they have had a “very successful” twoday inter-sessional summit in St Vincent, completing a 20-odd agenda and implementing policies and strategies that would ensure the future socio-economic and political development of the region.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is also the Caricom chairman, told reporters Tuesday night that the summit dealt with several matters.

High on the agenda was the ICT sector, which regional leaders agreed “should take place in tandem with the reform process of the region for the years 2014-19”.

The meeting received a presentation by Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who has lead responsibility for ICT within the quasi Caricom cabinet, and Gonsalves said it was agreed that there should be a sustained effort over the next two years for building a single ICT space in the region.

He said a road map would be presented to the leaders when they meet for their regular summit in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Caricom chairman noted that the ICT development comes at a time when the region is developing its human resource potential.

Economic woes

The two-day meeting took place against the background of the continued economic problems facing the region and the need to fashion a framework for regional growth and development.

“We welcomed the preliminary re-

port from the Caricom Commission on the Economy established last September to advise on a sustain growth strategy for the community. We accepted the report as a work in progress which would be refined and supplemented with an implementation time table for consideration by member states at our July meeting in Antigua and Barbuda,” he told reporters.

He said the preliminary report outlines the scope of the Commission’s work programmes and specific initiatives that comprise the basis for both joint and or country specific immediate action in respect of financial sustainability including debt management, private sector stimulation, business regulatory environment and resource mobilisation.

On the issue of climate change, he said a task force had been established to help the region coordinate its strategies as it moves to enhance its engagement in the climate change negotiation process “so as to increase the region’s access to available climate change financial resources”.

It will also provide guidance to climate change negotiators.

The meeting also discussed the ongoing situation in the Dominican Republic with regards to the last September Constitutional Court ruling that has had the effect of making thousands of persons born of Haitian descent, stateless.

Legalisation of medical marijuana

On the issue of the decriminalisation of marijuana for medicinal and religious purposes, Gonsalves said there had been “intensive” discussions among the leaders on the is-

sue.

“…we explored the economic benefits that might be derived from marijuana cultivation in a structured sense,” he reported, noting that various concerns about health issues had also been raised.

He said the leaders recognised the need for in-depth research of the methods being contemplated and mandated the establishment of a regional commission “ to address the issues identified and others which are deemed relevant in order to provide clear guidance to the community with regards to the decision to be taken”.

The commission is expected to report to the regular Caricom meeting in July.

Gonsalves said too the summit spent “a great deal of time” on the proposed CanadaCaricom trade and development agreement.

“We have to try and conclude this agreement by the end of June. We will not talk

about our negotiating position in public…but we spent a lot of time on it…and we are planning a number of imitative in this regard to see how we can successful conclude this pact on behalf of our people in the region,” he added.

The summit has

also agreed to back TT as the headquarters for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, with Gonsalves stating that Caribbean countries played a very important role in the conclusion of the Arms Trade Treaty that addresses the question of small arms. (CMC)

GRA launches online payment system, plastic driver’s licence

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday launched the pilot of its online tax payment system and its Automated Driver’s Licence Card at its headquarters on Camp Street, Georgetown.

Officials explained that the move is to ease the congestion which is expected with the approaching deadline for submission of income property tax and other returns on April 30, 2014. Both initiatives represent another step in GRA’s efforts towards modernisation, with the use of the latest in Information Technology (IT) as the pillar.

The new payment system offers taxpayers the opportunity of making faster tax payments from the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices for Personal Income, Property, Corporation and Value-Added and other taxes. Persons can also purchase their motor vehicle licences.

Simultaneously, the GRA launched its new state-of- the-art plastic driver’s licence. The new automated licence card will replace the bookletform licences. “Instead of the paper licence, our 150,000 drivers will now be holders of this more durable plastic card,” GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur said.

It has, however, been made clear that for driv-

ers’ licences for minibus and hire cars drivers, and provisional licences, the cardboard licences will remain until the system is fully automated. The price will also remain the same until more features are included on the licences.

Security features have been improved on the automated licences, which are expected to be welcomed by taxpayers. It is hoped that they will help reduce the offering and taking of bribes. The initiative seeks to bring to the public a more convenient and faster payment option, as the GRA moves to optimise the use of technology, allowing tax payments to be done via the Internet or telephone from the comfort of one’s home, office or other suitable location.

Anti-corruption move

The two initiatives, which have been on the cards for a while, come at a time when taxpayers have often accused the entity of not being transparent. “It would enable the stepping up of anticorrupt and enforcers’ activities being engaged.”

Sattaur also posited that as the platform becomes more filled with highly-integrated technology, the police and other law enforcement agencies that rely on the GRA as a source of information will be able to log on to the GRA system and access needed information. (Excerpted from GINA)

Caricom to intervene in Guyana/ UWI law students’ debacle

Caricom Chairman

Dr Ralph Gonsalves is to write the University of the West Indies Council for Legal Education on the impasse over law students in Guyana being accepted at the Trinidadbased Hugh Wooding Law School.

The move comes days after the Council for Legal Education stated that it will not be guaranteeing any of the 25 places usually offered to Guyanese students at the end of the degree programme at the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana (UG).

As part of an ageold agreement between the Council and UG, every year, 25 automatic places were reserved for UG students at its Hugh Wooding Law School. The Council, however, recently took the decision that UG’s 2014 batch would

Canadian firms talk up mining prospects in Guyana

Two major Canadian mining firms operating in Guyana have spoken glowingly about doing business in the country, emphasising that the economics of exploration and development remains robust, with highquality accessible ore and favourable production costs.

This was highlighted at the 2014 Annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention, which concluded last Wednesday in Toronto. The meeting took place from March 2-5 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

lyst for further mining in the area.

Training

The well-attended 'Guyana Day' seminar held on the first day of the convention, heard briefings by Guyana Goldfields Inc and Sandspring Resources Limited on the in-country on-the-ground operating environment in Guyana. Guyanese government officials and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles also made presentations.

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul headed Guyana’s delegation which included officials from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Ongoing investments

not be guaranteed places. It was understood by this publication that the original agreement had initially expired in November 2012, but, at the request of the Guyana government, it was extended until 2013. Negotiations were scheduled to take place to facilitate the 2014 batch of students. However, this discussion never took place until the matter arose one week ago.

Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who attended the Caricom Heads meeting primarily to deal with this issue, said Dr Gonsalves would be writing to the Council requesting that the 25 students be admitted while a review is being swiftly undertaken of the provision of legal education in the region with regard to the increased need for legal services in the Caribbean.

Guyana Goldfields reported average operating costs in the lower quartile range at US$527 per ounce, including royalties.

The company, which employs some 800 people directly, says it will spend about US$238 million over the next 15 months to bring its Aurora plant to full commercial production. This will result in it becoming the largest goldmine in Guyana.

Sandspring Resources also spoke of previous infrastructure development for its Toroparu gold mining project.

Miners in the area now benefit from Sandspring’s expansion of a local trail into a service road.

The company foresees the proposed 60 megawatt (MW) hydropower plant on the Kurupung River, 50 kilometres from its property, as a major potential benefit to Region Seven and a cata-

Meanwhile, Gopaul observed that a mixed blessing of the rapid growth of the mining sector is that it has been drawing workers from other industries. The Labour Ministry has had to step up its training programmes for heavyequipment operators as those trained for the agricultural sector are siphoned off by the mining industry as quickly as they can be trained.

He noted too the recently-established Guyana Mining School and Training Centre. With the assistance of Canada’s College of the North Atlantic and the Canadian Institute of Mining, work is underway to create an accredited curriculum for training Guyanese in the skills needed for both small-scale and largescale mining operations.

Opportunities

Dr Giles, in her pre-

sentation, noted that the number of Canadian firms capitalising on opportunities to invest in mining in Guyana is a reflection of the fact that Guyana is a country that welcomes foreign investment.

“We are proud to support Canadian companies that are concretely bringing the Canada Brand to life in Guyana by walking their talk on responsible business practices and are implementing impressive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategies and programmes,” Giles said.

Mining in general accounted for more than 20 per cent of Guyana’s GDP in 2013, more than double its percentage in 2006, with the contribution from gold mining itself more than tripling.

Three removed from duty after control tower fiasco in Guyana

Three persons have been removed from duty to facilitate an investigation into the incident of an Air Traffic Control Officer in Guyana vacating his post on Saturday while a Caribbean Airlines plane was midair.

In a terse statement on Monday, the Transport Ministry said an investigation is being conducted by senior personnel of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The report is expected to be on Public Works Minister Robeson Benn’s desk by the end of the week, the release stated.

“To facilitate the investigation, three persons have been removed from duty,” the statement added, noting that the inbound Caribbean Airlines flight to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was in continuous contact and in the control of the Area Control Centre, which provided a replacement Air Traffic Controller to ensure the safe landing of the aircraft.

According to information received, the control tower has a staff complement of about 40, including assistants and supervisors, which means the facility is understaffed by 10. A senior official at the facility, when prompted for a comment, said the young man went into work last Thursday afternoon at 16:00h and was supposed to be relieved from his post

at midnight, but the person who was supposed to take over did not report for work.

He added that at no point in time did the Traffic Controller inform his superior that he was not comfortable working beyond the call of duty, noting that if this was done, alternative arrangements would have been made. In an effort to explain what transpired early Saturday morning, he stated that at any given time an aircraft would take about nine minutes on its approach for landing.

The source posited that at the time the aircraft was about to land, the young man left the tower, but clearance was subse-

quently given after a senior staff filled the void. He said the threeminute delay was due to the fact that it takes some time to climb the steps leading up to the control room, noting that the elevator is not in operation. When the senior official arrived in the room, he immediately gave clearance for the BW 425 Flight to land. The official said at the end of the day, the blame will fall on lack of coordination, but was happy to report that at no point in time was there panic.

This newspaper understands that getting Air Traffic Controllers to work beyond the call of duty is a major problem in the industry.

Justice minister hints at changes to Jamaica’s plea bargaining legislation

Justice Minister Mark Golding has hinted at amendments to Jamaica’s Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreement) Act, following criticisms that the piece of legislation has not been working.

Senator Golding made the disclosure while closing the debate on the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act, otherwise called the "Anti-Gang legislation", passed in the Senate last Friday.

He was responding to a comment from Opposition Senator Tom Tavares-Finson that for the Anti-Gang legislation to work, it would have to be supported by other provisions, including the plea bargaining legislation which he said has failed to function.

"There are a number of aspects in that wider framework that I think we need to look at. The first is the plea bargaining legislation passed some years ago and at the time I thought it [was] extremely cumbersome and unworkable. My view is that it has demonstrated itself to be unworkable and that is coming from someone who practises in the criminal courts. I don't think I have seen it operate on one occasion," Senator Tavares-Finson noted.

"We need to relook at the plea bargaining legislation and we need to ensure that it can operate," he said, adding that the system also could not operate without a proper witness protection programme.

"Over the last couple of months

Venezuela assures PetroCaribe and ALBA agreements are safe

Venezuela says the current political unrest in the country poses no danger to the future of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of the Americas (ALBA) and the oil initiative PetroCaribe.

Venezuela’s Ambassador to St Lucia Leiff Escalona Barrueta, addressing a sod turning ceremony for a bridge building project funded through ALBA, said there were "concerns expressed by various communication professionals in the news media" regarding the two initiatives that Caracas has been using as a means of integrating Latin America and the Caribbean.

The diplomat gave the assurance that the ALBA and PetroCaribe agreements would continue in "full force".

ALBA, the brainchild of the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, is based on the idea of the social, political and economic integra-

we have seen anecdotal references about people who leave the programme. If the programme is not functioning you are not going to get the information (through the plea bargain arrangement) and if you do get the information you are not going to be able to protect the individual, and the whole system you are trying to implement is going to fail, so let us look at the plea bargaining and the witness protection programme," Tavares-Finson, a criminal lawyer, further pointed out.

In the meantime, he said the administration should also look at the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Act as well.

"... I know that when the Act was passed in the Senate, provisions were put in place to ensure that the legislation functioned properly and one of the things that concerned the members of both

houses was that we were passing legislation which was breaching the rights guaranteed by the Constitution (right to privacy)," he noted.

Senator Golding, in closing the debate, admitted that "the plea bargaining legislation has not been working as was envisioned". He said on that basis a committee had been appointed to revise the provision.

"I am aware that they have made some recommendations. As soon as they are finalised, I will be moving with those to Cabinet for its approval to have the provision amended," the justice minister told the Upper House.

He, however, said he was unable to address the issue of the witness protection programme or the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Act. (Jamaica Observer)

tion of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and St Lucia are members of the grouping.

Commenting on the anti-government demonstrations aimed at forcing the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro, Ambassador Escalona dismissed the unrest as "an attempted coup d'etat.”

She said that despite a gradual return to calm, there had been an increase in the media campaign which her government has called "media terrorism.”

Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony, who also addressed the ceremony, said the bridge would be called "ALBA Bridge" as a mark of gratitude to the Venezuela/Cuba sponsored Caribbean Latin American economic and social integration movement. (Caribbean News)

China energy group to visit TT soon

Officials from Chinese energy company, ENN Group, are expected to arrive in Trinidad later this month to review the National Gas Company’s (NGC) infrastructure for its five-year, TT $500 million, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion plan.

Confirmation of the ENN visit came from NGC Chairman Roopchan Chadeesingh, who said last Friday “we’re expecting a small group of ENN personnel—two or three from the United States and one or two from China. They will be here for one week, looking at what we have ‘on the ground,’ reviewing our CNG plans and giving us their opinion on what’s needed.”

ENN’s visit stems from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sunday, February 23, by Chadeesingh and ENN Group president, Cheung Yipsang, at the Grand Hyatt Beijing hotel, Oriental Plaza, Beijing, China.

Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine was on-hand to witness the event. Under the MOU,

ENN will provide advice to help ensure the successful implementation of NGC’s CNG conversion plan.

ENN Group, one of China’s largest private companies, was established in Hebei Province, China in 1989 and is now often referred to as a clean-energy expert.

At the signing ceremony, Chadeesingh told reporters NGC decided to enter into an agreement with ENN because the company, which operates out of Langfang City in Hebei Province, has been successful in getting the city’s four million inhabitants “to convert to using CNG.”

He noted NGC was “looking forward to (benefitting) from ENN’s experience and technology. We have invited them to assess our facilities in TT, to advise us on what is required to introduce this programme successfully.”

Chadeesingh said he would be meeting with other NGC officials “in two weeks to discuss options arising out of talks held with other companies” while they were in China late last month. (TT Newsday)

Low-cost medical mogul opens first Caribbean hospital in Cayman Islands

Devi Shetty, the Indian cardiac surgeon renowned for making cutting-edge medical care affordable to the masses, has begun his overseas thrust in the Cayman Islands.

Health City Cayman Islands is the first leg of Shetty's Caribbean venture and has opened its doors with a 104-bed multispecialty tertiary hospital.

The cardiologist is already scouting for more locations in the Caribbean. His organisation Narayana Health aims to expand into a 30,000-bed operation over the next five years.

The location of Shetty’s US$70 million Cayman Islands facility is described as advantageous: near the U.S. mainland, but outside of stringent U.S. regulations. Health City Cayman Islands will cater to American patients as well as those of other nationalities and promises top-quality services at low cost.

"The best location to build a hospital on the planet today is a ship that is parked in the U.S. waters just outside its territory," Shetty told

the Economic Times. "The site at the Cayman Islands is the closest approximation that fits the bill."

"The healthcare models in the U.S. are considered the ultimate and keenly studied by the entire world, but the regulatory restrictions in that country are so stifling that innovations in healthcare delivery are very difficult to implement," he continued.

"By building such a healthcare institution in a British protectorate right outside the U.S. regulatory structure, which can work with U.S. doctors and experts for the U.S. patients, one can show what is possible in healthcare even in the developed world and at what cost."

The Cayman Islands facility will reportedly start by offering about 30 percent discount to the U.S. rates on healthcare services. But deeper cuts in price are said to be expected in the future.

The entire healthcity plan envisages 2,000 beds, a medical university and an assisted-living centre over the next 10 years with a total investment of US$2 billion. (Excerpted from CMC)

Five charged in Trinidad with multi-million dollar bank heist

Five men, who appeared Tuesday before a Sangre Grande magistrate in connection with the TT$4.5 million heist at the Sangre Grande branch of Republic Bank, were each granted TT$1 million in bail to cover the charges.

The five, who appeared in the First Court before Magistrate Ejenny Espinet, include Chaitram Mohammed, 27, of Toco Road, Sangre Grande; Navin Juteram, 32, of Mohammed Drive, El Repos Road, Sangre Grande; Kumar Narine, 23, from Ramlogan Drive, Uquire Road, Freeport; Jason Villafana, 42, from

Jamaican sugar workers threaten to shutdown industry - if wage demands not met

More than 4,000 thousand sugar workers in Jamaica have threatened to take industrial action following weeks of failed negotiations, involving their unions and the Sugar Producers Federation (SPF) for improved wage and fringe benefits.

