Acting President Samuel Hinds on Tuesday evening revealed that Chinese investment in Guyana’s economy for the fiscal year 2013 has tipped the scales at US$180 million.
Hinds was at the
dent noted that China has been a “good friend” of Guyana and over the years, the two countries have enjoyed growing mutually beneficial relations. He said that “Guyana’s infrastructural development continues apace with solid
tablishment of diplomatic ties between Guyana and China in 1972, the friendly cooperation has seen significant development. “We have become sincere friends and reliable partners. There were frequent high-level exchanges between our
time speaking at a reception held at the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue, to mark the observance of the 65th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He pointed out that this comes as China has managed to maintain a “steady growth momentum” and is now considered to be a “haven of economic stability”.
The acting presi-
support” from China and Chinese investors.
“Chinese companies have invested in Guyana’s infrastructure and in its forestry and mining sector among other areas, thereby contributing significantly to Guyana’s development and the economic prosperity of our people,” Hinds noted.
China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin noted that since the es-
two countries,” Zhang said.
He pointed out that bilateral trade and investment volume has increased year by year, covering areas of natural resources and construction among other things. The Ambassador noted “these projects have played an important role in economic and social development and environment protection of Guyana. Chinese
entrepreneurs travelled distances to invest in Guyana, and they have the full support from Guyanese Government and local communities.”
He pointed out too that China is the largest developing country in the world, and this has come about through more than 30 years of rapid development since its reform and opening up policy.
“China has become the largest economy in the world and people’s livelihood has improved greatly; however, we have to keep a sombre mind, that with a big population of 1.3 billion, the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) only ranks around 80 in the world,” Zhang said.
The Government of Guyana has been spending huge sums of money to create a country with a much improved infrastructure base, to propel rapid economic growth and enable better lives for citizens. At the same time, it has been putting in other services to attract both foreign and direct investment which aid in economic development and wealth creation and job opportunities.
But while the country has been experienc-
ing year after year of economic growth, there seems to be a pattern emerging – a coordinated attack on investments in the country.
President Donald Ramotar, in a recent interview with the National Communications Network, said: “That pattern has been shown from the beginning of last year; it’s not a oneoff act. How do you explain the non-support of the Amalia Falls, the Specialty Hospital, the expansion of the CJIA (Cheddi Jagan International Airport)?”
Citing the many attempts to vilify any investment plan involving the Chinese as another “clear pattern of attack”, President Ramotar said:
“This is extremely worrying, because China has proven to be a very reliable developmental partner, not only to us in Guyana, but to the Caribbean.”
As the president was at pains to explain, whenever queries arise about any investment, the government and investors are, and remain, prepared to provide answers to those enquires. And the fact that comprehensive measures were taken by government to provide details, some of which were highly confidential, to Opposition politicians, who still decided to oppose the investments, raises questions about the true purpose of their actions.
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The combined political Opposition parties appear to be executing a carefully orchestrated plan to create political, social, and economic instability in the country, with the aim of giving more steam to the No-Confidence Motion which will be tabled in Parliament this October.
These parties have realised that in order to muster up more electoral support and get ahead of the PPP/C before the impending parliamentary debate, they must create an environment where there is distrust for the government, widespread uncertainty, fear and a general feeling of hopelessness among the citizenry.
As of recent, the plan to remove the PPP/C from office has taken on new parliamentary and extra-parliamentary fronts. The government is been blamed for everything under the sun and for everything that is wrong in every part of Guyana.
So it does not come as a surprise, that the Opposition has begun mobilising political support in the form of protests and staged public consultations in the name of “local democracy’ and “holding government accountable”.
On one hand, the APNU has hauled Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh before the Privileges Committee for allegedly spending monies that were legally not approved by the Parliament. This also follows a myriad of other campaigns aimed at discrediting sitting Government Ministers and calling for their resignations.
On the other hand, both the AFC and APNU have failed to commit towards working with the government through Parliament to iron out concerns they have about several large scale developmental projects, including the Amalia Falls Hydro Power Project, the Cheddi Jagan Expansion Project, and the Marriott Hotel Project.
The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill remains in limbo with the Opposition stymieing its passage and blocking any attempts by the government to achieve international compliance in order to avoid blacklisting.
Interestingly, all of this is being done while the US government is implementing critical components of its IRI-led and USAID-funded ‘Leadership and Democracy Project’ which aims to “strengthen local democracy”.
It is also interesting to note that the GPSU, which has always aligned itself with the Opposition interests, has awoken from a long slumber and is now claiming that the government is not honouring its responsibility to public servants. The Union then threatened strike action and other forms of industrial action if the government does not act in their favour.
