Guyana Times International

Bandits invade Public Security Minister’s former home

–douse woman with kero before shoot-out with Police

It was a movie-style operation as eight heavily armed bandits violently entered the home in which Public Security Minister and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan was born and raised at Number 48 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) early Wednesday morning.

The village was almost asleep as a power outage had forced residents to turn in early when the incident occurred. A sound similar to that of a speedboat engine in operation caused residents to pull their window curtains aside to investigate.

Four men, armed with guns, were on the shed of rice farmer and rice mill operator Tagraj Tulshi.

They were using a chainsaw to cut a hole into the side of the 38-year-old farmer’s home.

Before the hole was complete, gunshots started to ring out. Two other men, also armed with guns, stood guard next to the house and at the entrance to the street, there were two more men heavily armed. In less than two minutes a hole to accommodate an average-sized person was opened and

the four men on the roof entered the house. At the time, six persons were at home including Tulshi’s three children ages 12, 8 and 4; his wife, Indranie Takean, 32, and his mother-in-law.

The men demanded money, jewellery and other valuables, but had difficulty moving around in the dark house. The eldest

child, a girl, was hit with a gun as the children made the bandits’ job more difficult for them by distracting them. Reports are that the bandits were taken to a room and shown a computer, but they did not want that. One of the children also brought a quantity of Gy$20 bills in response to a request for money.

Not getting what they desired, one of the four men who were all unmasked took a bottle of kerosene which they had brought and poured it over Takean, threatening to ignite her if she did not hand over money. The demands were met and Gy$100,000 was scrounged up and handed over as the mother of

three said that it was all that she had.

Meanwhile, ranks of a Police mobile patrol responded to the report received about the incident in progress. On approaching the scene, they came under fire from the two men who were on the lookout on the Corentyne Highway. The Police returned fire in a heated

exchange. The two men managed to escape into the backlands, but not before damaging the Police vehicle.

This publication was shown the Police vehicle, which had two huge bullet holes in the side.

As the Police were in pursuit of those two gunmen, the other two who had stood guard near to the house made good their escape via the sea coast.

Police were unaware that there were four men still in the house. When the Police gave chase behind the two men into the backdam, the four men who were in the house opened the front door and left heading towards the seaside.

The entire incident lasted about 20 minutes.

Residents say that during the ordeal, shots were fired in the directions of their homes and they also received threats.

No arrests have been made as yet, as the investigation continues.

Guyana Times International was unable to get a response from the Public Security Minister on the savaging of his childhood home and the occupants who are said to be his relatives.

Crum-Ewing file sent to DPP

Guyana’s Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed on Thursday that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is reviewing a file presented to her on the Courtney Crum-Ewing murder investigation and is expected to advise on the issue soon.

Crum-Ewing was assassinated while urging residents of Diamond to vote for the Opposition Coalition at the just concluded May 11, 2015 general and regional elections.

He was shot five times, including three times to the head at point blank range. Though several arrests had been previously made into the matter, Blanhum told reporters that the prime suspect remains in police custody.

He said that the file was sent to the DPP last Friday. It is expected that the DPP would advise on whether to charge the prime suspect. One of the many persons that were arrested and questioned as the police conducted investigations was the former body guard of Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The bodyguard –Rajput Narine – has since been released from police custody and Nandlall has stated that he hired the man after the assassination.

The suspect currently in custody – Regan Rodrigues – was found by police with an unlicensed .32 pistol which was tested and found to be the same weapon used to kill CrumEwing.

“Spectacular celebration” planned to mark Guyana's 50th Independence Anniversary in U.S.

Guyanese living in the United States (US) have begun preparation for the commemoration of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary in May of next year. USbased Guyanese Rickford Burke, has been named Coordinator of the Commemoration Planning Committee, which will oversee the planning and execution of activities which are expected to be a grand occasion.

President David Granger is expected to be at the festivities.

The initial meeting of the Committee was held last Wednesday at Guyana’s consulate in New York. Guyana’s Consul General Brentnold Evans, and the Committee brainstormed

a series of activities and assessed the financial resources necessary to stage such a huge celebration in the Diaspora. The team agreed to one week of activities, beginning shortly after the conclusion of celebrations in Guyana.

Burke said his team is planning a spectacular celebration that will showcase Guyana’s rich culture and history, of which Guyanese will be especially proud.

He emphasised, “This will be a unified, bipartisan endeavour. Everyone, regardless of political, religious or social creed, will be invited and encouraged to participate. Guyana belongs to all of us. We must therefore fully embrace each other, as well as our unique

Guyanese identity and come together to celebrate this historic milestone in the journey of our nation.”

“Our aim is to be uncompromisingly inclusive. Hence, the planning committee will be drastically expanded to represent all facets of the Guyanese society. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be reaching out to various Guyanese-American communities in the metropolitan New York area and beyond, to include persons who can bring to bear targeted resources, expertise and skill-sets to make this a truly momentous celebration,” he added. Guyana gained its independence from British rule on May 26, 1966.

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Guyana’s 'Fat Cats'

While in opposition, A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change as separate political organisms berated and heavily criticized successive Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) Governments over their alleged mismanagement of public funds and waste in office.

These parties made a vow to never engage in high-handedness while in public office and to put the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people first. They pledged that should they get into office they would never secure drawbacks, perks, super salaries and other benefits at the expense of the public purse. Their government would be “lean”.

As a matter of fact, it was Attorney-at-Law and now Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who best demonstrated the then opposition’s condemnation for corruption and those desirous of leading a “Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey-cart economy” with the use of public funds.

So great was his scorn for “squander-mania” and concern for the poor and ordinary citizens that back in 2012 while supporting a motion to axe portions of the National Budget, Nagamootoo introduced the term “fat cats” in the National Assembly which he used to describe those public employees, contract workers and political appointees benefiting from super salaries that were “bleeding” the treasury.

Nagamootoo even told the media in July of that year that the “office of the President was running a Dharam Shala for friends and cronies” expressing shock at the salaries that advisors and other Government officials were taking home when compared to the ordinary man and the pittances that they were offered as increases.

He is quoted as informing the tenth parliament that “We will use the scissors and not the sledgehammer. We will prune excesses and extravagance, and we will avoid waste on projects that we cannot undertake at this time. How well all of us do this, will test whether we are nationalists or just petty hustlers, unmindful of the needs of our people, and unresponsive to them”.

Now in Government, Prime Minister Nagamootoo appears comfortable with the fact that the David Granger administration has decided to consider granting Ministers, political Advisors, and Parliamentarians massive salary increases even though it has belaboured the point that the economy has slowed down and things are on the off-side.

Reports are that the increases for Ministers dwarf the pittances received by hard working public servants and so many Guyanese who are still living on and below the minimum wage.

Whether the planned increases are 20 per cent, 50 per cent or 100 per cent are not of import as the fact remains that they are unnecessary given the number of benefits that Ministers, Advisors and Members of Parliament already enjoy at the expenses of the state.

The argument put forward by President David Granger and his Finance Minister Winston Jordan, as reported in the press, is also worthy of condemnation. Paying this level of workers will not eliminate the temptation to put their hands in the cookie jar or engage in covert corrupt activity politically or otherwise.

Surely, these gentlemen know that Guyanese will not accept the rationale either that the planned increases were intended to distinguish various levels of power, ranking and responsibility within the cabinet and new Government.

The news of the planned increases was also untimely as there is no evidence anywhere within the State apparatus to prove that a proper evaluation was done to determine who and what should be doled out and on what basis.

It is also shameful that the Government has only been in power for three months and already there are discussions taking place on Cabinet members benefits and emoluments when the public has not been told exactly what it is getting from its monies in the form of salary increases, new development projects, stimulus incentives, tax reforms and other fiscal benefits aimed at lifting its standard of living.

After all fattening the political cat is merely the beginning and while it will prove costly, one has not even contemplated the damage sustaining its ‘milk stock’ will cost.

The Government has to do the morally correct thing and halt any or all increases planned regardless of the magnitude. Integrity demands it!

What record is your Government forging President Granger?

Imust not be the only Guyanese who is still under shock after having read the Guyana Times article captioned “Ministers/VPs pay hike pegged at over Gy$245M annually”, published on August 2.

There has been a deep felt sentiment of revolt and injustice among parents, especially single parents in rural areas, regarding the abolishment of the “Because We Care” vouchers, along with the firing of almost two thousand CSOs and a significant number of employees in the public sector. Yet, we now are informed that the Government is actually considering a major pay hike for Ministers and Vice Presidents.

The stipend of a CSO amounted to a mere Gy$30 000 per month but the average Amerindian Village employed approximately ten CSOs, resulting in a monthly increase of village income of + Gy$300 000. Now Amerindian leaders are dumbfounded that the increase in salary and other entitlements of Ministers and Vice Presidents who will each be earning more than twice the combined stipends of ten CSOs in one village per month. Gy$245 million represent 24 500 vouchers and 8 100 CSO stipends. How could the Government defend even considering such an initiative in the face of the newly unemployed and disenfranchised Guyanese citizens, many of whom are young people under the age of 25 and single mothers?

The rice industry is literally collapsing due to the unfortunate elections results which served as a catalyzer for Maduro’s exaggerated controversial move to worsen the Venezuela-Guyana land and maritime border controversy. It was to be anticipated that Maduro would not lightly accept the installation of a pro US Government in Guyana, and his deliberate attack on our national sovereignty is specifically directed to the pro US Granger Government for whom he seems to have little or no respect.

Unfortunately for Guyanese, in particular

Guyanese rice farmers, the coalition Government appears to be deprived of the much needed skills in diplomacy required to handle the diplomatic crisis. Instead, it has swollen its chest with arrogance, in full knowledge of the grave it is slowly digging for itself and our rice farmers.

The Government should abstain from projecting aggressive messages toward its neighbours, as this is not patriotism but only a display of a false sense of pride, which as it has proven, has born no fruit and served only to worsen the situation and degrade the image of our country in South America. Guyana has yet to forge its legitimacy and credibility in MERCUSUL, and perhaps the first lesson to be learnt by the Granger Government, is that respect has to be earned, not commanded.

So while our rice industry collapses, our social welfare benefits are being dissolved and there is hardly any progress in implementing the 100 Day Action Plan promised by the APNU/AFC Government, it is rather curious to know that Finance Minister Jordan is shamelessly considering a dramatic pay hike which extends for the time being only to Ministers and Vice Presidents.

The rhetoric piped by Government and their partisans will continue to defend that the rice industry was failing under the PPP/C Administration and that pay hikes were granted to Government officials during its 23 year leadership. However, the rice industry was revived and maintained as best as it could considering the international market practices and prices of primary goods.

There was no indication under the previous administration that the Venezuelan Government intended to halt bilateral Agreements nor that our access to the rice market was compromised. While pay hikes would have been granted under the previous Administration, it wasn’t to the detriment of social benefits, employment, failing agro industries and an economy on the verge of recession. It

didn’t involve a 100 per cent increase each of the five times the PPP/C was elected to govern us. For those who argue that prior to 1992 there would have been no such pay hikes and benefits, and that these were much inferior to what was earned by the previous Administration, it is important to note that under the PNC dictatorship the country was literally bankrupt, while the cost of living was drastically lower than what it is today.

Maybe, if the PNC led APNU/AFC Government actually showed signs of investing in the promotion of a healthy economy and the social wellbeing of at least its electorate, then one could attempt to justify such a pay hike. Instead, it has only shown Guyanese its resolution to engage in finger pointing and witch hunting, ethnic discrimination instead of unity, self-interest instead of social welfare and lavish Government spending instead of economic strategising. Maybe those soidisant benefactors who allegedly financed a multimillion inauguration and a lavish birthday party for the President, while Guyana was covered in waters, vouchers were scrapped and people were being fired from their jobs, would like to contribute to the cheap vouchers and CSO stipends? Must one remind the APNU/AFC coalition that some of those very CSOs accused of being “political” were engaged in the Government’s very own campaign trail across the country, even in Regions Seven and Eight?

Once the Budget is announced on August 10, the Government would no longer be able to use the previous Administration as an excuse for its failure to live up to its promises. Coalition gurus and partisans should remember that while the PPP/C Administration rightfully blames the PNC dictatorship for destroying this country, it has forged a solid record of progress to show for its many sustainable contributions.

What record is your Government penning President Granger?

CPCE teachers to benefit from Govt’s “One Laptop Per Teacher” initiative

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, on Wednesday announced that teachers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) will be the first beneficiaries of the Administration’s “One Laptop Per Teacher” Programme.

During a press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, the Governance Minister stated that emphasis would be placed on those teachers who were still being trained or those who have recently concluded training.

“I believe in the first instance we would like to target teachers that are currently in the Cyril Potter College of Education. Those that are perhaps pursuing degrees or diplomas at the University of Guyana… Then we will roll it out from there,” Minister Trotman disclosed.

It is still unclear when the selection and distribution process will begin.

Meanwhile, families with children attending schools are concerned about the abrupt change in the programme. It was formerly called the “One Laptop Per Family” (OLPF) Initiative under

the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government whereby children and their families were given laptops instead of teachers.

The PPP/C had conceptualised and implemented the OLPF programme with the visionary aim to bridge the information and telecommunication gap, not only between those on the coastland and the interior of Guyana but also between Guyana and the rest of the rapidly advancing technological world.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, in a recent press briefing, had stated that his Party felt that having a computer in the home would enhance research and learning approaches in academia and general social studies.

It was also expected that the achievement gaps between children of poor or working class parents and those from high-income families would have been narrowed. However, in July, Trotman had stated that the Government was aware of a new batch of computers ordered by the OLPF Project, and decided to give these to teachers across Guyana.

Pressure mounts over massive pay hike for Ministers/ VPs

- but govt maintains increases will not be implemented "at this time"

By Devina Samaroo

Amid widespread public outrage over the proposed pay hike for Government Ministers and other officials, Government on Wednesday stonewalled questions from the media about the particulars of the pay hike and while insisting that there would be no drastic or 100 per cent increase, Government refused to offer specific alternative numbers.

Government also remains mum on how soon this increase will be implemented; indicating only that it will not take place “at this present time”.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, noted that it was imperative that Government establish a concrete pay grade system which can differentiate the different levels of authority in Government. He ignored the possibility that a salary differential could have been achieved by moving the scales downward, in view of the stagnant economy. The expenditures could also see the various

Government officials getting an attractive increase in the per diem for travel and contingencies.

“Government is of the view that there has to be differentiation between Vice Presidents, Minister and what we have termed Senior Ministers and Junior Ministers. None of these were catered for between the last 20 years. As a matter of law, there will have to be adjustments,” said Trotman, who was once the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Trotman explained that Professor Harold Lutchman, who was selected to be the Representative of the List of Candidates for the A Partnership for

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, is now in charge of reviewing the pay structure for all public servants and this process will also capture the pay rate differentiation Government intends to establish among the high-level officials.

This entire process, Trotman anticipates, will conclude in a “few months”. “He is reviewing everything, salaries of parliamentarians, regional Councillors and salaries to public servants,” the Minister emphasised.

Last week, this newspaper broke the story that Government is actively considering a pay hike for Cabinet members and parliamentarians after

only occupying Executive officer for some three months. This revelation sparked a resounding outcry from the public.

The increase in being considered at a time when Government fired hundreds of public servants, putting them on the breadline, on the basis that it cannot afford to waste taxpayers’ monies on employees who are not doing anything of substance.

Some of those “callously” fired include 2000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) who assisted Amerindian Village Councils in its daily activities and over 50 staff who were employed under the One Laptop Per Family Project (OLFP).

Making matters worse, Government had quashed the ‘Because We Care’ Gy$10,000 cash grant initiative which benefited children in Guyana and was gladly accepted, particularly by the poorer sections of society.

Various leaders have argued that it appears as if the APNU/AFC Administration is taking money out of the hands of the ordinary people to “full their own pockets”.

Ramjattan misinforms Diaspora about rice export

Dear Editor,

It is reported in the media that Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, as a senior member of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Cabinet and as a Vice President in Guyana, told the Diaspora that while there might be hiccups with Venezuela, the rice market is not in trouble. He failed to tell our sisters and brothers who live abroad that his Government so mismanaged the rice contract with Venezuela that the largest and most lucrative rice market for our farmers has virtually ended. Not a grain of paddy has been exported since the middle of May and that shipment was the last made under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government.

Mr Ramjattan stated that the Government is building new markets in Portugal, Panama and Haiti. None of these are new markets for Guyana’s rice and paddy. The new APNU/AFC Government, in fact, has done nothing to either sustain or enhance existing exports to these destinations.

As far as Panama is concerned, the previous PPP/C Government opened up this market and exported more than 56,000 tons through

a Government-toGovernment deal and through opening up the markets for direct Private Sector engagement. While we exported more than $US18 million worth of packaged rice to Panama through a Governmentto-Government deal in 2014, there has been no shipment to Panama on this deal in 2015. There is potential for the Government and the private millers to export between 100,000 to 150,000 tons of rice to Panama, but nothing has been done by the APNU/ AFC Government to assure this happens.

It is dishonest to say that the Government is building a new market in Portugal. Portugal has been an export destination for Guyana’s cargo rice for a long time. While it is possible to expand that market, we must note that our Asian competitors in Portugal and Europe sell rice at prices sometimes 50 per cent of the prices Guyana offers to Portugal.

Haiti was a market that the PPP/C Government carefully nurtured from around 2001 to 2010. The earthquake placed a temporary stoppage to export to that country in 2010. At the time, more than 50,000 tons were being exported to Haiti. Indeed, SAG Mills in Mahaicony

was established in collaboration with the PPP/C Government and Haitian investors to push the Haitian rice market. This was another of the Bharrat Jagdeo initiated deal to catapult the rice industry. But after the earthquake with gifts of rice from the USA, the market was stopped.

Since 2012, we have re-entered the Haitian market. But the amount being shipped is slowly increasing and reached about 20,000 tons in 2014. The problem with this market is that we are in intense competition with Vietnam which sells rice at a substantially lower price than Guyana can afford to sell.

These are, therefore, not new markets that the present Government is building. These are markets the PPP/C developed and it is up to the new Government to further nurture and expand them. I am hopeful they will not cause these established markets to degenerate and implode like the Venezuelan market.

Mr Ramjattan did concede that these existing markets (which he told the Diaspora were new markets) offer prices markedly lower than the Venezuelan market.

Regards, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Women should be able to walk the streets without being harassed

Dear Editor,

If I were to say that men in Guyana have no respect for women, I might be accused of being partial or exaggerated. As such, I invite any man to take a walk in a woman’s shoes down the road, any road, at any given hour of the day, to experience what it feels like to be on the other side.

Street harassment is a daily plight in the lives of Guyanese women. Most women in Guyana are forced to walk or use public transportation in order to go about their daily businesses. However, walking a few meters without having to endure the obscenities hurled at us is purely fiction. Without distinction in age or ethnicity, all women stand to be harassed by Guyanese men on the streets.

Such harassment involve cat calls, yelling sexist comments, insisting on obtaining a response from the victim,

making crude sexual remarks about her body or what can be done with it. Sometimes this goes to the extreme of physical abuse which include touching, groping and rape. The age of these victims of street harassment seem to have no influence on men engaged in these nasty attacks that often target teenagers.

While we live in a crime drenched society, the insecurity felt by women is worsened by the relentless harsh street harassment we are subjected to. Being in a crowded place can sometimes reveal itself to be a true nightmare. I myself have had the experience of being groped during the Mashramani celebrations by a young man who didn’t seem to be 18 yet.

The question is, what is society and the Government doing about this? It is clear that the repetition of what is being practised by elders

From what or whom have we emancipated?

Dear Editor, Because I have detected a marked reluctance by some Editors to carry letters even remotely critical of the present Administration, I am sending this letter to all the major print media houses to prove my point.

I am not politically aligned; never was, never will be. But I am politically conscious. What is truly happening in Guyana is taking all Guyanese down the precipice. For now, the supporters of the present Government are gloating. Over what?

That Ministers of the previous Government are being hauled before the courts? That is nothing new. Even Presidents of several countries have been impeached. What should bother us all is that

the previous Government did not prosecute any People’s National Congress Government Ministers when it got into power. And please do not suggest that there was no corruption under the Burnham regime. The Granger regime is still to probe into the involvement of some at its own top echelons.

If Minister Ramjattan were to carry out his idle threat to investigate how some people got firearm licenses, I would advise that he starts with the mining community. Remember, two Firearm Licence books went missing from the Police Force?

One wonders if these would have been used to issue bogus licenses. One licence was allegedly being sold for Gy$800,000. It is also alleged that

Gy$300,000 went to one who is now pretending to be holier than a Saint and Gy$500,000 would have gone to a now deceased top Policeman. Minister Ramjattan should probe these allegations.

The change in Government seems to be just a change of who will now dip into corruption, with no interest in this country’s development. People of this dear land, wake up from your ethnic biased slumber. Corruption existed in both the previous Administrations and the current Government.

August 1 was Emancipation Day but the question is, have we truly been emancipated; and from whom or what?

Faithfully, Charles Selman

The PPP could win the next elections, but must shed its liabilities

Dear Editor, I have no doubt that if there was a redo of the general elections right now, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) would win and with such a large majority that no amount of skullduggery could overturn the victory.

lesson, and a bitter lesson it is.

influence the action of young people. However, there needs to be a mentality shift, and members of the civil society need to compensate for the Government’s failure in addressing such issues. Awareness needs to be raised so that the predicament of women is understood by all and that respectful behaviour by men becomes what it should be in Guyana – a norm.

Street harassment exists in every society I have visited, but never have I actually felt harassed and unsafe as I have in Guyana with regard to the behaviour of men. Yet, it is these very women, mothers and sisters to all, who have birthed the men of this country, and will birth those leaders of the future. In this regard at least, we deserve to be able to walk the streets unoppressed.

Sincerely, Stacy Cheong

Every rice farmer and sugar worker, every sex worker who saw “I is Broomes” at work, every parent of a schoolaged child, and every Indian and Amerindian Guyanese who is seeing the ethnic cleansing of the civil service would vote right now for a return of the PPP. It is not even 100 days yet and we have already learnt our

Even with its warts and all, the PPP would be better than the current ineptitude and insensitivity that the Granger Administration is displaying. There is not even a twinge of embarrassment or discomfort when talking about a return to rice flour? It is not even rice flour per se but all that it represents. It is a symbol of everything that had to be endured and suffered during the long People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship.

The PPP must rebuild and regain the moral high ground and get itself ready to return

to office. Its landslide victory at the next election will be so large and clear that no amount of fraud would be enough to overturn the win. To regain its moral authority, the party needs to take some tough decisions like shedding itself of its liabilities.

Mr Anil Nandlall, Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Ms Jennifer Westford have to go. They cannot be Parliamentarians. The PPP must understand all that is at stake for the country’s future and show that it has the integrity and toughness to do the right thing. It cannot be business as usual.

Sincerely, Shanie Jagessar

We must vote sensibly and with confidence at LGE

Dear Editor,

I read with great delight and utmost happiness in your newspaper dated July 31, 2015 that Local Government Election will be held sooner rather than later (December was touted as the tentative month). This as many have said before is long overdue and should have been called as early as yesteryear.

Having read the article I must congratulate the Honourable Communities Minister, Mr. Ronald Bulkan for not just fighting for LGE while in opposition but for ensuring the early holding of LGE under his watch as the shadow Minister. This shows honesty and trustworthiness on the part of the Minister and largely on the Granger –led Government.

What is even more delightful, is the fact that the real power will be in the hands of the local bodies which would be elected by the people for the people. The passage of the most recent Local Government bill in the national as-

sembly shows that this Granger–led administration is not about absolute or maximum power but rather to give the people power.

In addition to the above, now that the people have been given the authority and power to elect local representatives of their choice to manage the affairs of their community without central Government’s interference, they must chose competent and well educated persons who are driven by success through hard work and determined to champion development. Voters must screen the prospective candidates to ensure that they are more than capable to do the job and do it right. Two good traits to look for are their level of activism in the community and how much they have been fighting for good governance with honesty during the previous PPP administration tainted with corruption.

Sincerely Ganesh Mahipaul

Oil prices slump below US$50 a barrel yet fuel prices soar in Guyana

World-market prices for crude oil have slumped to below US$50 a barrel, a level it has held above for the past six months. And as international prices for oil continue to tumble, fuel prices in Guyana continue to soar.

Minister of Governance and Patrimony, Raphael Trotman indicated on Wednesday that Government would consider slashing the prices for fuel at the GuyOil Gas Stations if the trend continues.

Experts already predict that there will be a steady decline in prices for oil until year-end. As the price for oil continued to dip lower and lower in early January, gas stations across the country, amid public pressure, significantly slashed the local prices for fuel by some 30 per cent.

However, this turned out to be a fleeting experience for consumers as prices began to slowly increase in mid-March. International oil prices began to climb around May, but drastically fell again in July. Since

then, prices have been fluctuating, although there have been no major increases or decreases until they crashed to below US$50 a barrel on August 4. But with oil prices this low, Guyanese have not been benefiting from cheaper fuel.

ExxonMobil

Meanwhile, BBC and Reuters report that US oil giant ExxonMobil registered a steep decline in revenue and profits last quarter, as compared to the same period one year ago.

Amid the crisis in this industry, analysts believe that many oil exploration companies will be cutting back on their spending.

Reuters reported that some producers have already cut back drilling by 60 per cent or more. It is unclear whether ExxonMobil will too be cutting back on its expenses.

Recently, ExxonMobil confirmed that its oil rig, the Deepwater Champion, left the waters offshore the Essequibo where it was drilling and was now anchored in the Gulf of Mexico.

Country Manager Jeff Simons explained that the reason the vessel departed was because it had completed its course of operation. He stated that a vessel is expected to return in early 2016 to commence another period of drilling.

2015 Budget to include concessions for miners

The National Budget 2015, which will be presented in the National Assembly on Monday, August 10, will include allocations for concessions to be granted to miners who are currently feeling the brunt of the rapid decline in gold prices on the international market.

This agreement was reached following extensive discussions between representatives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Mining Association (GGDMA) and the Government of Guyana. Gold prices currently stands at US$1087 per ounce, hitting more than a fiveyear low with a high possibility that the precious metal could plunge to a detrimental US$1000 per ounce.

And as gold prices continue to fall, the cost of production, particularly for the smalland medium-scale miners of gold and diamond remain largely unchanged. Miners are finding it extremely difficult to meet their obligations and the sector is now plagued with repossessions, of mining equipment and proper-

Without these concessions, chances are the gold industry will crumble

ty, and defaulting bank payments as many of the smaller operations find it difficult to continue to subsidise the cost of production.

Recognising this crisis, the GGDMA had approached the Government requesting that concessions be granted to small- and medium-scale miners to help cushion the drop in gold prices.

Minister of Governance and Patrimony Raphael Trotman, during a postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday, told media operatives that the Government will be granting some concessions to the miners and

these will be included in the Budget.

“Some concessions will be given, the stark reality is that not everything that is asked for can be afforded but certainly the GGDMA left with a good feeling that concessions will be offered in the 2015 Budget,” said Trotman, who has responsibility for the natural resources sector.

In late July, the GGDMA reported that small- and mediumscale miners are experiencing hardships with the present gold prices. The body noted too that economies are already crumbling due to the inactivity in the sector.

