Guyana Times International

Berbice Bridge Tolls: Shareholders never received a penny on Gy$400M investment

– but still subsidised Bridge for 8 years

In all the eight years of operation of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), the common shareholders have never received a single dollar in dividends on their Gy$400 million investment. The alleged “inequity and injustice” being bandied around that the shareholders are cashing in on hefty sums while the poor is suffering is entirely false.

Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development, Dr Clive Thomas told another media entity that the contractual agreement between the Government of Guyana and the BBCI is “outrageous, ruthless and unconscionable”, because it allows for a handful of individuals affiliated with the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to get “filthy rich for the rest of their lives at the expense of the poor.”

But the truth is, as is being pointed out by the Bridge Company, the BBCI never generated enough revenues to produce profits which could have been used

to release dividends to the common shareholders. These shareholders are Secure International Limited; the National Insurance Scheme (NIS); NEW GPC INC; Queens Atlantic Investment Inc; Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Demerara Contractors Limited (owned by the Demerara Distillers Limited –DDL).

If you own common shares, you are not automatically entitled to a dividend every year; the dividend will be paid only if the company makes a profit and declares a dividend and this has been the case with the Berbice Bridge.

However, a shareholder of “preferred stocks” is entitled to a dividend every year at a stipulated rate. For the Berbice Bridge, the Preferred Shares are all owned by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and it has received dividends excepting in 2014. In that year, the cash flow proved problematical because ,as contracted, there had to be a Gy$500 million payment on the principal of an

outstanding bond debt. The requested toll increase as specified by the “Concession Agreement” to cover these expenses was overtaken by political events following the then Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) passing a motion to slash the Berbice Bridge tolls by half.

However, the APNU/ AFC Government, inclusive of its Finance Minister Winston Jordan, is creating a perception that the Berbice Bridge Inc is “robbing” the Guyanese public and pumping millions of dollars in revenue into the pockets of its shareholders.

When contacted by Guyana Times International, one of the shareholders found completely shocking the statements being made by the Government given the fact that the common shareholders did not receive any return on their investment.

Asked why they made this investment in 20062007, when even the model generated at the

time showed that they would not be receiving any return on their investment for several years, a representative of one of the common shareholders replied, “At the time we were simply making a patriotic decision rather than just a business one.”

“We felt that the Berbice Bridge was important not only to connect the people of Berbice to the rest of the country, but to also launch what we thought was an exciting new approach to building infrastructure: the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP). Unfortunately, we have since been castigated as the “bad guys” even though we have received no returns on our

investment.”

Toll reduction and bankruptcy

Against that backdrop, the BBCI is contending that the toll reductions, even with a subsidy provided by the Government, will see the Company operating at a loss and eventually plunge it into bankruptcy. Bond payments on the principal totalling another Gy$500 million are due this year.

The Bridge Company is simply asking that before the Government imposes the reduction, it must honour the legally binding agreement between the Company and the Government to have tolls adjusted within specified timeframes to ensure the Company ful-

fils its obligations to its investors.

The Company had begun to repay the principal on its bonds in 2014; and this was going to be facilitated through the increase in tolls as was set out in the Toll Formula. However, because of the then Opposition’s successful move to slash the tolls by more than half in the 10th Parliament, it became infeasible to do so and as a result, the Company suffered even greater losses.

However, Government appears to not care about the cash flow woes of the Company. The Finance Minister already declared that the agreement was “unreasonable”

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EDITORIAL

The Berbice Bridge: Life, liberty and property

When John Locke laid down the foundations of what is now the “liberal state”, he proposed that the right to “life, liberty and property” is sacrosanct against the depredations of the Leviathan when in control of men of narrow vision. Thomas Jefferson substituted “the pursuit of happiness” for “property” in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, not because he disagreed with Locke, but because he considered the two terms coterminous. How could one “pursue happiness” when mired in poverty?

From the 18th century to the present, if there has been one constant in the evolution of governance, it is this: when a government refuses to recognise the “right to property” as sacrosanct, that country will remain in the Hobbesian “state of nature where life is nasty, brutish and short”. The USSR and China both defined their governance structure as “communist” inspired, but the former is now a distant memory and the latter will become the largest economy on earth, because the latter gave due importance to the right to property.

The right to property is protected in the law of contracts – and for this reason, contracts have also become sacrosanct. One cannot breach the terms of a contract, without due process being applied in the courts that are mandated to protect the rights of citizens and legal entities. In modern societies, the latter is epitomised by the “corporation” which is considered literally as a legal “body” with its own right and remedies. Because, usually there are a host of individuals and other entities that have interests in a particular corporation, a “Board of Directors” is constituted for every corporation to protect the former’s interest.

Boards are said to have “fiduciary responsibilities” to the shareholders and trustees of their corporations and failure to protect the latter’s interests can result in Directors being sued in their private capacities. The foregoing becomes relevant in light of the exchanges between the Directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) and the Government of Guyana (GoG) after the latter unilaterally announced a reduction of the tolls (property) of the Bridge the former entity operates.

Over a year ago, when the GoG was in Opposition but in control of the Assembly, they had passed a motion for such a reduction. But it appeared that good sense prevailed after they became the government when they quantified their reduction of tolls, announced it in their Budget, and engaged the Directors of the BBCI in negotiations. They then announced that they would subsidise the reduction of commuters’ lowered payments which kicked in on Sept 1st. After extensive deliberations, the BBCI Board was forced to point out that they had never formally agreed to the government’s proposals which had repercussions of the stakeholders’ right to property that only they could approve.

And it is these repercussions that hark back to the sanctity of contracts and of property. The Berbice Bridge was built under the first Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement in Guyana. The Government of Guyana (“Public”) entered into a contract with equity and debt investors (“Private”) that promised a cash flow from tolls to cover operational costs and debt servicing. It is to be noted that shareholders only receive dividends when there are profits generated and in the case of the Berbice Bridge these were never paid.

As pointed out by the BBCI Directors, the cash flow from tolls at the present level would plunge the Bridge into bankruptcy unless they were raised to the levels requested since 2014 but not approved because of the intervening general elections exigencies. The government has unfortunately ignored the BBCI Directors duty to consult with their principals before their property (payments of debt) is destroyed (bankruptcy) and labelled it “delaying manoeuvres”.

The government would do well to accept the fundamental values of “life, liberty and property” and accept that a campaign promise does not constitute “force majeure” that allows them to unilaterally breach the terms of a contract.

Aid for hurricane-hit Dominica

Private Sector Commission Chairman, Major General (Retired) Norman McLean hands over a large donation of aid relief – such as pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, generators and other hardware donated by NEW GPC, National Hardware, Demtoco and other Private Sector companies for the hurricane-affected people of Dominica – to Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque on Wednesday. Hurricane Erika devastated a significant portion of the Island of 72,000, killing 20 people in the process. Between 10,000 and 20,000 people have been affected and nearly half of the Island is without electricity

Efforts being made to restore Guyana’s beauty

- Gy$36M allocated to National Task Force Commission

In an effort to restore the country to its former glory by showcasing Guyana’s natural beauty and resources diverse in its forestry, rivers, soil type, minerals and numerous waterfalls, the recently established National Task Force Commission (NTFC) has begun works under its “Project Restore Guyana” initiative.

The NTFC has been awarded thirty-six million dollars by Cabinet for a six-month duration until the other budget is presented in 2016, where funding should be continued throughout the next five years.

Though the NTFC is yet to receive the monies, work is already underway.

This is according to Retired Major General Joe Singh, who during a media briefing at the Public Infrastructure Ministry on Monday stated that there has been significant deterioration of many aspects of the Guyanese life including unplanned settlements, inadequate traffic flows, garbage buildup and occasional flooding in many areas.

As such, the National Task Force Commission will be focusing on five important issues which revolve around drainage, traffic management, sustainable urban, rural and hinterland physical structure renewal and solid waste management and derelict vehicle removal.

Last but not least the welfare management of the homeless, addicted and mentally challenged will also be a key issue for the commission.

Guyana Times International was told that the major failures in Guyana which have affected the country in the past and continue in the present are the failure to enforce laws and standards, lack of physical planning for growth and renewal and the lack of routine and necessary maintenance. The general neglect of the poor,

homeless, aged, disabled and other unfortunate members of society is also a main part of the reason for the country’s failures.

Singh explained that the mission of the Task Force is to restore Guyana as a land of great attractiveness and prosperity and one which offers a goof life for all its citizens and visitors.

According to Retired Major General Singh, the vision for a rehabilitated, restored and renewed Guyana will see civic pride being restored, all Guyanese enjoying a “good life” and for the country to become a hub for commerce, tourism and development.

Below sea level

As it relates to the issue of drainage, it was stated that the City and six towns all drain into the Atlantic Ocean, all below sea level at high tide. This situation is worsened by alleyways, main and lateral drains, and drainage canals often being blocked by heavy vegetation and solid waste, he explained.

Guyana Times International was told that solid waste management seems to be a monumental problem in almost every community, and as such, the NTFC’s mission on this issue is to recommend well developed ‘best practices’ which can be employed in all areas of Guyana. These are to include predictable garbage collection, recycling, conversion of organic waste into compost and the removal of derelict vehicles.

As for the area of traffic management, the problem is that there is an increase in the number of commercial and personal vehicles over the years and ‘urban sprawl’ along the East and West Banks, and the West Coast of Demerara. This has rendered Guyana’s road network and with Georgetown being the only city, numerous

people are travelling to and from it every day for business and leisure.

With this in mind, the NTFC’s mission is to recommend actions to address road safety, traffic congestion and lack of parking as well as to expand the road network while introducing and maintaining sustainability.

Retired Major General Singh further stated that countrywide decay is very visible in many areas of Guyana.

The poor quality of the buildings, national monuments and public spaces, the lack of proper maintenance, along with insufficient space to respond to growing social demands have degraded living conditions.

“Our mission is to recommend a more balanced national structure that is less environmentally demanding, systems of enforcement against the use of non-environmentally friendly pesticides; and buildings and sites for preservation… For welfare management of the homeless, addicted and mentally challenged as they are encountered in other goals the mission is to recommend actions to address the issue in cases where they affect the implementation of the other goals,” the media was told.

It was further stated that the NTFC has already set goals and timelines for its “deliverables.”

In September this year, there will be a summary report derived from research and public consultation and in October 2015 there will be a draft restoration plan including detailed plan and budget for phase one activities.

November 2015 will see the final restoration plan and between this month to May 2016, the monitoring of the implementation of phase one will be conducted.

Another overseas visitor robbed at knifepoint

Moments after ex-

ecuting a brazen daylight robbery on an overseas-based Guyanese and her ailing mother, three young men were arrested. The robbery occurred about 11:00h at Lancaster Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

According to information received, the three young men invaded the property of Mona Kewall and relieved her of close to Gy$500,000 and other items. The men then fled,

but the quick response from residents and Police led to their apprehension and positive identification as the perpetrators.

A relative of the victims told Guyana Times International that the elderly and ailing woman was in the yard taking some fresh air, but as she re-entered the home from the back door, the three men confronted her.

Her daughter was reportedly in the upper flat of the house and saw the men running

into the yard, but by the time she reached the lower flat to secure the door, they were already in the house.

Armed

The young men who were armed with knives and screwdrivers instructed the duo not to raise an alarm and demanded that they hand over the money and jewellery. Kewall, out of fear, reportedly handed over the money that she had intended to use to purchase her return

ticket to the US and her mother’s hospital fees.

As they demanded jewellery, the elderly woman was about to take off her ring, but one of the men encouraged the others to leave the premises. As the men were leaving, they dropped a bag containing two mobile phones and a screwdriver.

Guyana Times International understands that Kewall would have seen the faces of the men before they

pulled the toques they were wearing over their faces, since she was observing them through a bedroom window.

The relative stated that he was at work when he received the news and immediately contacted his son who was at the wash bay who in turn called the Police.

A search party was established resulting in the apprehension of one of the teenagers at a Chinese restaurant in

the village, while another was caught while riding his pedal cycle and the third was apprehended in the village. Based on the fact that the woman saw the men’s faces, it was easy for her to identify them. They were also wearing the same clothes they had on when they committed the act. The bicycle and the three men were taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where the perpetrators are being grilled.

Corruption is a “cultural thing” – Guyana’s Top Cop

The “I Paid a Bribe” programme has been dismissed as completely useless by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, who said it did absolutely nothing to aid in the reduction of corruption among Guyana Police Force (GPF) ranks.

The programme, an Internet initiative consisting of a website where citizens reported bribery, was launched by former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee as a means to clamp down on bribery in the Police Force and other Government agencies.

However, during an interview with Guyana Times International

on Tuesday, the Police Commissioner declared that the programme did not allow for the relevant data to be collected in order to launch a proper investigation into the reports.

““I Paid a Bribe” programme does not make sense. Anybody can put a report in, whether it happens or not. The report does not allow you to say Seelall Persaud took a bribe. It allows you to say a member of the Guyana Police Force, maybe the Station. The information does not allow you to put your name, so no investigator can contact you to say listen, let us start an investigation and let’s see what happens. The

information that is there cannot initiate an investigation. So it’s useless actually,” he stated.

Asked whether a revamping of the programme would make it more effective, Persaud’s response was in the affirmative.

“The thing is, any information, when you write in the press that something happens, we send it to the Office of Professional Responsibility. Any infor-

mation we receive, we investigate. Anywhere we get report where a Police is corrupt, we investigate,” he stated.

Within eight days of its launch in May 2013, the “I Paid a Bribe Guyana” website recorded a total of Gy$6,426,708 being paid in bribes. Three agencies and seven departments were reportedly bribed, based on information received on the website. The most bribes were collect-

ed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), followed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Public Works Ministry, according to the website reports.

However, according to the Police Commissioner, most of these reports were not investigated because there was no possible way to contact the individuals involved to launch a proper probe.

Asked about the GPF’s plan to tackle the issue of corruption in the country, the Top Cop said the ranks were constantly being trained to act in a professional manner.

“Corruption is a cultural thing you know, it is everybody…it’s not only the Police Force, remember somebody paying that bribe…The Private Sector is involved. The same persons who complain of Police being corrupt are the ones encouraging Police to take bribes,” Persaud said, noting that corruption needed to be addressed from all angles. Persaud also believes that if the ranks get paid a better salary, it is less likely that they will be tempted to collect bribes. Nonetheless, the Top Cop accepted that Guyana has a grave corruption problem, especially in the Police Force, but he noted that all efforts were being exhausted to address the problem.

Govt should refrain from interfering in the work of State media

Dear Editor,

I have been following the discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the State-owned media in Guyana especially against the backdrop of the Chronicle headline issue and the reported but denied decision of the Prime Minister to have the headlines in each day’s edition of the newspaper monitored by a political functionary.

Let me at the outset say that if the reports of the Prime Minister’s decision are accurate then this is a sad day for democracy and press freedom in Guyana. I am aware of the reported level of political interference that existed under the previous Administration but the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government has taken office with a pledge to lead in the shaping of a new Guyana and certainly political interference in even the State-owned

media does not represent the type of change, in my view, Guyana needs at this time.

State ownership of the media presents challenges to those who function therein as Editors and Reporters. They must strike a balance between dispelling the perception that citizen’s have towards it as the Government’s mouthpiece and serving the citizenry’s interest by producing/publishing content relevant to national development including the efficient provision of social services.

Governments have an interest in remaining in office and often see the state-owned media as a critical vehicle for attaining this objective. This poses a challenge to Editors and Reporters who, unless they are truly professional and brave, find it hard if not impossible to resist political interference. However,

Governments should refrain from political interference in the Stateowned media and let their programmes and track record speak for them instead. This however requires that Stateowned media operatives are professional, objective, experienced, honest, fair, balanced and have a commitment to country rather than political party. Hence there should be an independent Public Media Commission that would oversee the appointment of senior State media operatives and interact periodically with these appointees to review performance and discuss broad content policy. Training of the younger and junior operatives in the media must also be a priority.

Better must come to and from the media in general including the State-owned media houses in Guyana. It is time.

Yours truly, Wesley Kirton

Govt treating GuySuCo with much indifference

Dear Editor,

The Agriculture Minister, has announced that Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be turned around by the end of 2015. For the sake of GuySuCo and the sugar workers and for the sake of Guyana, I hope he’s right.

However, it is now an established norm that this Government says one thing but does another. Even as the Agriculture Minister spoke of the 2015 turnaround, GuySuCo and the APNU/ AFC were lowering the target from 240,000 to 227,000 tonnes of sugar.

The truth is there’s a turnaround plan but it will take more time to achieve. We made progress last year and GuySuCo surpassed the target we had set for the industry. We set a more ambiguous target for 2015 and the first crop, and came close to achieving the target of 84,000 tonnes by producing 81,000 tonnes. It means that the second crop must achieve a production of about 159,000 tonnes to reach 240,000 tons or 146,000 tons for the reduced target of 227,000 tons.

It’s a doable target, but the Minister and the “new” team at GuySuCo have already been convinced that they cannot achieve the 240,000 tonnes initial target, thus reducing it. So much for the turnaround by the end of 2015.

Yet, there’s enough sugar cane in the fields to meet the target which is part of the turnaround plan. Now we need to squeeze 70 tonnes per acre and not the average of 50 tonnes.

Meeting the target of 240,000 tonnes doesn’t mean a turnaround but is a sign that GuySuCo is on its way to recovery which cannot be accomplished by the end of 2015.

The turnaround would occur if the APNU/AFC gives support to the management staff and workers, and commits to making the kind of investment that Donald Ramotar and the PPP spoke about during the elections campaign. GuySuCo needs about Gy$20 billion now.

The 2015 budget made no provisions for such a total commitment. Instead, the

Education Minister should acknowledge performancesoutstanding of SVN students

Dear Editor, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, in commenting on the results of the May-June 2015 CSEC exams, and in an apparent reference to the number of subjects written by the two students of SVN (Guyana Times, 8/17/2015), expressed his belief that students are able to cope with “that number of subjects” because the “intensity” of the curriculum has been diluted.

Coming to the first of the Minister’s concern, are our students really writing too many subjects? Before we can adequately answer this question, we would need to know what constitutes “many subjects.” Where does one draw the line between the ideal and excessive numbers? Are there any objective criteria to determine the appropriate number or will limiting the number of subjects simply be an arbitrary and capricious intervention?

2015 budget is about starving GuySuCo although a turnaround cannot come without financial support. The sugar industry requires financial commitment from the Government now; giving a little at a time will not solve the problem, but make the problem more acute.

GuySuCo is being given subsidies in a way that hinders it from achieving a turnaround. For example, has GuySuCo procured enough fertilizers for the year or obtained fertilizers on a timely basis? Does GuySuCo have the finances to ensure acceleration of its program of mechanization without which it cannot effect a turnaround.

None of these issues were addressed by APNU/AFC during the recent budget discussion. The Agriculture Minister spoke as though sugar isn’t his responsibility. GuySuCo is too important and too big to fail and I believe that the Agriculture, Finance and Prime Ministers treat GuySuCo with much indifference. The budget debate is the most important forum to establish what the Government intended for GuySuCo. Yet, the nation is still left perplexed that it was ignored during most of the budget debate.

The turnaround will not come by appointing a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) as a witch hunting exercise. It will come through commitment to the turnaround plan that GuySuCo management has been working with.

The turnaround will not come by placing friends and political allies on the Board which seems intent to pursue a different agenda. Instead of focusing on the turnaround plan, the new Chairman is approaching the issue from a different perspective – privatization of GuySuCo. Such a move is not in Guyana’s interest and will prove detrimental to the workers of GuySuCo.

Hopefully GuySuCo will come close to achieving its initial target of 240,000 tonnes to further consolidate its recovery which started in 2014.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Even if one looked at the other larger list of 172 (1.36 per cent) students with eight Grade Ones and more, it appears that only a miniscule number of students opt for “many” subjects at the CSEC exams. If we were to exclude this number, much does not remain to substantiate the Minister’s assertion.

On the diluting of the curriculum, here again the published information does not support such a claim. One simply can’t make a sensible pronouncement on the intensity, or otherwise, of the curriculum based on a mere 0.37 per cent of the results. The sample is too small on which to base such a sweeping generalisation. A consideration of the larger list of 172 students leaves us in the same predicament.

Next, we will also need to know the percentage of students who appear for “too many” subjects and the schools they come from. There is one published list of the 47 students who obtained 11 grade ones and more. This amounts to a mere 0.37 per cent of the 12,606 who wrote the examinations, and out of this list of 47 (0.37 per cent), only seven students had 16 and more subjects to their credit.

Furthermore, it is noted that while the list of the top 47 students is spread out among 11 schools, two schools alone account for 30 of them. Similarly, in the larger list of 172 students six schools alone, four of which are in the city, account for 109 students while 26 schools accounted for the remaining 63 students. Can this justifiably lead one to the “dumbing down” claim?

Can our overall pass rate of 62.72 per cent serve as an indicator of Dr Roopnaraine’s claim? Probably not. Overall

pass rates also do not say much of a school’s performance. A school can have 100 per cent pass rate but all in Grade Threes and another with 90 per cent can have all its students fail English and Mathematics. Returning to our actual performance, we know that only 35 schools (there are more than 100 secondary schools in Guyana) have recorded a pass rate of 60 per cent and more. What is the story of the other 75 schools or thereabouts? Additionally, of the 35 schools, the results are further skewed by the fact that 10 are in Georgetown, with seven of these having a total average pass rate of more than 90 per cent. In the presence of these stark anomalies, how can we meaningfully speak of curriculum dilution?

It is truly regrettable that Minister Roopnaraine, in his public statements, completely ignored the achievements of Victoria Najab and Vamanadev Hiralal, the two SVN students who topped our country. Instead of sharing in the joy of these two young brilliant scholars of whom all Guyana should be proud, he engaged in what has been perceived as a depreciation, if not a disparagement, of their accomplishment.

Yours faithfully, Swami Aksharananda

Guyanese must become more free spirited and independently driven

Dear Editor, How does a little dot on the globe dominate such a great space on the world stage? I have always been fascinated by the individual and collective drive that our Caribbean neighbour to the North possesses. Why is it that other countries are unable to cultivate this kind of excellence that seems to emanate so effortlessly from a country that isn’t developed and where the people do not havethe luxury and convenience to achieve great things? Yet, persons from humble beginnings are able to.

Having had the opportunity to observe the Jamaican society from within, I noticed that even the poorest had a positive outlook on life, aspiring to do great things, if not for themselves for their children.

They take great pride in their country and identity and embrace their national heroes with passion and admiration. Most importantly, Jamaicans never stoop to the feet of others, regardless of how much they may have or what position they may hold.

They’re committed to whatever they do, striving to be the best in the world. Usain Bolt is a perfect example of this, as he walks onto the field with confidence that seems to intimidate his competitors and push them into their shells.

