Guyana Times International

“Political fraud” …

PPP slams Govt for offering massive salary increases to VPs, Ministers

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition came in for much criticism on Wednesday from the Opposition with respect to the massive pay hike they awarded themselves.

Earlier this year, when Guyana Times International had reported that the new coalition was planning to give Cabinet Members a hefty salary increase, the new Government categorically denied this.

However, in the official Gazette dated September 25, 2015, it was revealed that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and all Government Ministers have been awarded a salary increase, which is much larger than what the Administration had

given to public servants in its 2015 Budget.

On Wednesday, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Clement Rohee called for the Government to rescind its decision to dole out such large increases in salaries for its Vice Presidents, Ministers and MPs.

During a media briefing at Freedom House, Rohee stated that this course of action taken by the APNU/AFC was “ugly”, politically motivated, and is evidence of the Government’s selfinterest.

“Only two months ago…spokespersons in the Government were loud in their denials…. that whopping salary increases were in the offing…allowing them to line their pockets with tax dollars,” said Rohee.

The PPP General

Secretary emphasised that sometime in June, when the coalition came into power, its officials were trumpeting statements declaring that the Treasury was without funds and was, therefore, empty. This, he deems, was an act by the APNU/AFC to “dupe” the nation.

“The question now being asked is how with a bankrupt economy and an empty treasury can such whopping increases be afforded?” he questioned.

According to Rohee, the “big lie” has now been exposed for what it is and as such, this Administration will have to ‘take the blows’ from infuriated and offended Guyanese who will outwardly reject this “meat for the boys and bones for the workers’ salary increase(s)”.

Rohee further not-

ed that “Chief apologist for the APNU/ AFC Coalition Administration, Joseph Harmon had declared in June 2015 that APNU/ AFC had essentially found the cupboard bare meaning that the public treasury had no money and that the “coun-

try was bankrupt…The APNU/AFC Coalition had promised to bring Guyanese ‘a lean and mean government’. Also, a “good life” was promised to all Guyanese and all of this has now ‘gone fuh channa’.”

In relation to Minister Harmon’s most

recent statement on the matter, that is by increasing these salaries, corruption will be prevented since Ministers will be motivated to work ‘harder’, Rohee said there is no evidence to support the Minister’s claim. As such, the PPP General Secretary questioned the basis on which such a conclusion was formed by the State Minister.

“Where are the studies and data supported evidence showing that higher salaries will make a better politician or motivate elected Government officials to work harder?”

Guyana Times International was further told by the PPP spokesman that the Party was not convinced that the “overgenerous” pay hikes are well-deserved.

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EDITORIAL

Recalcitrant colonial mentality

The irony could not have been more pronounced when, announcing that his country would assist in constructing a prison for Jamaicans who had committed crimes in Britain and were to be deported to the island, British Prime Minister David Cameron bluntly informed a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament that his government rejected reparations for slavery. Caricom, as a group, has made a commitment to securing reparations for the crimes against humanity that constituted the pernicious institution of slavery.

The Jamaicans being deported, were convicted of crimes in a society, similar to the United States, where the police are not representative of the population – especially when it came to “coloured” minorities such as people from the Caribbean.

As in the US also, the prison population in Britain is disproportionately stocked by these minorities, which is not a matter of coincidence. These individuals would be returned across the Atlantic into a regimented, overt prison system in which they will have very little autonomy as human beings.

And the irony is that when millions of Africans were shipped across the Atlantic between the 17th and early 19th century, they were placed into an institution where they were not even recognised as human beings. They were defined as “chattel” – being property that the owner – among whom were some ancestors of Cameron, could do whatever they wanted to – including talking their lives. The genocide that the British inflicted on these slaves was even more cruel than that of any other group.

Those that died during the crossing of the Atlantic were the lucky ones: the others died on the plantations after labour and punishment so severe that new slaves had to be shipped in continuously to pick up their fallen cutlasses. At the end of slavery, there was one-hundredth of the number of slaves that there should have been if they had been treated even as badly as the British poorer classes of the time. Yet it was the slave owners who received “compensation” for their human “investment” that they had “lost”.

Cameron said that the descendants of the slaves and Britain were now “friends”, who should now look to the “future”. But that is the whole point of the demand for reparations. What kind of future can there be for the descendants of slaves when their culture was stripped from them, an education was imparted that still insists that they are still not on par with other races, and their countries were, in the words of Walter Rodney, so severely “underdeveloped” that not all the aid with strings can make them whole.

As is usual with the British, Cameron tried to drag a red herring across their sordid history on slavery, about them “abolishing” slavery as if it was a “humanitarian” gesture for which the Caribbean should sing hosannas. Our own Eric Williams, who copped a first at Oxford and went on to a PhD unlike Cameron, showed in his “Capitalism and Slavery” that Britain’s motives for ending slavery were to have its cake and eat it too. They could now trumpet the kingdom of “free trade” that would allow them to ship the manufactured goods to other countries and even import cheaper sugar from countries that still had slave labour. The mercantilist triangular trade system undergirding slavery had been outgrown.

By asking for the Caribbean to “look to the future”, Cameron evoked the old riposte to those who insist that “we are all equal nowadays”: it is akin to breaking the legs of a person and then telling them they have an equal chance of winning the race. We all know that such a problem is a cruel hoax at best because it shifts the burden to the personal level and ignores the structural conditions that have the present generations of peoples of African Origin in the Caribbean still shackled, to a large extent.

Caribbean Pan-Africanists reject Britain’s ‘aid for reparations’ ploy

The Caribbean PanAfrican Network (CPAN) has refused the offer made by British Prime Minister David Cameron to provide Caribbean territories with a £300 million development package, putting on record that the developing countries were in no need of such assistance.

The organisation with a widespread membership in some 17 Caribbean countries said that it was not interested in the Prime Minister’s endowment but would, in no uncertain terms, prefer exactly what the Caribbean countries were demanding – reparations.

Britain is one of the European countries that were involved in the transatlantic slave trade that is said to continue to have a traumatic effect on the inhabitants of Caribbean countries. Some believe that the severe debt being carried by Caribbean nations is one of the consequences of chattel slavery.

In the demand for reparations, it is pointed out that about 46,000 British slaveowners, including a distant relative of Cameron, were among those compensated at the current-day equivalent of £17 billion (US$36 billion) for “loss of human property” after the country emancipated its slaves in 1833.

In a statement to the press on Sunday, the CPAN said that as far as it was aware Caribbean countries have not asked Cameron or the United Kingdom for any aid in that regard.

“All we want from Mr Cameron is what we are entitled to as a matter of international law and morality, and that is reparations in the form of capital payments and developmental projects – to compensate for the tremendous damage inflicted on the sons and daughters of Africa) across multi-

ple generations) as a result of the centuries-long crime of European-orchestrated slavery, slave trade and associated acts of genocide and crimes against humanity,” the statement said.

The British Prime Minister on a recent visit to Jamaica had met with that country’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who directed his attention to the issue, which has taken the Caribbean by storm.

Caribbean leaders in 2014 had approved a 10-point plan to seek reparations from the former slave-owning states of Europe.

But Cameron, shying away from the issue at hand, had urged that Caribbean countries move on and in essence forget about reparation, which they believe amounts to trillions of dollars.

CPAN said that Cameron needed to be aware that he did not possess the “locus standi” or the moral authority “to tell us that we must ‘move on’ from the deep wounds of slavery. Indeed, how does one “move on” from a deep wound that has not been repaired or healed?” the organisation questioned.

CPAN said the people of the Caribbean were gradually coming to an understanding that the first and most

basic principle of the reparations movement was that the very demand for reparations constituted, in itself, an indispensable validation by the Caribbean nations of their own precious humanity.

It said that despite the British Prime Minister’s hints to forget, the demand by the Caribbean would not go away.

“It will not go away it cannot go away – because it’s a demand that is founded in law and morality,” CPAN said on Sunday.

“Outrageous”

Locally, Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Commission (GRC), Dr Eric Phillips has described as “outrageous” the pronouncement made by the British Prime Minister that Caribbean countries needed to move on without reparations.

Dr Phillips said that Cameron’s initiative was not reparations. In fact, according to him, that investment in Caribbean countries will benefit English companies, which will be selected to carry out the work.

He said while Guyana and other Caribbean Nations welcomed the intervention in the region, what Caribbean countries were really looking for was payment for the crimes committed against their ancestors. He said there needed to be a separation between what the British leader was doing and what justice was about.

More than that, Dr Phillips said Caribbean countries would have to figure out how the money would be accessed, since it is a generic fund and some Caribbean nations were in more dire economic straits than others.

He emphasised some 46,000 Britons benefited from what he said was criminal enrichment, invading countries and enslaving their inhabitants.

Miner kills reputed wife, turns gun on himself

– after allegedly finding man under

Atriangular love affair turned deadly in the wee hours of Wednesday after a miner turned up at his reputed wife’s home at Pike Street, Kitty and discovered a male under her bed.

Dead are Mark Moses and his reputed wife Amanda Mohan.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times International, 25-yearold Moses of One Mile, Wismar, Linden, went to visit Mohan at her Lot 248 Pike Street home about 21:30h on Tuesday and found a male under her bed. Reports stated that he left the home, but returned about 04:30h with a gun and shot Mohan twice to the chest before turning the gun on himself.

The two were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where 20-yearold Mohan was pronounced dead on arrival. Moses succumbed to his injuries some seven hours later.

According to information received, the young miner works in the inte-

rior and made a surprise visit to his reputed wife’s house, where he found an employee attached to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company hiding under the bed.

However, relatives of the dead woman are holding out that the person under the bed was actually a family friend and Moses might have misunderstood what he saw. The gentleman was reportedly in the woman’s bedroom playing games on her laptop when Moses entered the house, this newspaper was told.

Ryan Mohan, brother of the now deceased woman, said that Moses turned up at the house unannounced and as he went into his reputed wife’s bedroom, he realised something was amiss since she was breathing heavily.

Guyana Times International was told that Moses enquired why Mohan was breathing heavily but she did not respond, prompting him to search the room. This newspaper was told that Moses allowed the

man to leave the house after which he reportedly pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot Mohan.

Mohan’s brother told this newspaper that his sister attempted to explain the situation to Moses, telling him that the young man was a family friend and her sis-

bed

ter hid him under the bed so not to cause a misunderstanding.

The brother went on to say that Moses left the house although the mother of his child begged him to stay. He, however, returned at 04:30h and shot Mohan then himself.

Mohan’s brother said he heard the shots and

ran to his sister’s bedroom where he saw her lying in a pool of blood, while Moses was lying on the bed. Moses, he noted, was panting for breath, but his sister, from all indications, was already dead.

He, along with a friend, picked up the couple and rushed them to

the Georgetown Public Hospital where his sister was pronounced dead and the young man was taken into theatre for surgery but subsequently died at 11:00h.

At the home of the dead woman, relatives congregated to comfort the grieving family.

An uncle of the dead woman, who gave his name only as Farouk, said that he was in his apartment when he heard three gunshots and immediately rushed to the upper flat of the house where he saw his niece and Moses lying in a pool of blood. As he looked closer, he said, he saw a gun on the bed.

He added that the family was in shock at the manner in which Moses handled the situation.

Meanwhile, attempts to contact the relatives of the dead man proved futile. The Police have launched an investigation into the matter. An unlicensed .9mm pistol and three spent shells were recovered at the scene.

Questions for Harmon and Ramjattan

Dear Editor, I crave your indulgence in granting me space in your letters column to direct three questions to the following honourable gentlemen of the 11th Parliament, the Hon Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon and the Hon Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan.

It is highly commendable for the state of Guyana to grant amnesty for illegal firearms to be turned in, however my first question is: Will the amnesty also apply to the 150 AK 47s, that was stated on record to have been supplied to one Corbin of the PNC

now APNU along with others that are still outstanding from the GDF inventory that was disclosed by the GDF’s competent authority at the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, since a replica of the AK 47 is not shown among the other replicas shown in the media under the amnesty?

My second question: Can you Hon gentlemen honestly in the interest of transparency and accountability by Government, inform this Nation by way of photos, names, crimes and sentences handed down to the 60 convicts pardoned by the state in view of the current criminal activities

being perpetrated on hard working Guyanese on a daily basis, by placing in the media the information of their convections similar to how the media published the photos, names and personal information of the female Bartica workers, to their humiliation and embarrassment, by Minister Simona Broomes for alleged trafficking?

My third question: Were there any female prisoners eligible to be pardoned? If not, this then is gender discrimination of the worst kind. Over to you, Red Thread!

Concerned citizen

Faces of Guyanese not represented

Dear Editor,

I refer to a story carried recently in the media, on President Granger and Raul Castro holding talks on September 27, preceding the meeting with counterpart, Nicolás Maduro at the United Nations.

It is an established fact that modern day media increasingly relies on imagery to attract readers, some even indulging in inappropriate and sensitive graphic scenes. Perhaps the reason for this is that images can divulge every aspect of a situation, even those that cannot be defined by words for want of their being politically correct.

The image used by the majority of media houses which carried this story was one of Presidents Granger and Castro accompanied by their teams or diplomats (no precision was provided by the media) seated opposite each other.

What struck me is that those of the Guyanese team figuring in this image, are all Afro Guyanese, including President Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Greenidge. There are no Indians, Amerindians or Portuguese on this team, none of any other descent. Yet, this team represents and speaks on behalf of a Guyana; land of “six peoples”, purporting to defend the rights of a “nation” which this Government wants to “unite”. How must I “unite” when I am not represented in my own country nor on the international scene?

Neither ethnicity of my mixed lineage was represented on that team, nor in this Government. Additionally, I am one of those women who feel underrepresented due to the scarcity of powerful, senior and dominant female characters in Government. They all seem to be what we commonly refer to as

“tokens”.

How is one supposed to feel “empowered” and free with such a Government, and how can this Government pretend to represent a “united” Guyana when its actions speak of the contrary? Is the world not seeing this? How can this Government expect to appear credible in the eyes of its unrepresented peoples, and how can this Government expect its authority to be recognised by the populace? Why should it be when it doesn’t represent its people and their interest? It has plunged us into a dark period of frustration and resentment, which has reopened old wounds and revived past feelings of fear of the regime.

Hopefully, this situation isn’t permanent and we will awaken from it like a bad dream.

Sincerely, Alexi

Williams

Complaint of racial discrimination in teaching music in schools

Dear Editor, I applaud the new Government’s announced plan “to integrate arts and culture in the general schools’ curriculum”. That is admirable – the nation would benefit from learning each other’s culture in our racially divided society. But Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, in a media report, disclosed that “the Education Ministry is looking to have steel pan taught in schools”. That would be discriminatory as pan is not the favoured music or culture of a majority of the population. It exposes the Minister’s biased view, mindset and mode of thought as it pertains to education and culture. What about the music of other ethnic groups?

This is a deja-vu of what took place when Minister

Henry’s party previously governed Guyana between 1965 and 1992, discriminating against the culture of other ethnic groups. There should be no bias, discrimination or dominance of any one musical instrument of music or art form over others. The musical instruments used by Indians, Chinese, Amerindians, Portuguese and others must also be given prominence in the school curricula. The Minister explained in comments that “work in this direction has already started”. Really?! So the Minister took it upon herself to announce a discriminatory policy and has initiated a process of institutionalised bias against other ethnic groups not of her own? This will not go down well, especially now that the Government

“We running things now!”

Dear Editor, Since taking office, the Granger Administration has repeatedly been shooting itself in the foot. Despite public pronouncements by the Administration of their commitment to a ‘better life’ for all Guyanese, the APNU/AFC Government is severely handicapped by their inability to effectively govern. With the exception of Carl Greenidge and Moses Nagamootoo, no other Minister has any experience in running a ministry, and only a few others have demonstrated the leadership skills to succeed. Mistakes and blunders have been the hallmark of the Granger Administration that for the most part, continues to rule by trial and error. As Local Government Election nears, I guarantee the APNU/AFC will pay a heavy price for their folly.

Over two months ago, my brother requested my assistance in an effort to resolve a problem he had previously discussed with Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. This request surprised me, for our views are often on the opposite side of the political spectrum, and the party he supports and campaigned for, is now in government. My brother Frank, had faithfully served the PNC way back in the days of Forbes Burnham, and continues to serve and make significant financial contributions to the APNU/AFC collation, although David Granger once admitted to me that he has no idea who Frank Gill is. I bet he still don’t. But this had nothing to do with politics, Frank merely wanted to put an end to the lawlessness that seems to have taken over since the APNU/ AFC took office.

is talking the language of political and ethnic unity. How can there be unity if the Government is persistently discriminating against other ethnic groups?

It raises suspicion about the Government’s agenda and brings back memories of that dark period of the dictatorship when the culture of the ruling ethnic group towered over all others. This is unacceptable. No one’s culture or music or musical instrument must be disrespected or de-emphasised in any State sponsored cultural activity or official policy as is the case of only teaching pan in school. Every culture and music must be treated with equal footing.

Yours faithfully,

Vishnu Bisram

then Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker, who declared this encroachment a violation. Then suddenly, about a week after the Granger Administration took office, a vendor with a much bigger glass case, took up permanent residence directly in front of the Future Gill stall, blocking more than half of the store front. The space between Future Gill store front and the new encroachment is a mere 30 inches, making it difficult for customers to view the items in the show case and access the store without being verbally abused and threatened by the obstructing vendor.

This was brought to my brother’s attention who, upon seeking an explanation from the vendor, was arrogantly told, “We running things now!”

This statement shook up my brother, for it brought home the grim reality and exposed the thinking of some sick PNC/APNU supporters that someone like my brother, a life-long, die-hard member who has done much for the PNC and APNU, can be thought of and victimised as the opposition simply because of his ethnic background.

ing of (illegal) gold. But there is an additional reason why this vendor must be removed: The vendor’s stall also partly blocks one of the main entrances to the market, thus compromising an emergency exit in event of a fire or explosion emanating from within.

So at my brother’s request, I again brought this to the attention of Minister Bulkan during the Budget Debate, and requested that he investigate the matter. I made it very clear to him that, as a Member of Parliament and uncle to my brother’s grandchildren who now owns the Future Gill store, I was not asking any special favours but merely seeking justice to correct a wrong. He promised to send someone else to review the matter. One week later, I reminded him and he again promised to look into the problem.

His eldest son, my nephew, died suddenly four years ago, and the clothing stall he owned in the Stabroek Market for over 22 years called Future Gill (Stall number 31, Section 3) had been transferred to his two young daughters (ages now 20 and 13) to provide them with a means of livelihood. The cost to have this business transferred from my deceased nephew to his children was Gy$294,147. The children’s mother and the elder child are the ones managing the business. They pay a monthly rental of Gy$29,000 to the market, and employs a staff of 5.

A few years ago, a make-shift stall was placed directly in front of the Future Gill stall, but was later removed by instructions of the

An irate Frank Gill went to see Minister Ronald Bulkan, who told him the encroachment was not right, and promised to look into the problem. The Minister sent the same advisor who previously advised former Minister Whittaker to have the first encroachment removed. But this time, the vendor was allowed to remain there, throwing racial slurs at my nephew’s children whose mother is IndoGuyanese. This is certainly not the “fresh approach” touted by the Administration; it is dangerously reminiscent of the behaviour of racist thugs that once terrorised Indo-Guyanese during the 28 years of PNC rule.

I call on President Granger to denounce this bullyism by some of his supporters now, least he condone it by his silence. The Future Gill market store is a long established, legitimate business that provides employment and pays Gy$29,000 a month rent to the Stabroek Market for the right to sell clothing and other items. It is grossly unfair to allow a vendor to illegally put up a contraption selling the same merchandise, impeding access to Future Gill, so close that it appears to be an extension of the store front.

In addition, the location is often used as a barber shop and the trad-

I am aware that the Minister was obviously stressed out and tired from the drilling he took from my colleagues in Parliament during the amendments to the Local Government Election Bills, but in the weeks that followed, several phone calls to his office and messages left with his secretary to return my call proved futile. He was always never in office, and never had the courtesy to return a call to a fellow Member of Parliament. I could not help but wonder just how difficult it must be for an ordinary citizen to gain access to the Minister of Communities.

Unable to get through to Minister Bulkan, I then discussed my concerns with one of his advisors, Mr Mark Da Costa who also promised to visit the market location as he was familiar with the area. Again, I stressed that I was merely seeking justice, not asking favours. He passes twice daily on his way to and from work, as he promised to do. However, he did say that he had reviewed the report made earlier by Bulkan’s advisor and that the report was now with Mr Royston King at City Hall, who will determine the course of action, if any. Editor, I left several messages with Mr King’s secretary over several days, and I’m still waiting a return phone call from the Town Clerk. It wasn’t long ago that President Granger reminded public officials that they are the servants of the people. I guess neither Bulkan nor King heard the President’s comment. How difficult it is to return a phone call?

HARRY GILL, MP

Outrage mounts over massive salary increases for VPs, Ministers

…Harmon says increases justified inspite of Govt being only four months in office

By Michael younge

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Wednesday defended the Cabinet’s decision to increase its own pay by millions of dollars, declaring that it was “justified”.

Harmon made the comment after being plagued by a plethora of questions from sections of the local media following revelations by this newspaper that the fourmonth-old David Granger Government had increased the salaries of its Cabinet members by over Gy$266, 119, 248 even in the face of widespread condemnation and concern by the public and other stakeholders.

When Guyana Times International broke the story two months ago, the Government denied having deliberate intentions of implementing significant increases in the salaries of Executive Members and instead said that they were only being “considered”.

On September 25, following the Minister’s budgetary presentation in the National Assembly, the Government then gazetted the increases secretly without being forthcoming with the media and public that it had indeed worked out the scale, quantum and criterion for the increases which many believed were not going to be pursued within the new Government’s first months in office.

But State Minister Harmon on Tuesday said that the Government had to pay itself well if it wanted itself to perform well.

“It is justifiable, we cannot have a situation like the PPP where they were prepared to accept low salaries, because they were thieving money all over the place. We cannot have that,” the Minister stated.

“I am not going to say that I make any apologies whatsoever for Ministers getting increase in salaries, they deserve it,” he added.

Minister Harmon said that he would not work for the salary of Gy$560, 000 paid by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to Ministers of Government regardless of their rank.

“…That is money I paid to my attorneys who worked with me when I was in private practice… why should I be work-

ing for that…?” Minister Harmon protested.

Outrage

The Minister’s statement sent shockwaves throughout the country given the fact that the new Government and its Ministers have only been in office for four months.