The three unions representing the workers and the Sugar Producers Federation (SPF) are still at a stalemate in hammering out a wage and fringe benefits agreement as a marathon meeting last Friday at the Ministry of Labour ended without a settlement.

The SPF has offered to increase wages to 7 percent in year one and 3 percent in the second year. However, this has been rejected by the unions.

First Vice President of the University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) Clifton Grant says the SPF’s offer has only served to anger the

workers.

“The union wants a 13 percent (increase) in the first year for the employees and an 8 and a half percent in the second year. The federation says they are not in a position to change. So we have communicated this to the employees. They are very very upset. The feedback that we are receiving is that the workers wanted to take industrial action, but we have asked them to give the Ministry of Labour and the minister an opportu-

nity to try and broker an agreement between the parties,” Grant said.

However, the SPF is insisting that the industry stands to lose millions during this crop season due to increased international competition. But the unions are insisting that they produce figures for both rum and sugar production to support the prediction.

Another meeting is scheduled be held this Thursday at the Ministry of Labour. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Guaico Village, Sangre Grande and Sateesh Boodram, 33, who hails from East Dinsley Gardens, Tacarigua.

Mohammed, Juteram, Narine and Villafana were all charged with breaking and entering and stealing more than TT$4.4 million, plus various other currencies including U.S., British pounds sterling, Euros and Eastern Caribbean dollars.

Juteram and Boodram received separate charges of receiving TT$46,800 and TT$2.1 million respectively, knowing the money to

be stolen. The charges were all laid indictably which means trial before a judge and jury if so ordered by the magistrate.

Attorney Shivan Jadoo appeared for Boodram while attorneys Dinesh Naraine and Shivanand Doobay represented Juteram and Villafana respectively. The lawyers told the court their clients were all “very cooperative” with the police.

There was no objection to bail and it was granted to all the accused men on the condition that they report and sign in at a police station twice weekly.

Mohammed was granted TT$1.3 million bail, Juteram received TT$1 million bail, Villafana was granted TT$900,000 bail, Narine received bail of TT$1.24 million and Boodram was granted TT$1 million in bail.

Juteram, Mohammed and Narine were also charged for a separate incident—robbery with violence and breaking and entering the Republic Bank Limited on January 17. They will reappear at the Mayaro Magistrates Court on March 24 with two coaccused in relation to that matter. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Jamaicans in Haiti jail wants their gov't to intervene

POR-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC)

A number of Jamaicans arrested on drug- and gun-related charges since last year, say they feel neglected by the administration in their homeland.

The 20 Jamaicans arrested in the southern town of Les Cayes have denied any involvement in drug trafficking and have all claimed to be innocent victims.

"I got arrested but they did not find anything on me," Kenny Burton, 31, told the local Haitian website, HCNN.

"They found drug in the area where I was and they blamed it on us," said Burton, who was arrested July 7th last year together with another Jamaican colleague.

A group of 15 Jamaicans had been arrested in recent times in operations supported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), while five others were apprehended by the end of last year during a police crackdown near the town of Aquin.

The Jamaicans remain in preventive custody while their cases are being studied by an investigative judge that will decide who should be released.

But Winston Richards, detained since August 18, 2012, said since his arrest he has not had the services of

an attorney.

“We don't speak the Creole language and our (Jamaican) government is not saying anything about our situation here," Richards told the Haitian website."We are Caribbean people, we are just trying to move around, man," he said.

A prosecutor in Les Cayes, Joubert Amazan, said his office provides mandatory and free legal assistance to the Jamaicans who do not have lawyers.

"Some have a chance to be released, but some others are very deeply involved in illegal activities. Some have a lawyer, but for those who don't have one we commit a lawyer through the Bar Association," he said.

Samantha Scarlett, the reputed wife of one of those held in prison has called on the Jamaican government to intervene to make sure the case of her husband, Michael

Dennis, as well as those of other detained fellow Jamaicans have the benefit of a fair judicial process.

"I think the Jamaican government should do something because there are Jamaican citizens who are in a very difficult situation in Haiti.

"We need him to come back home and we have a 16-year-old daughter who is so affected by the situation," she told the HCNN.

Relatives of the detained Jamaicans say they are also concerned about the fairness of the judicial process in Haiti.

HCNN reported that a judge a few months ago, released three Jamaicans--Mark Reid, Fenton Johnson and Mark Pit--and two Cubans, Juan Rafael Hidalgo and Alexis Leyva Moreno--for lack of evidence after being held on drug charges for several months.

Cabinet reviewing Guyana’s Education Bill

Several bills including one to radically revamp Guyana’s education sector are currently in draft format before Cabinet for review, Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Texeira said.

According to Teixeira, the bills in varying stages of draft are expected to be tabled before the National Assembly in the near future. These include the highly anticipated Education Bill.

Teixeira, who was speaking to media operatives at last Friday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, noted that the other bills include the Solid Waste Management Bill and the Hire Purchase Bill.

Speaking with local media, Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that the education legislation, when comes into force, will repeal the current Education Act and allow the Education Ministry to adopt a more modern and hands-on approach to various issues impacting the education sector.

The Bill, among other things, seeks to address issues such as private schools licensing, requirements for persons to be employed as a teacher and students admission age at the nursery level.

She noted too that the current Education Act does not have much regulation as it relates to private schools. She not-

ed that there are clauses in the Bill that will stipulate how private schools should function and be managed.

The minister also related that the Bill will address the highly contentious issue of corporal punishment. The Bill was drafted after extensive stakeholder consultations countrywide.

The minister added that the regulations governing the Bill are expected to be tabled at the same time.

Hire purchase

As it relates to the equally anticipated Hire Purchase Bill, earlier this year, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali had said when this legislation comes into force, consumers will no longer be at the mercy of hire purchase schemes,

noting that the current system that prevails is disadvantageous to consumers.

With regards to the Solid Waste Management Bill, acting Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker early last month said government is very close to tabling the Bill in the National Assembly.

The finance minister was asked to have a second look at the section of the bill that deals with the issue of financial arrangement.

The Solid Waste Management Bill seeks to, among other things, bring order to the way in which solid waste is managed, primarily by the way of a Solid Waste Management Authority.

TT gov’t moves to privatise Vehicle Management Corporation

State-owned Vehicle Management Corporation of TT (VMCOTT) is operating at a loss. In a bid to bail out the company, government is moving to restructure or partially privatise the state enterprise. Confirming the plans last Friday was VMCOTT’s chairman Joe Pires and acting CEO Ramesh Lackhan.

Pires said VMCOTT will soon award a contract to a company to come up with a strategic plan and identify business partners for them. On last Thursday, three companies were interviewed for this process.

They would be evaluated, Pires said, with one company being selected to seek a business partner or partners for VMCOTT. The partner/s, Pires said, must be able to provide financial backing, technical advice and generate new business. Cabinet would have the final say as to who the business parter/s should be.

“We will hire the consultants to make it transparent

and above board. But that does not mean that any local company would not be given the opportunity once they fill the criteria set out by the consultants,” Pires explained. No job cuts

Established in 2000,

VMCOTT offers a range of vehicle management and maintenance services in TT and the Caribbean.

Pires insists that VMCOTT, which has an asset base of TT$70 million was “not for sale” nor will its 60 employees face jobs cuts.

“We are looking at aligning ourselves with a strategic partner that can carry us to the next level. VMCOTT needs technical assistance for it to survive in the future,” Pires said.

By September, Pires said, its partner/s should be charting a new way forward for VMCOTT.

Pires also gave the assurance there would be no favouritism in selecting its partner/s, nor would there be any political interference by the People’s Partnership government.

The TT$30 million VMCOTT generated last year from the maintenance and repairs of vehicles, Pires said, was not enough to break even because of overhead costs. Pires said among some of the problems he met at VMCOTT were lack of open tender, pilferage of spare parts, sourcing spare parts, monies being owed, and absence of a regular cash flow.

Lackhan said VMCOTT has TT$3 million in obsolete spare parts which will soon be auctioned.

Last Friday, Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz, under whose purview VMCOTT falls, said an audit was also being conducted at VMCOTT. (TT Guardian)

PPP sets sights on reclaiming House majority in Guyana - as party pays tribute to Cheddi Jagan

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds urged party supporters on Sunday to bring in new members to the fold as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) sets its sights on regaining the majority in the National Assembly.

Hinds made the comments while addressing a gathering at Babu John as the party paid tribute its late founding leader, Dr Cheddi Jagan on his 17th death anniversary. Absent at the ceremo-

ny was President Donald Ramotar, who is attending the Caricom Heads of Government meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guyana’s third Executive President, the late Dr Jagan was remembered by his party as a man who gave his life for the betterment of all Guyanese. Acting President Hinds in a brief address said the annual pilgrimage to Babu John should be used as a time for supporters to re-com-

mit themselves to serve the Guyanese people.

“Cheddi was committed towards the growth and development of the Guyanese people.”

The acting president urged youths to see a good example in the late president and to serve the people of the country well.

“We lost quite a lot when Dr Cheddi died in 1997,” Hinds noted, but added that he has left a good example for all to follow.

Good example

Hinds also encouraged party supporters to invite others to join the party so that the party can secure a majority at the next general elections.

“The people of Guyana must see Cheddi in us,” he said, noting that the combined opposition, the A Partnership For National Unity and Alliance For Change, controls the National Assembly with their one-seat majority.

Meanwhile, reading a message by the president, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar said her husband regrets being unable to attend the event. Noting that 17 years have already gone by since Dr Jagan died, the president in his message said almost on a daily basis, he looks at Dr Jagan’s work and methodology for guidance.

The event was attended by family members of the late Dr Jagan and former president

Janet Jagan, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Progressive Youth Movement and officials from Regions Five and Six.

During the programme, students from schools on the Corentyne read extracts from Dr Jagan’s writings and speeches.

Meanwhile, PPP General Secretary and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee called on

those in attendance to remember what the Jagans stood for.

He said Dr Jagan has left the party a rich legacy which is still relevant today.

“He has taught us to fight against all forms of dictatorship. He has taught us to fight against political bullyism in whatever form it may take,” Rohee said.

Dr Jagan died in Washington on March 6, 1997. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Private sector recommended for inclusion in COTED

Arecommendation has been put forward for the regional private sector members to be incorporated within the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), as implementation of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market proceeds.

The suggestion comes following deliberations of the Prime Ministerial sub-committee on the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME),

during its eighth meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines, on Sunday.

It was suggested that a specific area be carved out within COTED, which is responsible for the promotion of trade and economic development of the Community, where the private sector can be accommodated.

The sub-committee members are of the view

that the private sector has to be re-engaged in the implementation process, as they can be the driving force of the Single Market.

Chaired by Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart, the meeting, which was the first of three days of deliberations, was attended by a delegation from Jamaica.

The CSME sub-committee, which comprises representatives from Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda,

Dominica, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, also discussed the progress of member states in the implementation process for the Single Market. Currently, between 65 and 90 per cent of the implementation exercises have been completed among the member states.

The group also considered the next steps to be taken in terms of how the Caricom Secretariat, along with the member states will proceed, in im-

plementing what has not yet been put in place.

Representatives looked at the ongoing reform process within the Caricom Secretariat, and how this can be moved forward, focusing specifically on how the organs and institutions of the Community can be improved, as well as how the integrity of the Secretariat can be advanced.

The reform process seeks to bring about change within the Community by facilitat-

ing the structured, effective implementation of the transformation of Caricom and its Secretariat, in alignment with an agreed Community strategic thrust for the benefit of citizens.

The sub-committee meeting was held prior to the official opening of the 25th InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom Monday at the Buccament Bay Resort. (Excerpted from JIS)

Regional countries to benefit from new EU-funded project

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) says it is working with two other international organisations on a project that will allow Caribbean countries to acquire new expertise and improve the design of policies related to food and nutritional security.

IICA said that the European Union-funded project, is being undertaken in collaboration with the

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Association of Universities of Latin America and the Caribbean (UDUAL), and should begin on January 2015.

It said the FAO and

UDUAL signed a memorandum of understanding in Rome late last month, under which they will work with IICA and European universities, in developing the suite of e-learning courses as part of the online master’s programme in food security.

“The aim is to offer degrees that will further develop the capacities of food security professionals who work in government ministries and institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), such as nutritionists, statisticians, market analysts, and oth-

ers.

“Furthermore, the initiative will draw on a large number of specialised courses, which have already been designed, on agricultural and rural development,” IICA said, adding that the e-learning tools will also be available to farmers, traders and agricultural workers interested in the subjects covered.

IICA Deputy Director General Lloyd Day, said that “the development of innovative education mechanisms by IICA, FAO and the universities will make it possible to respond more

efficiently to the needs of rural development and food security in the region.”

He added that IICA and FAO have had a long history of partnering on food security in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the development of the online master’s degree course would build on their joint work.

“This is a very cost effective and meaningful way to contribute to the fight against hunger in the region,” said Marcela Villarreal, Director of FAO’s Office for Partnerships, Advocacy and Capacity Development.

FAO Assistant Director-General Maria Helena Semedo said “this new partnership will allow us to reach more people, helping them to design effective nutrition and food security policies and programmes, and ultimately, helping them to improve quality of life. (Jamaica Observer)

Regional security agency needs $$ - PM Kamla tells Caricom Heads

Prime Minister Kamla

Persad-Bissessar

Monday revealed that regional security body, the Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), is in, “urgent need of financial resources to sustain its operation.”

The prime minister did so as she addressed the 25th InterSessional Meeting of Heads of Caricom at Buccament Bay Resort, St Vincent, passing over Caricom chairmanship to St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Persad-Bissessar said IMPACS is a key provider of “significant” services to regional security.

“Notwithstanding these tremendously valuable contributions, the agency is today in urgent need of financial resources to sustain its operations, and meet its contractual obligations to pay staff salaries, as well as suppliers and service providers,” she disclosed, without giving further details.

“We have grown to rely not only on the expert services of the Agency, but also on the expertise of its people and we must resolve to be more solemn in our recognition of their contribution.

“To put at risk our joint investment in regional security

infrastructure is a mistake we cannot afford to make.”

The prime minister said that since 2009, the agency has, “had a significant impact and continues to support the national crime fighting agendas.” She said member states have benefitted from training opportunities in the areas of information and intelligence sharing, border security, cyber security and ballistics and that the IMPACS headquarters (in Port-of-Spain) continues to provide technical assistance to all states to ensure a

coordinated approach to issues of crime.

“Through this coordination significant funding and support from the international community has been secured to continuously assist in capacity building exercises on the ground,” she said, making an apparent case for more funding.

Persad-Bissessar also noted that member states relied on the expertise of IMPACS during the course of the Arms Trade Treaty negotiations as well as in the current imple-

COP seeks Canadian help to build party base in TT

The Congress of the People has engaged the assistance of Canadian Ray Larson to help bolster the party’s grassroot support in a bid to build the party base in Trinidad and Tobago.

Larson, is a political consultant who is also party secretary of the Liberal Party of Canada, spoke at a recent media conference at the party’s Flagship House, St Clair. He said grassroot engagement helps political parties to victory at the polls.

“I am hoping to help the COP re-engage with citizens across Trinidad and Tobago,” Larson stated.

He added that the basis of the engagement is by talking directly to voters “on the ground, at their homes, in the street.”

“When the COP forms the government again, it will ensure that they are responding to the needs of the people,” he indicated. Even with social technology and easier methodologies to engage voters, Larson believes that only through the effort of walking and talking with voters will the COP be victorious. But

coming out of this initiative, the coP will launch its grand consensus 2, which will form the basis for its 2015 manifesto

even after having said that, Larson denied this was an initiative geared toward helping COP in the 2015 general election.

“It is not about the next election and it should not be about winning the next election. Really it is about ultimately building for the long term,” he said.

Party leader Prakash Ramadhar also spoke with the media and said the COP will succeed “against the odds” because it has delivered on its manifesto promises.

Coming out of this initiative the party will launch its Grand Consensus 2, which will encompass the knowledge gained on the ground and form the basis for its 2015 manifesto.

Ramadhar said the People’s Partnership was able to deliver on almost all its manifesto promises. “I am pleased to announce that of the 280 odd promises, only 30 odd are outstanding. I am extremely glad we have lived up to that,” he said.

(TT Guardian)

mentation phase, and there is continuous technical support provided with respect to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). She indicated that IMPACS sub-Agencies continue to provide significant support to national law enforcement Agencies through: the Joint Regional Communications Centre’s (JRCC) flagship programme; the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), and the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre (RIFC). This, she maintained, affords, “a

regional intelligence picture which enhances national information.”

“With these mechanisms in place, the region has been successful in interdicting drug traffickers; identifying paedophiles; monitoring and preventing where required, the movement of terrorist elements; and assisting national entities in identifying trends to mitigate the potential threats which can be detrimental to recovering economies,” Persad-Bissessar said. She noted that the implementation of the free movement regime and the right of entry of Caricom nationals following the Shanique Myrie ruling will necessarily require greater reliance on and development of the elements of the regional security mechanism, which is managed by IMPACS.

