Guyana Times International

Guyana blacklisted by CFATF

Guyana has been formally blacklisted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) as a result of the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Legal Affairs Minister has said.

Nandlall is attending a critical meeting of CFATF taking place in Freeport, The Bahamas. Prior to his departure for the meeting, Nandlall had observed that in May during the Nicaragua meeting, the country had been granted a six-month extension to pass the bill. “Not in my wildest imagination did I predict that the opposition would have behaved the way that they have done,” he said.

Nandlall had to report to a group of approximately 40 persons representing the interest of 26 countries.

He had noted that he had no sensible reason to put forward as to why the bill was rejected by the parliamentary opposition.

The attorney gener-

al said the reasons put forward by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would be reflected in the parliamentary proceedings and meetings which would be presented to CFATF.

The AFC’s call for a procurement commission should not have been linked to the AMLCFT Bill, while the APNU’s call for the return of the bill to the select committee would see minutes reflecting that the bill had already been there.

Dire consequences

Nandlall expressed interest in the reaction of Guyanese when the consequences of the resultant sanctions would have to be borne by all persons, irrespective of their position on the social and economic ladder. “Guyana is now left at the mercy of the discretion of the CFATF,” the attorney general said bluntly.

He noted that the opposition has put Guyana’s future in that position, as “it is out of my hands”.

Nandlall reminded that the draft report that has already been prepared declares Guyana

non-compliant, and countries have been invited to adopt counter measures to protect themselves from the risks of money laundering and financing terrorism emanating from Guyana. The recommendations from CFATF are in two sections: legislative (the bill) and nonlegislative (the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)), he pointed out.

place”.

Earlier this month, the combined opposition blocked the passage of the anti-money laundering bill in the National Assembly after a period of deadlock and lack of compromise with respect to the process, which was used to move the bill from the special select committee, to the full House.

The two opposition political parties withheld their support for the legislation for the second time after they voted first to send it to a special select committee, some six months ago, despite threats of serious sanctions.

The legal affairs minister added that while CFATF was already aware of this; the bill would allow the agencies to exercise their mandate. He said government was trying to put in place some of the recommendations contained in the bill, through mechanisms that will not require parliamentary intervention or will minimise it, “since the National Assembly has become a hazardous

Guyana had been given a November 18 deadline by CFATF to make amendments to the existing legislation, which was non-compliant with the sweeping reforms taking place regionally and internationally to fight money laundering and terrorism.

However, despite the serious political risks associated with offering non-support for the legislation, the APNU and the AFC made a decision not to support the legislation. The nonsupport of the bill had come even

after Western powers urged that it be passed.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, U. S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt and his UK counterpart, Andrew Ayre had urged the opposition parties to put forward their proposed changes to the bill.

The diplomats underscored the importance of the legislation, noting that it will guarantee Guyana’s financial stability. They said approximately two years after the general election, it was clear that “compromise” was the way forward. “… In fact, there is no other country that I have worked in that has a minority government that has been able to put forward its policies without, on occasion, compromising with the opposition.”

The ambassadors said the interest of the people should be placed on top of the agenda. “We have, indeed, approached all political parties for discussion on this topic – a topic which is very important for the future of Guyana’s financial stability. It remains the topic of the highest importance to us all.”

week ending november 24, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

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EDITORIAL

Sachin Tendulkar

For many cricket fans around the world, especially those in India, cricket will never be the same again as one of the game’s most legendary players, Sachin Tendulkar, has finally called it a day. Tendulkar played his last professional game on Saturday against the West Indies where he was given a grand send-off by his teammates and his fans alike.

Watching Sachin Tendulkar play for the very last time wasn’t just a historical moment for the cricketing world but also an emotional one. He has brought the entire India together. He has only increased the cricket madness in an already cricket-crazy nation.

Also called “The Little Master”, Sachin started his career at the age of 16 and made his first century in 1990 at the age of 17. There are many firsts that Sachin gave India and that’s why he is often referred to by his countrymen as a living legend. He has had the most runs in a career – 15,921 in Test Matches and 18,426 in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He has also had the most hundreds by one player.

He scored 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in ODIs.

To have dominated the cricket arena for 24 years speaks volumes of his passion for the game and his dedication. Perhaps his biggest achievement is the impact he has had in inspiring young Indians to take up the game and to reach for greatness. He is a true role model for the younger generation not only for his cricketing exploits but also for his conduct off the field.

Paying tribute, former West Indies captain Richie Richardson puts it this way: “There are not enough words to describe the contribution he has made to Indian, and world, cricket. I had no doubt when I first saw Sachin, I knew that he will become great. The greatest thing I admire about Sachin is that he has achieved so much, yet he remains so humble. He is such a nice person, nothing has gone to his head, he’s always smiling, always friendly, loves people and to me that is the sign of a remarkable human being.”

Fellow cricketing superstars Brian Lara and Shane Warne flew to Mumbai to honour Tendulkar, with the latter generous in praise of his former rival. “We played against each other for 20 years, but away from the cricket he’s very humble, very softly spoken,” said Warne, a champion legspin bowler.

“As a cricketer, he was the best batsman I ever played against. You can look at his skills and his numbers, but it was the way he did it, with the expectation of a nation. The way he handled himself on and off the field, he was a real credit to the game, himself, and India. Everyone will miss him. I don’t think the bowlers will miss him, but the world of cricket will miss him,” Warne added.

Sachin’s legacy will no doubt inspire and motivate the younger generation, not only in India but in other parts of the world, including the West Indies, that nothing is impossible in this great sport. It would be helpful if they watch the videos and learn how he was able to adjust his technique and style to the changing times and trends in cricket. That said, technique is paramount in batting but mental strength and a strong will is far more important and Tendulkar has always displayed these qualities.

Sporting geniuses like Sachin are rare phenomena. He is indeed one of the finest examples of sportsmen the world has seen with love for the game, humility, integrity, honesty, and pure unbridled talent. We in the Caribbean are proud of his achievements.

As Richardson puts it: “When Sunil Gavaskar played, he was a king in the Caribbean. Sachin is always a massive king in the Caribbean… Sachin is a hero and the entire Caribbean is celebrating his achievements as well.”

Sachin tendulkar being carried around the stadium by his team-mates after his last match

U.S. tells Caribbean diplomats era of Monroe Doctrine is over

The Organisation of American States (OAS) on Tuesday received U. S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who spoke in favour of cooperation among the countries of the Western Hemisphere based on a relationship between equals, with the aim of strengthening democracy, investing in education and combating climate change.

The event, co-organised by the OAS and the InterAmerican Dialogue, was opened by OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, who recalled the positive changes that have taken place in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last decade, both in economic and political terms, and urged the government of U. S. President Barack Obama and the other OAS member states to continue working to advance key issues on the hemispheric agenda. “This is certainly the best place to discuss the common challenges our region faces today and in the near future,” he said.

In his address, entitled “The United States and Latin America: The Power of Partnership”, Kerry expressly rejected the policies pursued by his country in the past in Latin America and the Caribbean through the “Monroe Doctrine”, and opened the door to a relationship of equals between Washington and the other countries of the hemisphere.

“The era of the Monroe Doctrine is over. The relationship that we seek and that we have worked hard to foster is not about a United States declaration about how and when it will intervene in the affairs of other American states. It’s about all of our countries viewing one another as equals, sharing responsibilities, cooperating on security issues, and adhering not to doctrine, but to the decisions that we make as partners to advance the values and the interests that we

share.” Common goal

Secretary Kerry called on the countries of the Americas to work toward the same goals because, “as the old proverb says, La union hace la fuerza” (The union – in unity, there is strength). In this regard, he raised three questions crucial to the future of the region.

The first question, he said, is whether the countries of the hemisphere are able to work together “in the promotion and protection of democracy, security and peace that all the peoples of the Americas deserve”.

The second question raised by the chief U. S. diplomat referred to whether “we will be able to advance prosperity in the Western Hemisphere and educate our youth to lead the economies of the future”.

And the third question was “whether together we will be able to address the threat posed by climate change?”

Achieving positive responses to these questions, he continued, will mark the future of the hemisphere. “The real challenge of the 21st century in the Americas will be how we use our democratic governments to deliver development, overcome poverty, and improve social inclusion,” said Secretary Kerry, who recalled that 50 years ago, then- President John F Kennedy called for a similar vision in the region, in which each country is secure and acts independently.

Protection of democracy

Regarding the protection of democracy, Secretary Kerry said, “we can be immensely proud, I think, of this hemisphere’s democratic trajectory and of the institutions that we built in order to hold ourselves to the future and to be accountable.

Successful democracies depend on all citizens having a voice and on respecting those voices, and all governments having the courage and the capacity to listen to those voices,” the U.S. diplomat stressed.

He noted the importance of members holding themselves to the mandates of OAS Charter.

In terms of education, Secretary Kerry argued that investment in the area must be a priority in order to advance the economic development of the hemisphere. “To start with, educational opportunity, above all, must be a priority. It is only with widely available, high-quality education that our workforce, the workforce of the hemisphere, will be equipped for the jobs of the future. Education, as we all know, opens up other doors as well,” he said.

Efforts to improve education, however, must be accompanied by other measures to provide the desired benefits. “Education, as we know, is only the first step. We must also press even harder to help create jobs and economic opportunity for our young people,” he said.

Govt scraps US$ 30M recycling plant MoU

By Samuel Sukhnandan

Government has announced its withdrawal from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Natural Globe Guyana Inc for the construction of a US$ 30 million recycling plant in Guyana.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon made the announcement at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President on Wednesday.

Dr Luncheon said in the wake of media revelations about the company following its recent

execution of the MoU, Cabinet has decided to withdraw from the MoU with the firm, forestalling the planned move to Go-Invest for the necessary feasibility studies, prior to the execution of an investment agreement with the firm.

“With the withdrawal of this agreement… the work leading to a possible investment agreement is now abandoned,” the HPS said.

Dr Luncheon recalled that the MoU was signed last Monday, as he noted that it was later discovered that the due diligence report was not done thoroughly.

Due diligence

“Let me be the first

to concede that it did not attract the same level of due diligence had it been the execution of a contract… so a number of areas were inadequately attended to and the revelations in the media pointed this out for the attention of Cabinet and the Guyanese people,” he added.

He noted that an MoU, by no means, translates into an agreement or project approval.

When questioned by the media, Dr Luncheon denied that government, under the MoU, had promised to make tax holidays, concessions, and other fiscal incentives available.

“The MoU did not in any way call for the administration to provide tax breaks and tax holidays, which are the usual demands and inclusions when contracts are being entered into.”

Natural Globe Guyana Inc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed Osman had been giving conflicting information about his company to the media which sometimes differed drastically from what was offered by the

Int’l political will lacking in climate change fight - Jagdeo tells Commonwealth heads

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo last week again warned global leaders of the serious threats of climate change as he presented a report on the phenomenon at the just- concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma back in June this year had appointed Jagdeo to lead a high-level team of experts to identify solutions to enable small, poor and climate-vulnerable Commonwealth countries to fight climate change. Jagdeo has been joined by eight others to lobby the international community to help identify practical solutions for those countries most at risk from climate change.

The group will tackle how best to access resources to support low-emission and climate-resilient development in small and climate-vulnerable states.

The secretary general had said then that the Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance, convened un-

der his Good Offices for the Environment, would have tabled their report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka which was done Friday last.

The former president, as a special guest of the Commonwealth secretary general, was invited to Colombo to update leaders on the outcomes of the work carried out by the Commonwealth expert group, which he chaired.

Grave threat

Heads of government welcomed the report in their communiqué, while agreeing to progress consideration of its recommendations and requesting that it be disseminated and discussed at the United Nations climate change meetings.

All leaders recognised that climate change is a grave threat to members of the Commonwealth, while at the closing press conference, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Rasak, and the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma both highlighted how the Commonwealth could provide global lead-

ers on climate change, as set out in the report.

Speaking after the meeting, former President Jagdeo said: “Every Head of Government I meet knows what the science is telling us. They know the seriousness of a 3.6 or 4 degree rise in temperature, and they know that this could undermine decades of development. Most also know that investing in a shift to a low carbon economy today will save lots of money in the future. But what is still missing is the criti-

cal mass of international political will that can take the tough decisions needed to enable the developing world to achieve its low carbon potential – and without this, the world cannot avert catastrophic climate change, or deal with its consequences.

“Our report sought to identify practical steps that could make a difference now, alongside highlighting the huge importance of political leadership from Heads of Government between now and 2015, when all

the countries of the world have agreed to seal a global climate deal.”

The report produced by the Expert Group presented five proposals, and recognised that Commonwealth developing countries are “seeking to lead the world towards a more sustainable future by creating low carbon development pathways, adaption to climate change and protecting their societies and impacts from its impacts”.

The report called for greater transparency and

accountability from countries that were contributing climate finance and for increased efforts to help the small and more vulnerable countries navigate today’s complex systems for climate change.

The government of Mauritius offered to host a Commonwealth Finance Skills Hub, as set out in the report, and this was welcomed by the other Heads of Government.

The report also called on Commonwealth leaders to attend the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit in 2014. It also drew attention to the need for better structures to incentivise private finance into green investment in developing countries, and called for the operationalization and capitalisation of the Green Climate Fund, as agreed by all the world’s countries in Cancun in 2010. 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.

Yvonne Hinds re-elected chairman of GRC

Guyana Relief Council’s (GRC) long-standing Chairperson Yvonne Hinds was re- elected to the post when the council held its annual general meeting on Wednesday. According to a release, the entire Executive Committee was re-elected.

The members of the committee are Maurice Amres (vice chairman), Barbara Walrond (treasurer), Adele Butts (secretary), Suparna Narine (assistant secretary) and Bernice Mansell (advisor).

The activities of the council are usually managed by the management, welfare and fundraising and finance committees.

Persons elected to serve on the Management Committee for 2013–2014 are Adele Butts (convener), Bernice Mansell, Rohini Bonar, Doris Lewis, Suparna Narine and Gilbert Gomes.

The council said it continues to render assistance to those persons who would have experienced unfortunate circumstances, or had their lives disrupted due to a disaster. For the year, to

date, the council took on 63 cases of fires, consisting of 282 persons; two cases of high winds with 10 persons; and 49 welfare cases.

Gratitude

“The executive and members of the council appreciate the support of individuals and organisations who have contributed to the humanitarian work of the council,” the release added.

Meanwhile, the GRC said it held its annual luncheon and Dutch auction on October 27 at the Pegasus Hotel. It was another successful fundraising event, the council said.

The luncheon was supported by many, including Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles; Mexican Ambassador Francisco Olgiun, other members of the diplomatic community and supporters.

The Dutch auction was presided over by Ron Robinson, who added much humour as he encouraged persons to donate “through bidding” to the work of the GRC. The Dutch auction raised a total of Gy$ 203,000 from the sale of an art piece donated by Dr Theodora Madekurozwa, a BlackBerry cell phone

from Digicel and an ornament donated by The Gift Centre.

At the event, the GRC also recognised its benefactors.

These persons were St George’s Cathedral Dean, Father Terry Davis; Digicel; Toucan Industries; Dean Hassan

and Dr Roger Morton. They were awarded plaques as recognition of their consistent support and contributions to victims of disaster over the years.

The council also thanked individuals and companies who contributed to the success of

the event and continues to plead with members of the public to contribute generously to its humanitarian cause.

“Our responses to disasters are timely and all donations received are recorded and financial donators are given a receipt,” the GRC said.

Trinidad to have new crimefighting unit from December 1

Trinidad and Tobago’s Rapid Response crimefighting initiative will be implemented from December 1, National Security Minister Gary Griffith announced Sunday.

Speaking after a community meeting with residents of Andalucia, Maraval, Griffith said the unit was one of several initiatives announced by Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar in August, after a joint meeting with Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to address the escalating crime problem following a spate of killings in East Port-of-Spain.

Griffith explained that the unit will provide a 24-hour mobile presence in three to four areas during the pilot project, including the western peninsula (Diego Martin, Carenage), San Fernando and possibly Siparia. He said 51 vehicles will patrol designated areas on a 24hour basis. The vehicles will be equipped with GPS systems and will be monitored through

the ministry’s operation centre to ensure they are where they are supposed to be at any given time. When fully operational, the Rapid Response unit will operate in 15 regions in TT. He added that the unit will act as a visible deterrent to criminals and will provide a sense of comfort to citizens. His ministry is also considering the revamping of community policing. Meetings with various residents’ groups evolved out of the plan to revamp community policing. The minister has already

met with residents of St Ann’s and Hololo to ascertain the threats in those, areas and to “assist the communities in building a relationship with the police.”

Community policing Griffith has been speaking with acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams about the matter but could not provide a definite timeline for the revamping to begin. He indicated that the National Training Police Academy is important because not every officer could be a community police officer. Some officers, he

noted, have to be trained specifically in community policing so they would be able to build a relationships with residents in communities, which would lead to residents passing out information about crime.

The purpose of the community police, according to the minister would be informational, while the Rapid Response would be operational. Griffith said in revamping community policing, more meetings will be held between residents and the police. Asked if the revamping of community policing meant more foot patrols in designated areas, Griffith stated that the Rapid Response unit and aerial patrols, using the four national security helicopters, will be used to fight crime. He said too that he would insist that the helicopters be used for low aerial surveillance.

The minister said he hoped to visit as many communities as possible since crafting any crime plan should involve dialogue with residents. (Excerpted from TT Guardian)

Haitian president wowed by Jamaican enterprises

President of the Republic of Haiti

Michel Martelly says two agricultural enterprises he visited in Jamaica are worth replicating in his country.

Martelly and Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Roger Clarke toured the Jamaica Broilers production facility in Spring Village, and the government's Agro Park in Amity Hall, both in St Catherine. A section of the park is used by Caribbean Broilers to grow sorghum, a replacement for imported animal feed.

The Haitian president told journalists that the employment of 1,600 people at the Spring Village plant was of particular interest to him. He also made special note that the enterprises reduce the need for imports.

"This is a good way to bring money into the country, instead of importing all [the] goods," he said.

"I was very happy to see that, and the fact that Jamaica Broilers is investing in Haiti. The en-

terprise down there is much smaller, but we expect to grow bigger and allow more people to get jobs in Haiti," the president added, while outlining the effort that he will be making to establish agro park-type facilities in Haiti.

Meanwhile, Clarke said he and his Haitian counterpart Jacques

Thomas have met and identified areas of collaboration between the two countries.

The Haitian minister, according to Clarke, has pointed to specific ways in which Jamaica can help Haiti's agro-sector.

"We can share our experience with him, and he has already noted some of the things (on which)

Passing Judegement

By Anu Dev

Most of us do it every day – we judge the people around us. And we do so through the lenses of whatever prejudices and perceptions we might have of that person.

We really don’t take the time to put ourselves into their shoes. Even Simba couldn’t help but leap to conclusions about Kovu in “The Lion King 2”. We had a class this week about empathy, what it means to be empathetic and the neuroscience behind empathy. It was an amazing lecture; it really gave me a lot to think about. It made me wonder about whether in my everyday life, how much time I actually take to put myself into other people’s shoes.

And it made me think back to the times that the people around me were empathetic to what I was going through.

As far as classes go, it was a thoughtprovoking one. Seeing videos of little babies displaying empathy, MRIs of persons feeling pain when someone they’re close to is in pain really kinda drove home the message that empathy is something innate within us.

Why then, do so many of us still walk around preoccupied in our own little bubbles? As a society, we can be pretty quick to judge people based on their clothes, their house, their car or their phones before getting the chance to see what kind of decisions they make, what type of actions they take.

And there are just so many misconceptions about everyone floating around.

If there’s someone sitting off to the side by himself, obviously you judge him as being snobbish, when actually, he’s just extremely shy. We’ve all had these ‘shy moments’ and we should be able to at least remember them when seeing someone behaving just as we did during those moments instead of leaping to the conclusion that the person is standoffish.

Yes, it’s true, some people are more intuitive and more perceptive than others and they’ll be better at showing empathy, but we’re all capable of empathy and we should try to be empathetic to the best of our ability.

It’s easier to just pass off someone as being lazy or a slob just because they’re dressed a bit sloppily. But the thing is they could just be having a really bad day.

They could be a hard worker, they’re usually impeccably dressed, it’s just that today was an ‘off day’ for them.

he would like me to move forward with him, and we are going to be working very closely to make sure that something concrete happens," the minister said.

President Martelly and his 11-team delegation, who were in the island on a three-day state visit last week, left the island last Friday. (JIS)

We need to remember to empathise with the people close to us. Too often we miss the people right in front of us, and we gloss over the things that might be going on with them. We have to start being there for them and taking the time to just listen.

We can’t always empathise with every single person around us – we don’t know everyone nearly half as well enough, but we can at least try to be more considerate, to be more human.

The value of drama must not be lost

Dear Editor,

This year, Guyana managed to secure five of eight regional Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) awards. Though this was an outstanding achievement for both the students and Guyana as a country, it is time to place emphasis on performing arts.

Just recently, Guyana took a step further by conferring several diplomas in theatre arts and drama. Drama

is a specific mode of fiction that can be showcased by way of performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning “action”. Drama has been considered as the oldest and the earliest term of imitative arts.

In 2012, the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama was established in Guyana, but was only recently launched. In February, the school opened its

doors to students who longed to pursue a career in performing arts and drama.

Performing arts is no stranger to Guyana, and actually for quite some time, the Theatre Guild of Guyana was considered as the breeding and training ground for those involved in theatre.

Additionally, the National Culture Centre is also well utilised by talented groups of performers for training and

Launching of the multimillion- dollar children’s home

Dear Editor, Digicel Guyana handed over the newly-constructed Mahaica Children’s Home to the Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster during a simple ceremony held at the location. The initiative was conceived by Digicel in December 2011.

Ideally, the entity should manifest an exceptional level of quality care and should have zero tolerance for ill

treatment. Caring for children can sometimes be a challenging and overwhelming job, and so, it is essential for child care workers to possess great patience, understanding and have sympathy for those who may occasionally misbehave. Care takers must be prepared to work with children of all backgrounds and ages.