On social media, several Guyanese voiced their concerns over the Government’s decision to increase its pay by millions of dollars and compared that with what was being offered to the public servants by a seemingly pro-working class Government.

Additionally, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand is quoted as describing the move as “callous” and “shocking”.

Facts

Under the order, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who vehemently protested the extravagant lifestyle of the former PPP/C Ministers and had condemned the super salaries paid to its Government officials, will now receive an increased salary of over Gy$20, 580, 000 annually.

The three other Vice Presidents (Khemraj Ramjattan, Carl Greenidge and Sydney Allicock) who will now pocket Gy$11, 135, 064 annually will altogether cost the public purse Gy$33, 405, 192 per annum. Surprisingly, no official figure was released for Attorney General Basil Williams’ salary, but Guyana Times International learnt that he could earn over Gy$18, 000, 000.

Additionally, no figures were released yet for increases in the President’s salary which this newspaper understands may have been

jacked up to a whopping Gy$2,000, 000 minus allowances and benefits.

The Senior Ministers in Government namely Catherine Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Ronald Bulkan, Noel Holder, Amna Ally, Winston Felix, Rupert Roopnaraine, Raphael Trotman, Dr George Norton, David Patterson, Dominic Gaskin, Volda Lawrence and Winston Jordan will cost the public purse over Gy$10, 439, 124 per annum. Altogether, they will rack up a bill of Gy$135, 708, 612 annually.

In addition, the Junior Ministers namely Jaipaul Sharma, Simona Broomes, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Annette Ferguson, Nicolette Henry, Karen Cummings and Keith Scott will pocket Gy$8, 346, 492 annually. Altogether the public purse will be charged Gy$58,425, 444 per annum for these recentlyappointed Ministers.

Benefits

Each Minister of Government is entitled to benefits and allowances which amount to over Gy$500, 000 per month.

Given this rate, all of the Ministers’ and their benefits could cost the treasury Gy$13,500, 000 monthly and Gy$162, 000, 000 at the end of one year.

In addition to their huge salaries and benefits, all 27 Ministers will each be receiving a duty allowance, an entertainment allowance, Gy$45,000 housing allowance; and chauffeur allowance of over Gy$100,000.

It must be reminded that ironically both APNU and the AFC, prior to taking office in May 2015, had vigorously spoken out against the “abuse” of taxpayers’ money to fill the pockets

of “greedy” Government officials.

Carl Greenidge, the then Shadow Finance Minister, had even written a letter to the Stabroek News just before the elections, in which he complained about the “lifestyle” of PPP/C Ministers.

“PPP Ministers have always paid themselves higher salaries than existed prior to their assumption of office… By 2014, the Minister of Finance was receiving Gy$579, 951, and today the PPP Ministers’ vacation allowance at Gy$420,000 is ten times the minimum wage.”

In August, former President Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that the coalition Government had ‘duped’ the Guyanese populace when it had highlighted its proposed salary increases for public servants in the 2015 National Budget.

He said it was “nothing spectacular”, and was less in comparison to what his Party, while in power, had been offering. (micyounge@guyanatimesgy.com)

Land Tiling and Demarcation Project recommences

–

113 communities targeted

About 113

Amerindian communities are targeted to be titled and demarcated under the Government’s Land Tiling and Demarcation Project, which recommenced in September. Forty-five communities will be titled and 68 demarcated.

Since the resumption of this programme, investigations have been conducted in Hotoquai and Red Hill, Region One (BarimaWaini) with regard to extension. Demarcation is currently ongoing at Karisparu, Taruka, Kato and Tuseneng, all areas in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams, has confirmed that these communities will receive their title document by year-end.

The Land Titling and Demarcation Project provides an opportunity for Amerindians to better manage, protect and improve their chances of expanding economic activities in their respective communities.

In 2013, Guyana re-

ceived US$10.7 million for the implementation of the Land Titling and Demarcation Project, under the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF). This new process will see the Ministry accomplishing the outstanding 80 per cent of deliverables in the remaining life of the project. It will also allow for the creation of jobs for indigenous youths, who have already been trained in Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and mapping, and have successfully surveyed and mapped their village lands.

US supports 1899 Arbitral Award – Juridical process can settle controversy

By Alexis Rodney

The United States of America has clarified its position on the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, noting that the situation still warrants a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means.

The border contro-

versy between the two neighbouring territories was on top of the agenda when new United States Ambassador Perry Holloway met with Journalists on Monday at the US Embassy, Georgetown.

Questioned on the US’s position on the controversy, which has been drawing international

interest, Holloway said his country’s stance remained that the two countries must maintain peace and remain consistent with the adherence to international law.

The land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was decided by arbitration in 1899. Venezuela, however, has been fighting, yet failing

to prove that that award was, as it claimed, null and void.

Holloway said all parties needed to respect the 1899 ruling until the appropriate body decides otherwise. He warned, however, that in the interim, it was important that both parties refrain from anything that would cause things to spiral out of control.

On Sunday, former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran had criticised the US position on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy as “wholly inadequate and inexplicable”. Ramkarran singled out the US for not explicitly confirming Guyana’s borders from 1899 to the present.

According to Ramkarran, the confirmation of such by the US, based on historical facts, would be “fair and just”.

On Monday, in offering clarity on the issue, the US Ambassador reaffirmed the need to respect the 1899 ruling, adding that “an active position of the United States is first, we encourage both sides to try to address the boundary dispute through diplomatic means and not do

anything that will raise the concerns of one side or the other,” he said. He reminded that the US was now only concerned about the “peaceful resolution, continued dialogue and respect for international law”.

With respect to tangible support for Guyana, the newly-appointed Ambassador said, “As far as do we intervene or support, each situation is different and the circumstances that would bring about the situation are different and so everything is being resolved on a case-by-case basis.”

The aggression by Venezuela became more potent in May of this year when US oil and gas exploration company ExxonMobil, declared that it had discovered oil in Guyana’s waters.

The company was carrying out exploratory work in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. Asked if the US would not be more interested in the issue because of the involvement of one of its companies in the fiasco, Holloway said the US has a policy that all companies must adhere to the law of the country in which they operate.

“We support our com-

panies, but we do expect our US companies to comply with international law and norms. So whether it is a US company or a Chinese company, I don’t think that would dramatically change our view on the issue going on,” Holloway told the media.

Just last week, at the 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President David Granger called for the controversy to be taken to the International Court of Justice, expressing confidence that the UN’s involvement would bring a favourable resolution to the issue, since the recurring ‘Good Officer’s process which existed for some 23 years, has yielded very little success in this regard.

He said that Guyana for 50 years has been prevented from fully exploiting its rich natural resources as Venezuela has been threatening and deterring investors and frustrating the country’s economic development.

The President also urged the UN to fully represent the interests of small States, whom he said were continuously intimidated by larger States.

“Nasty Man” slapped with murder charge

Dellon Henry called “Nasty Man” was on Wednesday slapped with a murder charge and remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The 23-year-old, of 53 Houston Housing Scheme, Greater

Georgetown, was charged for the murder of footballer Dexter Griffith who was gunned down on September 29 in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

He was also charged for unlawful possession of .38 revolver with six matching rounds of ammunition.

On the murder charge, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Simone Payne told the court that on September 29 at about 19:30h, Griffith was sitting in front of his house at Back Circle, East Ruimveldt, when the accused reportedly walked up to him with a gun and shot him.

According to the Prosecutor, the now deceased man attempted to escape but collapsed in a drain a short distance from the scene. She told the court that the accused reportedly escaped on a cycle while Griffith was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Payne also reported to the court that the accused was picked up by Police on October 4 for questioning in connection with the murder, but denied the allegations. He was subsequently placed in an identification parade where he was positively identified and later taken into custody. The investigations are still incomplete.

With respect to the second charge, it is alleged that on October 4 at Second Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, Henry had in his possession an unlicensed .38 revolver along with six matching rounds of ammunition and two.32 live rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

DEA office

for

Guyana by January

United States (US) Ambassador Perry Holloway on Monday announced that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Office in Guyana will have a permanent fixture with the appointment of a functioning head by January 15 of next year.

The DEA, which is supporting the work already being done by domestic law enforcement entities in the area of countering the trafficking of narcotics will have a new head by January of next year.

Holloway made the disclosure when he met with journalists on Monday.

“There has already been someone selected to

be the head of the office, I can’t share the name at this time, but I hope to see him on January 15 and his team around the same time,” said Holloway.

After months of anticipation late last year, the US DEA was able to finally set up an office in Guyana to work along with local agencies in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking.

The local office is receiving support from the DEA office in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the regional office responsible for the southern part of the Caribbean.

Holloway said that although he has been in Guyana for just a few days, he is aware the US has been work-

ing with the previous Administration on anticorruption efforts.

In a previous interview, Charge D Affairs Bryan Hunt had said that there was a regular stream of DEA agents coming to Guyana through the Embassy to provide technical support.

He had said too that since its establishment, there has been a significant increase in the number of narcotic interceptions.

There were a number of calls for the establishment of a local DEA office in Guyana to assist with drug trafficking since Guyana is considered a transshipment point.

EU supports Govt on judicial reform

…AG calls for part-time Judges to reduce backlog

Legal Affairs

Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams have indicated that the delegation from the European Union will be forging a partnership with the Government of Guyana to initiate a reform of the Laws of Guyana and the judicial system.

The AG met with the Head of Delegation of European Union to Guyana Ambassador Jernej Videticon on Monday. During the meeting it was posited that the partnership will see reform of the Laws of Guyana, address the backlog of cases in the court system and also address the issue of access to justice.

Speaking with the media, the Attorney General disclosed that a proposal was made to use the constitutional provision to appoint part-time judges to address the issue of the backlog of cases.

“If we have four judges working for a period of six months it would be beneficial in addressing the backlog,” the AG said. The Minister further said that with respect to criminal cases, voice recording is needed in the criminal assizes, since it is very important, as it would speed up trials.

In addition, the AG spoke of the new Civil Procedure Rules, which has been in the implementation stage for some time now but is yet to be fully operation-

al. The new rules will simplify the litigation process and are a major step towards reducing the number of cases which go to court, as well as curbing long delays in the hearing of civil litigation cases.

Another strategy the Attorney General said that is being used to address the backlog of cases is that of paper committals. “They started well, but a number of Magistrates have not been implementing paper committals, as they will speed up Preliminary Inquiries” he said. A much needed reform of the Laws of Guyana is set to take place, the Minister disclosed, and added that a permanent law reform commission will be established to update laws.

Teachers must be recognised as agents of nationbuilding – Olato Sam

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam has posited that it was vital that teachers were recognised as agents of nationbuilding, emphasising his views that teachers were “born to make a difference”.

His comments were made in light of the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, which was observed on October 5, under the theme, “Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies”.

Sam emphasised that teachers must be appreciated for the roles they play in moulding the nation. “We have an ideal opportunity to collectively address the standing of our teachers in Guyana. I have consistently posited that our teachers are to be recognised as the agents of nation-building that they are. They too, at all levels, must internalise the deep significance they hold in the national developmental agenda. Every teacher across this country should have an appreciation of the vision for our country and a clear sense of how their daily undertakings factor into the national developmental thrust,” the CEO stated.

He iterated that teachers must uphold and value the responsibilities that they hold. He stated that they should craft their own operational plans aligned with the goals of the institutions they serve, the education strategic plan and the national development plan. He reiterated that appreciation of their critical national significance was a natural prerequisite to them orchestrating the metamorphosis that was needed in society.

“In previous years I have suggested that this

requires a collective consciousness of sorts that will propel teachers to operate in a manner that will force others to appreciate their significant importance. I strongly feel that it is only when teachers are recognised as the foot soldiers in national transformation that their professional standing and social positioning are going to be properly addressed,” he emphasised.

He stated that the Education Ministry has recognised the key role it must play in creating the enabling environment that teachers need to effectively fulfil their mandate, adding that widespread consultation was now a mandatory element in the crafting of key education policies.

Critical Sam added that teachers’ positions were critical components that have been factored into the development of strategies and approaches. He stated that Departments of Education have, for some time, begun the transformation from ‘command centres’ to ‘development centres’ with the empowerment of teachers being a major strategic plan.

Ambassador Videticon noted his satisfaction with the reform process, adding that the reform of laws will be addressing various human rights issues, including the death penalty. He further stated that the Attorney General will be invited to a conference in November to address the issue of abolishing the death penalty.

The Minister in response underscored the Government’s position to the death penalty, since according to him this is an issue of conscience, same as that of corporal punishment and same-sex marriage. The Minister pointed out that the proposals put forward will be provided for in the 2016 Budget which is scheduled to be presented in January.

Massive celebrations planned for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary in USA

Guyana’s Consulate General in New York City, Brentnold Evans and the 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee in New York have announced elaborate plans to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary in New York City from June 4 to 12, 2016.

The Committee’s Communications Director Nevlon Duguid disclosed on Monday that the bipartisan, broad-based Committee comprises 112 members from the New York metropolitan area, Atlanta, North Carolina and Florida. He said the Committee is divided into 12 sub-committees for efficacy.

Officers of the Committee include Rickford Burke –Chairman; Lourdeth Ferguson Secretary; Geraldine JosephWatson – Assistant Secretary; Aquafie Munroe Treasurer; Ewart Marshall – Assistant Treasurer; Rennie Parris – Recording Secretary and Jacqueline Smartt – Assistant Recording Secretary. General Counsel and Counsel to the Committee are Attorneys Rovin Rozario and Edward Meertins-George, respectively.

Duguid said a State Dinner and Awards Ceremony and a grand finale “Mashramanistyled, Guyanese-American Unity Parade and Rally” will culminate the week-long cel-

ebration. He estimated an attendance of over 25,000 nationals at the Unity Parade. The Director also added that the commemoration will be officially launched in November 2015 with the kickoff of “an amazing and a robust eight-month public relations and social media campaign to keep the Diaspora informed

and to solicit unprecedented participation.” He promised a spectacular celebration of every aspect of Guyana’s rich history and culture of which every Guyanese will be ecstatic and proud.

The celebration will feature a collection of commemorative events, coordinated by the corresponding sub-committee

chairs, including an Interfaith Prayer Service on June 4, a symposium on the History & Development of Guyana on June 5; “Guyana Gives Back” – A Day of Volunteerism throughout New York City on June 6; “Invest Guyana” Business and Investment Conference on June 7, in Manhattan; a Guyana Flag

Raising Ceremony on June 9 in East Orange, New Jersey; a Unity Concert and Cultural Extravaganza on June 10 in Brooklyn, and many more.

Duguid also revealed that the committee will be selling commemorative memorabilia and souvenirs, but emphasised the Committee will be the sole merchandiser of such collectables.

He also highlighted the special importance of young people in the celebration. “Our youth are playing a significant role in planning the celebration. They have a role in propelling Guyana to new heights of development. This is why most of the officers as well as most chairs and co-chairs of the events are young people. “It is laudable that they have stepped forward to help lead this massive effort,” he stressed.

Noting the Diaspora will be kept fully apprised, involved and engaged in the commemorative activities and events, the committee’s communications director said the committee will continually reach out to every Guyanese organisation, religious congregation, societies and every Guyanese community in the US.

President Brigadier David Granger and other officials of the Government of Guyana have been invited to the New York festivities.

Guyanese models create stir at New York Fashion Week

Local modelling agency, Traits Model Management, more commonly known as “Traits”, took New York Fashion Week 2015 by storm when it presented four of Guyana’s young models at one of the world’s largest fashion events.

Those on display were Natasha Harper, Reesa Sooklall, Delesa Archer and Kimberly Sattaur. Natasha Harper, who is not new to the New York scene, walked for designer Korto Momolu, Project Runway Season Five and Project Runway All Stars Season Three runner up designer.

Natasha, who is still in New York is already booked to participate in New York’s Bridal International Fashion Week, set for the latter part of October. Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2014, Reesa Sooklall and fellow Traits model Kimberly Sattaur showcased for Australian designer Mauricio Alpizar at his event titled “A Taste of Fashion”.

As Dominican Knitwear and Crochet Designer/Artist Milagros Batista presented her “Batista Collection,” her lineup of models included Traits’ break out model Delesa Archer.

Archer became the first Traits model to be signed to an agency in New York – AIM Model Management, owned by former America’s Next Top Model Judge Nole Marin.

Not only did Archer model for Batista Collections, but she also graced the runway for “Czar” by designer Cesar Galindo, sharing the spotlight with Kimberly Sattaur, Malan Breton’s “Reflections of Sun Moon Lake” and NVII by Anne Bowen.

Archer was also featured in Vogue UK for Malan Breton’s Spring/ Summer 2016 collection, as well as celebrity blog hollywoodlife. com for Anne Bowen, and even copped an interview with Cosmo Girl at the Anne Bowen show. She was also a part of Italian-born London-based designer, Isa Arfen’s installation.

With all the successes, the Guyanese model continues to shine as Archer was booked for the Kanye West “Yeezy Season 2” show, a last minute addition to the NYFW 2015 calendar.

“It was definitely a proud moment for Traits, and I would say Guyana as a whole, to have one of our girls taking part in such an exclusive and high

Guyana’s Health Minister tours Toronto’s first fully digital hospital

profile fashion display,” Hugh George, Managing Director of Traits Model Management stated.

Apart from the runway, Traits also took the opportunity to again partner with Caribbean Airlines on their promotion #iflycaribbean during the West Indian Day Parade in New York.

Reesa Sooklall and Kimberly Sattaur were Caribbean Airlines hummingbirds for this collaboration.

Guyana’s Health Minister Dr George Norton on Saturday toured the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Canada which is North America’s first fully digital medical institution.

During the tour Dr Norton along with Dr Winsome Scott was able to witness firsthand the various innovative technologies and processes that

had to be integrated in order to achieve Humber’s goal of truly reinventing patient care.

These new capabilities include robots, or automated guided vehicles, which pick up and deliver supplies, linen and non-narcotic drugs throughout the hospital and a pneumatic network delivering tubes containing smaller packages throughout the hospi -

tal. Other measures and processes designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness were also viewed during the more than three-hour tour.

The invitation to tour the stateof-the-art facility was extended by the hospital’s Chief of Staff, Dr Narendra Singh, President of the Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK) Foundation.

GuySuCo sold co-gen plant to GPL for US$20M

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will soon move to re-purchase its co-generation plant which was sold in April this year to the tune of US$20 million to the recently formed energy company, the Skeldon Energy Incorporated (SEI).

According to information received, the cash-strapped sugar company will be pursuing the route of buying back this plant from the SEI as many officials attached to GuySuCo are of the opinion that the co-generation plant should not have been sold initially.

But in light of the financial crisis facing the industry and the Chairman of the new GuySuCo Board, Dr Clive Thomas saying that the entity was bankrupt with over $82 billion in debt, it is not clear where the Government or the company intended to source the US$20 million from.

It must be reminded that the SEI is jointly owned by the utilities company Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the government holding company, National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Guyana Times International understands that when the deal was made and the sale took place a number of questions were raised about this arrangement. This sale had been seen as a bid to ensure that cash was pumped into the struggling sugar corporation as maintenance costs of this plant would no longer have plagued GuySuCo.

However, in light of the recent findings, concerns and recommendations of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into GuySuCo, a decision had been made to retrieve the Skeldon Cogeneration Plant since it is said to have been an asset which has a high level of in-

Chairman

of the new GuySuCo Board, Dr Clive Thomas

come potential.

It was reported that the sugar company’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Rajendra Singh had agreed to sell the energy asset without obtaining consent from his Board of Directors.

Guyana Times International was told that Chairman of GuySuCo, Dr Clive Thomas recently stated that there was great need for this power plant in relation to aiding GuySuCo’s development, especially since it was revealed that GPL was receiving power under this arrangement at a very low “unacceptable” rate.

It was noted that this Cogeneration Plant presently benefits an average of 90,000 residents in the county of Berbice and the repossession of this plant will aid in the restructuring of GuySuCo.

This move can possibly ensure a restoration of ‘normalcy’ at the sugar corporation which continues to suffer massively on an annual basis.

Initially, GuySuCo was to be paid US$30 million for the transfer of the asset and SEI was tasked with supplying power to the sugar company at the same prices that GPL currently pays GuySuCo today. It was also announced that

GuySuCo would sell to SEI the bagasse for the co-generation plant.

Guyana Times International further understands that benefits of the restructuring of the Skeldon energy assets include the enhancement of the generating capacity of the Skeldon Wartsila and bagasse co-generation plants and providing GPL and GuySuCo with a stable and reliable source of power relieving GuySuCo of the responsibility to manage the power generation.

This move was also expected to expand the power generating capacity located at Skeldon, Berbice, as part of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System power grid by increasing energy supplied to the grid by 50 per cent by the end of 2016 and almost 100 per cent by 2019.

It should be reminded that the Skeldon Sugar Factory has, over the years, experienced several difficulties in optimising electricity supplies. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

No plans to set up law school in Guyana – AG says Coalition never made such undertaking

The establishment of a local law school in Guyana is not, at the moment, a priority of the new Administration, although Government would be willing to move ahead in this regard, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said on Wednesday.

Williams was addressing journalists at his chambers during his first press conference since becoming Minister.

He debunked claims by former AG Anil Nandlall who said that the new Government had backpedalled on the promises it made in its 2015 manifesto, which included the establishment of a law school in Guyana.

“The APNU-AFC manifesto for the just concluded 2015 General and Regional Elections lays out on page 16, the “Legal Measures” we asserted in our campaign we would implement during our fiveyear term,” Williams said.

These legal measures, the new AG said, are to determine a protocol to break the deadlock over the appointment of a consensually agreed Chancellor and Chief Justice; the operationalisation of the Family Court, managing the succession and training arrangements within the judiciary, to ensure that a sufficient pool of persons are available to be drawn on to appoint Judges and Magistrates.

Added to those, the AG informed, Government had committed to implementing measures to elim-

inate the back-log of cases, reduce the high incidence of persons on remand for extended periods, and ensure speedy trials, and implementing fast-track mechanism for submitting Appeals to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“It should be noted that there is nothing listed there about establishing a law school in Guyana, as erroneously contended by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall,” the AG said. Williams reminded that the new Administration has only been in office for just over four months now.

Calls for the establishment of a local law school have been touted for some time now, and became more intense recently, when the Hugh Wooding Law School announced that it had increased its tuition fee for the new school year, which started in September. Government was called upon for assistance in this regard, but the only thing it could have done was lobby for an extension to the payment period, as it could not financially assist the students.