What does all this mean for a country like Guyana? It means that we are sleeping on our individual talent and allowing others to dictate our potential and what we should and should not do. As Guyanese we have to become more free spirited and independently driven with our goals and ambition. We have to create an independent force that is free of political and racial influences. This is an approach that Walter Rodney wanted to create in Guyana before his untimely death. We are trapped in a politically charged culture fuelled by weak politicians peddling the race card. And in turn, we are misguided on our mission for prosperity and progress. Let Guyana shine naturally and let our youths be free from negative influences. Let politics become a platform for great minds regardless of race or background. And let every individual achieve their dreams and be free from profiling or oppression. Malcolm Watkins

Opposition Leader says Govt still in “flip flop” mode

Former President and now Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is condemning the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government for its “flipflop” move, in the appointment of Dr Maurice Odle as the Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Jagdeo in a telephone interview with Guyana Times International on Tuesday evening stated that during the 2015 Budget debates, his Party – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic –highlighted a number of cases where the present Administration has been ‘flip-flopping.’

He said this latest action of replacing their Finance Minister Winston Jordan from

the helm of NICIL, only after the PPP/C’s criticisms, is evidence of the Government’s incompetence.

“This is a sign of incompetence from the Government and it is expected. When they argued that it was illegal to have a Minister of Finance at the head of NICIL, they turned around and put their

Finance Minister there. It was only after we criticised them and pointed out their double standards and hypocrisy that they have now replaced Jordan with Dr Odle,” the former President posited.

It has only been a few days since Dr Odle was appointed as NICIL’s Chairman and he is already the Chairman for the Tax Reform Committee which was re-

cently formed by Minister Jordan.

The Finance Minister reportedly divulged that Dr Odle served in a number of positions during his stint at the United Nations and the Caribbean Community (Caricom). He is an Economist.

Under the previous Administration, then Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh held the post of Chairman at NICIL. The APNU/AFC had then criticised the PPP/C for this act, stating that it was unacceptable due to conflict of interest.

However, in early August this year, there was silence by the Administration as to the appointment of Minister Jordan as the Chairman of NICIL in spite of arguments put forward by the PPP/C.

National Education Council established

By Alexis Rodney

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine on Tuesday announced that Cabinet has given its noobjection to the establishment of the National Education Council (NEC), which will over-

see the implementation of initiatives for the sector.

Dr Roopnaraine, delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of this year’s Education Month activities, declared that the new Administration has already taken a number

of initiatives that will seek to inform and guide educators in a particular path.

Some of these initiatives have already been undertaken, while others are still under consideration. He said the idea was for the outcome of the initiative to reflect in the deliberation of the now established NEC, which will then make recommendation for the review of the sector’s strategic plan and the finalisation of the draft education bill.

Under the theme “Quality Educational Leadership: Improving schools from within”, Education Month 2015 was launched at the Theatre Guild, Kingston, Georgetown.

Speaking on this theme, Dr Roopnaraine

SVN’s top students on US scholarships

Rafena Mustapha, the 2013 best graduating Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) student of Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN), has been awarded a scholarship by her school to study in the United States.

said Government was working towards the strategic enhancement and delivery of proper education to the nation’s children.

“It is these two culminations that will be the embodiment for us,” Dr Roopnaraine told the gathering of Regional Education Officers (REOs), headteachers,

In 2013, she had obtained 15 distinctions at the CSEC exams and on the basis of her performance, was given the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Humanities Award. The following year, she was successful in five subjects at the unit one level of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and this year, 2015, she successfully completed another five subjects at the unit two level.

Mustapha has been accepted at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), where she plans to do a degree in Computer

Science. Travelling arrangements to the United States has been made with the compliments of N&S Mattai & Company, Guyana’s leading food warehouse. Also on an SVN scholarship is Nirmala Singh who is returning to the United States to pursue a Master’s in Education Psychology at CUNY’s Hunter College. Her travelling arrangements were made possible with the compliments of Yesu Persaud, Chairman of Demerara Bank Ltd and Executive Advisor to DDL Ltd. Singh was the SVN’s best graduating student in 2005 and as such was given a scholarship to the US where she did a degree in Math Teacher 7-12 at CUNY’s Brooklyn College. Upon completing her first degree, Singh returned to SVN where she has been teaching Mathematics and Information Technology.

Govt must not interfere with the free and independent press – Jagdeo

The plan by the David Granger-led Administration to regulate the Guyanese media has been blasted by the leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who is now the Opposition Leader in the 11th Parliament.

The Opposition Leader emphasised that his Party has never had any definitive discussion on the matter. And while he was not directly speaking against the comments made by his Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, Jagdeo said he has always been against any such policy.

Rohee had intimated that there was need for possible media regulation in Guyana.

Jagdeo maintained that during his terms as President of Guyana, he had never touted a media regulation policy.

He explained that while he has suffered the brunt of the vilest and most unjust criti-

cisms from the media, he has never sought to implement a media policy. “It is no secret that I have suffered the brunt of lies, unethical reporting, slander and all sorts of concocted reporting, but despite this I believe in self-regulation and I firmly believe that Government has no authority to interfere with the free and independent press. It can criticise it but not interfere in its operations.”

The Party’s General Secretary on Monday had said that the PPP may support the proposed policy as laid out by Government; however, there must first be a public debate or consultation.

“I don’t agree that the media should have a free-for-all. The question of regulation in terms of the media is going to be a very sensitive issue, maybe it will have some consti-

tutional impacts as well and I hope that whatever comes out, that it will be subject to public debate and discussion before anything is actually formalised and laid in the Parliament,” Rohee had told Journalists at the Party’s Robb Street headquarters.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, speaking to Journalists last Friday said Government was seeking to ensure “journalistic accountability”, particularly as it relates to matters involving Government and that a policy was well underway in that regard.

“It is not … fully complete and in the interim, there are a number of things that still need to be done that will guarantee that there is responsible reporting of the news in the media and that it is important that we establish some level of responsibility of what you put out there,” Harmon had said. He reminded that the media remained the fourth estate and was an important element in any democratic society. It is not something “for you to do as you want”.

National Education...

teachers and students. He said the guiding principle in all of this, “is that what will work will be retained, what could be salvaged will be salvaged. What will not work and is unsalvageable will be discontinued and new initiatives will be undertaken. New initiatives will express the thinking of the new regime with regard to the education, while providing for its

completeness,” he said.

He said the theme squarely pointed to the need for effective leadership and the manpower. From the leadership perspective, he said it was at this stage that the managers of the system would be objective, oriented people who would constantly monitor the education sector to ensure that all the required elements were in place and were working. From the manpower perspective, he said the challenge would be to ensure that the preparation was relevant and they (teachers and policymakers) were committed to the task in the application.

According to him, from the delivery perspective, the issue of methodology of delivery and the technology of delivery will be critical elements. In that regard, he

added, ways and means must be found to enhance the curriculum through integrated and multidisciplinary teaching with absolute provision for extracurricular activities. Reclaim

Speaking also at the event, Chief Education Officer Olato Sam called on teachers and educators in the public school system to raise the bar and reclaim their rightful place in society.

“It is high time that we make the clarion call to this nation so that our teachers could reclaim their appropriate place in the society. For too long teachers have been undermined in many communities. If we are to progress as a nation and fulfil our developmental objectives, our teachers are the ones who will lead that effort,” Sam said.

Guyana’s Abrams Zuil Secondary wins 2014 Sagicor Challenge award

Coming out on top ahead of schools from eight countries, including the United States of America, the Abrams Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast has made Guyana proud, bringing home the 2014 Sagicor Visionary Challenge Science Project award.

Members of the business community have been urged to consider and appreciate the commercial viability of the project, adopt it, and use it for their own economic advantage.

With its “Paddy Husk Particle Board” project, the Secondary School was judged to have had the best project at the event which was held late last year in Trinidad and Tobago.

The school received prizes, including ‘the most relevant to community development prize’ from Sagicor representative Marlene Chin, at the launch of Education Month at the Theatre Guild on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the programme, Deputy Headteacher of Abrams Zuil Secondary, Jerome Raj Persaud said he was elated over the success of the project, which he noted had seen an improvement at every level. The project, he explained, is based on the ways through which rice husk could be reused for sustainable projects.

“When the paddy is

milled, the rice husk is burnt in the open and emits a lot of carbon dioxide in the environment which is a danger to the environment… if Guyana is going to talk green, we need to find a use for the rice husk. We have proposed that the husk be used in the particle board and is of very high quality,” he said.

He said the board is

GuySuCo field worker pinned to death

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has launched an investigation into the death of one of its employees who was pinned by a Bell Loader which slipped off a bridge on Monday evening in East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Dead is Muhammad Iftikar Oosman also called “Amin” of 73 East Street, Canefield Settlement, East Canje.

Reports are that the Bell Loader operator was pinned under the vehicle when it fell into a canal that the 30-year-old operator was attempting to cross at the time.

Human Resources Manager of Rose Hall Estate, Adesh Singh said the incident occurred about 19:20h at Lot 16 Field 4 in the cultivation area. He told this publication that the matter was being investigated and the Corporation could not make a pronouncement at this time.

According to one eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, Oosman was the last of five operators crossing the canal to get to the work area. “When me reach, the machine bin done dea pun the side and the man bin pin down.”

According to the eyewitness, he immediately joined others in the canal to try to remove Oosman from under the

Bell Loader. He added that all he was able to see at the time was the operator’s feet as half of his body was under the vehicle. “From he waist go down went under the machine in water and mud.” At the time, he explained the water level was reaching his chest.

The eyewitness, who operates a tractor, said Oosman was leaving the dry access dam to get to a field which cane harvesters had earlier in the day levelled, leaving the cane for the Bell Loader to pick up.

Reports are that Oosman remained submerged for more than 15 minutes. “We had to pull the machine with a plough tractor till we get he out because we couldn’t get him out but him pin down. He went under water like 15 to 20 minutes before we get he out a deh.”

Oosman was pronounced dead at the New Amsterdam Hospital

where he was taken.

Workers said it was not the first time a Bell Loader slipped into a canal while someone was attempting to cross.

However, the Human Resources Manager said it was the first reported case in 11 months since he has been on the job. Singh said a full report on the incident will be available when the investigation was completed.

The investigation is being headed by Human Resources Director Orin Morris. The Police have also launched an investigation into the incident.

Oosman was working the 16:30h-04:30h shift when the accident occurred. He had been working at the estate for 11 years. Initially, he worked in the spray gang and then moved to the Bell gang as a Scrapper (picks up cane the loader missed) before becoming an operator.

He leaves to mourn two children ages one and three, a wife and two parents. He was the eldest of three.

Meanwhile, following the incident, the Senior Manager of the Rose Hall Estate visited the mourning family. According to Singh, GuySuCo will be assisting with funeral arrangements. He noted that management took the opportunity on Tuesday to express condolences to the grieving family.

fire resistant, heat resistant and termite resistant – qualities of a good construction material. “We are hoping that someone from the business community would take this into consideration”.

The school had presented the same project at the Science fair in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), where it came out on top. The exact project was also taken to the National Science Fair, where it was again successful. The final stop was at the science fair where several Caribbean territories

plus the United States participated. He said at every competition, the team sought to add to the project, making it better than the previous.

Chin told the packed Theatre Guild auditorium that the programme remained committed to ensuring that secondary school students develop effective, innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges in the environment, and sought to improve the lives of persons in communities in which they operate. She congratulated the Guyanese students for their performance

“I know it was a long and difficult project, but I thank the science teacher for providing guidance for the project. Here they are today, proving that hard work pays off,” she declared.

Chin added that the students demonstrated that the rice husk particle board was viable and could benefit residents of Region Two and Guyana as a whole.

Entries were evaluated and judged at the national level in each of the Challenge Countries, with the winning school in each country moving on to the regional competition. Representatives of the national school winners and their respective teachers will also participate in a seven-day, all-expenses STEM Ambassador Programme to Florida.

The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge is open to entries from Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Guyana; St Lucia; Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida, US; and Trinidad and Tobago.

Raj Persaud said the school would definitely be entering this year’s competition and hoped that it was successful.

PPP/C slams Top Cop for “politically skewed” statements on crime

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday called on Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud to remain independent and to remember his oath as the Party roasted him for what it described as politically skewed statements made on the issue of crime during a recent exclusive interview with Guyana Times International

The Party is completely flabbergasted by claims made by the Police Commissioner that crime is driven and influenced by the “political opposition”, given the fact that when its Party was in Office, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) never found it necessary to make such statements even when substantive and substantial evidence had revealed that the People’s National Congress (PNC) was greatly affiliated with the criminal underworld.

The Party insinuated that these wild statements by the Commissioner were made to ensure security of his tenure as Top Cop.

“Commissioner Seelall Persaud must know that rather than

jumping on the bandwagon as if there is a threat to his security of tenure, on the contrary here in Guyana for a sitting Commissioner of Police there is no threat of job security,” the Party said in a release.

Guyana Times International had reported in its September 2 edition that the Police Commissioner related that it was extremely unfortunate that crime has grown to become a tool for all political Opposition to attack and defame the Government of the day.

However, in response, the PPP/C highlighted that in blaming the political Opposition

as “undermining the efforts of the Police to fight crime” and to create “a perception” that crime is spiralling out of control, the Commissioner was stuck in denial mode and blatantly ignoring statistics which clearly reveal that the crime situation has reached unacceptable proportions.

“The Police themselves have admitted that there has been a 10 per cent increase in serious crimes as well as murders not to mention crimes committed with the use of a firearm all of which are clear indications that the situation has indeed spiralled out of control,” the Party pointed out, while dis-

missing those claims as disingenuous.

The Commissioner had also made reference to three occurrences where he believes the crimes in those scenarios were politically influenced. The Party pointed out that his claims hold no evidentiary value and lack credibility; therefore, it was completely erroneous for someone of his authority to draw such conclusions.

The Commissioner claimed that the robbery in Campbellville where Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan’s neighbour Geetanjalie Ramotar was brutalised and tape bound by bandits; the murder of Corentyne resident Pamela Kendall, which had sparked a massive protest against the Government by residents in the area; and the situation where a Corentyne woman, after being robbed, left her husband sleeping in the hammock and walked to the Police Station at 04:00h, all raised suspicions and caused one to wonder the true motive behind these crimes.

However, the

Commissioner was the first person to make these allegations and it is hoped that the Police Force will make more evidence-based revelations.

On the issue of public trust, the Opposition advised the Commissioner to stop taking this inte-

is not only contradictory but undermines the very trust and confidence which the GPF purports to enjoy from the Guyanese public,” the Party posited.

In conclusion, the Party reiterated that it never sold or bought

gral crime fighting element for granted.

“To talk about building trust and confidence and at the same time undermining and lending support to the Ministry of Public Security’s efforts to dismantle the Community Policing Groups and the Community Policing Organisation in Guyana

crime as a “political football”, noting that it was the PNC itself that was known to be associated with the criminal underworld.

“Police records can attest to this fact…these facts were reported time and again and the sitting Commissioner of Police is aware of them,” the Party stated.

Narine still “person of interest” in Crum-Ewing case –

Crime Chief

Although Regan Rodrigues also called “Grey Boy” was arraigned for the murder of ex-soldier Courtney Crum-Ewing, investigators are still continuing their probe citing Rajput Narine as a person of interest.

This was according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Friday who stated that despite bail being granted to Narine, he still reports to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters whenever he is stipulated to do so. The investigation, he noted, will continue until the matter comes to a full closure.

A few weeks ago, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack had recommended that charges be instituted against Rodrigues since there was enough evidence to do so. At the same time, she requested additional information with respect to Narine.

A senior Police rank had told the Guyana Times International that the file with the additional information would have been sent back to the DPP during this week, but it was not done. “Once the file has the necessary infor-

mation requested by the DPP, it will be sent for advice,” the officer stated.

Narine was arrested in July for questioning into the killing of Crum-Ewing. However, he denied having any involvement in the planning, organisation or execution of Crum-Ewing, who died from a hail of bullets at Diamond, East Bank Demerara back in March.

“Grey Boy” was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, but during investigations into that matter, it was found out that the weapon matched the one used in the execution of Crum-Ewing.

While in custody, Rodrigues told Police ranks that he was allegedly contacted by Narine for him to do a “hit” on so-

cial and political activist Mark Benschop.

Narine, on the other hand, during his detention, told investigators that he never knew “Grey Boy” personally and was never part of any plot to assassinate Benschop or Crum-Ewing. Narine was subsequently released on bail.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-year-old father of three, was gunned down execution style on March 10, while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots on May 11.

An autopsy report proved that Crum-Ewing was shot five times –three bullets went to the head, while one struck the back of the neck and the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder. It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was also found on the back of the collar of the shirt that he was wearing. This newspaper was told that two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head.

Rohee accuses Ramjattan of misusing public office

….allegedly going after Police Inspector to settle private matter – PPP

There seems to be some personal vendetta brewing involving Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan as he is breaking all the legal conventions to go after Police Inspector Narine Lall, although the case laid against him was dismissed in a court of law. This is the position of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C),

through, its General Secretary Clement Rohee, who is also the former Home Affairs Minister.

Lall, along with another officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Mohanram Dulai, was promoted by the Police Service Commission last year. Back in 2009, the two officers were involved in a scandal that they had set afire methylated spirits on the private parts of then 14-year-old Twyon Thomas, who was taken into custody during an investigation into the murder of former Region Three Chairman Ramenaught Bisram. Ramjattan, who is also an Attorney-at-Law, had represented the teenager in court when the matter was dismissed.

The charge was dismissed since Thomas, who suffered serious burns to his genitals, failed to appear in court

to give evidence. Thomas was later awarded millions of dollars in damages by a High Court judge in a civil suit.

However, Ramjattan has not been too keen on this, and, using the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) zero-tolerance policy for torture, had pledged to get rid of the “rogue cops” in the Police Force. He

had been quite vociferous on the elections campaign trail, promising that the officers would go, should the coalition win the election.

One of the first things Ramjattan did when he was appointed Public Security Minister was to instruct that the officers be fired. While Corporal Dulai was demoted, Lall’s fate was said to have been placed in the constitutional hands of the Police Service Commission.

At his media briefing on Monday, Rohee claimed that Ramjattan has been moving all-out, disregarding the rule of law to get to the former Police Inspector.

“A principal target of Ramjattan is Lall. Lall’s security of tenure rests with the Police Service Commission. Ramjattan is obviously not happy about this, so he sought to ride over the

constitutional authority of the Police Service Commission. He bypassed his colleague, the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, and wrote to the Secretary of the Police Service Commission instructing him to take action against Lall”, Rohee said at the briefing.

He said Ramjattan apparently, without any respect for authority,

went after his target, but was rebuffed.

Rohee said no member of the executive can write a letter to the Secretary of the Police Service Commission telling him what he would like to have done.

“It is highly improper. And so, it seems as though, he has adopted irrespective of who says what, he is going after this man. He is free to do so, but do it in accordance with the laws and Constitution.”

Rohee said Ramjattan was now claiming that he would be seeking out avenues to catch the “rogue cops”. However, “that is a tall order. He plans to use listening devices to eavesdrop on Policemen, who may be involved in illegal activities and corrupt transaction. Isn’t this not another violation of the law and need the approval of the court to instruct such?”

Social cohesion cannot be achieved by division – Opposition

Asimple glance at its track record since it came into Executive Office will be proof enough to conclude that the big fuss being created by the David Granger-led Administration with regard to social cohesion is a big façade to mislead the Guyanese public and the international community. This is according to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in a press statement issued on Wednesday evening.

“The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has noted with disgust the hullabaloo being created by the David Granger

Administration with regard to Social Cohesion, when in fact these efforts are merely window dressing,” the Party said, asserting that it was clear the David Granger-led Administration has no moral authority to speak on the topic at hand.

The Social Cohesion Ministry has been promoting its first Social Cohesion Roundtable, which will take place today (Thursday) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre; however, the PPP/C has listed seven situations where the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Berbice Bridge Tolls: Shareholders...

and Government would not accept it. Despite the explanations proffered by the Company, the Minister is maintaining that the BBCI will not suffer any losses since the Government would pay the Company the difference between what is now charged and the reduced charge – in effect a subsidy to the commuters. However, he did not address the concerns regarding the Company’s commitment to pay off its debts or to release dividends to its shareholders.

Debt and debt instruments investors include NIS and a veritable who’s who of the Guyanese financial world: Demerara Bank; NBS; Scotiabank;

engaged and supported anti-cohesion activities.

Firstly, the Party said the APNU/AFC cheated the PPP/C and the Guyanese people, with the help of the Guyana

from page 3

Citizens Bank; Republic Bank; Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI); Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc, Trust Co Guyana Ltd, Hand-in-Hand Mutual Life Insurance Co; North American Life Insurance Company Limited (Nalico) and North American Fire and General Insurance Company Limited (Nafico).

The Berbice Bridge is Guyana’s first PPP with the abovementioned broad cross-section of the financial sector investing. In 2006, over Gy$8 billion was invested in various financing instruments, such as bonds, subordinated debt, preference shares, and common shares.

Elections Commission (GECOM) when it rigged the May 11 General and Regional Elections –alienating more than 50 per cent of the voting population.

Then, upon its assumption to office, the Party said, the Government embarked on a mass “ethno-political discrimination” campaign in the public sector, by arbitrarily firing “Indo-Guyanese” and persons believed to be affiliated with the PPP/C.

Thirdly, the Party said the Government terminated the employment of almost 2000 young Amerindian Community

Support Officers (CSOs) without any proper explanation.

Fourthly, the PPP highlighted that the APNU/AFC has in its ranks, persons who openly promote a racist ideology.

Fifthly, it was pointed out that the Government endorsed a discriminatory electricity subsidy for one segment of the Guyanese society over another.

Sixthly, the PPP/C said, the Government continues to make important national decisions without consulting with the relevant sections of the Guyanese society.

And lastly, the Party

pointed out that the government’s blatant usurpation of the functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), a constitutional body established to deal with issues of social cohesion, is another indicator that the APNU/AFC has no real intention to promote unity in Guyana.

In comparison, the PPP reminded that since its formation, Dr Cheddi Jagan and the entire Party embarked on promoting racial and working class unity – efforts which never faded, but continued to be engrained in the ideology of its Party.

Exporter robbed of over Gy$1M moments after leaving Scotiabank in Georgetown

Moments after leaving Scotiabank’s Carmichael Street Branch, an exporter was cornered and relieved of more than Gy$1 million on Monday at Lamaha Street, Newtown, Kitty.

Rosana Persaud, also a professional nurse of Lot 129 Lamaha Street, Newtown and her mother left Scotiabank about 13:46h for their home, and, upon arriving at their destination, two men on a CG motorcycle pounced on them.

One of the men was armed with a hand gun, while the other remained on the motorcycle bearing registration number CG 5216.

After relieving Persaud of her bag containing the money –Gy$1.020 million, mo-

bile phone, ID card, debit cards and other items, they made good their escape.

Speaking to Guyana Times International on Tuesday, Persaud was of the opinion that the robbery might have been as a result of collusion between bank staff and the bandits.

