Caribbean Times International

Canada’s IDRF will continue to support Guyana – chairman Kassim assures

Having already contributed significantly to Guyana, the Canadabased International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) will continue its support for projects in the South-American country, IDRF’s chairman Winston Kassim has assured.

Speaking at IDRF’s annual fundraising gala in Toronto on Saturday, Kassim told the over-sold crowd of 500 supporters, that there is still a great need for better health services and access to education in Guyana. He said this need will be addressed through IDRF’s strong and longstanding partnerships with a number of non-profit groups in Guyana, particularly the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) and the Doobay Medical Centre.

A native of Guyana and Order of Canada recipient, Kassim visited a number of IDRF-sponsored projects in Guyana during September of 2012 and early 2013 and was impressed with how much was being done to sup-

port needy people across the country.

“I was proud to see how the generosity of our Canadian donors was being put to such good use by our partner organizations in Guyana,” he told Caribbean Times. “These positive results encouraged our board to continue and expand our charitable work in Guyana.” Health and education support

After his visit, Kassim announced a Cdn$25,000 commitment to Guyana Help the Kids (GHTK), a Canadian partner charity led by Dr. Narendra Singh, Chief of Pediatrics at Humber River Hospital. The donation will help to establish a pediatric residency programme for Guyanese physicians---the first of such an initiative in the country. GHTK also established and supplied the first public pediatriccare facility in the capital Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden with plans to expand to the West Demerara and Suddie hospitals. Kassim, who is also a Vice-President with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Toronto, indi-

cated that his volunteer efforts have been supported with generous donations from the Bank.

With support from IDRF, the CIOG provides assistance in the education sector whereby children---who have difficulty attending school due to the lack of transportation for long distances---are picked up and dropped off each day.

The partnership with the Doobay Medical Centre resulted in the establishment of the Doobay Renal Centre in 2012, the first propoor dialysis facility in Guyana that offers subsidized dialysis services to the poor and less fortunate.

Saving lives

Leader of the clinic

Dr. Budhendra Doobay,

who also attended the gala, briefly reported on the clinic’s work and its achievements. He praised the work of IDRF, saying that it is through such support that the lives of people are being saved.

The mission of his clinic, he explained is to provide subsidized dialysis services to the poor,

for the less fortunate.

Dr. Fuad Shahin, founder of IDRF and Hon. Reza Moridi, Minster of Research & Innovation were among those who gathered at the gala along with other dignitaries and prominent community leaders. Haroon Siddiqui of the Toronto Star newspaper gave the eve-

ma counseling, clean water and medical assistance to people affected by floods, cyclones, famines and earthquakes in Japan, Pakistan, Haiti, Myanmar, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and East Africa.

Additionally, it has opened clinics, built homes, created clean water facilities, provided job skills, helped erect waste management facilities, and much more for hundreds of needy communities from Africa to Asia.

While most of the organization’s work takes place in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America, IDRF provides development assistance in Canada to First Nations people and new immigrant communities.

Over the past five years, IDRF provided direct assistance to some 580,000 people in 34 countries globally. When indirect beneficiaries are included (e.g. those who subsequently benefit from an initiative in addition to the initial target audience), the number of beneficiaries expands to more than

and help advance visibility on the need for domestic renal services in Guyana. Dr. Doobay noted that hemodialysis currently costs approximately US$200 per session. This cost is highly prohibitive to 95 percent of the known patients in Guyana.

But with assistance of IDRF, the Doobay Medical Centre has been able to provide world standard dialysis service at a countrywide affordable cost of US$50.00 (Gy$9000.00) per session to all local patients. This cost is further subsidized

ning’s keynote speech on the topic ‘Challenges to Contemporary Multiculturism’.

About IDRF

Founded in 1984, IDRF is a Canada-based charitable organization that provides humanitarian aid and sustainable development assistance around the world to the poor and disadvantaged, and to those who have been displaced by natural disasters and conflict. IDRF supports the provision of basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, hygiene kits, trau-

two million people. In fiscal 2012 alone, IDRF implemented 59 projects in 17 countries that helped over 120,000 needy people.

IDRF’s annual gala is one of the organization’s main fundraising event, and this year it raised nearly Cdn$150,000 dollars in donations and pledges. People wishing to support the work of IDRF in Guyana and elsewhere, can make a donation online at www. idrf.com. Donations can be directed to specific IDRF projects in various countries.

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EDITORIAL

Encouraging news on TB

According to the 2013 Global Tuberculosis Report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) published last week, tuberculosis (TB) treatment has saved the lives of more than 22 million people. The report is based primarily on data provided by WHO’s member states. In 2013, data were reported by 178 member states and a total of 197 countries and territories that collectively have more than 99 per cent of the world’s TB cases.

The report reveals that the number of people ill with TB fell in 2012 to 8.6 million, with global TB deaths also decreasing to 1.3 million. It confirms that the world is on track to meet the 2015 United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target of reversing TB incidence, along with the target of a 50 per cent reduction in the mortality rate by 2015 (compared to 1990).

A special “Countdown to 2015” supplement to this year’s report provides full information on the progress to the international TB targets. It details if the world and countries with a high burden of TB are “on-track” or “off- track” and what can be done rapidly to accelerate impact as the 2015 deadline approaches.

Insufficient resources for TB are at the heart of both challenges. TB programmes do not have the capacity to find and care for people who are “hard to reach”, often outside the formal or state health system. Weak links in the TB chain (a chain that includes detection, treatment and care) lead to such people being missed.

On the second challenge, the problem is not only that the links in the MDR-TB chain are weak, but that the links are simply not there yet, the report suggests.

While the number of people detected worldwide with rapid diagnostic tests increased by more than 40 per cent to 94,000 in 2012, three out of four MDR- TB cases still remain without a diagnosis. Even more worrying, around 16,000 MDR-TB cases reported to WHO in 2012 were not put on treatment, with long waiting lists increasingly becoming a problem.

Furthermore, many countries are not achieving high cure rates due to a lack of service capacity and human resource shortages.

A further challenge identified relates to the TB and HIV coepidemic. While there has been significant progress in the last decade in scaling- up antiretroviral treatment for TB patients living with HIV, less than 60 per cent were receiving antiretroviral drugs in 2012. This, the report urges, must improve. Hence, the report recommends five priority actions that could make a rapid difference between now and 2015: 1. Reach the three million-TB cases missed in national notification systems by expanding access to quality testing and care services across all relevant public, private or community based providers, including hospitals and NGOs which serve large proportions of populations at risk.

2. Address with urgency the MDR- TB crisis. Failure to test and treat all those ill with MDR-TB carries public health risks and grave consequences for those affected. High-level political commitment, ownership by all stakeholders, adequate financing and increased cooperation are needed to solve bottlenecks in drug supply and build capacity to deliver quality care.

3. Intensify and build on TB-HIV successes to get as close as possible to full antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage for people coinfected with TB and HIV. 4. Increase domestic and international financing to close the resource gaps–now estimated at about US$2 billion per year–for an effective response to TB in low-and middle income countries. Full replenishment of the Global Fund is essential, given that most low-income countries rely heavily on international donor funding, with the Global Fund providing around 75 per cent of financial resources in these countries.

5. Accelerate rapid uptake of new tools–through technology transfer and operational research to ensure that countries and communities most at risk benefit from these innovations.

We believe that these targets are possible, but governments and health officials would need to take urgent steps, including making the necessary investments in certain priority areas to further reduce TB cases.

Opposition victory in Trinidad was expected in split voting

By Vishnu Bisram

It was no surprise that the People’s National Movement (PNM) won eight local government corporations of the 14 that were up for grabs. The NACTA poll had projected the PNM winning a minimum of eight corps because of the division of the votes among the anti-PNM forces–the People’s Partnership (PP) led by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar and the Independent Liberal Party headed by Jack Warner.

The combined votes of the anti-PNM forces was 57 per cent and the PNM won several seats because of the split votes, suggesting that had the two parties worked out an alliance, they would have won more seats and corporations. Historically, since 1956, in a divided electorate, PNM always wins. But the PP and ILP could not find commonality to come together, and as such, both were defeated.

In terms of votes, NACTA had the UNC at 32 per cent and the ILP at 24 per cent popular support. The United National Congress (UNC) ended up with 30 per cent and the ILP a fraction less of 22 per cent. PNM got 42 per cent. NACTA was stating all along that the PNM would win the elections in a three way split.

The PNM has recovered nicely since its resounding defeats in the general election and local elections of 2010.

There were fears whether the UNC could hold the Indian heartland of Couva

and Princesstown as the polls showed Jack putting up a serious challenge.

In the end, the UNC beat off the challenge. An emotional speech by Kamla, in which she spoke from her heart and her appeal not to split the vote, sealed the deal for the UNC in the heartland. She held the UNC base. In midterm elections, people generally tend to vote against the incumbent, resulting in the loss of five corporations by the UNC partnership. Voter apathy was widespread. Disillusioned

People were disillusioned with the government for its failure to implement some of its promises. The several faux pas and slip ups hurt the UNC among voters, including in its stronghold. It should be noted that the UNC suffered losses including in its Indian heartland, but it held on to enough seats to retain traditional corporations.

Although ILP was confident of winning six corporations, NACTA had it ahead in only one, Chaguanas. NACTA did not show it winning many seats. In Chaguanas, NACTA showed the PNM wining a minimum two seats and that the UNC was closing the gap with the ILP for seats. As it turned out, the UNC won three seats, PNM three seats and ILP two seats.

The voting trends showed that voters are supportive of Jack as a Member of Parliament (MP) and not as a leader of a party that challenges the UNC for supremacy.

They back Kamla, not Jack, for prime minister. After the awarding of aldermen, the three parties are tied at four seats each, creating a hung corporation. An arrangement needs to be worked out for the formation of a government in the borough. But none of the parties want to work with each other, creating an impasse.

The biggest loser in the election was the Congress of the People (COP), which was founded in 2006 by Winston Dookeran, a former Central Bank governor and finance minister, who is now the foreign minister. COP won no seats in 2007 and was given a lease on life in 2010, but did not take advantage of it. The NACTA poll revealed it would not win a single seat of the 54 it was contesting, except in seats where UNC candidates contested under COP’s name.

That was the actual outcome signalling that the COP is dead or is now a corpse as Basdeo Panday described it.

The ILP has now replaced the COP as the third party.

The ILP will be a thorn on the side of the PP, and as such, it cannot be ignored. But the UNC said it wants nothing to do with the ILP. The ILP cannot be ignored because it won significant support and it has shown that it can prevent the UNC from winning seats in a three-way split. The UNC will have to find an accommodation with ILP or else its electoral prospects in 2015 will be very dim.

Coalition and alliance politics is the norm in more and more polities.

New TT$42 million academy to tackle nurse shortage in Trinidad

The health sector in Trinidad and Tobago is currently short of some 2,691 nurses.

The country’s newlycommissioned Academy of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences in El Dorado could meet this need, as well as train for export.

Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Fazal Karim, made the remarks Saturday in an overview at the opening of the refurbished TT$42 million facility, which formerly housed the El Dorado Girls Camp.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declared open the new nursing academy, and unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening.

Tunapuna MP Winston Dookeran, who welcomed invitees to the constituency, said the new institution was evidence of government’s focus on developing human resources.

For too long, he said, the nursing shortage was affecting the health sector negatively, and

there had been no plan of action, to deal with it.

Based on information he was given by Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, Karim said that some 4,270 vacancies existed in the public health sector across four regional health authorities. These include vacancies for 2,691 nurses, 282 personnel in pharmacology, 190 laboratory personnel, and 109 personnel for medical imaging.

Apart from meeting the local needs, he said the training school, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,000 students, now has on roll 1,200.

Training of healthcare personnel locally, he said, could also help to meet the global shortage of nurses and allied health personnel.

The Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in nursing are being conducted by the local College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts and the University of the West Indies.

The new facility is established on 22 acres of land, and includes 13 classrooms and two med-

ical laboratories. It is the first of a major twophase project.

The second phase, Karim said, will include the construction of two additional multi-storey buildings which will house a student-care centre and laboratory facilities.

The original facility which opened in 1976, first housed the El Dorado Youth Apprenticeship scheme, and then the El Dorado Girls camp.

Persad-Bissessar, in a brief address, called on young people who would have just left school, and others with the necessary qualification looking for job opportunities, to apply for training. Apart from acquiring a needed skill, she said that at the end of their training they will have sustainable jobs.

Encouraging persons to apply for the next intake of students which will be in January next year, Persad-Bissessar noted that trainees will be given a stipend while they engage in practical training. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Guyana’s Justice System Modernisation project completed – IDB official lauds its success

left to right: Guyana’s Legal Affairs Ministry

Officials attending the exit workshop for Guyana’s Modernisation of the Justice Administration System (MJAS) project on Monday reported that the project was successful and urged that the modernisation thrust be continued.

The MJAS was approved in 2006 and implementation began in 2007 through a US$25 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Guyana’s Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who addressed the participants at the workshop at Duke Lodge, pointed to the achievements made under the project.

He noted the amended and new laws and legislation, training for personnel within the sector, preparation for voice recognition recordings in the courts, updating and digitalising of the law reports and the laws

of Guyana, legal awareness campaign and increased access to justice for Guyanese.

He specifically observed that the voice recognition system recordings will be first implemented in the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal and the Constitutional and Administrative Law Court. Minister Nandlall pointed out that the systems are being procured and would replace the manual recording system which would enhance the integrity of these court records.

Minister Nandlall also registered his disappointment that members of the legal profession have not taken advantage of the printing of the law reports.

IDB Country Economist Mark Wenner said the organisation is proud of the achievements of the project, which he described as successful. Wenner observed that the goal of the programme was to

Secretary

enhance the investment climate and rights enforcement in Guyana through improved public sector governance.

To achieve this goal, the IDB sought, through the project, to help the government of Guyana strengthen the accountability and administrative efficiency of service delivery in the justice sector, enhance linkages and coordination among justice sector institutions and improve access to justice.

The operation had a policy-based component supported by a US$15 million loan and an investment and technical component backed by a US$10 million investment loan. The policybased component supported the adoption of a series of policy reforms, including legislative and administrative actions that are necessary to improve the accountability, efficiency and accessibility of Guyana’s justice system. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Guyana procures equipment for forensic laboratory

The new forensic laboratory, which will improve the Guyana Police Force’s investigative capacity, is at an advanced stage of completion, with photographic and forensic equipment being procured for investigators. In a statement, the home affairs ministry said using the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) process, the International Pharmaceutical Agency (Guy) Limited of Lot 22 B Camp Street, Georgetown was awarded the contract to supply and deliver items to the Forensic Laboratory as follows: Lot 1–Small Apparatus and Glassware (150 items) in the sum of

Gy$39,616,509. These items include beakers, test tubes, pipettes, and storage containers and Lot 2–Consumables and Chemicals (248 items) in the sum of Gy$10,174,812. These items include chemicals, including reagents and acids. These items are needed to perform daily analysis, testing, and sampling, the ministry said.

Additionally, Pressy Enterprise of Cowan and Parade streets, Kingston, Georgetown, was awarded the contract in the sum of Gy$15,024,000 for the procurement of photographic and forensic equipment for the police force.

Guyana achieves record rice production

Guyana’s rice farmers have produced a record output, surpassing the 500,000 tonnes that were targeted for the entire 2013, and based on the current outlook, last year’s production record may be exceeded by 100,000 tonnes, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy disclosed on Tuesday.

“On Monday, the 21st October, for the first time in our history, we reached a goal which many persons in this country said would be impossible, and those who believe it was possible, thought that it would not happen till 2020. On the 21st October, 2013, Guyana surpassed 500,000 tonnes of rice in our production,” the minister announced.

He added: “At the present time, we are approaching 522,000 tonnes. I used that number because last year’s production was 422,000 tonnes…for us to break that record, with more than 100,000 tonnes is an astounding story, one that all of Guyana should be very proud of.”

At present, the current rice production is 514,000 tonnes, but there is about six to seven percent of the cultivated land yet to be harvested.

Expectations are now high that the country can reach the 600,000

tonne mark, the agriculture minister said.

“Indeed, I would say to everyone that should we be able to find the markets, not the market that would take our rice, because we have enough people who

Back in September, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had announced that a team from Barbados has been contracted to install the equipment to facilitate the smooth running of the forensic laboratory.

Rohee explained then that the imported equipment had to be calibrated on arrival in Guyana before being installed.

“The security features have been already installed and by the third week in October, all the installation will be completed with respect to equipment, which will see the facility being in full operation,” he said. The home affairs ministry has already hired staff. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

that, “because if we can do that, that is another 100,000 tonnes without adding more land, and that would mean that our cost of production would go right down and allow us to compete with other countries on

want our rice, but the markets that would pay us the price we want for our rice, then we can reach 600,000 tonnes within the next year or maximum two years,” the minister declared.

Meanwhile, the minister noted that this massive achievement by the farmers came not as a result of increased acreage, but as a result of higher yields, revealing that “we consistently now surpass five tonnes per hectare,” and are aiming to achieve six tonnes per hectare.

The agriculture ministry is working towards

the world market,” the minister said.