In handing over the chairmanship, Persad-Bissessar gave an overview of developments during her year-long tenure. She noted moves to establish a disability-friendly region; to deal with the question of the ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic on nationality; to move toward “hassle-free travel” in the wake of the CCJ Shanique Myrie ruling and to establish proposed strategic priorities for the entire community. (TT Newsday)

Guyana’s First Lady honours elderly women

Guyana’s First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar and members of the First Lady’s Foundation visited and delivered goodies to approximately 100 Region Three senior citizens who would have made significant contributions to Guyana’s development.

The gesture was in observance of International Women’s Day on Saturday.

The presentations were done at the Patentia Secondary School, West Bank Demerara and Zeelugt Primary School, West Coast Demerara, while visits were made to the homes of five senior citizens who were unable to travel to the venues. International Women’s Day which was launched in 1911 is celebrated each year on March 8. It is a day when organisations, religious communities, and governments engage in the quest for peace, democracy and equality, to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

During brief remarks,

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar stated that government continues to honour women who would have contributed to the country’s economy, and each year the foundation has been moving to different locations to ensure that every community benefits from this gesture.

The First Lady noted that International Women’s Day is a day to observe the contributions of women and no woman must be forgotten.

“They have contributed in many ways to the

development of Guyana, in helping their families and communities, and so we think they deserve the acknowledgement,” the First Lady said.

In Guyana and the Caribbean, the background to the observance of International Women’s Day differs from that of their sister countries in the Western World.

They developed an early tradition of struggle and activism born out of their experiences in shaking off the shackles of slavery and indentureship.

Rice bulking up in Guyana as Venezuela unrest hampers export market

Chairman of Region Six

David Armogan has stirred grave concern among rice farmers in Berbice, telling them that already there are more than 200,000 tonnes of rice which Guyana is trying to sell and does not have a market for.

He says the once-secure Venezuelan market has become unstable with the current unrest in that country, and that ships with rice at ports in Venezuela cannot offload and are forced to wait for days. The demurrage cost has to be borne by Guyana.

Only recently, Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy announced that Guyana’s rice export to Venezuela is expected to resume once all logistics have been completed between the two governments. He stated then that the agreement, which is in its final stage, remains a significant one for Guyana, noting that in early February, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), was inked between La Casa (on behalf of the Venezuelan government) and Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Geoffrey Da Silva.

Guyana/Venezuela agreement

With the MoA already inked, the final stage of the Guyana/ Venezuela agreement is near completion. This would include the purchasing order and shipment schedule. With the 2014 rice harvesting (first crop) already started, shipment of rice has already commenced to

Europe, the Caribbean and to new destinations.

In the past, the reconciliation process, which is critical in the Guyana/Venezuela rice deal, took months to be completed; however, this year it was completed in a much shorter time and shipment is now closer to recommencement, Ramsammy had said. In 2013, 110,000 tonnes of white rice and 88,000 tonnes of pad-

industry could be detrimental, noting that already 2500 acres of paddy has been harvested in Region Six for this current crop, with farmers not receiving all the benefits that they enjoyed during the last crop. The farmers are receiving Gy$5600 per tonne of paddy of A grade and Gy$1000 less per grade downwards.

Chairman of the Regional Agriculture Committee Thakoor Persaud, weighing in on the matter, said while the yield is 42 bags per acre, farmers are already feeling the squeeze when they go to the millers. “No transportation by millers is being paid to farmers for this crop.”

Armogan predicts that if Guyana cannot secure markets quickly, the current spring crop production will see

ing produced and soon, we would not be able to sell all that we produce,” Armogan cautioned.

The Chairman noted that farmers have been making huge investments in the rice industry, but questioned whether farmers will be able to make full use of the equipment that have been purchasing recently.

Downsizing

“We are heading for a similar situation that existed a decade ago which resulted in some farmers pulling out of the industry and others downsizing their operations. Many also left expensive pieces of farming equipment idle,” the Chairman noted.

Caribbean diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders, in a recent publication, had urged leaders of Caribbean countries

dy were shipped to the Spanish-speaking country. However, this new agreement will incur a slight change in shipment.

Bad boom

Meanwhile, Armogan said the boom in the rice

more rice being left on the hands of millers who may start refusing to buy paddy from farmers. “It is also going to be harder for us to get markets because right across the world, more rice is be-

that are members of the PetroCaribe Agreement to “begin preparing for the worst-case scenario and start thinking about buying oil at market prices”. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Penny talks interracial solidarity in PNM

As the battle for the People’s National Movement’s (PNM’s) internal election heats up, leadership candidate Pennelope Beckles-Robinson says her campaign seeks to promote a greater sense of inclusion, particularly among the party’s rank and file.

Speaking to TT media during a day-long rally to commemorate International Women’s Day in Arima, Saturday, Beckles-Robinson said although the PNM’s founder Dr Eric Williams had espoused interracial solidarity as one of the party’s fundamental tenets, there was a view among many of its members that this ideal did not exist.

“Although Eric Williams’ philosophy included everyone, there are those who argue that it (PNM) is not reflective of that. We have to be conscious of that and deal with it,” she said.

Beckles-Robinson, a former Arima MP, said her philosophy will be reflected in members of her team to contest the upcoming poll.

“It will comprise people to help build Trinidad and Tobago and reflect its rich cultural roots…a team that will make people feel comfortable and attracted to the PNM,” she said.

The party’s incumbent lady vice-chairman, though, held her cards close to her chest, saying she will reveal her team towards the end of the week. Nomination Day is Friday (March 14).

“I am coming very close to that special day, but I am still talking to a few people,” BecklesRobinson said.

“A leader cannot do it alone. There has to be a team that can build a stronger PNM and a more united Trinidad and Tobago.” (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Jamaicans no longer need visas for travel to

With effect from March 1, 2014, Jamaican nationals travelling to Bermuda for tourism, business or on a work permit, no longer require a visa or visa waiver to enter that country, provided that they are holding a multiple entry visa to the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.

This was disclosed by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator A.J. Nicholson, during a sitting of the Senate last Friday.

Nicholson explained that Jamaican nationals who hold such multiple entry visas for the USA, Canada or the UK must be careful to ensure that the visas are valid for a minimum of 45 days

Bermuda

after the expiry of the planned stay in Bermuda.

“They must also ensure that their Jamaican passports have a validity of at least 45 days after the expiry of their planned stay,” he said.

“This is indeed a welcome development for Jamaicans who propose to visit Bermuda, and comes just a few weeks after I had signed with the foreign minister of Brazil in Kingston, an agreement to facilitate the visa-free travel of Jamaican nationals to that country,” the minister added.

The Bermudan government had imposed visa restrictions for Jamaicans travelling to that British territory in 2003. (JIS)

Government paper, mortgages drive banking activity in Barbados

Citizens of Barbados are investing more in homes, according to new data from the Financial System Stability Report for 2013 produced by the central bank.

Mortgages grew by 46 per cent, mainly driven by private residences, whereas personal savings rose by just 2.3 per cent.

In total, mortgages accounted for half of all loans during the year, reaching Bds$3.5 billion in total as at September 2013. The loan market, however, has been less than robust overall.

The Central Bank of Barbados stated that deposits grew faster than credit, with a loan to deposit ratio of 74 percent at year end, compared to 71 percent in 2012.

Loans for all deposit-taking institutions declined by 2.4 percent over 2012.

Personal loans grew by three percent to September 2013, but loans to construction declined by 15 percent, and loans to professional services fell by 17 percent.

Overall, the financial system report stated that "weak loan demand and

the absence of viable investment projects" have constrained the profits of domestic banks in the last year.

Domestic assets of commercial banks grew 3.8 percent, mainly due to interest earned from government paper, which currently accounts for 55 percent of banks' assets.

The financial system's total asset base as at September 2013 was Bds$16 billion, or 185 percent of GDP, of which commercial banks control 62 percent, insurance companies hold 18 percent, and non-bank financial institutions and credit unions each represent 10 percent of the market.

Adequate capital

The central bank noted that return on assets for the entire financial system has declined steadily since 2008, averaging 1.2 per cent over the period between then and 2013.

For last year, revenue was made up of 70 per cent of net interest income, while the rest comprised fees and other income.

Despite reduced earnings overall, the banks and other financial institutions remain ade-

quately capitalised, the central bank said.

Capitalisation, as indicated in the report, ranged from 11.7 per cent for Royal Bank of Canada to 58 per cent for First Citizens Bank.

Non-performing loans in the commercial banking system fell to 11. 3 per cent as at September, the central bank notes, but adds that that there has been a decline in loan servicing in some sectors.

Non-performing personal loans have climbed to 42 percent, up from 29 percent the year before; and from 16 percent to 19 percent in the real estate sector.

Hotels and restaurants at September 2013 accounted for 24 percent of all NPLs, down from 43 percent in 2012.

The central bank noted that three Canadian-owned banks--Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, and CIBC FirstCaribbean---control 75 percent of commercial bank assets.

The other banks operational in Barbados are Citibank, Republic Bank Barbados Limited, and First Citizens.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Gleaner)

Jamaica’s public sector wage freeze could be extended

Head of the Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute Danny Roberts says the public sector wage freeze in Jamaica that was implemented last year could go beyond the next three years.

In 2013, some public sector workers and their unions signed a wage freeze until 2016, however the government agreed to adjust wages through promotions and other incentives.

The wage restraint is part of the conditions under the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to contain spending. But Roberts said if the structural reforms under the IMF agreement are not achieved over the next three years,

LIAT to axe unprofitable routes as part of financial shakeup

The regional airline, LIAT, says it will take “decisive action” to deal with unprofitable routes as the Antigua-based airline seeks to make its operations financially variable.

“We have been trying, before going the harsh route, to persuade people to invest. We have met with a number of governments and prime ministers…we have expressed to them that we will have no other option but to cut the service,” LIAT chairman Jean Holder told a news conference last Thursday evening.

“I think we have reached the point, after a lot of challenges, where we need to do as we say that we will do. That may after all be more effective than the persuasion route,” Holder said after a meeting of the shareholder governments.

“We’ll have to take a very hard look at our current schedules and the profitability of our current routes. We have brought in some experts to assist us in looking more deeply into the route analysis issues, but it is clear that LIAT cannot continue to provide essential social services to 21 countries in the Caribbean on a daily basis, offering close to 1 000 flights weekly, and only four countries put any funds into this operation,” said Holder.

Holder noted that this would involve reshaping the routing system in a way that would ensure there is no longer an abundance of social routes at the expense of commercial operations.

In October 2012, then chief executive officer of LIAT, Ian Brunton, had warned that the cashstrapped airline would soon be dropping at least

eight routes deemed to be consistently unprofitable.

He said that the situation would only change if the airline, whose major shareholders are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was able to secure some kind of support from affected governments.

Holder stated that the company has taken the stance that it needs to be more professional and implement the changes needed to keep the airline on an even keel.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is also chairman of shareholder governments, told reporters he had been putting public pressure on his counterparts across the region, particularly from those countries that benefit considerably from the operations of the airline.

“We’ve not been putting the same pressure on Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada because I know he has just come into office…and is trying to sort himself out...We give him a break, but he too has to come to the table,”

said Gonsalves.

He said that the existing contributing countries were not immune to the ravages of the global economic meltdown but, since 2008, had been demonstrating their commitment to the region.

“Despite the stresses and strains, we have come up with significant monies and I am sure that that is a factor which some governments, who have not put in, will bear in mind.

“But I also think that because some governments have [received] a free ride for such a long time... it’s always better for someone to have a free ride that for them to pay for the ride,” Gonsalves said.

The prime minister said Holder and acting chief executive officer Julie Reifer-Jones had made presentations to the meeting which outlined a plan for sustainable recovery of the airline, as well as an immediate programme for implementation.

LIAT said it would employ an expert to assess the unprofitable routes which would not only entail cutting, but rescheduling or reviewing them. (CMC)

there is likelihood that public sector workers will have to consider an extension of the current wage freeze.

“Well the possibility exists that if the economy doesn’t grow as one of the conditions set out in the IMF agreement, that we will be faced with the challenge of declining revenue and increasing expenditure. So some of the rules as set out in the IMF agreement could be threatened if the economy doesn’t grow sufficiently for us to be able repay the loan and to offer public sector workers a wage increase,” Roberts stated.

He added that unions may also have to consider the possibility of retrenchment of thousands of public servants at the end of the period.

Manufacturing Association honours outstanding Guyanese businesses

Several companies were honoured when the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) held its Annual Awards Presentation and Dinner at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Geogetown last Thursday.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and addressed by former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. Also in attendance were representatives of the country’s top manufacturing companies, other senior government officials and diplomats.

Presenting the yearin-review report, GMSA President Clinton

Williams said that while Guyana’s economy is constantly growing, there are a lot of problems hindering the smooth flow of development in Guyana.

He noted that the GSMA have nevertheless played a major role in the development of the private sector.

The GMSA president also made several recommendations, which he said if implemented, will pave the way for the manufacturing and marketing of high quality, valueadded products and services; substantial enhancement of productivity and production capabilities; introduction of new markets and the

expansion of current market share; and the transformation of the manufacturing sector would raise its contribution to the

country’s Gross Domestic Product to a level even greater than the 16 per cent as was recorded over the years.

Meanwhile, the presentation ceremony saw nine entities being honoured by the GMSA with plaques for their contributions to the private sector.

The companies honoured are the NEW GPC INC in “recognition of unprecedented investment in sports and culture at the regional and international levels”; Gafsons Industries Limited for “continuous investments in extending the range of building materials and maintaining high standards in manufacturing for more than 60 years”; and TCL Guyana Inc in recognition of its contribution to infrastructural development in Guyana.

Positive impact on tourism

While Air Services Limited was recognised for its “drive to develop the aviation sector which has impacted positively on tourism, forestry and mining”; Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry for its “innovativeness with production of metallic products, and sustaining markets within the ambit of the CSME”; Caribbean Containers Inc for the company’s “contributions to sustained waste recycling for a greener environment”; and the Guyana Telephone and

Telegraph for its relentless pursuit of improved technologies that positively influence the conduct of business.

The Dutch Bottle Café was given the Empretec Award for “exemplifying the spirit of entrepreneurship through persistence and commitment, resulting in continued business balance” while the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry was recognised for facilitating partnerships with the business sector to spur growth in manufacturing, services, engineering and construction.

In addition, Gafsons Industries Limited, John Fernandes Limited, Toolsie Persaud Limited, Brass Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry, Banks DIH Limited, Edward B Beharry Group of Companies and the Demerara Oxygen Company, all received special longevity awards for their stability and growth over the past decades.

This year’s Executive President’s Award was given to Pritipaul Singh Investments Incorporated for penetrating the international market with its sea foods products.

Local business icon Doreen De Caires was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her long and dedicated service, and for promoting the development of the private sector. (Guyana Times)

Silence necessary in DEA drug probe - TT’s National Security Minister

TT’s National Security Minister Gary Griffith says he was disappointed with the public perception that local law enforcement had already forgotten the almost three-month-old multi-million dollar drug bust in Norfolk, Virginia.

Griffith said while public perception is that the police would let the drug runners off the hook, the U.S. involvement meant no one involved would “get away.”

“The U.S. investigators are not letting this go,” Griffith said.

The investigation, he said, has remained independent of the TT government and his office.

“People have a lack of faith in the local police and that is disappointing, but the U.S. involvement means that even if it takes six months or a year, a group of peo-

ple will be going up the road,” he said. He noted that the investigation was being kept quiet because at this time, silence is necessary. “The less said at this point, the better, “he said. Despite the independence of the investigations, Griffith said both he and the government continued to “work closely” with the U.S. officials. News of the bust dominated headlines since more than US$100 million in cocaine was found stashed inside Trinidad Juice tins in a shipment from TT, bound for New York. The shipment was discovered en route by officials in Norfolk, Virginia. The discovery on U.S. soil prompted reports of its Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officers landing in the country to head investigations. (TT Guardian)

Leadership failure costing Caricom, says Basdeo Panday

Former Trinidadian Prime Minister Basdeo Panday believes that the failure in leadership among member states will be the downfall of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Panday made the remark last Thursday while addressing the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) annual award presentation at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Geogetown.

Though noting that there are several problems hindering the survival of Caricom; he pointed out that to say the integration movement has been a total failure is unfair.

Panday highlighted the imports and export figures of the region, which he said reveals that the benefits of integration have been onesided. He noted that this uneven development has been one of the con-

straints to the deeper integration process. Other factors that militates deeper integrations include the fact that the area is not contiguous.

Transportation woes

“It is only united by what divides it–the Caribbean Sea, therefore, transport is a major problem,” he said, pointing out that though several attempts have been made to address this issue, there has been no progress.

Panday also indicated that the absence of contiguity and the issue of transport contribute to the problem of decisionmaking.