But even as the AG admits that the new Government has only been in office for four months now, Ministers have already received a pay hike. In the official Gazette dated September 25, 2015, it was revealed that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and all Government Ministers have been awarded a salary increase.

Charged!

Four Policemen in hot water over Gy$6M bribery allegations

Four policemen were last Friday brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of accepting bribes.

Ray Drepaul Sol, 27, of Eversham, East Berbice, Corentyne; Trevon Mackenzie, 26, of Kingston, East Berbice, Corentyne and Shawn McFloyd, 42, of 174 Lane Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown all pleaded not guilty to the charge

which alleged that between September 10 and 11, being agents employed by the state of Guyana they corruptly obtained from Renson Parks, a sum of Gy$6 million as an inducement or reward to release a vehicle carrying co-

caine and cash that was seized during a road block.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail, stating that he fears the three defendants may make attempts at tampering with the prosecution witnesses.

Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court for October 12.

Additionally, Assistant Superintendent Terrence Brown, 48, of 238 Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice was placed on Gy$250,000 bail when he appeared in Court on the same occasion to answer to the charge which read that between September 10 and 11 at the Whim Police Station, being an agent employed by the state of Guyana, he corruptly obtained from Shawn McFloyd on behalf of Renson Parks, a sum of money as an inducement or reward to release a vehicle carrying cocaine and cash that was seized dur-

ing a road block.

According to reports, the Constables were placed under close arrest after senior officials within B Division (Berbice) received word of them allegedly accepting some Gy$6 million to release a vehicle.

Based on information received by Guyana Times International the incident occurred on September 10, but the senior officials in the Division only later got wind of it and called in the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to probe the matter.

Based on information, on the day in question, the ranks, including a female Officer, were conducting a road block exercise at Salton, Corentyne, when they intercepted a minibus reportedly carrying a quantity of cocaine and a large sum of cash. The ranks reportedly took the vehicle and its occupants to the Station; however, before entering the compound the officers allegedly negotiated a settlement with the occupants instead of arresting them and took some Gy$6 million cash in exchange for releasing the bus and its occupants.

This newspaper was told the vehicle was reportedly heading to Suriname with the narcotics and cash. Further reports indicated the men went back to the Station where they allegedly informed the

Assistant Superintendent about their crime, but instead of taking disciplinary action against the ranks, the senior officer took a portion of the bribe money.

This, the Police source added, reportedly angered one of the ranks as his share was “shortened”, so he began complaining about it. Word of the incident began spreading and eventually reached acting Commander of the Division, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, who took the necessary action against the officers involved.

This publication was told that Watts was informed of the allegation and immediately alerted his superiors at Police Headquarters. A team from the CID was dispatched the following day to investigate.

Along with the CID, the Office of Professional Responsibility was also probing the matter.

Govt should enforce laws to protect LGBTI community – SASOD

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is calling on the new Government

to enforce the laws for the protection of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community.

The organisation has revealed that it has approached the Government to implement and enforce laws to ensure that the LGBTI community receives equal rights and protection. This was announced at a press briefing held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown on Wednesday when there was a discussion on Guyana’s recent review under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) that was held in Geneva on September 28-29, 2015 during the 56th Session of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR).

The discussion centred on a stakeholder report that SASOD submitted to CESCR on the Protection of Rights of LGBTI Persons in Guyana. Guyana’s LGBTI community was represented by Advocacy

and Communications Officer Schemel Patrick on August 30.

Patrick, in reflecting on her discussion at the forum, stated that the Guyana review took place on the afternoon of September 28 and September 29 when it was revealed that there are significant areas of law, policy and practice where Guyana needed focus in order to meet its obligations under the ICESCR.

Patrick stated that there were a large number of laws in Guyana that discriminate against LGBTI people. “These insidious laws and the everyday societal discrimination LGBTI people face have a profound impact on the economic, social and cultural life of the LGBTI people in Guyana,” she posited, adding that these legislation that manifest this discrimination must be repealed.

She revealed that SASOD documented a large number of cases of discrimination annually.

Guyana’s rice farmers facing severe hardships …but Govt gives priority to gold sector – RPA head

By Kristen MacKlingaM

In light of recent interventions by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration to alleviate burdens borne by gold miners in Guyana, and the declaration that the current low paddy price crisis is a “private arrangement” and not a “Government ar-

rangement”, the impression being formed is that the gold industry is of greater importance than the rice industry.

This was the view expressed by Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International on Sunday. He stated that like many others in the rice in-

dustry, he was baffled at the Government’s position as it relates to Guyana’s struggling rice industry.

On Friday at his first press conference since taking office, President David Granger said that the problem facing the rice industry was the failure of millers to pay farmers which he deemed a “private arrangement” which he considers not to be a Government ar-

rangement.

However, Seeraj told this newspaper that Government is however singing a different tune with the gold industry, which is also a private arrangement.

“They (Government) are saying one thing for the gold industry and saying a different thing for the rice industry. The gold industry is a private thing, but they still intervene at a governmental level to offer concessions to the gold miners. Rice farmers are facing the same problem and rice is much bigger than gold. It affects more people, so I fail to understand this Government’s position towards the rice industry by

saying that this a private matter,” he posited.

He noted that while the payment issue is of major concern, the current issues facing the rice industry go “beyond that”.

Government-to-Government arrangements

The RPA General Secretary explained to Guyana Times International that in instances where the export of rice is done through a government contract, rice farmers and even millers still have had to wait long periods before receiving payments.

An example posited is the recent case of Panama, where although the con-

tract was a “Government to Government” agreement, farmers are still awaiting payments.

“Rice has gone to Panama under a Government contract and people have not been paid up to now and three months have gone by. They supplied rice to the Guyana Rice Development Board for onward shipment to Panama. That is a Government-ToGovernment contract. The millers have not received payments, because payments have not been received from Panama and that is a Governmentto-Government arrangement,” Seeraj emphasised.

Following heightened pressure from rice farmers and the crisis in the industry, on Friday, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, committed to the disbursement of some Gy$500 million, which he stated he was ready to hand over “almost immediately” for the first shipment of rice made to Panama.

Guyana Times International was further told by Seeraj the problem is not only about payments being made by millers to farmers but rather the issue is about an entire industry that is being affected by low prices on the international market and the need for intervention that can keep the industry afloat.

Maduro accuses US of “meddling” in Guyana-Venezuela affairs

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday said the United States of America was too much involved in the border controversy between Guyana and the Spanish-speaking country, and its ongoing interference would only “damage brotherly relations” between the countries.

Maduro raised his country’s condemnation over what it said was the US’ meddling in affairs which concern the peoples of Guyana and Venezuela.

Meeting the Guyanese Press for the first time on Monday, new US Ambassador Perry Holloway said the controversy which continues to brew between the two countries still warrants a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means.

He said his country’s stance remained that the two countries must maintain peace and adhere to international law. The Ambassador reaffirmed the need to respect the 1899 ruling on the border.

Venezuela on Tuesday said the US needed to take its hands off the Essequibo (almost two

thirds of Guyana) to which it lay claim, continuing that it would “not accept your interference any longer”.

Venezuela said it was further evidence of intrusion on the part of the US Government in the issues that concern only Venezuela and Guyana in its obsession to “damage brotherly relations between the countries of the Caribbean”.

It urged the US not to get involved directly or indirectly in matters which exclusively belong to the parties involved in the territorial controversy. This is contrary to the stance of Venezuela in the late 1800s when it pleaded with the US to help it resolve the border

controversy and America responded by almost going to war with Britain to force it to agree to arbitration to decide the border. Venezuela and Britain then signed the Treaty of Arbitration to determine a “final” settlement of the border by an international arbitral panel.

On that panel, Venezuela was represented by its powerful ally, as two Americans were part of the five-member panel that also comprised a Russian and two Britons. The panel unanimously determined the GuyanaVenezuela border which all parties agreed would be final.

Now Venezuela claims the US was “one of those responsible for the arbitral fraud” and was, therefore, responsible for the existence of the border controversy. The criticism comes after Ambassador Holloway called on Venezuela to respect the 1899 Award. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry responded that the parties responsible for that decision were “senior US officials in collusion with right-wing mercenaries of the old British Empire”.

President says Bartica will become a model town for the world

President David Granger has announced a fivepoint plan that will see Guyana realising its charter towards a green economy. The Head of State was at the time speaking at the Agriculture Ministry’s tree planting exercise in Bartica last Saturday.

He told the gathering that a green economy was part of his Administration’s overall effort towards the longterm development of Guyana.

“This green economy as you’ve already heard is aimed at your longterm well-being. It will reduce social inequalities and it will promote sustainable environmental practices,” he told the gathering at the Community Centre Ground.

The plan, according to the Head of State, includes the promotion of the sustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources. He reminded residents of the OMAI Gold Mines toxic spill some 20 years ago and called on them to be the ‘watchdogs’ for their environment.

Another strategy, the President, outlined

was the establishment of a solid waste programme. He encouraged residents to ensure that solid waste was carefully disposed of, relating that Government was working towards the introduction of recycling practices.

Granger noted too that Government hoped to promote sustainable energy by introducing solar farms, as well as wind and hydroelectricity plants.

“Much of the energy we are using can be generated by sustainable means: by sun, water, biogas and wind. So let us promote the sustainable energy initiatives,” the President said.

Speaking of the last two strategies, the

President said all efforts must be made to promote the ecological integrity of the forests and develop and implement green technologies.

Also present at the tree-planting exercise were Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder among others.

The President said National Tree Planting Day would become an annual event, and told attendees that he wanted Bartica to be a model town for not only Guyana but for the world at large.

“It must also be a model town for the environment, for ecology, energy. We want to work with NGOs [Non-Governmental Organisations]; miners; the RDC [Regional Democratic Council], and private citizens to make sure that this revolution does not falter, so we can show the world what we mean by a green economy,” the President said.

He congratulated Barticians for taking up the challenge in leading the way to make Guyana a green country.

Cervical cancer awareness campaign launched in Guyana

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Georgetown recently launched a cervical cancer awareness and screening campaign with medical teams conducting outreaches in various regions throughout Guyana.

The campaign, funded by Scotia Bank Guyana, will offer services such as free Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening, cryotherapy and pap smears as well as breast examinations.

GRPA’s Executive Director Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, said that the group is embarking on a plan that passes through Georgetown. She added they will be unable to tackle all of Guyana, but for now, will go into some of the Hinterland areas to provide test for the women of Indigenous communities. SheerattanBisnauth explained that Guyana has an alarmingly high rate of cervical cancer cases and her organisation is deeply concerned about the high prevalence of cervical cancer in rural areas, where the women often do not have access to basic medical care.

She added that the

GRPA hopes to reach the women within these outlying communities and hopes the outreaches will strengthen the strides already being taken to fight cervical cancer in Guyana, and improve access to the vital service of cervical cancer screening.

The Director told Guyana Times International that one of the issues women struggling with this disease face is lack of early detection. She added that the disease is most prevalent in sexually active, but not limited to, women in their 20s. She noted that all sexually active women should pay a visit to their physicians to check the need for screening.

She also stated that her organisation’s plan is to, “Use the media and

community mobilisation to pass on information about the importance of screening for cervical cancer”.

Sheerattan-Bisnauth explained that one of the reasons they are pushing for the use of VIA testing, is because with VIA, a person can be screened, receive their results and treatment if need be, in a matter of minutes.

She noted that though a regular pap smear is still effective in its results, many women who go for pap smears often do not return to obtain their results, which the Director added, is to their detriment.

In addition, the GRPA Director told this newspaper her organisation has held training sessions for VIA providers with doctors and nurses not only from Guyana but also persons from other Caribbean Countries including Grenada, St Lucia, Belize and Trinidad who came to Guyana through a partnership with the John Hopkins University through an institute called “Jhpiego”, which is an international, nonprofit health organisation affiliated with the John Hopkins University dedicated to improving the health of women and families, with a focus on cervical cancer.

GRDB official’s dismissal will not affect forensic audit – source

– contrary to Junior Finance Minister’s claim

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Despite the claim reportedly made by Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma that the recent act of dismissing a senior official from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) would prevent him from carrying out a forensic audit into the agency, sources close to the organisation have stated that this is not true.

Guyana Times International was reliably informed on Sunday that the individual, who has been relieved of duties at the Rice Board, had been stationed in the human resource department and therefore is of no importance to the Minister’s financial audit.

According to the source, even if the dismissed employee were still in the employ of the agency, this would in no way affect or halt the forensic audit.

This newspaper was told that although the employee may have been “co-operating” with the forensic auditors, the support he would have given would be in the area of the department in which he was working.

“The person that was sent home from the GRDB is the Human Resource Manager and the issue of him being sent home had nothing to do with any financial issue at the Rice Board. The person was employed recently and was not confirmed,” the source said, insisting the dismissal had ‘absolutely nothing’ to do with any financial issue

at the agency.

Guyana Times International was further told that while the General Manager of GRDB Nizam Hassan would have ordered the individual’s dismissal, this was in no way an act of “vindictiveness” or an action taken to “cover up” any wrong doing.

Hassan was appointed General Manager in this year after the agency’s former General Manager Jagnarine Singh resigned before the audit into the GRDB commenced.

Government to focus on Adult Education – Minister Garrido-Lowe

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe recently pointed out that the Government was placing special emphasis on Adult Education.

This disclosure was made by the Minister at the launching of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Project in Paramakatoi, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), a Government Information Agency (GINA) report stated.

In responding to an elderly resident’s request for capacity building for the adults, Minister Garrido-Lowe point-

ed out that this was already a priority for the Administration.

She noted that Paramakatoi was one of the first areas to benefit from such an under-

taking, since a letter was sent to her office by the wife of the Village Toshao, for assistance to continue a sewing programme for adults in the village, along with proposals for other educational activities for the people of the village. “This came up to quite a large sum of money, (but) the money will be made available for the programme before the year ends,” the Minister said.

The Government’s main goal is to ensure that all citizens enjoy a comfortable life with equal opportunities, despite ethnicity, age, religion or geographical location.

Burnham’s son-in-law appointed new CEO of GWI

Former Health Minister and a son-in-law of the late President Forbes Burnham, Dr Richard Van West-Charles has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

He will replace former Water and Housing and Education Minister Shaik Baksh who was sent on accumulated leave after the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance

For Change (APNU/AFC) Government took office.

On Monday, GWI in a statement said that a new CEO and new Board of Directors have been appointed for the agency. It stated that Dr Van WestCharles will be focusing on the accessibility and quality of water as well as GWI’s financial viability.

Dr Van West-Charles served as Health Minister under the Burnham Government until his father-in-law died in 1985.

The newly-appointed CEO is a doctor of medicine with a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.

Addressing the GWI corporate management team on Friday last, the new CEO stated that access to safe, potable water was a priority on his list of areas for attention.

Violence becoming prevalent in Guyana’s secondary schools

In spite of the Government’s declarations of improving the education system in Guyana and of ensuring that youths become skilled as well as educated, there seems to be a lack of initiatives which can be used to curb the rising physical abuse and violence which have now become prevalent among secondary schools in the country.

Violence in schools has been on the increase with the last recorded incident being 16-year-old Ovid Hendricks of Princes Street, Wortmanville being stabbed. The incident occurred last Friday at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, stemming from one young lad’s refusal to compensate the victim for damaging his earphones, which were valued at Gy$3000.

According to reports, Hendricks received stab wounds to his neck and chest whilst his assailant received injuries to his the jaw, which needed in excess of 10 stitches. According to information received, the assailant damaged Hendricks’ earphones and had promised to compensate him for the damage. However, after some time had passed and the fellow

student had not fulfilled his promise, Hendricks approached him on the issue. This led to an altercation during which his peer broke a glass bottle and attacked him.

During the fight, several students intervened and separated the two young men and Hendricks was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent surgery.

The Education Ministry is yet to address the issue of violence in schools and implement measures to curb these regular occurrences despite the constant calls that have been made by parents as well as teachers to address the issue.

On October 1, there was a video in circulation on social media showing two male students from Christ Church Secondary School involved in a fight in the school building. There have been several observations made by members of the public in relation to male secondary school students being actively involved in gang activities.

The incident comes one year after a similar incident during which a 15-year-old student from the school was stabbed with a pair of scissors by a classmate. On

August 31, two students – one from Queenstown Secondary and the other from St George’s High School – were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital nursing injuries following a brawl on Church Street, Georgetown. The teenagers, both 13 years old, had an altercation during which one of them broke a bottle and dealt a blow to the other, injuring him to the left shoulder. During the scuffle, the aggressor received injuries to his mouth and thumb as well.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) conducted a study earlier this year and based on data it received from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), it was revealed that of the 2392 students that participated in the study, the prevalence of children being involved in fights was 51.30 per cent for males and 25 per cent for females.

Last month, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam urged parents to play a more active role in the lives of their children. Additionally, Roopnaraine had stated that he was aiming to reintroduce counselling in schools countrywide to aid in situations such as these; however, he did not implement any measures to curb the significant issue plaguing schools. There have also been recorded incidents of students physically attacking teachers. Efforts to contact the Chief Education Officer for a comment on this most recent incident proved futile.

Govt to begin search for new Chief Justice

… Chang slated to retire Feb

With the acting Chief Justice (CJ) Ian Chang soon to retire, the search has commenced for a new Chief Justice. This could only happen, however, after meaningful consultations are done between the Government and the Opposition.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Wednesday disclosed that he was currently in discussion

with President David Granger about recommendations for a new Chief Justice. Justice Chang, who has been acting in the position since 2000, is heading on pre-retirement leave.

“The question of a vacancy occurring in the Office of Chief Justice would arise very shortly and when the Chief Justice goes on leave, obviously somebody has to act in his position,” Williams told a news conference.

Draft PUC, Telecoms Bills at Cabinet Sub-Committee

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Telecommunications Bills may be tabled in Parliament sometime this year. This is according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who on Monday said that while the Bills have been completed, they were still with the Cabinet Sub-Committee awaiting approval. While the Minister has assured that the Bill will be ready for Parliament this year, he could not give a commitment as to when this will actually take place.

“I had said before this is something that will be done this year. I can’t say if it will be done next week, but it will be done this year,” Patterson said.

In August, the Government had announced that it was appointing two legal consultants to harmonise the amendments of the PUC Bill and complete the Telecommunications Bill in order for them to become law. Overseas-based Janice Brendman and Geeta Ragubir were appointed as consultants to complete the work on the Telecommunications Bill.

Patterson on Monday reported that the consultants have returned the drafts, adding that the Cabinet Sub-Committee will study the two pieces of legislation before Cabinet gave its approval for them to be presented to Parliament.

“Obviously, now we will go through it to ensure it contains all the aspects with which we, as an Administration, would like included there… As long as it

passes through that process, it goes to the CPC (Chief Parliamentary Counsel) and then to Cabinet. Immediately after, we will lay it in Parliament,” he stated.

Telecommunication licences

Furthermore, Patterson stated that the revised Telecommunications Bill would now see companies having to re-apply for telecommunication licences.

The Bills, which was first introduced in 2011 and revised in 2013, was at the level of a Select Committee when the 10th Parliament ended.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration is now moving to have the Bill passed in the 11th Parliament.

The Telecommunications Bill seeks to create a competitive regime in the telecommunications sector. It provides for an open, liberalised and competitive sector that will be

attractive to new market entrants and investors, while preserving the activities of the current participants.

By creating this competitive environment for telecommunications, the Bill is expected to result in greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers. The Bill also specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunication networks and services into unserved and under-served areas, through the institution of a new universal access/universal service programme, in an effort to further national, regional, social and economic development.

Following the prorogation of Parliament in November 2014, former Digicel Guyana Inc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gregory Dean had lamented the state of affairs on the Telecommunications Bill, pointing out that it was another missed opportunity for the sector to be liberalised.

The CJ will be proceeding on more than 10 weeks of leave.

The constitutional reform process of 2000 introduced mechanisms for meaningful consultations with the Leader of the Opposition for certain appointments. The reform process itself made the approval of the Leader of the Opposition necessary for some appointments, particularly those of the Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Mobile vending a new trend in Berbice …but creating

C“ome get your fresh fruits, vegetables and provision right here right now,” are the words of one of several mobile markets that take items to residents’ door steps. The words played through a loud speaker are echoed for several streets indicating that the truck will soon be passing your gate.

The operators use a variety of means to get through the town of New Amsterdam. Some use trucks, some cars, and canters. The use of converted minibuses is also popular.

Some housewives welcome the ‘market at you gate’ while a few say they prefer to visit the municipal market.

“You get a wider variety there,” One lady said. Another who lives further away from the market said it saves time and money as she would have to take a car to get to the market.

As it relates to the prices that these vendors on wheels are asking, there seems to be no major difference between their prices and those in the Municipal Market. “I am just happy that I don’t have to go to the market and every morning I can buy right in front of my gap and cook before I go to work.” One teacher told Guyana Times International. But the vendors in the market are kicking up a storm over the mobile vendors. “We have to pay to sell here and they don’t pay anything.”

The market vendors say the mobile vendors are creating hard-

problems for traditional market vendors

ships for them. “People hardly come in the market now. On Saturdays you never use to get space to pass – now look,” One vendor said as she pointed to the scanty New Amsterdam Market. “Very soon they will have to close down this section of the market and put all of us in the front section,” Another vendor commented while another said he is not really being affected. “I have my customers. There is nothing you can do about it.”

Most of the fresh vegetables and fruits sold at the New Amsterdam Market come from Mara on the East Bank Berbice. Farmers there are also feeling the effect of the mobile vendors in the town.

The new trend has caused some farmers to downsize on production according to one farmer, who gave his name as Deojadan. “No use we expand and we can’t get the market for it, so we have to cut on

our production and try to cut cost as well,” he said. Meanwhile, sources close to the New Amsterdam Town Council say they cannot collect revenue from those who drive and sell.

A source close to Guyana Revenue Authority told this publication that none of the ‘mobile vendors’ who operate in New Amsterdam have taken out huskers’ licenses for 2015 but they do not have the resources to police the area. The huskers’ license cost Gy$10,000 annually.

What will happen if Guyana’s sugar industry closes

… workers fear tremendous hardships

Workers at-

tached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySucCo) in Regions Five and Six have said while they are aware of the challenges within the sugar indus-

try, closing any of the estates will not solve the problem.

These sentiments were expressed by the workers during a weekend visit by former President Donald Ramotar, who was part of team on an ongoing outreach by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to Regions Five and Six.

The ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the sugar corporation has revealed that Government may not be able to continue sustaining the industry, which has proven to be making little or no progress.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Sunday about his visit to the Regions, Ramotar, said sugar workers admitted the industry is indeed facing a crisis but they reminded that that was their main source of income.

Chairman of the CoI Vibert Parvatan, meeting with journalists on Friday lamented the condition of the industry, particularly the finan-

cial pressure it imposes on the economy, with the multibillion-dollar subsidies it receives from Government.

Both the past and current Governments have pumped billions of dollars into the operations of the Corporation, and Parvatan posited that this dose not speak well for Guyana’s weakening financial system.

He said if GuySuCo was seen primarily as a business, there would have been a simple obvious solution to the situation. But things as they are now, prove that GuySuCo is “more than a business. It impacts on the lives of Guyanese, particularly those living along the Atlantic Coast”.

The Chairman said it was against that backdrop that commissioners were asked to make recommendations on the way forward for the industry. According to him, the task is complicated, but not insurmountable. He said there were a number of suggestions that have been placed before the

Commission. And while many of these proposals could not be recommended to Government because of the theory of impartiality, they were in the process of looking at some sections that would benefit the people.

Meanwhile, the Opposition also met with rice farmers who also expressed frustration over the state of affairs in the industry. According to Ramotar, farmers are at their wits end and are unsure how they will continue, particularly returning to the fields for the new crop.

Rice prices as they stand now are at a ridiculously low rate with some farmers from other Regions receiving as low as Gy$800 per bag of paddy. On West Coast Berbice, farmers are reportedly receiving Gy$1,900 per bag of paddy.

Other issues raised, Ramotar said, include the indiscriminate firing of public officials who had served under the PPP/C Administration, by the new Government.

Amaila Project to be shelved

…Govt, IDB not convinced

Guyana will no longer be pursuing the much talked about Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) as the APNU/ AFC Government opines it is not ‘viable,’ even though the country would not have to spend any monies for this project.

In fact, such a decision taken by the present Administration will now prevent the results that the project was anticipated to yield — substantial savings to the Nation’s coffers, particularly in terms of foreign exchange for the purchase of heavy fuel oil as well as the creation of many job opportunities locally, among other advances.

President David Granger on Friday during his first media conference since he took office, stated that he recently met with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) which is one of the major partners in the AFHP.

However, he did not divulge details of the meeting with IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno but assured that, “generally speaking” the Amaila Falls Project as conceived by the previous Administration was not viable and his Administration is unlikely to proceed with the

project in the form that it was “conceived and presented” to them.

“The IDB spent millions of dollars inves-

declared by Government as possible locations for the development of smaller hydro power facilities.

“There are about 100

tential as well as other forms of renewable energy particularly solar and wind.

However, it must be

tigating the possibility of having a hydro power project based on the Amaila Falls… We have never really been able to determine the viability of the project as a whole… We had a different concept; we want hydropower and I think the IDB is inclined to support hydropower but what was put before them is not viable,” said Guyana’s President.

He acknowledged that during his meeting with the IDB’s Moreno over the course of the past week, no discussions were pursued on the development of hydropower facilities at Moco Moco or Tumatumari, Potaro River, which are two sites that have been recently

sites in Guyana which can support hydroelectric generation and we intend to pursue hydroelectric generation,” he said.

While still on the topic of the AFHP, the Head of Stated added that everything about it appeared to his Government as flawed.

The Head of State added that the IDB “wanted it (AFHP) to work but at this point in time I do not feel that they are convinced that we should proceed with the project.”

Meanwhile, the media was told that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson is presently engaged in investigating hydro power po-

noted that during the first quarter of 2015 an endorsement from US President Barack Obama on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and focus on non-renewable energy through the AFHP was the primary take away from talks held in Jamaica in 2015.

Former Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon, had made the disclosure at one of his weekly post-Cabinet media briefings, held at Office of the President in Georgetown.

“President Obama was essentially saying this is the way of the future,” Dr Luncheon had told reporters.

Granger receiving poor economic advice – Ramotar

Former President Donald Ramotar has said that President David Granger might be receiving poor economic counsel from his advisers, since Guyana’s economy had been performing well up until May of this year.

Ramotar was responding to questions by journalists about President Granger’s recent pronouncement that the economy had been ‘anaemic’ since 2014.

“I would say that the president probably has been badly advised about the situation in the country,” Ramotar told reporters at Freedom House on Monday

Ramotar boasted about the economic strides made over the years under the PPP/C Administration, adding that for nine consecutive years Guyana had seen continuous growth at a time when the global economy was experiencing massive downturn.

According to the PPP, even the World Bank in its report has shown that Guyana has been following Peru as the second country of positive growth. The Party also pointed out that despite external uncertainties

Guyana was not showing any signs of ‘anaemia’ as President Granger is now claiming.

“I would say also that the government should, instead of thinking in a discriminatory way, help the rice industry. All of these areas are areas that can stimulate the growth of the economy,” Ramotar said.

Responding to the media last Friday, President David Granger said his Government had inherited an ‘anaemic’ economy from the PPP/C. According to the Head of State, the commodities depended on most have been underperforming and that underperformance was noted since 2014.

He said his Administration took over some troubled companies.

Govt must take decisive action to reverse economic downturn – Opposition MP

By Alexis Rodney

here is so much

Tthe new David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government has to do in order to reform Guyana’s economy, which has taken a steep downturn following the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

This is according to former Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali, who said that unless Government moves to newer and improved means of sprucing up the economy, the situation will not see any improvement.

According to him, “It is no secret that things have slowed down tremendously and investors are playing the waiting game. Unless there is clarity on the economic front, investors would not be positively inclined to spend. Even at the household level persons are holding on to cash as they themselves are insecure about the future”, Ali told this publication.

Ali said the secret to a booming economy could be found in the various regions.

“The question is what Government can do to stimulate the economy in the Region, how can we mobilize private capital to create the opportunities to stimulate or examine alternatives”.

According to him, Regions Six (East Berbice Corentyne) has tremendous potential in becoming the logistic

hub of the country. He said the deep water harbour and its connection with Lethem and Brazil is good for the economy.

“Where has this project gone? Why has the sting and excitement over this transformative investment in Region Six disappeared? Is this project on the backburner? Are we still pursuing this as a major platform for our transformative agenda”. If so why are we not talking about it and promoting it. I hope this too is not looked at as a PPP vision that would be shelved”.

He said while the initiative was conceptualized under the PPP/C, the question is whether or not it is good for Guyana.

Ali spoke too of the PPP/C’s conceptualization of a bridge across the Corentyne River. He said it is unclear whether the new Government is still continuing the project and if so, asked why isn’t it aggressively pursuing the supportive

physical and institutional infrastructure?

“Here I am not only talking about the access road to the new proposed bridge site but also the changes in our legislative and tax system that would allow for the development of a free economic zone and transshipment point. The development of a modern agricultural, packaging and processing facility that would see quality organic products shipped to Europe. This is what would create the excitement and ignite investment in new opportunities outside of the traditional. Unfortunately we seem not focused on what is needed and where the opportunities exist”.

He said the development of a modern housing sector around the free economic zone would see tremendous demand especially from Guyanese in Suriname who may want to return home.

“We cannot wait. Government has to boldly embrace this vision if we are to create new opportunities for the people of Region 6. Whilst these were some of the ideas of the PPP/C it belongs to Guyana and it is in our interest that we pursue it”, he said.

He continued that if these things are not pursued, “then things will become very tight in Region Six. He continued: “You would see contraction, retraction and economic ruins all of which can be avoided with decisive action.”

Guyana in talks with US/European airlines for London route

Following the announcement by the management of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) that the airline will be discontinuing its London route service from January 2016, Guyana is in advanced discussions with several United States (US) and European-based airlines to provide the service.

According to a statement from the Public Infrastructure Ministry, this decision by CAL was anticipated for some time now and as such the Public Infrastructure Ministry has since commenced groundwork to attract new airlines to fly this route.

“In recent months, we have ramped up our efforts to have a major European Carrier provide airlift to Guyana. This is to facilitate easy travel for the estimated 100,000 Guyanese

living in the United Kingdom and the many European visitors that want to come and experience Destination Guyana,” Minister Patterson said in his statement.

Patterson outlined that a delegation from the Public Infrastructure and Tourism Ministries will be meeting with executives of several airlines to actualise negotiations at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM), which will be held in London, United Kingdom (UK), from November 2-5.

“WTM is considered the leading global event for the travel industry, which will offer our delegation a unique opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business,” the Minister added.

Simultaneously, a team headed by Minister Patterson and Chief

Guyana submits climate change contribution to UN

… improved mining methods, renewable energy strategies on agenda

Guyana has submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the Climate Change Conference, scheduled to be held in Paris, France in December.

INDCs will be foundational for the Paris climate agreement, demonstrating countries’ intent to decarbonise their economies and invest in resilience.

In a Government Information Agency (GINA) release on Friday, it was stated that Guyana’s INDC includes proposed actions for combating and reducing deforestation, addressing the impact of logging and implementing improved and sustainable mining methods, renewable energy paths including hydropower, and energy efficiency. Most of these will require financial, technological and capacity building support from international climate finance entities for implementation.

In preparation for the UNFCCC meeting in Paris, President David Granger had mandated Minister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and Environment, Raphael Trotman to establish a Task Force to prepare the draft of the INDC. Out of this task

force came a draft document.

The completion of the draft was followed by a National Stakeholders Consultation in late August, where participants were given the opportunity to share their suggestions on how the document could have been best improved.

Guyana’s submission of its INDC makes it only one of three Caricom states to submit by the October 1 deadline, with Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada having submitted earlier.

As the international community accelerates preparations towards reaching a historic global climate agreement in Paris in December, former President Bharrat Jagdeo joined world leaders in New York last

week.

At the UN, the former President emphasised how people from developing countries around the world continued to be united in their desire to provide solutions to climate change. He noted the immense progress made by countries such as Brazil, which has just set out ambitious climate goals to 2025, building on its remarkable success with the Amazon.

The former Head of State joined former New Zealand Prime Minister and current administrator of the United Nations Development Programme at the launch of a report by the Center for Global Development.

The report focused on world-leading national global models for low-carbon development, and highlighted Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and the fact that the GuyanaNorway partnership on forests was the world’s second largest forest payment for performance mechanism, after Brazil’s Amazon Fund. On November 30, global leaders will gather in Paris to conclude the Paris Agreement. Former President Jagdeo urged developed and developing countries to raise their sights towards an ambitious agreement to stabilise the planet’s climate.

Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation, Ramesh Ghir, will continue ongoing negotiations with several North American airlines at their respective Headquarters in the United States.

Furthermore, the Public Infrastructure Ministry will be working closely with CAL’s management to ensure that passengers who are displaced will be refunded or accommodated on other flights. Only recently, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge met and was updated on Jet Blue’s plan to provide airlift services to Guyana.

In August, the Trinidadian-owned Caribbean Airlines announced that it will be ending its three weekly flights to London early next year, citing its non-profitability.

Jagdeo updates New York Diaspora

During a meeting in New York with overseas-based Guyanese, Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo informed the gathering of the various inconsistencies emanating out of the 2015 General and Regional Elections held in May, which the former ruling Party lost by over 4000 votes.

Hundreds of Guyanese turned out to the event last Friday in Queens, New York, despite inclement weather. During the Town Hall-styled meeting,

the Opposition Leader in his opening remarks gave the Diaspora an overview of the recent election outcome and electoral process in Guyana.

The enthused crowd wanted a more indepth overview as to what happened with the tabulation of the ballots that eventually caused the PPP to lose governance. Jagdeo highlighted the various inconsistencies in the overall electoral process, pointing out to the packed hall, the several instances of partisan behaviour displayed by the Guyana

Elections Commission (GECOM).

PPP supports Govt on territorial issues

Turning his attention to current events, the Opposition Leader reiterated his support to the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Chance (APNU/AFC) Government as it relates to the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela. He stated emphatically that the PPP will never shy away from national issues such as this.

However, Jagdeo

said that the positive relationship that the PPP Government had established with Venezuela should continue to grow under the current Administration. More so, he added, because of that positive relationship, Guyana was able to get Venezuela to purchase its rice.

“Our rice farmers got an above the market price for their rice. The current APNU re-

gime shattered this agreement within their first 100 days and today our rice industry is in shambles,” Jagdeo remarked.

Furthermore, the PPP/C Leader went on to emphasise his support for social cohesion, but expressed that the timing is not right at the moment because the APNU/ AFC Government still seems to be in election campaign mode.

In addition, the Leader of the Opposition spoke extensively about the economic incompetence of the current coalition Administration. He spoke of the need to strengthen the PPP in order to win back political power in Guyana. Jagdeo spent over three hours answering questions from and interacting with members of the Diaspora.

Hinterland Employment Youth Service Project launched

– thousands to be trained

Government has launched the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Project, with thousands of youths from hinterland communities set to benefit. The Government Information Agency (GINA) said this was in keeping with its mandate to provide a better life for all Guyanese.

The Project was launched in Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) last week Thursday with the motto “Our Youth, Our Future!”, by Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valarie Garrido-Lowe, who has responsibility of youth and women development.

According to the Minister, the programme, which replaces the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), will run for a period of one year, with six months of in-house and practical training along with another six months attachment to an office/ organisation which is relevant to the student’s area of study. The classes will be held in the mornings from Monday to Friday.

Addressing the gathering at the Paramakatoi Multipurpose Hall, Minister GarridoLowe, stressed that the Government was keen on delivering on its promises. “Our President, you can depend on him. He said the hinterland is not another nation, we are all Guyanese and we should have equal rights. Today we give you that opportunity, a second chance to change your life and make a meaningful contribution to your community,” she stressed.

She urged the participants to make the best of the opportunity and work diligently and attend class regularly.

The Minister noted that Paramakatoi has a lot of water problems which was the primary reason for including plumbing in the programme. “The more you learn the better for you, the more you will be empowered,” Garrido-Lowe said.

The Minister also noted that the hinterland has a lot of potential for tourism, especially ecotourism. “That is why we also included training in hospitality management,

tour guides; workshops will be held once a month on Trafficking In Persons (TIP), Gender Based Violence, Drug and Alcohol addiction among others,” Garrido-Lowe noted.

Meanwhile, Head of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Joel Fredericks, who was also present at the launching ceremony, declared his support for the project. “I support this programme with all my heart because I understand the challenges we, the indigenous people, face on a daily basis because I faced it,” Fredericks said.

He urged the youths to take the programme seriously since in his opinion, “indigenous people face the most challenges since the opportunities aren’t available like the coastland”.

The project is expected to provide training and capacity building in several key areas including, plumbing, carpentry, sewing, wiring among many other vocational areas. Mathematics and English will also be taught to each participant in order to build their capacity in literacy and numeracy.

One year on and no progress in accident case

…family pleads for justice

Afamily of La Union in Region

Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is still saddened and traumatised over the death of their daughter Chandanie Dass, 32, who lost her life during an accident involving two vehicles on August 2, 2014.

The car was allegedly being driven by a drunk and unlicensed resident. The family on Saturday called on Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan to use his office to investigate the matter to bring justice, and thereby peace of mind to them.

The family still cannot live with peace in their hearts since one year has passed and nothing has come out of the matter. They say on many occasions when enquiries are made, they are often told the file is with the DPP for advice.

Still saddened, the woman’s father, Dhanraj Dass, related that his daughter who was a former Manager of Courts Essequibo Branch lost her life tragically on the Annandale Public Road.

The accident occurred during the night with a collision involving a van being driven by Nicklous Singh, 19, an unlicensed driver.

The father of two, however, related that what hurts him most is that the Police have failed in giving justice to

the matter and did not launch a thorough investigation to gather enough evidence to successfully prosecute the matter.

He said the driver was not even charged with causing death by dangerous driving although his daughter lost her life. Instead Nicklous Singh appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on August 18, 2015, charged with being an unlicensed driver and in breach of insurance. He was fined Gy$30,000 for being an unlicensed driver. For the breach of insurance matter the penalty was an order for him to be disqualified from obtaining a driver’s license for six months.

The father said he is still baffled why the teenager was not charged for causing death by dangerous driving. He said despite him seeking justice from the relevant authorities – Police in G Division – no one seems to heed his call.

The father also said even the family of the driver did not offer any sympathetic word towards his family during their time of grief. The driver is also not in Guyana and is said to be in the United States of America.

Chandanie Dass succumbed August 4, 2014 as she was air dashed to Georgetown Public Hospital.

Dass had sustained extensive spinal and other injuries about her body. Dass, the driver of car PSS 3067, was heading south on the Annandale Public Road when she collided with van PRR 9027 driven by Nicklous Singh on August 2, 2014. The Courts Manager along with Ponnai Dass her cousin, was returning from a wedding reception.

Ponnai Dass survived the accident but still cannot come to grips with the situation. Both women were pinned in the wreckage after the accident. They were pulled out and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital by residents from the community.

Chandanie Dass was described as a very hard working and determined young woman.

Other persons injured in the accident were Kevin Kumar, Shane Kumar, Linden Marks, Krishna Ramsamooj and Anthony Hanes.

US Ambassador pushes for speedy election results

Newly accredited United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, has indicted the need for Guyana to speed up the delivery of election results as he extends his Government’s support for the hosting of upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

The Ambassador made this announcement on Friday, when he handed over his credentials to President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency. He said in his brief statement that he intends to work with the Government of Guyana on building it democracy.

On this note, Ambassador Holloway said with the hosting of the LGEs imminent, he is hoping that the votes will be counted electronically in order to speed up the delivery of the results.

“I watched with great anticipation and at times some degree of trepidation, the momentous events of 2014 and 2015, which ultimately resulted in the free and fair elections of May 2015. I look forward to working closely with the Government to build on Guyana’s growing democracy. I wish to pledge my Government’s contin-

ued support to the holding of Local Government Elections before the end of 2015 – hopefully with the use of electronic tabulation so that we can all have a few less sleepless nights as we await the results,” the US Diplomat remarked.

Currently, local laws give the GECOM a maximum of 15 days to deliver final election results and declare a winner.

During the General and Regional Elections held in May last, both international and local observers criticised this process and recommended that it be revised.

Wrapping up its fifth cycle of observing elections in Guyana, the Electoral Observation Mission

of the Organisation of American States (EOM/ OAS) in its preliminary findings had recommended that GECOM broadcast the preliminary results in a timelier manner in order to avoid violent situations, as was experienced on Election night in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

OAS Chief of Mission Lisa Shoman said “the Mission encourages GECOM to consider implementing a system of issuing preliminary results for national elections”, noting that the use of technology should be able to assist in this regard. She noted the manual process is inherently time-consuming, as such, the use of technology was recommended to speed up the process all the while maintaining the accuracy of the results.

Meanwhile, the United States-based Carter Centre recommended that GECOM make available, at the earliest time possible, results from the polling station level. This will be in accordance with international best practices and will enhance the public’s confidence in the process and its outcome, the observer agency said in its report.

Nagamootoo’s pension outstrips Jagdeo’s

–“If you think the salaries are bad, the pensions are worse” – Former AG

By Michael younge

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister

Anil Nandlall says that Guyanese will have to carry the burden of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s multimillion-dollar salary and intended pension package for decades to come because of the recent increased announced by the new Government, which it said it deserved after just four months in office.

While in Opposition, Prime Minister Nagamootoo had berated the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for raping the treasury and placing an undue burden on the shoulders of Guyanese, given the alleged quantum of Jagdeo’s pension package and benefits.

Despite the fact that the Government and former President himself clarified on many occasions that there was nothing special about Jagdeo’s pension or benefits, the Prime Minister and his colleagues while in Opposition campaigned heavily on the issue.

As they accessed Government, they used their majority in

Parliament to cap and reduce the benefits and conditions under which former Presidents could access their pensions and full benefits.

But Nandlall, speaking with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, said that Guyanese will also have to bare the burdens of paying the pensions of all of the other office holders who will take home super salaries retroactive to July 1, 2015.

“By virtue of the humongous increases in salary, the Prime Minister, and I am sure the President, when his

increase is disclosed, will now enjoy a higher rate of pension than Former Presidents, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, since pensions for these office holders and indeed, Ministers and Vice Presidents are pegged by statute to 7/8 of their highest paid salary”, he said during the interview.

He said that after four months in office and for doing almost nothing, the Prime Minister has “chalked up a 22 million dollar land cruiser, 20 million dollar renovations to the Office of the Prime Minister, about 15 mil-

lion dollars in renovation to the Prime Minister’s residence, over 10 million dollars in furniture for the residence, salaries over 1.7 million dollars retroactive to July, 2015 and a pension, even if he is to retire tomorrow, that will be higher than the pension enjoyed by former Presidents, Hinds, Jagdeo and Ramotar”.

The former Attorney General maintained that from all indications, this will not be the only salary increase over the next few years. “If in four months salaries were increased… it is frightening to project

what it will be by the end of five years”, he related.

“In relation to each increase, there will be a corresponding increase in pension’s payable at a rate of 7/8 of the highest salary. So the nation is not only fetching the burden of these salary increases but these increases are attached to the pension of each of the recipients at a rate of 7/8 of the salary of each of them.

The cumulative amount will run into billions as pensions are payable until death. This is a burden that our children and future generation will have to fetch at their backs”, the

former AG who is now a front bencher for the PPP in the National Assembly contended. He reminded that while in Opposition, the new Government and now the Prime Minister, ranted and rave about presidential pensions saying “that we cannot live a Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey cart economy”.

“This is the worst political fraud so far perpetrated against the Guyanese electorate. I know that even their staunchest supporter is absolutely embarrassed and aghast”, Nandlall posited.

Way cleared for small miners to benefit from tax wavier

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) last Friday signed an agreement with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), to make effective the granting of tax exemptions to medium and small-scale miners, as provided for in Budget 2015.

The parties involved in the signing were Finance Minister Winston Jordan, GGMC Commissioner Rickford Bourne, GEA Chief Executive Officer Mahendra Sharma, and GGDMA President Terrence Adams, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. The signing took place in the boardroom of the Finance Ministry.

The agreement provides for eligible gold miners to be exempted from the payment of custom duties on fuel, matting, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), jackhammer drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers, shaft and engines. Signing as witnesses

were Patrick Harding of the GGDMA and Deputy Commissioner (ag) Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA,) Ingrid Griffith.