She explained that earlier in the day, she and her mother went to Republic Bank to change a cheque, but given that the cheque was from Scotiabank, the bank requested certain documents but they did not have them in their possession. Hence, they made a decision to go over to Scotiabank’s Carmichael Street branch.

Upon reaching that location, as per nor-

mal there was a lengthy queue so they awaited their turn. The cheque was eventually changed and the money collected and put in her bag.

Before exiting the bank, Persaud said, she called a taxi that they normally used and after the driver stated that he was close by, they stepped out.

Persaud’s mother recalled while in the bank, seeing a man dressed in a white t-shirt and a washout blue jeans acting in a suspicious manner.

As they stepped out of the bank, the guy reportedly exited as well but was on his mobile phone and as he passed the duo, he deliberately bumped into Persaud.

The taxi subsequently came and Persaud ex-

plained that she went into the front seat while her mother sat in the back seat. “After my mother told me of her suspicions, I sat in the front seat so that I can use the rear-viewing mirror to see if anyone was following the car,” she stated.

As they travelled along Lamaha Street into Vlissengen Road, the roadway was clear so she felt much more comfortable.

As they reached Republic Street in Newtown, Kitty, they stopped the taxi and disembarked one house before theirs. As she exited the car, a motorcycle with two men suddenly appeared in front of them.

One of the men, she recalled, was wearing

a striped jersey and a pair of long pants and the other was wearing a white jersey with a pair of three-quarter pants.

One of the men, she noted, jumped off the motorcycle, went past her mother and came straight to her where he pulled out a gun, put it to her head and demanded that she hand over the bag.

“I pelt the bag and hoping that it would go in the taxi so that the driver can pull off, but instead it dropped on the road and the man collected it,” she related.

All the time, she said, her mother was screaming at the top of her voice. The bandit hurriedly jumped on the motorcycle with his accomplice and rode away. The man who relieved her of

the bag, she recollected, was tall and fair in complexion.

Persaud noted that she went to the police station where she lodged a report and she and several ranks went into Sophia, West Ruimveldt and other areas to look for the suspects, but they came up empty-handed.

Two young men who were seen in the vicinity of Scotiabank were also arrested, but were subsequently released following an ID parade.

The Police have launched an investigation into the robbery and promised to visit the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to determine the identity of the owner of the bike, since the registration number was given to the Police.

COP says Sean Hinds lied to the public

Police investigations into a number of startling allegations made by selfconfessed “death squad” killer Sean Hinds, which hinted at political involvement in several high-profile crimes in the country, have revealed that a number of these accusations are completely inaccurate and false.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International on Tuesday, cautiously explained that the “Sean Hinds situation” was still being investigated and, therefore, he could not disclose much information.

However, he revealed that investigators have stumbled upon valuable information which proves that several of the allegations made by

Hinds are false.

“We also have evidence that some of the things Sean Hinds spoke about that he was actually lying because we have evidence to show otherwise,” Persaud said, noting that the GPF was in possession of all the media recordings and reports surrounding the allegations.

When prompted further, he declined to disclose any more information.

The first startling revelation made by exPoliceman Hinds was of him being an integral part of a “death squad” which had a rampant operation during the mid-2000s. Hinds claimed that he was directed by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to execute the “operations”. He even defended his in-

UN mission holds discussions with President Granger

Aday after visit-

ing the area in question, the United Nations (UN) Mission, dispatched by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to Guyana, met with President David Granger, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Monday where a discussion on Government’s position on the border controversy was held.

The UN Mission team which also included United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Khadija Musa included Chief Americas Division in the Department of Political Affairs, Martha Doggett; Political Affairs Officer Marylene Smeets; Legal Officer from the UN Office of Legal Affairs

Diana Taratukhina; and Senior Mediation Expert from the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria, Sven Koopmans.

Head of the delegation Martha Doggett said the team has come to Guyana to be informed of Government’s views on the next steps so that it could in turn advise the Secretary General of the United Nations, who will then speak to the Presidents and craft a way forward.

While the team is yet to visit Venezuela, Doggett said that the UN has had a number of exchanges with both parties in New York and at the recently concluded Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados.

At that meeting, President Granger stated that the Good Officer Process and the Geneva Convention which have been utilised in the past,

has been exhausted and a better approach is needed to end Venezuela’s aggression, with regard to Guyana’s sovereign territory.

On Sunday the team visited the Essequibo Coast and River, as part of its preparations for consultations. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge in an invited comment told Guyana Times International on Sunday that the team, headed by Martha

visiting the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as part of the consultative process.

Doggett, visited the locations on Sunday, along with the Maburama and Waini regions. According to the Minister, the officials saw that the area was not an “empty expanse of river and land”, but that they have been occupied and utilised since the 19th century.

According to Greenidge, while Guyana’s job is not to argue with the team about what really belongs to Guyana, Government has facilitated the officials and will be cooperating in every possible way. It is their job; he said, to deal with the issue. The team has also indicated that it will be

Venezuela recently began moving throughout the Caribbean seeking out solidarity from the Caricom member states on its claims over the Essequibo. This has not gone down quite too well, as every member country, including its Chair Freundel Stuart of Barbados reiterated Caricom’s deepening and unwavering support to Guyana and the position it holds.

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro issued a decree ratifying maritime sovereignty over waters within a 200-mile range, including the entire Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo Coast, as well as part of Suriname’s maritime territory.

This decree sparked a nationwide debate regarding the matter, with various regional bodies and nations calling for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

StudentS from City SChoolS brawl…

Teenager stabs another with bottle over old grievance

One student of Queenstown Secondary School and another of St George’s High School were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday afternoon nursing injuries following a brawl on Church Street, in Georgetown.

The teenagers who are both 13 years old, reside at Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

According to information received, the two teenagers were involved in a heated argument when one of them broke a bottle and dealt one blow to the other, injuring him to the left shoulder. During the scuffle, the aggressor received injuries to his mouth and thumb.

Speaking with Guyana Times International, the injured student from St George’s High School explained that he was in the school’s compound when he saw the other student and enquired about his business at the school.

In turn, the youngster reportedly told him that “mine yuh effing business, before I jook yuh up”. Upon hearing the hostility in his voice,

the young man explained that he walked away but was attacked from the back.

“He come from behind and push me, so I turn around and chuck he and the fight start… is then he collect a bottle, burst it and bore me to meh shoulder”, the injured youngster stated. The security guard who was at St George’s High School then rushed to part the two young men. Both of them had blood stains on their uniforms.

On the other hand, the alleged aggressor stated that he was sent to the school to drop off lunch for his sister when he saw the other young man. He stated that the St George’s High School lad started the fight following an argument over an old grievance between the two.

He nevertheless admitted that he broke the bottle and stabbed the other child to his shoulder. By this time, he stated that it was at this point that the guard came and parted them. They both were taken to the hospital where they were treated and sent away. The matter has been reported and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

93 graduate from Guyana-Cuba medical scholarship programme

…had been initiated by former President Jagdeo

After completing their time in the GuyanaCuba Medical Scholarship Programme, which had been initiated by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, 93 students graduated on Saturday at a ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The graduates took the Hippocratic Oath, which was administered by Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, delivering his address at the ceremony, said he looked forward to the continuation of the programme. “We are proud to inherit this programme and in …many years to come, it will be stronger,” Minister Harmon said.

He praised the graduates and mentioned that the local health care sector has been given a further boost with the addition of the newly trained doctors.

The Minister told the graduates that they have completed their studies at a very important juncture in Guyana’s history. He further stated that a key element of this commitment was the delivery of healthcare services, as it was the Administration’s belief that citizens in the hinterland and in the rural coastal com-

munities are entitled to the same quality of services and facilities that are available in the urban centres.

This graduation, Minister Harmon said, reflects the good friendship and cordial relations which exist between Cuba and Guyana. He pointed out that from the time Guyana and other Caribbean countries established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1972, Guyana and Cuba have remained firm friends and have shared cooperation in many areas.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, who himself had benefited from this training programme, in his charge

to the graduates, urged the new batch of doctors not to see their graduation as the end, but the beginning of much more to come as he noted that it was his belief that service delivery required continued training.

Also present at the prestigious occasion was Cuba’s Ambassador, Julio Cesar Gonsalez Marchante, who offered his congratulations to the new doctors. He said it was the conviction of both Governments that resulted in their success.

“All of you had the opportunity to study and now you have the opportunity to save human beings and raise the quality of life for your people,” he told the new batch of doctors.

The Ambassador also thanked the various entities who played a role in making training of the doctors successful as he pledged Cuba’s continued support to improving Guyana’s health care system.

This latest batch of doctors began their training in 2008, spending six years in Cuba. They returned last year after a one-year training at medical institutions around the country. To date, Guyana and Cuba have facilitated training for 2600 medical doctors, most of whom were trained under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

The Governments of Guyana/Cuba Specialist Awards Scholarship Programme was established following a visit to the sister Caribbean State by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2001. President Jagdeo secured the scholarships in various disciplines, after meeting with the then President Fidel Castro. The scholarships are offered in Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Telecommunications, Agriculture, Sport and Culture.

The then President had specified that every batch of students must include Amerindians, since the scholarships are for all Guyanese students who qualify. Under the scholarship programme, the students sent by the Government of Guyana are given a stipend of Cdn$50 per month. They also have the guidance of a Students Affairs Officer in Cuba appointed by the Government. The students are expected to serve the Government for five years on their return.

Many young people have become qualified for scholarships given improved performances at both the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level.

Youths ‘doing well’, assures US SKYE Programme head

It has been several months since some 40 young convicted men and women were released from prison after being granted amnesty by President David Granger, and most of them have been enrolled in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) programme, where they are “doing quite well”.

Guyana Times International spoke with SKYE Chief-of-Party Magda Wills, who stated that the pardoned youths are involved in the programme, which currently has about 800 participants, and are benefiting from education, skills and behaviourial training, so that they can be reintegrated into society. She noted that there are no distinctions between the pardoned youths and the rest of the participants of the programme.

In fact, Wills said “(youths) are not treated separately (from other participants). We try not to single out the amnesty beneficiaries”.

According to Wills, the amnesty beneficiaries were placed in the

programme based on various factors, such as their literacy and geographical locations. She noted that based on these factors, the length of time each participant spends in the programme will be determined.

The Chief-of-Party further pointed out that after the participant proves their readiness, then they will be allowed to re-integrate into society with skills that will help them earn a livelihood. Wills went on to say that all youths in the SKYE programme are attached to coaches from their respective areas who act as mentors during the training process

and further link them to livelihood opportunities at the end of the programme.

Before their release from prison on June 12, the 40 individuals were all interviewed by SKYE representatives and were identified for certain training programmes that are being conducted in all administrative regions. Training is currently being conducted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Approximately 98 per cent of the amnesty beneficiaries are male while the other two per cent of females are between the ages of 18 and 25.

DDL Group’s midyear profit dips

Citing challenges in both the local and international markets, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Group of Companies has recorded a decline in the overall profits before tax in its midyear report.

According to Chairman of the company, Komal Samaroo, in the company’s 2015 Interim Report for the period of January 1 to June 30, 2015, the Group’s profit before taxation was Gy$1,083,987,000 compared to Gy$1,166,161,000 recorded in 2014. This represents a decline of 7.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, the profit after tax recorded for the first half of this year was Gy$717,442,000 compared to Gy$804,651,000 last year, the Chairman further disclosed. Samaroo explained that the first six months of 2015 was “particularly” challenging in the domestic as well as international markets.

He pointed out that locally, the pre-election and immediate post-election uncertainties had adversely affected trading activities in the country. “Indeed, during this entire period, the wholesale and retail trade reduced inventory holdings and this had a direct negative impact on our local sales,” the Chairman stated.

On the international scene, Samaroo outlined that on the European market, uncertainty continued to loom over

the situation in Greece, which he said contributed in no small way to the 18 per cent decline in Euros against United States (US) dollars. In addition, due to the dramatic decline in oil prices in Canada, the country’s currency was severely impacted, resulting in a 15 per cent decline when compared to that of US dollars.

“The currency decline in these two important export markets in fact eroded our earnings in Guyana dollars,” the Group’s Chairman posited. He further stated that the overall effect of the challenges faced by the Group locally and overseas was a marginal decline in turnover by 2.1 per cent from Gy$8,347,393,000 in 2014 to Gy$8,171,223,000 this year after the first six months.

Going forward, the Chairman of the DDL Group is confident that business will pick up

for the remainder of the year. “We look forward to improvement in the business environment in the second half of the year. With the General Elections behind us, we hope that the second half of the year would bring greater consumer spending, now that the first National Budget for the year has been introduced into Parliament. Also, with an agreement on the way forward for Greece, we expect less uncertainty in Europe and improvement in the value of the Euro,” Samaroo affirmed.

The midyear interim report included financial statements from the Groups’ subsidiaries which includes: Demerara Contractors and Engineers Limited; Demerara Distributions Services Limited; Demerara Shipping Company Limited; Tropical Orchard Products Company Limited; Demerara Distillers (TT) Limited; Demerara Distillers (St Kitts) Limited; Demerara Distillers (US) Inc; Demerara Rum Company Inc and Breitenstein Holdings BV, all of which are wholly owned subsidiaries. Also consolidated, in accordance with IAS 28-Investment in Associates, were the accounts of National Rum of Jamaica Limited, Diamond Fire and General Insurance Inc and Demerara Distillers Limited Hyderabad.

Indigenous village ready for Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations

The 2015 Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations were given a boost on Saturday afternoon when the new indigenous village was handed over to Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

The village, located at the Sophia Exhibition Complex, Greater Georgetown, will house most of the activities of this year’s celebration. Contractor Colin Andrews delivered on his 21-day promise which he made prior to the start of

construction.

He told the gathering that with his staff of 21, they were able to refurbish several benabs, while building three new ones. The workers, who travelled from Moraikobai, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), also constructed a benab where persons can sit and eat comfortably and an indigenous bar, at the northern side of the village.

Minister GarridoLowe was ecstatic with the completion of village and promised to maximise its use way beyond

the Heritage Month celebration.

She said she was extremely impressed with the level of craftsmanship that has gone into the buildings, especially since it continues to represent all the indigenous peoples of the country.

“This is truly a remarkable village; I have never seen the indigenous village look so good. All credit must go to Andrews and his team who worked tirelessly over the last three weeks.”

All-year venue

Another mining tragedy: Miner buried alive as pit caves in

AGeorgetown man was on Tuesday afternoon buried alive after the mining pit in which he was working at Tiger Creek, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) caved in.

The motionless body of Sherwyn Henry, 36, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was pulled from the pit some 18 hours after the incident. According to reports received, the father of two, along with several other miners, was working in the mining pit when its walls suddenly came crashing down.

The other miners managed to scramble to safety, but unfortunately Henry did not. A search had commenced on Tuesday afternoon for him, but after it got dark, his colleagues were forced to abort the mission. The search resumed on Wednesday morning.

The men managed to retrieve the body of the miner about 12:30h on Wednesday. The man’s body was taken to the Mahdia Hospital mortuary, and arrangements were being

made to transport it to Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the dead man has been employed at the mining camp for the past few years and was a dedicated worker. Attempts to make contact with his family proved futile.

Guyana Times International understands that the Police and members of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have launched an investigation into the industrial accident.

Only June last, Orlando Archer, 25, of South Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, met his demise after the mining pit in which he was working collapsed at Jumbie Creek, Potaro, Region

COP says Sean Hinds lied...

volvement, claiming that the “killing squad” allowed for law and order to prevail in the country.

The “death squad” was reportedly responsible for going after criminal elements, particularly those who emerged after the shocking jailbreak of February 2002, when five high-profile criminals escaped from the Camp Street Prison.

Asked about his knowledge of the “death squad”, the Commissioner said he was not aware of any groups by that name.

“I know we had, we had several groups. I don’t know them by these names.”

However, he conceded to hearing reports of the “Phantom Squad”, “Phantom was reported on a whole lot during the crime spree so to my mind they were speaking about a certain group of individuals and they called them phantom, because the people them who were known to be killed, some of them were involved in crime,” he related.

Hinds had also confessed to having been hired to murder journalist Ronald Waddell, who was known at the time for his harsh criticisms of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in his television programme, “Taking Care

Eight. The incident had also left Leonard Persaud, 44, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, nursing injuries.

According to information received, a group of men were working in the mining pit at Jumbie Creek when the western wall caved in. Archer was reportedly trapped while the other men escaped. The body of Archer was pulled minutes after the incident.

Earlier, in May, 10 men died after a mining pit in which they were working caved in at Mowasi Backdam, Mahdia.

In light of the increased number of incidents in the mining sector, the Ministry of Presidency had launched an inquiry by inviting stakeholders of the mining community to have discussions to come up with possible solutions.

from page 12

of Business”.

Though Hinds never admitted that the PPP/C hired him to kill, media reports sought to establish a relationship between the former Administration, Hinds and the killings he admitted to have committed or being involved in.

The PPP/C has since denied being a part of any of the conspiracies.

Hinds also alleged that the People’s National Congress (PNC) trained him how to kill and had often sponsored his involvement in several extrajudicial killings and criminal activity.

He alleged that several top officials in the PNCled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government played an integral role in the execution of many of the killings in the early days of the PPP/C Administration.

Under pressure from society and Government officials, Hinds eventually turned himself in to the Police but while being interrogated, declined to divulge any information. The suddenly tight-lipped individual claimed that he was advised by his lawyer Nigel Hughes (AFC Chairman) to withhold information. He was subsequently released without being charged.

Kaieteur tours suspended …search intensifies for missing woman

The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force have taken control of the search-andrescue operations underway for Laleta Sivanand who disappeared during a tour on Tuesday at the Kaieteur National Park.

The search reportedly commenced early Wednesday morning, but up to late that evening, the woman had not been found. According to an official at the Ministry of the Presidency, the search will continue until the woman is found.

From all reports received, the woman was reportedly seen crying on her journey to the Park on Tuesday. She later confided to the other passengers that she was depressed as a result of a break-up and

was scheduled to leave for Miami before the end of the week.

The woman, this publication understands, has travelled to the Kaieteur National Park eight times to conduct several research studies.

Sivanand was discovered missing after the tour guide realised that he had an extra chit after distributing same as they prepared to return to Ogle International Airport. A search was immediately launched, but had to be called off owing to the terrain. The relevant authorities, including the Police and Army, were informed as well as the Civil Defence Commission.

From reports gathered, the woman was last seen lagging behind the group as they

trekked the trail of the National Park. When prompted to catch up with the group, she reportedly told them that she knew that area and could find her way.

Attempts to make contact with officials of Air Services Limited, the tour operator, proved futile.

In 2009, 23-year-old Aliya Bulkan jumped off the Kaieteur Falls after she reportedly encountered difficulties in her life. The United Statesbased university graduate had gone to the Falls with a group of friends who confirmed seeing her jump.

After days of searching, her broken body was found along the rough terrain of the Potaro River.

Rebuilding of Umana Yana pegged at

The rebuilding of the historic Umana Yana is pegged at Gy$62 million under the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration, an increase of some Gy$12 million from what the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had estimated.

The monetary allocation for this undertaking was budgeted under the Public Infrastructure Ministry in the National Budget 2015.

According to Minister with responsibility for Culture, Nicolette Henry, the project is a collaborative one involving the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Department of Culture.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said the design for the benab has already been approved by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry and officials were currently in the process of acquiring the necessary material to commence the construction.

He explained that the acquisition of material

will take some time, but assured that the Umana Yana will be completed and reopened in time for Amerindian Heritage Month 2016.

The Umana Yana, which was a 55-foot cone-shaped benab, was traditionally used to host various cultural activities in observation of the Heritage Month.

However, this year, all the activities which were conventionally held at the Umana Yana are now being held at the Amerindian Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

During Amerindian Heritage Month 2014, on September 9, the iconic monument burned to ashes within a mere 15 minutes in a raging fire, which is believed to have

been electrical in origin. It is believed that an electrical spark ignited the thatched roof of the benab, causing the flames to rapidly consume the building. The situation was compounded by the high winds in the area, causing the structure to be completely destroyed before anything could have been salvaged by the firefighters.

The structure was made from thatched alli banna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines. The Umana Yana was constructed by a team of 60 Wai Wai Amerindians and was known to be the largest structure of its kind in Guyana.

US offers support to Guyana’s energy sector

Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Energy Diplomacy of the US State Department Bureau of Energy Resources’ (ENR), Robin Dunnigan, met with Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson to discuss possible areas of collaboration for the development of the energy sector in Guyana.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, September 02 at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Boardroom on Brickdam, included Minister Patterson, Advisor on Sustainable Development at the Department, Clayton Hall, Senior Energy Advisor at the US State Department, Daniel Birns, James Bjorkman, Political and Economic Counselor at the US Embassy, Frisco

McDonald, Economic and Political Counselor, US Embassy and Theresa Game, Technical Officer at the NRE.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms. Dunnigan said that the United States is interested in pushing sustainable energy programmes and initiatives especially in the Caribbean. She pointed out Guyana’s potential to push green energy initiatives which can benefit the country and the Caribbean at large.

The Ministry noted that she invited the Minister and his team for a visit in the United States where they will be introduced to the various sustainable energy enterprises which are present there.

“We want to put together a range of experts for you from the oil and gas side to electricity grid operators…you can increase access in parts

of the country which do not have and you can create a wider grid. You are going to have a huge agenda, so please think of us as a resource. I’d like to think that we have a lot of common interest and we can create a sustainable path to energy conservation,” the release quoted Dunnigan as saying.

Minister Trotman, in expressing thanks to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for reaching out to the Government of

Guyana, said that it was in the country’s national interest for alternative energy initiatives to be pursued.

“We thank your government for looking at our needs… It is in our national interest to delink and to spread out to the other alternatives. We have squandered the opportunities in the past but we need to pursue other avenues,” Minister Trotman expressed.

Minister David Patterson also expressed

December 7 likely date for Local Govt polls – Bulkan

Contending that the “minor” legislative amendments are not impinging on the operations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said December 7 is likely to be the date for the country’s long overdue Local Government Elections (LGE).

“I am told by GECOM that despite everything, the December 7 date is not in jeopardy,” Bulkan recently told this publication.

He noted that the early December period would be ideal for the staging of LGE as it will not interfere with Christmas celebrations.

GECOM on Friday explained that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration was blocking its attempts to fully prepare for the Elections by not taking adequate steps to remove the legislative blockade in the way of the hosting of the Elections under a new and improved system.

On the other hand, Minister Bulkan told this publication that these amendments should not severely affect GECOM.

“Those minor legislative amendments are not expected to impinge or impact the timetable that GECOM currently possess in relation to the holding of these elections… The minor leg-

islative amendment is not the issue holding up elections,” he insisted.

Instead, Bulkan sought to blame the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for the holdup.

“I’ve learnt that the Opposition raised a number of concerns in relation to several activities… There are a number of reservations being advanced by the Opposition… the Opposition seems to be playing a cat and mouse game to prove a point that we are misleading the public and that the date we desire is unrealistic,” the Minister speculated.