“Decision-making has been made difficult not merely because of the absence of contiguity, but because of the structure of Caricom and the lack of harmonisation statistics,” he stated According to the former TT prime minister, the harmonisation of statistics necessitates that there is common

data which can be compared among the member states. He pointed out that this is a crucial concern at the regional level, especially with the implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

CSME Panday noted that

Venezuelan state-owned airline increasing flights to Guyana

The Venezuelan state-owned airline, Conviasa, will be increasing its flights to and from Guyana, Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira said.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing last Friday, at the Office of the President in Georgetown, Teixeira disclosed that Cabinet has approved the airline’s request to upgrade its nonscheduled air services on the Puerto Ordaz-Georgetown-Puerto Ordaz routes.

The non-scheduled flights are to occur twice a week to Guyana, arrangements for which will be worked out by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority

(GCAA), the Presidential Advisor said.

The airline began flights to and from Guyana at the end of 2013, with a once weekly flight between Georgetown and Puerto Ordaz.

The Venezuelan airline on November 24, 2013 made its inaugural flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, starting a direct service from Puerto Ordaz to Georgetown, Guyana.

The airline, located at the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Venezuela is the largest airline in that country, operating services to domestic destinations and to destinations in the Caribbean and South America.

German airline Condor to resume flights to Grenada

The German airline, Condor, is set to resume flights to Grenada later this year as the island seeks to cash in on the increased number of German visitors to the Caribbean.

Figures released in Grenada show that the number of German visitors to the Caribbean increased by seven per cent last year, totalling 717,000 visitors. The figures also indicate that over the last four years, Germans have been visiting the region in increasing numbers.

Tourism Minister Alexandra OtwayNoel, who recently led a Grenada delegation

to the ITB Berlin trade show, signed the agreement with Condor last Friday after months of negotiations

Grenada will have a direct weekly service from Frankfurt for the upcoming winter season starting in November.

“We are so excited to have Condor back in our market and we have to do everything possible to ensure the flight is a success. Grenada has been out of the German market for too long and it is a very important one for us,” said Otway-Noel.

“Things are moving along smoothly; we have implemented the new GTA as promised,

we have launched our new brand for destination Grenada as promised–Pure Grenada, which has received glowing reports here at ITB, and now we are moving quickly to get our hotels full and secure new business,” the minister added.

Tourism officials in Grenada said that the agreement with Condor is expected to be a major boost for the tourism industry as it will once again re-open access to the German market and also provide a gateway to the rest of Europe.

Condor had ended flights to Grenada in 2007. (Caribbean News)

the monitoring of the CSME’s performance, which he said is lacking, can only be possible if there is a core set of statistics that are accurate, comparable and reliable. He pointed out that another constraint to the development of Caricom is the failure to imple-

Doctor

ment decisions; hence, there is dire need for serious mechanisms to be in place for the enforcement of decisions.

There have also been questions of Caricom’s survival in the global economy. On this note, Panday highlighted that the entity faces two diffi-

culties in its fight to survive, namely, completion of the interregional integration scheme and the interregional trade policy.

“There is need for systems to deepen functional co-operation and to improve efficiency in the delivery of public services,” he explained.

Panday further stated that with the expiration of trade arrangements with perhaps its two largest partners, the U.S. and the Europe Union (EU), Caricom leaders have failed to implement strategies to embed Caricom economies into a dynamic and competitive global economy.

Meanwhile, he advised that TT, Guyana and Suriname may find it beneficial to further integrate their economies and to jointly pursue trade arrangements with Brazil, Venezuela and other Latin American countries. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

suspended in Trinidad -

as

authorities probe C-section death

The doctor who performed the Caesarean-section surgery on Quelly Ann Cottle, which resulted in her baby boy’s head being cut from ear to ear, instantly killing him, has been suspended with immediate effect from the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital pending an investigation. Cottle, 38, went to the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital last Saturday to have a Caesarean-section operation done after being transferred from the Sangre Grande District Hospital.

The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) board decided to suspend the doctor around 1 pm last Friday and also instructed him to co-operate fully in the probe, hospital sources said. The suspension was done in accordance with the regional health authorities’ terms and conditions, which stipulate suspension with basic pay, ranging between TT$12,000 and TT$14,000. The doctor was suspended to ensure the investigation was fair and transparent.

TT media reports indicated that questions have been raised over why the surgery was

deemed necessary when it was reported the baby was already in position to be delivered naturally.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan confirmed last Friday that a full probe had already begun, adding there were preliminary findings which raised serious concerns and adding that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.

“We will be putting together a comprehensive and independent team, which would comprise not only doctors and nurses, but executives from the various areas. I have to deal with this issue in a very serious manner,” Khan said.

NCRHA response

When contacted last Friday, NCRHA Chairman Dr Shehenaz

Mohammed agreed with Khan that the preliminary report raised a significant number of questions and concerns. She said it was discussed by management, senior clinical management and the health ministry. Asked how many medical personnel would be questioned, Mohammed said between 20 and 25, all of whom attended to Cottle from the time she was admitted to being discharged.

“Basically there were three units involved. There was the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, which comprised one consultant, one registrar, two house officers and two interns. There was the anaesthetic team, of a similar composition, as well as nurses in the neonatal ward, the operating theatre and the postnatal ward. “These are the people involved in the management of the patient. We are, however, not saying that they are guilty,” Mohammed said. She said the hospital administration had offered counselling to Cottle’s family and also to the doctor in question. “An employee assistance programme has also been made available to the doctor,” Mohammed said.

(TT Guardian)

Jamaica to ratify ILO Household Workers Convention

Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller says the Jamaican government is moving to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 189, which stipulates safeguards for the welfare of household workers globally, and outlines provisions to significantly enhance their status and working conditions.

"This is a matter which the Bureau (of Women's Affairs) has partnered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the (Jamaica) Household Workers Union (on), to bring (it) to a successful outcome," Simpson Miller told last Friday's cocktail reception at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, to commemorate the Bureau's 40th Anniversary, and International Women's Day, which was observed on March 8.

Governments' ratification of the agreement signals their commitment to revising, where necessary, the relevant laws in their respective countries governing the welfare of household workers, male and female, and undertaking other supporting interventions, consistent with the Convention's provisions, according to Simpson Miller.

The prime minister's announcement received rousing applause and approval from guests attending the reception, including president of the 3,600-member strong Jamaica Household Workers Union, Shirley Pryce, who has long advocated the ratification.

Simpson Miller, at the same time, highlighted the bureau's growth and development since its inception, pointing out that by "learning from the successes and failures of the 40 years",

the organisation is now better positioned for an even more effective future.

She said that consequent on its role in advancing the welfare of women and the positive results arising, the bureau has been and remains pivotal to national development. In this regard, she commended the bureau's leadership over the years, for spearheading and guiding the positive image in which the agency has been shaped.

The prime minister also noted the exploits of the women who advocated protection of the rights and welfare of their colleagues during the pre-independence period. "They were stalwarts who worked to change the attitudes and the conditions which held our women back and limited both their rights and the value which they could add to development of the broader society," Simpson Miller said.

She urged the audience to remember the part played by the country's political leadership to this end, through changes effected to the institutional and legal frameworks, policies, and conditions, which ultimately laid the foundation to safeguard the welfare of Jamaican women, safeguard them against discrimination, and advance their growth and development. (JIS)

TT Mortgage Finance Company raises ceiling for low-income families

The Trinidadian government has increased the limit on loans for low-income first-time home owners to TT$625,000. The loans will also be granted at a two percent interest rate. This was revealed by the managing director of the TT Mortgage Finance Company Ltd (TTMF), Ingrid Lashley, last Friday, during a meeting with a parliamentary joint select committee in Port-of-Spain.

She said the TTMF received notice from the Ministry of Finance and the Economy of the increase in the loan limit from TT$450,000 to TT$625,000 on January 10 and consequently, the TTMF had gone back to the ministry to ask for clarification. She said the request for information was made because a customer had tried to get a loan and had said when he constructed his house on former Caroni lands he would have spent more than TT$625,000.

She said, “That is not in keeping with the spirit of the programme.”

At that point, Land and Marine Resources Minister Jairam Seemungal, a member of the JSC, said: “Under the Lands for the Landless programme, some of the lands in central and south were valued more than TT$500,000 for the land alone.” He asked if the TTMF could make any adjustments in specific instances. Lashley, in response, said, “The flexibility with the two percent mortgage programme is not within our discretion.”

She said when the programme was first developed, it was on the basis of cost and not value and previously the cost of the land was determined by government with properties valued at TT$425,000 but sold at TT$200,000. “We took cost as equal to value in applying the programme at the time,” she explained. “We

have gone back to the Ministry of Finance and the Economy for permission to use cost rather than value in respect of, for example, the Caroni Lands.”

Seemungal then enquired whether the limit for applicants to qualify for a low-income home could be increased from a salary of TT$8,000 a month to TT$12,000, because young engineers and other professionals could not qualify as their salaries were more than the current limit. Lashely said on two occasions the TTMF had asked the government to increase the limit to TT$10,000 and TT$12,000, but the requests were rejected. Meanwhile, Lashley said the Cabinet is to consider shortly a proposal to establish a holding company, as government proceeds to merge the TTMF and the Home Mortgage Bank. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Barbados’ PM stresses importance of RSS initiative

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel

Stuart has underscored the importance of the Regional Security System (RSS), describing it as an organisation the Caribbean “cannot afford to be without”.

Stuart expressed this view last Friday while delivering remarks at a one-day RSS Council of Ministers meeting, which was attended by several regional officials, including Prime Ministers Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada, and Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Stressing that there was a need for such an organisation, he said many of the old threats that existed when it was created 33 years ago, had been replaced by new ones.

“Trafficking in illegal narcotics and firearms, money laundering, trafficking in human beings, cyber-crime and the criminal activity associated with these phenomena are now considered to constitute the greatest threats to security in our region…

“The criminallyminded are sharing information rapidly, and have developed a capacity to move relatively freely across borders. Recent instances of theft from ATMs, alleged-

ly perpetrated by visitors from very distant lands, are an example. Our law enforcement and security forces must be prepared to mount a resolute and enduring defence against such threats to our collective

safety, stability, way of life and well-being.

Our region cannot allow crime, violence and the violation of our porous borders by drug traffickers to prevail and to win today,” he insisted.

According to Stuart, to effectively counter these threats, the region must have personnel in various border control and law enforcement agencies sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled in the principles of the required measures. He added that they must be equipped and enthused to carry out the necessary tasks and he identified training as a key priority.

He pointed out that national security was an inescapable responsibility of the state and stressed that the establishment and maintenance of a peaceful, safe,

secure and stable environment was the primary security objective of all member states.

“Were we unable at the national and sub-regional levels to attain this objective, the result would be unsafe, insecure and destabilised environments for our people and such environments would consequently, become unattractive and unwelcoming to visitors and investors from other lands. So we cannot afford to fail in our efforts to keep our island states safe, secure, stable and peaceful,” he contended. Stuart thanked the international partners, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and the European Union for providing valuable support and financial assistance to the RSS over the years. (BGIS)

Essequibians call for snap polls if Guyana’s anti-money laundering bill is not passed

Scores of Essequibians are calling for a snap election in Guyana if the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/ CFT) Bill is not passed by the opposition in Parliament.

The calls were made at a public forum held at the Anna Regina Town Council last Friday. Persons from both public and private entities voiced their opinions on the Bill, and said the opposition is using its one-seat majority in Parliament to slow down development in Guyana. Essequibians who attended the forum said they believe the delay in the passing of the Bill will significantly affect Guyana’s economy. As such, many suggested a snap election. Others called for picketing exercises against the opposition to hasten the pass-

ing of the Bill, which will mean change for Guyana.

Speaking on behalf of women in Region Two was Juliet Coonjah, who said if the Bill was not passed, women in particular will suffer. Coonjah said most Guyanese de-

pend on the extra money received from their families overseas to assist them and if the Bill is not passed, many persons will suffer. She stressed that the opposition should not bring politics into the passing of the Bill, but rather should

Jewish group returned to Canada

Nine members of the Lev Tahor Hasidic Jewish group, who were denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago on Carnival Monday, were Saturday forcibly removed from their hotel room at the Piarco International hotel and returned to Canada. The group comprised three adults and six children.

According to reports emanating from TT media, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan stepped in with legal advice that mobilised a chartered airplane from WestJet airlines and three Canadian marshals to accompany the group back to Quebec.

The unmarked plane landed at the Piarco International Airport just after 4.30 pm Saturday and by 5.56 pm, the group was on board. Nine police officers also provided additional security for the short trek to the airport from the Piarco International Hotel, where the group has been since last Monday.

Chief Immigration Officer Gerry Downes sought Ramlogan’s legal advice on the matter and it was found that the nine appeals were not filed within the time prescribed by the

Immigration Act.

TT media reported that a second group, also including children, is still being sought by Canadian officials. This group, reports have alleged may already be in Guatemala via Mexico. This latest development comes after the group was detained for six days at the tightly guarded Piarco International Hotel, despite an attempt to file a hasty injunction to block the move. Inconsistencies

The group, led by Canadian Avrohom Dinkle—who is the only English-speaker among them—had been refusing to go back to Quebec and was reportedly en route to Guatemala when local immigration officials noted inconsistencies with their responses to questions.

Ramlogan confirmed his intervention and said the group was being sought by Canadian officials to answer questions about how the children were being treated and the conditions under which they were being kept. The group appealed that order from the Ontario Court of Appeal, but fled before any pronouncement was made. Ramlogan said that appeal was dismissed while the group was “camped out” at the hotel.

“The group was never allowed entry into TT and therefore fell into an immigration twilight zone with their status undetermined and in abeyance,” he said. Ramlogan praised immigration officers and his colleague, National Security Minister Gary Griffith, who he said worked tirelessly alongside him to finalise this issue.

“What is clear is that this group was trying to evade jurisdiction in the Canadian courts and authorities. Once the appeal was dismissed by the chief immigration officer, there was no legal justification or lawful basis upon which the group could be allowed to remain in TT,” he said. He said the TT government would never facilitate a breach of international courts. (Excerpted from TT Newsday and TT Guardian)

Representing farmers from the Pomeroon was Vilma Da Silva, who also called for the passage of the Bill. She said many farmers in the Pomeroon are in the business of exporting and are earning money from overseas investments. She noted Guyana being blacklisted will hamper foreign investment.

Hardship The opposition refused to accommodate this suggestion and voted against proceeding with the clauses on which there is agreement and which would have addressed the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) recommendations.

think of Guyanese welfare.

Former PPP/C Member of Parliament Farouk Khan told the gathering that Guyana is advancing and if the Bill is not passed, it will send the country back into the “dark days”.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh explained in detail the Bill and cautioned Essequibians of the consequences of not passing the legislation. The minister said the opposition parties in Guyana continue to employ delaying tactics by proposing three amendments to the AML/CFT Bill that the National Assembly’s legal drafters had difficulty drafting. Government had proposed that the Bill be passed in its current form, and the opposition amendments be considered later.

Instead the opposition insisted that the committee be adjourned until the drafters could produce a draft of the Bill based on its instructions, thereby effectively making it impossible for the Bill to be passed by the recommended deadline.

This refusal by the opposition to proceed, Singh said, continues to frustrate passage of the Bill far beyond the deadline, thus jeopardising Guyana’s economy and bringing hardship to the Guyanese people. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

West Kingston residents march for peace

More than 1,000 residents from communities in and around West Kingston, Jamaica, Sunday took to the streets with placards as they called for peace in the violence-torn section of the Jamaican capital.

"We are tired of the crime; enough is enough," said Kageeh Thomas, who noted that it had been almost three years since he was able to walk through some sections of the area because of violence.

The 20-year-old man was among the large group of men, women and children who, during the march, said that their lives had been placed on hold because of gang violence and that they were desperate for a change.

The peace march, which started at the intersection of Slipe Pen Road and Hannah Street, Denham Town, and ended at the neighbouring Tivoli Gardens Police Post, saw Security Minister Peter Bunting, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, led by Commissioner Owen Ellington, and officials from churches from several communities in West Kingston walking the streets to show their support.

"The children of this [and other] communities deserve peace; they de-

serve to grow up without being molested, they deserve to grow up the normal way children all across the world are allowed to grow up," said Bunting as he addressed a large crowd of men, women and children gathered at the intersection of Regent Street and North Street—one of several stops made through the more than threehour-long march.

He was supported by Ellington, who challenged residents to join the police in the fight against crime.

Time for change

"We would like to defend your communities from the onslaught of gangs, but we (police) cannot do it along we need your support," said the police chief.

"It is time to change; we cannot afford to live under these conditions," added Ellington, who

warned that the police would leave no stone unturned in their efforts to rid communities of criminal gangs.

He also warned of the anti-gang law, which he made clear would make life uneasy for those who made it their intention to hurt law-abiding citizens.

"We really think it (march) is a good idea and we believe that it is really God that is behind this initiative; enough is enough," said senior citizen Marlene O'Sullivan. She said that despite suffering from three strokes in the past, she made an effort to participate in the march as people moved though a section of Tivoli Gardens known as Lizard Town.

Another resident, Margaret Ormsby, said she was hoping that the initiative would make a change. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

20 feature

There are numerous persons living in the United States who have deep roots and close links to the Caribbean. They are Caribbean-Americans and among them can be found many success stories.