The tax exemption to small and medium-scale miners was part of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition promise in its 100-day Action Plan. To this end, Minister Jordan deemed the signing as a “small and positive step” because it gives effect to a promise that was made by the Government. He said too that the signing was an indication that the Government would listen to, and where appropriate, seek to give assistance to sectors that are in difficulty, as it relates to domestic and international conditions.

“I am not here to give out concessions, but I am here saying that this Government understands and appreciate and will work with all sectors to ensure that, as we promised, a good life is given to all,” Minister Jordan said.

The Minister called on miners to be honest with their declarations.

He referred to the recent disclosure that 15,000 ounces of gold was allegedly being smuggled out of the country on a weekly basis. He explained that smuggling did much damage to the economy in terms of lost revenue and the misrepresentation of the country’s growth. Minister Jordan asked in return that the miners and operators in the sector carry out their corporate responsibilities, by making accurate declarations and paying the relevant royalties.

“This cannot be a game, where greed and selfishness overtake the national good,” Minister Jordan said. He pointed out that the Government came to the miners’ rescue when they asked.

“We are asking in return that for this sacrifice that we are making, we are not asking for a sacrifice from you, we are asking merely for you to do what is right,” he exhorted.

Meanwhile, Adams expressed thanks on behalf of all the miners to the Government for keeping its promise and delivering the agreement to the Association.

‘Indian Opinion’ – a local journal

By PetamBer Persaud

My reading is such that I see red, green and amber sojourning through a book. I usually change gears, automatically – speeding up, slowing down, and reversing. Sometimes, I stop. Often, I would go into neutral. Neutral may be my favourite position when reading. I go into neutral at any inter-textual references which do not give up their meaning/s readily especially references to other books.

While wading through Gandhi’s “The Story of my Experiments with Truth”, which I am re-reading as we celebrate International Literacy Day, I had to pause at many such references, some of which I would like to share.

Mohandas K. Gandhi was born Oct. 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. He was shy at school, shying away from sports and games but managed to win prizes and scholarships. His formative days and adulthood were fraught with challenges to be untruthful, disrespectful to elders, to eat meat, to drink alcohol and smoke, among other things, all of which he overcame mostly by experimenting with each subject/issue. He experimented with frugality and economy, social norms, Eastern thoughts and Western philosophy, discrimination, nutrition, cooking, hygiene, caring for the sick/elderly, language, religion,

all of which helped him in his season of discovery, eking out the truth for himself and plotting the way forward. Books played a major role in his life – “[m]y books and my lessons were my sole companions.”

I love reading history, biography, monogram, autobiography, creative non-fiction, letter, diary and fictionalized semi-autobiography, notwithstanding my interest in other genres of writing. Gandhi’s autobiography is fascinating, totally absorbing and is an experiment. I have read many autobiographies and reread a few but Gandhi’s would not let me go because it is so innocent, so truthfully written in a most engaging manner(the Mahadev Desai translation).

Two early influences in Gandhi’s life were,

one: a book version of the play “Shravana Pitribhati Nataka”, which tells the story Shravana’s devotion to his parents, in one instance carrying both of them on a pilgrimage by way of a sling fixed to his shoulders.

Two: was the enactment of a play, “Harischandra”. Harischandra was always truthful; never telling a lie and always honouring his promises, no matter what –as king he gave up his kingdom, suffered separation from his family whereby he was forced to sell his son and his wife and eventually himself in order to pay his dues. Separated, they lived in poverty, going through many trials and tribulations until the three were reunited. But the reunion was not a happy one because the son had died and the wife who brought him to be cremated couldn’t afford to pay the tax and the father who was the tax collector for the crematorium did not recognize his wife and son, all which increased the testing and trial of the mother and father... eventually there was a happy ending mainly due to the father’s steadfastness to truth.

I am familiar with the story of Harischandra due to research for an article on centenary of Indian film industry celebrated in 2013. “Harischandra” was the first full length feature film of India, released in 1913.

“Indian

Opinion”

The other reference that caught my attention was made to a journal named “Indian Opinion” (1903 – 1961) founded by Gandhi, which was a tool to fight against discrimination, and for civil

Opinion”. The local “Indian Opinion” was a platform for the Indian voice seeking, in the first instance,to publicize its culture and lifestyle in order to break down certain barriers, and then to publicize its aspiration and to address issues related to its aspiration.

Some of those issues included establishment of housing schemes, the establishment of a labour bureau, education for children, scholarship for promising students, and respect for religion, among others.

Importantly, there was a call for unity by Peter Ruhomon in “Indian Opinion” Vol II, No.12

rights. With this tool Gandhi was able to put an end to oppression in South Africa, colonialism in India, resulting in the country’s Independence, and an end to indentureship in the British Empire of which British Guiana was a part. We, in Guyana, now enjoy May 5 as a public holiday – Arrival Day.

I have a limited knowledge of the local “Indian Opinion” that was patterned after Gandhi’s “Indian

“I would like to see more social intercourse among us...To meet each other is to know each other, to know each other is to understand each other, to understand each other is to appreciate each other, and to know, understand and appreciate each other is to bring about that unity and co-operation so sadly needed to strengthen our position in the Colony and to ensure the success of all our future plans that are

dependent on collective action.”

That buttressed an earlier call made by his brother, Joseph, who popularize the word, ‘Guyanians’, long before Guyana became an independent state and the word, ‘Guyanese’, was coined.

“Indian Opinion” was the official organ of the British Guiana East Indian Association which was founded by Joseph Ruhomon in 1916. Joseph Ruhomon, his brother, Peter, and other intellectuals of the day, made good use of this outlet for Indian opinions.

There were other platforms for the Indian voice, like the column called Indian Intelligence in the Sunday Chronicle, edited by Peter Ruhomon during the 1930s, and The People, a Berbice newspaper, edited by Joseph Ruhomon.

“Indian Opinion” of Guyana achieved some of its objectives, setting the stage for succeeding generations to fulfil the others.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

By Matt Hallett

Part II

Guyana is home to six species of wild cat – each with unique natural histories, beautiful physical attributes, and interesting behaviours. Each of the six species plays an important role in the vast forests and savannas of Guyana, a niche that evolved over millions of years.

Whether it is as the top predator or feeding on rodents in the tree tops, the astonishing diversity of the landscape allows for all six of these species to share space, find enough food, and pass their genes on to the next generation, while each role plays an important part in the functioning of the landscape itself.

In a world where forests are being cut and overturned for shortterm economic gain and species are being hunted to the brink of extinction, Guyana has managed its resources with a global perspective and an eye for the future.

And while wild cats have been vilified as dangerous nuisances that are a threat to public health recently in the press, maybe getting to know your wild neighbours might help all Guyanese realize what how special it is to share space with these unique creatures before it is too late.

Let me introduce to you the remaining ‘tigers’ of Guyana, none of which are actually tigers at all.

The puma (Puma

None of which are actually tigers

concolor), also known as the deer tiger, cougar, mountain lion, panther, or catamount, is the widest ranging terrestrial animal in the New World with populations existing throughout North and South America from the Canadian Yukon to the Southern Andes.

The fourth largest cat in the world, puma body size can vary across their range with the physically largest individuals on the northern and southern edge of their ranges and the smallest individuals in the tropics. Pumas are plain in coloration, with tawnybrown or tan base coat and white underbelly. Juvenile pumas are paler in coloration with spots on their flanks.

Despite the term ‘black panther’ being attributed to this species, melanistic (all black) pumas have never been documented. Pumas might be almost as tall as jaguars, but are less

muscular and not as powerful, and are much larger than similar looking small cats. While their North American cousins may focus primarily on large prey, pumas in South

America have shown a preference for preying on small to medium sized animals, including deer, capybara, agouti, labba, armadillo, and even livestock (calves, small adult cows, pigs, and sheep).

Preying on livestock causes conflict between pumas and ranchers and many pumas are killed each year in retaliation for predation on livestock. As large predators, pumas play a critical role (along with jaguars) in helping to keep large and medium herbivore populations in check, thus balancing ecosystems.

Considered common and widespread, pumas are still very secretive and highly elusive, making them very difficult to observe in the wild. Although considered a ‘Least Concern’ for conservation efforts, pumas play an important complimentary role that helps to maintain the amazing diversity found in Guyana.

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), also known as tiger cat, labba tiger, chicken ti-

They are known to inhabit areas close to human habitation, which can cause conflict if they begin to prey on chickens.

Ocelots are known to be fiercely territorial (only coming together to mate) and will fight, sometimes to the death, to defend their home ranges. Like all of Guyana’s cats, ocelots mark their territories with urine or faeces and scent markings left by leaving scratch marks in trees or on the ground. However, ocelots maintain hard boundaries between their territories, while other cats may have overlapping home ranges that include individuals of both sexes.

ger, dwarf leopard, tigrillo, and manigordo, is a small wild cat that is somewhere similar in appearance to jaguars, but is much smaller in size with rosettes that appear much more like long streaks than circular prints.

The ocelot is the largest of the small cats found in Guyana, with a cream to reddish-brown or tan coat and black rosettes. Ocelots are probably the most common of all the small cats, ranging across tropical forests, swamps, and savannas below 1,200 m in elevation, and distributed extensively across Central and South America from south Texas to Northern Argentina.

Ocelots seem to prefer habitats with relatively dense vegetation, but will hunt in more open areas at night.

Ocelots feed on a wide variety of prey within these defined home ranges, including small mammals, lizards, small turtles, frogs, crabs, birds, and fish.

While they will take on prey closer to their own size (labba and agouti), the majority of the ocelots diet is made up of rodents. As rodents can reproduce rapidly and cause extensive environmental damage, ocelots are a critical small mammal predator that helps keep forest systems in balance.

Ocelots were once classified as ‘Vulnerable’ because of a reduction in their populations that occurred as a result of heavy hunting for trade in their fur that occurred in previous decades. However, banning of trade in ocelot fur and other products has allowed this species to bounce, and today it is considered a species of ‘Lease Concern’ for conservation. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Govt Ministers’ pay 11 times higher than average public servant’s

First-time parlia-

mentarian for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) and Attorney-at-Law Charles Ramson has joined the queue of disappointed Guyanese over the recent confirmation by the new David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government of the whopping 50 per cent salary increase for

Ministers, an amount that will be 11 times higher than what is being offered to the average public servant.

Government on Tuesday confirmed and defended its decision to raise the salaries of all Government Ministers, including three Vice Presidents and Junior Ministers.

In a letter to the editor, Ramson, based on

his mathematical calculations, revealed that these Ministers will soar on a salary more than 11 times the average salary.

He said in an “incontrovertible period of economic slowdown in Guyana, the new Granger-led APNU/ AFC Government’s decision to increase their salaries by over 50 per cent, while other public servants got less than five per cent has in one fell swoop con-

verted itself from “the incompetent” to “the incompetent and heartless”.

According to Ramson, the question now being asked surrounds the cost of the Government to the treasury.

“With reference to the foregoing, I pose the following simple questions to President Granger and the APNU/AFC Government on behalf of ALL of the people of Guyana: Will

What the people say

your increase mean highest productivity? (if the answer is ‘yes’, then it means that for the last six months you have not been working as hard as you could have been and if the answer is ‘no’, then you do not deserve an increase.”

He further questioned “Are you saying that the only way a country can have Ministers who are not corrupt is by having a large salary or a sala-

ry that is MORE THAN ELEVEN TIMES the average salary? If the answer is yes, please show me where this was posted in your manifesto and contract with the electorate.

Can you account for your failure to deliver on your manifesto promise of 20 per cent increase to public servants, Police, teachers, nurses while giving yourself a 50 per cent+ increase?

Should the ministers’ salaries be increased?

Remarkable rocks of Guyana

Guyana is blessed with a host of precious and semi-precious stone resources, minerals and rocks.

Sunday Magazine visited a booth at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Mining Week celebrations held in Bartica, and was intrigued by a stunning display of rocks. These rocks are testimony of Guyana’s rich natural resources, which we should all cherish and not exploit.

First let’s distinguish a rock from a mineral and an ore, and then we’ll delve into the different types of rocks.

A rock is a naturally occurring collection of mineral or minerals, which constitute a significant part of the earth’s crust. On the other hand, minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite and predictable chemical composition and physical properties.

An ore is a mineral or a collection of minerals from which valuable element, especially a metal, can be profitably mined or extracted.

There are three basic types of rocks – igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous rocks

Igneous rocks are called ‘fire rocks’ and are formed either underground or above ground. Underground, they are formed when the melted rock, called magma, deep within the earth, becomes trapped in pockets. As these pockets of magma cool slowly underground, the magma becomes igneous rocks.

Additionally, igneous rocks are formed when volcanoes erupt, causing the magma to rise above the earth’s surface. When magma appears above the earth, it is called lava. Igneous rocks are formed as the lava cools above ground.

Sedimentary rocks

For thousands, even millions of years, little pieces of our earth have been eroded - broken down and worn away by wind and water. These little bits of our earth are washed downstream where they settle to the bottom of the rivers, lakes and oceans. Layer after layer of eroded earth is deposited on top of each. These layers are pressed down more and

more through time, until the bottom layers slowly turn into rock.

Metamorphic rocks

A metamorphic rock is a result of a transformation of a pre-existing rock. The original rock is subjected to very high heat and pressure, which cause obvious physical and/ or chemical changes. Examples of these rock types include marble, slate, gneiss, schist. Remarkable rocks

Basalt is an example of igneous rock. It is actually an aphanitic igneous rock (igneous rocks that are so fine-grained that their component mineral crystals are not detectable by the unaided eye) with less than 20 per cent quartz and less than ten per

cent feldspathoidal (a group of minerals) by volume, and where at least 65 percent of the feldspar is in the form of plagioclase (a member of the feldspar group). Over half the Earth's crust is composed of a single group of minerals known as feldspar.

Conglomerate is a course grained clastic sedimentary rock that is composed of a substantial fraction of rounded to sub angular gravel-sized clasts such as pebbles, granules, cobbles and boulders larger than 2mm (0.079 in) in diameter.

Clasts are fragments of geological chunks and smaller grains of rock broken off other rocks by physical weathering.

Conglomerates form by the consolidation and lithification (process of sediments gradually becoming solid rocks) of gravel. Conglomerates typically contain finer grained sediments such as silt, sand, clay or a combination of these, which are called ‘matrix’ by geologists.

Gabbro refers to a large group of dark, often phaneritic (coarsegrained), intrusive igneous rocks. It forms when molten magma is trapped beneath the Earth’s surface and slowly cools into a holocrystalline (made up wholly of crystals or crystalline particles) mass.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the

minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Calcium carbonate is a white insoluble solid occurring naturally as chalk, limestone, marble, and calcite, and forming mollusc shells and stony corals.

Most limestone is composed of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral and molluscs.

Migmatite is a rock that is a mixture of metamorphic rock and igneous rock. It is created when a metamorphic rock partially melts, and then that melt recrystallizes into an igneous rock creating a mixture of the unmelted metamorphic part with the recrystallized igneous part.

Phyllite is a type of foliated (repetitive layering) metamorphic rock created from slate that is further metamorphosed so that very fine grained white mica (form of mineral) achieves a preferred

orientation. It is primarily composed of quartz, sericite, mica and chlorite - all minerals.

Pink granite is a common type of igneous rock. The word ‘granite’ comes from the Latin word granum , a grain, in reference to the coarse grained structure of such a rock.

Sandstone (sometimes known as arenite) is a classic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. Slate is a fine grained, foliated, homogenous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals. (Information by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Part I

Following the declaration of war between France and the Netherlands in 1689, French privateers routinely pillaged Dutch and British settlements in the West Indies.

During the earlier peace time, both England and France had tried to supress piracy. France also had no significant navy during this time so when war was declared, French authorities encouraged the raiding operations of the French corsairs, as the privateers – more familiarly known as pirates –were called.

One such French privateer was Jean Baptiste du Casse, who, after years of plundering in the South Sea, had settled in Cayenne intending to set up plantations. However, when the war between France and the Netherlands broke out, he and his fellow settlers were only too willing to return to their former pastime.

He began by attempting to raid the Dutch settlement of Paramaribo in Surinam but after several unsuccessful attempts over

the course of three days, he retreated and turned his attention to the colony of Berbice, which fell easily after he pillaged then destroyed its plantations, demanding the Berbice governor pay a ransom of some 20,000 guilders to save the colony from further ruin.

It was the Surinam governor who intervened and, by negotiating to release French prisoners, was able to get the ransom reduced to 6, 000 guilders and several hogshead of sug-

ar.

Appeased, du Casse and his men departed.

Meanwhile, in Essequibo, the Kykover-al fort managed to escape such looting but the settlement of Pomeroon was not so lucky.

On April 30, another French privateer appeared in front of the small fort in Pomeroon.

The Pomeroon settlement leader, known as De Jonge, was unable to defend the settlement and fled to Kyk-Over-al,

leaving it and its plantation to be looted and razed by the privateer, who later established a settlement in the Barima with the help of the Caribs whom it is said disliked De Jonge.

Eventually, on Nov. 15, the Dutch West India (DWI) Company made a declaration to abandon the settlement and remove whatever was salvageable to Kyk-over-al, though they retained a small Post with the company’s flag flying, run by three men.

For a while at least, there was less pirate activity in the colonies; however, when France declared war against England and the Netherlands in 1702 following their peace treaty of Ryswick in 1697, the privateers returned.

Despite the belief of the Essequibo commander Abraham Beekman that the area was too remote to be worth the trouble of reaching, on Oct. 18, 1708, the watchman at the guard-house (Brandwagt) near the mouth of the Essequibo River was surprised to notice three vessels approaching that were not of Dutch origin.

Suspecting they

were privateers, he and his two other companions swiftly embarked a corial to inform the commander of the event. A reconnoitre vessel was deployed that not long after returned with the news that the Brandwagt was taken and the vessels were heading towards them, filled with armed men.

The news spread panic among the settlers and some collected as much of their property as they could carry, including their slaves, and retreated into the bush. After sending to Kyk-over-al for reinforcements, others made whatever hurried preparations they could to defend the settlement.

Burning and looting several small indigenous villages along the banks, the privateers, led by the Frenchman Antoine Ferry, arrived at the Vryheid plantation located at Bartica point. The settlers, which included several plantation owners, were no match for the size and strength of the privateers and, with no support coming, were eventually driven into the bush, though not without some casualties.

Ferry then commandeered the Vryheid plantation from where he would send out raids on neighbouring plantations. After he had pillaged everything he could from these settlements, he turned his attention to Kyk-over-al. He never attacked Kyk-over- al but instead threatened its commander to surrender and pay a ransom or else all sugar cane and provision fields, sugar mills and planters’ homes would be destroyed. Under pressure from the settlers and plantation owners who had taken refuge in Kyk-overal, and with just some 40 soldiers, the commander of the fort was obliged to accede to their demand. On Oct. 25 an agreement was signed whereby Ferry agreed to leave the colony upon receipt of 50,000 guilders. He received this in the form of 112 slaves, meat and other provisions, and 1,000 pieces of eight in cash for himself and his officers. One third of the ransom was paid by settlers and plantation owners while the DWI Company paid the remainder. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Top UN officials 'shocked' by allegations against former Antigua-Barbuda representative

NEW YORK, USA

-- Top United Nations officials said on Tuesday that they are “shocked” and “deeply troubled” to learn about the “very serious allegations” announced that morning by United States' federal prosecutors against John Ashe, a former president of the UN General Assembly.

Prior to his appointment as leader of the 68th session of the General Assembly in September 2013, John Ashe had been Antigua and Barbuda's permanent representative to the United Nations. He was arrested earlier on Tuesday in New York.

Speaking at the regular UN briefing to news correspondents, the spokesperson of the UN secretary-general, Stéphane Dujarric, said these allegations “go to the heart of the integrity of the United Nations.”

Asked about whether the UN was involved in the United States attorney's investigation, Dujarric said the UN

was not informed of the case until it was featured in the press.

“Obviously, if we're contacted by the relevant US authorities we will cooperate with them,” he added.

Meanwhile, the current president of the General Assembly's 70th session and former speaker of the Danish Parliament, Mogens Lykketoft, held a press conference on Tuesday, during which he underlined that he can only echo the UN spokesperson.

“Coming from a country which is consistently number

transparency index and having served for 34 years in Danish politics without being rich, I certainly am shocked about it and I think that the United Nations and its representatives should be held to the highest standards of transparency and ethics,” Lykketoft told reporters.

He added that when he took office as the president of the UN General Assembly on 15 September, he committed himself to uphold these principles during his tenure, as “corruption has no place at the United Nations or anywhere else.”

The business of doing business

By Ryhaan Shah

The David Granger Administration is giving mixed messages to the business and investment community. Every business sector welcomes growth and expansion and Government plays its part by guiding that growth with policies and incentives and by ensuring a secure and cost effective environment in which business can flourish.

However, both President David Granger and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin speak of innovations and the manufacture of value added products when Government’s actions towards the business community and the agricultural sector are openly

hostile and uncooperative. It is no surprise that innovative breakthroughs occur in countries with good education systems and institutions dedicated to research and development. Any seriousness about having an innovative business sector would have to be followed through with institutional support and policies to drive it.

A developing country such as ours spends much of its resources in establishing foundational industries, such as the rice sector, where there is ready land available and the farming knowhow to develop it. But Government has abandoned the industry and left rice farmers to their own devices with regard to finding export markets.

Building basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges is also vital at this point in our development but Government has stated that it is not interested in pursuing innovative public private partnerships of local investors, such as the one that financed the construction of the Berbice River Bridge. The open hostility to the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) does make it appear that even patriotism is an ethno/politi-

cal issue for the Granger led-Government.

This hostility and unwillingness to help, or to work with, local investors and farmers does call into question the sincerity of Government’s statements about having an economy driven by innovation and manufacturing.

While taking risks is part and parcel of doing business, no entrepreneur will invest when Government is showing itself more than a little unfriendly towards the business sector, and coming at a time when there is high youth unemployment which makes Government’s actions appear reckless and uncaring.

The first hurdle to overcome for manufacturing to flourish is access to cheap fuel. Cheap energy drives manufacturing, not only for the production itself but for the transportation of the finished products to shops, or ports for export shipments. Perhaps, manufacturing ventures can be awarded similar energy subventions as Linden for the good of the national economy.

That Guyana is still without hydroelectric power supply is a developmental tragedy. The

Administration is returning to commissioning small, localised hydropower plants and seems prepared to lose the Norwegian funds earmarked for the Amaila Falls project.

