Guyana Times International

U.S. govt honours Broomes as anti-TIP hero

The United States government has honoured Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) President Simona Broomes as a 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) hero as Washington unveiled its annual report on the global scourge.

In a statement, United States Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt said Guyana and the U.S. have in recent years developed a more active and productive dialogue on TIP, aimed at strengthening Guyana’s ability to identify and protect victims, prosecute offenders, and prevent future cases of TIP.

Workshop

“We held a workshop on TIP identification, investigation, and prosecu-

tion for government and civil society representatives. We conducted outreaches in Bartica with local law enforcement, mining, and civil society representatives to boost understanding in that region of how to combat trafficking. We welcome the commitment of the government and people of Guyana to work in partnership to address this global threat to the dignity of children, women and men,” the ambassador declared.

He said nowhere was this commitment more evident than in the extraordinary work of the GWMO “under the courageous leadership of Simona Broomes, who was recognised yesterday (Tuesday) by Secretary of State John Kerry as a 2013 TIP Hero”.

Hardt said Broomes

established the GWMO in January 2012 to empower women miners and address the unique challenges women face working in remote areas of Guyana. After seeing first-hand the plight of trafficking victims, she decided to take action

to rescue victims, bring cases to the attention of authorities, and help ensure adequate protection.

“Broomes and her GWMO colleagues have shown extraordinary bravery and leadership, most recently in rescu-

ing four young victims in Puruni. Thanks to her commitment, more trafficking victims are being identified and rescued from a life of slavery. All of Guyana should be proud of what she and her organisation have been able to accomplish to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society,” the U. S. ambassador said.

Hardt noted that unfortunately, no country is immune from modern slavery.

“Both the United States and Guyana have victims in our midst and among our citizens abroad. Only by joining together with the same determined spirit as Guyana’s own Simona Broomes, can we hope to meet this challenge and defeat the scourge of modern-day slavery”.

Modern-day slavery

The report was released on Tuesday under the theme: “Victim Identification: The First Step in Stopping Modern Slavery”. It highlights the continuing challenge all countries face in bringing to light this shadowy crime by identifying and protecting victims, while investigating and prosecuting perpetrators. Hardt said eradicating modern slavery remains an uphill struggle.

Based on the information governments have provided, only around 40,000 victims were identified in the past year. However, social scientists estimate that as many as 27 million people are victims of trafficking at any given time.

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CPL: It’s our time to shine

What is expected to be cricket’s biggest showpiece – the inaugural Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will bowl off next month, bringing tremendous economic and other benefits to Guyana and the region. The tournament replaces the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament and is somewhat patterned off the Indian Premier League (IPL) model of the game, where money is generated and some of it is pumped back into the development and expansion of the sport.

The sheer magnitude of this event will help to strategically align Guyana, as the country will be featured in the extensive marketing and promotion of the CPL in the Caribbean and the wider world. Already, Guyana’s CPL franchise was acquired by the NEW GPC/Limacol and the other five franchise countries are soon expected to do same.

The excitement is building and cricket-loving fans all over are looking forward to witnessing and participating in this massive event. There is also a huge Guyanese diaspora in the U.S., UK, Canada and other parts of the world who are eagerly awaiting this opportunity to return home to be part of this celebration. As pointed out by CPL Commercial Director Jamie Stewart, the CPL tournament could be used as a means of reconnecting with the Guyanese diaspora in the world, while re-establishing the Guyanese identity and the need for a rebirth of a new wave of celebrating “things Guyanese”.

Additionally, one can only imagine the tremendous impact the CPL will have on Guyana’s economy and the economies of the region as a whole. It will stimulate growth, create jobs, and market Caribbean products and services to the rest of the world.

Founder and Chairman of the CPL, Ajmal Khan, in detailing the massive economic benefits of the tournament, puts it nicely: “I have witnessed first-hand the resurgence and revitalisation of communities and even countries when new businesses and industries are introduced into their economies, particularly those with such global reach. I believe that the CPL will have a tremendous economic impact, not only for the six franchise countries, but also for the entire region. Benefits include international and regional travel to and around the Caribbean, hospitality, entertainment, transportation, and shopping. There will be significant advertising and marketing revenue, as we plan to make the CPL the biggest party on the planet, which will result in a significant boost in local employment opportunities surrounding the events.”

Importantly, too, is that the CPL will provide a perfect opportunity to showcase not just Caribbean cricket, but our Caribbean lifestyle such as our dance, music, food, our flora and fauna, and our tourism potential in general. Guyana, in particular, has a unique tourism product to offer the world and this is our chance to package and market it the best way we can.

In essence, the beauty of the various countries, our people, and their warmth will be on display for the world to see.

Last week, CPL announced that a weekly television programme – CPLT20 TV – will be on air from this month, featuring the six franchise countries where the T20 cricket tournament will be played. The CPLT20 show will also take viewers to the various countries and look back at some historic cricketing moments that made each of the territories unique.

Of significance too is that the CPL provides an opportunity for domestic cricketers to be exposed to the new concept of T20 league cricket. We are also pleased that players will now be able to earn a decent living from their participation in the tournament. From all indications, 60 players, comprising 10 from each franchise, will be the beneficiaries of CPL developmental contracts.

The idea behind this is to impact the lives of the players by giving them the opportunity to earn a decent living while honing their skills. In exchange for that, players will be expected to go out into the communities and be ambassadors of cricket. They will go into schools and underprivileged areas and talk about CPL and other issues in order to motivate and spread positive messages to the younger generation. This is necessary as part of the overall development of the game in the region.

It is certainly the Caribbean’s time to shine and it is our hope that all stakeholders will utilise every opportunity available to capitalise on the direct and indirect benefits that will flow as a result of hosting this event. Let’s create an impression that will be the envy of the cricketing world.

Guyana receives prestigious FAO award for reducing hunger by half

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations on Sunday formally recognised Guyana and 37 other countries for reducing hunger by half, well ahead of international targets for the year 2015.

FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva presented the award to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds during a highlevel ceremony attended by several heads of state. A total of 18 countries received diplomas for early achievement of targets under both Millennium Development Goal One (MDG1) — to halve the proportion of hungry people by 2015 — plus the more stringent World Food Summit (WFS) goal of halving the absolute number of hungry people by 2015. They are: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Djibouti, Georgia, Ghana, Guyana, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Venezuela and Vietnam.

Twenty countries received diplomas for meeting the MDG1 target alone. They are: Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, The Dominican Republic, Fiji, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Malawi, Maldives, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Togo, and Uruguay.

Recognition

Recognition in both cases was based on hunger reductions achieved between 199092 and 2010-2012. The WFS goal was set in 1996, when 180 nations met at FAO headquarters to discuss ways to end hunger. The MDG1 target was established by the international community at the UN General Assembly in 2000.

In addition, eight countries were identified as being on track to meeting the MDG1 hunger target: The Bahamas, Chad, China, Ethiopia, Gabon, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

“To each and every one of you, I want to say that you are living proof that when societies decide to put an end to hunger, and when there is political commitment from governments, we can transform that will into concrete action and results,” Graziano da Silva told the countries’ representatives.

Elimination of hunger

The director general pointed out that there were just over 900 days until the 2015 MDG deadline, but he urged countries to go beyond that and aim for the complete elimination of hunger.

“We are the first generation that can end hunger, which has plagued humanity since the birth of civilisation. Let’s seize this opportunity,” he said. Graziano da Silva said strong regional commitments were supporting national anti-hunger efforts. He also thanked the international donor community for helping to initiate and scaleup successful hunger-fighting actions in numerous countries.

The FAO chief also pointed out that 15 developing countries already had hunger rates below five per cent, dating back to at least 1990: Argentina, Barbados, Dominica, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Distinct honour

In accepting Guyana’s award, Prime Minister Hinds said it is a distinct honour for him, on behalf of President Donald Ramotar, to receive the special award in recognition of Guyana’s success in combatting hunger and making outstanding progress in guaranteeing food security for citizens.

“We are pleased that the FAO has recognised Guyana as one of the nations to have met the anti-hunger targets. I wish to pay special tribute to

the secretary general, Mr José Graziano da Silva and his staff and I thank them all for their support.”

Hinds also expressed congratulations to those countries that have also made significant progress, and like Guyana, have been awarded.

“As Guyana accepts this award, I wish to acknowledge that food security is not a single issue; it is an interdependent and interconnected set of issues involving agriculture, energy, the environment, government policy, and, for developing countries like Guyana, our overall growth and development.”

He told the FAO head that as proud as Guyana was as a nation to be so highly honoured: “I believe that a special tribute must be paid to our women and women worldwide, on this occasion. Of course, the women who are among our farming communities will immediately come to mind. Praise for their production and marketing of farm produce is well known, greatly admired, and deserving of outstanding recognition. The women farmers of Guyana who produce vegetables, herbs and spices, root crops, whether on small plots, in kitchen gardens, or as workers on estates, are well known to be hardworking and very skilled.

The ceremony was attended by numerous representatives of FAO member states including: President Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin, President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia, President Porfirio Lobo Sosa of Honduras, President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama, President Nicolás Maduro Moros of Venezuela, Prime Minister Ralph Gonzalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Prime Minister Gabriel Arcanjo Ferreira da Costa of the Republic of São Tomé and Principe. The ceremony took place during the week-long meeting of FAO’s highest governing body, the Conference.

Justice Chang exempts Granger, Dr Singh from hearing Budget cut case

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled on Wednesday that opposition Leader David Granger and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh are exempted from the 2012 budget cuts case, leaving Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman the lone respondent in the legal action brought on by the government.

Justice Chang, in his ruling at the High Court, said as members of parliament, the Constitution provides immunity for Granger and Dr Singh as it relates to lawsuits, and based on that, he excluded the two members of parliament from further proceedings in the trial, while stating that they should not have been included in the legal action.

Different category

On the other hand, the chief justice explained that Trotman falls into a different category as the Speaker of the House, therefore,

when the “article” was examined, it did not exempt him. He also ruled on an application made last week that Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon does not have to appear in court for cross-examination, instead his affidavit evidence will be used. The matter will move forward with Attorney General Anil Nandlall and lawyer for the Speaker, Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan. Both parties will have to agree on a statement of facts before they further

proceed with the matter. At the next hearing set for July 5, legal arguments will commence between the parties.

Granger’s Attorney Basil Williams expressed his disappointment at the ruling, stating that the government must be answerable on how they are spending the people’s money.

“We are very disturbed by the ruling and we believe that Dr Luncheon and his cohorts in the government must come and face the people’s representatives

Spinning wheels...

…in the diaspora

A news item from Jamaica spoke of the disappointment of Jamaican officials in their efforts to get their diaspora involved in the development of their country. If we Guyanese think there’s a lot of us in “foreign”, we have nothing on Jamaicans. Wherever we might have gone, whatever we might have done out there – with the Jamaicans it's “been there; done that”! There are huge Jamaican enclaves in New York (Brooklyn), London (Brixton) and Toronto.

and give us an account of how they are spending the money and they must show why they are saying that we were not justified in making the cuts,” said Williams.

He said the Speaker has no interest in examining the Cabinet secretary, but is only concerned with whether he can cut the budget or not. Williams said he will be appealing the chief justice’s decision.

However, Nandlall, who had made the application for Dr Luncheon’s affidavit evidence be used instead of him having to appear in court, told media operatives that he is happy with the ruling since a crossexamination was “absolutely unnecessary” because the matter involves “pure questions of law”.

In April 2012, the combined opposition used its one-seat majority to slash Gy$ 21.9 billion from the proposed Gy$ 192.8 billion 2012 budget, claiming that enough explanation was not provided to them by the government.

The government moved to the court to block the National Assembly from cutting the budget, and Justice Chang, in a preliminary ruling, said the opposition could only approve or disapprove of the budget in its entirety.

However, this year, the opposition refused to abide by the preliminary ruling handed down by Justice Chang, arguing that it was not binding or final. As a result, the combined opposition, with the Speaker’s blessings, shaved more than Gy$ 31.4 billion off the 2013 Gy$ 208.8 billion budget presented by government. The Speaker also proclaimed that the courts have no oversight responsibility or powers over the legislature.

For years, Jamaica has tried to mobilise them. One effort was the biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, of which the fifth one is underway. In the words of one of the organisers, however, they were all just excuses for overseas Jamaicans to return and have a party. This year, with the theme a bit more explicit: “A Nation on a Mission: Jamaica-Diaspora Partnership for Development”, they’re hoping for something different.

All of that reminds of the ambitious project that was rolled out last year to “map” our diaspora – with the same goal of identifying their skills and assets etc that might be tapped for our development. Funded by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), our Foreign Affairs Ministry was supposed to execute the project. But apart from a few high-profile “launches” in New York and Toronto and a website, we haven’t heard squat recently.

Now, this is much too much an important initiative for it to be killed on the vine through neglect by some bureaucrat or another. As has been pointed out so often, we’re starting from such a low base since 1992 that we can’t afford five per cent growth rates – while that’s nothing to sneeze at. For us to start catching up with our neighbours, we have to hit double-digit growth rates.

And this is where the diaspora comes in. They’ve already acquired skills that would take us years to develop in the normal course of things. Most importantly, they’ve become plugged in to the global supply chain that keeps the world spinning nowadays. Studies have shown that even our present local firms would increase their sales exponentially if they can tap into these contacts.

We hope this lights a little fire under whoever’s in charge of the project. We just can’t wait for those folks in “foreign” to fill out the forms on your website. Let’s beat some bushes, ladies and gentlemen. ... in City Hall

We hadn’t seen so much action in City Hall since the riots that burnt down half of Water Street in the 1960s. The city councillors moved with so much alacrity that some of them must’ve pulled muscles in their shoulders and backs. And what was it that roused them – from both sides of the aisle – into action? The proposal by the acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba that they would only be paid for meetings they attended or work they actually did.

Man, you ought to see them thrusting their hands into the air to vote down the proposal!! We’d forgotten there was life in those hands – judging by the previous sloth in taking care of such pressing problems like garbage or their building crumbling over their heads and suchlike. The Mayor Hamilton Green, who through his inaction and inattention to his duties inspires them in their sloth, quickly rushed to their defence.

“What about those times they visit their “constituents” to fix local problems,” he asked. Well, if even one of them could produce a note from a single constituent whose problem they “fixed”, we’ll eat our words.

... on street lights

We all know that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is in dire straits. One of the reasons is that City Hall owes them Gy$ 1 billion. Threatened to have the lights at their offices cut off, the mayor proposed that street lights be cut first!! Sure... let rapes and crimes in the streets increase. But how can we have Green not seeing the numbers on his cheques?

Grandmother rescues toddler from burning house

Agrandmother was described as heroic on Wednesday morning after she saved her five-year-old granddaughter from a burning house at Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The fire which started about 09: 30h in the lower flat of the Lot 93 Block F, North Sophia home was quickly put out by residents, preventing it from engulfing the building.

When Guyana Times International arrived on the scene, the fire was already extinguished and the occupants of the house were busy clearing the debris.

The mother of the fiveyear-old child explained that at the time of the fire, her mother- in-law and daughter were home. Her daughter was reportedly in the living room while the elderly woman was attending to some chores. She added that as soon as the fire started in the lower flat of the building, her mother-inlaw did not hesitate, but grabbed her daughter and ran to safety, leaving everything behind.

She was reluctant to speak further, but confirmed that no one was hurt during the fire. She

thanked God and disclosed that only part of the flat was destroyed in the blaze. She could not say what started the fire.

The woman added that she was contacted a few minutes after the fire started, but by the time she reached home, the fire was already extinguished.

Neighbours told this newspaper that at about 10:00h, they heard screams coming from the building and upon a closer look, they saw smoke emanating from it. They immediately rushed to the house to give assistance, and saw the elderly woman running out

with her granddaughter. They formed a bucket brigade and put out the fire. The fire engine responded quickly and averted any further destruction.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle explained that after the report came in about 09: 30h, two tenders from the Campbellville Fire Station and one from the Central Fire Station responded, along with a tanker. He said the building only suffered internal damages, but has not been briefed as yet on the cause of the fire. He said investigations are ongoing.

Govt delegation updates Chinese bank on Amaila Falls Project

Agovernment delegation recently visited China, to provide an update on the progress of the Amaila Falls Project, which is receiving funding from the China Development Bank. Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said the status of the project is of concern to its financiers, thus, a government delegation accompanied by other stakeholders involved, travelled to China, to inform officials there of progress made so far.

“You are aware of the considerable role played

by the Chinese government and specifically the China Development Bank in financing the Amaila project and it is of concern, understandably so, to major financiers, the developments as they take place, the status of the project and it is in that light that one can appreciate the latest visit to China by a government delegation,” said Dr Luncheon.

The Cabinet secretary said it is expected that participants would be keen on the development of the project as they approach financial closure, noting that Guyana has never undertaken a project of such magnitude and

complexity.

He pointed out that the road component is one of the more important elements of the project, as it provides for the construction of an all weather road that spans a number of geographic regions through flat surfaces, and forested riverine communities.

Dr Luncheon noted that considerable attention is being paid to the eastern section of the project, and assured that some comfort has been accumulated about progress, noting that it is likely to be completed by its deadline, sometime close to year-end.

The Cabinet secretary added that the lev-

el of confidence is now building with entry of additional contracting power at the western section of the project.

Guyana could very well face penalties if it is not ready to construct the Amaila Falls Project dam by the deadline for financial closure, which is this year-end.

Following a number of delays since a 2011 deadline, the financial closure of the project has been pushed back as the financiers await the completion of the road.

Dr Luncheon had previously said the road access to the facility and the actual construction of the power plant have to be completed in a timely manner, even as financial closure is met.

The US$ 840 million Amaila Falls Project is designed to reduce Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuel for power. Its framework agreement was signed on July 15, 2010 by the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL); Sithe Global’s Amaila Holdings, China Development Bank, and the China Railway First Group.

U.S. govt honours...

from page 3

This reveals that only a fraction of the millions of men, women, and children who suffer in modern slavery has been uncovered and identified by governments and is receiving the protection and support they need.

Victim identification

He said another consequence of the failure to identify victims is that the traffickers who enslave and exploit vulnerable people are operating with impunity, beyond the reach of the law. Modern anti-trafficking laws and structures go unused, existing as theoretical instruments of justice.

“That is why this year’s U. S. Trafficking in Persons Report focuses on victim identification as a top priority in the global movement to combat trafficking in persons. The report looks at training and techniques that can boost countries’ identification efforts. It also highlights innovations and partnerships within and beyond government that can enhance identification efforts. If successfully implemented, such innovations will enable more effective delivery of services to survivors of human trafficking,” the ambassador said.

100!?

By Anu Dev

“I don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously.” – Ray Bradbury

100. Triple figures. This is my 100th article! One of the reasons I got into writing was because I had so many opinions on things, and there were some issues that I thought just weren’t getting the attention they deserved. So why not write about them?