In a twist of events, the AFC has accused that the PPP/C was offering some Gy$30 million to three Opposition Members of Parliament with the aim of buying their vote in the No-Confidence Motion debate. No doubt, the aim was to sling mud against the party, but the AFC ended up drawing blood from the APNU and is now between a rock and hard place.
The PPP/C is now being blamed again for the personal conundrum that one of its Executive Members have found himself in.
All of these developments do not augur well for Guyana’s future development, even though they pose the strongest challenge to the country’s democratic resolve.
It would appear that the Opposition political parties are rushing for Executive Power and will do all that they can to make the government unpopular, even if it means jeopardising the peace and tranquility enjoyed by ordinary citizens.
There appears to be no serious thought being given to frank and open discussions with the State and government void of politics in the interest of putting Guyana and its people first.
There is no interest of taking arguments and discussions past politics with the aim of focusing on fast tracking socio-economic development.
The slow fire has just begun, and the Opposition parties will no doubt increase it as the time for the No-Confidence Motion nears, but those right-thinking Guyanese may give another surprise mandate to the politicians after they exercise their democratic rights at the poll.
Much of what happens over the next few weeks will determine how shocking that mandate will be.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the economic costs of climate change will be around 2.5 per cent of Latin America and the Caribbean’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in the case that the temperature rises 2.5 °C above the historical average, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, said on Tuesday.
ECLAC’s statement comes in wake of the Climate Summit, which took place on Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York: “For the last decade, ECLAC has studied the economic and social costs of climate change in Latin American and Caribbean countries, providing the statistical information needed to make decisions and offering numerous public policy recommendations.
Estimates from different studies suggest that the economic costs of climate change could total between 1.5 per cent and five per cent of the region’s annual GDP. These calculations are still preliminary and include a high level of uncertainty because they do not address all the potential effects or possible results of adaptation actions.
These averages do not reflect the region’s heterogeneity either, but they do offer enough evidence to justify incorporating the medium-term effects of climate change into public decisions, for example, regarding infrastructure investments. Investment is the bridge between the short and medium term and these studies allow policy makers to act early.
Latin America and the Caribbean have contributed less to climate change than other regions, but nonetheless, it is particularly vulnerable to its effects.
The region’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) represent
nine per cent of the global total, with an annual growth rate of 0.6 per cent between 1990 and 2011 (compared with 1.5 per cent worldwide). What characterised this region is that a significant proportion of emissions have come from changes in the use of soil, deforestation and agriculture.
The most pressing challenge for the region at this time is adaptation to climate change, especially in the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean and Central American countries. The annual adaptation costs for Latin America and the Caribbean have been estimated at around 0.5 per cent of the region’s annual GDP. Although these calculations are preliminary, they clearly reflect the trend in this phenomenon.
The region must urgently design and implement adaptation strategies that include a long-term vision and take into account collateral impacts. The protection of water basins, including forest and soil preservation on high ground and periodic dredging in low areas, is one telling case. A notable example of the pressing need for adaptation is the flooding caused by hurricanes at important basins in southern Mexico and northern Colombia.
The vulnerability of Latin American and Caribbean countries is exacerbated by its geography, the way its population and infrastructure are distributed, its dependence on natural resources, the importance of agricultural activity, and the length of its coastal areas-both along the Pacific and the Atlantic. Evidence suggests that climate change impact in Latin America and the Caribbean is already relevant and will probably be greater in the future. Variations in temperature levels and precipitation patterns can already be seen.
The biggest risks are con-
centrated in agriculture, water availability, forest conservation, loss of biodiversity, the population’s health, tourism in coastal areas, and rural poverty reduction.
The economic dynamism experienced by the region in the last decade has contributed to reducing poverty and improving the population’s living conditions, but it has also generated negative effects such us atmospheric pollution, greater fossil fuel consumption and the resulting contribution to climate change.
It is a fact that this region has the highest degree of urbanisation on the planet. At the same time, there is an increase in private motorisation. The lack of modern, safe and high-quality public transportation leads to the pre-eminence of private vehicles, concentrated among the people who have the highest income levels and who also benefit the most from subsidies to fossil fuels and infrastructure.
The region still has time to choose the paths towards development with equality and environmental sustainability, especially in cities. This is the time for the region to make crucial decisions in order to increase the supply and quality of public services, use renewable energies and shift to a lower-carbon production matrix.
On a global level, the current commitments on mitigating greenhouse gases are still insufficient for stabilising climate conditions. To do that, the approximately seven tons of CO2 per capita that are emitted today would need to be reduced to two tons per capita by 2050.