Govt and TT exploring new oil deal

Government has said it is seeking to initiate an oil deal with the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, even as its original arrangement with the Spanish speaking oil rich nation Venezuela is reportedly heading down the hill.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman on Wednesday

said discussions between the two countries were held on possible areas of collaboration, particularly in the area of energy, including oil and gas development, the supply of fuel by Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana and the exploration of alternative energy initiatives.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest and most developed na-

tions in the Caribbean and is also the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas. Oil and gas account for about 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80 per cent of exports.

It has transitioned from an oil-based economy to a natural gas-based economy. In 2007, natural gas production averaged four billion cubic

feet per day. Guyana has for years been accessing oil from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, but the recent upsurge of an ever increasing controversy being peddled by that country, could see the deal altogether abandoned. Through the PetroCaribe deal, Guyana and Venezuela have been bartering rice for oil. The arrangement has been on a go slow recently, after Venezuela upped its claims of a portion of Guyana’s territory; a dispute which was settled by arbitration more than a century ago.

CCJ commends Govt for repealing Environmental Tax

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has commended the new Government of Guyana for repealing the controversial and discrimi natory “Environmental Tax”, when the case was called up be fore the panel on Friday via video conference.

In May last year, the CCJ ordered Guyana to pay the Surinamese beverage com pany, Rudisa Beverages and Juice, some Gy$1.2 billion for imposing the controversial tax on each non-returnable bottle imported into the country, saying it is discriminatory and breached the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

(RTC).

However, Guyana’s failure to repay the money in a timely manner has resulted in the cost being racked up by an ad

dition - al Gy$4 million, to a total of Gy$1.6 billion. The total of Gy$1.6 billion (US$7.72 million) also includes interests to the tune of US$338,000, as well as legal cost of some US$120,000. However the Surinamese company recently agreed to slash US$1.5 million from the cost owed to it by the Guyana Government.

At the previous hearing, the CCJ was informed of the new arrangement and adjourned the matter for a formal agreement to be prepared and signed by both parties. Additionally, the regional trade court had raised concerns that despite their ruling for the removal of the tax, Guyana continues to impose it.

Following the ruling last year, the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration immediately took the amendment bill to Parliament, but it was voted down by the then com-

bined A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change parliamentary Opposition. During Friday’s hearing, the CCJ panel praised the Government for removing the discriminatory tax. On Thursday the National Assembly passed the Customs (Amendment) Bill of 2015, which gave effect to the removal of the Gy$10 taxation imposed on all non-returnable alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage bottles. The amendment took effect from Friday.

In addition, the Attorney General filed a copy of the agreement with the Court that was signed between the Government and Rudisa, outlining that the company is willing to accept US$6.2 million as a full and final payment to satisfy the judgement of the court. The CCJ was also informed that the two parties agreed to extend the time for the payment until January, 2016. On this note, the CCJ panel adjourned the case until February 26 next year, when the parties will report on whether the payment was made in full as agreed upon. However, the Government has expressed its intention of paying the judgement. The Attorney General had declared to the National Assembly that unlike the previous administration, his Government intends to pay the judgement as it recognised the principle of adhering to the laws and conditions of the Treaty.

Hijacked ECD minibus found torched

Bus driver Balram

Singh is even more devastated after he discovered that his Route 44 minibus, which was hijacked on Sunday night, was torched and left abandoned at the back of Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Singh of Lot 67 Foulis, ECD, was on his way home after dropping off a friend at Kitty, Georgetown, when he was confronted by the perpetrators in the vicinity of Coldigen, ECD.

The two men were on a motorcycle and relieved him of Gy$20,000 cash after which they made off with his RZ minibus bearing registration number BMM 31. The incident occurred around 23:15h.

On Monday around 18:30h, Singh received a call from the Police about an abandoned minibus.

According to the man, when he got to the scene, he noticed smoke emanating from the vehicle, but could not examine the extent of the damage since it was dark. He returned the following morning to discover that the bus was completely torched into “scrap metal”.

Singh further stated that apart from locating the bus, the Police have not informed him of any other leads in the case as it relates to the identity of the perpetrators. Asked whether he could identify the perpetrators, he responded in the negative explaining that the ordeal only last-

ed for about two minutes and the area was dark.

Singh reiterated his devastation as he noted that for the past six years, the vehicle has been his main source of income to support his family.

Singh had previously informed this newspaper that he left home and went to Kitty and on his way back, he saw a light of a vehicle in the rearview mirror. He noted that he continued to drive but in the vicinity of Coldigen, the motorcycle from which the light was shining overtook him and turned left into his path forcing him to stop.

The pillion rider, he added, came off the motorcycle and walked towards him as he sat in the driver’s seat. The bandit pulled out a knife, placed it to Singh’s neck and demanded that he hand over the money.

“I tell he that the money was in my pocket and that I had to get

out of the bus so that he can get the money… I come out, take out the Gy$20,000 and give he it,” Singh stated.

Not too pleased, the man accused him of hiding money in the minibus and conducted a search. “They tell me that if it nah got money in the bus, they will drive away with it and kill me,” he added.

He noted that as they were searching the bus for more money, he ran in the opposite direction and hid in a clump of bushes. One bandit reportedly jumped onto the motorcycle and the other into the driver’s seat of the minibus and they drove away.

Singh explained that he walked from Coldigen to Vigilance Police Station where he made a report. The police and he made several checks along the East Coast Road and in some villages, but there were no signs of the minibus.

from page 8

Govt and TT exploring...

Furthermore, Venezuela became increasingly aggressive, after US-based oil exploration company ExxonMobil reported that it had discovered oil off the Stabroek Block. The two countries have already agreed to a joint commission between the two nations which will overlook areas of construction, business and education.

“The discussion started sometime ago, where we have begun exploring exchanges on our part –to sit with the experts, not only in the area of oil exploration, but in the managing of resources and wealth. Being a sister country just next door, it could provide valuable information to us”, Trotman related on Wednesday.

The Minister had earlier said that the deal would be explored at two levels. “One is the sup-

ply of oil and lubricants to Guyana to see if there could be favourable terms and concession from the twin-island republic for the supply and the other is for the actual assistance in the development of the oil sector itself, in terms of exploration, agreements and being able to interface with the investors who come”.

The visit to Trinidad and Tobago by President Granger last week had confirmed the establishment of a commission to overlook a unified approach to education, business and other areas of interest that could see a deepening relationship between the two nations.

The discussion, held at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, included Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development; and acting Minister of Foreign

Stalled Venezuelan rice shipments

Millers demand compensation for over US$2M in losses

Now that Guyanese millers have to feel the brunt of having to take back the rice and paddy which were destined for Venezuela, the Millers Association and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) are calling on the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to play a greater role during this crisis and assist in some way to compensate the estimated US$2 million the millers stand to lose.

Some 300 containers of rice destined for Venezuela which were left at the wharf are still there and the GRDB, which is supposed to take full responsibility of these shipments, has instructed the millers to remove them.

This move has been widely criticised by the RPA and the Millers Association which contend that the rice now belongs to the GRDB so the responsibility lies with the Board to assist with the removal of these containers.

President of the Millers Association, Dr Peter De Groot asserted that it was unreasonable that the millers now have to stand the expense of having to remove the rice. “They have to make

arrangements now to remove the rice, destuff containers, stop the rice from spoiling and find new markets. This will be costly for them,” he said, indicating that the GRDB should take some responsibility.

RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj also argued that it was not fair that the GRDB took custody of the rice, but now, simply because the Venezuelan market was no longer available, was demanding that the millers incur the necessary expenses to rectify the situation.

“In the mind of the RPA this is not fair and it is also a strange action by the Rice Board, because, over the years, the Rice Board has always been at the forefront in terms of promoting the interest of the industry,” he said.

Seeraj noted that the RPA will dispatch a letter to the GRDB concerning this situation. Meanwhile, in addition to bearing the expense regarding the removal and repackaging of rice and paddy shipments, De Groot and Seeraj pointed out, millers will also lose out owing to the prices being offered by alternative markets.

“These are high-quality rice and it was going to high-quality market in Venezuela and they were offering a high price so millers have already invested a certain amount into this shipment and were expecting to make a certain amount in return. Now that this high-quality rice will have to go to another market with a lower price, the millers will lose out,” Seeraj explained.

Affairs, Senator Kevin Ramnarine, Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs; and officials from those ministries.

Talks focused on enhancing the existing bilateral relationship in various industries while both leaders exchanged views on deepening the collaboration already initiated in agricultural production, skills development, and energy cooperation. Additionally, it was agreed that a joint commission will be formed to assess the furtherance of these and other items such as construction, education and business.

President Granger welcomed the presence of Trinidad and Tobago’s expertise and companies and also noted that, in order for significant progress to be made, there must be sufficient political will.

Guyanese policyholders may not get back monies – BoG Governor

By Alexis Rodney

Given the current financial status of the collapsed Colonial Life Insurance Company Limited (CLICO), there is a possibility that Guyanese policyholders may not get back their life savings which were transferred to the company’s Bahamian office.

Before the major collapse of CLICO in 2009, CLICO Guyana had invested close to US$40 million in CLICO Bahamas. According to Guyana’s Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, in terms of beneficiaries, Guyana is “way down the ladder” nestled at category “D”. This being the case, according to Dr Ganga, it does not

seem like Guyana would anytime soon be able to recover the monies invested since, like many other countries, it is still awaiting its day in court.

CLICO Guyana had transferred some US$36 million to CLICO Bahamas. And while the investments were said to be “liquid on paper”, investigations carried out revealed that the sum had been tied up in several investments, including real estate which CLICO Bahamas had in Florida through subsidiaries. When CLICO Bahamas was ordered liquidated on February 24, 2009, the local company was subsequently placed under judicial management.

Guyana was then forced to retain lawyers

to help recover its money, some 53 per cent of the assets of CLICO Guyana. That matter was filed in the Bahamas court after the CLICO Bahamas’ liquidator “rejected” Guyana’s claims.

According to Ganga, it is obvious that Guyana’s case has been “put for last”, on the list of cases filed by other Caribbean countries against the group. Suriname is one such country, claiming a US$15.5 million from CLICO Bahamas. Guyana’s case is being represented by an esteemed lawyer, John Wilson of McKinney Bancroft & Hughes.

CL Financial collapsed in January 2009, following the global financial crisis in 2008.

The global recession exposed the company’s inability to meet its commitments to pay maturing investments at CLICO and CLICO Investment Bank (CIB).

Zooming in on the gravity of the situation, it was pointed out that just last month, Bahamian policyholders held a massive protest, demanding from Government their US$30 million payout.

The insolvent insurer’s policyholders and pensioners have been left in ‘financial limbo’ since early 2009, unable to access their life savings and long-term investments until they are acquired by another underwriter.

But the transfer/ acquisition of CLICO

Bahamas policy portfolio will not happen until the Government there delivers on its long-promised US$30 million guarantee to underwrite such a deal, as all potential buyers have said they will not conclude a purchase without it. As a result, the 13,000-plus long-suffering policyholders are unable to move on with their lives.

The CLICO Bahamas situation is now threatening to become an ever-increasing political liability for the Christie Administration, especial-

ly given the families and votes bound up with the 13,000 policyholders. At the end of June 2012, CLICO Bahamas’s portfolio contained 13,835 policies with a total surrender value of US$20.074 million and cumulative sum assured of US$1.093 billion. Its balance sheet showed a solvency deficiency of US$22.162 million at June 30, 2012, with total assets worth US$44.794 million outmatched by liabilities totalling US$66.956 million.

Psychiatric patient steals car while owner was inside – escaped from Psychiatric Hospital

Atwenty-fouryear-old patient of the National Psychiatric Hospital was on Wednesday placed before Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with stealing a car while the owner was in the driver’s seat.

Raymond Samaroo, a minibus driver, of 20 Owen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on Monday, August 3 at 35 Garnett Street, Campbellville, he stole one Honda CRV motorcar valued Gy$5 million, one Samsung cellular phone valued at Gy$25,000 and Gy$30,000 cash; all to a total value of Gy$5,055,000 property of the Virtual Complainant (VC), Rhonda Joaquin.

According to Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, on the day in question, the VC was parked in front of her yard and was about to exit the vehicle when the accused rushed into the vehicle, forcing her to exit, and drove off with it.

The court was also informed that the accused subsequently drove through two Police road blocks, nearly injuring two officers in the process. The Prosecutor also revealed that the accused has a pending matter of a similar nature before Court Five.

The court heard that Samaroo was charged for stealing a 4 Runner in a similar manner while the driver was purchasing a

meal at a Chinese restaurant. It was while he was on bail for that charge that he committed the offence.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on these grounds, adding that the accused gave the Police a varying address from the one that he gave the court.

Attorney Clyde Forde made an application for bail stating that his client suffers from a mental disease and could not be held accountable for his actions as he suffers from Delusions and Amnesia.

The Attorney presented a certificate which declared that his client is indeed a patient of the Psychiatric Hospital and requested that he be placed on bail so that he could receive his monthly treatment.

Upon further inquiry, Magistrate Ann McLennan discovered that the accused had escaped from the Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice. After making this discovery, she remanded the accused to prison until he is returned to the Hospital and adjourned the matter until August 20.

Where is the “Good Life”?

… rice farmers say APNU+AFC Govt has not kept promises made during the elections campaign

Participants from the recently conducted National Rice Industry Conference and the Leadership Forum for the Regional Democratic Councils are voicing their disappointment in the activities, claiming that these were a “total waste of time”, claiming that the meetings did not bring to them any “tangible benefits” to the stakeholders or the country.

According to a press statement by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday, the Opposition Party received reports from participants stating that they “were not told anything they did not know” at the A Partnership for National Unity/

Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government activities which were held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater

Georgetown.

The PPP/C in condemning the two activities, explained that invitees at the Rice Farmers Conference reported that they re -

ceived no solution to the present suffering they are enduring.

“There were no assurances that the Gy$9000 per bag of paddy promised to the rice

farmers by APNU+AFC during the election campaign will be forthcoming. Farmers heard nothing to assure them that the uncertainty now facing farmers in respect to market access will be positively addressed. All they heard from Granger was that they must go out and seek out markets themselves,” said the Opposition Party.

Left to fend for themselves

Guyana Times International was told that rice farmers left the conference “empty handed” and deeply disappointed, no more the wiser about the future of their livelihoods.

Under the GuyanaBarbados 2nd Joint Commission Agreement, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Tourism Ministry and Guyana’s Tourism and Hospitality Association have partnered with the Crane Resort and Hotel, Barbados to provide a three-month internship for six Guyanese in the tourism industry.

The aim of this exchange programme is to give Guyanese persons the much needed international exposure so that they will return home and improve the country’s tourism industry.

Speaking during a press meeting on Monday, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Indranaught Haralsingh expressed that this venture truly illustrates the type of partnerships needed between Private Sectors and Governments regionally.

He added that the main aim is to promote and improve the tourism industry, so that Guyana will be able to compete with other Caribbean territories.

Guyana’s tourism industry is unique in many ways as the country is known for providing income through entertainment tourism, community-based tourism, heritage tourism, sport tourism and heath tourism.

Also addressing the gathering was acting Crane Resort and Hotel

“The ‘Good Life’ that the APNU+AFC promised Guyanese during the elections campaign evaporated before the eyes of the rice farmers… Farmers are convinced that the PPP’s plans for the rice industry is a better option and expressed their commitment to work towards its full achievement.

Meanwhile, the PPP has reaffirmed its support to the RPA and is committed to working with the Association to realise a programme for the improvement of the industry as outlined in its manifesto.

After returning to their respective communities the rice farmers are more resolved than ever that only through struggle, together with the Rice Producers Association (RPA) will they be able to achieve improved market access and better prices for their product.

Six Guyanese off to Barbados for training in hospitality sector

General Manager Shawn Allen who briefly outlined the programme’s details. He quickly pointed out that “this programme is not a vacation, it is 12 weeks of intense training” at the Crane Hotel.

He went on to say that the Crane Hotel is the oldest resort and hotel in the Eastern Caribbean and it has been in existence since 1887. Crane has been internationally rated AAA and four diamond statuses and they say it is fit to provide assistance to other Caribbean territories that may need help in their tourism sectors.

As a result of this, the hotel has been offering internships for hotel workers from Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St Vincent and Guyana for the past six years.

Allen added that the participants will leave Guyana on August 17 and upon arrival to Crane Hotel, Barbados, the six Guyanese will attend an orientation exercise. Preceding the orientation, the participants will be trained to deal with customers for the first week and this training is accredited by the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

After they would have completed the first week, they will then be assigned to departments in which they will be trained for the remaining time on the island.

The President of Guyana’s Tourism and Hospitality Association

Shaun McGrath and the Permanent Secretary to the Tourism Ministry also addressed the press briefly.

The Permanent Secretary said that

Minister Cathy Hughes was unable to attend the event since she is currently overseas attending to business relative to her Ministry.

The six persons

who will be representing Guyana are Balena Grenion and Marcelle Thomas – both instructors at the Carnegie School of Economics, Jasonia Hermonstine and Marcia Hohenkirk from Herdmanston Lodge, Sonia Khan from Roraima Group of Companies and Zeniobio Eleshia from Pegasus Hotel.

PPP/C still to decide on parliamentary future of Westford, Ramsaran

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is yet to make a formal decision as to the future of former Ministers Dr Jennifer Westford and Dr Bheri Ramsaran in its party, the General Secretary, Clement Rohee, told this publication on Tuesday.

The Opposition Party has not made a formal announcement of its position as it relates to the two former Ministers who were recently hauled to the courts for offences which they allegedly committed during their tenure as Government officials under the PPP/C Administration.

Former Public Service Minister Westford and her Personnel Officer (PO) Margaret Cummings were on July 29 brought before the court to face larceny and forgery charges respectively, in connection with the alleged illegal transfer of eight vehicles to themselves and friends, which were the property of the Public Service Ministry.

Westford was slapped with four counts of attempting to commit

a felony and granted bail in the sum of Gy$800,000. The 42-yearold former Minister allegedly tried to have several motor vehicles, belonging to the Government of Guyana transferred to four persons.

Motor vehicles bearing reg-

istration numbers PJJ 8113 and PKK 8175 were given to Dwayne Walker, motor vehicle with registration plate PFF 1780 was given to Delroy Lewis, while several other vehicles are purported to have been transferred to Westford and her spouse Gary Beaton, who is a Guyana Defence Force officer. The four charges are indictable.

However, Prosecutor Deniro Jones applied to the court for the Administration of Justice Act which allowed the matters to be tried at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Westford pleaded not guilty. While Magistrate McLennan allowed bail, she issued it in a substantial sum of Gy$800,000 – Gy$200,000 for each of the four charges against the former Minister.

The PPP/C in a statement had said that pressure was exerted on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers, to advise in favour of bringing charges against members of the Party.

“The Party further notes ef-

on page 14

Roopnaraine says “No Child Left Behind Policy” was a failure

By Alexis Rodney

The No Child Left Behind Policy implemented under the stewardship of former Education Minister Priya Manickchand was a total “disaster”, current subject Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has said, noting that there was no way the current administration would be bringing the policy back on stream.

The strategy, also known as the “Grade Repetition/Retention and Automatic Promotion” policy, was initiated and later scrapped by the former Minister, who said that widespread consultation had proven the programme was unpopular among critical stakeholders.

Speaking to this newspaper on Monday, the current Education Minister said that while the policy seemed to have been very attractive, and seemed to have been taking children forward, “We have to take children forward based on some standard.”

“The policy was a total disaster, because I believe that it allowed for a collapse in the standards in the schools and I would like children to reach a certain standard in moving on to a higher level,” Roopnaraine said in an exclusive interview.

He said he was not satisfied with that particular policy, since it has not been able to establish and maintain appropriate standards that are conducive to effective learning and performance. The new strategy implemented by the former Minister, in lieu of the automatic promotion policy, had specified that if a student scored below the overall pass mark set by the school in more than half of the subjects

the student was taking, then that student would be asked to repeat the grade.

Further, if a student achieved less than the overall pass mark set by the school and the reason for the underachievement was either Mathematics or English Language, the student would also be asked to repeat the grade. It was noted too, that if a student passed all the subjects except Mathematics and English, they would also be asked to repeat the grade, since the two subjects are critical.

“If you go forward and write seven CXCs and you got distinctions in seven, but you didn’t get Maths and English it makes no sense, so we have to find a practical way to prepare our children for entry into our tertiary institutions,” the former Minister had related, defending the scrapping of the automatic promotion policy.

Chief Education Officer Olato Sam had reported that since the automatic promotion policy was implemented, the dropout rates in schools had decreased significantly, noting that the strategy had served its main objective.

“I think the frustration rate of students in the past who would have been made to repeat has had an impact on their decision to leave school… there might be other contributing factors from them not dropping out, but we know this certainly is one of them,” Sam had said.

He stated that the Ministry did have consultations with persons in the education system, but neglected to speak to parents, teachers and students before the implementation of the old policy.

No GuyExpo this year

- Govt to host Small Business Expo instead

The Ministry of Business has decided that there will be no GuyExpo this year but instead, there will be a “special version” of the event to mark Guyana’s 50th Anniversary as an independent country.

A statement from the Ministry on August 06 admitted that the annual Guyana Exposition (GuyExpo) is a popu-

lar event and an avenue for local businesses to showcase and sell their goods and services to thousands of potential consumers.

As such, after consultation with the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM&SA), it was agreed that the Ministry will “consider” a Small Business Expo to be held in late November,

as well as efforts to encourage and support the holding of Regional Business Expos.

“It is anticipated that such an approach will provide income earning opportunities for businesses, as well as allow for the testing of new products and services in preparation for the bigger event in May 2016,” the statement noted.

Another mining pit caves in

…38-year-old miner dies

Thirty-eightyear old Omet Samuels of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast is now dead after he was trapped under rubble from a mining pit which caved in.

According to a police report, at approximately 11:45 hrs on Wednesday, August 05, the mining pit caved in at Toroparu Backdam, Cuyuni River, which resulted in the death of Samuels who was trapped beneath.

mining operations in Guyana

The police are continuing their investigations into the accident.

There have been numerous deaths reported in the interior due to the collapse of mining pits.

In May, 64-yearold Thomas Anton, of Kamarang, died at Quimenang River, Upper Mazaruni while he was operating a mining equipment underwater.

It is suspected that he drowned after being trapped under a quantity of loose earth. Only recently ten miners died and seven were injured after a mining pit caved in at Kowasi Backdam.

Former PPP Advisor sues

Govt for Gy$2.7M in benefits

Former Local Government Minister and Advisor Clinton Collymore has filed a writ against the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government, challenging its decision to sack him from his post at the Local Government Ministry; now the Ministry of Communities.

The former Minister and Local Government Advisor, on May 28 this year, received a letter signed by deputy Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Ministry Abena Moore, informing him that because of his absence from work, his service was no longer needed and that under the terms of his contract “you had forfeited all of your benefits”.

The former Minster had expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the move, but has now decided to move to the High Court, challenging the decision. Collymore is being represented by former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall.

The Statement of Claim as laid out in the

writ points out that the “Plaintiff is and was at all material times a person of full age and capacity; the Defendant is the legal representative of the State against whom civil suits are to be brought under the provisions of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, Chapter 6:05; that by a contract in writing dated 15th day of August, 2014, between the Plaintiff and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government acting on behalf of the Government of Guyana, the Plaintiff was engaged to perform the duties of Ministerial Advisor upon certain terms and conditions set out in the said contract, including a monthly rate

Farmer charged for torching wife’s mother, grandmother to death

Twenty-four-year-old Darshan Sarwan was on Friday remanded to prison for setting the mother and grandmother of his common-law wife on fire. He made his first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

Sarwan, a farmer, was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder. He stood in the dock dressed in a yellow shirt and chequered trousers. He appeared to be at ease when the charge was read to him by Magistrate Scarce.

The charge was read to the accused that on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, he murdered Omrowtie Chammawatti, 74, aka “Bhohoo” and Chammawatti Caustury Persaud, 54, aka Reshmi, of 75 Huis t’Dieren Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

He was then questioned by the Magistrate on how old he was, where he was living and if he was before the court for any other criminal offence. In response, he told the court he was 24 years old, from 19th Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and it was the first time he was before the courts. He also told the court he was a farmer by profession and has been visiting the Essequibo Coast some two months now to conduct farming. He also told the court his wife Devika Persaud was pregnant.

According to the particulars presented by Police Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack, the accused was living with his common-law wife Devika Persaud along with her mother and grandmother at Huis t’ Dieren.

The details further stated that on

July 28, around 17:00h the accused came home with a bottle of “Banko wine” when his spouse was frying potatoes on a kerosene stove, and had an argument with her about him being hungry.

The now deceased women were sitting in the kitchen at the time of the argument and the accused grabbed the lit stove along with the hot oil and threw them on the women. The fire from the stove engulfed the women, burning them. They were rushed to Suddie Public Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

Autopsies conducted on the deceased revealed that they died from lung failure due to burning. The postmortems were conducted on separate days by Government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh. Sarwan was remanded to prison until August 13, 2015. He was not represented by an Attorney-atLaw.

of salary and certain monthly allowances”.

It continued that the said contract was for a fixed term of one year commencing from 201409-04 to 2015-09-03 determinable by one month’s notice in writing or one month’s salary in lieu of such notice. The said contract in writing and all of its terms and conditions will be relied upon at the trial of this action.

The proposed legal proceedings signed by Attorney Nandlall, demands that the sum of two million, seven hundred and forty-four thousand, five hundred and eighty-seven dollars (Gy$2,744,587) within 21 days be paid to his client Collymore; failiure of which to do so will see an institution of legal proceedings

“The said letter expressly or constructively dismisses my client, summarily and purports to forfeit my client’s contractual rights and benefits under his contract of employment dated 15th August, 2014, as well as legal rights which are conferred by the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, 1997.

Where are the opportunities for Amerindians?

… Community Support Officers frustrated after being fired by Govt

Desmond Patricio, a young Amerindian of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), says he now feels lost and without purpose now that the Community Support Officers (CSOs) programme has been discontinued, and since that was his sole source of income, now in his lonely moments, he ponders what opportunities would be made available for him to secure another job.

“I once was a CSO and I know that it was benefiting me though it was little, I was in the CSO programme and it was drawing my potential,” he told this newspaper during an interview. CSOs were given a stipend of only Gy$30,000.

Patricio, who is positive that he represents the voice of all Amerindians residing in hinterland communities, is pleading with the Government

to reinstate the CSO programme or if not, quickly create new job opportunities for Amerindian youths.

The CSO initiative provided job opportunities and capacity building programmes for Amerindian youths. Basically, CSOs assisted Amerindian Village Councils in executing their work in various areas such as health, education, governance, leadership, infrastructure, sports and community development.

Newly-elected Toshao of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Douglas Casimero also lamented the fact that young people in the region were now jobless and the Village Council which he was now charged to manage would no longer have the support of the CSOs.

“The CSO programme was very good. Looking at the young people in partic-

ular, where there are no employment opportunities available for these children who have completed … secondary school, as they would have nothing meaningful to do during that period until such time they get a job elsewhere. And I will now be handicapped without such support that was given to the previous Village Council,” he related.

Casimero is urging the Government to reconsider its decision and reinstate the programme. He pointed out that if the Government considered certain aspects of the programme to be flawed, it should implement measures to improve the initiative rather than having it scrapped.