Take for instance Guyanese doctor Dr Deborah Persaud, who copped a spot on Time Magazine's world list of the top 100 most influential people for 2013 when she and her colleagues announced the first functional cure of HIV in an infant.

Aside from the medical field, some Caribbean Americans have been drawn into the entertainment industry and work in Hollywood, some play in the NFL and the NBA while oth-

ers have climbed the corporate ladder, occupy top positions on Wall Street, own businesses or are entrepreneurs like Guyana-born Felicia J Persaud, founder of the award-winning

digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications Inc that partners with companies aiming to reach the Caribbean diasporas in the U.S. and Canada. Persaud broke

the glass ceiling as a Caribbean-born wom an doing business in one of the toughest places---New York City.

Persaud has been living and working in the U.S. for the past 19 years. She's not only a business woman; she's also been a staunch advocate for the rights of Caribbean Americans with particular focus on immigrants.

Voice for immigrants

"Immigration became a personal thing for me because I myself was an immigrant in a new country. I started hearing stories from other people who

were immigrants who were having just a hell of a time," Persaud explained.

"Some were undocumented, some were in church trying to get help and they were being sexually harassed by pastors who took advantage of them and threatened to report them to the authorities, there were kids who were in school and were so brilliant, but couldn't go to college or accept a scholarship because they were here as an undocumented immigrant. Just heartwrenching stories and that was what really led me to focus on immigration."

Persaud soon discovered that many immigrants were not willing to speak out about their experiences so she became determined to speak for them, advocating for immigration reform, participating in protest rallies and writing letters to President Barack Obama.

"'Especially in the Caribbean community people are just afraid and we have this culture "oh it's my business I don't have to talk about it" so they're going through this trauma but they don't share it---completely unlike what the hispanic immigrants do, they're sharing, they're talking about their stories, they're lobbying, we don't do that in our community enough so I have taken up the mantle whether it's writing about it, whether it's rallying across Brooklyn Bridge and standing out there and saying Caribbeans too need immigration reform. I think that's something you have to do because the voiceless are too afraid to do it in our

community," she said.

Lobby group

Even as she enjoyed success and accolades after starting her own businesses, Persaud became even more aware of sticking points that needed attention. She founded Carib ID---a lobbying group that secured bills in 2008 in the U.S. Congress and Senate urging for Caribbean nationals to be accurately counted and to have their own origins census category on U.S. census forms. This was by no means an easy task, it was made even more difficult since the Caribbean American community is not adequately organised to take on such tough issues that require substantial financial backing.

The bill that would push to provide an origins checkbox on census forms to allow Caribbean nationals and those with Caribbean ancestry to 'check' that category was introduced in the U.S. Senate and in Congress which was a huge milestone.

"But we did not have the financial resources to actually move it to the level it could have gone…" she noted.

"Without economic numbers we can't tell our stories, we can't impact any progress significantly…so we're just in a big mass, we know we're out there, we know we have the numbers and the power but we're just not counted in the places that matter."

Persaud is working tirelessly to change that and she's using her entrepreneurial skills and media expertise to do so. (Excerpted from TT Express)

“When we help countries to prosecute traffickers, we are strengthening the rule of law. When we bring victims out of exploitation, we are helping to create more stable and productive communities. When we stop this crime from happening in the first place, we are preventing the abuse of those who are victimised as well as the ripple effect that caused damage throughout communities into our broader environment and which corrupt global supply chains.”

These were the words of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, minutes before he recognised Guyanese Simona Broomes as one of the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes on June 19, 2013 in Washington, DC.

One day later, the U.S. embassy said Broomes has demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership in raising awareness of human trafficking in Guyana.

Challenges

After 25 years as a miner, the intrepid Broomes established the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) in 2012 to empower women miners and address unique challenges women face operating in remote areas. The organisation then proceeded to rescue several young women from sexual slavery in the interior to international acclaim, highlighting the appalling situation of women in Guyana’s gold fields.

Today, Broomes continues to brave the weath-

er, rescuing victims of modern-day slavery despite many challenges. Since the start of 2014, GWMO has rescued five teenagers who were trafficked to Cuyuni, Region Seven. In 2013, the organisation rescued 29 women and girls, including one Trinidadian national. Of the 29, 16 were under the age of 18.

In the GWMO 2013 Report, released recently, Broomes said: “To date, our biggest achievement has been addressing social ills in the mining sector and confronting modern-day slavery in the form of Trafficking in Persons (TIP).”

There is no doubt that the GWMO has led the way

in confronting this scourge in Guyana. “I am honoured to be here in this country, at this time, and as part of an organisation that will generate a wave of change against TIP while joining the chain of resistance around the world,” its head said.

Approximately 46,000 victims of trafficking were brought to light worldwide in 2012, compared to the 27 million that already exist, the U.S. TIP report revealed.

Exploitation

According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the most common form of human trafficking (79 per cent) is sexual exploitation. Victims of sexual exploitation are predominantly women and girls.

“Many governments are still in denial. There is even neglect when it comes to either reporting on, or prosecuting cases of human trafficking.”

Broomes has been a major critic of the Home Affairs and Human Services Ministries

as well as the Guyana Police Force, owing to their apparent failure to rescue TIP victims, particularly women and girls who continue to be sexually exploited. Because of this, Broomes has been accused of “fighting for space in the newspaper”. She was even arrested on one occasion, after a shopkeeper before the courts for TIP accused her of theft and assault.

On August 26 2013, the GWMO President was placed on Gy$10,000 station bail for the incidents which allegedly happened at Puruni four months earlier during a TIP operation. Broomes told the press minutes after being released from police custody: “I know that it’s deliberate and I know it’s to send a message to me that I should stop. I expect it, I expect more and this is what I have to go through as a woman and a miner for standing up for children who are innocent.”

However, Broomes and her team have pledged to never give up. (Excerpted from Guyana Times International Women’s Day Magazine 2014)

Richer women have better sex - recent study claims

Richer women often have better access to education, jobs and wardrobes, and now the experts suggest that they are having much better sex lives than those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.

According to the recent analysis of the first Spanish Sexual Health Survey that was carried out by researchers at Barcelona's Public Health Agency, socioeconomic factors do affect sexual satisfaction.

"People of a lower socioeconomic status claim to be less satisfied sexually, which especially applies to women who seem to be more influenced by these factors," the study's main author Dolores Ruiz was quoted as saying by Science Daily.

In the Jamaican culture, the ‘ghetto’ woman

has often been glorified as having more sexual prowess and skills than the one who lives uptown, and songs such as ‘Slam’ by Moses 'Beenie Man' Davis have helped to cement this general belief in the minds of many.

However, Sociologist and Social Commentator Dr Orville Taylor says there is no empirical evidence to support this. In fact, he believes that if the same study was conducted in Jamaica, it would yield a similar result to what was obtained in Spain.

"One would imagine that if women have higher socioeconomic status, they would be in a better position to make decisions about their own sexuality and sexual agenda. A woman who has high economic sta-

tus is likely to be able to dictate what she may or may not want to put up with. You find that women with low socio-economic status become less in control of their sexual destinies," he said. Belief

Of the belief that poorer women have better sex, he said there is no real evidence to support that.

The Spanish study found that those with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to use contraception and had more experiences of sexual abuse. They also had more challenges in getting access to the organisations that could provide help for them. On the other hand, wealthier women were found to have a greater aware-

ness of their own sexual needs and greater control over their use of contraception.

It is believed that women with greater access to contraceptives generally have more satisfying sex lives because they don't have to worry about unplanned pregnancies. The use of condoms, for example, also helps to minimise con-

cerns about contracting a sexually transmitted disease, and so sex is more pleasurable.

Dr Taylor said one observation is that women and men from the lower classes do tend to portray themselves as being more sexually capable than those in the upper classes.

However, Dr Taylor was keen to point out that having a high socioeconomic status doesn't necessarily mean that a woman is independent of the influences of the man in her life. It could be, for example, that her husband is still earning more than her and uses this wealth to dictate to her, so that sexual intercourse is more of a chore rather than a mutually fulfilling experience.

(Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

UTT student for World Championships of Performing Arts

TUhe world will soon know about German’s Restaurant’s healing cow-heel soup when it will be featured on the BBC World News.

As part of its coverage of the Guyana leg of the Queen's Baton Relay, ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, BBC World News selected German’s Restaurant for a video feature.

On March 3, a camera crew and interviewer from the world-renowned media outlet recorded footage of the restaurant and conducted interviews with employees, customers and management of the restaurant.

Owner of German’s Clinton Urling recounted the restaurant’s 54-year-old history and also did an on-camera demonstration of how the famous cow-heel

soup is prepared from scratch.

In an interview with Guyanese media, Urling said: “The decision was made to select German’s Restaurant by the producers of the BBC’s coverage of the Queen’s Baton RelayCommonwealth Games 2014 in London. The interviewer and host of the series, Mr Mark Beaumont, indicated that the selection is done in London and he is not sure about the criteria, but the idea is to select restaurants throughout the relay tour, which have a rich history and serves popular local dishes.”

Urling added that the three-member video crew sampled a bowl each of the cowheel soup. The restaurant’s owner revealed that the crew “seemed a bit reserved and hesitant at the thought of

eating cow heel, but they all drank an entire bowl once they tasted the first spoonful”. He also mentioned that they thought it was “rich and flavourful and enough to feed a whole family. The thickness of the soup was not something they were used to”.

“It is a tremendous compliment that German’s was selected as the only nonbaton feature for the Guyana leg of the relay.

The restaurant has for 54 years consistently been serving up great Guyanese cuisine and it is an honour to see that achievement recognised in such a global way,” Urling declared.

The feature is expected to air in the last week of March 2014 and can be viewed on BBC World News or on its website. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

niversity of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) student Chris Mahase will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the “World Championships of Performing Arts” in Hollywood California in July 2014. This is the only international performing arts talent competition and educational experience of its kind held annually in Hollywood, and it is an innovative, official “World Talent Contest” with esteemed entertainment industry professionals invited to judge, conduct seminars and sign talent.

Thousands of applicants from over 40 countries and the USA auditioned for a spot to compete at this ultimate global event.

Every contestant selected as a delegate for the World Championships of Performing Arts was screened, qualified and selected by an international panel consisting of professionals from many countries. This esteemed meet is an exclusive outlet for aspiring international performers and models to acquire invaluable experience, education, recognition and networking opportunities.

Mahase began his vocal training in September 2012 with Dr Vertrelle Mickens, Associate Professor at UTT’s Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) and Programme Leader for the Artist Diploma in Music Performance. Due to his determined spirit and vocal potential, he was admitted for study at the APA despite having never studied music formally. Through weekly disciplined work and study in his first two semesters, Mahase was chosen from a number of performers who auditioned during August 2013 to represent the country at this prestigious event.

Industry personnel (managers, agents, casting directors, music industry representatives) from Hollywood, Nashville, and New York are invited to judge and conduct seminars.

This elite world-class competition also hosts an educational boot camp, a colourful opening ceremonies parade of nations, festive parties and fun activities, awards ceremony and a live global webcast of the breath-taking final gala in which the “best of the best” compete for the coveted Grand Champion of the World titles.

The event’s competition structure closely reproduces the processes for auditioning and casting for film, television and Broadway. Special emphasis is placed on “entertainment value and marketability”. (TT Newsday)

St Lucian film producer hosts screenings in several Caribbean states

An award-winning St Lucian actress, director, and film producer is currently in Antigua–the first stop on a promotional tour through the Caribbean to showcase her work.

The actress, Mathurine Emmanuel, arrived last Thursday and is hosting screenings of her films known for their reflection of authentic St Lucian culture motivational inspiration for Caribbean youths.

Among the films being showcased is ‘Ribbons of Blue’–which portrays the struggles of a single mother who sacrifices to raise an ungrateful daughter who is ashamed of her mother’s humble status. The film captured the 2003 St Lucia M&C Award for Best Film, and the 2005 New York Independent Film Festival Award Winner for Best Director.

Also showing is ‘Troubled Waters’, a film about the devastating effects of child abuse and the healing powers of love; and ‘Nana’s Paradise’, in which a young man triumphs over extreme poverty, a dysfunctional home peer ridicule and death in his

st lucian actress, director, and film producer mathurine Emmanuel (Antigua Observer)

family.

There was screenings last Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

After promotions in Antigua, Emmanuel is due to make stops on several other islands including Dominica, Grenada and St Vincent.

Emmanuel’s work has attracted grants from UNESCO, the Caribbean Export Development Agency, and the government of St Lucia; and her movies have been screened across the Caribbean, including Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Suriname, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and St Maarten. It’s also been shown in Cuba, Florida, Connecticut, Texas, New York, New Jersey, England, and France (Cannes).

was

and raised in the rural hamlet of Desruisseaux in the southeastern part of St Lucia. She was the sixth of twelve children of Gerald Charles St Ange and Mary Francita St Ange. She has been acting, directing and scripting plays since her preteen years, but it was only in the early 2000’s after she retired from the public school system with 23 years of primary school teaching service, that she established Iyanola Pictures and started producing and marketing films. Besides her involvement in film and theatre, Emmanuel serves as a motivational speaker and an evangelist with engagements in the Caribbean and North America. (Antigua Observer)

Poet Roger Robinson, novelist Robert Antoni and writer Carole Boyce Davies represent Trinidad and Tobago alongside writers from four other Caribbean countries on the long list for the 2014 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature.

Sponsored by One Caribbean Media, the prize is presented as part of Trinidad and

historical narratives and poetry of witness in its delivery.

‘Oracabessa’ by Lorna Goodison is a book of risky journeys, mappings and re-mappings through Spain, Portugal, Canada and her homeland of Jamaica as the poet navigates place, history and imagination. Fellow Jamaican, Edward Baugh’s work ‘Black Sand’ focuses on the poem, and its strug-

Tobago’s annual literary festival, the NGC Bocas Lit Fest. The Prize longlist, announced by the judges last month, covers poetry, fiction, and literary non-fiction.

In the poetry category, UK-based Grenadian Malika Booker’s work ‘Pepper Seed’ interconnects a larger diasporic story, which draws on dramatic monologue,

gle to come into existence as a moment of clarity in a world of chaos.

‘The Butterfly Hotel’ by Trinidadian Roger Robinson features stirring works that shape new concepts of home by the very rewarding act of re-creating memory through stories that are gracefully and elegantly rendered.

Three novels vie in

the fiction category. ‘As Flies to Whatless Boys’ by Trinidadian Robert Antoni is a tragic historical novel, accented with West Indian cadence and captivating humour, provides an unforgettable glimpse into nineteenthcentury Trinidad and Tobago.

Haitian Edwidge Danticat’s ‘Claire of the Sea Light’ embraces the magic and heartbreak of ordinary life and brings us deep into the intertwined lives of a small seaside town where a little girl, the daughter of a fisherman, has gone missing.

In Jamaican writer Kerry Young’s work ‘Gloria’, a story of love in its many forms unfolds, and of Gloria’s evolutionfrom a frightened girl on the run to a woman fully possessed of her own power.

The non-fiction category brings together three excellent titles from different countries. ‘In Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture

Guyanese writer’, Gaiutra Bahadur, tells through her great grandmother’s story the stories of countless other women who made the passage from India to the Caribbean and opens a window to their perilous journeys to a forgotten world of servitude as indentured labour.

Trinidadian Carole Boyce Davies’ work, ‘Caribbean Spaces: Escape from the Twilight Zones’, echoes the migrant’s longing for home as well as the woman’s search for wholeness in an ever-fragmenting world.

Kei Miller’s ‘Writing Down the Vision’ is a collection of essays that present a range of experiences–personal and public–which the writer uses to articulate his vision, his understanding of the realities of life in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

The judges read 54 books entered for the 2014 OCM Bocas Prize, which is open to books by Caribbean writers published in the previous calendar year and comes with an award of US$10,000. The winners in the three genre categories will be announced on March 30, and the prize will be presented on April 27, during the fourth annual NGC Bocas Lit Fest in Port-ofSpain.

The 2013 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean

Literature longlist: Fiction finalists: Robert Antoni (‘As Flies to Whatless Boys’, Akashic Books), Edwidge Danticat (‘Claire of the Sea Light’, Alfred Knopf), Kerry Young (‘Gloria’, Bloomsbury Circus).

Poetry finalists: Edward Baugh (‘Black Sand’, Peepal Tree Press), Malika Booker (‘Pepper Seed’, Peepal Tree Press), Lorna Goodison (‘Oracabessa’,

Carcanet), Roger Robinson (‘The Butterfly Hotel’, Peepal Tree Press) Non-fiction finalists: Gaiutra Bahadur (‘Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture’, University of Chicago Press), Carole Boyce Davies (‘Caribbean Spaces Escapes from Twilight Zones’, University of Illinois Press), Kei Miller (‘Writing Down the Vision’, Peepal Tree Press). (TT Newsday)

Jamaican actress’ play makes Hollywood rounds

Jamaican actress, writer and TV host Sardia Robinson is making her mark on the Hollywood scene and inspiring women across the country with her one woman show, ‘From a Yardie to a Yankee’, a true story about her life, struggles, and journey to stardom.