And I love writing. It’s nice to have ideas and put them down on paper. And I’d like to think I’ve grown. I’ve changed: my opinions have altered, my interests have shifted. And it’s been quite a journey. I remember when I was excited to get to double figures; it was such a big deal for me.

And somewhere between frantically trying to come up with a topic to write about and equally frantically trying to find the perfect quote to open with, I wasn’t sure I’d reach triple figures.

If anything, this feels more like a Chanderpaul Test century than a T20 century – it’s been a slow but hopefully steady journey, rather than the glitzy T20 half-second ride to a century.

And this milestone also coincides with another milestone – last Friday I wrote my last ever CAPE exam! And most importantly, it means that I’ve just written my last ever exam as a student of Queen’s College! We’re at the beginning of the end. High school is wrapping up. There’re just the final rites of passage to get out of the way – like graduation.

But exams have been such a massive part of what school’s been about, so for us to have written our last ever high-school exam – it’s a big deal. Some of us celebrated the end of exams with a movie at the ‘Princess’.

But it still hasn’t sunken in that we’re free. It still feels like I need to pick up my ‘Bio’ book and learn about neurones and synapses. I’m not quite sure when I’ll fully realise that it’s all over. It’s a bit like the end of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ when they destroy Sauron and everyone is all battle-scarred and worn out and Sam says, “Yes Mr Frodo. It’s over now.” Except I don’t have a loyal Hobbit tagging along with me everywhere I go.

But otherwise, it feels exactly like we’re at that scene. Working through some of those math problems was equivalent to clambering into a volcano and defeating super-sized spiders. Identical, actually.

But we’ve finished one chapter in our lives and we have this nice little “August” interlude before we have to begin the next chapter. I guess this is the time we’ll use to rest and recuperate before we go to war again in September. And I can get back to cooking.

But it’s been an interesting two years. Getting used to going to the same school but with so many of the people that were always there since First Form not returning for Sixth Form, and with so many students from other schools coming in. Getting used to a Sixth Form System where we’re told going in that we’ll be expected to do 80 per cent of the work on our own, with the remaining 20 per cent being covered in school. It all gave me some new perspectives on things and as with most experiences, they helped me to grow a little bit more.

And then of course, there’s been the experience of writing this column every week. It’s been wonderfully fun. So I’d like to say thank you to all of my readers. Thank you for not skipping my article and just reading the new ‘Ripley’s Believe it or not’.

Thank you for taking the time to read the things I have to say.

African Americans want more news about issues relating to Africa

Dear Editor,

I have been following many of our local media outlets for more than ten years and have noticed, to my disappointment, considerable paucity of coverage on Africa. This could not be based on lack of activity or interest in the continent. After all, Americans of

African descent comprise almost 15% of the U.S. population. Recently, waves of African immigrants have landed on American shores. New York City has the largest African immigrant population of U.S. metropolises. These groups, and Americans in general, need to know

about happenings in the African capitals.

As in other parts of the world, every day, week, month and year, negative and positive developments occur in one or other areas of the continent. Since the world has become a village, a stock exchange crash in New York City will af-

Guyana did itself proud in the fight against global hunger

Dear Editor,

I am never surprised by Guyana’s success whenever the topic is food. If ever we are to be short on food, it has to be because of outright laziness or taking things for granted. One person did write about the quantity and types of fruits being wasted in Guyana.

I can attest to this absolute foolishness. We do waste a lot of our farming produce. When it comes to fishes and other water food too, it is the same. I walked by a canal one afternoon after work, and I witnessed a catcher literally scooping the bottom of the habitat for a special species of small fish.

I mean not only was the species small, but the catch was for the babies.

He gets a good price, as the export market for this particular fish is very huge. This is wasting of another type and it is more dangerous, seeing as it suffocates procreation.

Guyana is set among some 38 countries that have met internationally established targets in the fight against hunger. This comes long before the deadline set for 2015. So far, a lot of progress has been made, as hunger worldwide has declined over the past decade or so. However, there is a whole lot more to be done, as some 870 million people are still undernourished, and millions of others are suffering from the consequences of vitamin and

mineral deficiencies. The bottom line is that about one-tenth of the world’s people are in want of food.

Hunger across many nations has three basic elements at work: neglect of regular and appropriate agriculture, the ongoing global economic crisis, and the significant increase of food prices in the last several years.

In Guyana, we are kind of immune to these so far, but that does not mean that we must become complacent. We have to continue our agricultural drive and engage in a concerted effort to stop our wasteful ways.

Yours sincerely, Salome Narine

Teenage pregnancy is a major problem worldwide

Dear Editor,

The issue of teenage pregnancy is inescapable. The Aranaputa Toshao Mark George opined that while progress has been made in the development of his community, he is very concerned about the rising level of teenage pregnancy.

According to him, the scourge is on the increase and is becoming one of the most prevalent social issues that need to be addressed at the earliest opportunity.

In the USA, problems in this area are most obvious: three in 10 teen American girls will get pregnant at least once before age 20, less than two per cent of teen moms earn a college degree by age 30, about a quarter of teen moms have a second child within 24 months of their first baby, eight out of 10 teen dads do not marry the mother of their child, and almost 50 per cent of teens have never considered how a pregnancy

would affect their lives.

Where Guyana is concerned, I have a feeling that in some areas, we are doing much worse. We need to do the field work, so as to ascertain what is happening where, and among whom.

Only by getting the facts, will we be able to know what to do.

A research was presented in 2006, in which it was suggested that rap stars are encouraging early sexual activity among teenagers by promoting a degrading view of women. Psychologists said their findings from a three year study presented a worrying picture of how popular music affected the attitudes of boys and girls to sex.

The report was all about how rap music and hip hop, with their particular emphasis on sex and demeaning depictions of women, were to be blamed for encouraging early sexual behaviour, leading to the spread of diseases and

fect the Reserve Bank in Johannesburg, South Africa and vice versa.

The upcoming controversial national elections in Mugabe's Zimbabwe are being watched closely by Western countries and, especially, by the U.S. due to their implications on future commer-

cial and political relationships between the two nations. The State Department is particularly worried about the spread of suspected terrorist agents in the Horn of Africa.

The media should be reporting about ‘The New York Forum Africa' that is taking place in

Libreville, Gabon. It is a meeting of business leaders and policy makers committed to making Africa a player in world economy. How do the local mass media explain their taciturnity on developments on the continent of the future?

Japhet M. Zwana Jamaica, NY

Fuel concession for fishing vessels is a worthy consideration

Dear Editor, It is very comforting to note that boat owners may very well be in for a treat. They are now upbeat as Cabinet is expected to soon review a proposal for the granting of concessions on fuel for small fishing vessels. If and when this happens, it will go a long way toward aiding our fisher folk in Guyana. Many of them operate in other neighbouring countries and all because of various concessions.

Currently, high operational cost per each fishing trip is quite high, and I do know of many boats that are moored all because of a lack of

capital.

At a recent meeting between a group of seven fishermen, the president and the agriculture minister, the men requested concessions on fuel, which they said is more than 50 per cent of their operational cost per trip.

Sometimes, a boat has to travel for as many as three days non-stop to reach fishing grounds. A return trip then, say of about two weeks, will entail six days of travel. That is fuel talking here.

Boat owners are being unfairly treated, since the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Processors is accessing cheap fuel, while small

the upsurge of underage pregnancies. We now need to see if there is a link – get the pregnant young ladies and ask about their musical preferences. Also, if the males, responsible for the pregnancies can be found, I ask that we do the same check.

Who are the ones listening to rap? What is their educational background? How strong are their moral convictions? And what level of success ratings would they be given? I suggest that, as much as possible, teenagers have to be protected from the rap-hip/ hop culture, that often says to them that they can do as they feel.

Yours respectfully, Damien Glassgow

fishing vessels are not enjoying similar privileges. We need a level playing field.

Also, as regards these trawlers that are depleting the ocean – just ask any fisherman, and he will willingly take people and show them how much of a threat to sustainable fishing they are. The trawler association purchases fuel for Gy$ 600 per gallon, while owners of small vessels pay over Gy$ 1000 per gallon for fuel. This is quite ridiculous. I really hope for some respite for these hardworking men.

Respectfully yours, Lloyd

Wilson

Broadcasters to pay at least Gy$ 2.5M annually

By Michael younge

Guyana National Broadcast Authority Board

Chairman Shaddick has disclosed that Cabinet has approved the formula that would be used to determine the licence fee that each approved broadcaster will pay for the use of the spectrum. The new broadcast act provides the formula, which is based on technical specifications that are set by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).

The fee is a percentage of gross revenue for the year prior to the year that the entity is seeking approval for.

Audited accounts

The GNBA head said the monies would be calculated using figures that form part of the specific entity’s audited accounts for the previous year, but quickly informed the media that the board had taken a “practical decision”. This decision will see 2011 being used as the baseline year to determine the payments due because it is not likely that at

December 31 of any given financial year, those entities would be in possession of fully audited accounts.

Shaddick also announced that new applicants that have never broadcast but were granted permission to do so in 2011 and came into being before the enactment of the broadcast authority act, would be required to pay the minimum sum of Gy$ 2.5 million as their licensing fee.

Further justifying the amount which some broadcasters feel is exorbitant, Shaddick maintained that “you have to value this commodity called broadcasting space”. Shaddick announced that broadcast operators were required to pay fees for all frequencies they own and operate, inclusive of primary and secondary channels, feeders and links.

Meanwhile, on March 14 in Parliament, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds listed the number of persons/ companies who were granted permission to broadcast television,

cable and radio signals.

Specifically for radio, those granted permission are the National Communications Network (NCN/ Government), Radio Guyana Inc (Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop), Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc (Omar Lochan), NTN Radio (Anand Persaud), New Guyana Company Ltd (Dharam Kumar Seeraj), Wireless Connections (Maxwell Thom), Hits and Jams Entertainment (Rawle Fergusson), Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprise (Alfro Alphonso), Haslyn Graham (of Linden), Little Rock Television Station (Rocliffe Christie), and Rudy Grant, the younger brother of international singer Eddy Grant

In addition, the government of Guyana has officially paid Gy$ 500,000 to Television Guyana Inc (TVG, as successor to Vieira Communications Limited (VCT), for damages after it was sued for breaching the company’s fundamental rights to a radio broadcast licence.

Court decision

The move came after a Court of Appeal Order was issued to the government’s Legal Affairs Ministry, following the company’s success at advancing arguments at the levels of the High Court and the Appeal Court.

The cheque was paid in March, originally to TVG, which had purchased all of the properties and assets of VCT. However, a decision was taken by TVG’s owner Dr Ramroop to pay the monies over to former People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/ R) parliamentarian and businessman Anthony Vieira, as the company’s final obligations and commitment to him following the sale of VCT and all related properties.

Vieira has since received the cheque via registered mail and has already cashed it. As successor to all rights of VCT, TVG received the radio licence consequent to the judgement.

With the judgement also breaking the radio monopoly, other radio licences were issued.

In addition, on November 7, 1997, Enrico Woolford received a letter from the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) granting a UHF television channel for broadcast in Georgetown. However, he is yet to begin operations, after some 16 years since the granting of the permission.

Mook Envy

Satiricus never failed to wonder at the ability of the MuckrakerKN to always hone in on the most salient aspects of a news story and give it prominence so that the good people of Guyana could be “educated” – just like its owner Mook Lall was. As a journeyman in the newspaper trade, Satiricus could only sit back and admire the latest effort.

All Guyana and the Caribbean – and indeed all across the former British colonies that still played cricket – about a billion and a half people – everyone was excited about the announcement that the Caribbean was launching its own T-20 league.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL)!! Imagine if the Indians, who were known for the stodgiest and dullest cricket possible, could make such an impact with the new format – everyone was thinking – what would the West Indians be doing??!!!

Mouths were watering over at the cricketing blogs at the entry of “Calypso Cricket” with men like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard who had lit up the Indian skies with fireworks of cricket balls, would now be playing in their own homes. Abandon! Joy! Euphoria! The sheer delirium of life in the Caribbean!

But Satiricus shook his head. They had all missed the most important point to report on. Satiricus knew that he and his cohorts in Guyana were kinda backward – not too exposed he admitted, with head hung low. But what kind of media did the rest of the world have? Why didn’t they see the most important point that the MuckrakerKN immediately grasped and reported in a screaming front-page headline? It had to do with the first team to announce its owner. It was the fellow who owned the pharmaceutical company in Guyana. The name of the team was announced – the Amazon Warriors! The players – including the international players – were announced – Mohammad Hafeez and Sunil Narine, etc; the dates of the fixtures were announced; and the logo was unveiled.

But they were all missing the point. And here it was on the front page of the MuckrakerKN. The pharmaceutical company, which had been the first in the Caribbean to manufacture HIV/ AIDS antiretrovirals and saved Guyana from a catastrophe – WAS NOT AS OLD AS IT SAID IT WAS, according to the MuckrakerKN!! Satiricus gasped! The company has been formed 90 years ago, but had changed hands before the fellow had bought it.

How dare he claim that the company was still 90 years old? So what if the company was a corporation which has its own life which continues even when it changes owners? If the MuckrakerKN said so, it had to be so. And furthermore this was more important to report on than all that cricketing stuff. Or than Guyanese fans were once again going to see professional cricket.

But in his heart Satiricus was proud that a Guyanese could have the vision and guts to put his money where his mouth was, and actually buy a franchise in the new CPL. But then what did Satiricus know? He was just a regular Guyanese cricket patriot. Not a journalistic genius like Mook Lall. Or was the Mook just green with envy?

Guyana, TT in talks over Caribbean Airlines airfare hike

In light of the recent hike in Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) airfares, the Guyana and Trinidad tourism ministries are currently engaged in discussions to iron out the issue. Recently, the local Tourism Ministry had issued a statement expressing disappointment with the recent increases in ticket pric-

GUILTY!

Colin Jones and his co-accused, Clayton Westford, were both found guilty on Monday of deliberately setting the Health Ministry building on fire four years ago. The men will know the extent of their punishment on June 27.

Between July 16 and 17, 2009 at Brickdam, the duo unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the Health Ministry, a conflagration that lit up the night skies in the wee hours and razed the building, along with an annex.

es. In the release to the media, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali had said that the government is extremely dissatisfied with the random increases in prices for tickets.

He noted too that CAL’s position in the Guyana market should have been looked at from a responsible cor-

porate perspective and not as an opportunity to collect profits as a result of the high demand in the Guyana market.

Subsequent to this, Guyana Times International sought a telephone interview with Caribbean Airlines communications head, Clint Williams who explained that low fares are always available

but it is simply a matter of booking early. He explained that the summer period is always peak season and by this time, most of the low fares are booked well in advance, so persons who wish to travel now are finding it difficult to secure reasonable prices.

“With such demands, it’s difficult to get low

airfares,” he stressed.

Williams also said fares depend on persons’ destinations as well. He noted that persons who would have booked their tickets from last year or early this year are currently travelling at low prices.

Williams said CAL had been urging persons to book their tickets early, since this is a

frequent dilemma. He disclosed that securing low airfares is not only a problem being faced by Guyanese. He said CAL always has its customers’ interests at heart.

Caribbean Airlines had taken up the slack and added flights since the exit of EZjet last year and Delta earlier this year.

Health Ministry arsonists to be sentenced on June 27

Magistrate Judy Latchman, on June 11 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, found that a prima facie case was made out against Jones and Westford after a no-case submission was made by Attorney Michael Somersaul, who is representing Westford. Jones, who had escaped from custody and was later recaptured, was unrepresented.

On Monday, final arguments were made by the prosecution and the defence. Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt submitted

Police look to Brazil for help in solving Anna Catherina triple murder

Crime Chief Seelall Persaud on Monday stated that the Guyana Police Force is soliciting the assistance of the Brazilian government to have DNA testing done on the pieces of evidence that were collected following the murder of businesswoman Jennifer Persaud and her two sons at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara in November last year.

The assistant police commissioner explained that the decision to seek further assistance was necessary, as they were having difficulties getting the samples to a Caribbean facility.

At this point in time, the investigation is stagnant and Persaud could not say when the samples would leave Guyana, but he is hopeful it will occur at the earliest opportunity.

On the day of the

gruesome discovery, the murdered woman’s reputed husband, Rudolph Earnest was taken into custody, while the man’s uncle was apprehended the following day.

Both men have maintained their innocence, but relatives strongly believe that they are the perpetrators of the horrendous crime.

It was reported that the bloodstained items, including a jersey, that were found at the home of Earnest’s uncle are the pieces that require DNA testing.

Amanda Ahamad, the eldest daughter of the deceased woman, had stated that the police were dragging their feet, as she believed that the evidence collected points to the two suspects, noting that they should have been charged.

Persaud, 41, also called “Jenny”, and her two sons, Afridi Bacchus,

six, and 17-month- old Jadon Persaud, of Lot 67 Sea View, Anna Catherina, were found with their throats slit in a bedroom of their twostorey house.

Bacchus was the woman’s son from a previous relationship, while the younger child was fathered by the main suspect.

The now dead woman reportedly shared an abusive relationship with Earnest, a U.S. deportee. It was also reported that Persaud would frequently complain about the constant physical abuse she suffered. Just over a week prior to her death, it became unbearable and she put Earnest out of her house. A post-mortem examination performed on the body of Persaud and her sons, confirmed that they died as a result of multiple stab wounds and haemorrhaging.

that the state has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, pointing to the oral confession of Jones and the written confession of Westford. The prosecution also cited case law that demonstrated persons could be convicted based solely on an oral or written confession, and asked that the court find both defendants guilty.

Magistrate Latchman ruled that both men were guilty of the act, which local law enforcement authorities labelled ‘domestic terrorism’.

The fire, believed to have been sparked by ‘channa bombs’, devoured decades-old records, vehicles, and several key divisions in a major blow to the health sector, raging

for more than three hours amid a downpour.

The Guyana Fire Service, in a valiant effort, managed to save the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and other adjacent buildings.

The Health Ministry building had housed the offices of the two health ministers, permanent secretary, chief medical officer and administrative staff; the registry; and the disease control, adolescent health, and tobacco control units; among others.

Jones, in December 2011, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment and fined for cultivating cannabis, illegal gun possession, and illegal ammunition possession. He was also ar-

raigned on a number of other charges, including discharging a loaded firearm, attempted murder, and murder. The other five accused were charged jointly in the matter of setting fire to the Supreme Court, while some face the same charges with Jones.

Previously, a case of attempted murder reportedly committed at the Brickdam Police Station, during an alleged plot to cause mayhem at the Central Police Station, was thrown over to the High Court. The court had found that a prima facie case had been made out against the men, causing them to stand trial at the next appropriate sitting of the Supreme Court.

Jagdeo to lead Commonwealth Expert Group on climate finance

Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Kamalesh Sharma today (Thursday) announced that former Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo, will lead a high-level team of experts to identify solutions to enable small, poor and climate-vulnerable Commonwealth countries to fight climate change.