Despite the challenges of high energy costs, or much help or incentives from Government, local manufacturing enterprises flourish and produce numerous items for local and export markets.

Retail outlets are vital for these manufacturers who make everything from plywood, over the counter drugs, mattresses, pillows, travelling bags, garments, lingerie, bed nettings, furniture, fibre glass products, rum, beer, soda, condiments and sweeties. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and these are not craft shops making a few dozen items but business entities, large and small, that manufacture thousands of products.

Manufacture driven by market demand is es-

sential for business success and this is one of the components that commercial banks look for in a business plan when approached for a loan: that the product will sell.

To produce for export not only requires making end products at globally competitive prices but also requires ready markets. This is where trade missions can help with negotiations at a governmental level to sell Guyana’s produce and products.

Perhaps, this Administration is averse to the profit motive and, perhaps, its current standoff with the rice industry and the BBCI is ethno/political. The previous People’s National Congress (PNC)-led Government pursued a vigorous nationalisation policy which was fatal for private enterprise and resulted in the mass flight of capital and people.

Not surprisingly, this PNC-led Administration is being measured by that

past record, and investors, farmers and business people are rightly nervous about the future of commercial enterprise in Guyana. To allay those fears, Government must rethink its current stand. Its statements about more manufacturing output are also out of step with the global business environment where manufacturing has declined. China’s cheap mass production has had a major impact on that slowdown and, right now, manufacturing employment is falling everywhere including in China.

The projected area for growth especially in developing countries, according to “Bloomberg Business”, is in the services sector.

Tourism can be one such area that can be developed, and medical tourism can be a start-up industry if Guyana had a Specialty Hospital. But then Government scrapped that deal also.

US rejects call for new elections in Haiti

PORT-AU-

(HCNN) -- The US government rejected on Tuesday demands by opposition parties in Haiti to invalidate the results of recent legislative elections, and to set up a transitional government that would have led the impoverished Caribbean country to general elections in a so far undetermined future.

During a brief visit to the Haitian capital on Tuesday, US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said the holding of elections was the only way to have a change of government, as to challenge those who wish to foil the ongoing electoral process to favour the departure of the current administration and the installation of an transitional government, which would not be the results of a popular vote.

"Let me be very clear! The only way to have a change of government is

through the election process," Kerry told reporters during a joint news conference with Haitian President Michel Martelly at the presidential palace on Tuesday.

"And that is the way to have a legal and legitimate transition that attracts the support of the international community and there will automatically be a transition because President Martelly is not running again," Kerry said.

Haiti held legislative elections on August 9, but the ballot was considered by a number of political and other sectors as fraudulent. The runoff is set to take place on October 25, at the same time as presidential and local elections.

"The United States and other members of the international community will be working with the provisional electoral council to support what we hope will

be a smoother and more fully peaceful process than what took place on August 9," stated Kerry, saying that the October 25 elections should be held as scheduled.

"We are working very closely in order to guarantee that any problems that existed do not exist in the next step," he explained.

Kerry said US President Barack Obama and himself joined together in encouraging all Haitians to go to the polls on October 25 and to be patient and to refrain from any kind of disruption.

"The United States condemns any violence and we encourage full participation in the election process," he said. "And as President Martelly and I just discussed, violence and intimidation have no place in the election process," Kerry insisted. (Caribbean News Now)

If you were a fan of the ABC Family teen drama ” Twisted”, then you’re familiar with Kylie Bunbury who played Lacey Porter, a popular teenager on the show. Kylie is a talented actress and model, born in Ontario, Canada in 1989 to a Polish and Swedish American mother, Kristi Novak, and Guyaneseborn Canadian father, Alex Bunbury.

Kylie Bunbury

Kylie’s father was a professional football player who won the sixth most caps all time for the Canadian men’s soccer team. She has two younger brothers, Teal and Logan. Teal followed in his Guyanese father’s footsteps and is also a professional football player for the New England Revolution.

Prior to her acting career, Kylie spent two years in London and then seven years in Portugal, where her father played professional football.

Her family then moved to Minnesota where she developed an interest in modelling. In 2007, while a senior in high school, Kylie began her modeling career. She quickly became a successful commercial model, securing regular stints for top brands such as Target, Vanity Clothing and Abercrombie & Fitch.

After three years,

Kylie decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career. She studied acting at the highly regarded Playhouse West School and Repertory Theater in Los Angeles under Robert Carnegie.

She made her acting debut in 2010 at age 21 as Kathleen on NBC’s long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives”. In 2011, she appeared in the Disney feature film “Prom”. That same year Kylie played a supporting role in Fox’s “The Sitter”, which also starred one of Hollywood’s biggest actors Jonah Hill. Kylie later landed the coveted role of Lacey Porter in the ABC Family series “Twisted”.

In 2015, Kylie joined the cast of CBS drama series “Under the Dome”. She played Eva, a beautiful and intelligent woman who comes to Chester’s Mill with her boss, Lucy.

In her latest role, Kylie played Suhad, the strongwilled winsome warrior, in SPIKE TV’s limited series, “TUT”. In the three-part series, which was filmed in Morocco, Suhad is a beautiful and endearing girl of Mitanni descent who developed a strong bond with the young Egyptian king, despite the fact she was not of royal bloodlines.

The multitalented actress and model also possesses the talent of singing and playing the guitar, and can be seen on her Instagram page @kyliebunbury performing Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”.

Olayinka Noel

Another iconic figure of Guyanese heritage is Olayinka Noel, better known as Olay. Noel is an international fashion model and was born in Atlanta Georgia to Guyanese parents.

Noel is currently a sophomore studying business management at Kennesaw State University, while she pursues her modeling career.

The successful international fashion model praises her Guyanese mother, Donna, for being her biggest inspiration and for pushing her to follow her dreams.

Noel has graced the pages of top fashion mag-

azines such as Ebony, Knot, Cosmopolitan and Edgars Club Magazines. She has also done campaigns for Dillards Beauty and Crème of Nature Hair, and has walked many runways around the world, including New York Fashion Week.

In a 2015 interview with The Otism Magazine, Noel shared her story about her modeling career and spoke highly of the support she received from her mother.

“My mother inspires

and motivates me to do better everyday! She left her entire family and came to America to give my sisters and I a better life; therefore I feel it is my duty to give her a better life and pay her back for all the sacrifices she’s made for me. No matter what obstacles face her she always gets through it and that shows me nothing is impossible as long as you stay focused and determined,” expressed Noel. (www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)

This week's Crossword

Money, money, everywhere…

…but not a dollar to workers

Well, “mouth open and story jump out”. And what a story!! After cussing out the PPP for being “greedy and avaricious” (which description we’ll stick to since this is a family newspaper!) here we have the APNU/AFC Government behaving as if the Consolidated Fund is their private feeding trough.

After promising a “significant” salary increase for the wretched of the earth – that’s how the public servants, Police, Nurses, etc, were described during the campaign – they got wood. Hard wood. What else do you call a five per cent increase that’s cut by half because it only kicked in from July? An insult? Larwah? But the President did take the time to explain why his Government was so piddling: the coffers and the cupboards were bare – raped by the aforesaid “greedy and avaricious” PPP.

Fair enough. A lot of their supporters – which included almost of all of the abovementioned workers who’d been hoping to get raises – put up a stoic face and took it in stride. They would gird up their loins and become real Public SERVANTS – to serve the public better than they had over the last 23 years. Then suddenly this newspaper broke the news – the Ministers and Vice Presidents and MP’s would all be getting massive salary increases!!

After some stout denials, the Finance Minister sheepishly allowed as to how there might be a salary “adjustment” – but not as large as what the Times was trumpeting. And then the President weighed in. The jump in salaries in the millions wasn’t an “increase” but an adjustment because it was just done to “rationalise” the pay scales in the Government. Ever since that Chancellor had demanded his old salary when Burnham wanted him to be Attorney General (Burnham made offers you couldn’t refuse) the salary scales had been screwed up.

This week's Puzzle

It would appear the members of the Government, like Nagamootoo, protested vehemently at the “adjustment” but the President would have none of it. So here you had it now being made official – by sneaking it through the “Official Gazette, which about two or three persons normally read in Guyana. And the numbers are as astronomical as what the Times had revealed.

So your Eyewitness is waiting with bated breath to hear the reaction of those stoic Government workers who’d shown such admirable restraint when they learnt they’d been shafted. For instance, now that Lincoln Lewis, that fearless champion of all working stiffs, has a column in the state newspaper, will he be calling for a repetition of 1999?

Or will he grin and bear it?

…but

none for pensioners

Now, if the big ones in the Government didn’t think squat about the public servants who are presumably able-bodied and can fend for themselves since they’re all under 55 (excepting their fearless leader Yarde, of course) couldn’t they at least worry that pensioners might “put their mouth on them”?

Here it is, they gave the old folks a Gy$4000 increase (they said “increase” not “adjustment”) but took it back in spades when they removed the subsidies from their water and electricity bills. And now they can “adjust” their salaries by millions? If their adjustment was to remove the temptation to “thief”, did they even think that the removal of the electricity and water subsidies will ensure our old folks now turn to thiefing?

This Eyewitness asks the Government to rethink this cold act. Old folks should be thinking as to how to navigate their way through the Pearly Gates and not how to bypass meters.

Don’t corrupt our old people.

…but no award for the Mook

The Mook pumped millions into FUCOP (Funding a United Candidacy for an Opposition Presidency). But alas he didn’t even get an award for dog catcher! Was so mad his MuckrakerKN didn’t even cover the award ceremony. Sore loser!

During the September Amerindian Heritage Month, you may have heard of the “tuma pot”. As explained by Michael Patterson, CEO of Tuma Sàlà Restaurant, described as Guyana’s first ever indigenous restaurant, the tuma pot is not an actual pot, a misconception by many, but a variety of

indigenous to Guyana. On the other hand, the pepperpot is used mainly by the Arawak people of the Lokono nation,”

Patterson explained in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

“Tuma” refers to meat/fish cooked in the cassava water. The cassava water is referred to

meat in a pot.

“The tuma pot refers basically to the meat in the pot, but instead of using cassareep, the cassava water is used. Cassareep is produced after the refining process, where the cassava water is discoloured until dark brown with a more molasses taste and texture. On the other hand, the cassava water is the broth that’s developed on the surface of the water before it’s turned into cassareep. That broth is scooped off to make the sauce for the tuma pot. Very similar to the pepperpot, the tuma pot also includes a variety of meat that is used mainly by the Machusi, Wapishana, Patamonas and the other groups

“kada” or “kadakura sauce”. So if someone invites you for “labba tuma” then that meal will be labba cooked in “kada” sauce. It is light “cream” in colour with a thinner texture to that of the cassareep. It, however, serves the same purpose of cassareep. Both are self-flavoured and are natural preservatives.

Most Guyanese are familiar with pepperpot rather than tuma pot. The pepperpot is made from cassareep, while tuma pot is prepared in cassava water.

Sometimes a special pot is assigned for the tuma. Traditionally, this pot remains at the fireside and would always have meat or fish inside. Because

the tuma pot sauce is a preservative, freshly trapped meat/fish are continuously placed in the pot.

Patterson mentioned the tuma pot always has meat – be it fish or wild meat – and is stocked with the hottest pepper in the community. The meats in a tuma pot would usually include various “wildmeat” – wild hog, deer, wild cow, labba, agouti and all other meats that are edible by a particular indigenous group. Wild fish or freshwater fishes are also included in the tuma pot.

Cassava for the tuma pot

He noted that if the tuma pot is not cooked and refined adequately it can cause stomach ache and diarrhoea, even to the extent of death.

The cassava water is a lethal poison “equally” potent as cyanide. So it is very important that all the poison from the cassava water is refined by heat – fireside – until it is properly cooked.

“To prepare the cassava water, one must follow and carry out the process of extraction in detail in order to have a refined product. After grating the cassava, it is then placed into the matapi to extract the poison – the same process of making the cassareep. The extracted juice, cassava, is potent at this stage and should be treated with all care as to storage, as animals can pass by the kitchen area and sip/drink the liquid. They were many cases where animals – mostly cattle - were found dead after drinking the cassava water. After the water is extracted, it is then placed into a container and allowed to

‘settle’, eventually forming starch after a while. The settled water is now cooked – refining the sauce for consumption. While cooking, a broth is formed at the top of the boiling water. That portion is scooped off and placed into another container as the kada sauce. This process can be done to accumulate adequate sauce for the tuma pot. The remaining cassava water is further processed under heat to produce cassareep. This process takes time with fire modulation – meaning not having more or less heat than expected,”

Patterson outlined.

Side order

Tuma is usually served with cassava bread or farine, depending on the preferences of various indigenous tribes. The Arawaks will use cassava bread, while the Machusi and Wapishana people will use farine. The Warrau will use the fresh cassava bread referred to as “arasuka”. Fresh cassava juice or “belltarie” will be used as the beverage. Other freshly made juices are also served with the tuma including fly, piwari, and parakari - just to name a few.

Patterson noted that work is done collectively as a community in indigenous villages and is referred to as “kaiyap”. He said if work is being done as a community project, then in most cases a tuma pot is prepared. Tuma Sàlà (pronounced as Tuma-zarah) is a Patamona word meaning “come let us eat”.

When it is time for the meal, the person responsible for preparing and presenting the food usually shouts out “Tuma Sàlà” and

everyone knows it is time to eat. This brings everyone in a village together. According to Patterson, it is always a pleasure to do community work as the meal time was special.

“Tuma is a national dish that Guyanese can be proud of. The tuma pot is an authentic indigenous cuisine, just as pepperpot is. The introduction of the first ever Amerindian restaurant, Tuma Sàlà, established over a year ago, was founded on the tenants of cultural preservation, awareness, and the promotion of indigenous foods and beverages. In addition, to sustain growth, Tuma Sàlà, as an indigenous business venture, also embraces the concept and the promotion of art and craft and community-based tourism. Presently, this venture is experiencing a downturn in business that is affecting our country as a whole, but is still coping by providing a catering and delivery service to our many customers. It is expected to re-launch on November 14, 2015 at the first ever Jungle Marathon in Santa Mission,” Patterson disclosed. Check out Tuma Sàlà on Facebook for more information on the tuma pot. (Cover photo: Tuma fish with hot peppers)

Located some eight miles from the Maipaima Eco-Lodge in Nappi, the 900 ft. Jordan Falls cascades down a series of steep steps.

Getting to the falls requires an arduous five-hour hike, going up and down many hills, crossing slippery rocks and wading through flowing waters.

The return journey does not have to be made in one day since a satellite camp has been built at the base; so unless you are incredibly averse to sleeping in hammocks, an overnight next to the falls should not be missed.

A more leisurely hike can be enjoyed at the falls, which includes more time for bird watching (including the white bellbird) and wildlife. In the evenings, meals are enjoyed on the open rocks where the stargazing is superb.

If you are fit and enjoy a good trek, Jordan Falls is not to be missed. It is definitely one of the most spectacular areas around Nappi – if not in all of Guyana. (Information by Kirk Smock; “Guyana/Bradt Guide”, Second Edition)

CAL doesn’t need bailout yet – Chief Executive

CAL doesn’t need a bailout just yet.

That’s the declaration of its chief executive, Michael DiLollo. He said the airline had benefitted from extremely patient shareholders for years and believed the airline was strategically positioned to break even in three years.

In early February, then finance minister Larry Howai told Parliament that unaudited accounts for 2014 showed the airline made a loss of US$60 million, inclusive of its Air Jamaica operations, and the airline planned to break even by 2017.

Howai had also told the Parliament that a five-year strategic plan had been completed and currently was being approved for implementation. It outlined the transformation of the business model through reassessment of the product, including fleet and network planning, revenue management, pricing and customer service.

Speaking yesterday to members of the media at CAL’s Piarco headquarters, DiLollo said:

“When I look at the investment that has been afforded to the airline and compare that with my experience in the private sector, it is absolutely astounding.

‘“All of the shareholders, whatever the political affiliation, have been extremely patient and extremely committed to this airline over the

years. “I am humbled and grateful that they (the shareholders) did it. However, in the current context we need to do better. We need to do better for the shareholders. We need to do better for the people of T&T.”

Asked whether the airline planned to seek a bail out, he said: “We are trying desperately to minimise that to zero as quickly as we possibly can but obviously returning value for shareholders in socio-economically balanced manner.”

DiLollo, a pilot, said

he was ready to land the airline in a break-even financial position and that the airline was “well on our way, very well on our way to achieving that target.”

Asked what he meant by “well on our way” he said: “We are about 35 to 40 per cent of the way there. There is much work to do. In the next month as all of the initiatives come into play (it would) add considerably to that progress.

He added: “It’s a dynamic environment. We have deployed 32 transformational projects in

the company that are starting to yield very positive results. We are very happy with those results today.”

While not specifically stating the need for the ticket price to increase for inter- island travel, he said the price of the ticket was not at a suitable rate to attract profitability.

He said: “The airbridge at current ticket prices which date back to 1992 is not something we can look at in today’s inflationary realities and say that the T&T (interisland) route is a positive contribution to CAL.

“It is an essential service that we must take very seriously and obviously would require some funding under the current pricing. We just can’t make that work under the current pricing scheme that exists. The T&T airbridge obviously requires some level of assistance.”

Routes

• The London route would be dropped effectively on January 10, 2016.

• The decision to drop the route comes after the findings of two consultants.

• The diaspora will be well taken care of.

• Not ruling out a code-sharing agreement with any carrier.

• Assessing the risk/ rewards options concerning picking up the Georgetown/Jamaica route. No decision made. (Trinidad Guardian)

Silence …

…on border

Ralph Ramkarran reminded the new US Ambassador about their role on the border controversy, which Venezuela’s been hanging over our heads like the sword of that Damocles Greek fella. And we know what’s happening to Greece! Ramkarran being Ramkarran, played it safe. He gave a good historical account of the US fin de siècle role back in 1899, when that country was still feeling it’s oats against its old colonial master Britain.

Taking the burdens of its Monroe Doctrine seriously (ironically patterned on Britain’s earlier “white man’s burden” that forced it to intervene in countries all over the world to right wrongs!) the US made sure that justice was given to Venezuela against big, bad Britain. And justice Venezuela got. Since the Cuyuni was, and is, a tributary of the Essequibo, older maps had shown its entire basin belonging to British Guiana. Much of it was transferred to Venezuela.

But Ramkarran did show conclusively that the US then wasn’t just a disinterested bystander back in 1899. On the US’ role in 1962, however, Ramkarran is quite coy. He claims that country was “silent” then and: “If geopolitical considerations were responsible for the silence of the US in the past, that period is over.” But was the US really “silent” in the 1960s when Venezuela precipitated the controversy at the UN? Ramkarran ignores all the evidence in the declassified files of the US State Department and is silent. Since Ramkarran isn’t a country, presumably the consideration for his silence isn’t “geopolitical”. No prizes for guessing what the “consideration” is!!

Anyhow evidently goaded (prompted?) by Ramkarran’s call, the US responded immediately via its new Ambassador: “We call on all parties to continue to respect the 1899 arbitral ruling and boundary unless or until a competent legal body decides otherwise or both parties agree on something else.” Now is this the kick in the groin for Venezuela Ramkarran was telegraphing?

Bit of a letdown, don’t you think? This Eyewitness was kinda hoping that at the end of the statement, the Ambassador would’ve added some kind of “or else!!” In diplomatic language, of course, but still an “or else!” Even Maduro’s been expecting this…and said so in so many words. Now while in the anarchic arena of international relations you have to keep the other side guessing, you also can’t disappoint your allies too much – especially when they’ve gone so far out on a limb for you.

Now that our Caricom brothers are starting to practice fence straddling on the border controversy, the US has to come down a tad more firmly. Or else!?

…on Oct 5th

Emancipation Day was an inaugural event in the history of Guyana since it presaged the entry of all the other groups that now make up this wonderful rainbow nation. It should be and is celebrated by all. Analogously, in your Eyewitness’ humble opinion, October 5th is a historical day in our national experience: it signalled the return of democracy in this country. And should be celebrated by every Government following the PPP/C Government, since without October 5th, 1992, we would still be living in a dictatorship. Democracy Day!!!

Can you imagine us without free and fair elections? Moses Nagamootoo wouldn’t have the Cummingsburg Accord crafted so that he could share in all the powers of the Presidency. Khemraj Ramjattan would never have been allowed to have all the power to close bars at 2 am in the morning or have the guns that Amerindians hunt for a subsistence life, turned in.

This Eyewitness is very miffed that the Government allowed Democracy Day to pass without spending even a paltry Gy$100M on a big bash! …on Nagamootoo’s trip

Your Eyewitness was able to confirm that after spending a couple of days in New Jersey, Nagamootoo proceeded to Texas and then on to Toronto.

After praising it so many times, he couldn’t bear that Oct 5th was going to be dissed. No hypocrite this!!

"midday at the market" (2007) Watercolour

Travell Blackman was admitted to the E R Burrowes School of Art in 2001, as the youngest student due to the excellent portfolio he was able to present to the interview panel, since the age for admission to Burrowes was 18 years at that time. This ambition, displayed at a young age, has been constantly showcased in Blackman’s art.

Blackman was a major

in Painting and minor in Textiles at Burrowes. He graduated from the art institution in 2004, copping the awards for Best Student in Painting and Best Graduating Student.

After graduation, Blackman started teaching at President’s College in the Visual Arts department from 2004 to 2006. He also taught Drawing for the Modular Programme at Burrowes in 2006 and taught Visual

Arts at ISA Islamic School for six months in 2007.

From 2002 to present, Blackman has participated in several drawing and watercolour competitions held by Castellani House, winning several awards. In 2002, he won the only prize in the 16 to 18 years old category with his piece “Active”. In 2004, at the Fifth Biennial National Drawing competition, he won the silver medal for “Holly”. In 2005, at

T&T water manager may have been slain over contracts – Police

Police believe contracts that were either stopped or were about to be stopped, thanks to the intervention of senior Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) executive Derek Hooker, may be the reason he was shot dead outside his Diego Martin home on Monday night.

According to police, around 6.30 pm Monday Hooker had just pulled

into his yard when he was approached by a gunman.

Police said as he was walking into his home the man shot him in the face twice and left. He was taken to the St James Medical Centre and then transferred to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he died around 9.30 pm.

Officers close to the investigation said

Hooker was opposing the awarding of contracts and may have angered criminal elements who were benefiting from them.