Guyana had two successive years (2011 and 2012) of production of more than 400,000 tonnes of rice. The 412,000 tonnes set for 2012 was surpassed by 10,000 tonnes. A total of 334,000 tonnes were exported, while in 2011, the production was 402,000 tonnes. New rice varieties and management strategies such as the sixpoint practice have been credited for higher yields of rice, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

UWI recognised by Canada’s ‘Saving Brains’ project

The University of the West Indies, Mona, has been nominated for a scaleup grant of up to Cdn$2 million from Grand Challenges Canada for a project that will put online a package of low-cost materials proven to help early cognitive stimulation to support in-home interventions by community workers in developing countries.

The project is led by Dr Christine Powell, senior lecturer at the university's Tropical Medicine Research Institute. The materials can be used, despite limited training, by any qualified person, including from non-government organisations, international agencies, and departments of government. They include a curriculum, training manuals, books, play materials, and training videos tailored to the children's culture.

The project is one of 14 bold, creative new ideas for improving the early brain development of children in lowresource countries to be supported with Cdn$10.1 million under the 'Saving Brains' project run by Grand Challenges Canada, which is funded by the Canadian government.

Other projects in Colombia, Bangladesh and Indonesia are scaleup award nominees for board-approved grants up to Cdn$2 million, pending successful contract negotiations.

Uwi, mona, has been nominated for a scaleup grant of up to cdn$2 million from grand challenges canada

Seed grants of Cdn$270,000 each are also given to seven organisations in different parts of the world—in Vietnam (two grants), Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Zambia and Peru. Three other seed grants are given to Canadian organisations: The Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto (two grants), and the University Health Network also in Toronto.

Commenting on the initiative, Grand Challenges Chief Executive Officer Dr Peter A Singer, said "impoverished brains result in impoverished countries."

"For a wide-range of sad, all-too-familiar and preventable reasons, an estimated 200 million children under five years old in the world's 112 low- and middle-income countries will fail

to reach their brain's full development potential," he said.

"These projects illustrate well the success of our search for 'bold ideas with big impact', pioneering new approaches worldwide to maximise the number of kids in low-resource countries who achieve and contribute to their fullest capabilities," Dr Singer added.

Meanwhile, honorary chairperson of the programme, Laureen Harper said, "The Grand Challenges Canada Saving Brains programme is designed to help millions of children in developing countries who fail to reach their full development potential due to such factors as malnutrition, infection, birth complications, or a lack of nurturing and stimulation at an early age."

Canada's Minister of International Development Christian Paradis stressed his government's commitment "to advancing the health of the world's most vulnerable mothers, newborns and children".

"We are proud to partner with Grand Challenges Canada to find innovative solutions to the most pressing global health challenges. The Saving Brains programme is just one example of how innovation can help improve the lives of children in their earliest days." (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Police shooting sparks outrage in Jamaica

Anger erupted in sections of Mountain View Avenue, St Andrew, Jamaica on Monday following the killing of a 19-year-old man by the police.

Residents alleged that Romarco Wilson was shot in cold blood while at his home at about 12:30 pm. The fuming residents blocked several roads in the community with burning tyres and other objects in protest.

‘The youth was at his home; him just talk to him mother about an hour before and she leave him. That was when a group of police came to the area and just go in a him house and shoot him dead," one female resident said.

Wilson's mother, Mitchelle Dickson, said

she spoke to her son not long before the incident. She said she had asked him to accompany her on the road, but he declined and opted to stay home and watch television.

"Mi son don't even smoke. Him nuh trouble people. He was not a criminal," she said.

The protest disrupted the flow of traffic along busy Mountain View Avenue, forcing many motorists to use alternative routes. The situation was brought under control when a joint police/military team was summoned to the area.

"This not going to go just so; di police dem kill di youth in cold blood and we tired of this," one obviously distraught man said.

Still fresh on the residents minds was a sim-

TT’s Central Bank governor plugs

more Caribbean economists in IMF

Central Bank Governor of Trinidad and Tobago Jwala Rambarran is making a case to the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde to hire more Caribbean economists in the Fund.

Rambarran made the comment while speaking at the 2013 Caribbean Breakfast Meeting with Lagarde at the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group International Monetary Fund, in Washington, DC last week.

Rambarran pointed out in recent years the number of Caribbean workers at the IMF has dwindled and there is the perception of a weak recruitment will by the Fund in the region. Rambarran advised Lagarde to re-engage the Caribbean as it did decades ago to actively recruit economists and further efforts to strengthen their career progression and promotion in the Fund.

Citing esteemed Caribbean intellects such as Sir Arthur Lewis and Lloyd

Best, Rambarran said Caribbean people have the expertise to work at the Fund. Rambarran told Lagarde he understands she has taken a keen interest in the matter and feels confident she will reverse the decline. On more technical matters, Rambarran called on Lagarde and the IMF to move quickly in the next year to address the Caribbean’s high debt, low growth challenges. As he underlined the urgency in dealing with the region’s debt, Rambarran said the

IMF and the Caribbean need to identify areas in which the Fund could be of assistance since most Caribbean small states continue to face debt burdens that are high or near distress levels. Rambarran is urging Lagarde and the IMF to work with the Caribbean to, “confront head on this high debt-low growth vicious circle.”

While commending the IMF for its increasing level of engagement in the region, Rambarran said the Caribbean is heartened by the Fund’s willingness to consider additional ways to strengthen institutional capacity in small states. Rambarran praised the Fund for conducting a Caribbeanwide Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP). The policy recommendations from this study are seen as vital in developing plans to strengthen financial stability across the region. Rambarran also invited Lagarde to visit the Caribbean to get a firsthand look at the economic development programmes being implemented in the region. (TT Newsday)

Two Caribbean nationals convicted on drug charges in Barbados

Police said that two Caribbean nationals including a Jamaican were ordered to pay more than Bd$200,000 in fines after they were found guilty of several drug related charges on Monday.

A police statement said that 28-yearold Lamar Osbourne of Jamaica had pleaded guilty to four drug related charges and was fined Bd$20,000 to be paid forthwith or serve 18 months in jail on the charge of importation of drugs.

ilar killing last year involving police youth club member 25-year-old Kavorn Schue. Reports at the time were that Schue was shot and killed inside his Jarrett Lane home.

Monday, senior police personnel also visited the community in an attempt to speak to the residents. However, the citizens hurled insults on them, pointing out that the police had betrayed their trust.

The police had earlier said that they would continue to maintain a presence in the area as there were several flareups between rival gangs in the area.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has launched a probe into the killing. (Jamaica Observer)

The statement said that he was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the other charges.

Osbourne arrived in Barbados on October 25, and after clearing Immigration and Customs, was intercepted, and interviewed by members of the Drug Squad.

The court was told on Monday that he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) where he later passed 68 packages of cannabis weighting 1.5 pounds which he had ingested.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago national, Nerry Beryl Joefield, 40, appeared in court on Monday charged with possession of four pounds of cocaine, trafficking in cocaine as well as possession with intent to supply and the importation of cocaine.

The court was told that she arrived from Trinidad on October 26 and a search of her luggage revealed a false bottom containing the drugs.

Joefield was fined Bd$120,000 to be paid forthwith or face three years in jail on the charge of possession with intent to supply. (Jamaica Observer)

Three Trinidadians hospitalised in London with swine flu

The three Trinidadians who contracted the H1N1 virus (swine flu) while on their recent pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia are still being treated at a London hospital.

TT’s Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan told the media in Trinidad Monday that based on the latest information he had from the TT High Commission in London, England one of the patients is in the Intensive Care Unit of the University College London Hospital, another is being treated on the ward, and the third is under observation.

The patient in the ICU is Madree Swamad, who together with her husband Earl Swamad, were on the pilgrimage. On Sunday, Khan told TT

media that a notice was put out for all those who were on the tour group.

This year about 250 people from TT made the annual pilgrimage in four groups. Khan has since called on the different groups to inform the ministry of health of their situation.

Expressing concern for the health of the three patients, he said he was happy that they did not contract the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The MERS virus, he said, has a higher mortality rate than H1N1. Earlier this month, Khan reported that there were two suspected swine flu deaths in Trinidad. (TT Newsday)

Trinidadian investor opens billion dollar hardware store in Guyana

As Guyana continues to see a boom in its construction industry, a hardware company out of Trinidad, R Maye Inc owned by Guyanese Rajendra Maye, has made a timely investment in the Land of Many Waters to add to the supply of related materials.

R Maye Guyana Incorporated, at Lot 477 Plantation Site, Providence, East Bank Demerara, was officially opened on Saturday evening. In attendance were President Donald Ramotar, Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali and the employees of the new hardware store.

Giving the fea-

ture address, President Ramotar acknowledged the timely establishment of the business, noting that it will contribute significantly to Guyana’s housing and construction sectors.

“Our housing programme is moving apace; our construction industry is now contributing significantly to the economy of Guyana...this investment is coming at a time when you have so many other investments coming through and at the same time, offering a product that will be very competitive”, he said.

Almost 100 jobs created

He noted that the new hardware store presents competition not only in

price but in terms of the stock of products needed on the local market. He also acknowledged the attendant benefit of job creation, as close to

Canadian education fair now

Representatives of 23 Canadian colleges and universities are currently in the island for the Jamaica leg of the 2013 Caribbean Regional Education Tour (CRET), an education fair initiative being staged by the High Commission of Canada.

The four-day event, which opened Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, is part of the ‘Imagine: Studying in Canada! Programme of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD),’ which offers students and teachers the chance to learn about international education opportunities in Canada.

The 'by-invitationonly' education fair will move to Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in

Montego Bay, St James on Friday.

High school students and Guidance Counsellors will get the opportunity to visit with all the colleges and universities represented at the fair. Over 75 local high schools and community colleges have been invited to participate in this year's activities.

The Jamaican leg of the Education Fair is part of the 2013 CRET sponsored by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and hosted by Canadian Missions throughout the Caribbean. Between October and November, the study tour visits six Caribbean islands— Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia and The Bahamas. (Jamaica Observer)

The People’s National Movement (PNM), which gained the largest number of corporations in the October 21 local government elections, Monday released the names of its 37 aldermen in 12 corporations. The front-runners for the position of mayors of Port-of-Spain, Arima, San Fernando and Point Fortin respectively are Raymond Tim Kee, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation; businessman George Hadeed, businessman Kazim Hosein and Clyde Paul, who previously held the post.

The party has also nominated Daryl Smith, Ramdai Amarsingh Rampersad and Onika Myers-Haynes to head the Diego Martin, San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation and Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporations respectively. At the close of the polls, the party won eight of the 14 municipalities, with the People’s Partnership (PP) gaining five and a

100 persons are now employed there.

“Maye gives a service to many people who are in construction, because he is giving a service of quality and at the same time, competitive price, while making a contribution to the economy of our country and to the development of all the things that we have,” Ramotar said.

During the opening ceremony, the owner of the entity said the investment, which costs Gy$1 billion, stemmed from a conversation involving himself, President Ramotar and Minister Ali a few years ago in Trinidad. “I’m going to give the people the

raymond tim kee, president of the trinidad and tobago Football Federation has been named for the post of mayor of Port-of-spain. (TT Newsday file photo)

split occurring in the borough of Chaguanas, with the PNM and People’s Partnership acquiring three districts each and the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) two. This was the first time that aldermen were allocated using the system of proportional representation. Under the PR system, the Elections and Boundaries Commission announced last Friday the PNM would have 36 aldermen in 12 corporations. The PNM’s aldermen for the Arima Borough Corporation are George Hadeed;

best price I could. It is the cheapest, the quality is the best.

The reason why they would get it through me is because I manufacture about 50 per cent of my products that I sell, like everything for roofing, from windows to PVC pipes,” Maye outlined.

While he assured the Guyanese public of the best prices on the local market, he explained that they will not be as fortunate as their Trinidadian counterparts, because there is a vast difference in the cost of energy, which makes costs higher in Guyana.

He said the manufac-

businessman clyde Paul has been named for the post of mayor for Point Fortin, a position he previously held

Laurel Lezama Lee Sing; Bertiney Pollidore and Herman Noel. Aben Phillips is nominated for the Chaguanas Borough Corporation. For the Diego Martin Regional Corporation, there are Daryl Smith; Irene Hinds; Jane Simon and Mary Lou Veronica Ammon.

Nominated for the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation are Hamil Hosein and Elitha Bessor while for Point Fortin Borough Corporation are Clyde Paul; Surina London; Derek Dindia and Leslie Pascall.

The names placed for Port-of-Spain

turing aspect of his company is also expected to be opened in Guyana, but the lack of affordable energy is currently a hindrance.

“Energy is cheaper in Trinidad, so that’s the reason why the manufacture aspect wouldn’t be such a benefit as in Trinidad. It is a cost factor, because everything relies on energy so once energy is expensive, the price will go up,” he explained.

He added that with the realisation of hydro power, Guyana will be able to benefit from cheaper energy and all the economic benefits that stem from it.

(Guyana Times)

City Corporation are Raymond Tim Kee; Aasha Permanand; Rono Callender and James Chin Ching. Pearl James and Marlon Mohammed are named for the Princes Town Regional Corporation while for the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation, there are Ramdai Amarsingh Rampersad; Sherma Wilson; Ulric Maule and Anthony Roberts.

Nominations for the San Fernando City Corporation are Kazim Hosein; Vidia Mungal-Bissessar; Junia Regrello and Patricia Victor-Wilson while David Alonzo and John Renn are named for the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. For the Siparia Regional Corporation, there are Patsy Ransome and Junior Thompson while Onika MyersHaynes; Roodal Lalman; Edwin Gooding and Hayden Alexander are named for the Tunapuna/ Piarco Regional Corporation. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Jamaica, The Bahamas and TT lead Caribbean in improving business climate

Anew World Bank Group report finds that in the Caribbean, region three economies–The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago–took steps to improve their business regulatory environment over the past year. The report, ‘Doing Business 2014: Understanding Regulations for Small and Medium---Size Enterprises’, finds that Jamaica led the way in the Caribbean by adopting new legislation for private credit bureaus, reducing the corporate income tax rate, and streamlining procedures

for starting a new business.

The Bahamas reduced the cost of transferring property and improved its insolvency process. Trinidad and Tobago is featured by the report in a case study highlighting its efforts to lower the cost of connecting to the power supply.

The country is also recognised for simplifying procedures for registering a new business.

“It is encouraging to see countries in the Caribbean engaged in reforms aimed at reducing burdensome regulations and building stronger legal institu-

tions,” said World Bank Group, Global Indicators and Analysis Director Augusto Lopez-Claros.

He added: “Even after these achievements,

however, more can be done to improve the quality of the rules underpinning the activities of the private sector, to ensure continued con-

Trinidadian farmers stage protest for removal of food production minister

Farmers of Trinidad took to the streets of the capital city Monday calling for the removal of Food Production Minister Devant Maharaj who they claimed was destroying the agricultural sector. Farmers from Plum Mitan, Plum Road, Pineapple Fields in Mausica, Maloney, Bon Air, in Arouca, Manzanilla, Chase Village, Los Iros, Rio Claro and various farming organisations took part in the demonstration.

The farmers walked from Woodford Square to the Prime Minister’s Office, St Clair, where they gave a letter to press secretary Francis

Joseph. They also walked to the ministry at Serpentine Road, St Clair, where they gave a copy of the letter to the minister’s secretary. The letter listed 18 issues. The farmers want Vasant Bharath to be reappointed as the food production minister. Maharaj replaced Bharath as the food production minister in the last Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. President of the Agricultural Society Dhano Sookoo said the farmers have made numerous attempts to contact Maharaj by telephone and in writing but to no avail. The society, she said, represented 86

associations with 12,000 farmers. Sookoo said the farmers were giving the minister two weeks to respond to their queries. She said one issue brought up in the letter was how TT$1.2 billion was spent by the ministry and nothing was achieved.

The letter questioned the whereabouts of 200 head of goats and cows from the United States, why flood relief claims were not paid to farmers, who were the beneficiaries of the mega-farms and other concerns. “We want the minister to tell us what happened to the TT$1.2 billion that was spent on the agricultural sector. We want to know where that went. Why do

vergence toward the better practices seen elsewhere in the world.”

The report’s global annual ranking on the ease of doing business shows that Singapore has the most businessfriendly regulations. Joining it on the list of the top 10 in the ranking are Hong Kong SAR, China; New Zealand; the United States; Denmark; Malaysia; the Republic of Korea; Georgia; Norway; and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the global rankings, every year ‘Doing Business’ reports the economies that have improved the most on the indicators since

the previous year.

Top 10 economies

The 10 economies topping that list this year are (in order of improvement) Ukraine, Rwanda, the Russian Federation, the Philippines, Kosovo, Djibouti, Côte d’Ivoire, Burundi, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Guatemala.

The Caribbean region includes Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Tax free salary increase for Vincentian public servants this week

Public servants in St Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit from a salary increase of 1.5 percent which will not be taxed when they are paid later this week. The money is half of the three per cent salary increase owed to them since January 2011.

Half of the amount was paid last year, and on Sunday, which was the island’s Independence Day, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed that the money will be paid this week.

we have to import food when our farmers here have food rotting?” she asked.