"I am so thrilled to be able to tell my life story on stage because I am deeply passionate about encouraging other women to love themselves, make smart choices and fight back when life gets difficult," says Robinson.

A revered performer who credits her Jamaican grandmother for her success, Robinson says if it hadn't been for the knowledge and support her grandmother gave her while she was in Jamaica, she would not have been as successful in America.

"My grandmother

taught me to believe in myself and to never forget where I came from, so I took her words to heart whenever I faced adversity and it allowed me to push forward in tough times, she says. I decided to bring my Jamaican roots to the stage in Hollywood and tell my story in order to give young girls and women hope, because a lot of them feel lost and discouraged. Women and girls need to know that they are worthy, no matter what they have experienced in their lives," states Robinson.

A native of Jamaica, Robinson faced many challenges growing up, but was determined to beat the odds.

Painful moments

She moved to the United States to pursue her education and live her dream of becoming a Hollywood actress. The

"One of the most painful moments of my life was dealing with my

sister's death. We were close, and I expected us to grow old together.

When she was brutally murdered, I felt like a part of me had died, but I had to find the strength to go on and make her proud. I knew that she wanted me to succeed and that made me even more determined to go after my dreams. I experienced other struggles, which I talk about in my one woman show.

"When I came to the U.S., I was a single mother trying to raise two boys while I pursued my college degree, and discovered that I was dyslexic. Although I had to work harder than other students, I was committed to learning and getting my education.

Robinson says "The purpose of my show and telling my story is to let women know that we can rise above anything that is keeping us down. We can do more than just survive; we can thrive and actually live our dreams if we have a plan, stay strong and not allow ourselves to get knocked down when life gets rough."

Now, Robinson is an accomplished SAGAFTRA actress, writer, comedienne and TV host whose acting credits include ‘The Young & The Restless’, ‘For Colored Girls’ at the Journeymen Theatre, ‘That's Funny!’ and ‘ADHDtv with Lew Marklin’. (Jamaica Gleaner)

"I was told that I wouldn't make it, but I graduated with a degree in Theatre. It was one of my proudest moments," said Robinson, adding that "Although life has not always been easy for me, I knew I had to make it and that God had a plan for my life."

Belize’s Ambergris Caye has retained the title of ‘world's best island’ for the second year running in TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Placing second, and clinching the two top spots for the Caribbean, is scenic Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

over a 12-month period.

Exotic islands in Polynesia (Bora Bora), Greece (Naxos) and Thailand (Ko Tao), as well as Marco Island, off Florida, USA, were other winners in the top 10 global list.

In cooler climes, the Scottish island of Harris and Lewis ranked no. 5 worldwide and top among European islands–quite a jump for a destination that ranked nowhere in last year's top 10. Its "accessible remoteness" and "sense of space" are said to be among its biggest draws.

By Anu Dev

“Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.”-Charlotte Whitton

Ambergris Caye is acclaimed for its flawless beaches, extensive limestone caves, and tracts of lush tropical rainforest dotted with waterfalls.

There remains much to be done.

However, a museum established at the birthplace of National Hero Norman Washington Manley at Roxborough in central Manchester, Jamaica, is attracting a steady stream of visitors curious to learn more about their country's history.

When Jamaican media visited recently, a tour bus with students and teachers from Excelsior Community College (EXED) in Kingston had only just arrived.

The exhibits, including text and photographs, which capture varied aspects of the national hero's life as schoolboy sports hero, scholar, soldier in World War 1, advocate and political leader, drew plenty of attention.

The museum is accommodated in the partially restored house where Manley was born on July 4, 1893.

The young EXED visitors also found time to relax in the idyllic, pastoral surroundings with a panoramic view of sections of central and southern Manchester.

"It's very educational, there are so many things we didn't know…

The western Caribbean island is also a scuba divers dream, with the Belize Barrier Reef–the world’s second largest coral reef–and the 400-foot-deep Blue Hole packed with sea life and stalactites.

According to TripAdvisor, it’s not overcrowded either, with "just enough amenities to make it exciting, but not so overdeveloped that you’re tripping over flip-flopped tourists."

TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice island awards are based on the most highly rated attractions, hotels and restaurants listed for each island on their website

TripAdvisor’s top 10 islands in the world were: 1--Ambergris Caye, Belize; 2--Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; 3--Bora Bora, French Polynesia; 4--Marco Island, Florida; 5--Lewis and Harris, Scotland, United Kingdom; 6--Naxos, Greece; 7--Aitutaki, Cook Islands; 8-Nosy Be, Madagascar; 9--Easter Island, Chile and; 10--Ko Tao, Thailand. (CMC)

you may see stuff on TV, but now you get the real feeling," one teenaged student said.

Carol Gordon, lecturer in Caribbean Studies who led the excursion, described herself as very impressed. "We know we going to be doing federation later on (as part of course work), didn't even know it (Manley's birthplace) was open…I wasn't sure what I was going to find, but wow! This is fantastic!" she said.

Tour guide Nardia

Beckford said the opportunity to relate to visitors at Roxborough in recent months has given her new insights into the need for Jamaicans to learn more about their country, their history, and culture.

"Most of the students who come here are very interested and everybody wants to come back, but they don't know a lot…even the teachers don't know, sometimes," she said.

Last year the Tourism Enhancement

Fund (TEF) spent Ja$11 million, in partnership with a range of government agencies, to redevelop Manley's birthplace and establish the museum. The original house was destroyed by fire in 1968.

Planners hope to install a solar-based energy source at the museum and to, over time, develop a sophisticated visitor destination to host youth camps, weddings and a variety of other functions. (Jamaica Observer)

Saturday, March 8, was International Women’s Day, commemorated under the theme, “Inspiring Change”.

And though respect for women has come a long way from the days when women were confined to only domestic duties, it’s still proof that we still have a long way to go if there still needs to be a massive global event to remind the world of the achievements of the women in society. Not to mention the need to treat them equally. We need to reach the point where we don’t need to have events like International Women’s Day to inspire women that they can achieve greatness. Women should never question or be questioned whether they deserve to be educated, to have jobs, to make their own decisions.

Queen’s College, the premier secondary school in Guyana, has a population of mostly girls. We outperformed the boys at Common Entrance or NGSA, to earn a place at QC. And then went on to excel there.

But even after all of that, when we’re done with school and ready to have jobs, we’ll be working in a ‘man’s world’. A world where women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts. A world where women have to work doubly hard: first do their job, and simultaneously work to prove to the doubters that they’re good enough to deserve to be where they are.

But we’ve come a long way. Women can vote now. Women attend college. There are female doctors, astrophysicists, astronauts.

The feminists of the 1970’s era made great strides towards shifting society’s attitude in the direction of women’s equality. But unfortunately, now, years later, when many of the big battles have already been won by the feminists of old, younger women take some of the rights that they have now for granted. They truly believe that they owe nothing to feminism.

And we’ve begun to backslide. On TV, in movies, on social networking sites, there’s just so much exposure, so many females dressing ‘provocatively’. I mean sure, you can wear whatever you like, that’s the point, equal rights and all of that. But why do they choose those particular pieces of clothes? Mostly to appeal to males. So the “male gaze” still dictates what females wear, or in most cases, not wear. And what we strive to be.

Women might have the right to vote. They might be elected president. But how many are? Why? They might make brilliant discoveries, like Marie Curie, the only double winner in the Nobel Prizes. But what women really need, and what all the battles have essentially been all about, is respect. Women need to be respected. They deserve to be respected. But first, they need to start respecting themselves.

Dress however you like, you have that freedom, but always think about your reasons for dressing the way you do. Because in the long run, respect is worth a whole lot more than a couple of opportunities to wear skimpy clothes. We have to be seen as more than ‘meat”. This is not trivial because it defines much of our orientation in other aspects of life.

So until women are accepted for the great things that they do every day, until they are respected every day, we need to march in the streets for International Women’s Day. Women deserve more than one day of the year to be appreciated, so let’s remind the world every other day of the year.

Because women, house babies within them for nine months, they basically create life. Every one of us has a mother, even males, the ones who ‘run the world’.

The all-powerful males with their air of superiority need to remember something–their mothers could’ve had abortions. Their mother–A WOMAN–made the decision to keep them. A woman, decided to keep them in their wombs for nine months, to put up with morning sickness and all the torture of childbirth for them.

So what kind of a repayment to their mothers is it when those same boys grow up to treat women as being lesser to them? Or even beat them like animals?

'Few people have guts to say what they feel' - Aamir

Khan

Aamir Khan believes there are only a few people who dare to speak their mind, but personally, the actor-filmmaker prefers to be prudent with his words to avoid hurting people "for no reason".

Recently, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was upfront with his views on the Farhan Akhtar-starrer ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’. He said he didn't like it.

Asked if Aamir can be so straightforward with his views on films or stars publicly, he said: "Few people have the guts to say what they feel. In general, there are a few artists who say what they feel.

"What they say must not necessarily be right, but at least they are free to say what they want to."

However, Aamir is careful.

"Most of us keep quiet...publicly I might not say (anything), but I feel shy that he or she (any person) may feel bad. Thinking about the relationship, I may not say it...It's the emotion that stops us as for no reason, it (the comments) will be taken personally." (TOI)

Juhi Chawla's brother Bobby passes away

Actress Juhi

Chawla's brother Bobby Chawla, who was in coma since 2010 at the Jaslok Hospital, died Sunday morning.

Bobby, whose condition was serious for a long time, died at 7 a.m. He was in coma since April 2010 after suffering a massive stroke while having a dinner at a restaurant.

Juhi, who has been getting rave reviews for playing a negative role with aplomb in her recently released ‘Gulaab

Gang’, tweeted: "This is the perfect screenplay... look at how my brother timed it…He gave me the biggest gift of my lifetime...saw its release... And..." Film writer Ombar

Qureshi condoled Bobby's death. "Bobby Chawla - always smiling always affable. You will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to Juhi and all the family. Strength be with you." (TOI)

Anupam Kher loves teaching more than acting

He is a versatile actor and successful too, but Anupam Kher says he enjoys teaching more than acting.

ing. I also get to learn a lot from the new generation," said Anupam.

When Deepika Padukone cried for Ranbir Kapoor

Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone has never hidden her relationship status. She recently admitted that she cried a lot after her break up with her former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. However, she is not sure if she wants to get back with him.

Speaking to Mid-Day, the leggy lass said that both Ranbir and she have moved on in their lives. However, she said the breakup taught her many things and made her realize that she should not be very attached to anyone or anything in life. She finds herself to be a better and more mature person and thanks Ranbir for that.

However, she admits that she does not want to rush into things with her

current beau Ranveer Singh. She wants to give it time to know him better as a person. (TOI)

Salman Khan wants children, but not the mother!

Bollywood's bad boy Salman Khan adores kids and admits that he misses not having them. However, the thought of commitment with the mother surely gives him jitters.

A Mid-Day report says that Salman admits that he misses not having his own kids. However, he quickly says that with the kid comes the mother and he does not want a mother. The star, who was in a jolly mood at an event in Delhi, said he would have been a grandfather by now if he committed and stuck with his first girlfriend.

While the star admitted he is a bad boyfriend, he said that he is very good as a friend. He also shared some se-

crets of his six pack abs and opened his shirt to give Delhi babes a chance to ogle at him. (TOI)

Tabu refuses to play Priyanka Chopra's mother

play Priyanka Chopra's mother.

"I love teaching more than I love acting. It's great to give out than to take from others. There is no syllabus for acting and it's a great feel-

The actor, who turned 59 last Friday, runs acting institute 'Actor Prepares'.

From serious role in ‘Saraansh’, villain in ‘Karma’ or funny man in ‘Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin’, the actor proved his versatility in the beginning of his career and he maintained it in his over three decades long career. In the last few years, he was seen in different kinds of roles in ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara,’ ‘A Wednesday’ and ‘Total Siyappa’.

He said: "I always wanted to be different. I even broke the myth of getting typecast. I did all kinds of roles. My competition was with myself." (TOI)

Sunny Leone refuses to go topless for shower scene

Alfred Hitchcock had to shoot and re-shoot the shower scene in his 1960 horror-thriller 'Psycho' over seven days to get the right impact. 'Ragini MMS 2' will have a similar scene featuring Sunny Leone and Karan Mehra. And it

apparently took director Bhushan Patel over six hours to shoot.

The scene required the actress to go topless, but she refused. A source from the set reveals, "Sunny wasn't comfortable shooting bare-breasted and conveyed her reservations to the key production

team and to Bhushan. After some discussion, it was decided to use skin-coloured pasties with matching silicone for a nude effect and these allude to Sunny shooting the scene without a bra. She was okay with this as opposed to actually shooting topless." (TOI)

Bollywood actress Tabu, who is known for her impeccable acting abilities, reportedly turned down a significant role in Zoya Akhtar's film as she did not want to

A Mid-Day report says that the director asked Tabu (42) to play Priyanka's (31) mother. Since Tabu was not comfortable playing an older woman, she refused to be a part of the film.

The talented actress has a wide choice of roles offered to her. Her performances have been liked by both masses as well as critics. Further to reports, since she was getting better roles, she refused to play the mother of a grown-up woman.

The actress was last seen as Salman Khan's sister in 'Jai Ho'. She will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's film ‘Haider’. (TOI)

Abhishek Bachchan to speak at London School of Economics

It’s always an honour for a Bollywood actor to be invited to talk at top educational institutions across the world—Shah Rukh Khan addressed students at Harvard University last year, while in 2011, Amitabh Bachchan visited Oxford for a lecture. Now, the veteran star’s son, Abhishek Bachchan, is also set to travel to the London School of Economics for a similar reason. He has been invited as a keynote speaker at the university’s Economic Forum for India 2014 conference.

A source says, “Abhishek will travel to London for the event that will take place on March 15. He will be talking about the entertainment industry.”

The actor will address the audience at the function that will take place in the Holborn area of London. The forum will also have other influential speakers discuss the various facets of India. Bigwigs from the corporate sectors, too, will conduct an open dialogue on the economic and social challenges in India, as well as the opportunities that are emerging in the country.

(Hindustan Times)

Alec Baldwin's daughter splits from beau

Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger's daughter, Ireland, has brokenup with her surfer boyfriend Slater Trout.

While confirming the split, a source told Us Magazine that the 18-year-old model's life has gotten crazy in the past year.

Ireland is really trying to keep her momentum going as a model and she can't do that and go to school and have a beau at the same time, the insider asserted.

The source added that Ireland is young and always knew that the relationship wouldn't last forever.

The couple, who had started dating in 2013, made their first red carpet appearance in January 2014. (TOI)

Charlie Sheen refuses to sign pre-nup

with porn star fiancée

Charlie Sheen has refused to sign a pre-nuptial agreement and is ready to risk losing half of his 75 million pounds fortune to his porn star fiancée Brett Rossi, it has been revealed.

The ‘Two and a Half Men’ star believes that pre-nups poison marriages, the Daily Star reported.

A pal of the 48-year-

old actor said that Sheen is besotted and wants the marriage to happen as soon as possible, but just about everyone around him, including his family, think he's nuts not to sign a prenup. Although the actor has had a history of failed marriages, he's believed to be happier with his current fiancée than seen in years. (TOI)

Liz Hurley ‘left humiliated and hurt’ by ex-Shane

Elizabeth Hurley has reportedly been left "humiliated" by her former fiancé Shane Warne.

Sources revealed to British magazine ‘Closer’ that the 48-year-old English model has told her friends that she was extremely hurt by the 44-year-old Australian former international cricketer and she wants

Warne

nothing to do with him, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Sources added that Warne's alleged fling with the boss of underwear giant Ultimo, Michelle Mone, was the final straw and Hurley is upset over his actions.

According to reports, she was hopeful that they would patch things up and the sportsman's comments about being

single came out of the blue. (TOI)

Gerard Butler hasn't found

The ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ actor admitted he is ''sadly'' single, explaining while he has ''met a lot of princesses'', he hasn't found someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with yet.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday newspaper, he said: ''I have not met the one princess yet.

''That doesn't mean I have not met a lot of prin-

cesses along the way, but not the one and only yet.

'the one'

Or maybe I have and she might come back into my life at some point. You should never rule out anything. But am I seeing the one now? The answer, sadly, is no.''

The 44-year-old star also admitted he would love to have children in the future, but conceded building a long-term relationship can be difficult in the acting industry. (TOI)

‘One more surgery left’ - Angelina Jolie

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who underwent double mastectomy last year, says she is yet to get another surgery.

The 38-year-old actress had announced the news of her double mastectomy in May last year, reported Ace Showbiz. "There's still another surgery to have, which I haven't yet. I'll, you know, I'll get advice from all these wonderful people who I've been talking to, to get through that next stage," Jolie said. (TOI)

Khloe buys Bieber's Calabasas home

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian has bought pop star Justin Bieber's Calabasas home in California.