“If there are deficiencies, then let’s improve it. These young people are now disadvantaged and they will be idle and have nothing to do,” he noted.

Region Two Councillor Beatrice Mittelholzer said she did not understand why any Government would want to put the country’s youths at a disadvantage, noting that if the Administration was not pleased with the initiative, it should have created an alternative before ending the CSO programme.

The A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration fired 1972 CSOs in the hinterland regions across the country because it was believed that their operations were political.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said it was always found that the programme, which has been in existence for over five years, was being used by the previous Administration for political purposes. This being the case, he said, their sacking was justified.

PPP/C still to decide on parliamentary...

forts by the Granger Administration to persecute PPP members using the Police and the courts to do so. The Party wishes to remind of statements made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who was quoted in sections of the media as saying, “I think there is a lot of pressure on the relevant Ministers to ensure that people are prosecuted.”

On July 30, former Health Minister, Dr Ramsaran was granted self-bail when he appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Corentyne, Berbice.

Ramsaran pleaded not guilty to the charge

when it was read which accused him of using insulting language against women’s rights activist Sherlina Nageer. He was instructed by the sitting Magistrate to return to court on September 21.

On July 22, the DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack recommended that charges be brought against the former Health Minister for his “slap and strip” comments while protesting at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in May.

The charges stemmed from a verbal confrontation between Ramsaran and Nageer during which he threatened to slap and strip her naked outside the court, during the hearing of a case against former President Bharrat Jagdeo brought by accountant Christopher Ram. These comments were recorded on video and immediately went viral.

Several rights groups and civil society had called for the dismissal of Ramsaran, but he apologised to the women’s rights activist. Ramsaran, in apologising for his remarks, explained that he was “rudely interrupted and provoked” by the young woman.

Public express shock at Magistrate’s ruling

…Youths given community service for Gy$8M armed robbery

By Devina Samaroo

The public contin-

ued to vent its outrage after it learnt that the two University of Guyana (UG) students who were found guilty of an Gy$8 million armed robbery were sentenced to only community service and counselling by Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday.

Criticisms have been pouring in from all sections of society over the ruling, with Guyanese demanding a coherent explanation as to why the two criminals were not sentenced to a more severe penalty.

Chief among the upset citizens is former President Donald Ramotar who dubbed this development as absolutely preposterous especially given that the nation is experiencing a worrying increase in armed robberies.

“I think it is really ridiculous what has hap-

pened. It was an armed robbery and we have an immense spike in crime, particularly in armed robbery and I cannot understand the rationale with the sentencing. It is worrying,” he told this newspaper in an invited comment.

Ramotar even suggested that these two criminals may have some connections with high ranking Government officials to have gotten off so easily for such a serious criminal offence. “I think

the Magistrate may have come under pressure to do something of this nature. We have a big spike in crime and we have seen persons given worse sentencing for much more delicate crimes,” he explained.

Darien Bess, 20, of Lot 429 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown and Joel De Mendonca, 21, of Lot 17 Providence, East Bank Demerara, were found guilty of stealing a quantity of cellphones worth Gy$8,968,000 from Golyn and Sons Fashion Store on January 25, 2014.

Magistrate Latchman ordered that the offenders perform six hours of community service for the next 25 Mondays along with a maximum period of counselling, as considered necessary by a probation officer. Bess was instructed to do his community service at the Palms, while De Mendonca will be doing his at the National Library.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall also registered his incomprehension over such a feeble ruling on a serious charge of armed robbery.

“A sentence must always bear a proximate relationship with the offence to which that sentence relates. Therefore, a tribunal is bound to take into account the gravity and the prevalence of the offence committed. In this case, it is robbery under arms

which is a violent felony, very prevalent in Guyana and, therefore, a serious offence… Approximately, Gy$8 million was stolen, that is a huge sum of money by any standard. I have no doubt that the victims of this offence would have been terrorised and traumatised. Having regard to the prevalence of violent crimes in Guyana, more particularly armed robbery and the public outcry it has generated are all factors that a competent tribunal must take into account when considering a sentence…When all the above is taken into account, I would venture to say that the sentence imposed is far too lenient in the circumstances,” Nandlall related.

Even the former Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard is quoted in another section of the media labelling the ruling as “totally wrong”.

Kennard urged Police

Prosecutors to not accept this sentencing but rather to approach the Director of Public Prosecutions to challenge it.

Also on social media, even the average layman could not understand the rationale behind this ruling. “I really feel that our judicial system needs revamping. A man gets three years for the ‘trees’, others get community service and probation for armed robbery,” one user posted.

Others demanded an explanation as to why the same Magistrate who sentenced 19-year-old Ron Collins to 56 months in prison after he was found guilty of armed robbery of a pair of sunglasses and a Blackberry smartphone collectively valued Gy$166,000 would allow two men community service after they were found guilty of armed robbery of a quantity of cell-phones worth in excess of Gy$8 million.

Police arrest suspect in Montrose murder

Investigating ranks of the Guyana Police Force have arrested a suspect in relation to the murder of caretaker Carmen Ganesh who was murdered on Saturday last. The suspect in custody was arrested in a Georgetown house sometime around 11:30h on Tuesday.

This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum. However, the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told this publication that while they have a suspect in custody, he could not confirm whether it is the same person who was captured on Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage committing the gruesome act.

“We are trying to verify (his identity)… we are in the process of doing so,” he stated. Further asked whether the man in custody is cooperating with the Police, the Crime Chief indicated that he cannot divulge any further details about the matter.

On Monday, Police released the image of the main suspect who was caught on camera in the home of the elderly woman, in attempts to get public assistance in locating the man. Less than 24 hours later, investigators were able to locate a suspect.

ty since the yard housed several vehicles, a speed boat and an outboard engine.

Meanwhile, the CCTV footage that was obtained from the premises shows the perpetrator spending almost an hour in the house after attacking the elderly woman upon his entry into the house.

Information reaching this newspaper revealed that the woman’s daughters did not see her for the entire Saturday morning, which was unusual; hence they went to the house and called out to the woman. However, their calls went unanswered and the gates were locked. As such, they could not gain entry into the yard.

Becoming suspicious, a grandson of the now dead woman was summoned and he decided to scale the fence. As he en-

The body of 75-yearold Carmen Ganesh of Lot 121 Montrose, East Coast Demerara, was found in a pool of blood on Saturday with a gash to her head and a cloth tied around her neck. The murder weapon, a knife was found close to the woman’s body.

tered the yard, he saw his grandmother lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen and immediately raised an alarm. The Police was summoned and have launched an investigation into the gruesome murder.

The devastated young man had related to this publication that he could not tell where on the woman’s body was bleeding. He explained that his grandmother worked with the owners of the house for quite some time, but after they left the country they entrusted the house to her.

He added that the perpetrators probably thought that there was money on the proper-

Clive Thomas not fit to be GuySuCo’s Chairman … past record as head of Globe Trust should disqualify him – PPP

The Opposition par-

ty, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is far from pleased with the David Grangerled Government’s decision to appoint Dr Clive Thomas as Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as it cited Thomas’ role at Globe Trust when it was closed down due to bankruptcy.

Clement Rohee, the General Secretary of the Party, on Monday stated that the new GuySuCo Chairman has “chalked up another peg in his CV” as he is also the Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development and heads the Asset Recovery Unit at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“This is the same Clive Thomas who was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Globe Trust at the time of its collapse as result of bankruptcy. Again, it is Clive Thomas who

heads the Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo. It is ironic to note that as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Globe Trust, Thomas presided over the collapse of a financial institution whose depositors, investors and creditors were principally Afro-Guyanese,” said Rohee.

He explained that in the Sunday, July 19, 2015 edition of the Kaieteur News, Dr Thomas was featured as “A Special Person” and in an interview for the said article, he (Dr Thomas) stated that he is most passionate about justice and fair play.

Dr Thomas noted in the said article that the inequities people have had to suffer really bother him and that he is concerned about the eradication of corruption because it “eats away at our society.”

“A high sounding statement indeed but placed in the context of his disastrous oversight,

and non-stellar performance as Chairman of the Board of Globe Trust, one does not have to wonder too much about the future of the sugar industry with Clive Thomas as Chairman of GuySuCo,” the PPP/C General Secretary noted.

Globe Trust had opened its door for business in August 1991 and

the company had recorded significant profits for the period December 1994 to December 1996.

Five years later on July 17, 2001, Globe Trust closed its doors to the public and later the same year the Bank of Guyana took possession of the company.

At the time of its collapse, Globe Trust had an estimated over

Govt yet to finalise agreement for East Bank, East Coast bypass road project

More than a month after the new A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration was briefed about the agreement between Guyana and India, the Government is yet to finalise a way forward.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had previously told the Guyana Times International that while he was not familiar with the details of the agreement or the project, Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam was kind enough to brief him on the agreement, and even left a copy. Patterson explained that his Ministry will have to review the documents and then consult with the Foreign Affairs and Housing Ministers in order to decide on the way forward.

However, when contacted on Saturday, the Public Infrastructure Minister informed this newspaper that he has handed over copies of the document to his colleague Ministers, but they have not been able to further consult due to more pressing matters taking precedence, such as the 2015 Budget presentation.

During a visit to India in January, for-

mer President Donald Ramotar secured a Line of Credit (LOC) to build a bypass road from Ogle to Eccles, linking East Coast Demerara to the East Bank. The former Government had initiated the bypass road project in an effort to reduce traffic congestion for commuters, particularly on the East Bank of Demerara. A feasibility study for this road link was conducted.

The funding for the project was tied up between Ramotar and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during a meeting held on the sidelines of 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Gandhinagar. High Commissioner Mahalingham had previously told this publication that he is in the process of working with the Guyana Government to determine the way forward on the bypass road project.

The LOC for this project is to the tune of US$50 million. He noted that an agreement has to be signed between the Government of Guyana and the India Export and Import Exim Bank outlining the details of project before the money can be paid.

“The agreement is with the Government of Guyana and they have to make the decision because it’s a

new Government, and the project was proposed by the previous Government. So the new Government has to take a view whether they would like to pursue this project and when would they like to purse this project,” he outlined.

In addition, Mahalingham had disclosed that during a visit with Public Infrastructure Minister, he indicated that any other project the Government wants to take forward and needs assistance with, then they can approach the Indian Government.

“We would like to work with the Government of Guyana on the basis of Guyana’s interest. We are willing to commit ourselves to whatever project the Government of Guyana proposes and take it forward to get the approval of the Government of India,” the High Commissioner declared.

While the monies were approved by the Indian Government, it was reported in an Indian newspaper that the LOC to Guyana was among a list of LOCs to several other countries that are in limbo after India’s External Affairs Ministry’s budget was cut. The Telegraph in Calcutta, India, had reported in May that documents from the Ministry

3000 depositors but by 2001, following a series of investigations by the Central Bank, Globe Trust was found in breach of the Financial Institutions Act.

“One liquidator followed the other but the damage was so severe that the situation was irretrievable.

Investigations revealed several cases of unusual loans, amounting to over Gy$800 million and nonpayments. Several debtors were hauled before the courts by the liquidator in a desperate attempt to retrieve huge outstanding loans owed to the company,” Rohee highlighted.

He said that many of those placed before the courts were the very Directors who owed over Gy$100 million to Globe Trust. “Several ignored the calls to repay and only a tiny portion of monies owed were repaid. One former PNC Member of Parliament, who is now deceased,

owed Gy$44 million, enough to reimburse some Gy2000 depositors. A law firm with close connections to the hierarchy of the PNC owed Gy$19.5 million.”

According to the PPP/ C’s General Secretary, in a desperate attempt to return the company to viability on July 25, 2002, the Chief Justice issued an Order for the reorganisation of Globe Trust.

“In his Order, the Chief Justice said that the Directors of Globe Trust must be criticised for allowing this sorry episode in the institution’s history by its failure to act decisively in the face of lax, loose and grossly incompetent management…”

The PPP/C is calling on Dr Thomas to reflect on his experience at Globe Trust to ensure he does not repeat the Globe Trust debacle at the Ministry of the Presidency and at GuySuCo.

shows several overseas projects as “curtailed” since this year’s total Foreign Office budget for aid to Latin American countries is only approximately US$5.1 million.

However, High Commissioner Mahalingham clarified that LOCs are not from the External Affairs Ministry’s budget, but is actually from the India Exim Bank. He went on to say, “So if by chance the Ministry of External

Affairs’ funds are curtailed, it will have no impact on the LOCs because the LOCs are from

Roopnaraine agreed to abrupt end of Rodney CoI

– admits succumbing to PNC-dominated Cabinet pressure

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has confessed that he was a signatory to the precipitous decision to scrap the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), but said that he is still prepared to offer his statement to Commissioners who are yet to present their findings.

By making this admission, Roopnaraine, who was appointed Senior Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister in the new Government, has confirmed reports that the decision of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR)dominated Cabinet to abruptly end the life of the Commission was unanimous.

The CoI, which was established under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), to probe the circumstances which led to the death of the founding leader of the WPA, Dr Walter Anthony Rodney, came

to an abrupt end last week, with lawyers representing various interests pleading for the most, two weeks, to complete the investigation.

Minister of Governance and Patrimony Raphael Trotman had told Journalists that the decision to scrap the Inquiry was a collective one made at the level of Cabinet; of which the Working People’s Alliance forms part.

Questions were raised about the WPA’s real position on this move, particularly because it has for years been calling for an independent probe

into the cause of death of its leader.

Speaking to this publication during an exclusive interview on Monday, Roopnaraine said “It was a Cabinet decision. We don’t break ranks at Cabinet on issues like that. We took a point of view and the consensus from Cabinet is inclined to take a particular position, that is it”.

Submission of his statement

He continued “My own feeling was that the Cabinet felt that the time had come for it to come to

an end and that enough had been invested in the Commission and that it has had sufficient time to come to its conclusion”, Roopnaraine said, continuing that he will “compensate” by dispatching the statement he has prepared to the Commission, “so that they would not be deprived of my own evidence, which to the investigation will definitely rob the Commission of a comprehensive, thorough and fair outcome”.

On another note, the WPA Leader told this publication that it would have been more satisfying for the party to have the opportunity to present its case to the Commission.

“We have been represented by counsel, who has done a good job, but had the Commission gone on for one or two more sessions, complete with all the witnesses, it would have been great”.

He said “I had a statement in readiness for the Commission, expecting at some point to be called. But what I will do, I will be submitting my statement to them; although it will not allow time for a cross examination but at least they would have my statement”, Roopnaraine said.

According to the WPA Leader, his statement has been “sitting there” and ready for months, noting that nothing that has transpired in the Commission could incline him to change it.

“It remains what it was two or three months ago. I’m anticipating that I will send that statement during the course of the week”.

The Commission of inquiry met for its last two sittings last Monday and Tuesday, where lawyers representing various interests in the investigation made their final submissions, summarising the evidence that have been so far presented.

They too had a lot to say about Government’s decision to have the final session wrapped up in a mere two days. Chairman of the Commission, Sir Richard Cheltenham said while Commissions of Inquiry were “creatures of the executive”, the move by the David Granger Administration will not speak well for the fairness of the final report which commissioners were expecting to present by November.

Govt will not directly market rice –Holder insists amid growing concerns

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder made it clear that the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Administration will not get involved in the direct marketing of rice, insisting that it is a job for the millers themselves.

This is contrary to what the coalition had promised in its Elections Manifesto 2015. Specifically, under Chapter Five: Production, Transformation and Economic Diversification, under the subheading relating to the rice industry, it is boldly printed that “The APNU/AFC coalition will… Immediately initiate a sustainable Rice Sector support programme which would include…the negotiation of additional new international markets for rice from Guyana”.

But during a telephone interview with this newspaper on Monday, Holder firmly stated, “This Administration is trying not to get involved in the direct marketing of rice. When you get involved in these things you cause a pile of confusion.”

“We will help to secure markets but we won’t go and negotiate the markets,” he added, noting that this responsibility will be left up to the millers.

Holder maintained, however, that this position was not a contradiction of the manifesto promise.

He said Government would be assisting in finding markets but when it came to negotiation and other aspects of marketing, the millers will have to pull their own strings.

According to the Minister, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, there will be a Foreign Trade Department which will be tasked with the responsibility of initiating a forum for foreign purchasers to meet with Guyanese millers. From there, once the foreign purchaser agrees to have discussions with the Guyanese millers, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) will coordinate meetings and then it will be up to the millers to convince the buyer to purchase from their company.

Only recently, President David Granger announced that millers

must find their own markets.

Some millers across Guyana have partially agreed with the President, but pointed out that Government simply cannot run away from the responsibilities it has to the rice industry. However, many are still urging the Government to play a bigger role in helping them secure lucrative rice deals.

Currently, the rice industry is going through a challenging period, with limited available markets for the bumper crop and the virtual collapse of the Venezuelan market. Farmers are concerned about the future of the industry.

But while stakeholders understand that the millers will have to pull their own weight, they believe the governing administration must play a bigger role than it is willing to play.

Jinnah Rahman, Chairman of the Rice Producers Action Committee of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, previously indicated that Government should be involved in the negotiating process.

Rahman told this newspaper that Government needed to establish grounds for better dialogue during negotiations. Additionally, he pointed out that Government will need to form a crucial part of these negotiations to offer free trade agreements and tax waivers so as to attract buyers to Guyana.

Similar views were also expressed by former GRDB Chairman Nigel Dharamlall; Guyana Millers and Exporters Marketing Association Chairman, Dr Peter De Groot and Head of the Alesie Group of Companies, Dr Turhane Doerga.

PPP/C slams Govt over anti-poor policies

…moves being made to give laptops to friends, cronies — PPP/C

By KRisten MAcKlingAM

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Monday whipped the David Granger Administration for implementing anti-poor policies as it rejected the notion that when it was in power there was consideration for raising the salaries of its Ministers and Presidential Advisers at the expense of taxpayers and distributing laptop computers to its friends and cronies.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, during a media

briefing, explained that his Party would never think about increasing monies for themselves against raising the salaries of public servants.

He emphasised that the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government should not be considering a raise

in pay for its members since such a move would lead to repercussions that Government would be forced to face for many years.

This publication was told that such talks or consideration should not be implemented under the Granger-led Administration especially because the performance of these Ministers cannot be evaluated as they have only been in office for about 10 weeks thus far.

Although Government has acknowledged that it is considering increasing

RepaRations claims against foRmeR colonial poweRs

salaries for its Ministers, Advisers and all Members of Parliament, there has been no official announcement about any figures which would represent these increases.

However, Rohee lashed out at the Government stating that when he was serving as Home Affairs Minister he earned Gy$579,000 monthly and was “quite satisfied with that”. Though his allowances were minimal, he was still satisfied, he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had told the media that

Caricom could move to ICJ

By Alexis Rodney

There is a possibility that the ongoing feud between the Caricom Reparations Commission and the countries of its former colonial masters, if not resolved, could reach the ear of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Dr Eric Phillips has said.

The deal now, however, is for the parties to meet and decide on a settlement before any such action is taken. The Caricom Reparations Commission said the effects of the slave trade which spread between the 16th and 19th Centuries, have contributed to the economic crisis currently experienced in Caribbean countries.

For restitution, the Commission has set out a 10-point action plan for discussion with the former slave trading nations and owners and plans to send an official invite to these leaders for them to come to the bargaining table. If, after consultation, a favourable decision could not be made, the final move will be in the direction of the ICJ.

The Caricom Reparations Commission has asserted that the European Governments have been owners and traders of enslaved Africans; instructed genocidal actions upon indigenous communities; created the legal, financial and fiscal policies necessary for the enslavement of Africans; defined and enforced African enslavement and native genocide as in their ‘national interests’; refused compensation to the enslaved with the ending of their en-

slavement; compensated slave owners at emancipation for the loss of legal property rights in enslaved Africans; imposed a further one hundred years of racial apartheid upon the emancipated; imposed for another one hundred years policies designed to perpetuate suffering upon the emancipated and survivors of genocide and refused to acknowledge such crimes or to compensate victims and their descendants.

According to Phillips, should there be a fruitful outcome and the money is released, a National Endowment Fund (NEF), much similar to a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), will be established, where a special committee will be set up to overlook its operations. It is hoped that the money will go toward the social, educational and economic development of the persons affected.

Guyanese economist Dr Clive Thomas had said while he opposed the idea of trading reparations for debt relief, he would endorse giving compensation to the descendants of African slaves.

He stressed that no Government should become involved with the handling of compensation since it will definitely lead to a number of discrepancies. He was positive that persons would make the best use of the compensation.

The Caricom Reparations Commission, which was launched in July 2013, had set a number of demands to the former European slave trading nations.

These include those countries providing diplomatic help to persuade

countries such as Ghana and Ethiopia, to offer citizenship to the children of people from the Caribbean who “return” to Africa; devising a developmental strategy to help improve the lives of poor communities in the Caribbean still devastated by the after-effects of slavery; supporting cultural exchanges between the Caribbean and West Africa to help Caribbean people of African descent rebuild their sense of history and identity; supporting literacy drives designed to improve educational levels that are still dire in many Caribbean communities; and providing medical assistance to the Region, which is struggling with high levels of chronic diseases such as hypertension and Type Two Diabetes that the Caricom Reparations Commission links to the fallout from slavery.

Caricom Reparations Committee Chairman, Sir Hilary Beckles had said that the plan was also to set out areas of dialogue with former slavetrading nations including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

The claims are being channelled through the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and processed with the help of the London law firm Leigh Day.

The economies of Caricom Member States reportedly total close to US$78 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which would place the Region at 65th in the world if it were a single country.

Reports are that the Region cannot claim much in the way of the economic blow. However, after having suffered over 400 years of slavery and colonialism at the hands of European powers, its demands for reparations possess enormous moral authority.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade brought over 10 million captured Africans to work

as chattel slaves in sugar and cotton plantations throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. It was the largest forced migration in human history.

Today, Caricom nations have a population of 16 million, and the Diaspora in the United States, Canada and Europe totals about five million people.

the move to pay officials a better salary would assist in stamping out corruption. Rohee on the other hand refuted this notion, citing that a person’s character determines whether or not he can execute his duty honestly and with decency. He further noted that the said belief has never been proven to “keep hands out of the cookie jar”.

Previously when APNU and the AFC were in Opposition, they had protested the ‘enormous’ and ‘unreasoncontinued on page 21

Govt to increase travelling “per diem” allowances for officials

By Michael younge

Government is currently taking steps to increase the per diem and other benefits for its officials, Ministers and other members of the administration by an average of some 60 per cent whenever decisions are made to travel abroad for state business.

Sources close to the Finance Ministry on Wednesday told this newspaper that after becoming dissatisfied with what was offered by the State under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as allowances for travel aboard, the new Government decided to make changes that would see its members experiencing higher levels of comfort while on official state business at the expense of the public coffers.

This newspaper was informed that Finance Minister Winston Jordan is actively considering a proposal to increase the per diem offered to Ministers, political advisers and other state officials after the tabling of the 2015 National Budget. These increases in per diem allowances for overseas spending are in addition to the massive salary increases that the Government has already conceded are under “consideration”.

This newspaper also learnt on Wednesday that Minister Jordan was also considering putting in place a US$3000 “contingency allowance” for Government Ministers and Advisers. This amount would be spent at the discretion of the official who would determine what the “contingency” was.

Under the PPP/C, there was no such allowance and the only monies made available to the Government Ministers were the US$25 out-of-pocket allowance at the expense of the treasury.

Ever since the change of administration, several officials, including President David Granger, have gone on numerous trips abroad under the rubric of doing “State business” without sometimes properly informing the public and other stakeholders.

Also, Ministers have been claiming that the trips that they have embarked on to attend political party meetings have been sponsored in full by the private individuals without disclosing the identity or quantum of the funds received.

Government has also denied funding these trips abroad from State funds unless it is for official State business.

Currently, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes and State Minister Joseph Harmon are abroad and have been participating in what have been considered political meetings in the US.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, speaking at this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, confirmed that the trip of the two Ministers were sponsored in part by Government but failed to say who else contributed.

When contacted, former Junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill expressed shock at the development explaining that under the past Government no attempt was made to increase the per diem allowance and other allowances significantly.

Nagamootoo promises State media Boards will be free from “political hacks”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Monday claimed that his Government would soon move to reconstitute State Boards across the country that were free from what he referred to as “political hacks”.

Nagamootoo made this comment although he has approved and supported the appointment of Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member and Public Relations Officer Beverley Alert as the Head of the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He has also appointed several other persons within the National Communications Network (NCN), Guyana Chronicle and GINA.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, in an address to the National Assembly months ago, had announced plans to have new boards installed at these state entities. According to a GINA release, the Prime Minister on Monday revealed that the boards have not been appointed as yet. He, however, assured that the process was ongoing. He said the boards will comprise

persons who are qualified and “who have roots in broadcasting, information, journalism and technical training”.

“I am not going to be a Minister responsible for information and who puts party hacks into these boards, to just draw stipends for not working, but to do party propaganda,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “those ghost writers and those ghost producers are things of the past”.

According to the Prime Minister, members of the Board of Directors for the state media entities will be professionals and they will bring to the fore, in Guyana, a new ap-

proach to information and communication. “It must be people driven, to do what it takes to serve the needs of the Guyanese people, and to serve social and development agendas, not a partisan political agenda,” he said.

The Prime Minister, in an earlier address to the National Assembly, had pledged the new Administration’s support for true press freedom. He had stated that while the new Administration will make no attempt to curb the constitutional right of freedom of any media, including that of the state, it would not turn a blind eye to irresponsible, partisan information that had characterised these media under the previous Administration Nagamootoo, however, urged that information must be disseminated in a responsible manner that will “help, not destroy Guyana”. Moreover, the Prime Minister said that the ‘right of reply’ must be catered for, so persons who “come under assault and attack” would have the right to tell their side of the story.

PPP/C slams Govt...

able’ salary of the PPP/ C’s Government officials. Ironically, the coalition may officially announce massive salary increases for its officials.

Laptops for families, teachers

Meanwhile, the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Project which was started under the PPP/C Administration will most likely be renamed “One Laptop Per Teacher” as the APNU/ AFC Government recently announced that the laptops would no longer be given to children and their families but to teachers.

Government is expecting a batch of 10,000 laptops shortly and has stated that they would be distributed to teachers nationwide to allow for the enhancement of teaching skills and delivery in the classrooms.

The PPP/C General Secretary stated that these laptops which were ordered by the then PPP/C Administration cost US$8 million.

Already 55,000 laptops have been distributed by the former Government to children throughout the country with the aim of enhancing research and learning approaches in academia and general social studies.

It was expected that such a move would allow the achievement gaps between children of poor or working class parents and those of high-income families to be narrowed.

Rohee stated that while Government would now be implementing changes in the programme, it needed to make public its “well thought-out ar-

rangement” about the distribution process.

He added that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had stated that the PPP/C’s OLPF programme was a ‘massive fraud’.

“Yet this initiative was not highlighted for a forensic audit. Further, Harmon walked into a storeroom full of laptops suddenly and determined that 10,000 were no good. Harmon is probably the best stand up auditor to determine which laptops were good and which were bad,” the PPP/C’s General Secretary said.

“These unsubstantiated declarations and unilateral moves by the Granger Administration are deeply suspicious and convey the impression that excuses are being made to secretly hand over laptops to friends and cronies of the APNU/AFC Coalition.”