Minister Bulkan is holding out that the Government is currently at a standstill until GECOM further advises.

Government already budgeted Gy$2 billion for the hosting of the LGE.

But GECOM is

holding out that the Government knows what it has to do to enable GECOM to officially commence active steps to carry out its mandate as regards Local Government Elections.

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield maintained that GECOM cannot proceed to prepare a Preliminary Lists of Voters for the conduct of Claims and Objections for the purpose of finalising the respective Registers of Voters that will be necessary to conduct LGEs in the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the six municipalities in Guyana.

GECOM also stated that existing legislation relative to the preparation of the Preliminary List of Voters requires that the Lists be prepared from the Official List of Electors that was used for the 1992

General and Regional Elections, explaining this legislation must be amended to clear the way for the Lists to be extracted from the up-todate National Register of Registrants.

The Commission said too that the proposed (draft) amendment, among others, has already been prepared in one document which was discussed and fine-tuned between GECOM’s Legal Officer and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel of the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Why LGE was not held since 1994

While in Opposition, APNU and AFC lambasted the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration for not holding LGE, claiming that they will host the LGE immediately after occupying office, casting blame upon the then Government for robbing citizens of their democratic right to elect the leaders for their Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and town councils.

But then Attorney General Anil Nandlall had contended that this is not so and explained how the main Opposition actively participated in the postponement of those elections. He had chronicled a series of events in his attempt to explain how such an imperative event has been put off time and time again.

Upstream Gas and Oil Policy which was crafted some two years ago. To this end, he said that the Government has invited the Commonwealth, which had helped in crafting the Policy to return to the country for it to be upgraded.

similar sentiments as he noted that the Government of Guyana is committed to seeing Hydropower stations and alternative energy initiatives set up in the country so that citizens can benefit. He said that Guyana possesses the natural resources and therefore it should be fully utilised.

In the meantime, Minister Trotman disclosed that the government has taken the decision to upgrade the

According to the release, this team is scheduled to return to Guyana in November in this year for the new policy to be drafted and if legislative measures are needed, then these will be crafted. It envisions a strong, vibrant, and sustainable Private Sector-driven oil and gas industry, which will contribute significantly to Guyana’s socioeconomic development.

The policy document represents Guyana’s first attempt at setting out specific policy objectives and implementation measures for the exploration and potential development of upstream oil and gas resources.

Indigenous village ready for...

from page 18

Minister GarridoLowe said her Ministry aims to make the indigenous village an all-year venue. She pointed to it becoming a weekend getaway for people in the city who want to experience Indigenous life.

“We will have indigenous experiences every weekend. Sometimes it might be making cassava bread, making of hammocks, indigenous crafts or the cooking of delectable indigenous meals.”

She pointed out that in the near future, the aim is to dig out the canal that runs through the village, so that persons can experience canoeing in the city.

“The Indigenous culture should be experienced by all Guyana, it is not just meant for the Indigenous population. Having this Heritage Village in the capital promotes the indigenous way of life; the tranquility that resonates in indigenous communities can now be experienced in Georgetown. This village will promote nature and the environment in a very sustainably way,”

Minister Garrido-Lowe said.

Heritage Month activities commenced on Sunday with an InterFaith Service and will be followed by the official launch on Tuesday, which begins a six-day cultural extravaganza with performances from notable indigenous groups.

There will also be an art exhibition at Castellani House from September 7; a Stephen Campbell Symposium on September 10, a fashion show and beauty pageant slated for the National Cultural Centre, a charity dinner at the village and weekend of sports.

Amerindian Heritage Month was traditionally launched at the Umana Yana benab, built in 1972 by the Wai Wai people of Konashen (Gunns) in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). However, the building was completely destroyed by fire September 2014, forcing the launching ceremony to be held at an alternative venue; the Sophia Exhibition Site.

Professor Lutchman to lead inquiry into Public Service

… was the APNU/AFC Representative of List of Candidates

While a date is yet to be set for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the public service, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government has announced that Professor Harold Lutchman has been appointed to lead the probe on the salaries, conditions of service, training and other matters related to public servants.

According to a notice published in a local newspaper on Sunday by Secretary of the Commission, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, joining Professor Lutchman on the panel are Human

Resources Management and Organisational Development specialist Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran. Lutchman was more recently the representative of the APNU/AFC elections list and was supposed to referee the Cummingsburg Accord between the two parties. However, he was replaced by a committee that has not published any findings to date on the stripping of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo of the duties outlined in the Accord.

Public hearings will be conducted at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry, Waterloo

professor Harold lutchman

Street, Georgetown. However, the public will be notified when the hearing will commence at a later date.

President David Granger in an address to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), announced his intentions to establish an inquiry into the conditions of service, wages, training, salaries and other issues of public servants.

Aspiring caterer pleads guilty to cell phone theft

Ambitious is the word that comes to mind after hearing the story of Nicholas Kissoon, Carnegie student by day and freelance sex worker by night. He was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday to face a simple larceny charge after allegedly stealing a cell phone from one of his clients.

Kissoon, barely 17 years old from 124 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, admitted in Court Two that he was guilty of stealing a HTC cellular phone of Ashton Adams, valued at Gy$100,000 on June 3, 2015 while he was leaving the Virtual Complainant’s car on Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

He said that he had taken the cell after Adams refused to pay him for his services as the VC had hired him for a Chinese friend of his. Kissoon admitted that he thought that he could have gotten along relatively well with the Chinese man, thinking of him as a possible partner. However, he stated that Adams refused to pay for his service and thus he was obliged to take his phone as payment.

The phone thief said that he did commit the illegal act but it was not on June 3, 2015 as alleged by the Police and the VC, but June 3, 2014. He complained of being set up by officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), naming Officer Bacchus as one Police Officer who stated “I go-

ing down this time.”

Guyana Times International understands that the Police Officers do indeed know the accused as he has been reported several times to a number of Police Stations around Georgetown for several cases of theft. However, Kissoon maintained that since he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in 2011, he has tried hard to not appear in court again. He said that he had asked the Magistrate to send him to Carnegie as his punishment that time as he was quite interested in becoming a caterer.

The court heard that he was unemployed at the moment but is a serious student at Carnegie. However, Kissoon did admit that he is in need of cash sometimes and is thus forced to resort to his old job of being a sex worker “now and again.”

The young man was quite unequivocal as he appealed to the Magistrate to believe him.

He told this publication that he would be forever grateful to Magistrate McLennan for giving him a chance

Husband remanded for Berbice farmer’s murder –

gunpowder residue found on fingers

The husband of the murdered Number 45 Village cash crop farmer was on Friday placed before Magistrate AnnMcLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with her murder.

Deoram Sookchand, 59, of Lot 19, Number 45 Village, Corentyne, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on August 20 at Number 45 Village, he murdered Pamela Kendal called Pam.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones revealed that the investigation was still ongoing and the outstanding statements were with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The defendant was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court for September 14.

The 57-year-old Kendall was shot to her head at point blank range and subsequently rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where she suc-

cumbed while receiving medical treatment.

Following the shooting incident, Sookchand said he and his wife had just returned home and he headed straight for the bathroom. He said as his wife was about to close the door, a lone gunman entered the house and demanded cash and jewellery. Sookchand also claimed that during the incident, he was in the bathroom and the pipes were running. The woman started to scream and immediately ran out of the house as a gunshot went off.

Reports are that Kendall ran to her broth-

er’s house situated about 100 metres away and collapsed on the step. She was picked up by her nephews who then realised that she was bleeding. She was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. The incident occurred about 18:30h. At the time of the incident, there was a blackout in the community.

During investigations, Police had noted that the defendant had given conflicting statements and consequent to that forensic testing revealed that there were traces of gunpowder on his hands. He was arrested and charged for the murder although the motive remains unclear.

Concerns mount over new Speaker’s style

Twhen he appeared before her in 2011.

However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones indicated that the accused was telling a tale. He stated that the VC was relieved of his cellular two months ago when the accused hired him to go to Herstelling. However, he said that Kissoon changed his destination midway and asked the taxi driver to take him to his home on Laing Avenue instead. Upon reaching there, the prosecutor said the sex worker opened the car door and snatched the VC’s cell phone, running through an alleyway where he escaped.

The VC reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested and taken to the police station.

Even so, Magistrate McLennan stated that she was unable to record a guilty plea as the accused said that the incident happened more than a year ago. She thus recorded a not guilty plea and granted bail for the accused. He is expected back in court on September 4.

he criticisms levelled against recently-appointed Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, about his alleged partisan rule over the House do not speak well for the new A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, according to the Opposition.

The first-time Speaker, who was appointed by the new David Granger-led Administration, has been accused by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of being biased in presiding over the 11th Parliament so far.

He has been accused of going against constitutional conventions and parliamentary norms in favour of the Government and even siding with the Administration to “muzzle” the PPP/C.

The PPP/C had made several complaints during the week-long Budget debate and the subsequent three-day examination of the estimates. It claimed that members’ respective time for presentation during the debate was often indiscriminately cut short, while Government Members of Parliament (MPs)

were allowed full time and even received uninterrupted extensions to their allotted time.

What was more chaotic was the move by the Government’s side to downplay former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, by seeking to have him speak before Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and not before the concluding Finance Minister, a move that is said to be uncharacteristic to parliamentary practices over the last two decades.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had accused Government’s Chief Whip, Amna Ally, of going against the norms when she made the suggestion in the National Assembly. The decision, the Opposition said, was not repealed by the Speaker, who had the right to pronounce on the matter.

Teixeira had argued too that the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, was even asked to carry out his research which would confirm the parliamentary practice and norm is the Opposition Leader is the penultimate speaker during the Budget debate.

“Parliamentary conventions and norms are that the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and the Minister close the debate and that is proven in the parliamentary records… what she [Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally]’s saying is nonsense,” Teixeira said.

“They frighten Jagdeo, you know; the main problem is they terrified of this man – ‘cause when he get up and talk economics and finance, some people will get diarrhoea in this place,” she told reporters in a subsequent interaction.

The PPP issued a release claiming that the Government was trying to muzzle Jagdeo and Opposition Members of Parliament from fully participating in the 2015 National Budget debate.

PPP/C ups pressure on APNU/AFC to come clean on inauguration spending

Since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) feels it was prohibited from asking further questions on the monies spent for President David Granger’s inauguration ceremony, the Party has decided to submit a series of questions to the Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, which will come up for answer by Finance Minister Winston Jordan on his return from the parliamentary recess on October 10.

Citing a need for transparency and accountability, the PPP/C is asking that the Government provide a detailed list of all costs incurred and donations received in relation to, and in preparation for, all of the presidential inauguration events: the ceremonies at the Providence National Stadium and the Independence Arch and the cocktail reception at the Pegasus Hotel. The PPP/C is also asking for the cost for the clean-up campaigns that preceded those events.

The Opposition is requesting that the Government indicate

the source of funding for these activities as well as provide a detailed list of all contributors and donors to these events and the nature and value of the contribution made (contributions received in kind and work done without charge).

Also, in relation to the donations, the Opposition is demanding that the Government submit reports detailing the process undertaken to ensure accountability for all donations,

including a list of persons authorised to receive the donations and their designation in Government. In addition, the Party is asking that the Government provide copies of all official Government receipts issued for the said donations.

Furthermore, this publication understands that the PPP/C wants the Government to indicate when an audited statement of the expenditure incurred and do-

nations received will be available and tabled in the National Assembly. Stonewalled on the cost

Since the extravagant event which saw the National Stadium filled with exuberant partisan triumphant party supporters, the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has stonewalled on the cost encountered, dismissing reporters whenever they made any inquiries into

the matter.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had told media operatives that most of the expenses were covered by “donations” and that the State made little contributions.

However, during the final day of the consideration of the Budget Estimates late Wednesday evening, Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, disclosed that some Gy$72 million was spent on the President’s inauguration and “T-20 cricket games” (which is assumed to be the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games).

PPP/C Member of Parliament Charles Ramson Jr, asked the Minister about a particular allocation under “subsidies and contributions to local organisations” under “Cultural Preservation and Conservation” within the Education Ministry and she disclosed that the Gy$72.2 million was spent on the inauguration and the T20.

But, after a media report surfaced detailing that the Minister just admitted that Government spent millions of dollars

for the inauguration, she then denied ever making the disclosure.

“This is inaccurate. I never said that… I would like for the purpose of the record to state very clearly that under national events, one million Guyana dollars was used for the purpose of maintenance at the Stadium, which coincided with the time we had the inauguration,” she said in an attempt to cover up her initial statements.

Preference

Meanwhile, the PPP/C, in its list of questions to the Finance Minister, is asking that a detailed explanation be provided regarding measures/arrangements to ensure that the contributors to the inauguration events do not receive any preference or advantage in future interactions with the Government and all Public Sector agencies, including procurement opportunities, business opportunities, among others.

During the campaign trail, the APNU+AFC coalition persuaded persons to vote for them by claiming that it would ensure accountability, transparency and good governance prevailed.

Govt to fork out Gy$50M to handpicked Ram, Goolsarran

Strident critics of the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Chartered Accountant

Christopher Ram and former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, both of whom were “sole-sourced” by the Government for the purpose of the forensic audits, will cost the State in excess of Gy$50 million, approximately twothirds of the net figure allotted to be spent on the probes into State agencies.

This disclosure, which was made during the final hours of the consideration of the Budget Estimates, took the House by total surprise, because, not only was it discovered that these two individuals would be cashing in on hefty chunks of taxpayers’ monies, but the Government finally admitted that the auditors were hired without going to public tender as was required by the law.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking to reporters short-

ly after Budget 2015 was passed, noted that this was another act of deception by the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.

“There was no public tender in sourcing them…no public tender whatsoever. These are some of the worse acts of corruption by this Administration. These were the people who lectured about probity and accountability and being transparent,” Jagdeo stated, exposing the coalition’s duplicity once

Crime Chief urges businesses to secure property

– as Police intensify investigative skills

Wagain.

Jagdeo had already revealed that the haphazard manner in which the Government decided to embark upon these audits was in complete violation of the law, but noted that the only reason the PPP/C did not take the matter to the courts was because the Party did not want to give the impression that it was scared of being scrutinised.

“We don’t want people to think we have something to hide and that we are afraid of these audits and that is one of the

reasons why we haven’t moved to the courts to stop this audit, because we don’t want people to think we are opposed to the audit,” he stated.

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had also previously noted that the entire undertaking of the forensic audits was completely unconstitutional.

He too noted that the recruitment process of the auditors was an infringement of the Public Procurement Act.

“It is beyond dispute that those auditors were handpicked by the Minister of Finance without any public procurement process embarked upon…This mandatory statutory process was wholly ignored by the Minister of Finance and millions of dollars of services have been contracted to audit, ultra vires and in breach of the laws of Guyana and persons were simply handpicked by the Minister of Finance and given jobs. There was absolutely no public tendering. This is what is called “sole

sourcing”, a concept that was vehemently criticised by the very persons who now practise it,” Nandlall exclaimed.

Compounding unlawfulness

Both Nandlall and Jagdeo recognised and

highlighted that the manner in which the forensic audits were being executed completely undermined the Office of the Auditor General.

Compounding the unlawfulness, the politicians pointed out that Goolsarran and Ram were hiring other auditors to assist in the process when they did not have the authority to do so.

Conflict of interest

The argument was also made that both Goolsarran and Ram represent a clear conflict of interest.

An accredited accountant had already urged

the David Granger-led Administration to engage one or more international accounting firms to conduct the forensic audits it is undertaking at several State agencies, arguing that some of the local firms identified present a clear case of conflict of interest and could destroy the credibility of the work they are being contracted to do.

Region 2’s oldest man advises to eat well and pray to live a long life

By IndrawattIe natram

Many persons who came in contact with the elder Mohamed Ramjohn Khan usually describe him as a very blessed and phenomenal individual who never hesitates to give you a positive word of advice.

Khan of Aurora Village in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has turned 104 years on August 16, 2015 and has credited his long life to prayers (reading of the Holy Quran) and eating healthy.

Even at the age of 104, Khan still finds time to read verses from the Quran as he believes that the life that is given to us must be used to serve the Almighty himself.

“Prayers are the key to a successful and long life…you want to live long, then chant and read the scriptures with a sincere heart,” Khan explained.

According to the Crime Chief, the Police have recently arrested and charged several persons for a previous robbery at the same fast food outlet, adding that these persons are still in prison. He stated

ith the country’s crime situation on the rise, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Wendell Blanhum is urging businesses to take the necessary precautions to ensure that their premises are secured. At the time, Blanhum was speaking about the recent spate of robberies at the Popeye’s Restaurant on Vlissengen Road, which was the target again last Wednesday. The Crime Chief has expressed his disgust with businesses that are not cognisant of the safety of not only their employees but their customers as well. He is therefore calling on businesses to put appropri ate security measures in place. “It’s not only about having CCTV (Close Circuit Television) cameras. You cannot be a victim of robbery over and over, and nothing is being done about it. You have to ensure that you put certain mechanisms in place and you need to ensure that your employees and mostly customers are protected,” he stated.

Khan is presently being taken care of by his children and grandchildren, who reside in Guyana and Canada. He served as an Imam for 43 years and is known for reaching out to the vulnerable, needy and youths.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times

International, the elder reminisced on his earlier days informing this newspaper that his parents were Faqueerbuksh Mohamed Khan and Bibi Woulfath.

He said he has a trace of the Indian ancestry in his history and outlined that his father came from India as a “Coolie” in 1898 and worked extensively in the rice fields.

Khan, during his childhood, attended the Aurora Church of Scotland for four years of his life. He attended the Kitty and Christ Church Schools for a few months. At the tender age of 12,

Khan worked on plantation in Sophia with some older men to assist in taking care of his younger siblings.

At 24 years old, he got married to his second wife Mabel Khan, also known as Betty, where a beautiful marriage life unfolded. That marriage produced 12 children, to add to the two from the previous one. He said during his time with his wife he had many experiences, which he still remembers and smiles silently to himself. He described his wife as a true supporter and a blessing directly from the Almighty, not-

ing that she guided him accordingly and groomed him into the man he is today.

Khan is very versed in speaking fluent Urdu, Hindi and English and reading the Arabic language. “We need to always thank God for life; no matter what is your condition you still have another day to thank him for the air you breathe and ask him for forgiveness,” Khan related.

Mohamed Ramjohn Khan is also a recipient of an award from the Legislators of the Provincial Parliament of Ontario, Canada, where he currently resides. That award was given to him when he had attained the age of 100 and was recorded as being a Canadian citizen who attained the age of 100. He was recognised by Canadian Member of Parlaiment Roxanne James and Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. The elder is advising young people not to turn to suicide but rather to be thankful for life. He said everyday is a new opportunity to do something and to become someone better than you were yesterday. He said all it takes is believe in one’s self and the will power to serve God sincerely.

CTO’s SG to help boost Guyana’s tourism industry

Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Secretary General Hugh Riley has agreed to render assistance to Guyana’s tourism sector, to help it reach new heights. This is according to Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes. Hughes made the announcement at a reception on Thursday evening at Cara Lodge, Georgetown.

The Minister stated that the Caribbean was the most tourism dependent region in the world and attracted some 2526 million visitors a year. In 2014, a total of US$28 billion was spent in the Region.

Riley has been at the helm of this effective and proactive regional Organisation for the past six years. Minister Hughes admits that she was confident that Riley could help boost Guyana’s tourism industry.

Hughes stated the Secretary General has arrived at a timely and historic moment, as the new Administration has just been installed, a new Tourism Ministry has been established and the budget debates have finally been concluded.

Guyana has been a member of the CTO since 1992 and has benefited from a number of initiatives and efforts over the years.

Minister Hughes noted that the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Ministry have received an increase of 25 per cent in the budget allocation, and since Guyana was a member country of the CTO, the Ministry would like to discuss the

country’s plan as it related to the growing sector.

She added that she would like the focus of development to be on Guyana’s niche markets and vision for the future of tourism. One of the Ministry’s priorities is the development of community-based tourism.

The Tourism Minister expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration between Guyana and the CTO, and the fruitful discussions in areas that were mutually beneficial to Guyana and tourism in general.

Hughes explained that the Ministry has begun the process of looking at all the regions with the regional stakeholders to establish an inventory of Guyana’s tourism product. They are beginning to get the regions themselves to identify those prospects.

To begin work with the CTO, the Ministry in the coming week will commence its Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) work-

shop.

Secretary General Riley told reporters that the CTO understood that Guyana’s Tourism Ministry already has a very sure path to focus on as to what Guyana’s tourism product should be. Riley stated that the CTO possessed the services, skills and tools to help to deliver on what Guyana’s national priorities were as far as tourism was concerned, and making sure that local communities benefit was a key part of the sustainability aspect of tourism.

The Secretary General related that the CTO was very happy that Guyana has taken the lead in that particular area and assured that the Organisation can surely assist in helping local communities to understand the value that tourism brought to their life and in helping all stakeholders to understand and further develop these communities.

Region 6 unable to store all paddy produced

The Rice Producers Association (RPA) has expressed concerns that there is likely to be storage problem for paddy being produced in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) during this crop. Those concerns were recently brought to the fore during a meeting with rice farmers, the Water Users Association and the RPA and Region Six Chairman David Armogan.

Following the meeting, the Chairman told this publication that the RPA is concerned that other rice producing regions may not be able to store paddy for the Region Six rice farmers.

More than 62,000

acres of land is under rice cultivation for the current crop in Region Six. The region does not have the storage capacity to take off what would be the largest crop of paddy produced by the region in a single crop.

Armogan said help must come from another region or Government. However other regions are currently hard pressed to store their own paddy.

“You know the shipment of rice to Venezuela has not stopped, but there is a problem with wharfs in Venezuela. So at the moment nothing is going to Venezuela because of the congestion of the wharfs in Venezuela, so a lot of storage ca-

pacity in Georgetown too has been taken up. So we are hoping that Venezuela opens up back its wharfs.”

There has been no word coming out of Venezuela as to when it is likely to resume taking rice from Guyana. It is presumed that once Venezuela re-opens its wharfs, a lot of rice will be shipped from Guyana to that country.

Guyana has a contractual agreement to supply rice to Venezuela until November. Guyana is waiting on the Venezuelans to reopen its wharfs so that Guyana can supply rice which, has already been ordered but is currently being stored in Guyana.

Slothful Govt response affecting Corentyne rice farmers

More than 1500 acres of rice is under threat from lack of water in the 52-74 area in the Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The farmers are calling on Government to act swiftly and have a pump installed so that they can have access to some much needed water for their rice fields.

More than two dozen farmers met with regional officials and members of the Waters Users Association on Thursday afternoon at the Tagore Memorial Secondary School with the hope of addressing the issue.

“They spending time on sending home people and investigating this and that and not paying any attention to we the farmers,” one of the farmers told the meeting which was chaired by Regional Chairman David Armogan and included Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop, Chairman of the Waters Users Association Arjune Poonai, Regional Engineer Rupesh Persaud and Chairman of the 52-72 Interim Management Committee

(IMC) Rishieram Motie.