Children homes are meant to be safe keeping places where children can receive the care and

attention that they need. It is essential for child care workers to be properly trained in managing and attending to children.

As child caregivers, we must desist from subjecting children to any form of abuse. The primary purpose of a children’s home aside from providing food and shelter is to shield children from any form of illtreatment.

Sincerely, Xavier

Cummings

The unfolding of great plans for Guyana’s zoo

Dear Editor,

Many of us are familiarised with the significant purpose of a zoo and its efforts to promote conservation, in addition to educate the general public on Guyana’s diverse biodiversity. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy and the Protected Areas Commission recently coordinated and facilitated the presence of a Mexican zoo specialist

as a preliminary step to an unfolding master plan for Guyana’s zoo.

Zoos are often considered as a prime tourist destination where people can capture the richness of a country’s bio-diversity. It therefore requires the availability of basic amenities and facilities such as hospitable services, washrooms, and eating facilities amongst many others.

Many people go to the zoo to relax and have a

on-stage productions.

In Guyana, drama has been used by many to express talent and emotions.

Several entertainment groups have even made their productions into lucrative businesses. Many talented individuals have over the years become well known choreographers and performers involved in exquisite productions countrywide.

Including drama in

every school’s curriculum enables students to cultivate skills in creativity, public speaking and other areas such as confidence and teamwork. It is also used as a medium of teaching, entertaining and communicating.

While many parents fear participation in drama will affect their child’s academic progress, studies have shown that students involved in arts tend to have a high

academic performance.

They improve significantly in many personal areas, including public speaking, selfconfidence, self-discipline, time management, and better social and interactive skills.

I urge parents to encourage their children and further support those who are already interested in pursuing studies in drama.

Name withheld by request

The Gy$ 5000 note will bring ease

Dear Editor,

The Bank of Guyana, in keeping with the Currency Reform Process, has announced the launching of the Gy$ 5000 note. The new denomination is expected to be in circulation come December. The existence of this note is expected to greatly minimise the quantity of money that a bank is generally required to process.

Additionally, it will greatly minimise the cumbersome keeping and movement of bulky cash by the business

community and other individuals.

Upon hearing the news of this new bill, many have begun to foresee the inconveniences that it will soon cause. A small fare is usually required by those utilising the public minibus system, and many complain that it is sometimes difficult to have a Gy$ 1000 note changed, much less for a Gy$ 5000 note.

I would strongly recommend that commuters desist from offering a Gy$ 5000 note. We must be considerate and ensure that we

always have smaller notes to pay bus fares.

The launching of this bill is expected to better Guyana’s economic stability and growth. In 1996, the country’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was amounted to Gy$ 99 billion.

To date it amounts to Gy$ 631 billion. It is clearly evident that the economy is progressing over time. I applaud our government for the notion to implement a higher denomination.

Yours truly, Harold McCallister

good time. It would be an exceptional idea to incorporate other means of entertainment.

Presently, many families swarm the Zoo on weekends for sightseeing and picnicking purposes, particularly on Sunday afternoons.

The recent unveiling of plans to uplift the zoo are in progress and soon we all will all be able to enjoy the luxuries of this modernised facility.

Sincerely yours, Allan Walker

Black Bush Polder man gets 20 years for killing girlfriend

Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes on Monday imposed a 20-year jail term on Satrohan Mannaru, also called “Andrew” of Black Bush Polder, for killing his girlfriend at a school sport in the area back in October 2011.

Mannaru had murdered 13-year-old Indranie Basdeo also known as “Cynthia” on October 7, 2011. The jury arrived at the decision 25 minutes after receiving directions from Justice Gregory-Barnes. After the jury returned the unanimous verdict, Mannaru told the court he has nothing to say.

Before imposing the sentence, the judge told him that he will get five years off the 25 years because it was a “crime of passion”. During the month-long trial, the prosecution called 11 witnesses while the defence called the accused who gave an unsworn statement in which he claimed that the incident was an accident, as it was done unintentionally. In addressing the jury after closing the defence’s case, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos urged the jurors to believe that his client had shown love for Basdeo, in that even when she was on the ground bleeding, he hugged her and buckled her with his legs.

He reminded the jury that in his evidence, the brother-in-law of the now dead teenager said, “a crowd had gathered”.

He asked the jury to consider the fact that in their investigation, the police only picked out three persons from the crowd.

“What happened to all the other people, only three relatives of the victim? Couldn’t they get an independent witness?” The attorney argued that one of the prosecution’s chief witnesses Tulsiedai Basdeo, who is the sister of the diseased, admitted that when she gave a statement to the police on the day after the incident, she made no mention of a knife, but in a subsequent statement made mention of it.

Different story

De Santos pointed out to the jury that Tulsiedai told a differ-

ent story during the trial to what she told the magistrate during the preliminary inquiry (PI). “Remember when I cross-examined her, she told this court that she was confused and that the story she was giving here is the truth.”

He asked the jury to consider her as a programmed witness. “She refused to answer a number of questions when cross-examined by me.”

De Santos submitted that the girl was injured. “She was injured by a knife which the accused had.”

He argued that the accused was committed to the deceased, in that, he tattooed her name on his forearm.

“I ask you to find that the caution state-

ment was not the words of the accused,” he challenged the jury. “During all the evidence given, you did not hear of any enmity between the accused and the deceased.” Before closing, he asked the jury to accept the defendant’s account of what transpired.

“… Indranie accidentally get bore when she hold on to me hand… I did not intentionally do it.”

Consequences

In her address to the jury, State Persecutor, Attorney Renita Singh said “Tulsiedai is human, and you saw her, she broke down even two years after the incident as she recounted the events as they unfolded. She also told us that she was here to tell the truth and what she remembered.

She said that during the preliminary inquiry at the magistrate’s court, she was confused when she gave evidence because the lawyer was hollering on her.”

The prosecutor said the accused had all intentions to kill and after stabbing the girl, he buckled her down and did not allow her relatives to get to her to render assistance.

“Even though the murder weapon was not produced as evidence that does not say that the incident did not occur. All the witnesses mentioned a knife; even the accused mentioned a knife. The knife was produced as evidence in the magistrate court

during the preliminary inquiry,” she noted.

The attorney argued that the fact that the caution statement was taken in the enquiries office at the police station, it is enough proof that it was free and voluntary since that office is open to the public. She asked the jury for them to be satisfied of his guilt before convicting him.

Justice Gregory-

Barnes had advised the jury to consider the caution statement as to whether it was what the accused told the police, or whether the police wrote their own statement. She said if they agree with anything that both the prosecution and the defence said in both their addresses, then they may use it in their deliberations.

She reminded the jury that there were differences in the evidence that was given by Tulsiedai and her husband, Arnold Reddi. “If you feel that a witness is lying, then you may discard that evidence.”

The defence case was that Mannaru was acting in self-defence when Basdeo was killed, in that, he became scared when he saw Basdeo’s brother-in-law Reddi, running towards him and thus he pulled out the knife to protect himself.

Trouble brewin in dem boys camp

Dem boys who seh dem is boys, but dem is not boys although dem does dress like boys to fool people, had start attackin de Beacon paper since when it had start up. Dem boys still ain’t done yet. Dem boys firin more missiles now like how dem bandits firin guns in GT de garbage town. Dem firin even more than whah de man pun Middle Street fire last week and whah dem police fire at de prison over de weekend.

Dem boys who seh dem is boys fire missiles so much that de firin start to back fire pun dem. Now is dem own fire ketchin all dem boys in dem back because some of dem wanna back down. And dem boys specialise in any ting to do wid back. Is sheer back fire, back down, and back up goin on.

Missiles even firin pun one another. Lalloo Suspenders Ram firin from back and front at de opposition. Rum Karran puttin fire in dem too. But somebody from de Kay Man lookin to put Rum Karran in de fire all by he self. And he ain’t no Shadrach, Meshach, and Adednego. So he gon burn from earth to hell.

Mook Lall now start firin in dem boys camp. De Mook back up a couple of dem boys fuh know who sendin out he official photos. Now de Mook wanna play Snow Den and read people email and listen to dem phone calls like de U. S. Whah de Mook don’t know is that de U. S. done hear he pun de phone already. And soon dem gon hear he in the New York court when he turn up wid he headitor. Dem gon learn first hand how lash does bring lash back. Not that de Mook and de headitor mind de lashin anyway.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling… friend tell friend… mattie tell mattie! That is how tings does turn out when a rice eater barkin at de gate. As soon as dem get a holler, dem does put dem tail between dem leg! That is why no body ain’t seein de Mook tail these days.

Roshana thanks supporters as she heads home

Miss Universe contestant Katherina Roshana has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from Guyana and further afield as she heads back from Russia to her native land. Roshan and her family are back in New York after a great and wonderful experience in Moscow.

According to a release, Roshana having experienced the international pageant, has seen movements and situations that have caused her to reflect.

The release said attention is given to those countries which pay higher pageant fees and the bigger, more recognised countries are treated with favouritism.

Roshana firmly believes that the time has come for the government to create a budget to assist international pageantry, as is being done by numerous countries worldwide. Money, the release said has a lot to do with the results.

The Miss Guyana Universe queen expressed gratitude to NEW GPC INC Chairman, Dr “Bobby” Ramroop for his company’s sponsorship, and promised to represent the company and its various brands and corporations with energy if necessary.

True ambassador

Roshana highlighted Guyana in a magnificent manner, using her unique style and dynamic ways.

katherina roshana at the preliminary night of the miss universe pageant

She has also amplified the great work done by earlier queens and saluted their work, despite their challenges.

Roshana is encouraging private enterprises and the government to work as a team, since beauty ambassadors add to the vitality and popularity of a nation.

Most countries, she said finance their queens as they showcase their countries.

It would be prudent for the government to look at this as part of a ministry’s budget.

Since Miss Guyana Universe, Miss Guyana World and Miss India Worldwide are international pageants; Roshana believes that these should also be budgeted for by government, each event, according to their magnitude, and

support by their sponsors.

She pledged to assist any future local queen with counsel and friendship and believes Guyana has the capacity to win the Miss Universe sooner or later, “but as a people, as a nation, we have to help make her!” She also said, “We must stop complaining that a person is too fat or too thin, or too white or too black. These are frivolous, and whoever wins must receive national support from all Guyanese… as a people, we must mature and grow, and cease behaving as if everyone is a pageant specialist.”

While in Russia, Roshana presented gifts of Guyana to many individuals she met. These gifts included Bank of Guyana mint coin sets, souvenirs made of coconut shells, and polished Amazon jungle log pieces (key chains).

She also gave photos and cards of Guyana, to highlight the country’s contribution to eco-friendliness (that is, saving the earth campaigns).

“I did it for you, Guyana. I placed my feet on the greatest and mightiest of places, and met some of the most influential people of the world; walked with the most beautiful women in the world, and stepped on the most majestic carpets in the world. You have given me the chance to highlight Guyana on the map. Guyana let me say to you a most heart-felt thank you!” Roshana said.

Govt scraps US$ 30M recycling...

government.

Among those discrepancies was the fact that his company had only ever built a prototype of the facility he would have been required to build under the MoU.

Conflict-of-interest

On November 15, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster held a special press conference at her ministry’s office to deny reports that her daughter was investing US$ 15 million to establish the controversial US$ 30 million recycling plant in Guyana, even as she sought to dispel the issue of conflict of interest.

Webster’s comments came after the Kaieteur News reported that the minister’s daughter, Andriana Webster, was partnering with Osman to establish the recycling plant in keeping with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Government Ministry.

Irate over the situation, the minister argued that her daughter is not an investor but a director of the locally-registered company. Webster stated that she was never involved in the decision-making process when Cabinet granted its no-objection for the

company to establish the recycling plant, explaining that she was on travel duties.

Dr Luncheon had told media operatives that Webster did not disclose that her daughter was involved.

Minister Webster explained that her daughter never informed her that she was a director of the company, so it cannot be considered a conflict of interest. Webster further dispelled the notion that her 28-year-old daughter who resides in Canada had been influenced to pursue the project because her mother is a government minister.

In a letter to the press, Andriana confirmed that she is a director of Natural Globe Guyana Inc and not the investor.

She said her work is no way influenced by her mother, noting that the decision to work for Natural Globe Inc was done on a professional basis.

Following criticism from sections of the press that Natural Globe Inc lacks the requisite experience to execute such a mega project and has a sketchy background, the Local Government Ministry last Thursday came out with a state-

ment, defending the bona fides of the company.

Natural Globe Guyana Inc is a Guyanabased and registered entity, owned by Osman, and not a Canada-based company.

However, the ministry is contending that the company is partnering with other Canadian agencies, including the

Guyanese grinches

Satiricus sighed. There were so many things people just didn’t get. Look how everyone cussing down Duvid GrainJa and Rum Jhaat –because they didn’t vote for the bill to stop money laundering in Guyana. But they didn’t know what great patriots these men were... how they only thought of what was good for the people and never for themselves.

The thought came to Satiricus as he marvelled at the Christmas tree at Rahaman’s Park. He passed it on the way back from his place of toil. Every year, his spirits would have been lifted around now, because he knew his toil would be lightened in the Christmas season.

And why not? All the “small piece” from the clan in New York and Toronto used to become quite a “big piece” when he added them up. But not as big as the sport he would throw with all that moolah in his hands.

He and the fellas would live it up at the backstreet bar every night – booze and beers!! The fellas used to receive their “small piece” also. Man, it was bedlam in the backstreet. But never mind his name, Rum Jhaat decided this carousing had to stop.

Not for him, of course. He was too far gone, poor fella... he was an alcoholic and had to put away a bottle (or two) every day. As for Duvid GrainJa... well... he never believed in fun. Did anyone, anywhere, ever see the man smile? And that is why they voted down the bill... so that the outside banks would make it hard for the family up in New York and Toronto to send down money. Kill bill!!! Kill bill!!! Satiricus had heard them chanting in Parliament at the time.

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John Mogford Enterprise Inc of Ontario, Canada. Mogford reportedly specialises in recycling waste into useful products, environmental management, and transportation planning. Additionally, Osman is a member of Tadger’s Fuel Economy Solutions, a key player in environmental management in Ontario.

Satiricus knew it must have been harder on Rum Jhaat and GrainJa than on the Guyanese who wouldn’t get money. But it showed the calibre of these great leaders: when the going gets tough – the tough gets going.

But then the thought struck Satiricus. Not everybody spent their “small piece” on beers and rum. Lotsa people would use the money to buy Christmas decorations. His wife used her “small piece” to buy curtains every Christmas.

And it also paid for black cake and ginger beer and such Christmas fare. And some people bought clothes.

What were they going to do this Christmas now that Rum Jhaat and GrainJa cut off their money? Satiricus sighed. He knew these great leaders knew what they were doing. The people would have eaten too much. It was for their own good. Kill bill!!

U.S. initiative puts dent in drug trade

– additional US$ 60M to be pumped into programme this year

By Samuel Sukhnandan

The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) has made a dent in cocaine smuggling in the region, officials said on Tuesday as a two-day meeting to review the work of the U.S.-funded programme closed.

Cocaine seizures across Caricom member states, training of police personnel, and the provision of fast boats to help curtail maritime criminal activities are among the successes of the initiative.

This is according to co-chairs of the meeting, Astonia Browne of Caricom and U. S. State Department Office of Caribbean Affairs Director Juan Alsace, at a news conference following the meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Successful meeting Browne, who is the St Kitts and Nevis National Security Ministry permanent secretary, said the meeting was successful and areas that required improvement were identified.

She said some projects that were discussed included Advanced Fingerprinting Information System (AFIS); Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS); Regional Integrated Ballistics Information Network (RIBIN); and counter arms trafficking and crime prevention efforts in relation to at-risk youth.

She stated that one of the aims of CBSI is crime prevention and there was a focus on preventing atrisk youth from becoming involved in criminal activity while helping

them to develop vocational skills.

Achievements were also highlighted and recommendations made to improve agencies tasked in securing the region; working collaboratively with the U. S. government.

Alsace told media operatives that the investment has been worthwhile and the CBSI is showing great success thus far. He said some US$ 263 million has already been expended on the programme since its launch in 2011, with an additional US$ 60 million set aside for this year.

Co-chair Alsace allud-

ed to comments made by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the opening on Monday, reiterating that indeed no one country can tackle regional security, as it requires a collaborative effort. The U.S. official said that theme was reflected in the discussions during the CBSI meeting. It was also agreed that countries of the Caribbean must work in partnership with each other and the U. S. government to improve communications and information sharing.

Discussions also touched on law enforcement and security strategies, especially to help

at-risk youth find a better future. Alsace said out of the meeting, regional standards on arrest warrants and other law enforcement matters are being considered.

This discussion is likely to be expanded and continued at another CBSI meeting in Washington, DC, December 5-6.

During this meeting, Caribbean security ministers will hold talks with the political leadership of the U.S. government, to determine the priorities and leadership for 2014 and years to come.

Alsace also agreed with Prime Minister Hinds’ comments that

a holistic strategy was needed to tackle regional crime and security challenges, and said this will also be looked at during the next meeting.

Commitment was also given to sustain the initiative.

Browne said a joint plan of action for regional security, in partnership with the U.S., has already been put in place, with several programmes and initiatives already reflecting the strategic goals of the region’s crime and security strategy. This, she said, will serve as the blueprint that will inform the region’s strategies.

Booklets on child laws launched

Children across the country will now be more au fait with some of their fundamental rights, following the creation for distribution countrywide of booklets of child-friendly versions of three recent updated laws. The pieces of legislation are the Adoption of Children Act (2009 and 2011,) the Custody, Contact, Guardianship and Maintenance Act 2011 and the Status of Children Act, Number 19 of 2009.

The documents were produced by the Rights of the Child Commission, and the Child Rights Division, Childcare and Protection Agency, and the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry with technical and financial support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster, as she received copies of the three booklets from Rights of

the Child Chairperson Aleema Nasir on Monday at the commission’s Peter Rose and Anira streets building, credited the late Rights of the Child commissioner Shirley Ferguson for starting the initiative.

Child-friendly

“Shirley in herself would have been happy today that this really became a reality because she was working on it,” Minister Webster said. She explained that

Hero cop Michael Forde laid to rest

“He did not go into battle to die but to serve his country” – Asst Commissioner Vyphuis

By Vahnu Manikchand

Amid loud wail-

ing, policeman

Michael Forde who was gunned down when a gold miner went on a shooting spree at his Middle Street home last week was laid to rest on Tuesday – the first of the four victims to be buried. Forde, 24, a lance corporal attached to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), was killed in the line of duty when Deryck Kanhai went berserk, killing three other persons before he was fatally shot by ranks.

At the funeral service held at the First Assembly of God in Wortmanville, Forde was eulogised as a committed policeman who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The service included scripture readings by his relatives, and hymns.

The church was packed with relatives and friends, along with dozens of police officers.

Before the service started, the body of Forde was taken into the church where persons had the opportunity to view it as they paid their

respects and bid farewell to the fallen policeman.

In the eulogy, done by a relative, Carlotta Lee, it was disclosed that Forde always had a passion for the police force and dreamt of becoming an officer. “He had a dream of wearing khaki uniform, so he made his dreams come through and went to join the Guyana Police Force. Michael was very

involved in his work, he loved his work,” Lee said.

She added that Forde was very mature and he was a father-figure for younger persons around him, disclosing that he even took up a job as soon as he left school to support his mother.

Selfless service Delivering a tribute on behalf of the Guyana Police Force, Assistant Commissioner George

for not arriving at the shooting prepared.

whose demise left a void not only in the lives of his colleagues but in the entire police force.

He said on Tuesday, November 12, when Forde reported to the scene, he did not go into that battle to die but to serve his country. “He went there to stop a man who decided to take the law into his own hands.”

Vyphuis said that there were no words to describe a young man who decided to go into battle without any safety equipment, but just thought about saving the lives of others. The senior officer, who was also at the scene of the shooting, said for an officer there was no looking back when duty called, as he reprimanded those who criticised the police

“Michael went there to serve us. When Michael went on the ground, he was with two ICs and I was on the ground too without bulletproof vest, because it never came to thought. All that came to mind was that we need to stop the lawlessness that was going on, but it did not stop until we lost four lives,” Vyphuis stated.

Courageous

The assistant commissioner disclosed that since Forde joined the police force in 2007, he has been attached to the TSU, where he committed himself to a job he loved. Vyphuis described Forde as a “fun person”,

Vyphuis called on the dozens of officers present in the congregation to reflect on the short but impactful life of Forde and respect the courage that he displayed, adding that they should use it as motivation as they contain the battle they face on a daily basis. The sermon was delivered by Reverend RM Massiah. After the church service, Forde was given a full military funeral with gun salutes at the Le Repentir Cemetery, after his body was escorted outside the church by officers.

Forde was killed along with Constable Sherwin Pantlitz on that fateful day. Two civilians Vanessa Vyphuis and Hugh Rowland were also killed by Kanhai.

Styrofoam to be banned in Guyana from June 2014

BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud said the ban on Styrofoam beginning June 1, 2014 could prove useful to Guyanese entrepreneurs, who could

possibly look at producing alternatives to that material.

Persaud made this statement during the second round of stakeholders’ consultations on the ban of Styrofoam held at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown on Monday.

“When we talk about the ban, it is not to take away anything, but rather a step to give our people more opportunities but also gives them a healthy surrounding,” Persaud added. Both economic and employment opportunities could be created.

Minister Persaud said it will provide an opportunity to the cottage industry, to produce cardboard boxes that were used many years ago in Guyana.

The environment minister said while the ban may evoke negative feelings, it is important that it is implemented.

“We must also be mindful of the consequences on public health and also how these measures and steps can allow us to help us to improve and enhance our environment,” he asserted.

It was also agreed that more needs to be done to enhance the public awareness campaign, to ensure greater compliance.

Comprehensive approach

Persaud noted that a comprehensive approach is expected, as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will have to also play their part in ensuring that there are no loopholes.