He called on the APNU/AFC Government to explain the methodology it intended to use for distribution of the laptops to teachers, schools and communities and to also explain the nature of its “community-based” theme and the socio-economic criteria to be used for selecting communities.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the establishment and funding of the Office of the Opposition Leader, Rohee stated that he was not in a position to answer this. However, he noted that he expected it to be around the same figure that the PPP/C had allotted to the then Opposition.

Stakeholders welcome Govt’s decision to subsidise costs

Stakeholders have welcomed government’s proposal to reduce the tolls to cross the Berbice River Bridge using a government subsidy as opposed to what it had originally intended to do, which was to unilaterally breach a contract with the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) thereby undermining the strategic importance of public/private partnerships in the country’s development.

The then People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration had opposed a motion in the 10th Parliament for a reduction in the tolls because both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) were insisting that government simply demand the Bridge Company amend its toll fee structure, ignoring all arrangements provided for in the contract. The two parties while in opposition eventually passed their motion because of their majority in the Assembly, but the then PPP Government refused to go along with the obvious authoritarian measure that would vitiate the cardinal principle of the free enterprise system – the sanctity of contracts.

At the time the PSC strongly supported the PPPC’s stance since they understood that a breach of the terms of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financial arrangement would send the ab-

solute wrong signal to the international financial institutions and investors vitally necessary for Guyana’s development.

21 promises they expected to complete in their first 100 days in office.

But on Thursday, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman made a welcome statement signaling the Government’s intention to pursue a more realistic route towards lowering the tolls, which was consistent with Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s earlier hint that cabinet will not tamper or breach publicprivate investments and partnerships.

Minister Trotman explained that while existing legislation pronounces on the setting

benefit commuters.

Even though the Berbice Bridge generates Gy$1.5 Billion annually, the shareholders owning the Bridge have never been paid any dividends on their massive investment. They appear to have made their investment as a matter of patriotism and at least one of those investors have hinted that maybe the government should buy out its shares.

Almost every major financial institution in Guyana has a financial stake in the Berbice Bridge primarily through bonds, and

But even during the subsequent elections campaign, the APNU/ AFC coalition gave the impression that it would still take a unilateral approach in reducing the tolls, saying that “we will be the government” and therefore, will have the power to effect whatever change they wanted. It made the lowering of the Berbridge Tolls the 1st of

of fares, a subsidy by the Government to ensure fares are lowered is an alternative that the Administration will explore.

Stakeholders are now relieved that government will engage in discussions with the Bridge Company and propose the idea of providing subsidies to ensure the fees structure is adjusted to

any interruption of those fixed payments could have disastrous effects as the disruptions ripple through the economy.

Chairperson of the Private Sector Commission’s sub-committee on trade, Ramesh Dookhoo, who was once PSC Chairman, in an invited comment, said continued on page 22

Minister Holder to PPP: Act responsibly and take up GuySuCo board spot

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is calling on the Opposition’s People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to take up the available spot on the new Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board that was awarded to them by Government.

According to the Minister, this decision is reflective of his Administration’s commitment to have an “inclusionary Government”. He told Guyana Times International on Saturday that Government decided to give the PPP an opportunity to have an input in one of the country’s most important industries.

Holder pointed out that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that is ongoing into the sector has been mandated with certain functions, including making recommendations based on the findings of the probe, as such, they want the Opposition to be a part of the way forward for sugar.

“The CoI will say what we have to do – whether we should privatise the sector or

whatever else they come up with – and the GuySuCo board will see that through, so we want them to be a part of this process,” he remarked.

The Minister added that Government wants to know the way forward for sugar in 2016 because it does not want to be supplementing the sector as the previous Administration, did hence it is important to have all stakeholders to be included in consultations on the future of the sugar industry.

Asked whether there is any criteria in place for the PPP member to sit on the board, the Agriculture Minister outlined that they will not dictate who the Opposition should select; however, he noted that he hopes they are responsible enough to appoint someone who is knowledgeable of the sector and will be able to make a contribution.

Previously, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration in its quest to revamp the var-

ious State Boards had stated that they are trying to remove politics from the boards. Commenting on this, Holder declared that politics and sugar are intertwined.

“We cannot fool ourselves that politics and sugar are separate, they are connected… we are not happy about it but that’s the reality,” the Minister posited.

Last week, Government gazetted the names of the new board members that were ap-

proved by the Cabinet, naming renowned economist Professor Clive Thomas the Chairman. He is joined by noted sugar experts Earl John, former Human Resources Director of GuySuCo and Anthony Vieira, the former shareholder of Houston/Versailles estates and a Manager in the industry. The other named members include General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union

(GAWU) Seepaul Narine; Adrian Anamayah; Louise Bouyea and Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry George Jervis.

In addition to the representative from the Opposition, the Board will also have a representative from the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers, as well as the GuySuCo’s Corporate Secretary.

Following the disclosure of the board members, PPP Executive Member and former President Donald Ramotar had told this newspaper that it is unclear whether the Party will accept the seats that were offered to them on various State Boards, including GuySuCo.

He explained that there are several issues that need to be ventilated before the Opposition can make a decision. Some of the matters raised by the former President include the lack of consultations for the appointments and the limited number of Boards that the PPP is being offered membership on.

Ramnarine mum on SWAT members’ safety concerns

– says will only speak after meeting team members

Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine has refused to address the allegations made by members of the Special Weapons and Tactic (SWAT) Unit of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that they are being sidelined by the top brass of the organisation, and said he would only do so after he met with team members.

Contacted on Monday, Ramnarine, who is reportedly in charge of the 25-member Unit, told this newspaper that he was made aware of the concerns of the team, through the press, but would not be commenting on anything until he first confirmed that it was the members indeed who raised those concerns.

On Sunday, members of the Unit told this publication that they have not been getting any responses from their chief and they feel undermined as no word has been forthcoming from any senior officer. They claimed that their lives were being threatened and that Government had failed to honour the promises made to them during the period they were undergoing training.

Asked about this, Ramnarine maintained that he would not speak on the matter until he first spoke with the “elite unit”. The Unit, which was established in 2014, had received additional crime-fighting training to deal with serious crimes in the country, which the Police would not be able to handle competently. Members, however, claim that they did not even have a personal weapon to take

Border controversy: Venezuela demands Guyana corrects gazetted maritime boundary

As tension continues to rise between Guyana and Venezuela over the border controversy, the neighbouring country has demanded that Guyana immediately correct the recently gazetted maritime boundary law that was enacted to demarcate the country’s internal waters.

In a statement published on Venezuela’s Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs website, it was outlined that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejected the content of the maritime regulations that were gazetted on July 23.

care of themselves.

Since the completion of the training, the Unit has been “dormant” and only had their “big break” during a shootout with bandits on the East Bank of Demerara, on July 15. Members said since that operation, they, along with their family members have been receiving threats. They are fearful, particularly because they do not have any personal weapons to protect themselves.

“Everybody knows the SWAT team. We were in a shootout just the other day. They see our face. The guy that was shot (SWAT member), his family got threatened,” one team member, who asked not to be named, had told this newspaper. He related that the information was passed on to Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine and a meeting was sought with him and relevant authorities, but so far nothing has happened.

“We have been asking for the Assistant Commissioner to come see us. He or anybody in authority to come and speak to us, so we could at least know what is happening. Since we told them of these concerns, no one has come to see us, no one,” another team member told this publication.

“We have no firearm to take care of ourselves. A lot of us have our families to take care of. We at least want to know that if we go out on such an operation and something happens to us, that our families will be ok. We are not hearing anything, because no one comes to us.”

The team members said their routine, when not in operation, is to “eat, sleep, train and sit down and skin we teeth”. They said too that Government has failed to honour the promises made when the team began training in January 2014. According to the SWAT team, they were promised “proper equipment, proper vests and personal firearms to move around with”. According to them, none of these promises have been honoured, which has plunged them into further distress. Their contention is that even if the Force did not want to give them the firearm, they could at least allow them to be licensed, so that they could themselves purchase their own weapon for their safety.

“However, the regulation places the Point 1, which aims to establish the western end of the straight baseline corresponding to the mouth of the Essequibo River in Venezuelan territory under dispute under the 1966 Geneva Agreement. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has sent today, through the Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs, a note of protest to the Guyanese Government demanding immediate correction of that Point 1,” the Spanish-speaking country stated.

Guyana has long held that it was not in any dispute over territory with its western neighbour, pointing out the 1899 Arbitration Award, which Venezuela and Great Britain agreed to accept as a final settlement of the border set out the current boundary. This country has stressed that it only agreed to address Venezuela’s contentions in the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

However, in its most recent salvo, Venezuela went on to condemn what it called “recurring provocations and aggressions” by the Guyana Government which was “stoking the conflict between the brother countries”.

In addition, the neighbouring country accused Guyana of legitimating “imperialist pretensions against peace within the Latin American and Caribbean Region”.

Guyana’s action to delimit its internal waters comes in the face of renewed claims by Venezuela on more than half of Guyana’s Atlantic waters.

The neighbouring country has remained resolute in

its claims that the area which was recently found to have a very rich oil reserve belongs to it, and that the United States based oil drill ship operated by ExxonMobil was operating illegally.

President Nicolás Maduro had even issued a decree to this effect, but later withdrew it after it attracted much attention and pressure from the international community. Nevertheless, the Spanish-speaking country subsequently issued another decree, which purports to set all constitutional, legal and doctrinal elements, create the zone of integral defence and establish the Armed Forces’ tasks in all maritime areas of the country due and legally established.

Internal waters

On Thursday last, Second Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge informed the National Assembly that Government has enacted the Maritime Laws in compliance with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Maritime Zones Act 2010 of Guyana.

The Maritime Zones (internal Waters and River Closing Baselines) Regulation prescribes closing lines across the mouths of the three largest navigable rivers of Guyana –the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice Rivers.

Greenidge explained that the enactment of this legislation allows Guyana to “properly” safeguard its rights over the zones of jurisdiction through baselines. He went on to say that the baseline establishes

the area where national jurisdiction was to be exercised.

“Baselines constitute a fundamental aspect of the regime of zones of jurisdiction established by UNCLOS, since the breadth of the maritime zones under national jurisdiction is to be measured from the baselines. The baseline is also the line which establishes the outer limit of internal waters in which the State exercises its full sovereignty,” the Minister stated.

According to the Second Vice President, Section 7 of Maritime Zones Act of 2010 enables the drawing of the baselines to delimit the internal waters of Guyana. Furthermore, he pointed to Section 8, which provides for Guyana’s sovereignty to extend beyond its land territory to the internal waters, the seabed, the subsoil and airspace over the internal waters.

“Guyana has exclusive jurisdiction over its internal waters. Such authority encompasses complete access to and control of our resources, as well as full jurisdiction over all activities of both nationals and foreigners, and for all purposes including enforcement of its national laws and protection of the environment unless distributed by internal laws,” he remarked.

In addition, Greenidge outlined that Section 9 of the Act empowers him as the Foreign Affairs Minister to prescribe by regulation closing lines to delimit our internal waters. “It is in this regard that the Maritime Zones (Internal Waters and River Closing Baselines) Regulations of 2015 were enacted on July 23, 2015,” he stated.

Stakeholders welcome Govt’s...

the Private Sector welcomed the move, as it would benefit not only Berbicians but all Guyanese.

Dookhoo added that “it was our original solution to the problem, we said that the investors shouldn’t be allowed to suffer and if it is done, subsidies should be put in place … using taxpayers money is a broader base and that broader base is being used to subsidise a smaller base which is the people who use the bridge.” Minister Trotman had pointed out that the subsidy would directly benefit some 60,000 Berbice commuters.

View from Berbice

Also, Professor Daizal Samad, who had supported the AFC during the elections cam-

paign, said he was in complete agreement with Government’s plan to subsidise the Bridge Crossing.

“Any counter argument does not, to me, hold water because Berbice is an essential agri-area and the more we pay for bridge crossing, the more we pay for goods, greens and so on, and this disadvantages everybody, it is not just a ‘small’ population of Berbice, it affects everybody,” he stated firmly.

Samad noted that the lowering of the bridge toll would impact the agriculture sector, education sector and the health sector, among others.

“What happens if you have the bridge crossing and let’s say we’re taking plantains or bananas across, the price immediately goes up, so everybody pays for it…,” he reasoned.

This publication had also spoken to the Chairman of the Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCCI) Rajnauth Ramroop who said the reduction of the tolls “will affect the Berbice region in a positive way. We have been calling for a reduction in the tolls for a long time and we welcome the move. It is not safe for us in the region to be paying so much when the Demerara [Harbour] Bridge is not even so much.”

Since the construction of the Berbice River Bridge, commuters specifically from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have bemoaned the fees structure and have since been calling on Government to lower the tolls.

Six new housing areas established by CHPA in 2013

– thousands of new house lots made available

By Kristen MacKlingaM

In pursuit of continuing access to land, housing and infrastructure, as well as improving the quality of life of Guyanese, the Central Housing and Planning

released in Parliament on Thursday last, stated that 4417 applicants finalised their allocations. In addition, 613 lots were regularised in favour of their occupants in several squatter settlements, bringing the

Authority (CHPA) established six new housing areas, yielding 4907 new lots for new homeowners for the period January to December 2013.

Such a move was aimed at reducing poverty, creating employment and generating skills in various communities across the country.

The CHPA’s annual report 2013 which was

total number of lots allocated to 5030.

The Authority also continued to consolidate 22 housing areas through infrastructure upgrade, with respect to roads, drainage, electrical installation and water distribution of networks.

For infrastructure development, 111 kilocontinued on page 24

Canadian company “pours first gold” at Guyanese mine

Canada-based mining company Guyana Goldfields Inc (GGI) on Tuesday, announced that it has produced its first quantity of gold “on time and on budget” at its Aurora Gold Mine in Guyana.

In a release, the company stated that its first gold production was attained through gravity and saprolite production circuits. Initial start-up gold was captured by processing the lowest grade ore available. The miner is progressing towards a full saprolite circuit operation and will gradually feed the mill with higher grade material. The commissioning of the hard rock crushing circuit is projected to be completed later in the third calendar quarter of 2015.

The company expects to produce between 30,000 ounces and 50,000 ounces of gold in 2015, depending on how quickly full ramp-up is achieved, and approximately 120,000 ounces to 140,000 ounces of gold in 2016.

GGI expects to issue an updated National Instrument (NI) 43101 Technical Report Feasibility Study in the first quarter of 2016 for the project which will reflect an extended open pit mining scenario while deferring the underground production until later in the mine life. Also to be issued are current operating cost parameters and an updated ore reserve metal price.

As of June 30, 2015, the company had approximately US$20 million of capital expen-

ditures remaining to complete the Aurora Gold Mine. The company is managing its overall development budget to not exceed US$277 million which includes the initial development costs of US$249 million for the project and US$28 million in financing costs, pre-operating costs and working capital investment.

The project remains on track budgetwise with an untouched US$52 million overrun facility available, if needed.

The company expects to report its interim consolidated financial statement results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015 on or around Thursday,

August 13, 2015.

Company President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott A Caldwell commented, “Our first gold pour is an extraordinary achievement in GGI’s transition from an exploration and development company to a highgrade, low-cost gold producer. We would like to celebrate this significant accomplishment for all that have contributed from the project’s inception and thank our shareholders and stakeholders in supporting the development of the project, including our Board of Directors, management team, employees and contractors as well as the lenders for the debt financing syndicate comprised of International Finance Corporation, Export Development Canada, ING Capital LLC, Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, and The Bank of Nova Scotia. In addition, we wish to thank the Government of Guyana and local communities for their continued support through the development of the project. The focus at the site now is to increase gold production to our target level of 50,000 ounces during the balance of this year.”

The Aurora Gold Project has a total gold resource of 6.54 million ounces in the measured and indicated categories (62.83 million tonnes at 3.24 g/t Au) as well as an additional 1.82 million ounces in the inferred category (16.93 million tonnes at 3.34 g/t Au).

ExxonMobil’s rig left Guyana early June

…news broken by Venezuelan media

…to return early 2016 – ExxonMobil

As reports surfaced that

US oil giant ExxonMobil has removed its oil drilling ship, the Deepwater Champion, from offshore Essequibo, officials are insisting that the relentless aggression from Venezuela did not influence this decision.

Government, however, had failed to inform the Guyanese public of this development which occurred in early June. Reports in the Venezuelan media suggested that the Venezuelans understood that the drilling rig only left Guyana’s waters in the past few days. It would have been following the departure of ExxonMobil’s rig that, for instance, Venezuela confirmed the cancellation of the PetroCaribe rice deal with Guyana.

Guyana Times International tried to make contact with Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman to find out why the public was not informed of this development when it had happened, but all calls made to his phone went unanswered. It was the arrival of ExxonMobil Deepwater Champion oil drilling rig/ ship that had precipitated Venezuela’s latest revival of its controversy over our western border.

ExxonMobil Country Manager Jeff Simons told this newspaper on Sunday during a telephone interview that the vessel had left Guyana’s waters since June and was now anchored in the Gulf of Mexico. He, however, quickly pointed out that this was not an unusual practice for the company.

“The vessel had completed the works it was doing on the Liza-1 well … it was always planned for the vessel to go there…we are planning for future drilling. We have collected enough information and data and we just in a planning stage right now,” he explained.

Simons stressed that the Deepwater Champion had completed its course of operation and the ongoing border controversy between Venezuela and Guyana regarding ownership of the Essequibo and the waters off its shore (where ExxonMobil is drilling) did not pressure the Company into removing the vessel.

He explained that at this stage, the company would be analysing its findings and planning for another period of drilling which should commence early in 2016. “We are planning to return early next year or maybe sooner but we will re-

turn,” the Country Manager assured, noting that ExxonMobil is ecstatic about its discovery of hydrocarbons and oil-bearing rocks in the Stabroek Block.

In May, ExxonMobil announced its findings of more than 295 feet of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoirs. Recent reports predict that this find could see Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) escalating to 12 times its current figure, which is transformational for any developing country. Guyana’s GDP stands at around US$3.23 billion.

Venezuela is happy In light of the reports emanating from the Venezuelan

media that the oil company decided to withdraw from its operations, Minister of Governance and Patrimony, Raphael Trotman told another section of the media that the company’s action was “not irregular”.

That media outlet reported that the removal of the drilling vessel follows an “increase in activity in the Stabroek Block where seismic vessels were conducting exploratory works to determine if there are other commercially viable oil reserves in the immediate areas”.

Trotman also confirmed the seismic works currently being done in the Stabroek block in

Govt confident new money laundering bill compliant with int’l requirements

Legal Affairs

Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams will be attending the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) conference scheduled for October this year, as Cabinet has approved his and other officers’ travel.

Minister of Governance and Patrimony, Raphael Trotman said he was confident that Guyana was in good and regular standing for the upcoming meeting.

“We received over the weekend an email, detailing a list of things that have to be addressed by the country; the regular list of things, compliance with [Financial Intelligence Unit] FIU and so on. From where we stand, it seems that we are on our way to restoration of credibility,” he told journalists recently.

Legal Affairs Minister Williams had said that Guyana would need to be in compliance by the time its delegation arrived at the FATF conference, or face being blacklisted. He said the country needed to move quickly because the American Regions

Review Group (ARRG) had made some proposals which Guyana will have to incorporate into its version of the AML/ CFT law.

Those recommendations he assured were entirely new, and were designed to give a futuristic approach to the matter, noting that compliance with the passage of the Bill would have been the “crux” of the matter in satisfying FATF.

The AML/CFT Amendment Bill was first presented in the National Assembly on April 22, 2013. It was debated for the second time on May 10, 2013. Following its second

reading, the Bill was committed to a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly for consideration. At a meeting held on August 2, 2013, the Special Select Committee agreed that the Bill could be presented to the National Assembly.

Amendments were made to Section 37 (A) and another section where the Director of the FIU was previously appointed by the Minister of Finance or the President. Describing the situation as “untenable”, the Attorney General had said that an independent authority will now be placed over the FIU with the National Assembly having oversight. This independent body would advertise for and scrutinise persons for the position of Director and Deputy Director of the Unit. The Bill was finally passed in the National Assembly on June 26 this year.

Guyana was referred by FATF to its Americas Review Group in September 2014 and went before this body on two occasions, the most recent April 2015, to work on an agreed Action Plan with targets

and six monthly reports to ensure targets were being achieved. These targets included legislative and non-legislative interventions.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had said that before its passage, the proposed Bill contained some provisions that have been rejected by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) as well as FATF and Government ran the risk of passing into a law a bill that may not be compliant with international requirements.

Meanwhile, Trotman said Government was still awaiting the presence of the Opposition in the National Assembly, so that the two political entities could work together for the establishment of the body that will appoint the new Director of FIU. Trotman said Government would not want to move ahead with this, excluding the Opposition. However, if the PPP/C does not show up during the required time, Government will have to go ahead and make the decision on its own. As it stands, the FIU remains the same.

the vicinity of the Liza-1 well, which has been capped, it was reported.

According to Venezuelan media, the President of the Venezuelan Chapter of the Latin American Parliament, Ángel Rodríguez, said that the Venezuelan Government “welcomed” this decision.

In early March, the oil and gas company, one of the largest in the world, was warned by the Spanish-speaking nation to refrain from going ahead with its planned exploratory drilling activity, on a concession awarded by Guyana offshore its Essequibo Coast.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to the area being explored, ignoring an 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which was declared as the full and final settlement of the boundary between the two South American nations. Following the discovery of oil-bearing rocks in the area, Venezuela’s aggression grew stronger. However, ExxonMobil assured that it will not be intimidated by the country’s claims and will continue its work in Guyana’s offshore waters. The multibillion-dollar oil exploration project, which is expected to be executed over 10 years, got underway in early March.

Six new housing...

metres of new roads were constructed – 52 kilometres of existing roads were upgraded, 92 kilometres of transmission mains were installed, and an additional four housing areas were serviced with electrical distribution networks.

According to the report, with respect to transfer of titles, 3643 additional homeowners collected their titles and obtained the required collateral to finance the construction or improvement of their homes.

Additionally, the issue of affordability of vulnerable households continued to be addressed through the implementation of the pilots under the Second Low Income Settlements Programme.

“For the core House Pilot, 91.4 per cent of the target was achieved; the Home Improvement Pilot achieved 76 per cent; the Hinterland Pilot, 130 per cent; the Professional Pilot, 116 per cent and the Sanitation Improvement Project, 144 per cent.”

In the area of community participation and development activities, the CH&PA accomplished its target in the training and mentoring of community leaders; preparing community

from page 23

development plans; facilitating group organisation and implementation of community development projects in housing areas.

“For land use monitoring and management, the CH&PA processed 1126 planning permits for the establishment of business enterprises, primarily within Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. The work programme activities were implemented in keeping with the goals and objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the National Development Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

In this regard, it contributed significantly to continued growth in the building and construction sectors, the GDP of the country and the quality of life of many Guyanese,” the report read.

It was also noted that other positive impacts included the expansion of the market for building accessories and supplies, mortgage interest relief, concessions granted to allottees on building materials and accessories and the expansion of the turn-key solution as another option for beneficiaries.

PPP/C MPs Collin Croal, Harry Gill ready to serve

Collin Croal and Harry Gill, yet another two new faces on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Members of Parliament (MPs) say they are overwhelmed with ideas which can be used to advance Guyana with regards to security, tourism, regional development and youth representation.

This publication interviewed the individuals, both of whom were excited to take up their roles as MPs in the National Assembly and to be the voice for the people of Guyana.

Croal, who was the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Local Government, is the MP representing Region One (Barima-Waini), therefore, he noted that his main focus would be concerning the welfare of the people of that district.

“I am representing Region One so at every opportunity available I will use to represent issues, concerns, the interests, programmes and policies on behalf of the people of Region One,” he said.

In terms of his personal interests, Croal said he was always passionate about youth issues. “I have always been in the area of youth work, from a young age I started in the PYO (Progressive Youth Organisation) for a number of years for the PPP. So I have no hesitation in representing and advocating youth issues,” he expressed.

In addition, because of his background within the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Croal said he is positive of his ability to make meaningful contributions in those areas when the PPP/C makes

way to Parliament. Croal noted too, that he is willing to serve in whatever way the PPP/C requires of him as it would be an honour for him to represent Guyanese in any way he can.

“I accepted the offer to be MP for the PPP/C because I accept it as an honour to be offered, it therefore means that the leadership of the Party sees that I can contribute in some meaningful way… and I always enjoy anything that allows me to serve the wellbeing of our people and to be able to advance their cause and this is something that I love to do and therefore I had no hesitation when my name was proposed and I was offered to accept,” he related.

Similarly, Harry Gill is eager to take up his role as MP for the PPP/C as it has always been his passion to serve the Guyanese people. “I have been living in the United States for 23 years and I came home to make a meaningful contribution to the development of Guyana,” he said, noting that it was always his passion to pursue a political career but his obligations to his then young children prevented him from doing so.

Gill said he has a wealth of knowledge in areas of crime fighting and

tourism and as such, cannot wait to make his ideas known in Parliament. “I want to focus on the ‘bread and butter’ issues. Too many politicians focus too much on the bigger picture. We need to be more concerned about those voiceless Guyanese who need representation,” he posited.

Gill said in the past, he had made recommendations to Police Commissioner Henry Greene to help with getting illegal weapons off the streets but none of his proposals were implemented.

Gill’s daughter is a Detective and his sonin-law is a Police Officer attached to the New York Police Department (NYPD), and as such, he believes he has gained much knowledge from them about strategies which American officials implement to tackle crime.

One approach which he believes can get illegal weapons off the streets is to establish a committee tasked with “buying” illegal weapons. Another is to provide monetary incentives directly to the officers whenever he/she unearths an illegal weapon.

Meanwhile, Gill said he can significantly contribute to developing Guyana’s tourism. “There are lots we can do to boost tourism. But we need to be prepared for tourism before we go all out,” he related.

Gill said he will push to have measures in place to ensure there is better customer service, not only in tourism related establishments but in places like utility companies.

Also, he noted that the roads need to be properly marked with reflective paints to ensure tourists are safe whenever they travel around the country.

Suspects in male sex worker’s murder believed to have skipped country

Almost two weeks after the Guyana Police Force issued wanted bulletins for the two suspects implicated in the murder of Nephi Luthers who was gunned down at Carmichael and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, the two men have failed to turn themselves in.

The men, 42-year-old Ron Forde called “Andel” of Lot 19 Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara and of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, EBD and 24-yearold Kanand Ojha of Lot 2 First Street, Meadow Bank, were caught on video, which has since gone viral.

A Police source at Brickdam told Guyana Times International that ever since the wanted bulletins were issued, neither of the men has showed up thus, leading them to believe that they might have absconded. Nevertheless, the Police are reiterating their call for the two men to surrender and relate their side of the story.

Guyana Times International understands that the Police had gone to the homes of both men. Ojha’s wife who resides in Diamond Housing Scheme was

Wanted, ron Forde

also contacted in an effort to find the men. Police said they would continue to hunt for the two men.

Luthers, 20, of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, was shot once to his chest during a confrontation with Ojha and Forde.

It is believed that on the night of the shooting, Ojha left the Guyana National Stadium and went in the vicinity of the St George’s Cathedral, where he paid a sex worker Gy$5000 to perform a sex act.