Bieber decided to move out of the massive house in January after a number of run-ins with the local residents and the police. He finally found a buyer in Khloe, reports mirror.co.uk.

According to tmz.com, Bieber has made a profit of $1 million on the property. Bieber bought the house in 2012 for $6 million and is selling it for $7.2 million.

After filing for divorce from her former husband Lamar Odom in December, Khloe sold her Tarzana property to 'Big Bang Theory' star, Kaley Cuoco.

It seems she's got some cash to

spare after selling her former marital home for $5.49 million, and putting in an extra $1.72 million to buy Bieber's house. (TOI)

Lindsay Lohan tells Oprah she's done with partying

Lindsay Lohan has told Oprah Winfrey that she is done with partying after she reportedly partied for 48 hours straight.

The ‘Mean Girls’ star said that there’s no party that she hasn't gone

to, there is no person that she hasn't hung out with and there's no situation that the actress hasn't been exposed to, the Mirror reported.

The 27-year-old actress insisted that there was nothing left in having a drink for her.

It was further reported that Lohan started partying last Friday night at the cocktail bar at the Beverly Hills hotel, before moving on to the Chateau and she was out in the garden until early in the morning after which the group moved on to a house party in the Hills.

Lohan was back in the party mode at the Chateau again after few hours. (TOI)

Liam Neeson turned down James Bond role to marry Natasha Richardson

Liam Neeson has revealed that he turned down the offer to play James Bond because his late wife Natasha Richardson wanted to get married.

The ‘Schindler's List’ star confessed that his wife, who had died tragically after a tragic ski accident in 2009, had given him a choice of either taking the role of the spy or marrying her, the Huffington Post reported.

Neeson added that he had to choose tying the knot, as he did want to marry Richardson. (TOI)

Eva Mendes' LA home shared with ex-George Gargurevich up for sale

Eva Mendes has put up the house she shared with former boyfriend George Gargurevich for sale.

The 40-year-old American actress shared the three-bedroom, two-bathroom pad with the Peruvian producer-filmmaker from 2002 to 2010, when they split, and has finally listed it on the market for 1.2 million dollars, Contactmusic reported.

Mendes is reportedly dating

(TOI)

Nicole Kidman may be next victim of 'princess curse'

Following her friend Naomi Watts' illfated role playing Princess Diana, could Nicole Kidman become the next victim of the princess curse, as her new film ‘Grace of Monaco’ is now stuck in limbo.

While the film is scheduled to open the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, Kidman's friend, Hollywood producer

Harvey Weinstein, has effectively dropped the project, taking it off his company's slate of North American releases for this year after having a dispute with the movie's director, Olivier Dahan, the Syndey Morning Herald reported.

The film has already been delayed twice; it was originally intended to be released last November.

Dahan told French newspaper Liberation last year that The Weinstein Company, which owns the film's U.S. distribution rights, had been demanding a ''sanitised'' final cut and referred to two versions of the film---“Harvey's and mine”. Apparently, Weinstein's version chopped 22 minutes off Dahan's version. (TOI)

West Dem dance troupe cops top spot at Dharmic Sabha’s dance fest in Guyana

The Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troupe of West Coast Demerara on Saturday danced its way to the top spot in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Folk Dance Festival held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The dance troupe, which consisted of just over 20 talented dancers, thrilled the audience and the judges as they performed a masterpiece to retain the title for the second consecutive year.

Well decked out young men and woman portraying Hindu gods acted a script from the Mahabharata (holy Hindu text), wowing the audience with every step they took on stage.

It was a presentation that undoubtedly left the packed conference centre craving more. From Lord Krishna to Ram’s consort Sita, the setting created the right atmosphere to usher in Holi, which will be celebrated next Monday.

Tying for second position were the members of the West Demerara

Dancing Delights and the Kanhaiya Dance Troupe from Essequibo. They also performed to the satisfaction of the crowd. Their presentations were very colourful and powdery, but it was worth the while.

The first prize was Gy$50,000 plus a trophy while the second place winners received Gy$35,000 each plus trophies. The trophies

were donated by the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Digicel.

The dance troupes that participated in the event were rewarded with trophies and monetary awards. These were the Central Corentyne Dance Troupe, the Indu’s Dance Works, the Neha Flix Dance Troupe out of West Berbice and the Saraswati Dance Troupe

from Essequibo. Members of the Neha Flix Dance Troupe had the audience cheering lustily as they performed an excellent routine, one that was led by a young man who definitely exposed his talent in the form of dance.

The night started with some spectacular singing from melody kings Jeffrey Iqbal and Purnash Durgaprasad.

Their smooth voices set the tone for a fabulous evening. Dishing out songs from the old to new, Iqbal, who is one of the judges for the E-Networks singing competition, showcased his talents.

These talented young men were backed by the E-Networks Orchestra which comprises musicians from India and Guyana.

Also singing at the event was Omesh Singh out of Canada, who stayed on stage for a short while, but he had his fans singing and cheering along. From famous Phagwah to filmi songs, he performed exceptionally well.

Rekha Singh, Sookrane Bookdhoo, Mona Gowkarran, Aarti Sookhai, Govinash and Arisha Pooran as well as two singers from the E-Networks singing competition also took the stage.

In addition, more than 30 dancers from the Sabha’s own Dharmic Nritya Sangh performed several breathtaking choreographies.

The bazaar also featured numerous food stalls that offered a variety of sumptuous dishes and sweets, mehndi booths, games for all as well as great shopping deals on everything from Indian clothes and jewellery to Phagwah supplies.

The occasion was attended by President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries. (Guyana Times)

The ruins of Arnos Vale – the once thriving sugar estate of Tobago

By Desiree sampson

Located on the northwestern side of Tobago, the Arnos Vale plantation was once a thriving sugar estate powered by a massive waterwheel. It was established by the British in the 1700s after they took control of the land from the early Amerindian settlers. The estate fell into ruins after sugar production ceased on the island in the 1960s. It was later restored into a tourist facility that housed a museum, restaurant overlooking the waterwheel and sugar factory machinery in the late 1990s.

Today, the place is back to a state of ruins. Still, it has some charm; primarily for those who like an adventure with a slight element of fear to add to the thrill. Upon first arriving at the sight, it was clear that this is not a place to visit on your own. After exiting the taxi on the main road to Les Couteaux, you walk down a rather lonely trail where leaves of tall plants on either side of the driveway, reach over to almost touch each other. It is off this driveway that you find the entrance that leads to a long

wooden walkway with railings straight ahead.

been vandalised with many of the glass cases

To the right just as you enter lies what was once an Amerindian museum, that housed artifacts discovered during the restoration of the site. The museum has

that housed historic artifacts broken and some of the artifacts destroyed. Venturing down the walkway is quite precarious as the wood is rotting in some places and

the roof overhead caving in others.

walkway can make the venture a dangerous

The towering waterwheel and other machinery from the old sugar factory lie ahead (albeit in derelict condition). However the less than structurally sound

one. With bats finding homes in the ceilings and the sheer desertedness of the place, the site has an eerie feeling that could thrill some while sending others fleeing

as fast as their legs can carry them. It is said that even locals avoid going there. Indeed, it is quite easy to jump out of your skin at the slightest sound and this is not a place to visit by yourself.

Even though the place has a ghostly feel and is a mere shadow of its former glory, it is a good spot to visit with a group. Apart from the bats that have taken up residence, there are species of birds and small animals that can be spotted. Along the walkways, the many bamboo trees and other greenery make it a place some nature lovers would find appealing.

Furthermore, the site shows glimpses of what the sugar-mill and plantation was like back in the 18th and 19th centuries as well as points to the wonderful work that was done in restoring it into a tourist sight.

Sadly though, it also shows how little we tend to value and preserve our environment as so many other sites of our natural and architectural heritage remain in a state of degradation and decay. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Fashion collection

First Resort, under the Mariska's Designs label by Guyanese Sonia Noel, certainly was a showstealer at the recently held “Colours of Fashion” event in Barbados. Noel told Guyanese

media that her caftan designs are very sophisticated, versatile and timeless and are suitable for all body types.

The designer has done well with the collection as it is now available in Haiti, Suriname, Barbados, St Lucia and

ATobago. “I hope to add more locations very soon where my collection will be available. I am happy with the response to my first Resort Line and I feel good about the future of my brand,” Noel expressed. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

ll roads will lead to Nigeria for the first annual Africa Meets Reggae International World Music Festival in October.

The staging is the first international festival of this brand debuting this year in the country of Nigeria, and will be held in the three

states--Cross River State (Calabar), River State (Port Harcourt) and Lagos State (Lagos) showcasing the top names in Reggae and World music over three days.

Festival headliners are expected to be Majek Fashek, Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley and Stephen Marley,

Victor Essiet and The Mandators, King Sunny Ade, Reggae historian Roger Steffens and top international artists like Snoop Lion (Dogg), Shaggy, and many more. Africa Meets Reggae has been an annual musical event hosted by Echodelic Music and Dub Club in Los Angeles for the past four years, and now it will be hosted in Nigeria for the first time by Mystic Records USA/Nigeria (Victor Essiet The Mandators 'the Godfather of African Reggae') and AWD/ Brand Believers based in Nigeria in conjunction with Tom Chasteen (Echodelic Music/ Dub Club) and Russell Gerlach (Foundation Artists) from the USA. All are bringing this concept to an international stage with production offices established in both Los Angeles, CA, USA, and Lagos, Nigeria. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Star of the Week

An indomitable squash champion is what Ashley Khalil constantly focuses on being. From a tender age, Khalil’s parents involved her in various sporting activities. Developing her athletic capabilities, Khalil became highly competitive. Intrigued by squash, the athlete invested much of her resources perfecting her skills in that sport. Now a Level Two squash coach and Level One referee, Khalil is determined to be the best squash athlete she can possibly be. The squash pro enjoys the sport because it keeps her fit and believes it is an ideal sport for teaching young people about tactics. In order to be a squash champion, Khalil feels one must possess “mental toughness, strategy, discipline and dedication”. For the squash champion, the sport provides opportunities to meet people and travel to different places to compete. Some of Khalil’s major achievements and biggest competition wins include: National Under 15, 17 and 19 Champion in both squash and badminton; two-time Junior Caribbean Champion; Junior Sportswoman of the Year (2008); Pan am Junior and Senior medals; South American Games medals; CAC Games medals; North American Open medal; Canadian Open medal. Other than squash, Khalil’s hobbies are playing badminton and table tennis with her family, cooking (mainly baking), watching television and spending time with family and friends. Her advice for fellow youths is to find a sport they enjoy. Her belief is that squash is a great way to stay healthy and minimise stress. Playing sports, according to the squash champ, ensures a rounded individual and instills a spirit of selfconfidence, self-reliance, discipline, justice, fair play and patriotism.

‘Feels like I have never won gold before’

- Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce says of World Indoor 60m gold

Jamaica’s ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce continued to accumulate global gold medals, as she added the IAAF World Indoor Championships 60m gold on Sunday’s final day of the event at the Ergo Arena in Sopot, Poland.

Fraser-Pryce, who won Olympic and World Championships gold medals in the 100m in outdoor action and took triple gold last year in Moscow, ran a personal best and world-leading 6.98 seconds to win Sunday.

Her debut win in Poland represents a third consecutive gold medal for Jamaica at the World Indoor Championship after Veronica Campbell Brown had won the previous two in Doha in 2010 and Istanbul two years ago.

Fraser-Pryce is also the fourth Jamaican woman to win the event after the legendary Merlene Ottey had won in 1995 in Barcelona, Spain.

On Sunday’s final day of the Sopot games, Jamaica picked up two additional medals--a silver in the women's 4x400m relays and a bronze in the men's 4x400m. Both were done in new national indoor record times to finish the three-day championship with five medals, equalling the haul in 2004 in Budapest, Hungary. That haul falls behind the six medals earned on two occasions -- Paris, France 1997 and Lisbon, Portugal 2001.

The five medals, including a silver by Kaliese Spencer in the women's 400m and a

Canadian U-17 cricketers in Trinidad for practice matches

The Ontario Cricket Academy & Club (OCA&C) Under-17 squad is currently in Trinidad and Tobago for an 11-day tour in an effort to further develop their Canadian talent in the rapidly growing sport.

Based in Mississauga, Canada, the youthful OCA&C outfit is solely focussed on elevating their competitive image by playing seven practice matches against some of TT’s prolific youth teams.

Their friendly tour bowled off Tuesday when they met PowerGen’s Under-17 team at Vijay Sports Grounds, Avocat, for a Twenty20 matchup. During their stay, the visiting team will lock horns against the likes of both South West and South East Under-17 squads along with several other top local club sides.

The OCA&C is recognised as the leading cricket academy in North America boasting several national team products over the last 11 years of their existence. The group of touring Under-17’s have a few top Canadian youth prospects in the team.

This trip marks the academy’s fifth international tour to date, having previously visited the twin-island republic in 2009, 2010 and 2013.

In 2011, OCA&C created history by being the first North American

bronze in the triple jump by Kimberly Williams, saw Jamaica place fifth overall behind the USA with 12 medals (eight gold, two silver and two bronze), Russia with five (three gold and two silver), Ethiopia with five (two gold, two silver and a bronze) and Great

Britain with six medals (one gold, two silver and three bronze).

Last appearance Sunday, FraserPryce who earlier won her semi-final in 7.08 seconds, beat pre-championships favourite Muriel Ahoure of the Ivory Coast, who ran a

season's best 7.01 seconds for her second straight silver after losing to Campbell Brown in Istanbul, while American Tianna Bartoletta took the bronze in 7.06 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce was fast out of her blocks and propelled her diminutive frame to the head of the field and remained through the finish line on the bright blue track at the packed-out Ergo Arena.

But she warned, however, that her appearance in these world indoors could realistically be her last.

"The next world indoors are in the Olympic year (in Portland, in 2016 before the Summer Games in Rio), so I am not sure if I will do any more," Fraser-Pryce said.

"Winning this gold medal feels like I have never won it before, like it was my first gold. That is why I always try to do my best. I'm very excited for the gold because it is very tough at 60m," said the Jamaican.

Campbell Brown, who was racing for only the third time this season after being cleared of doping charges by the Court of Arbitration for Sports two weeks ago, finished fifth in a season's best 7.13 seconds.

Jamaica's women's 4x400m team set a second national record, running 3:26.54 minutes after clocking 3:29.43 in the semi-finals on Saturday for second behind the USA, who ran a world-leading 3:24.83, while Great Britain were third in 3:27.90. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyanese sprinters bow out at World Indoor semis

youth club to tour Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Cricket, the governing body of the sport in the country, gave their support for the initiative by scheduling key matches at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The tours to Trinidad have helped to develop local Canadian talent, according to founder and head coach Derek Perera. He stated, “The depth of high level opposition and amazing infrastructure for the sport in Trinidad has made it an automatic choice for us when it comes to touring and player development.”

Many of the players who have visited TT on the tours have graduated to Canadian national teams at all levels. OCA&C’s Tour coordinator, Trinidad-born Surren Ramsingh, who migrated to Canada many years ago, has utilised his contacts in the island to ensure the Canadian youngsters face top level competition.

One of the highlights of the tour is a three-day Twenty20 tournament featuring the visitors, top club PowerGen and a South West Regional team. The tournament will see teams competing for the Ramsingh Cup and numerous sponsored prizes, all of which will be played under floodlights. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Guyanese Adam Harris, who is based in the U.S., crashed out of the World Indoor Championships held in Poland on Saturday in the semifinal round of the men’s 60 metres dash.

Harris, who finished second to Dwain Chambers of Great Britian in his heat, had the slowest reaction time of 0.161s out of the blocks on his way to a third place finish in a

time of 6.59 secs. Marvin Bracy of the U.S won the semifinal in a time of 6.52, as Harris was unable to match his personal best of 6.55 secs that would have seen him make the final. Newcomer Melissa Caddle, who is also a

U.S.-based Guyanese, could not move past the first round of the women’s 400 metres at the championships, finishing fifth in her heat with a time 54.56 secs. Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas was the winner of the heat in 52.10 secs. Meanwhile, despite the disappointment for Harris, he is rated as ninth in the world in the 60 metres dash for 2014, while being the fastest South American across the distance for the year.

Bopara, WI duo fined

England’s Ravi Bopara and West Indies’ Darren Sammy and Marlon Samuels have been fined for a Level I breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Twenty20 International (T20I) in Barbados on Sunday.

The three players were found to have breached Article 2.1.8 of the code, which states: “Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the (above) offence, conduct that either: (a) is contrary to the spirit of the

game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute”.

All the three players pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The incident took place in the 12th over of England’s innings when Bopara, while taking a single, made insulting comments towards Samuels, who responded. West Indies captain Sammy joined in, also trading insults with

Bopara. The exchange only ceased with the intervention of the on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Peter Nero.

For their involvements in the incident, Bopara was fined 25 percent of his match fee, while Sammy and Samuels were fined 20 and 10 percent respectively.

Besides the on-field umpires, the charge was also laid by third umpire Gregory Brathwaite as well as fourth official Nigel Duguid.

