Guyana Times International

Hundreds bid farewell to Crum-Ewing

By Devina Samaroo, Gomatie GanGaDin anD Hema ramcHarran

Family, friends, the general public and politicians on Thursday paid their last respects to former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was shot and killed last week while urging residents of Third Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara to vote out the current PPP/C Government from office on May 11th.

Though his funeral was virtually taken over by politicians, Crum-Ewing, who was hailed as a man of peace and a passionate advocate for social justice, got a dignified sendoff, which started at his home, then proceeded to Parade Ground, then to the Heavenly Light Church in Albouystown and later his final resting place – Le Repentir Cemetery.

The overwhelming call from those who paid tribute was for peace to prevail and that no one should be provoked into retaliation. The calls for “no retaliation” had started directly after the murder with the assumption that the killing was “politically motivated”, even though there has been no evidence produced up to now to lead to that conclusion. But it was evident from the comments, especially from the politicians, that this was still the dominant presumed motive. Police have since announced making some headway in their investigations and have also called on all citizens to avoid racial in-

citement in this period.

At his residence, a small gathering of about 60 people stood in a sombre atmosphere as they each took turns to view his body at rest. Crum-Ewing was clad in a black suit with the Guyana flag draped over his coffin. His body remained at his home for viewing until 11:30h, after which the funeral procession made its way to Parade Ground, Georgetown for another viewing. His parents were too distressed to speak to this publication, as they struggled to hold back the tears, accepting the many messages of condolences they received.

At the Parade Ground, the Opposition politicians had a field day with many of them using the event to muster up political support for their coalition at the upcoming elections,

as Crum-Ewing’s family laid their emotions bare as a consequence of their loss. It was high drama as tributes were delivered from a line-up of activists and other officials. They included: Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, Columnist Freddie Kissoon, Mark Benschop, women’s rights activist Dawn Stewart-Lyken, Guyana Bar Association President Ronald Burch-Smith, and People’s National Congress Reform Youth group Chairman Ryan Belgrave.

Addressing the large gathering, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green stated that Crum-Ewing should be regarded as a “hero and a martyr”. According to Green, CrumEwing’s death should not be

in vain and had a lesson for all, while telling the audience that they have a part to play in ensuring that Crum-Ewing’s death does not become another statistic in the country. Courtney’s block

“You have things to do. His last words he spoke on his bullhorn was that you must vote, vote APNU- AFC and if all of us here if we have come to share our love to Courtney, we must remember his final words,” he told the crowd. Alluding directly to the assumed “political” motivation for the killing, he noted that while the “evil forces have been at work over the past weeks”, no one should be tempted to retaliate in kind but rather with their votes at the upcoming polls.

He declared that by the power vested in him as Mayor, he would be naming the block on which Crum-Ewing protested for 80-plus days as “Courtney’s Block”, while he would push to have a monument erected at the Parade Ground in honour of Crum-Ewing.

QC alumnus African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Executive Director, Dr Eric Phillips, who gave a tribute on behalf of Queen’s College alumni, while reflecting on the school life of CrumEwing, told the gathering that he was an exemplary student who always sought to excel in everything he did, particularly in the area of sport. Dr Phillips

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EDITORIAL

Transformations in housing

The Government recently announced that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has committed to releasing more lands to the Ministry of Housing’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in an effort to meet the growing demands for housing across the country.

This is testimony to the fact that more and more Guyanese, especially young professionals, are applying for lands to begin constructing their homes. This forces the Government to look at alternative means in helping every Guyanese achieve their dream of home ownership.

Prior to 1992, this level of optimism among young people, and citizens in general, to own their own home was unheard of, as it was very difficult to acquire a plot of land. In addition to having to deal with a very difficult bureaucracy, there was simply a lack of vision on the part of the then government in relation to housing development.

This has now changed as the present administration’s policies on housing development make it much easier for one to own their own home. The transformation currently being experienced in the housing sector is one that every Guyanese citizen can boast of.

Nowhere else in the Caricom region is this level of development being experienced in housing.

While there were tremendous achievements made in the areas of education, health care delivery, improving social services, etc, the gains made in Guyana’s housing sector have surpassed all others.

The incumbent Government has every right to highlight these achievements as they face the electorate to ask for another term to continue along this path. Voters no doubt will be looking closely to see which of the parties have the best policies for Guyana’s development; and housing is a key concern for many.

About 100,000 Guyanese families have received house lots across the country. A number of new housing schemes have been (and are being) developed. The Government has spent huge amounts of money for infrastructural works. These house lots that are being awarded are highly subsidized as the intention is to ensure that lands are made available for every single category of individuals.

It is worthwhile to highlight some of the useful initiatives undertaken by the Housing Ministry which resulted in the level of success we are currently experiencing. The Ministry hosted a number of “one stop shops” where applications for house lots were fast-tracked.

This served to cut through all the red tape that one faces when an application for a plot of land is made. Also, the criteria for land ownership were greatly relaxed. Now there is provision for every citizen, irrespective of social class or political or religious affiliation, once he/she satisfies the basic criteria to be given a houselot.

The banks have also made it easier for persons to access loans for construction. Prior to the housing boom one had to satisfy a number of criteria before they could have accessed a loan to build a house.

Today, this has changed as the banks offer loans at very affordable interest rates to low and moderate income earners. This was as a result of the Public-Private Partnership developed between the Government and the commercial banks to make it easier for persons to own their own homes.

Every Guyanese desires to become a home-owner and we are pleased that the Government is making the necessary investments in the housing sector to make this a reality. The vision for housing development in this country is indeed extraordinary and commendations must go to the key players – the Government and the private sector – for helping to transform the lives of thousands of Guyanese citizens.

There are many challenges to overcome as there are quite a number of applicants who are still awaiting word from the Ministry as to the status of their applications. But an objective analysis will prove that Guyana has indeed travelled a long road since 1992, especially as it relates to gains made in housing development.

'An

adventure of a lifetime'

For the daring, the opportunity will again be presented when the 13th

March 28th from Georgetown, destined for a

supreme, where fresh

breath away.

Faith Harding is 2015 Guyanese International Woman of Courage

– awarded posthumously at US Embassy reception

The late Guyanese politician and psychologist, Dr Faith Harding has been named the 2015 International Woman of Courage by the United States Embassy in Guyana after having been recognised for her exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and social progress. The posthumous award was received by her husband, Patrick Harding, at a ceremony held at the residence of the US Ambassador in Guyana on Wednesday evening.

Recipients of this award, according to Chargé d’Affaires for the Georgetown embassy, Bryan Hunt, have been leaders for change, pushing established boundaries and demanding equality for marginalised communities. And for the leadership committee, Dr Harding fits the bill perfectly.

“There is no question for those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Faith, that she dedicated her life to the service of the human family,” related Hunt, who added “whether she was championing the cause of gender equality in front of an audience of thousands or simply extending a helping hand and sympathetic ear to a troubled teenager with thoughts of suicide, Faith was equally determined to ensure that justice was done and that all were given an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Hunt remembered Dr Harding as one who insisted on action even while reflecting on the ills facing the Guyanese society— a quality he admired.

“No problem was too big for her. No issue was too complex. In her mind, no obstacle was fundamentally insurmount-

able. She truly embodied the old Chinese proverb “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Indeed, she was constantly pushing all of us to take that single step,” he added. Despite leaving active politics, Dr Harding never lost her passion for Guyana and envisioned a new form of Guyanese politics that engendered inclusive development, Hunt recalled.

Mr Harding extended gratitude on behalf of himself and family, while reminiscing on the many instances of her service to Guyana. He called seeing hours of calls late at nights and early in the morning to one particular number and upon enquiry learnt that it was that of a young woman contemplating suicide. Many times, Mr Harding said, he questioned his wife why she alone was

taking on these issues when the state systems were in place to tackle these. “She never stopped,” he related, recognising that in the absence of proper functioning institutions, Dr Harding’s contribution was invaluable.

The event was organised in celebration of International Women’s Day, which was observed on March 8. On this occasion, the US Embassy in Guyana said it recognised and celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of American and Guyanese women. According to Chargé d’Affaires Hunt, the US Government has recognised that the path to achieving gender equality must involve the eradication of gender-based violence as well as ensuring girls and women are educated and empowered.

Carter Centre likely to observe another historic Guyana election

The Carter Centre appears set to observe Guyana’s General and Regional elections for the first time since 2006. If the Centre decides against mounting just a targeted or focused mission, it would be the first time that a full-fledged observer team would be dispatched to Guyana since the 2001 polls.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon told a news conference on Wednesday that Carter Centre representatives last week Friday (March 13, 2015) completed a needs assessment similar to one conducted by a United Nations team .

Luncheon said the Centre’s assessment appeared to signal that organisation’s interest in fielding a mission to observe the May 11, 2015 General and Regional elections expected to be keenly contested by the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) and the opposition coalition of A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For

Change (APNU+AFC).

Former US President Jimmy Carter led the Centre’s first Observer Mission to Guyana in 1992 when the first internationally certified free and fair election saw the PPP/C regaining office for the first time in 28 years.

While the Carter Centre had mounted full observer mission in 1992 and 2001, it merely conduct -

ed a targeted or focused observation of the 2006 elections two years after the Former American President visited Guyana for the last time in 2004.

During that visit, at the invitation of then President Bharrat Jagdeo, Carter had expressed grave disillusion with political gridlock, absence of shared governance and lack of real representation of Guyanese.

Top Cop’s confirmation: Gov't nails Granger’s non-consultation claims

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon was adamant that meaningful consultations were held with Opposition Leader David Granger as it relates to the recent confirmation of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Following Persaud’s swearing-in last week, Granger had stated that he would not be accepting or recognising Persaud as the substantive Police Commissioner since he was not “meaningfully consulted” on his appointment in accordance with Article 211 under the Constitution of Guyana.

The Opposition Leader said that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would be taking legal action to challenge Persaud’s confirmation. However, no such action has yet been filed. Granger told this newspaper on Tuesday that the coalition’s team of Attorneys is currently working on the documents before starting legal proceedings.

Dr Luncheon told media operatives at the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday that Granger’s claim that he was never consulted was at odds with the reali-

ty of what took place. He opined that the only reason the Opposition Leader could have made such remarks was because of a judgement he has about what constitutes “consultation”. “Meaningful consultation” does not mean that the President has to accept the recommendation or opinion of the Opposition leader, simply that the latter be solicited and taken into consideration.

According to the HPS, there is evidence of Granger replying to correspondence from the Office of the President that specifically addresses the issue of appointment and confirmation of Persaud. He added that they had

even worked out a plan with Granger, as it related to how they would go ahead with the consultations.

Dr Luncheon went on to explain that the behaviour of the Opposition Leader was strange given the fact that when Persaud was appointed acting Police Commissioner last year, he was pushing for him to be confirmed substantively in the position. The HPS noted that the politician had also pushed for the substantive appointment of former Police Commissioner Leroy Brummel when he was appointed as acting Police Chief. However, President Donald Ramotar on both occasions, Dr Luncheon said, had stated that he did not know either man and wanted to observe their performance over a period of time before confirming them.

“It is ironic that when the President approached him (Granger) and say I’m ready to do the substantive appointment (for Persaud), we couldn’t find David and he unveiled a series of his disquiet, his reluctance and ultimately, what he said, he couldn’t agree to poor Seelall being appointed substantively as the Commissioner,” Dr Luncheon outlined.

New York’s ‘Pioneer

of Indian rememberedTelevision’

Dear Editor,

Dr (Banad) Viswanath, who has pioneered Indian and Guyanese oriented broadcasting programmes in New York, recently passed away. Almost every Indo-Guyanese New Yorker watched his “Vision of Asia” segment on TV during the 1970s and 1980s.

Although he was hardly seen on TV, with his loving wife Sathya being the face of the programme every Sunday morning with her humble clasped hands, “Namaste”, Vishwanath was well known by Guyanese community leaders who interacted with him.

He gave voice to Guyanese in New York. As Kali noted, Vishwanath, with encouragement from Kali (who sponsored programmes) and people like myself, helped in the promotion and institutionalization of Guyanese and Indo-Caribbean culture in NY.

The station employed a Guyanese, Larry Diaram, as its lead cameraman who promoted Guyanese events. Vishwanath supported the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana during the PNC

dictatorship.

Several Guyanese community and political leaders, including Dr Jagan and Kwayana, appeared on his programme. Accolades were showered on Dr Viswanath by Guyanese community leaders for his great humanitarian activities as well as for promoting Indo-Guyanese culture on TV.

Dr Vishwanath was a trailblazer for people of Indian origin in the fields of medicine and ethnic broadcasting in the US. After his medical studies in Mysore, India (in 1960 at 22), Vishwanath came to the US in 1962 to further his training in medicine.

He was trained at Baylor University Hospital under the legendary Dr Denton Cooley in Houston, Texas. He went on to a distinguished career as an eminent cardiologist in a medical career spanning more than five decades, practicing medicine until the end, working six days a week.

He performed hundreds, if not thousands, of surgeries. He was on the team that performed the first heart transplant in the US during the early 1980s.

But Viswanath is best known among Guyanese Americans as the “Pioneer of Indian TV” when he launched “Vision of Asia” in 1976, on WNJU TV Channel 47 (Jersey City). It was a ‘must see’ for PIOs and even for many Afro-Caribbeans, as it was the only ethnic TV programme that appealed to or featured them.

For the Guyanese and Caribbean community, Dr Viswanath will never be forgotten, for he has done much to promote our culture in the greater New York area. Thank you Dr Vishwanath and family for your noble work!

Vishnu Bisram

A sense of pride and boldness, Guyana is moving forward

Dear Editor,

There is an intangible success of Guyana and it is most observed in the young people and it is the level of pride and creativity that illuminates from the youths of Guyana today.

It is undeniable that it is part of the long term vision and strategy of the PPP/C. This was a vision that Dr Jagan saw and made sure he set the tone for it to be realized. Today we see this being maintained by the current leaders of the PPP/C.

My own experience and observation tells a story of a Guyana that has made great strides in empowering young people to be more creative, confident and risk takers with pride in their homeland.

This is a result of the government’s long term investment to make our future secure in the hearts and minds of youths.

For many decades, we were a passive and risk adverse group of people that always seems to look at other cultures and countries as better than us.

When we see a foreigner, we would spread red carpet for them and ignore ourselves. Now we still spread the carpet, but out of pride in ourselves, our country and our accomplishments.

This new way of doing things and thinking did not fall upon us by accident; it was cultivated and factored into a strategy of a sense of respect for ourselves and our ability to be recog-

Congratulations to the Commissioner of Police

Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate the President of Guyana for confirming the Acting Commissioner of Police as Commissioner. Praise must be given to President Ramotar for his action.

In my assessment of Guyana, PNC is still having control of the GPF and the GDF. It will be very hard for the PPP/C or the President Ramotar Administration to change things because of the PNC planting their people in all key positions.

Under the PNC, experienced or educated Police were not needed. All what was needed was a PNC card. There were Police officers, whom I know personally, were educated and very experienced and were put to do nothing with by the PNC Administration. They eventually left their jobs. It was not what you knew, but who you knew.

Mr Persaud, you’ve come a long way and have a far way more to go in your endeavor. You may want to turn around and look back at the path you have tak-

en, where you came from, and how you journeyed to where you are today. Your past will be very helpful for you to carry on. I am sure you have the ability to administrate and manage the challenges and changes coming your way. It is a task for a giant and you have to weather the storm.

Recently, President Ramotar promised to reinforce the important role the Guyana Police Force plays in ensuring the safety and security of citizens. The President emphasized the importance of a strong and professional Force for the maintenance of social order for the protection of the people from crime. This is very important in policing. The President continued to also lay out the reforms that I believe are necessary to bring the GPF in line with the needs of all Guyanese and put forward his 15-points anti-crime plans. This will be your job Mr Persaud. President Ramotar has said it all.

S N Singh

Florida, USA

Immoral dance of AFC with APNU will come to an end

Dear Editor

Reading the Kaieteur News makes one want to wonder if there is any sane person in this media house.

Just imagine Adam Harris, the Editor, claiming that a headline that he had for KN on March 11 was changed by Glenn Lall. The headline that Harris claimed that Lall forced him to print was very offensive, not only to the former President, but to all supporters of the PPP/C, especially our African Guyanese supporters of the Administration. Yet nothing is done and the Kaieteur News continues on this madness of printing fabricated, sensational headlines to create mayhem and incite racial insecurity, especially at this sensitive time when elections are quickly approaching.

The GHRA, which is dormant when it comes to issues of this nature, has not said anything so far. I am watching to see what the MMU will say on this issue. Another disturbing issue is the tendency of Freddie Kissoon to pronounce on important matters without having any evidence. This is a very dangerous practice and Kissoon knows

nized in the world as a progressive and industrious country that have something to add to the world scene.

This realization that we see today is a product of visionaries driving a country forward by way of the PPP/C starting with the leadership of Minister Ramsammy on global Health and Bharat Jagdeo on the environment.

A kind of progress that the Opposition can only look upon with envy, greed and nothing but a desire to destroy it and in the process implode the country under their limited vision and don’t ask me how I know, because then I will be forced to tell you about their track record in the past.

Malcolm Watkins

that he will get away with whatever he writes because this Government is not vicious like the PNC.

Kissoon in his March 14 feature column claims that “the nation knows who sent the killers looking for Courtney”. Seriously Kissoon? The Police need to take you in to provide evidence on the death of Courtney Crum-Ewing. You seem to know a lot. You don’t have any respect for law and order. You project yourself as judge, jury and executioner. No one else is as bright as you. But time will soon catch up with your diabolical, prejudiced and vindictive writing!

Another issue that not many people said anything about is the abuse that Hasseb Yusuf, the former Berbice AFC Councillor, has to endure. His school was vandalized and robbed and he is being verbally abused because he stands up to corruption in the AFC Berbice Group. Do not let them intimidate you, MrYusuf. We in Berbice support you! The immoral dance of the AFC with APNU will come to a disastrous end on March 12!

Rakesh Singh

Police must institute correct charges to stop drunk driving

Dear Editor,

Time and time again I have been reading in our newspapers that vehicle drivers are being charged for driving under the influence of alcohol and are being fined Gy$7,500 on conviction.

There seems to be a mistake in the charges the Police are instituting. In 2008, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act was amended to include the breath test, and speaks of breath exceeding the prescribed limit and not driving under the influence of drinks, which is an offence under section 39, and which is still in existence.

This offence carries much greater penalties than Gy$7,500, such as disqualification from driving and imprisonment.

There are two stages, one for being over the prescribed limit of alcohol and two being incapable of driving.

The lesser offence is the former, attracting a small fine, whereas the latter is more serious and attracts larger fines, together with disqualification from driving and imprisonment.

Police traffic officers must be trained to distinguish between the two offences and to prepare the evidence that is required to convict drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol. I tried some time ago to advise senior traffic officers of this but was told that the influence of drink charge is no longer in the law books and that the breath test law is the only law applicable. This is not so. Perhaps the Police Legal Advisor, if there is any, could clear up this matter for the Police.

Until such time that the Police institute the correct charges, this lawlessness of driving under the influence will continue on our roads.

Moenudin Mc Doom, SC

The Berbice River Bridge…linking communities, creating opportunities

Standing testimo-

ny to the years of successful progressive governance that has characterised the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government is its investment and realisation of that very crucial infrastructure that is now providing ‘real time’ travel across the Berbice River.

Yes, it is worth repeating, although this may sound like a broken record, but that bridge across the Berbice River, one of the most successful public-private partnership ventures, has been transformative.

The impacts of this infrastructure on the socio-economic livelihoods of people, not only from Berbice, but from other parts of the country as well, have been overwhelming.

Indeed, because of this infrastructure, Guyanese no longer have to worry about living in Berbice. No longer are they concerned with the fact that the ferry ride is about an hour across the river, and if that ferry broke down (which it did often) that they would have been strand-

ed, waiting to cross for hours.

Not today, instead, many Guyanese are enjoying the freedom of taking their own vehicles, across the river and at their own time and convenience.

Certainly, the volume of traffic that the bridge accommodates on a daily basis can be considered epic compared to the proportion that the ferry service could have shuttled across the river.

In line with Guyana’s rapid transformation

For years, prior to the Berbice River Bridge, commuting to and from Region Six was dependent on the slow and almost decrepit ferry. However, with Guyana’s rapid transformation, this old ferry system could not have met the demands of increasing vehicular traffic, seeking access across the river.

Efforts therefore began at charting faster and more efficient access across the river, and thus bridging of the Berbice River was quickly seen as the most logical response and one with additional benefits: improving the link between Regions Five

and Six; and opening up new business opportunities for the thousands of Guyanese.

For a country that was growing economically and welcoming more foreign investment, the bridge across the Berbice River was the type of infrastructure definitely needed and in that regard the PPP/C should be lauded for transforming the vision into reality, following years of persistence by Government, the private sector and other entities.

Guyanese welcomed this vital infrastructural input, on December 23, 2008 and soon its contribution was evident. Quickly noted, was the time it takes to get across the river by the bridge compared to the burdensome and arduous waiting time that commuters had to inevitably endure with the ferry service. Now it is possible to make at least two trips a day from the city to Berbice.

Millions of dollars, which prior to the bridge, were lost on waiting time, are now being used by commuters and drivers to enhance production and productivity

of businesses.

Also, marketing opportunities for the farming community have now opened up significantly; farmers from Black Bush Polder can now take their produce all the way to Bourda or Stabroek markets, while those from Parika can take theirs to Moleson Creek to be exported to neighbouring Suriname.

Patients in need of urgent medical attention and had to be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

(GPHC) had no choice but to wait in an ambulance or a vehicle to be ferried across to West Berbice. People travelling to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri had to literally leave their homes many hours in advance to line up at the stelling and sometimes still miss their flights.

Robert Moore, a resident of Region Six, had many good things to say about the bridge. “You do not have to wait a long line to get over to the other shore. When we had the boat, you had a long waiting, especially if you were moving with your own transportation. I mean, if you are travelling on your own, without a vehicle it is easier for you to wait and catch the boat, but now with the bridge it is easy. You just come up with a car or bus and you just come straight across. No Hassle.”

H.M Sugrim, owner of Guyana Tractor

& Equipment, spoke of the ease of travel when compared with what obtained prior to the advent of the bridge. “Compared with the ferry service, this bridge is better because I could get up at 5 am in the morning and by 7 am, done be in Georgetown, before time, on the ferry, you had to line up at the stelling for 9 pm and 6 am in the morning, and then you are crossing.” Businessman, Shabeer Baksh noted that the infrastructure is a positive thing for the people, because access to Region Six is faster. “We all know time is money and getting across faster means that you can get things done, then go back to Georgetown if you like, comparing to the ferry it used to be a hold up...so with the Bridge is something positive...it is also a positive for the persons leaving Georgetown to go do business in Suriname.” (GINA)

PYO celebrates life of Dr Cheddi Jagan

Outgoing Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has been recognised for the significant contribution he has made to Guyana’s advancement by the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO). In a moving and ceremonial expression, the youth of the party with which Hinds had joined forces in 1992, handed over a plaque as he attended the group’s Night of Reflection in memory of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan Friday evening.

PYO Chairman, Irfaan Ali labelled Prime Minister Hinds a man of dignity and honour who is deserving of recognition for his sterling contribution to Guyana. “Your hard work and commitment to Guyana

and the mining town of Linden remain vibrant today as the day you joined Comrade Jagan on the Journey to progress and development,” expressed Ali.

Ali said the youth arm and by extension the party has great appreciation for Hinds’ 22 years of public service with honesty and decency. “Your solid contribution will serve as a monument of your sacrifices,” read the plaque.

In brief remarks, the outgoing Prime Minister said while he is not looking for honours, when it comes he is greatly appreciative. He encouraged the youthful audience to take up the challenge of building Guyana on the backs of those who came be-

fore. Hinds, an Engineer has served as Prime Minister since 1992 and briefly as President in 1997.

Prior to this, Hinds worked for Alcan, as the head of Chemical Engineering. By education, Hinds is a licensed and qualified Chemical Engineer, having graduated from the University of New Brunswick.

Recently, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) announced a new Prime Ministerial Candidate in the person of Elisabeth Harper, a candidacy Hinds has supported. Harper, a Career Diplomat will run alongside Donald Ramotar when the PPP/C contests the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Strong overseas contingent for 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari

The Tourism Ministry on Wednesday launched the 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari. The event was launched at the Tourism Ministry’s office by the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Indranauth Haralsingh.

This year’s event promises to be “an adventure of a lifetime”. This year’s event will attract participants from Germany, Jamaica, the United States and Suriname. The event aims to promote Guyana’s pristine and wild interior in a 529 mile journey that will also showcase Amerindian villages and waterfalls.

Secretary of the Safari Club, Yonette Sahibdeen said the registration process has begun at Rainforest Tours, located at Avenue of the Republic and Robb Streets, Georgetown. The vehicles will have to adhere to strict recommendations for the safari and will have to be inspected on March 24. The vehicles will only be qualified if they have the necessities for the trip.

The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority described the trip as a “raw trip”. He said “This would be a test of

your off road abilities,” adding that the interior showcases Guyana’s clean and pristine nature. The safari will visit 11 Amerindian settlements and three waterfalls.