According to a release from the Commonwealth Secretariat, Sharma said that Jagdeo will be joined by eight others to lobby the international community to help identify practical solutions for those countries most at risk from climate change.

“Together with eight others, the Group will tackle how best to access resources to support lowemission and climate-re-

silient development in small and climate-vulnerable states,” Sharma added.

The SecretaryGeneral said that the Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance, convened under his Good Offices for the Environment, will table their report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka in November 2013.

Speaking from Georgetown, the Commonwealth press release reported that Jagdeo said he was delighted to accept the invitation.

The former President said: “Some of the most climate-vulnerable people in the world are in our Commonwealth. Millions of people are in danger – the magnitude of the challenges

they face is overwhelming and they cannot face those challenges solely from their own resources. Over the years, many pledges of assistance have been made – but we have not seen enough action. I hope that the Expert Group can identify ways, both to identify financing at a scale that matches the problem, and also to enable Commonwealth Heads of Government to take specific actions to enable financing to be deployed in a way that rapidly gets to the people who need it.”

Jagdeo has been recognised internationally for his role in battling climate change as manifested in the Low Carbon Development Strategy for Guyana which has seen a financing deal from Norway worth potentially US$250M.

Guyana Trade Show and Tourism Expo billed for June 28th in New York

- The event will help to bridge the gap between the diaspora and Guyana, while promoting local businesses – Minister Ali

The highly anticipated Guyana Trade Show and Tourism Expo will provide the perfect opportunity for overseas-based Guyanese and businesses to see the products and services that are now available for sale, investment, and development in Guyana.

In preparation for this event which is billed for June 28th-30th at the Fitzgerald Gymnasium, Queens College, a team from Guyana are in New York, working assiduously to ensure that Guyana’s tourism potential is highlighted, and that information is readily available on various service industries, including building, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, trade, housing development, transport, and public services.

According to a press release from the

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the three-day event will place Guyana on a platform to propel itself onto the International arena, while giving every sector in the Guyanese economy an opportunity to showcase each individual business operations. Manufacturers will also be on hand to showcase their products while setting the stage for the establishment of

a supply chain for their products and services.

Hoteliers and tour operators will be able to showcase their facilities and packages, while the housing developers will also get the opportunity to market their brands.

Guyana’s Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali has noted that the Guyana Trade Show and Tourism Expo will be an

Chinese company interested in agri-forestry project

Adelegation from China Chengtong (CCT) Holdings Group Limited, led by Vice President Li Yousheng, met President Donald Ramotar on Monday for talks regarding its interest in the establishment of an agriforest project in Guyana.

The company is a producer of forestry-pulp papers, and also pursues investments in wholesale market, tourism, and cultural and packaging industries. There are more than 100 subsidiary companies all over China

with a branch in South East Asia and plans for expansion into Africa.

Its vice president told the Government Information Agency

(GINA) that the historic bilateral meeting between President Donald

Ramotar and China’s premier in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month, had encouraged the prospect of strengthened cooperation between the two countries in agriculture and forestry.

“The project (proposed) is just the plantation for the trees and an

integrated base for agriculture projects… that (will be) very good for the… local people here,” Vice President Li said in an invited comment. He gave the assurance that sustainable practices are at the heart of the company’s method of building the forestry industry.

GT&T worker killed in Mabura accident

One Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT& T) employee is dead and two others are critical after they were involved in an accident on the Mabura trail between 10: 00h and 11: 00h on Tuesday.

The dead man was identified as 26-year-old Trevon Morris of D Field, Sophia, Georgetown, and the two injured men are Jermaine Prince, the driver of the vehicle in which the men were travelling, and Lawrence Harris.

Guyana Times International understands that the men were on their way to Lethem on a business trip when the accident occurred; however, details are still sketchy. The two injured men were airlifted to Ogle International Airport around 16:00h and then rushed to a private hospital in Georgetown. Lawrence and Prince, full-time GT&T employees, were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and are in a

UG, Lancashire University sign cooperation pact

By SaBatini DanielS

As part of efforts to further strengthen and formalise collaboration between the University of Guyana (UG) and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday, with the aim of undertaking several new initiatives.

The pact will see more opportunities for students of both universities, as well as UG staff. The memorandum was signed at UG’s Education Lecture Theatre by UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi and UCLan Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Dave Phoenix. It covers four key areas: a new UG/ UCLan Centre

for Biodiversity and Environment, a Climate Change International Conference in Guyana, staff development, and student exchange programmes.

Innovative model

The centre is anticipated to serve as a sustainable and innovative model that will ensure future generations retain natural resources and benefit from them. The third International Conference on Social, Political and Technological Dimensions of Climate Change is expected to be held in September 2014 or 2015, and will draw many delegates to Guyana from around the world.

The staff development programme will see UG staff being further educated at UCLan

while lending their services to the university, so that when they return they will be highly qualified. The student exchange programme will see students from UG and UCLan travelling to the partner university to study and enhance their international experience.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Opadeyi said the Memorandum of Understanding will provide an outline that will guide the partnership which commenced several months ago. He expressed pleasure at the signing, adding that noteworthy plans have already been identified that should bear fruit within the next five years.

Landmark development UG Pro Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir said he

GT&T worker killed in...

stable condition.

They received severe injuries about their bodies, but are gradually improving, a hospital source said.

Meanwhile, Morris, a contractor attached to the phone company, died on the spot. His body is currently at the Linden Hospital Complex.

When this publication visited the home of an aunt of Morris, family members and friends were gathered to mourn his death.

Morris’s mother was too distraught to talk, but other relatives disclosed that the man was last seen around 04: 30h on Tuesday morning before he left to go on the trip.

Morris had been working at the phone company, where his mother and aunt have also worked for some

three years. This publication was told that this is the first time he took such a trip.

Morris was described as a friendly and hardworking person. His aunt reminisced that he always had a smile on his face.

“Before you see him, you always see his white teeth,” she recalled.

He leaves to mourn his two children, mother, and three siblings.

In a release, the telecommunications company expressed its regret at the death of a staffer, while offering best wishes for the speedy recovery of the other two men.

“GT&T extends deepest condolences to the family of Morris and will ensure the injured staffs are given every available medical support to aid recovery,” the release stated.

believes that the partnership between the two universities will be a “sustainable landmark development” for Guyana.

UCLan Dean, Dr Akintola Akintoye stated that the initiative is important for the development of both universities and countries as well.

“We have had a lot of deliberations in the last few months... we have been looking forward to this opportunity to come in here and meet with our colleagues and to come with concrete agreements... in terms

what we want to achieve and the kind of road map in the way that we are going to go about that.”

The person responsible for the key venture and one of the greatest benefactors of UG, UCLan Professor Dr Jaipaul Singh underscored that although he left his homeland 40 years ago, his heart has always been in Guyana.

“I’ve always wanted to do something, especially when I come back and see young kids who want really good education.”

Dr Singh disclosed that he desires to see sol-

id post graduate research training in Guyana, noting that the resources are available in the country to do so.

“So some of the kids who cannot afford to go abroad why not bring the education and collaborators to help and that’s the main reason.”

He said in light of the agreement, he hopes that after a few years, Guyana will set up its own graduate school, so Guyanese will not have to spend excessive money to go abroad, but will be able to do their postgraduate studies in their own country.

President warns no place for rogue cops in police force

By Vahnu Manikchand

The Police Officers’

Training Centre was on Monday commissioned at an elaborate ceremony during which both President Donald Ramotar and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee gave stern warnings to rogue elements of the force.

The building, at Camp Road and Young Street, was constructed at a cost of Gy$158.4 million. According to Citizens’ Security Programme coordinator Anil Ramnauth, the building will add capacity to the Guyana Police Force and will be fully utilised to improve the services provided by the organisation.

In his feature address, President Ramotar expressed the government’s gratitude to the Inter-American Development Bank for its support in developing the country. He noted that training has an important effect, especially in the security forces, which play an integral role in the country’s development.

Upholding the law

Ramotar added that while police carry out traditional roles, they are being handed more responsibilities.

“Today’s demands, modern-day demands, are very huge because of the rapid development in the science and technology… it means that while our police and security forces at large will have to continue the traditional role of enforcing the law and upholding the law and capturing criminals etc, there are more

added to them because of the changing world.”

The president noted that crime has become more sophisticated, hence police officers should be more disciplined in dealing with activities such as money laundering, as well as drug and human trafficking. He explained that for the force to have effective policing, it needs to build its relationship with the community so that society can have confidence in the police and see them as friends with whom they can work, in

order to get justice.

Increased effectiveness

Ramotar also talked about the morality of police officers, noting that society is traumatised every time they hear about an officer being involved in criminal activities. He also called on officers to increase their effectiveness and to be more diligent and efficient in their work, so that there will not be such a large number of cases being thrown out in court, hence allowing criminals to be freed as a result of poor investigative work.

In his address at the ceremony, Minister Rohee said while the Home Affairs Ministry is elated to hand over the training centre to the Guyana Police Force, there are still some concerns lingering. He noted that the centre will facilitate a wide range of training programmes and should be utilised to its maximum.

The minister pointed out that there is no room for “rogue” police officers, so there will be a higher standard of training. He stated that the

facility will also complement training received overseas, while disclosing that several such training programmes have been initiated and will last throughout the year.

In brief remarks, acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell gave the assurance that the building will be fully utilised for its intended purpose. He expressed his appreciation for being bestowed with the responsibility of the training centre and challenged the officers to maintain the building’s standard.

“It is quite deserving that we have a building of this stature, as we are now in a better position, not only to host local police training, but we can now be considered ready to accept invitations for overseas ranks to be here for training,” Brumell pointed out.

The building includes a cafeteria, library and reading centre, IT centre, recruitment centre, lecture theatres and classrooms, and an auditorium that can seat 230 persons.

“The time has come for us to export our cultural product” – Minister Anthony

By Umadevi BUx

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry on Wednesday launched its Third National Drama Festival, catering for writers and groups of dramatists across the country. The festival will run from June 19 to November 17. The launching activity took place at the National Cultural Centre, spiced with poetry and dance.

According to Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony, the creative industry is a substantial part of a country’s economy, and there should be

a growth in cultural entrepreneurship because creativity is unlimited and will become a booming industry.

“Today, the creative industry is a substantial part of a country’s economy and the investments in schools to train people to become professional will boost the economy… we have established ourselves and we want to see professional companies being established and registered as businesses…” said Anthony.

He noted that Guyana has made her name in cultural diversity with drama, music, dance and poetry and the time has

come for the country to export its cultural product to other countries.

“As it grows… we want to make it a Caribbean festival and see plays to be produced in different indigenous languages of Guyana… If we don’t do it, who else would…” emphasised the minister. He also noted that drama offers a medium to expand the horizon of one’s potential.

Minister Anthony envisaged that other countries will be interested in Guyana even more and their citizens will want to visit this country, as part of the spin-offs from an annual National Drama Festival.

The launch also included graduates from a stagecraft course offered by the University of Guyana, receiving awards and certification for their performances in the area of drama.

Developing talent

According to University of Guyana, Faculty of Education and Humanities Dean Al Creighton, the course in drama carries a three credit attachment, and it is meant to train and develop the potential of

individuals, while bringing a level of competence to increase the capacity of skills in theatre arts. The programme has seen 23 individuals with varying backgrounds in theatre receiving distinctions.

The National Drama Festival is presently in its third year. The festival is an ambitious cultural programme which has brought dramatic entertainment to a wide public audience and some amount of developmental benefit to the performers and producers. The festival is managed and produced by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Department of Culture with assistance from the private sector.

Corentyne High alumnus to launch book at N.Y. reunion

“Divide and Conquer”, a book by Barry L Sukhram, will be launched on June 29 when graduates of Corentyne High School – renamed J C Chandisingh Secondary School – meet at Leonard’s of Great Neck, Long Island in New York to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary.

In April 1953, the first general election under universal adult suffrage was held in British Guiana and was won by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

In October of the same year, after 133 days in office, the PPP government, headed by Dr Cheddi Jagan, was removed from office and the Constitution suspended by Britain’s Winston Churchill-led government.

Between the suspension and the next general election in 1957, the PPP split into two factions – the PPP, led by Dr Jagan, and the People’s National Congress (PNC), led by former

PPP Education Minister Forbes Burnham.

“Divide and Conquer” will seek to explain these events and explore how they affected the local struggle for self-government from the colonial power, as well as whether the Cold War influenced the outcome.

Sukhram shows that while the Cold War was a factor in the suspension of the Constitution, there were other factors at work, such as the opportunistic infighting within the PPP and the lack of a cohesive ideology.

He also reveals that had the Constitution not been suspended, there would not have been any ‘split’ as some had claimed.

Sukhram graduated from the Corentyne High School in the Class of 1958 and is married to Shirine Sankar, also a Corentyne High School graduate and former teacher. Both Barry and Shirine are from Rose Hall Village, as it was called back then, and now reside in England.

N.Y.-based Guyanese participate in fundraiser for worthy cause

Hundreds of U.S.-based Guyanese turned out for a fun day of musical entertainment and cricket last Saturday to support a fundraising exercise organised by the Tain, Clifton and Johns Humanitarian Society.

The fun day which took place at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York, saw an exciting match of 20/20 cricket between the New York Guyanese team and a Guyanese team from New England (greater Boston area) that featured former Guyanese national cricketers. The Angels Caribbean Band supplied the entertainment with several prominent guest artistes, including Geeta Bisram,

cating their children, as well as to aid families in need and to provide assistance to children at the Tain Primary School.”

Thakoorden tagged the event a ‘resounding’ success. He explained that several businesses and individuals contributed financially by sponsoring the games as well as the music system. All proceeds from the event, which amounted to several thousand dollars, will be handed over to the Tain Humanitarian Society.

Soca Raja and Terry Gajraj.

Dave Thakoorden, one of the key players in the promotion of the event, said it was designed to raise funds to support the work of the humanitarian mission in Guyana.

“The goal is to assist people who cannot afford things such as funerals, medical expenses, edu-

During its short existence, the humanitarian society has sponsored several outreach events, including a ‘back to school’ programme for the children of Tain Primary School. Also, the society held a seminar on domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse and child abuse.

Govt looking at ways to have Parliament restore GPL subsidy

By Leana Bradshaw

President Donald Ramotar last Friday evening announced that he has asked the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) to hold off on its proposal for tariff increase, while his government explores various means to restore the Gy$5.2 billion subsidy that was slashed from this year’s budget.

Ramotar made the announcement while addressing the launch of GuyExpo 2013.

He said: “Today (Friday), I had discussions with some members of the board and the management of GPL and I’ve instructed them to hold their hands, that they should not act and implement this decision now – while we look for ways and means, while we look for a way to restore government’s subsidy to GPL.”

“The cut of more than Gy$5 billion has been a serious blow and can have serious effects not only on the ordinary consumers, the ordinary working people, many of whom have been making representation to me, but it can have a big impact on the manufacturing sector and the business community whom I also been hav-

ing conversations with,” the head of state noted.

As such, he noted that government is willing and ready to take the matter of GPL’s subsidy back to Parliament, if it can be guaranteed of the support of the entire House to approve it in a bid to minimise any increase in tariffs GPL might be forced to implement.

Cheap energy is vital

The head of state pointed out that cheap energy is vital to the development of the manufacturing sector and the small man as well.

“We need cheap energy for domestic use… particularly our women that they can use different things in the household to do house work and we need cheap electricity in the business community to encourage expansion, to encourage job creation [and] to encourage development,”

Ramotar stated.

He pointed out that government has been investing many resources into building the capacity of GPL and enhancing its day-to-day operations.

Ramotar stressed that government is conscious of the burden an increase in electricity tariffs can place on citizens at both the domestic and busi-

ness levels.

Hydroelectricity, the president said, can go a far way in satisfying the need for cheap energy, which will allow increased production in all sectors.

He pointed to the agriculture industry, which can be made more efficient through the use of affordable energy by implementing more technological and scientific techniques.

Ramotar concluded that “the possibilities [of hydroelec-

tric power] are great…and our potential is enormous”.

The president said he looked forward to the day when Guyana would not have problems of financing the power company and when all parties could put aside their egos and work together for the development of the economy.

Criticisms

Ramotar’s announcement comes at a time when major local players have criticised GPL’s move to increase tariffs.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) said recently that it was deeply concerned over the proposed 26.7 per cent increase in rates. The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) also condemned the proposal and called for the restoration of the Gy$5.2 billion subsidy.

The government and opposition have been sparring over the proposed increase, with the latter saying that the GPL’s proposal should not be considered. Government, on the other hand, has insisted that the power company has not increased tariffs in five years and the proposed hike is justified.

The PSC said it was the

contention of GPL that the purpose of the increase is to meet the immediate need for capital expenditure to realise an additional 26 megawatts of generating capacity; an expanded integrated transmission network linking West and East Demerara with Berbice, greatly strengthening the reliability of electrical supply in those areas; and the deployment of an additional 28 feeders, allowing an appreciable load reduction of the currently overloaded distribution system.

According to GINA, the average price per kilowatt hour is Gy$63, with the 26.7 per cent increase, that will increase to about Gy$80 per kilowatt hour.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who has responsibility for the electricity sector, said GPL has been foregoing the increase in tariffs that it ought to have been receiving. The company has calculated more than Gy$20 billion in income have been foregone. The prime minister said that while this increase will be very demanding on people, this adjustment should have been coming in smaller steps of about five per cent per annum.

Guyana to review safety, security of stockpiled firearms

Home Affairs

Minister Clement Rohee has reported that Guyana is working in the context of international cooperation with a United Nations body to address the question of stockpiling firearms and ammunition, and how to deal with over-accumulation of those which are obsolete.

The UN body, United Nations Office for Disarmament’s Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNILIREC) will guide Guyana on how to dispense with firearms, as well as securing stockpiles in ways that are in keeping with certain international standards.

Two experts from UNILIREC responded to an invitation from the government of Guyana (GoG) on this mission which has proved helpful to the country.

Minister Rohee on Friday reported that senior programme officer of the Public Security Programme, UNILIREC, Juliet Solomon and technical advisor, Stockpile Management and Weapons Destruction, UNILIREC, Ian Ruddock, have visited a number of stakehold-

ers during their visit to Guyana to conduct a baseline survey.

“In three weeks’ time, after the visit, we will expect a report. Based on that report, we are expecting some recommendations which the GoG will study with a view to determining the extent

ed that while this move by government is not necessarily a part of the security reform process, “it is part of bringing better management to our armouries, whether they are in the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, municipalities or pris-

what areas of assistance we can provide,” she explained.

The UNILIREC official said the body provides assistance in several areas, in terms of securing weapons’ stockpiles and managing them. She added that guidance is also provided

national standards, and destroying weapons and ammunitions.”

Solomon reported that during the team’s visit, they have looked at a number of weapons’ facilities and met with officials of the police and defence forces and the Guyana Revenue

to which we will implement those recommendations,” he stated.