According to one farmer, the water in his field dried up on Thursday and the next two days are critical for his rice crop. Other farmers are facing a similar dilemma. About 14,000 acres of rice are being cultivated in the 52-74 area.

Guyana Times International understands that the pump which supplies those farmers has been out

of operation for three months.

The Region Six administration has written to the Agriculture Ministry seeking its intervention for funding to repair the pump.

Regional Chairman David Armogan says it is unfortunate that all he has received to date from the Ministry is a letter of acknowledgement. “It has a lot to do with slowness and I am not satisfied that we are getting

the kind of quick response that we want with this new Administration. We used to get quicker response with the previous Administration. I don’t know if it is because we have new Ministers in the Ministries; a lot of them don’t seem to have their footing on the ground as yet and by the time they get their footing, farmers could be suffering,” the Chairman told Guyana Times International.

Crime Chief urges businesses to...

that the fast food outlet has been a frequent target for robberies and it’s frustrating for Police to see that no steps are being taken to protect the premises.

Blanhum declared “At times it can be very frustrating to the Police, in that we have to expend our resources to deal with something that has been ongoing and no sort of consciousness as it relates security on behalf of the businesses is displayed. They are not looking into their interests. They need to ensure that they implement certain security mechanisms… to prevent such incidents from occurring.”

On the other hand, the Crime Chief recognised that the Guyana Police Force has been doing better in its investigations department, which is resulting in more perpetrators being brought to justice. He noted that many factors have attributed to this success.

Blanhum specifically mentioned that the Force has intensified its intelligence capability and is working with members of the public who are assisting with providing information to investigators. Also, he

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posited that investigating ranks are participating in overseas training programmes and would implement the knowledge they would have gained in the investigations. He added too, that investigators are consistently being trained locally, which contributes to the successes in the high profile cases.

Public trust

Moreover, the Head of the CID underscored that public trust played an integral part in this search, noting that the Police depend on information from the public during their investigations and this has been forthcoming. This, he said, is reflective of all the social work the Force has embarked on to regain the public’s confidence.

“We will continue to work with members of the public and that is why we have so much of the social crime prevention programmes, we have community outreaches involving the Police and members of the public, and the whole objective is to build trust, so as long as the public has some amount of trust in the Police, they will come forward with the information that is needed,” he posited.

President, Opposition Leader discuss border, other issues

President David Granger on Monday met with former President and newly elected Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss several issues affecting the country’s overall development at present.

The meeting, which appeared to be informal, took place at the President’s Office within the Ministry of the Presidency at Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown. In a statement issued to the media, the Government said that President Granger saw the meeting as an opportunity to build and strengthen the concept of inclusive governance. He said that his administration is ready to work with the opposition in areas that will benefit the Guyanese people.

President Granger also explained that he received full support from Opposition Leader Jagdeo on the issue of defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty when the matters were discussed briefly in connection with the spurious claims being made by Venezuela.

Also discussed at the meeting, as a matter of national interest, was the establishment of the five bi-partisan committees. These bodies are the Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee, Border Committee, National Unity Committee and a Security

Committee.

President Granger is quoted as saying that “Once Mr. Jagdeo was elected Leader of the Opposition, I wrote him inviting him to talks, because as Leader of Opposition he has certain Constitutional obligations,” President Granger said.

The Head of State added that, there is important work that has to be completed on the packed roster of the Eleventh Parliament, which includes the 2016 Budget and support for the agriculture sector, particularly the rice and sugar industries.

Given the magnitude of these and other matters, the President said, he is pleased

that the meeting happened, as it is important to start the process of addressing matters of national interest.

When contacted on Monday evening, Opposition Leader Jagdeo said that the Peoples Progressive Party Civic remains open to having constructive and meaningful dialogue with the Government.

He said that while he did not receive a letter and agenda in relation to, and ahead of the meeting when he was contacted by State Minister Joseph Harmon via a text message, he agreed to meet with President Granger.

The former President was under the impression that he

was paying a courtesy call on the President following his appointment as Opposition Leader.

Mr Jagdeo said upon arriving at the President’s Office for the meeting, a proposed agenda was presented to him by President Granger. He immediately committed the PPP/C to participating in the proposed Border Committee as he saw this as an important undertaking.

“I made a commitment that PPP will support any effort by the Govt to preserve Guyana’s territorial integrity”, he remarked.

Asked whether he committed or confirmed the PPP’s participation in any of the

other proposed Committees, the former President said that he gave an undertaking to discuss the other matters with his party.

“I expressed reservations about participating in the other committees given what is currently taking place in the public environment. The Government is still in campaign mode and was making all sorts of claims and allegations against us”, Jagdeo said.

He said that there were audits taking place and the Government, which still acting as a political party, was seeking to fulfil their campaign promises.

Jagdeo expressed the view that the Government needed more time to wrap up those activities before meaningfully engaging in constructive dialogue.

“The mood and environment is not right”, Jagdeo said strongly as he said that the PPP will review the agenda proposed by the Government with a view of engaging it in future discussions.

Jagdeo maintained that his party remains committed to labour for a better and more united Guyana and is unwilling to engage in photo opts and meetings for saving face without addressing a gamut of issues that could jeopardize the future of the country and all of the gains made over the last two decades.

Lokono

Arawak

artist and archaeologist

George Simon is known as an individual who has never strayed from his indigenous heritage

Locally and internationally, via his art, George Simon persistently displays the richness of his culture.

Presently, Simon is preparing to exhibit some of his recent paintings in Guyana. The title of the exhibition would be “Homage to John Peter Bennett, Lokono Priest and Linguist”.

It will be a group show in celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month, and would also include works by Winslow Craig, Ozzie Hussein, George Tancredo and others. An added component of the show would be a craft exhibition and demonstration.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Simon disclosed that he would have about 20 pieces on show, which would include canvases in oils and acrylic, and works on paper.

“It is a collection of works I have been engaged in over the last two years, in Mexico and in Paraguay. I have been preoccupied by Guyana; its magnificent landscape and mythology of indigenous peoples,” he pointed out.

Simon especially likes the painting of “Marawanaru”. It is in fact a portrait of Simon’s Wai Wai father. The painting shows his father

seated on a huge boulder on the summit of a mountain, overlooking the Amazon forest and playing a flute.

“I wanted to immortalize him, so to speak. Also, it’s my second attempt in oil painting in about 30 years! The first is a landscape I did in Mexico. I have been working in acrylic generally so it was a deliberate decision I took to experiment in a different painting medium. So in many ways it is a significant piece of work. Art transports me into another world. Working in solitude and quietude affords me the opportunity to listen to the inner voice,” the artist declared. Throughout his career,

Simon’s paintings and murals have been the sites of an intense personal dialogue with the diverse sacred and spiritual traditions of his native Guyana, as well as other countries in which he has lived across the years, including England, Haiti, Chad, Canada and Mexico. His dense, dynamic and vivid artworks are defined by their unique exploration of indigenous Amerindian cultural and spiritual traditions in Guyana as well as their explorations of other spiritual traditions, including Haitian voodoo, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.

His special interest in shamanism, in particular, has a tangible in-

fluence on his work. In George’s eyes, his artistic practice and his work as an archaeologist are inextricably interwoven: his archaeological investigations into Amerindian material culture in Guyana, and its relation to history and cultural memory, are always resonating within his imaginative explorations of personal and collective memory, mythologies, visions and dreams.

Simon revealed that his greatest inspiration came from Denis Williams – a Guyanese artist, art historian, archaeologist, anthropologist, biographer and author – for both his art and archaeology. He was privileged to have been invited by Williams to be his field archaeology assistant in 1985, having no knowledge about the science of anthropology or archaeology. Simon travelled the country extensively, sometimes alone and other times accompanied by Williams. Simon was taught about the pre-

history of Guyana when he was out in the fields with Williams.

Williams also introduced Simon to Guyanese and visiting international artists. As director of art, he kept an open door to local artists at the Walter Roth Museum.

“I was always invited to participate in discussions about their work. He also tasked me with making regular visits to local artists at their studios to give moral support,” Simon recalled.

Simon distinctly remembers his experience in a cave in the forested mountain setting of the Pakaraima Mountains in 1992. The late Neil Whitehead, professor of Anthropology at University of Wisconsin and Simon, had flown in

to Paramakatoi the day before to begin an archaeology survey of the Ireng River basin. On the evening of their arrival, Simon was told by local hunters of a cache of pottery under overhanging rocks in the forest, which Simon decided to investigate. Having been directed to the site by a couple of the local hunters, Neil and Simon made their way to the site.

“We climbed down to the base of the overhanging rocks, but saw only traces of the pots. We looked around but found no fragments. We concluded that the pots were removed. However, as we were about to abandon our search I saw an opening in the floor, which I decided to investigate. The

By Matt Hallett

Indigenous people in Guyana have been managing the resources of the interior for millennia. Many believe that Guyana’s interior wilderness is rich and vast because it is largely uninhabited, but anyone who has travelled deep into its forests and seen signs of old farms, old camps, and ancient balata trees with scars from the rubber tapping days, knows that these are lands that have long been used by interior communities, but not overused.

Large tracts of intact forest and savannah, pristine rivers, and tremendous biodiversity that remain in Guyana’s interior are not there in spite of its people, it is there because of them. Indigenous communities have long maintained these resources through traditional re-

source management and cultural taboos that ensured that resources were not exhausted, by keeping a constant eye towards the needs of future generations.

But as our world changes, Guyana’s interior is being confronted with new challenges. A globalized world has increased access to awareness of existing resources. New technologies allow us to harvest resources more efficiently than ever before. Decreasing resources across the globe increase the value of standing resources, thus increasing the pressure to harvest them.

People are changing too. Consumerism is rapidly growing – more people want more stuff and fewer people have the desire to commit to subsistence lifestyles. Those who retain knowledge of species from hunting, farming,

and fishing have it exploited by those who wish to commercially harvest resources for short-term gain. Traditional beliefs and management systems are losing followers as people are exposed to new information and different points of view.

But it is not all bad –new challenges also create new opportunities.

Developing indigenous scientists would provide communities with the tools that they need to maintain their resources in a changing world. Scientific research is simply a means for systematically and methodically answering questions about the world around us. Indigenous hunters, farmers and fishermen have long been valued as assets to visiting researchers seeking to study a variety of species.

Recent efforts to democratize the scientific process have recognized

the significant contribution that local scientists all over the world have had on research science. Personally, I can admit that not only would I have never been able to find a single individual of my study species, but I would have gotten lost and died without experienced local collaborators to support my research. Incorporating western science does not replace indigenous management systems; rather it is a means to help culture and practice evolve to meet the needs of today.

Collaborations between western and indigenous scientists are not seamless – it involves bringing together people who observe the world differently – they adhere to schools of thought that are developed in different ways and, at times, can reach different conclusions.

Researchers bring

years of training in a reliable and systematic method for answering questions in the scientific method, along with tools and technology to make collecting data more efficient.

Local hunters, farmers and fishermen bring years of experience and an intricate understanding of species and habitats, including the location and abundance of important resources and how they vary across time and space.

When allowed to work together, in the right environment, on an equal playing field, these collaborations can generate unique and exciting insights that neither could have achieved on its own.

One such effort, the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit, (RWRU) has been training indigenous hunters, farmers and fisherman from across the Rupununi, with the goal of generating a greater understanding of the distribution and abundance of large mammals in the region.

Large mammals are the focus of this work as they are of interest to both local and global partners.

Globally, large mammals are naturally rare, play important roles in ecosystems, are sensitive to disturbance, and are the majestic and regal or cute and cuddly animals that we all love.

Locally, large mammals may prey on livestock or pets (jaguars, puma), damage crops (deer, agouti, peccaries), and are targeted for food (peccaries, labba, tapir, deer). Years of subsistence hunting may provide indigenous scientists with insights into the behaviour of species of interest, but large mammals are still rare and elusive, which makes observing them difficult.

Camera traps (basi-

cally digital cameras in a protective case that are triggered by motion), help work around this issue as they can be left in the field for extended periods of time, constantly collecting data, and don’t have any of the noise or smell of human presence.

Bringing together the traditional and scientific in this way has allowed the RWRU to generate a wealth of data and address questions that they did not even know they had when they began this effort.

Interested parties from partner sites are given the opportunity to receive training, become a member of the team, and contribute at every level of research: from determining locally relevant research questions to setting and checking camera traps and processing data.

Support is provided for data analysis and results are shared directly back with participating communities through presentations, reports, and digital and social media.

The end result is a process that communities helped design and execute that provides support for decision making that may impact this and future generations. In this respect, incorporating western science helps accomplish the same goal as traditional management systems in the face of demands from a rapidly changing world.

Our belief is that empowering local scientists to develop and answer their own questions and generating data that can be applied to decision making about natural resources will help ensure that the amazing resources of the Rupununi are sustained for many millennia to come. For more information, visit Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit on Facebook.

Guyana Consulate in Canada says goodbye to High Commissioner Nawbatt

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO, CANADA: At a specially arranged function hosted by Guyana Consulate in Toronto to say farewell to Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Harry Narine Nawbatt, Consul General the Honourable Sattie Sawh, expressed great delight to work alongside him.

The farewell dinner was held last Friday night at Delta Hotel in Scarborough and Nawbatt who spent four consecutive years at the office which is based in Ottawa, demitted office with immediate effect.

“I want to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the guidance/friendship he provided to all of us during his tenure in Canada,” Sawh stated.

Nawbatt, who was the High Commissioner in Brazil, replaced Rajnarine Singh in 2010 and is set to return to his country of birth. He too was very appreciative of the night’s proceedings and was very satisfied with his tenure.

“Tonight, I [am] very satisfied with this special farewell by my fellow colleagues in Canada; I think I fulfilled my duties as a High Commissioner of Guyana in Canada; I thoroughly en-

joyed the job and special thanks to all who have supported me in various ways,” Nawbatt mentioned.

Nawbatt who is married, a father of three and University of Guyana graduate taught for three years at Annandale Primary School in Guyana before joining the public service.

The 68-year-old worked in the Deeds Registry, the Ministry of Finance, the Post Office Savings Bank, the Ministry of Works, the Office of the Auditor General and the defunct Guyana Airways and served as executive director of the Social Impact Amelioration Programme and project manager of the Poor Communities Support Services Project before becoming Minister of Transport & Hydraulics and later Minister of Housing & Water.

An accountant by profession, Nawbatt took up his first diplomatic assignment in Brazil, 2008.

Also in attendance at the gathering was former Consul General for Guyana Danny Doobay, who echoed similar sentiments of Sawh and spoke largely about the quality of work Nawbatt had brought to the executive position.

“I must say a hearty congratulations to Nawbatt and his family for their splendid job; Nawbatt was very instrumental in highlighting Guyana’s tourism and was very cooperative in ensuring everything in his capacity was done; we wish him more success as he returns to his homeland,” Doobay declared.

Meanwhile, the Association of Concerned Guyanese also recognised the efforts of Nawbatt presenting a gift for his services. Vice-President of the Association, Mani Singh, thanked Nawbatt for his contributions he made during his High Commissioner portfolio and he will be remembered for his camaraderie and passion he always brings when on duty.

Several other speakers, including his friend Kim Sue, took to the floor to wish him all the best in his new endeavours.

A New High Commissioner for Guyana in Canada will be assumed soon.

US should pay TT$12m extradition bill—Warner

PORT-OF-

SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Independent Liberal Party political leader Jack Warner is predicting that taxpayers will have to fork out more than TT$100 million in legal fees for his extradition matter, based on the initial TT$12 million legal bill submitted to government by State attorneys.

In an interview, Warner revealed that his private legal fees were less than TT$1 million. He expressed disgust that the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration was paying exorbitant fees at taxpayers’ expense for a matter that the United States initiated against him.

“Imagine my matter has not yet started and they already paying $12 million. Over TT$100 million will be paid by the State if we go by this calculation. It is obscene, absurd and disgusting,” Warner said.

He said there was nothing in the extradition treaty signed between TT and the US which states that the monies will be reimbursed.

“This is a last attack

on the Treasury before this government leaves office. This is an attack on taxpayers. They owe an explanation as to why so many attorneys were hired and why they are paying so much money in legal fees,” Warner said.

The 72-year-old former government minister is one of 14 people wanted by the US on allegations of bribery, money laundering, corruption and wire fraud

conspiracy arising out of an investigation done by the US Department of Justice. He is currently on TT$2.5 million bail. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between 1990 and 2011.

Warner, who is contesting the Chaguanas East seat in next Monday’s general election, is expected to reappear in court on September 21. (TT Guardian)

Every year, during the Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations, a “heritage village” is identified, where many would converge to celebrate the indigenous cultural heritage of that village. This year we celebrate Aratak, a scenic village in Region Three.

About 45 minutes upstream of the

tively self-sufficient, with poultry and fruits farms. The yards are opened and not fenced. It feels like walking through one big yard with houses.

Residents say Aratak existed hundreds of years ago and was passed down from generation to generation.

Aratak is the closest

Aratak are of Arawak descent. The village currently has about 36 residents.

The village’s Toshao, Aubrey Samuels, said that persons can look forward to many activities during the celebrations at the heritage village. He noted that this is the second time Aratak was selected as the host heritage vil -

Kumuni Creek, Aratak village is inhabited by a few houses filled with families of about two and four. These families are related to each other and are rela -

Amerindian village to the capital city. From Aratak, the adventure continues to Santa Mission which is about 15 minutes away. The community members in

the launching, for the first time in Guyana, of an international trail marathon, with more than 70 participants from every region in Guyana, the Caribbean, Canada, U.S., Brazil, and Suriname, with hopes that two participants from Kenya will join.

The toshao added that persons who have already signed up for this event range from ages 17 to 70.

lage; it had been selected in 2008.

Samuels noted that the day of celebration for the village would include the harvesting of the Tacoma worms and

A day filled with nutritious pear (avocado) eating, sightseeing and swimming in cold black water in Aratak is indeed a true escape from the often jaded concrete jungle.

The Heritage Village activities are scheduled for September 15.

Preserving and protecting indigenous culture and tradition has become a key global issue that hopes to see a self- awareness of indigenous knowledge, and change clichédsocial ideas of indigenous culture.

In every part of the world, from the poor to well-to-do individuals to world renowned organisations, consensus is loud on the need to preserve the ways of life of these now minority groups scattered around the world. Guyana is no different.

Every day there are discussions especially on preserving traditional land and water resources, andlanguage.

Yet there are instances when talk of preserving traditions fall silent; where centuries of European/Western indoctrination and imposed cultures are seemingly impossible to discard.

Religion

It remains the right of all indigenous peoples to control their cultural heritage says the UN– indeed, it is a human right for all peoples of the world. Yet few indigenous communities, if any, have seen as much interest in preserving their traditional spiritual belief systems as a practicing religion, not just in cultural history books or a novelty for tourists.

In fact, across the world, indigenous religions remain threatened.

According to the article, ‘Indigenous Religions Face Persecution in Asia and Around the World’,a declaration from the World Council of Churches’ Asia-Pacific Indigenous Peoples’ Hearing on Poverty, Wealth, and Ecology explains the historic degradation of Indigenous religions in Asia, saying that “the introduction of

Christianity as a dominant religion impacted indigenous faith systems, values, traditions, and cultures…”

With the advent of exploration, discovery and fictional and non-fictional accounts of indigenous religious life, common ideas of indigenous spirituality (in our context, the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and South America) suppose these beliefs as “bloodthirsty” and “savage” thus ren-

dering any discussion on preserving spiritual beliefs as simply horrendous. They must remain in books and Hollywood’s realm only.

Why is there no apparent urgency for preserving in the full sense of the word, indigenous spiritual beliefs? Are traditional beliefs so “appalling” that they should be preserved only on paper? To no longer be practiced and only be narratives in books and fodder for movies in pop culture?

The fact that conversions to Christianity among indigenous people have not abated suggests as such, and illustrates the influence of western religion among indigenous peoples to date. Some communities have long lost all knowledge of their traditional belief systems.

In Latin America and Guyana, syncretism is a factor in several indigenous communities’ means of preserving some traditional beliefs. Is this the

There have been recent discussions on preserving indigenous language and education, but in any culture, unless these are of practical use in its users’ world, they cannot be truly active or of value in their world. Many have also been encouraged to document their language but discouraged from speaking it.

Is the learning in theory of “what our ancestors did”, to be of use in indigenous worlds? Does it have a practical value as western education is considered to have in western cultures?

In our modern society, the answer seems to be no. Traditional education is considered unrealistic since it cannot “bring” the individual out of the poverty most indigenous communities are considered to be in.

It is often asked what the purpose is today (besides historical documentation or for the cameras of tourists) for initiating

persons to reject entirely their culture and traditions.

Changing world

There is no doubt that cultures and traditions change over time. But in light of the calls for preserving indigenous traditions and cultures, it must be pointed out that it should not necessarily follow the path the so-called modern world – with its own cultural ideas of what is right – is “comfortable” with. It should not only be preserved as a memory, with the “uncomfortable” traditions watered down or filtered out by the nonindigenous.

Think of the “civilized” sensibilities of a by-gone era affected by “scantilyclad” indigenous groups that led to the “civilizing” of these groups with clothing. Today, nudity remains taboo in many western societies, and is discouraged in other cultures by these societies. Indigenous groups con-

only way traditional beliefs can be preserved and practiced? Even this is often frowned upon by western culture.

In a world where it is said that religious freedom is essential, why is any thought of preserving indigenous religionin practice not loudly advocated?

Education

In the declaration from the World Council of Churches’ Asia-Pacific Indigenous Peoples’ Hearing on Poverty, Wealth, and Ecology, it adds: “Similarly, the education system introduced by missionaries, and thereafter by states, destroyed traditional indigenous languages and excluded indigenous history in textbooks, thereby undermining indigenous knowledge as well as the role of indigenous women in transferring traditional wisdom and communitarian values.”

(traditionally “educating”) young boys and girls via traditional rites that prepares them for the modern world.

Instead, it has become the mandate of every government to provide indigenous communities with an education system geared to a western way of life, as it is considered the only way to remove the indigenous from their poverty.

When we talk of educating the indigenous, inevitably it leads to the notion of a western education system where the individual can improve his life by working in a western-geared world then go back into his povertystricken community to improve their lives with what he has learned (and earned).

This is not a consistent result however. Many accounts have been told of the “culture shock” that leads many indigenous

tinuing such traditions are considered “primitive” and “backward”.

Unlike the notions of indigenous religion in pop culture, many indigenous spiritual traditions are not centred on human sacrifice, class slave systems, incest and warfare but rather, promote harmony with the environment and other people, and hope for a happy life and eternal peace.

If it sounds familiar, it should make us realise,if we haven’t already, that indigenous people have the same common goals in their religious culture as the rest of the world has in theirs, and they should not only preserve but also practice their particular faith.