Meanwhile, minister Maharaj said the protest by the farmers was a distraction to an ongoing criminal probe. “This protest has been orchestrated by ASTT and sympathisers and does not constitute the farmers,” he said. It was arranged, he added, to distract attention “from the financial improprieties and complaints before the Fraud Squad and I would not be distracted by non-issues. They are investigating financial complaints under the stewardship of Dhano Sookoo.” (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

“As our government has demonstrated repeatedly, we keep our promises solemnly which we make to our people, even though sometimes, now and again, infrequently, circumstances may conspire to cause delays in the delivery of a specific promise,” Gonsalves said as he delivered his Independence Day address.

“Accordingly, in their October pay check next week, all categories of public servants, including daily-paid employees will receive backdated to January the 1, 2011, a one-and-a-half per cent increase in salary, the balance to the heretofore-agreed salary

increase,” he said as he addressed the Military Parade at Victoria Park, in Kingstown.

“Our government has had to find an additional sum in excess of EC$9 million to effect this payment, a worthy accomplishment in these challenging times……and I want you to hear this. This retroactive salary increase is being granted, being made, being delivered tax-free,” he said to cheers from the large crowd.

“By this gesture, the value of the package for the public servants is being increased by a further EC$1 million. I feel sure that all public servants, teachers, nurses, police officers and the other relevant categories of public employees, including the daily paid will appreciate the special effort of our government in delivering on this solemn promise,” said Gonsalves, who is also the finance minister. He said payments to public servants and some daily-paid workers would have been made Wednesday. The other daily-paid workers will be paid on Friday, Gonsalves said, and explained that this is so, because all the necessary calculations have not been made.

Gonsalves also announced that for the 13th consecutive year, his government is providing tax-free concession on Christmas barrels. This year, the programme runs from November 18 to December 31.

“This concession brings the Christmas cheer to thousands of Vincentians,” he said, adding that 18,000 barrels were imported under the initiative last year. (Caribbean News)

Guyana captures five regional CXC awards

Guyana has again dominated the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and will pick up five of the eight awards, which will be presented to top students at this year’s examinations.

The announcement was made by Guyana’s Education Minister Priya Manickchand during a special press conference last Thursday. Manickchand expressed satisfaction with the performance of the students, noting that it was a proud moment for Guyana.

“I am extremely pleased to congratulate these students on their momentous achievements…To the teachers and parents who would

have worked incredibly hard to ensure that these children perform at the highest level, I thank you,” the minister said.

Topping the list of awardees is Yogetta Persaud of Anna Regina Secondary School who will be presented with an award for Overall Outstanding Achievement.

Rafeena Mohammed from the Saraswatie Vidya Niketan School copped the award for Most Outstanding in Humanities, Cecil Cox of Queen’s College for Most Outstanding in Sciences, Sasha Woodroffe of Queen’s College for Most Outstanding in Business Studies, and Zimeena Rasheed of Anna Regina Secondary School for Most Outstanding in

Technical Vocational. Goal to win all awards

The other three awards for Most Outstanding Candidate in Visual Arts–TwoDimensional Work; Most Outstanding Candidate in Visual Arts–Three-

Dimensional Work, and Most Outstanding Candidate in Short Story Writing were won by students outside of Guyana. Manickchand said Guyana will be working to win all eight awards sometime in the future.

The minister said the achievements of the students are a reflection of the investments government continue to make in the education sector. “The government remains committed to the development of the education provided to our students which means that as a country we will be producing more students of high quality who will be well equipped with the essential skills that will forge a development strategy from which all Guyanese will

benefit,” she added.

Meanwhile, in addressing whether students should be restricted to writing fewer subjects, Manickchand said the education ministry does not encourage students to write large numbers of subjects.

According to her, the policy states that a student would have to show remarkable competency before they are allowed to write more than eight to 10 subjects. She also emphasised that these students would also be required to pass the Grade Nine exams before they can sign up for the exams.

She said, “The fact that we have students writing 20 means we have the capacity to write 20.” Manickchand

stated that the ministry will not dictate how many subjects one student can write, if they are willing and able to, then those persons would be allowed to write the exams. She added that over the last decade, Guyanese students have proved that they have the capacity that will catapult them into world leadership.

Within the last decade, Guyana has been consistently winning awards from CXC based on the excellent performance of students, dominating the regional awards. The country has copped the award for Overall Outstanding Achievement over the past 10 years, except in 2010. (Guyana Times)

TT team promotes offshore auction in Houston

Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine

led a Trinidad and Tobago delegation to Houston, Texas, last Friday to drum up support for the upcoming offshore auction. The team met with potential investors in a share of six deep-water fields TT plans to develop.

Ramnarine said the auction is the second he has overseen as minister and he believes the decision to use production sharing contracts, in which the government splits the produced oil with other investors, will add to the offer’s appeal.

“We have reinvested the upstream and opened up the deep water for exploration,” he said in an interview. “There are now six production-sharing contracts—all six have my signature on them. There will be more to come from this bidding round.”

Other efforts by

the government to attract investment, such as lowering the tax rate for production, will also increase the auction’s chance of success, Ramnarine said.

The round will offer six offshore blocks for lease on Trinidad’s east coast area and in the offshore area northeast of Venezuela. The blocks cover about 15,400 square miles with water depths from 2,000 to 11,000 feet. Bids will be accepted through

January 2014. Just as plans for the bid round go into high gear, the land-based bid round will be ending later this week.

It is the first since the late 1990s when the bid round led to the Carapal Ridge discovery in the Central Block which is now being operated by British Gas.

According to a release from the energy ministry, it is expected that there will be a high degree of interest in this latest onshore bid round from companies already operating locally, as well as new entrants.

The ministry formally launched the 2013 onshore bid round on May 16 with the publication of the Petroleum Regulations (Onshore Competitive Bidding) Order, 2013. Three exploration and Production Licences are being offered in this round of bidding, representing

approximately 150,000 acres of state lands in Trinidad’s prolific Southern Basin. These consist of the Rio Claro Block (74,954 acres), the Ortoire Block (44,731 acres) and the St Mary’s Block (37,760 acres). These acreages offer a range of opportunities related to block siz-

es, production potential and hydrocarbon play types. There is a wealth of well and seismic data that should reduce the risk and time of exploration and the blocks are located in a proven commercial hydrocarbon province within close proximity to existing infrastructure and produc-

ing fields. Successful bidders will be issued exploration and production licences and will also enter into a joint operating agreement with state-owned Petrotrin, which will also have a 20 per cent carry in all three blocks on offer. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Guyana, Suriname parliaments to work together

Guyana and its neighbour Suriname have renewed their pledge to become closer through their respective parliaments by sharing experiences and knowledge. This was disclosed by Speaker of Guyana’s National Assembly Raphael Trotman following his meeting with Suriname’s Speaker Dr Jennifer Geerling-Simmons on Saturday at Parliament Building, Guyana. Dr Geerling-Simmons was on a visit to Guyana along with an 11-member delegation.

According to Trotman, the visit sought to bring the two parliamentary systems together with a view of gaining firsthand experience on how their systems work. Trotman is hopeful that this exchange can continue, whereby parliamentarians from Guyana can travel to neighbouring countries on an annual or biannual basis and collaborate on a number of priority issues.

According to Dr Geerling-Simmons, “We agreed very much that we need a structural form of

cooperation between the parliaments.” She said while there were agreements, both parliamentary bodies need to return to their nations to formally conclude arrangements.

As both countries face similar challenges in the various sectors, Dr Geerling-Simmons said they should be able assess experiences taking place within the two Houses and governments, and work together to solve problems through the sharing of information.

Connecting two peoples Trotman expressed

similar sentiments, noting, “The best way to connect the two peoples apart from direct contact between the peoples, and they have a lot of it, is to connect the parliaments, to try to have the parliaments talk to each other, so that we experience what are the challenges and we might be able to consider a legislation in Suriname, maybe on economical issues.”

He added, “There are tens of thousands of Guyanese living in Suriname and shortly from the Guyana end… we cannot be unmind-

ful of the fact that we are joined by the hip…the river really unites us rather than separates us, it’s really a bridge between us”.

With SurinameGuyana flights already a fact and a bridge expected to be built across the river soon, Trotman said: “The parliaments need to get their acts together and also to formally join themselves to each other.”

Meanwhile, responding to questions on formalising the backtrack route between the two countries, the Surinamese Speaker said she believed it was something for the two countries’ governments to address.

Apart from the relations that exist between the two governments, she said her visit and the strengthening of parliamentary ties would seek to formulate linkages at that level to strive for more opportunities.

Last Friday, human trafficking and piracy were among issues discussed by the Surinamese delegation when they met members of the foreign relations committee of Guyana. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Schoolboys on murder charge in Trinidad

Two 15-yearold Trinidadian schoolboys and a 20- minors, both of Gonzales, Belmont, cannot be identified as they are classified as minors under the law, while the third accused is Johnathan Lawrence Johnson, of Old Bay Road, Maracas Bay. Ayers-Caesar said because of their age the two schoolboys would be remanded to the St Michael’s Home for Boys, while Lawrence was remanded into prison custody.

Before reading the charges, she spoke to the boys’ parents, who were sitting at the back of the courtroom, and asked them to stand alongside their children in the prisoner enclosure while the charges were being read. Despite his age, AyersCaesar also allowed Johnson’s father to stand behind his son for the hearing. “He is 20 but he does not look like 20,” she said.

While their parents stood with their heads lowered, the boys, who barely measured over five feet in height, were seen glancing around the courtroom and smil-

ing periodically. They are charged with killing David between October 17 and 24. He was reported missing on October 18 and his decomposing body was found in a grave in a forested area off Barrow Road, Old Bay Road, Maracas Bay, last Wednesday. The suspects were arrested by the North Eastern Division Task Force (NEDTF) early last week.

A post-mortem at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, revealed David had been beaten and chopped to death. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Child victims of incest, rape among HIV-infected in Jamaica

Ten-year-old children, many of them victims of incest and rape, are among the 1.7 per cent (32,000) of the Jamaican population that has tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The figure represents an increase in the number of cases identified up to 2008 with women and young girls numbered prominently in the spike.

“We are able to track viral transmission separately from mother to child," Dr Sharlene Jarrett from the National Family Planning Board said. "That has been our most successful programme. So what we are seeing are the sexually transmitted infections,

from the incest cases, rape, and need-base cases."

Dr Jarrett made this revelation at the weekly Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange this week.

Melissa McNeilBarrett, assistant representative from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said the increase in the prevalence rate of HIV showed that women and young girls are the dominant victims.

"It is being regarded in the Caribbean as the feminisation of the epidemic as women and girls are becoming more and more infected and are experiencing more prevalence rate," McNeil-Barrett said.

"We are particularly concerned about the adolescents, and particularly what we are seeing among young girls because the data will show from the HIV pro-

gramme that girls ages 15 to 19 are three times more likely to be infected than their counterparts of the same age."

One of the main reasons cited for this in-

crease among females is gender inequality because girls, for example, may not be in a position to negotiate condom usage for their own protection.

She said violence also facilitates greater transmission of HIV among girls and women. "So certainly, there is an increase that is being observed and it will require greater focus, greater intervention on HIV prevention efforts, particularly among women and girls," McNeil-Barrett said.

She said there are also key groups that are at higher risk and who factor in the lack of access to services. Some of the key populations include young people

who do not have access to health-care services, young people who are not as informed, the homeless, women engaged in sex work, men who have sex with men (MSM) and drug users.

Dr Jarrett explained that while it was difficult to track the prevalence rate leading up to 2008, the estimate was based on what was seen in antinatal clinics since that group of women is representative of sexually active people in the country.

However, stigma and discrimination attached to HIV continue to aid in people shying away from testing, while men are simply refusing to get tested. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

George Washington University Hospital wraps up Guyana outreach

Under a strategic partnership with the health ministry, a specialist team from the George Washington University Hospital was recently in Guyana on a seven-day medical outreach. The 21-member team, which consisted of urologists, anaesthesiologists, general surgeons and nurses, arrived in Guyana two Saturdays ago.

The team included urologist Joseph Benjamin, a Guyanaborn doctor who left the country when he was a child. This was his first trip back to his homeland.

The team, which brought its own medical supplies and surgical instruments, conducted complex surgeries in their respective specialisations at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Approximately

20 surgeries of the most complicated cases in urology, and approximately 40 general surgeries were done.

In addition, the team held several medical and nursing lectures accredited by the Guyana Medical Council. These sessions

aimed to share new concepts and best practices within the respective professions.

The medical team was accompanied by a video production crew that has been working on productions about the Guyana health sector.

Health Organisation (PAHO) Regional Sanitary Conference.

The minister’s invitation was part of the ministry’s ongoing initiative to forge new strategic partnerships with the international community to boost Guyana’s health services.

Under the minister’s stewardship, similar outreaches have been done with Calgary University, among others.

The university hospital team, which visited in January to conduct a preliminary assessment of Guyana’s health facilities, financed its air travel cost, while the ministry provided funding for housing, ground transportation and meals.

Foreign diplomats up pressure on APNU

Key diplomats in Guyana on Tuesday met with officials of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as they continue to pressure the main opposition coalition to move forward with the government and pass the anti-money laundering bill.

The meeting comes on the heels of the United States and the United Kingdom expressing concern about the status of the legislation. The APNU said the meeting was held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

“The main concern of the diplomats was

said that APNU should put forward its proposal when the House convenes. It is anticipated that the bill will soon be read in the House for a third time before it is debated.

Accusing the APNU of employing delaying tactics ahead of the November 18 deadline set by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) concluded the work of the parliamentary special select committee in the absence of the opposition last week. However, Ambassador Hardt believes that the opposition can still make its case.

the status of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill,” the coalition said in its statement.

The APNU added that it used the opportunity to restate its concerns about the shortcomings of the current legislation and the fact that the work of the select committee was brought to an abrupt end without the benefit of significant input from the partnership and other interested parties.

“APNU assured the Western diplomats that the partnership is desirous of an antimoney laundering and countering the financing of terrorism legislation that is not flawed; that restructures and strengthens the capacity of the Financial Intelligence Unit and addresses all of the deficits of the current legislation.”

Blacklisting

Present at the meeting were U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt, British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, Canadian High Commissioner Dr Nicole Giles, and European Union representative Derek Lambe. APNU was represented by its chairman and opposition leader, retired Brigadier David Granger; Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; Basil Williams; Carl Greenidge; Joseph Harmon; and Ronald Bulkan.

During their interview with Guyanese media on Monday, the U.S. and U.K. envoys warned that the effects of being blacklisted can be damaging if Guyana does not pass the bill. The diplomats also

“If the main opposition has amendments or ideas it thinks can make the legislation stronger, to make sure that it meets all of CFATF’s standards, they should put those on the table and debate them and move the legislation forward.”

Difficulties

Meanwhile, Ayre said already British investors are worried about some substantial investments in the pipeline for Guyana. Guyanese banks will face sanctions if the anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism bill is not passed. He noted that with regards to the Bank of England, that institution is putting systems in place to cushion the impact that will likely follow if Guyana is blacklisted owing to its non-compliance with the CFATF requirements.

“The Bank of England is concerned about Guyana’s move towards potential blacklisting. It is in touch with my high commission in order to carry out continuous planning if blacklisting formally happens,” the British diplomat said. Ayre said the process of sending remittances from the U.K. to Guyana will become difficult, as a result of increased scrutiny if the country is blacklisted.

“In terms of U.K. business investors, of course, they are worried about some substantial investments which are in the pipeline, so they don’t want Guyana to be, in any way, blacklisted, because it will increase the cost of doing business here.”

(Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Jamaica actively looking into reforming ganja law

Jamaica’s Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding has said active consideration is being given to reforming the law relating to ganja in Jamaica to allow its use, but within certain parameters.

Those boundaries include possession of marijuana for medical use, scientific research, religious purposes, and possession of small amounts of ganja (that is amounts of up to two ounces) for recreational use. It is also considering permitting the smoking of ganja in private places.

The justice minister made the disclosure during last Friday's sitting of the Senate while responding to questions posed by Opposition Senator Robert 'Bobby' Montague who queried, among other things, whether the government would consider legalising ganja for medical use.

The justice minister, however, made it clear that the considerations were just that.

Considerations

"These considerations do not yet represent government policy as they have not been considered by Cabinet.

Careful examination of the implications of this reform, including the government's international obligations is being conducted before a submission is made to Cabinet for a policy decision to be made and the appropriate amendments to be made to the law," he told the Senate.

purchase, distribution, importation or exportation of any narcotic or Psychotropic substance.

Last Friday, Golding said the Attorney General's Chambers had pointed out that the obligations of the State Parties to criminalise the possession, purchase or cultivation of narcotic drugs are subject to the constitutional principles and basic concepts of the State's legal system.

Senator Golding said it was being considered whether such justification may be made based on the right to freedom of religion and the right to respect for and pro-

tection of private life and the privacy of the home.