They said the contracts were equivalent to “ghost gangs” within the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), where “workers” were paid and no work done.

Hooker, who was described by his relatives at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Tuesday as a God-fearing, helpful man who lived for the church and helping others will be buried today (Thursdsay).

The 54-year-old senior manager of operations (North West), who was employed at WASA for 32 years, will be eulogised at the Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Cipriani Boulevard, Port-of-Spain, at 10 am. (Trinidad Guardian)

the 4th Castellani House National Watercolour Competition, he won gold medal for his piece “In the Midst of Life”. Other noted works include “Midday at the Market”, among others. He has taken part in exhibitions both at Burrowes and at Castellani House.

Since early 2008, Blackman has been the Creative Director and layout artist for the Guyana Shopping Guide. Later that year, a collection of his work was on exhibition at Castellani House under the title, The Colour of Truth.

In addition to being an artist, Blackman is an application/web developer, and graphics designer.

In 2014, he graduated from the University of Guyana with a degree in Computer Science.

“So I am still in the realm of creativity, since fine art is about creating something tangible while computer science is about creating something intangible. And my experience in fine arts has proven to be an invaluable asset in my computer science proj-

ects,” the artist said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

The artist admires the work of surrealist painters Salvador Dali and Max Ernst, as well as Vermeer and others of Dali and Ernst period. Strong influences in his life have been his supportive family and his former painting and drawing tutor and mentor, the late Chekama Skeete.

Blackman is inspired by the experiences of life; as a result, his artworks depict a celebration of life, which becomes visual through play of colour, emotion and symbolism.

The artist shares his knowledge and talent via art and craft classes for children, and drawing and painting classes for teens and adults.

For more information on the art classes, visit Travell Blackman Fine Arts on Facebook.

Controversial Green heads list of 52 national awardees

By Jillicia Pinder

According to President David Granger, for his “long and outstanding involvement in this country’s independence” and for his role in providing public service for three generations, Mayor Hamilton Green was on Tuesday awarded with Guyana’s second highest honour, the Order of Roraima.

On Tuesday, 52 na-

tional awards were distributed to citizens and organisations from across Guyana, for various contributions made to society. Green was one of three recipients of the Order of Roraima; the other two being Brynmor Thornton Inniss Pollard, for his contributions in the field of law at the regional, commonwealth and international levels, and Sister Mary Noel Menezes for her long and outstanding service

to education at the secondary and tertiary level, and for her works as administrator of the Mercy’s Boys Home.

When the news of Green’s honour was announced, many were surprised by the decision given his unfortunate management of the capital city, but Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud had said that Green’s honour was justifiable.

Former President Donald Ramotar had told Guyana Times International that the selection was obviously done in a hurried manner without the proper procedure undertaken, and he was disappointed that particular individuals have been selected to receive those awards.

He pointed directly to Mayor Hamilton Green who he said has no merit for that award. According to Ramotar,

Green has done nothing for the country, especially the city he has been manning the past two decades.

However, earlier this year, in an interview with this newspaper, President Granger had stated that the appropriate and required consultations were done by the board and committee, which is in place to make the recommendations for those who deserve national awards.

Marriott plans to open 60 new hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America by 2018

SAO PAULO, Brazil

-- Tim Sheldon, president of Caribbean and Latin America operations at Marriott International, has announced an expected 75 percent increase in Marriott's Caribbean and Latin American distribution between 2015 and 2018 including a tripling of the company's presence in Brazil with the addition of 11 new hotels in that market.

"The northern part of our region is enjoying strong performance while the southern is faced with an economic slowdown, caused largely by the downfall of commodity prices and consequent devaluation;" said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer of the Caribbean and Latin America for Marriott, "Notwithstanding, there remains a strong opportunity for quality brand experiences in the sector, and savvy investors with a long-term perspective are taking advantage of the reduced price of assets, land and construction to acquire, develop and brand hotels."

Marriott has 93 hotels open today and more than 60 hotels under development in the Caribbean and Latin America, including 11 new hotels across 6 cities in Brazil. Marriott

has plans to invest approximately $400 million Brazilian Reais (US$100 million) in Brazil to launch four of its modern essential brands: Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott and AC by Marriott.

Seven of these eleven planned hotels are already under construction, which will be owned by Marriott or Brazilian partners. Over time, Marriott expects to sell its owned hotel assets, retaining long term management agreements.

"Brazil's economy, while it confronts structural and policy challenges, is still in the top 8 largest economies in the world and has excellent long term prospects," said Sheldon, who was named president of Marriott's Caribbean and Latin American region in May. "The lack of reliable domestic hotel products and services represents a large opportunity for our moderate-tier brands, which we have adapted to the tastes of the Brazilian travelers – providing them both value and options."

Year to date, the company has opened eight hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America, with another nine expected by year end, showcasing the company's broad port-

folio of world renowned brands, including hotels like the Marriott PortAu-Prince (Haiti), the Guyana Marriott Hotel, the re-launch of the iconic Renaissance Jaragua Santo Domingo hotel (Dominican Republic), the Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino Autograph Collection hotel (Panama), the Courtyard by Marriott Santiago (Chile), the Courtyard by Marriott Lima Miraflores (Peru), the Courtyard by Marriott Bogota Airport (Colombia), the AC by Marriott Guadalajara (Mexico), the Fairfield Inn Queretaro (Mexico).

The company is also scheduled to open its 100th hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America in November of this year, the JW Marriott Puerto Los Cabos in Mexico.

"In 2015 our company's theme in the region has been 'crossing new borders' as we open hotels in exciting developing markets like Haiti and Guyana," added Sheldon. "The large middle class throughout the region is eager to travel to new places and do business on the road. This, when combined with the strong performance and preference of our brands in the gateway markets, provides tremendous opportunity for Marriott's world class brands and service."

Recently crowned Miss Indigenous Heritage 2015, Sherica Ambrose hails from Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). The 21-yearold attended Central High School and holds an Accountancy diploma from the University of Guyana. Ambrose enjoys highlighting her culture through dance and music. At the Miss Indigenous Heritage 2015 she won the audience with an interpretive dance and melodies played on a bamboo pan flute. The indigenous beauty is the founder of a fitness group in Lethem and an advocate for a healthy lifestyle. She plans to host an indigenous fashion show in her region, which she hopes to accomplish soon. Additionally, she plans on visiting villages within her community to address issues affecting residents, and engage relevant authorities in finding solutions to those issues.

“Feminism” Today

Change is inevitable, and not surprisingly, the idea of feminism has changed so much over the years. But somewhere along the way it seems to have morphed into something unrecognisable. For some people, to be a feminist you have to hate men and treat them all as “male chauvinist pigs”. And God forbid, you have “feminine” qualities!! Sell out!!

The irony that Gloria Steinem, one of the founders of the modern feminism movement (and of Ms Magazine) was about as “feminine” as you can get! And still beautiful at 80.

This thought flashed through my mind recently when I listened to one female speaker, interpreting (from an

“Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings.” – Cheris Kramarae

Eastern perspective) the right of a female to be treated equally, who still felt compelled to deny that she was a “feminist”. Although she was! Or at least the points she was making were. There can be many ways to make one’s point.

Feminism isn’t against femininity. That girl who wants to paint her nails, take time to do her make-up and throw on a dress, isn’t less of a feminist than a girl who wears pantsuits and hates wearing makeup. Feminists aren’t deluded that only women are sexualised by the media. Feminists don’t believe that society only pressures women. Feminists definitely don’t believe that all men are budding sexual predators. It’s these faux-feminists that spout their man-hating diatribe that give actual feminists a bad name. That’s why there are blogs like “Women against Feminism” sprouting up. A cursory scroll through some of the posts there shows that they don’t seem to be

against actual feminism, they’re against the pseudo-feminism that’s being accepted as what feminism has become. Feminism is just saying that females should play a greater role in defining what “femininity” is all about.

Why should a woman who chooses to be a stay-at-home mom be treated as being less of a feminist than a woman who chooses to be a career woman? The whole point is CHOICE. That’s what feminism means to me – wanting EQUALITY of CHOICE, not wanting some utopian “equality”, especially when to be “equal” is being equated with being “identical”. Females can be equal to males without being identical to males or their roles. All I want is to be free to choose to go to college and get a job or to be free to choose to get married early and start a family. To me, if I’m told that girls can’t be doctors – that’s when I have a problem. And the awesome thing is, at least in Guyanese society, I’ve never experi-

enced that sort of discrimination. Not in my family… not in my village or in my school.

So I’m not about to fight for “equality” as “identity”. Because I’ve done biology, men and women aren’t built the same – men are better at some things and women are better at some things. Men and women are different and we have to begin to stress how to better deal with the differences – rather than making everyone into one melange.

I could spend my whole life wishing for “equality”, and it’ll never happen. I’ll never be as strong as a man who’s my height, because I don’t have high levels of testosterone. I wouldn’t even know who/what to pick a fight with to sort that one out. Evolution?

But equality of choice – that’s doable and that’s what I want. And that’s not settling – that’s just being realistic. All I want is to be able to make my own choices and be able to follow them – whether I want to be a bodybuilder or an astronaut.

That’s what feminism is to me – not this spiel about how men are “pigs” and an empowered women equates to just a career woman.

I hate that in some circles the word feminism has become a sort of bad word with women jumping to point out, “Not that I’m a feminist or anything”.

It’ll be interesting to see where feminism is headed in the coming years.

The seven deadly sins

Satiricus knew that you couldn’t stop a good thing – just like you couldn’t keep a good man down. “Look at Minister of Securing Security, Rum Jhaat,” Satiricus thought, “the fella was doing so well at reducing crime, Pressie had even made him “President of Vice”! Some people called the position “Vice President” but Satiricus knew better. How could you stop crime if you couldn’t control “vice”?? “Hadn’t we learnt in Sunday School that “vice” was “wicked behaviour” -like the seven deadly sins: greed, envy, gluttony, sloth, wrath, lust and pride? “Stop the sins and you stop crime.” said Satiricus firmly.

But the Jhaat was a firm believer that you had to do something, you had to experience it. The Jhaat had started out with the first one “greed” – and told the nation that this was the root of all crimes. The Jhaat knew what he was talking about. It was greed that had him led to carry news to THE Embassy. The money was just too good to pass up, even if it meant betraying people who had helped him all his life. And it wasn’t like he was taking “thirty pieces of silver” like that other fella. The Jhaat demanded thirty-one. So arum Jhaat knew how to attack greed.

“Envy” was easy. When he was in the PPEE party, he had worshipped at the feet of the Jagons and here was this kid Jagdesh who came in just like that and won over their affections. Never mind he worked harder than anybody. If the Jhaat wasn’t dark skinned he woulda been green with envy.

Gluttony? Didn’t that KFC man from Essequibo testify how every time Rum Jhaat went to keep meetings, he had to have a Kahari of duck curry and large Grey Goose just for the “President of Vice”?

Sloth was easy for the Jhaat. He was naturally slow and as a boy even his mother called him “Korhee”. Every reporter knew about the “wrath” of Rum Jhaat, since “haul yuh ass!” was a term of endearment for him. Lust also came easy – as his eyes cast in every direction when any nubile young lady was around.

But “pride” “…false pride” was the Jhaat’s speciality. He always felt that because he was a lawyer, he was better than the other guys in the PPEE. And that was why HE had to be the leader. Or else!!

“So,” concluded Satiricus, “who was better qualified to be President of Vice and take care of our Security?”

“Who de man?? De Jhaat is de vice man!!”‘ chanted Satiricus.

Faux pas…

… or follow the leader

Nagamootoo just waltzed off on a “private trip” with his wife. It was described as a “two-week leave” – after four months on the job, such as it is. Now in the Private Sector, you’ve got to work at least a year before you “earn” your leave. Is it different for the Government service? Or are there different strokes for different folks. Or then again, maybe the man from Whim’s leading public servants from the front on this vexed “leave” business: use it or lose it.

Anyhow, this paper said he’d headed off to Texas but this was denied by the Kronic State newspaper. Presumably, they know where he’s headed but wouldn’t say. They did also say Nagamootoo wasn’t jetting off to the Middle East (mediating between ISIS and the US?) which no one had even claimed. But that’s exactly the problem, isn’t it?

Nagamootoo is a PUBLIC official – the SENIOR Vice President and Prime Minister. He’s imbued with tremendous power – by the Constitution and the even more sacrosanct Cummingsburg Accord. As a PUBLIC official, the public has a right to know where the repository of all these massive powers is reposing.

Now we know that Nagamootoo’s boss had also jetted off to a “private” trip to the States and no one ever did find out his destination. Well, sort of. The Minister of Sate Joseph Harmon had joked (we thought) that Pressie had gone off to get some new clothes. (Even then, his Black Shirt Jac was literally and figuratively wearing thin!)

But now we know that Harmon wasn’t kidding. Didn’t everyone notice what a dashing figure he cut with his Nehru Jacket in New York after his face-off with Maduro? Is it possible that Nagamootoo’s also had it with his dated duds? Those cheap “Mafia Don” suits his valet outfitted him with did make his look sinister.

Whatever it is, we can’t have our second most powerful PUBLIC figure doing disappearing acts at the drop of a hat. Who will wield all that power in his absence?

Like telling the Kronic what to print on his whereabouts!!

…on drunk lushes

The GTimes caught up with the Traffic Chief to find out why more than 99 per cent of the individuals whose pics are released by their PRO in their “name and shame” programme hail from Berbice. Since this has been the pattern ever since the programme was initiated, it wasn’t surprising that folks figured most of the drunkards in Guyana come from the ancient county. The reporter evidently decided to find out why.

In the paper’s Friday’s edition, the Traffic Chief said it wasn’t so. With the 100 or so reports of inebriated drivers the Traffic Dept in Georgetown receive weekly, he said they have to wait until the persons are actually convicted until their pics are plastered across the papers. But this still begs the question – why only fellas from Berbice pics emerge from the 100 persons per week nabbed? Is the Chief telling us that only Berbicians are convicted? Doesn’t sound right.

The Chief also suggested that maybe the Berbice traffic cops are the most conscientious in sending in pics. So are there SOP’s on this or not?

But with all the Traffic Chief’s “explanations”, the Stabber published another dragnet of drunk drivers on the same day. And guess what? Five out of Six were from Berbice!!!!

Shouldn’t we “name and shame” some of these lax cops, for shaming our PM from Berbice?

…on labour

Labour officers – with “I is” Broomes in tow, raided a hotel in Barrica. They swooped over to Linden to check up on Bosai workers’ issues. Returning to Gtown, they traipsed over to Regent Street to check on whether those bloodsuckers were exploiting shop girls.

But couldn’t find time to meet one aggrieved worker, gypped out of his NIS payments, who showed up at her office.

Controversial Green heads...

According to the Head of State, the recommendations were already made over the past years, but were not acted upon. As such, he disclosed that upon assumption of Office, he simply gave the necessary approval for the announcement to become a reality.

Addressing the honourees, Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, His Excellency, President David Granger, shared that these awards are a symbol of our nationhood and is the greatest gift that a nation can offer its best citizens to express gratitude.

Granger noted that national awards like Guyana’s national anthem, national flag and national monuments are ordained by Guyana’s Constitution and must not be devalued. He mentioned that awards however can be no more than

a token, and cannot calculate the value of a person’s contributions. “We cannot measure the magnitude of selflessness of your service, for which you’ve been recognised,” Granger shared, but added that the awards are a reflection of the respect and reverence of a grate-

ful nation. He added that the awards constitute an important institution of the state, and shared that it is Guyana’s constitutional obligation unfailingly, to discharge this duty to deserving citizens. The President vowed that his Government will con-

gregate at the National Cultural Centre to pay respect to those deserving.

To the awardees, Granger urged them to let this not be the time for small mindedness and ill tempered peevishness, and encouraged them to continue to set an example and serve the country.

National awards were established 45 years ago when Guyana attained its Republican status and the first two national awards the Order of Excellence of Guyana and the Order of Roraima of Guyana, were launched under the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana. In 1976, the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana was amended to add a third national award, the Order of Service of Guyana. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy.com)

Amal is the smart one in our relationship: George

Clooney

Superstar George Clooney says lawyer wife Amal is the smart one in their marriage.

The 54-year-old “Tomorrowland” actor, who recently admitted to feeling less intelligent than his human rights

Charlize Theron’s

lawyer spouse, does not think there’s any question that Amal is smarter than him, reported Extra.

“I get to wear the trousers and she gets to be the smart one; that’s a fair deal, that’s a fair trade. I was asked, you know, ‘Is she the smart one in the family?’ and I don’t think anyone would argue with that, do you?” he said.

The couple celebrated their one-year anniversary last month with a quiet dinner at the Sunset Tower Hotel’s Tower Bar in West Hollywood. (Indian Express)

alleged

Steven Spielberg wants to venture into romantic comedy

Steven Spielberg has expressed an unlikely interest in shooting a romantic comedy with Tom Hanks.

The frequent collaborators first teamed up for 1998’s “Saving Private Ryan” and they are currently promoting their fourth project together, “Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies”, reported Time.

However, Spielberg, 68, said he would like to take a break from dramas and tackle a whole new film genre after branding Hanks’ 1993 classic “Sleepless in Seattle”.

“One of the films that I just think is one of the best things Tom has ever done, is Sleepless in Seattle,” he told US

stalker not to be prosecuted

Charlize Theron’s alleged stalker will not be prosecuted as there is no sufficient evidence that he intended to harm the actress.

The District Attorney declined to charge the man, who came with the name Stanislav Sonseadec and was arrested for allegedly stalking the 40-yearold actress, reported Aceshowbiz. He was released on bail.

Based on the DA’s rejection documents, Theron’s assistant asked

Stanislav several times to leave the actress’ house before calling the police.

Law enforcement sources argued that there

might have been misunderstanding between the two given that Stanislav is Russian, and English is seemingly not his first

language.

The police thought language barrier might have made it hard for him to understand that he was actually unwelcome.

The incident took place on Sunday, October 5, when he delivered a bouquet of flowers to Theron.

The actress asked him to leave the flowers at her gate but he insisted to hand them to her personally. She was forced to call law enforcement after he reportedly refused to leave her house until he met her. (Indian Express)

Victoria Beckham dismisses marriage trouble rumours

Singer-fashion designer Victoria Beckham has hit back at the recent claims of trouble in her relationship with husband David Beckham, insisting they have “nothing to prove”. Victoria, 41, said the couple’s 16-year-marriage is stronger than ever despite sometimes being apart due to their busy schedules, reported Daily Mirror.

“I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and beautiful, healthy, happy children. Yes, we

Kristen

travel a lot with our respective business and charitable commitments, but we always make time for each other as a couple and as a family.

“David and I have nothing to prove. We love each other, we look out for each other and are strong as both partners and parents,” she said.

The loved-up couple have sons Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 10 and four-year-old daughter Harper. (Indian Express)

Dunst slams Hollywood,

calls it ‘a weird place’

Actress Kristen Dunst says she has become a little disappointed with Hollywood and feels television is the new hub of creative people.

The 33-year-old “Spider-Man” trilogy star, who is all set to star in season 2 of “Fargo”, finds the film industry a “weird place,” reported The Guardian.

breakfast show “Good Morning America”.

“I’ve never made a movie like that before; I would love to do a movie like that with this guy.”

The pair’s other movies include 2002’s “Catch Me If You Can” and 2004 comedy-drama “The

Terminal”. The moviemaker said working with Hanks is always a delight because the actor is such a chameleon.

“For me, everything that Tom does is a surprise to me because I don’t recognize him.”

(Indian Express)

I’m not ‘defined’ by social media: Anne Hathaway

Academy Awardwinning actress Anne Hathaway does not want her life to be “defined” by social media.

Hathaway, 32, said she is not addicted to the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram like most of her generation, reported Female First.

“I’m not as much into it as a lot of other people. I’m not as into it, my life isn’t as defined by it. But it’s the world now so I want to be familiar.” (Indian Express)

Tom Hanks applauds son for opening up about drug

addiction

“People don’t go to the cinema unless it’s an event any more. So the movie industry is in a weird place, for sure, and the creative people are blossoming on television,” Dunst said. The actress said too many films is the reason she shifted to television.

has their hand in it, so whose movie is it at the end of the day?”

The “Interview with the Vampire” actress finds TV more satisfactory as it involves a lot of hard work.

“There are just too many movies being made, I think. So many of them get lost. Too many cooks in the kitchen- the studio’s editing it, the producers are editing it, the director’s editing, too. But everyone

“Doing a television show is much, much harder work than film, because you’re doing 10 pages a day. You don’t get that many takes. And my character does not stop talking,” she said. (Indian Express)

Tom Hanks broke his silence on the drug addiction battle of his son Chet during the premiere of his upcoming film “Bridge of Spies” in New York.

Chet, an aspiring rapper, opened up about his battle with addiction on an Instagram post.

“As a parent, you love your kids unconditionally,” 59-year-old Tom told Entertainment Tonight.

“You support them

in every step of the way. You got to applaud the bravery and honesty when it actually comes out of your own house,” said Hanks.

Chet, 26, said having a famous father made it difficult for him to find a place where he could fit in.

“There’s nothing glorious about bringing yourself closer to death and prison,” he wrote on Instagram. (Indian Express)

Shah

Rukh

Khan shoots with ‘stunning’ Kajol for ‘Dilwale’

BShetty’s ‘Dilwale’, has been regularly keeping his followers updated with happenings from the sets.

The actor, who is reuniting with his ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ co-star Kajol for the film, was happy to have the entire cast on set recently. The team had a night shoot and Shah Rukh took to Twitter to praise his ‘stunning’ co-actor and friend Kajol.

Despite having his hands full with ‘Dilwale’, Shah Rukh Khan will be delivering a speech at Edinburgh University, in the UK on October 15. After a bit of thought, the actor decided that he will be speaking on ‘Life Lessons’ at the University. (Indian Express)

Sania Mirza is Farhan Akhtar’s ‘rockstar’

Bollywood’s multifaceted talent Farhan Akhtar is gearing up to hit the right notes with “Rock On 2!!”, but for him, tennis star Sania Mirza is the real ‘rockstar’.

When the tennis star wished him good luck for his shooting schedule for the sequel of 2008 Indian rock music drama in Shillong, Meghalaya with a tweet “@FarOutAkhtar Gooodd luck Farhan”, the actor responded: “@ MirzaSania thank you rockstar.”