The minister pointed out that there are no sanctions involved if Guyana does not implement the UNILIREC recommendations, but noted “in the context of best practices and your treaty obligations, you are expected to do your best to adhere to these principles to which you have signed on”.

Better management of arms Minister Rohee stat-

ons, wherever there may be a stockpile of firearms. The idea is to bring a better system of management, utilisation, and disposal of those that have become technically obsolete.”

Solomon explained that the two-member team’s visit is in the context of a Caribbean assistance package.

“This is a regional assistance package and we have done it across the board, Guyana is one of the latest countries. We are looking to assess

in the broader context of legislation.

“We can provide legal assistance in looking at all the legislation so we can see that it is up to date and meeting treaty obligations. We can provide physical means to destroy weapons. Things like hydraulic shears, or burning tanks, or even international standard padlocks for security stockpiles. We can also provide training in the use of these things and in methods for securing stockpiles up to inter-

Authority (GRA).

Preventing theft of weapons

Focusing on the not so recent theft of AK47 rifles from the GDF which had raised serious concerns, Solomon said that UNILIREC can help to prevent this.

“In terms of physically preventing theft, yes, we do an assessment of the actual facility and we can provide the physical assistance mentioned before, such as the international standard padlocks for security stockpiles and the relevant training

to have a system of checks and balances which will help to eliminate or alleviate those kinds of problems, as well as training in the methods for securing stockpiles up to international standards,” she explained.

The public perception that the weapons stockpile of both the GDF and the GPF are obsolete is a misconception, Minister Rohee stated. He explained that on an annual basis, he presents to Cabinet, requests from the GPF for the procurement of firearms and ammunition.

“I know that some of the most modern firearms that the police force should have for use in any particular situation, whether it’s a SWAT operation or for any special type of operation, they would have the appropriate firearms and ammunitions for that purpose. They may not be as modern as some forces have in some industrialised countries, but whatever they request, is what we seek to procure,” he said.

The minister explained that the GPF is expected to follow the introduction of the production of new versions of firearms and follow that by reading up on those matters to enable them to determine what is best for them.

Security sector reform bills could be re-tabled in 11th Parliament

Home Affairs

Minister Clement Rohee has hinted that the four security bills that were rejected by the opposition last Thursday could be re-tabled in the 11th Parliament.

He made the comments during a news conference at the Parliament Building. Speaking at the news conference, the minister stated quite clearly that he is content to await the sitting of the 11th Parliament after the next national elections in Guyana, to bring the bills back to the National Assembly.

Security reform

The four bills rejected are the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill and the Guyana Fire Service (Change of Name) Bill,

and the Police (Change of Name) Bill, all aimed towards the security reform that the opposition had been advocating for several years.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds also expressed his disappointment with the parliamentary opposition. He pointed out their determination not to approve any legislation presented by the minister despite their claims of commitment towards the fight against crime.

Hinds noted that most of their objections against the minister arose from their assumptions that the minister was responsible for the deaths of three persons during the July 2012 Linden protests. These assumptions, he explained, were however unjustified as proved by the commission of in-

quiry which investigated the happenings of that day.

He declared that as such, the opposition has no basis for the position they have taken and are not earnest and responsible.

Minister Rohee expressed his commitment to the bills and is of the firm conviction that they are appropriate for the

reform process of the security sector. He noted that they had first been presented and approved by Cabinet before they were brought before the House.

“The bills are not about Clement Rohee, but about the people of Guyana,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the bills are forward looking, progres-

Stern warning given to mines officers against fraud

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud warned a new batch of mines officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) against fraudulent activities.

Persaud, addressing the 26 newly-trained officers at the Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown on Friday, said while the gold mining industry has a lot of opportunities; it is often tarnished by illegal activities such as the alleged “shaking down”, unlawful mining operations and smuggling of gold.

“We have taken a firm position on this, and we will ensure that when there is evidence, people face disciplinary actions, including dismissal and we made this quite clear to the unions.” Nevertheless, he said the ministry through the GGMC will continue to work closely with officers to ensure that they maintain a high level of professionalism. He said the temptations will be great, but officers must ensure that those illegal mining activities and criminal offences are rooted out of the sector.

“You may not even have to say anything or do anything, they will

just come to you and you must be able to resist that type of temptation,” said Minister Persaud.

He added that officers must work earnestly to impose the social and environmental standards laid out by the mines commission. This, he said, is critical as the industry plays a leading role in the country’s economy. Amid the recent drop in gold prices, Minister Persaud said the declaration has increased by 16.9 per cent with 216,294 ounces for 2013 when compared to 184,928 ounces in 2012 over the same period.

In addition to illegal mining operations

sive pieces of legislation and each bill is non-reactionary and democratic. They all help each Guyanese to look forward to better services through security sector changes, he noted.

Disciplined Services Commission

Minister Rohee emphasised that the bills were sourced from the Disciplined Services Commission, before which a number of other organisations along with the opposition appeared to plead for the reforms.

Minister Rohee posited that they are now in a “bind” because of the position taken not to approve bills tabled by him and are now unable to extricate themselves.

The home affairs minister urged Guyanese to condemn this behaviour.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall

also supported his colleague minister and pointed out that crime is a serious problem in Guyana. As such, he observed, leaders in Parliament must ensure their actions are consistent with the wishes of the people who put them there. He urged that issues should not be used to play “political football”, especially those related to crime.

Describing the merits of each bill, Minister Nandlall explained the measures outlined to address criminal matters and their means to address the reform of the sector. He also pointed out that Opposition Leader David Granger was a member of the Disciplined Services Commission which gave the recommendation for the Security Sector Reform in Guyana.

‘Coconut

Expo’ coming

By Leana Bradshaw

The Agriculture Ministry believes that the coconut industry is poised to becoming the next crop of economic significance in Guyana, as it continually seeks to develop it.

In light of this, a coconut exposition has been planned to further promote the commodity locally. The inaugural 'Coconut Exposition' will be hosted by the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC), which will bring together agencies and departments within the Agriculture Ministry, as well as other stakeholders, to promote products and services in the coconut industry.

and smuggling of gold, Minister Persaud condemned the brutal act of human trafficking and child labour. He encouraged the officers to report any case of trafficking and child labour to the police and social services.

“What they do too is affect the mining sector as a whole, you can have the best mining practice, you have the best technology and best environmental standards, but when you go to the camps and see the social behaviours there, it takes away from the good mining activity and it also harms the country’s image” Persaud said.

The one-day exposition has been scheduled to take place on Friday, June 21st at the Guyana Shop from 09:00h.

Coconut products

New GMC General Manager Nizam Hassan, during an interview with Guyana Times International on Monday, noted that the exposition will seek to highlight coconut products, as well as developments and opportunities that exist for the sector, both on the local and export markets.

He noted that the expo will see participation from agencies such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST); the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA); the Craft Producers Association; and coconut farmers.

“…the very small persons doing things like sugar cakes and those kinds of things that are made with coconut, the more established companies, companies that are bottling coconut water [and] canning coconut cream. Then we have the companies who are making coconut oil [and] persons who are involved in exporting,” Hassan outlined as he spoke about the persons being targeted for the expo. He added that the expo will allow stakeholders in the industry and consumers to interact on issues relat-

Light up de light…

Satiricus knew he wasn’t the brightest bulb around. So who was he to doubt Suspenders Ram when he claimed GPL was “cocking de wuk” in its call for a 26 per cent raise in electricity charges? In fact, with the blackouts and all, the Missus was so furious with the business of electricity in general – that Satiricus had just gotten an earful. Satiricus, in fact, was quite inclined to go along with the Suspenders Man.

“So how come only y’all street get blackout?” Hari wanted to know. The boys were trickling into the back-street dive and Hari had listened patiently to Satiricus’ lament. “In front street we didn’t get no blackout.”

“Well, Lizzie cows were going home and one of them decide to rub up against a pole.” Satiricus confessed. “Maybe the rain made her skin itch.”

“And?” prompted Suresh who’d been listening in as he poured his beer into a glass of ice, which all his friends thought was a disgusting habit.

“And the cow shake the pole…the wires touch and started like fireworks and we get blackout,” Satiricus concluded.

“But yuh wife cyaan blame GPL fuh da,” exclaimed Cappo. “She shoulda talk to Lizzie ‘bout she cow.”

“De lady said if GPL don’t let the wires get slack, they wouldn’t shake and touch,” explained Satiricus. “And she wouldn’t get blackout.”

“Well how about that!” said Georgie with a broad grin. “The lady got more brains than all a we.” He was visiting from New York and was giving the boys a drink.

“But back to what Suspenders bin saying,” interjected Hari. “Is GPL playing dead to see who gon show up at the funeral?”

“Budday, anybody can cock de wuk,” pronounced Cappo, “but yuh na must tek yuh mattie eye fuh see. OK?”

“Don’t start with the parable Cappo,” moaned Suresh. “Is what yuh mean?”

“Like you does only buy paper fuh wrap fish, or wha?” asked Cappo in mock outrage. “You na read wha annadda bookeeper write? Suspenders used to keep GPL books but he get throw out. Is jealous, he jealous.”

“But that isn’t the only thing,” volunteered Hari. “Is he stir the fire with KFC from the start to cut the subsidy.”

“Hell hath no fury like a bookeeper scorned!” laughed Kuldeep, who had joined them a while back.

Cappo joined in the laughter and then concluded, “Fish ah play ah sea, he nah know watah ah boil fuh am. Even wan canecutta like me know dat de bookeeper association gon throw he tail out!”

“And tell you wife not to worry about her light bill, Sato. Prezzie told GPL to hold up with that increase,” said Teacher Samad. “He’s going to make the KFC back down with its ridiculous chops on the GPL subsidy.”

“Thank God!” sighed Satiricus feelingly. “I can go home tonight and not face the wrath of the wife.”

They all drank to that.

GT&T reiterates commitment to liberalisation

– as it commissions cellular site at Aranaputa

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) on Saturday commissioned another cellular site in the hinterland, re-emphasising that liberalisation remains a top priority as it is the only mechanism which will foster competitiveness in the telecommunication sector.

The company’s newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Radha Krishna Sharma told the gathering at Aranaputa, North Rupununi on Saturday morning that the company has publicly stated that it welcomes liberalisation of the telecommunication sector as it is integral to the overall development of Guyana.

“However, liberalisation needs to be done in an orderly, structured way; so phased that it reflects transparency and from our perspective, is a recognition of and respect for contractual rights and obligations,” the CEO said.

In addition, Sharma further stated that in-

vestors’ confidence can only be enhanced when the sanctity of contracts and legal agreements are respected.

His comments came days after Digicel Guyana Inc CEO Gregory Dean expressed his optimism that the legislation will be passed for a free telecoms sector, before the 10th Parliament goes into recess in 2013.

Dean said Digicel was given a timetable of early August to see results and despite negotiations between government and GT&T on matters regarding the legislation, it did not conclude by the first quarter of this year as was expected, but the company is still buoyant.

He also noted that it is his understanding that the discussions between the two bodies are still ongoing, but he is unsure of the progress achieved thus far, since Digicel is involved to a limited extent.

Sharma, speaking at the opening of the 350 foot mobile cellular service (tower) at Aranaputa Valley, said the launch will have a transforma-

tive effect on the lives of residents, noting that it is a historic undertaking which will bond the community and the company forever.

In his presentation, the CEO recognised that rural services are at the heart of successful agricultural and rural development, thus are essential to economic growth and poverty alleviation.

It is behind that backdrop, he is hopeful that the advent of the mobile phone will stimulate a revolution in rural connectivity for small farmers and other small scale producers.

“GT&T considers the Linden to Lethem corridor vital to Guyana’s current and future commercial and national development interests.”

Sharma highlighted that along this corridor, the company has cellular sites at Wisroc, Mabura and now Aranaputa. There are also two sites at Lethem with works in the advanced stages at the Kurupukari crossing.

These mobile deployments are the first stage of a plan by the company

in expanding its services to Guyanese.

Expansion

On this note, Sharma explained that the next phases will include green power solutions and broadband delivery via erected sites, given the importance of data to ICT development and commerce. He said the new mobile cellular service will be of great benefit to the recently launched Mobile Money Guyana Limited. The concept of an electronic wallet, he added, will transform the way of doing business in remote and rural communities.

The Aranaputa cell site, which serves Annai and its environs, will also boost the rural radio booths and is strategically erected to serve as a hub for North Rupununi in areas such as business, education and health, but more importantly, expand access to the national communication network.

The erection of the site was the brainchild of former chief executive officer Major General retired, Joseph Singh.

from page 12

Guyana Trade Show and Tourism Expo billed for...

occasion to bridge the gap between communities in the Diaspora and Guyana, while promoting local businesses.

“We decided to collaborate with the local private sector in an effort to ensure that we can create an opportunity where they can have access to a wide market and where they can come to a common goal in developing business relationships with the entities that can further

expand their business potential,” Minister Ali explained.

Corporate Guyana has also pledged their support in promoting the Guyana Trade Show and Tourism Expo, with Digicel, NEW GPC INC, CGX Energy, Caribbean Airlines, Mohammed’s Enterprise, Fly Jamaica Airlines , Banks DIH, REPSOL, Edward Beharry, Windsor Estates and Eileen’s Ville, have all signed on

as major sponsors for the event.

In addition, visitors to the Expo will be treated to a spectacular cultural display and a wide array of Guyanese foods to sample and enjoy.

The Guyana Trade Show and Tourism Expo will be launched with a grand opening ceremony slated for 19:00hrs at the Fitzgerald Gymnasium, on Friday June 28th; government officials and private sec -

tor representatives will be on hand to interact with invitees and participants.

The ministry says that as part of the thrust to promote Guyana’s Tourism Product, Guyanese tour operators have collaborated with the Tourism Ministry to offer a special sweepstakes, where one lucky patron will get a chance to win an all expenses paid weekend trip for two, to Guyana.

Guyana has a natural base on human resources that can take us forward - Minister Ali

The 2013 edition of Guyana’s premier trade fair and exhibition, ‘GuyExpo’, was officially launched on Friday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, with much pomp and ceremony.

The occasion was witnessed by President Donald Ramotar, private sector officials and a number of stakeholders involved in preparation of the mega event.

Acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali said the event will be hosted in partnership with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

He highlighted the fact that Guyana opens up access to market opportunities to some 33 countries, and as such, the country’s human resource talent must be of high standard to be competitive on the world market.

“We have a natural base of human resource

that can take us forward, that has the ability in terms of educational requirements to take us forward. It is how we innovatively use this human resource, this human capacity, to further expand our economy,” Ali highlighted.

He added: “We have trade agreements with

almost all the countries that form part of this market, yet we’ve not been able to capitalise on this advantage. We’ve not been able to capitalise on our geographic positioning.”

The acting commerce minister informed business stakeholders present at the launch that

“there is still over US$2.5 billion in unexplored potential for Caricom, especially in Cuba”.

As such, he said the private sector would need to reassess its target market in order to tap into this availability.

He outlined aquaculture, forest products, mining, information and communication technology and sustainable energy as areas that Guyana can significantly benefit from economically.

Ali also pointed out that according to the World Economic Report

2012/2013; Guyana is among the best countries, noting that its financial and human resource capacities are intact. These, he said, are the two most important determinants for investment and competitiveness within a country.

Ali noted that between 2006 and 2012, Guyana attracted Gy$1.326 billion in foreign direct investment and growth in credit to the private sector increased from Gy$30.6 billion in 2006 to Gy$82.2 billion in 2012.

Meanwhile, President Donald

Ramotar, delivering the feature address, reiterated the fact that “we must constantly develop our human resources”, noting that “human capital will help to take us into the direction we have to go”.

He told stakeholders that “we have to move away from being just producers of raw materials to more and more being producers of finished products.”

Also speaking at the launch of GuyExpo 2013 was GMSA President Clinton Williams, whose organisation is collaborating with the ministry to stage the event.

The event will be held under the theme “Advancing Productivity through Innovation, Modernisation and Expansion”.

This year’s theme is consistent with Guyana’s successful macroeconomic strategy, prudent policy implementation and continuing efforts to expand opportunities for sustainable investments. The annual event, to be hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, Georgetown, is slated to take place from October 3 to 6 and is anticipated to attract an overwhelming response from Guyanese, as well as overseas visitors.

‘Coconut Expo’...

ing to supply, demand and challenges affecting both parties.

Increasing demand

Hassan pointed out that coconut, its products and by-products have important qualities, of which people are increasingly becoming aware, thus increasing demand.

The New GMC head said the exposition is the first of its kind and is the brainchild of Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy.

The National Oversight Committee on the coconut industry comprises the public and private sector officials and representatives from the diplomatic missions in Guyana, who are tasked with the responsibility of overlooking and assessing the industry, and making recommendations to the ministry to enhance the sector.

The exposition is the first of a number of initiatives planned to promote the industry.

“From the review of this being the first and the feedback that is garnered, the other activities will be planned, but essentially it also involves reaching out to farmers and the farming community, dealing with issues that may arise,” the New GMC general manager said.

Dr Ramsammy had previously noted that there are more than 12 million hectares of land under coconut cultivation throughout the world, with production exceeding 65 million tonnes per year. In this regard, he said marketing prospects for coconut and its products have never been better, both locally and internationally.

Continued growth

However, he admit-

from page 22

ted that much still needs to be done to address the industry’s continued growth. Ramsammy recalled that several years ago when the industry took a global downturn, coconut products remained popular on the market.

Coconut production ranks third, after rice and sugar production in Guyana, the minister noted. This year, 80,000 hectares of land will be dedicated to rice production, 36,000 to sugar, and 24,000 to coconut production.

Dr Ramsammy noted that Guyana currently produces between 90 and 100 million coconuts per year, about 70,000 tonnes. He stated that the world export market for coconut products is approximately US$6 billion, while Guyana’s coconuts export market is worth potentially US$3 million.

APNU discusses Amaila Falls Project with IDB officials

At the invitation of Opposition Leader David Granger, the Inter-American Development Bank (IBD) Country Representative Sophie Makonnen, along with her Office Support Assistant Sheron Roberts, met with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) representatives to discuss the current status of the IDB involvement in the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

Granger was accompanied by the shadow ministers for public in-

frastructure and communications, Joseph Harmon; local government and regional development, Ronald Bulkan; foreign affairs and Deputy Speaker Deborah Backer; and finance and economic development, Carl Greenidge; as well as policy adviser Lance Carberry.

According to an APNU release, Granger explained the reason the meeting was requested and pointed out that the opposition needs to be kept informed of developments, particularly in

view of the importance and likely impact of the Amaila project on the Guyana economy.

In that context, the opposition has asked for copies of the key documents to enable the conduct of its own review.

According to the APNU, Makonnen explained the special procedures which are being used by the IDB in preparation for the eventual submission of the project to the IDB board sometime in October 2013.