As for the steps the government was taking to promote research and regulate the medical ganja industry in Jamaica, he said a taskforce, "The Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force Towards Green Gold Prosperity", had been established by a group with varied interests including entrepreneurs, business persons, scientists, technologists, farmers, members of the legal fraternity, and laymen. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Golding said a draft Cabinet Submission had been prepared and was being reviewed within the ministry of justice before being sent to other ministries, departments and agencies for their comments after which it would be sent to Cabinet for consideration.

In the meantime, he said, the opinion of the Attorney General's Chambers was sought with respect to whether Jamaica was party to any treaty that would prevent the government from legalising ganja or declassifying ganja as a criminal offence.

Golding said the response from the Chambers indicated that Jamaica's international obligations on measures to be taken against the possession and use of ganja are contained in the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and its 1972 Protocol as well as the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Restrictions

The UN Single Convention requires State Parties to "limit exclusively to medical and scientific purposes the production, manufacture, export, import, distribution of, trade in, use, and possession of drugs". The 1988 Convention requires State Parties to criminalise certain forms of conduct, such as the production, cultivation, extraction, sale,

UG Berbice campus launches social work degree programme

Berbice residents now have the opportunity to obtain a degree in social work without being burdened by the financial and other costs of travelling to the University of Guyana Turkeyen campus to attend classes.

This follows the launching of the programme at the Tain campus in Berbice last week. The move to offer the degree programme at the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus (UGBC) has been lauded by students, many of whom were unable to pursue the degree after completing the diploma in social work.

Some students have waited for as many as six years for the opportunity to further their studies.

Higher education

Speaking at the

launch of the programme last Tuesday, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster noted that the government remained committed to ensure persons continue to have the opportunity to lift their standard of living. “I know President Donald Ramotar is committed towards providing the requisite support to ensure that we improve the quality of higher education delivered in this institution.”

She said social work was critical to Guyana’s development. However, she warned that there was need for the social work programme to be accepted in other Caribbean countries and to have Caribbean students enrol in the programme. She said when the students obtained

their degrees, it would not be the end of their training.

Noting that sexual abuse, human trafficking and gender violence make headlines daily, the minister called on the Faculty of Social Sciences to consider the issue of suicide in Region Six.

UG

Sociology

Department head Dionne Frank noted that offering the degree programme in Berbice is part of the department’s plans to reposition social work education and training in Guyana as tools to enhance economic development.

The diploma programme was introduced

at the university in 1971 and 18 years later, the bachelor’s degree programme was added. “This is attributed to the fact that we say a growing number of graduants expressing a desire to continue their studies.”

The diploma programme was a part of the UGBC course offerings from the inception. From an initial intake of 10, the social work class has been growing steadily since and this year’s freshman class has 75 students.

“Those students from Berbice who were privileged to attend the Turkeyen campus constantly kept reminding us of the constraints that they face in attending that campus.

Today, the university is excited to be responding to the needs of the growing number of grad-

uates of the diploma programme in Region Five and Six who waited to have their legitimate expectation for opportunities for higher education in their field met,” the departmental head said. Postgraduate programme Frank added that the postgraduate programme will be offered at the UGBC next year. Also speaking at the launch was UG Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi, who said two other programmes are soon to be introduced at the Tain campus. Noting that the social work degree is the third degree programme being offered at the UGBC, he said shortly a degree in biology will be offered, while a degree in banking will come on stream soon after. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Caricom/Canada talks to ‘bear fruit’

Trinidad and Tobago’s Trade and Industry Minister Vasant Bharath last Friday said he is optimistic that ongoing Caricom/Canada talks to replace a key agreement which entitles businesses to concessions in the Canadian market, “will bear fruit”.

Caricom and Canada have been discussing a new deal since 2007, but the existing trade deal, known as the Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement (Caribcan), cannot be renewed due to World Trade Organisation opposition. The WTO has ruled its preferential duty-free access is incompatible with WTO rules.

Chamber of Industry and Commerce export financing seminar, Bharath noted the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller, has been mandated at the Caricom level to meet with the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, with a view to completing a replacement agreement as quickly as possible.

He said Caricom is hoping for an extension of negotiations until the end of the first quarter 2014.

Speaking with the media following a

“Canada is insistent that negotiations be completed by the end of December and Caricom is saying that is not possible,” Bharath said, speaking at the chamber’s offices at Columbus Circle, Westmoorings.

“We are hoping there can be some resolution of the matter,” he said. “Clearly if there is some extension of time until next year then we will also seek an extension of the WTO arrangement so that the duties can continue to be exempt.”

He noted there are further meetings scheduled for November.

“We are hoping to progress the matter at that stage as well. We believe that the discussion with Prime Minister Harper and

Portia Simpson will bear some fruit,” Bharath said. The Caribcan issue was raised at a TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) dinner last Wednesday night by stakeholders.

Trade between Canada and Trinidad in 2012 reached an annual level of TT$600-million.

Trinidad and Tobago’s major exports to Canada include methanol, beer, food and beverage products.

Canadian companies have about TT$1.3billion invested in Trinidad and Tobago, primarily in financial services and the energy sector.

At last Friday’s seminar, Bharath said the Export/Import Bank (Exim Bank) was providing assistance to exporters by developing a portfolio of products with attractive rates. He said the Exim Bank was financially self-sustaining, having returned US$3.4 billion to the US Treasury, above and beyond the cost of its operations, over the past five years. The main products provided are working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance; and loan guarantees and direct loans (buyer financing). (TT Newsday)

Former Surinamese president quits parliament

In an unexpected move, former President Ronald Venetiaan resigned last Friday from Suriname’s parliament. In a letter to Speaker of the House Jenny Geerlings-Simons, the former head of state announced that from October 27, he will no longer be a member of parliament. In an interview, the former leader didn’t present any specific reasons why he is resigning and why now.

“I just want to give younger persons the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” he said.

Venetiaan’s seat in parliament will now go to his fellow party member Hesdy Pigot, who

was also his secretary during his presidency.

According to former speaker of the House, Emile Wijntuin, Venetiaan kept his integrity during his entire political career, starting as a minister of education in 1973 and later as president.

“During all those years not once was his name mentioned in any corruption scandal, controversy or whatsoever,” said Wijntuin.

Former surinamese President ronald Venetiaan

Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan (born June 18, 1936) served as the sixth, eighth and ninth president of Suriname. His first term as president ran from 1991 to 1996, after which he lost in the elections to Jules Wijdenbosch. In 2000, however, he regained his former position under the New Front banner, receiving an absolute majority of 37 from 51 votes in the parliament. (CaribbeanNews)

Jamaican student wins CAPE top award

Dea Thomas, a student of Ardenne High School in Jamaica is the 2013 winner of the Dennis Irvine Award, the symbol of academic excellence at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

Dea becomes the first Jamaica student to capture the coveted Dennis Irvine Award since it was introduced in 2006. She achieved Grade I in 12 Units: Applied Mathematics Units 1 and 2, Biology Units 1 and 2, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry Units 1 and 2, Communication Studies, Physics Units 1 and 2 and Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2.

Another Jamaican student, Tasanique Henry of Hampton High School is the winner of the Humanities award. Tasanique achieved Grade I in eight Units: Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, History Units 1 and 2, Law Units 1 and 2 and Sociology Units 1 and 2.

The remaining eight awards went to students from schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Two students from St Joseph's Convent (San Fernando) are among the award-

ees: Maryam Archie cops the Mathematics award and Elise Francis the Technical Studies award.

Maryam achieved Grade I in 10 Units –Applied Mathematics Units 1 and 2, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry Units 1 and 2, Communication Studies, Physics Units 1 and 2, and Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2.

Elise achieved Grade I in eight Units: Art and Design Unit 1, Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Chemistry Unit 2, Physics Units 1 and 2, Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2, and Grade II in Art and Design Unit 2 and Chemistry Unit 1.

Shelemiah Peterkin of St Joseph’s Convent (St Joseph) gets the Business Studies Award with Grade I in eight Units: Accounting Units 1 and 2, Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Economics Units 1 and 2, and Management of Business Units 1 and 2.

Two students receive the award in Modern Languages: Zakiyah Ali of St Joseph's Convent (Port-of-Spain) and Brendan Hatch of Fatima College. Both Zakiyah and Brendan achieved Grade I in eight Units.

Zakiyah achieved Grade I in Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, French Units 1 and 2, Geography Units 1 and 2, and Spanish Units 1 and 2.

Brendan achieved Grade I in Caribbean Studies, Chemistry Units 1 and 2, Communication Studies, French Units 1 and 2, and Spanish Units 1 and 2.

Stephen Prince of Hillview College takes the Information and Communication Technology award with Grade I in 10 Units –Applied Mathematics Units 1 and 2, Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Computer Science Units 1 and 2, Physics Units 1 and 2, Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2.

Ronan Narine of North Eastern College gets the Environmental Science award with Grade I in eight Units while Jeanluc Duval of St Mary’s College wins the Natural Science award with Grade I in nine Units.

The awardees will be presented with their prizes on Thursday 5 December at an awards ceremony slated for the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.

Guyana procures 2000 more solar panels for hinterland

Guyana’s Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has announced plans to acquire an additional 2000 solar panels for the ongoing Hinterland Electrification Programme under which homes and schools in the hinterland are being supplied with electricity.

The announcement came after numerous testimonies by toshaos last week about the government fulfilling its promise to deliver solar panels to the various Amerindian villages, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. “We are looking to get it (solar panels) either from a programme of assistance or maybe in next year’s budget. So we have that in mind,” Prime Minister Hinds said during the just-concluded toshaos conference held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

During day three of the meeting, some toshaos who had not yet received their panels made inquiries of the prime minister at a highly-interactive session attended by President Donald Ramotar and other Cabinet members.

The distribution process was one of several that suffered a major setback after the opposition cut funding for the country’s Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS) that specifically targeted Amerindian community development.

The action had discouraged and disappointed many of the Amerindian village leaders and villagers themselves who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the panels, intending to capitalise on the availability of electricity, especially during the evening hours.

The first phase of the project saw 11,000 65-watt photovoltaic solar home systems being made available to residents, and about 184 villages began receiving about 12 to 15 kilowatt hours of electricity.

Hinterland

Electrification Unit

The Hinterland Electrification Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister has been the executing agency and has facilitated training in assembling, install-

ing, and maintaining the systems.

Residents from 184 villages were trained.

The prime minister also announced that a technical representative from the Office of the Prime Minister will be visiting Isseneru to follow up on a request for a generator.

In villages, like Himacabra and Kabakaburi in Region One and St Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four, the solar panels can be considered a success story. Solar panels distribution and installation have been successfully completed for all households at Himacabra, Toshao Joan Williams told her fellow leaders while presenting an update on progress in her community.

With electricity fast becoming a reality in the hinterland areas, the government is now aggressively focusing on the establishment of computer hubs to pilot the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project in the Amerindian villages.

Waramadong, Region Seven is one of 50 hinterland locations that have been earmarked for the launch of the initiative, and unlike the coastland where computers are delivered to individual homes, the hubs will provide a central location where villagers will meet for computer training.

(Guyana Times)

Guyana gov’t plugs Gy$16 million into development of cruise tourism

Guyanese stakeholders have lauded the move by their government to develop the country’s cruise tourism industry, with an initial US$80,000 contract for a feasibility study on the sector.

Guyana’s acting Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali said cruise tourism will aid in the diversification of the country’s tourism industry, but the establishment of an institutional framework is pivotal to a viable and competitive industry.

He added that the feasibility study will determine the legislative arrangements required.

The underlying benefits to be derived from cruise tourism must not go unnoticed, he said, explaining that it brings

an influx of tourists.

“Cruise tourism also brings with it, a large level of spending in local market, because cruise liners do not spend a long time, so they have a very intense period through which tourists interact with the local economy.”

Tourism and Hospitality Association

of Guyana (THAG)

President Kit Nascimento said the feasibility study was a welcome initiative, noting that the entity stands ready to represent the private sector during the consultative process.

Enormous benefits

Nascimento strongly believes that cruise tourism has enormous ben-

efits for a country with a small economy like Guyana. He said, however, that Guyana was not yet ready for cruise tourism. He pointed to the state of the three main rivers in Guyana, singling out the Demerara River.

It is no secret that the Demerara and Essequibo rivers require

Small Negril hotel with home-grown food supply plans Ja$50 million expansion

Charlea Inn, a Negril-based hotel in Jamaica that grows its own food, will undergo a Ja$50 million (US$500,000) upgrade and expansion to bolster its room count to 50.

Hotelier and farmer Donald Grizzle indicated that the growth in European travellers aided the investment.

"We will be refurbishing most of the rooms, passageways and putting up six more deluxe rooms. That will be 50 rooms in all when completed," he told Jamaican

media recently. The retrofitting is budgeted at Ja$4 million and expansion at Ja$46 million, said Grizzle, the owner and property manager.

The property, located on the famous 7-mile Beach stretch, appeals to travellers searching for an "authentic Jamaican experience". Grizzle said that the expansion therefore needed to maximise on local inputs to maintain that appeal.

"All the furniture is made locally. I find that my guests appreciate that. We try to be as

Jamaican as possible," said Grizzle who is also director (emeritus) at the Negril Chamber of Commerce.

Some 95 per cent of the hotel's food is grown at the 170-acre farm in Hanover, said Grizzle, who is also a trained farmer.

Supporting local

"The lamb is made locally and the guests appreciate that. We raise chickens and beef. The vegetables are mostly produced by local farmers and I grow a little myself," he said. "The

serious dredging, an issue that has been on the table since the 1990s.

Earlier this month, the Donald Ramotar administration said major emphasis would be placed on dredging the Demerara River.

Customs and immigration

Customs and immigration was another area of concern of the THAG president.

While Nascimento has no doubts about the Immigration Department’s ability to manage the influx of travellers the industry would bring, he said critical systems must be put in place.

Market analysis

Meanwhile, tourists are showing increasing interest in yachting in the Essequibo River, since the yachting rally last month.

Over the past six

weeks, more than 30 yachts have visited Guyana.

A foreign investor has already indicated his interest in establishing a marina and boatyard, a vital component of the yachting industry. The cruise ship tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry.

However, Guyana has hosted few cruise ships.

Last month, the National Geographic cruise ship visited Guyana for the first time, carrying 110 international passengers, and a crew also numbering 110.

The luxurious French vessel Le Levant, Saga Pearl 2 , and the Vistamar were among ships to dock in Guyana (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

guests enjoy the fact that they are eating food close to the property."

The farm employs eight full-time workers and another eight seasonal ones, while the hotel employs 50, he said. Grizzle indicated that linking tourism and agriculture provides financial and personal benefits.

"I am very keen on maximising our Jamaican inputs. We try for our guests to see the real Jamaica. As a hotelier and farmer, there is a pride in providing jobs whilst also being able to maintain a large amount of the tourist spend in Jamaica."

Government wants more hotels to adopt closer linkages with the agriculture sector in order to reduce the island's trade

deficit, currently at some US$2.2 billion for the first six months of 2013, according to data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica.

TThe expansion should be complete before the end of this winter tourist season.

During the winter up, to 70 per cent of guests are North Americans (US and Canadians) and the remainder from Europe, while in summer the guest profile shifts more towards Europeans, according to Grizzle. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

"The farm increases our value- added tremendously by using homegrown products, and by not substituting with foreign imports more of the money stays in Jamaica. The people on my farm are there because of tourism. A lot more people need to understand the linkages between tourism and agriculture."

Highway patrol nabs kidnappers, rescues victim in Trinidad

he Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Highway Patrol Unit reported success on its first day on the nation’s roads with the discovery of a man hogtied and beaten in the trunk of a car.

In a news release issued by the ministry of national security, it was reported that at 12.05 am Saturday, Inspector Knutt, Constable Sealey and Constable Cassie of the Highway Patrol Unit were on mobile patrol duty driving along the north-bound lane of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Caroni Surveillance Bay when they noticed a white B13 vehicle parked alongside the highway with two men inside.

The officers challenged the men, who gave their names as Rochan and Obadan Ali, brothers of Petit Valley, Diego Martin, the release said.

The release added that while the officers were in conversation with the men, they heard a knocking sound coming from the trunk area of the car.

On investigating, the officers found a man, identified by name and said to be from Aranjuez, hogtied and beaten in the trunk.

The kidnappers were taken to the Chaguanas Police Station while the victim was taken to the Mt Hope Hospital for treatment. Investigations are continuing. (TT Newsday)

Beneficiaries get emotional as 1200 more house lots awarded in Guyana

Some 1200 house lots on Saturday were awarded to persons at the Lust-enRust Housing Scheme, West Demerara as the housing ministry steps up its drive to ensure Guyanese own their homes. During the ministry’s sixth One Stop Shop exercise for the year at the West Demerara Secondary School, recipients expressed their gratitude to the government.

Suresh Sanchari said receiving a house lot is a dream come true, noting that he had applied since

2010. “I feel so very happy today to be a house lot owner because I never owned a house lot, I live with my family, paying rent, phone, lights and water bills and sending my children to school, I does really find it hard.”

“I am shaking right now, I didn’t know it was actually possible for me to get my own land, but it feels great,” another recipient Rayon Boswich said.

Some of the recipients cried as they received their lots, pointing out that they were waiting for the opportu-

nity in life, and it has finally happened.