This year’s Safari promises to not only pass through Amerindian villages and take pictures, but to also support the villages by buying their produce and building facilities into the areas. Haralsingh stated that participants in this event will re-

ceive a special certificate at a special award ceremony after the completion of the safari.

The event is sponsored by Guyoil, Amazon Warrior Energy, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Rainforest tours, MMC and Massy Distribution in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Ministry. At the event, Haralsingh welcomed Amazon Warrior Energy Drink, a new sponsor that

has come on board for the event. GT&T will be outfitting the team, Guyoil will be sponsoring some of the fuel and lubricants, while Amazon Warriors Energy will be providing energy drinks.

Secretary of the Safari Club Yonette Sahibdeen encourages persons to come on board and be a part of the Safari. Sahibdeen said “We have a beautiful country, it’s magical. We can’t see pictures, we have to be there.”

The Safari departs from the Regent Street Guyoil Gas station at 22:00h on the March 28 and will end on April 5. The event is also set to coincide with the Rodeo celebration in Lethem. There will also be an Air Services Limited flight out to Georgetown, affording participants both the option of returning to Georgetown for the Easter Monday celebrations or remaining in Lethem for the Rodeo.

We are ready! Top Cop says Force is fully prepared to deal with

Newly swornin Police Commissioner

Seelall Persaud said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was preparing and would be prepared for the worst case scenario during the upcoming Guyana General and Regional Elections scheduled to be held on May 11.

Speaking to the me-

elections-related disturbances

dia last Thursday, Persaud noted that the Force would not be taking anything for granted during this season and would be prepared for any situation which may arise. “That we are preparing for our worst case situation way beyond what we are expecting to happen,” Persaud said. When questioned on what would be the pos-

sible worst case scenario, he noted that this would be “the complete breakdown of law and order in the country”. The Commissioner added that the GPF has been preparing for elections since the prorogation of Parliament in November so that his ranks could understand clearly what public order was all about.

“We started retraining them on public order issues, on elections campaign issues, and so on, so our ranks can have an understanding of what the law is, what they are required to do, what their role is when they get on the ground,” he noted.

He went on to state that the water cannon, which was given to the

Force by Home Affairs

Minister Clement Rohee for the purpose of maintaining public order, was up and functioning and “ready to be used” should the need arise during this period.

Crime Chief Leslie James, who is also serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police, had related to this publication that every political party should cooperate and support the GPF in fulfilling its mandate so that a peaceful elections process is achieved for the benefit of all of Guyanese.

Peace and stability

President Donald Ramotar had, during the

announcement of the date for elections, noted that he was hoping and expecting that all stakeholders would ensure peace and stability. “I will expect the political parties, the security services and the people of Guyana to conduct themselves in a manner that would ensure continued peace and stability before, during and after the elections. We have a collective obligation, every Guyanese, to ensure the protection of the democratic gains we have made and for which we have endured so much as a nation to secure,” Ramotar stated.

Dr. Jagan’s Legacy on Elections

The selection of a civic Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming general elections in Guyana has placed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in a good position in the campaign and is a fitting tribute to Dr. Jagan, its founder leader.

Carefully chosen candidates are vote-getters. It broadens the appeal and furbishes the image of the Party. Dr. Jagan and his party, the PPP, were unbeatable at the polls, yet he embraced the concept of a civic component on the Party’s candidates’ list for election, in order to deepen democracy and create an opportunity for other interest groups outside of the Party to be represented in government.

The incorporation of Dr. Jagan’s inclusiveness concept in the PPP strategy for the upcoming May 11th election augurs well for its campaign and is an endorsement of his legacy. It’s a reminder of the importance of Dr. Jagan’s life and work in today’s politics.

Important as it is, Dr. Jagan’s legacy of victory at the polls goes beyond inclusiveness. The PPP won every free and fair election in the country since 1953 when, for the first time, one-man one-vote became a reality as a result of the struggle of the masses, which was led by the PPP, and because its leader was able to motivate voters to see elections as a part of the bigger struggle for the betterment of all.

Dr. Jagan’s inspiration of voters was legendary. He was able to convince people to turn out and vote even when everyone knew that the elections would be rigged by the PNC. He was able to convince people to vote fearlessly regardless of personal consequences, and there were many. His supporters voted solidly and stood firmly against all the reactionary opposition forces at home and abroad. The opposition forces against the PPP included the churches, the press, British and American imperialists, and a reactionary Trade Union Movement that was aligned to the AFl/CIO.

Dr. Jagan’s vision inspired supporters with a commitment to the polls far greater than the fear of severe personal consequence, which was meted out against them because of their vote. His campaign infused supporters with the ‘election fever’. Supporters took the campaign personally. They, with leadership from the party groups and activists, mobilized the grassroots into an organization strong enough to get-out and vote. This grassroots machinery was a key factor in the victory strategy.

With this blueprint, inclusiveness, inspiration and a grassroots organization, the PPP can win the upcoming Election. The challenge is to convince voters that voting is not only a right and duty but also an investment in their personal wellbeing – a necessary task for the greater good– and that the vote will make a difference between prosperity and poverty.

There is no reason why the Party cannot effectively communicate its vision and motivate voters to believe and act in their best interest. The PPP has the capacity to infuse supporters with the spirit of the campaign: the election fever.

This is no easy task but it is not impossible. The sustained improvements in the living conditions in the last decade, that have taken place among Guyanese of all classes can easily lead some voters to conclude that progress is automatic. They should be reminded of history and the contributions and sacrifices of past generations toward conditions that they now enjoy.

The large voting-youth population must be made to understand that progress is a partnership between the people and the government and the vote is a powerful weapon that should not be neglected or used in a reckless manner. Therefore, they must be educated about the past so that on May 11th they will cast their votes wisely.

With the Jagan strategy, the PPP can win despite the challenges. It is still the best organized party. It has the largest mass support in the country. Its supporters are more motivated now than ever before by recent political maneuvers. And the opposition is fractious and scrambling.

Guiana Shield platform launched

The Guiana Shield Priority Setting Platform (GSPSP) has been launched in Guyana, and will help countries within the Guiana Shield ecoregion, through satellite images, to focus on issues to save the Amazon forest. The countries will work through biodiversity, conservation initiatives, ecosystem services, socioeconomics and natural resources.

Saving the Amazon forest is a priority of the countries within the Guiana Shield, and the launch of the GSPSP aims at focusing on issues to manage the forests and also in the interest of individual nations.

At the launch, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud noted that nationally, the facility has allowed Guyana to move forward as a country, and it also offers support to neighbours. In addition, it helps to determine how to develop a national monitoring report and interpretation system. He noted too that the facility presented an opportunity to have inter-governmental and interagency cooperation, which, owing to historical and other pressing realities, would not have been possible without it.

The GSPSP was launched on Tuesday during a reception, held by United Nations Resident Representative Khadija Musa.

The GSPSP uses a combination of new continuous satellite observation techniques and ground information to advance transparency in ecosystem services provision and natural capital accounting. It is also a functional multi-stakeholder database that links information on biodiversity, conservation initiatives, ecosystem services, socioeconomics, natural resources, and develop-

ment. Representatives who were present for the launch came from countries which included Brazil, Columbia, Suriname and Venezuela.

Forest management

While the facility has allowed countries to focus on this important priority, it will also allow Guyana to manage its forest in particular. Since the countries share a common eco-region, the GSPSP will show what happens in different territories has an impact on what happens in others. This interdependence was brought out as a result of the functionality of the Guiana Shield Facility.

Protecting biodiversity

Meanwhile, UN Representative Musa noted that in terms of the biodiversity work done, the Guiana Shield has achieved a lot. Musa noted that the purpose of the workshop was to begin the drafting of the next phase to set the Guiana Shield Facility into the future.

Granger meets business community …touts education as driver of economic transformation

APartnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Presidential Candidate, David Granger on Tuesday promised to transform Guyana’s economical landscape through education, if he is elected into office following the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

At the time, he was addressing members of the business community during the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Business Luncheon at the Pegasus Hotel.

In an effort to overcome the scourge of poverty, Granger said major emphasis will be placed on repairing the “broken education system,” noting that an APNU+AFC Government would invest heavily in the development of five-star universities starting with the ailing University of Guyana, and not five star hotels.

“Under the APNU+AFC, every single region, will have a regional technical institute and a regional agricultural institute,” he added, stating too that the

young generation will be guided along paths that will allow them to be experts in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“It is time to move our indigenous citizens and residents of the hinterland and our population as a whole out of poverty and ignorance, by building more and more educational institutes, not drop-in centres.”

The PPP/C Government over the years has plugged billions into the education system, virtually subsidising university education and also implemented a range of programmes catering

for students at all levels. For last year, the government committed Gy$32.3 billion into the sector to carry out infrastructural and other improvements.

The allocation was Gy$3.8 billion more than what was expended in 2013 (Gy$28.5 billion), and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had told Members of Parliament during the budget presentation that the funds are to be used to implement the first year of a “new Education Strategic Plan.”

As part of the plan Gy$2.9 billion was used “towards the construction, rehabilitation, extension and main-

tenance of education facilities including a new and expanded Zeeburg Secondary School and the Kato Secondary complex.”

The previous year Gy$2.7 billion was spent on infrastructural works, including the commencement of “the reconstruction of the One Mile Primary School, La Venture Secondary School and Parfaite Harmonie Primary.”

Granger told the gathering that every month 500 children are dropping out of school. But this he said is just a tip of the iceberg, explaining that within days, 16, 000 children will be writing the National

Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Examination of which 8000 will fail everything. Most of the failures he said will be from the hinterland. “We can’t build a world class economy under the rubble of a broken education system,” he further emphasised.

Political

Stability

Turning his attention to the political scene Granger claimed that Guyana is starving for political stability. According to him, the “winner takes all” system, which has been long established, is stymieing development within the country. But this trend, he emphasised must be broken or it will lead to

the creation of more minority Governments.

“The APNU+AFC pre-election coalition will create for the first time in Guyana a Government of National Unity, we will reduce clashes in Parliament and we will guarantee political stability,” Granger told the members of the Private Sector.

In the area of crime and security, Granger a former Commander of the Guyana Defence Force pointed out that the APNU+AFC coalition if elected into office will take the requisite steps needed to suppress crime in the country. He said a safer Guyana cannot be achieved, if the Guyana Police Force is not reformed.

According to him, the time has come for the Force to undergo serious transformation, pointing out that over the past 15 years; it has received more than 15 plans and recommendations from the British Government and other Governments but to no avail. Government has adopted a number of these plans referred to by Granger and has begun implementing them.

Gov't soon to ink contract for reconstruction

of Umana Yana

Government is hoping to have the reconstruction of the iconic Umana Yana begin by the second half of this year. Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said the Amerindian Affairs Ministry will soon sign a contract to this effect. Last September, a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the prestigious landmark. The Umana Yana, which was built in 1972, was a historical structure, and one of

Guyana’s most famous landmarks having appeared on the cover of several magazines and publications. The edifice was erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Georgetown. Thereafter, it served as a VIP Lounge and recreation centre. It was a permanent and much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, and was constantly used as an exhibition and conference centre. Fashioned like the Wai

Wai benabs or shelters which are found deep in Guyana’s interior, it occupied an area of 460 square metres. As a result, it was the largest structure of its kind in Guyana. It stood about 55 feet (16.78 metres) high and was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines, all of which are found in Guyana’s interior.

Nagamootoo wants PNC rigging forgotten

– Granger wants 99 % Region 10 votes

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition officially launched its 2015 elections campaign last Saturday evening in the mining town of Linden, holding firm to its slogan ‘The time is now’ and urging residents of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) to vote 99 per cent for them.

The APNU won the region by a landslide in the 2011 elections, but residents have been hurt by the treatment of their Parliamentary Representative Vanessa Kissoon who was shoved to the back seat after fallout with Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the PNCR.

Residents have also been peeved at the alleged widespread rigging at the party’s Congress last year, which returned David Granger at the helm. Thousands of supporters congregated at the Linden/Georgetown mini-bus park, decked out in the parties’ coalition colours green and yellow. The evening was

marked by cultural presentations and speeches by representatives of the APNU and AFC, amidst waving and screaming supporters.

Among the delegation which headed to Linden for the official launch were Presidential Candidate David Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo, other representatives, including Khemraj Ramjattan, Jaipaul Sharma, Joe Harmon, Basil Williams, Rupert Roopnaraine, Keith Scott and Cathy Hughes, among others.

The evening’s proceedings were also marked by speeches from Granger, Nagamootoo, Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and other representatives.

The coalition, under the leadership of Granger and Nagamootoo boasted that they will secure a majority of the votes at the May 11 elections.

Meanwhile, despite his party’s recent infighting, Granger said the coalition with the AFC promises to move the country forward in unity.

He noted: “We are better together than apart…

from page 3

Hundreds bid farewell to...

said that the QC alumni will also be pushing for a monument of the deceased man to be erected at the Ground.

From the Parade Ground, the huge funeral procession marched down Camp Street on their way to Albouystown. As they passed, schoolchildren and shoppers in the city took careful note. Cars tooted their horns and music blared from music carts in the 45 minutes long march from Middle Street to Albouystown.

Church service

At the Heavenly Light Full Gospel Church, Cooper Street, Albouystown, tributes also poured in for the man who grabbed the public’s attention some months ago as he undertook a one-man protest outside the Legal Affairs Ministry calling for the resignation of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall after the taped conversation between the Minister and Kaieteur News Reporter Leonard Gildharie went viral.

Opposition Leader David Granger, in his address to the mourners, expressed his condolences to the family, relatives and friends on behalf of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership

for National UnityAlliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

He noted that CrumEwing was seen as a peacemaker since he employed lawful means to try to bring about change he wanted to see in the country. “He left the comfort of his home on the night and proceeded on the one-man crusade and appealing to the public about his concerns and the betterment of the country…Crum-Ewing was truly an honourable man,” he said.

Granger promised the family and friends of the slain man that he would ensure that the culprits were caught and that justice was served.

AFC Chairman and Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes while expressing his deep condolences to the family noted that while many were angry and hurt, no one should be provoked to engage in any unlawful and disorderly behaviour.

The parents of the dead man, in brief remarks, expressed their gratitude for the endless support which they have been given while they appealed for his death not to go down in vain but that it should always live on in the history of the land as the beginning of change.

Crum-Ewing was conducting his campaign in the Diamond Housing Scheme at around 20:00h when a car with four men drove up behind him and discharged several shots in his direction and subsequently fled the scene. CrumEwing was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

we are going to win, victory is ours…this is not a Linden rally, your Regional Chairman is hosting a national rally.”

Granger noted “this time we will get 99 per cent”, referring to the

percentage of votes the coalition party expects to secure from Linden and Region 10, which is one of APNU’s strongholds. The Presidential Candidate reaffirmed his confidence in the coalition, noting

that it is important for the parties to stay together at this time.

During his address, Granger said the coalition believes in education and infrastructure, making a promise to Lindeners that as long as the coalition secures victory, students will be able to access university education via distance education programmes.

Nagamootoo for his part said that it is time for change and that the country must be become united. He accused the Government of wasting money on trying to revitalise the sugar industry, adding that the industry must be re-examined. In the process, he noted, jobs must be saved.

Guyanese are happier under PPP/C - Rohee

As the world prepares to celebrate International Day of Happiness, on Friday, March 20, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee says that under that Party’s administration, the citizens of Guyana have become happier.

Speaking to media operatives at the Party’s weekly press conference on Monday, Rohee stated that the Party was proud of the role it has played in contributing to the happiness of the Guyanese society by reducing poverty and strongly advocating for a better and just society.

He noted that the happiness which has pervaded the land is as a result of the PPP/C Administration. “This mood of happiness is as a result of hard and painstaking work by the PPP/C Government to empower our people, in particular our young people through the creation of a knowledge-based society where Guyanese from all walks of life are in a much better position to realise their dreams of a good and satisfying life,” Rohee told media operatives.

The General Secretary further sought to debunk claims made by Opposition Leader and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU+AFC) Presidential Candidate David Granger, at the media launch of the coalition’s campaign two weeks ago, that Guyana was an ‘unhappy’ country.

Granger had stated that Guyana was an unhappy country and this was reflected in the

number of suicide cases it has recorded over the years, noting that “happy people do not kill themselves’’. Guyana has one of the highest rates of suicide, according to the World health Organisation (WHO).

According to Rohee, the statements made by Granger are unfounded and baseless.

“The PPP/C has strong objections to the statements made by Leader of the APNU, David Granger that Guyana is an unhappy country. The statement by Granger is not only unfounded, but is a stark contradiction to the findings of the Latin American Public Opinion Poll (LAPOP), which in a recent survey found that the happiness levels of all Guyanese have risen significantly within recent years… whatever ‘unhappiness’ exists can only be a figment of Granger’s biased and jaundiced imagination and

is at completely at odds with the true reality,” Rohee shared.

“The polls found that three quarters of Guyanese are happy, with 73 per cent happy with their life.” Rohee said

According to him, this is due to the number of opportunities the Government was creating for the young people “to create that good life to which they do not only aspire but to which they are entitled”.

According to Rohee, the happiness level of the country has also led to an increase in number of re-migrants to Guyana after being forced by the PNC regime to look for a better life elsewhere.

Rohee, however, could not comment on the nexus between all of the ‘happy’ Guyanese and the fact that Guyana also has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

‘No evidence of Jamaicans joining terrorists groups’ – Security Ministry

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Ministry of National Security has rejected claims that Jamaicans have gone to fight with Islamic extremists in Syria.

In a release on Saturday, the ministry noted reports of a statement made to the United States Senate Armed Services Committee by General John Kelly, commander of the United States Southern Command.

The reports listed Jamaica as one of several countries in the region from which recruits have departed for Syria.

However, the ministry said it has been monitoring the emerging situation with respect to the recruiting efforts of terrorists groups and there is no information of any Jamaican being involved.

"Jamaica enjoys high levels of cooperation with the United States of America on security matters. To date, we have not received any information to indicate that Jamaicans have departed our shores to join terrorists groups," said the security ministry.

"Consequently, the

Government of Jamaica has initiated dialogue with our United States counterparts, in order to ascertain the source of the reported claim and the extent of any potential concerns that may require our intervention," added the ministry.

"The fact is that, the actual prepared text of the speech delivered by General Kelly did not name Jamaica, and as such, it is possible that the reported comment may be the result of a misunderstanding. As soon as that situation has been clarified, an update will be provided." (Jamaica Gleaner)

Pregnant teen in court again, remanded for armed robbery

A19-year-old pregnant teen was before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday charged for armed robbery and also for refusing to acknowledge the court.

1313 Norton Street resident, Tenika Kennedy was brought into Court Eleven for the second time in a week after robbing Troy Roberts of a Samsung Galaxy S4 cellphone valued Gy$80,000 and Gy$25,000 while she held a knife.

The Police reports state that the defendant was trying to solicit the Virtual Complainant (VC) as a client on March 15 when he rebuked her and commented on her swollen tummy. She then took away his phone and ran away with it, yelling that he can get it back if he reaches her at a hotel.

Roberts showed up at the hotel where Kennedy and two men came out while she held a knife at him and pro-

ceeded to relieve him of the Gy$25,000. The VC said he then ran away from the accused and her friends. The VC lodged a complaint at the Police Station. However, it was when he was at South Park that he saw the defendant and held unto her until a passing Police Officer accosted her. She was subsequently arrested and charged for her offence.

In Court Eleven the defendant was brought in to answer to the

charges but she refused to acknowledge the Magistrate. The defendant instead let loose a string of expletives which did not tone down when she was asked to stop by the Prosecution and Police Officers in the court. She was removed from the Courtroom.

When the defendant returned, however, she maintained her silence. With her being unwilling to plead to the charges, Magistrate Annette Singh recorded a not guilty plea on her behalf.

The defendant continued with her obnoxious behaviour outside the courtroom inviting a string of court clerks, Police Officers and other court officials that was curious about the source of the noise.

Kennedy was remanded since she has no place of abode or employment, as she refused to respond to the Magistrate’s queries. The case was adjourned until March 31 for statements.

Guyana/Venezuela border controversy: Sir Shridath backs judicial settlement

By Janelle Persaud

Revered Guyanese diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal has backed the move by Guyana to explore other options outside of the United Nations Good Offices process to resolve its border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela. He told Guyana Times International that Venezuela has ‘abused’ UN Secretary General designated process over the last two and half decades.

“We have pursued the Good Offices route for 25 years and Venezuela has abused the process to hinder Guyana’s development and now to threaten Guyana’s security,” he expressed noting that “the minister (Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett) is absolutely right I will back her to the hilt.”

Minister RodriguesBirkett has told this publication in an invited comment that the Good Offices Process yielded little results after more than 20 years. “We are, therefore, looking at the other options under the Geneva Agreement,” she added, suggesting that “the other side (Venezuela) is comfortable with the Good

Offices Process because it suits their purpose –no movement.”

The Good Offices and Mediation are roles taken up by the UN Secretary-General in the prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as enshrined in the UN Charter. These roles can be set in motion at the SecretaryGeneral’s own initiative, in response to a request from one or more of the parties to a dispute, or as a result of a request from the Security Council or the General Assembly.

The process ended in April 2014 when the latest Special Representative, Professor Norman Girvan died. “I hope those alternative options lead us ultimately

Comparison between Jagdeo and Cheddi Jagan irrelevant – Luncheon

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon refused to be drawn into arguments and counter arguments from various persons seeking to compare the lifestyles of former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Asked about the questions being raised questioning statements made by former President Jagdeo’s comparison and the subsequent rebuttal by President Jagan’s daughter, the Cabinet Secretary said he is not aware that “an occasion presented itself for the defence of Dr. Jagan’s lifestyle. I don’t believe that Dr. Jagan, himself would have felt it necessary to go out there and to generate an issue about the style and conditions under which he existed”.

He added that in engagements on a personal level, he had no recollection of it being something that he ever focused on, and “I suspect as a consequence there’s never been this need to go out there, his friends, certainly individuals that he mentored like, individuals to go out there and defend his lifestyle. Defend against whom and defend for what, I can’t imagine what for.”

Dr. Luncheon opined that the statements are essentially “irrelevant”, adding that he questioned the significance of the lifestyles of the two former presidents being the same or dissimilar.

Asked about his take on the question as to why the late President

Jagan delayed his treatment for cardiac issues just prior to his passing, Dr. Luncheon, himself a medical practitioner, said that while he may have “abandoned the flock” figuratively speaking, for a career in public administration, he still holds some professional tenets dear such as the need for privacy.

He stated, “I don’t talk people’s medical business, not Luncheon. If Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, or any other news or any other individual feel that they can, with the greatest of impunity, and with the greatest amount of ethics want to be involved in a discourse, unauthorisedly, uninvitedly on the medical and health issues of individuals, they ain’t gon to get Luncheon involved”.

He emphasised that it was not part of his training, and suspected that it wasn’t for most of those whom he said “abused that position, notwithstanding the fact that they still do”. He added that even if the former president was treated by him or shared the knowledge of his medical condition, he would not pass on such information. “I got total and temporary, and irrevocable amnesia of those events. I don’t talk people’s medical business”. He added that unless he was specifically invited to do so by the specific individual, he would want to decline but “there is some insistence, I might be tempted to utter some words or make some comments but under those circumstances only”.

Teixeira urges swifter justice for sexually abused women

By devina samaroo

Presidential Adviser on Governance and Former Home Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira has urged swifter justice for sexually abused women, chiding the judicial system for both the sloth in the disposing of these cases and the alarmingly low conviction rate.

Teixeira made the comment during a discussion programme sponsored by the USAID under the LEAD Project: Women’s candidates’ roundtable discussion.

to full and perfect and final settlement that this should have been,” said Sir Shridath.

He explained that all other modes of settlement such as arbitration have been explored and now there is only one available option. “We are left now with a judicial settlement…the Secretary General has to choose a judicial close… the decision now is the Secretary General’s for him to conclude this,” the former Foreign Minister added.

Sir Shridath is a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, having served between 1975 and 1990 and was the lead lawyer for Guyana in the maritime dispute between this country and neighbouring Suriname.

She explained that the problem lies in ensuring that justice is administered in a timelier manner, something the government is working towards. Additionally, she said women organisations across the country need to intensify their programmes that educate women about their rights. She said those organisations need to do greater work so that women are more educated about the law and how they can effectively use it to their advantage.

Women in politics

Meanwhile, the panel which also comprised Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member Cathy Hughes and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive Member Volda

Lawrence also discussed women’s role in politics. It was pointed out that while other countries in the world are struggling to empower women to vote, Guyana has come a long way in that regard.

Minister Manickchand disclosed that although statistics are unavailable, it can be observed that Guyanese women are actively involved in politics. She pointed out that many women are seen at the polls casting their vote on Elections Day. “I don’t think there is problem where women don’t vote in Guyana. Of course, there are other countries in the world where this happens but let’s hope that Guyana does not import that…,” she said.

Hughes also recognised the increase of women’s involvement, however, she said more women need to participate in the decision making process in order to effect the change they want

to see. She urged women to increase their representation at the community level through organisations and other social groups. “If they can’t do that then they can’t shape the country,” she explained.