The documents explaining the IDB proce-

dures will soon be made available to the APNU. Currently, the IDB is undertaking a detailed due diligence investigation which should be completed by August 2013. A number of crit-

ical studies are being undertaken, including a comprehensive environmental impact study and an economic feasibility study, along with a detailed evaluation of GPL to determine its ca-

pabilities and capacity to manage the power from the Amaila Falls Project. Specialist assistance will have to be made available to overcome any discernible deficiencies in GPL.

Pilot did not blame airstrip security for accident

Orlando Charles, the pilot of the aircraft which was involved in the accident last Wednesday, when 17-year-old Raquel Whitney Joseph was killed at Ekereku airstrip, Cuyuni, Mazaruni, has clarified that he did not blame the tragedy on poor airstrip security, when he spoke with Guyana Times International

The pilot, in an invited comment, told this publication that all stakeholders in the industry are working toward enhancing the current state of affairs of airstrips throughout the country, and lauded the government for the great strides made in this regard, notably at Ekereku airstrip.

During a telephone interview with this publication on Friday, Charles explained that only authorised persons and crew members are allowed to be at that point where he had brought the aircraft to a halt. Charles said he was surprised to have seen the young woman approaching the aircraft after it landed, but he could not do anything about it, as it was too late by the time she had reached the airstrip.

He explained that, after he turned off the engine, which he did immediately on seeing the woman, the propeller would take a while before coming to a complete stop.

Charles expressed unreserved sympathy on the passing of the teenager, noting that he has extended his hands in support to the bereaved family. The pilot said he is still shaken by the incident and has endeavoured to play a more active role in safety and security at aircraft facilities in the interior and throughout Guyana.

Charles, who is founder and director of ‘Flight of Hope’ to which the aircraft is registered, was shuttling cargo between Olive Creek and Ekereku for an associate of Gold Spring Resources Inc at

the time of the incident. Charles recalled seeing the young woman at Olive Creek a few hours prior to her demise. He explained that the teenager was at Olive Creek and managed to secure a flight to Ekereku, but in the process, she left a bag containing her belongings behind.

After she collected the bag, she walked towards the back of the aircraft, towards the propellers. Charles noted that after he realised that the teenager was heading towards the front of the aircraft, he quickly shut the engine down, but the propeller kept spinning when she came into contact with it.

The captain was scheduled to meet with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Friday afternoon. He said he plans to give a full account of the incident to the investigators.

GCAA Director Zulfikar Mohammed told this newspaper that the findings of the incident will be made available as soon as investigations are completed.

Joseph was chopped to death on Wednesday afternoon after she reportedly walked into the propeller of a single-engine Cessna 172 aircraft at Ekereku Airstrip, Region Seven. Joseph, 17, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, had left her home in mid-May for Bartica. It was reported that the privately-owned aircraft had just landed at the airstrip, when Joseph ended up in the path of the plane.

ARTHRITIS

By: hillaRy RamRoop

Millions of people experience joint pain and stiffness, symptoms commonly attributed to arthritis. Arthritis is defined as the “inflammation of one or more joints.” Joints are areas in the body where two bones meet such as the knee or elbow. Arthritis is actually a broad name given to over 100 types of diseases, which affect the joints and areas around the joints. Often times, when talking about arthritis, people usually refer to two major types: osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear of cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints as well as other body parts, such as the eyes and lungs.

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease and is the most common chronic joint condition. In this case, cartilage in a joint breaks down. Cartilage protects the joints, allowing smooth movement and acts as a cushion against pressure or shock. As cartilage breaks down, so does the cushioning it provides; the bones begin to rub together causing inflammation, pain and ultimately damage to the joint. Usually, osteoar-

thritis occurs gradually, commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, fingers, and spine.

Common symptoms according to Web MD, include:

•Aching pain in the joints

•Difficulty griping objects

•Difficulty sitting

•Morning stiffness for less than a hour

•Pain when walking

•Stiffness after resting

•Swelling of the joint

•Loss of motion in a joint

•Common Risk Factors According to Web MD Include:

•Age (Before age 55, osteoarthritis occurs in both men and women. After 55, it is more common in women).

•Family history (a gene mutation may cause a defect in collagen, a important component of cartilage).

•Athletics (overuse of joints).

•Abnormal alignment of the joints (such as being double-jointed, when the bones of a joint do not fit tight together.

•Putting more weight on one part of the body (such as one knee or one hip).

•Injury

•Being overweight (more pounds put extra pressure on the knees and hips).

legal corner

Like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis also causes pain and in a joint/s. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. According to the American College of Rheumatology, the majority of the people affected by rheumatoid arthritis are women. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy areas of the body. Though it mainly attacks the joints, other areas of the body such as the eyes, blood, lungs and heart can be affected. The inflammation of a joint/s causes pain, warmth and stiffness and the joint can also lose its shape, making it difficult to move.

Symptoms according to Web MD, include:

•Pain, stiffness and swelling in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, jaw and neck.

•Symmetrical pattern (usually if the left wrist is affected the

right one will be too).

•The joint swelling is intense and thwarts normal activities (such as walking or driving).

•Stiffness in the morning may last for hours.

•Inflammation (can reduce appetite and contribute to weight loss).

•Fatigue and headaches

•Fever

With this disease, the immune system recognizes a protein as an intruder and attacks it. However the exact protein and cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet known. It is believed that both one’s genes and environment contribute to the disease. Doctor Jason Theodosakis, the author of The Arthritis Cure, suggests that watching one’s weight, eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, and exercising helps to reduce arthritis pain. If you have swelling, or pain in a joint/s, consult with your doctor for further information.

The Protection of Bankruptcy versus Foreclosure

By RichaRd Kistnen, esq

Anumber of people struggling with overwhelming mortgage payments or who are facing foreclosure have walked into my office and asked the same question: I do not want to lose my home. What can I do? Before any plan of action can be discussed, serious talks about income and expenses need to be had. Ultimately, however, two options tend to arise: modification of some sort, or a chapter 13 bankruptcy. Many people tend to lean towards an attempt (or attempts) at modification before thinking about bankruptcy. Firstly, modification programs are free to applicants (though most professionals who offer help with modification submissions may charge a fee for paperwork). Secondly, most people are more familiar with modification from the news (irrespective of whether the news has been good – such as the HAMP program being extended through 2015 – or bad –such as major foreclosure abuses continue to be discovered).

As a consumer bankruptcy attorney, I would advise a client to be more open about bankruptcy.

Filing bankruptcy gives the debtor the protection of the automatic stay, so all collection and enforcement efforts must stop, at least temporarily. Secondly, the Court provides protection if a creditor attempts to engage in abusive behaviour. Moreover, the Court is very versatile in the relief it can provide, including trying to moderate a modification while a bankruptcy case is open.

A court decision was recently issued by the United States Bankruptcy Court – District of Kansas. In this case, the debtors had filed under chapter 13. In their plan, they decided that they were going to surrender certain real estate where the outstanding mortgage was more than the value of the property. In the plan (and maybe erroneously) they provided that the servicer, Seterus, had relief from the bankruptcy stay (likely to pursue foreclosure in state court).

The note, however, was owned by Fannie Mae. (In a previous article, I surveyed the difference between servicer and holder of the note.

The company you receive your mortgage statements from may not actually be holder of the note!)

After the plan was confirmed,

Caribbean could cover all electricity needs using renewable resources – IDB report

Latin America and the Caribbean’s renewable energy endowment is large enough to cover its projected 2050 electricity needs 22 times over, according to a new report commissioned by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).The report, Rethinking our Energy Future, argues that lower prices and new technologies are making renewables a viable alternative.

Solar, geothermal, wave, wind and biomass sources in this region could produce up to 80 petawatt-hours of electricity.

One petawatt-hour is equivalent to one trillion kilowatthour, roughly three times the amount of electricity Mexico consumes in one year. At present, Latin America generates 1.3 petawatt hour. By 2050, demand is expected to grow to between 2.5 to 3.5 petawatt-hours.

Fannie Mae went ahead and commenced a foreclosure action in state court. The debtors then brought this case in bankruptcy court alleging that Fannie Mae had violated the bankruptcy stay by commencing the foreclosure action.

The judge ultimately sided with the debtors and found that Fannie Mae did not have authority to commence the foreclosure action. Although the judge did cite the plan language as being a little unclear and ambiguous, it was the burden of Fannie Mae to obtain a clear order from the court authorizing it to proceed with a foreclosure action. As the plan did not specifically authorize Fannie Mae to pursue a foreclosure action, the only way Fannie Mae could do that was by first obtaining a court order.

This is the kind of protection that filing for bankruptcy, as opposed to relying on modification, could afford. Please contact the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324, if you have any questions concerning bankruptcy or other concerns.

*The case is In re NOSTRAND, 09-24265 (D. Kansas, 2013).

The report addresses a series of myths surrounding renewable energies, noting that several of these alternative technologies have become price competitive with conventional technologies, offer good investment opportunities and should be taken into consideration by policymakers aiming to diversify their national energy matrixes, reduce fuel supply vulnerabilities and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“Though Latin America uses more renewable energy than any other region in the world, it faces difficult choices as it seeks to generate the electricity it needs to grow without harming the environment,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno.

“Renewables are becoming a viable and attractive option that needs to be explored.”

The report was presented on June 18 in Bogotá at the Global Green Growth Forum Latin America and the Caribbean (3GF

LAC) to leaders from government, business, finance, civil society and international organisations gathered at the invitation of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Danish Prime Minister Helle ThorningSchmidt, and Moreno. Public-private partnerships

“With this study, we seek to promote concrete action and public-private partnerships, by putting into perspective the magnitude of available renewable sources, outlining their broad benefits and illustrating policy options,” said Walter Vergara, head of the IDB’s Climate Change Division and lead author of the report.

In 2012, global investments in alternative renewable technologies (solar, wind, geothermal, ocean, small-scale hydropower and advanced bioenergy) and traditional hydropower amounted to US$ 244 billion, of which Latin America represented a modest 5.4 per cent. To tap into its vast potential, the region must modernise its policy and regulatory frameworks and scale up investments.

While investments in renewable energy have been limited so far, the study argues that major new developments are underway in Latin America. Wind is the fastest growing nontraditional renewable source in the region.

Mexico is the fifth largest producer of geothermal energy in the world and Colombia, Panama and Ecuador are exploring their own resources.

Biomass, solar and wind are increasingly being used in Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina and Chile.

The study concludes that, regardless how each country may shape its energy policy, increasing the penetration and use of non-traditional renewables makes sense for Latin America and the Caribbean.

‘Find time for your children’

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony explains in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine how he connects with his children and the inspiration he received from his father.

GTSM: How many children do you have?

Dr Anthony : I have two daughters: Jessica Asmita Anthony, 18 years old, and Ashley Vinaya Anthony, 14 years old.

GTSM: When you were appointed as a government minister, how did you juggle time spent with your children and work?

Dr Anthony: It is a challenge to balance work with family time. Fortunately for me my family is very understanding. Shanti, my wife, and I have hectic schedules, nevertheless we do set aside time to help the children with their studies and drop them off for their sports or cultural activities. Ashley is involved in sports cycling and now she is into swimming. Jessica is more into dancing. Sometimes I think their engagements are as busy as ours. Yet we always find ways of spending quality time together.

GTSM: As a father with teenage daughters, how are you able to get through to them, concerning matters affecting them, such as boyfriends or dating?

Dr Anthony: We believe in open discussions, and our children know that if they have issues they can al-

dr Frank anthony and his family

ways discuss them with us. In the home, there are debates on various issues and they ensure that we know their opinions and perspectives. I think they have helped me to narrow the “generation gap” because they keep me up-to-date with the lat-

est singers, songs, movies and fashion styles. This has also been useful in my work when dealing with young people.

GTSM: Regarding disciplining, how is this administered?

Dr Anthony: We have had very

few occasions where we had to discipline our children. Usually it takes the form of a discussion on the offending behaviour and that we would not like to see a repetition. This has worked well. We are against hitting children, and we have never used this method to discipline them and I think, so far, they have done well.

GTSM: What advice do you always give to your children?

Dr Anthony: I give them advice on many things. I think it is important that they be able to set goals and work to achieve them. That they should read widely, they should be socially engaged; that they must be active in the community and be involved in sports. Generally, they should have a balanced and wellmeaning life.

GTSM : How did your father influence you?

Dr Anthony: My father inspired me to do better than he did in life. His advice was that anything could be accomplished; anything can be achieved once you work hard enough for it. That stuck with me.

GTSM: What's your advice to fathers in fulfilling their role?

Dr Anthony: You have to find time for your children; work with them and guide them to realize their full potential. Teach them the value of a good education. Teach them to have strong moral and ethical values. Teach them to have a passion for life. There is no better way to do this than by living the life you advocate.

Living her dream

Massage therapist and entrepreneur, Vioneve Amadally, is living the dream of owning her business that restores health, using her healing hands.

Born in the North Rupununi, Vioneve, 27, left there at the age of 2 to live on the East Coast of Demerara. Moving closer to the capital city, Vioneve dreamt of opening her own business, and this she pursued relentlessly.

Having completed an international diploma in business from the University of Cambridge, Vioneve’s dream

took her to Trinidad to seek employment. There, she was employed to work along with a physiotherapist. Clueless as to one day she would also be doing that type of restorative work, Vioneve works tirelessly in order to realise her dream. Working hand-inhand with the physiotherapist, Vioneve became very intrigued with the therapeutic aspect of a massage and how greatly it aided those debilitated by pains.

Seeing the benefits of therapeutic massage, Vioneve pursued studies in the discipline

at the Institute of Medical Education in Trinidad.

Unfortunately for Vioneve, the institution did not offer a degree. Nevertheless, she completed her studies and eventually worked as a massage therapist in Trinidad, honing her skills there.

“I always wanted my own business. Seeing the benefits of massage and how it helped persons really propelled me to get into it. I wanted to come back to Guyana to offer this service. I worked in Trinidad for two years and came back to Guyana to work here. I came back in February this year and opened my business, Vioneve Therapeutics Centre, in May. For me, I didn’t see it as making money but to help people who are stricken by pains. I enjoy being able to restore people’s health. Seeing how happy they are when they leave is a motivational factor for me,” Vioneve expressed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

Vioneve Therapeutics Centre, located on Sheriff Street, offers a new dimension in massage therapy by providing therapeutic solutions for a variety of conditions. Each treatment is tailored to suit the individual client’s needs. Vioneve performs an initial evaluation of her client’s condition and designs a treatment plan catering to their specific needs. The massage therapist

utilizes a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques to ensure ultimate benefits.

She offers therapeutic services for neck conditions- whip lash, stiff neck, cervical spondylosis (arthritis in the neck); back pain and back strains - muscle spasm; joint injuries- frozen shoulder, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome; poor circulation in the legs and feet; diabetic neuropathy; sports injuries - shin splints,quads and hamstring strains; stress management and relaxation therapy.

“I’m committed to providing safe, effective therapeutic services tailored to achieve my clients’ wellness goals. I’m constantly researching data on massage therapy because I want to be adept within this fraternity. I plan on continuing my business studies and do a degree in massage, therapy. There are special techniques to massage and if one doesn’t understand these they can damage instead of restore someone’s health, so I’m always keeping myself updated with information concerning this,” the entrepreneur declared.

Vioneve pointed out that to own a business is challenging and rewarding at the same time. The best part is fulfilling her dream to be a business owner and doing sometime she is passionate about.

She credits her family and friends for helping her to make her dream come true. Vioneve feels empowered operating her own business, and is working tirelessly to make it one of the most successful massage therapy centres in Guyana.

Encouraging other young girls with similar dreams, Vioneve urged, “Savings is an important aspect in life. For me it really gave me a push to start my business, and I want to encourage other girls who have similar dreams to save. There’s one point in your life where partying and buying new things are what you like to do. I can relate to this, but growing up and knowing what my aim in life is, I worked hard and made sacrifices to fulfil it. I encourage every woman and young girl to pursue what they love, work hard, and they will be sure to see success.”

For more information on her work, visit Vioneve Therapeutics Centre on Facebook.

In order for our young artists to sharpen their talents to follow in the footsteps of legendary Guyanese artists, platform and infrastructure must be provided.

This has been the mandate of the Upscale Poetry Night and its television programme “Verses and Flow”. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Yaphet Jackman, a committee member of poetry night, stated that the Upscale Restaurant’s aim, to showcase and highlight Guyana’s artistic talents, resulted in establishing an event that did just so.

Jackman said that Upscale Poetry Night has been in existence for 11 years and the “response has been exponential.” He has seen a significant increase in poets and audiences over the years. An aficionado of the arts, Jackman pointed out

that the poetry night is a wholesome event with Guyanese content anyone can consume.

“The Upscale Poetry Night is very organic. It starts with an “open-mic” segment, where poets can share whatever they like. We have discovered very talented individuals through this segment. We’ve had many stalwarts of the arts such as Lady Hilda, Jerome Hope, Kojo McPherson, and famous poets such as Ian McDonald and David Dabydeen at Upscale Poetry Night. Initially, some thought the event was only for the elite group and intellectuals, but as it became more popular this perception changed and we saw an influx of really talented artists at the event,” he recalled.

Jackman himself benefited from poetry night. As a young writer, Jackman kept his poems

a secret. He loved being at poetry night which made him feel at home. Although he was not involved in any part of the event, Jackman knew it was something he wanted to be a part of.

“At that time things were stagnant. The audience didn’t grow, neither did it diminish. I left Guyana in 2007 for St. Vincent. There I met with a friend who wanted to find something entertaining. I suggested poetry because the spoken word is cool. He told me that it was done before, but doesn’t know what happened to it. I told him we can re-work it and see what happens. We started our entertainment group, which exists in St. Vincent up to this day. We decided to expand this by including jazz and live art. When I saw the response over there I wanted to bring the idea to Guyana. When I returned in 2008, I went straight back to poetry night, because I missed it a lot, but sadly heard it wasn’t kept for months. I was told no one wanted to manage it. That’s when I decided I will take up its management. Incorporating the ideas I had, poetry night in Guyana grew immensely,” Jackman reminisced.

Initially, music, displays of local designers’ collections, dramatic pieces and live art were regular and anticipated features of poetry night. Poetry transitioned from its traditional structure to new-age spoken word.

“Upscale bled itself in financing the poetry night, but because of lack of sponsorship the live art aspect fell off, however it will be coming back soon. The musical element has grown, however. Almost all of the finalists in the GT&T Jingle and Song competition came through Upscale Poetry Night. Local bands such as Keep Your Day Job started at Upscale and are now sought-after groups. We really do play a strategic role in providing a forum for artists. We’re happy that we can provide the space, which is limited currently, for these ones to hone their talent,” he noted.

As a result of a revamped poetry night, poets have become even more serious and are looking at ways to improve their performances and increase their knowledge in the craft of writing poetically.