Reference was also

made to the new litter regulations which is currently being drafted and is expected to be tabled in Parliament for approval.

Persaud said these regulations will also see litter wardens placed all over the country, to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali lauded the initiative to ban Styrofoam, noting that it contributes significantly to solid waste, which continues to be a major tourism issue.

Ali said the approach between the two ministries is to ensure that there is less garbage, especially when it comes to Styrofoam.

Garbage in the city and other parts of the country continues to be an eyesore and could cause the achievements made in the tourism sector to backpedal.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) President Clinton Urling said there are many reasons the ban should be implemented. While not-

ing that the food service industry is likely to be affected most by the ban, the GCCI president said that there are many alternatives to Styrofoam.

Urling owns a food business which is one of the few companies in Guyana that have already transitioned and is now using biodegradable materials.

However, he urged government to work towards enhancing its public awareness campaign to inform businesses of the ban in advance. Tax waiver Urling also suggested that a three to six month waiver of taxes should be given to businesses to make the transition from Styrofoam to biodegradable materials.

He added that plants could also be set up in Guyana to produce these materials, moving away from having businesses import them. But he noted that the ban on Styrofoam will not reduce littering, rather it will take a cultural change to bring an end to that issue.

Booklets

“Shirley was one of those persons who advocated that things for children, especially sensitising our children, should be done in a very childfriendly way.”

Translating the documents from their legal language into simple terms was the passion of the late commissioner but Ferguson, regrettably passed away earlier this year before the project was completed.

Minister Webster also commended too, the commission for the initiative of having the laws that pertain to children become childfriendly so that children throughout Guyana would be familiar with the laws that exist.

She said that the ministry is committed to ensuring that all the

on...from page 12

booklets are distributed as widely as possible, recognising the importance of ensuring that children understand their basic human rights in keeping with the Convention of the Rights of Child.

Nasir explained that the need for the booklets was recognised at a recent child participation workshop, which was attended by children from all 10 regions.

She said at the workshop, the children spoke very assertively about all the things that they would like to see happen with regards to childcare and child rights in Guyana.

She said one aspect that the children were very vocal about was the need to better understand their rights.

Investors ink MOU for TT$310 million investment in Trinidad’s agriculture

Four investors, two local and two international, have signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Caroni GREEN, with a combined investment capital value of TT$310 million, that are expected to generate 940 permanent and seasonal jobs within a three-year period in Trinidad and Tobago.

Food Production Minister, Devant Maharaj, said the investments would “open up the agriculture sector by delving into the areas of bio-fuels, processing, exportation of valueadded packs and linkages, such as agriculture supplies.”

The MOU documents were signed last Friday at the Hilton Trinidad, by Caroni GREEN’s chief executive, Deosaran Jagroo, representatives of UKbased Emunite Energy Solutions and St Luciabased Baron Foods Limited, as well as the owner of Ramlagan’s General Hardware and Electrical Limited in Couva, and Maraval dasheen bush farmer/ entrepreneur, Daran Soondarsingh.

Emunite Energy Solutions, which produces bio-fuels, has expressed interest in growing Giant King Grass on

3,500 acres of land for the production of ‘Green fuel’ (bio-fuel) in collaboration with cane farmers.

Baron Foods Limited, one of the largest food processors in the Caribbean, is perhaps best known for its banana ketchup. Maharaj said the company would like to set up “one of the largest and most mod-

ern food processing facility in Trinidad, at a cost of approximately TT$100 million over a three-year period.”

Baron Foods also has plans to invest in the cultivation of 100 acres of crops for the purpose of agro-processing. This particular investment is expected to create more than 200 permanent jobs in TT.

Local investor and CEO of Ramlagan’s Hardware, Nateram Ramlagan, has plans to open the Caribbean’s

largest garden shop and agro-superstore “somewhere in central Trinidad, likely Couva.”

The TT$100 million

investment would generate approximately 200 permanent jobs and provide farmers and food processors with everything from chemical fertilisers to equipment, and seeds.

Maharaj noted that the fourth investor, Daran Soondarsingh, “is well known as one of TT’s largest exporters of green vegetables.”

Soondarsingh wants to buy 200,000 bundles of dasheen bush weekly from local farmers for export to New York.

“The estimated value of this export is TT$320,000 per week (while) this investment is estimated to be TT$10 million. This would create approximately 40 permanent jobs and generate revenues of approximately TT $16 million per annum.

The ministry of food production is confident that the investment will lay the foundation and develop the infrastructure to export crops produced by Caroni GREEN,” Maharaj stated. (TT Newsday)

Off-duty cop assaulted in brawl outside Queens diner

The New York Post has reported that an off-duty NYPD sergeant was beaten within an inch of his life outside a Queens diner early Sunday by a thug who kept brutally bashing his head as he lay sprawled in the street.

A sickening cell-

phone video shows Sgt. Mohammed Deen get knocked to the ground, then repeatedly kicked and punched by a hulking brute identified by cops as Hayden Holder, 29, of Jamaica. At one point, the video shows the attacker continued on page 21

Richmond Hill Guyanese help elect NY councilmen, mayor

BY VISHNU BISRAM

New York City voters elected Democrats for all offices citywide as well as for 48 of the 51 City Council seats. Public Advocate Bill de Blasio defeated Republican nominee Joe Lhota for mayor, putting a Democrat in the office for the first time in two decades.

Guyanese voted overwhelmingly for de Blasio and Democrats. And in Richmond Hill, they helped to elect the incumbent councilman for the area, Eric Ulrich, who had provided significant assistance to them over the last six years.

At 52, de Blasio is one of the youngest men elected mayor of New York, receiving 75 per cent of the votes to Lhota’s 25 per cent. A measly 25 per cent of the city’s 4.6 million registered voters turned out to vote.

De Blasio’s biracial family – wife, Chirlane McCray, and his two children – were at his side as they were throughout the campaign.

De Blasio described

his victory as a break from the past. He told cheering supporters: “Make no mistake! The people of this city have chosen a progressive path and tonight we set forth on it, together, as one city.”

In an exit poll, nearly seven out of 10 voters said the city needed to move in a new direction from Mayor Bloomberg’s policies of the last 12 years.

There were other important races. Melinda Katz, a former councilwoman won the seat for Queens president with

80 per cent of the votes. Republican candidate Tony Arcabascio got 17 per cent. She replaces Guyanese-American Helen Marshall.

Five incumbent Queens council members survived close contests in which Guyanese supported the winners. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park/ Richmond Hill) in the 32nd District garnered 53.1 per cent of the votes, while his Democratic challenger, Lew Simon, had 46.9 per cent. This was the closest of the races.

Guyanese and other Caribbean people were pleased with the Democratic victories. Many said they have had enough of the last 20 years. Some added that they are excited and thrilled with the outcome.

Members of the Richmond Hill Democratic Club (RHDC) said on the evening of de Blasio’s victory, they agree with Attorney Kawal Totaram that “Tonight is a night for celebration for all the big wins in citywide office.”

Totaram, Vishnu Mahadeo and other Richmond Hill Democrats described the sweep in the democratic victories as among the most hopeful and memorable events for working class and middleclass families in New York City. They hope the new mayor will not neglect them.

Guyanese had provided tens of thousands of dollars to candidates from Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens, but they did very little for the community.

Team Suriname wins duck curry competition

Cheers erupted from the crowd last Sunday evening as Team Suriname was announced the winner of the King’s Jewellery World’s “Clash of Past Champions” Duck Curry Competition. The competition saw 20 groups from Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago competing for the grand prize of Gy$ 1.5 million, along with the fame that comes with being a duck curry champion.

The competition commenced at 14: 00h and the competitors were given two hours to perfect their curries before a panel of 10 ‘erudite’ judges from across the region. The teams were

judged based on presentation, aroma, texture and taste.

In at second place was G& P Jaigobin and Son Supermarket. Jaikarran Duck Curry Crew came in third, Jamal’s Ultimate Curry Crew, fourth and Mike’s Haslington Crew, fifth. Apart from those prizes, teams were also awarded for the best presentation and the best dressed/ largest group. Team Suriname captured the best presentation prize while G& P Jaigobin and Son Supermarket secured the best dressed/ largest group prize.

Patrons poured into the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara

and were greeted by the sweet melodies from the tassa drums and from the artistes performing live onstage.

Families came out in their numbers to support the 13th annual duck curry competition and many of the participants thanked King’s Jewellery World’s proprietor Looknauth Persaud and his wife for organising the event and bringing different cultures together. The competition was sponsored by Radio Guyana Inc, Television Guyana, Guyana Times, Guyana Lottery, Sujata Curry Powder, Digicel, Banks DIH and Queen’s Atlantic International Inc.

Solomon looking to boost Region 10 agriculture through cooperatives

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon said the establishment and development of cooperatives will aid in the boosting of agriculture in the region. He said currently the aim is to bring farmers together collectively with the understanding that food security in Region 10 is of maximum importance since there is a growing population which need to be adequately fed.

The administration of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is working on a number of initiatives which is expected to assist in achieving this goal.

“I find the biggest challenge in our region to be that we are not working together… I believe that with that spirit of collectiveness, bringing our farmers collectively together so that they can understand that time is against them… we have a population that is growing and this is sad to say, the region is not producing as it should… and we are working on initiatives to ensure that even at the level of home gardening, people start to produce food, because if we don’t come together, we are un-

able as is to feed our community. It means only by coming together, we can start to address some of those concerns.

Better understanding

“In coming together, we will allow for a better understanding of where we need to take agriculture. We have to be considerate that we have many farmers with families who are not given the type of support necessary so that they can advance and get the type of produce to the market, and to work with them, we’ve started to embrace this fact about coming together in the cooperative so we can have that type of support mechanism given to them which will allow them to be more competitive,” he said.

Additionally, Solomon said the RDC is working on other initiatives aimed at empowering and ensuring that the rights of persons within the region are not violated, which will also focus on how they can work collectively in order for the community to develop.

Among those initiatives are a programme aimed at beautifying the region’s environs and a community research centre.

He explained that the second phase of the RDC 2013 programme, which is currently being undertaken, is geared towards promoting a level of awareness and education.

This, he said includes “ensuring that we get our communities, our residents involved and aware of what their responsibilities are and ensuring that some of the policy programmes and initiatives that are outlined by the RDC, which includes programmes like having the beautification programme… to ensure that people are taking care of their community, to ensure that we have the central business district of Linden beautified.”

Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club celebrates first anniversary

Last Sunday (November 10, 2013), saw the members of the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club present a sparkling first anniversary celebratory function at the elegant Villa Russo Catering Hall on 101-12 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill.

Billed as the club’s first year of service celebration, the event attracted over 150 enthusiastic members and supporters, including several senior Lions from other Districts and prominent residents of Richmond Hill/South Ozone Park.

The Richmond HillSouth Ozone Park Lions Club (RHSOP) was chartered as the 78th Club of Lions District 20K1 just about a year ago with its executive committee headed by Lion Romeo Hitlall as the first President. The Club then set about on a busy schedule of service to the community. The list of

activities included visits to senior homes to bring cheer to the residents, cleanup of Smokey Park, actively participating in relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy, book collection for the needy etc. However, the Club’s record-breaking achievement was the establishment and charter of its Leo Club during its first year in existence. Most clubs launch a Leo

Club, if they do, several years after being chartered.

The function got underway with a brief but impressive opening ceremony led by the NYC Ceremonial Unit’s presentation of the colors, followed by the National Anthem. Greetings and congratulatory remarks were presented by the District Governor of Lions District 20K-1,

Lion Barbara Moody, Lion Gloria Askew, Past Council Chair and Past District Governor of District 20K-1, Immediate Past District Governor Lion Clarence R. A. Higgins, NYC Assembly Member Phillip Goldfeder, Commanding Officer of the 106th Precinct Deputy Inspector Schiff. Zone Chair Lion Audrey Doorn, who was very in-

American Stores to open branches in Guyana

Trinidad-based furniture and home appliance giant American Stores will soon be opening up shop in Guyana. This was revealed last week at a launching ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel ahead of the official opening of the store.

General Manager for the Guyana operations, Austill Ogle told media operatives that the company was looking to expand to other countries within the region, and a Guyana branch was sought to kick start this process. This, he said, was

as a result of the sustained performance and growth of the Guyanese economy. “In the shortest possible time, we aim to become a significant manufacturing hub for the American Stores Limited.

This venture will satisfy local expansion in, but not limited to, Georgetown among others,” Ogle explained.

The company plans to open two stores on November 29, one–at Regent and Cummings streets and another on Durban Street, Georgetown. Further expansion is expected with-

in the first half of 2014, with branches in Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Bartica; Linden; and Berbice. The company has already received more than 300 applications from locals.

“In Trinidad, the American Stores Limited is amongst the industry leader making sterling contributions to that economy as a private sector entity and pursing an active agenda in the community,” Ogle noted.

The official opening of the stores will feature live entertainment, from local and regional artistes like Adrian

Dutchin and Jumo, Ravi B, Nisha B, and Karma. In addition, the stores will be hosting a contest for members of the public to win fabulous prizes including a refrigerator, television, and bedroom set. Dutchin will be partnering with the store’s team to create a jingle for the store’s opening.

At last week’s media launch, the press was treated to lunch and presented with 25 per cent discount coupons.

American Stores was opened in Trinidad in 1950.

It currently has 13 branches there.

and made a presentation to Leo Advisor and 2nd Vice President, Lion Carolina Soto for all her hard work in guiding them along to this stage.

The Club also recognized and thanked Mr. George Russo for his help and support over the past year and presented him with the prestigious Lion recognition award, the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award.

strumental in the establishment of the Leo Club spoke glowingly of the new Leos and expressed her admiration for the RHSOP Lions who dared to launch a Leo Club so early in their own existence.

The Leos, smartly attired and beaming with pride at the achievements of their parent Club, took center stage to register their support

After the ceremonies, the guests were treated to the rhythmic IndoCaribbean sounds of Tassa Drumming by the Amman Tassa Group, whose members received a well-deserved citation from State Senator Joseph Addabo for their community service.

Entertainment and music for dancing was presented by the Soundextreme DJ system. It was an excellent program presented by the Lions and Leos of the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club!

Jamaican named teacherof-the-year in New Haven, Connecticut

AJamaican, Garfield Pilliner, was named the New Haven Public Schools Teacher Of The Year 2014 in Connecticut, USA.

The New Haven Register reports that Pillner, who teaches the 9th year at Engineering Science University Magnet School (ESUMS), was "sur-

but only at ESUMS since 2009.

The New Haven Register reports that during his last two years at the University of New Haven, Pilliner worked as a junior electrical engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Trumbull.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 2001, Pilliner

prised” and “humbled” when he was informed of his nomination.

Teachers are nominated by principals, assistant principals, curriculum supervisors, and directors, with teacher evaluation rating also factored in, the New Haven Register stated.

The finalists are then interviewed by a committee comprising administrators and former recipients.

Pillner has been teaching for 10 years,

continued working as an engineer but started to question whether he was in the right part of the field. He started tutoring and volunteering on the side until deciding to take a long-term substitute position in Bridgeport.

He then joined the engineering school's team.

Students describe Pilliner as "funny", "engaging" and "encouraging" according to the New Haven Register. (Jamaica Observer)

A sucker gon always suck

Old habits does die hard. When a dog accustom to suck egg and eat yard fowl and yard duck, he does never stop. No matter whah yuh cook and give he to eat, he does always suck egg. He gon always be a egg sucker. He gon always eat out people fowl and duck in dem yard. And even when he belly full, he gon still want to eat more fowl and duck and suck more egg.

It got some people stay just like that. Dem got old habits hauntin dem fuh dem whole life. No matter how hard dem try, dem can’t break out de old habits. De mayor-fuh-life Green Ham is one of dem. De old habit of bein scraven fuh power can’t get outta he system. It reach so bad that he get drunk wid wantin power. It tek de actin town clerk Carol Sober to sober he up.

Is de same wid a soup drinker. He gon always be a soup drinker. A bamzee licker gon always lick bamzee. A sucker gon always be a sucker, no matter whah or who dem does suck. One of dem boys who seh dem is boys, but dem is not boys although dem does dress like boys to fool people, admit to de suckin habit among all dem boys. No matter how much dem boys break, dem can’t break that habit. De suckin habit deh all de way up, or down dependin on who it is, to Mook Lall and de headitor-in-brief.

That is why de Mook and de headitor-in-brief so vex and bitter nowadays. Dem accustom to suckin guvament, but dem can’t suck guvament no more.

De headitor-in-brief suck from Burnt Ham to Green Ham till one dead and de other dry. Now he suckin de Mook and de Mook suckin back. And Mook Lall suck a lotta poor Guyanese and tek dem money fuh backtrack till dem bank account dry. Dem two boys does suck so hard that dem even try to suck GEE- R- A and de EM & CC. Ting-a-ling- a-ling… friend tell friend… mattie tell mattie! But dem gon soon end up far in de Mazaruni. And dem might end up becomin suckers- fuh life right deh!

Govt announces 2013 public servants salary increases

HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon informed, on Wednesday said that public servants will benefit from salary increases for 2013. He said an announcement will be made soon, of the formal approval that was given the Public Service Ministry to go ahead with the payment.

Speaking to the media at his usual postCabinet briefing in Office of the President, Shiv

the 2013 Minimum Wage Order 2013, Luncheon said Cabinet continues to monitor its implementation.

He said the Public Sector, particularly the Public Service came mostly to Cabinet’s interest dealing specifically with the provision of services and the employment of officers in the Public Service.

Those two major areas, in compliance with

Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, Luncheon said Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford reflected, last Tuesday, on the output of the engagements of her ministry. “And I think it would be fair to say that the conclusion that one could draw is that there will be a salary increase. That matter is hallowed. It is not likely to exceed the planned five percent that is in the budget,” he stated.

Offering an update on

GDF cadets display skills in thrilling show

Fifteen officer cadets, three of whom are Belizean nationals, on Sunday demonstrated aspects of military training they are undergoing at the Camp Stephenson Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School. The 15 stayed the course after 10 opted out, and are well on their way to be commissioned second lieutenants at the end of the programme otherwise known as the Standard Officers’ Course (SOC) # 46.

The SOC was developed to provide training for new army officers and other services’ officers. Its broad objective is to provide a solid foundation for the subsequent professional development of all cadets entering the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Army, police, prison and fire service officers have all had their training there as well as army officers who serve in sister Caricom nations.

The Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School prides itself on being the institution where all the serving heads of the Joint Services were taught. The training provided is relevant to the development of the individual and the security concerns and needs of

the nation.

Family members turned out to witness the officer cadets in action. They were joined by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, GDF Chief-ofStaff, Brigadier Mark Phillips; as well as other senior officers of the army, police, fire and prison services.

The course includes an intensive programme of military skills and tactics, rigorous physical fitness, team activities designed to promote stamina and group spirit, leadership and command methods, management techniques, military law, and national policy. The first item on the agenda was jungle survival techniques which a soldier must adopt when lost, either through detach-

ment from a platoon or after escape from an enemy in an alien territory.

Skill demonstrations

Officer Cadet

Lawrence King took the enthused onlookers through tips on tying knots and setting traps, while his colleagues Obitre Hytmiah, Shaheed Zaiboon and Lawrence King illustrated how to light fires, as well as prepare resting spots and food safe to consume. Among them was the coconut worm which King bravely consumed much to the horror of the onlookers.

Officer Cadet Austin Flores from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) was part of a three-man team illustrating the types and use of teaching aids common in the army. At

another section of the base, there was endurance training and falling plate shoot which officer cadets were given 20 seconds to complete. A few minutes later, a team rappelled from the Bell 412 helicopter. At the end of what can be described as an exciting and enlightening day, Prime Minister Hinds addressed the gathering, saying how thrilling the exercise was and how proud he was of the men and women dedicating their services to the nation.

The Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School was named in 1980 in honour of then GDF Commander, Colonel Ulric Pilgrim who provided yeoman service to the force.

the Minimum Wages Order, involved financial considerations and cost increases associated with the eight-hour work day for full-time employees, who do five days and 40 hours per week.

As a consequence of the provisions of the Minimum Wages Order, Luncheon said salary increases and the cost for the procurement of services had to be entertained.

gPSu President Patrick yarde

Off-duty cop...

leaving Deen crumpled on the pavement as he tries to smash in the windows of the NYPD veteran’s nearby white BMW 535i — with Deen’s horrified wife locked inside, a police source said.

“It was a vicious, savage beating,’’ one stunned law-enforcement source said.

Sources said Deen — who had earlier exchanged words with Holder at a Queens nightclub — suffered critical injuries and was in a medically induced coma at Jamaica Hospital.

NYP said that Holder, who was busted as he tried to run away from the South Richmond Hill scene, was charged with felony assault.

He glared at reporters but said nothing Sunday evening as cops took him from the 106th Precinct — dressed in a hospital gown from treatment for an injury to his hand — to court.

Sources said Holder confessed to the attack but did not know that Deen was a cop at the time.

He has previous arrests for criminal possession of stolen property, pot possession and graffiti, sources said.

Deen is an 18-year NYPD veteran who’s

from page 17

currently assigned to the 32nd Precinct in Harlem.

The ugly incident unfolded around 5:30 a.m. outside the St. John’s Express restaurant on Liberty Avenue, which serves take-out food through a window in its storefront.

A source said the two men had gotten into an argument earlier inside the Maracas lounge on Jamaica Avenue about a mile away.

It was unclear what sparked the initial confrontation, but Facebook user “Errol Johnson,” who posted the video, wrote underneath: “Just left the club in queens n—a get knocked out for bumping another man. MUST WATCH THIS I caught it all worldstar.” Holder’s former neighbors in the Richmond Hill section of Queens described him as a troublemaker who frequently got into arguments and threatened people.

Mienkoemar Panchu, 45, said Holder often drank bottles of Corona and Heineken beer and tossed the empties into the street.

“He gets more hyper when he’s drunk,” Panchu said. “Everybody used to keep a distance on the block.”