In her contribution, Lawrence highlighted the changes women can make once they hold key positions in the decision making process. She said, based on their nature, women can implement policies that will ensure their offspring feel secure and more particularly, implement policies so that “women can be given equal pay for equal work”.

“Despite all the strides we have made as women, we still have women not being paid for work being done as their counterpart. Being the caring elements in society, we need to take that across and be involved in policy making so that we can represent our interest,” she noted.

External public debt plummets in Caribbean – ECLAC

In its annual fiscal report on Latin America and the Caribbean, the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) highlights that in the last 25 years, external public debt has fallen from 70 per cent to 16 per cent of the Region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Projects financed with public or public-private resources can increase economic activity, especially when the economy is going through a period of idle capacity and when infrastructure investment needs are clearly identified, which is true of the Region today, ECLAC said in “Fiscal Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2015: Policy space and dilemmas”.

Latin America and the Caribbean has used fiscal policy to reactivate investment and con-

front the current context of economic deceleration, although with variations among countries, according to the document, which was presented during the XXVII Regional Seminar on Fiscal Policy last week at ECLAC’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile. In the study, the

United Nations organisation warns that the decline in commodities’ prices implies a reduction in the income derived from non-renewable natural resources, which will weaken the public finances of countries that export these products.

This could be compensated by recent tax

reforms, the report says, especially by the strengthening of direct taxation. Taking a longterm view with regard to the proportion of public debt versus GDP, Latin America (considering the average of 19 countries) experienced a long period of rising debt levels (1970-1989), followed

by phases in which they fell (1990-1997 and 20042008, after a brief period of increases between 1998 and 2003), and they ultimately stabilised between 2009 and 2014.

Changing composition

Between 2003 and 2008, the level of public debt fell considerably and its composition also changed in a significant way, with longer maturities, greater participation of fixed-rate debt, a greater proportion of resident debt holders and the growing importance of debt denominated in the local currency. In this sense, in the last 25 years the reduction of external public debt has been notable in the Region: in the early 1990s, it represented more than 70 per cent of GDP, compared with 16 per cent in 2014.

Indebtedness levels vary widely among countries. Brazil has the highest public debt in Latin America (63.5 per cent of GDP in 2014), although the amount of its net debt is much lower (37 per

cent). Other countries in South America (Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina) and some in Central America (El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Panama), as well as Mexico, have moderate levels of indebtedness (between 36 per cent and 44 per cent of GDP). On the other extreme, with debt levels below 22 per cent of GDP, stand Chile, Peru and Paraguay. According to the “Fiscal Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean 2015”, the tax burden rose five points of GDP between 2000 and 2013 in the Region, with a structure of regressive taxes.

This explains why the impact of fiscal policy on income distribution is not significant. For that reason, ECLAC urges countries to continue taking action to fight fiscal evasion and circumvention, reduce preferential treatment and generally strengthen taxation on capital gains.

GECOM denies reports of staff shortage

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has denied reports that it is facing a shortage of staff ahead of the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee said his party was informed that GECOM is experiencing staff shortages in multiple regions, including Region One (Barima-Waini) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The revelation was made at a press conference held at Freedom House on Monday.

Rohee said that PPP/C is recommending that GECOM reopens the application process to allow for new submissions from applicants who are qualified and desirous of working on Elections Day. The General Secretary said, “situations like this can lead to the relaxing of requirements, accepting ‘second standard’ choices and handpicking of persons which the PPP/C is totally against, since it may have dire consequences to the integrity of the electoral process.”

Rohee added, “this justifies the party’s persistent calls for public vetting of Election Day staff.” He also explained that this in not in any way meant to deprive anyone of an opportunity, but to build public

trust in GECOM’s machinery.

He claimed that time and again flaws and inconsistencies have marred elections in Guyana due to biased and unqualified polling day staff. The PPP/C views the public vetting of elections day staff as the practical and proactive step towards having transparent, free and fair elections. Rohee believes that this will strengthen the nation’s democracy.

The PPP/C is hoping that the 2015 elections are free and fair, and also free of fear. However, when contacted by this publication, GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally said that there is no longer a shortage of staff for elections day. He stated that the issue has been resolved and therefore would allow for the smooth running of the election.

Next generation of Jamaican artists step forward – Hanna urges

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, is calling on young Jamaicans to come forward to take their place as the next generation of artists and cultural icons.

“We have to spawn the next generation of artists and cultural icons in this country. We want to see more young persons stepping forward to take their place at the table,” she said.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) arts exhibition on Sunday, at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.

Minister Hanna said the programmes of the JCDC, an agency of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, are now specifically designed to produce cultural icons.

The Minister commended the artists for their contributions to the art industry and for “keeping art and culture alive in the country.”

Director of Development and Training at the JCDC, Dorrett Thaxter, told Jamaican media that the JCDC has been encouraging “young, new and upcoming artists to expose their talents” through the agency’s Arts Development and

Training Programme.

The art exhibition features award-winning entries from the JCDC’s 2014 Jamaica Visual Arts Competition. It will run until March 29, where the public will be able to view the over 100 pieces free of charge.

Carlton Lewis, whose painting titled: ‘Portrait of Nelson’ is part of the impressive display, told Jamaican media that his piece is in tribute to the late human rights activist and former President of South Africa.

Mr. Lewis, who is no newcomer to the JCDC’s Visual Arts Competition, told the Jamaican media that over the years, he has received 11 medals, including gold, silver and bronze.

He is encouraging more young people to enter the annual contest. “It will help them to expose their work to the wider public. Persons show more interest in your work

when they know you’ve been to this exhibition,” he pointed out.

Eighteen-year-old

Jordon Morris is proud of his silver medal work titled: ‘Set Free 1 & 2,’ which comprises two pieces depicting the subject experiencing pain, hardships and negative influences, then breaking free of the negativity to reveal his true self.

The first-year student of the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts is the recipient of a bronze medal in the 2013 competition for his piece: ‘Don’t Touch Me There’.

“There is so much that I want to say and I try to communicate visually with people. This is something that I am still trying to work on. It is a really long thought process and I want to narrow things down so people can understand what I am trying to portray,” Jordan told the Jamaican media. (JIS)

Mistress withdraws case against lover

A35-year-old husband and father was saved the full weight of the court on Monday when his mistress withdrew charges of theft against him.

The Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown resident Charles Austin is alleged to have stolen a pair of gold earrings, a gold chain and a Samsung cellphone from his mistress, Davelyn Daniels on March 10.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC) are known to each other as they had a relationship with each other. He said on the day of the incident, the defendant snatched the chain from the defendant’s neck and relieved her of the other items. The VC then had the incident reported to the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost where the defendant was subsequently arrested and charged for offence.

The prosecutor object-

ed to bail on the grounds that the offence was of a serious nature. However, Prosecutor Mangru stated that if granted bail that it be one that carries the full weight of the alleged offence the accused has been charged with.

However, defence lawyer Paul Fung-AFat told the court that the defendant was quite contrite over what he did. He said that his defendant took the items when his mistress broke up with him as he was

Wanted bulletin issued for suspect “Lapsy”

Awanted bulletin has been issued by the Guyana Police Force for Jermaine Simon also called ‘Lapsy,’ of Lot 41 Norton Street and of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), for the murder of Ryan Sooklall who was gunned down in Providence, EBD on March 1.

The 24-year-old suspect is believed to have absconded to Suriname, according to sources but the Police are of the opinion that he is still in Guyana.

Sooklall, 19 of Lot 27 Providence was shot at least twice to the back with a .38 pistol by the suspect who attacked him while he was in the company of his friends at Parker Street, Providence.

According to reports, the now dead young man went to the house of the suspect’s aunt, Tessa, and threw an improvised bomb, thereby upsetting the family.

This might have stemmed to the shooting incident. More so, Police also confirmed that the teenager was part of a gang which often got into trouble.

The gang at

Bagotstown and the one at Providence, Police claim are always fighting between themselves, and they have been under Police radar for quite some time.

However, Shamaz Ali, the mother of the dead teenager, admitted that her son was a “wayward child,” but stressed that he was never a part of any criminal gang. She stated that her son lived as any young man would live, noting that “boys must be boys”.

According to information received, the teenager and his friends were at a shop when Simon stormed into the yard and opened fire. Upon

seeing the man with the gun in his hands, Sooklall reportedly ran towards the backyard but he was shot twice from behind. He ran some distance but collapsed.

The incident occurred at about 18:35h but his body was found in a clump of bushes at about 21:30h by his friends.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Simon also called “Lapsy’ is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2256411, 226-1326, 2271149, 226-9941, 911 or the nearest Police station.

angry.

However, Attorney Fung-A-Fat stated that the VC no longer wished to go ahead with the matter as the defendant was willing to compensate her for the stolen items.

Presiding in Court One, Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry told the Attorney that the defendant must repay the VC for the items he took. However, she will be going ahead with the case.

Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry placed Austin on Gy$100,000 bail and transferred the matter to Court Eleven where Magistrate Annette Singh presides.

At Court Eleven, the Magistrate allowed the VC to withdraw the matter, ensuring that the VC receive Gy$100,000 in compensation from the defendant’s wife (who was there to support her husband). The VC told the court that she was not threatened nor forced to withdraw the charge against Austin.

Father of 4 stabbed to death at Port Mourant bar

Police in B (Berbice) Division have arrested a 21-yearold man in connection with the stabbing to death of 41-year-old Bourda Market grocery vendor, Karamchand Jagessar in Port Mourant, Corentyne on Sunday night.

According to reports, Jagessar, also called “Gano” of Lot 40 Cloud Nine Street, Williamsburg, Corentyne and of Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, came to Berbice for the horse race meet at the Bush Lot Village, Corentyne and later visited a bar to have a few drinks with friends.

Most important elections ahead since 1964

…Guyanese must give PPP/C majority – Ramotar

President Donald Ramotar last Sunday told a State House fun day that the upcoming elections would be the most important ever held in this country. He also warned supporters at the fun day, which was held in honour of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, that winning the presidency was not enough as his party needed to secure a majority of the votes to continue progress for the country.

Jagessar and the suspect subsequently became embroiled in a heated argument and he was stabbed in front of the bar.

According to a relative, Menawattie Peter, the family received a call shortly after 01:00h informing them that “Gano” was stabbed.

“We got a call little after one saying that Gano got bore, so we hurry and went to Port Mourant and when we reach we see he on the ground like he done dead, the Police were already there and they didn’t want us to go near the body, so after they picked him up and take him to the hospital, we see that he had a long gash from his chest to his lower belly and his guts were showing,” she related.

Elizabeth Narine, the mother of the dead man, said after learning of the incident, she left home with the intention of taking her son to the hospital, but was met with a lifeless body.

“I saw him about few weeks ago and he was telling me how much he loves and care for me,” with tears in her eyes, the woman said she wanted justice for her son. She described him as a caring individual and was shocked that he died in such a brutal manner.

Narine said her family vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served.

Jagessar leaves to mourn four children aged 18,16,7 and 9. He and his wife separated several years ago.

The Police are continuing their investigations.

When asked what could have caused the confrontation, the relative said she was unclear, but was told that some say the men were arguing about money.

As has been the tradition, hundreds of persons turned up at State House to be part of the fun day, which enabled families and friends to celebrate the life and work of the late President. Attendees were treated to live performances from the Shakti Strings Orchestra and several dance groups. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, in all corners of the State House lawns children were seen enjoying the different fun activities, including the bouncy castle, and the merry go-round.

Among other dignitaries who attended the event were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee, PPP/Civic Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper and former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

President Ramotar encouraged the gathering to take this current period seriously. He noted that as Guyanese celebrate the life and work

of Dr Jagan, they should remain cognisant of the fact that it was a very important time in Guyana’s history. “The election that we are about to have on May 11 will be one of the most important elections ever fought in this country. It is so because over the last three years you’ve seen the attempts by the Opposition to stymie every project, every developmental effort of the Government.”

The Amaila Falls

Hydro Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion and the Specialty Hospital were identified as critical projects that were blocked by the Opposition.

These, the President said, show clearly that the Opposition did not have the country’s and its people’s interest at heart because many of these projects would have created highly paid jobs for thousands of Guyanese.

President Ramotar pointed out, that in spite of these frustrating moves by the Opposition, the country’s economy grew by almost five per cent every year for the past three years. He also urged the constituents to play their role and be educated on every aspect of voting so as to ensure that this time around, the incumbent Government was returned to power as a majority Government. Other speakers included Rohee and Harper. This year marks the 18th death anniversary of the founder of the PPP/C, Dr Jagan, and the State House fun day has for years been one of activities held in the month of March to celebrate his life. For her part, Harper urged the youths to recognise their role in determining the future of Guyana. “Everyone has a stake in our development,” she said, adding that the efforts to consolidate the gains made in the past two decades must not be lost. “You must build on the foundation that has already been laid,” Harper stressed.

In honour of the 18th Death Anniversary of the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan the PPP/C held its annual fun day on the lawns of State House. Below are some of the scenes from the event

GAWU backs President’s call

for more funds for GuySuCo

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand has said he was in full agreement with President Donald Ramotar that more funds needed to be pumped into the sugar industry for it to become more viable.

However, according to Chand, if any money should be injected into the operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), then a greater percentage should go towards the acceleration of the mechanisation process.

President Ramotar, meeting with journalists last Thursday, and speaking directly on the country’s economic standing, had indicated that his Administration would be seeking to, among other things, put more money into the country’s ailing sugar industry.

But Chand, speaking to this newspaper on Monday, said because the mechanisaton process has not yet taken full effect, there remained a continuous decline in the Corporation’s yearly production target.

The mechanisation of the sugar industry was introduced by Government through the Agriculture Ministry to

lessen the burden on sugar workers, particularly the bell loaders in the field.

Already, GuySuCo has taken a decision to utilise the majority of the Gy$6 billion subvention approved in the National Assembly to facilitate its ongoing mechanisation programme. But Chand said more needed to be done to improve the process.

“There are still contentions with the cane cutters, who have to cut and load. When they cut the canes they have about five and a half loads. When they have to cut and load, they will have about two and a half loads,” Chand said.

The GAWU President said while there were machines for this pur-

pose, they were not sufficient. This inadequacy is preventing the cane harvesters from cutting more sugar cane, thus forcing a continuous decline in the yearly production.

He reiterated that the soil here in Guyana was incompatible with the machines being used. According to him, a much lighter machine is needed for the work to be carried out.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy had already indicated that the conversion of land was critical to the mechanisation process.

In a prior interview with this publication, he had said the Corporation would be utilising some Gy$1.3 billion to convert 2500 acres of land to accommodate mechanised operations.

That move, he said, would pave the way for the increased use of bell cane loaders in the harvesting of sugar cane and other machinery.

The Agriculture Minister had further pointed out that an additional Gy$2.5 billion had been set aside to improve the operations of the seven sugar factories including Uitvlugt, Wales, Enmore, Blairmont, Albion, and Skeldon in this regard.

President meets Indian officials as Guyana and India seek closer ties

President Donald Ramotar recently met with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, Indian External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary Riva Ganguly and Under Secretary Animes Choudhury, at the presidential complex.

The visit saw the President and the high-level delegation discussing ongoing cooperation and business relations and investments in the sectors of engineering and technology. The President was joined by Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon. Funding for developmental projects such as those undertaken by the Indian Exim Bank, including the Specialty Hospital, road projects and Information Technology (IT) sector programmes, were discussed.

The meeting is a follow-up to President Ramotar’s state visit to India in January of this year. That visit saw the President, accompanied by

several Government officials and business leaders, meeting with that country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and several of the country’s top business leaders. Discussions during that trip focused on building closer ties and enhancing business, and developmental opportunities between the two nations.

Following the meetings, it was announced that India would grant a line of credit of US$50 million for the East Bank Demerara Road expansion, as well as US$8 million to assist in the acquisition of an ocean ferry vessel. The Indian Government will also work with the Guyana Government on a pilot project for renewable energy using a rice husk gasifier (a viable model of the gassifier is now functional). Further, the Indian Government had taken the decision that Guyana would be the first country in which they would establish an IT Centre, and that this would be inaugurated very soon.

Roopnaraine accepts challenge to debate Jagdeo

The leader of the Working People’s Alliance and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Rupert Roopnaraine has accepted the challenge by former President Bharrat Jagdeo to a policy debate.

The Guyana Times International spoke with Roopnaraine at a the Square of the Revolution on Saturday ahead of the APNU-Alliance For Change (AFC) Unity Rally, which was held in the mining town of Linden.

Jagdeo on March 10, 2015 at an open forum at Freedom House stated, “I would debate any of them – Granger, Trotman, Ramjattan, Greenidge, any one of them.”

When asked whether he would engage in a policy debate with Jagdeo, Roopnaraine replied, “I didn’t see Jagdeo saying that, but I would take part in a policy debate if it is in the interest of the people.”

Health Ministry recognises Diaspora’s contributions

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran has recognised the massive contributions of the Guyanese Diaspora towards the local health sector throughout the years.

During his presentation at the simple ceremony to mark the remodeling and extension of the maternity ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital last Friday, the Minister noted that it would be remiss of him to not acknowledge the Diaspora’s significant contributions towards the development of Guyana.

“The Diaspora has matured over the years, the USA, Canada and the UK to a lesser extent, have responded fast and furious in the last few years,” Dr Ramsarran stated.

He pointed out that various teams from the Diaspora have been accumulating their own resources to invest in the sector through various means.

As a result, the Health Ministry has to establish a new system to achieve

Global scale-up of hypertension project could save millions of lives

The mass scale-up of a pilot hypertension project sponsored by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) could significantly advance the global target of reducing hypertension prevalence by 25 per cent by 2025. The project could also prevent millions of cardiovascular related deaths worldwide, according to CDC officials writing in a recent issue of The Lancet.

The Global Standardised Hypertension Treatment (GSHT) Project was launched by the CDC and PAHO/WHO in 2013 and is currently being piloted in Barbados and Malawi. The project seeks to increase access to diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and to improve the quality of treatment. Its methods draw heavily on experiences in HIV treatment and tuberculosis (TB) control.

Central elements of the GSHT Project include standardised drug

regimens, integrated multidisciplinary teams delivering patientcentred care, increased access and availability for patients to effective low-cost medicines with simplified dosing and refills, monitoring of patients’ blood pressure control and progress under treatment.

Also key is support from the PAHO Strategic Fund, a procurement mechanism that allows participating PAHO/WHO member countries to buy essential medicines and supplies at reduced cost. After the GSHT Project was launched, the Fund negotiated purchasing agreements for five of the Project’s six recommended hypertension drugs.

CDC officials Sonia Angell and Kevin De Cock and CDC Director Tom Frieden argue in a “Viewpoint” article in The Lancet’s February 28 issue that the GSHT Project provides a model for improving hypertension treatment and control that could be replicated in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) around the world. The success of similar efforts to scale up TB control and antiretroviral treatment for HIV provide strong evidence that “rapid expansion of treatment and control of hypertension in LMICs should be achievable”, the authors say.

the dovetailing of the mushrooming support from the Diaspora with the already existing local support.

“We’ve had to ask the wider administration to give us an international desk to deal with all the offers… We had to set up a system to stop collisions,” the minister stated.

In verifying his point, Dr Ramsarran, acknowledged the great work of Guyanese born Professor Narendra Singh who heads the Guyana Help the Kids Foundation (GHKF).

The organisation is working with the University of Guyana, the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital to develop a paediatric postgraduate residency programme. Additionally, they have raised funds in Canada to purchase equipment to open a 24bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the GPHC.

Dr Ramsarran noted that the GHKF is currently working on doing the same for all the regional hospitals in Guyana.

This organisation has been able to help change the lives of countless of Guyanese children in their need for medical care.

The Health Minister also emphasised the existence of many other patriotic Guyanese and other organisations that have been contributing heavily to ensure Guyana has more to offer to its people.

Gov’t rejects claims of state resources being used for elections campaign

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon has rejected claims that State resources are being utilised for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s campaign for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Speaking to the media at his weekly postCabinet media briefing, he stated that, “The People’s Progressive Party’s insistence is noted. Let us indeed

substantiate these claims with specific instances when such is established”.

He added that the administration’s position is unequivocal.

“We do not support, there is no policy whatsoever for the People’s Progressive Party administration to dishonour the law and to use public funds for partisan political interests”.

Dr. Luncheon noted that the various allegations accusing gov -

ernment of doing such “continue nonetheless”. He added that the government’s task is rather simple, “Produce, we investigate and confirm whether it is indeed so, yes or no”.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, such allegations have been made since 1992 when the current administration took office, but there has never been any proof offered to substantiate such claims.

“Help me save my son” …mother pleads for assistance to keep son alive

BY ANASTACIA CLEMENTSON

A26-year-old man has two months to accumulate Gy$6 million to facilitate a life saving operation or else his mother, Kaytee Hardyal, would be burying her first son.

As a result, the man’s family is pleading with the public for assistance to save Kiran Hardyal’s life.

Speaking with this publication, the man’s mother said it is extremely difficult to watch her son in such a state.

She explained that he was usually active with cricket, which he enjoys and his work at the Guyana Sugar Worker’s Corporation (GuySuCo) before his health took a turn for the worse.

Kaytee told this publication that the family realised that Kiran was sick last January when he complained of head pains and high blood pressure. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital with the expectation that he would simply need vitamins. However, this was not the case as the young man was diagnosed with kidney failure.

The family was told that Kiran needed to be treated and eat healthier.

After being hospitalised for sometime at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, he was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

At GPHC, Kiran’s family got more bad news that his kidney could not repair itself as it was failing. The young man stayed at the hospital for over a month getting dialysis, which made him a lot better but did not take away the fact that her son needed a kidney to save his life.

However, the Hardyal family did not crack under this new set of bad news, they mobilised the family and everyone went and subjected themselves to all types of unpleasant tests in attempt to save the life of a brother, son and nephew.

Kaytee said it almost broke her heart when she found out that she was not a match for her son. Of all the relatives tested, only the young man’s father was a match; however, he was not healthy enough to donate his kidney as he was diabetic.

Luckily, an aunt volunteered –Kaytee’s sister in law – Satyam Inardeo and was confirmed a match.

The woman is quite relieved that her son has a chance but she pleads with the public to ensure that her son does indeed get a new lease on life. She told this newspaper that the lack of Gy$6 million is preventing her son from receiving the kidney he very much needs to survive.

That is the cost for the operation which is only done at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital.

If anyone wishes to make any donations to Kiran’s surgery they can do so to the Republic Bank account 776-3717 in the name of Kiran Hardyal or to a GBTI account 007532389012 in the name of Kaytee Hardyal and/or Kiran Hardyal. Their telephone numbers are 269-1185 or 622-2882.

Opposition coalition calls for increased Police protection

Against the backdrop of a claimed deteriorating security situation in Guyana, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change ((APNU+AFC) coalition has asked the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to provide “strong security” for its Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates, David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo respectively.

Granger as Opposition Leader is already provided with a personal security detail as well as state security at his home.

Meanwhile, in a statement, APNU+AFC said a team of officials representing the coalition met with Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and top Police commanders representing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) executive

management team.

The meeting, the coalition said, was requested to communicate with the Commissioner and his team, its concerns, security considerations and the current security situation in the lead-up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

“The APNU+AFC team made it clear that the security situation in the country required the provision of strong security by the GPF for the coalition’s Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates. The security of campaign offices, major rallies and party elections officials were also discussed,” the statement said.

According to the coalition, the Commissioner and his team briefed the APNU+AFC team on the Police Force’s pre and post elections security arrangements. “The Commissioner gave the

APNU+AFC team the assurance that the GPF was well-prepared for any eventualities. The Police executive management team said that they were prepared to cooperate fully with campaign personnel nationwide and made available to the APNU+AFC team the contact information of all Divisional Commanders,” the statement added.

The policy regarding the holding of public meetings was also discussed and assurances given to the coalition that once applications were received in a timely manner, the GPF would embrace the principle of granting permission. The APNU+AFC team was headed by Campaign Co-Chairs Joe Harmon and Raphael Trotman and included Winston Felix, David Patterson and Paul Slowe.

Caricom in push to make CSME more accessible to nationals

CARICOM nationals will now have more efficient access to the provisions of the CARICOM Single Market due to a recently concluded training exercise.

Close to 300 public administrators and officials across the region have been trained in a new data management and work flow system that will make application processes under the CSME much smoother. The training initiative, a major component of the CARICOM Trade and Competitiveness Project (CTCP) funded by the Government of Canada, commenced last November and wrapped up in early March 2015. It covered CARICOM Member States from Antigua and Barbuda in

the north right through to Suriname and Guyana in the south of the region.

The new system was conceptualized by the consulting firm, A-Z Information Jamaica Limited, and also conducted the training with support from the Secretariat’s staff. The system allows CARICOM citizens to apply online as skilled nationals, service providers or entrepreneurs and for administrators to process these applications, all in a virtual environment, and has been commended by stakeholders as very user-friendly and efficient in streamlining the various processes. It will harmonize and standardize these administrative processes across Member States

as well as capture useful data on the use of the CSME regimes by nationals and commercial entities. A manual of these practices, now in the review stage, has been produced by the consultants and will be presented for the endorsement of the 40th Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) scheduled for late April. The Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019 identifies, among other areas for priority focus , the accelerated implementation of the CSME, building competitiveness and unleashing key economic drivers to transition to growth and to generate employment and the development of human capital.