Most of the lots offered cost Gy$92,000 while others were available at Gy$200,000 and Gy$300,000 each.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali said the ministry has ongoing partnerships with the private sector, insurance companies, architects, contractors and financial institutions to provide a comprehensive solution for the housing needs and requirement of all segments of society.

On this point, he made reference to mea-

sures in place for persons to enjoy easier access to acquiring loans.

The minister announced that the housing ministry has set aside Gy$75.1 million in its 2014 programme to provide electricity at the Lust-en-Rust Housing Scheme, which will benefit some 5000 persons.

Investment Ali explained that for every household a house lot is distributed to in the Lust-enRust Housing Scheme, government has invested some Gy$639,000 on their behalf.

He also said that for every single person in a household, the government would have invested about Gy$200,000 on their behalf.

“This is an overall subsidy of 75 per cent and this is what we did on your behalf so that all of our people will be able to access this most important service.” According to Ali, Guyana’s housing programme is a model for the Caribbean.

“We will continue to work on this model to make the dream of homeownership easy for our own Guyanese.”

The minister called on allottees to take responsibility for their properties and to ensure that they move rapidly towards building their homes. Ali also explained to the gathering that the process of allotting house lots is open and transparent, and reminded that there is a clause in the agreement of sale which states that, if any person is discovered to have misrepresented any information on their application, monies paid will be forfeited and the lot awarded will be taken away.

(Guyana Times)

ILP hires UK lawyer for TT’s ‘dismissed’ workers

The Independent Liberal Party (ILP) in Trinidad and Tobago has retained the services of an attorney from the United Kingdom to champion the cause of its supporters who have been “unfairly dismissed” from their jobs by the People’s Partnership (PP) government.

So said the ILP’s interim political leader, Jack Warner, as he addressed supporters on Saturday evening at George Earle Park, St Joseph during the launch of the party’s campaign for the St Joseph by-election on November 4. The party’s candidate for the poll is attorney Om Lalla.

“We have met an English lawyer for those of you who have been unfairly dismissed because

of political discrimination by the PP,” Warner said.

“Our lawyers will also be there, headed by Om Lalla,” Warner told the small crowd of supporters to loud applause.

Accusing other political parties of attempting to claim ownership of the people’s vote, the ILP leader heaped scorn on politicians who insist on giving out food cards and other enticements for votes during election period.

Although the ILP did not win any of the corporations in the recent local government elections, Warner said the party still made a significant impact on the electorate, having gathered some 102,000 votes.

“People doubted the ability of a third party

to be effective, but over three months we have removed all doubts and got the highest votes in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation and two al-

dermen,” he said.

Warner said the ILP will formalise its constitution and elect a new executive during its convention on November 30.

Lalla, in his remarks to supporters, said he is fed up of what he calls the “eat ah food” politics in the country. He spoke out against the manner

in which many citizens are treated when they do not support a particular political party. Lalla observed that many people are afraid to wear political jerseys for fear of being threatened or discriminated against.

“I’m tired of this ‘eat ah food politics’. There are business people who have to cower for a contract and the woman who has gone green, but wearing a CEPEP uniform might be threatened for talking to Mr Warner.”

Saying that the ILP presented an alternative to the politics of divide and rule, Lalla urged supporters to seek meaningful employment as opposed to “handouts, a ten days or CEPEP”. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Jamaican cops believe illegal sand-mining operation had huge reach

St Catherine police in Jamaica are carrying out more investigations to determine the scale of the illegal sand-mining operation that was uncovered last week in Bernard Lodge.

Police say they suspect that a number of business organisations, including hardware stores and landscapers, were benefiting from the underground operation that criminals were using to earn money to purchase guns and fund their deadly activities.

"We suspect that sand removed from the location was being sold to a number of hardware stores in and around the parish," one detective assigned to the case, said.

The police also believe that the sand was used in the construction of several housing schemes in the sunshine city of Portmore.

"Based on informa-

tion, we suspect that sand removed from the location was used in the construction of at least three established housing schemes, two in Portmore and one in Hellshire Heights," detectives said.

According to the police, the information comes as they question a businessman who was held with five other men during a raid at the site.

"The businessman, who was arrested, is an established business operator and a well known player in the construction industry," said one member from the police team who carried out a three-hour tour at the location last Friday.

Last Wednesday, a group of heavily armed police swooped down on the location in Bernard Lodge, estimated to be the size of 15 football fields.

Four trucks and one

tractor were seized.

Detectives say they have discovered that, in addition to sand-mining, gang members in the parish have branched off into the illicit waste disposal business.

During a search of the location, craters as large as 25 feet were found.

"We suspect that more than 8,000 to 10,000 cubic metres of sand, silt and top soil, valued in the millions, were removed," said officials from the National Land Agency (NLA).

Police say the craters that were left on the property were used as dumping sites.

"Criminals, for a price of Ja$1,000, were collecting garbage from residents and dumping the waste into the craters left at the site," the police said.

Last week, during a tour of the location with officials from

the NLA and the Office of the Commissioner of Mines, concern was also raised about the safety of the suspected housing schemes the sand may have been used to build.

The sand, in many areas, was of poor quality and not fit for construction, the experts said.

Earlier this year, the Office of the Commissioner of Mines said illegal sand-mining in sections of the country was still posing a problem to the department, despite efforts to stem the practice. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

20 FEATURE

The President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) held its 15th award presentation at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) where 715 youths were awarded: 547 in the bronze category, 148 silver and 30 gold.

In 1998, Guyana adopted and launched the programme which is modelled after the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which was introduced in Great Britain in 1956.

The most outstanding Participant award in the Gold Category was given to Teekaram Singh and Zimeena Rasheed from the Anna Regina Secondary School, Region Two. Special awards were also given to Micah Henry, Region One; Yougraj Rajhunauth, Region Two; Deuel Lewis, in Region Four; Mark Cameron and Shane Persaud, Georgetown; and Symyon Sears from Smythfield, Region Six.

The female most out-

standing participants in the Bronze category include Athalia Wells, Mabaruma, Region One; Annalisa Alfred, Region Two; Lucius Hector, Parika Salem, Region Three; Natalie James, Georgetown; Nickesha Benjamin, Fort Wellington, Region Five; and Lydia Cameron, Silvertown, Region 10.

Region Six copped the Outstanding Region Award while Patentia captured the Outstanding

Unit Award.

Special recognition was given to those volunteers who served for over five years. These include Alicia Roache, Geru Gordon, Courdel Glasgow and Adel Lilly.

Meanwhile, Lester Rosine and Herald Alves were recognised for serving over 10 years to the PYARG. This year’s graduation was even more special because the PYARG is also celebrating its 15th anniversary, and

this batch of graduates is also the largest, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said. Brain power

The minister expressed his satisfaction with the fact that two of the gold awardees are also CSEC top performers in Guyana and one in the Caribbean. He stressed that this is a good example of the brain power the PYARG has. He also encouraged them to be-

from training that helps them to develop a better understanding of Guyana, and simultaneously help them to become better citizens.

The success of the PYARG has been recognised in Guyana and the Caribbean where it is esteemed as a best practice.

Permanent field camp

come roving ambassadors for the organisation. He emphasised that the organisation has been at the forefront of teaching youths about Guyana.

The minister explained that through the programme, the participants have been able to see many parts of Guyana including the Pakaraima Mountain range, Kaieteur Falls and the hinterland regions; while many adults have not been able to see these marvels.

He added that the expeditions the youths go on give them a better appreciation of Guyana.

Minister Anthony stressed that throughout the 15 years of the programme, over 17,000 youths have benefited

While much has been achieved in the last 15 years, Minister Anthony projected that in the next five years, more youths should be recruited by the PYARG, more units and regional offices established, and a permanent field camp can also be set up. With regards to the latter, the minister explained that space for the camp site is available at the ministry’s property in Kuru Kuru.

Since the start of the programme, about 17,000 youths, aged 14-25, were given the opportunity to be involved in activities ranging from skills training, community service, physical recreation, and adventure journeys and exploration.

These activities serve to enrich their lives while at the same time be of benefit to their communities, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesar was the chief celebrant at the Siparia Women Association’s annual Divali celebrations at her Siparia constituency offices, Penal junction, Penal Saturday evening.

Dressed in an elegant red and gold sari, the prime minister, together with other members of the women’s association sat on cushions while Pundit Abeydanand Persad, offered prayers and conducted a puja in commemoration of the Hindu festival of lights.

The prayers, which began at just after 5 pm, attracted a large crowd of devotees. The pundit offered prayers on behalf of Persad-Bissessar and the government, asking for guidance and blessings on the nation. After the prayers, Persad-Bissessar wallked through the crowd distributing small packets of sweets to the faithful who were all gaily outfitted in the Indian wear of saris and kurtas. Also in attendance were Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and family.

Guyana’s Rockstone Fish Festival attracts large crowd

Despite the inclement weather, the eighth Rockstone Fish Festival in Guyana was deemed a success as thousands of participants from all across the country flocked the event which was held on Sunday at Rockstone, the small fishing community 18 miles from Linden, Region 10.

This year’s event saw new and improved activities such as camping, bird-watching, a fish clay modelling competition and tours of the Essequibo. Other activities included fish catching and deboning, cooking and watermelon eating competitions.

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA)

Senior Administrative Officer Kemie Williams stated that the event has been successful over the years, and since its initiation in 2006, the tourism ministry and the tourism authority have been associated with it. “The event has been picking up over the years and we are looking forward for greater things,” Williams said.

Riverfront development

Rockstone Tourism Association President Lynette Benn expressed

satisfaction with the support the event has received from the members of the association and community, the tourism ministry and other stakeholders.

Benn said despite some challenges, there were improvements in this year’s event in terms of participation in the different competitions and other activities.

She added that the association will be looking to develop the riverfront into an ecotour destination, by installing proper seating and benabs, having more boats on site, and including more activities in order to make next year’s event bigger and better.

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon said the event has always been one to look forward to, along with the annual Linden Town Week, and pointed out that the regional administration was satisfied with the support in terms of participation the event has been receiving over the years.

He encouraged continuous support from the business community and other stakeholders, such as government in order to ensure that communities like Rockstone demonstrate their

uniqueness.

Rockstone is quite exceptional in that it has excellent fishing grounds, a rich population of birds, and is home to giant otters, howler monkeys, labbas, iguanas, bush hogs and black cai-

mans. Solomon added that the level of support seen from the different stakeholders provides a good opportunity for Rockstone to highlight its unique natural assets, and encourage economic activities.

“The event has evolved from just an opportunity to catch fish and has now emerged to an opportunity to relax, sightsee and…socialise, allowing for a more family-oriented event,” he said.

Prizes were given out for the largest Lukanani, Arapaima and Arawana fish caught, and the largest fish overall, among others. There were also cultural performances in the form of dances and songs from the Linden cultural group and local artistes including Brandon Harding, Dianna Chapman, and Genesis.

The Rockstone Fish Festival is a signature event on GTA’s annual calendar of activities, and is aimed at promoting community-based tourism, generating income and economic opportunities for the community, while showcasing the rich culture of the people. (Guyana Times)

Nanny to take centre stage in planned documentary - to be filmed in Jamaica

Since confirming his Maroon roots, Hollywood stuntman/filmmaker Roy T Anderson has been on a quest to highlight and preserve this aspect of Jamaican his tory.

The New Jersey-based Anderson was in Jamaica last week scouting locations and conducting preliminary interviews for a docu mentary entitled ‘Nanny Queen of the Maroons’. He expects to commence filming by the middle of next year

Maroons were enslaved Africans who fought for 80 years to win their freedom from the British Army.

Anderson said he will be seeking to make contact with local authorities in order to secure the much-needed financing for his project.

"I will be using the next few months to attract funding for the documentary. I am set to speak to the relevant persons here in Jamaica. I have already had discussions with UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and they seem interested," he told Jamaican media.

"During the past few days, I have been looking at locations in the Rio Grande Valley in Portland as well as interviewing Colonel Harris of the Maroons," he contin-

ued.

For Anderson, his major objective is to debunk some of the myths surrounding the legendary heroine, who led a band of enslaved Africans in the rugged and remote interiors of Jamaica in their victory over the mighty British army during the early to mid-18th centu-

ry. "I first want to show that Nanny was a living, breathing human being, first and foremost...a lot of the books which have been written in the past have shrouded her in mystery, and for such a significant figure in the resistance movement. I want to give her, her due,

and I feel this documentary is the best way to lift the legend from the text."

When filming commences, Anderson said one of the highlights will be a three-day trek to the rugged hills of Old Nanny Town in the Blue Mountains, Jamaica. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

22 FEATURE

Despite heavy downpours, the show at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabah’s Diwali Utsav attracted thousands who were well entertained by Indian singers, Gunjam Singh and Jeffrey Iqbal when the event was hosted on Saturday evening at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Attendees included President Donald Ramotar, former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Culture, Youth and Sport Minster, Dr Frank Anthony.

The show started with local talents, Sookrane Boodhoo, Mona and Rekha Singh, who evidently put the patrons in the right mood. They were backed up by talented musicians from Mumbai and Guyana.

There were also some breathtaking performances by the Sabah’s Dharmic Nritya Sangh dancers.

After about an hour of local acts, Gunjam Singh was introduced to the audience, and received

a resounding welcome. Known for her versatility, the renowned singer serenaded her fans to the fullest.

She started off with the less saucy hits but increased the tempo. Among the tunes she sang were “Bindiya Chamke Gi”, “Noorie”,

“Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar”, “Aaj Phir Jeene K”, and also some of her original songs, including “Kinna Sohna”, “Kawan”, “Nachle” and “Naiyon Dil Lagda”.

She sang a few requested selections, in-

serenading fans at the

cluding “Bonita Oh My Darling” and others.

Singh then turned up the heat with some of the more saucy renditions which definitely added some spice to the evening, as even the president and his colleagues were tapping their feet and clapping lustily after every song performed by Singh. With his melodious and spirited voice, Iqbal then took to the stage and he engaged the audience to the maximum.

He dished out some of his tunes including “Dil KI Zarurat”, “Nayee

Zameen”, “Tu Mere Dil”, “Rabaru” and others.

The U.S.-born singer performed to perfection and received overwhelming support from his fans who screamed and chanted his name as he performed. His performance was complemented with the dancers of the Dharmic Nritya Sangh. Singh and Iqbal also performed several duets together which sent the crowd into a frenzy. Their coming together was definitely a bo-

nus for the patrons who braved the weather to be a part of the action. Despite the rains, the night ended on a high note with some excellent performances by the two international artistes as well as the local talents.

The “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” singer was scheduled to be at the Diwali Motorcades in Berbice where he was expected to visit the site of the shelter being built for the less fortunate children. (Excerpted from Guyana Times)

Over 2000 had booked tickets for Rihanna’s show in Barbados - concert postponed to 2014

The highly anticipated Barbados leg of Rihanna’s Diamond World tour, that was scheduled for Kensington Oval this Friday, has been postponed indefinitely due to “technical difficulties associated with the transport of equipment”.

Tour organisers Live Nation Global Touring last Friday announced that a new date was still unavailable, but indicated it would not be until 2014.

They also assured that tickets pur-

Dr Pamela Mordecai, author/writer, is among this year's Musgrave Medals recipients. She was awarded a bronze insignia for her distinguished contribution to literature.

Due to work commitments, the Canada-based Mordecai was, however, unable to attend the ceremony held recently at the Institute of Jamaica in downtown Kingston.

Speaking with Jamaican media, the 71-year-old said she was pleased to be recognised.

"It's always satisfying to be recognised," she said. "But as I said on my Facebook page, I'd have preferred to get a [Marcus] Garvey Medal, or a [Bob] Marley Medal, or a [Robert] Verity Medal. By now, 50 years into Jamaica's Independence, Musgrave Medals ought to have had their day."

The Musgrave Award is one

chased for the November 1 event will be valid for the rescheduled performance next year.

The concert would have been Rihanna’s second major performance in her homeland of Barbados, following the successful staging of her ‘Loud’ concert in 2011, in conjunction with the Barbados Tourism Authority. The postponement of the concert will be a disappointment to the tourism sector, which would have been expecting

of the oldest awards of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Awarded for the first time in 1897, the Musgrave Medal was introduced as a memorial to Sir Anthony Musgrave, who in his tenure as governor of Jamaica founded the Institute

an increase in visitors during what is traditionally a slow period, with Tourism Minister Richard Sealy recently indicating that over 2000 people had booked tickets for the show. Massive production

The show was billed as the biggest concert production ever staged in the Caribbean. With 97 shows on the tour across four continents, it was expected to see 25 tons of airfreight (stage equipment) being brought in for the

of Jamaica in 1879.

Mordecai, who lists Hon Louise Bennett-Coverley as her influence and grew up reading and reciting poetry, said she is working on a myriad of projects which all have the Caribbean and children at heart.

"Right now, I am doing final work on a book of 100 Caribbean poems for children. Also, I've just received an Ontario Arts Council Grant for work on ‘De book of Mary’, a companion piece to de man: a performance poem, which is a long poem in ‘Jamaican Creole’ about the crucifixion of Jesus that was published by Sister Vision Press as long ago as 1995. I'm also trying to complete a novel called ‘The Tear Well’ that I've been working on for a while," she told Jamaican media.