Ramotar updates Commonwealth heads about Iwokrama’s work

President Donald Ramotar updated heads of government on the work of the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) during the just-concluded Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Sri Lanka. The IIC is an international notfor-profit organisation, governed by an international board of trustees and managed by a professional team of around 70 permanent staff in Georgetown and at the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre at Kurupukari, Region Eight.

The IIC’s patron is the Prince of Wales.

The centre was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest, “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”.

Dedicated site

The Iwokrama forest and its research centre are unique, providing a dedicated site in which to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest – where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing.

Drawing on its ear-

lier work in sustainable forest management, the IIC is now, in close collaboration with the government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international partners, including UK company Canopy Capital, developing a new approach to enable countries with rainforests to earn significant income from eco-system services and creative conservation practice.

Heads at the summit, according to a Foreign Affairs Ministry statement, acknowledged the valuable role that the Iwokrama Rainforest Programme continues to play in promoting research on the impact of climate change as well as in the development of models for sustainable forest management in

transition to low carbon development.

They therefore supported the intensification of efforts to find a longterm solution to develop sustained financing for the programme.

Meanwhile, during his interaction with heads at the summit, President Ramotar noted that their meeting afforded the opportunity for them as leaders of the Commonwealth to recommit to the values and principles of the organisation.

In particular, he highlighted the enormous contribution which the Commonwealth had made over the years in the strengthening of democracy.

Acknowledging that the countries of the

Commonwealth were at varying levels of development, President Ramotar said it was important as they sought to strengthen the organisation, that the diversity of the Commonwealth be cherished and respected. He noted that in a world facing many political, socio-economic and environmental problems, the Commonwealth remained a relevant institution as countries worked together to find common solutions.

Appreciation

President Ramotar also joined his colleagues in expressing his sincere appreciation to the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as well as to the people of Sri Lanka for the excellent arrangements put in place for the hosting of the meeting and the warm and gracious welcome accorded to all of the delegations which set the tone for serious and substantive dialogue and a successful outcome of the meeting.

President Ramotar was accompanied by First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar and his delegation comprised Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, the ministry’s Director General, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper and Guyana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Laleshwar Singh.

Sweating it out

Satiricus had missed Lilawatee, his wife’s niece. Well, he’d missed the diaries she would filch from the opposition’s drawers (!) for him to peruse. She was the maid that came with the big bucks now funding the “Office of the Opposition”. Satiricus, like the old newspaper hound he was, liked to know what made these fellas tick. Lilawatee had been on vacation – she got the same three months vacation with salary as the opposition members. She was a contract worker.

But she was back and here it was Satiricus had the diary of Duvid GrainJa in his sweaty palms. He looked at the last page: Dear Diary, I don’t know what the heck I let Short Man GreenRidge push me into. Imagine the man mek we tek on the whole business class and cuss them out to boot. About the money laundering bill.

Well he didn’t really push me... but how could I let such a swingey, prune-faced old man look more radical than me? I am the leader... and everybody got to “follow de leader” – not the leader following them.

Dear Diary, all them businessmen carrying on about how I should be thinking about the country. And how it gon get squeeze. Well excuse me... I been getting squeeze inside the party – right in the nuts! Nobody talking about that. They say I soft. How could I take that? In the army they used to call me “Dagger”. Tell me, is “dagger” soft, Dear Diary? But now that I show them I ain’t soft, I waiting for the businessmen to soften me up. I hope that Ramo don’t call election now. For the PNCEE it going to be like jumping out of the plane without your parachute.

That happened to me once when I was training in the jungle. I landed on my head and that is why I have this blank look on my face all the time and don’t smile much. I don’t even mek joke with you, Dear Diary.

Even though we does talk about support from “the people”, when it come to paying for the campaign, you know is only the businessmen does pick up the tab. The “people” does just shake you hand. But right now the only “picking up” the businessmen will be doing is picking up a piece of wood to hit we over we head.

And I can’t tek more hits on me head, Dear Diary. Bye for now.

Dr Yesu Persaud retires - Komal Samaroo to assume chairmanship of DDL

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman,

Dr Yesu Persaud has retired after close to five decades of unwavering dedication to the company. The revelation was made by DDL Director Rudy Collins at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday.

Dr Persaud, 85, has served DDL for more than 48 years. His retirement will take effect on December 31, paving the way for Komal Samaroo to assume the chairmanship of the company.

In delivering his final address as DDL chairman, the iconic businessman spoke about salvaging the company which was on the brink of collapse, transforming it into an internationallyrecognised entity today.

In 1975, Dr Persaud took control of the company, which was then called Diamond Liquor Liquid (DLL). Reflecting on his appointment, the 85-year-old industrialist said he was challenged

by then Agriculture Minister Gavin Kennard to take up the chairmanship of DLL, Sandbach Parker Group and the sugar estates at Diamond and Leonora.

“So I said to him, ‘sir you want me to take over all of this from tomorrow’, I said ‘sir, this is an impossibility’,” he said, reflecting on the conversation between himself and the then agriculture

minister. Nevertheless, he opted for the position, following a discussion with his wife.

His decision was a life-changing one, as he transformed the industry. Subsequent to his appointment, he held meetings with the various companies and appointed managers as he underscored the importance of collaborating at

all levels of the workforce, creating a sense of inclusiveness.

Forty-eight years after occupying the post as chairman, Dr Persaud said, “I stand here very proud to be leaving companies that were almost bankrupt and seeing it to where it is, not only profitable, but the best in the world.”

Under the stewardship of Dr Persaud, DDL

grew from being only a manufacturer and exporter of bulk rum, to building a global brand, El Dorado Rums. Additionally, he has led the way in corporate expansion and aided in the development and acquisition of several subsidiaries in the areas of financial services, food processing, distribution and shipping. Top awards

In an effort to paint a vivid picture of DDL’s success, Dr Persaud pointed out that the company has been making strides on the international scenes, copping top awards in the renowned International Wine and Spirits Competition.

According to him, DDL has not only copped the Gold Medal Award in the International Wine and Spirits Competition, but has walked away with the trophy for the 8 year old El Dorado Rum. “Eight year is a unique product in its own right... In addition to that, DDL has also won the gold medal… for the 21 year old, 15 year and the 12 year old. Never in the history of this competition, had one company taken almost all the awards. This indeed is something historic; it’s not for DDL but the whole of Guyana.” Collins said. DDL’s board of directors on Friday formally accepted Dr Persaud’s retirement letter.

UG must become credible, economically viable –

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Fort Valley State University President, Dr Ivelaw Griffith said if the University of Guyana (UG) is to progress, it must work towards delivering a more credible programme while ensuring its economic viability. Griffith made the comments while addressing the university’s 47th convocation exercise at the Turkeyen Campus on Saturday.

“For the University of Guyana to have a salutary ‘tomorrow’ that goes beyond crisis management survival and that avoids its leaders being practitioners of the science of muddling through, I see the necessity for the following three maturation imperatives: an economic viability imperative, an academic credibility imperative and a diaspora engagement imperative,” Dr Griffith said.

Dr Griffith, himself a UG graduate, explained that the economic viability imperative should focus primarily on the university’s business model,

Dr Griffith

ically, but attach academic credibility.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship and resource mobilisation are key factors that should be incorporated in the new business model, Dr Griffith suggested. It was pointed out that effective utilisation of resources will optimise all possible savings, reduce waste and enhance cost and time efficiency. But for this to be a success, business practises must be reviewed and modified. “The economic viability imperative requires attention to having salaries that attract and retain quality academic and non-academic staff, to the physi-

leadership to avoid unevenness and simultaneously preach and practise excellence as a value. Quoting Aristotle, he said “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” It therefore means, excellence must be individualised as well as institutionalised through goals and established targets.

He said that students and lecturers of the university should be guardians of integrity and must continuously seek to root out academic corruption, whether plagiarism, illegal sale of services or property, or outright theft.

“The condition of our university as it cele-

referencing to the generation of revenues.

“No state university can afford to rely solely on the state; not the one I have been honoured to lead, not the University of Guyana. But the state must match platitudes with practise; it must put its money where its mouth is,” he said.

He opined that relevant powerbrokers may request a redefinition of the relationship between the university and society, noting that while it is a legitimate pursuit, it must be done in a transparent manner.

This move will create avenues for endowments for professorships and scholarships, Dr Griffith stated, adding that it would not only enhance the prospects of the tertiary institution econom-

cal plant, equipment and supplies and to placing a premium on competence without pandering to race or political affiliation.”

Turning his attention to the academic credibility imperative, the Fort Valley State University president said academic freedom must be practised. “To know what people really think, pay regard, pay regard to what they do, rather than what they say,” he said as he quoted renowned philosopher George Santayana.

Political maturity

What is essential at this stage is political maturity, he said, explaining that despite the political party in power, it must be able to resist political intrusion and micro- management.

The onus is on UG’s

Removing Cabinet’s noobjection to contracts is bad in principle – Nandlall

Attorney General and Legal Affairs

Minister Anil Nandlall has described the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) opposition to Cabinet’s role in the awarding of public contracts as “incongruous and wrong both in principle and constitutionality”.

The political opposition, in particular the AFC, has been calling for the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which will see the removal of Cabinet’s role in the procurement process. “This is heresy both administratively and constitutionally, and we are saying that this incongruous position cannot obtain,” he said.

Procurement commission

Minister Nandlall explained that the PPP/ C administration always signalled its commitment to the establishment of the said body, and reminded that it was the administration which amended the Constitution, and those changes resulted in a provision for the creation of the procurement commission.

“However, the commission cannot be established unless a flaw in the current Procurement Act is corrected.”

Nandlall explained that the Constitution of the country resides the executive government with the financial responsibility and management of

the state of Guyana.

More than 98 per cent of the financial expenditure of the state is done via the procurement process. As it stands, Cabinet’s only role in the procurement process is offering a simple no-objection to contracts that have been awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

He added that, “If this role is taken away from the president and the Cabinet, then the administration will be answerable to the country and the Parliament for the financial affairs of the state, and for expenditure of public funds without having any role to play with regards to the expenditure of a single cent of that money. That is an incongruous position to be in, it is wrong in principle. You cannot give a power without a responsibility and you cannot give a

responsibility without a role.”

Flawed provision

The flawed provision was inserted into the extant Procurement Act (then a bill) when it was being debated on the floor some years ago. As such, it never received the approval of the Cabinet before it was effected into the law. “The procurement commission is an oversight body. When a Constitution sets up an oversight body, it is to oversee the executive but when the executive has no role in the procurement process, what will the procurement commission oversee? Obviously, the Constitution presumes and assumes a role of Cabinet in the process,” Nandlall said.

In Guyana, the government has a very limited role in the procurement process, when compared to other jurisdictions in the Caribbean.

“We do not award contracts and if you examine the legal statutory provisions of all the procurement processes in the Caribbean, you will see the hand of governments heavily in it, we have minimised that in Guyana. If our procedures are examined in terms of transparency and accountability, we stand superior to most of the infrastructure; legal and constitutional, which exist in the Commonwealth Caribbean in respect of procurement,” the attorney general affirmed.

brates its golden jubilee is such that it cannot realistically pursue the two imperatives described above without embracing alumni, both within Guyana and in the diaspora.” However, he said the unfortunate reality is that graduates of the university who have excelled in various fields, many have migrated to greener pastures.

Nevertheless, he opined that the institution must be international in reaching out, celebrating, and seeking time, talent and treasure of its alumni. Dr Griffith pointed out that the University of the West Indies now offers an exceptional model of fundraising and friend-raising, capitalising on its alumni in the diaspora as a key constituency.

Junior Agriculture Minister Ali Baksh is calling on Region Six residents to stop the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in waterways. Speaking at a re-

cent project inspection tour in the region, Baksh said the dumping of solid waste has led to widespread flooding in the region, not only in agricultural communities,

Govt investing heavily in East Bank transformation

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH& PA) is spending a grand total of Gy$ 5.8 billion on the East Bank Demerara for this year, with Gy$ 3.8 billion on ongoing projects and another Gy$ 1.5 billion on projects that are at the tender stage.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, at the penultimate One Stop Shop last Friday, told the media that the ongoing projects are:

Providence Phase Three, that encompasses an investment of Gy$ 731 million for 558 new lots; Farm where Gy$ 1.4 billion will be spent for 1695 lots; Plantation Perseverance, Gy$ 90 million for 200 lots; and Plantation Eccles, Gy$ 40 million for 70 lots.

It also includes the Farm to Diamond Access Road (Gy$ 680 million), the construction of 120 single flat homes at Providence (Gy$ 450 million), upgrading of roads at Great Diamond and Golden Grove (Gy$ 154 million) that will ben-

efit 1000 lots in these schemes) and grading to asphaltic surface the Cacique Entrance and Greenfield Park Entrance (Gy$ 544 million).

Minister Ali explained that these are the second and third entrances to the main alternative access road that would link the East Coast and East Bank.

The projects that are at tender stage include the upgrading of roads at Great Diamond and Golden Grove (an estimated Gy$ 255 million

investment that will benefit another 1000 lots in the area); upgrading of roads at Eccles, (Gy$ 244 million for 600 lots); and infrastructural development at Little Diamond and Great Diamond, an investment of Gy$ 950 million that will open up 300 acres of land for industrial and commercial purposes, Minister Ali said.

Investment

The minister as well noted that from 2000 to 2012, investments on the East Bank Demerara totalled Gy$ 17 billion and this sum has created 13,000 new lots in areas including Great Diamond, Golden Grove, Little Diamond, Mocha, Eccles, Herstelling and Kaneville.

More than 54,000 people have benefited, Minister Ali said.

Other programmes supervised by the housing sector from which the East Bank has benefited include the upgrade to existing community roads under the Community Road Improvement Programme, an invest-

ment of Gy$ 70 million and upgrade to roads in existing communities under the Miscellaneous Road Programme to the value of Gy$ 147 million.

“These are some of the investments and works that we have done in terms of bringing development and enhancing the prospects of the East Bank, which is definitely going to be one of the dynamic urban centres of our country,” the minister noted.

During his interaction with the media, the minister also praised the staff of the sector, disclosing that their efforts allowed the housing sector to surpass prior achievements with regards to the planning and execution of its yearly budgeted programmes.

According to Minister Ali, as of November 14, the sector completed its entire capital programme, covered under Budget 2013. He noted too that the financial statement and records for the sector up to 2012 have been laid in the National Assembly.

Guyana taking serious steps to promote energy conservation

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is spearheading several energy audits on government buildings to determine their levels of electricity consumption and tailor conservation practices that can be adopted.

Head of the GEA Mahender Sharma said that audits have been conducted on over 30 buildings and made reference to the agency’s strategic plan that speaks specifically to such undertakings.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) will be undertaking a similar programme with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), targeting private businesses.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who spoke about this development at an energy forum organised by the GEA last Friday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, highlighted the fact that the intervention is still in its fledgling stages.

Only recently a threemember technical team of specialists from The Energy and Resources

Institute (TERI) in Delhi, India came to Guyana to examine a best practices manual to promote energy management and conservation of rice mills, a technical study to improve sugar production energy efficiency, investments in Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), and demand management and gasifier technology application for sawmills. In the process they worked along with agencies such as the Guyana Rice Development Board, GEA and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and brainstormed collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental sectors, the Government

Information Agency (GINA) reported.

The energy forum coincided with a series of activities organised by the GEA to observe energy week and promote public awareness on sustainable energy.

As part of the activity, an energy booklet (e-book) was launched and the winners of a schools’ nationwide essay writing competition on the topic, “The Role Sustainable Energy Plays in the Progress of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy”, were announced.

Ruth Manbodh and Jennifer Alley of the Bishops High copped the first and second

Stitching the moral fabric

By Professor Daizal samaD

In the last column, we named several problems afflicting Guyana that have been identified by Guyanese inside and outside the country. The problems include poor policing, poor teaching and poor learning, corruption in all places, drinking, crime, poor roads, no job creation for youths, etc.

I ventured that these are all symptoms of one problem: that the moral fabric of this nation has been torn to shreds. Even if we are all right, all we have are endless complaints. No solutions.

We need to ask this simple question: How can we stitch back the moral fabric of this nation, thread by thread? How do we get better teachers and better learners, better business environments, better leaders who set better examples, better policemen and women? The needle that will stitch back the moral fabric of this nation is EDUCATION! But that is almost too easy. Everyone says this, but what does this mean? In the first place, no one has defined in intelligent ways what it means to be educated.

I offer this definition: To be educated means having the ability to measure one’s own ignorance . The two key words are “ignorance” and “measure”. Those of us who are humble enough to know would know that we do not know much. But to measure one’s ignorance is another thing.

Certainly being educated has nothing at all to do with the number of subjects we have at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. It has nothing to do with the number of degrees we have acquired.

training, nursing, and sports coaching. And then we have farmers and fishermen and cane harvesters in some kind of different stream. If we see it all as one enterprise, we shall get somewhere.

We tend to teach our children simply to pass exams. They take this attitude into university, and they care only for grades. It was this way since I was a child. But while the A is got, the whole person gets an F. Our teachers and lecturers merely teach what they were taught. The same old books taught in the same old way.

So it is the same old thing over and over. It is just the names and faces that change. And the whole nation is paralysed while the world zooms forward with the speed of light. Poor teaching crushes thought, condemns critical thinking, and murders innovativeness.

We have no way to measure excellence in teaching, except examination results of students and primitive student evaluation forms at the University of Guyana (UG), so we cannot determine any degree of excellence or poor teaching performance.

As long ago as 2008, I submitted a system that would measure effective teaching and learning. I developed this in my capacity of senior adviser in higher education in the Sultanate of Oman. I adjusted it for the Guyana context.

To date, no action from those bright fellows at UG. If you have no mechanism to measure teaching and learning effectiveness, you cannot reward nor correct poor or mediocre teaching and learning.

prizes respectively while Macalia Griffith of Brickdam Secondary came in third.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds highlighted the need for citizens to make use of renewable energy and wiser use of energy. He also highlighted the prevailing circumstances with the country’s electricity sector that warranted cheap and reliable energy.

The GEA has been focusing on the potential to develop several renewable energy initiatives. Among them are, solar and wind power, a bio-ethanol plant, bio-gas and solar water heaters, to name a few.

I have a doctorate. I can hardly remember when I got that degree. But I am a full professor internationally. Does any of this make me educated? I do not think so. And yet, I cannot count the number of people in Guyana who have demonstrated arrogance at having a simple first degree or masters degree. And some of the biggest fools I have known on five continents have doctorates. The most educated are the most humble, those who are still willing to learn.

We have offered a definition of education, and that is a good place to start. But we need more. The first way to reassemble the moral fabric may be to envision education as a whole thing. We need to stop compartmentalising education into distinct categories.

We separate education into levels and professions. There is kindergarten, primary, secondary and tertiary; private and public. Then we have the Cyril Potter College of Education and the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education. Then we have police

Excellence needs to be rewarded, and ineptitude corrected. We do not reward excellent teachers, but we are quick to say that they are the keepers of the future: our youths.

Same for our police! We pay them a pittance, but we expect them to stand between us and criminals. We need to see the police as fathers and mothers and sons and daughters. As people with families that need as much protection as we and our own families do.

Let us not train them in skill at arms and vehicular training and drills alone. But teach them in such ways that would bring the best out in them. And reward the good ones so that others may see good examples being rewarded and follow those examples. And we need to open up educational opportunities for those who want to be better than what they are.

I have designed and submitted a full degree programme on senior police management with the help of senior police officers. I submitted this; nothing happened. Law enforcement officers have lost while time is wasted. When they lose, we are less safe.

Govt undertaking...

drains. Currently, the machines are deployed at Tain, Bloomfield, Rose Hall Town and Albion and work has already been completed in the Fyrish/ Kilcoy area.

At Tain, the minister met with some residents to explain the project and to get their feedback. One resident, Lillowtie Lackram said the project is a laudable one, but stressed the need for persons to have garbage bins in their yards to manage their waste.

She noted that on a daily basis, residents dump garbage on the road shoulders in her community. This, she said results in the clogging of drains.

Minister Baksh noted that the current project will complement ongoing work. He said over the past four years, persons from each community were employed as drainage and irrigation (D& I) workers to assist the neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs). He added that there are about 2000 workers, and this costs government about Gy$ 800 million annually.

Internal drains Region Six parliamentary representative Fizal Jafferally, who ac-

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companied the minister on the visit, explained that the machines are only clearing the internal drains.

“We are hoping by the second week in December before the rains come in full force, we are hoping to have all the internal drains across Region Six desilted, and wherever the machines cannot go, it is understandable that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will use the NDCs workers to have the smaller drains desilted.”

He is hoping that upon completion, there will be better drainage in the communities across the region, especially in residential areas. Jafferally also noted that the entire region suffers from poor solid waste management.

Meanwhile, NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lionel Wordsworth said the community drainage project has been introduced in the other regions of the country. Wordsworth said the project aims to restore the capacity of the community drainage system to adequately drain water to the primary system.

Bank of Guyana unveils Gy$ 5000 note

The Bank of Guyana on Friday officially launched the Gy$ 5000 note, in keeping with its Currency Reform programme. The note will come into circulation on December 9.The face of the note carries the map of Guyana with its natural resources, while the reverse portrays the national bird and the rainforest.

It measures 156 mm x 65mm (similar to existing notes) with the main colours being magenta and green.

The Bank of Guyana’s deputy governor, Dr Gobind Ganga said leading up to the circulation date, an awareness campaign will be embarked on through posters, fli-

ers, and advertisement in the print and electronic media to sensitise the public on the note’s security and other features.

This note will significantly reduce the number of notes that the bank will be required to process in the fast-approaching holiday season.

The tender for the printing of the note, which bears the signature of the Bank of Guyana Governor, Lawrence Williams and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh was won by Oberthur Fiduciaire from France.