Chancellor maintains judicial backlog not unique to Guyana

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh is maintaining that the judicial backlog of cases, which continues to be an area of concern for rights groups and legal practitioners, is not unique to Guyana but is a phenomenon that is faced in several parts of the Caribbean, Latin America and farther afield.

Singh, speaking during an interview with the Guyana Times International on Friday, said efforts are continuing to address the problems caused by the backlog and the backlog itself within Guyana’s justice system.

He declared that there is no judicial system in the world without a backlog of cases.

“The Chancellors before me had this situation and for decades to come; there will always be an accumulation of cases waiting to be heard. There is no court in the world where the courts are current – only hearing cases as fast as they are filed,” he noted.

According to Justice Singh, there is nothing unusual about having cases waiting to be heard. He explained that the cases waiting to be heard, constitutes the backlog.

In October last year, University of London Law Professor Jenny Hamilton had expressed similar views, stating that the challenges which arise as a result of having to deal with a backlog of cases in the judiciary and a relatively slow justice system are not unique to Guyana or the wider Caribbean.

Speaking exclusively with this newspaper, Dr Hamilton had said “I think this is an issue that is not peculiar to Guyana. It affects just about every other country in the world. In the United Kingdom, there are similar issues about access to justice, the speed of the courts and there was a very influential reforms programme which commenced in the UK to address these”.

But the acting Chancellor pointed out that Guyana has made significant inroads over the years as it relates to the rate of hearings and disposal, especially for criminal matters. He noted that judges work at a level pace according to their performance and capabilities but some display greater capacity to complete cases in record time than others. The backlog of criminal cases number hundreds.

On the other hand, the Chancellor outlined that the backlog of civil cases stands somewhere around 3000 to 4000.

Corbin fixes fallout from PNC Congress rigging

It would appear that the embattled Vanessa Kissoon and Regional Chairman for Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Sharma Solomon have resolved their differences with the leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) taking to the stage with David Granger and other top executives of the party at the coalition’s campaign meeting in Linden on Saturday.

Kissoon appeared on the A Partnership for National UnityAlliance For Change (APNU+AFC) first public meeting platform held at the Market Square, Linden, fingers locked with Granger, smiling and waving as the crowd thunderously welcomed the pair. Kissoon was given a front seat on stage and was embraced and engaged by most of the party’s members after the rally had ended while she was also chosen to give the vote of thanks.

PNCR’s Region Ten Coordinator Sandra Adams, the former PNC MO whom they claim had been foisted

onto Region 10 without their consent by Granger sat glumly in the second row and was unacknowledged.

Approached by the Guyana Times International for a comment on whether the wounds between the party and herself had been truly healed, Kissoon responded, saying only that “my presence here tonight speaks for itself, it really speaks for itself.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman who was also locked in a dispute before the beginning of the campaign with the party was also present on the political stage Saturday evening and was the one to deliver the opening remarks.

Solomon told the large gathering that the time has come for all obsta-

cles to be overcome and reminded them that ‘failure was not an option’ if they wanted to see their region and their country develop.

He noted that all efforts must be made to fight against those who were trying to instigate the people of the country to fight among themselves declaring that “divided we will fall, but united we will stand.”

Solomon reminded the audience that former PNC leader Desmond Hoyte was a strong advocate for a unity platform which is now being realised by the formation of the APNU-AFC coalition while stating that for the country to truly move forward, all Guyanese must feel they have a stake in its development.

In the meantime, Aubrey Norton who had been in the centre of the Region 10 delegation walk out from the PNC’s Congress when they claimed “irregularities” in the number of delegates allocated to the region to rig the elections for the leader of the PNC, was nowhere to be seen. He too had been made into “persona non grata” in the PNC.

The issue of Kissoon and Solomon’s fallout with the hierarchy of the PNCR spilled over at the party’s Congress last year, which was mired in chaos and claims of the rigging. Granger was returned to the helm of the party, but not before Solomon and Aubrey Norton had pulled out of the contest.

PNCR says Hoyte should be regarded as role model for young people

The Peoples’ National Congress Reform (PNCR) has held its sixth annual commemorative lecture in honour of former President, the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

The lecture which highlighted the Policies of the former President: Gender and Racial Inclusivity and Good Governance, was held at the Pegasus International Hotel, Savannah suites.

Supriya SinghBodden, Founder of the Guyana Foundation, who presented the lecture pointed to what may be one of the many causes of suicide in Guyana, during her lecture. She stated that Guyana’s youths need an internal role model for inspiration.

As such, she said the lecture will be broadcast online with the hope that more young people will draw inspiration from the life of Hugh Desmond Hoyte, whom she feels, was an exceptional statesman and gentleman who contributed significantly to Guyana’s development.

Bodden explained that through her foundation, she has found that Guyana’s young people are under more pressure now than they ever were. She added that the pressures faced by young people have resulted in the necessity to survive. Hence, many Guyanese families are scattered.

This, she said is a sad reality that tears the nurturing element that families gain through wholesome family life which is now reduced to “a dysfunctional set of arrangements in homes across Guyana.”

“Our youths have no strong role models in their lives, these circumstances and more send many of them spiraling towards the ugliness end - suicide,” Bodden said.

She stated that “youths now live in real time with access to the internet and while they communicate faster they have become a generation of onlookers, who look to the outside for inspiration to shape their minds. They look to a world of progress, prosperity and plenty, unfor-

tunately, the majority of them can never afford to participate in that world entirely.”

Bodden opined that through the internet youths find a temporary escape to ease their senses thus creating a surreal world.

“They live hoping that they too can live ful-

filled lives,” Bodden said. She added that the fact that Guyana has arrived at the juncture of recording the highest rate of suicide in the world would have devastated Hoyte.

“He was a dedicated father who sadly lost both of his children in a horrific accident. He saw

the youths of Guyana as his own, he saw no colour and wanted to prepare the best ground that he can possibly prepare for the youth and women of Guyana to take their rightful places and develop our country in the process,” Bodden pointed out.

She added that the late Hoyte was an inspiration to many and “meeting him in the 1990’s changed my life”

She said Hoyte believed in one culture, race and people and lauded his confined upbringing for his successes in gender and racial inclusivity, and good governance.

“His character shaped his remarkable achievements in these three areas,” Bodden pointed out.

The former President was born in Georgetown on March 9, 1929 and attended St Barnabas Anglican School and then to the Progress High School. He grew up in Charlotte Street and was the son of the late Alphonso and Gladys Maria Hoyte.

Political Commentator,

Dr Henry Jeffrey says Guyana’s elections are essentially determined by ethnic loy -

alties and politicians must not shy away from raising the issue responsibly on the campaign trail, with a view of fighting it.

Dr Jeffrey, who is a former Government Minister, said that political parties must come up with plans and workable mechanisms

Bodden said “the values of decency, courtesy, tidiness, honour, truth and many other qualities were inculcated in him from a very early age and this had a lasting impact on the development of his character.” Following studies in England, he returned to Guyana in 1960 when he started a private practice. After practicing law for a number of years, between 1969 and 1984 he was elected to Parliament. He was Home Affairs Minister from 1969 to 1970, Finance Minister from 1970 to 1972, Works and Communications Minister from 1972 to 1974, and Economic Development Minister in 1974 to 1980.

In 1980, he became one of Guyana’s five Vice Presidents and following the death of former President LFS Burnham in 1985, Hoyte became President. At the time of Burnham’s death, the dialogue was being carried out for the formation of a Government of National Unity and Hoyte then expressed his desire to continue that dialogue.

Politicians must advocate for peace in order to be successful – Henry Jeffrey

to fight all forms of racism as they continue to take an anti-racist stance on the campaign trail.

He opined that the issue of racism in Guyana is not a “new” phenomenon but has been recognised since the early 1950’s.

He said the political parties want to keep their own supporters, but are still seeking to grab from the other. To be successful, he said, they must advocate for peace, and seek to encourage the electorate to fight against racism.

Jeffrey’s comments come after concerns were raised by the Opposition coalition group APNU+AFC after the Kaieteur News misreported claims by former President Bharrat Jagdeo at Babu Jaan last weekend. Jagdeo had said the Opposition was “whispering” to its supporters “let us throw out these coolie people”, but the Kaieteur news turned this on its head and reported that Jagdeo said “PPP is a coolie party”.

Ramotar’s plan

They also come on the heels of a commit -

Dr Henry Jeffrey

ment given by incumbent President Donald Ramotar that his new Government will be pursuing all the possible avenues to prevent media houses and their representatives from spewing racism and hate messages to the public. It was obvious that the Kaieteur News’ blatant misrepresentation on race triggered his riposte.

The Head of State, in an interview last Thursday, blasted sections of the media, whom he said are bent on dividing the country

through racial incitement. He said should his administration get back into office after the May 11 Regional and General Elections, it will strengthen laws and explore every legal mechanism to address the ongoing excesses. Meanwhile, the President told Journalists that his Administration has always had a non-racial policy and has been focused on improving the economic and social conditions of all Guyanese, regardless of race.

According to him, the party, since its formation under former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, has always taken a position against the hostility racism evokes.

He said the party was founded as a national political body and has never had any policy which favoured one race at the expense of another. He said while the party may be guilty of fighting a little more for Guyanese of Amerindian origins, it is his Administration’s overall policy to advance the cause of every citizen.

Education Ministry receives estimated cost for rescheduling of CSEC exams

The Education Ministry has received the estimated cost of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Examinations: Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

This was confirmed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand who said only a provisional for the rescheduled examination was received and not the final confirmed cost.

Minister Manickchand declined to disclose the amount when questioned by this publication on Friday.

“We’re in the process of the working out the details

with CXC… there are some provisional costs so far but I wouldn’t want to disclose as yet,” the Minister said.

The examinations were rescheduled after it was realised that they clashed with the date for the General and Regional Elections on May 11.

The examinations that were initially set for May 11 and 12 were rescheduled for June 15 and 16 respectively.

Officials noted that the decision made was in keeping with the best interest of the students.

It was reported that there were no other possible dates for elections that would not have clashed with one of the sittings for the CXC examinations.

Manickchand explained that the Guyana Elections Commission had submitted a list of possible dates, all of which were scheduled during the examination period, noting that the clashing of dates was inevitable.

Therefore, the only option available was to reschedule the CSEC and CAPE in Guyana.

CXC Registrar Glenroy Cumberbatch explained that the Council wanted to provide students with the same conditions and environment for the sitting of their examination as any other candidate on any other day, and as such, allowing them to write their examinations on Elections Day would place them at a disadvantage.

APNU+AFC declares support for transformational projects

Executive member of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), Joseph Harmon says the coalition plans to review the developmental projects piloted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration in the event it wins the upcoming elections.

Speaking to the Guyana Times International during an exclusive interview last Thursday, Harmon said: “We see hydro development as an important feature in the development of this country because if you are going to have development, you must have cheap electricity.” Harmon was at the time referring to the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, which his party had blocked during the 10th Parliament. Other major transformational projects blocked by the Opposition were: the Specialty Hospital and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion

Project.

Harmon said the Opposition had never said it had not believed in any of the projects, but rather it had not been satisfied with the manner in which the PPP/C had planned to carry them out.

He explained that in the event the coalition got into Government, it planned to review these projects through local and foreign experts before determining a way forward.

Hydroelectricity

Speaking further on the Hydro Power Project,

Venezuela must prove award is void – DG Harper

In light of yet another strong reply from Venezuela regarding its claims to the mineral-rich Essequibo, Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General and now People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper says Caracas needs to provide evidence to prove that the Arbitral Award of 1899 was flawed.

She explained that Venezuela refused to accept the boundaries that were established by the Arbitral Tribunal Award of 1899, claiming that the Award was “null and void”. On that note, she asserted that Venezuela has to prove those claims.

“Our position is that Venezuela has to prove its claim to saying that the Arbitral (Tribunal) Award is null and void. As far as the Government of Guyana is concerned, it does not have a controversy over its territory. It was settled,” Harper contended. Venezuela has proceeded as if its claim about the nullity of the awards is an accepted fact and has moved on to the substance of the award. Guyana has always rejected this approach.

The Arbitral Tribunal Award had settled the dispute and this was accepted by Venezuela by the laying down of the present boundaries by a joint boundary commission between the boundary commissions of Great Britain and Venezuela in 1905. However, in leading up to Guyana’s Independence, Venezuela claimed that the Award was null and void without any evidence to support those claims. Harper noted that all Guyanese must take note of that piece of history.

Furthermore, she explained that the Geneva

Agreement of 1965 then put in place a mechanism for that controversy to be resolved through the United Nations Good Offices Process. On this note, Harper referred to the previous statements made by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett about Guyana considering opting out of the process. Rodrigues-Birkett had told this newspaper that Guyana was considering opting out, because the process has yielded no progress. Harper said there were other options under the Geneva Agreement that would allow the two countries to finally settle the issue.

Harmon said the coalition had a bigger and more insightful vision of the project and saw it as having more potential than highlighted by the PPP/C. “We believe that we should have a hydroelectricity developmental authority which would not just deal with Amaila Falls, but deal with the entire Potaro Basin, which has a number of falls we can tap into. It is not just about one project,” Harmon confidently related.

He is of the belief that “hydro is as important to development just as wind is”. He added that the coalition believed there should be a holistic approach to the development of Guyana’s infrastructure. Harmon also highlighted the importance of the airport expansion project, but shared the same sentiment on the process of carrying it out. While the APNU+AFC sees the importance of the airport expansion project, it does not see the need for the “lavishness” highlighted by the PPP/C, Harmon pointed out.

Tourist arrivals in Guyana up by 7.1%

The Tourism Ministry is reporting a 7.1 per cent increase in arrivals between January and February this year when compared to the same period for 2014.

The current yearto-date (January to February) summary indicates that visitor arrivals increased by 7.1 per cent with a total of 27,904 visitors compared to 26,065 for the same period in 2014.

“It is clear that the country’s interest in tourism is very aggressive at this moment. This steady increase is testimony to the continued investment in the country’s Tourism Sector and the aggressive marketing strategies used,” acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister

Irfaan Ali explained.

The United States remained at the top of the market with 36.4 per cent of the total tourist arrivals during the first two months of this year, while visitors from South America have increased and account for 16.2 per cent of the total market share.

Minister Ali was quick to point out that these figures are as a direct result of COPA and CONVIASA flying to Guyana.

He explained, “This is a testimony to the Government’s ability to improve airlift and to attract new airlines to the destination. In addition, our continued investments in trade shows, familiarisation trips, film and documentary groups, travel writers

and PR have contributed substantially to the development of the tourism sector.”

Minister Ali reaffirmed his view that the tourism sector was the backbone of the future economic growth and development of Guyana and also urged the Private Sector to take advantage of this influx of visitors and to devise strategies to lure visitors to their restaurants, hotels, and resorts.

Over the last few months, several film and documentary crews have concluded filming in Guyana and several more are slated to arrive. The destination welcomed its first cruise ship visit for 2015 in January while several major events have already been staged.

Nepalese being trafficked through Guyana – Rohee

The Government is of the opinion that Nepalese are being trafficked through Guyana.

In a release on Wednesday, the Home Affairs Ministry said that it is concerned about the large groups of Nepalese travelling to Guyana and their purpose for travelling.

“Based on these details regarding the conduct of a number of Nepalese nationals in Guyana and their travel patterns compared with the case involving Nepalese nationals in the High Court, the Home Affairs Ministry has concluded that these individuals were intended to be victims of Trafficking In Persons (TIP),” the Ministry stated.

Last November, a group of 12 Nepalese arrived in Guyana and were granted a short period of stay. Four of them were granted two weeks stay in the country while six were granted three weeks, and two of them were given one month stay. Initially, they reportedly stayed at the Aracari Resort, West Bank Demerara.

However, they subsequently left the country and illegally travelled to neighbouring Venezuela, where they

were intercepted and deported to Guyana, which was their last port-of-entry. The 12 South Asian nationals were charged with illegal departure and placed before the courts on December 8, 2014. Sitting Magistrate Ann McLennan had fined the 12 foreigners Gy$30,000 or an alternative of two months imprisonment. She had also ordered that they be kept in custody pending deportation. Despite the fine being paid, they were still kept in custody at the Sparendaam and Vigilance lock-ups.

However, they were released in February after someone living in Guyana had approached the High Court to have them removed from custody. On February 6, the High Court overruled the decision made in the Magistrate’s Court to have the Nepalese nationals remain in the custody of the Police, stating that it was, inter alia, ‘unlawful’ and ‘devoid of natural justice principles.’

The Home Affairs Ministry further highlighted another case which occurred in October, 2014, when it was discovered that a group of 14 Nepalese nationals were staying in Mabaruma, Region

One. According to the Ministry, intelligence received revealed that between October 14 and 17, 10 males and four females were domiciled in two hotels.

The Nepalese nationals had claimed to be tourists, although they were not engaged in tourist-related activities. Many of these individuals were reportedly housed at a hotel with their rooms padlocked from the outside.

Further, the Ministry stated that the hotel operator refused to reveal why the doors were locked in such a way. Another factor, adding to suspicions, was the fact that the individuals were unable to say when they were scheduled to depart Mabaruma or Guyana.

“More revealing was the fact that the Nepalese Nationals were not employed in Mabaruma yet their rooms were paid for in cash each day, using US currency,” the Ministry added. According to the Ministry, strong and decisive actions will be taken against person(s) found to be involved in TIP activities. The general public is encouraged to contact the TIP hotline on 227-4083 or the nearest Police station if indications of possible acts of human trafficking are observed.

Pakistan meets Trinidad in a hit musical collaboration

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Pakistani Pop/Rock Aficionado, Elvis Elick has done it once again!

The highly-acclaimed celebrity singer who is professionally trained in semi-classical music and singing recently teamed up with Trinidadian Desi Girl, Shirvani Sookhai, also known as “The Sunshine Girl” of Win Tv and Win Radio 101.1FM, to produce a collaboration that has stolen the hearts of fans worldwide.

This most anticipated project was conceptualized by Elick after his second concert held in Trinidad - Perfect Sunset II at The Naparima Bowl in April of 2014.

According to Elick, he was stunned by Sookhai’s performance in a duet rendition with him and so, approached her to do a recording with him, in a bid to fuse both cultures of Pakistan and Trinidad.

Sookhai agreed and according to Elick, that is when the magic began.

The olden goldie “Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai” from the 1972 Bollywood Film “Shor” was mutu-

ally agreed upon and the cover version containing the sensational voices of Elvis and Shirvani was brought to life by popular musician/producer, Kishore “Wizzy” Ramdath.

Elick says he’s most elated that the collaboration is doing extremely well and exceeding expectations and promises many more in the near future in a bid to strengthen the musical ties between Pakistan and Trinidad.

He also hopes to introduce chutney and soca music in his birth country while promoting all genres from the Indo-Pak subcontinent in Trinidad and Tobago. (TT Express)

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

In 2003, her story sent the modelling world on both sides of the Atlantic in a tailspin.

Fast forward a dozen years later and the story of Nadine Willis, the Jamaican supermodel, who was an exotic dancer who made it from the ghetto to Gucci model, is set to make it to the big screen.

According to a highly placed source, negotiations are currently underway to bring the modern-day Cinderella, rags-to-riches story to life.

The Jamaican media could not ascertain whether or not the interest in making a film version of Willis' meteoric rise up the modelling ladder was local or international.

"Once the paperwork is completed, an announcement will follow," said the tightlipped source.

Kingsley Cooper, chairman of Pulse, declined to comment when the media questioned him about the project.

Willis, who no longer models and lives in New York, walked into local modelling agency Pulse back in the summer of

2002 during their annual model search. Prior to that, she was a regular performer at a number of clubs including the renowned Gemini Club, which was located along Half-Way-Tree Road in St Andrew.

Her sass and cando attitude earned her a spot with the batch of Pulse hopefuls selected by Pulse boss Kingsley Cooper to head to London for go-sees with the agencies in that market.

But not even Cooper could have foreseen the full-blown category five hurricane that Willis would cause, not only

in that United Kingdom fashion capital but other global cities. Within weeks, she was booking editorial spreads in major glossies in Paris, Milan, and across the pond the American markets of New York, Miami and Los Angeles would soon get wind of Hurricane Nadine.

Her coup de foudre would come in 2003 when designer Tom Ford and his team at the power brand Gucci selected Willis as the face of their fall/winter campaign.

Her look for this campaign saw her being compared to Jamaican supermodel and enter-

ry book of modelling for making the fastest climb in the industry.

For many insiders, this success was not only phenomenal but also unsustainable.

Pregnancy and weight gain would halt the ride for Willis.

This year, Pulse celebrates its 35th anniversary and the 15th staging of its flagship event Caribbean Fashionweek. At the launch of the event this week, Cooper advised that Willis will be a special guest during the celebrations in June.

The rich traditions of storytelling

The origin of storytelling is universally ancient.

In Guyana, apart from its first peoples: the Amerindians, storytelling also has origins in the European, African, East Indian, Portuguese and Chinese cultures and traditions brought here.

In oral storytelling, Storytellingday.net classifies as “Marchen”, fairy tales that begin with “Once upon a time…”pointing to nowhere-inparticular time.

The other classifi-

cation “Sagen”, tells of myths, legends and incursions of paranormal events that may have occurred at a particular time or influenced by historical facts.

In Guyana, Sagen tales are very popular and can be traced to colonialism and village life among all ethnic groups in Guyana.

“The Moongazer”,for example, described as a tall, white ‘Massa’, was used to drive fear in enslaved Africans.

The “Fair Maid” or “WataMumma” lurked in the black waters of the interior, created to prevent enslaved Africans from escaping the plantations.

The Dutch occupations of Demerara gave rise to legends of the Silk Cotton Tree (Camacho tree) and “De Baccoo” who was there to protect the gold derived from sugar sales.

Village life gave rise to “Ole’ Higue”, which was the first myth involving the Creole Africans.She was a bloodthirsty African woman who preyed on the blood of young children.

This marked a distinct change in Guyanese folklore mythology, where the predator was

not white but one of the creole Africans.

With the influx of indentured servants from India came the sukanti, churile, and the Indian Jumbie.

The Indian Jumbie was described as a little man, with gold teeth in his mouth. On dark nights, he would appear laughing and asking, “Yu like mi gold teeth?”

The churile was described as an East Indian woman who died in child’s birth. Dressed in a plain white cotton sari, she would roam the villages looking for her child.

To drive away the sukanti the early indentured servants dabbed

their surrounding with fresh cow dung and mud. To Hindus the cow is very sacred and this sanctified their surroundings and chased away the evil spirit that lived in the mud. A child said to have the sukanti, had to be “jah-ray” by a village elder.

Makonaima is said to be god of the Amerindians, while Kanaima was the evil force that lived in a Kanaima pot. It is believed he can transform himself into any jungle animal. The Kanaima pot was made of clay, with a snake coiled at the top.

After the First World War, there was an international drive to acquire large gold reserves. This prompted the colonial government to encourage “porknocking” (prospecting) in the jungles of Guyana. This gave rise to Massacuraman, Bush Dai-Dai and bush spirits.

Storytelling is impor-

ma, song, dance, art and craft making.

Modern storytellers add puppetry and music to their storytelling, making it more conducive to the learning environment.

These characteristics are shared in every culture for entertainment, education, cultural preservation, and instilling moral values. Additionally, storytelling helps in the development of verbal skills and imagination

Since 1994, art lecturer at the University of Guyana Michael Khan, popularly by his storytelling name ‘Ole’ Man Pappie’, has recognized the importance of storytelling and puppetry and has encouraged student teachers on the importance of puppetry and its effective use in teaching core subjects.

International donor agency, the IDB has been awarding grants through its Cultural Centre to develop sto-

comes both local and international storytellers to share tales of their respective countries.

Director of culture, Dr James Rose, has been a driving force behind this event, along with Al Creighton and Gentian Miller of the University of Guyana.

In commemoration of World Storytelling Day 2015, Michael Khan, apart from appearing at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport festival,has decided to go into schools and share Guyanese stories through dramatic storytelling, puppetry and artefacts.

He has so far visited West Demerara Secondary and St. Roses High School. At West Demerara, stories of Mr and Mrs Couglan were told, as their house, Shamrock Manor, once stood where the school is today. Other stories,including Balgobin, BeraAnancy and yard fowl, were also told.

Traditional Guyanese artefacts,including the saucepan, cane cutter’s water bag, Kanaima pot, Dutch bottles and porknockers lamp, were used during the storytelling.

The students were very enthused with the stories and artefacts since most of them were seeing some of the artefacts for the first time, and had never heard of Ole’ Man Pappie. The theme for World Storytelling Day 2015 is “Wishes”.

Ole’ Man Pappie has

tant because it reflects oral traditions, sayings, rituals and historical events. It is the passing on of wisdom and caneven instil fear in its audience.

Storytelling can be an effective educational tool, fostering effective methods for inclusive education. Educational storytelling is the conveying of events in words, images and sounds, often through dialogues, narrative, dra-

rytelling and puppetry for the preservation of Guyana’s intangible cultural heritage.

The world celebrates storytelling day March 20, which coincides with the beginning of spring. Many countries honour their storytellers by having festivals.