Jackman is currently working assiduously in expanding the television programme and poetry night. He would like to see “Verses and Flow” being aired on other television stations. Right now it is only shown on TVG28 every Thursday and Sunday from 7:30 p.m.

Additionally, shows are being planned for the Theatre Guild, National Culture Centre, and in various schools in all regions. Moreover, Jackman disclosed that his committee is currently planning a road show for Linden and Berbice.

The focus is more on Berbice because of the wide viewership and popularity “Verses and Flow” enjoys there.

“We’re very popular, and there is a high demand to take the show there. I felt like a celebrity when I was up there. Everyone knew who I was and about “Verses and Flow”. I was also amazed at the reservoir of talent in Berbice. These people can compete with American talent. They’re polished and have great talent, and that is why we’re really pushing to get a team up there. They need infrastructure and exposure. Upscale can only do so much. What we need is an increase in sponsorship, so we can help in sharpening these talents,” he urged.

For its 10th anniversary, poetry night gave back to its community, by visiting schools, hold-

ing workshops and motivational talks on the importance of understanding and expressing self. Education officers were astounded at impact this had on not just the students, but also on the literature teachers. Jackman revealed that the passion and drive to teach the subject were missing. Nonetheless, the workshops taught new methods to help the students to love the subject and for teachers to rekindle their love for it.

Jackman hopes that with increased sponsorship they can do more of such outreach work frequently. He and his team would also like to work with the nursery schools, so that a love for the arts can be installed at a very early stage. For more information on the poetry night and “Verses and Flow”, visit Upscale Poetry on Facebook.

Upcoming yacht rally to catalyse Guyana’s industry

At least 20 yachts are expected to grace Guyana’s waters come September, in the first leg of the 10-day Nereid’s Rally.

Guyana’s acting Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Minister Irfaan Ali, met with the organiser of the event, Davide Matelicani, along with Kit Nascimento, representatives from the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority.

In his presentation, Matelicani announced that Guyana is the destination for the first leg of the rally and participants will stop at Bartica, after which, a formal welcome awaits them at the Hurakabra River Resort, which is a partner in this event.

Participants will have eight days to explore the de-

lights of Guyana, taking part in some of the many tour offerings before the rally moves on to its final leg in French Guiana.

Matelicani noted too that the southern route is becoming more popular as a result of the change in weather patterns and more and more yachters are looking to escape the hurricane weather.

Ideal geographic location

“Guyana is ideal because of its geographic location, and then there is the ease of coming to Guyana (customs clearance), this is a big selling point,” he stated.

Among the issues discussed on Sunday, were the need for an enhanced Coast Guard presence, expeditious immigration and customs processing, strengthened police presence, and the necessity of adequate infrastructure to host similar flotillas in the future.

In this regard, Minister Ali pledged that the ministry will seek to ensure that all systems be in place to make the inaugural event a success, by involving all of the stakeholders.

He said too that the ministry’s aim is to use this event to catapult the yacht industry in Guyana and to harness the influx of yachts to develop the necessary infrastructure to further support the industry.

Minister Ali explained, “This is not a one-off event and the government of Guyana will ensure that we do what is necessary for this pioneering industry, and we welcome any involvement and support.”

Meanwhile, all stakeholders present assured the minister that their agencies will work along with the organisers and the participants, to ensure that yachters have easy clearance, safe anchorage, and a secure environment.

When the rally departs Guyana, another warm wel-

come awaits participants when they arrive at Saint Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana. Matelicani emphasised that such events provide opportunities for investment, job creation, and act as catalyst for the successful hosting of future events; he revealed too that registration for the 2014 rally is already underway, as this is intended to be an annual activity.

The first set of yachters in the rally is expected to arrive on September, while the convoy is expected to depart for French Guiana on September 16.

This upcoming event is being featured in major publications, including the Caribbean Compass, the Boca, on Noonsite and online via blogs. information is also available on the website- www.marinaslm.com/rally.

This week's Crossword

J kes

Science lesson

Teacher: When is the boiling point reached?

Student: When my father sees my report card!

Good dad

Son: For $20, I’ll be good.

Dad: Oh, yeah? When I was your age, I was good for nothing.

Letter to dad

Dear Dad,

$chool i$ great. I’m making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying hard. I $imply can’t think of anything I need, $o ju$t $end me a card, a$ I would love to hear from you.

Love, Your $on

Dear Son,

I kNOw astroNOmy, ecoNOmics and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOur student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh.

Love, Dad

Dad-isms

10. When I was your age...

9. A little bit of dirt never hurt anyone.

8. Go ask your mother.

7. Were you raised in a barn?

6. You don’t know what hard work is!

5. It builds character.

4. Don’t make me stop this car!

3. You’re grounded ‘til you’re thirty.

2. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

1. Because I said so!

Silly father's day limericks

Model Dad

"You're my model for life and success I take after you, Dad, you're the best And that credit is due

This week's Puzzle

Though I don't look like you.

Should we get a paternity test?"

Shine

Among Dads, you're the best! And you shine In that role, one you clearly define,

One we honour today

At this public display –

Just make sure you don't drink all the wine.

Old daddy dearest

Dad,

You've reached the age, I'm sad to say Your arms must hold the page away Your pants don't fit from yesteryear

But with all that still I love you dear.

Things dad would never say

- “Can you turn up that music?”

- “Go ahead and take my truck. Here’s 50 bucks for gas.”

- “I LOVE your tattoo. We should both get new ones.”

-“Here, you take the remote.”

Helping your father

A clergyman walking down a country lane and sees a young farmer struggling to load hay back onto a cart after it had fallen off.

"You look hot, my son," said the cleric, "why don't you rest a moment, and I'll give you a hand."

"No thanks," said the young man. "My father wouldn't like it."

"Don't be silly," the minister said. "Everyone is entitled to a break. Come and have a drink of water."

Again the young man protested that his father would be upset.

Losing his patience, the clergyman said, "Your father must be a real slave driver. Tell me where I can find him and I'll give him a piece of my mind!"

"Well," replied the young farmer, "he's under the load of hay."

St Lucia bags ‘Best Island in the Caribbean’ award

u.S.-based global traveler launched the awards last year to recognise the best in leisure travel destinations, cruises, tour operators and resorts. (Caribbean 360 website photo)

St Lucia, home to the iconic twinpeaks The Pitons, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, has won another international accolade.

The 238-square-mile island, billed “Simply Beautiful”, has been adjudged winner of “Best Island in the Caribbean” by the U.S.-based ‘Global Traveler’, a monthly magazine that focuses on business travellers and includes business and lifestyle travel interests. Global Traveler, which has a circulation of over 105,000 readers, launched the awards last year to recognize the best in leisure travel destinations, cruises, tour operators and resorts. In response to the latest

award, St Lucia’s Director of Tourism Louis Lewis said: “This is a testament that Saint Lucia is indeed a world class tourism destination and that the one-ofa-kind vacation experiences we deliver and through our unique hotels and resorts, restaurants, sites and attractions and other soft adventure excursion partners, all truly excite and lift the senses of the thousands of visitors annually who grace our shores.

“We are not in the business to try to win awards, but whenever we do, we are happy for the recognition, as it speaks volumes to the hard work, commitment and dedication on the part of thousands of our industry workers to ensure that our visitors enjoy their stay with us.. (CaribbeanNews)

Hits and Jams Entertainment has finally released the dates for the hosting of Guyana’s biggest summer event. Jamzone Summer Break 2013 has been set for August 16-25, 2013. With the dates released, Guyanese abroad and those at home can make their summer plans and more so, finalise their travelling to be a part of the excitement.

The event will be hosted over a 10-day period with many attractions and some exciting events. Being its 13th year, Jamzone has grown from a simple one- day beach event, to a 10-day affair, with events ranging from the fanciest of Jazz Festivals to the biggest international concerts and the most attractive sporting events.

From the time of Jamzone’s introduction in 2001 to the present, it underwent several evolutionary stages, but none was more significant than the facelift it received in 2009 when history was made in the Guyanese entertainment industry.

Three consecutive days of Super Concerts was hosted at the Guyana National Stadium, where

the Caribbean’s most prolific artistes performed. Guyana partied non-stop for three full days.

As the years rolled on, international acts were added to the roster of activities, with the first being R&B Singer/ Songwriter Ne-Yo.

Hits and Jams continued to bring the best international artistes as the years went by. HJ has brought to Guyana R&B Singer/Songwriter Trey Songz; Rapper/ Songwriter Eve; and Hip Hop Recording Artist Rick Ross. This year, the entertainment group will not only maintain 10 days of activities, but the excitement will be intensified with new additions.

The string of events include the now annual Jazz Night and Fashion Show, Kids Zone, the Miss

Jamzone International Pageant; the Regional Night concert and International Night concert.

Among initiatives added to this year’s schedule are a magnificent Ski Show, a Biker’s Fest event, Food/Local Night and a Football match between two big local teams.

Those who are anxious for the headlining acts to be revealed will have to wait a while longer, as the Hits and Jams team is not quite ready to let the ‘cat out the bag’.

However, it must be noted that the main act for this year’s International Night has been secured with the contracts signed. As usual, patrons can look forward to a top class artiste, who has stormed the music scene.

As it relates to the

Regional Night concert, partyholics can anticipate outstanding singers and musicians who are sure to bring that Caribbean flare to the table.

With several acts booked for this event, it will be an evening of Soca, Dancehall, Reggae and Chutney, all aimed to keep fans gyrating all through the night.

Jamzone Summer Break is an annual entertainment festival, which is held in Guyana during the month of August. It has been accredited by the Tourism Ministry, as an annual calendar festival in Guyana, which serves to provide both domestic and international tourists, with wholesome entertainment during the local August holiday, known internationally as the ‘summer’ vacation.

Young Chanderpaul returns from England with improved technique

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

National First-Class batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul said he was able to tweak his technique while on a two-month stint in England. This, he stated, was his biggest achievement on his maiden try out in English conditions.

The 17-year-old son of West Indies batting stalwart, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, recently returned to Guyana from the United Kingdom where he had his first taste of those conditions.

According to the young Chanderpaul, the experience was extremely vital to his cricket development.

“It was a great experience; I was able to make some adjustments to my technique, especially against the ‘moving ball’. What I learnt the most is that you have to play very late, try not to come on to the front foot too early, because the ball is always seaming due to the conditions,” he pointed out.

‘Brandon’, as he is commonly called, said the pitches in England are a complete contrast to those in the Caribbean, something he said

he knew from the inception by just looking at cricket on television, but was very fortunate to experience it firsthand.

“It was difficult at first to deal with the ball seaming around and doing weird stuff, but I adjusted well because I did some extra work in the nets and it paid off,” the teenager reflected.

In what can only be described as a successful outing, the left-hander racked up 761 runs from 16 limitedover games for Stainsby Hall Cricket Club in the first division league.

He was the leading runscorer for the club by quite a distance, with Simon Torr being the next highest with 505 runs from 15 games.

Remarkable consistency

Chanderpaul provided remarkable consistency at the top of the order for the club, notching up four centuries and three fifties. He ended the stint with an excellent average of 76.1 and a solid strike rate of 72.22. His highest score was an unbeaten 110.

According to Chanderpaul, he is now focused on making the Guyana Under-19 team for the upcoming regional

competition.

Young Tagenarine, earlier this year, made his First-

Class debut against the Leeward Islands in Antigua in the West Indies Cricket

Board’s Regional Four-Day competition.

He earned the national call-up after a string of consistent performances in the Guyana Cricket Board’s InterCounty one-day and four-day tournaments.

In the one-day version, the left-handed opener made the only century and a fifty, and also topped the batting charts with 170 runs in three innings at an average of 170. In the four-day Inter-County, he had scores of 52, three, 18, nine and one not out.

During the regional fourday competition in March, Shivnarine and Tagenarine created history by becoming only the second father/son pair to appear in a First-Class match in the Caribbean.

In September 1948, Lebrun Constantine made his final appearance in an important match for Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados in British Guiana at the age of 48 playing alongside his son Learie Constantine, who had just turned 21.

After four First-Class games, young Chanderpaul has amassed 176 runs with a highest score of 42.

Carahaa Landing camp is an exciting hammock camp, located on the banks of the Burro Burro River, three miles from Surama Eco-Lodge in North Rupununi.

In a large clearing of the dense jungle, there is a large, open benab for hanging hammocks; a smaller adjacent benab has a table and cooking area where food is prepared over an open fire.

It is a basic set-up, but the permanent structure provides good shelter for anyone wishing to experience a night camping in the jungle without roughing it too much.

Staying overnight at the camp also allows visitors to experience night walks through the jungle, and late evening and very early morning canoe trips on the river, when the animals and birds are most active. For birding enthusiasts, it is a great location for spotting some of Guyana’s famed birds.

Carahaa Landing camp offers a great experience in the heart of the jungle. (Information by Kirk Smock)

By RavendRa Madholall

With a wealth of experience in the arena of costume design and parade, Trinidadian Michael Williams has promised great excitement at this year’s Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival, which is set to commence on July 9 in Toronto.

At the official launching and display of the ‘D’Regular Mas Camp’ on Sunday evening in Scarborough at the Santa Rosa Restaurant and Bar, Williams said his team is very anxious to put on a grand show as part of the highly anticipated carnival.

The annual Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of West Indian music, cuisine, revelry, as well as visual and performing arts and this year, the event will be marking its 46th anniversary.

As preparations ad-

vance for the event, Williams is optimistic that the group of young and enthusiastic ladies who would be displaying his costumes, would thrill the carnival’s audience.

He has been in this industry since 1975 after his migration to North America in 1970 and his longevity has given him the optimism that he and his dynamic team can make a huge impression in Toronto city next month.

“We [are] all excited and ready to show the Carnival spectators that we have something special to offer them from July 9; these young and fabulous ladies are in a great mood to display their talent and energy on the road,” Williams said.

He explained that while some of the models are from different Caribbean territories, some of them were born in Canada but their parents hail from Caribbean

countries and as such, they are familiar with the carnival culture.

“As I said we have a good bunch of girls who understand the

Caribbean vibes and culture; majority of them are modelling professionally or ambitious to be models, so I think this will be a good occasion for them to display their quality body and style on the stage,” Williams indicated.

He reserved special thanks for major sponsor Stellarpoint of Whitby.

Vice president of the business organistaion, David Hooker, during his remarks, mentioned that he and his partners were extremely happy and elated to be on board.

“This is the first time we are sponsoring D’Regular Mas Camp costume and we are definitely delighted to join them this year; yes, we have followed the Caribbean Carnival in Toronto for a number of years and what I have seen is remarkable, so we are glad to be a part of it now,” Hooker stated.

Meanwhile, models, Libbv Stewart and Danielle Arscott, both

of Jamaica, have expressed great confidence in doing well and making their promoter, Williams, proud along with their Caribbean family.

“Definitely it will be a big moment for me and I am really anxious to go out there and perform to the best of my ability; this is something I have dreamt about and now getting the opportunity to participate is an accomplishment for me,” 17-year-old Stewart said on Sunday night during the launching.

She will be accompanied by Trinidadian Nickesha Walker, Keosha Ellis and Fayola Bernard and Guyanese Christine McAllister, among others who are expected to display their skills in the costume parade.

During the threeweek Caribbean Carnival, there will be a host of gala events, including Calypso Monarch champions, steel pan show and other social events in Toronto.

CHY Scholarship Notice

The Coalition of Hindu Youth (CHY) is pleased to announce the launch of the Science and Sanatan Dharma Scholarship. The Scholarship program aims to promote independent research focusing on the scientific and rational foundation of the Sanatan (Hindu) Dharma and Vedic philosophy.

This launch is possible because of the patronage of Om Temple, Carlisle, MA and efforts of the scholarship guiding team over the past 8 months.

CHY plans to award nine scholarships to college, high school, and middle school students this year, and hopes to increase this number in the coming years.

Persons are encouraged to pass this message on to anyone they think may be eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Persons are also encouraged to donate to the scholarship fund to ensure the continuity of the project. To contribute, please contact info@ hinduscholarship.org.

More information, including eligibility and application details can be found online at www. hinduscholarship.org. You can also contact info@hinduscholarship.org or chy.sds@gmail. com if you have any questions or would like any additional information.

Please note that the scholarship application deadline for this year is Wednesday, July 31st, 2013.

Regional banks have enough revenue to support climate change fight – report

Public development banks (PDBs) in Latin America and the Caribbean provide more than US$ 700 billion in loans annually and possess the operational and financial heft to expand into areas such as climate change mitigation and productive development policies, according to a study released on Monday by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The study also urges these institutions to continue to strengthen their capacity, particularly in corporate governance area, and to demonstrate their development effectiveness in a way that further mobilises private sector resources and supports the most vulnerable economic sectors.

Financial systems

The study examines the relevance of the PDBs in today’s financial systems, their financial and non-fi-

nancial instruments, institutional factors key to achieving success, and how they can address new challenges such as climate change mitigation.

The region’s 56 PDBs include institutions such as the Banco Estado de Chile, the Banco de Desarrollo Empresarial de Colombia, and Mexico’s Nacional Financiera.

“The region’s public banks have generally ceased to be a burden on the fiscal accounts,” said Fernando de Olloqui, a financial markets specialist for the IDB and lead author of the study. “If they continue making financial and operational improvements and demonstrate their impact on development, these public finance institutions will be in an excellent position to consolidate their relevance over the next decade, particularly for addressing more complex challenges, such as climate change.”

Despite the exis-

tence of large institutions such as Brazil’s Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (BNDES), the relative importance of the development banks in terms of their countries’ overall financial systems has remained static for the past 10 years. PDB lending averages about 10 per cent of total lending in the countries of the region.

More profitable

According to the study, “Public Development Banks: Toward a New Paradigm?” these institutions have substantially improved their performance in recent years. In 2010, they achieved a return on equity of 14 per cent, compared to a loss of one per cent in 2000.

Nevertheless, the study warns that there are public banks in the region with major structural problems, due to a lack of clarity in their mandate and

corporate governance systems that prevent decision making that benefits the institutions.

In recent years, the PDBs have succeeded in expanding their activities into new sectors such as renew able energy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, education, housing, microenterprises, innovation and production chains.

With total assets equivalent to 25 per cent of the region’s GDP in the region, including that of Brazil, the PDBs can provide valuable financial support for mitigating the effects of climate change, creating a favourable environment for needed investments and leveraging their own funding as well as financing from international sources, according to the study.

The study is the principal annual publication of the IDB’s Institutions for Development Department.

The Berbice Industrial Exhibition of 1891

In light of the upcoming International Building Expo, Times Heritage takes a look back at another exhibition; one that was held more than 120 years ago called ‘The Berbice Industrial Exhibition’, of 1891.

The idea to hold an exhibition in New Amsterdam began with a letter dated April 12, 1890 in which the Committee of Correspondence of the Royal Agricultural Society offered $800 to the New Amsterdam town council for the purpose of holding an exhibition for the county’s artisans and farmers to present and sell their products.