As religion and education play a significant role in culture and tradition, there can be no talk of cultural preservation without their complete inclusion.

Jamaica's Education Ministry takes action to identify Autism early

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Ministry of Education is taking steps to facilitate the diagnosis of autism at the early childhood level, and to apply the appropriate responses.

“We have, in conjunction with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), reformed and reopened the Voluntary Organization for the Upliftment of Children (VOUCH) centre at West Race Course, in Kingston, with a particular focus on the diagnosis of the disease in the early childhood cohort. A similar facility is expected to be opened in Savanna-la-Mar, by January 2016,” says Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites.

He pointed out that the centres will supplement work currently underway in Kingston; May Pen, Clarendon; Mandeville, Manchester; Montego Bay, St. James; St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann and Port Antonio, in Portland.

Rev. Thwaites was speaking at the launch

of the Maia Chung Autism and Disability Foundation Scholarship Fund, held at the Ministry of Education premises, in Kingston, on August 26.

“The Ministry of Education treats special education as a priority area. The general subject is of great significance, because our anecdotal and some statistical evidence indicate that 20 to 25 per

cent of our children fall somewhere on the spectrum of exceptionality and need special care,” he informed.

The Minister commended the work of the Foundation, adding that their help in increasing awareness of the condition is an important step in improving the national response.

“We are anxious to improve our facilities in

disorder. The scholarship, which is valued at Ja$40,000, will assist in the education, training and therapeutic needs of the recipient.

This endowment is endorsed by the Ministry and will be promoted through its network of educators.

The scholarship is open to basic, primary, secondary and tertiary students as well as persons who are enrolled in a HEART Trust/NTA programme who are diagnosed with autism and are educable and trainable and are from families that have significant financial challenges.

this regard and we support entirely the effort that you are making in offering this scholarship,” he said.

The Maia Chung Autism Scholarship Programme aims to give financial assistance to a Jamaican family that has a loved one with the

The first allocation of the sum will go to a basic school student at the end of September 2015.

Founder of the Autism and Disabilities Foundation, Maia Chung, said the initiative aims to heighten the awareness of the disorder and promote positive actions for the

growth and development of children with autism.

“We believe that joining with the Ministry of Education will allow us to get educators on board. This will not only help persons who need the intervention, but we will have the assistance of the educators themselves, who will act as a tier of identifiers and help in making up numbers to spread awareness about autism,” she explained.

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Manifestation of the disorder is difficulty with verbal and non verbal communication. Both children and adults are affected by the disorder, which typically appears during the first three years of a child’s life. (JIS)

Staying true to his...

opening was wide enough for me to slide through. I dropped to the floor of a cave and with a flashlight in hand I decided to wander around the chamber, which was big enough for me to stand upright. I followed the cave for about 25 feet, at which point it turned and continued for

inal place. Interestingly, appliquéd around the mouth of the pot was the famous Ouroboros, the symbol of the snake eating its tail. This experience inspired us to investigate “Kanaima” and Neil to write his book “Dark Shaman”,” Simon recollected.

Simon has been in-

Guyana. In September, he would be participating in the annual Amerindian Heritage Month exhibition at the National Gallery and conducting archaeological surveys in the middle Berbice River. The artist and archaeologist is the recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement, for ex-

another 10 feet or so. Here the rocks made a natural step to the cave roof. I flashed around looking for petroglyphs or drawings, traces of primitive man. I was about to leave when I spotted a small bowl high on a rock in the cave roof. I decided to retrieve it. Gingerly, I took it outside. We inspected it and discovered that the human bones that were inside were freshly broken. Obviously, someone had been interfering with the contents of the pot we concluded. I returned the pot, with its contents intact, to its orig-

volved in archaeological investigation in the Berbice region of Guyana since 1985. He has collaborated with Whitehead and Dr. Michael Heckenberger of University of Florida in 2009 to 2012 to undertake significant excavations of pre-Columbian raised fields and terra preta situated in the middle Berbice River, and co-authored: “Materializing the Past: Linking Lokono (Arawak) Ethnography, Indigenous History and Archaeology”.

The artist presently lives in Paraguay where he is a fulltime painter, but makes yearly visits to

ceptional contribution to social and community work among the Amerindian people of Guyana, and the Golden Arrow of Achievement for Exceptional Contribution to the arts and culture in Guyana. Additionally, he is a winner of the 2006 Banks Brew Masters Painting Award, the Guyana National Award for Painting 2012, and the Anthony N Sagba Caribbean Award for Excellence 2012. Simon’s advice to young artists is simple: “Keep focused and work hard.”

Family Vibes!

By Anu Dev

“To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” – Confucius

Family – it’s a word that’s casually thrown about, taken for granted and really used flippantly without knowing the exact meaning. Who hasn’t seen that video of various groups swaying with up stretched arms and belting out, “We are family”? But in reality the “family” is not given the importance it deserves and by extension, the family members are probably not getting enough importance either.

Family is what separates us from other members of the animal kingdom. Not born with instincts like lions or fishes, we have to be taught what it takes to survive. And it’s the family that’s the crucible for that effort. There’s lots of chatter about the “changing family” – but very little about exactly who will perform the functions of the “traditional family”.

How many parents nowadays take the time to connect with their children and find out how their day went? How many of you take the time to find out about all of those little things in your son’s life? And how many kids take the time to find out how was their dad’s day at work?

The values we learn from our families are the ones that mold us- the ones that shape us as individuals. Back in early high school when our teacher taught us the proverb “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the World”. I always used to think it was terribly clichéd and so I disregarded it. But I realize now that hackneyed though the adage may be, it still holds a simple truth: the institution of the family has great power and then with that great power comes great responsibility. And it is not just the mother’s hand that should ‘rock’ the cradle: fathers, we know are just as important.

I have noticed a strange phenomenon developing in our society. Parents are refusing to be parents: they want to be “friends” with their children. My parents have a rule: they are friendly with their children but they’re not our friends! I commend that rule to parents out there – it works. Children don’t take too kindly to their friends telling them what to do.

Parents also need to make sure that they are fulfilling their responsibility to their children by ensuring that they are a part of their childhood. If you’ve ever had those moments when you look at your kid and you realize you don’t really know your own child- you’re clearly doing something wrong.

If your child is expected to learn their key values from you, what do you expect them to learn if you’re not interested in teaching them anything? And remember you teach values by doing; not just talking! If you don’t, then don’t be surprised while you’re connected by the strongest bonds ever- blood- you’re further apart than if you were just co-workers.

The family, then, no matter how it’s defined needs to go back to what it was intended to be –an institution to provide care and teaching of the fundamental values. If these values are not set when young, little change can be expected later.

Of course that’s not to say that all families are ‘dysfunctional’ and that all family members are strangers. It’s just that we might be headed for that, with everyone getting more and more caught up in their own busy lifestyles and looking out only for #1.

So take the time to connect with your family members- don’t lock yourself away in your room all day while you’re on Facebook connecting with people from across the world, when you can’t connect with family in your own house. They can’t “unfriend” you!

Narco-trafficking

By Dr B. ramharack

“Woe to you, My Princess, when I come I will kiss you quite red and feed you till you are plump – you shall see who is stronger, a gentle little girl who doesn’t eat enough or a big wild man who has cocaine in his body. In my last severe depression I took coca again and a small dose lifted me to the heights in a wonderful fashion…”

When Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and father of psychoanalysis, wrote these words, he was clearly addicted to cocaine, the so-called “wonder drug”. The drug trade in Guyana, which blossomed during the PNC era, but escalated to new heights under the PPP now threatens the very fabric of our society. The Roger Khan affair is still fresh on our minds.

Narco-trafficking or the drug trade involves a) the production and manufacture of drugs, b) sophisticated money laundering techniques to hide the income earned from the illicit drug trade, and c) the use of precursor chemicals used to manufacture illicit drugs, all of which require global cooperation through an international regime on narco-trafficking to contain their proliferation. The most commonly used drugs in Guyana are marijuana and cocaine. Marijuana use is more widespread, but cocaine, given its higher market value is becoming a much more lucrative commodity for international trade.

Consider the impact of the drug trade on Guyana. The GPF, CANU, and GRA reported drug-related seizures worth millions of dollars in 2014 and in previous years. In the first 6 months of 2014, the GPF reported seizing 92.77 kilograms of cocaine and 339.95 kg of cannabis. CANU reported seizing 75.84 kg of cocaine and 10 kg of cannabis last year. The US International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, which profiles drug-related crimes around the world noted that “Guyana is a transit country for cocaine destined for the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and West Africa. Cocaine originating in Colombia is smuggled to Venezuela and onward to Guyana by sea or air. Smugglers also transit land borders with Brazil, Venezuela, and Suriname. Cocaine is often concealed in le-

gitimate commodities and smuggled via commercial maritime vessels, air transport, human couriers, or various postal methods. The influence of narcotics trafficking is evident in the country’s political and criminal justice systems. Traffickers are attracted by the country’s poorly monitored ports, remote airstrips, intricate river networks, porous land borders, and weak security sector capacity.”

Aside from the 1990 Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs Act, several laws, including The AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, the Interception of Communications Act and the Criminal Law Procedure Act, were passed to enhance the investigative capabilities of law enforcement authorities and obtain convictions of drug traffickers. To date, however, the government has sought no prosecutions under these laws.

In May 2014, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) identified Guyana as a “money laundering and terrorist financing risk” to the international financial sys-

tem after Guyana failed to amend its anti-money laundering laws, placing Guyana under targeted review by the Financial Action Task Force. The coalition Government recently took actions to correct this problem, despite its opposition under the PPP. Weak enforcement measures, as well as endemic corruption within the police force make it difficult to carefully monitor this problem, much less limit its proliferation. The massive power, sophisticated organisational network, and resources controlled by drug traders have the potential to corrupt even the most moral citizen. Guyana lacks a robust demand reduction strategy that adequately addresses drug rehabilitation. In addition, Guyanese deportees involved in drug-related crimes in the US continue to pose a security concern.

Marijuana is more widely cultivated in Guyana’s hinterland. One Guyanese, Clairmont Lye, had advocated for the legalisation of marijuana, as well as large scale production for international trade. However, while it is true that several countries (like Jamaica,, Ecuador and US) have

decriminalized small amounts of marijuana for medical use, it would be a mistake to enter the “marijuana trade” for a number of reasons: the international regime does not facilitate the drug trade, the negative effects of marijuana have been documented, marijuana is considered a gateway drug, and Guyana simply has too many societal vices to worry about rather than taking on additional problems related to the drug trade.

The US, largest consumer of illicit narcotics, has promised technical and material support to Guyana. Among other things, Guyana needs drug “sniffer dogs” at the airports, a pro-active DEA in Guyana and closer collaboration with the US and surrounding states to ensure that money laundering laws are strengthened and Guyana can access resources needed to interdict traffickers. The Granger Government needs to get ahead of the curve and address this scourge in our society.

Dr. Ramharack is an Associate Professor of Political Science (adj) at Nassau Community College. Send comments to BRamharack60@ gmail.com

This week's Crossword

A bridge…

…too far?

This Eyewitness has lots of relatives in Berbice. His mother’s people came from Number 43 Village. He always wondered if Berbicians didn’t mind being living in places not even worth a name. His mother didn’t mind. “What’s wrong with Number 43?” she’d ask with genuine puzzlement. Your Eyewitness later heard about Concentration Camp victims who also identified with the numbers tattooed on their arms.

Anyhow, all of that was to let you know, dear reader, that your Eyewitness witnessed plenty in Berbice when he was a boy. But before he could “witness” catching crabs and eating “kakabelly” and such bucolic pleasures, he had to undergo “the wait” at the Rosignol Stelling. In bible school your Eyewitness had been promised that “good things come to those who wait”. So he figured that the wait, which could sometimes stretch for half a day, was to ensure he reaped “good things” when he finally ended up at his grandmother’s farm.

So when he’d become a man and heard there’d be a bridge thrown across the Berbice River, he was ecstatic. His cousins over in Berbice were in seventh heaven: no more would they be accused of living “behind God’s back”!! There’d been this now washed-up politician who’d pushed the idea for a bridge, but your Eyewitness dismissed that as a pipe dream. Where’d the Government to get the money? Well before you knew it, the Bridge was funded. And government didn’t have to put in a penny, save the roads to the Bridge and such like!

This week's Puzzle

Up came these Guyanese businesses – practically in the entire finance sector. A few bought shares, some gave loans and others bought what were called bonds. Bondholders would receive interest every year and after a while would start being repaid for the original monies expended. Your Eyewitness was dammed proud that Guyana didn’t need to go abroad, hat in hand, to beg for financing. THIS WAS A GUYANESE BRIDGE!

But your Eyewitness and cousins knew nothing in life’s free… the investors had get back their investment, no? And sure the Tolls were high… but in 20 years, everything would be paid off and the next generation could cross for free! But who wanted to return to that living hell called a “ferry”?

But now the government was threatening the investors’ return… just because they’d made promises to get some votes.

This just confirmed your Eyewitness conviction that when something ain’t broken – DONT FIX IT! But your Eyewitness has a suggestion. If the Govt’s so bent on doing what it wants with the rolls, why don’t it buy out the shareholders?

That way the entire country could subsidise his cousins in Berbice!!

…across the aisle

The Budget Debate brought a lot of things to the fore when it came to politics. For one, that there’s no love lost between Nagamootoo and the PPP MPs. Now this was to be expected – they say that the most closely related opponents are, the more bitter is the feud. And if your Eyewitness went by the fire in Nagamootoo’s eyes when he looked over at Jagdeo – after his eyes strayed everywhere but at the fella in front of him – this feud’s more bitter than quinine!

But if, as one reporter pointed out, if Nagamootoo – who represents the Government’s business in the National Assembly – keeps on “bumbling” because he’s so petrified of Jagdeo, then we’re all doomed. Some bridges across the aisle have to be built. And Ramjattan’s the man to do this. While he stepped aside for Nagamootoo to be Granger’s #2, he’s been betrayed something fierce by the man he pushed ahead.

All he has to do is cross the floor!

…to perdition

Infrastructure Minister Patterson says he’ll be “lobbying the Government” to bring back the ferries in Berbice. And here we thought the AFC was part of the Government and they discussed such stuff at Cabinet Meetings.

Sometimes chaired by AFC’s Nagamootoo!

Local designer Natasha David, whose mother is a descendant of the Warrau tribe, ventured into designing because it helps her to stay connected with her culture and display it proudly.

Her collection, ‘Indigenous Spice’, showcases the designer’s indigenous heritage with a kaleidoscope of colours and flare for nature.

Created from several pieces of garments made of banana leaves, beads, feathers, Tibisiri, fabric and other natural materials, the collection includes dresses, bags, head bands, slippers, dolls, baskets and functional household items.

The designer noted that more needs to be done in presenting Amerindian culture, not just during Amerindian Heritage Month, but year round.

“We must be proud to display our culture, especially through clothing. This is why I will continue to design such garments because there are not many designers experimenting with the theme,” she declared.

Designer Natasha David wearing one of her designs

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Just days after he resigned as Minister of Community Development and a member of the United National Congress (UNC), Winston “Gypsy” Peters was given a rapturous welcome by supporters of the People’s National Movement (PNM) when he made a surprise appearance at the party’s public meeting at the Rio Claro Roundabout on Saturday night.

The former minister’s arrival was acknowleged from the platform by chairperson for the evening, Nafeesa

Mohammed, as he made his way through the crowd to loud applause. He was also welcomed by the party’s Mayaro candidate, Clarence Rambharat, chairman Franklin Khan and political leader Dr Keith Rowley. Dressed in a red shirt and smiling broadly, Peters shook hands with several persons in the large crowd before taking up a position near the stage.

“Welcome Gypsy! Welcome Mr Peters, welcome on board!” Mohammed shouted. Rambarath, who had expected to face Gypsy in the battle for the seat, told his former rival he should count

himself lucky even though he felt he had been treated badly by the party he once represented. “I want to say to Gypsy, as much as you might be upset and distraught by the treatment they gave to you, say thank God you are alive,” the PNM candidate said.

On a lighter note, Rowley said Peters had gone sightseeing and it was a good thing he had finally found his way back. Rowley said he understood the reasoning behind Peters’ decision. He said all parties, while they may have different methods, ought to share the same objectives but this had

Gypsy warmly welcomed to PNM meeting

not been the case with the UNC, which Peters recently found out for himself.

“My good friend Gypsy simply went sightseeing, but that was okay,” the PNM leader said later in his address, Rowley again touched on Peter’s defection from the rul-

ing coalition when he recalled PersadBissessar’s invitation for citizens to take her hand. He warned citizens against accepting that invitation.

“In fact, my friend Gypsy will tell you don’t take that invitation, don’t even touch that hand!!” he said.

Peters, who has been the MP for Mayaro for four years, severed ties with the UNC last week after he was overlooked as a candidate by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Businessman Rushton Paray is the UNC candidate for Mayaro. (TT Guardian)

A unique indigenous decoration, beaded aprons demonstrate the use of ornamentation for special cultural occasions

Vincent Roth, son of Walter Roth, years earlier reported his discovery of what he described as a “stoneage bead factory” on the Mahaica River; some made of clay and stones like agate, jasper and quartz. At a well-known archaeological site called Recht-door-zee on the west bank of Demerara, stone beads of various rock material such as amethyst have also been uncovered, along with various other

bead pieces left in various stages of completion.

While bead aprons were usually the only item of clothing worn by the early tribes in addition to arm and legs bands and necklaces, bead aprons in intricate designs are often worn by many tribes in Guyana today for ceremonial and celebratory purposes, and are adorned with the colourful beads woven in a unique way.

The bead or seed apron is a covering of small glass beads or seeds of differ-

ent colours and is worn by the women. The beads or seeds are strung on cot-

ton thread and are often formed into figures that represent the flowers, fruits and animals found locally.

Before the arrival of the Europeans, glass beads were unknown to the Amerindians. Consequently, when the Europeans arrived to trade, among other things, glass beads, the indigenous tribes considered the beads extremely rare and valuable.

The beaded aprons are usually designed to be almost square, with the up-

per part slightly narrower than the lower part. Fringe work, sometimes decorated with feathers, is another feature found on the aprons.

The technique used to make a bead apron involves using a bent rod tied two centimetres above its ends to a straight crosspiece. Next, a length of medium sized cotton string is tied to the upper part of the bent rod to form a tier. After this cotton is passed over and under both the tier and crosspiece to form the main weaving area

which is divided up into several sections of four strands each.

It is on to these strands that the beads or seeds along with cotton are woven, sometimes in intricate patterns and designs. The Waiwai bead or seed “hip covers” or aprons for young girls are worn only after puberty.

These intricate bead aprons, among many other decorative ornaments, can be viewed at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Main Street in Georgetown.

Lukewarm TT response to ‘open seas’ proposal

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Food Production Minister, Devant Maharaj, says he is all in favour of pooled regional resources to meet the food needs of the Caribbean, but is concerned about “who is eventually going to foot the bill.”

The minister was asked by TT media to respond to a recent appeal by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management of Barbados, Esworth Reid, for the region to pull together financial and other resources to secure the fu-

ture of the fisheries industry while also pursuing an “open seas” arrangement.

Reid said at the opening of a regional food security meeting for the fisheries sector that “sustainable growth in this important sector and the ability for governments in the region to fully and effectively tap into the significant potential benefits associated with it... requires that there be a regional approach to the sector by way of joint efforts among stakeholder member states to drive the sector forward.”

He also proposed a scenario within which there was not

only harmonised legislation but “going after the benefits associated with economies of scale through large-scale production when fishing and fish processing become a regional joint venture rather than a national venture characterised by fragmented micro-business.”

“I believe that the time has come where the countries in the region can come together as an integrated economic space and agree to institute a policy of open sea resources to all members of the region,” Reid said.

“This can be done without compromising the sovereign rights of the individual member

states, especially their rights to the resources in the sea that immediately surrounds them.”

Maharaj however warned that such a proposal would need to be discussed at the level of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads since, “It cannot be a case where everybody will just jump on board” following a suggestion by one of the region’s 15 member states.

Reid had however been clear that, “It is my opinion and it is just my opinion and does not reflect the opinion of the ministry and that of the minister that as a region, we should allow legitimate fish-

ermen to operate their legitimately registered vessels, without hindrance, anywhere in the Caribbean.”

This, he said would be “subject to (a) set of rules and a set fee or levy paid either to the member state in which waters the vessel is operating or to a central regional body agency established by Caricom.

“The proceeds from the fees and levies collected by this agency can then be divided and distributed among the member states based on an agreed formula by the member states involved,” Reid said.(TT Guardian)

Double role

Satiricus was amused at all the commotion made because Naga Man showed up in Parliament in the night as the “Prime Minister” when in the day, he had been sworn in as “President”. It was clear that all these stuffy types in Parliament didn’t know about that staple of Bollywood called the “double role”. Some say it was because Bollywood operated on the cheap –so they’d hire one fellas to play two roles. Mostly of two fellas who were supposed to be related.

Now Naga Man, even though he didn’t like people to call him “Indian”, used to haunt the Roopmahal Cinema at Albion Front when he was a boy. His childhood friend from Whimsey, GrainJa used to go with him so he also knew about “double role”. Naga Man was really taken by two fellas, one invariably the “bad guy” named Praan and the other “good guy” who could look so similar. It took him a long while to figure out they were really one fella playing two roles.

And once Naga Man caught on, he started to play “double role” in real life. Like when he used be with Hagan, he would condemn all those who drank alcohol. But with his buddies, Naga Man drank like a fish. Or like when Rum Jhaat was carrying news to the Embassy, he used to cuss the fella out something fierce to the X-CO. But when they went to Sita’s bar at night, he would make sure the Jhaat told the Embassy people he, Naga Man, was in with the scheme.

So when Naga Man went to Parliament while he was the “President”, he was really the Prime Minister, who was the President who was playing a double role as the Prime Minister. Get it? Why couldn’t people understand that? If his favourite Bollywood movie star Praan, who he resembles to the “T” could play “double role” why couldn’t he?

Trouble is, Naga Man sighed, these young people were too culturally ignorant to appreciate that at the moment he was the Prime Minister even though he was the President, everyone was supposed to go along. No one had ever pointed out to Praan that he was really another (good) guy.

Jeez, sighed Naga Man, he’ll have to get GrainJa play the Prime Minister double role sometimes. He doesn’t appreciate how much strain a double role can be – especially when you look like Praan. And that’s why GrainJa was always on his case about taking relief in his new house, and new car and new road and his new clothes.

It’s not easy looking like Praan.

Every child a success

By Ryhaan Shah

Anew school year has started and our children will begin or continue their academic studies with the goal of passing their final examinations and going on to jobs and careers.

Some will do very well and will be among those who will be congratulated for excelling at the CSEC and CAPE examinations. They will most likely graduate to further studies and professional careers. But what happens to the ones who gain less than four subjects at the CSEC and with not very good grades?