In Guyana the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport hosts an annual storytelling festival, which wel-

only one wish, that is “tell to as many who would listen, tell to as many who would learn and tell to as many who wants to know more about Guyana’s intangible cultural heritage”. If they would like Ole’ Man Pappie to visit their school, principals are invited to make contact on 647-8245 or email: olemanpappie@gmail.com (Information by Michael Khan) (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Deaf Association produces sign language booklet Especially targets parents of deaf children

All over the world, deaf persons use sign language to communicate, sharing the same conversations those with hearing have. In Guyana, communicating with the deaf has now been made simple, through an easy-to-follow sign language booklet, ‘Start Signing’.

Produced by the Deaf Association of Guyana (DAG), the booklet is one of the many positive plans DAG has for the deaf. With ‘Start Signing’, persons can learn the basics of sign language.

Sign language follows different rules from spoken and written languages. Most importantly, it conveys the essentials of a message through signs, eye contact, facial expression and body posture. For instance, asking, “Do you want something to drink?” may be signed just as “drink”. The “you” is expressed through eye contact and the question through facial expression.

“DAG wanted to do this for a long time because we get requests from parents who have deaf children, and others who would like to communicate with the deaf. The booklet provides a basic vocabulary for the general public.” DAG member Sabine McIntosh revealed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine McIntosh added that the booklet especially targets parents. She stated that when deaf children learn sign

language in school, parents are left behind. With this booklet, they can now expand their communication beyond the mundane questions of hunger and sleep, and have meaningful conversations with their children.

“This is a start in making sign language accessible for parents and the general public. The booklet is based on the American Sign Language (ASL), but we would like to invest in getting the Guyana Sign Language (GSL) documentation going. We’re waiting on a great funder to start documenting GSL, which is very similar to ASL,” she stated.

Notably, DAG has been a pioneer in caring for our deaf children. In 2014, it sent

Some pages in the booklet

the very first two deaf students to the Sophia Training Centre, who then successfully graduated from the Centre.

“That is why the booklet is so important. Although [trained sign language instructors] are there to provide communication, the programmes’ lecturers can have an opportunity to learn about signing and be better able to communicate with deaf students,” McIntosh pointed out.

DAG has expanded its programmes to include quizzes and various sports events, in addition to its regular hosting of visual and performing arts events, and establishing sign language programmes in all schools.

Last year, DAG was instrumental in the

opening of Tuschen Deaf Academy, which aims to help deaf children in the West Coast area. According to McIntosh, the academy is a bottom-house school, housed under the home of a parent of a deaf child.

“This school, with funding from the British High Commission, is impor-

tant because they do not have facilities like that over there [West Coast]. Some of the students attending the academy have never been to school because of their disability, and so we hope, with more funding, to open schools like this one countrywide,” she declared.

DAG’s vision is that “members of the deaf

community play a positive and integral role in national development” and are challenged by its mission “to help deaf youths achieve their full potential and to improve the socioeconomic well-being of members of the deaf community”.

The association is a non-governmental organisation registered under the Friendly Societies Act in 2010.

DAG's network with members of the deaf community stretches across several regions. It works closely with special needs schools countrywide and is engaged in the visual and performing arts, education, sign language research, sports, among others.

The booklet is currently being sold for GYD$500. Money received from the sale of the booklets would be invested in the expansion of DAG’s programmes. This project was done with sponsorship from Scotiabank. For more information, call 2254489 or 687-3597. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

The Shaping of guyaneSe

A Woman of Worth

By PetamBer Persaud

Guyana continues to produce men of merit and women of worth, in a multiplicity of human endeavours, gifting them to the world.

The names of these remarkable people sometimes go unnoticed and are too soon forgotten. Nevertheless, very often their achievement is encapsulated in a lifetime of work. How then this short attention?

Guyana’s latest recognition, in this season of awards, comes by way of the 2015 Caribbean Award of Excellence where two Guyanese, Dr Paloma Mohamed and Professor Suresh Narine, were named distinguished laureates.

Mohamed was awarded the Anthony Sabga Award in the category of ‘Arts and Letters’ while Narine won in ‘Science and Technology’.

This column today is dedicated to Dr Paloma Mohamed.

For a remarkable person, and a remarkable woman, for a quintessential daughter of Guyana and of the Caribbean, this award is long overdue. Dr Mohamed is a worthy exemplar because she is an inspiration of what can be achieved through dedication, vision and hard work.

She leads by example, which places her in that unenviable position as a role model of the highest quality. She has a proven record of accomplishment, laying a formidable foundation for future forays, and she is highly regarded and respected by her peers.

Above all of these tangible manifes-

tations is a person who cares for people; she cares and she shares – that is her hallmark.

To record her achievements would be a daunting task so this column will be given over to a mere listing, which will not tell the whole story.

She is not yet fifty but she has already made her mark nationally, regionally and internationally. Locally, she has worked on projects with UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA.

Regionally, she has adjudicated the Caribbean Broadcasting Union Song Festival, and drama festivals.

Jamaican born Canadian reggae artiste wins 4th consecutive Juno award

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Jamaicaborn, Canadian reggae artiste

Exco Levi created history by winning his fourth-consecutive Juno Award on Saturday. The announcement was made ahead of Sunday's live show at the from Hamilton's FirstOntario Centre in Ontario.

The Juno Awards are Canada's version of the Grammys.

Exco Levi copped the award for Best Reggae Recording for his project Welcome the King. He won in this same category in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Speaking to the Jamaican media from his Toronto base, Exco Levi whose given name is Wayne Ford Levy, said he is taking the win in stride and is really greateful.

"My feeling for this win is the same as others, because for a person who was born in the country, Manchester, Jamaica, to be written down in the history of Canadian music, I am truly blessed," he said.

"All of them [the Juno wins] are special, even just a nomination, because I know I had to work hard, sacrifice a lot to accomplish all of them. I never prepare a speech for the Juno Awards, because win or lose, I still give Jah

Internationally, she has worked on projects with the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the Organisation of American States (OAS).

“Anybody see Brenda?”“Jezebel”, “Benjy Darling”, “Eeney Meany Miney Mo”, “New York New York” and “All for the Money” are among more than 30 plays that made her a respected playwright. She has a long list of awards recognising her role in dramaturgy.

Three times, she has won The Guyana Prize for Literature. In 1998, she won with her play “Duenne”, in 2000, with “Father of the Man” and in 2004, with “Nancy Story”.

Mohamed is the first woman to win in that category, the only woman to have won the prize three times and still the youngest woman writer ever to win that prestigious prize in any category. She has won the Annual National Theatre Arts Awards on numerous occasions.

Mohamed has worked in various disciplines, all however related to her need to share knowledge especially with young people – she has a special kinship with children, so a great part of her writing is directed towards their improvement.

As a communication strategist, she incorporates drama in her projects as a teaching aid. Her work with street children in Guyana gives her great satisfaction because their self-esteem and attention span, as well as emotional and social problems, were redressed through engagement with the arts.

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Terry Noel, the longtime Leader of the Melodians Steel Orchestra UK went to Windsor Castle on March 6 this year where Queen Elizabeth II awarded him with an MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire, for his contribution to steelbands in the UK. It was a fitting honor for a leader in the globalisation of pan.

the glory," he continued.

Canada's Juno Awards is celebrating 40 years. However, the reggae category was only introduced a dozen years ago.

Exco Levi's win saw him topping one of Canada's biggest musical exports for 2014, the reggae-rock band Magic! who had one of the major hits for this past year in 'Rude'.

There is no letting up for the artiste, as come Wednesday he releases his latest album -- an autobiographical concept set entitled Country Man.

Produced by Donovan Germain on his Penthouse Records, the project traces his earliest years living in Manchester. Exco Levi said he plans to hit the road to promote it.

"To all my supporters and well wishers, I just want to say thanks for all the support that you have given me," he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

In December last year, the band also issued their third album, Melodians Magic, the first album in many years. Both serve to recognise a long career in pan education.

Terry and the Queen had a brief conversation and discussed the fact that the Melodians had played for the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 as well as three garden parties at Buckingham Palace and eight years ago at the Commonwealth Day Services in Westminster Abbey.

For Terry Noel, it was the best. “It was a fantastic and memorable day. It was nice to know the Queen remembered the Melodians and enjoyed their playing.”

The Melodians had a big celebration with friends, family and supporters the next evening and Terry wore his special outfit to play the basses with the band.

From Coryal Village to

Some of her books include “Come Fiah: Poems” (1991), “Song: Poems” (2000), which was a finalist in the 2000 Guyana Prize for Literature in the category of poetry. “Caribbean Mythology and Modern Life, five oneact plays for young people”, “A Man Called Garvey”(2003), “Baba, Scissors and the Dictionary” (2004), “Laura the Lunch Kit Litterer” (2004) and “Listen Up” (2004).

Apart from drama and books, her other literary interest includes cinematography where she produced“Jezebel, the Movie”, (1991), “150 Years in Guyana” (HG(1993),“Telecommunications Today” (1994),“A Day in the Life of a Youth in Guyana”(2000),“The Lintons” (2004) and “The Gift” (2005).

In 2008, she was artistic director for the highly successful Caribbean Festival of Arts. In 2011, she was instrumental in founding CineGuyana and was executive producer of some 30 films.

She hasn’t realized her full and true potential yet.

In her poem, “Half-way there”published since 2000 and placed at the end of her second collection of poems, “Song” - Paloma writes:

“let it not be said that from this little life I left as I came, knowing nothing… you see I was told /this was the reason for my coming/ to learn if not to teach…I am small but finite I am not at all…and death will not erase me’.

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

Arima to London. Terry Noel left Trinidad after being a police officer in the mounted branch and travelled to England to become first a psychiatric nurse and later a youth social worker. He retired after serving over 15 years as a magistrate. But he never was far from pan. He played in the police steel band in Trinidad and in Esso Tripoli.

In England he first formed a group called the Groovers and later after a spell in Trinidad returned to the UK. Noel founded Melodians, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012. He took the name of the Arima band he had just been playing in when he founded the band in London and ever since he has been the one connection between the two bands. All along, he taught pan in public schools in addition to his day job.

Formed in October 1987,

the band has received two Performing Rights Society Enterprise Awards, a Royal Anniversary Challenge Award and a BT (British Telecom) Innovation Award. As part of the Making Music Adopt a Composer program, they worked with innovative young composer Neil Luck on a new composition Acirema that was played on BBC Radio 3 in early 2012 and available on Youtube as are several other cuts by the band.

For the last four years, the band has stored its steel drums at Henry Cavendish Primary School in Balham in South London and rehearsed there twice a week. In exchange for housing the drums, Melodians lets the students at the school play the instruments and provides a tutor. The result has been two new members of Melodians who are only 11-years-old.(TT Guardian)

Informed consent

By Anu Dev

“He is not deemed to give consent who is under a mistake” – Anon

Every day, at some point, we usually have to make decisions – whether it’s a decision about what we’ll wear, or what we’ll eat or what TV show we should start binge-watching.

And despite those being seemingly not very ‘serious’ decisions, most of us still take time to weigh our options and make a decision based on all of the facts we have at our disposal. IMDB anyone?

Basically, what I’m getting at is that we all like to have all of the facts before we make a decision or commit to something – that’s just being rational. But there’s one area in our lives that many times, we’re kind of shoehorned into making decisions without having all the facts, or understanding all of the facts.

And those are decisions that we make when we come into contact with the medical profession: when the question might literally be one of life and death.

One of the things that I’ve noticed when I’ve gone to hospitals (as a patient), doctors often don’t take the time to explain fully to their patients exactly what’s wrong with them and precisely why they’re suggesting a particular method of treatment. In the little that I’ve heard about conditions in the US, there’s much more sharing of information there.

And it’s extremely ironic that it’s the area of our life that’s the most “life-or-death” that we’re the least informed about when making decisions. Can we still call them “consent”? I wonder, if we’re just going along with what the doctor decides? For consent to be valid it must be “informed consent” and we have a big role to play in “informed consent” also.

Think about it, “informed consent” must be given voluntarily (with no coercion or deceit), by an individual who has capacity and by an individual who has been fully informed about the issue.

Interestingly what we’re being taught at school is that obtaining informed consent is a legal and ethical necessity before treating a patient. It derives from the principle of autonomy – one of the four pillars of medical ethics: Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence and Equality.

The ethical principle of autonomy requires that patients should accept or reject treatment based on a true understanding of their situation and on their personal philosophy.

But numerous studies have suggested that patients are giving consent based on misconceptions. There is a failure of communication: doctors are not doing a good job of providing accurate information and/or patients are failing to process that information. I suspect it is a combination of both.

While “informed consent” is great…how many of us can digest what the doctor might be talking about?

So it’s important to trust your doctor – they’ve take an oath to ‘do no harm’ (principle of Non-maleficence) to their patient so their decisions aren’t made to hurt patients, but rather to help them. But at the same time, many times there’s more than one way to go about helping the patient.

A surgeon might be more likely to recommend a surgical intervention – not because they want to cut you open and make money off of you, but because that’s their specialty and those interventions are what they know work. A medical doctor would probably suggest going a more medical route, treating the patient with drugs. Second opinions can help in this area.

As a patient, you have the right to ‘informed consent’ which means that if you need treatment, your healthcare provider must give you the information you need to make a decision. You shouldn’t have to blindly go along with treatment – you have a right to know exactly what it is you are agreeing to.

Consent means nothing if the patient doesn’t know what they’re giving permission for. It’s like those times kids try to get their parents to sign a blank piece of paper so that they can write an excuse to their teacher for missing school.

– William “The Conqueror” France tries for record of oldest man in marathon

Three men stopped traffic on Saturday as they stood in the middle of the roadway in East Coast Demerara, Guyana, clutching their crutches to balance on their three legs. These men were appealing to the public for financial assistance as it is their aim to be part of the 2015 Boston Marathon.

This newspaper had the opportunity to speak to these men while they stood on the public road of Montrose to get the attention of commuters. Surprisingly, people were very supportive, as cars stopped to donate what little they could to the men’s hopes for an experience of a lifetime.

William France, a well known amputee, who thrives on giving back and fighting against enormous odds, was found to be the man behind the effort. France said that it costs a total of Gy$1.23 million for three amputees to go to the marathon. However, what they need at this point is Gy$184,000.

France had taken part in the Boston Marathon before, the last time being eight years ago. This time, he said he has a specific purpose as it will be his last time and he wants to be the oldest man in the world to compete in the marathon. He stated that winning is not a must but it would be great to hold that record. The oldest man currently holding the record for competing in the Boston Marathon is Dick Shoe, who was 56 years old when he last competed in the marathon. France is 58 years old.

France admits that he was a bad egg. He lost his leg as a result of stealing from Hamilton Green, who was the Prime Minister at the time. He elaborated on the incident, stating that he was shot eleven times about the body but managed to survive. He however lost his leg, but says he wears it as a badge of honour, as the loss of the leg taught him a lot about life.

He stated that losing one’s leg or having a disability does not make one helpless, one is still human all through this. “Na because you get a disability you can’t do things”, he stated. This

has been his mantra as he has continuously encouraged persons to not give up on life.

It has been 35 years since he lost his leg but he has been able to be a part of many competitions; the Boston Marathon being the most notable of them. France was also able to raise funds for several charities, at one time raising over Gy$8.43 million.

France spoke with pride when he told this publication about his family – his wife and three children.

Men on a mission

Terry Roopnarine –one of the tree men soliciting support from the public – is quite happy that France went down the road he did as he told this publication that France encouraged him a lot, lending unwavering support when he lost his leg four years ago.

The 33-year-old said he lost the use of his right leg in an accident in the interior when a tree fell on him. Roopnarine said at the time of the accident, he was working as a Pork knocker and said he was quite lucky to be alive, even without a leg.

He told this publication that at first that he felt quite helpless, as he was married with a son and a daughter and there was not much he could have done for himself.

However, Roopnarine said that he fell in with some other amputees and found that it was not as bad as he thought. He began to teach himself how to do things for himself and now he can even drive without help.

The amputee said that such activities help to boost one’s morale

and it is better than feeling sorry for yourself. He spoke of people committing suicide because they no longer have an arm or leg and said that it is important “to have hope… put down that feeling, that thinking and everything gon be good for them.”

Roopnarine said he is looking forward to the marathon as it is an experience that does not come around every day. He said he, along with some friends have been training in the National Park, at the seawalls, and even Mocha, on the East Bank of Demerara. He stated that it is a lot of work, since the distance covers 26 miles.

However, Roopnarine stated that they still need a lot of money to be able to make the trip to the United States for the marathon.

The last of the three man team, Garvin Jeffers said that the marathon is a chance for him to show the world that amputee persons can still be part of life. He reminisced on that time when there used to be persons in wheelchairs paying basketball at the park and at sports centres in Georgetown. He said that there is “nuff thing we could do.”

The Fred Allicock building

Honouring a hardworking and generous individual

Located at the Iwokrama River Lodge,a building tells a story of a notable man. The Fred Allicock building, built 20002001, is not just a tourist’s oasis but an edifice celebrating an honourable man.

Fred Allicock, who presently re-

sides in Surama, is an Amerindian expert who selflessly shares his local knowledge on managing the natural environment.

The upstairs of the building with his name houses a restaurant and bar, and a dining hall for both staff and tourists. The offices are housed downstairs: tourism office, administration office, monitoring office, conference room, medical centre, shop and patio. The building is also used for meetings, conferences and workshops.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Kevin Edwards, tourism coordinator at Iwokrama River Lodge, stated that the building was dedicated to Allicock because of his diligent work at Iwokrama.

Edwards also men-

tioned that Allicock served as the first field station manager with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, and was successful in accomplishing all of his tasks in the field.

From the building, tourists enjoy a scenic view of the Essequibo River. It is where, after an exciting day of discovery and exploration, they can enjoy traditional Guyanese cuisine at the restaurant.

A computer with internet access is available in the tourism office, and the entire building is covered by Wi-Fi inter-

net access. A gift shop and a shop selling cold drinks, snacks and general items such as toiletries, are available in the lower level.

Not far away are two science laboratories, and a conference room with air conditioning, which is wired for digital equipment such as computers and LCD projectors.

There is also a beautiful mural on the building’s walls. It was done by Guyanese artists George Simon and his brother; Anil Roberts; visual arts students from Annai Secondary, and others. The mural showcases the biodiversity of Iwokrama.

A visit to Iwokrama directly contributes to the communities in and surrounding the Iwokrama forest. Tourism there supports the develop-

ment of an eco-friendly sustainable model that is being shared locally and internationally.

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Stabroek Market

Stabroek Market, designed by Nathaniel McKay, an American engineer, has stood over the heart of the capital city of Georgetown since it was constructed by Edgemoor Iron Company of Delaware, USA in 18801881, on land partly reclaimed from the nearby Demerara River.

The market was named by the Dutch in honour of then Dutch director of the Dutch West

India Company, Nicholas Van Gleenisnk: Lord of Castricum, Bahim and Stabroek, and said to cover approximately 80,000 square feet (7,000 m2).

However, it is not the original market of the area. It is in fact the third market, and second structure to be built.

It is claimed that as early as 1792, African slaves, on Sundays, would sell their produce just west of the present St Andrews church site. The market

was moved in 1793, near to another church, and would be moved several times along the riverbank - some researchers suggesting because the noise of the vendors interfered with church services - before permanently settling at its present site.

The first structure was erected after the Mayor and Town Council passed regulations on April 23, 1843 to erect a proper market at its current Water Street loca-

tion, since the then present market was becoming too “congested and unsightly”.

The market then was made from local hardwoods and described as “the best in the West Indies”.

However, by 1870, the market was overcrowded and inadequate for the number of vendors and hucksters plying their trade, so the council began accepting designs for a new market.

On July 31, 1879, McKay’s wrought iron design, submitted through Edgemoor Iron Company,

was accepted, due in part to “its foundation and ornamental appearance and very perfect system of ventilation in the roof, the latter being especially suited for the tropical climate”, as well as a precaution after the devastating fires of 1828 and 1864.

Construction works began Aug 17, 1879 with the reclamation of 50, 000 square feet (4,646 m2) of the Demerara River’s

foreshore.

At the start of construction, a ‘time capsule’ was deposited under the foundation stone, which was laid by the then governor’s wife.

The new market was opened Nov 1, 1880, though it was not completed until 1881. The year 1881 is etched into the metalwork over its name at the entrance. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

Daughters…

…as obtuse commentators

Nadira Jagan-Brancier rushed to fight a strawman of Ramkarran’s artifice. But in doing so, exposed why her parents insisted she never be part of their POLITICAL legacy. She just never took time to cultivate the analytic – much less Marxist –outlook that guided her parents. Unsurprisingly, her judgements and opinions are always undermined by her lack of objectivity.

But some people will say “Jagan’s daughter should know Jagan”. Your Eyewitness is reminded of an incident in one of VS Naipaul’s novels of life in Trinidad – his masterpiece “House for Mr Biswas? – where his cousins decide to write the Cambridge Exam in Hindi simply because they were the sons of pandits.

Of course they failed ignominiously!! Knowledge of things don’t just flow into you by magic…you have to study and analyse them. Brancier’s never even bothered to study the context in which Ramkarran so viciously attacked Jagdeo – who he sees as the person who “prevented” him from becoming President in 1997.

Does Brancier know that it was her mother Janet who actually “stood in Ralph’s way” – and did this country an invaluable service?? Or that she was backed by Moses Nagamootoo who now hypocritically praises Ramkarran??

Now if Brancier had taken time to examine the issue, she’ll see that no one – least of all Jagdeo –ever claimed that Cheddi Jagan “used their position for personal gain” – as she states. All Jagdeo claimed was, “I don’t believe Ministers should have to live in a logie to prove that they are not corrupt… Cheddi Jagan didn’t have to prove that by living in a logie.”

When Jagan was mobilising sugar workers for instance, thousands of them were still living in logies. Just to illustrate his point, Jagdeo observed that “I don’t think Cheddi Jagan, living in Bel Air Park at that time, in a nice house, was typical of Guyana”. Does Brancier deny the veracity of what Jagdeo said – aside from Ramkarran’s vile embellishments? The house wasn’t nice?? Jagdeo also said Jagan wouldn’t want his Ministers to ride around on bicycles.

Even in 1960, Jagan had a car – when very few people did. Does Brancier remember the incident VS Naipaul wrote about in “The Middle Passage” when he’s taken to Berbice with Jagan and his family – including Brancier – in Dr Jagan’s car?? Did that in fact make Jagan care less for sugar workers he addressed – who couldn’t even afford a bicycle??

Brancier’s obtuseness might make some question, why – if Dr Jagan was so gung ho on taking vows of poverty – he sent her brother to a Canadian rather than an Eastern Bloc University? Which the poor country PYO lad named Bharrat Jagdeo had to attend??

…and pawns

Granger and the PNC just had their rally in Linden. OK, dear reader, you may object it was the APNU+AFC holding the rally. But then that’d mean you were just regurgitating the tripe the PNC’s spin doctors are spewing.

Can anyone seriously argue – without breaking into giggles – that APNU is anything but a fig leaf for the PNC?? Do you think that GAP, NFA and WPA can pull more votes that the fingers on your hands?? C’mon!! And the AFC itself conceded that the best it could do was to promise 11 per cent – from Berbice!

Anyhow, what stood out at Linden was the despicable way in which Granger’s treating the women in the PNC. If it’s one thing Burnham recognised it was the power of PNC women to mobilise. And he gave them respect.

While Granger talked of healing the rift with Linden, notice that Vanessa Kissoon got zilch – even as Sandra Adams was tossed aside like a sucked orange!!

… and inheritance

Word is that half of the Jagan’s yard with a house in Bel Air was sold for over US$2million?? When is Brancier going to cash in on her half?? Things are getting hard in Canada, no?

Food for the Poor’s ‘Angels of Hope’ mission is to help underprivileged children reach their highest potential.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Wayne Hamilton, FFTP’s public relations officer, revealed that the Angels of Hope programme, started about ten years ago, provides for more than 250 children from eight homes/orphanages

across the country.

“The programme is mainly sponsored by residents in the US who would normally send supplies and financial support for birthdays, Christmas parties, and our annual get-together and fun day, where all the children meet up and interact. From the supplies we receive at Food For The Poor, we are able to provide clothing, food, toiletries, school supplies and

much more,” Hamilton explained.

Noting the effectiveness of the programme, Hamilton pointed out the children, whom the programme caters for, are attending school more regularly because they now have needed supplies. Additionally, their grades have improved.

“Our Angels of Hope coordinator also makes regular visits to check up on the children’s progress. This information is then sent to our US donors. Although they are thousands of miles away, the donors keep track of the children’s progress via the information sent from the coordinator,” Hamilton noted.

Last year, 35 children from the orphanages were sent to Burrowes School of Art during their ‘summer’ holiday, in a collaborative effort with the arts school. Consequently, FFTP hopes to expand its efforts to include scholarships, and provide opportunities for the children to succeed academically. FFTP would also like to collaborate with other entities, so that the children can be exposed to various academic areas.

July 24 has been scheduled as FFTP’s Angels of Hope Day of Celebration and so the organisation is urging corporate Guyana to donate to make this event

possible for the many children it will bring happiness to.

“Many have come forward to donate to our programme. We continue to urge local donors to donate food items, school supplies, clothing; anything that is suitable for the children. FFTP also provides home supplies and does infrastructural work on the orphanages. There is always a need for funding and we encourage the general public to help us so that we can help our underprivileged children,” Hamilton declared.