This company is one of the world’s leading private security printers specialising in the

design and production of banknotes, cheques, and other security documents, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Important addition

The finance minister, who unveiled the high denomination note, said that it represents an important addition to the range of local currency in use; noting that businesses will be handling a single note for every five Gy$ 1000 notes, and in this regard, it will ease the cash-handling costs. Similarly, on a smaller scale, it is more convenient for consumers to execute cash transactions by reducing the quantity of money they have to carry around.

“This really just represents a higher denomination; that is to say that our dollar has the same value today as it had yesterday except that now we will be holding one Gy$ 5000 bill instead of five Gy$ 1000 bills,” the minister emphasised.

The Gy$ 500 denomination was issued in 1992 and the last denomination that was issued was the Gy$ 1000 note in 1996. The latter currently accounts for 60 per cent of notes in circulation and more than 90 per cent of the value. Since 1996, the volume and value and transactions have increased exponentially, which necessitated the introduction of this new note.

Association of Concerned Guyanese (Canada) observes 40th anniversary

The Association of Concerned

Guyanese (ACG) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary on Sunday, November 23rd, at the Elite Banquet Hall, Toronto, Canada and is inviting members of the public to join in the celebrations.

ACG’s Senior VicePresident Mani Singh noted that the association has initiated and played a leading role in bringing together the Guyanese diaspora in

Canada. These efforts eventually gave birth to the Guyana Festival in Toronto, the largest annual gathering of Guyanese outside of Guyana.

“The ACG also initiated and supported numerous communitybased projects aimed at strengthening our communities and rebuilding our country,” Singh highlighted, noting that “the ACG played an integral role in the flood relief efforts in 2005 by working

closely with the Guyana Consulate in Toronto and by providing both financial and material assistance to our fellow citizens in Guyana.”

The ACG has also supported the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre in Georgetown.

Several ACG members have also over the years returned to Guyana and served in various capacities in the ruling PPP/Civic administration.

“I firmly believe that

the work of the ACG is still relevant today, as the struggle continues to maintain, consolidate and defend our hard fought democratic gains from forces in Guyana who are bent on grabbing political power at all costs and with absolutely no regard for democracy and the rule of law,” Singh outlined.

He noted that the ACG was formed in direct response during a period in Guyana which he described as being

filled with “widespread electoral fraud and massive political repression.”

“It was in that eventful year of 1973 that a group of young patriotic Guyanese in Toronto gathered together to form the organization now known as the Association of Concerned Guyanese (the ACG). Its mandate then was to bring international awareness to the plight of the Guyanese people, their struggles to have free and fair elections,”

Singh observed.

The ACG joined with Dr. Jagan and the PPP to petition the Canadian government and other international bodies to put pressure on the then ruling regime to respect the wishes of the Guyanese people and to hold free and fair elections.

According to Singh, the ACG has since “adjusted its mandate to provide support to the duly elected PPP/C government in rebuilding the country.”

UN human rights office condemns racist attacks on French Guyanese-born justice minister

The United Nations human rights office has condemned the recent racist attacks in France against French Guyanese-born Minister of Justice Christiane Taubira.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR) said that the racist attacks were “unacceptable”, warning that they were another sign of rising discrimination in many European nations.

This utterly unacceptable abuse of a prominent politician, on the basis of her colour, is a stark manifestation of the rising racism, xenophobia and intolerance aimed at members of ethnic and religious minorities, as well as migrants, in many European countries,” OCHCR spokesman Rupert Colville told reporters.

Colville noted that last month, a candidate for the National Front party likened Taubira to a monkey in a television documentary that was broadcast on October 17.

A week later, several demonstrators in the town of Angers, including children, who were protesting against gay marriage, waved banana peels at Taubira and shouted “Monkey, eat your banana!”

This week, OCHCR said the French magazine “Minute” published a cover showing Taubira with the headline “Cunning as a monkey, Taubira gets the banana back”.

“The underlying racist intent of this play on words could not be more clear, despite the magazine’s protestations that they were just using two common French expressions, the second of which is used colloquially to describe someone who is very happy,” Colville said.

“We welcome the prompt and unequivocal condemnation of the racist attack on Ms Taubira by the government and many other politicians and commentators in France,” he added. (Caribbean News)

By Tisha BosTon

Aheart attack, medically referred to as myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood containing oxygen to a section of the heart muscle. This section of the heart muscle begins to die, if the affected individual does not get immediate medical attention to restore proper blood flow. Heart attacks are mainly due to coronary heart/artery disease. This is a condition in which plaque builds up inside an artery leading to shortage, and eventually complete blockage of blood flow throw the artery. Therefore, it is important to be cautious about what you eat, especially since Thanksgiving is on its way, followed by the holiday season, both of which entail heavy eating.

The risk factors for heart disease for both men and women include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. However, there are other risk factors that are unique to women that play a large role in the development of heart disease, which can cause a heart attack. For example, metabolic syndrome has a greater impact on women than in men. This is a combination of fat around your abdomen, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides. Another example relates to post-menopausal women. After menopause, low levels of estrogen pose a significant risk for developing heart disease in the small blood vessels. In addition, mental stress and depression, as well as smoking have a greater affect on women’s hearts than men’s hearts.

en in the United States, and although heart attacks are more common in men than in women, women are more likely than men to die from heart attacks. This is because the symptoms for heart attacks differ in men and women. During a heart attack, men are more likely than women to experience symptoms related to chest pain such as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing or aching sensation in the chest. However, women tend to experience more subtle symptoms of heart attack than the obvious chest discomfort. These include: neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort, shortness

Heart attack is one of the main causes of death of both men and wom-

of breath, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, and sweating. Here, many of the symptoms are nonspecific and can therefore be confused with other illnesses like acid reflux, leading to misdiagnosis. All in all, although both men and women face the threat of heart disease, which can result in a heart attack, it is important to become aware of and understand the symptoms and risks factors that are unique to each gender, in order to seek early treatment and to better protect oneself.

Vannetta Seecharran has been influencing the art and design of jewellery for nearly 20 years. She focuses on teaching professional jewellery-making techniques in a way that is fun and accessible to beginners and those who want to pursue jewellery as a hobby or as a profession.

Born in Guyana, the London-based jewellery teacher migrated at the age of 11 with her parents to New York. She graduated in 1991 from the prestigious Parsons School of Art with a BA in Product Design. She later earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Jewellery Design at University of New Paltz in New York State.

During her career as a jewellery designer, her work made it into the permanent art collections of The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, The Royal Pump Rooms of Leamington Spa in Warwickshire, England; Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, England, and Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.

In 1998, Seecharran set up her workshop in London where she began to build her reputation as a contemporary jeweller. She currently lectures at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design and Camberwell College

of Art in London.

In 2006, she opened the Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery, based in Islington, London, which has already taught more than 1,000 individuals, many of whom subsequently began practices as makers/designers.

As a leading jeweller and with many years experience as an educator, Vannetta is passionate about teaching, and encourages her students to achieve their potential as designer/makers. In addition to teaching professional jewellery making techniques, there is an emphasis on de-

veloping individual design ideas. In just a few weeks, students develop a keen eye for jewellery design and begin to formulate their own ideas for jewellery making.

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery is staffed by highly qualified tutors who bring to the students many years of teaching experience at leading art universities in London and up-to-date skills and knowledge of the art and design field. All tutors are practising designer/makers and exhibitors of their work in the UK and other countries.

On her Facebook page, she mentions: “Courses specialise in silver and beaded jewellery making are all very hands-on, so from the beginning you will be using the tools and creating jewellery pieces. Students learn the basic techniques and skills with which they can progress to become a skilled jeweller and create beautifully designed pieces. Classes are held in a fully equipped jewellery studio in Central London with specialist equipment for students to make use of.”

In November 2009, Vannetta's first book “The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Jewellery Making Techniques” was published by Search Press in

resin, glass, leather and paper to plastics, ceramics, textiles, and natural and found objects, these options, along with precious and non-precious metals, can all be used individually or combined in a mixed-media piece.

London and Interweave in the U.S. Her book is the ultimate guide for the experimental jeweller. It offers detailed instructions and clear photographs for working with all kinds of materials – from rubber,

Preceded by a helpful introduction offering guidance on essential tools and inspirational advice for self-designed projects, the main section of her book is organised by material or media, providing details on the properties and possibilities for each as well as some inspiring exam-

ples of jewellery made using the techniques described. For the finishing touch, information on various surface textures that can be achieved for each media as well as ideas for various clasps and closures are shared.

Today, Vannetta’s work is sold and exhibited in leading galleries and shows across Europe and North America.

For more information on the artist’s work, visit www.vannettaseecharran.com or Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery on Facebook.

The Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant (MCCP) annual gala affair for this year will be staged on December 1, 2013 at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) 995 Arrow Rd. under the theme “Ladies It’s Your Time To Shine.”

According to a release from the organisers, the doors open from 5 p.m sharp at which time 15 beautiful and talented young ladies would vie for the 2013 Miss Caribbean Canada crown in segments showcasing talent, swimwear and evening wear. Entertainment is to be provided by comedian Jay Martin and multi award winner Steele and internation-

al Singer Polly Pumpy. A jazz steel pan VIP reception is also planned with Hors d'oeuvres to be served at 5:30.

The invited guests include Mario Sergio, Judy Sgro, George Mammoliti, Barbados Consulate, Trinidad and Tobago, Sergeant from 31 Division, Marketing Director of Fly Jamaica and other special guests, the organisers have indicated.

Further, there would be door prize and spot prize courtesy of Fly Jamaica. Advance tickets cost $25 and part proceeds would go to the SickellCell support.

“After many fantastic years of tremendous success, we have decided to take advantage

of new opportunities,” the release from the organisers stated, adding that, “this year you will see a splendid and dazzling array of beauty, talent, cultural and awareness.”

Further, the MCCP committee noted that it would be focusing on the rich heritage of Caribbean and Canada with special emphasis on education, talent, business and tourism through the representation of the contestants.

“The contestants will showcase and represent different business while focusing on different Islands and Province of their rich history and cultural heritage,” the organisers explained.

The location selected

for the upcoming event would see some changes whereby the production has been revamped to make every seat feel like a front row seat, and special VIP area has been designed for consulates representing each Island and special dignitaries in attendance.

“With the shift away from the traditional pageant, the Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant is happy to open modeling, acting opportunities and volunteer positions to the entire Bay. The beneficiary of the Miss Caribbean Canada Pageant of 2013 will be Sickle Cell Association of Ontario,” the organisers have announced.

The contestants,

some of whom were born in the Caribbean and others in Canada, would be highlighting the Turks and Caicos, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Cuba, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados among others.

After more than a century and a half, Providence Primary continues striving

“Together we strive, together we achieve.”

For more than 150 years, the Providence Primary School has been guided by this motto and has thus far produced many notable professionals, who are significantly contributing to various areas in society, both locally and internationally.

Located on the East Bank of Demerara, the school’s wider community is Herstelling. The Nursery School, situated in Farm, is a feeder school to Providence Primary.

The distinguished individuals who graduated from Providence Primary include Dr Suresh Narine, who is a world-renowned scientist and professor, and currently teaches and conducts his research at the University of Alberta. He is also a director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology at the University of Guyana and was recently appointed to the board of directors of Canadian oil and gas exploration company, CGX.

Narine’s academic career includes numerous awards, such as the prestigious Growing Alberta Leadership Award for Innovation, received in 2005, for pioneering the development of technology to produce polyurethanes from vegetable oils among many other accomplishments. Additionally, Professor Narine was awarded the Guyana/Canada Special Achievement Award in 2007. In 2011, he received an award from Guyana for his contributions to science and technology in Canada and for his contributions in this field towards

the development of Guyana.

Another outstanding individual who graduated from Providence Primary is

Retsul as manager.

In 1903, the school was known as St. Matthew’s Anglican School and the rector of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church Rev. A.D. Pryce was the manager. W.L. Isaacs was the head teacher with a staff of five.

It was an all-age school with an enrolment of 158 pupils with an average attendance of 117. Classes were from Prep to Standard 6 and maintained by dual control of Ministry of Education and the Anglican Church.

The building was a one flat structure until 1956. During that year it was renovated and extended by the Ministry of Education- the bottom flat

tenance and construction work to building, furniture and compound, provision and maintenance of water facilities, donation of agriculture tools, monetary donations, work study opportunities to students and employment, eradication of termite from building and negotiating for professional guards following a state of breakages and thefts at the school.

In 1998, the enrolment was 583 pupils with a staff of 16. The school operated, and still does, under the name of Providence Primary School with classes from Grades One to Nine.

On September 30, 1999, Primary Education

lower flat. Additionally, two new stairways were affixed to the southern side of the building. Improved water facilities and complete fencing of school compound, gates and clear front drain of the school were all done. Works also included painting of entire building, fencing, and new furniture (desks, benches, teachers, tables and chairs, cupboard and chalkboards), and grilling windows where there were none.

Top Achievers

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Patsy Gentle, pres-

Vishagan Ratnaswamy. He is a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) graduate who did groundbreaking research in granular science and won a fellowship to pursue a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech). He also holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from NJIT.

History

The earliest available record of the school dates back to 1861 when it was known as the St. Matthew’s Parish School with an enrolment of 106 pupils and Rev. J.W.

and the northern section accommodating office and staff room were constructed.

In 1962, the approximate enrolment was 1,200 with a head teacher and a staff of 28.

Some of the early head teachers, in succession, were J. Dennison, F.H. Russell, M. Goliah and N. McKenzie (during the period of 19521962). Some of the later head teachers were S. Singh, Beryl Gregory, Albert Sukhdeo, Harripaul Shivcharran and Alan Ramlall.

In 1980, with its name now Providence Primary, the school was adopted by Guyoil Company Limited.

During the period 19801988, the company made significant inputs such as main-

Improvement (P.E.I.P) undertook the task of renovating the school building.

Renovated work was completed by Bacchus Construction, contractor, on March l, 2000.

The renovated school building was handed over to the Department of Education, Region Four on March 1, 2000.

Students took full possession of the renovated building on March 6, 2000, and classes continued as normal.

The official handing over ceremony of the renovated school building took place on October 16, 2000.

Renovated work done on the building and environment included extension of the building in a north/south direction with an upper and

ent headmistress, serving in that capacity for the past five years, mentioned that the school has been consistent over the years in producing top achievers. Currently, the school enjoys an above average pass rate at the Grade Six Assessment.

“Under my administration, I hope to achieve better passes. But in order for us to do this parents need to get more involved in their children’s education. They need to get more involved in PTAs and our monthly parent conferencing,” she pleaded. Currently, the school has 15 teachers and 324 students. It provides classes from Grades One to Nine, also known as Primary Top, and Grade Six.

34 Caribbean news

Jamaica eyes 'big share' of U.S., Canada limestone market

Jamaica has big plans to tap into the limestone market of Caricom and the Americas, which is said to have valued US$140 million over the last five years.

The key findings of the recently conducted Limestone Market Assessment Project revealed that there are good market opportunities in the domestic, regional and extra-regional markets for limestone aggregate, ground calcium carbonate, quicklime, and additives in various kinds of building plasters. These and other findings were presented last week at the Limestone symposium held at the head office of Jampro, the island's investment promotion agency.

The project identified market opportunites in Caricom and the Americas for limestone aggregate that is being serviced from other suppliers, who have over the last five years earned US$140 million.

"Our intention must be to go for a big share of the lucrative U.S. market for limestone that industry experts say will demand 25 million tons in 10 years, and the Canadian market that will demand 2.3 bil-

lion," said Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, State Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

Estimates show that there's a reserve of 150 billion tons, of which 50 billion tons are recoverable.

Even so, Jamaica would need special features to dis-

place competitors who already have a strong foothold.

But this is dependent on factors that include the quality of the limestone, a central shipping port that facilitates access to large markets in Central, North and South America and the availability of bulk and ocean freight containerised ser-

vices, according to the study.

Phase one of the project, which is currently being undertaken, looks specifically at the market capabilities and what can be produced. It also examines the quarries that are in operation locally.

Meanwhile, the remaining stages will assess how in-

vestors can be attracted to the market and the technical assistance that would have to be given to the companies that intend to enter the market, the partnerships that need to be formed and the implementation of new products.

It was conceptualised by the investment agency and undertaken by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Science, Technology, and Energy and Mining. The assessment was done by Conrad Douglas and Associates and was funded by the Centre for the Development of Enterprises (CDE).

"Jamaica is considered as the limestone capital of the world," said Douglas, the principal consultant of the project and executive chairman of Conrad Douglas and Associates.

About 60 per cent of the island by weight and about 80 per cent of the total surface comprises limestone, he said.

But Douglas emphasised that a contact survey and analysis should be conducted in target markets for the export of the products. (Jamaica Observer)

Notes from a Jonestown Survivor

November 18 marks 35 years since the Jonestown massacre. The late journalist Neville Annibourne was one of the few survivors of that fateful day, and documented his experience.

His reputed wife, Verna Cummings, who could not locate his entire story, kindly submitted to Guyana Times Sunday Magazine an excerpt of Annibourne’s account of the events that occurred on that tragic day.

“On November 17, 1978, I was employed as an Information Officer at the Ministry of Information. And on that very day was assigned by the-then Chief Information Officer, the late Victor Forsythe, to cover U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan’s visit to Guyana. He was here to investigate claims that his constituents were abused at the People’s Temple (Jonestown) located in the north-west district of Port Kaituma.

Jim Jones.

On arrival, they were met and welcomed by Jim Jones’ wife who, when asked why her husband did not come to meet the congressman and his party, said that he was sick. The visiting group was then escorted to the auditorium where they were accommodated.

Later that same afternoon Jim Jones met the congressman and party and apologized for not being able to greet them earlier. The congressman then informed Jim Jones about the purpose of his visit and that was to investigate complaints about abuses meted out to members of the cult who were also his constituents.

Jones denied all the allegations made against him and said that he was not “preventing anyone from leaving. They are all free to leave anytime they so desire.”

In the evening the temple members staged a concert for the congressman and party. However, at the end of the con-

auditorium where the congressman told Jones that he was approached by some members asking to take them along with him when he was leaving. Jones again said that if they wanted to leave they were free to go.

During this period the deputy ambassador was getting in touch with his embassy in

I left immediately for Pegasus Hotel where I met the congressman along with concerned relatives, foreign journalists and two lawyers attached to the People’s Temple.

At the time congressman Ryan was trying to make contact by telephone with the head of the People’s Temple, the reverend Jim Jones, with a view to getting his permission to enter the temple.

With permission granted, the congressman, his party and I boarded an aircraft at the (Cheddi Jagan International) Airport and departed for Port Kaituma. On arrival at Port Kaituma the pilot, before landing, circled the airstrip twice to make sure that it was free from obstacles.

We touched down about 1:00 p.m. and were met at the airstrip by some members of the cult who took the congressman and his party by a tractor to the temple, some six miles from the airstrip, to meet with

cert Jones instructed all the concerned relatives and the journalists to leave the commune because they were not allowed to stay there overnight.

Only the congressman, his secretary, the U.S. deputy ambassador to Guyana and I were allowed to allowed to remain.

The next day the concerned relatives and journalists returned. Jones was reluctant to be interviewed by the journalist but was convinced to do so after his lawyers had told him that it would be good for the outside world to know his side of the story.

After the interview, which lasted for half an hour, the party was taken on a tour of the day care centre for kids. On moving around the members were approached by some commune members who expressed their desire to leave the temple with the congressman.

At the conclusion of the tour the party returned to the

by a knife-wielding cult member who was restrained but not before he had inflicted a cut on the congressman’s neck.

On arrival at the airstrip the deputy ambassador and I left to find the administrator of Port Kaituma to inform him what had taken place at Jonestown and for him to send in the police to carry out an investigation.

When we returned to the airstrip the planes had arrived and the defectors were first onboard the planes after being frisked for concealed weapons. I also boarded the plane with the defectors to put down my bag but as I was out of the plane I heard a strange sound as if someone was pelting the plane but didn’t immediately realise it was the sound of bullets hitting the plane. Patricia Park, who was standing at the door of the plane, got her head blown off.

Captain Spence, who was the pilot, started shouting at those of us who were in the plane to get down on the floor because some cult members were shooting at the plane. At the same time he was trying to get the plane off the

The shooting started all over again, I immediately hit the floor.

When the shooting finally stopped I looked through the window again and I saw the tractor driving away with the cult members.

I went to the cockpit where Captain Spence was and I asked him to lean forward his seat so that I could gain access to the door so as to exit the plane. As I hit the ground I ran straight to the passengers’ shed, which was about 100 yards from the plane.

While there I noticed people lying on the ground including the congressman, but at the time I didn’t know I was looking at dead persons who had been shot by the cult members.”

In his interviews with the media just after, Annibourne disclosed that he was so traumatised on that day that it took him about four days before he could write his story.

According to Verna Cummings, Annibourne had much to be thankful for and lived a fruitful and active life. He died in his sleep in April 2013 at age 82.

He had served under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as a returning officer and was the general secretary of the Progressive Youth Organisation, the party’s youth arm. He was also a second lieutenant of the Guyana People’s Militia in 1982 and rose to the rank of captain.

His stint as a journalist began at 17, when he became a correspondent for the Chronicle newspaper, and a full-time staff reporter in the early 1950s. He also wrote for Russian and Hungarian news agencies. Sometime around 1972, he became an informa-

Georgetown by radiophone requesting that they send in two aircrafts in order to transport the defecting cult members. As we were getting on to the truck to return to the airstrip at around 3:00 p.m., the congressman, who was on his way to the truck, was attacked

ground but to no avail because the tires of the plane had been punctured by the bullets during the shooting.

The shooting died down for a while and I decided to look through one of the plane’s windows when I saw cult members in a tractor trailer with guns.

tion officer at the Guyana Information Service (GIS). Annibourne graduated from the University of Guyana with a diploma in public communications in 1979. (Photos of Jonestown by Captain

This week's Crossword

J kes

Class genius

As a 7th grade biology teacher, I was teaching my class about the flow of blood in the body.