All Level I breaches for this offence carry

a penalty of a warning/ reprimand and/or the imposition of a fine up to 50 percent of the applicable match fee.

30 sport

228 players confirmed for CPL 2014 Draft Chanderpaul climbs to number three

the tournament returns in July and august 2014 where Jamaica tallawahs will defend their title against the antigua hawksbills, barbados tridents, guyana

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has confirmed that an impressive 228 players have registered for the 2014 Draft, which will take place in Kingston, Jamaica, on Thursday, April 3.

The number includes 121 overseas players, more than five times the number that entered the 2013 Draft.

Over 100 Caribbean players have thrown their hats into the ring in the hope of earning a contract to take part in the "Biggest Party in Sport" alongside a host of international stars. As well as the massive global appeal of the tournament, illustrated by the huge surge in applications from overseas players, another ringing endorsement for the CPL is the fact that the list boasts a fantastic 98 percent retention rate of players who played in the 2013 edition of the competition.

CPL 2014 will give

Lcricketers from across the Caribbean the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world. A total of 107 players in the region, from up-and-coming youngsters to established Windies internationals, will go into the draft alongside big name stars from 11 nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and, for the first time, England.

Australia will have the largest overseas contingent in the Draft with 30 names, including 15 internationals, while the vast majority of Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad has also signed up.

New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka are also well represented and the Draft will include several current and former international captains, leading Test stars, T20 specialists, and limited overs legends. The full list

of players will be announced to the public next Monday.

Tom Moody, CPL director of cricket, said: "The quality and quantity of players registering for the Draft, in particular the huge surge in overseas players signing up, is testament to the great success of last year's competition. The high standard of cricket and the unique Caribbean carnival atmosphere have made CPL the competition that everybody wants to play in."

The CPL launched last year to sell-out crowds, with over 250,000 spectators attending matches across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Lucia, whilst a global TV audience of 36 million was entertained by the skills of international stars including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan.

The tournament returns in July and August 2014 where Jamaica Tallawahs will defend their title against the Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel. (Jamaica Observer)

Veteran left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul has risen one place to third in the latest ICC Test batting rankings released late last Thursday. The 39-yearold, who has topped the rankings in the past, has capitalised on South Africa’s Hashim Amla’s fall to fourth, following the just concluded threeTest series against Australia.

Chanderpaul is the only West Indies player in the top 20, with exciting left-hander Darren Bravo lying 23rd and opener Chris Gayle at 29th.

The Guyanese scored his 29th Test century last December on the tour of New Zealand in what his 153rd Test. He has scored 11 219 runs at an average of nearly 52.

There is no change at the top of the rankings, however, as South

Africa’s AB de Villiers remains number one with Sri Lankan stroke-maker Kumar Sangakarra in second spot. In the bowling rankings, fast bowler Kemar Roach is the highest placed West Indies player at 15th, despite not having

played a Test in a year.

Off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who was last December suspended by the ICC from bowling because of an illegal bowling action, lies 18th. South African speedster Dale Steyn remains number one. (CMC)

Barbados wooing top quality horses for Sandy Lane Cup

ittle Nicholas Elliot Jr sounded a stern warning at the start of his 2014 international competitive circuit when he bagged silver at the Youth Under 36kg Elite Black Belt Division of the Canadian Taekwondo Open, which was recently held in at the Complex Sportif Claude Robillard in Montreal.

In the final, the budding fighter went down to the host nation in a hotly contested encounter.

In the previous rounds however, Elliot Jr won his first fight 7-4 over Canada and went on to defeat USA 11-4 in the semi-final stage.

U.S.-based Guyanese Euleen

Jossiah-Tanner keeps racking up the wins with yet another victory in the Dental 5 JossiahTanner clocked in at 15 mins 54 secs to defend her title in the event, despite the 30-degree temperature which faced the athletes.

“I feel great, I used it as a recovery run and it feels great to defend my

The youngster’s recent achievement was hailed by his coach, Master Ivan Petrovic of KickStart Canada. Elliot Jr was prepared by a strong team of local and international coaches including TT tutor Master Shurland Flores, Danish National Junior Team coach Master Farooq Rashidand and three-time Canadian National Fin Weight National champion Master Kael Pinto.

This tournament was rated G1 by the World Taekwondo Federation and hosted 1,500 athletes from 42 countries. Some of the world’s best athletes competed including several Olympic, World and Grand Prix champions. (TT Newsday)

Young Trini sends warning ahead of Canadian Open U.S.- based Guyanese JossiahTanner defends 5k title

title. There was some competition and there were heavy wind gusts, but I would like to thank my coach (Kenrick Smith) for the time he is putting in to prep me, as we begin phase two of our programme,” Jossiah-Tanner told Guyanese media.

Meanwhile, JossiahTanner’s next competition will be on March 23 in the Publix ING 5k Road Race.

Attracting top quality horses is the key to the continued success of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup.

That is the view of Barbados’ Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, who said that once horses of similar class to that as the American-owned bay gelding ‘Major Marvel’ – which stormed to victory in the 33rd running of the prestigious race on Saturday at the Garrison Savannah –continue to take part in the event, it would garner even more attention.

Last weekend’s race was not only one of the most talked about in recent history, but attracted a field highly regarded as one of the best in the last decade.

And even though ‘Major Marvel’, the overwhelming favourite ridden by ace jockey Patrick Husbands, raced away to a comfortable three-

and-a half lengths victory, the minister maintained that the presence alone of the Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey-owned bay gelding raised the profile of the race.

“We have to work with the Barbados Turf Club to see that they can continue to bring in topquality horses.

“Just the presence alone of ‘Major Marvel’ in the race, brought a sense of excitement and intrigue to the event, because everyone came to see how he would perform against a very high-class field,” Sealy told Barbadian media just moments after making the Gold Cup presentation.

“It is clear that the interest is there and I know from the tourism end that visitors from the UK are still very sweet on this event.

And with the event having grown to become the most prestigious horse racing event in the Eastern Caribbean, the acting prime minister said that the industry was extremely important to both the tourism and sporting sectors.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of horse racing as an industry,” Sealy insisted.

“We talk about our jockeys, but even our groomsmen, who go to Woodbine and work, all play a part in helping to promote Barbados as an ideal tourist destination.

“A lot of people are employed around this industry both here and abroad so we cannot forget that.” (Barbados Nations)

“They are planning their vacations around it and either coming in earlier or staying later to make sure they can take in the Gold Cup, so we just have to leverage it.”

Guyana Cricket Board rolls out National T20 League

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced plans for the staging of a National Twenty20 League, which will be called the “Guyana T20 Cricket League (GTCL).

According to a release from the board, the competition will be contested among eight teams and will be held on an annual basis.

The competition will be played prior to the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) each year and can be used as a feeder for the Guyana Amazon Warriors teams this year and into the future, the release said.

“This is a great opportunity for more of our local players to be part of the Guyana team and to vie for greater heights,” the release stated.

The GCB is currently in discussions with two potential title sponsors, but has not yet finalised any formal arrangement with any entity in this regard.

Windies power clinches T20 series

Teams will represent the following jurisdictions: Upper Berbice (Albion to Crabwood Creek); Lower Berbice (West Coast Berbice to Fyrish); East Coast Demerara; Georgetown A; Georgetown B; East Bank Demerara, including Linden; West Demerara; and Essequibo.

The GCB will also be seeking team sponsors for each of the eight teams with special preference being given to sponsors located within the geographical area of each team.

This will allow the teams to generate a following and spectator support from their particular geographical area and ultimately result in a higher level of competition within the teams who should take pride in representing the areas from which they came, the GCB said.

Discussions have already commenced with some potential team

Teams will be drawn from eight geographical areas and the competition has been structured to showcase as many players as possible, and is not intended to be a club or county arrangement, the GCB explained.

sponsors. The board will also be inviting at least 16 players from the Caribbean to be part of this tournament, which will be held during a twoweek period in either May or June of this year.

“The rules for the tournament are currently being drawn up and one of the features of the competition will be the allowance for local guest players; meaning that local players who may have missed out on selection within their geographical teams above may be eligible for selection with other teams, up to a set limit per team, so as to ensure that all eight teams maintain a competitive environment,” the GCB said.

There will be 28 preliminary matches, two semi-finals, a third place playoff and a final played under floodlights. Matches will be played all across Guyana with the semi-finals and final slated for National Stadium at Providence and Albion. The winner is expected to cart off at least Gy$10,000,000 during the inaugural tournament. (Guyana Times)

Fraser-Pryce heads list of confirmed stars for JII meet

Jamaica’s Olympic, IAAF World Outdoor and Indoor gold medallist ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce, heads a list of 12 athletes who were Tuesday confirmed for the Jamaica International Invitational (JII) meet to be held at the National Stadium on May 3. Fraser-Pryce, who last Sunday added the IAAF World Indoor 60m gold to her growing list of global achievements, has

been confirmed for the meet, which is an IAAF World Challenge event.

The Jamaican stop is the second in the series of 15 meetings, and the first one will be held in Australia on March 22.

The JII has become popular since its inception just over 10 years ago and has attracted a number of top athletes, and this year promises to continue the tradition of quality competition.

Fraser-Pryce won

Ablistering knock from Captain Darren Sammy led West Indies to a five-wicket win over England in the second T20 International at Kensington Oval in Barbados Tuesday.

The win ensures West Indies have secured the three-match series, following Sunday’s win, with one match remaining.

Sammy took charge hitting two sixes and smashing three fours to race to 30 in just nine balls, swinging the match back in West Indies’ favour after England had made some inroads by taking quick wickets and suppressing the run rate.

the 200m at last year's staging, beating Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson in a Jamaican clean sweep of the medals, while American Allyson Felix finished fourth.

Olympic and World Championships gold medallist, Jamaicanborn Sanya RichardsRoss will return, as well as Felix and LaShawn Merritt, all of the United States, and Francena McCorory, who won the World Indoors 400m in Sopot, Poland, last weekend.

Nigerian World Championships 200m/ long jump medallist Blessing Okagbare and Americans Curtis Mitchell and Briana Rollins are also named.

Jamaicans Kaliese Spencer, the silver medallist in the 400m in Sopot behind McCorory, World Championships 400m finalist Stephanie McPherson, the defending champion for the JII meet, World Championships 100m bronze medallist Nesta Carter, and relay gold medallist Nickel Ashmeade, who won the 200m race last year, ahead of Warren Weir, have also been listed as confirmed for the meeting. (Jamaica Observer)

Sammy’s men reached the target with seven balls to spare after England, who won the toss and chose to bat, were restricted to 152 for 7, undermined by Jamaican seamer Krishmar Santokie, who finished with an outstanding four-wicket haul.

Santokie led the onslaught by removing

opener Michael Lumb and frontline batsman Moeen Ali for single digits to throw the England innings into disarray at 26 for three.

But a fourth-wicket partnership of 76 between Joss Buttler and Alex Hales pulled the Englishmen out of the slump. Hayes scored 40, while Buttler top scored with 67 before Santokie struck again shortly after he was recalled into the attack late in the England innings.

Santokie, who was named man-of-thematch, had Buttler caught, while attempting a big shot and removed Ravi Bopara for 14 to finish with figures of four for 21, his best T20 figures.

Dwayne Bravo picked up two wickets for 34 runs. Buttler and Bopara had also teamed up for a fifthwicket partnership that produced 35 runs.

Earlier, Chris Gayle put on an opening stand of 48 with Dwayne Smith and led the West Indies scoring with an entertaining innings of 36

which included a four and four sixes.

Three of Gayle’s sixes went flying onto the roof of the stands and out of the ground. Smith scored 30, Marlon Samuels 28, while Lendl Simmons scored 19 from 13 balls. West Indies, who were coasting along at 111 for three, lost two wickets in two balls as Tim Bresnan threatened to derail their chase. Bresnan dismissed Samuels then Andre Russell to leg side catches, forcing Sammy to step up on arrival to play a captain’s knock batting alongside Dwayne Bravo. West Indies found themselves needing 30 runs from three overs and then nine runs from nine balls for victory before Sammy exploded. The West Indies captain was particularly severe on Bresnan, hitting him for two sixes and a winning boundary in the penultimate over to seal the series. West Indies and England play the third and final T20 Thursday. (WICB)

More Bajan athletes make Carifta Games mark

Perseverance paid off for Barbadian distance runner Dario Grandison, shot putter Romario Antoine and multi-eventer Danielle Scantlebury as they qualified for next month’s CARIFTA Games in Martinique.

Also qualifying on the final day of the twoday CARIFTA Trials at the National Stadium Sunday night were hurdler Stephen Griffith and Under-18 high jumpers Josiah Beckles and Hakeem Clarke.

The two fastest schoolboys in Barbados, Levi Cadogan and Mario Burke, who had already qualified for CARIFTA and the CAC Juniors, also met the standard for the World Juniors in the United States in July with blistering runs in

the 200 metres.

Cadogan clocked a career-best 20.72 seconds in the Under-20 Boys’ race to win from Joshua Walcott (21:75) and Kyle Farrell (21:78), while Burke sped to 21.17 seconds in the Under-18 race with Romarco Thompson (21.95) second.

Former Deighton Griffith Secondary student Grandison, who entered St George Secondary this school term, achieved the mark with a determined run of 15:45.76 minutes in the gruelling Under-20 Boys’ 5 000 metres. Forced to run alone for the last five laps after the Under-18 Boys completed their 3 000 metres race, the Pacers athlete beat the CARIFTA requirement of 16:05 minutes. (Excerpted from Nation News)

Limacol CPL expands to St Kitts and Nevis

The Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis has been chosen as the host for six group phase matches, the semi-finals and final of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2014 tournament.

The venue, which was originally built for the 2007 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, with an 8,000 seating capacity, is set

to welcome the Limacol CPL for the very first time, giving the people of St Kitts and Nevis the chance to experience the thrill of the tournament.

The people of St Kitts and Nevis will also be able to enjoy a week of celebration and entertainment put on to support the final, ensuring that the tournament lives up to its reputation as being the “Biggest

Party in Sport”, a release from Limacol CPL said.

In addition to the arrival of world class Twenty20 cricket, the local community of St Kitts and Nevis is set to reap the economic and social benefits created by the tournament.

A recently released report from the Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies (UWI) revealed that last year’s competition contributed to the gross domestic product (GDP) of all six host countries, with a combined impact of US$105 million generated across the region.

Warner Park has undergone recent de-

velopments to enable it to host Limacol CPL matches with the construction of state-of-theart lighting facilities. In addition to being awarded the games, the investment is set to be key to the development of local grassroots projects, with the country’s Sport Ministry planning to utilise Warner Park’s new capabilities to hold after school programmes for local students.

“We cannot wait to bring the big-hitting excitement of the Limacol CPL to Warner Park,” said Pete Russell, Chief Operations Officer.

“By awarding these prestigious matches to St Kitts and Nevis, we are demonstrating that the

whole of the Caribbean can celebrate and enjoy the successes of this global tournament.”

Rusell said the renovation of the stadium was a key factor in the bid succeeding.

“The new facilities are second to none, and we’re keen to provide show-stopping cricket to match,” he said.

St Kitts and Nevis Sport Minister Glenn Phillip said his government is delighted to welcome some of the biggest stars in cricket to Warner Park during this year’s competition.

“Carnival cricket has always been synonymous with the Caribbean, and we’re looking forward to show-

ing an audience of millions around the globe that St Kitts and Nevis can host a party like no other,” he said.

Over 100 Caribbean players have thrown their hats into the ring in the hope of earning a contract to take part in the “Biggest Party in Sport”, alongside a host of international stars. This year’s tournament will give cricketers from across the Caribbean the opportunity to play alongside or against some of the best players in the world.

Meanwhile, the draft for the second edition of the Limacol CPL tournament will be held on April 3 in Jamaica, officials have announced.

Guyana’s contingent all set for South American Games

The Guyanese contingent currently in Chile for the South American Games–with the athletics aspect set to commence Thursday–has been putting in hard work to get acclimatised to the conditions in the Spanish speaking nation.

In an interview with Guyanese media, Coach

Lyndon Wilson said he believes the team is looking sharp.

“So far, so good. We had a few sessions and they are looking good. The good thing is the place is sunny, despite being cold. It’s kind of like our weather,” Wilson noted.

Wilson also indicated that the athletes are very confident ahead of the games and believes that Guyana can come away with some medals at the event.

“They are all on the high and are willing to do Guyana proud,” he said. “And I should

think we have medals in the making, because we have with us two seasoned campaigners in (Cleveland) Forde and (Winston) George, and if the others hold their own, they should be among the medals too.”

Focusing on George, who is an Olympian, and

Alisha Fortune, whose age was a concern going into the meet, Wilson indicated that both athletes can achieve after the few days of training.

“Everybody knows that George is always positive and he is looking good in his build up to the competition.

“With Fortune, she is always a hard worker when it comes to performing; she has the experience so she will give account of herself,” Wilson stated. Meanwhile, when the competition begins Thursday, George, Wayne Harlequin, Cleveland Thomas and Fortune will be in action in their respective first rounds.