In 1982, Jamaicaborn Ferdinand Mahfood, who had inherited a successful import business from his father and then moved the business to Miami, USA, received a Christmas pres-

St Lucia to host CaribNOG 9 - Caribbean

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD: The picturesque Eastern Caribbean island of Saint Lucia will be the backdrop to the highly anticipated gathering of the men and women responsible for securing and administering computer networks across the Caribbean.

From April 27 to May 1, the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) will hold their ninth regional meeting, a significant forum that has been a key role in coordinating and equipping the region’s technical community.

"CaribNOG plays a unique role in the region’s technology ecosystem. It is a volunteer-based community dedicated to strengthening the Caribbean indigenous capacity to address the rapidly evolving technology landscape," explained Bevil Wooding, one of the CaribNOG founders and a main organiser of

the event.

“Computer network engineers and technology specialists from across the region and around the world take the time to share their knowledge and experience with the colleagues at CaribNOG,” he added.

Founded in 2010, CaribNOG has been steadily building its reputation as the Caribbean’s most influential and solutions-oriented forum for network engineers and computer technology professionals. The group has also built strong connections with other Network Operator Groups from around the world, including Latin America, North America and as far as the Pacific.

“CaribNOG members benefit immensely from exposure to experts from around the region and across the globe,” says Jamaican-born Stephen Lee, another CaribNOG founding member and CEO of ArkiTechs Inc., a US-based technology firm.

ent from his wife. It was a book called “Something More”, written by Catherine Marshall. As he turned the pages of the book while on a flight to Chicago, Ferdy (as he is properly known) was moved by the writer’s call to serve God in a more intimate and committed way. He wanted to have a closer relationship with God and to experience the fullness of his love.

Since boyhood, he had given donations to the poor and continued to do so as his business flourished. In 1982, after rededicating his life to God, he decided to use his business expertise to serve the poor. He has already seen the gut wrenching poverty in the slums of Jamaica, and increased his donations to

the poor in that country. But business expertise alone could not alleviate the suffering and poverty of millions in Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

So Mahfood became a beggar for the poor, combining his business expertise with the donations he received, to start a chain of giving that today results in relief projects and programmes in more than two dozen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Food For The Poor (FFTP) was established as a vehicle for Mahfood to give back to the world. For more information on this programme visit Food For The Poor on Facebook or call 2181553. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

tech community to converge next month

“Topics range from protecting local networks from hackers and cybercriminals to deploying broadband and the future of the Internet,” he added.

Network security, Internet exchange points, cloud computing and global network trends are among the topics to be addressed at CaribNOG’s 9th regional meeting.

“Saint Lucia is re-

ally looking forward to hosting this important meeting,” said Simon Alexander, local organiser and IT Manager at the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission.

“The previous CaribNOG gathering in Curacao drew over 100 persons from more than 15 countries. The international nature of gathering affords us the opportunity to showcase

Saint Lucia and the OECS to the world as a significant technologyenabled destination.”

The CaribNOG 9 meeting is being cohosted by the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and is also supported by the regional and global Internet community, including the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (Ams-IX), the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, Columbus Communications, Google, the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC), the Internet Society, the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br), ArkiTechs Inc, Akamai Inc., Microsoft and Packet Clearing House.

CaribNOG 9 will feature a slate of experts, including Arturo Servin (Google Inc.); Carlos Martínez and Alejandro Acosta (LACNIC); Bevil Wooding (PCH); Mark Kosters (ARIN); Claire Craig (UWI); Albert Daniels (ICANN); Shernon Osepa (ISOC); Steve Spence and Stephen Lee (Arkitechs). This ninth event comes on the heels of 2014 meetings in Dominica and Curacao. More information is available on the official event website. (TT Guardian)

US-based Guyanese exhibits artwork for US Black History Month

For Black History Month, observed last month, applauded artwork of USbased Guyanese artist Victor Davson was on display at the 1978 Arts Centre in New Jersey, U.S.A.

Davson, who was born in Georgetown, Guyana, immigrated to the United States in 1973. He holds a BFA degree from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, has co-founded Aljira, a Centre for contemporary art, and established himself in his practice as an artist.

His work is heavi-

ly influenced by the anti-colonial politics of the Caribbean and by the intellectual powerhouses of that period. These include extraordinary writers and activists like Martin Carter, Frantz Fanon and Walter Rodney. Since 1996, his series of paintings and drawings, which include the “Limbo/ Anansi” drawings, “Bad Cow Comin”’ paintings, and his paintings on long playing vinyl record album covers, are his attempt as an artist to negotiate the roots of identity in a terrain of loss and desire.

Davson as executive

director of Aljira, a Centre for contemporary art, leads a vital hub for creative excellence in Newark New Jersey’s downtown arts district.

Notable highlights in the Aljira organisation’s history include the founding of Emerge, a professional development programme for visual artists. The founding of Aljira Design, a graphic design studio that for 18 years earned revenue to support the organisation’s exhibitions and public programmes

It has received an invitation to organise US

representation at the IV Biennale International de Pintura in Ecuador, as well as a major award from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts—becoming one of only eight institutions nationwide selected to participate in the foundation’s second year stabilisation initiative for small to midsize organisations

The organisation has been designated a major arts institution by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts every year since 2003.

Davson is a past trustee of Art Pride New Jersey and a current member of the Advisory Council of the Brodsky Centre for Innovative Editions.

He has been honoured by the Newark

Arts Council as well as the Brodsky Centre for Innovative Editions, for both his work as a visual artist and his leadership in the arts.

He received a leadership award from Prudential Foundation for his contribution to the Newark community.

He was one of 15 nonprofit leaders in the arts, nationwide, selected to participate in Leadership 2000, a programme of arts and economic development training for outstanding community leaders, sponsored by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, and run by faculty from the Harvard Business School.

He has served on panels for the National

Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. He is a graduate of The Getty Museum Management Institute and has done graduate work in museum management at New York University Gallatin. His work is in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum, The Montclair Art Museum, the New Jersey State Museum, and the National Collection, Guyana. The exhibition celebrating the “Dub Factor Redux” series by Davson closes March 15 with a lively discussion at the 1978 Arts Centre, where persons can meet the artist, hear his thoughts, his process and his aesthetic on art. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Author Sharon Maas recalls the life of her mother, the late Eileen Cox

Last November my mother, Eileen Cox, died in Guyana at the age of 96. I happened to be on a twoweek visit from Germany, and it seemed she had been only waiting to see me one last time. Her death made frontpage news.

Articles appeared in the papers, I was interviewed, and it wasn’t long before the tributes poured in, including condolence cards from the country’s president, the prime minister, and opposition leader. Mum was an icon in Guyana, a role model people of all persuasions admired and respected. She made changes, and for this she received well-deserved accolades. For me, of course, her passing was far more personal. With it came the peace and closeness to her I had longed for all my life. It hadn’t been easy being her daughter.

Mum was always at least 50 years ahead of her time. The steps she took back in the 50s might seem normal and self-evident to today’s young women, but in her day they were truly revolutionary; they went against the grain of society, and she took them alone, with no role models or living examples.

She was born and grew up in British Guiana, the third of four children, the youngest girl, and the most academic of all her siblings. From the start she was not only high achiever but an exemplary role model; in her last year she was head girl. As a candidate for the coveted National Scholarship, which would have enabled her to study in England, the world stood open to her; but she chose not a personal career but to stay in Guyana, where she went on

to join the Civil Service while working as an activist for change in her free time.

As a civil servant she was appalled by the fact that women had to resign as soon as they married. As a result she did not marry until her early 30s; by then she had already built her own house, and it was my father who moved in with her. She kept her job – and kept it even after my birth in 1951, when she was already an “elderly” 34. She went back to work almost immediately. My father, also a civil servant, didn’t approve so she divorced him, moved back in with her mother and sister, and continued to work. She took back her maiden name, along with the title “Miss”, and went to work doing whatever she could to change all the inequalities and injustices in Guyanese society.

I can’t even begin to list the things she did, but a Google of “Eileen Cox Guyana” will bring up some of her achievements. Always, she worked for the good of society, and it became normal for me in later years to hear

her name praised by people of all walks of life. Taxi drivers, market stall women, government ministers, businessmen: everyone knew her or of her, even in the remotest corners of the country. Accordingly, when Mum died there was no end to the tributes paid to her at the funeral, and of course my own eulogy did not hold back the praise. Mum was compassionate, modest, hard-working, dedicated independent, fearless – a mother to look up to. But was she a role-model for me? No. Our relationship was complex, and often difficult.

As her daughter, I was given a long leash and encouraged to do whatever I wanted. But just like her, I had to find my own way, and one thing I knew was that I would not follow in her footsteps. Go to work when my children entered the world? No way! I chose to be a stay-at-home mother, once circumstances allowed it; and I did it with joy and confidence, and never once felt I was somehow inferior because I was not earning, and never once was I bored by my babies. On the contrary: I was with them on the great adventure of life, and guiding them into adulthood was in itself an adventure. Rocky at times, but a learning process through which I grew into an independence of my own. Mum found this hard to understand; hadn’t she carved the path for women to work even after they became moth-

A year or two before her death I managed to have “the talk” with her. I told her of my loneliness as a child, my longing to be closer to her, to have more of her time. Growing up, I did not care about her achievements: though I always knew she loved me, I’d always yearned for a more intimate connection. I wanted to talk about feelings, and needed help and guidance along my way. And once, just once, I would have loved a meal on the table cooked by her. I was a very lonely child, a shy and insecure teenager.

The freedom she had given me was too much; I need-

ed guidelines and a helping hand. Her lifestyle forced me walk my own path, and eventually I did. So my own independence came from finding my way through the labyrinth of too much freedom. I travelled widely, made dreadful mistakes, and found maturity through trial and error, finally emerging from it all reasonably whole and healthy.

Mum retained her mental faculties up until her death – as she grew older she withdrew more and more from public life, became softer and more understanding. I visited her from Europe as often as I could, and after “the talk” a new sense of closeness emerged. She understood. Her passing brought much sadness for opportunities missed, but at the same time a sense of oneness with her I had never known in her lifetime. A sense that she had slipped into my heart and would live there forever.

Reprinted with permission. Sharon Maas is an overseas-based Guyanese author of “The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q” and “Of Marriageable Age”, which can be found on her blog, http://sharonmaas.blogspot. com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Tukiet Falls is an eighthour hike from Waratuk Falls, on the Potaro River in Essequibo. At Tukiet, adventurers enjoy an enthralling overnight camp and swimming in the Potaro River, which includes spectacular sightseeing of the Kaieteur Gorge.

It is one of the serene locations covered when

trekking to Kaieteur. From Tukiet, adventurers climb to the top of Kaieteur Falls, a four-hour hike that winds through the mountains and mountain streams to the final destination known as ‘Oh My God’, because of its steep ascent. Tukiet Falls offers an incredible adventure for all those seeking one. (Nicholas Laughlin photos)

Times Notebook

Condemnation without evidence

Aman was murdered in cold blood a few nights ago. In this case, the man was an antiGovernment activist. Why he was murdered and by whom are questions we all ask. The Police were quickly on the scene and looking for clues.

They indicated that they have not been able so far to identify a cause or who might be responsible for this dastardly murder. None of us knows the answer. But some people, like the Opposition Leader and others, have deemed it a political assassination. These persons have admitted they have no evidence.

Was it a case of random crime that killed an antiGovernment activist or was it a murder planned for non-political reasons? Did politics have anything to do with this murder? These are reasonable questions to ask.

The President of Guyana has provided the proper leadership on this matter by calling on the Police to rapidly arrest, bringing to justice the criminals who committed the act and to find the intellectual authors of the crime. As a nation, we should all support the President in this call.

The mischief makers are out already adding fuel to a flame that could lead to more violence. There are some in the Opposition and in the media whipping up a frenzied lynching party to take revenge.

They have concluded without an iota of evidence that the Government and the PPP/C are responsible for this murder. Some self-righteously call for calm and no retaliation. That message in itself is a conclusion that certain people are responsible for this murder.

One of these persons when contacted by the Police was emphatic that he has no evidence to indicate who might have committed the crime. Those who are quick to condemn the Government have convicted the PPP/C and left no room for any other possibility.

But we ask ourselves, why people so quickly without any evidence charge and convict the PPP/C? What has the party to gain? He was not considered by the PPP/C as a threat. He was just one of several people who continuously, consistently and ferociously attacked the PPP/C. Nothing has ever happened to these people before.

Does the Opposition have anything to gain from such a murder? The present situation in Guyana answers the question. The Opposition has used this unholy event to mobilize its

supporters, portraying it as a political assassination of one of its own by the PPP/C or its agents.

Decent minded Guyanese have condemned the murder as a national shame. This would be a gift to the Opposition – given an advantage on a silver platter. They could not have done more to help themselves in this election.

Of course, we must consider that there might be no political connection to this murder. Indeed, every murder is a national shame. The only reason that some Guyanese condemn this one is that there is an assumption that this is a political murder. Has anyone considered the possibility that this was just one of the random murders, or that this murder of a political activist was because of nonpolitical reasons?

The PPP/C has nothing to gain and everything to lose through such a political assassination. It would be the political mistake in history for them to be so stupid.

Has anyone dared to think of this possibility? We would hope that this possibility is as unthinkable as the one the Opposition itself has put forward and concluded on.

We would hope that the history of our country has been a lesson we learnt from. In the 1960s, the Opposition, indeed, with plans such as the X-13 and others inflicted much violence and destruction, with many Guyanese killed in the process in order to blame the then PPP/C Government.

We have gone through political murders in our country. The Rodney COI presently is baring all the shameful history of that period.

We should not so quickly condemn anyone without evidence. In a period of heightened political awareness and sensitivity, these matters could only add fuel to the tension that already exists and that always seem to be part of our elections.

The patriotic and responsible thing to do is to allow the Police to do their work and for all of us to come together in solidarity to support the Police and give them whatever evidence we have.

The President has done his part. Should this nation come together on this matter, the criminals responsible would be quickly cornered and brought to justice, and if there is a political connection, then let the chips fall hard on them.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Senator urges TT to expand its trade scope

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Independent Senator Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir says when it comes to trade, Trinidad and Tobago must look beyond Caricom and expand its scope to Central America.

“We have been confined by history to the English-speaking Caribbean, and the English-speaking Caribbean—since 1961—has proven itself to be a nonviable economic entity,” he said during his contribution to the debate on the Trinidad and Tobago Panama Partial Scope Trade Agreement Bill

Independent Senator Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir

(2014), in the Senate on Monday.

He pointed out that excluding Trinidad, only five per cent of the goods consumed in Caricom

came from another Caricom country.

“Once we look at the Central American region, starting all the way up North from Guatemala down to Panama, I think we would be in a position now where our current grouping called Caricom will now have to include all the countries washed by the Caribbean Sea, independent of colonial history. Once we do that we have 25 countries as a middle power in our hemisphere,” he said.

Mahabir added: “If 25 of us can come together, I see in the future the potential of a huge grouping speaking with one voice, not only trading amongst themselves, but

getting out of the history of the triangular trade and now engaging in a circular trade. We are going nowhere now by confining ourselves to the English-speaking world now in our region. It is too small, it is too narrow, it is too undiversified.”

The TT Panama Partial Scope Trade Agreement, signed in 2013, provides preferential treatment that exporters from Trinidad and Tobago will enjoy in the Panamanian market and the reciprocal preferential treatment that Panamanian exporters will receive in the Trinidad and Tobago market. (TT Express)

Jamaica's Health Ministry opens dialogue on fast-tracking AIDS response

Jamaica’s Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson on Monday opened dialogue on “Getting to Zero: How will we fast-track the AIDS response” at the UNAIDS Regional Consultation at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

According to a release from the Health Ministry, Dr Ferguson explained that Jamaica has taken measures to accelerate its response.

“There is now country ownership of the HIV/AIDS response in Jamaica. We have undertaken a sustainability study of the programme, projecting as far as 2030. Additionally, the merger of the Family Planning Board and the National HIV/STI programme into one Sexual Reproductive Health Authority has broadened their initial scope while looking at integration into primary health care,” he said.

The minister noted that “in Jamaica, there resides significant expertise and experience on the AIDS epidemic”.

Dr Ferguson posited that together, with the strong bipartisan, regional and international support, the AIDS response going forward can only be strengthened.

The regional consultation, which was hosted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) was attended by 40 Caribbean and International delegates representing private and public sector as well as civil society.

fast-tracking the AIDS response based on the gains and the lessons learnt from individual countries.

The aim of the consultation was to shape regional priorities in

The outcome of the consultation will guide the UNAIDS Strategy 2016-2021, the health ministry said. (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica’s Duncan-Price among 187 named as Young Global Leaders

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica’s Imani Duncan-Price has been named among 187 professionals selected to become the 2015 Young Global Leaders (YGL) of the World Economic Forum.

Each year a group of individuals under the age of forty are chosen from diverse backgrounds to participate in a community that directly impacts the global agenda.

Duncan-Price is the only professional selected from the Caribbean region as a YGL this year.

“I am so excited to be a part of this group,” she said.

“This is a great chance for me to further improve my leadership skills while meeting

other likeminded people who want to help change the world. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am honoured to be a part of something that has the potential to create an incredible impact on the global agenda. I am looking forward to gaining as much as I can from this experience so that I can continue to contribute to Jamaica’s

development and growth in the best way possible,” the Government senator said.

This year’s selection of YGLs will engage with a community that has grown considerably since it was first established ten years ago.

The 2015 group of YGLs will include 23 individuals from East Asia, 17 from Greater China,

13 from Latin America (including Duncan-Price from the Caribbean), 39 from Europe, 15 from the Middle East and North Africa, 17 from sub-Saharan Africa, 19 from South Asia and 44 from North America. The 187 honorees were chosen from a pool of over 2000 distinguished professionals who were evaluated by a committee chaired by HM Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Over the course of five years Duncan-Price is expected to participate in annual seminars and summits which will promote her development as a YGL and allow her to use her platform to encourage positive change in Jamaica and on a global scale.(Jamaica Observer)

"Barbados economy beginning to show signs of growth" – Sinckler

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

The Barbados government says the economy is showing signs of growth and that the sacrifices made by nationals over the past months have not been in vain.

Finance Minister Chris Sinckler delivering the 2015-16 estimates of expenditure and revenue in Parliament Monday, said that the home grown fiscal adjustment and stabilisation programme has started to bear fruit with the economy growth recorded in 2014 being 0.3 per cent and that the economy should grow be-

tween one and two per cent this year.

“At the end of this current financial year the primary balance will improve from negative 385 million dollars (One BDSs dollar =US$0.50 cents) to a surplus of 56 million dollars,” Sinckler said as he led off the week long debate on the fiscal package.

He told legislators it would mean that for the first time since 2011, Barbados is running a primary surplus “and we are on our way to restoring the fiscal well being of Barbadoes.

Sinckler said the island’s fiscal challenges

are not over despite the encouraging situation, warning Barbadians that they would have to stay the course as outlined by the Freundel Stuart government for reviving the ailing economy.

He said the measures also protected the Barbados dollar from devaluation.

“The fiscal adjustment programme has already shown success in attaining the preeminent objective of protecting the Barbados dollar and stabilising the foreign exchange market,” he said, adding “that is an empirical fact.

“The value of the dol-

lar has been protected by the measures that contain spending in line with foreign exchange availability. The fiscal measures today have achieved that most important objective to reduce the demand for foreign exchange in line with our ability to supply,” Sinckler said. Government’s total expenditure for the financial year 2015-2016 is expected to be within the vicinity of BDS$4.3 billion with BDS$3.02 billion going towards current expenditure while BDS$1.2 billion represents capital expenditure and amortisation. (Caribbean360)

Jamaican Gov't allocates Ja$7m to fight farm theft

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: The Government has injected Ja$7 million into the Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as it moves to intensify efforts to address agricultural theft.

Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier said that the money has been used to employ additional staff to bolster the work of the unit, which includes the services of two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The policemen, Deputy Superintendent Kevin Francis and Sergeant Damian Harry, will head the Ministry's praedial larceny prevention operational activities and will mobilise members of the JCF across the island to curb praedial larceny.

"Having the JCF leading the anti-praedial larceny charge, we now expect an intensification of operations on the ground," Kellier said, while emphasising that praedial larceny is a crime, and as such, should be dealt with by the police.

He was addressing journalists at a media conference, held at his Hope Gardens offices

in St Andrew last week Thursday.

Additional staff at the unit will include a Praedial Larceny Coordinator, to provide administrative and policy support; and an administrative assistant.

To further boost the work of the unit, LASCO Distributors has also donated Ja$4 million for the purchase of a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle.

It is estimated that some Ja$5 billion is lost annually due to praedial larceny and farm theft, amounting to about $50 billion over the last decade.

In the meantime, National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, pledged the support of the police in assisting the Agriculture Ministry and farmers across the island to tackle praedial larceny.

Bunting said the scourge has, over the years, moved from petty theft to major organised crime and, as such, deserves the full attention of law enforcers.

Bunting said he is therefore pleased to be a part of this initiative which, he believes, will put a major dent in agricultural theft across the island.

Meanwhile Commissioner of Police, Dr Carl Williams, said the JCF is well aware of the scope of praedial larceny in Jamaica, and so, will be "going all out" to curb the problem.

He noted that Deputy Superintendent Francis and Sergeant Harry will have full command over all the resources of the Community Safety and Security Branch, which has also been mobilised in the larger anti-praedial larceny campaign. (Jamaica Observer)

Sandals Group eyes possible Tobago resort

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, says if he is to establish a property in Trinidad and Tobago, the Sister Island would be his most likely choice. He said he had visited Tobago some years ago and liked it.

He said, “Tobago would probably make more sense because of the natural sun, sand and the sea that the man above gave Tobago.” However, he said a Sandals in Tobago would definitely not happen before the next five years because the group was “maxed out” at the moment after a number of new developments in

several Caribbean islands.

He was speaking with reporters following his feature address guests attending the President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Wrightson Road, Portof-Spain, last Thursday night.

During his address, he told local business executives of the importance of having vision and remaining true to their vision if they wanted to succeed in business.

Stewart traced the establishment of Sandals to his father’s vision and tenaciousness in pursuing his dream in spite of many detractors eager to tell him that it was impossible to establish a world-

leading resort company in the Caribbean.

He said his family went into the hospitality business to earn foreign exchange for its distribution and manufacturing businesses. The family had established and still owns a company called Appliance Traders Limited, but, he said, as Jamaica went through the difficulties of the 1970s and a lot of people fled the country, his father looked around and assessed the assets available in Jamaica. What he saw were rivers, mountains, culture, music, sun, sand and sea. “And that was our asset to monetise and capitalise on.”

He declared his father bought a 99-room

hotel on a beach in Montego Bay and while he confessed that he had no idea what he was doing, he said his father said, “I believed in our people, I believed in our beach, I saw the real estate in front of me and I lost more money than I

could make in my primary business by going into a new business.”

He added Sandals Resorts started in Jamaica in 1981 with a belief that customers deserve more in a virgin industry which they called “all inclusive.” He said the “all inclusive” industry is limited to the Caribbean.

Stewart said tourism today is simply an export product with less than one per cent of the company’s revenues coming from the local economies. Observing that the company was in the service industry, he said Sandals Resorts International employs 13,000 Caribbean nationals. “We put our customers at the centre of

everything that we do. We have never heard of a customer saying to us that ‘We would like less luxury.’ We have never had a customer check into one of our hotels and say ‘This is far too nice for me, we would like to downgrade to a lesser room category.’ ” He said that in 1991 the company began to grow and expand and left Jamaica and established another hotel in Antigua, then to St. Lucia in 1993 and the Bahamas in 1995 the same year it set up operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In 2013, it established in Grenada and in January 2015 opened its latest hotel in Barbados. (TT Newsday)

Carnival Cruise Line adds Tobago to list

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise ship company, has announced that starting next year Tobago will be featured in its itinerary for the first time.

The announcement came as part of a series of new longer voyages the cruise line will be offering.

According to a media release from the Tobago House of Assembly’s Division of Tourism and Transport, this is expected to bring 10,642 Carnival Cruise Line passengers to the sister isle and will increase the number of passengers visiting Tobago during the 2015/2016 cruising season to 81,050.

Tobago will be part of an itinerary that includes St Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, Scarborough, Grenada, Martinique, St Kitts and St Thomas.

Secretary of Tourism and Transportation

Tracy DavidsonCelestine described the

news as being good for Tobago’s growing cruise industry.

“This year we saw a 200 per cent growth in cruise ship guests coming to Tobago and next cruise season we are again going to see double digit growth. This is testimony to the hard work that we are doing as a Division and as the THA and what we really want to see is Tobagonians taking advantage of the opportunities this presents,” she said in the media release.

“We have to prepare for more passengers, we need to ensure that when the guests come here we have enough activities for them, whether that means tours, craft, food, water sports etc, we need our people to be entrepreneurs. Look at what is possible and plan for the next season. We can only create the opportunities it’s for the people of Tobago to now take advantage of them,” she added.

The Division of Tourism and Transport stated that other ships-

-the Carnival Miracle, Dream and Glory— will also offer the longer itineraries and will be visiting ports like Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, Grenada and Scarborough.