After my lecture, I asked the class the following: “Why is it that if I would turn upside down, my face would turn red since the blood would flow to my head, but when I stand upright my feet don’t turn red?”

I was taken aback when a boy blurted out, “That’s cuz your feet aint empty!”

Finding a job

Bob Smith was sick of his job and was determined to find work elsewhere. But no matter how hard he tried, his reputation as someone who was not dedicated to the job, seemed to follow him around.

One day the phone rang at his office. Although Bob did not usually pick up the phone, he picked it up and said hello.

“Hi” said the man on the line, “I have an unusual question to ask you, I’m looking into a fellow Bob Smith for a position in my company. Do you know this fellow?”

“Sure I know him”, responded Bob with a smile.

“Tell me,” asked the man. “Is he consistent with his work? Does he always show up on time?”

“Well I’ll be honest with you” Bob truthfully replied, “I’m not so consistent myself, but whenever I’m here he’s here!”

Riddles for kids

How do you communicate with a fish?

You drop it a line

What did 0 say to 8?

Nice belt!

Why was the sand wet? Because the sea weed!

This week's Puzzle

What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.

What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?

Pumpkin PI

Did you hear about the red ship and the blue ship that collided?

Both crews were marooned.

Ten things I know about you

1) You are reading this.

2) You are human.

3) You can’t say the letter “P” without separating your lips.

4) You just attempted to do it.

6) You are laughing at yourself.

7) You have a smile on your face and you skipped No. 5.

8) You just checked to see if there is a No. 5.

9) You laugh at this because you are a fun loving person and everyone does it too.

10) You are probably going to send this to see who else falls for it.

Always someone crazier

Once in an insane asylum, an inmate screamed out, “I am George Washington!”

“How do you know?” someone else asked.

The inmate answered, “Because God told me.”

Just then a scream came out from another room, “I did not!”

Sincerity

Sarah, a sales associate, notices a man in the card section. When she walks by an hour later and sees him still there, she walks over to see if she can help.

“Can I help you?” she asks.

“Well I don’t know” the man responds “I’m having a problem; I can’t find anything that my wife would believe!”

Guyanese-born Lionel Bedessee is an exemplary businessman

From No.59 village in Guyana, he grew a flourishing enterprise that has been serving the West Indian community in Canada and U.S. for over three decades

As Guyanese-born businessman

Lionel Bedessee celebrated his 80th birthday in Toronto over the weekend, as family, friends and supporters reflected on his sterling achievements and contributions not only in his native homeland, but also in Canada and the U.S.

Bedessee, whose real birthday was observed Monday, has successfully established businesses in several major North American cities: Toronto, Montreal, New York, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida. This achievement is testament to his vision, exceptional business acumen and disciplined work ethic along with support from a loving family and dedicated staff.

Lionel as he is popularly known, entered into business in his younger days at No. 59 Village, Corentyne, Berbice in Guyana. In the late 50's and early 60's, he walked from village to village selling cricket and other sport goods. On the advice of his father, he in-

vested in a bicycle that allowed him to expand his territory and the items he sold, and by 1962 he had bought a truck.

However, one year later, the infamous 1963 80-day political strike resulted in severe disturbance to Guyana's economy, and Lionel had to renegotiate the terms of payment on the loan for his truck. This taught Lionel a very useful lesson about unforeseen risks.

From 1963 onwards, the business environment in Guyana began to deteriorate significantly, as the then government imposed severe restrictions on imported items. This forced Lionel to give up on what he had worked so hard to build in Guyana and in 1971, he took the courageous and visionary step to migrate to Canada, to seek new opportunities for himself and family. He was accompanied by his two sons, Verman and Ravi.

Business in Canada

After 22 years in business in Guyana that included both wholesaling

and retailing along with importation and distribution, Lionel found himself in a residential area of Waterloo, Ontario. This was not the best place to start a business. From a successful entrepreneur to working odd jobs was a challenging adjustment that he had to make. But, Lionel knew that nothing worthwhile comes easy, so he soldiered on. Being fully aware of the benefits of a sound education, Lionel pursued a three-year course in

er products that people were accustomed to in the Caribbean, were simply not available in large sections of the Canadian community. Armed with this information, in 1977 Lionel opened a small store in Toronto, catering specifically to the need for ethnic foods and Indian religious items. During this time Lionel was traveling constantly between Waterloo and Toronto.

Bedessee Sporting Goods in 1981. Since then, the business has been one of the largest suppliers of cricket gear in Toronto.

Appliance, Electronics, Refrigeration Repair and Maintenance at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario.

All the while, he did not give up on his dream of establishing a business similar to the one he had left in Guyana, and was constantly looking for opportunities. After carefully analyzing what needs of the Caribbean community were not being met in Ontario, Lionel realised that the types of foods and oth-

In late 1978, Lionel was joined in Toronto by the rest of his family; his wife Evelyn, daughters Pamela and Rose, and his three younger sons Rayman, Chubbie and Invor.

Expansion

Being the astute businessman that he is, Lionel was always looking for an unfilled need in the community he served. It did not take him long to realize that in cricket, the sport that is almost a religion to some West Indians and indeed South Asians, there was tremendous potential in supplying cricket gear. Thus began the very popular and successful

Today, Lionel is not only an importer of the well-known brands such as Sanatogen and Dettol from England, Lalah's curry powder from England, Marshall sardines from Scotland etc., but also manufactures products such as chowmein, lowmein, vermicelli etc. His company also bottles the popular West Indian Queen Soda pop.

At this important juncture of Lionel’s life, he and his family are very grateful to all of their customers, friends and loyal employees, who over the years have contributed to the businesses’ success. The Bedessee family continue to be grateful to Lionel's older brother Dr. Manwel Bedessee, who was responsible for bringing them to Canada.

The family sponsored a religious work as well as an appreciation day for customers, friends and family over the weekend at their Stouffville home.

week ending november 24, 2013 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

The Shaping of guyaneSe LiTeraTure

Non-Guyanese writings of Guyana

By PetamBer Persaud

Some of the more notable books on and about Guyana were written by non-Guyanese. Fresh in our minds will be “The Sly Company of People Who Care” (2011) by Rahul Bhattacharya, which won the Hindu Literary Prize (2011); the Ondaatje Prize (2012), shortlisted for the Man Asian Literary Prize (2011) and the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (2012).

There are other significant titles that date as far back as to the 16th century: “The Discovery of Guiana” by Raleigh (1596), “Lutchmee and Dilloo” by Edward Jenkins (1877), “Canoe and Camp Life in British Guiana” by Barrington Brown (1876), “In Guiana Wilds” by James Rodway (1899), “Green Mansions” by W. H. Hudson (1904), “Those that be in Bondage” by A. R. F. Webber (1917).

All these books contribute to the shaping of a Guyanese literature – whether they depicted this country in a positive or indifferent manner.

Lakshmi Persaud – “For the love of my name”

There are some among us who would rather wipe a few

books from our minds– like “For the love of my name” by Lakshmi Persaud.

While the author of “The Sly Company of People Who Care” lived about one year in Guyana after a short initial visit, the author of “For the love of my name” lived and visited Guyana at crucial periods in our history.

Lakshmi Persaud taught at Queen’s College, for two years – 1963 to 1964; a period of civil strife and racial upheaval. The other notable time Persaud spent in Guyana was post-1992 election when democracy was restored to the country.

That post-1992 election time was also noted for riots

and civil disorder. During these dates, Persaud did her research on “For the love of my name”.

“For the love of my name” is Persaud’s third novel and it is “based on Guyana and is a story built around authoritarianism in Guyana”. This book is a part of our literature. Lloyd Searwar said at the launching of the book that Lakshmi Persaud “has in this novel come very close to writing a great Guyanese and West-Indian novel”.

Persaud has, to date, authored five novels “Butterfly in the Wind”, published by Peepal Tree Press in 1990; “Sastra”, published in 1993; “For the Love of my Name”, her third novel, was launched in December 1999 and “Raise the Lanterns High” was published by Black Amber in 2004; her most recent novel, “Daughters of Empire” was published by Peepal Tree Press.

Lakshmi Persaud was born in Tunapuna, in the village of Pasea, Trinidad. She read for her BA (Hons) and her Ph.D. at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland and her post-graduate diploma in education at Reading University, UK.

Persaud’s contribution to literature has been rec-

ognised in various ways. In 1994, the Trinidad Guardian published the bestseller list for Caribbean books, and Persaud’s “Sastra” placed first and “Butterflies in the wind” third. Her novels are being used as texts in Caribbean and post-colonial literature courses in a number of Universities including: Warwick, Birmingham, Goldsmiths College (London), London Metropolitan, Washington, Toronto, Puerto Rico, California (Los Angeles), Miami and Mills College (California), and The University of the West Indies. Extracts from her novels have been used in English examinations in the Caribbean from “11+” to GCSE level.

In recognition of her work, Warwick University established a “Lakshmi Persaud Research Fellowship” at its Centre for Translation and Comparative Cultural Studies.

For the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) awarded Lakshmi with a Life Time Literary Award for her significant contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s Literature

-Professor Bishnodat Persaud

Ms Persaud’s most recent award was the conferral of Honorary Degree (Doctor of Letters - DLitt) by the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus.

We can all share in this award as Guyanese and West Indian. Congratulations Dr Lakshmi Persaud.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

What’s happening:

• You are invited to the launch of “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” by Petamber Persaud on Friday November 22, 2013, in the Conference Room of the National Library, starting time 5 pm (17 hours).

• “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” is an up-to-date guide featuring significant literary landmarks from the 16th century to the new millennium. This 150-page book including over 100 photographs is an attempt at bringing to the fore little known facts about lesser known aspects of our literature. The big books, the big authors and the big success stories in Guyanese literature are also featured.

By RichaRd Kistnen, esq

This article is speaking predominantly to homeowners. I am currently involved in litigation over a parcel of real property. Traditionally, and without much question, when a parcel of real property is the subject of litigation, and a judgment can be entered which affects title to such property, a document called a Notice of Pendency is generally always filed. A Notice of Pendency is a document intended to give any and all parties in interest notice that a lawsuit has been commenced in which their rights and interest in the real property may be affected. I, however, decided to look at the statute which governs the Notice of Pendency and realized that a Notice of Pendency is NOT mandatory (NY CPLR § 1343: A notice of pendency MAY be filed in any action brought

. . in which the judgment demanded would affect title to, or the possession, use or enjoyment of, real property).

The usual way to pick up on whether the property owned is affected by litigation would be to run (and pay for) a lien/title search. If a plaintiff fails to serve you with a Notice of Pendency (under the belief, perhaps, that you are not the defendant they are trying to reach), your interest in real property may be affected if some adverse judgment were entered against you and the real property.

This scenario got me into thinking about the City’s system of recording and tracking certain classes of documents which are filed concerning real property. The system is the Automated City Register Information System (hereinafter, “ACRIS”). Documents such as deeds, mortgages, and UCCs, among others, must be filed and recorded with the city register office so as to be perfected. All such documents are now electronically recorded.

Homeowners can be alerted if a document is filed concerning their real property by registering for the Notice of Recorded Document program with ACRIS. By signing up for this service, an email or text message is sent to the homeowner if any document is recorded with the city register office which concerns your property. Signing up is free and easy, and simply requires that a property owner provide some basic information, telephone number, and/or email address.

I strongly recommend that property owners register for this Notice of Recorded Document service. In the age of “robo-signing” and a host of scams existent concerning real property, you should take steps to keep apprised of the status of your property. While a lien/title search generally would reveal most activity, such searches can be costly. To speak with a lawyer, feel free to call the Law Office of Richard Kistnen at (718) 738-2324.

Award-winning writer and actress, Pauline Melville has over the years been celebrated as an “original writer” and continues to amaze many with her talent of producing notable literary works.

She was born in Guyana in 1948 to an English mother and a Guyanese father. She is of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry and is currently based in London, England.

Melville has worked as an actress, appearing in films such as “Mona Lisa” and British television programmes including the BBC Television comedy series “The Young Ones”.

Her first book, “ShapeShifter” (1990), a collection of short stories, won the Commonwealth Writers

Prize (Overall Winner, Best First Book) and the Guardian Fiction Prize.

The book consists of a number of short stories dealing with post-colonial life in the Caribbean, nota-

bly in her native Guyana, as well as of some stories set in London. Many of her characters, most of them displaced people from former colonies struggling to come to terms with a new

life in Britain, attempt to find an identity, to reconcile their past and to escape from the restlessness hinted at in the title.

The writer’s first novel, “The Ventriloquist's Tale” (1997), won the Whitbread First Novel Award and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction. In it she explores the nature of fiction and storytelling and writes about the impact of European colonisers on Guyanese Amerindians through the story of a brother and sister.

Her collection of stories “The Migration of Ghosts” (1998) is a book of complex layered tales of physical and emotional displacement. Another celebrated novel is “Eating Air” (2009).

In an interview with

Financial Times (2010), the write said she knew she wanted to be a writer at age 5 when she realised she was something

rents of cultural and racial change. In addition to writing entertaining stories that display a keen social awareness, Melville is

of a detached observer but did not get round to writing for another 30 years or so. “I thought I needed the widest possible experience of real life. Later I discovered that other writers were just sitting at home making it all up.”

She added, “I am too critical of my own work to be proud of it. But I am always hugely proud of the book I am just about to write – when it is in my head, before it turns out to be just another book. Being a writer is like being a window-cleaner in a house or a castle where the windows are obscured by dirt and grime. Writing is like cleaning the windows so that people can see a view of the world they have never seen before.”

Melville writes with authority, warmth, and humour about individuals caught in the cross cur-

also an accomplished poet and scriptwriter, a comedienne, and a trained psychologist.

British Indian novelist and essayist Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie said of Melville: “Pauline Melville writes with an unusually dispassionate lushness that is both intellectual and sensual … I believe her to be one of the few genuinely original writers to emerge in recent years.”

In November 2012, Melville delivered a lecture entitled “Guyanese Literature, Magic Realism and the South American Connection” in the Edgar Mittelholzer Memorial Lecture series at the Umana Yana.

Among awards she has received for her writing is the Guyana Prize for Literature.

Melville currently lives in London.

The Guyana Burn and Healthcare Charitable Foundation (GBHCF), also known as Caribbean North Charitable Foundation, is a medical charitable foundation that supplies Guyanese hospitals with equipment and education to better meet the needs of people in mainly Guyana and the Caribbean region.

The foundation identifies projects based on need then develops, funds, implements and evaluates programmes. It is committed to providing humanitarian aid to un-serviced and under-serviced parts of the world without bias.

Founded by Harry Harakh and his wife Pamela, along with Desmond DeBarros, the foundation was established in 1998 in response to the lack of adequate medical care for burn victims in Guyana and the Caribbean. Since then, the foundation has raised money and equipment in Canada to create the Guyana Burn Care Unit, the first of its kind in the Caribbean where patients can receive proper medical attention and skin reconstruction.

The organisation is also involved with nonburn related healthcare. It has developed a programme to educate Guyanese nurses on neonatal care for atrisk newborns in accordance with the Canadian Paediatric Society’s standards. The GBHCF has also sent medical equipment such as beds, mattresses, IV pumps and ECG machines, among other vital supplies, to hospitals in Guyana.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, overseasbased Guyanese cofounder Harry Harakh said the foundation exists to save, improve and

empower lives, and effectively meet the needs of all those in medical need in the Caribbean and especially in Guyana.

He added that GBHCU is committed to provide humanitarian aid without bias or discrimination as a non-partisan, non-political organisation. Harakh also mentioned that there is kindness and compassion in everything they do via the foundation as they save and empower lives.

Harakh (MBA, CA) is a Toronto-based Chartered Accountant with practice experience in finance, taxation, strategic, corporate and governance issues and management skills obtained both as a sole professional practitioner and as senior staff in a number of entities including multinational corporations, bank, government and non government not-forprofit organisations.

His volunteer services with charitable groups include being a founding member and managing director of Plasticos Charities Foundation which provides education and reconstructive surgery in developing countries. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of York Central Hospital, and on several of its committees, re-

sources, quality, strategic, community relations and performance management. Harakh is also a long-time member and contributor to Guyana Christian Charities and a member of the York District Health Councillong-term care redirection committee.

“We have many doctors who are eager to contribute their medical expertise in Guyana. In my profession I meet a lot of people especially those in the medical field who express their interest in reaching out to third world countries to assist medically. My wife Pamela and I suggest to them to come to Guyana. In 1998, a team came, fell in love with the country and, since then, continues to contribute to the medical field in Guyana. Our work is recognised by many notable individuals locally, regionally and especially in Canada. Our organisation brings resources to those that need,” he pointed out.

The foundation, according to Harakh, has also contributed significantly to a children’s project in collaboration with Vic Insanally of the Tina Insanally Foundation. Through GBHCF, a donation of music equipment was made to the

ful annual brunch and was able to raise more than US$5000 for the Guyana Burn Care Unit and the Tina Insanally Foundation.

Recently, the organisation also held, as part of its ongoing education of nurses and doctors at GPHC, training in prenatal and burn care leading up to online examinations for Caribbean accreditation. Training was done by overseas-

lic hospital.

On November 14, a graduation ceremony was held for 19 nurses who successfully completed the course in Foetal Health Surveillance in Labour at GPHC in collaboration with GBHCF.

“We are looking at opportunities to diversify and so we’re going to be exploring to maximise our input to Tina Insanally Foundation, Cheshire Home and oth-

foundation. GBHCF has also vitally supported to the Cheshire Home in Mahaica and the John Bosco Orphanage.

In 2012, GBHCF held a concert fundraiser in Toronto for the Burn and Healthcare Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The proceeds, netting over US$10,000, benefitted the Georgetown Hospital.

On May 5, 2013, GBHCF held a success-

based Guyanese Vernie Ally (RN, BS, SCM), a certified instructor in neonatal resuscitation, and Dr. Peter Akai, also a Guyanese, a PHD specialist in wound care and infectious disease.

Dr. Akai met with doctors and nurses at the Burn Care Unit which the organisation facilitated over 10 years ago. GBHCF, on this visit, also reviewed the needs assessments of the pub-

er institutions. My motivation is to not allow anything to deter me from giving back despite challenges,” Harakh declared. “Also, medical equipment is generously donated by GBHCF major partner, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.”

For more information on the organisation visit Guyana Burn & Health Care Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

42 FASHION

Designers

did not fail to amaze at the recently concluded Guyana Fashion Week (GFW), which featured more than 40 fabulous collections. One such designer is Paul Burnette.

His collection, featured on the GFW runway, titled ‘Tease’, focuses on encouraging women, whether regular or plus-size, to “dress to fulfil their fantasies”.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the designer revealed his aim when creating his collections: “My collection ‘Tease’ was inspired by my wife, a conservative and modest woman,

and my daughter, who is the sunshine of my life. It is found that most beautiful women are troubled by the ‘low self esteem and self confidence’ syndrome. It is my dream, and the dream of most men that these women who are found to be not only pretty but the owners of terrific body types, to adorn these ones and help them express their true feelings in a way that's not only sexy but alluring.”

For more information on ‘Tease’ and other collections featured at GFW call 226-3099.

TT participating in biggest ‘Africa carnival’

The ninth edition of the annual Abuja International Carnival has received global acclaim, as 15 countries, among which are China, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the Gambia, have confirmed their intention to be part of the activities for the biggest carnival in Africa.

Other countries are Sudan, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Cameroon, Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Niger and Egypt.

The carnival, which first started in 2004 and has now become an annual fixture, is designed to mark the centenary anniversary of Nigeria. It will be staged in the nation’s capital from November 23 to 26.

Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke noted that the participation of Trinidad and Tobago was a special one as Nigeria wanted to model the Abuja Carnival after the one in the Caribbean country, as a tool to maximise the creativity of the Nigerian youth as well as their enterprise.

The High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Nyahuma Metuhotep Obika, said that Trinidad’s Minister of Art and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas will lead a 23-man delegation to Nigeria on November 22.

The travelling party will also

comprise 21 members of the country’s street orchestra. Obika also said that Trinidad and Tobago has undertaken to organise an opera, which is one of the associated activities at the four-day events.

The orchestra will perform along dancers from Benin City at the opera as well as at the pre-Carnivals party in Abuja on Friday, November 22.

In addition, the tiny Latin American country, according to

the envoy, will present 26 costumes and men and women’s wear to the ministry of tourism for the 2014 carnival.

The Ambassador of China was represented at the event by the Cultural Attaché, Jin Honyue.

The most populated country in the world said it will send its dancers and magicians to Abuja for the events.

Jin Honyue said that the Abuja Carnival is a platform to bolster Chinese-Nigeria cultural exchanges.

Duke, who described Nigeria as a country of great cultural diversity, said that the carnival will define the strength and value of the African continent.

He said the platform will be a potpourri of diverse expression and repertoire of dances for other participating African countries, who might want to surprise Nigeria with what they have in the kitty.

Some of the activities on the card include Art exhibition, boat regatta, durbar, children’s parade, masquerade fiesta, contemporary musical fiesta and traditional hairstyles.

A unique innovation to this year’s activities, which is supported by corporate Nigeria, is the provision of two double-decker buses to be used by the participating countries for sightseeing. (TT Newsday)

St Lucian performer Mongstar won the inaugural Jeff Joseph Trophy of the ‘All For One Caribbean Voice Contest.’

Held recently in Martinique, the exciting final of the first annual pan-Caribbean song contest showcased artistes from nine Caribbean islands.

Modeled after the famous Eurovision Song Festival, and supported by the Regional Council of Martinique, the contest finalists were drawn from Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, St Lucia, St Martin and Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition to the contestants, who were selected by their respective ministry of culture or tourist board, the evening featured supporting artistes Lisa Griffith of Barbados, Seal of Martinique and the iconic meringue singer Miriam Cruz of the Dominican Republic.

The candidates had to perform two titles, slow and fast tempos, from their repertoire in front of a jury

of nine representatives from each of the competing islands. Contestants were accompanied by the talented Guy Marc Vadeleux band from Martinique.