After a series of meet-

ings, January 28 and 29, 1891 were fixed for the date of the exhibition, and a committee selected for the planning and preparation of the event. A subscription list was opened and almost $1,000 was collected towards the event that soon included participants from all over the colony.

The occasion was then widely advertised throughout the country, and the various villages apprised of the event and what it entailed. During the course of the year, some 2,000 applications arrived for partaking in the exhibition. Because of this wide appeal, the Town Hall, which was the largest building in the town, was offered free of cost by what

was then the Board of Superintendence of the town.

The exhibition, with a band in attendance, was opened January 28, 1891 by His Excellency Lord Gormanston, and featured exhibits from all over the colony: from Mazaruni in the west to Orealla in the east. More than 3,000 persons were estimated to have attended the event, which lasted on average some 24 hours over the two days, with some of the opinion that it should have lasted longer.

Some of the exhibits included provisions, fruits and vegetables, sewing and decorative craftwork, including basket work and shoe making, and prepared food items such as jellies,

preserved goods and cocoa. There were also crab oils, glues and honey on exhibit; carpentry and woodwork, cabinet making, jewellery, leather work and coopering. A major disappointment for the organisers however, was the lack of participation from the rice-growing East Indian immigrants of Berbice and the participation of too few Georgetown artisans.

Prizes were also presented to numerous exhibitors by judges, some of whom came from as far as Georgetown to judge the products and produce, which were divided into classes. Fruits and vegetables were categorised as Class I, and, despite what was described as some poorly

Preserving our heritage through pictures

presented selections, the displays were considered generally good.

Class II was prepared food stuffs and included jams, jellies, preserves and coca. Rice was also offered a prize in the class but had few exhibitors, none of which were from East Indian planters. However, the Class III group, which included needlework, tailoring, basket work and shoemaking among others, featured numerous exhibitors and was considered the best class of the exhibition with its high standard of work. Class IV exhibits were of oils, glues and honey, with the crab oil prepared by the Orealla indigenous Indians described as be-

ing of exceptional quality.

Class V and VI were the general arts and manufacturing: cabinet making, coopering, carpentry, carving, jewellery etc. The few Georgetown exhibitors in this class were lauded along with some New Amsterdam participants for their exhibits. The final category was Class VII which featured sugar, rum, molasses etc, but had very few exhibitors.

As a result of the first exhibition’s popularity, the New Amsterdam council tentatively planned another Berbice Industrial exhibition for August or September the following year.

Scarlett Johansson sues over French book

Actress Scarlett Johansson is suing a French publishing house over a novel that uses her name and image and explores the challenges of being beautiful, according to reports from Associated Press.

The JC Lattes publishing house said Friday that a lawsuit was filed last week about Gregoire Delacourt's book ‘The First Thing We Look At’.

character is enmeshed in a romance with another lookalike - one modelled after film star Ryan Gosling.

Justin Bieber cleared of hit and run

Justin Bieber has been cleared of being involved in a hit and run accident in Los Angeles.

Johansson's French lawyer Vincent Toledano said in a statement to The Associated Press that Johansson is protesting the use of her name and image for "mercantile" purposes, and accuses the book of invading her privacy.

Allibert says the book is entirely fiction and is about a character who looks just like Johansson, not Johansson herself. That

JC Lattes’ spokeswoman Emmanuelle Allibert says the publisher's lawyers are preparing to respond to the court, which will then decide whether to take up the case.

The publisher argues that the lawsuit "is contrary" to the idea of the book. The author "only says good things about" Johansson, Allibert said. (Times of India)

Bradley Cooper has ‘world’s sexiest hair’

Bradley Cooper has been chosen as the man with world's best hair by 2000 women.

'The Hangover' star topped the survey with almost half the votes, beating Ryan Gosling, who fetched only 20 per cent of the votes, the Sun reported.

David Beckham landed at the third place with 17 per cent of votes, while Prince Harry could manage only 5 per cent, the poll conducted for hair brand ‘Fudge’, revealed.

Most of the women who were surveyed, thought that hair longer than six inches was a turn-off and just seven per cent were eager to run their fingers through styles like that of Russell Brand. (Times of India)

Owen Wilson teams up with Jim Carrey for comedy

The two Hollywood funnymen will share top billing in a comedy that is currently untitled, but referred to in Hollywood as ‘Loomis Fargo’ after the true story of the

Loomis Fargo bank robbery, announces Deadline.com.

Owen Wilson, top-billed for ‘The Internship’, will be joining Jim Carrey in this picture by Jared Hess (‘Napoleon Dynamite’, ‘Nacho Libre’).

It's about a disgruntled armoured car driver, working for a bank, who successfully steals $20m from its vault, only to find himself soon afterwards betrayed by his accomplices, penniless and on the lam in Mexico.

This feature-length comedy will be produced by Relativity Media, which has yet to announce a shooting date. (Hindustan Times)

Neil Patrick Harris returns to Broadway

The four-time Tony Award host and former ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ actor will star on Broadway in the spring as the gender-bent rock chanteuse at the centre of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, the cult musical that was made into a cult movie, according to reports by Associated Press. The rest of the creative team members, cast, dates and the theatre will be announced later.

Written by John Cameron Mitchell and composer Stephen Trask, ‘Hedwig’ was an unlikely hit fashioned out of a strange story: a tale of obsession, glam rock, a botched sex-change operation and a quest for identity.

Harris, the 40-year-old ‘How I Met Your Mother’ star, has been featured in three Broadway productions, including

‘Assassins’,

The 19-year-old singer was investigated and interviewed for a few hours after a photographer allegedly suffered minor injuries from being pinned against another car by the singer's white Ferrari on Monday night (17.06.13).

A source told gossip website TMZ.com that the 'All Around The World' hit-maker was leaving the Laugh Factory on Sunset Boulevard at approximately 11:45 PM with his best friend, Lil Twist,

when the photographer got pinned between his moving Ferrari and a parked car.

The source insisted that Justin motioned at the group of photographers snapping pictures to move out of the way after he got behind the

wheel of his super car, but when he drove away he appeared to pin one of them between his car and another parked vehicle.

Justin did not stop to see whether the photographer was okay but told police that he did not know he had hit anyone.

Police have now cleared the Canadian star of any wrongdoing and said the incident was the paparazzo's own fault because he was a pedestrian in the roadway.

Law enforcement sources also said that the paparazzo was not seriously hurt.

(Contactmusic)

Trespasser arrested at Rihanna’s house

Aman was ar-

for

Monday night (17.06.13).

Police were called to the 'Stay' singer's home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles after private security guards reported they had detained a 26-year-old male trespasser on her property, shortly after 10 p.m.

The man, who was adamant he did not know it was Rihanna's house, despite police finding a Google map of the area on his phone, was arrested and is still in custody, according to the Los

Angeles Times newspaper. Rihanna was not home at the time of the incident as she is currently in the U.K. on her 'Diamonds' world tour.

The 25-year-old Barbados native was previously forced to obtain a three-year restraining order against obsessed fan Steveland Barrow in March, after he broke into the property next door, which he wrongly believed to be hers.

(Contactmusic)

Johnny Depp is almost blind in one eye

Superstar Johnny Depp has revealed he is almost blind in one eye.

The 'Lone Ranger' star, who is rarely photographed without a pair of tinted glasses, said he is nearsighted in the other eye and that's why he relies heavily on prescription glasses, reported Contactmusic.

"Everything is just very, very blurry. I've never had proper vision," he said.

The 50-year-old actor, who has two children Lily-Rose, 14, and Jack, 11, with his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Paradis, said he can only see a few inches from his face if he is playing a character that does not wear glasses or sunglasses. (Excerpt from Times of India)

Manisha Koirala makes cheerful appearance in New York

Actress Manisha Koirala, who has successfully battled ovarian cancer, maintained a vibrant and cheerful demeanour, as she stepped out for a public function in New York recently, according to reports by IANS.

The 42-year-old was seen wearing trousers, a white shirt, a casual white coat and a red hat. Manisha covered her head with a tiedup stole, and then further concealed it with

the bright red hat -- and she not only looked elegant, she was also happier and healthier.

Even her face and her smile reflected a unique glow as she interacted with several women in a green, open space.

"I am free from cancer," Manisha said at the event, thanking all those who wished her recovery during her tough time, according to a Nepalese channel, which operates from New York.

Manisha, who carved

her own niche in the Hindi film industry with films like ‘Bombay’, ‘1942: A Love Story’ and ‘Dil Se’, was initially admitted to Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital on November 28 last year, after which she flew down to the U.S. for further treatment.

She is expected to return to India towards the end of June, her manager Subroto Ghosh, told IANS, adding: "She is now fine, all hale and hearty." (Times of India)

Shah Rukh voted India’s most popular father

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, a doting dad of Aryan and Suhana, has been voted India’s most popular father, in a Father’s Day poll, conducted by a website. He got more votes than megastar Amitabh

Bachchan, who has a daughter and a son, according to IANS news reports.

The results of the poll, conducted among over 11,000 Indian women, by matrimonial site Shaadi.com, were announced a day ahead of Father’s Day.

Shah Rukh received 34.83 per cent votes, while Amitabh was chosen by 31.58 per cent of the women surveyed. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took the third spot with 18.61 per cent.

“The poll showcases some of the most successful Indian men whose love and dedication also make them popular fathers. This suggests that people are looking at celebrities as real people with real relationships,” Gourav Rakshit, Chief Operating Officer, Shaadi.com, said.

The poll also posed other questions to the respondents.

Also, 44.85 per cent Indian women voted for Shah Rukh and his son Aryan as India’s most popular father-son duo. (Bollywood Celebden)

Ameesha Patel finds anti -hero role tough

Ameesha Patel turns into a ‘baddie’ for her forthcoming film ‘Shortcut Romeo’ and asserts it was challenging for her to play an anti-hero role, as it has drained her emotionally and physically, reported IANS.

“Anti-hero role is always challenging. Like Shah Rukh Khan’s role in ‘Baazigar’ and ‘Darr’. Whenever you break a norm to do something, it is always challenging,”

Ameesha said in an interview with IANS.

“To not do a typical heroine, to look sophisticated, rich, woman and beautiful despite being in a negative role is a tough job because you might cross the line and look like a vamp.

“So, it was a physically and emotionally tiring film for me to do because of the dangerous dialogues, looks, manipulative eyes – all this I haven’t done before,” added the 38 –year-old.

‘Shortcut Romeo’ also stars Puja Gupta and is slated to hit theatres June 21. (Bollywood Celebden)

Farah Khan returns home from hospital

Choreographer-filmmaker Farah

Khan is relieved on returning home, after spending 10 days in a hospital, IANS reporters revealed. She was admitted after she reportedly complained of high fever.

“What a relief to be home after 10 days in hosp(ital)! Treatment still going on, but already feeling better with my family around. Bed rest for another week,” tweeted Farah.

While in hospital, Farah, who is married to editor-turned-director Shirish Kunder and has triplets with him, sought “positive energy” from the concern and prayers she received from her fans and Twitterati. (Bollywood Celebden)

Emraan Hashmi to turn producer

Emraan Hashmi is that rare star who prefers to maintain a low profile in spite of having so many hits under his belt. But now, the actor is branching out and including a new profile to his CV — that of a producer. This doesn’t mean that acting will take a back seat.

“In the near future, I will be getting into production, or I may co-produce a film. I did get a lot of offers, but right now, I am too tied up with films in which I

have an acting part. Production takes a lot (of effort),” he says. The actor has his hands full for the year, as he has to finish three films — director Kunal Deshmukh’s ‘Shatir’, followed by Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor’s yet-untitled joint production, and Vikram Bhatt’s supernatural film, ‘Invisible’.

Once he is done with these, he will start planning his production ventures. (Hindustan Times)

3D avatar for ‘Sholay’

The 3D version of the 1975 superhit 'Sholay' is all set to hit the theatres. According to TNN, a source revealed that over 150 technicians had painstakingly worked for over a year for the new avatar and there were plans to hold screening for the veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.

"The poster design is unique too, show-

ing Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan on their favourite bike wearing 3D specs. There are other innovative ideas being worked upon the publicity design too. The purpose of converting ‘Sholay’ in 3D is to let the current generation know what a classic it was and why its success could never be matched," said the source. (Times of India)

Vinod Khanna's youngest son gearing up for silver screen

After a spate of Bollywood kids making their debuts, there's word that Vinod Khanna's youngest son, Sakshi, is also prepping himself for the silver screen, according to reporters with the Mumbai Mirror.

While looking pretty — or even a little above average sometimes — seems

enough to get the girls going, the boys have a harder time since they need to bulk up their muscles for a suitable first impression.

While his elder brothers Akshaye and Rahul probably ignored any such advice — to their peril, in fact — at least young Sakshi has accepted the wisdom of arriving armed with a sixpack. Though the young man has been working the weights with considerable urgency and determination, the experience hasn't quite been a happy one. Whether it's too much too soon or generally his constitution being unaccustomed to such strenuous exertions, he's suffered multiple muscle injuries which have thrown his training completely off track and is currently seeing physiotherapists. (Times of India)

‘Jiah Khan’ tragedy inspires filmmaker

Filmmaker Rikhsit Matta is all set to announce a film inspired by Jiah Khan's tragic death, reports TNN. Matta said that media reports surrounding Jiah's tragic death and lost love forced him to launch 'Bold Bollywood' a story about the underbelly of the film fraternity.

The film is based on the lives of three aspiring actress who go to Mumbai to make a career in movies. One of the characters is similar to Jiah Khan and the ups and down she went through in her career and life.

Matta took four months researching on various characters in Bollywood. He said that he met Jiah in a party at a night club five months ago and also briefly discussed the concept to the late actress and assured he would get back to her when the script was finalised.

"Jiah was full of joy and had shown

interest in the subject but when she heard that one of characters in the film has a tragic end, she said it was too de-

pressing."

Matta said, "I had decided to change the end and make it positive, the way Jiah wanted but didn't know my original ending of the film would come true." (Times of India)

‘Big B’ appeals to animal lovers to ‘Save Bijlee’

Amitabh Bachchan has appealed to animal lovers to rescue the ailing elephant ‘Bijlee’ who had collapsed near Wockhardt Hospital in Mulund last week, according to IANS reports.

In a series of tweets, the 70 year old said: "Attention! elephant Bijlee lying collapsed in Mulund, suburb of Mumbai...she needs cure...will authorities please extend all help."

He further tweeted: "There is an NGO

AMTM (Animals Matter to Me) working on Bijlee, giving food etc, but she needs to get to a hospital. Authority help needed. Equipment to carry (sic)."

Freida Pinto takes to social networking

After becoming part of international cinema with plum projects like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Miral’ and ‘Immortals’, actress Freida Pinto has earned an impressive fan following. Now, she has decided to take to the world of social networking to connect with them.

She was apprehensive about being active on the online medium, but she has now created a Facebook page and she has even gotten hooked to online photo-sharing and social networking service Instagram, a source close to the 28-year-old, told IANS reporters.

The fact that she is “more expressive and likes having pictures to support her point of view” makes it even better, the source said.

“Her experiences range from attending awards shows to being on film sets to attending high-end fashion events, charity-based events and con-

certs,” the source further divulged. Freida’s spokesperson confirmed this development, and added that the actress plans on starting her online engagement in the coming week, while balancing her life as an actor and her charity work.

The young and raring-to-go actress was recently in Ethiopia to bat for girl empowerment. (Bollywood Celebden)

Emraan Hashmi to turn producer

mraan Hashmi

Eis that rare star who prefers to maintain a low profile in spite of having so many hits under his belt. But now, the actor is branching out and including a new profile to his CV — that of a producer. This doesn’t mean that acting will take a back seat.

“In the near future, I will be getting into production, or I may

co-produce a film. I did get a lot of offers, but right now, I am too tied up with films in which I have an acting part. Production takes a lot (of effort),” he says.

The actor has his hands full for the year, as he has to finish three films — director Kunal Deshmukh’s ‘Shatir’, followed by Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor’s yet-untitled joint production, and

Vikram Bhatt’s supernatural film, ‘Invisible’. Once he is done with these, he will start planning his production ventures.

“There is still some time (to get into production). I want to see how these things play out. It needs some planning to start a coproduction unit and I will work on that,” says Emraan. (Hindustan Times)

"A compassionate appeal to all animal lovers. Please come forward and extend all possible help. I just did. Will you?" he tweeted.

The actor also put up photographs of Bijlee on his blog with details of the NGO where one can contribute in whatever way possible.

Bijlee, a 58-year-old female elephant, belongs to a couple who used her to beg for alms, marriages and other auspicious occasions. (Times of India)

Lloyd welcomes NEW GPC/ Limacol investment in CPL

Local compa-

ny New Guyana Phamaceutical Corporation Incorporated (NEW GPC INC.), through its Limacol brand, broke new grounds last Monday when it became the franchise owner of the ‘Guyana Amazon Warriors’ team for the highly anticipated Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

By doing so, the company became the first in the region to purchase a franchise ahead of the July 30 – August 24 league, which will feature six franchise-based teams: Antigua and Barbuda Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

In an exclusive interview on matters pertaining to CPL, former West Indies captain and legendary cricketer, Clive Hubert Lloyd, was high in praise for NEW GPC INC/Limacol, noting that he feels a sense of satisfaction that individuals and entities are still keen on investing in West

Indies cricket.

“Well it’s good to know that we’re breaking new grounds,” Lloyd told this publication. “It’s great to know that we still have people who are willing and able to invest in our cricket and I want to commend the owner of the Guyana franchise for that. I want to congratulate Dr. [Ranjisinghi] Ramroop and his group for the good job he has done and I wish him the very best for the tournament.”

The final agreement with Dr Ramroop was signed last Monday in Guyana with CPL officials. The announcement came hot on the heels of the recent selection of the new franchise-based teams that took place on June 5 in Jamaica.

Headquartered in Guyana, NEW GPC INC. has been operating for 90 years and is the Caribbean’s oldest and largest pharmaceutical manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter cosmetics preparations and veterinary products of the highest quality.

Dr Ramroop was very excited about what is to

come as the new owner of the Guyana franchise.

“The CPL is just what we needed in the Caribbean and in Guyana. This tournament and my companies’ investment will help to develop cricket talent and also stimulate economies across the region,” he said. “We are elated to be part of this inaugural year and look forward to the growth and development of CPL which we believe will be the envy of the cricketing world.”

CPL Chief Executive Officer, Damien O’Donohoe, was also thrilled to have Dr Ramroop and NEW GPC INC/Limacol on board the inaugural edition of the six-franchise tournament.

“It is clear that he understands our vision and what we want to achieve. We appreciate the enthusiasm he brings and we believe that Team Guyana will benefit greatly from his support,” O’Donohoe related.