“Scarborough, Tobago, will be visited by the Carnival Sunshine ship beginning in February 2015,” the division added.

Also commenting on the news was Carnival’s senior vice-president of itinerary planning and revenue development Terry Thornton who noted that longer cruises have been in demand with Carnival guests and travel agents.

“Based on feedback from our guests and travel agent partners, we’re delighted to offer these longer length voyages which provide vacationers an opportunity to visit some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations while enjoying all the wonderful onboard innovations and features found aboard Carnival’s ships,” he said. (TT Express)

Jamaican Gov’t rolling out National Customer Service Scorecard

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Government is in the process of implementing a National Customer Service Scorecard, a new initiative to assess the performance of public sector organisations.

Addressing a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Modernisation Specialist in the Office of the Cabinet, Michele Gordon-Somers, explained that the scorecard is an evaluation system for monitoring and evaluating service delivery by Government entities.

“It sets out how the organisations are performing and it would give us comparative information, in terms of how different organisations are performing against other organisations,” she informed.

Mrs. Gordon-Somers said a key aspect of the scorecard is providing “evidence- based data” on the extent to which the Government’s priorities are being satisfied.

She informed that eight organisations are utilising the scorecard and the aim is to eventu-

ally have the majority of public bodies under the initiative.

“It is being rolled out on a phased basis but we expect that within the next three to four years, the majority of organisations should be utilising this scorecard, which will give us valuable information as we try to manage our customer service programme,” she said.

The new initiative is being implemented under the Customer Service Monitoring and Evaluation System, a critical component in the Public Sector Transformation and Modernisation Programme.

Mrs. Gordon-Somers said it is also intended to promote the proactive management of service performance within individual public sector entities as well as to strengthen and identify service offerings to meet the needs of customers. (JIS)

TT mom flings child through window as house burns

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD: In an effort to save her fouryear-old daughter from being burned in a fire at her home, Roxanna Khan flung her through a window.

The infant was unhurt as she played in the ruins of her home at Chester Street, Debe.

Khan, 23, said around 9 p.m. on Sunday, her husband, Kelvin

Balroop, came home and the couple had an argument. During the argument, Balroop accidentally knocked over the kerosene lamp that was on the table and it fell onto the bed which immediately caught fire.

The couple had no electricity or pipe-borne water in their one-bedroom wooden home.

Khan was at home with her daughter, Sylviana, and six-year-

old son Kevon at the time of the fire. She said Balroop, 45, tried to extinguish the fire using clothing but that did not help. There was no water in the barrels nearby.

She said: “The house was already on fire. I couldn’t save anything so I just told my son to come outside. And I threw her out from the window and I jumped out. By the time he (Balroop) took to come out, there

was already too much heat and he got burned badly. He was able to jump out and he is currently in the hospital at San Fernando General Hospital. Fire officers came but when they arrived everything was burnt down already.”

The window from which the mother flung the child was approximately one-and-a-half metres from the ground, and she landed on dirt.

Balroop was taken to the hospital by police officers because the ambulance was taking too long to arrive, Khan said. He remained warded at the San Fernando General Hospital.

Khan who assists a doubles vendor near her home said she would be grateful for any assistance the family could get since nothing was saved in the fire.

Her son attends Debe Presbyterian Primary School and her daughter attends the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Centre in Wellington, Debe.

Councillor for Debe West, Vijay Rampersad, said he will get in contact with the family to lend some assistance. Anyone willing to assist can also call 868 2903651. (TT Express)

Peg-Ass man tek de chicken feed money

Old people gotta sayin bout pot callin de kettle bottom black. That is a old sayin, but it does apply even up to today. Plus de good book talk bout tekkin de beam outta yuh own eye before yuh can see clear to tek out de mote outta some body else eye. Wid people like dem, de more dem look, de less dem see.

Nowadays it gotta lotta fair people wid black bottoms around de place. Plus it gotta lotta beams in people eyes. Dr Bheri Bheri might as well send some more young people to Cuba to study how to mek blind people see.

Once dem come back, de Peg-Ass man who does Rob de people Bad gon be a life time patient. Rob is a man who does can’t see past he own eye. But Rob does see good enuff to stock up de chicken feed money fuh he self, Stony and de KFC.

No wonder Guyana always gotta chicken problem. Is because de poor chickens dem not gettin enuff to eat. And is Rob he self cause that. So people got to smuggle in thiefin chicken from Suriname, and last year chicken from de US.

Yet Rob call another man a fraudster. This is de same Rob who couldn’ta find a dime to invest in de best hotel in Guyana, but who suddenly seh he got US$8 million to invest. And Rob can’t even find money to fix de Peg-Ass.

De other problem is that he tell de whole country to collect de money from he lawyer, who happen to be Rum Jhaat. No wonder up to day yuh never see de money and yuh never hear back bout de money. Money is de only ting whah Rum Jhaat can mek disappear faster than a large.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Ask dem Feathers people and ask dem KFC supporters who send money from New York and Canada and dem gon tell yuh how de money disappear. Just like de chicken feed money!

Not enough private land in TT to satisfy demand

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

There is not enough land in TT to satisfy the high demand, said a spokesperson for Kanhai Real Estate.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said there had been instances where members of the public had to be turned away because land was not available for sale.

He was commenting on a new initiative announced by the Government to provide subsidised developed land to potential homeowners for people earning as much as TT$30,000 a month.

At Thursday’s postcabinet news conference, Minister of Land and Marine Resources Jairam Seemungal said the Government was trying to expand the Land for Landless programme so that middle-income earners could benefit.

“We are not seeing too much land becoming available. A lot of people want land and we hardly have land available.

“It is difficult to find land now. People are looking for land and they still can’t find land and when they get it, it is for

a pound and a crown. It is a supply and demand situation,” said the real estate agent.

Despite the high demand for land by members of the public, Kanhai Real Estate does not see the Government as a main competitor because the Government owns state lands.

Price of land differed depending on where the land was located, he said.

“If you are talking about Valsayn, there are usually half acre in those areas costing about TT$4 million. That is the figure you could be looking at if someone is prepared to sell in North Valsayn.”

If, however, the customer wanted to buy

one acre of land in Tunapuna, depending on the part of Tunapuna the cost on average would be TT$160,000.

“If there are rundown properties around, the prices would drop. If there are nice properties around it the price would be even greater.”

Kanhai Real Estate’s customer base is mainly commercial customers who specifically want a particular location. Adisa Kamuzu, chief executive, Nation Builders Real Estate, said the price of land was determined on the basis of location as well as whether the area was perceived to be a safe area. He added that the price of land could be as

low as TT$2.3 million or as high as TT$5 million depending on the location.

Kamuzu said for a location like Belmont, the price for land would be high due to its proximity to the capital, “but at the same time you are not going to get value for money because of the stigma attached to Belmont, since it is close to Laventille.”

A customer who wants land in Chaguanas “stands a better chance,” because the area is developing and the areas are nearby.

Land in Chaguanas can start from TT$65 per sq foot and can increase to TT$135 per sq foot.

(TT Guardian)

Jagan led Guyana to universal adult suffrage – Jagdeo

F

ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday lauded the contributions of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan towards the development of Guyana.

Speaking to a large crowd gathered at the Night of Reflection organised by the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) on the late leader’s life at the Research Centre named after him, Jagdeo said: “It is because of the struggle of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) led by Dr Jagan that Guyana achieved universal adult suffrage. This means that every Guyanese gained the right to select who they want to be their leader.”

He reflected on the days of racial and cultural divides in Guyana. He said in the 1950s, Guyanese were not allowed to gain employment in places such as banks and big companies. This, Jagdeo said, was the fact faced by all Guyanese regardless of race, “whether Indian or African, if you were dark skinned you could not work in the banks. You had to be light skinned and Dr Jagan and the PPP/C were a part of the

struggle to change that”.

Responding to statements made by persons in some quarters that the PPP/C has strayed from the beliefs of the late President Jagan, Jagdeo stated that the struggles of the Party in so many ways highlighted the struggles of the late President.

“After studying abroad, Dr Jagan came back to Guyana at a time where not everyone had the right to vote, you had to be literate to vote,” Jagdeo said, while stating that in those days, most of Guyana’s population was not literate.

He blamed the then British rule for the lack of literacy in Guyana.

He explained that literacy of the Guyanese people was not a priority of the British rulers, who at the time focused on up-keeping their empire around the world.

“Our people were not literate, because the British rulers did not seek to build schools and educate our people. You could not even get a job if you were not a Christian,” Jagdeo pointed out.

As a result, the late Dr Jagan, who led the formation of Guyana’s first political party – the PPP/C, embarked on a quest to allow Guyanese their denied rights, which annoyed the British rulers, Jagdeo said.

Fired T&T official apologises for racist rant

Fired board member of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) Jaishima Leladharsingh yesterday apologised for posting racist statements on Facebook.

In a Facebook post at 3.24pm, Leladharsingh wrote that his statement was “inappropriate and uncalled for”.

Leladharsingh posted that he was angry and felt threatened by Anthony S Mcleod on Facebook.

He wrote: “I sincerely apologise to the particular individual; for making a statement that was inappropriate and uncalled for. I did it in anger when he told me that I will be dead. At that point I took as a threat. It may not have been, but I acted in rage. I am sorry for the pain and sorrow that I caused to others. I want you all to know that I am truly sorry and i have resigned from the CDA Board of Directors effective immediately.”

Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development Dr Bhoe Tewarie said yesterday that Leladharsingh’s Facebook posting was under investigation and

‘Obeah’ or prank? As human skull found outside TT home

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The fear of witchcraft and 'Obeah' overcame a San Fernando community on Monday after a human skull and a red candle was placed in front a family’s home. Police are investigating the discovery of what appeared to be a male skull but like Springvale residents, they believe it might be a case of Obeah or a horrible prank. According to reports, Samuel Oudit, 27, of Hubert Rance

Street, awoke for work around 5 am and when he opened his front door saw a skull with a lit candle on a stairway. Further up a hill, just outside the San Fernando Methodist Primary School, a muddy white crocus bag was found. Oudit said: “I got up this morning around 5.05 am, opened the gate and saw the skull on the step. I thought a cat was watching me and when I went outside and watched it again, I saw it was a hu-

man skull. “ I was going to touch it but I didn’t because I realised it still had teeth. There was a red candle on top of it but it was an old skull. There was no skin or hair on it and it was like whoever had it, had it for a while.

“Either it is some people trying to do some kind of witchcraft business or 'Obeah' but whoever that skull belonged to, they were trying to be wicked.” Oudit’s younger brother Joseph, 19, said he could not attend work

he was asked to resign.

Leladharsingh’s racist rant against Mcleod started following a post by former prime minister Basdeo Panday in April 2014, but he remained as a member of the CDA’s Board of Directors until yesterday.

Following Panday’s post on the death of former prime minister and president Arthur NR Robinson, Leladharsingh wrote: “I am glad that

Robinson is gone forever”.

Mcleod responded: “You would also be gone forever. We all have to go. I can’t believe how big people can be so stupid.”

Leladharsingh responded with expletives and racist remarks. The Express found that Leadharsingh has deleted the content from his Facebook page. (Trinidad Express)

after seeing the skull. He said his 14-year-old brother Orlando could not even attend school at Marabella West Secondary. “Nobody sells drugs here. Everybody is working hard. Who would do a thing like that? They dropped the skull, they walked up again and they dropped the bag right up there.

“They brought it in a little white crocus bag. There was mud and flies on the bag. They dug up that skull from somewhere,” Joseph said.

The men’s father Dexter Oudit, 50, an employee at the San Fernando City Corporation, said no one in his family had gone missing or had any disputes that would warrant an attack. Despite that, he said he was not afraid of evil.

San Fernando CID and Southern Homicide Bureau, led ASP Ali Mohammed and Insp Don Gajadhar, visited the scene and took the skull to the Forensic Science Centre. Investigators are trying to determine who the skull belongs to and whether it was dug from a cemetery. (TT Guardian)

Green Jah gotta big talkin problem

Guyana is a country wid people who gotta lotta talks. And wid elections in de air, is every body talkin nowadays. Those who never used to talk, now talkin. And those who used to talk plenty, talkin more plenty now.

Only one Minister in de Guvament who always used to like to talk ain’t talkin these days. At least not on de phone to any Muckraker reporter.

De Pee-P-P was talkin de other day in Berbice. Some people ain’t like de talkin because it expose dem own race talkin. Now de whole of Guyana talkin bout whah dem was talkin. But at least every body talkin bout de same talk.

Before that de APNU + AFC + JPAP + WPA ÷ NIP ÷ HTNP ÷ IP ÷ URP = PNC was talkin at de Peg-Ass. And soon dem gon be talkin in Linden. But de big problem is that dem does never talk de same talk in GT as whah dem does talk in Linden. So dem gotta big talkin problem.

But Green Jah got another big talkin problem. Rum Jhaat and Nagga Man does be talkin a lot over a table in Station Street. So Green Jah worried that dem gon take that same kinda talkin to Linden. If that ever happen, it gon become de new talk of Linden.

De other day, de man who want not one by two Lexus duty free, was talkin. He seh he never do any ting wrong. That is worse than sayin de Devil gon go to heaven when he dead, because first of all de Devil gon never dead, and even if he dead he gon never go to heaven.

De Lexus man talk so much till he start to holler. He holler pun all de reporters then he holler pun all de headitors. When he done, he holler pun poor Adumb. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And some time back he had holler pun de Tax Man. Till today de Tax Man ears ringin wid that hollerin!

Mrs Nagga Man

Satiricus had just celebrated International Women’s Day with his wife, mother, daughters and sisters and was feeling very sensitive. He had cooked and served all the significant females in his life… and was quite in touch with his feminine side.

So when he got back to his newspaper desk and saw how Nagga Man had been silenced since the marriage of the APANU and the KFC, he was furious. What was next?? Nagga wearing a veil??

Jeez this was the 21st Century!! Just because Nagga Man didn’t get to be on top when the union was consummated shouldn’t mean he couldn’t have an opinion, no?? But Satiricus blamed the Rum Jhaat for Nagga Man’s lowly position and being silenced. Rum Jhaat was so…yesterday… when it came to how “man and wife” were seen nowadays.

Imagine Jhaat had proposed they give up their names when the marriage was consummated!! He wanted “Partnership Alliance National Trust – Yes!!” (PANTY!!). Nagga threw a fit!! People thought he had a problem with PANTY…but he loved PANTIES…it was just that he didn’t want to give up his name.

And so while he didn’t get to be on TOP, he got to keep his name. But as soon as the paper was signed – GrainJa ordered him to “shut yuh so and so mouth!!”

Nagga Man had gasped! He didn’t know GrainJa could speak like that – even though he had seen GrainJa in short pants at school in Whim. Since those days, Nagga Man (he was then called “Nagga Boy”) had developed a crush on GrainJa. He moved out of Berbice to “town” the first chance he got, and started to “round up” his mouth when he spoke.

That was why he had been so hurt when GrainJa rejected him to run the House and picked Trot Man. GrainJa had told him in private that it wasn’t that he couldn’t “round up” his mouth when speaking.

That Nagga Man had picked up. But GrainJa just couldn’t stand it when Nagga Man picked his nose and the rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. Nagga Man had immediately started to work on this and had made so much progress. He didn’t rub his boogers between his fingers anymore.

But now Nagga Man saw that GrainJa was just like all those fishermen he knew from Whim – not only with cussing. They insisted they were “the boss” and the wife had to cook, clean and be quiet.

Satiricus vowed to start a campaign: “Free Nagga!!”

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Caribbean animator to produce new children's TV series

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD: Trinidad

and Tobago animator, Camille SelvonAbrahams, will produce a children’s series as part of the Caribbean Tales Worldwide Distribution Production Support Programme.

The series, called ‘Magnificent Maggie’, exposes grade-schoolers to close up inspection of how things work, both in the technical super world and the biological. Lessons include definitions and explanations

of terminologies and gadgets all woven into stories of adventure and excitement as Maggie delves into the magic world of microorganism and technology.

Maggie is a positive role model for children especially young girls as she makes new technology less scary. Research shows that boys are more drawn to technology and engineering so this is a way to balance this challenge.

Caribbean Tales Worldwide Distribution, launched in 2010, is a

trinidad and tobago animator, Camille Selvon-Abrahams

distribution platform for Caribbean film and television content. The production support programme builds on Caribbean Tales’ vision of creating strong, original, sustainable Caribbean film and television content for the international market. Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) content developer and producer Nick Davis will be joining the Magnificent Maggie Project as Caribbean Tales executive producer. (Caribbeannewsnow)

Two foreigners in TT court on cocaine charges

PORT-OFSPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Two foreign nationals appeared before an Arima magistrate on Monday charged with trafficking in cocaine, arising out of two separate instances. In the first case Nigerian national Christopher Odikabue was denied bail after he appeared before Senior Magistrate Indrani Cedeno charged with trafficking 715 grammes of cocaine which was allegedly found hidden in mascara bottles.

Odikabue was charged with local PH driver Shawn Campbell with trafficking the drugs on Friday in La Horquetta. Odikabue was represented by Lal Krishna Doodnath while his co-accused was represented by Hugh Jacobs. Both men pleaded not guilty. Odikabue, the court heard, has a pending matter for a similar nature and was recently granted bail in that matter. His attorney denied his client was recently granted bail as suggested by arresting officer Cpl Manswell of the La Horquetta Police Station. Odikabue said he was granted bail in 2010 and has been on the outside since then.

Doodnath said his client lived at Mc Carthy Street, Sangre Grande. After listening to both the defence and prosecution Cedeno denied bail, saying the matter was serious. She adjourned the case to April 13.

Campbell, who was also charged with possession of .77 grammess of marijuana, to which he pleaded guilty. Campbell told the court he was a PH driver and wanted a fine as he has to care for his ailing mother. Jacobs told Cedeno his client was a 29-year-old father of two who lived at Chinapoo Village, Morvant.

After hearing

Campbell was a PH driver and that the cocaine he is jointly charged with Odikabue for being in possession of, Cedeno reduced his bail from TT$500,000 to TT$250,000. On the marijuana charge he was fined TT$1,500. In the second case German national Christopher Gegenheimer was ordered to pay TT$30,000 by the end of the working day of the Arima Magistrate’s Court or spend two years in jail. The ruling was made by Cedeno after Gegenheimer pleaded

guilty to trafficking 1.92 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs, Cedeno heard, was found in his crotch and in the soles of his Saucony sneakers. According to police the drugs were found during a search at the Organised Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB) branch in Piarco on February 24, after Gegenheimer failed to answer simple questions when approached by customs officials. At the time he was heading to Barbados aboard Liat flight LI 362. (TT Guardian)

Vin Diesel has welcomed his third child with girlfriend Paloma Jimenez and also shared baby's picture on social media.

The 'Fast and Furious' star posted the first picture of his third child on Facebook and wrote with it that he heard babies crying and watched them growing, and added the lyrics of Louis Armstrong and Kenny G's popular single "They'll learn much more, than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, what a wonderful world", E! Online reported.

A source informed that, when the 47-yearold actor's model girlfriend was about to give birth to their third child, the actor wanted to be with his family at

the birth, so he backed out of a few promotional stops for 'Furious 7' and the premiere had been moved from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles. (TOI)

Sofia Vergara finally picks date to tie the knot

Supermodel Irina Shayk says she felt "insecure and ugly" when she was in a relationship with Real Madrid star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The 29-year-old model recently split from the soccer star after five years of dating and admitted she previously thought she had found the "ideal man" but things didn't turn out the way she'd hoped, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"My ideal man is faithful, honest and a gentleman who knows how to treat women. I don't believe in men who make us feel unhappy, because

Sofia Vergara has revealed that she and her fiance Joe Manganiello have already fixed their wedding date, but the planning procedure is still under process.

The 'Chef' actress said while promoting her hit TV show 'Modern Family' at Paleyfest 2015, that choosing the right day wasn't that difficult as she and her 38-year-old actor fiance knew since the beginning that which date would it be, E! Online reported.

The 42-year-old actress added that her marriage with the 'Magic Mike' actor would obviously going to be the most important thing in her life, that's why she had been trying to make every thing right. (TOI)

they're boys not men," she added. Cristiano and Shayk split over the Christmas period last year and he is rumoured to have already moved on with Spanish TV pre-

senter Lucia Villalon.

The Portuguese star recently released a statement confirming their split, saying: "I wish Irina the greatest happiness." (TOI)

Vanessa Hudgens gets new bob hairdo

Actress Vanessa Hudgens, who sports one of the most ever-changing manes in Hollywood, has now cut short her hair.

"Who needs a bob when you can have a bb (blunt bob)!! Thanks to my boo @kristinabarricelli @gemini14salon," she wrote on Instagram, alongside a photograph of her chinlength locks, reports people.com.

She's also left the bangs behind for a slightly off-center part and isn't experimenting with colour.

(TOI)

Robert Downey Jr. presents 'Iron Man' arm to disabled boy

Actor Robert Downey Jr. became a real life superhero after he gifted a 3D bionic "Iron Man" arm to a little boy who was born with a partially developed right arm.

In a video posted on Facebook on Thursday, Downey Jr. dressed up as his fictional character Tony Stark to deliver a robotic "Iron Man" arm to Alex, who loves superheroes, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Alex was told he was meeting a bionic expert in a hotel room, but he had no idea it would be one of his favourite superhero characters "Iron Man".

"Nice bow tie, by the way. How were your travels?" Robert told Alex.

Alex replied: "It's very good." Robert then opened two cases, written Stark Industries,

with one containing Alex's new arm and another one containing a larger arm for the actor.

Downey Jr. wrote alongside the video: "Had the absolute privilege of presenting a brand spanking new 3D-printed bionic Iron Man arm to Alex, the most dapper 7-year-old

Reality TV star Scott Disick has checked in to the luxury Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica in a bid to tackle his drinking habits.

The 'Keeping Up

With the Kardashians' star, 31, is allegedly seeking treatment at the luxury Rythmia Life Advancement Center after he admitted his issues are "bigger" than him, reported E!Online.

"I realise my issues

I've ever met." The "Avengers: Age of Ultron" actor also shared on Twitter some photographs from his meeting with Alex. "Can't resist more pics from the #CollectiveProject. Special thx to Albert Manero, @MSOneNote, & @Marvel. #Limbitless," he captioned it. (TOI)

are bigger than me and I'm ready to truly remedy this struggle I continue to battle," he said in a statement.

The father-of-three, who has Mason, five, Penelope, two, and twomonth-old son Reign with his long-term love Kourtney Kardashian, will undergo a treatment involving roots from a small African tree that supposedly helps people battle addiction.

Disick's decision to seek professional help came after reports emerged that he was seen stumbling around shoe-less in his hotel lobby after a night out in Atlantic City over the weekend. (TOI)

Michael Douglas writes about son experiencing 'anti-Semitism'

Michael Douglas has opened up about his son, who is experiencing anti-Semitism, in a hope that this hate ends sooner rather than later.

The 'Wall Street' actor wrote an oped in the Los Angeles Times stating that last summer on a holiday his son, Dylan Michael Douglas went to the swimming pool, but in a short time later he came running back to the room, upset as a man insulted him, E! Online reported.

The 70 year-old actor added that when he confronted that man he got to know that man's outrage that came because the actor's son was wearing a 'Star of David'.

He later on explained the meaning of the term, anti-Semitism that his actor son just tasted, which was like a disease that goes dormant, flaring up with the political trigger.

The American actor mentioned that if anyone confront anti-Semitism

whenever they see it, and combat it individually and as a society, then it can be uprooted, also his son was strong, and was fortunate enough to live in a country where anti-Semitism was rare.

Douglas wished that he didn't have to teach his son any lesson, but now he has learned to handle these dangers, but hoped that his grand children would never face this hatred. (TOI)

Audiences' claps for NH10 makes Anushka Sharma happy

Actress Anushka Sharma says she didn't expect anything from her offbeat debut production film NH10 in terms of numbers, but what has made her joyous is watching the audience clap towards the end of the movie.

NH10, directed by Navdeep Singh, also stars Neil Bhoopalam. It is about a couple on a road journey.

Anushka is glad that it has not just managed to find critical acclaim, but also the audiences' appreciation.

"It feels great that such films are being appreciated. I expected nothing from this film because that's how I am....you should just do your work, and then numbers will follow you."

"We didn't expect anything, didn't put any mark (for profits), so it's been great," Anushka said here.

The actress says the one point she felt victorious was while watching the film with the audience.

"I've seen the film with the audience and they clapped towards the end.

That has never happened...so, to see people clapping at the end of the film is very satisfying," she added. (TOI)

Big B distressed after fan's outburst

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan was disheartened after a teenager complained that he didn't greet her on her birthday, saying the actor's claims of being in touch with fans was false.

The 72-year-old makes it a point to wish his fans, or as he prefers to call his Extended Family, on their special days. But when he missed one fan's birth-

Kday, he faced her outburst.

The versatile actor, with over 40 years in the film world, also mentioned that his dedication to the social media would continue. "What I have received from it and from all that come here, cannot be described in words... it has been magical... You may all decide to leave me and this platform, BUT...I will not... I shall continue to write, even if there is NO ONE

atrina Kaif has lived in London a major part of her life before being a superstar in Bollywood. And so, it comes as no surprise that having her own statue is something that would be extra special for her.