During the act, he was reportedly relieved of his personal belongings. After the act was completed, he left in his motor car, but sub-

sequently realised that his phone and cash were missing. Ojha, from reports received, collected Forde and went back to the location where they confronted Luthers, but he denied doing business with the man, which resulted in an argument.

During the argument, Ojha reportedly told Luther, “You have to give back the thing”, but in response, the commercial sex worker said: “Me ain’t been with you”. At this time, Forde pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Luthers to his chest.

The sex worker fell to the roadway and the two men fled the scene. Luthers’ colleagues picked him up and rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. From all indications, Luthers was mistaken for someone else.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Forde and Ojha is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 2258196, 226-7065, 2271149, 911 or at the nearest Police Station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

NCN to be given multimillion$ bailout to compete with private media

The State-owned National Communications Network has asked government for a Gy$20 million bailout to help it meet its financial obligation. At his post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman told journalists that the request was before cabinet, but could not say if the money requested would be used to assist in the payment of bills and salaries for the more than 160 employees of the radio and television news outlets.

NCN currently has several outstanding payments to receive; one in particular from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, which owes the company in excess of Gy$14 million.

Trotman said Government was disappointed at the position the Stateowned company has found itself in, saying that with a monopolistic position of having the reach, the equipment and direct guaranteed contracts

with Government and other entities and agencies, it should have been on a sound financial footing.

“We’re quite disappointed with the position that we found and we have since, under the directorship of the Prime Minister, we have agencies give an account for outstanding invoices and bills and in the meantime, Cabinet has been asked…to provide a small amount of bridging finance until accounts receivables are pulled in and we can bring the entity back onto a strong footing,” Minister Trotman explained.

Although it has been reportedly making some Gy$500 million annually under the PPP/C Administration, NCN had been seeing its annual budget cut to a mere Gy$1 by the then Opposition A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The company was then accused of fulfilling the agenda of the then Government.

PPP/C elections petition: Lutchman claims evidence lacking

…Court gives Party 14 days to respond

Representative of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) List of Candidates, Dr Harold Lutchman filed a summons in the High Court seeking “further and better particulars” regarding the elections petition which was filed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) questioning the validity of the General and Regional Elections 2015.

The summons was filed sometime last week and on Thursday, the Court gave the PPP/C 14 days in which to file an affidavit in answer to this summons. Thereafter, Lutchman would have seven days in which to reply.

According to Lutchman, the petition lacks clarity and includes several statements that lack evidence. “We are seeking further clarification. Some of the claims made by the Party are not clear, let them clarify. You have to advance some explanations on it,” he told Guyana Times International.

One such example, Lutchman said, is the statement alluding to “huge crowds” assembling outside polling stations disrupting the elections process. “Where is the evidence of that?” he posited. Asked for more statements that needed clarification, Lutchman said he could not remember them all “off the top of his head”.

The matter is being presided over in-chambers by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang and is expected to be called again on August 24. However, no date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the petition, although

more than a month has passed since it was filed in the High Court. The petition was filed by former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, on behalf of the applicant, PPP/C Executive Member Ganga Persaud. Some of the grounds laid out in the elections petition include valid ballots being wrongly deemed rejected; Statements of Poll (SOP) used to ascertain the results contained arithmetic errors; multiple voting by persons and impersonation of persons; PPP/C ballot attendants and polling agents being prevented from accompanying the ballot boxes; and the fact that there were fraudulent SOPs. Another ground highlighted in the court document states that many of the SOPs used by GECOM and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) to ascertain the results were not the Statements of Poll which emanated from the polling stations, but were fraudulently concocted and inserted into GECOM’s machinery.

Mocha Arcadia villager excels against the odds to prove Guyanese resilience

Recently admitted to the Bar in Fiji, Guyanese Andrew Liverpool is a young academic who is determined to be successful in everything he pursues.

Liverpool, 25, grew up in the village of Mocha Arcadia located on the outskirts of East Bank Demerara. He was raised by his mother, a single parent who is now a chef, and his grandmother, a proprietor of a wellknown bar and grocery store in Mocha.

Liverpool was a former student of the Headstart Nursery, Winfer Gardens Primary, North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, St Joseph’s High and President’s College, and one who performed exceptionally well throughout his years at these institutions.

However, the highlight of his high school academic life was when he was regarded as the first from his community to have had attended President’s College, placing among the top five at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations, where he gained best Sociology and History student for that year.

Regarding his university and graduate days, Liverpool was afforded the opportunity of gaining a place to read for his Bachelor of Laws in 2009. After he completed and obtained his law degree in 2012, Liverpool was accepted in 2014 to do his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Fiji, which he recently completed with a 4.0 GPA – a perfect score. He is now said to be the first from Mocha to have obtained a Bachelor of Law and the first to have been admitted to the Bar and become a barrister and solicitor –what we call an attorneyat-law.

A career in law

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Liverpool revealed that the reason he was prompted to pursue law stemmed from his “activism in youth development and the yearning to see opportunities granted and a voice being given not only for the underprivileged but also for the misguided.”

“[Through] advocacy, youths can be able to express not only opinions but innovative ideas to make realistic changes to our society, which, as a consequence, would foster development in building a

much more modern state that can meet the demands of an ever changing global village,” he declared.

“It is with this in mind that I saw law as not only an avenue to be informed and be paid through a well established clientele, but as an avenue to achieve the goal of providing a voice for youths in particular. Especially coming from a community as mine where not much attention in the past was given to youth development, and limited inspiration provided from the lack of role models sparked my flame to rise above the negativity and impact, inspire and motivate those who I can along the way until my objective is achieved. It is interesting to note that to a further extent the other factor can be linked to the notion of genetic traits. My father as well, who is a US-based Guyanese, had also studied law and gained his Masters in Law at the Harvard University, so I would contend that it is a mixture of the two above mentioned factors which had propelled me to pursue law,” Liverpool noted.

Overcoming challenges

There were challenges in pursuing his studies, but Liverpool rose above them all. One such challenge was financial. Liverpool disclosed that being in a single-parent household was challenging financially, but with support from his grandmother he was able to “breathe somewhat a bit lighter”.

“I can vividly remember having to break the news to my mother of gaining entry into the Law Department at the University of Guyana. Her expression, even though seemed very elated and overjoyed, was very worried for she would now have to start tailoring herself to prepare for the financial demands of maintaining not only me and my sister, but now my sister –and a law student – as funny as it sounds. The first challenge I had was after beginning classes, my grandmother had sacrificed and bought a laptop for me to perform at the rate that she knew I could. It all seemed to be going well until two weeks after bandits broke into our home and stole the very same laptop and all the other items I got as gifts for my sustenance as a student. The fore-

seen challenges started to roll in: from having to visit a friend’s home and stay till the wee hours of the morning, to staying at an internet café until the proprietor would tell me he’s about to close and I have to leave, to having to walk whether in the rain or sun to get whatever I needed to get done due to lack of finances to catch a vehicle. However, this never stopped me but fuelled me to cross the finish line as I did in 2012,” he recalled.

Liverpool remained in Guyana due to lack of funding to attend law school, nevertheless, he was afforded the opportunity to work with reputable law firms locally. In the latter half of 2013, he was employed at the National Insurance Scheme as a data entry clerk for the night shift, working from 11pm to 7am.

However, he found a different outlook to life since he was able to meet many others who were either doing their masters or second degree, and that inspired him to fight for his dreams.

Moving to Fiji

It was also a motivation to once again refocus his energies in gaining admissions into law school. He was accepted to the University of Fiji –this time he had managed to obtain finances from a fellow villager who saw the passion Liverpool possessed to make not only his community proud, but his country as well.

After completing his studies at the University of Fiji, Liverpool managed to gain two job offers from

for his success and believes that Guyanese excel wherever they are.

two senior and well-respected law firms in Fiji. Currently, he is employed as a barrister and solicitor at the M.A. Khan Esq. Barristers and Solicitors Law Firm in Fiji.

Liverpool partly credits his Guyanese heritage

“It matters not what field we are placed in or what job is given to us. We value hard work and respect the process that is required to get to where we need to be in order to attain whatever respective goals we have in mind; and it is in that vein, I would contend that we are a people of pride, perseverance, integrity and most of all humility, and that’s what make us stand above the rest. For this reason I intend not only to give back through being a living inspiration, but to go back into my community and build a charitable foundation in the future that would enable underprivileged youths to access life learning skills in tailoring, catering, masonry and other skills that would enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the development of not only the community of Mocha Arcadia but Guyana in the end,” Liverpool declared.

Love of the arts

Other than being

an applauded attorney, Liverpool is passionate about the arts. He is a member of the Guyana Theatre Guild, Merundoi Guyana Inc and many other organisations regarding the arts. He has had the opportunity of participating and performing in many shows such as the “Link Show” (25 and 26), “Masacura Man”, “Hassa Curry” and many others. Liverpool also co-produced the comedy show “Ah Different Kinda Ting” with Kwasi Edmondson in 2012, which was created to give young actors the chance to have their talents exposed and respected as well.

“[Do] not let your circumstances define, influence or prohibit you from attaining greatness. The road is a very difficult one but once you can build a mindset to overcome and develop the confidence to believe in your ability, with the right attitude your journey will become a bit easier, work would be a bit lighter and success will be inevitable,” Liverpool advises Guyanese youths.

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Celebrating central figures of African society

The African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) notes that most Guyanese of African descent cannot tract their ancestral roots to a particular African nation. As such, each year the association celebrates one African country as part of its focus on educating Guyanese about a region that has played an important part in our history.

Additionally, to educate youths so that they can learn of and from these individuals, the association identifies historical figures and global personalities; Africans or those who contributed significantly to African society.

This year, ACDA honours the Republic of Niger (Niger). Locating in a land-locked West Africa Sahara region, Niger is four-fifths the size of Alaska. It is surrounded by Mali, Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso. The Niger River, in the southwest, flows through the country's only fertile area. Elsewhere the land is semiarid.

Prior to French colo-

nisation, Niger played a valuable part in prehistory, especially considering the fact it was a part of four major empires and kingdoms: the Songhai Empire (600–1591); the Hausa kingdoms (mid 14th century – 1808); the Mali Empire (1230-1600); and the Kanem-Bornu Empire (early 9th century –1900).

Niger is a country with a very rich history and culture, and ACDA proudly showcases this for the 2015 Emancipation celebrations.

ACDA’s theme for Emancipation 2015 is “Rekindling Our Past Glory through Youth Innovation”. The subtheme is “Building

Strong Families through Entrepreneurship”.

The association explains that it has chosen these themes in recognition of the importance in youths knowing their history and the legacy of their ancestors who have been on this Earth for three million years as manifested by the skeleton of Lucy (Dinkenesh), and the need to build Guyanese families through economic strength via entrepreneurship.

Global African leaders identified by ACDA and celebrated for Emancipation 2015 are Luzia, King Tutankhamen, Marcus Garvey, and Imhotep.

Rekindling past glory

The skeleton of Luzia, a young African woman, was found in Brazil in 1975. Tests proved she lived in the region more than 12,000 years ago, before any other group known to date came through the Bering Strait.

King Tutankhamen, usually referred to as King Tut, is known as the “Boy King”. His tomb revealed the richness and creativity of ancient Egypt. The pyramids of this period highlight the technology, mathematics, science and engineering skills of African people.

Imhotep, born in Egypt in 2649 BC, was a black African and the world’s first multi-genius. He was the world’s first recognised physician, an architect (built the world’s first stone pyramid), an astronomer, philosopher, poet and scribe. He was worshipped as a god for more than two centuries after he died.

Marcus Garvey, at age 28, founded the United Negro Improvement Association just over 100 years ago in 1914. At his Madison Square Garden conference in 1921, there were 50,000 people. His most famous economic venture was a shipping company known as the Black Star Line, a counterpart to a whiteowned company called the White Star Line. Garvey started the shipping company in 1919 as a way to promote trade, but also to transport passengers to Africa. He believed it could also serve as an important and tangible sign of black success.

Entrepreneurship

The global African youth innovators and entrepreneurs celebrated for Emancipation 2015 are Anesi and Osine Ikhianosime, Winifred Selby and Michael Akindele.

Anesi and Osine Ikhianosime, 13 and 15 years old respectively, are Nigerian brothers who built a mobile web browser alternative to Google Chrome. The young problem solvers got tired of waiting for Google Chrome to load on their mobile phones and decided to do something about it. They decided to build a better mobile browser and called it Crocodile Browser Lite 3.0. It is currently live and ready for download in the Google Play store. By the age of seven and nine, the duo

knew they wanted to start their own technology company. Inspired by Microsoft Windows platform, they decided to name their company Doors. However, they later discovered that the name was taken and changed it to Blu Doors, which is still the name of the company today.

At the ages of 12 and 14, they decided to take on the task of learning how to code and taught themselves, using sites like Code Academy, Code Avenger and books like “Android for Game Development” and “Games for Dummies”.

They plan to create a better browser for lowend featured phones, one that is needed for the developing world. While Chrome and other browsers work great on high-end smart phones, the majority of the world is not using this technology and need a low-end option that still provides quick browser response, and this is what the young men did.

A young Ghanaian entrepreneur, Winifred

She said: “I always say Africans are the richest…there are so many things we have and can add value to make a change. But Africans always seem to think they cannot do something extraordinary, but rather only people from foreign countries can.”

She also realised there was demand for an affordable mode of transport in her country after learning many students in Ghana have to walk miles to get to school. She found out that farmers faced a similar challenge and often had to walk great distances carrying heavy loads to get produce to markets, due to a lack of transportation in agricultural areas. Additionally, there is the high unemployment level and the reality that Ghana needs many more growing businesses and entrepreneurs to provide much needed jobs. All of these things frustrated Selby, and she desperately wanted to be part of as many solutions as possible.

Selby co-started the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative when she was just 15. The award-winning company makes bicycles out of bamboo and has caught the attention of global organisations. While at school, Selby discovered a number of things about Ghana, and the continent in general, that deeply upset her.

She said: “I was 15, a student, and didn’t have any money. I can’t make cars – they are too expensive. But I kept thinking what I could do to add value to bring a change in Africa? And then I realised what to do because I [remembered] my country is blessed with many things.”

One of the greatest entrepreneurial acts by freed Africans in world history was the ‘Village Movement’, begun in 1839. Freed Africans combined their resources to buy villages so that they did not have to return to plantation life and cheap punitive labour.

For Emancipation 2015, ACDA honours the island of Wakenaam in Essequibo. Wakenaam Island sits at the mouth of the Essequibo River. At 17.5 square miles, it is one of the largest islands in the river.

In 1690, after the French invaded Fort Island, the Dutch plantation owners

moved to and settled on the island of Wakenaam. The name Wakenaam is Dutch meaning, “waiting for a name”. A Dutchman started a plantation and named it Maria Johanna, which is thought to be the names of his twin daughters. Then in 1716, the British took control of Wakenaam and Maria Johanna. In 1803 the plantation owner was one Hugenoltz. The plantation was later bought by a Mr. Boddart and Company in 1832 and then by Adam Ramkin in 1851. The plantation was later surveyed by Henry Rainford and 88 house lots were laid out, most of

An island of rich historical significance

them to accommodate the workers.

The colonial government took control of the plantation because of bankruptcy and later sold it to a company in April 1871 whose shareholders were predominantly former slaves. The sale price was $700.

Due to a major disagree-

spectacular. Every now and then, various types of Dutch bottles and coins are found in the ground. The island still contains old Dutch graves at various locations; there is also a Dutch-dug well.

Wakenaam has multiple villages including Good Success, San Souci, Melville, Eagles Rust, New Belle

Plaine, Sarah, Caledonia, Zeelandia, Meerzorg, Fredericksburg and Maria Johanna.

The main economic activity of Wakenaam is agricultural (cash crops), poultry and coconut oil. (Information provided by ACDA. Photos by Marco Basir)

ment among shareholders as to what was the best way to develop the land, there were many disagreements. Ultimately, the plantation was taken over by the Partition Ordinance in 1914. In 1921, a village was created and a tax system was introduced.

Any visitor to Maria Johnson can still observe evidence of a Dutch occupation and the fact that slaves worked there. A unique Dutch sluice, after a century, still stands immaculate and

'A

people of pride...

The attorney-at-law plans to eventually enter politics, having been a former national youth parliamentarian, a former runner-up for the University of Guyana Law Society presidency and runner-up for the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network presidency.

For now, he is working diligently to be a notable barrister and in the near future be able to sit on the bench and preside as a magistrate or judge.

Liverpool would like to thank his mother and grandmother Amanda Williams and Julie Seckle respectively; very close friends, teachers and law lecturers, and the countless other persons who assisted in whatever way they could have to make his dream a reality.

“I would also like to thank God and all the other Guyanese residing in Fiji that made the journey a bit easier,” he expressed.

TT’s Griffith, Moonilal in talks

Tongues were wagging furiously when former National Security Minister Gary Griffith on Tuesday met with United National Congress (UNC) deputy political leader Dr Roodal Moonilal at the latter’s office in Debe, South Trinidad.

Having been fired from the Cabinet led by Prime

Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, Griffith and his wife Nicole Dyer-Griffith, who resigned as chairman of the Congress of the People (COP), formed the Alliance of Independents (AOI).

The meeting led some to wonder if Griffith was making a play to join the People’s Partnership which is a grouping of political

parties including the UNC, COP, Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) and the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC).

At an AOI walkabout last evening in Tunapuna, Griffith told Newsday the meeting was to discuss the AOI’s voter education campaign “Demand 2015” that speaks to issues of good governance.

AOI chairman Joe Pires also attended the meeting with Moonilal.

“We will continue to have dialogue...further dialogue. Nothing more, nothing less,” Griffith said.

In the same way he met with Moonilal, Griffith said, “we will continue to speak with the heads of different political parties. If it is that any political party

Gary Griffith

would be on par with our Demand 2015, we could have further dialogue with them.”

On the Demand 2015 campaign, AOI interim political leader Dyer-Griffith said it will be conducted in, “very marginal constituencies.” Demand 2015 lists ten specific demands voters can make of the persons they would like to represent them, she said.

“It speaks to issues of governance, how you manage and tackle corruption and eradicate corruption, issues about education, national safety and security and housing. So that when voters have to make the choice, they will have certain areas of demands to make. They will be more educated in interacting with their member of parliament,” she said.

Asked if the AOI’s supporters will vote for any candidate, or whichever party they wish, Dyer-

Griffith said, “a decision has not been made with respect to if we are participating (in the general election) or not.” “Thus far the polls have said that people like the AOI. They think we are a nice party. They like our principles and what we stand for, but we are looking at the numbers to see if they are sufficient for us to win a constituency. We are still moving forward. Everything is possible,” she said.

Contacted for a comment on the meeting, Moonilal declined to say what the meeting was about. “Confidentially, I can’t tell you what the meeting was about. Mr Griffith has been a Cabinet colleague of mine for some time and in the politics for some time. He was in the neighbourhood and popped in. These are the people in your neighbourhood,” Moonilal said. (Trinidad Express)

Work to begin on geothermal plant in Dominica this year

Dominica is nearing the end of negotiations with French investors to start building the islands much talked about geothermal plant.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the disclosure as he indicated that production well and two reinjection wells have already been established and the next step was at hand.

“Within the next two months, we expect to conclude negotiations with a French investment consortium, who are partnering with us in a joint venture, to build and operate the domestic plant, and the plant to export electricity to Guadeloupe and Martinique,” he said.

Skerrit added that the legal framework was being developed in the meantime.

“The Geothermal

Development Bill, a critical piece of legislation to facilitate investment in geothermal energy, has been drafted and will be tabled in Parliament by the end of September. Funding has been identified for the construction of the domestic plant. Both the World Bank and the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) have offered financing under highly concessional terms and discussions in that regard are ongoing,” he said.

Skerrit said Dominica is looking to get the best deal to finance the project.

“The World Bank came here to Dominica to offer us money to finance the small plant. There was a presentation to Cabinet but we have a situation where the AFD is also offering us money to finance this plant. So we have held back our applica-

tion to the World Bank and we are negotiating for the best terms possible to borrow this money,” he said.

“I believe that in the next few weeks, we’ll be in a position to determine whether we’ll go with the World Bank or the AFD, based on the best lending terms. At the end of the day, that will play an important role in the cost of the plants and the resultant cost of energy to the consumers in Dominica.”

The prime minister contended that were it not for the ongoing negotiations with the two entities, Government would have been more advanced in the development of the domestic plant.

Construction on the plant should begin in 2016 and commissioned, on completion, in 2018.

Jamaican man caught kissing 13-year-old schoolgirl, fined J$150,000

A30-year-old married man who was caught by the police kissing a 13-year-old schoolgirl in an abandoned building in downtown Kingston, and making plans to have sex was on Tuesday slapped with a J$150,000 fine when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.

The man, who had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault, was ordered by Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey to pay J$100,000 or serve six months on the first count and

J$50,000 or six months on the second count.

Before the man was sentenced, his lawyer told the court that her client was a devoted Christian and husband of four years who has acknowledged that his behaviour was inappropriate.

The lawyer also urged the magistrate to consider the social enquiry report in which her client was described by members of his community as hard-working and industrious. According to the lawyer, members of the community said that her client’s behaviour was “out of character.”

Health Minister: Too many fat children in TT

Sample surveys conducted on the body mass index of primary school students in 2014 and this year have shown increased levels of overweight and obese children giving an indication that the general population was at risk and the “Fight the Fat” campaign was losing.

This was according to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan who said last week that parents who give children too much fatty and sugary foods were killing them slowly, and contributing not only to overweight and obesity, but to deadly adult noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in childhood.

Khan spoke at a press conference held at the Ministry of Health, Park Street, Port-ofSpain where he proposed a vigorous education programme involving the Education Ministry, National Schools Dietary Services Limited among other stakeholders.

To this end, too, he said that the Health Ministry has produced a National Nutritional Standards manual for foods offered to children in schools. The manual was awaiting approval from Cabinet, before it could be printed and disseminated to schools and the general population.

It recommends the foods in terms of staples and beverages that children should be consuming on a daily basis listing them from green (acceptable) to amber (not so acceptable) and red (not recommended).

He noted that a half litre of soft drink carries 15 teaspoons of sugar (empty calories that produces fat), and the World Health Organisation recommends only four teaspoons of sugar a day.

Because of the rise in NCDs, he noted that sugar has been placed on the front burner for taxation in Mexico, Barbados and Chile. Some countries were also looking at legislation to cut down on the amount of sugar to put in foods for children, he said.

On the recent sur-

veys, Primary Care Nursing Manager, St Patrick, Kathy Ann Elbourne said that in 2014, the first BMI survey involving 161 standard three students from four primary schools in St Patrick West found 31 percent or 50 students to be overweight or obese. St Patrick covers the towns of Point Fortin, La Brea, Siparia, Cedros, Fyzabad and Penal.

This year, Elbourne said 50 students who were screened last year, were screened again and 74 percent was found to be overweight and obese with 26 percent showing improvement.

This year also, 88 students of three more schools were screened, she said, and 47 percent were found to be overweight or obese.

Of 72 children screened, 42 percent had increased blood pressure, and 32 percent had increased cholesterol in their blood. Increased blood pressure and increased cholesterol, Khan said, “are diseases of adult systems.” Khan noted that based on the findings, a system of evaluation and monitoring of BMIs in schools has to be done periodically and the ministry was moving in this direction. (TT Newsday)

But Pusey told the lawyer that her client should be imprisoned for his actions.

“This is the kind of nightmare that most mothers lay in their beds at night worrying about,” she said. “The only thing working in his favour is that she had consented to it and she was not coerced.”

The police caught the man kissing the teen in an abandoned building on Orange Street in May. According to the police, the accused had met up with the teen on previous occasions and had been planning a date for them to have sex. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyanese Ivor Thom is a celebrated artist who enjoys creating beautiful art inspired by historical events and personal experiences, with hopes they serve as reminders of our valuable heritage for upcoming generations.

The artist was born and grew up in of Victoria village, East Coast Demerara. In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Thom stated that since childhood he developed a passion for art and the value of it taught by his mother.

“One thing I remember as a child is that whenever I draw something, I would discard of them; but my

mother would pick them up and put them away. As I got older I realised that what my mother did was her way of telling me that whatever I do is valuable and I shouldn’t just discard of my work,” Thom reminisced.

Thom also remembered that while working on a Madhia/Annai road project in the 1970s chopping trees down – he was about 14 years old at that time – he came across a piece of wood and was moved to carve a face on it.

“At that time, to me it was a masterpiece, but looking back it seems like nothing at all. However, when I did it, a lot of people were fascinated with it,

and that encouraged me to develop as an artist. From then on I started working with clay and other art medium. What also motivated me to practice my art is experiencing appreciation by others for my art work.

As a member of the National Service, I was at the Papaya Centre, and former President Burnham was visiting. We wanted to get him a gift but we couldn’t travel

so I volunteered to carve a piece for him. Seeing how people appreciated my art really motivated me to keep on practicing and to develop myself as an artist,” reflected Thom.

This motivated Thom to enrol at the Burrowes School of Art. In 1979 he graduated and went to Cuba to continue art study, and spent four years there. When he returned, Thom went back to the National Service where he served

out. Everyone encouraged me to do something and

until 1990. He then migrated to Canada and then to the U.S.A, all the while continuing to create artistic pieces.

In Canada, Thom developed profoundly as an artist. He learnt the lostwax casting technique. A method used to cast metal. Thom also worked in many art foundries and was able to do so in every section of a foundry, after becoming very skilled in his area of art.

Locally, Thom is popularly known for his 1988 Damon monument sculpture.

He was awarded the Medal of Service for his contribution to art in Guyana and was also given numerous medals and certificates for his work, locally and internationally.

Speaking on what inspires him, Thom disclosed, “Something within me compels me. Sometimes I may have an experience, whether good or bad, and I want to share it. I found that if I can’t really share this in words I do so in art. I post my experiences either in drawing or sculpture. My art is conceptualised by my experiences, a story, or something that has influenced me. I’m inspired by life.”

For Thom, art makes him “feel alive”, and so he “dances and sings” while he is creating his pieces. He pointed out that he is most comfortable when he is into his art, and even forgets to eat sometimes.

His sculptures are full of life and reflect his deepest thoughts. One recurring theme in his work is slavery.

He explains, “I listen to a lot of stories about slavery, and saw movies, and I don’t think there’s anything else as cruel as slavery.

And as I said, when something bothers or influences me, I want to ex-

press that in art. Someone had asked me why most of my art pieces are based on slavery and why I’m not changing from that. I believe that we need to free ourselves not just from physical slavery but also from mental slavery. My art serves that purpose of a reminder to do so and so I won’t desist from that.”

One of Thom’s most notable works is the1823 Demerara rebellion monument, completed in 2013 and located on Carifesta Avenue. Thom’s piece won a competition held by the then culture, youth and sport ministry. The winning entry also gave birth to an art foundry at the Burrowes School of Art.

“A lot of what I learnt about my work is from reading books, which I still do. So my advice to young artists is to read and keep practicing every day because that’s the only way you’ll get better. I made a promise that I would do something with art every day – even if it’s just a small sketch and so I encourage young artists to do the same,” he advised.

Emancipation!