They leave school with a sense of failure when we’re the ones who failed them. The purpose of education is not to cram students to pass examinations. To understand the word from its Latin roots, education means to “lead out of”. Education policies and programmes must be designed to bring out the best from our children to make them each shine.

Not every child will become a doctor or engineer yet most of the discussions on education reforms are about improving the CSEC pass rates – to make Guyana shine – and improving our university and, now, even adding a law school. These are all commendable but there should be as much discussion about introducing vocational programmes within high schools or establishing dedicated vocational high schools in every region.

The labour market does not only require the work of professionals but

also needs the skills and talents of crafts people who will become the nation’s carpenters, electricians, hairdressers, plumbers, cooks, tailors, etc.

The idea for vocational training is not new or even revolutionary. In the United States, such educational programmes have been around for over a hundred years and while there are technical institutes and internship programmes available, school leavers enroll after they have likely failed at the academic subjects, and if they have the finances to apply.

The new century requires specialization of the labour market and trade schools continually diversify to meet the demand, adding such courses as information technology, tourism, and massage therapy to more traditional industrial courses.

Such schools and programmes provide a teenager with the distinct advantage of being able to gain employment directly out of high school. A core set of academic subjects would ensure that they graduate with the ability to function well within society and lead good, productive lives.

Every child will have

a chance to develop their particular skills and talents; every child will have a chance to succeed.

Vocational education is not about giving up on a child and viewing such programmes or trade schools as dumping grounds for academic underachievers. No child should ever be made to feel they are a failure but this is what the current academic emphasis means for many.

Standardized tests and certification will ensure that students graduate with a certificate that will be recognized nationally and employers will know that the new graduate is coming to the job with the basic skills, aptitude and knowledge to help them fit well with the culture, environment and expectations of their new workplace.

To establish vocational programmes or dedicated trade schools would take planning and budgetary allocations. However, the results of having each of our children shine and having each of them leave school with a sense of success would be more than worth the necessary outlay. It would also increase our national wellbeing and productivity.

A notable point to

make is the high success rate of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) which, this year, topped the CSEC list with the two best graduating students. SVN principal, Swami Aksharananda, says the success is due to a more rounded school experience where an academic education is only part of the whole. SVN includes cultural and emotional education within its programme and the school is also known for its disciplined environment and its close partnering with parents. SVN’s success is even more remarkable when you consider that the school’s student intake does not usually include the high fliers who attend city schools like Queen’s College or Bishop’s High School. The students are mostly viewed as average. SVN makes them high fliers. This does bring into question the low matriculation rate of many of our public high schools, which might have more to do with the State-run education system than with the capabilities of the students themselves. The Minister of Education should seek the counsel of Swamiji on the way forward for a revamped education policy.

Victor Captain is a fine artist who lives in Surama, which is a Region Nine indigenous Makushi community in the heart of Guyana.

C-Ville Weekly, a publication in the Charlottesville, a city in Commonwealth of Virginia, U.S.A., featured the artist. The article stated that it took Captain “more than 12 months, a brand new birth certificate and his first flight on an airplane to bring his artwork to Charlottesville”.

He told C-Ville

Weekly: “When I got to New York, my nose was like stuff, stuff, stuff. There was no clean air to breathe.”

In August 2015, Captain showcased a series of his artwork at the University of Virginia. This opportunity was all thanks to Laura and George Mentore, two UVA anthropology professors who first noticed Captain’s exceptional work in 2011 on a visit in Guyana.

Laura and George Mentore had done research for many years in Surama. Laura was impressed with Captain’s work and even purchased his paintings.

“I was blown away by the artistic talent of Victor Captain, a 23-year old self-taught painter. And Victor is unique in his gift for painting and drawing, which we have watched him develop since childhood,” Laura expressed on her description of the artist on www.gofundme.com

Much of Captain’s work depicts scenes from Makushi myths and stories. Shamanic journeying, the shape-shifting Kanaima (jaguar-sorcerer), and magical plants are recurring themes.

The artist is a member of the indigenous

Guyanese tribe the Makushi, whose oral traditions often relate stories of shape shifters called kanaima.

“You cannot see with your pure eye the energy that the shaman is using, so you paint it in the painting,” he explained.

From within the old village schoolhouse, a simple concrete structure, Captain creates his works of art with whatever materials he can get his hands on.

“When he is able to obtain art supplies through the occasional sale of a painting to for-

Is the Government serious about gender equality in Guyana?

One of the clear trends emanating out of the first 100 days of the APNU+AFC Government is hypocrisy in governance, particularly with regards to women. This past week, President David Granger announced that the Government is committed to gender equality and is now developing a gender policy and a program to ensure women equality in our country. How serious they are about this we are yet to find out.

Guyana now has the largest Cabinet in CARICOM. Yet, it isn’t representative of young people nor women who are relegated to occupying small ministries and junior positions. Only three female Ministers are at the head of a Ministry.

Four Vice Presidents were appointed and none are women. The Government also has the largest group of advisors in Guyana’s history and among CARICOM coun-

tries. Yet, there are no women among the advisors, but instead, there is a significant number of men with a military background.

Within weeks of assuming office, the government announced radically different compositions of State boards. Like the Cabinet, these predominantly male appointees had a past which is linked to the People’s National Congress. A strict minority accounting for less than 10 were women.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that the APNU/AFC failed to include enough women on its electoral list for the 2015 election and was forced to include a few additional women on the party’s electoral list for Parliament. Had GECOM not accorded additional time to correct the list, the APNU/ AFC would have failed to meet the constitutional requirement to include at least 33% of women on their list for

the National Elections on May 11, 2015.

We need to see real interest in the work of the Women and Gender Equality Commission. Yet an examination of the 2015 budget reveals that little attention is given to the Women and Gender Equality Commission. It is unclear from the Budget Debate if the Social Services Ministry, headed by Minister Volda Lawrence, made any provisions to empower the Women’s Bureau and to continue the work of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Cove and John.

We cannot really talk of women equality in Guyana and not address the worrying problem of domestic violence. This is not a political matter, but requires political action. Thus far in the life of the APNU+AFC administration domestic violence has taken a seat at the back of the room. There is little attention to this continuing plague on our soci-

ety and development. Domestic violence is not a problem that started with this administration and it would be evil to charge this administration as the cause of domestic violence.

The problem continues to grow in Guyana and around the world. Despite much focus and efforts by the previous PPP/C Government from former Minister such as Priya Manickchand, domestic violence continues to grow. We need concerted action and we need national unity on this issue. The new administration has so far shown little propensity to embrace a united action against domestic violence.

Not only is domestic violence a big plague in our country, sexual violence against girls and women continue unabated. If we were to judge from the Government’s first 100 days, we would think that both of these issues are minor challenges facing Guyana.

None of the sixty pardoned prisoners are females, yet, there are many young women in prison under terrible conditions, jailed for minor offences. This is the hypocrisy that serves as a background for the announcement that the Government wants to promote women and gender equality.

Now that the Government has announced the development of a national policy to ensure women equality, we hold our breath and keep our fingers crossed. We are hopeful that in the weeks to come we will see genuine evidence of the Government’s sincerity in promoting the welfare and equality of women in Guyana.

In these times when Commissions of Inquiry seem to be in style, it would perhaps be appropriate to have a nonpartisan parliamentary committee made up of equal members from the Government and Opposition, chaired by the Opposition and including civil society members to make recommendations for Guyana to address domestic and sexual violence in our country.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times.notebook@gmail. com.

Politics…

…vs. business

One of the features of Guyanese politics is the disjunction between the business community and the politicians. Maybe one can blame it on the Communist/Socialist orientation of the early politicians and even before then, on their origin out of the womb of trade unions. Relations between those groups and businesses weren’t exactly sanguine. But you’d think that with the about-turn introduced when Desmond Hoyte brought in the IMF and their “Washington Consensus” and drove the stake into the heart of socialism – since 1989, mid you! – would’ve bridged the divide, no?

No! Look at how the PPP has been derided by the Opposition and their handmaidens in the media for creating an “oligarchy” and how “bourgeois values” now predominate. Now this Eyewitness would like to know how you can create an economy with “private enterprise” as the “engine of growth” and not have some folks becoming richer than others? The whole point about “private enterprise” is that businesses are owned by PRIVATE persons/corporations – not the state – and so the owners will collect the profits of those businesses.

The problem with the politicians in the Opposition is they don’t seem to have come to grips with the fact that “capitalists” – as they call business owners – don’t just have profits dropping into their laps like manna from heaven. They take risks, they have to be innovative, they have to manage, they have to secure capital and jump through a heck of a lot of other hoops if profits are to be generated. And for that they collect profits if they can be generated.

It ain’t easy…or else everyone would be jumping in with their own businesses, no? But that’s not what this administration’s signaling. Ever since they slid into office, they’ve been focusing on two things – witch hunting for PPPites in public office and going after businesses, ostensibly on behalf of the “worker”. Both come out of the antagonistic relationship that the old guard cultivated back in the (heady?) day of the co-op Republic and were analogous to the fox hunting of the British ruling class. Blood Sport.

When Hoyte tried to jettison the socialist experiment of the Founder Leader, not surprisingly, he got rid of his socialists acolytes. But it’s now clear that some went underground and now that the coast is clear they’re being reassembled. Can you imagine the “dependista” Clive Thomas – the fella who preached cutting off ALL relations with the “capitalist world” –now in charge of sugar?

Or Maurice Odle, cut of the same cloth, in charge of NICIL?? But then Granger was in charge of inculcating the Founder Leader’s ideology to the troops, wasn’t he?

O tempora! o mores!…. …vs. baby sitting

Moses Nagamootoo boasts about being “50 years in politics”, so why does he need a baby sitter? But then, they say, “once a man, twice a child” and could be, Nagamootoo’s in his second childhood. Or why else would he have an ex-WICB water-boy try to save his blushes from his post Cummingsburg humiliations?

What happened to all Nagamootoo’s training under Janet Jagan? He didn’t just carry around her purse, did he? The WICB flak insisted Nagamootoo pushed the APNU/AFC coalition over the line in May. So why should kids, still wet behind their ears, not mock him since he’s accepted his subsequent emasculation like a born eunuch?

In politics it’s all about power – so what’s this “second-in-command” spiel the WICB shill spun that Jagdeo should be envious of? The bottom line is that Nagamootoo was screwed out of chairing cabinet meetings, the governance portfolio, and suggesting Cabinet portfolios.

All he got was Larwah! And water-boy knows about that, right?

…and the Bridge

On the Berbice Bridge tolls, why doesn’t the government just buy out the shareholders and reduce tolls to the nominal level of the Demerara River Bridge?

But then they won’t have those fellas who still haven’t gotten a penny for their investment in dividends to kick around, would they?

Fertile ears

Satiricus was a fan of Naga Man. And why not? Here was a man who was “no man” and so “every man”. Satiricus was sick and tired of all those people who insisted to be “hyphenated” – like the Hines fella who Naga Man surprisingly hired for the Chronic and who insisted he was “African Guyanese”. Naga Man, on the other hand, was just “human”. He was not Indian, or Indian-Guyanese or even Guyanese. Why set boundaries, asked Naga Man. He was Human.

So when Naga Man spoke, Satiricus listened. He couldn’t listen as close as Naga Man, who’d heard Chedy Hagan anoint him leader, when the hundreds around heard nothing. No… He could never match Naga Man in the hearing department.

However, he listened even though sometimes he couldn’t understand what Naga Man would be saying. But then, what did Satiricus, a known dunce, know? Naga Man was a LAWYER!! Satiricus was suitably impressed.

Anyhow Ex-President Jagdesh, who Naga Man hated because the fella used to always slap him behind the head when Naga Man made a mistake at meetings, spoke before Naga Man in the Budget Debate. And sadly Naga Man made a lot of mistakes and so received a lot of slaps. So after Jagdesh spoke and walked out, Naga Man made a cryptic observation, “Jaddesh harangue did not fall of fertile ears.”

“Fertile ears?” What the heck was that, wondered Satiricus. He’s heard about the “Fertile Crescent” and crescents were like ears, no? But the Fertile Crescent was in the Middle East and Jagdeo certainly wasn’t speaking in Baghdad! So when he went home, he asked his wife, who knew ever so much more than Satiricus. She was his better half. She told him Naga Man must be thinking of the new device made by YoNo labs that women place in their ears to know when they’re “fertile”.

Satiricus knew that there weren’t too many women to begin with on the APANU/KFC benches. How many would have “fertile ears”?

But Satiricus was puzzled even more. Why would Naga Man be pleased that Jagdesh words didn’t fall on APANU/KFC women’s “fertile ears”? He asked his wife.

“Silly Sato!” Satiricus’ wife giggled and she tickled his chin. “Don’t you know that a powerful voice like Jagdesh’s can influence even the unfertilised APANU/KFC eggs?”

Satiricus now knew why Naga Man was sh***ing bricks.

TT political parties lay out plans for country's future development

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD:

The People’s National Movement (PNM) intends to revamp TT's energy sector should it win the September 7 general election. According to the party’s 2015 election manifesto which was launched last Thursday at the Radisson Hotel in Port-ofSpain, the PNM vowed that upon assuming office it will, “immediately commence open, transparent and formal discussions with all major players in the Trinidad and Tobago energy sector, upstream, midstream and downstream to achieve consensus on appropriate improvements to our oil and gas taxation regime, incentives and gas pricing regime.”

The PNM said in its manifesto that while the energy sector continues to be the main driver of the TT economy, contributing 50 percent of our GDP and almost 60 percent of government revenues, “over the last five years, the management of the energy sector has been a colossal failure.” The party said, “through bungling incompetence on the part of the UNC (United National Congress) ledgovernment, we have lost 25 percent of our oil production since 2010, and the sector has been characterised by natural gas production shortfalls and extremely poor decision-making.

"The PNM said it intends to, “ensure that we have an attractive, competitive and responsive fiscal and regulatory enviroment that will maximise recovery of our hydrocarbon resources and national income and put us back on

a path to sustained growth in the sector.

Stating it will support and encourage local professionals and service companies to export energy services to new and emerging oil and gas producing countries within Caricom, Africa and elsewehere, the party said it will “encourage and facilitate partnerships, investment and joint ventures with oil and gas companies and state agencies overseas, focusing on Guyana and Suriname, Ghana and Tanzania.

The People’s Partnership coalition has identified energy partnerships with Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname as some of the initiatives it will pursue if re-elected to office on September 7.

According to its 2015, election manifesto, the PP said it will, “work with Venezuela to monetise our Manatee fields that we share, will proceed.” The PP also notes there “are opportunities in Guyana and Suriname that we have begun to explore and that we will continue to pursue with in-

creased vigour.” The coalition expressed the view that, “these opportunities can be leveraged based on our experience and know-how, acquired over our 100-year history in the energy, Further, the PP, hinted this could “also open up options in northern Brazil and Colombia, with implications for other international public-private partnership streams of development.

The PP said, “Possibilities also exist for collaboration with Barbados, which is now involved in its second round of exploration in oil and gas.” The coalition also said, “ We have already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Inter-American Development Bank(IDB) to collaborate globally to establish an energy fund for Caribbean economic sustainability, which will transform the energy matrix in the region.” The PP added, “This will open up new opportunities for both the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the TT private sector.”(TT Newsday)

Indigenous artist takes...

eign tourists, he puts the proceeds directly into more paints and canvas, and they don't last long. To get supplies he has to travel either into Brazil or the capital city of Georgetown, both of which are very costly and difficult journeys along the single dirt road that runs through Guyana's interior. In good conditions, it takes a full day to reach Georgetown by minibus. In the rainy season, the road is often impassable,” Laura added on www.gofundme.

com

Captain is singularly unique in his focus on the creative arts. In addition to painting on canvas, almost every building in his village is adorned with one or more of his fantastic murals.

Many of his paintings take inspiration from the rich mythology and history of his people, as well as the beautiful landscape of savannahs and rainforest.

During his onemonth stay, Captain connected with Native American artists in the region, and spent time at the National Museum

of the American Indian and other museums in Washington, DC and Richmond. He received professional commentary on his technique, and met informally with local artists. He reconnected with some of the many students he

has met over the years through a study abroad program, facilitated by Laura and George, in his village. Victor has impacted so many of those students by generously sharing his way of life, his friendship, and his art.

The artist’s dream is to be able to support his family and contribute to his cultural heritage through art. (Information taken from Laura Mentore on www. gofundme.com/victorcaptain)

The first trailer of Will Smith-starrer "Concussion" is out.

Directed by Peter Landesman, the film also stars Albert Brooks and Alec Baldwin, said the Hollywood Reporter.

The sports drama tells the controversial story of the doctors who proved the link between former NFL players affected by major neurological problems due to head injuries suffered during their careers and the NFL's de-

nials of any such connection.

Concussion follows the story of Dr Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) who - after studying the brains of ex-pros such as Dave Duerson (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) and Andre Waters (Richard T. Jones) - discovers that they were suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neuro-degenerative disease caused by repeated trauma to the head. (TOI )

Emma Roberts and Evan Peters back together

American Horror Story co-stars Emma Roberts and Evan Peters may have broken off their engagement a few months ago, but the two stars have reportedly reconciled.

The pair was spotted in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, over the weekend, which confirmed the dating rumours. They will next be seen together in the fifth installment of "American Horror Story." (TOI)

Trailer for "Pay the Ghost" unveiled

The first trailer of supernatural horror film "Pay the Ghost" has arrived. Actor Nicolas Cage stars as Mike Cole, a father who is desperate to save his loved one following an unexpected tragedy.

In the trailer of the film, Cole has a great time with his son Charlie (Jack Fulton) at a Halloween parade in New York City before Charlie mysteriously disappears from his side, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Following the event, Cole is haunted by terrifying visions of his son and begins to sense his presence. It turns out that Charlie is abducted and taken away by evil forces to another realm and he is not the only child who disappears. Cole reunites with his estranged wife Kristen

and together they uncover a string of terrifying clues while searching for their son. They must save their son as soon as possible or he will be lost to the spirit world forever.

"When your worst fear comes to life, will you go to save everything you love?" reads the tagline in the trailer.

Other cast members are Sarah Wayne Callies, Veronica Ferres, Lyriq Bent, Alex Mallari Jr. and Sofia Wells.

Uli Edel directs the movie which will have a limited release in the US on September 15. (TOI)

Nicholas Hoult to play J D Salinger in new biopic

"X-Men" star Nicholas Hoult will portray beloved American author J D Salinger in the upcoming biopic "Rebel In The Rye".

The film will chronicle the acclaimed writer's life as he begins his most famous novel, 'The Catcher in the Rye'. It will follow Salinger's rise to success, as well as his subsequent life of seclusion, reported Variety Online.

Rebel in the Rye is based on author Kenneth

Matt Damon has recently revealed that the new edition of the Bourne series will be set in an 'austerityriddled Europe' and a 'post-Snowden world'. Damon will reprise his role of Jason Bourne in the fifth installment of the franchise, after 2007.

While speaking to a website, Matt said, his new film will take into account world happen- ings since then. "Without

giving too much of it away, it's Bourne through an austerityriddled Europe and in a post-Snowden world. It seems like enough has changed.

There are all these kinds of arguments about spying and civil liberties and the nature of democracy. We're starting in Greece, you know, the beginning of democracy. And the movie ends in Las Vegas," he added. (TOI)

Daniel Craig influences James Bond scripts

James Bond actor Daniel Craig likes to get as involved as he can with the scripts for his iconic character.

The 47-year-old actor - who is about to return to the big screen for the new Bond movie Spectre - said he likes to have some input into the writing, even if he ends up upsetting some people in the process.

When asked how involved he gets with the scripts, Craig said, "As much as I possibly can without treading on toes, although you have to offend some people sometimes to move on."

Craig explained that when he was first offered the part of the iconic se-

role his own by adding his own jokes. (TOI)

Actor Shia LaBeouf has been spotted hand-in-hand with a mystery woman, sparking speculation that he has split from Mia Goth.

The Fury actor, who hasn't been seen with his 22-year-old girlfriend since their argument in Germany last month, was seen holding hands with a young dread-

locked brunette, reported People magazine.

The pair appeared cosy as they had lunch together in Sherman Oaks, California.

The sighting appears to suggest Labeouf, 29, has split from actress Mia following their heated altercation in Tubingen, Germany, in July, when the Transformers star was overheard saying he would've "killed" his partner.

The pair were filmed having an argument on the street and footage shows him telling locals he was afraid of what he might have done had he not walked away. (TOI)

Slawenski's biography, "J D Salinger: A Life" and the script is being adapted for the screen by Golden Globe winner Danny Strong.

The project will also mark Strong's directorial film debut. He previously directed an episode of hit US hip-hop series Empire, which he co-created with Lee Daniels.

The movie's producers are expected to introduce the film to foreign buyers at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival. (TOI)

cient security and that he is now permanently injured as a result.

In Briley's claim, he states that since Brown had multiple violent incidents at shows before that San Jose concert, he should have had more security that night.

Last August, Brown hosted a preVMA party where four people were shot, including Death Row Records founder Suge Knight. More recently, Brown attended a party in Houston where two people were shot, but he was not present at the time of the shooting.

The January 11 shooting at San Jose's Fiesta Nightclub, resulted in a 60-day suspension of the club's liquor license. (TOI)

"Tamasha": The making

Imitiaz Ali's "Tamasha’s" is one of the most eagerly awaited films of this year.

With this film the audiences will for the third time be treated to the sizzling chemistry of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, after their successful 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' and 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'. However the big question is whether they will be lucky the third time with Tamasha or not. We will allow time to do the talking. The shoot of Imtiaz's Tamashas shoot wrapped up earlier last month. Bollywoodlife.com accreddited one of its report to a leading film magazine in which it states, producer Sajid Nadaidwala is apparently not very happy with bits shot with the leading pair Deepika and Ranbir in the exotic Corsica, France which is why he is planning to re-shoot the entire sequences yet again, but in India! No matter how tricky it may be but as a producer, it becomes mandatory to keep a check on

the production costs of a film otherwise it would might as well be sheer wastage. This is the most pertinent reason behind producer Sajid Nadiadwala wanting to re-do some scenes in the homeland to save cost. (TOI)

Arjun Kapoor to spread awareness for WWF – India

Arjun Kapoor has been the face of wildlife conservation & environmental awareness as brand ambassador of WWFIndia for 2 years now. Committing to his role, he has spoken in favour of conservation and reducing energy consumption as well as personally made greener choices.

Ali Fazal has signed yet another international project

It's heard that Ali will be soon seen in an Indo- China project. Post Furious 7 Ali seems to

have developed his share of liking with the international audiences.

Details of the project are kept under wraps however we have heard that the film will be shot partially in India and partially in other Asian countries including China. It's a romantic cum drama track where in Ali will be playing a character role.

This film is a part of historical move considering the relations between the two countries.

The development of this project was so quick that Ali will start shooting as early as end of next week. (TOI)

Sonakshi Sinha 'breaks her own record'

Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is currently shooting for her film "Akira", says she has broken her own record by reaching the set very early.