Bollywood celebrities, who already have their statues there so far, are Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Madhuri Dixit-Nene. We have exclusively learnt that Katrina's statue will be unveiled on March 27 in London.

What is unique about Katrina's statue is that while the others are normally posed standing ones, Katrina will be in an Indian traditional folk dance pose, with her body at an angle and arms stretched. So we guess, her statue will require more space than the others as typically Madame Tussauds leaves space next to each celebrity, such that their fans can pose with them in the same pose as the celebrity has done in the statue. Also, while usually in the past, Madame

Manav Kaul is enjoying his stint in Bollywood

Aplaywright, director, writer, an actor and also an occasional painter, Manav says he's enjoying his stint in Bollywood.

Originally hailing from Kashmir from Khojabad, a small village in Baramulla district of the state, Kaul still remembers his time spent there. "Recently I travelled to Kashmir and went to see my old house. I was very sad to see it half fallen. Although I was very young I have wonderful memories of the place. We left the place because my father's office was bombed by the terrorists," recalls Manav.

to respond or read it," the actor said.

Big B, who unveiled a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi here last week, noted that he picks all his events after scrutinising ways to stay updated because he finds joy through the union. "My first concern is whether, where I travel or move, has connectivity or not. I challenge all offices to provide me those facilities or else I refrain from going there or accepting invitation. ALL BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO CONNECT TO MY (Extended Family)," he posted.

Meanwhile, after garnering appreciation for his role in 'Shamitabh', the actor will be seen in 'Piku' and 'Wazir' this year. (TOI)

Tussauds chooses whose wax statue they would create, this was amongst the few times that they selected Katrina through an online poll contest, where she won by a huge margin over her two contemporaries (both of which surprisingly are big on the social media). (TOI)

Now a very popular actor, Manav says acting was never on his mind when he came to Mumbai. "Because I never enjoyed acting as much before 'Kai Po Che'. The roles I played were good ones, but of late the ones being offered to me didn't seem as interesting to me. I'm a very idealistic person. If I get into something, I do it completely. I don't do

On Sunday, Hrithik Roshan was spotted outside a suburban restaurant, smiling cheerily for the gathered photographers. Mirror has learnt the reason for the actor's chirpy air.

Says a source close to the actor, "Hrithik is flying off to Maldives for a five-day vacation on Wednesday.

Besides his sons, Hrehaan and Hridaan, his mother Pinky and sister Sunaina will also accompany him. His dad too should join them.Rakeshji is trying

anything halfway. I put my heart and soul into it. And the roles I was being offered weren't ones I could have done full justice too," says Kaul who's acting in Bejoy Nambiar's 'Wazir' along with Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. "I'm enjoying the shooting thoroughly. I've also signed another film. So, now I'm doing a couple of big films and only ones in which I can do something different and interesting," he says with a smile. "In fact I'm travelling to Kashmir next month to shoot Wazir."

The director says there's little chance of him directing a full-

to wrap up some last minute work so that he can fly with the family."

The source adds that as Hrithik was busy shooting for Mohenjo for MohenjoDaro in Bhuj for the past couple of months, he was unable to spend much time with the family. So he planned a family holiday to coincide with his sons' spring break.

Quiz the source on his choice of destination and the reply comes, "He loves the sea. And plans to indulge in a lot of water sports and surfing, even under-

fledged Bollywood commercial film. "I'm waiting to get old. I know I will make fantastic films. I won't make a typically masala Bollywood film because I know as a director I can change a lot of things. A typical masala pot boiler will not be in which I can say what I want to say. So, like my theatre, it's going to be an extension of my ideas, ideals and my thoughts. But as I said, yeh sab tab jab main boodha ho jaunga. But one thing I can be sure of, I'll be a hot old man. Tab bhi meri utni hi fans hongi, shouting Manav Manav," he says with a laugh. (TOI)

water diving. Three years ago, he had gone to Maldives during the children's summer vacation and after that they had gone to Bali. He had to cut short his vacation in Bali by a week so that he could join his grandparents, parents and sister in Dubai where they'd flown out for an impromptu vacation. This time there's no chance of that happening because his whole family will be with him and he's hoping it'll be as much fun, if not more."

(TOI)

Ekta Kapoor launches her fashion label 'EK'

T'EK', comprising Indian ethnic wear and

exquisite jewellery. Balaji headhoncho, Ekta Kapoor, who pioneered the way for female producers and continues to remain the Czarina of Indian Television, now ventures into the fashion segment with her signature label 'EK'

The power player made a formal announcement on Tuesday at a press conference in Mumbai, launching the label that features women's clothes and accessories, with lead actors from her top shows, namely Sakshi Tanwar, Anita Hanandani, Divyanka Tripathi, Paridhi Sharma, Sriti Jha & Karan Patel. Ekta Kapoor's signature line will be available on Best Deal TV, India's first celebrity-driven 24/7 Home Shopping Channel, that will be aired nationwide from March 18 onwards. (TOI)

Guyana-Bermuda 3-game basketball tournament…

Guyana win series with comprehensive performance

Pace and defence

allowed Guyana to win their second straight game in their three-match series against Bermuda on Thursday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

With Guyana pulling away for a 66-55 win, whether the local team win or lose the third game, the series is already won.

Coach Darcel Harris is looking to have some of the younger players such as Linden’s Terron Welch and Plaisance’s

Nikkoloi Smith suit up for the final game.

“This was a great win for us and it shows

that our style of basketball can compete with some of the best in the Caribbean so

what we really want to do on Saturday is to see how some of the younger guys play,” Harris

stated.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s win was thanks in large to their defensive wizardry in the third period as they only allowed Bermuda to score five points in the 10-minute period, after the half ended with Bermuda leading 30-29.

Guyana’s up-tempo style and ability to hit 3s as well as jumpers helped them pull away for the double-digit advantage that they never relinquished in the final stanza of the game.

Travis Burnett,

as he did in the first game, led Guyana with a team-high 16 points, while Captain Akeem “The Dream” Kanhai made his presence felt after a quiet first game with 14 points and seven rebounds. Shelroy Thomas continued his form with 13 points.

Scoring for Bermuda was Jason Lowe with a game-high 21 points, while Captain Sullivan Phillips had 14 points and Dean Jones 11.

The final game between the two nations will be on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Jamaican Gonzales determined to resurrect athletics career

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: "I'm still here, I'm still training; and once I'm fit and healthy, I'm still one of the best in the world, so look out."

Strong words from Jermaine Gonzales, a man who has not competed since pulling up during the 4x400m final at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. It has certainly been a tough two-and-a-half years for the quartermiler; a period which

saw him undergo two knee surgeries, including the removal of a bone tumour and multiple operations over a six-month spell. It sort of makes his caveat - 'once fit and healthy' - seem more like a fleeting wish than a promise.

Now 30, Gonzales, the national record holder over 400m with a 44.40 personal best, has carried his cross. But with a greater appreciation for his career, patience and determination, the

sprinter is focused on carefully resurrecting his once-promising career.

The World Youth (2001) and World Junior (2002) bronze-medal winner has been training steadily since September last year, and is looking to return to competitive action in April, with a spot on Jamaica's team to the 2016 Olympic Games being his ultimate ambition.

"First of all, it's good to be back. It's a been a long two-and-a-half

years. I'm happy with where I am. It's been tough, and I thank God that I am here again. This is my life," Gonzales told the Jamaican media, shortly after a training session with his coach, Bert Cameron, at Stadium East.

"I'm not rushing it; my main focus is staying healthy this year and trying to run a respectable time. I'm not rushing to push my body to go too fast too soon. Injury is always the problem with me. But once I'm healthy, I know I will perform at a high level, so my main focus is to stay healthy throughout the season."

Gonzales, a bronze medallist at the 2006

Commonwealth Games, admitted, though, that his outlook hadn't always been this positive.

"Honestly, at times I feel like giving up, but when you believe in your talent and you have strong support, you have to continue. I believe I still have a lot more. Over the years, I have had a lot of injuries, so my body isn't as burned out as other people, and based on what is happening in training right now, I am positive, and I am looking forward to competing and finishing the season, and looking forward to pushing for Rio 2016," Gonzales added.

Since posting his 44.40 in July 2010 - a year when he regis-

tered seven sub-45 seconds marks in 12 finishes - Gonzales went on to run an additional seven 44+ seconds times before breaking down in London.

"After my surgery, I had to learn to creep again - literally like a baby. I learned to stride again all over; to sprint. There were times when I came out to training just to walk around or do some core work because I couldn't run," Gonzales remarked on his long way back.

"I kept going because I believe in myself, and I know that once I'm healthy, there aren't a lot of people out there who can beat me." (Jamaica Gleaner)

Lara backs Windies to upset Black Caps

WELLINGTON, New Zealand: West Indies batting legend Brian Lara says he is backing the Caribbean side to defeat powerhouse New Zealand in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final here.

Based on the form of the two teams in the tournament, most pundits have already written off the Windies’ chances but Lara, a former captain, is not in that camp.

“I feel a bit patriotic, but I see West Indies beating New Zealand in Wellington because they have the team,” Lara said.

New Zealand dominated Group A of the preliminary round, finishing unbeaten to top the group with 12 points. In contrast, West Indies struggled, losing three of their six matches to finish on six points, alongside Ireland. However, they sneaked into the

Brian lara

quarter-finals courtesy of a superior net run rate. The key to the Black Caps’ success has been the excellent newball pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, the brilliance of openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill, the solidity of Kane Williamson at number three, and the flamboyance of the likes of Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson in the middle order.

West Indies, meanwhile, have been inconsistent in all departments, and have

struggled in both their batting and bowling.

Lara, who quit international cricket following the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, said West Indies needed to improve at the top of the order and said Lendl Simmons could prove to be pivotal there.

“West Indies have to bat technically better batsmen at three, someone like a [Denesh] Ramdin or [Lendl] Simmons,” Lara pointed out. “Lendl can anchor the innings and bat for a long time.” (CMC)

TT Warriors seek strong show in Gold Cup

...as TT prepares to tackle Panama March 27

ORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

With National Senior team head coach Stephen Hart expected to announce his final squad on Monday for the March 27 friendly international against Panama in Couva, the focus is already being placed on Trinidad’s readiness for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.

Hart has hinted that his team to face Panama will be made up largely of home-based professionals with a few overseas pros in the mix. This is all in an effort to expand the national pool as the team prepares for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup campaign.

Team captain Kenwyne Jones gave his reactions to TT’s Gold Cup grouping, saying TT would be pressing for one of the two spots up for grabs for the quarter finals.

“We are happy to be in the Gold Cup again, We have got a decent Group draw and we’ve played these teams before. We’ve been up against them in recent times and we know what they can give, moreso for us having the experience from the squad we had at the last Gold Cup, it should auger well for us. We may have a few new players but I think our preparations would be good and we will be able to give a good showing at the Gold Cup,” Jones said.

He wants to see TT aim for a spot in the semi-finals, going a step further than the quarter finals in 2013 where TT lost 1-0 to Mexico, after defeating Honduras 2-0

Premier League record-holder to join Guyana Golden Jaguars

The Golden Jaguars’ quest for a berth in the 2018 World Cup has been given a major boost with a commitment from Matthew Briggs, the youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League, to join the squad.

A left-back, Briggs is currently on loan at Colchester United from Millwall. The 24-year-old is expected to link up with the Golden Jaguars this month and will be considered for selection for the March 29 international friendly against Grenada.

Also joining the squad is Bolton Wanderers midfielder Neil Danns, as Guyana gears up to contest the World Cup Qualifiers, set to commence in June.

Briggs made Premier League history back in May 2007 by playing for Fulham against Middlesbrough at the tender age of 16 years, 65 days, a record that still stands to this day.

in its final group match to advance to the knockout phase.

“I think we will be looking to do better than we did last time. Since that last Gold Cup we’ve been through quite a few growing experiences like the games against Argentina, Iran and the Caribbean Cup. I think the team now has grown stronger. We will be at least looking to get into the quarter finals again and try to get to the semifinals. We have a good bunch and I know this is what the team will aspire towards,” added the Cardiff City forward.

Jones believes TT’s preparations and appearance at the 2015 Gold Cup will play a significant part in the team’s readiness for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers which commences in November at the semi-final stage for the “Soca Warriors.

“From the time Mr Hart took over the team, we have been building and growing since then with focus on the World Cup campaign. Every game we have played since then counts as experience, no matter who the opponent is. These games coming up will be another step in preparation for us for the World Cup qualifiers because it’s against similar teams we will play in the qualifiers also.

“It’s a long way through the qualifiers and you need a decent group of players, fit and in form, for the qualifiers. It’s also the first time a lot of the players will be playing in World Cup qualifying and every bit of preparation will serve them well,” Jones concluded.(TT Guardian)

Capped for England at the Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 levels, Briggs has now decided to play for Guyana. He qualifies to wear the Golden Jaguars colours through his grandmother, who is Guyanese.

“Playing for Guyana would be an honour,” Briggs said.

The news of Briggs and Danns joining the squad comes a day after it was announced that two promising Under-23 players have been drafted into the squad ahead of the international friendly against St Lucia this Sunday at the Guyana National Stadium.

They are Jermine “Panky” Junior of Fruta Conquerors and Delano Mentore, originally from Port Kaituma, of Slingerz FC.

In drafting the two young-

Matthew Briggs

sters, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz said, “”Panky” is quite a character; he is quick and explosive and is a pretty fast learner. Delano has a touch of gold –it may be early days yet, but he can be the future Shawn “Fatso” Bishop that our football needs.”

Shabazz added that the youngsters have talent, but need international exposure for them to materialise into ‘real’ players.

“And I am very eager to throw these young Jags into the wild world of international football,”

Shabazz said.

Foreign-based players Brandon Beresford and Jamaal Smith have also linked up with the Golden Jaguars squad and have participated in training sessions.

Beresford is a skilful midfielder, who plays for Graceland College in the USA and has played with the Jaguars before. Smith is the six-footer centre back, who has been involved with the Jaguars since the 2012 World Cup Qualifiers.

Guyanese cricketers cop awards at Enmore Sports Club presentation

By RavendRa Madholall

Several prominent Guyanese cricketers were recognized for their individual, outstanding performances from Enmore Sports Club on Saturday evening at Timerhi Restaurant and Bar in Scarborough.

The patrons were entertained by Trinidadianborn international comedian Jean Paul.

President of the club, Shiv Persaud, a Canadian-based Guyanese quickly reiterated the importance of recognizing these players in his feature address.

He also took the opportunity to thank everyone who attended to support the club.

“We [are] very thankful for the incredible support of our guests as it was a sold out event which was packed to capacity; it was a great measurement of all the

hard work being done on and off of the field by our dedicated members,” Persaud highlighted.

Persaud, a veteran all-rounder, stated he and his fellow players are eagerly looking forward to make a greater impact in the forthcoming Ontario Softball Cricket League tournament.

Former Guyana Under-19 skipper Eugene LaFluer along with others were the recipient of trophies and plaques. According to Persaud, these cricketers, inclusive of exGuyana youth player Anthony D’Andrade, played well in the 2014 season and deserved the honours.

LaFluer and De’Andrade represented Victoria Park Cricket Club, a club that is managed by Persaud. Victoria regularly features in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association lim-

ited-over tournament.

They were successful last year with LaFluer producing another fine effort to be one of the instrumental players while his compatriot Trevon Garraway, who played at the first-class level for Guyana, was part of Victoria’s triumph too.

Other awardees were: Dharmendra Kumar for his team spirit and Keenan Tinto who represented Canada Under-19 team at World Cup. The fast-bowler was born in Trinidad and Tobago. Treasurer Zakeer Yusuf also came in for high praise in being one of the livewires of the club.

Meanwhile, a large number of established cricketers from the Caribbean countries continued to make an impression when vying their trade annually in the various cricket association competitions with a great degree of success. The tournament is set to bowl off in May.

Port Mourant gets Guyana’s 1st outdoor synthetic volleyball court

Guyana’s first synthetic outdoor volleyball court will soon be commissioned at the Port Mourant Community Centre, Corentyne, Berbice.

The Gy$6 million facility replaces the concrete surface which was considered the number one court for volleyball

in Berbice.

The venture was a collaborative effort of the Guyana Volleyball Federation; the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA); Albion/Port Mourant Sugar Estate; and the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry.

When commissioned, the court will fall under the Federation of

International Volleyball (FIVB). The laying of the surface was completed in two days and was undertaken by BVA Vice President Godwin Allicock with assistance from apprentices of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre at Port

the court after being completed continued on page 53

Bolt eases to 400m win in Jamaica

STETHS, Edwin Allen seem set to capture Ja$1m Digicel Grand Prix prizes

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Double-sprint record holder Usain

Bolt clocked a modest 46.38 seconds to win the men's clubs and institution 400-metre run when he made a surprise appearance at the Digicel/ Lucozade Sport GC Foster Classic at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Running out of lane four in heat one, Bolt was comfortable along the back straight and came of the curve ahead of the field to win ahead of his Racers Track Club teammate Edino Steele, who clocked 46.80 seconds. Former Calabar sensation Javon 'Donkey man' Francis, who clocked 46.49 seconds to win his heat, was second overall with Steele finishing third.

The 28-year-old Bolt, who was running the event for the first time in almost two years, told reporters that he was happy with the run.

"Overall it was a good run; I haven't run it in the past two seasons, so for me to be actually competing again and getting a lot more running in is a positive thing (where) I can get back into shape, so I am happy with myself," he said.

The Olympic and World Championships multiple-gold medallist added that he is looking forward to competing more this season ahead of the World Championships in Beijing, China, in August.

"The first thing is always the championship, that is always the key.... to defend my titles ,and then the times. I want to run fast this season and if the world record comes I would be very happy, but it is always about the championship and I will be taking my time and work my way up to a fast time."

Meanwhile, the Digicel Grand Prix Championship series was brought to an exciting end with the 4x400-metre relays as St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and Edwin Allen High were both on the verge of taking home the top prize of Ja$1 million each in gym equipment.

At press time it was STETHS leading the boys' standings with 210 points, 74 points ahead of Calabar (136), with Jamaica College (122) and Kingston College (96), rounding off the top four.

The girls' section was more closely contested as Central

Champions Edwin Allen (111) were just ahead of Vere Technical (110). Wolmer's Girls (101) and STETHS (96) completed the top four.

It was a ding-dong battle in the girls' 4X400-metre open event, before Edwin Allen showed their class to pull away

from the field to win in 3:36.67 minutes. Vere Technical were second in 3:37.04 minutes, while Holmwood Technical finished third in 3:40.10 minutes.

The boys' equivalent was won by STETHS in 3:11.02 minutes, ahead of Jamaica College (3:12.50) and Holmwood

Technical (3:15.61).

Earlier in the day, Twayne Crooks of Kingston College clocked a fast 45.93 seconds to win the boys' 19 and under 400-metre Grand Prix final, ahead of Shawndail McLaren (47.77sec) of Jamaica College and Rogay Granston (47.99sec) of Holmwood Technical.

The girls' 19 and under final was won by Alesha Kelly of Hydel High, who redeemed herself following a disappointing disqualification at the Carifta Trials for a lane infringement. Kelly won in 53.95 seconds ahead of Dawnalee Lonely (54.38sec) of Camperdown and DerriAnn Hill (54.84secs) of Vere Technical.

Calabar's prodigy Christopher Taylor was smooth in victory in the boys' 17 and under category in 49.61 seconds, followed by Leonardo Ledgister (50.10secs) of St Elizabeth Technical and Achebe Thompson (50.12secs) of Excelsior High.

The girls' 16 and under event was won by Shanice Walker of Vere Technical in 55.77 seconds with Satanya Wright (57.80sec) of St Elizabeth Technical and Janielle Josephs (58.49secs) of St Andrew Technical finishing sec -

ond and third, respectively.

St Elizabeth Technical's Nigel Ellis clocked a fast 21.07 seconds on his way to victory in the boys' 19 and under 200-metre Grand Prix final ahead of teammate Hujaye Cornwall (21.12sec) and Shivanarine Small (21.42secs) of Kingston College.

Sabrina Mason of Rusea's High produced a late burst of speed to win the girls' section in 24.02 seconds, overtaking Britney Hew (24.77sec) of Holmwood Technical and Toni-Ann Nelson (24.90sec) of St Hugh's.

The outstanding Dejour Russell of Calabar won the boys' 17 and under event in an eye-catching 21.16 seconds, ahead of Tyreke Bryan (22.02sec) of Kingston College and Herbert Morrison's Jadeja Reynolds (22.05sec).

Kashekia Cameron of Edwin Allen won the girls' 16 and under category in 23.95 seconds, with Edwin Allen's Khamoy Farquharson (24.27sec) and Shaunelle Riley (24.63sec) of Immaculate Conception taking the runnersup spots. (Jamaica Observer)

Guyana Cup Fever billed for April 5

– organisers release provisional programme

Guyana’s largest horse-racing event, the Guyana Cup Fever, is billed for April 5 at the Port Mourant Turf Club. Organised by the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables, seven races are on the cards with over Gy$10 million in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

The programme shows that the organisers are also moving in line to implement a number of new initiatives taken recently by those in the horse racing fraternity with the rating and class of the animal being taken into consideration.

According to the provisional programme, the feature event is for horses classified D1 and Lower for a winning take of Gy$1.5 million

and a combined purse of Gy$2,820,000.

The F1 and Lower event will also feature the Three-year-old West Indies and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a winning total prize of Gy$940,000 and trophy. There is an event for West Indies and Guyana bred Three-year-old animals, including colts and fillies also for a total prize of Gy$940,000 and trophy.

The G3 and Lower event will also feature West Indies and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a combined purse of Gy$750,000 and trophy. The Guyana Bred Three-year-old colts, mares and fillies will have their chance at competing for a total prize package of Gy$560,000 ad trophy.

The event for I1 and Lower animals and Guyana bred Two-year-

old colts, fillies and mares will be racing for a winning package of Gy$470,000 and trophy. The final race will be for animals classified J2 and Lower and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares will run for a total purse of Gy$375,000.

The races will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon on 624-9063 or 232-0633, Romel Jagroop on 6241798, Irshad Mohamed on 664-1650 for more information. Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed Jnr. is the coordinator, and race time is 12:30h.

The Guyana Cup Fever is the brainchild of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, and has become the largest horse racing event since its inaugural staging seven years ago.

(Rajiv Bisnauth)

GOA hands huge financial backing to Ruggers

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) on Wednesday dived deep into its coffers, committing to massive financial support for the national Men’s Rugby team, which is in preparation for the successful defence of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7s and 15s titles later this year.

At a press briefing at the GOA office on High Street, President of the Association, K.A. Juman Yassin, announced that the body will be plugging millions into the national Ruggers programme for 2015.

These include Gy$3.7 million for expenses related to the functioning of newly appointed Technical Director Angus Thompson, Gy$6.5 million for the NACRA 7s qualifiers for the Rio Olympics,

Gy$990,000 for preparations for the Pan Am Games and Gy$5.5 million for the team’s participation at the Pan Am Games.

The GOA is also looking to further invest in the team by funding a two-week preparatory camp in Canada ahead of the Pan Am Games, which is pegged at Gy$7 million. Last year, the GOA had also thrown its weight behind the Ruggers, injecting Gy$3 million into a team that created history by becoming the first Caribbean nation to win both the NACRA 7s and 15s titles in the same year.

Yassin said the GOA’s benevolence this year materialised after representatives of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) held discussions with the GOA’s Vice-president Noel Adonis. An agreement was met whereby the GOA decided to support the team, given the fact that it will be engaged

in several important competitions this year.

GRFU President Peter Green thanked the GOA for its timely support, adding that the Union is now looking for the government’s backing in securing the remainder of the budget for the Men’s team programme in 2015.

Despite its tremendous success on the regional and international stage, winning the NACRA 7s title an unprecedented seven times and the 15s trophy for the first time in 43 years last year, rugby has struggled with funding over the years.

The Olympic Association’s intervention is a more than welcomed one, given the packed programme the Union has for 2015.

It comes at a time when the discipline carted off an amazing five of the six awards it was nominated for at the annual National Sports Commission’s award ceremony.

Port Mourant gets Guyana’s 1st...

Mourant spearheaded by Krishendat Etwaroo. According to Allicock, the new court will see better quality volleyball being played in Berbice and it is expected to facilitate more of the county’s players making the national team.

When commissioned, the Port Mourant Volleyball Court will also host more international games.

Allicock on behalf of the BVA has expressed gratitude to the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Guyana Defence Force, GTCPM, GuySuCo, D Balram Shane, Rose Hall Town, the President and Executives of the Port Mourant Cricket Club,

from page 52

Krishendat Etwaroo, Kavesh Persaud, Leon Stewart, Daniel Gowkarran, Navendra Ashram, Timothy Adams, Narendra Persaud, Avishkar Jagasar, Rajeev Persaud, Michael Mahadeo, Kumar Persaud, Terry Bukal, Deonauth Ally, Shoaib S Isahack, Rakesh Tortaram, Calvin Garnett, and Marvin Gangaram.

Asked about a commissioning date, Allicock told this publication that they were waiting on Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Executives of the Guyana Volleyball Federation. (Andrew Carmichael)