By Anu Dev

August 1st was Emancipation Day! Slavery was abolished over 180 years ago. Yet oftentimes I wonder what has happened to the promise of that seminal event.

In Caribbean History we spent a lot of time learning about conditions on the sugar plantations during slavery and after Emancipation. It was a descent into horror. We learnt about plantation society, about sugar manufacturing and we even had to build models of a typical plantation.

Most horrifyingly, we learnt about the slave trade, and about the terror of the Middle Passage which, when contraposed against the societies from which the slaves were snatched, becomes an object lesson of “man’s inhumanity to man.”

I loved reading about the societies and culture that was already established in West Africa, about the Kingdoms like Dahomey and Ashanti and about the Oyo Empire. There were so many rich cultures, religions and art. I got lost in the stories and legends of the Akan religion.

When the Africans were brought to the Caribbean, they weren’t allowed to practice anything of their own culture. They weren’t even allowed to have families. They were forced into Christianity of which the Spanish version had determined that they had no souls and could therefore be enslaved. After they were freed and it was conceded they MIGHT be human – but had to give up their own religions and adopt the Europeanised Christianity and all its anti-African biases.

They were forced into a European social structure, where they would always be inferior striving to be what they could never be- white men and women. Never mind that they already had their own well-organised social structures for hundreds of years. Their “we” rather than “I” centered of Ubuntu would address much of the anomie of western society.

But what I really can’t imagine is what it would’ve been like living like that, being treated as being less than human. As chattel – someone’s property to do as they please- even inflict death on a whim.

One of my favourite heroes in WI history was Toussaint L’Ouverture. To have a man – born a slave –take on the full might of one of the greatest European powers of the day, for the right to be free, was awe inspiring. He was indeed an “Opening”: the eventual independence of Haiti showed the path that every other colony had to walk. But yet we hear ad nauseum about the American and French Revolutions and their impact, but never about the Haitian Revolution.

I mean lots of people have the notion that you have to move on from your past completely in order to have a future. But that idea completely disregards the point we are our past: we are, in a word, our consummated past. And this is not just the past of our own short lives, but the past that has been transmitted to us.

History shows how families, countries, laws and institutions are formed, how they evolved and why certain ones have survived while others ‘bit the dust’. If a nation is just defined by its present- how shallow is that? Look at how much our country and our people have survived and suffered through and yet we’re still afloat. We need to be aware of our past. We need to be aware of our heroes, of the adversities we overcame. We need to remember our heroes like Cuffy and Quamina and all who followed on and off the sugar plantations.

Think about how those who came before you struggled and fought for their freedom and how lucky we all are now, to be living free. We’re not enslaved, we’re not indentured: we’re living free, so it’s inexcusable if we don’t work hard to give ourselves the future we want- the shackles are off.

As our own West Indian prophet Bob Marley sang, “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.”

Happy Emancipation Day!

When Tabitha St Bernard is not designing for Century21.com, showing collections at New York Fashion Week and selling her collections in stores in the US, this Trinidadborn, New York-based fashion designer and cofounder of ‘Tabii Just’ is dressing celebrities for the red carpet. The latest celebrity to don the ‘Tabii Just’ label is style icon and actress of the hit series Orange Is The New Black, Danielle Brooks.

Brooks' stylist reached out to St Bernard to work with her on a custom design for an event she was to attend in New York City (NYC).

“Danielle is a style icon that represents beauty and confidence regardless of size. She owns her curves and knows what flatters her best. She also loves bold colours and making a strong statement on the red carpet,” St Bernard told Woman Magazine.

The first time they met, the two discussed what designs she liked, they worked on a sketch and St Bernard pulled some fabrics she thought Brooks would like. St Bernard had two weeks to pull off the look. Although she usually works with a factory to manufacture her clothing line, St Bernard did the look entirely by hand. She was ecstatic with the end result and more so after it was featured in People Magazine's Style Watch edition.

“I love how bright colours look against her skin tone. We knew we wanted something young, fun and a little sexy... she really owned the look for the event and looked amazing,” she says.

Tabii Just is a womenswear label like no other and that's because it promotes conscious consumerism. For instance, every article of clothing is made not in a sweatshop in some corner of Asia but in a factory in NYC using local labour. Tabii Just also has a zero waste policy, no scrap of fabric goes to waste, once appropriate even the minimal scraps are used and transformed into other items. Tabii Just was named one of ten eco-friendly designers to know by Brooklyn Magazine.

Tabii Just was St Bernard's first baby, so when her son came along, things were very different for the first few months. St Bernard found that balancing her career and motherhood was one of the hardest things she's ever done.

“At one point, I was

up at three in the morning doing feedings and instead of sleeping when he slept, I would go right to work on my sewing machine and try to get things done. It was insane and I had to stop myself and just allow myself to focus solely on motherhood for

port system at home. Her husband also takes their son to his office so that St Bernard can focus on her work.

“I think it's impossible to find a perfect balance and the sooner moms stop putting pressure on themselves to do that is the

and she's about to take the clothing line to another level in a “stunningly visual way”.

“Tabii Just turns three this year and the progress has been steady. I was also really excited to bring a collection back home to Tobago Fashion Weekend

a while. When I stopped fighting it, I started to really enjoy just being with the baby and watching him grow,” she says.

St Bernard feels fortunate to have a career that allows her to bring her son to work with her but she also has a strong sup-

sooner they will be happy. Watching him grow is the most rewarding, beautiful experience of my life but that doesn't take away from the joy and fulfillment I get from my career,” she says.

Tabii Just is doing really well, says St Bernard,

and I finally visited the fashion school at UTT. I was completely bowled over by the talent and skill level of the teachers and students. Right now, I'm prepping for Spring 2016, which will be launching this Fall,” she says. (TT Express)

This week's Crossword

Where’s the beef…

…on growth?

It’s interesting how some phrases enter the language. “Missing the mark” would’ve originated from back in the day when we all used to run around with Bows and Arrows trying to hit our targets – which could either be animals (for food) or fellow humans (for fun?). Then it got a moral turn when it was to do a bad deed was considered to be “missing the mark” or virtuous behavior. Then, of course, it got tangled up with “sin”. And we arrive at the phrase “Where’s the beef?” We’d put away our bows and arrows by the middle of the last century and started getting our meat from groceries and restaurants.

Enter the fast-food giant Mc Donald’s which convinced that the “burger” was synonymous with meat in general and beef in particular. What was a competitor to do to break into the burger market? Well accuse Mc Donald’s of being the “Home of the Big Bun” rather than a big beef patty! Wendy’s focused on their small bun and big patty by comparing it to the Mc Donald’s burger with the catch phrase, “Where’s the beef??”

So with that bit of trivia out of the way, your Eyewitness trots out the recent ECLAC report about our “4.5% growth for 2015” that the Government’s been hocking to the populace and asks, “where’s the growth??” OK…OK…It mightn’t have the ring of “where’s the beef?”… But that had time to grow on us, no? And trust this Eyewitness, the way the economy’s tanking and with the Government clueless in Georgetown …the phrase, “where’s the growth?” unfortunately will be “growing on us”.

This

week's Puzzle

First of all let’s not forget that last year, with the PPP Government in the hot seat, ECLAC predicted that the best we would do in 2015, would be the same 4.5%. And these fellas want us to believe that since then they haven’t noticed what’s been going on in our economy? The price of our biggest earner – gold – has plummeted through the floor and with it production of the stuff that glitters – and obviously our earnings and its contribution to GDP. Where’s the growth??

We’ve lost our largest market in rice – and even some already on the wharves have to be pulled back to join what we’ll be harvesting this coming “big crop”. Where’s the growth? The third plank of the economy, sugar, is still in the doldrums – and won’t make whatever target the new GuySuCo Boards decides to set. Where’s the growth?

Even the ACDA African Business Expo had to be postponed because of the stagnant economy? So where’s the growth, pray tell? Will the spin doctors stop blowing smoke up people’s behinds? And deliver the beef?

…on Cabinet productivity?

Well we all know that politicians will stretch the truth a bit on the hustings, don’t we? After all, that’s why we refer to elections campaigns, with a knowing smile, as “the hustings”! So when the APNU/AFC coalition promised to give all public servants, policeman, nurses and all the other workers who usually voted for them, a “significant” pay raise within the first 100 days, those folks took it with a grain of salt.

Maybe it’ll take them 150 days? So imagine after duly delivering their “X’s”’to the “hand and key” they were then told “Uh! Uh! What we really meant is that we can’t increase your pay unless you increase your productivity.” In case you missed it, “increased productivity” means the same number of people do more work. So how does the Government explain the 100% increase for Cabinet Ministers and various “high officials”? They’re raising Ministers salaries to create a “pay grade” for them! Not because they’re more “productive”

…on crime fighting

Enough with all the plans and the strategies!! When will the police start solving crimes? Even to charge a fella literally caught with a smoking gun!

Showcasing the beauty of African culture

The Miss Emancipation pageant, launched in 2012, is being celebrated this year under the theme

“The Decade For People Of African Descent”. The pageant’s mission is to strive to showcase the beauty of African culture

and to promote humanitarian work.

Miss Emancipation 2015 was launched July 11 at the Museum of

Heritage. Local beauties Akelia Dey, Jade Primo, Jalicia Thompson, Zineoby Ward, Vonette Peters, Deon Alleyne and Keisha Jackson are vying for this year’s title.

“This year, the delegates will be executing a community project that ranges from refurbishing a bridge in Sophia to designing a safe swing for children who are physically challenged,” said president of the Miss Emancipation committee, Dr. Melissa Varswyk.

The delegates, during their introduction at the launch, further outlined each project they have undertaken.

Miss Emancipation community development project 2015

Miss Emancipation community development project 2015 (30 per cent of the competition) requires delegates to design and execute a community-based project based on the aims and objectives outlined by the pageant’s committee. The project holds the largest single score card for the competition and the winner will automatically become a finalist.

The aim of the project is to design and execute a community development initiative that will directly impact the lives of residents, especially women and children. The objectives for this project is centred on, but not limited to the following: improving education access to students in the commu-

nity; promoting literacy; promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics); increasing awareness of health lifestyle and practices; improving health and sanitation; improving access to food and clean water; promoting economic stability within the community, and improving and promoting agriculture economics.

The project targets underprivileged communities and communities with a large percentage of single-parent household.

Points will be awarded to delegates who showed compassion and dedication towards execution of the project; fulfilled the aim objectives of the project; showed unique characteristics; whose projects showed long term benefits to the community, and the delegates who demonstrated that they will follow through with the project beyond the show.

African gala

The other anticipated feature of the Miss Emancipation pageant is the show, which is hosted during the month of August. It is incorporated in the national calendar of activities for Emancipation month.

“The Miss Emancipation show is a highly anticipated occasion that takes the form of an African gala. It is one of the few occasions in which Guyanese adorn themselves in their African attire, showcasing the richness of the cul-

ture. The main aim of the show is to showcase the beauty of the African culture while promoting community development and edifying our patrons on our African heritage, our challenges and solutions,” Varswyk said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

The show takes the format of an introduction segment, where delegates make their introduction adorned in uniformed African attire, reciting a self-created spoken word intro on the Emancipation team of the year; business wear segment, where delegates showcase their various options of African styles that is fitting for the working environment; project presentation, where delegates would be given the opportunity to present their project, and answer questions relating to their projects; evening gown segment, where delegates showcase the rich beauty of the African culture through their choice in African lace designs, and question and answer segment. Delegates would have participated in three-month (May to August) culture awareness and leadership development classes, workshops and seminars. The questions asked in the question and answer segment are to assess the knowledge gained during those courses.

This year’s show would be hosted at the National Cultural Centre on August 14 at 8pm.

The Miss Emancipation pageant provides opportunities for its delegates to make a difference in underprivileged communities and develop themselves academically. Onica Rose, Miss Emancipation 2014, a Grade 12 law student at Bishops’ High School, was awarded a full scholarship to pursue her law degree at the University of Guyana. For more information on the pageant visit Miss Emancipation on Facebook. (Photos by Obrey James)

Barbados recorded 303,592 longstay visitors during the first six months of this year, marking the first time in the 29 years of recording tourism statistics that the destination has ever topped 300,000 visitors in the January to June period.

It also represents a 14.3 per cent increase in arrivals, or 37,945 more passengers, over the comparative period in 2014.

“This exceptional double-digit performance has been credited as the primary reason for the 0.5 per cent increase in local GDP and comes against the backdrop of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s five per cent growth projection for our region for 2015,” chairman of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI)

Alvin Jemmott said recently, during the agency’s second quarterly press conference.

“It also surpasses the global industry forecast issued by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in January this year for international tourist arrivals to increase by three to four per cent. Indeed, we are even above our own internal target for the year.”

The BTMI chairman also noted that visitor spend was up by five per cent, although there was a reduction in the average length of stay.

The local cruise tourism continued to hold its own during the April to June period, with preliminary figures showing there were 52 cruise ship calls and 115,231 cruise passenger arrivals – an increase of six

per cent in calls and 12 per cent in passenger arrivals when compared to the same period in 2014.

Jemmott disclosed that Barbados’ accommodation sector is projected to get an additional 2,300 rooms between this year and 2019.

The BTMI’s chief executive officer William Griffith said the agency is working with its partners to ensure Barbados performs similarly during the months ahead, particularly September and October.

Discussions have been held with eight of the BTMI’s airline partners to explore additional cooperative marketing efforts for the upcoming winter season, as well as opportunities to increase the number of available gateways.

(Caribbean 360)

Celebrating central figures...

One is bamboo, which Ghana has an abundance of. And it wasn’t long before she – with the help of two older students, Bernice Dapaah and Kwame Kyei – discovered they could convert the bamboo into sturdy, shock-resistant bicycle frames. And so the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative was born.

Five years later the company employs around a dozen people fulltime, produces between 60 and 100 bicycles a month, and has provided hundreds with a form of transport. The bikes have found a large export market and received some international recognition.

In November 2013, UN Secretary General Ban

Ki Moon took a spin on one of Selby’s bikes at the Warsaw Climate Change Conference.

Selby, who just turned 20, was named a 2014 Anzisha Prize finalist, an award for African entrepreneurs between 15 and 22 years old who use entrepreneurship to solve problems in their communities. She has also been recognised as a 2014 Set Africa Fellow, and WEF Global Shaper.

Michael Akindele, a 30-year-old Nigerian phone entrepreneur, has been making great strides in the mobile device market — even challenging tech giants such as Apple. The company, SOLO Phone, was started in 2012 and Akindele serves as di-

Tobago makes

a

splash with top travel influencers in Canada

Destination Tobago brought a little island vibe to Canada recently. Top travel agents from Toronto and Montreal along with select travel media, and local celebrities were invited to experience the island in style. They got the chance to learn about Tobago’s unique features and off the beaten path charm.

Agents, journalists, videographers and bloggers gathered at the exclusive rooftop patio of the Spoke Club in Toronto to enjoy an evening full of surprises. Renowned Tobagonian pan player, Tony ‘Pan Jumbie’ Williams kept guests moving with his extraordinary skills performing everything from current soca hits to modern pop.

Jesille Peters the Promotional Analyst for Tobago in Canada states, “Tobago and her people are beautiful, warm and excited about the uniquely cultural and vibrant experiences we can offer to our visitors. We might be tiny, but we offer world class diving, eco-adventure, and an ideal backdrop for destination weddings and honeymoons.”

Throughout the events, honoured attendees were treated to rum punches and Caribbean

inspired canapés. Palettes were refined in a special rum tasting presented by El Dorado, the rum of the Caribbean. Guests sampled the diverse flavours and unique characteristics of the award-winning cask aged rums. The luxurious Tobago chocolate popular with aficionados all over Europe was also a big a hit with the crowd.

In Montreal, guests gathered at L’Auberge in Old Montreal. The warm evening sun streamed in to the private room inspiring many to dance and a few to attempt the pan under Tony’s laid-back tutelage. Guests were enchanted by the traditional Bellair costume custom made for the event. Some even joined in with the dancer to learn a few steps of the traditional dances still on show at the

annual Tobago Heritage Festival.

Members of the Tobago Association of Canada were invited to the celebrations to share their own stories and experiences of Tobago with Canadian media.

Identified at the event by a signature red floral lapel pin, each Tobagonian island ambassador passed along stories and anecdotes of life on the island. All attendees were presented with lapel flowers in their custom designed gift bag that included other fun gifts, accommodation and activities information and facts on the destination. Their new found knowledge of Tobago is sure to help bring greater awareness of the destination in the Canadian marketplace. (Caribbean 360)

rector and co-founder. The company is aimed at delivering mobile solutions, services, and platforms to consumers all at a reasonable price.

The company’s smart phones are priced at US$150 and have up to 20 million free songs licensed by Sony, Universal, and Warner. Its latest release is an app named VideoOn-Demand, available to all Nigerians with an Android device and makes available Nollywood and Hollywood movies. SOLO Phone can definitely challenge other giants within the market, Akindele believes. (Information provided by ACDA)

Marcus Garvey is counted among the greatest men to have walked the earth. The Jamaican in his relatively short life was a proponent of the Black Nationalism and Pan-African movements and inspired the founders of the Nation of Islam as well as influenced the pioneers of Rastafarianism.

Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League through which he advanced a Pan-African philosophy which inspired a global mass movement, known as Garveyism.

This would become the core of many of the liberation movements around the world and in fact paved the way for political leaders in Africa and the Caribbean to dare seek independence from colonial rule.

The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago invited the son of Marcus Garvey, internationally respected vascular surgeon, Julius Garvey, to attend this year’s Emancipation Day celebrations. He delivered a presentation at the Forum on the African Diaspora last week and participated in several other events that took place to mark the event.

Although people’s ini-

tial attraction to and awe of Garvey was because of his father he was able, with little effort, to get people to see him as an individual with his own identity, ideology and mission to assist African peoples to realise their self-worth and potential to thrive as a people separate and apart from everyone else, especially the Europeans and white America.

“I have never really felt Jamaican, American or even African for that matter.

I consider myself a world

person. Wherever you live you were being impacted by what is happening anywhere else in the world. If you are aware you can be proactive and take action to institute change.

“My father encouraged people to create their own future and not just sit and allow others to dictate where they should go and who they should become. He came up in a period of colonialism and part of being a colonised people is being dependent and marginalised. His genius

was in finding a way out for Africans and to quietly upset the status quo of domination by the colonists,” Garvey said.

While the world then saw Marcus Garvey as an agitator and today recognise him as having been a great mind, social activist, political messiah, entrepreneur and leader to Garvey (Julius) he was first, father and then much more than everything others saw him to be.

“He is my hero. He is my first and only role model. My father was such a fantastic

person with a great knowledge and understanding of the world, which he had because he was able to discover and nurture an intimate relationship with God within himself.

“My father was well read in economics, history, religion, politics and he opened up the whole world to me, encouraging me to investigate it on my own and in my own way. As busy as he kept himself working, teaching, helping people, he made sure there was quality time and time to teach us. He really died too young. But he moulded me and I believe he did very well,” Garvey said.

Having established a successful practice in New York, Garvey who is 82-years-old employs revenue from his medical business to assist African peoples and others in the US, the Caribbean and Africa.

Garvey does most of his philanthropic works very quietly, but there are things he has done that just can’t be hidden. He, for example has planted 500,000 trees in Northern Ghana and he has led missions to South Sudan, Haiti and Jamaica.

He prefers to be out of the spotlight, but accepts that because of his heritage, that is out of the question. So he simply takes it all in stride. (TT Express)

McKinley takes Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty Title

The Jamaica Pegasus hotel poolside came alive last Sunday as guests, supporters, and family members witnessed the top 20 Miss Jamaica World finalists, vying for the top spot in the fast-track event - Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty.

Screams and cheers echoed from the balconies and poolside as the girls paraded around the pool, giving the audience the opportunity to see their beauty up close and personal.

In swimsuits of various colours and designs, accompanied by matching accessories topped with beautiful smiles and personalities, it was a tight battle.

After much anticipation, it was time for the panel of judges - Sophia Max Brown, Tommy James (chief judge), Laura Butler, Sonia

Alam, and Steven Ming - to reveal their top five, which will include the contestants selected for the best skin tone, figure, and legs.

The girl who has it all and wins will secure her place in the top 15 at the MJW Grand Coronation show on August 15, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Talia Soares, Jovi Jaja, Cavel Campbell, Rochelle McKinley, and Royanne Desilva were the top five contestants.

But it was McKinley who came out on top and also copped the prize for best figure. Talia Soares was second with best skin tone, Royanne DeSilva third, and Jovi Jaja capped the best legs award.

McKinley told the media that she had been preparing for three years and her hard work had finally paid off. She believes that there is al-

ways room for improvement. “I haven't been doing the best that I know I can because of my preparation for school, but I never entered an engagement without commitment, and for the rest of the competition, I will be prepared because my only aim is to continue to do my absolute best,” McKinley said.

The judges all agreed that it was very difficult to choose the top five because all the girls have very nice bodies. Ming, the girls' personal trainer, said that he was happy to have been one of the judges as it has made him aware of what each girl needs to work on. “All the contestants are winners; however, there are still some physical aspects that need to be worked on, and I will be sure to target them when I meet with each girl.”

(Jamaica Gleaner)

PM outlines plans to expand cassava industry in Jamaica

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says that TT Government is moving to expand the cassava industry through a number of partnerships with the private sector and the University of the West Indies, with support from the Colombian Government.

Providing details at the 63rd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, and Food Industrial Show in May Pen, Clarendon, Simpson Miller said that a partnership between Government and brewers Red Stripe, where that company is using the tuber in the production of beer, has shown the potential of the cassava industry.

"As this new industry develops, I look forward to the opening soon of a new cassava processing plant in Elim, St

Elizabeth; and thanks to the Government of Colombia for having provided this gift," the Prime Minister said.

"We are also strengthening the cassava industry by working with the University of the West Indies to produce cassava flour for use in the baking of bread," she added.

Simpson Miller emphasised that a vibrant agricultural industry is what is required for rural development and the nation's food security, and that with the Ja$1.74 billion the Government has spent over the past three years to develop the agro parks project, a foundation has been set for "sustained increase in production".

She said the project has helped to reduce imports and increase exports.

"In doing so, we have

been able to save millions of dollars, as we import less and earn more from export," the Prime Minister explained, while lauding the over 200 farmers who have "shown resilience" despite the many challenges facing the sector.

"No other sector has been hit by climate change as the farming sector," Simpson Miller said, as she committed the Government's support in tackling the various issues threatening the sector, such as bush fires and drought conditions.

"At the global level, I have been leading efforts to secure environmental cooperation and financing to help our farmers to plan for and recover from events like droughts, hurricanes, and sea level rise," Simpson Miller noted. (Jamaica Observer)

ITimes Notebook

n 2012, David Granger, Carl Greenidge, Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo and other leaders of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) declared that the rice industry was in crisis and would collapse under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Their pronouncement came after the industry had posted a record production of over 400,000 tonnes of rice for the first time in Guyana’s history. In 2013 and 2014, far from collapsing, the rice industry broke several records for yield, acreage of cultivation, production and export. But the same leaders of APNU and AFC continued their efforts to persuade the Guyanese people that the rice industry was in dire crisis of imminent collapse.

Now the Coalition is in Government and has changed its tune sung so robustly when it was in Opposition. The Government one week ago held a Rice Conference and during the Conference several of the APNU/AFC senior representatives, including President David Granger, declared that the rice industry is not in any crisis.

The fact is that the rice industry now faces a major

crisis, far different from what it was in 2012, 2013 and 2014 when the industry created even more production and performance records. If the industry was in crisis in 2012, 2013 and 2014, as APNU/ AFC leaders belligerently pronounced throughout the 10th Parliament, then the industry today was in a far less positive position and faced an ugly, uncertain and frightening future.

The major basis for APNU/AFC declaring that the rice industry was in crisis in 2012, 2013 and 2014 was that there was not enough market to support the record production. APNU/ AFC chided the PPP/C for supporting the industry to increase production and not ensuring support to expand markets.

This claim is without merit since Guyana exported more than 300,000 tonnes in 2012 and exported nearly 400,000 tonnes for the first time ever in 2013. In 2014, Guyana surpassed rice export of 500,000 tonnes, a first in history, and way beyond what anyone ever thought was possible.

The PPP/C Government signed a contract for Venezuela to purchase 200,000 tonnes of paddy and rice from Guyana in 2015 at prices that remained the most lucrative among

Guyana’s rice industry crisis

all market destinations and among the most lucrative anywhere in the world. Shipment was proceeding in accordance with the schedule agreed between the Governments. More than 40,000 tonnes were shipped by mid-May. But now stocks of paddy and rice have been waiting to be shipped to Venezuela. The Venezuelans have not given permission for shipment to resume and this will have an impact on the rice industry.

We must all be worried that 2015 is a situation we have not been in since before 1991. Our biggest and most lucrative market seems to be in dire trouble and for the first time since the PNC days, we are faced with a market problem with no reasonable solution in the horizon.

Not only has Guyana

virtually squandered the Venezuelan market, we seem to have lost the Panama Governmentto-Government rice market. In 2014, the PPP/C Government had signed an agreement for and shipped about 50,000 tonnes of rice at above world market price to Panama.

It was expected that the Panama market could have grown to more than 100,000 tonnes in 2015. But as far as we know no shipment has been made on the Government-toGovernment arrangement for 2015.

Between the Venezuelan and Panamanian markets, approximately 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of rice at excellent prices were guaranteed. In 2015, these markets seemed to have halted. Can the millers

serving as marketers make up this loss of market destinations?

Can any other market guarantee the lucrative nature of the Venezuelan and Panama markets? The PPP/C worked with stakeholders to build markets that grew with rice production in Guyana. Now APNU/AFC in its initial months in Government has ensured the restriction of the market and a downward trajectory of the prices.

Is the rice industry in crisis? Clearly the loss of markets of between 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of rice is a herculean mountain to overcome in the five months ahead of us for 2015. Worse yet, without the higher than any other prices that the Venezuelan market guaranteed, the millers would not be able to sustain a price anywhere near a

minimum of Gy$3000 per bag of paddy.

What would this mean?

For one, the industry will end the year with a large amount of paddy and rice on hand, assuming the production for the year is sustained at over 630,000 tonnes and even maybe the 700,000 tonnes that were anticipated based on first crop production.

Unless we recover markets, rice production, employment and wealth generation for about 100,000 people will be negatively impacted. The national economy will constrict.

While in Opposition, the APNU/AFC tried through its acolytes to disrupt smooth progress in the rice industry but the industry progressed and reached unthinkable heights. It had criticised the PPP/C Government for giving support to the rice industry, claiming it was giving support to PPP/C supporters.

Now less than three months in Government, APNU/AFC has led the industry into a calamitous crisis. Is the impending rice crisis simply a matter of mismanagement by the APNU/AFC Government or a deliberate and reckless payback for farmers overwhelmingly supporting the PPP/C Government?

Run Free is a community arts project that uses the aesthetics and philosophies of Parkour (a style of freerunning), along with physical theatre, dialogue and music to capture the stories of young men living in Parade Gardens, Kingston. Creating a platform, the Run Free Project gives these young men, aged 15-21, the opportunity to creatively voice the issues they face, their personalities and relationships, their lives and their challenges.