The "Dabangg" actress, who is also judging the TV show "Indian Idol Junior" took to Twitter and seemed ecstatic as she reached the set 20 minutes early when nobody was present.

"Breaking my own records! Was up to reach shoot at 7:30 and here I am 20 minutes earlier. Not another soul on set. Reached Thane in 30 minutes," Sonakshi tweeted on Tuesday.

2011 Tamil hit "Mounaguru" and also stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Anurag Kashyap and Shatrughan Sinha.

Taking his engagement with the NGO forward, Arjun will attend a gala dinner, co-hosted by Indian industry's tycoon Jamshyd Godrej. In India, he will highlight the urgent need for each one of us to focus on environmental conservation.

As face of WWFIndia, Arjun has made special efforts to draw at-

tention for conservation in the Sundarbans. His participation has driven more interest from youth across India for projects of this international organization. During this gala dinner that hopes to raise resources and awareness for WWFIndia, Arjun will talk about his personal reasons for associating with WWF- India. He has spoken in favor of everyone reducing how much power and water they consume by just taking small measures. (TOI)

Rani Mukerji expecting in January 2016!

RBeing produced by Fox Star Studios, "Akira" is a thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

The film is the Hindi remake of

"Akira" marks Murugadoss's third Hindi venture after back-to-back hits "Ghajini" and "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty" (TOI)

Hrithik yet to decide on "Aashiqui 3"

ani Mukerji, who is already booked on family time, is pregnant and overseas with hubby, reports Mumbai Mirror. Over the past few weeks, rumour mills have been buzzing overtime with the news that the stork has visited Rani, who tied the knot with filmmaker Aditya Chopra on April 21, 2014, in an extremely private ceremony in Italy. Rani, who has always been guarded about her personal life, refused to comment on the pregnancy. However, Mirror reports that the actress is in her second trimester and the baby is due in January. Rani's sister-in-law, Jyoti Mukerji, a popular TV actress, accidentally confirmed the news saying, "Yes, Rani is pregnant."

A source close to the actress revealed that she is presently travelling with Aditya. The couple took off to London at the end of July and Rani was spotted by a fan at a spa getting a pre-natal massage. "They returned to India last week after travelling in the UK for over a month but have taken off again, no one knows where," added the source. Since, UK seems to be a frequent getaway, will the baby be born in the Queen's City? "No, the delivery will take place in Mumbai," the source asserted. (TOI)

Sanjay Gupta shoots for 'Jazbaa' promotional video

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who is currently waiting for the release of his forthcoming film "Jazbaa" starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Irrfan Khan, says that he is shooting the first promotional video for the film. The "excited" filmmaker took to Twitter to share the news.

"Off to shoot! Very exciting day as we shoot the first promotional video for #JAZBAA. I love shooting songs," Gupta tweeted. In the film, Aishwarya is seen essaying the role of a lawyer named Anuradha Verma and Irrfan will be seen playing the role of a suspended cop.

Produced by Essel Vision, White Feather Films and Viking

Entertainment, the film also has established actors Atul Kulkarni, Jackie Shroff, Chandan Roy Sanyal and Shabana Azmi along with Aishwarya. "Jazbaa" is slated to release on October 9. (TOI)

Actor Hrithik

Roshan says he is yet to take a call on "Aashiqui 3".

"What 'Aashiqui 3'? You want me to do it. I will think about it," the actor said.

When producer Bhushan Kumar was asked if "Aashiqui 3" has been finalised, Hrithik interrupted saying, "I

Anew son is shining on the horizon and his name is Karan Kapadia. Dimple Kapadia's nephew (her late sister Simple's son) and Twinkle Khanna's favourite cousin is getting himself ready for the movies, reports Mumbai Mirror. Kapadia is now 21, gymtoned, angeltattooed and, yes, gorgeous. He has previously assisted director Rahul Dholakia on a film albeit briefly, the report stated. He is a major football

loved him as a producer. I myself have gone to him and said you have to produce a film for me... So, let him think. Give him sometime."

Hrithik and Sonam Kapoor have recreated the popular track "Dheere Dheere" from Mahesh Bhatt's 1990 blockbuster "Aashiqui". The single was released on Tuesday.

Starring Sonam and Hrithik, the song is a tribute to T-Series' late honcho Gulshan Kumar. Meanwhile, gossip mills are also abuzz that Hrithik would be paired opposite Deepika Padukone in Yash Raj Films' next. The film will be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. To this, Hrithik said, "A little bit true... But can't tell you which part of it is true."

Regarding rumours of a sequel to his film "Bang Bang" with Siddharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandes, the actor said, "I don't know why they did not take me... Ask them." (TOI)

“My team is ready to play”– Slingerz coach

They have won almost every tournament they have featured in since formation in 2013 and now, Slingerz Football Club is setting their sights on the Stag Beer Elite League as their next target.

The multi-million dollar league will kick off on September 18 at the Leonora Track and Field and Football Facility, and upon the conclusion of the eight-month long competition, the Vergenoegen-based club is hoping to come out on top.

“Well, our objective is to win the league,” a confident Head Coach Joseph “Bill” Wilson remarked.

Under Wilson’s guidance, Slingerz FC won the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA) League and Knockout tournaments last year, as well as the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament, defeating Alpha United in the final this year.

According to Wilson, the players are presently going through their usual training schedule with the anticipation of playing on the opening day of the League.

“My team is ready

Flashback! the Slingerz Fc players celebrate winning the 2015 Kashif and Shanghai football tournament travel to Guyana upon completion of their home and away fixture against Aruba in the World Cup Qualifiers.

right now to play. We’ve been putting in the work and now just looking forward to see what the league brings and come out on top” said the former national Head Coach.

Apart from their already strong line-up with the likes of national defender Colin Nelson, Joshua Brown and deadly forward Devon Millington, Slingerz FC recently signed national Under-23 forward Domini Garnett from

Caledonia AIA, along with St Vincent and the Grenadines national goalkeeper Winslow McDowall.

The 28 year-old McDowall and his “Vincy Heat” teammates, defenders Jolanshoy McDowall and Keith James, will form part of the ‘West Side’ champs’ roster for the Stag Beer sponsored League.

Colin Aaron, the club’s General Manager, pointed out that the St Vincent players will

Slingerz FC will enter the lucrative Stag Elite League as one of the favourites and some pundits are of the view that only the Georgetownbased Alpha United can rival the Vergenoegen giants.

Pakistan press India for cricket series

LAHORE,

PakistanPakistan's cricket chief on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Indian cricket board secretary pressing him for an update on a proposed series between the archrivals in December this year.

A two-Test, five One Day and one Twenty20 series in United Arab Emirates is shrouded in uncertainty with volatile relations between the South Asian nuclear rivals at one of their lowest ebbs.

Pakistan accused India of killing nine civilians on the border last week, barely a week after talks between the countries' national security advisers were called off.

The two countries have not played a full series against each other since 2007, though Pakistan toured India for a short series in December 2012.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman

Shaharyar Khan told AFP he had written to Anurag Thakur, secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"I have written a letter to Mr Thakur in the main saying that cricket and politics should be kept apart," Khan told AFP.

"I am positive that the BCCI shall be able to convince the Indian Government that it ought to honour its MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the PCB," he added.

Last year PCB and BCCI signed an MoU under which they were scheduled to play six series in the 20152023 Future Tours Programme, but all were subject to clearance from New Delhi.

Khan, a former foreign secretary and a career diplomat, said that strained relations should not affect cricket.

"While relations between Pakistan and India have seen its

share of ups and downs, cricket should be kept out of it," he said. Thakur had previously said that the countries' cricket teams should not meet while relations between the South Asian neighbours remain fraught, saying cricket cannot be played with bullets.

"On one hand there is a rise in terrorist activity, on the other you can't expect to play a cricket series with Pakistan," Thakur said in July.

But last week Thakur softened his stance, telling a private television channel in Pakistan that a series was possible.

"If [the] situation improves I cannot rule out cricket series in December," Thakur said. "I toured Pakistan in 2004 and was overwhelmed, and when Pakistan toured India the following year I distributed sweets on their captain's (Inzamam-ulHaq) birthday."

Our Own SC ready for Toronto Cup

TORONTO, CANADA:

Alluding to the fact they have been dominant in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club (OMSCC) Over-40, 20-over competition for the past three consecutive years, Our Own Sports Club (OOSC) is confident of transforming that status to the upcoming Toronto Cup.

With a plethora of seasoned campaigners in their line-up, skipper Mahendranauth Parasnauth is highly optimistic his team will emerge as the champion in the veteran category when the action bowls off on Friday.

A stalwart of the game, Parasnauth stated that despite this will be a gigantic softball occasion for the first time in Canada, he is hoping that the players will continue with the same degree of commitment and enthusiasm to churn out good performances.

Sunil Dhaniram, Troy Gobin, Shiv Seeram, Desmond Chumney, Jaimini Singh, Orin O’Neil and Parasnauth among others are the imposing players to represent the experienced side, and according to the versatile all-rounder, they are capable of making a great impact because of their superb abilities.

“I think we have a good team to lift the trophy, I know it is ‘not’ about big names on paper, you have got to go out there and play competitive cricket from day one,” Parasnauth mentioned.

He is already harbouring thoughts that several teams vying for supremacy have the same intention of dominating and they have a great reputation too in this category, so expectations of tough competition are extremely high.

Parasnauth, who featured for Demerara at Inter-county softball tournament on numerous occasions in his native country Guyana, feels since the commencement of their preparations for the this three-day tournament, it has been fantastic and the camaraderie in the camp is also terrific.

They will remain focused with diligent practice sessions and get themselves equipped for this showpiece cognizant of their triumphantly motivated team.

Meanwhile, Parasnauth not only focusing on the game, he has voluntarily been working with the OMSCC, the tournament’s host as a foreign-team coordinator and pointed-out that things have shaped up wonderfully so far to have this Mini Softball World Cup on show.

He related that he and the other members are working tirelessly to run off the tournament which is set to attract 14 teams for both the Over-40 and Open categories.

Matches are slated to be played in Scarborough with the first-round schedules at Ellesmere facility, while an opening ceremony is billed for Thursday at Tropical Business Place, also in Scarborough from 19:00h.

Teams in the Masters are: Guyana Floodlights (two teams), New York, Tri-State Master, Our Own, Masters XI and New York Muslim Softball Cricket Association.

Teams taking part in the Open are: New York, New York Enforcers, Caribbean Sensation, Ontario Softball Cricket League, Dant Cricket Club and Masters/Cove Sports Club.

5 bronze medals for Guyana at CAREBACO Individual Championships

Guyana’s fourmember team secured five bronze medals at the recently-concluded Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Individual Championships, held at Club Los Prados, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Priyanna Ramdhani who competed in the Girls’ Under-15 Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles won bronze in all three events.

Tyrese Jeffrey won bronze in the Under-15 Mixed Doubles, while Guyana’s leading player, Narayan Ramdhani who competed in the Boys Under-19 also took bronze.

Here are the quarter and semi-final results: Under-19 Boys’ Singles: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Palmer Shaquille (Jamaica) 21-14, 21-16. Under-19 Boys’

Doubles: Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra lost to Joel Angus and Palmer Shaquille (Jamaica) 1621, 19-21.

Under-19 Mixed Doubles: Narayan Ramdhani (Guyana) and Anjali Paragsingh (Trinidad) lost to Argenis Marinez and Arisleyda Frias (Dominican Republic) 14-21, 17-21.

Under-15 Girls’ Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Mileiki Acosta (Dominican Republic) 21-18, 13-21, 16-21.

Under-15 Mixed Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Jaison Marte and Kaina Lucero (Dominican Republic) 21-13, 21-11.

Under-15 Boys’ Doubles: Tyrese Jeffrey (Guyana) and Samuel Rosado (Dominican Republic) lost to Daniel Acosta and Edison Ramirez (Dominican

Republic) 6-21, 7-21.

Semi-Finals

Matches:

Under-19 Boys’ Singles: Narayan Ramdhani lost to No 1 Seed Soren Opti (Suriname) 16-21, 15-21. Under-15 Girls’ Singles: Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Lisbeth Ortiz (Dominican Republic) 15-21, 8-21.

Under-15 Girls’ Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani (Guyana) and Erisa Bleau (Suriname) lost to Lisbeth Ortiz and Mileiki Acosta (Dominican Republic) 12-21, 12-21.

Under-15

Mixed Doubles: Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyrese Jeffrey lost to Daniel Acosta and Lisbeth Ortiz (Dominican Republic) 14-21, 17-21.

The seven competing countries were the hosts Dominican Republic, Barbados, Panama, Trinidad, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Guyana.

T&TCB president: Bravo’s award well deserved

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The T&T Cricket Board (T&TCB) has congratulated Dwayne Bravo on being awarded the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) for his outstanding contribution to the game of cricket. Earlier this year, Bravo led TT’s Red Steel to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) regional T20 title in front of his home crowd at the Queen’s Park Oval, Portof-Spain.

On Monday, president of the T&TCB, Azim Bassarath, said that honour given to Bravo was well-deserved and will help to motivate other young cricketers to work hard and establish themselves. Bassarath said Bravo’s talent and drive for success was noted since he was a youngster, having represented TT at

cricket at the Under-15 and Under-19 levels before playing for the senior national team and eventually being elevated to captain.

The local cricket chief said Bravo’s leadership qualities and vital contribution to the team with both bat and ball, were also highlighted by his spectacular fielding which did not go unnoticed by the regional selectors.

“It was just a matter of time before he was handed the captain’s armband for the West Indies 50-overs team, and was one of three TT captains of West Indies teams which also included Denesh Ramdin (Test) and Merissa Aguilleria (Women), all in one calendar year,” said Bassarath.

The T&TCB presi-

Dwayne bravo

dent also paid tribute to Bravo’s multi-talented persona as an entertaining performing artiste, having recently recorded a cross-over chutney hit with Nisha B which was launched both in TT and

in India, and adopted by the Chennai Super Kings for which he plays in the Indian Premier League. He also signed a recording contract with a Los Angeles, USA-based label.

Bravo also has a longstanding relationship with Jamaican dance hall music artiste Beenie Man with whom he has performed and whom he credits for encouraging him to further his latent musical talent. Bassarath also took the opportunity to congratulate the national men’s 4X400 and women’s 4X100 metres relay teams which earned silver and bronze medals respectively at the IAAF World Athletic Championships which ended on Sunday in Beijing, China.

The TT quartet of Renny Quow, La Londe Gordon, Deon Lendore and Machel Cedenio pulled out all the stops in the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium on a rainy night to grab silver behind the USA in a new national record. Bassarath said he

was thrilled on hearing the comments of Gordon, who said after the race that the team was motivated by the expectation of the TT public which pushed them to their best performance yet.

“It was a commitment and focus that produced a world class performance in difficult conditions which showed that these young men are conscious of their responsibilities to the public of TT who have invested much in them, which they have repaid big time,” said Bassarath. He noted that it was the first time that the women were medalling in the relay at the games and the team of Kelly Ann Baptiste, Michelle Lee Ahye, Reyare Thomas and Semoy Hackett deserved the best commendations. (TT Guardian)

TT, J’ca fly Caribbean flag high in Beijing

BEIJING,

CHINA: Jamaica picked up a third relay gold in world-leading time as the Caribbean finished among the medals on the final day of competition to conclude a successful IAAF World Championships on Sunday.

The 4x100 metres quartet of Christine Day, Shericka Jackson, Stephenie Ann McPherson and Novlene Williams-Mills ran a world leading time of three minutes, 19.13 seconds to add a third relay gold medal following victories in the sprint relays on Saturday.

Running the anchor leg, Novlene WilliamsMills saved the best for last and cruised past American Francena McCorory in the last 20 metres to give Jamaica gold.

The United States finished second in a time of 3:19.44 and Great

Britain took home the bronze in 3:23.62.

“These girls, they did it all the way. That is when you have the heart of a champion, that is what you do,” WilliamsMills said on passing McCorory near the finish line.

And it was all about TT and the United States in the men’s version with the experienced American LaShawn Merritt holding off a challenge from Machel Cedenio to deny the Caribbean nation victory.

Renny Quow ran an opening split time of 43.23 seconds which set the scene for Trinidad and Tobago with Lalonde Gordon clocking 45.68 on the second leg and Deon Lendore, 44.75 on the third.

Cedenio then challenged Merritt to the end in timing 44.16.

The Americans completed the 400m relay in

Jamaica finish with historic 7 gold medals for second position

a world leading time of 2:57.82 with TT finishing in a new national record time of 2:38.20 and Great Britain clocking a season best of 2:58.51.

In the only other event with Caribbean participation, Donald Thomas cleared 2.29 metres for sixth in the men’s high jump. His compatriot Trevor Barry was tenth with 2.25m.

Canada’s Derek Drouin (2.34m) won a jump-off with Bohdan Bondarenko of Ukraine and Guowei Zhang of China (2.33m) for the gold medal.

Kenya topped the medal table with seven gold for a total of 16 medals with Jamaica also finishing on seven gold but 12 medals. United States finished with 18 medals but only six gold.

The next IAAF World Championships will be held in London in 2017. (CMC)

Boyz sharpen for Nicaragua test as World Cup qualifiers loom

the

The Reggae Boyz might have impressed at the Copa America in June, then validated that progress with a run to the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, but Head Coach Winfried Schaefer has made it clear that the Russia World Cup begins tomorrow night, and nothing achieved before really matters.

their

Stadium

last

"The Copa America was good, but it is now in the past. The Gold Cup was also good, but that was in the past, too. We start over with Nicaragua on Friday night," he told the Jamaica Observer last night ahead of his team's training session at the Stadium East facility, clearly continued on page 53

BEIJING,

CHINA: A stunning victory in the women's mile-relay gave Jamaica a record seventh gold medal and secured second spot in the medals table ahead of the USA and behind Kenya as the 15th IAAF World Championships concluded on Sunday.

Jamaica with seven gold, two silver and three bronze finished the championship with 12 medals and was just one short of their record tally of 13 achieved in Berlin, 2009.

Kenya, also with seven gold, finished top courtesy of a larger medal haul of 16, while the USA finished third with six gold, six silver and six bronze for a total of 18 medals.

Jamaica's medal haul is an improvement from two years ago in Moscow, Russia, and team manager, Ludlow Watt, was more than pleased with the performance.

"The team performed extremely well and that is good for the mood of the country and the development of track and field," said Watt, moments after guiding his winning girls through the press conference.

Once again the incomparable Usain Bolt was at the forefront propelling Jamaica forward

with another triple gold performance. He defended his 100m, 200m and 4x100m crowns.

He edged fierce rival Justin Gatlin in the 100m winning in 9.79 seconds to Gatlin's 9.80s in arguably his best and most satisfying race. Then he returned and won his pet event by a much wider margin, stopping the clock at 19.55 seconds easing down. Bolt then completed his three timer anchoring Jamaica's 4x100m team in a time of 37.36 seconds.

Shelly-Ann FraserPryce grabbed two gold in the 100m and 4x100m relay, while Danielle Williams snatched the 100m hurdles gold and the women's 4x400m relay capped a great championship for Jamaica.

"If you look at the comments by the 100m hurdler when she said her aim was just to get into the final, and that could perhaps be one that is summed up as least expected. But they all did well and we expected everyone to do well," said Watts.

"There will be disappointment in every championship, but I will not take it as any major serious matter because in every championship in every event there is a success story and always people who fall below.

But overall the balance has been good," he noted.

Debutant Elaine Thompson sizzled to a 21.66 seconds clocking in the 200m and reaped a silver, while Hansle Parchment copped silver in the 110m hurdles with 13.03 seconds.

Veteran Veronica Campbell-Brown turned back the clock and won a bronze in the 200m with a seasonal best 21.97, while Shericka Jackson showed that she has arrived with a scintillating 49.99, personal best, for third in the women's 400m.

Shot putter O'Dayne Richards won Jamaica's first shot put medal, equalling his national record of 21.69m for bronze.

With all this in mind, Watts reinforced the importance of the training camp saying it built team camaraderie and spirit.

"Anybody who did not agree with it is exhibiting poor judgement and not befitting somebody who is worthy of improving Jamaica's track and field," said Watt.

"The camp was extremely successful from the point of view of the athletes and, the coaches. Training preparation, camaraderie and this has manifested in the success of the team," he noted.

(Jamaica Observer)

Guyana’s national volleyball team begins camp this weekend

– local players to attend SA Confederation Cup later this month

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Guyana will be represented at the upcoming South American Confederation Cup after missing out for more than a decade, with a group of 21 male volleyballers being encamped this weekend from which the final squad will be selected.

The tournament, to be hosted in Brazil, will take place this monthend and

will feature teams from all the countries affiliated to the South American federation.

The encampment will start on Friday and conclude on Sunday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, and will be held under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Levi Nedd and Assistant Coach Ian Wills.

Wills, during an interview with this publication on Wednesday, point-

ed out that the group of 21 players was selected about three weeks ago with the aim of vying for a spot on the national team. That preliminary squad will further be trimmed to 12 by Sunday, following the national selectors’ agreement on the best players to represent the Golden Arrowhead in the neighbouring country.

During the three-day encampment, it is expected that the players, drawn from the counties of Demerara and Berbice, will be involved in several activities, key among them teamwork and systems.

Wills highlighted that after the travelling contingent of 12 players is finalised, the national players will then meet again on the weekend of September 18-20 at the same venue for

Boyz sharpen for Nicaragua ...

indicating that his Reggae Boyz must focus on tomorrow night's game as a new adventure and not as a continuation of the Gold Cup.

Last night all 27 players took to the field, including defender Michael Hector, who had just arrived in Jamaica from England after being snapped up by Jose Mourinho's English Premier League champions Chelsea Football Club for £4 million from Reading FC. The 23-year-old will be sent back on loan to Reading for the season.

As he made his way towards his teammates on the Stadium East pitch, there was a chorus of clapping from the entire group as they congratulated the player on his big move.

Though the Boyz will be missing three defenders in Wes Morgan, Jermaine Taylor and Daniel Gordon, Schaefer was upbeat after watching his players regain focus in two sessions

thus far.

The Boyz begin their hunt for a place in the Russia World Cup Finals in 2018 when they open their Third Round homeand-away play-offs against Nicaragua tomorrow at 8:00 pm inside the National Stadium.

The return leg will take place next Tuesday at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium, with the winner on aggregate advancing to the Fourth Round, where they will be placed in Group B alongside the seeded Costa Rica and Panama, as well as the winner of the Haiti vs Grenada match-up.

The top two teams from each of the three groups in Round Four will advance to the Fifth and Final Round where the top three earn tickets to Russia, and the fourth-placed team enter a continental play-off. (Jamaica Observer)

a second encampment before heading off the Portuguese-speaking nation.

During that week-

end, it is expected that the national squad will be involved in several warm-up games to get in full preparation

mode for the tournament. Accompanying the players to Brazil will be Wills, Nedd and Manager Andrea Flores.