Written and directed by debutant filmmaker

“I had to wait long to do my kind of work” – Irrfan Khan

With his brilliant performances on the big screen, Irrfan has become one of the bankable stars of Bollywoood but the actor says the journey to reach this stage has been long and challenging.

Irrfan, 48, made his debut with a small role in Mira Nair’s 1988 National Award winning film “Salaam Bombay”. It was, however, Tigmanshu Dhulia’s 2003 cult film “Haasill” which got Irrfan into the limelight, earning him rave reviews for his negative role.

“The audience wasn’t ready when ‘Haasil’ was released. People still

watch it and relate to the film, especially today’s youngsters.

“But during that time the audience wasn’t prepared because they didn’t have a place to

watch these kinds of films. Then multiplexes came and changed everything, pulling in the middle class crowd. ‘Haasil’ was ahead of its time… So we had to wait a long time to do our kind of work,” he told reporters.

Following his career defining 2003 film, Irrfan worked in movies like “Maqbool”, “The Namesake” and “Life in a Metro”.

The actor said when he entered the industry, the scenario was completely different.

“When I came to the Industry, I saw cinema being made only for front benchers, for one class and then it started changing. Today,

SRK’s wife Gauri Khan hits right notes with global audio brand deal

Gauri Khan, entrepreneur and wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is happy to collaborate with international high-end audio brand Steinway Lyngdorf. She says the brand will give a ‘technological’ edge to her design space.

After opening their flagship showroom in Delhi earlier this year, Peter Lyngdorf, founder of the Danish-company Steinway Lyngdorf, sealed the collaboration with Gauri here.

“I am happy to collaborate with Steinway Lyngdorf. Since the inception of my studio, it has been my effort to offer distinctive, defining pieces that add to the aesthetic appeal of spaces,” Gauri told IANS.

Lyngdorf was accompanied by Monica-Sambhriya Parikh and Harshul Parikh, owners of Trescent Lifestyles, one of the leaders in providing high-end home theatres, audio-video and home automation solutions.

The global company is known for delivering high performance digital sound systems, combining design artistry and the finest craftsmanship with perfected technology.

Gauri feels “Steinway Lyngdorf offers best in class audio-video technology” and it will “fit in beautifully with her mission of enhancing the home or office environments”. (Indian Express)

the audience wants to watch cinema of every kind. Youth is changing Bollywood. They’ve seen international cinema and they want our cinema to be commercial and yet tell the stories of society.”

This year alone, Irrfan has starred in movies like drama comedy “Piku”, Hollywood blockbuster “Jurassic World”, murder mystery “Talvar” and his upcoming Sanjay Gupta directed action drama “Jazbaa”.

The actor credits the change in the audiences’ taste for giving him the leg room to experiment with different kinds of movies. (Indian Express)

Shujaat Saudagar, “Rock On 2!!” will see Farhan, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli and Prachi Desai reprising their roles from

original film.

Kapoor is joining the star cast to play the lead role along with Farhan for the first time. (Indian Express)

Khushi Kapoor plants a peck on Jack Gilinsky’s cheek, picture goes viral

After Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim created buzz with his photographs he had shared on Instagram, it is his friend and veteran actress Sridevi’s daughter, Khushi Kapoor’s turn. Khushi’s three month old picture she shared on insatagram has gone viral.

Khushi is seen planting a peck on the cheek of ‘Jack and Jack’ pop singer Jack Gilinsky. The picture is not new, but was posted by her three weeks back. Calling it one of the best moments of her life Khushi wrote, “Hands down one of the

best moments of my life.” Khushi, who seems to be a friend of the singer, has posted another picture of her with Jack and her friends from one of their outings. Earlier Ibrahim had also shared pictures of him partying with Khushi. (Indian Express)

‘Jazbaa’ not an action film: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be seen doing some daring stunts in her comeback film “Jazbaa”, but the actress says it’s not an action entertainer.

“The action is just a section of it. It’s not an action film,” Aishwarya said during a media interaction to promote “Jazbaa”.

In the film, Aishwarya plays a lawyer and a mother, threatened to fight the case of a criminal, who is guilty of rape and murder.

On being asked about how she prepared herself for the character, she said: “There was no time for the preparations. It was like go to the sets and jump to shoot. I am glad that I was able to do that.”

Directed by Sanjay Gupta, “Jazbaa” has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification and is set to release this Friday. It also stars Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi and Jackie Shroff among others. (Indian Express)

Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ gets standing ovation in Busan

Superstar Salman Khan‘s “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” was an instant hit with the global audience at the 20th Busan International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, says director Kabir Khan.

“The biggest audience ever…#BajrangiBhaijaanInBusan 5000 people…Standing ovation…Amazing energy here,” Kabir tweeted.

The film was screened on Tuesday at the film gala, which

began on October 1 and will culminate on Saturday.

“Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, which narrates a story of how a man discovers love and affection while taking a Pakistani mute girl back to her country, won hearts and ruled box office by surpassing Rs.300 crore mark in India.

The film also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and child artist Harshaali Malhotra. (Indian Express)

Players’ commitment key criteria for selection, says Griffith

Chairman of the National Selectors and former Guyana fast bowler

Rayon Griffith outlined that while the selection panel will be looking at a number of factors before the final Guyana Jaguars squad is selected, “players’ commitment” will be the key criteria for selection.

According to Griffith, the squad for the first

round of the second edition of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional Fourday franchise tournament, which commences on November 6, will be selected after the two four-day practice games.

The first practice game is confirmed for October 12-15 at the Georgetown Cricket Club, while Game Two is scheduled for October

26-29 at a venue to be decided.

“Commitment is the top priority for us. We (selectors) are also looking at attitude, fitness and of course performance,” Griffith added.

Under the new franchise system, each of the six franchises is allowed to have 15 contracted players.

However, apart from those contracted players, other players who have reached the selec-

tor’s criteria are also eligible for selection under the ‘Pay for Play’ criteria.

The Guyana Jaguars contracted players for the 2015-2016 season are: Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetymer, Ronsford Beaton,

Keon Joseph, Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishual Singh, Javon Searles and Kandasammy Surujnarine.

Further, it must be noted that batsmen Leon Johnson and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are part of the Jaguars’ set-up, but were not considered for contracts since both batsmen have WICB retainer contracts.

The players awarded Academy Contracts

from Cricket Guy Inc for the year 2015-2016 are: Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Adams, Raun Johnson, Keemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus, Kemol Savory, Kevon Boodie, Dexter Solomon, Steven Jacobs, Tevin Imlach and Akshaya Persaud.

The Guyana Jaguars are defending champions of the PCL Four-day competition. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

IGG 2015 cancelled!

By tReiston joseph

The 2015 edition of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG), a tri-nation event among Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname has been cancelled, owing to a number of contributing factors that forced the hand of the organising committee.

While all three nations were in support of the event being hosted, the first leg that was scheduled to be held in Guyana had to be cancelled as a con-

sequence of miscommunication among all three countries according to National Sports Commission (NSC) senior official Gervy Harry.

The second leg, which was scheduled for French Guiana in October, had to be cancelled as well, since the country would be having General Elections in December.

Suriname, which has hosted all three legs before highlighted some internal issues with hosting the 2015 edition of the event; therefore,

eliminating all possibility of the event being held this year. Nevertheless, Harry highlighted that all three countries will meet in 2016 after the General Elections of French Guiana to discuss the specifics for the 2016 edition, which is expected to be held successfully.

Guyana has dominated the Track and Field aspect of the event which has always been a showcase for its blossoming youth and junior athletes.

5-Stage cycling rebranded Tour of Guyana

– riders have until October 16 to register

By avenash Ramzan

Held under the banner “Ride for Life Five-Stage” for the past eight years, Guyana’s premier cycling event, slated for this month-end, has been rebranded Tour of Guyana.

This was revealed by national cycling coach and chief organiser Hassan Mohamed on Tuesday, as this publication sought an update on the gruelling four-day event.

The ninth annual showpiece will pedal off on October 29 and end on November 1, spanning all three counties of Guyana.

“The event will now

be known as the Tour of Guyana,” Mohamed said. The long-serving sport administrator also highlighted that interested cyclists, both local and overseas, have until October 16 to register to compete at the event.

Registration forms can be uplifted from the Department of Sport office in the Help and Shelter building on Homestretch Avenue.

The race is the signature event on the local cycling calendar, and usually attracts the largest group of local and foreign riders.

As is the norm, the first two stages will be held on the opening day (October 29) in Berbice and Demerara.

Stage three (October 30) will take place in West Demerara, followed by Stage four (October 31) in Essequibo. The final stage (November 1) will move from Linden to Georgetown.

The opening stage will be held from Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46.6 miles) from 07:30h, while Stage Two will be on the same day from Rosignol to Georgetown (60.4 miles) from 14:00h.

Stage Three will take place from Wales to Parika (35 miles) from 09:00h, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07:30h from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles. The fifth and final stage will commence

Guyana Golf

Open 2015… Persaud ready to defend title

By Rajiv Bisnauth

When Avinash Persaud recaptured the Guyana Golf Open male title last year, he did so with immense authority. However, sometimes, expectations can create all sorts of problems, even for the top-ranked player.

Persaud knows this from experience, but he has vowed to retain the title when the twoday tournament tees off at the Lusignan Golf Course on October 31.

in Linden at 08:30h and finish in Georgetown, covering a distance of 62 miles.

As was the case in previous years, the event will be held with the objectives of increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among participants and the general public, and increasing HIV/AIDS activism and volunteerism among the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Last year’s race, which spanned 266 miles of the country’s roadways, was won by Carlton Wheelers’ rider Robin Persaud. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Blatter, Platini suspended from soccer by FIFA’s ethics body

URICH –

ZAccording to a Reuters report, FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his possible successor, European soccer chief UEFA Michel Platini, have been provisionally suspended for 90 days, the ethics committee of football’s global governing body said on Thursday.

“During this time, the above individuals are banned from all football activities on a national and international level,” FIFA’s ethics committee said in a statement on Thursday.

It also handed out a 90-day suspension to FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, who had already been sent on leave, and banned former FIFA VicePresident Chung Mongjoon for six years and fined him 100,000 Swiss francs ($103,000).

The moves against the most powerful men in world soccer dramat-

ically deepened the turmoil at FIFA as it faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States into corruption at the highest levels of the game.

“The grounds for these decisions are the investigations that are being carried out by the investigatory chamber of the ethics committee,” the committee said.

Swiss prosecutors last month opened a criminal investigation into Blatter over a Caribbean World Cup TV rights contract he signed, and a 2011 payment of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.07 million) to Platini.

The Swiss attorney general has described the position of Platini, a former French midfield

star, as being between that of a witness and an accused person.

Blatter has been president of FIFA since 1998 and has worked for the organisation for 40 years, starting as a technical director before becoming secretary general under former president Joao Havelange in 1981.

The 79-year-old Swiss told a German magazine this week that the Swiss criminal investigation against him was “not correct”.

Earlier on Thursday, Platini said he would fight any decision against him, and slammed world soccer’s governing body.

Valcke, Blatter’s right-hand man for the past eight years, was suspended last month after allegations he was involved in a scheme to sell 2014 World Cup tickets at a marked-up price. Valcke denied the charges. (Excerpts taken from Reuters)

Persaud won his fifth Guyana Golf Open title last year, when he made the game look easy with sizzling shot selection as well as intense concentration. He chalked up a gross of 144 to lead all golfers.

However, he acknowledged that the tournament is Guyana’s premier event on the local golf calendar, and as such, he anticipates a competitive tournament.

“It is the premier event locally and every golfer is itching to have a go at it. However, while I anticipate a competitive tournament, I am confident of retaining the title,” Persaud said during an exclusive interview.

He remains optimistic, saying he is well prepared for any challenges. “I fit and ready to go,” he said.

Asked to comment on the Club’s decision to introduce a Senior Flight for the tournament this year, the defending champion said “definitely it will make the tournament more competitive”.

Apart from the usual categories: First Flight (0-9 handicap); Second

Flight (10-18); Third Flight (19-28) and Ladies Flight, the Club, for the first time in its history, has introduced a Senior Flight.

Like the previous years, the overall champion in the Men’s division will be judged by the player with the Best Gross, while on the distaff side, the winner will come from the person with the Best Net.

On the distaff side, Joann Deo created one of the biggest upsets when she defeated Christine Sukhram as the top female golfer. Deo made an array of focused shots to register a Net of 141 for the big win.

Shanella Webster finished second with Net 146, as 2013 champion Sukhram fell all the way to third with Net 149. Meanwhile, registration for the two-day event is in full swing, and interested golfers can confirm their participation by registering via the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) email address, lusignangolfclub@hotmail. com or by making contact with the LGC on telephone number 2225660. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

Pacquiao likely to retire after one more fight next year

MANILA –

According to a recent Reuters report, Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao, a winner of world titles in eight different weight categories, said he is likely to retire from the sport after one more fight next year.

Pacquiao, 36, last fought in May when he lost to American Floyd Mayweather Junior in a long awaited bout between the sport’s best two fighters, dubbed the Fight of the Century, which failed to match the hype.

Pacquiao underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff after the fight

and had been expected to retire with little left to prove after achieving his long-stated goal of getting in the ring with Mayweather.

“I think I’m ready. I’ve been in boxing for more than 20 years,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN on Wednesday.

The Filipino said he wanted one more bout but it is unlikely to be against Mayweather, who has announced plans to retire after beating Andre Berto in September to improve his record to 49 wins and no losses. (Excerpts taken from Reuters)

Centurion Arjune inspires Hawaiian Arctic to 6th SCA title

By RavendRa Madholall in ToRonTo

Thirty-five-year-old righthanded batsman Krishna Arjune hit an authoritative, unbeaten 103 to inspire Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club to their sixth consecutive Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier 50over championship on Saturday at Ashtonbee.

The former Guyana first-class cricketer struck seven fours and a six in his innings, as Hawaiian Arctic surpassed Scarborough Cricket Club’s challenging 201-5 off a reduced 45 overs, for the loss of two wickets.

The reduction of the overs was on account of overcast conditions. It took 43.4 overs for Hawaiian Arctic to get their historical moment.

Arjune also featured in an exciting 159-run second-wicket partnership with Azhad Amidon, who scored a fluent 56. Hawaiian Arctic have now become the first team to achieve this phenomenal feat since the formation of the SCA over three decades ago.

Hemnarine Chattergoon, another former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman and Canada first-class player, was again wearing the captain armband for the third successive year and had the privilege of hitting the winning boundary to spark unbridled celebrations among his

teammates and loyal supporters.

Chattergoon was left on 24 and gleefully stated that the team were once again outstanding this year despite losing three preliminary round matches owing to the unavailability of several senior players.

“I think we play very good cricket again throughout the season; I know some players missed out due to work and family commitments, but we definitely deserve the championship and it is an amazing achievement,”

Chattergoon declared.

Scarborough Cricket Club had won the toss and opted to take first strike in windy and murky conditions for cricket, but the umpires decided to have the final played.

Talati Aarif led the way for Scarborough Cricket Club with a dashing 76 which was punctuated with five fours and two sixes, while Suhail Variava supported admirably with 62 not out and Nawab Zenul scored 24.

Man of the Match Arjune proved his all-round capability by claiming two wickets for 22 runs from his nine off-spin overs, while Chattergoon and Riyad Sattaur picked up one wicket apiece.

Meanwhile, manager of the successful Hawaiian Arctic side Frederick Halley disclosed after the game that his team played terrific cricket to lift the trophy again. He pointed out that the

commitment of the players was very consistent and that made the difference.

Halley, who is also a veteran Sports Journalist, mentioned the service of former Guyana and West Indies one-day player Royston Crandon was missing for this crucial encounter, but was very optimistic the other players would have filled the void and they have done it with a great degree of dynamism and passion to succeed.

Crandon was reportedly plying his trade for Brampton Masters Cricket Club in this year’s Toronto District Cricket Association Elite 50-over semi-final at King City the same day.

Hawaiian Arctic Club President Archie Mohan expressed deep elation after his team’s triumph, and commented that his team continued to dominate the SCA’s Premier League with determination.

He also took the opportunity to thank his fellow executives of the Club for their continued cooperation and enthusiasm shown over the years. Vice President Iqbal Rahaman, Secretary/Treasurer Eon Gunraj and long-standing members Doodnauth Singh, Rishi Samuel and Vish Singh have come in for great praise from the leader for their contributions in various ways since the Club was formed some 20 years ago.

Samuels ready for business as Sri Lanka Test series loom

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Middle order batsman

Marlon Samuels says he is anxious to put bat to ball when the Test series between West Indies and Sri Lanka begin in earnest next Wednesday.

Samuels, a senior member of the regional side, says he is also eager to step-up to leading roles for his team in their two match Test series against the Sri Lankans.

Both sides are showcasing a number of young players who will play in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium (October 1418) in the coastal town of Galle; and the P Sara Oval (October 22-26) in the capital, Colombo.

“I can’t wait to get out into the middle and play some game. I have been in the nets but you know how it goes. Batting in the nets for me is just about hitting balls and keeping my form steady,” said Samuels.

“But going out in the middle and getting the job done that’s where it matters the most. So the form has been good. I am going into this series not

really over confident but confident and looking forward to playing a major role to help the team as much as possible”.

The start of a threeday practice match between West Indies and a Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s X1 has been pushed back from today to tomorrow because of bad weather in Colombo.

In fact, West Indies who arrived in Sri Lanka last week, have been forced to practice indoors because of sporadic showers in Colombo.

Nontheless, Samuels says he is satisfied with preparation and is looking forward to the practice match.

“The warm up has been going good. Rain here and there. But this is Sri Lanka you can’t do anything about that. But preparation has been wonderful,” said Samuels.

“We are looking forward to getting some match time in this three day game and hopefully some of the guys can get some runs and get some wickets and bring their lovely form into the real thing”. (CMC)

Dyna’s Ravens top GABA’s ranking

The Dyna’s Ravens Basketball Club are the number one ranked team in Georgetown after the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) released its first ranking of 2015 on Tuesday.

While Dyna’s Ravens are tied with the Colts Basketball Club on 21 points, because they have lost by fewer points in head-tohead match-ups with the Colts, they won the tie breaker between the two top teams.

The Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) finished

third on 15 points, while the Plaisance Guardians are fourth with 13 points and the University of Guyana fifth with 13 points as well.

The Knights (11); Melanie Patriots (11); Pepsi Sonics (9); Republic Bank Nets (9) and Eagles (5) finished 6th to 10th in that order.

With the first five teams being named the Division One teams, while the bottom five are now Division Two teams, the bottom two Division One teams will battle the top two Division Two teams to

facilitate movement in the two divisions.

With the upcoming GABA League set to start later this month, the rankings will be critical to determining a team’s schedule.

At the end of the League, the bottom two Division One Teams will battle the top two Division Two teams for their status.

The Ravens Club have been one of the more dominant teams over the past three years and have played with a model of consistency in all of their tournaments.

Flex Night International set for December 6 in Guyana

The annual Flex Night International 2015 will be held on Sunday December 6 at the National Cultural Centre in Guyana, organizers have confirmed.

“Coming as it does after the November Darcy Beckles Classic hosted in Barbados, the event brings the curtain down on the 2015 slate of male and female bodybuilding and fitness events,” Managing Director of Flex Night Inc. Donald Sinclair said via a release.

The December event is expected to attract male and female competitors from gyms in Georgetown, Berbice, Linden, East and West Demerara, as well as a contingent from neighbouring Suriname and at least one competitor based in New Jersey, United States of America.

Even at this early stage some key sponsors have already pledged their commitment to Flex Night International 2015.

Prominent among those are Southland International, Fitness Express, International Pharmaceutical Agency, Toucan Industries, Farfan and Mendes Limited, Axe Apparel and Modern Grafix. As the Flex Night date draws closer there will be further information about both new sponsors and international participants expected.

D’Andrade finishes 2nd in RBC/ TTRRC 5K after brief rest

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Road Runners Club (TTRRC) held its annual ‘Race for Hope’ five and 15 kilometres road race on Sunday where Trinidad-based Guyanese Lionel D’Andrade returned to action.

After a brief rest period, the lanky athlete was able to place second in the event with a time of 16mins 19s. Trinidadian Matthew Hagley was first in 15:55s, while Trinidadian Iley Bruce was third in 17:35s.

In the 15K stretch, Kenyan Kenneth Rotich stopped the clock in 48:10s followed by Guyana’s own Kelvin Johnson in 52:08s and Trinidadian Curtis Cox in third with a time of 53:03s.

D’Andrade said, “I felt good, even in the morning humidity. I was resting up briefly, so it felt good being back on the course. I am preparing for the UWI Spec Half Marathon scheduled for this October 25th; so I’ll be picking up some momentum for that with the Air Bon Sonics and the St Mary’s 5ks carded for this weekend and then the Palo Seco Credit Union 5K the following weekend; just before the UWI Half Marathon,” D’Andrade explained.

The ‘Race for Hope’ had 700 participants who all ran in support of celebrating the progress of children in treatment and recovery for cancer in Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and the Bahamas who have received funding for their treatment since 2009. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Holder hoping for speedy resolution between Simmons and WICB

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - West Indies captain

Jason Holder says he hopes the conflict between suspended head coach Phil Simmons and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) could be resolved quickly allowing him to be reinstated.

Holder, who is leading West Indies on a tour of Sri Lanka which begins with a practice match against a President’s X1 tomorrow, says Simmons’ suspension has been a setback to the team.

The former Windies all-rounder is due to face a disciplinary panel of the WICB sometime this week after he was suspended for publicly alleging interference in the selection of the ODI squad.

“No doubt [Simmons’ suspension] is a bit of setback for us, but at this present stage, all we can do is focus on the cricket,” said Holder.

“I just hope that the situation with him is solved quickly because we would love to have him back. He’s been a wonderful inspiration to our team thus far.”

Simmons’ suspension came only days before the squad was scheduled to assemble in Sri Lanka, and less than three weeks before the first Test.

He was reported to be upset with the non-selection of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard on the ODI squad.

Holder describes Simmons as a ‘wonderful inspiration’ during his brief stint in charge which began in March.

“The comments made

by Phil were by Phil, and I can’t comment on those things,” Holder said.

“It’s down to him and the board. We can only control the cricket because that’s what we came here to do. Whatever his situation, his fate lies with him and the board. Hopefully he can deal with that and be back to us as soon as possible.”

West Indies begin their tour with a threeday warm-up match, which, because of bad weather, now begins tomorrow before moving to Galle for the first Test, which starts next Wednesday. (CMC)