Headed by the British Council, Manifesto Jamaica and National Theatre of Scotland, brings together the ideas from JUMP, which was a project of National Theatre of Scotland in 2012. JUMP fuses physical theatre, storytelling, and the movement discipline of parkour into a fluid and freshly devised theatrical produc -

tion.

What is Parkour?

Parkour is a discipline using movement that developed from obstacle course training in the military. Here the aim is to get from one point to another in the most efficient way possible. This is done using only the human body and the surroundings while safely maintaining as much momentum as possible. Parkour is an activity that can be practised alone or with a group, and is usually - but not exclusivelycarried out in urban spaces.

JUMP is quite interactive as the audience is invited to share in the choice of music, personal stories, and discoveries of these young men. Using the grace, flow, and style of parkour, JUMP explores the challenges and obstacles faced by these youth growing up in an age of

unprecedented change.

Similarly, Run Free was implemented in Jamaica with similar objectives. In 2014, Christopher Grant, parkour instructor, and Simon Sharkey of the National Theatre of Scotland visited Jamaica, to start the project and training for parkour and theatre practitioners.

More than 20 secondary school boys from across the Parade Gardens community were introduced to the core parkour values of critical thinking, selfdiscipline, determination, and teamwork.

They explored what it is to overcome the physical, mental, and emotional obstacles encountered in the process of initiation into the world of manhood. They also accepted the challenge to take some risks, be creative and create some brilliant theatre.

According to LesleyAnn Welsh of Manifesto Jamaica, the project is in its third phase which now involves developing the story of the boys and putting together their production for an audience.

"The foundation has already been laid for the participants. They have learnt to the art of moving beyond obstacles with ease and grace, and to translate this learning into life skills," Welsh said.

A preview of the "Run Free" project's work-inprogress will be staged for potential project partners and other invited guests. Art and theatre practitioners from other Caribbean islands including Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba, Venezuela, and Brazil are scheduled to attend.

(Jamaica Gleanor)

TT youths learn to arrange for Panorama

EAGEr: Joel Primus, community sustainability and stakeholder relations adviser, bpTT, seems enthralled as Anila mulzac plays the bass pans at the bpTT-sponsored Panorama Arranging music Workshop at Tranquillity Government Primary School. Paying close attention is facilitator michelle Huggins-Watts. mulzac, 17, is captain of BP renegades Junior Steel orchestra.

Port of Spain, Trinidad: Fired by a singular passion to be counted among the select group of people who arrange calypsoes for the Panorama steelband competition, a new cadre of musicians, young and old, is taking positive steps to achieve their ambition.

The aspiring arrangers, ten in all, were participants in the annual Panorama Arranging Music Workshop which was conducted at the Tranquillity Government Primary School, Port of Spain.

The programme is facilitated by the Pan-in-Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) and sponsored by energy company BP Trinidad and Tobago.

“I am totally focused on improving my skills to be able to arrange music for a steelband for the Panorama competition. For the immediate future, I am looking forward to advance my studies in music at UWI or UTT and to set up a music school for teaching and arranging music later on,” said an eager Anila Mulzac, 17, of Edinburgh Gardens, Chaguanas.

No stranger to Panorama competition, young Mulzac is the captain of BP Renegades Junior Steel Orchestra, perennial champions of Pan Trinbago’s Junior Panorama Competition, including 2014 and 2015.

“Of course, my involvement with Renegades is a big stepping stone for me in my goals so far. First of all, I hope to arrange for a junior band

and then graduate to a senior band for Panorama. That day will be a dream come true,” said Mulzac, who is also intent on playing with the National Steel Symphony Orchestra.

The intensive three-week Panorama Arranging Workshop, which came to an end last Friday, forms one segment of a threepronged comprehensive music workshop initiative which also takes in Music Composition for CXC students and Drumming (catering to primary school pupils).

The Panorama Arranging workshop was conducted by Michelle Huggins-Watts, herself a Panorama championship- winning arranger. She was assisted by Junior Panorama arranger Akeel Henry, a graduate of the training a few years ago.

Joel Primus, community sustainability and stakeholder relations adviser, bpTT, commended the participants on their keen interest in the workshop and love for pan and their ambitions to embrace the musical genre in an expansive way.

“BPTT has partnered with the PSCC for ten years now and we have seen many participants in these workshops go on to great things, not only in Trinidad and Tobago but in the international arena. We are confident that our indigenous music is in safe hands. It augurs well for the future of pan.

“We stand fully in support of your aspirations as future guardians of the national instrument,” Primus told the participants.

Jamaica Gov’t collects Ja$3 billion in property tax

The Jamaican Government has collected some Ja$3 billion in property tax since the start of the 2015/16 financial year.

This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, at a ceremony, held on August 3 at the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, in Kingston.

“I want to use this opportunity to urge all property owners to pay up your property taxes. We have not increased the targets, so this year it’s the same Ja$7.26

billion. At this point we have collected around Ja$3 billion and we are hoping that we achieve the target or even surpass it,” Arscott said.

He also reminded the country that property tax is used to pay for public cleansing and streetlights.

“The streetlights... we have a recurrent expenditure of just over Ja$3 billion and we have arrears in the order of Ja$2 billion, so you can see the struggle that we have in terms of closing the gap. Nevertheless, we have to work with

what we have,” the minister said.

Arscott recently informed the House of Representatives that a total of Ja$7.47 billion was collected in property taxes for the period 2014/15, representing a compliance rate of 54 per cent.

This figure is Ja$1.64 billion more than the Ja$5.83 billion collected for 2013/14, where the compliance rate was 51 per cent.

The Minister also pointed out that for the periods 2011/12 and 2012/13, some Ja$2.51

billion and Ja$2.8 billion, respectively, were collected for property taxes, at a compliance rate of 50 per cent.

He noted that 90 per cent of property tax collections are allocated to the Parish Councils for street lighting, public cleansing, public water, promotional and administrative expenses.

The remaining 10 per cent goes into the Equalisation Fund for infrastructure work in the various Parish Council divisions. (Jamaica Observer)

- Exploring folklore and superstitions

The 2015 Tobago Heritage Festival moved in to the village of Les Coteaux last Thursday for a night of folk tales and superstitions in the stage production “Who Have Eyes To See”. The musical play, held at the Tablepiece Recreation Grounds, saw the actors being supported by singers, dancers and musicians as they told their story of a woman turning to obeah in order to win the heart of the man she loves, or at least wants to be her husband.

Les Coteaux is known for the mostly fictional stories weaved by residents for generations and told to fellow islanders as well as visitors who follow these stories with

myths and superstitious beliefs are traced all the way back to Africa from where they made their way to Tobago via the slave trade. The village stories are laced with mysteries handed down through several generations and every year these stories form part of the Tobago Heritage Festival.

Les Coteaux, which means “the knives” reflects the heritage left by the French in this part of Tobago. The community has a number of historical sites and interesting places to visit. Sugar was once

rapt attention. Quite a few superstitions are rooted in the rather creative community that is steeped in a rich oral history.

Les Coteaux’s folklore,

king in Les Coteaux so one will find old water wheels and the ruins of sugar mills when exploring. There are also still some people who make their own sugar. (TT Express)

Rice Flour

Satiricus, duffer that he was, could never get the hang of thinking “outside the box”. Whenever challenged he’d just do things he’d heard about before. His teachers would throw up their hands, look to the up heavens and exclaim, “Sato, you have to think outside the box!!”

Now he was an adult and all, Satiricus accepted he just couldn’t figure what the heck was OUTSIDE the box. So how could he think of it? But when his editor sent him to cover the conference on rice – which was NOT in crisis – , even he knew that some “out of the box” thinking was called for.

After all it was an out of the box action that’d gotten rice into a “not a crisis” mode. Here it was, Guyana’d been shipping a third of its rice to Venezuela at a premium price. But the Government got into a shouting match and told them where to get off!! Hey!! They were starving and needed our rice, no? So what if they could get rice from any of a hundred other sources? Satiricus would’ve had a chat with the Venezuelans on the side. But what’d he know? He didn’t think “outside the box”.

Anyhow he was at the “Non-Rice Crisis Conference”. People were moaning and groaning about what the heck were we to do with all that rice. Pretty soon, we’d all be drowning in parboiled rice and paddy. There were lots of rice farmers at the Conference and from the dark mumbling and rumblings, Satiricus was sure they hadn’t been told, there was “no crisis”,

Until one Government official thought outside the box!! As soon as Satiricus heard his solution to the rice non-crisis, Satiricus just knew that this was the kinda man he could never be. “How come I can’t have these “out of the box” thoughts?” he moaned. All the man said was, “Let us make rice flour with our extra rice. We will also be saving on bringing in wheat.”

How come no one had thought of this before. This would solve everything!! We wouldn’t need money to pay for wheat…we’d be healthier….none of that gluten and all that. Satiricus just knew that Guyanese would love this solution. So what if rice flour couldn’t make roti or bread that stuck together?

If baked rice flour goods became mushy …then that would save us from chewing, no? Another benefit! Satiricus stood up and raised his hand. The chairman asked him, “Yes?”

“Can I nominate that fella for an OR? As a person who can think outside the box, he deserves an OR as much as the other great Guyanese we honoured a couple of months ago”.

The Cummerbund Accord

Satiricus was amused. Folks could be unreasonable. Look at all the fuss some people were making about only a couple of Indian Guyanese being appointed to Government Boards. What a bunch of ignoramuses! Even Satiricus, who had left algebra to the other kids in First Form, knew why this was so. It was just that people just insisted on seeing what they want to see.

It was right there in Black and White in the Cummerbund Accord signed by APANU and KFC. Didn’t people realize why the agreement was called the “Cummerbund Accord”?? Did they even know what a “cummerbund” was? Satiricus was lucky to come from the countryside and have cane cutter friends like his buddy Cappo.

Cappo always wore a Cummerbund after he cut the cane and then had to load it into the punts. In their simple broken language Cappo and his friends simply said they had to “band their belly” so they wouldn’t strain themselves. The cloth band rightly strapped over the belly would help them to “bear strain”.

So Satiricus was surprised when he went to a wedding at the Georgetown Club in town as a reporter and saw the groom wearing a cloth band around his waist. Satiricus learnt that the proper name was “Cummerbund”. Satiricus understood. As a married man with ten years under his belt, he knew that marriage could be a strain. Sometimes more strain than fetching cane to load punts.

So when Satiricus saw Naga Man signing the Cummerbund Accord, he understood. The great leader was agreeing that the people he led – the fabled 11% Indian Guyanese – would have to bear strain to reach the promised land of love and unity. They would deliver victory for the good of the entire country. Naga Man’s strain would to be named “Prime Muenster” (the Big Cheese), force himself to have sirens announce his arrival, live in a house that only recently had no air conditioning and had been infested by rats and have his salary doubled.

His Indian Guyanese supporters would bear strain to not have the strain of becoming Ministers and Members of Boards. Once their leaders Naga Man and Rum Jhaat were bearing the strain of holding office, there was unity. And love.

Just look how the Guyana Human Lights Association (GHLA) didn’t utter a word about hardly any Indian Guyanese being appointed to Boards. They always spoke up for the underdogs – like criminals – while everyone else carried on about victims. Indian Guyanese weren’t underdogs. They wore Cummerbunds. They could bear strain for the good of the country.

Not like Naga Man and Rum Jhaat maybe. But every man had to bear strain in his own way. To each his own Cummerbund.

Sailor of her own ship: Ingrid Griffith – US-based Guyanese writer and actor

By Jihan RamRoop

Ingrid Griffith, the writer and performer of "Demerara Gold" sat down with the Guyana Times International to talk about what inspires her, moves her, and drives her one-woman show.

1. What made you want to write Demerara Gold?

Caribbeans in America are very much a fabric of this society yet our stories and experiences are still pretty isolated and not fully told. There are books authored by Caribbean writers about the Caribbean experience but we don’t see movies or Plays about our experience. I played Ruth Younger in a college production of "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry’s Play about an African-American family in America, and I remember then telling myself that I should write a Play about an African-Caribbean family’s experience in America. There are other versions of the black experience in America that should be presented and be more accessible to everyone... yet our stories are not presented in the mainstream.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about the show?

DEMERARA GOLD is a one-woman show I’ve written and have been performing for the past year. It’s a coming-ofage story of a Caribbean girl whose parents get visas to go to America. The spirited 7-year old girl is left behind in Guyana to survive in her two grandmothers’ worlds. One is a recluse, the other is a religious fanatic.

Years feel like eternity and one day the growing girl taps into her wild spirit and breaks away from tradition for all to see. Soon after, the allimportant visa finally arrives for her to join her parents. But in America the girl’s parents are not the people she remembers and life there is not what it was like in her dreams. It’s then and there that she realizes her battle has just begun!

3. When did you know you really wanted to do this show, and why?

I remember when I saw Anna Deavere Smith’s latest one-woman show, “Let Me Down Easy,” I was like, ‘OK Ingrid, time to jump in!' I

think after her first onewoman show, "Fires in the Mirror," the solo-performance genre started to take off. It’s a genre that works well for me and my show. I get to show my acting range and because the set for DEMERARA GOLD is minimal -- me and a chair -- I can take it everywhere, and that’s exactly what I want to do.

4.When did you realize you loved to act?

It was in an acting group and I was doing a monologue. I was playing a character that was totally different from me. There was something about the character that needed to be fully drawn and raw. So, I was up there and probably for

place you've ever performed?

Linden, the second largest city in Guyana. It’s 64 miles outside of Georgetown, the capital, where I grew up. I had cousins who lived on a farm in Linden. I remember visiting them when I was a kid. I remember there were no street lights, the streets were unpaved... it’s still that way in some areas in Linden. Last January, I was there to perform DEMERARA GOLD for the McKenzie High School students. The space was indoors but it felt like I was outdoors. There were many doors and windows and they were wide open. The sun was shining in and it was hot! It felt pure. I thought

to the space early for a run through and prepare some more.

9. What advice would you give to people who are aspiring to be actors?

Study and work on your craft. I really believe in doing the work and having a strong acting foundation. Acting is a difficult business to break into and maintain. It's very hard to keep going when no one is hiring you to act. It's very hard to get an acting job and another and another. So, get involved with an acting group(s) that meets regularly. Find a way to keep acting. Work on different characters, stretch yourself... so when you get

the first time wasn't censoring or second-guessing myself. I was fully in the moment...I made specific choices and I went with them. That evening I connected to something different. It felt honest and magical.

5.What was one of the most important lessons you've learned so far?

The lessons I’m learning right now as I continue to perform and find audiences for DEMERARA GOLD are that I have to put the time in; there are no shortcuts; have a plan as how to move from af - z; have a team I can rely on, but be ready to wear all hats if need be; and keep listening to my heart!

6.If you could have any superpower, it would be...

To live for a very, very, very long time; to change but not age. I like the idea of having the ability to rejuvenate and re-appear stronger, brighter, wiser. Like a tree when the leaves are gone in the fall, then months later, they appear and the tree is vibrant and more alive.

7.Where's the best

of the Greek Theater.

8.What's a regular day like for you?

Well, it varies. These days I get up at 5:30 a.m.. If I’m not working with clients (I am a freelance fitness trainer) from 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m., I’m writing. By late morning I’ll stop and do some reading, meditating or listen to the radio... or a little of all three. I’ll then go running or do some other kind of exercise for about an hour and a half or so. I like working out! Then I come home, shower, eat and take a nap (it’s nice to take a nap in the afternoons). If it weren’t summer, I’d be teaching in the afternoons (I’m also an adjunct professor). By mid afternoon, I’m up answering emails, making calls, reaching out to people about the show and running errands. In the evening I meet up with my significant other for dinner or to go to a movie or a Play. Or, to go wandering or biking in the park. I turn in fairly early... by 10-11 p.m., I’m in bed. Of course, when I’m performing DEMERARA GOLD, my day is focused mainly on my work as the actor. I usually workout, meditate, get

that call, you’ll be ready.

10. What advice would you give to people who are aspiring to be writers?

The thing about writing is that it takes time and space. Writing is about rewriting what you’ve already rewritten (someone else said that, not me). And it’s absolutely true. Get into a routine… write everyday, find a time of the day that works for you. Everything you write doesn't have to be perfect or isn’t final. You don't have to necessarily know where you're going.

Control your expectations. Like acting, your job is to keep doing it... and enjoy the process. And yes, it feels much better when you’ve found inspiration. But if there’s none to be found, press on.

The next performance of "Demerara Gold" will be on Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m., in the Tremont Terrace Moravian Church on 1621 Pilgrim Avenue in the Bronx. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at DemGoldAug16.eventbrite.com. For more information about the show, please visit demeraragoldtheshow.com.

Hollywood couple Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett have denied getting divorced, calling the rumours “foolish”.

There were speculations that the couple, who have two kids together, were heading for a split after almost 20 years of marriage.

Will, 46, posted a denial on Facebook, addressing his wife as “queen.” He also joked about those, who sent him their condolences after assuming the rumors were true.

“Under normal circumstances, I don’t usually respond to foolishness. (Because it’s contagious) But, so many people have extended me their “deepest condolences” that I figured –

“What the hell… I can be foolish, too!”

“So, in the interest of redundant, repetitious, over & overagain-ness… Jada and I are… NOT GETTING A DIVORCE!!!!! I promise you all – if I ever decide to divorce my Queen – I SWEAR I’ll tell you my-

Brooklyn Beckham is reportedly looking for a career in Hollywood.

The eldest son of David Beckham and Victoria is expected to outshine his famous parents as he has a lot of potential for a career in the industry, reported Ace Showbiz.

“He has recently signed to a modelling agency. It appears he has a lot of potential for a career in the industry,”

a source said.

“He is incredibly photogenic and has the handsome looks to be

Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has contributed USD 1 million to support former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

The contribution has gone to Clinton’s 2016 Super PAC (Political Action Committee), which is a type of organisation that pools cam-

self! ?#?Dumb? People Should Have to Wear

Scarlet D’s,” he wrote.

Jada Pinkett’s tweet followed a few minutes later. “My king has spoken,” she wrote.

The couple married in 1997 and has been plagued by rumors in the past. (Indian Express)

considered for some high-profile, big-money work,” the source added.

The 16-year-old boy, who is currently waiting GCSE results while spending the summer in the US, is being encouraged to consider a Hollywood career.

“Now he has been encouraged to look into a Hollywood career which he is very excited about. He is yet to sign with an agent though.” (Indian Express)

Paramount Pictures is ready to have more of Ethan Hunt with “Mission: Impossible 6″ already developing.

Actor Tom Cruise, who plays the iconic character in the franchise, recently announced that the sixth instalment is in works and now Paramount Pictures vice chairman Rob Moore has also endorsed the idea, reported Variety.

“We’re very happy to be developing this movie with Tom. There’s no question that Ethan Hunt deserves another film,’ Moore said.

It was the first public comment by Paramount, who usually do not talk much about their future projects. The studio is elated with the response their latest film “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” is getting at the box-office.

“The international brand is as strong as ever,” he said. The film is said to have received bumper opening of USD 121 million globally.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, “Rogue Nation” is produced by Cruise, 53, along with J J Abrams, Bryan Burk, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger. (Indian Express)

paign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaign for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation, reported Deadline.

Other donors for Clinton’s presidential bid include “Star Wars” director J J Abrams and wife Katie McGrath, who each gave USD 500,000. (Indian Express)

Christina Applegate in awe of Chris Hemsworth’s abs

“Anchorman”

actress Christina Applegate has admitted that she is completely in awe of her costar Chris Hemsworth’s abs.

The 43-year-old actress, who worked with the “Thor” star in comedy film “Vacation”, is impressed by his physique,

reported People magazine.

“It didn’t make me laugh because we were just in awe of his abs. It got quiet on the set there for a while,” Applegate said, while talking about filming a scene. The actress said she was shocked with the reply he gave when she asked him about his workout regime.

“He said ‘I don’t really do anything, I just surf,’ and I’m like ‘that is not from surfing guy. You don’t want to give us your secrets? That is not okay. I want to look like Chris Hemsworth when I grow up,” she said. (Indian Express)

Angelina Jolie meets refugees in Burma

The

“Maleficent” star made her first visit to the country, formerly known as Burma, in her role as a United Nations Refugee Agency Special Envoy, reported People magazine.

Jolie, 40, arrived in the country with her 11-year-old son Pax earlier this week and has a busy schedule during her four-day visit.

“I am looking forward to meeting with many people including women’s groups, civil society, displaced people and

Actor Channing Tatum has closed a deal to star in 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men” spin-off, “Gambit”.

Contrary to earlier reports that the 35-year-old actor would exit the project after failing to come to terms with Fox, Tatum is on board to portray the titular hero, said The Hollywood Reporter.

The “Magic Mike” star has been attached to the movie as both actor and producer for a few years and even

youth, to learn firsthand from them about their concerns and hopes for the future of their country,” she said.

Before arriving in Myanmar, the actress –

who also has five other children with husband Brad Pitt – stopped off in Cambodia, the birthplace of her eldest son Maddox, 13. While there, she visited two of her charities, the Maddox JoliePitt Foundation and the Maddox Chivan Children’s Center, and started production on her next directorial effort, an adaptation of genocide survivor Loung Ung’s book “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia”.

made a surprise appearance at Fox’s “X-Men” panel at Comic-Con in July.

“Gambit” will be directed by Rupert Wyatt of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”.

The film, written by Josh Zetumer, who also wrote 2014’s “RoboCop”, is expected to release on October 7, 2016. (Indian Express)

Lindsay Lohan goes topless in selfie

“Mean Girls” actress Lindsay Lohan has gone all mean with her latest Instagram post.

The 29-year-old former Disney star shared a topless photo of her just

wearing lacy knickers. In the picture the Lohan is standing in front of the mirror holding her cell phone with both hands.

“I love my golden villa at Cavo tagoo. Thank you to my friends here,” she captioned the picture.

Lohan who is enjoying in Greece, has been sharing a lot of her holiday pictures lately. (Indian Express)

Model-turned-actor Rahul Dev, also known for his impeccable physique and fitness, believes that the perception of fitness in Bollywood has changed over the years.

Asked about the fittest actors in Bollywood, Rahul mentioned Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff and Jacqueline Fernandez.

“I definitely think that the perception for fitness has changed in Bollywood. Young actors like Varun Dhawan, Tiger Shroff and Jacqueline Fernandez are extremely fit. They can spread awareness about fitness among the youth,” Rahul told IANS at the launch of his gym Breathe here on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old also considers Akshay Kumar his “hero” for his envi-

Actor Abhishek Bachchan is extremely fond of his “All Is Well” co-star Rishi Kapoor who is “like a father” to him.

“You cannot bring your personal life in front of the camera.

Personally I love him. He is like a father to me.

I’m a huge fan of his. But I cannot bring it in the film because that

able fitness.

“My hero is Akshay Kumar. He is extremely fit. At his age, he can do stunts which even Tiger Shroff may find hard to pull off,” Rahul added.

An advocate of “functional fitness”, he said that he has been training since the age of 15 and still follows a strict regime.

He also said that people generally go to gyms because they are “aspirational”, but they end up taking short-cuts. “People have to learn

is the opposite of what I’m meant to play with him in the film,” said Abhishek about translating the off-screen camaraderie to on-screen chemistry in the film where they play a father-son duo.

Actor Supriya Pathak and director Umesh Shukla were also present at a special promotional interaction

how to manage their own body weight in gyms. They generally go to gyms because they are aspirational but they want to take short-cuts.

“Milk is excellent for our body, but unless you are not utilizing it for our exercises, it is not worth anything,” said the “Champion” actor, who was in Morocco to shoot scenes for Sajid Nadiadwala’s action adventure film “Dishoom”.

Rahul will soon be seen in Punjabi film “Ramta Jogi”. (Indian Express)

with the media.

“What our relationship is in real life is of no importance in front of the camera. We have to enact our characters. The two characters that we have in the film are of a father and son who don’t get along.

They keep fighting. I think he troubles me a lot and he thinks I trouble him a lot. You see

Actress Juhi

Chawla finds interacting with women ‘more beneficial’.

The “Gulaab Gang” actress is on a mission to educate people about harmful effects of cellphone radiation. Discussing the perils of mobile phone radiation at an event organized by the Indian Merchants Chamber Ladies’ Wing, the actress expressed her growing concern over the issue.

“The electromagnet-

ic field and radiation are affecting everyone. Your mobile is not a toy,” said Juhi.

The former beauty queen believes that talking to “ladies is more beneficial in my eyes because when you tell something to a woman… if she finds it valuable, then it doesn’t just stay with her. It reaches her family, friends and community. So, I talk to women about it and I am certain that she will take it forward”. (Indian Express)

Rajkumar Rao, Jackky Bhagnani, Ileana D’Cruz and Patralekha were some Bollywood celebrities who walked the ramp and lent their support to charity organisation Smile Foundation. The profits made from the event would be used to educate girls.

The ninth edition of the fashion show ‘Ramp For Champs’ also saw the presence of Bhagyashree, Isha Koppikar, Lauren Gottlieb, Divya Khosla Kumar and Tahir Raj Bhasin.

At the event, actress

those shades that banter keeps on going throughout the film. At the end of the day, we’re actors and our job is to perform in front of the camera,” said Abhishek.

“All Is Well” is slated to release on 21 August and also stars Asin in the lead role. It is produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series among others. (Indian Express)

Yami Gautam said: “I’ve come for these beautiful kids. I’m so glad that so many gorgeous women took out time to volunteer to be part of this global cause. The cause we are here for makes it even lovely…the smile of these lovely kids.

“Whatever funds they can raise from the event are going to be used to promote and support education of these lovely girls, which is the need of the hour.”

National Film Award winning actor Rajkumar said: “Education is the most important thing

as it can make a difference in the society. I do my bit…I try and donate wherever I can. I am very aware of the problem that our country is facing in the field of education.”

Ileana was one of the showstoppers and sparkled in a white dress.

“I’m feeling good that we have Foundations that support women empowerment and girls’ education. I think it’s awesome and I’m proud and honoured to be associated with the project.” (Indian Express)

Fine with Aarav watching me romance on-screen: Akshay Kumar

Superstar Akshay Kumar says he is fine with his son Aarav watching him romance actresses on screen and doesn’t even put any parental restrictions on him.

“It is a film.. it’s my job. If you and I are walking hand in hand he would be comfortable watching us together,” Akshay said in an interview recently.

“I don’t tell him what to watch and what to not (films and TV). What is the point? They can go quietly and watch whatever they want,” the 47-year-old actor said.

The “Rowdy Rathore” star, who is one of the fittest actors in the industry, says he was not aware

Actress Taapsee Pannu, who was in the capital to launch one of the models of Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI) on Tuesday,

that Aarav too is a martial arts enthusiast.

“He did not tell me about his interest in this field. He has exams (martial art) in about four months time. I think children always think that they can learn from someone else. I did not groom him.

“I can teach him, since, I am a Black belt myself but it is always better that someone else teaches, because a child always says, ‘dad you don’t know anything’. According to them, I don’t know anything,” Akshay said. On the work front, Akshay is looking forward to the release of Karan Johar’s next home production “Brothers”. He will be also seen in Prabhu Deva’s “Singh is Bling” and Bhushan Kumar’s “Airlift”. (Indian Express)

says it’s not fair to associate bikes only with men as women can also be good bikers.

“Does bike really go with a man? I don’t think so. Women look

cool on bikes as men do,” said Taapsee, who made an entry on the stage riding a bike.