Support Meanwhile, the 68-year-old Lloyd, who played 110 Tests and 87 ODIs for the West Indies between 1966 and

clive lloyd: “great to know we still have people who are willing and able to invest in our cricket”

1985, is hopeful the hosting of CPL matches in Guyana will attract fans in droves at the National Stadium, Providence. The West Indies’ most successful captain noted that Guyanese have been starved of cricket for some time, and he is encouraging the fans to witness the matches that will be hosted in Guyana.

Guyana will host four games: Guyana Amazon Warriors versus Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 31; Guyana Amazon Warriors versus Jamaica Tallawahs on August 2 and a double-header on August 4 featuring Antigua and Barbuda Hawksbills and Jamaica Tallawahs, and Guyana Amazon Warriors versus

St Lucia Zouks. In assessing the teams, Lloyd said the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise is “strong” with a good combination of players.

Guyana’s franchise players are West Indian Sunil Narine and Pakistan player Mohammad Hafeez. They are joined by 13 other players who were drafted on June 5.

They are Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, James Franklin, Christopher Barnwell, Martin Guptill, Krishmar Santokie, William Perkins, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith, Narsingh Deonarine and Veerasammy Permaul.

Schedule

The inaugural CPL will feature 24 matches at the Guyana National Stadium, the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia, Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Sabina Park in Jamaica. The opening game of the league will take place at the Kensington Oval, with host team Barbados Tridents playing St Lucia Zouks from 19:30h. The grand final will be staged at the Queen’s Park Oval on August 24 from 19:30h with the semi-finals fixed for the same venue on August 22 and 23.

Bravo refuses to blame Pollard, umpires

CARDIFF, Wales – West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo says neither Kieron Pollard nor the umpires are to be blamed for the way his team was eliminated from the Champions Trophy in Cardiff last Friday.

Their Group B clash against South Africa finished in a tie under the Duckworth-Lewis method after Pollard was dismissed from the last ball before rain stopped play with 29 deliveries remaining.

Umpires Steve Davis and Rod Tucker took the players from the field as the rain intensified and both teams received a point from the tie allowing the South Africans to advance on a better net run-rate.

“Obviously we are disappointed and I must say I am disappointed with how the game ended, but I am not disappointed with what the umpires did,” said Bravo.

“They had a job to do and they do it to the best of their abilities, and as players we have no control over the decisions they make”. If Pollard had kept his wicket intact, after scoring a 23ball 28, West Indies would have been the winners and advanced along with India from Group B. But he was dismissed by Ryan McLaren just before the rain intervened, dashing West Indies hopes of earning a

semifinal berth.

“Why should we blame him? His innings along with Marlon Samuels allowed us to get where we were at that point of time,” Bravo told reporters.

“Kieron did his part. Unfortunately he got out. The game was still in our hands. Sammy was to bat, Myself was to bat. Narine was to bat. It was a great run chase”. Bravo felt his side could have been given an extra ball to win their Champions Trophy match against South Africa.

“I think it would have been fair for both teams, the fans and tournament if that extra ball had been bowled or something like that,” said the West Indies captain.

“But you have to give credit to both teams, South Africa batted very well and I was pleased with how my guys went in the run chase”. (WICB)

Cameron describes talks with regional PMs as crucial

The President of the West Indies Cricket Board

(WICB) Whycliffe

‘Dave’ Cameron has described a series of meetings he has been having with Caribbean prime ministers as “crucial” to the development of the game in the region. Cameron’s comments follow his latest round of meetings in which talks were held with St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in Kingstown and Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell in St George’s.

“These meetings are crucial in setting the framework with the political leaders of the region towards ensuring that they are fully briefed on all matters relating to the regional sport,” said Cameron, who was elected to the post in April.

“It is critical that we at the West Indies Cricket Board keep the leaders of each of our countries informed with regard to our plans and programmes and that they are aware of the challenges and difficulties which we face. It is also valuable to have their per-

spective on what they think are the issues regarding the sport,” noted President Cameron. President Cameron was accompanied by WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead and Company Secretary Verlyn Faustin.

“We shared thoughts, ideas and suggestions and at the next meeting of the Board, I will share with my team,” the WICB president said.

“We value the inputs as we are strategi-

cally looking to reposition cricket.”

Since being elected, President Cameron has either paid courtesy calls or met with Prime Minister of Jamaica Portia Simpson-Miller, President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Denzil Douglas and Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. President Cameron also met with Barbados’ Sports Minister Stephen Lashley. (CMC)

India name CT13 squad for tri-series

India have named an unchanged squad from the one playing in the Champions Trophy for the ODI triseries in the West Indies, which begins on June 28. The continuity is reflective of the team’s success in the ongoing tournament, where they have reached the semi-finals after winning all their group matches.

The squad includes five seam bowlers in Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Irfan Pathan and Vinay Kumar, and three spinners: R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra. MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik and M Vijay constitute the batting.

India will travel to the West Indies following the Champions Trophy, for the series that also includes the hosts and Sri Lanka.

The make-up of the squad indicates that the Indian selectors, in relation to the one-day team, have turned their focus firmly on World Cup 2015. India had fielded a new-look team for the Champions Trophy, dropping seniors like Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh. These players as well as others – including Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh – who had been central to India’s success over

“I am very impressed with my performance in the U. S.” -Greaves

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Following a onemonth stint in the United States of America (USA), local rider Alonzo Greaves returned home on Sunday brimming with confidence, relieved and satisfied. The 23-year-old did extremely well on his third visit to the USA, chalking up three impressive victories from eight races.

Greaves, who is attached to local club Roraima Bikers, won the Floyd Bennett Category 1-3 race, the Historic Riverton Criterium (Pro 1-3) event and the WS United Category One race.

He also finished as runner-up in the Connecticut Criterium (Pro 1-3) race.

Apart from the three top podium spots, Greaves also copped fourth in the CRCA Open Category 1- 3; 12th in the Floyd Bennett Category 1- 3; 18th in the Bound Brook Criterium Pro-1 and 52nd in the Tour of Somerville Category Pro1.

During an interview with Guyana Times International Sport on Tuesday, Greaves expressed satisfaction at being able to outperform top riders from various parts of the globe during his four-week stint.

“It was a good per-

the previous decade but have had form and injury issues of late, remain sidelined.

India Squad: MS Dhoni (capt/ wk), Shikhar Dhawan, M Vijay, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Irfan Pathan, Amit Mishra, Vinay Kumar. (First published on Cricinfo)

formance I think because you had some very strong riders competing there. To be honest I actually surprised myself because I didn’t expect to do so well,” Greaves pointed out.

The talented athlete, who finished fourth overall in the annual Independence ThreeStage meet in May, said he enjoyed the experience in North America, and is now eager to develop on what he has learnt.

Greaves has already resumed training on Guyana’s roadways, and the focus at the moment is to come out victorious at the upcoming Guyana Cycling Federation’s National Championship, which is slated for later this month.

“My aim right now is

to win that championship,” he emphatically stated.

“For the past three years I wasn’t able to ride the way I want at the national championship. Right now I’m fit and ready and I’m confident of going all the way.” Greaves has been in tremendous form this season, winning 11 races so far in 2013.

His trip to the U. S. was made possible with support from Digicel, Bounty Farm, Spads Inc, Toucan Industries, Kevin Jeffrey and family, Café Sol, Compton Persaud, Roraima Bikers Club, Linden Dowridge and George Humphrey. Greaves is grateful for the support of his sponsors, without whom the trip would not have been possible, he said.

Narine holds on to number one spot

LONDON – West Indies off spinner, Sunil Narine, has maintained his number one position in the ODI bowling rankings following the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy in England.

After taking five wickets in three games (Ave: 26.0, Econ: 4.81), Narine remained on 764 points.

But distance was created between himself and the man whose number one position he

had earlier dislodged, Pakistani Saeed Ajmal, who dropped 27 points to 729 to join England’s Steven Finn tied for second.

Narine is also the top T20 bowler on the ICC player rankings. The next highest rated West Indian is Kemar Roach, who skipped three spots to 18th, followed by Ravi Rampaul (30th), Darren Sammy (37th) and Dwayne Bravo (55th).

Among the batsmen, Kieron Pollard stayed in

32nd while Chris Gayle moved up two spots to 34th.

Further down the list are Darren Bravo (44th), the discarded pair of Andre Russell (54th) and Lendl Simmons (60th), Ramnaresh Sarwan (62nd), Marlon Samuels (66th), Johnson Charles (71st) and Darren Sammy (73rd).

South Africans AB DeVilliers and Hashim Amla continued to occupy the top two spots. (CMC/ WICB)

Grenada’s PM Mitchell calls for sporting academies in the OECS

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell wants to see the establishment of sporting academies across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), to nurture the rich sporting talent which abounds.

The former Grenada cricket captain and ardent supporter of West Indies Cricket, is also calling for more recognition to be given to the many former sporting heroes; men and women, who promoted, their countries in their heydays.

Mitchell’s comments came as he addressed the 57th Meeting of the OECS Authority last week Sunday in St John’s Antigua.

He is certain that many more like his countryman, World and Olympic Champion Kirani James, will be able to dominate the world, with proper sporting infrastructure at their disposal.

He said, that more care and attention should be given to these

budding youngsters.

“We have to cultivate the talent we have in the region. We have not done enough. We need sub-regional sports academies that will help train and discipline our young people.

They should be able to market their fame right here in the region, not always abroad as it is right now,” the prime minister told his OECS counterparts.

He said, that the lack of academies has resulted in the loss of many Kirani James of the region, which he hopes the

OECS, will address.

Dr Mitchell also wants the Eastern Caribbean, to pay due respect and recognition to its many former sportsmen and women, who have flown their National flags high and represented their countries with distinction in their heydays.

He said that many have been cast aside and forgotten.“Let them be lifetime Ambassador to our region, and highlight their fame in regional history lessons.”

The Grenada leader is saddened that many former sporting heroes have fallen by the wayside.

The former Grenada cricket captain and former Caricom prime minister responsible for West Indies Cricket, wants the sub-region to do something tangible for their former heroes.

He said, that recognition must be given to them because they have lifted the images of the region with their success regionally and internationally.

England beat South Africa ...

out by Trott from slip after a sharply turning ball had deflected off the batsman’s pad.

Miller announced his intentions by crashing Finn over long-off for six as he led a spirited counter attack with Kleinveldt, who replaced the injured Dale Steyn.

They struck 12 boundaries in an entertaining partnership as they dragged South Africa towards respectability.

But Broad wrapped up the innings in the space of two balls by having Kleinveldt, for 43, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe pouched by the excellent Buttler, leaving Miller unbeaten on 56.

England had openers Cook and Ian Bell caught behind inside the first 11 overs to give South Africa a sniff at 41-2.

But Trott exuded calm authority as he put away anything overpitched to keep England

from back page

in the ascendancy.

Joe Root struck seven fours and had moved to within two runs of 50 when he was bowled round his legs attempting a paddle sweep off Duminy. By that point, however, with only 30 needed for victory, the match was a foregone conclusion. Fittingly, it was Trott who struck the winning runs through the covers to see England into the final. (BBC Sport)

Blake ruled out of World Championships 200m

Yohan Blake will not run the 200 metre at the World Championships after the Olympic silver medallist pulled out of this weekend’s Jamaican national championships with hamstring problems.

Blake, 23, suffered the injury in April and has not sufficiently recovered.

As defending champion, he does not need to qualify for the 100 metre in Moscow.

Compatriot Usain Bolt qualified for the 200 metre as champion but must win his place in the 100m after he false-

started in Daegu in 2011, handing gold to Blake.

“Yohan’s coach is not satisfied with the progress of his injury and hence his level of fitness will not allow him to compete at [the nationals] this time,” said Blake’s manager Cubie Seegobin.

“We will continue to assess the situation and re-evaluate as we approach the World Championships.” Blake won silver in both the 100 metre and 200 metre at London 2012 behind training partner and world record holder Bolt. (BBC Sport)

Former WI opener Ryan Ramdass slams doublecentury in Canada

By RavendRa Madholall

Former West Indies and Guyana opening batsman Ryan Ramdass slammed a magnificent unbeaten double century (200*) for Classics Cricket Club (CCC) in a Brampton limited-over tournament last Sunday. He also scored a half-century for Islanders Cricket Club on Saturday at King City when action resumed in the Toronto District Cricket Association 50over Elite competition.

The elegant righthander cracked 10 fours and four effortless sixes as his team whipped Britannia Cricket Club by 65 runs. His side piled up a 298-7 off the 50-overs while the opposition only scored 233 all out off 48 overs.

In the Elite competition, Ramdass, who only featured in a solitary Test and ODI for West Indies, produced another fine batting display to lead Islanders Cricket Club to a thrilling fourrun win. He made an even 50 to see Islanders post a challenging 206-6

from the allocation of 50 overs.

Vincentian Rodriques Thomas hit an impressive 82. Jamaican and Canada national player Austin Codrington stroked a boundary-studded 82 to put up a fight for Caribbean Limers but his side fell agonisingly close for 202 in the penultimate over.

Guyanese leg-spinner Raakesh Goberdhan bowled with great accuracy on a docile pitch to pick up 3 for 23 from seven tidy overs.

In the Premier League division,

Victoria Park continued with their winning ways after humbling nemesis, Vikings Cricket Club also at the King City ground on Saturday. Victoria Park batted first and scored 145 with former Guyana under-19 batsman Anthony D’Andrade weighing in with 23.

In reply, there was no resistance from the batsmen as former Guyana under-19 captain Eugene LaFleur bagged 2 for eight from an economical spell of eight overs.

On Sunday several games were rained out

but the action is scheduled to resume this Saturday and Sunday at various venues across the Greater Toronto Area, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, Guyana Defence Force first-division all-rounder Travis Blyden continued from where he left off in Trinidad and Tobago, representing Civics Cricket Club for the third successive year. He stated that he scored over 800 runs and took approximately 35 wickets before moving over to North America to ply his trade. His ambition is to represent Guyana at the senior level, and by extension the Caribbean side but he is fully cognisant of the fact that hard work and commitment is the key.

Blyden also mentioned that it is a great pleasure to play among some senior players for Guyana and West Indies, including Keith Semple, Zaheer Haniff, Royston Crandon, and Kenneth Wong, among others.

England beat South Africa to reach CT final

England powered into the final of the Champions Trophy with a seven-wicket victory over a South Africa side who once again underperformed in a major semi-final on Wednesday. James Anderson (2-14) and James Tredwell ( 3-19) starred with the ball as the Proteas collapsed to 80-8 before a 95-run stand between David Miller and Rory Kleinveldt hauled them to 175.

Jonathan Trott scored a typically measured unbeaten 82 as England passed their modest target in 37.3 overs to reach their first global 50over final since 2004.

The hosts will play the winners of today’s (Thursday) second semi-final between India and Sri Lanka in Sunday’s final at Edgbaston.

It is some achievement for Alastair Cook’s side, who have calmly shrugged off criticism of their cautious batting tactics, allegations of ball-tampering and injuries to Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann to reach the showpiece.

The question now is whether they can go one better than the 2004

Champions Trophy final, when they were improbably beaten by West Indies at The Oval.

For South Africa, this defeat will no doubt be added to their long list of so-called “chokes” in 50-over tournaments.

The Proteas, who won the inaugural Champions Trophy (then known as the ICC Knock Out) in 1998, infamously threw away a winning position against Australia in the following year’s World Cup semi-final and went out of the 2003 World Cup on home soil in the group stage after misinterpreting the Duckworth-Lewis rain rule.

They also suffered batting collapses in losing to Australia and New Zealand at the semi- final and quarter-final stages at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

After being put in to bat on a humid, overcast morning, South Africa were blown off course by a superb opening burst from Anderson and almost entirely derailed by Tredwell, who took three wickets in his first five overs.

Colin Ingram was trapped lbw by Anderson with the fifth ball of the innings and Steven Finn followed up with the prize wicket of Hashim Amla in the next over.

Amla, who scored an unbeaten 311 against England in last year’s Oval Test, made a late decision to leave a ball outside off stump and gave Jos Buttler the first of six catches.

Robin Peterson and Faf du Plessis’s brief rebuilding act was curtailed as Anderson vindicated Cook’s decision to extend his spell into a seventh over by removing Peterson lbw with a full, straight ball.

South Africa’s next five wickets added just 35 runs, with the Englandsupporting contingent of the crowd revelling in the mayhem on the hottest day of the year.

Captain AB de Villiers, whose oneday average exceeds 50, had a reckless swipe at Stuart Broad and was caught behind before JP Duminy played on to Tredwell.

Du Plessis edged Tredwell behind and Ryan McLaren was expertly run continued on page 52

Jamaica’s Michael O’Hara expects to run faster at World Youth Champs

After his brilliant work at the weekend’s JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Jamaica, Calabar High’s Michael O’Hara is full of confidence for the Eighth IAAF World Youth Championships to be held in Donetsk, Ukraine, from July 10-14.

O’Hara ran a world youth leading 10.39 seconds in the 100m and a joint world leading 20.75.

“It was a good weekend,” said O’Hara on Sunday, a massive understatement, as he lowered his previous personal bests in both events.

O’Hara and Wolmer’s Girls’ Jonielle Smith won Under-18 sprint doubles at the weekend’s two-day trials and along with sprint hurdler Yanique Thompson, who lowered her own world youth leading time in the 100m hurdles to 13.23 seconds, are expected to head the list of athletes, to be released later this week.

O’Hara said he was not expecting to have run so fast so soon, still three weeks from the start of the competition.

Michael O’Hara (Jamaica Observer photo)

and ran away from the field, later saying he had executed the race plan to perfection.

“The plan was to power the first 30m and to maintain through the straight,” he explained before adding: “I expect to run faster, but that will come from training.”

“I am very impressed with my performance in the U. S.” -Greaves

Asked if he was surprised by anything he did on the weekend, O’Hara said: “The timing was very surprising for me…the 200m time, I was expecting to run 21.00 seconds, but the field was very competitive and I had to dig in and pull through.”

On Saturday’s first day he clocked 10.39 seconds (1.0m/s wind) to beat Wassem Williams and Odane Bernard in the 100m final, lowering his personal best from 10.49 seconds and looks set to become the third Jamaican man to win the 100m at the World Youth Championships after Dexter Lee in 2007 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and Odail Todd in 2011 in Lille, France.

On a cool Sunday afternoon, after a quick but heavy shower of rain driven by fierce winds forced a near hour-long break, O’Hara blew away a strong field in almost still conditions of 0.1m/s wind to equal the time set by Cuban Reynier Mena earlier this month, beating his previous personal best 21.06 seconds set in March. He came off the bend in front

Interestingly, O’Hara says his favourite event is the 110m hurdles where his best time achieved in March is 13.45 seconds, but he will bypass that event come World Youth Championships.

Looking back on his outstanding season, O’Hara noted that with the exception of his bout of chicken pox that kept him out of the Carifta Games in The Bahamas, his season has been a good one so far.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)