The dazzling twohour show was televised in the French West Indies and France and will be rebroadcast later this month through Caribvision and selected television stations across the region.

The contest winner, Mongstar, appreciated the hospitality and professionalism of those who contributed to the success of the competition.

"I'm very pleased to bring this first 'Jeff Joseph Trophy' to St Lucia. I'm glad to see that the audience appreciated my performance and I am very proud of Martinique (which) was able to organize the first edition (so well). I thank all those who supported me and the team of All For One."

Martinican Loriane Zacharie was judged first runner-up and Darline Desca from Haiti second runner-up. (Caribbean News)

Tonya Singh is a beauty who loves the art of dance. After graduating from Mae's Secondary, Tonya is now pursuing a diploma in public communications at the University of Guyana. She also works as a television producer/presenter with National Communications Network. As for her dancing career, Tonya’s passion for the art form began since childhood. Her first onstage performance, when she was about five years old, was for a fundraiser at the Herstelling Mandir. This love for dancing propelled her to develop her talent. She joined local Indian dance group Dharmic Nritya Sangh, and is also a member of the local Latin dance group Latin Heat. Through dance, Tonya is able to touch lives with positive energy. The “spiritual return” she gets when dancing is what inspires her to continue. Tonya always says that dancing frees her soul from a world that is trapped in evil. Although dancing is a vital aspect of her life, Tonya also enjoys modelling and acting, and is a masseuse. In the future, Tonya wants to pursue a career in law and to open a dance academy. (Photo by Troy Parboo)

PM Kamla appoints special prisons’ committee amidst threats of riots

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-

Bissessar has appointed a special committee to, “investigate and address” issues emanating from both prisons officers and prisoners themselves, following a series of incidents and protest action by prisoners at the Golden Grove State Prison in Trinidad.

The committee is chaired by Professor Ramesh Deosaran, the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and includes National Security Minister Gary Griffith, Prisons Commissioner Martin Martinez, Justice Minister Emmanuel George, Inspector of Prisons Daniel Khan, Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, attorney Wayne Sturge, an unnamed member of the prison population and secretary general of the Prisons Officers’ Association (POA) Gerard Gordon.

Persad-Bissessar Monday expressed concern at ongoing and escalating developments within the prisons service where prisons officers have gone on pro-

test action following the murder of a prisons officer, the near fatal shooting of another and the stabbing of a third.

Prisoners, affected by the prisons’ officers goslow protest action, are now threatening a mass riot from behind prison walls as they complain of ill treatment at the hands of prisons officers, late distribution of morning, midday and evening meals, no airing (recreation time) and cancellation of visitation rights of families and friends.

In a statement issued Monday, the prime minister said the committee would not only investigate all issues surround-

ing the crisis within the prisons service, but also deal with these issues to bring about a resolution.

She said too that she has been personally monitoring the situation at the Golden Grove State Prison, and is deeply concerned over recent and continuing developments related to the prison and to the situation in general.

The prime minister met two months ago with representatives of the POA to hear their concerns, which included a call for prisons officers to be given firearms while off-duty and for them to be afforded houses. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Holness gets tough, plans to strengthen JLP disciplinary mechanism

Jamaica

Labour Party leader

Andrew Holness says the party’s disciplinary mechanism will be strengthened so that those who breach the rules and protocols are held accountable.

According to Holness, members should respect the dispute resolution and disciplinary mechanisms of the party.

He also said that he has taken note of the tendency of some members to run to the media to disclose internal matters, instead of using the established mechanisms. Holness stressed that this practice must stop.

"I am not opposed to keeping the public informed about what is happening, in fact, that is important. But, what I have detected is that the public is becoming increasingly frustrated with these internal wranglings...They don't want the soap opera. What they want to see is that the real issues that affect them are resolved quickly, and resolved in such a way as to preserve

the dignity and respect for the institution," the opposition leader said.

He added, “I want it to be clearly understood that there will be no reward for those persons who continue to breach party protocol and take party business outside.

Meanwhile, the JLP leader also called for those who were against his leadership to acknowledge and respect the mandate given to him by delegates.

He emphasised that the sooner that this is

done, the quicker the party can move forward united.

"If we don't protect the mandate, we will end up going through the same exercise every year. That cannot go on again. So let us use this opportunity to set some order in the politics, once and for all," he stated.

And in an apparent reference to some members who declined his offer to be a part of the Shadow Cabinet, Holness said there is always space for those who want to serve.

According to him, he has not been vindictive towards those who did not support him, but instead he has been accommodating.

Holness has charged delegates to begin reaching out to voters as the party positions itself to win State power at the next general election.

Holness was speaking to Jamaica Labour Party delegates during a forum at the University of Technology on Sunday. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer and Gleaner)

Historic Cummingsburg

Previously the

During 1759, Jacques Salignac applied for a grant of 500 acres of land for cotton and coffee cultivation. He was granted permission by the Court of Policy. Salignac named this tract of land La Bourgade. In 1807 Thomas Cumming, a Scotsman, became the owner of the estate and renamed Plantation La Bourgade Cummingsburg, after his family, it was a town two miles in circumference and most regularly arranged.

A special feature of Cummingsburg was the provision of fresh water reservoirs. These were filled with small fish and were later planted with Victoria Amazonica and Lotus lilies by Luke M. Hill. The reservoir in Main Street was filled up and converted into a walkway in 1897. It was named the Queen Victoria Promenade by the Mayor and Town Council in honour of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee (this area is now known as Main Street Avenue). In later years other reservoirs were converted into similar walkways.

In 1864 the western part of Cummingsburg was destroyed by fire. The creation of new streets and redistribution of house lots were several of the plans undertaken to reorganize the destroyed area.

An examination of the nomenclature of this ward of the city reflects rich examples of Guyana's history. Some Streets such as Waterloo Street; named after Admiral Wellington's great battle and Victory at Waterloo against the French forces on 18 June 1815 and Carmichael Street; named in honour of General Hugh Lyle Carmichael who served as Governor 1812 - 1813 are indicative of our colonial heritage. Quamina Street (formerly Murray Street named in honour of Major General John Murray) was renamed in honour of one of Guyana's national heroes.

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Other streets derived their names simply from geographic locations to buildings or places. Thomas Street derived its name from its location as the main road to Plantation Thomas. East Street because of its easterly location in this ward. Cummings Street was formerly known as the back dam (Cummingsburg Backdam) of Plantation La Bourgade. Middle Street also derives its name because of being the middle dam of Plantation La Bourgade. Lamaha Street was so named because of its northerly direction with main drainage trench of the district; New Market Street because it led to the new market, and Church Street as it was the primary route used by citizens for access to St. Georges Church. (National Trust of Guyana website)

Kumu is located about 30 minutes south of Lethem. It is a beautiful Amerindian village of traditional houses widely spread out over the savannahs, with the Kanuku Mountains looming behind.

The setting is worth a visit in itself, but the village also provides good access to the Kanuku Mountains. With a 4x4 vehicle, one can drive a rough path nearby to Kumu Creek and a trailhead in the Kanuku foothills.

A five-minute walk through the forest leads to Kumu Falls. The falls has a drop of about 1,520ft. The falling water and pool make a natural Jacuzzi. This area is also is the starting point for the hike up to Schomburgk’s Peak which looms overhead.

In a recent interview with the media, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali noted that, “It is said that the Kumu Falls is a touch of ‘God’s hands on your shoulders’ because it takes away all your stress.” (Excerpted from The Bradt Travel Guide by Kirk Smock. Photos by Girendra Persaud, www.gxmediagy. com)

‘My father will not choose my bride’ - Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor is busy promoting his upcoming film ‘R...Rajkumar’ and the actor recently grabbed headlines when a certain section of the media reported that his father was looking for a bride for him from Punjab. However, Shahid cleared the air about the rumours.

On being asked about the reports, Shahid said, “I don't know why people publish such stories.

I was in Kashmir shooting for a film and my father was busy with his work. He is not looking for a bride.”

“I will search for a bride and not my father. He selected his life partner and so will I,” added the actor.

“My father goes to Punjab to meet our relatives there and he has his spiritual guru in Punjab and that's about it,” concluded Shahid. (TOI)

Jaundice-struck Manisha

Koirala recovering

Actress Manisha Koirala is down with jaundice, but her manager confirmed that she is on the road to recovery.

“Manisha is taking rest now. She is recovering from jaundice. She is absolutely fine. In fact, she has already recovered,” Manisha's manager Subroto Ghosh told IANS.

She was reportedly planning to return to work from mid-November, but this has now been delayed. Manisha, popular for her roles in movies like ‘Saudagar’, ‘Bombay’ and ‘Lajja’, had undergone treatment for ovarian cancer in New York and is now free of the disease. (TOI)

Sonam Kapoor's extremely painful exercise

Indian media has reported that actress Sonam Kapoor, who is currently shooting for her film ‘Khoobsurat’, has had her earlobe and cartilage pierced, especially for the movie.

The actress plays a physiotherapist in the film and just like in real life, where Sonam Kapoor is a stylish diva, the same style will also be seen reflecting in her role in

the film. "Getting our ears pierced when we are kids is easy, but to have the cartilage pierced is an extremely painful exercise," she said.

Even though the actress was aware that it would be extremely hurtful, Sonam was not at all daunted by the whole idea. She immediately agreed to do it as it adds spunk to her character. (TOI)

Abhishek and Aishwarya proud to raise funds for AIDS awareness

Bgala to raise funds for the Foundation for AIDS Research programme.

The gala was held Sunday in the presence of international names like Sharon Stone, Hilary Swank, Kesha and Kenneth Cole.

“This is first event of amfAR in India and I am confident we will have several more to come in

‘I love tall women’ - Aamir Khan

He may not be very tall himself, but Aamir Khan revealed that he enjoys working with actresses who tower over him.

In ‘Dhoom 3’, Aamir will be seen romancing tall and beautiful Katrina Kaif.

“I love tall women and her (Katrina's) heels didn't come in the way,” Aamir told reporters at an event to announce Yash Raj Films' association with Mattel to create D:3-inspired limited-edition ‘Barbie Collector Dolls’ based on him and Katrina in ‘Dhoom 3’. Katrina said heels are not something that one randomly decides to wear. “If it's required you do it or else you don't,” she added.

In terms of actresses getting their due in Bollywood, Katrina feels things are changing for good.

“I do see the change...the change is happening. Actresses are getting their due credit. A lot of womencentric films are being made,” she said. (TOI)

Kareena Kapoor wants to follow Sharmila Tagore's footsteps

Keen to follow the footsteps of her mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore, actress Kareena Kapoor wants to work in Bengali film industry.

“Satyajit Ray was one such director with whom my mother-in-law had the opportunity to work in so many films. I also hope to be able to work with some of the great directors of Bengal,” the young Kapoor, married to Sharmila's son and actor Saif Ali Khan, recently told reporters.

Describing Bengali film directors as very artistic, and those with a deep sense of good

scripts, Kareena said, “I have never been offered a Bengali film. But I want to work. Language comes as a problem, but that can be managed with dubbing.”

When asked, the 33-year-old actress said she never had the opportunity to spend enough time in Kolkata.

“But I love the food over here. The city is culturally very rich. If I do a Bengali film, it will also give me the chance to understand the city better,” she said. (TOI)

Ranveer Singh refuses to shave his moustache

It seems Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has fallen in love with his moustache in ‘RamLeela’.

His look has got him lot of compliments and his handlebar moustache is one of the most talked about things in the movie. Hence, it is a challenge for director Shaad Ali to coax Ranveer to get rid of his facial hair for his next movie.

A Mid-Day report stated that the director has asked Ranveer to get rid of his ‘RamLeela’ look promptly, so that they can start shooting for ‘Kill Bill’. However, the actor has been sporting the moustache for over a year and hence is attached to it. He, according to the report, cannot imagine a life without his moustache. (TOI)

our country. I hope we all collectively raise funds, spread awareness and strengthen the force,” Aishwarya told reporters during the amfAr event.

Adding to this, Abhishek said: “We are honoured to be here today and we both feel strongly about the disease HIV. It's a matter of pride to raise funds for this cause and spread the awareness.”

The black tie event, held at the Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel featured a cocktail reception, dinner, and a goldthemed fashion show featuring exclusive looks by Rohit Bal, Abu JaniSandeep Khosla, and Tarun Tahiliani. (TOI)

Deepika impressed by Big B’s flowers and note

The Bollywood film industry is abuzz with Deepika Padukone’s performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela’. And guess who complimented her performance and showered her with flowers?

A lot of people feel that Deepika is the biggest take away from the film, and she has done a phenomenal act portraying her character. However, the best compliment came from Amitabh Bachchan, who sent Deepika a personalized hand written note along with her favorite flowers to appreciate her performance in the movie.

Big B also tweeted about how much he liked the movie. The actress was very delighted by Amitabh's gesture. It was one of the best gifts she has received.

Bachchan Sr. wrote on the micro blogging website Twitter, “In the past 24hrs, lived with the brilliance of ‘RAMLEELA’.. 3 times over, and still not satisfied!! Signed by 'Laal Ishk'!!” (TOI)

‘Dumb and Dumber To’ set for release November 2014

‘Dumb and Dumber’ sequel ‘Dumb and Dumber To’ will hit the screens November 14, 2014.

‘Dumb and Dumber To’ reunites directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly with actors Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, who played the dimwitted pair Lloyd and Harry in the original.

In the new film, they embark on a road trip to find a child that Harry (Daniels) had unknowingly fathered in the past, reported variety.com.

The Farrelly brothers are producing the comedy film along with Riza Aziz, Charles Wessler, Bradley Thomas and Red Granite Pictures' Joey McFarland.

The project is currently under production. (TOI)

Baldwin threatens to quit showbiz following gay slur row

Alec Baldwin has threatened to quit showbiz after being suspended from his talk show for hurling a homophobic slur at a photographer.

The 55-year-old actor said if quitting the TV business, the movie business, the theater, any component of entertainment is necessary in order to bring safety and peace to his family, then it’s an easy choice, the Huffington Post reported.

‘The Cooler’ star said

that the country's obsession with the private lives of famous people is tragic, it is so clearly a projection of their frustration about their government, economy and their own spiritual bankruptcy.

The rant came after his MSNBC talk show ‘Up Late With Alec Baldwin’ was suspended after his anti-gay rant, but later he also apologised for the comments, labelling them offensive and unacceptable. (TOI)

Jennifer Lawrence underwent therapy during childhood

Jennifer Lawrence has revealed that she had to seek therapy after suffering extreme social anxiety when she was in school.

The 23-year-old actress said that

she was hyperactive, curious about everything and when her mother told about the ‘Hunger Games’ star's childhood, she always told her that there was like a light in her, a spark that inspired her constantly, Metro.co.uk reported.

Lawrence told French magazine Madame Figaro that when she entered school, the light went out and they never knew what it was, a kind of social anxiety, but she had friends.

She said that she went to see a shrink, but nothing worked for her and acting helped overcome her anxieties.

The ‘Hunger Games’ star added that she had finally found a way to open the door to a universe that she understood, which was good for her, as she felt capable. (TOI)

‘I won't do anymore nude scenes’ - Samuel L. Jackson

SThe

shooting in Germany for his new film ‘Big Game’ and he's joked that the injury has ruined his chances of stripping off in any future movies.

Speaking on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’, he quipped: “When I landed on my shoulder, the ligaments which hold the clavicle down snapped, and my clavicle jumped up...So yeah all my topless, naked, nude scenes are done now!”'

The 64-year-old actor, who has been on a strict vegan diet for the last three months, injured his shoulder after he was thrown out of a helicopter from a staggering height, but he insisted that he won't let the wound put a stop to his acting career. (TOI)

Brittany Murphy may have died of rat poison - reports claim

Actress Brittany Murphy, who was declared dead in 2009 owing to acute pneumonia and anaemia, have reportedly been murdered with rat poison, reports claim.

According to an independent report ordered by her father Angelo Bertolotti, the Hollywood star did not die from natural causes, reported mirror.co.uk.

It was found that at the time of her death, the ‘Clueless’ star had 10 heavy metals in her body. The amount is several times higher than World Health Organisation high levels.

The metals are found in most rodenticides and insecticides. This has led her family and experts to believe she may have been given rat poison. (TOI)

Douglas praises Zeta Jones as they reconcile

Michael Douglas has revealed that he and his wife Catherine Zeta Jones are doing well and showered his “beautiful” wife with compliments.

The 69-year-old Academy award

winner, who got the news of his reconciliation with his 42-year-old Welsh actress wife at the premiere of his new movie ‘Last Vegas’, was all praises for his better half and said that she is “more beautiful than ever, inside and out”, Universal Pictures India reported.

The ‘Basic Instinct’ actor commented on their relationship for the first time after the couple hit a rough patch in their thirteen year long marriage and admitted that they share a “teenage romance”.

Douglas also revealed that he supports her with everything and added that she is “simply the best”. (TOI)

‘Would love to be in a Hindi movie’ - Sharon Stone

American actress-produc-

er Sharon Stone, currently in Mumbai for a fund-raising event, says she would love to be in a

Oprah Winfrey has opened up why she never got married to her long-term boyfriend Stedman Graham.

The 59-year-old talk show host, who has been dating her businessman boyfriend since 1986, told Lorraine Kelly that if she wanted to get married, she could have made the time, Metro. co.uk reported.

Winfrey said that she is not a traditional woman and didn't have a traditional life, and she thinks if Graham and she would have gotten married then they wouldn't have stayed married.

Hindi movie.

“I'd love to be in one of the Hindi movies and, of course, I have seen many films. The language is different, but I like it,” Stone told reporters during the gala event organised by international organisation amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, in Mumbai.

Asked if she had learnt any Hindi, Stone said: “I have learnt to say ‘Namaste’.”

“I love Indian food, I love spicy food. It's fantastic. I got up this morning at 4 and went for a walk, it's a moment that you feel. It’s a whole different feeling--I went to a temple, it was great,” the actress said. (TOI)

The TV personality said that if someone asked him, he would say the same, he is a pretty traditional man, but she has taught him to be non-traditional.

She said that the very idea of what it means to be a wife and the responsibility and the sacrifice that carries, she wouldn't have held that very well, she wouldn't have held that space very well. (TOI)

50 Sport

Guyanese, TT players dominate SCA awards

By RavendRa Madholall

Guyanese and Trinidadian players dominated the 33rd Annual Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) award ceremony on Sunday evening at the Eastown, Banquet Hall.

Former Guyana fast bowler and Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club’s Trevon Garraway was given the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize after his outstanding bowling performance in the Premier Division final against Bawa XI "A".

The right-arm quickie finished with six wickets to lead the pack of recipients while his fellow countrymen Narine Ramsaroop copped the award for his 123 and Ricardo Jadunauth for his 103 as the leading batsmen in the Second Division.

Trinidadian Rudy Gibson was awarded the MVP of the Second Division final with his all-round performance to cap a rewarding year for Islanders United C.C in their first season back in the SCA.

Curtis Richards, another Trinidadian, was magnificent with the

bat, aggregating a total of 396 runs in the Second Division with a top score of 157 runs, the highest individual score in the league for 2013.

Other outstanding awardees were given trophies while batting gloves and pads went to special individuals for their significant contri-

butions.

Guest speaker,

Dr. Vidya Gyan TotaMaharaj, TT’s Consul General in Toronto, congratulated the players and urged them to maintain consistency in the sport. She also lauded SCA’s executives for their commitment and continued efforts to keep

cricket alive in Canada.

President of the association Deo Samaroo, who was delighted with the players’ impressive performances this year, said he and his colleagues will continue to support the sport and would bring out more players to participate.

“We have been very

energetic over the years and as I speak, we can be very proud of what we have done over the years; special congratulations to all the awardees, and I must say thanks to the hardworking and dedicated members of the association and also to the sponsors for their continued contributions,”

Samaroo indicated. Other members of the association are Bisham Singh (Vice-President), Vish Jadunauth (Chief Financial Officer), Mahesh Raghuram (Secretary), Shiv Persaud (Registrar/Statistician), Eon Gunraj (Assistant Secretary), Budhave Anandjit (Grounds Coordinator) and Richard Ramlall (PRO).

Winners are as follows: Premier Division (Frank Faubert Trophy) Hawaiian Arctic CC, First Division (Richard Ramlall Trophy), Highland Creek Cricket Club "B" Second Division (Norman Sue Trophy), Islanders United CC. T20 Champion Bilal CC. T20 Consolation Champion, Durham United CC.

Sponsors include Action Honda, Speedway Motors, LR General Contracting, Shiv Persaud & Associates of Primerica, Hawaiian Arctic INC, Platypus Sporting Goods, Powerplay Sports, Blackash Sports, Norman Sue Bakery, Caribbean Wave Restaurant, Paradise Travel, Active Green Ross, S&S Trophy and 80Print-Toronto.

Canada-based fast bowler Jeremy Gordon vies for spot in Guyana team

By RavendRa Madholall

Right-arm quickie

Jeremy Gordon is hoping to play for his native Guyana once again at the 2014 West Indies Cricket Board’s regional limited-over and four-day tournaments. He is currently representing Canada at the 2013 ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Dubai. However, the Berbician stated that when he returns in early December, he will be heading to Guyana to vie for a spot on the national team.

The selection of the Guyana squad will be based on player’s intercounty participation, and the 26-year-old Gordon is fully aware of this prerequisite. He is ready to link up with Guyana National Industrial Corporation’s first-division team in Georgetown.

Gordon played four first-class matches for Guyana before his migration to Canada in 2006. He represented the country at the Under-19 level and was also a reserve player for the West Indies youth side in late 2006.

Since his arrival in Canada, Gordon has been playing professionally. He was a member of the

Jeremy gordon

Vikings Cricket Club before he switched across to Brampton Masters Cricket Club, the 2012 Elite champion. His recent success for Canada in the fourday version immediately prompted the lively bowler to contemplate the opportunity. He said that he has already spoken to executives of the club and county board in Guyana about his profound interest.