In explaining her writing style, she said she is inspired

by Jamaica Creole.

concert, as well as a 60-member crew. Supporting acts in Barbados were to be US hip hop artists, A$ap Rocky and 2 Chainz.

According to the Diamonds tour schedule, Rihanna was slated to perform in the Dominican Republic Saturday night and in Puerto Rico on Tuesday evening.

Her last performance for 2013 is set for November 15 in New Orleans.

(Barbados Advocate)

"I often use Jamaican Creole when I write, whatever I write, and regardless of my likely audience. Indeed, I often credit any good in what I write to Jamaican Creole, for it truly inspires me. I hear the voices of Creole speakers, those voices create characters, and eventually I arrive at a poem or story," she said.

Born in Kingston and a past student of the Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha Academy), she migrated to Canada in 1993.

When not writing, Mordecai said she reads a lot, enjoys drawing and painting, when she can manage it.

"I'm presently trying to complete illustrations for a collection of children's poems called 'Angus Miller's Animals,' which is, at the minute, with a Canadian publisher. Illustrating is a challenge,

because I've never done it before. I like gardening too and have enjoyed putting in a garden at the house we moved into two years ago. I also take an interest in architecture, which I would have liked to study, and I 'follow' real estate, locally and to a lesser extent, internationally. And I've in recent years tried to make up lyrics for some of my poems, though I do that very gingerly, since I have no musical training," she said.

Other Musgrave Medal recipients were musician/producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry and social historian Prof Franklin Knight (gold); musician Earl 'Chinna' Smith, author Marlon James, author/painter Franklin Bernal, and climate change expert Prof Michael Taylor (silver); and natural products researcher Dr Trevor Yee (bronze). (Jamaica Observer)

WWF mounts major scientific expedition in Guyana

Amultinational team of scientists is now in Guyana under the auspices of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Guianas), to collect vital and potentially significant data on the biodiversity of the South Rupununi, a unique and diverse ecosystem within Southern Guyana.

In a release, WWF said Rupununi is one of the last great wilderness areas on Earth and home to over 1400 species of vertebrates, including many highly endangered globally.

The Southern Rupununi Biodiversity Assessment Team (BAT) comprises Guyanese and international scientists who have expertise in the detection and identification of plants, birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, insects and fish, along with water quality and community resource uses. The high biodiversity of the Rupununi results from the mixing of Amazonian and Guiana Shield fauna, high habitat diversity, and marked seasonal flooding.

The South Rupununi Savannah is home to over 5000 indigenous people, primarily Wapishanas as distinct from the Machusis, their neighbours to the north, and

At 83, Dr Henry 'Marco' Brown, CD, JP, has received a number of awards over the years for his contribution to nation building, particularly in the fields of medicine, politics and agriculture.

But there is none dearer to him than the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) Fellow he received from his medical peers at his Unity Hall residence in St James recently.

"Thanks for the honour. This is the best thing that could ever happen to me," said Dr Brown, the well- known Montego Bay-based family practitioner, as he accepted the prestigious award from MAJ president, Dr Shane Alexis.

"For me, to be honoured by the persons who are your col-

location of cattle ranches for the last 150 years. Until recently, the region has been protected by its relative isolation. However, that is changing rapidly, mainly due to improved overland access from Georgetown, a bridge across the Takutu River, which links Guyana to Brazil, and increasing interest in the region for gold mining, petroleum extraction, and large-scale agriculture.

These developments are

leagues is the highest honour that you can get, and I didn't even expect to receive this honour from you all."

According to Dr Alexis, the MAJ's fellow is the highest award given by the association to its members.

"It is given as a result of sterling and exceptional service to the association and by extension to health in the country," said Dr Alexis, adding that there can only be a maximum of four "living fellows at anyone time."

Presently, he added, apart from Dr Brown, there are two other fellows-Dr Rudolph Shoucair and Dr Matthew Beaubrun.

He stressed that Dr Brown was part of the initial group of doctors in the western Jamaica who "saw the need for us to unite as a group around is-

perceived to be already threatening the spectacular wildlife and natural habitats of the Rupununi, as well as traditional ways of life of the communities.

Despite its reported high diversity and unique species composition, biological data from the southern part of the Rupununi are lacking.

As the pressure to rapidly develop the region increases, WWF Country Manager, Dr Patrick Williams said it is es-

sues...not just about wages but interest in patients and development of health as a whole."

Dr Brown, the son of a medical practitioner, who served the medical fraternity for more than five decades, retired three years ago, but still finds time "to see a few patients," at his home.

No regrets

He told Jamaican media that he has not regretted "for one minute" his contribution to health care in the island.

"I have always wanted to become a doctor, and I have enjoyed it tremendously," said Dr Brown, who has delivered more than 4,000 babies and has attended to "many, many thousands" of patients throughout his illustrious career.

A number of his colleagues, family members and friends,

sential to have a good baseline of species and habitat data of the Southern Rupununi in order to make sound management and conservation decisions.

The expedition will collect data on different aspects (flora, fauna, water quality and resources use) groups in order to establish a baseline of data that can be used by all stakeholders, government agencies (the Guyana Forestry Commission, the

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Environment Protection Agency, the Protected Areas Commission, among others), the University of Guyana, nongovernmental organisations, local communities and businesses to make informed decisions about sustainable management of the Rupununi area.

The principal aim of the BAT is to gather new biological and natural resource use data to help inform the country’s biodiversity conservation and management decisionmaking.

Major outputs from the project will include biodiversity data, a published scientific report covering all taxonomic groups listed, scientific publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as presentations to the local communities in the South Rupununi and to stakeholders in Georgetown.

This project will provide important training for Guyanese biologists and parataxonomists as it will provide the opportunity to work with international experts to learn new field techniques and offer an opportunity for future collaboration on publications.

(Guyana Times)

were on hand at the recent presentation ceremony.

Longtime friend and colleague Dr Barry Hastings in his remarks, noted that not only has Dr Brown excelled in

the field of medicine, but he has made a significant contribution to the island's economy, as a Junior Tourism Minister and as a farmer. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

Penal-based classical singer wins Coca Cola Youth Champ in TT

Thousands turned up at the Divali Nagar in Trinidad on Sunday for the annual Coca Cola Youth Champ staged by the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC). Penal-based classical singer, Sasha Balchan emerged winner of this competition. She beat 13 contestants in this grand final show held at the Nagar ground.

Film singer Sangeeta Subnaik placed second while Sherwin Mathura came in at third position. Vandana Tulsi placed fourth and the Shooting Stars Tassa Group came in fifth position.

NCIC’s host Surujdeo Mangaroo announced the results from eighth place with Valya Dowtal placing sixth, Akshay Khandoo in seventh position

Naparima Girls’ High School, played the harmonium and sang a Tumree song to impress the judges. The song, “Jai Jai Ganapati” was written by Kries Ramkhelawan from Suriname. Sasha has been one of the few artistes who had been singing alongside Ramkhelawan for his Caribbean shows.

“I have been in this competition for the past four years and I entered this year fully prepared to take the number one spot,” she said, adding that when the competition started she became nervous on seeing the performance of the other contestants.

“I just wanted to go on stage and sing my heart out and I am so happy that everyone enjoyed my performance,” she said.

Sasha started singing classical Indian music at the age of nine. Her debut performance was in the Mastana Bahar competition. She described herself in three words: cultured, enthusiastic and outgoing.

Sasha would like to record her own songs and would love to travel abroad with her talent.

She took home the first prize of TT$1,500. Mangaroo congratulated her saying that while many young singers of today are gravitating towards film songs coming in from the Bollywood films, Sasha is one of the few young people who continue to upkeep the tradition of doing the classic songs that were established among the people who came from India so many years ago. (TT Newsday)

The yachting industry in Guyana is gaining momentum as the second flotilla of nine yachts has anchored in Guyana’s waters. This fleet of vessels follows closely on the waves of the just concluded Nereid’s Rally, when another seven yachts sailed into the Essequibo River in early September, as they made their way from Trinidad and Tobago to French Guiana, as part of the rally.

Within the last two months, more than 25 yachts have arrived in the country, testimony to the expanding yachting industry in Guyana.

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali has noted that the steady influx of yachts augurs well for the development of the niche industry in Guyana, and will undoubtedly pave the way for investments in the development of the necessary infrastructure to support yachting.

The vessels arrived a few days ago, and made their way to Bartica, 30 miles from the mouth of the Essequibo and at the centre of the confluence of three great rivers, the Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Essequibo; this is an official port of entry and welcomes the arrival of cruisers, they then anchored off of the Baganara Island Resort.

The seamless entry of the vessels into Guyana is being facilitated through an interagen-

Rita Marley, widow of Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley, has called on Africans and black people in the diaspora to promote unity on the African continent and beyond.

Marley, head of the Rita Marley Foundation, was the guest of honour at the 5th annual commemorative debate held to honour late Afro-beat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in Lagos.

This year’s Fela Debate was entitled “Movement of the People–The Fela and Bob Marley Perspectives”.

Marley stated that unity and PanAfricanism were common to the music of both Fela and her late husband, adding that they had many things in common including many wives.

“An ardent part of Bob Marley’s dream was ‘Africa Unite’ and we must join hands and hearts to keep unity

cy collaboration with the Coast Guard, Customs and Immigration, the Guyana Police Force, the Maritime Administration and other private sector stakeholders, and this joint approach being employed is in keeping with Ali’s commitment to ensure that all systems are in place to make the yachting industry a success.

Close to 20 persons are on board the nine yachts that are now in Guyana, and it is expected that the vessels will stay anchored in the

Essequibo for another few weeks, while the visitors engage in sight-seeing activities.

Among the yachts are Nirvana, Liahona, Capicse, Persephone, Eileen of Avoca, Hope, Wild Matilda, Impressionist and Out of Africa. The Baganara and Hurakabra resorts, in particular, now cater to receive cruisers anchored close offshore.

These resorts are exceptionally beautiful nature destinations which offer exceedingly comfortable and well appointed accommodation,

across the African continent, the diaspora and the entire world. One heart, one strength, one soul and one God for us all,” Marley said.

Another speaker, British journalist and writer Vivien Goldman, spoke of the connection between the works of Fela and Bob Marley. Goldman, who disclosed that she was almost jailed by the military in the 1970s while working on a documentary on the music icon at his Kalakuta Shrine in Mushin, was also Bob Marley’s personal assistant.

Meanwhile, Professor John Collins spoke of the influence Africa’s foremost nationalist and Ghana’s former President, Kwame Nkrumah, had on Fela and his music.

Collins explained that Fela’s music was shaped by his devoutness to the philosophy of Pan-Africanism, which

The need for scholarships

By Anu Dev

Ljungle walks, birding, beach front dining, well stocked bars, recreation facilities, water sports and dingy docking.

Guyana is now becoming known as a safe haven for yachts, and cruisers may now sail up the Essequibo River, to clear customs, immigration and health authorities within an hour of checking in by completing the simplest of customs clearance forms to be found at any cruising destination in the Caribbean and South America. (Guyana Times)

Nkrumah championed.

The professor added that Nkrumah, like other African leaders during his time, used music to promote the decolonization struggles because it was “trans-ethnic, detribalised and supported the independence struggle.”

Adding his voice to the debate, Professor Sola Olorunyomi deplored the use of ethnicity as a divisive tactic in many African countries, stressing the need for a greater bond among Nigerians and Africans in general. (PM News Nigeria)

ast week I wrote about the importance of writing the CAPE exams because not enough students write CAPE in Guyana. And it’s really not that surprising because CAPE isn’t as well publicised as CSEC is here. I know I’d never heard of CAPE until fifth form, I was still walking around talking about A-levels.

And in general, we don’t make such a big deal about CAPE results. We bring out the marching band, the confetti and the red carpet for our CSEC top students, but our CAPE top students are given a much more lukewarm hurrah.

Like this year, it felt like our CAPE results were announced as a by-product, or side issue to the CSEC results. But as someone who has done both, I can say that by the time you reach university, the things that you did at CSEC really don’t matter as much as what you battled through at CAPE.

We need to encourage more kids to stay in school and do CAPE and one of the ways we can motivate students is to offer them the chance of national scholarships at the CAPE level.

The Guyana Scholar used to be awarded after A-levels, because they knew that sixth form exams were the ones that really mattered.

And our national scholarships should be focused on the STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) areas. Those are the areas that we need to have skilled professionals in to develop our country.

If there are more national scholarship options available at the CAPE level, maybe we won’t have students writing 70 subjects at CSEC in the hope of topping the Caribbean to get that scholarship.

I’ve written before about the importance of our streaming system and how important it is to stick to your stream instead of mixing and matching to make up 70 subjects in the hope of getting that Caribbean scholarship. We should be offering scholarships in specific fields of study so that kids would have some sort of motivation to be the best in their chosen area of study.

And of course, more national scholarships could hold the answer to our brain drain problem. In Trinidad, The Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados, all of their scholarship students are expected to return to their country to serve for a particular number of years.

And I don’t think that that’s unfair. It makes sense; your country is paying for your education, of course you have to give back something to your people.

It’s a win-win for both our country and our students. We could send our top students abroad to get the highest quality education and then have them return home to develop our country.

And hopefully we can get to a point where the development is so significant that our scholars will stay not just because they’re obligated to, but because they genuinely want to stay for the reason that they could have great opportunities right at home.

Let’s bring back the Guyana Scholar and let’s offer more national scholarships to our students. We have so much potential in our young minds; let’s give them the opportunity to flourish.

The lead lady in the Irrfan-starrer 'The Lunchbox', Nimrat Kaur has always been passionate about cooking. Her secret to prepare a perfect dish is dedication as well as experimentation.

So when she joined

Swriter Jeeti Gandhi to talk about the concept of 'Urban Equilibrium Food' at hotel Taj in Chandigarh, she looked ecstatic. Holding Jeeti's book titled 'Served with Love', she emphasised on healthy cooking in style.

iddharth Malhotra is hoping to leave his 'Student Of The Year' image behind him with Mohit Suri's next and the director is all set to give the clean cut actor a grungy makeover.

‘Villain’, a romantic thriller starring Siddharth and Shraddha Kapoor, which goes into production next week, will see him play an "angst-ridden street brawler".

A source told TOI, "Siddharth will be two-films old when ‘Villain’ releases and Suri wants people to sit up and take notice of his new look as he plays a tough, young, angst-ridden man who survives on the streets."

Siddharth was asked to keep all of October aside for training and look tests and in addition to daily gym workouts, he has been sweating it out at shadow boxing classes.

When contacted, Mohit Suri said, "I am not the kind of director who wants

"While doing the movie I realised alot of things," she said.

Aimed at providing solution to parents for tackling their kids’ eating habits, the book talks about innovative recipes that ensure the food you cook at home is as nutritious as it is delicious. Jeeti Gandhi said, "As I raised two boys while moving across the globe with my husband, I realised that banning junk food completely will not do. Rather, it will increase its appeal. So all this inspired me to develop the recipes. My book will explain the nutritive role of various foods besides talking about interesting ways of making food.” (TOI)

an actor to suddenly hit the gym and get six pack abs. Siddharth is already a super fit guy. But I wanted him to carry the body language of a natural street brawler. He is working on a lot of things to bring out a whole new aggressive side to himself. The look will be not about fitness, but a new attitude.'' (TOI)

Priyanka sees ‘Big B’ as her superhero

Actress Priyanka Chopra will be seen with on-screen superhero ‘Krrish’, played by Hrithik Roshan, in her forthcoming film "Krrish 3". But off screen she considers megastar Amitabh Bachchan to be her superhero, according to IANS.

"For me, Bachchan will be my superhero for the way he has handled

his career. Today, where he is, the victory that he has achieved, whatever he has contributed to the entertainment field and his energy level are outstanding," Priyanka told reporters.

Directed by Rakesh Roshan, "Krrish 3" also features Kangana Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi among others. It is slated for a November 1 release. (TOI)

Aditya Roy Kapur reveals his past

Aditya Roy Kapur recently opened up about his life, growing up and being Bollywood's latest heartthrob on ‘GeNext’.

Sharing the screen with the likes of Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Kumar, this young lad did not only get noticed, but also got an opportunity to prep for his massive solo break. ‘Aashiqui 2’ may not have been his debut movie, but it certainly catapulted his career in Bollywood.

Crossing over a 100 crore, this blockbuster is what he holds closest to his heart.

‘Aashiqui 2’ did get the world talking about this hunk, but his role as

Ranbir Kapoor's friend in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ proved that he is here to stay. It's natural for a star to bask in the fanfare, but this romantic chap is a shy guy and doesn't know how to react to his fans! He claims to get tonguetied around an audience appreciating his work.

True to his characters in his movies, the actor has lived up to his cool rowdy image in reality as well. Being infatuated with two girls in his early teenage days, this 'Aashiq' has also stalked their every move! From failing in exams to innovatively bunking school and being suspended from college; the star reveals it all! (TOI)

Bollywood baddie Gulshan Grover is excited that he will get a chance to meet and greet his 'friend' Prince Charles in New Delhi on November 6. The actor had last met Britain's 64-year-old heir apparently back in 2009 at St James' Palace in London, according to TNN reports. The photo featured was from the 2009 meeting.