The actress says “bike chooses the rider” and if her parents per-

mit, she will ride a bike on a regular basis and not just in films.

“If my parents permit, I will drive around,” she said. (Indian Express)

Amazon Warriors youth policy reaping rewards

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Since the inception of the Caribbean Premier League in 2013, two-time runnersup, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, have displayed a strong interest in investing in youth players, with the intention of nurturing their young careers and preparing them for senior cricket.

Last year, the franchise had six national Under-19 players attached to the camp during the training sessions in Guyana, and those players were able to draw from the experience of top regional and international cricketers, who were more than willing to share their vast knowledge.

For the 2015 tournament, three of those players- opener Shimron Hetmyer and all-rounders Keemo Paul and Akshaya Persaud- returned, while wicketkeeper/batsman Sherfane Rutherford was added to the line-up.

But while the group was smaller this year, the rewards have been tremendous with Hetmyer, Paul and Persaud, along with opener Tevin Imlach, doing so well for the

Guyana Under-19 team at the recently concluded West Indies Cricket

Regional Under-19 tournament, they have found themselves in the West Indies Under-19 training squad for the ICC Youth World Cup in Bangladesh next year.

Guyana emerged champions of the regional tournament for the second year in succession, and the trio played a major part in the success. The three Amazon Warriors recruits, along with Imlach, are currently encamped with the rest of the regional players at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies.

The camp started on Tuesday last and will conclude on August 17.

Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, on Wednesday expressed congratulations to the team on winning the regional Under-19 tournament, and also reserved special recognition for Hetmyer, Persaud and Paul on their elevation to the regional training squad.

“It is indeed very heartening to us in the Guyana Amazon Warriors team to follow the success and development of the Under-19 players who were part of the Guyana Amazon

an in-depth interview with Guyana Times International Sport earlier this year, said being involved with the Guyana Amazon Warriors and training with leading modern-day cricketers was a boost to his career.

“Being part of the team is a really nice boost to my career in general. Being exposed to the international area at an early age is more than a privilege for me.

Warriors squad for the CPL 2015. It must be noted that Shimron Hetmyer was selected as a full member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team for the CPL and Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford and Akshya Persaud were all part of the training camp held prior to the CPL,” Khan pointed out.

He added, “I want to emphasise that the Under-19 players were given every opportunity to participate in all the activities of the Guyana Amazon Warriors camp and Coach Carl Hooper himself spent a lot of time advising the Under-19 players on their respective game development.

Persaud, during

Last year’s stint with the team was a really good experience, and this year is even better. Being around players who have played regional, international and franchise cricket is a motivation itself to my career. Rubbing shoulders with likes of Sunil Narine, Brad Hodge, Shiv Chanderpaul, Denesh Ramdin and the others was a really good experience because I learnt a lot from them,” Persaud explained.

Top players Hetmyer, an opening batsman, is no doubt the most prolific young batsman in the region. He was the WICB Under-19 Cricketer-of-the-Year in 2014 and at this year’s Under-19 tournament, he scored the most runs (355) with one century and two half-centuries. He also registered

the highest individual score of 135 against the Leeward Islands.

Left-arm off-spinner Persaud is noted for his economical bowling figures and his ability to withstand pressure. He is also a dependable middle-order batsman. He compiled an excellent 92 for Demerara in the final against Berbice in this year’s Under-19 InterCounty competition.

All-rounder Paul burst onto the scene last year in the Inter-County competition and kept progressing rapidly. He is deemed as Guyana’s most dependable youth cricketer, as he is noted for pulling his team out of trouble. One such innings was the fighting 54 he made against Windward Islands in a match-winning partnership with Kasim Khan (51) in this year’s regional Under-19 tournament.

Imlach is an opening wicket-keeper batsman, whose skills with the bat and behind the wicket is definitely remarkable. In the recently concluded Under-19 tournament, he scored 61 against Trinidad and Tobago. What was significant about that innings was that he batted through the innings, keeping the innings together and taking Guyana to victory.

Bravo inks music deal

Port of Spain, TrinidadTrinidad and Tobago cricket all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has signed a music deal with Los Angeles-based entertainment company Venus Music Group. Bravo’s latest venture follows years of dabbling in music as a hobby as well as after a global launch of his popular Indo/Anglo fusion called “Chalo Chalo”. Venus Music Group represents international superstars like Gladys Knight, Lisa Nichols and Sonu Nigam.

“This new synergy now gives me the chance to make the DJ Bravo name a bigger brand and I’m excited for the great and exciting things ahead. Venus was the right choice for me, especially with their reach in Asia where I have a great fan base, and in the US where I am keen on entering,” said Bravo, who captained the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel to victory in the just completed Caribbean Premier League.

“People take me seriously on the cricket pitch and I want to be taken as seriously on a stage or

on a microphone. Cricket is my business and I intend to take the same approach to music and entertainment.”

Venus Music Group CEO, Shehan Rajaratnam, says he is “excited to welcome Dwayne Bravo into the Venus Entertainment Group family”. Bravo’s team also includes public relations company, PearTree Consulting, headed by Nyssa Pierre and entertainment lawyer, Carla Paris, both of Trinidad and Tobago. “Bravo has a global fan base that loves him and supports him when he plays anywhere in the world, especially in the South East Asian territories.

“We are excited to facilitate and take Bravo’s passion for music to his fans and in the process establish and grow his brand and brand equity,” said Rajaratnam.

“Sport and music go hand in hand and are as entertaining as much as they are viable businesses, and there is no one who can successfully represent the two as much as Dwayne Bravo can.” Bravo took home the coveted Purple Cap award for the most wickets taken in the Indian Premier League this season and became the first cricketer ever to be nominated in any category at the prestigious ESPY Awards. (Trinidad Express)

Guyana’s women hunt Regional Super50 title

The Guyana women’s team departed on Monday morning for Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 tournament, which begins on Thursday.

Guyana had finished runner-up to Jamaica in the tournament last year in Dominica.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Drubahadur had a meeting with the ladies on Sunday evening when he pointed out that they were not short on talent and he was looking forward to seeing them bring home the title this year. He added that they did an excellent job in the last two years reaching the semi-final and final respectively. He further noted that they may feel pressured, but they need to approach the tournament match by

Jamaicans

CALIFORNIA,

United States

-- These Special Olympic Games are at an end and at the time of writing, the Jamaican delegation was making final preparations to depart for home.

It was an inspirational show, marked by memorable opening and closing ceremonies at the storied Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the hosting arena for the 1932 and 1984 Olympics.

Jamaica’s athletes hauled in medals for fun across almost all the eight sporting disciplines they competed in. Track and field, bocce, aquatics, basketball and badminton won medals.

Female volleyball, female futsal and male unified football came up short, but they ought not to be too hard on themselves. It looked to me that they were up against teams with a lot more experience and

match, be disciplined, focused and also have fun.

He continued that they need not panic as there were seasoned players in the team who have represented West Indies.

He called on these players to lead by example for the younger ones and to be available to assist them when the need arose. He reminded them that they were a team and they needed to remember that and put the team first at all times.

The GCB President recalled that the weather was not good for the past couple of months and as such, they could not get in practice matches. Nevertheless, the GCB ensured they had practice sessions at the Guyana National Stadium and the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel during their encampment.

Drubahadur wished the players a safe and

successful tournament, noting that they should feel happy and privileged to represent Guyana.

Senior Selection Panel Chairman Rayon Griffith wished the ladies a successful tournament and told them to go out and play competitive and professional cricket.

He added that regardless of the situation, they must always be disciplined because when one person misbehaved, she tarnished the entire team and their country. Griffith also called on the players to respect their coach and manager and adhere to their rules.

The Chairman reminded the experienced players that they have the task of guiding the newcomers and younger players and they have to be willing and proactive in that regard.

He asked the young players not to hesitate to ask for help when they need it because they

have to ask questions and pay keen attention to learn.

Six teams will be competing in the tournament: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, North Windward Islands, and South Windward Islands. Each of the teams will play the other once in a roundrobin competition and the two teams accumulating the most points will contest the final on Sunday, August 16.

Guyana’s squad reads: Tremayne Smartt (Captain); Erva Giddings; Subrina Munroe; Melanie Henry; Shemaine Campbelle (Vice Captain); Katana Mentore; Mandy Mangru; Haseena Mohamed; Kavita Yadram; Akaze Thompson; Lashuna Toussaint; Heema Singh; Sheneta Grimmond, and Plaffiana Millington. The Manager is Carol Nurse and the Coach is Andre Percival.

leave indelible mark in los Angeles

general know-how.

That brings me to the basketball team and their special achievement.

In every game I saw them play, they were up against teams with better chemistry and players with superior ball handling skills. But blessed with plenty of athleticism, they fought tooth and nail and were handsomely rewarded with the silver medal in their division.

Track and field, predictably won the largest

chunk of medals, and there were many notable displays. But the person who dominated all else was Kirk Wint.

A few days shy of 14 years old, he jolted spectators’ emotions with mindboggling displays of bravery and determination.

Though not able to run upright, he competed against athletes who raced in traditional fashion in a 50-metre event. And from his position on all fours he nearly won bronze.

Alia wins bronze in 100m breaststroke at FINA Champs

Kingston, Jamaica: Jamaica’s sensation Alia Atkinson completed another historic feat when she won bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke final on day three of the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old stopped the clock at 1:06:42 minutes, behind rivals, Yulia Efimova (1:05.66) of Russia and Lithuanian world and championship record holder, Ruta Meilutyth (1:06.36), to capture the country’s first medal in the history of the world long course swimming championship.

Ironically, the final places would have been justified as Atkinson had earlier set a new national record of 1:06:21 minutes in qualifying for the finals with the third fastest time behind Efimova (1:05:60) and Meilutyth (1:05.64).

The event was one of the most anticipated final of the day, with home girl Efimova carrying the hopes of garnering Russia’s first gold medal in the swimming events. It was Meilutyth, the Olympic champion, who dictated terms from lane five with a very fast first 50 metres.

But, Efimova riding on the waves of the supporters, made a fantastic recovery in the second half of the race and decisively accelerated for the victory, leaving the Lithuanian to barely hang on for the silver, as she was a mere six hundredths of a seconds ahead of Atkinson.

Atkinson, has been one of the best in this event in

A day later, he won the gold medal in softball throw.

His comment after collecting the medal told its own story: “You know how long me a wait fi dat.” If his story doesn’t inspire you, nothing else will. People here cannot stop talking about the “miracle”.

Jamaicans were among the most popular competitors here and Wint’s glorious success only enhanced matters.

Brings to mind my bumping into a Games volunteer the other day who told me she had named her cat Jamaica. She told me the poor animal left this world after living all of 22 years.

The volunteer said she had never been to Jamaica and has no family ties there, so naturally I asked about the origin of the name. It turns out the cat’s veterinarian, quite a good one apparently, had Jamaican heritage. (Jamaica Observer)

the last couple of years, a position which she justified by being the first black woman to win a world swimming title when she triumphed in the 100m breaststroke at the world short-course championships late last year. She claimed the title and equalled Meilutyte’s world record of 1:02.36 in the process -- although under governing body FINA rules this still equates to a new record. Atkinson, who was ninth two years ago in Barcelona, has now established a rich swimming legacy by winning a medal at every major competition, except the Olympics, a feat she will be hoping to achieve in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next year. For Efimova, this was her ninth medal at this level since 2009. In Barcelona 2013, she had visited the podium on three occasions, all in breaststroke events. With her latest success in Kazan, she is the only swimmer in the Worlds’ history to have won gold medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke. (Jamaica Observer)

Instructors/Assessors back from FIFA Futuro 111 course

Local FIFA Instructors/ Assessors Stanley Lancaster, Abdullah Hamid and Trevor Beckles have returned from participating in the FIFA Futuro 111 Course in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for officials in the CONCACAF Region.

The Course, which ran from July 28 to August 2, allowed for the sport’s governing body to be updated on the progress of officials from their Member Associations within CONCACAF, go through the amended laws and also plan the way forward, catering for the expansion of referees in the regions. According to Lancaster, there were no adjustments to the laws of the game, but an inclusion of ‘Return

Substitution’ and the use of Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS).

The ‘Return Substitution’ rule, which also provides for an unlimited amount of substitution, is only applicable and permitted in the lowest levels (grassroots and recreational) of football, subject to the agreement of the member association concerned.

Lancaster, who also holds the portfolio of Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Head of Refereeing Department, said that the plan now is to host a similar course locally to bring the Guyanese referees and instructors/assessors abreast with the laws of the game. This, he said, will be done later this month.

Guyana’s table tennis champion secures scholarship in USA

Caribbean, National Junior Champion and junior Olympian Chelsea Edghill has secured a partial scholarship to Lindenwood University, Missouri, USA commencing August 24 on account of her sport and academic exploits.

The scholarship is expected to last for five years and will allow the threetime Sportswoman of the Year to actively train, play and participate in high-level competitions against top-level players on a consistent basis with a view of achieving a 2020 Olympic qualification.

The college is fourth in the intercollegiate rankings and Edghill will play 13 collegiate tournaments from September 2015 to April 2016 before breaking for summer.

In addition, Edghill is paired with highly ranked world-class players from Poland, Brazil, and Ghana among others on the female team and will be under the tutelage of Coach Chance Key.

The intercollegiate

table tennis circuit is becoming a nurturing ground for some of the world’s best table tennis athletes/players.

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in a press release noted that Edghill is a player of the future and a potential Olympic medallist.

Edghill is expected to pursue chemistry and physics as part of her academic studies and will benefit from a 75 per cent scholarship which will require support from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Corporate Guyana and possibly Government.

The GTTA also pointed out that typical scholarship opportunities in table tennis usual cover just 50 per cent of the athlete’s costs.

Meanwhile, Edghill is currently in the US preparing for the China Latin America Training Camp scheduled for August 11-17 in San Juan, Puerto Rico which brings the best junior players in Latin

American together with players from Chinese national teams and elite coaches.

In a statement published on her Facebook Account, Chelsea expressed the following:

“As most of you already know, I’ve been accepted to Lindenwood University. I’m extremely grateful and thankful for the opportunity to pursue Academic Excellence at this University.

I must say thank you to all the persons who were and still are influential and supportive in my journey to success. Firstly, I must thank my Parents for their moral support and guidance, my Coaches and mentors Idi Lewis and Ms Lisa Lewis and not forgetting my Teachers at The Bishops’ High School and my lessons Teachers especially Mrs Harris, Sir Carryl and Ms Shirley Elinor Jordan. Without your undying support and guidance, this would not be possible.

I must also say thank you to my Sponsors: Continental Group of Companies – Sunburst and Mr Aaron Fraser Wartsila for ensuring my attendance at The Youth Olympics and other tournaments and also the Guyana Table Tennis Association for chartering my course to table tennis success. Mr Godfrey Munroe Thank You!!

To my friends, family, teammates, fans and well wishers, THANKS A MILLION!!! Thank you for teaching me the value of friendship and that giving up is never an option!

Once again THANK YOU!!”

Grenada prepares to host CONCACAF U-17 girls tournament

St Georges, Grenada

- The Grenada government announced on Tuesday that it intends to give full backing to the country’s hosting of the CONCACAF Under 17 Girls football tournament scheduled for early next year.

Sports Minister Emmalin Pierre stressed her government’s support for the tournament after meeting with a visiting delegation from CONCACAF on Monday.

The meeting, also attended by the president of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) Chenny Joseph, focused primarily on Grenada’s hosting of the tourna-

ment which runs from March 3–13.

“We have made a pledge to support sports on the island,” Pierre told the CONCACAF delegation.

“The hosting of this major event will most certainly provide many opportunities for our country”.

The Grenadian delegation updated CONCACAF on its state of readiness to host the tournament, stated a government release after the meeting. The tournament will be played at the new Chinese football and athletic stadium which is expected to be completed later this year.

JAAA head lashes distasteful insinuations in media doping leak

Kingston, Jamaica - Jamaica’s poster boy for athletics

Usain Bolt has been listed as one of the few athletes in the latest doping scandal to have recorded no abnormal results.

A leak of doping tests data from the ruling International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) by a whistle-blower, detailed ‘suspicious’ blood tests in a fresh allegation of cover-up in the sport just weeks before the World Championship in Beijing.

But Dr Warren Blake, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), dismissed the latest allegation that has rocked the athletics world as unfortunate.

“It was almost like when they got the data they were hoping that someone like Usain Bolt is among the suspicious category, because it did not need to be mentioned,” said Dr Blake.

The Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD/WRD have obtained access to the results of 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 athletes, and according to the newspaper, the evidence reveals the “extraordinary extent of cheating” by athletes at the world’s biggest events.

The report used two anti-doping experts, scientists Robin Parisotto and Michael Ashenden, to review the data and they revealed a third of medals

Dr Warren Blake, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association

(146, including 55 gold), in endurance events at the Olympics and World Championships between 2001 and 2012, were won by athletes who have recorded suspicious test results. It is claimed that none of these athletes has been stripped of their medals.

“It’s a little unfortunate because it represents the leak of confidential information,” noted Dr Blake.

He continued: “If you realise, in the information, nowhere is it saying people are hiding positive tests. It doesn’t show that these people were tested positive or the IAAF was covering up a raft of positive tests.”

“But the impression is that the IAAF was covering up, and in doing so, is protecting drug cheats,” said Dr Blake.

The JAAA boss, who will be seeking one of the nine seats for Ordinary Members on the IAAF Council from the 39 nominees later this month,

said the leaked story is misleading.

The investigative story also showed that more than 800 athletes -- one in seven of those named in the files -- have recorded blood tests described by one of the experts as “highly suggestive of doping or at the very least abnormal”.

Ten medals at the London 2012 Olympics were won by athletes who have dubious test results. In some finals, every athlete in the three medal positions had recorded a suspicious blood test.

The reports also stated that Russia emerges as “the blood testing epicentre of the world” with more than 80 per cent of the country’s medals won by suspicious athletes, while Kenya had 18 medals won by suspicious athletes.

“Stars such as Britain’s Mo Farah and Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt recorded no abnormal results,” the reports showed.

calypso Girls excited ahead of World cup opener

P“Our new football and athletic stadium is testimony to our government support and we want to assure you that Grenada will do all it can to make the event successful,” the sports minister said.

“Grenada is no stranger to hosting international events and our recent experience hosting the ICC World Cup as well as the test match between England and the West Indies are two major events we can boast about”.

Already, host country Grenada, Canada, Mexico and the USA have qualified for the CONCACAF under 17 girl’s tournament. (Trinidad Express)

ort of Spain, TrinidadTrinidad and Tobago on Tuesday began their training in Sydney, Australia ahead of the start of the Netball World Cup 2015. Barbados and Jamaica are the other Caribbean nations participating in the tournament which opens on Friday.

The ‘Calypso Girls’ captain Joelisa Cooper said she is excited to be a part of her third Netball World Cup, having represented T&T in 2007 and 2011. “To be representing my country on a whole is very exciting, but this is my third [Netball World Cup] and I am really excited to actually be here and to compete,” Cooper said. “We are stoked to be here and can’t wait until the actual tournament starts and portray what we have more or less been training for.”

Trinidad and Tobago play their opening NWC2015 game against

Australia on Friday night at Allphones Arena. Cooper told reporters that her players are excited and ready to face Australia in their opening game.

“We’re ready for Friday, our first game is against Australia,” Cooper said. “In all honesty, Australia is the number one, we’ve come to play the best netball for our county and that’s what we are here to do.”

Jamaica begin their campaign against rivals England on Saturday while on the same day Barbados play Australia in their opening match. The youngest player in this year’s netball world cup is Barbados goal attack Sheniqua Thomas, who is 17 while the most capped is T&T’s Rhonda John-Davis with 148 appearances to her name. (Trinidad Express)

GCB President, Director of Sport applauds victorious U-19 team

President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Drubahadur and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones received the Guyana Under-19 team who successfully defended their regional title on August 2 in Jamaica.

Drubahadur welcomed the boys, noting that they have made their country proud. The President stated that the executives, members and staff of the GCB were overjoyed at their victory. He acknowledged how various players answered the call to take the team home on different occasions.

“It was evident that this team played as a unit and they enjoyed each other’s achievement. That is something vital if any team is to be successful and I am pleased that at the youth level, you guys showed maturity and stuck to your game plan. Apart from the victory, you fellas have been excellent ambassadors for your country and the GCB. We have been follow -

ing your behaviour as well and we received good feedback. I must applaud you and the management team in this regard as well.”

Director Jones congratulated the team for retaining their title, explaining that it is good to win something once but to do it more than once, back to back, is great. He also alluded to the play -

ers’ efforts to dominate the tournament again.

“You didn’t become complacent and underestimate your opponent at any time, even when you had already qualified for the final; you went out and played professionally. That is what top sportsmen do and you should be extremely proud of yourselves.”

Guyana’s hockey players impress at Player Tournament in Trinidad

Guyana’s national junior men’s hockey team got off to a slow start in their opening match at the Player Tournament against Malvern Sports Club in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend. The Guyanese struggled to adjust to the fast pace of the artificial turf and were given a master class in free-flowing, high-tempo hockey by a Malvern side, which boasted five senior national players.

By the end of the first half, the Guyanese found themselves down 0-3. After making some tactical adjustments at half time, Guyana firmed up their defence and scored one goal in the third quarter through a Keon McKenzie ‘tomahawk’ shot.

The lead was then cut to one when Aroydy Branford latched onto a pass from Captain Mark Sargeant and sent a diving reverse shot under

the advancing goalkeeper. Now within sight of tying up the score, Guyana employed a high press, but this tactic also left them vulnerable to counter attacks.

Malvern went ahead 4-2 when a misdirected clearance from goalkeeper Medroy Scotland rebounded favourably to a Malvern forward who made no mistake with the finish.

Senior national player Shaquille Daniels then put the Trinidadian side up 5-2, with a brilliant individual run which he finished powerfully past Scotland’s left post.

The Guyanese didn’t flinch and scored less than a minute later with a Paramanand Dindial tap in on the last post off a Branford shot that was going wide of the upright. Although Guyana continued to press, the Malvern defence held strong and maintained the advantage to end 5-3 victors.

In their second match of the day against Queens Park, Guyana found themselves down early in the first quarter once again. Despite creating several goalscoring opportunities over the next two quarters, the Guyanese forwards failed to convert. It was not until late in the fourth quarter that Captain Sargeant drew his side level with a spectacular dive to finish a Hilton Chester through pass.

The goal seemed to breathe new energy into the Guyana attack. Playmaker Branford weaved his way through three defenders then sent a powerful tomahawk shot towards the last post which was put in by Ato Greene. Guyana then dropped to half court and played solid defence to preserve their lead for the final five minutes.

On day two, Guyana rested their captain Sargeant and midfield-

Jones also commended the GCB for sticking to its mandate and producing and selecting winning teams. He stated that the Government of Guyana was committed to the development of sports and it would work with the GCB to see cricket progress in Guyana. Team Manager David Black expressed his ex -

er Leon Bacchus for their match against the Under-21 training squad side. Although completely dominating the match, Guyana’s finishing was again poor, but they managed to keep a clean sheet and run out 2-0 vic-

citement at having such a warm welcome home, and praised the players for their discipline and dedication. “I didn’t expect to see the Director of Sports here; this is such a heartwarming surprise. On behalf of the team, I wish to thank you for your concern and time. Last year we won at home, but this year we beat Jamaica in their backyard; that was overwhelming. The boys give it their all. It was as if they were hungry and winning was the only food available. I am so happy to be a part of this memorable accomplishment and I would like to thank the GCB for giving me that opportunity.”

Captain Travis Persaud said everybody gave 100 per cent and they played as a team in each game which was the reason for their success. He posited that this group of players was tough to beat, and said he was proud to be their captain. He thanked the GCB for giving him the chance, and his teammates for supporting him.

tors, compliments of a Branford double.

Although Monday was a tournament rest day, Guyana took on Trinidad’s powerful national Under-21 team, which featured several senior national players who recently returned from the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. Both teams are preparing for the Pan American junior championship, which is scheduled for Canada next year.

WI Legends endure mixed fortune in NY

West Indies Legends defeated New York Masters by 47 runs, but suffered a 23run defeat at the hands of New York Legends in their two T20 matches dubbed ‘West Indies Cricket Legends tour of New York’ last weekend at Idlewild Park in Queens.

Former West Indies captains Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, along with former Guyana youth player Steve Massiah were among the outstanding performers on the two days of exciting cricket.

The likes of legendary West Indies players Sir Garfield Sobers, Joe Solomon and Alvin Kallicharran watched the action from the sidelines, while soaking in the atmosphere at the picturesque venue.

On Sunday, the West Indies Legends recovered well to post 181-4 from the allotted 20 overs, largely in part to a crucial fifthwicket partnership from Chanderpaul and Sarwan.

The West Indies Legends had slipped to

69-4 at the start of the 11th over when opener Daren Ganga fell for 40 off 33 balls, an innings that included five fours and a six.

Former West Indies players Gordon Greenidge (12), Faoud Bacchus (02) and Larry Gomes (00) were already back in the hut. The West Indies Legends needed some impetus at the back-end of the innings, and Chanderpaul and Sarwan provided just that, rolling back the years with another solid partnership, much the likes of what they have consistently stitched together for Guyana and the West Indies over their illus-

trious careers.

Both batsmen retired hurt/not out after crossing fifty, placing the West Indies Legends on a solid platform at the halfway stage. Chanderpaul, the Caribbean’s most capped Test player, scored an attractive 52 off 29 balls with five fours and two sixes, while the stylish Sarwan cleared the fence five times in a 28ball even-fifty.

Gus Logie chipped in with 11 not out towards the end, as John Levine, Neil Lewis and Peter Singh claimed a wicket each.

The brilliant partnership by Chanderpaul

and Sarwan took the game away from New York Masters, as they never came close to overhauling the target, being limited to 134-4 when the overs expired.

Levine made 31 (21 balls, 4x4s, 1×6), Hafeez Ali 26 (27 balls, 5x4s) and Singh 21 (22 balls, 2x4s) for New York Masters, while Gomes claimed 2-21, and there one wicket apiece for leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo and leftarm seamer Pedro Collins.

The previous day, the West Indies Legends were on the losing end, with a brilliant all-round effort from Massiah separat-

ing the teams.

Massiah provided a blitz at the top of the order for New York Legends, who posted 154-6 off the 20 overs.

The right-hander batsman cracked 34 off 18 balls with two fours and three maximums, while openers Richard Staple and Odelmo Peters with 24 each, and 20 not out from Derek Kallicharran continued with the momentum.

Sarwan, bowling legspin, claimed 2-9 from 1.2 overs, while there was a wicket each for Collins, Chanderpaul, Adam Sanford and Clayton Lambert.

Massiah then returned with the ball to

bag 4-20 from 2.2 overs and Staple captured 2-9 from two overs as West Indies Legends were dismissed for 131 with four balls remaining in the innings. Lambert topscored with a pedestrian 29 off 35 deliveries, while fast bowler Mervyn Dillon (15) was the only other batsman to reach 15. Chanderpaul and Ganga made 13 apiece. Prior to the two games, the West Indies Legends were the centre of attention at a banquet where patrons were afforded the opportunity to dine with the cricketers, share stories, take photographs or just meet and greet.