“I want to play back for Guyana at the senior level next year; I have given up my job and started to focus on my game; I [am] heading to Dubai to represent Canada in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers and I am indeed confident we will be advancing to the World Cup next year to take part in the huge

event,” Gordon told this newspaper before his departure to Dubai. He recently picked up an eight-wicket haul against the visiting Netherlands at King City and has been a consistent performer for Canada since he made his debut in 2011, ironically in the Caribbean at the T20 tournament.

“I think I can do it for both Canada and Guyana; I am always willing to learn more and more about bowling and once you stay fit, I think you can give 100 percent on the field; I had success for Guyana and now Canada, and that has given me the confidence to make an impression in North America and the Caribbean,” he indicated.

At the moment, Gordon also harbours a Test claim since he will be having an ample opportunity to break into the West Indies side once he is given the chance to play for Guyana at the first-class level.

Before he moved across to Canada permanently, Gordon played first-division cricket for Bermine Sports Club in Berbice with tremendous success and it was there his talent was spotted.

Jeffrey wins “Ride for Life 7”

–Hinds takes final leg from Linden to Georgetown

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Linden’s Orville Hinds rode brilliantly to win the final leg from Linden to Georgetown, but could not prevent Raynauth Jeffrey of Team Coco from emerging with overall top honours when the seventh annual “Ride for Life” five-stage cycling meeting concluded on Sunday on Homestretch Avenue.

The final stage, which attracted 32 starters, was won by Hinds of the newly formed United Bikers Club in a time of two hours, 37 minutes, 58 seconds (02h: 37m: 58s). It was a remarkable performance from Hinds, who suffered a fall at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, but splendid riding by his teammates brought him back into the contention and eventually allowed him to win the stage.

Team Coco’s Darren Matthews of Barbados and Geron Williams, who won the event in 2009, finished second and third respectively.

Jeffrey, who won the opening stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam on Thursday last and extended his dominance with victory on the penultimate stage in Essequibo on

Usain Bolt has been named male WorldAthlete-of-the-Year for a fifth time. The 27-yearold Jamaican, who also won last year, clinched 100m, 200m and 100m relay gold in the World Championships in Moscow in August.

Fellow Jamaican

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took the women’s award after winning the same three golds as Bolt in Russia.

Earlier this week, the 27-year-old said she will refuse to run in major events unless Jamaica’s athletics authorities “stand by” their athletes.

Bolt, who beat Britain’s double world champion from Moscow Mo Farah to win the award, became the most successful athlete in the history of the World Championships this year with his eighth gold and 10th medal in total.

At the awards ceremony in Monaco, he said his 2014 target was to beat his 200m world record of 19.19 seconds.

Saturday, emerged with an overall winning time of 10 hours, 05 minutes, 33 seconds (10h: 05m: 33s).

Jeffrey’s time was far slower than last year’s winning time of nine hours, 46 minutes, 51 seconds (09h: 46m: 51s) by fellow teammate Jaime Ramirez. Ramirez’s time is incidentally the record for the fivestage.

Roraima Bikers Club’s Alonzo Greaves, who won the inaugural event in 2007, finished second in a time of 10 hours, 06 minutes, 25 seconds (10h: 06m: 25s), followed by Darren Matthews (10h: 06m: 50s), Geron Williams (10h: 07m: 16s), Godfrey Pollydore (10h: 07m: 08s),

Orville Hinds (10h: 08m: 25s), Paul DeNobrega (10h: 08m: 56s), Robin Persaud (10h: 09m: 34s), Jaime Ramirez (10h: 09m: 42s) and Hamzah Eastman ( 0h: 09m: 56s) in that order.

Linden’s Eastman, who rides for United Bikers Club, copped the Junior category, ahead of Shaquille Agard and Akeem Arthur, while the evergreen Raymond Newton won the Veteran’s division, leaving Junior Niles, who won the overall five-stage title in 2008, and Ralph Williams to settle for second and third positions respectively.

Naomi Singh was the lone female who competed in the gruelling 266mile road race, and she

usain bolt with the award

“That has always been my dream; that has always been my aim,” he said.

“This season will be the season when I will be going for world records because there are no major [outdoor] championships.

“The 200m is much easier than the 100m to try for a record and that would be my main focus this season.”

Bolt has previously said he could retire after the 2016 Olympicsbut he added he might yet compete at the World Championships in London the following year.

“I was having some

was duly recognised by

Anthony, who presented three special prizes on his personal behalf. The other two went to up and coming rider Kravitz Jeffrey of Linden for promise he has shown and United Bikers Club for their exceptional teamwork during the fivestage.

Stage two from Rosignol to Georgetown was won by Darren Matthews, while stage three from Wales to Parika was won by Robin Persaud of Guyana. Successful race

Delivering feature remarks at the closing ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, Dr Anthony lauded all the stakeholders for putting together yet another successful race.

The race was sponsored by the Sport Ministry with support from the Health Ministry, the Guyana Cycling Federation and the National Sports Commission.

talk about this with my coach, and he was saying people had said I should go for another year,” he said.

Fraser-Pryce has now won seven medals at World Championships to add to her four Olympic medals.

Men’s finalists: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, sprinter), Bohdan Bondarenko (Ukraine, high jumper), Mo Farah (GB, distance runner).

Women’s finalists: Valerie Adams (New Zealand, shot put), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica, sprinter), Zuzana Hejnova (Czech Republic, 400m hurdles). (BBC Sport)

Narine keeps it simple

Kochi, India - A person of few words, Sunil Narine avoids the limelight away from the cricket field. But, after a concerted effort to get him to speak, the wily off-spinner finally took some time off during the Champions League Twenty20 2013 last month, and spoke in detail about his bowling, his variations, his concerns pertaining to the longer- format and the upcoming ODI series against India.

“I tend to be quiet and humble, I like it that way. When you get too excited things fall apart,” said Narine, who was part of the Trinidad and Tobago team that lost to Mumbai Indians in the semi-final. “It’s tough (to handle the limelight), but at the end of the day I’m doing something that I love, so that makes it easier.”

Narine’s high-arm bowling action is deceptive and few batsmen can come up with answers when he gets the ball to talk. But with access to match footage readily available and team analysts forever on the lookout for the weaknesses of an opposition player, Narine admitted that some batsmen had indeed started reading him.

“Only some batsmen have been able to find me. But it’s not about the mystery, it’s about the consistency,” he said. “How hard you work and how effectively I can vary my pace and length.”

Elaborating on his technique, Narine continued, “I have about three variations. I plan well before I run up to bowl, so that helps. Having a clear mind and a clear head, so that I just concentrate on putting the ball in the right areas.”

Outstanding

In the shorter formats of the game – where spinners are often regarded as easy targets for big hitters – Narine has been an outstanding success.

Ranked No. 2 on the ICC’s list of top ODI bowlers, Narine reckoned it was in the longer format that he still has certain issues to ad dress.

“In Tests you need to have a little more patience. In the shorter formats, the batsman is always coming at you so there is more opportunity of getting wickets. In Test cricket you have to settle down, and put a mindset that you are going to bowl longer spells. So that is a big test to my concentration level and consistency. I need to

work on them.”

When Shane Shillingford, the rightarm off-spinner, was preferred over Narine for the two-Test series against India, the decision raised a few eyebrows.

But Shillingford lived up to the expectations of the selectors by grabbing 11 wickets at 31.45, including two five-wicket hauls, and subsequently retained his place in the squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Narine claimed he was not frustrated at having missed the cut. “You want to play all formats of the game, but I guess we have a lot of spinners back in the Caribbean and I don’t see any reason for me to try too hard and get frustrated if I don’t get picked,” he said. “At the end of the day I am enjoying whatever I am playing and I wish to play as much as I can.”

Crucial role

The New Zealand Tests may be beyond his reach, but his role is likely to be crucial in the ODI series against India that starts today (Thursday).

“I just have to do what I’m accustomed to. I’ve trained hard in the nets,” he said. “Just have to concentrate on my game and focus on the job at hand. Different conditions demand different sort of skills, and I’m confident that I’ve developed the skills.”

As he continues to weave a web around the world’s top batsmen, Narine insisted he sticks to the team goal when it comes to dismissing a particular player.

“We normally have team goals,” said Narine,

WICB hails “lion-hearted” Chanderpaul

President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Dave Cameron, paid tribute last week to Shivnarine Chanderpaul for becoming the first West Indies player to appear in 150 Tests. The 39-year-old Chanderpaul reached the milestone during the second Test against India which ended on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

who was named after Sunil Gavaskar. “Before a game we sit down and discuss players with the captain and fellow teammates. So a particular player’s dismissal is not really my plan as such, it’s a team plan.”

Plying his trade for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, Narine finished the 2012 edition as the Player of the Tournament with 24 wickets at a miserly 5.47 runs per over. He continued the good work in the next edition where he bagged 22 wickets at 5.46.

“I would call it (IPL) a stepping stone in my career,” he said. “During the Champions League T20 2011, I was recognised and that helped my confidence and momentum. IPL has helped me reach where I am today.”

After winning the World Twenty20 2012, West Indies were thought to be back on the path of recovery. But with success coming only against relatively weaker sides, such as Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe, West Indies still have a long way to go.

“I don’t think it’s stagnated,” argued Narine. “We’ve been playing good cricket, it’s just the end result of the game that hasn’t been the way we would have wanted it. But we’re on the right track; we’re coming much closer to winning games than before. We need to take it step by step and not look to reach No. 1 in two days. We have a long process in place; it all depends on how we build from strength to strength.”

“Shiv may be a quiet man, but he is the tower of strength in our batting,” said Cameron.

“He may be small in stature and we may call him “Tiger”, but he is lion-hearted and hardworking; qualities that our young players should emulate.

“He may not be as destructive as Chris Gayle or as flambuoyant as one of his other contemporaries Brian Lara, but Shiv is an icon in his own right and we want him to know that we value him.”

“On behalf of the West Indies Cricket

Board and the people of the Caribbean, I want to pay tribute to Shivnarine Chanderpaul on reaching this landmark.”

Chanderpaul made his Test debut 19 years ago on home soil at Bourda Oval in the Guyana capital of Georgetown, becoming the 204th player to wear the maroon cap of the Windies.

“Tiger”, as he is affectionately known, is the seventh player in the history of the game to play 150 Tests. The 2008 ICC World Player-of-the-Year has scored 10,963 runs at an average of 51.71 including 28 hundreds and 61 half-centuries.

Only fellow left-hander Brian Lara has scored more runs (11,953) for West Indies.

Chanderpaul also had the honour of leading West Indies in 14 Tests between 2005 and 2006.

The WICB arranged for Chanderpaul to be presented with a commemorative plaque by legendary former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd prior to the Test.

The West Indies team also hosted a celebratory dinner to hail Chanderpaul’s accomplishment and he was presented with a specially embroidered cap on the first morning of the Test.

New York-based Guyanese gives back to cycling

In a kind gesture on Sunday, overseasbased Guyanese cyclist Scott Savory presented a quantity of cycling outfits to local riders who competed in the seventh annual “Ride for Life” fivestage cycling meet. Savory, who is based in New York as licensed real estate salesperson, handed out over

200 pieces of branded clothing to the riders at the conclusion of the five stage presentation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre.

Savory said he was pleased to give back to the Guyanese riders, and thanked local company Queensway for handling the duty and shipping associated

with getting the outfits in Guyana.

National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed was delighted at the initiative by Savory. He said the young man started his cycling career at annual Teach Them Young cycling programme, the oldest nursery in the Caribbean.

Over 100 graduate from Woon-A-Tai’s grading in Guyana

Canada-based ninth Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai recently held a grading examination in Guyana, where 113 karatekas graduated at the YMCA building, Thomas Lands.

Woon-A-Tai, the founder of the International Karate Daigaku, was assisted by sixth Dan Sensei Amir Khouri when the grading was held on Sunday. At the conclusion of the grading, 36 students were promoted to

White/Yellow belt (9kyu), while 21 students graduated to Yellow belt (8kyu).

Four students were promoted to Orange belt (7kyu), 12 to Green belt (6kyu), 11 to Blue belt (5kyu), four to Purple belt (4kyu), six to Brown belt (3kyu), six to Brown belt (2kyu) and five to Brown belt (1kyu).

Five students also graduated to First Dan Black belt (Shodan) and another three were promoted to Second Dan Black belt (Nidan) Promoted to

Shodan were Nechemiyah Levans, Jonathon Singh, Omar Browne, Kimberley Pyneandy and Orville Critchlow, while those elevated to Nidan were Alexander Cheeks, Theresa Sampat and Prince Alguedown.

Outstanding among the kyu grades were Stephen Lewis, Jayden Speirs and Saif Ghanie of YMCA, Chelcia Benjamin of Land of Canaan, Alexzanda Karpen of Albion, and Kanda O’James and Afelie Henry of

North Georgetown who all skipped White belt (10kyu) to Yellow belt (8kyu).

The instructors were Clinton Moriah of New Amsterdam, Hazrat Ali of Albion, Parmeshwar Persaud of Land of Canaan and Camille’s Institute, Laurence Lowe of North Georgetown and West Field schools, John Fernandes of Annai and Amir Khouri, Nathalie Gibson and Roger Peroune of YMCA.

Young Guyanese Tyler Orderson breaks world record

History was created last Friday when nine-yearold Tyler Orderson of the Guyana Karate College and Marian Academy broke another world record by becoming the youngest Shotokan Karateka globally to achieve the Nidan ranking or what is better known as the second degree Black Belt rank.

Young Tyler, though suffering from a severe attack of the flu, showed determination and strength of character to achieve the historic landmark at the Guyana Karate College grading examinations.

Mickelly Rahaman, Rabecca Ramlal,

Rachael Ramlal, Rajiv Lee, Khalid Adams, Zane Low and Arvin Seelall all undertook a gruelling examination to earn their shodan (black belt) rankings. Moving from 10th kyu to 9th kyu were Daniel Denny, Damale Denny, Clide Sampson, Akil Sampson and Ezkiel Poulis. Moving from 10th kyu to 8th were Bibi Mohamed, Kyle Chung, Kellisha Jupiter, Dana Persaud, Lana Persaud, Mario Dos Santos, Chrisann Newton, Rayden Persaud, Danielle Khan, Lemuel Scott, Jonathan Robinson and Eaton Low.

Graduating from

9th kyu to 7th kyu were Aditya Seetaram, Jonathan Niranyan and Kenrick Narine, while Alexander Persaud moved from 8th kyu to 7B kyu.

Aron Hendricks, Demetri Lowe, and Kiefer Barker, Destinny Cao, Bruce Yong, Rudy Austin, Seon Poulis and Thamika Wong moved from 8th kyu to 7th kyu, while Jun Mikami, William Escarraga, Alyssa Singh, Nizi Realine, Krystal Realine, Jonathan Ramlal, Vickram Thani all moved from 7th kyu to 6th kyu.

Among the others who moved up in rankings were Faraud Mohamed, Jeremiah

Poulis, Ethan Jones, Motilall Mattadin, Anish Sharma, Joshua Zaman, Daniel Lowe, Dominick Johnson, Aiden Singh, Ronaldo Persaud, Michael Alphonso, Scott Habibullah, Jayden

Harry, Deron Austin, Daniel Hing, Basilia Bettencourt, Samuel Munroe, Ian Boller, Stefon Smith, Brittney Bettencourt, Daequan Burnett, Rayad Boyceo, Aron Connelly, Nigel

Roberts, Jayz Halley, Princess Charles, Reba Ramlall, Carmalita Byrne, Navinda Soodoo, Otho Harris, Rhea Connelly, Jonathan Connelly and Ryan Sarjoo.

TT Invitational wins in San Francisco

The Trinidad and Tobago Invitational under-16 cricket team won its first tour match on Saturday in the U.S. City of San Francisco.

Batting first against the California Cricket Academy U-18s, TT scored 229 for the loss of just two wickets in their allotted 40 overs.

C. Jangoo the young Merryboys and TT under-17 player scored an unblemished 72 not out, while QPCC's Jordan Warner opening the bat-

ting, scored an attractive 66. Warner's opening partner, national under 15 player Keagan Simmons was first out for 37. Team captain and national under 15 captain Kirstan Kallicharan was unbeaten on 23. The CCA started with a flourish to reach 98 for two, but faltered to the three pronged spin attack of TT. Kallicharan took 4/16, while national players Bryan Boodram and and Emilio Gopaul took

three each to finish the host's innings at 190 all out.

Team coaches Kenneth Benjamin and Ken Franco expressed satisfaction with the batting of the team and the approach by the spinners, but felt the very cold conditions may have accounted for some fielding lapses.

The TT boys arrived in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday for a tri-nations series against hosts Australia and India. (TT Guardian)

West Indian bowlers help Canada beat Uganda

Two West Indian bowlers were instrumental in Canada putting three defeats behind them when they registered a 44-run victory over Uganda in their Group A match in the ICC World Cup Twenty20 qualifiers in Abu Dhabi Tuesday.

Guyana-born fast medium bowler Jeremy Gordon claimed 2-9 and Trinidad-born offbreak bowler Abzal Dean 2-16—both from three overs—as Canada dismissed Uganda for 93 in 17.2 overs after posting 137-7 in their 20 overs at the Sheikh Zahed Stadium Nursery 1 ground. Canada owed their total to an unbeaten 58 from Jimmy Hansra and 40 from Ashish Bagai, with no other batsman reaching double figures.

In another Group ‘A’ match in Abu Dhabi, Namibia beat Italy by three wickets off the final ball. Namibia lost two wickets in the final over—including Craig Williams, who made 57 off 51 balls—before scrambling to 122-7 in reply to Italy's 121-6. United Arab Emirates

off-break

ended Hong Kong's three-match Group A winning streak, 42-yearold Pakistan-born skipper Kurram Khan spearheading the seven-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi with an unbeaten 67 from 42 balls as the hosts won with eight balls to spare chasing a victory target of 139. In Group B, veteran Steve Tikolo led Kenya to a crushing 92-run victory over Scotland in Dubai— not with the bat but with the ball. Tikolo, 42, the seventh bowler used, claimed 4-2 from eight balls with his off-breaks as Scotland were skittled out for 91 in 13.2 overs after Kenya rattled up 183-7, number eight

Ragheb Aga topscoring with an unbeaten 52 from 25 balls.

In an all-European clash in Dubai, the Netherlands beat Denmark, who are yet to pick up a point, by seven wickets with 56 balls to spare, opener Stephan Myburgh's unbeaten 54 steering the Dutch to 110-3 after mediumfast bowler Ahsan Malik snapped up 4-10 to restrict the Danes to 1098. In the third Group B match, Nepal beat Papua New Guinea in Sharjah by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare, despite former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones' half-century. Papua New Guinea-born Jones, 37, who made his Test debut against West Indies in Antigua in 2004, hit four sixes in his 55 as PNG made 140-6 but could not prevent Nepal coasting to victory, Binod Bhandari steering his side home with an unbeaten 51 from 23 balls including six sixes. The top three countries in each group will advance to the World Cup proper, to be staged in Bangladesh next year. (TT Guardian)

Confident Bravo thinks Windies can turn things around

KOCHI, India – West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo said his side has put the Test series defeat behind and have regained confidence ahead of the first One day International against India today (Thursday) at the Nehru Stadium.

Bravo said he had watched India’s previous ODI series against Australia, where total of 300-plus were scored regularly, but believes that West Indies have bowlers more suited to the conditions and that offspinner Sunil Narine, the No. 1 ranked bowler in ODIs, could be the trumpcard.

“Their previous series was a run-fest. . . but these are different conditions, different venues, and we have a different bowling attack,” he said.

“Our bowlers are similar to the Indian bowlers. We have Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder. . . I think we expect this will be a high-scoring series and the team that bowls better will win the series, so it’s up to us as bowlers to try and get things right.”

He added: “We have some good fast bowlers in our line-up, but in India, the grounds are small, the outfields are fast, the pitches are batsman-friendly, so the team that bowls better will win.

“This will require more skills, not too much pace, as we saw with the Australians – most of their bowlers delivered at 140 kph and they were not successful. My advice to my team will be to be skillful and smart.”

On the differences between the different formats of the game, Bravo said: “I think One- day and Twenty20 cricket give you more freedom. Darren Sammy did not do well in the Tests, but he could be

Jeffrey wins

our match-winner in the ODIs, playing the role that Kieron Pollard has played for us. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels could also find their feet here.

“It’s been a while since we played a Test series, so coming to India was never going to be easy, even Australia came here and lost 4-0 in a Test series –this will be an opportunity for the players to express themselves, but they still have to be smart, there are 300 balls in every innings, and as long as they play smart, we will have a good series.”

Inconsistent

On West Indies long-term prospects in the ODI format, Bravo said: “Our cricket has been up and down – we have not been consistent. The senior players have not played at times for one reason or another. . . But now is the perfect opportunity for us to try and turn things around.

“It is going to be steady progress as long as the team does not change regularly because with changed teams the roles of players become more challenging. It will be important for us to try and build one team, keep one group of players and give them a good opportunity to play together for as long as possible. . . We have the talent and we have the ability, it is just for us to get some wins under our belt, so that we can feel comfortable as a team.”

Bravo is a confident all rounder familiar with conditions on the sub-continent. He has taken 173 ODI wickets – placing him among the leading wicket-takers in this format for West Indies. His career-best figures of 6-43 also rank among the top 10 in West Indies history.

“Ride for Life 7”

– Hinds takes final leg from Linden to Georgetown

The 30-year-old said his side knew the challenge that India, the World No. 1 and reigning World ODI champions, posed, but he expected the Windies to play competitively in the three-match series.

He said: “Obviously, the first few days after the defeat in the Test series, the guys were a bit down and feeling a bit low. As captain, it is was very important for me to stress to them that this is a different format and this will give us a bit more freedom to express ourselves and show our skills.

“We had two good training sessions in Mumbai and we feel better about ourselves. We [had] another training session [on Wednesday] and Kochi is a new venue for most of us. The Test series loss is behind us now. We see ourselves more comfortable with this format and more confident too.” (www. windiescricket.com)