At that meeting, the two discussed possible Bollywood-related events for social causes. Prince Charles, who will be in

the country with his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, is scheduled to visit Mumbai, Kochi, Dehradun and Pune as well.

Among his other engagements while in Mumbai, he is expected to interact with some Bollywood personalities at a gala dinner. (TOI)

Actress director Hema Malini has always maintained a strong bond with culture and arts.

Wednesday saw the release of her maiden album, ‘Soundaryalahiri’, according to TNN. Set to tune by Ashit Desai, it has verses chanted by her, Shankar Mahadevan, Suresh Wadkar and Desai.

"I've always been fascinated with

the sacred verses of this text written by Adi Shankaracharya. Since I'm a dancer, we're familiar with the Sanskrit texts, as we automatically learn them during rehearsals. This album is my offering to the divine mother Tripurasundari," says Hema, who has been thinking about this idea for the last two years.

The album will have an introduction by Amitabh Bachchan, and, Hema says, her new offering can be used for meditation as well.

She says her family and many spiritual leaders, too, have been appreciative about her album. "When Sri Ravishankar and Giri Maharaj got to know of this, they said that it is a privilege for someone to chant ‘Soundaryalahiri’," she adds.

As for whether she plans to come out with more devotional albums, she says, "I've nothing planned. As of now, I just want people to listen to this one."

Soundaryalahari is available on ‘Times Music’ across all major music and retail stores. Digital downloads also available on music websites. (TOI)

Ranbir to attend Children's Film Festival opening

Actor Ranbir Kapoor will open the 18th International Children's Film Festival India, which will commence November 14 in Hyderabad, according to PTI reports.

Ranbir's participation will be a great source of encouragement for the week-long event, said Shravan Kumar, the festival director and the CEO of Children's Film Society.

Out of 900 films received from over 70 countries, the festival will showcase the best 200 children's films sourced from more than 45 countries.

"This year we have received films from 20 countries that were not represented in the 17th ICFFI. These countries are Austria, Chile, Cuba, Lebanon, Ethiopia Ghana, Jordan, Malaysia, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, Slovenia, Senegal and Scotland among others. The 18th Golden Elephant will see over 1.5 lakh child delegates from across the nation," Kumar said.

The 18th Golden Elephant, a collaborative effort between CFSI (an autonomous organisation of the I&B

Ministry), the Andhra Pradesh government and I&B ministry, aims to promote the ethos of healthy and wholesome entertainment for children.

There will be a special workshop on the rights of child actors in the festival.

"More emphasis should be given on 'child rights' and rights of children working in media should be adequately safeguarded. It's important to see that a child actor doesn't lose his precious time or days at school just because he is shooting," Gupte said. (TOI)

26 HOLLYWOOD

‘Basic Instinct’ star, Sharon Stone, was presented with an honour by Nobel Prize winners for her work with HIV and AIDS sufferers. The actress is in Warsaw, Poland this week for the 13th World Summit of Nobel Peace laureates and she was handed the Peace Summit Award Wednesday.

Stone, 55, has been involved with ‘The Foundation For AIDS Research’ since 1995, previously as their campaign chairman and now as global fundraising chairman.

A committee of Nobel Peace laureates decides on the winner of the Peace Summit Award each year, picking a figure from the world of culture and en-

Actress Marcia Wallace, the voice of scoffing schoolteacher Edna Krabappel on hit TV series 'The Simpsons', has died at the age of 70.

Wallace, who earlier played the quick-witted receptionist on 'The Bob Newhart Show', died following a long battle with an unspecified illness at her home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her family, reported TMZ online.

Wallace won an Emmy Award for her voice work as Ms Krabappel in the 1992 'Simpsons' episode "Bart the Lover". After the elementary school teacher gives Bart a month of detention, he gets his revenge by responding to her newspaper singles ad.

That was her 10th of 177 episodes on the series.

On 'Newhart', which aired on CBS from 1972 to 1978, Wallace played Carol Kester, the wise-cracking, independent receptionist in a Chicago high rise that housed the offices of psychologist Bob Hartley (Newhart) and orthodontist Jerry Robinson (Peter Bonerz).

tertainment who has raised awareness of global issues.

Previous celebrities to receive the honour include Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel and Bono. (Hindustan Times)

The ‘Eat, Pray and Love’ star was spotted in the West Village on October 28 afternoon with her husband, Danny Moder, after the two had just finished brunch with friends nearby at the Little Owl, reported the New York Post.

Roberts was also one of the many celebs in the crowd for the opening night of the Mike Nichols directed ‘Betrayal’, starring Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz.

Roberts next co-stars Meryl Streep, Ewan McGregor, Juliette Lewis and Dermot Mulroney in a film adaptation of Tracy Letts' Broadway drama ‘August: Osage County’, which will be released on Christmas day. (TOI)

She was in 139 of the show's 142 episodes.

In addition to her well-known role on 'The Simpsons' and 'The Bob Newhart Show' throughout the 1970's, she also featured on other shows such as 'Bewitched', 'The Brady Bunch', 'Murder She Wrote' and 'Full House'. (TOI)

Dax Shepard's inexpensive wedding

‘Parenthood' actor Dax Shepard has revealed that he spent only US$142 on his wedding to actress Kristen Bell.

The 38-year-old actor and Bell, who tied the knot on October 17, ditched the

Channing Tatum is producing a reality TV show about a burlesque club.

The 'Magic Mike' hunk will let the cameras roll inside his ‘Saints and Sinners’ establishment - which he set up with business partner Keith Kurtz in 2012 - in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a new documentary series.

U.S. cable channel A&E has picked up a pilot episode for the potential onehour series, which will focus on the entertainers who perform at the club, and Channing, 33, will produce the show through his ‘33&Out Productions’ firm along with ‘Original Media’.

Earlier this year, the actor made his first move into TV production by backing a new sitcom starring his close friend Nick Zano, who has had roles in hit shows such as '90210' and '2 Broke

Michael Weatherly welcomes baby boy

Hollywood actor Michael Weatherly and wife Bojana Jankovic recently welcomed their first son together.

The couple have named their son, who was born Tuesday, Liam Weatherly. The 45-year-old actor took to microblogging website Twitter to share the news, reports people.com.

"Beautiful Bojana gave birth to 10 lb Liam today, the most important day of the week," Weatherly tweeted. Weatherly and Jankovic tied the knot in September 2009. They are already parents to daughter Olivia, who is 18 months old.

Weatherly is also dad to son August, 17, from his previous marriage to actress Amelia Heinle. (TOI)

Jamie Dornan of the ‘Once Upon A Time’ series fame is finally set to be Charlie Hunnam's replacement as the new ‘Christian

Grey’ in the film adaptation of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. The 31-year-old actor was cast promptly into the role as the studio was interested in starting production on the scheduled date of November 1, 2013, Contactmusic cited the Hollywood Reporter as saying. It was earlier reported that the Irish actor was leading amongst the four contenders drafted by the director, Sam Taylor-Johnson for the role of billionaire Christian Grey.

Dornan will be seen opposite costar Dakota Johnson who plays the role of Anastasia Steele for the director, author E.L. James and producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti.

Dornan, interestingly, is also an ex-Calvin Klein underwear model. (Hindustan Times)

Downey Jr most valuable movie star in Hollywood

AHollywood trend of lavish affairs, reported Ace Showbiz.

"We went to the Beverly Hills courthouse, and all in, with fuel to get there, US$142 out the door. I don't yet have a ring," Shepard said.

The actor also said that after the ceremony, the couple joked that they just had the "world's worst" and cheapest wedding.

"Friends of ours came to the courthouse, and it was just Kristen and I at this lonely courthouse, so they brought us this cake afterwards. 'The World's Worst Wedding' (written on it)," he said. (TOI)

ctor Robert Downey Jr has been named Hollywood's most valuable movie star for the second consecutive year by an online magazine. The magazine, ‘Vulture’, compiled the list based on combined domestic and overseas box office totals, studio value, likeability, Oscars, critics' scores, Twitter mentions and tabloid value, reported Ace Showbiz.

"It will take a superhuman effort for anyone to top him," Vulture wrote on its site as they unveiled the power list on October 22.

The 48-year-old actor has beaten the likes of ‘The Great Gatsby’ actor Leonardo DiCaprio, while the third spot goes to ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ actress

Jennifer Lawrence.

Ending up at No 4 and No 5 respectively are bankable Hollywood celebs Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt.

Actors Will Smith, Christian Bale, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks and Johnny Depp rounded up the top ten. (Hindustan Times)

American song writer, singer and actor, John Legend will headline an evening of music titled “Night of Love” slated for the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara on January 4, 2014.

He will share the stage with Jamaican artiste Beres Hammond who is known for his reggae vibes but more particularly, his romantic lover’s rock and soulful voice.

While his career began in the 1970s, he reached his greatest success in the 1990s.

John Roger Stephens, better known by his stage name John Legend, was born on December 28, 1978. He is an American singer-songwriter and actor. He has won nine Grammy Awards, and in 2007, Legend received the special Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Prior to the release of his debut album, Stephens’ career gained momentum through a series of successful collaborations with several established artists. Stephens added his voice to those of other artistes, assisting them in pro-

There was good news for Jamaican reggae and dancehall artiste Demarco last week, following the announcement of this year's nominees for the European Urban Music Awards (UMAs).

Demarco has been nominated in the Best Reggae Act category where he'll vie against Sean Paul, Mavado, Gyptian, Morgan Heritage, Spragga Benz and British sensation Stylo G for the coveted award.

Born Colin Demar Edwards in Portmore, St. Catherine Parish in 1982, the artiste is better known by his stage name Demarco.

"It's very gratifying to be recognised for your work and even more humbling when an international organisation such as the UMAs gives you that stamp of approval. It shows that you are doing something right. Last, I would like to extend a big thank you to the fans globally whom without, none of this would be possible," said Demarco.

The nomination marks the first time Demarco is being recognised for an award by any European entity.

The 11th annual staging of the prestigious award show will unfold on November 22 in London, England. The 2013 UMAs will be aimed at raising

The panel of judges for the Homes, Families and Gardens Festival competition is putting its final tallies together after completing the judging process throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Head judge Carol Faye Bynoe reported that despite a number of challenges the judges completed their tasks at the 73 registered properties in the five zones within a fiveday period. Fifty-six persons registered in Antigua and 17 entered from Barbuda.

Bynoe said the East Zone, which consisted of areas such as Willikies, Glanvilles, Seatons, Parham, Bethesda, Christian Hill, St Phillips and New Field had the most entries.

Winners of the Homes, Families and Gardens Festival competition will be announced at a ceremony on December 12.

In related news, a workshop this past weekend in Barbuda, which forms part of activities for the festival, attracted quite a number of residents from the sister-isle.

Participants gained further knowledge in garden preparation, plant protection and other topics.

The session was facilitated by Chairman of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry in Barbuda David Shaw, Director of Agriculture Moses John,

ducing chart-topper hits.

He lent his voice to Magnetic Man’s “Getting Nowhere”; Kanye West’s “All of the Lights”; Slum Village’s “Selfish”; and Dilated Peoples’ “This Way”. Other artistes included Jay-Z’s “Encore” and he sang backing vocals on Alicia Keys’ 2003 song “You Don’t Know My Name”; the Kanye West remix of Britney Spears’ “Me against the Music”; and Fort Minor’s “High Road”. Stephens played piano on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything”. Legend’s recent performance was on June 1, when he performed at Gucci’s global concert event in London with their campaign, “Chime For Change”, an event aimed at raising awareness of women’s issues in terms of education, health and justice.

At a press conference before his performance, Legend identified himself as a feminist saying, “All men should be feminists. If men care about women’s rights, the world will be a better place.”

awareness for the Diamond Children's Trust, a charity that helps children in deprived countries by providing them with funding for education.

The UMAs is held annually in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Caribbean, and Japan with plans to expand to Asia, Dubai and Africa.

The award show was born out of the need to build a worldwide awards ceremony to recognise the achievement of urban-based artistes, producers, nightclubs, DJs, radio stations, record labels and artistes from the current dance/R&B, hip hop, neo soul, jazz and dance music scene. Past winners at the UMAs have included Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Nas, Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, Adele, Goldie, Dizzee Rascal, Sean Paul, Beverley Knight, Lemar and Shakira.

The UMAs has established itself as a credible awards ceremony. From its inception, all nominations and voting have been left to the public to decide.

Since returning from his international sojourn and scoring two No.1 hits with ‘Apartment’ and ‘Continue Whine’, Demarco has been fully focused

Director of Community Development

Division Brenda Thomas-Odlum and Environmentalist and Head Judge Carol Faye Bynoe. Meanwhile, registration is now on-

going for another aspect of the festival-----the poetry and research competition, for individuals ages 7-20 years. Poems must be written on the theme “Think Beautification for the Nation’s

Health and Wealth” while research pieces should focus on a community or a notable person in the community. Deadline for registration is November 15. (A&B govt’)

The National Gallery in Georgetown is currently presenting the Guyana Women Artists’ Association’s (GWAA) celebration of its 25th annual exhibition at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road.

Recent and retrospective works by 12 current members of the association, joined by a young guest artist, present a range of styles and images: from atmospheric views of Guyana’s interior landscapes and interpretations of Caribbean scenes and memories, to textile art featuring collage with social commentary, batik, hand painting and printing, macro photography, pen and ink and graphite drawings, and tableaus of dried flowers, leaves and grasses.

Formed in September 1987, the GWAA held its first landmark exhibition, celebrating “Sixty Years

of Women Artists in Guyana”, in April 1988, with three leading artists given special tribute and focus---the painter and teacher, and first GWAA president, Marjorie Broodhagen, pioneering ceramist and painter Stephanie Correia, and painter and ceramist Leila Locke.

In the intervening years the annual events have included three exhibitions abroad, and more recently participation in other cultural events and observances, such as International Women’s Day, Carifesta X (Guyana) and XI (Surinam) and Inter-Guianas Cultural Festivals.

In the current exhibition, O’Donna Allsopp, founding member of the association and participant of the first exhibition, is joined by younger artists, many of whom are full-time artists or artist/teachers,

such as Jennifer Gibson and Lori-Ann Jacobs; others pursuing full-time careers in public administration, such as Sharon Jordan, Beverly Reynolds and Myrna Bernard, while some, like Reynolds and Gibson, are expatriates from the Caribbean or elsewhere who join the organization and contribute to its changing profile and renewed vibrancy.

Notable too are recent graduates in art–Jacobs from the University of Guyana; Dominique Hunter and Aiesha Scottland, Best Graduating Students of 2007 and 2010 respectively, from Burrowes School of Art. The association therefore continues to form a focus for the energies and aspirations of women artists wishing to lead a creative life and to further contribute to the cultural life of Guyana.

The exhibition was opened to the public October 25 and continues until November 16. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Jasoda Ramlagan is a beauty with a cause. Hailing from Land of Plenty, Essequibo, Jasoda is proud that through pageantry she can fulfill her role as a humanitarian. The Lions Club of Essequibo Coast recently held their fundraising event: ‘Fun Fair and Sari Pageant’ at the Anna Regina Centre Ground in which Jasoda was happy to have participated for the second time. In the sari pageant segment she was awarded first runner-up. Although she did not win the crown, Jasoda was pleased to be part of the fundraising event, which will benefit the less fortunate. The 17-year-old always had a passion for pageantry and was an avid participant in pageants at her Cotton Field Secondary school in Essequibo. The aspiring lawyer recently graduated from high school and has her eyes set on furthering her studies at the University of Guyana.

Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club celebrates fourth consecutive championship

By RavendRa Madholall

For the fourth consecutive year, Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) lifted the esteemed Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier Division trophy after humiliating Bawan XI recently in the 50over final.

Last Friday evening, the victorious team gathered with other special invitees at the TAJ Banquet Hall, Steeles Avenue, North York, to celebrate the repeated success with a dinner and dance. Also in attendance was Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto Dr. Vidhya Gyan TotaMaharaj, who spoke highly about cricket and called on current and aspiring players to emulate the discipline of cricketing legends such as the famous, former West Indies batsman Brian Lara.

In her feature address, Tota-Maharaj also congratulated the Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club for the outstanding performances that has secured the championship trophy over the past four years. This, she said, is evidence of the great level of leadership and determination that exists within the team.

“I want to congratulate the members of HACC for another excellent display and for their achievement over the years. Four years in succession really demonstrated their commitment and dedication to do great things,” she stated.

She went on to add, “I would also like to take this opportunity to tell other aspiring cricketers that we want more Brian Lara, the Rohan Kanhai among other successful cricketers who had done exceptionally well during their career and I [am] very confident you guys can be great athletes too.”

In their championship encounter, HACC made a mess of their opposing team, winning by an emphatic ten-wicket margin. They bowled first and restricted Bawan XI for a humiliating 25 with former

Guyana fast bowler and MVP Trevon Garraway nabbing a six-wicket haul.

President of the club, Narchand Mohan, during his speech was in a jubilant mood and was very thankful to his players for churning out such a memorable performance and by extension winning the trophy for four straight years.

“Welcome to this most memorable and historic occasion in the glorious journey of HACC. Thanks for celebrating with us for becoming the SCA Premier Champions again, and I want to applaud each one of my player for making us proud,” Mohan indicated.

While he noted that it has been a great pleasure to serve as president for the past 21 years, he underscored the importance of continued support of the members and more importantly the sponsors.

Deo Samaroo, president of the SCA was also part of the night’s proceedings and he too congratulated the HACC for their excellent showing again in 2013.

“I just want to extend my warmest congratulation to HACC for their continued success at the SCA Premier Division. They have been dominant and no doubt they have also provided great entertainment during their successful campaign,” the Guyanese Samaroo stated.

Meanwhile, several former Guyana players represented the Club while former West Indies one-day cricketer Royston Crandon again made an impression this year.

Former Guyana and West Indies under-19 opening batsman Hemnarine Chattergoon along with his younger brother Harrienarine Chattergoon, a former Guyana under-19 batsman featured too for the club.

Ex-Guyana first-class wicketkeeper/batsman

Azib Ally Banff played several matches again.

Each member of the team was awarded with an artificial diamond ring for their participation this year.

Canadian softball team aims for success at Guyana Cup

By RavendRa Madholall

Terry Mathura, manager and member of the Canadian cricket team set to compete in the upcoming Guyana Softball Cup III, says his players have started vigorous preparations for the tour and are aiming to take victory. The tournament commences November 8 in Georgetown under the auspices of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

“I [am] definitely confident that our players will do well in Guyana. They have shown a lot of enthusiasm and determination to make an impression down there, so we are in good shape,” Mathura told this newspaper in a recent interview.

Canada, who would join other North American sides to compete in the tournament, is set to participate in the opening 20-over cat-

egory. Mathura noted that his team is accustomed to playing the longer version and that certainly propels their optimism of bringing back the championship trophy.

He had special thanks for the GSFCA for their invitation to the Canadian players.

“We have been preparing very hard since the selection of the side, but (we) just have the players who are available because other senior players can’t make

it due to their work commitment and personal reasons. However, we have several players down in Guyana who would come to Canada and play in our league and will use them there.

We must thank the GFSCA for inviting and hosting us,” Mathura indicated.

He explained too that the team was selected based on the performances in the recently concluded Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) tournament as well as other competitions.

The team would be accompanied by OSCL president Albert Ramcharran, who will perform duty as the communication officer while Vish Jadunauth, treasurer of OSCL, will be the team’s coordinator. Other representatives from the league to be in Guyana will be Statistician Patrick Shiva and West End coordinator Ryan Bhup.

The OSCL has since expressed thanks to the different sponsors, who made the trip possible to Guyana.

Canada would begin their quest for supremacy against arch-rivals New York in the first set of preliminary round matches.

The winning team will receive a monetary prize of Gy$800, 000 and a trophy while the runners-up carting off Gy$200, 000 and a trophy. Several individual prizes are also up for grabs.

The competition will conclude on Sunday, November 11 with the grand finale at the world famous and former international venue Bourda.

Canada’s team reads: Devanand Ramsawack, Trevon Garraway, Ravin Babulall, Navin Bhup, Gavin Singh, Rayburn Gonsalves, Terry Mathura, Ryan Bhup,Rickey Mahadeo, Ian Gonsalves and Andy Persaud.

Record medal haul for Trinidad

Trinidad and Tobago Masters athletes ended the 20th World Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Porto Alegre, Brazil with an all-time medals tally of 18, the best ever by a national contingent at any global meet.

The total is an increase from the seven medal won at the 2011 World Masters in Sacramento, California, USA.

On the final day of action Sunday, the local contingent won three medals in relay action. Leading the way was double bronze medallist Martin Prime who guided the men’s 50 to 54 4x100m team to silver in the finals in 46.10.

The team of Prime, Lester Herbert, Raymond Smith and Dave Massiah finished behind Great Britain (45.67) in heat two while heat one winners Germany (49.43) was third overall. The same

quartet also contested the 4x400m finals later in the evening. Prime then joined up with his younger peers in the 35 to 39 4x100m event. The squad which also included 100m gold medallist Andie Montique, high jump champion Rodney Liverpool and Albert St. Louis to take bronze (44.33) behind Great Britain (42.88) and Venezuela (44.23). With his double medal run Prime left Brazil with four medals, the most by any local athlete at the global biennial meet. Montique and Liverpool became triple medallist as Montique was also second in the men’s 35 to 39 200m and Liverpool third in the men’s 35 to 39 long jump. Montique, Liverpool, Geraldine GeorgeFrancis (W 40 to 44 javelin) and Gwendolyn Smith (W 45 to 49 javelin) won gold for Trinidad and Tobago’s 32 member contingent. (TT Newsday)

Guyana’s Cleveland Forde takes first leg of SA 10k

Using his trade mark sprint at the finish, Cleveland Forde took the first leg of the 2013 South American 10k championships that concluded in the National Park in Guyana on Sunday afternoon.

With the moniker “Little Kenyan”, Forde out-sprinted Grenada’s Sherwin Paul to win the event in 32 minutes, 36 seconds to take the top prize of US$1,000.

Paul clocked 32 minutes, 49 seconds for second while Kelvin “Skello” Johnson was third in 33 minutes, 23 seconds. Cleveland “Fish” Thomas was fourth with a time of 34 minutes, one second while Dennis Horatio rounded out the top five with a time of 34

minutes, 21seconds.

“It was a good race; it was challenging and I can say that I underestimate it. I thought Kelvin (Johnson) would have pushed the pace but after he did not, the Grenadian took and was going well I just had to run smart.

“I did what I would normally do in other races just wait until the end and did my thing… think I’m going to go to the next leg and try and be a bit more prepared for that,” Forde told Guyanese media after the event.

On the distaff side, drama unfolded in the women’s race as favourite Euleen JossiahTanner, dropped out, allowing Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal to win

Taylor, Dottin steer Windies Women to claim Tri Series

W

est Indies beat England by eight wickets to win the Women's Twenty20 International Tri-nation Series on Saturday night.

Playing in front a record crowd of 3,500 at Kensington Oval, the Windies raced to 119 for two wickets off 16.5 overs in reply to England's 115 for five off their 20 overs.

Stafanie Taylor con-

firmed her status as the best player in the game with a superb allround display. She had the amazing figures of 4-1-81 when the West Indies bowled. She opened the batting and made 51 not out off 47 balls with five fours to see her team to a great victory. She shared an unbroken partnership of 78 off 64 balls with the powerful Deandra Dottin, who raised the tempo with

a number of powerful shots, including a big six which cleared the longon rope by some distance.

Dottin finished unbeaten on 46 not out off 25 balls with a six and four boundaries, including the winning shot over the bowler's head.

Taylor received the Player-of-the-Match award, while Dottin was named Player-of-theSeries for her aggregate

the event in a time of 42 minutes, 28 seconds with Alika Morgan taking the second spot in 42 minutes, 35 seconds.

Three-time Carifta gold medalist Jevina Straker was third in 43 minutes, 18 seconds while Andrea Foster came in fourth in 44 minutes, two seconds. Ilsida Tomere was fifth in 44 minutes, 32 seconds.

Meanwhile JossiahTanner stated that her reason for dropping out was due to a coach giving an athlete drinks on the course.

Linden’s Cassie Kirton won the female junior category, clocking 47 minutes, two seconds to take the event while Shauntelle Hinds was second in 51 minutes, 15 seconds.

Euodia Forte was third in 59 minutes, 48 seconds.

The boys’ junior event saw Carl Mackenzie taking top honors with a time of 37 minutes, 43 seconds to finish ahead of Kevin Nicolas (39 minutes, one second); Leon Benjamin was third in 40 minutes, 34 seconds. The women’s Masters was won by Alisha Fortune, who clocked 51m, 29s ahead of Cyrleen Phillips who took second with a time of 52m, 32s. Carla Benjamin was third in 53m, 57s.

Eon Archibald took the men’s Master 4055 in 40m, 29s while Llewellyn Gardner won the men’s Masters in a time of 41m, 46s. (Guyana Times)

Ontario Cricket Association team to tour Guyana, TT

By RavendRa Madholall

The Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) will be sending a team to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago mid next month for several limited-over matches as part of its High Performance Programme.

According to president of the association, Mike Kendall, it is part of the OCA’s continuous efforts to improve the performance of its players and young prospects on the tour, which is labelled as the “Goodwill Tour”.

“The board [is] investing heavily in the future of these deserving players, who are the flag bearers of the future of cricket in Canada and this tour will allow the players to play against the best players coming out of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago over the

next three weeks,” Kendall related during a press conference in Toronto recently.

OCA is the oldest cricketing body in the North American hemisphere, established in the late 1870′s and formally registered in its present form in 1977. Currently, there is a ten-member league operating from North Bay, Sudbury and from Windsor to Ottawa, including many in the Greater Toronto Area.

The game of cricket is part of Canada’s and Ontario’s Heritage and OCA has played an extremely important role, in nurturing and continuing the heritage.

“We will continue to make Ontario and Canada proud of our heritage by making a sincere and positive contribution to the game of cricket.

The Board of Directors of the OCA are also very thankful

to a number of sponsors, who are supporting our boys in making this tour possible and we are especially delighted and appreciative of the major sponsorship from the Scotia Bank in particular as it carries with it, enormous importance for cricket in Ontario

as well as Canada,” Kendall stated.

He noted that the experience and exposure in the two traditionally-rich cricketing country will certainly boost the youngsters’ confidence.

“We strongly feel that the invaluable experience gained by our players by playing against some of the greatest club teams in these countries, that have produced many past and present legends of WI cricket, will go a long way towards raising their own level of performance” the OCA boss indicated.

The team will have three players from Guyana featuring for them during their visit to that country including former West Indies player Royston Crandon, ex-Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway and Garvin Singh.

Meanwhile, manager of

Guyana’s ‘Flex Night Berbice’ thrills audience

The second annual Flex Night Berbice event, staged Saturday evening at the Corentyne Comprehensive School in Port Mourant, Guyana was a thriller for the large and appreciative audience in attendance.

Organised by Flex Night Berbice coordinator, Raheem Ali, in collaboration with Flex Night Incorporated, the event attracted patrons from West Demerara, Georgetown, West Coast Berbice, New Amsterdam, Central and Upper Corentyne.

As expected, the Flex Night Berbice marked the on-stage debut for a

number of male and female bodybuilders. A release from Flex Night Incorporated stated, “Regardless of their placings (and some of the new bodybuilders did very well) these bodybuilders would have learnt valuable lessons which they will use as they climb the competition ladder to participate in the upcoming Flex Night International 2013, and in 2014 in the Berbice Flexouts, and GABBFF Novices and Seniors events.”

The event attracted male and female bodybuilders from the Berbice gyms: Fitness Zone, House of Pain Gym,

Power Flex Gym, Skeldon Community Centre Gym and Windero Gym.

The most outstanding performances came from Windero Gym, whose athletes won the overall Mr. Flex Night Berbice (Teon Sancho); Miss Flex Night Berbice (Candacy Lynch) and Miss Flex Night Berbice Bikini (Janica Sandy).

There were two guest appearances; the first by Miss Flex Night 2012 Best Legs title holder, Nadina Taharally, of Interline Fitness Gym and the second by Eybo Orford of Buddy’s Gym.

There was also a miniexpo by two distributors of bodybuilding sup-

plements- Gizmos and Gadgets which promoted their Fitness Factory and also sponsored the overall Mr. Flex Night Berbice trophy- and Poonai’s Pharmacy.

The release further stated, “During the intermission, bodybuilders took the opportunity to flock these distributors to learn more about the products available. Flex Night Incorporated is now concluding preparations for the publication of its second issue of the Flex Night Magazine and the second Flex Night International scheduled for Sunday December 8 at the National Cultural Centre.”

the touring squad Bisham Singh said the team is excited to make the inaugural trip and this will benefit the players tremendously. He mentioned too that players were selected based on their performances in the recently concluded annual competition.

The team will participate in two T20s against Everest and DCC while they play a 40-over game each against GCC and Albion and two 40over matches in Trinidad and Tobago.

The touring team reads: Adnan Suleman, Rajiv Bhatia, Aiyub Ahmadzai, Dheeraj Kumar, Nabiullah Nawabi, Muhammad Akber Hussain, Mustafa Popalzai, Sarabjot Singh, Azhad Amidon, Ajmal Chughai, Allan DeSouza, Neeraj Bharadwaj and Priyam Thaker. Bisham Singh (manager).

Jamaica crowned CFU Women's U20 champs

Jamaica were crowned Caribbean Football Union under-20 champions on Sunday night after emerging from a bruising contest with Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 winners in the final at the Anthony Spauldings Sports Complex, Jamaica.

Khadija Shaw, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, scored the game’s lone goal in the 13th minute. In the opening game of the doubleheader to determine the third-place team, Dominican Republic defeated Cuba 2-1. Yaqueisi Soriano (4th and 48th) netted both of Dominican Republic’s goals with Yoanna Gonzanez (44th) scoring for Cuba. Both finalists in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have advanced to the 2014 CONCACAF Under-20

Women’s Championship to be staged in the Cayman Islands. The eight-team tournament will

see the top-three teams qualify for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

As is the norm with any contest involving Jamaica and the twin island republic, it was a keen battle from the opening whistle, as neither teams held back on their challenges.

It took one moment of brilliance to decide the encounter and this was provided by 16-year-old Shaw in the 13th minute. She received a ball on the right side of the Trinidad and Tobago 18-yard box and rifled a shot past their keeper, Tenesha Palmer.

“It was a tough game as we anticipated, so credit to the girls,” Jamaica’s coach, Xavier Gilbert said. “We should be stronger for the tournament in January; there were a few per-

sons out with injuries today.” Trinidad and Tobago were competitive in midfield, but never got off a clear shot on Jamaica’s goal. The closest they came to an equaliser was in the 53rd minute when Patrice Campbell was found unmarked in Jamaica’s area, but totally mishit her effort from six yards out allowing Jamaica’s custodian Taylor Grant to effect an easy save.

Despite the result, Trinidad and Tobago’s coach Izler Brown was pleased with her team’s performance.

“It is unfortunate that we lost 1-0, but I don’t think there was any vast difference between the two teams,” Brown said. “Our goal was to come here to qualify for Concacaf and we have done that.” (Jamaica Gleaner)

Kickboxing at upcoming Caribbean’s Karate Championships

The sport of kickboxing will be an official category at the second Caribbean Cup Karate Championships, which is slated to take place at the

Maloney Indoor Sport Arena on November 30. The Championships will be held under the auspices of the Trinidad and Tobago Karate Federation (TTKF). According

to a media release from the TTKF, only teams affiliated with the local parent body will be allowed to send participants for the kickboxing division. “Most of TTKF clubs teach

multi-discipline martial arts programmes,” said the media release.

Among the TTKF clubs who indulge in multi-discipline teachings are No Limit Martial

Arts, Tazmanian Bullgods, Mike’s Martial Arts Academy, Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts International and Diamond Systems Martial Arts. (TT Newsday)

ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

Jamaica’s Stafanie Taylor still vows to continue improving her game

The world's leading women's cricketer, Stafanie Taylor, says she plans to continue working to improve her game despite achieving an unprecedented feat in international cricket.

Taylor, the ICC Women's Player of the Year, now leads all three rankings' tables—batting, bowling and allrounder.

The Jamaican cricketer is the only player in history (man or woman) to ever be number one in both the batting and bowling rankings in either Test or ODI cricket at the same time.

"It feels great to be number one in the world. It is

something I have worked hard to achieve and that hard work has brought me success," Taylor told WICB Media.

"But now is not the time to stop. I still have lots of work to do to maintain my form and get even better. I know I can get better."

Taylor's recent form has been outstanding.

She made a superb century and took four wickets as she led West Indies Women to a series triumph over New Zealand Women earlier this month at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

The 22-year-old was equally dominant in the recent T20 International Tri Series at Kensington Oval in Barbados where she was the leading batter with 160 runs (average 40) and one of the leading bowlers with five wickets (average 14.40) at a strike rate of 4.8 runs per over.

"For me this is a high point of my career so far, but there is more to achieve. I have been playing really well in both the 50-overs and the 20-overs so I just want to keep improving," she said.

"My batting is my stronger skill and I always look to build an innings for the team. I love batting so much and I always wanted to be the top in batting."

Taylor already has the best batting numbers in the history of West Indies women's cricket.

She has played 67 ODIs and made 2,626 runs (aver-

age 45.27) with five centuries, including a top score of 171.

In bowling, she is the second highest wicket-taker of all-time with 91 wickets (average 16.3) at an impressive economy rate of just 2.9 runs per over.

"The bowling ranking was a bit of a surprise. It's not my first choice but I will keep working to get better. The West Indies Cricket Board arranged for me to spend some time recently working with Saqlain Mustaq (former Pakistan spinner) at the Sagicor High Performance Centre and that helped me a lot," said Taylor.

"He spoke to me a lot about the art of spin bowling and encouraged me to stick with it. He was an inspiration and showed me a few new skills which I am trying to work on over a period of time," Taylor ended. (WICB)