Only a global agreement with the participation of all countries, along with a paradigmatic technological change in production and consumption patterns, could provide a solution to this phenomenon."
Dear Editor,
There was an early start to Diwali festivities in New York City as thousands, including many Guyanese, Trinidadians and Surinamese, jammed Times Square for the second annual celebration in the heart of the city – titled “Diwali at Times Square”.
People were dressed in traditional Indian attire dancing to the beats of Bollywood music making history as Indian culture was being promoted at Times Square. People from other ethnic groups joined in the celebration dancing and cheering the guests who performed on stage as traffic came to a standstill at certain streets.
The celebration brought together renowned artistes from the Indian film industry and for the second year in a row, it was sponsored by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), home to Bollywood.
The extravaganza featured a cultural variety concert of singing dancing and acrobatic performances as well as a feature of ‘Lord Ganesh’ that highlighted the recent Ganesh celebrations in the city that also attracted thousands in Richmond Hill and Flushing, the heart of the Hindu communi-
ties. At Times Square, the colours and lights of Diwali inundated the area, attracting many passersby of other nationalities. Indian ac-
Indians and celebrations have been planned all over the city including in Richmond Hill by Guyanese on October 16 and South Street Seaport on October 3.
Street to sample Indian cuisine and look at Indian fashion.
A booth also decked out guests who were interested in a free orange colour turban; hun-
tors Aditya Roy Kapur and Parineeti Chopra, promoting their new film, “Daawat-e-Ishq”, and other popular soap stars featured on Indian soaps shown in Guyana, made a special appearance at the concert that featured performances by Bollywood singer Shaan and other wellknown artistes as well as disc jockeys.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights is the most significant festival for
Another Diwali-related ‘Ramleela’ celebration was held at the South Street Seaport on Sunday afternoon (September 21) with the symbolic burning of the evil Rawan, followed by spectacular fireworks.
On Saturday afternoon, Times Square was bustling with people dressed in traditional attire as they crowded the stage for a block long; many also lined up before booths on 46th
dreds took advantage of the free gifts. MTDC also gave out samples of ‘mithai’ and ‘ghoja’, similar tasking and in appearance as served in Guyana, that are traditional sweets in the state for the occasion of Diwali.
Dancers, including several IndianAmericans as well as whites, blacks, and Hispanics, entertained the crowd with their performances accompanied
by traditional Indian and film music during the six-hour long event. Images of the traditional diyas and fantastic fireworks that are lit during Diwali were beamed onto the giant billboards that illuminate Times Square. The event was carried live on TV Asia around the world and on Internet webcast.
The Guyanese I interacted with said they came to the event for the entertainment and to catch a glimpse of their favourite soap stars.
The event was attended by India’s Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar (who is in the city for the Climate Conference being attended by President Ramotar), Indian Consul General Dyaneshwar Mulay and US Representative Joseph Crowley (Queens Democratic Leader).
Addressing the huge crowd, Minister Javadekar, with whom I had an exchange at the President’s Garden to his home last month in Delhi, said as a representative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government, he is extending “Diwali greetings to New Yorkers”.
Crowley said that the festival of Diwali symbolises “enlightenment over ignorance” and brings people of differ-
ent race and ethnicity together. Crowley urged the huge crowd that reflected a rainbow of New York to do more to enlighten Americans about Indian culture and about the Sikh community that has been facing a spate of bias crimes. Ambassador Mulay, a poet and writer, read a poem he wrote on Diwali that was accompanied by a dancer who acted the script of the poem. Mulay expressed hope “that the celebration would grow bigger with each passing year”. He was at the celebration last year when popular actor Ranbir Kapoor, his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor and singer Shankar Mahadevan enthralled the audience with their performances. Mulay is well known in the Guyanese community as he frequently interacts with them after he was given a warm welcome at a reception hosted by Guyanese and other Indians in the Diaspora last year when he was appointed CG.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director said the event showcases the rich culture, cuisine, historical and natural heritage of Maharashtra and India to a global audience.
Submitted by, Vishnu Bisram
Dear Editor,
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is convinced that the recent hosting of what was purported to be a “church service” by City Mayor, Hamilton Green and his followers is not a mere coincidence, but a calculated prelude to the call for protest action by David Granger.
Mr Green is an Executive Member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) which is the leading force in A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), hence making it extremely convenient for him to facilitate such an action in keeping with the party’s master plan.
The fact that the “church service” came after Mr Granger indicated his party’s intention for protest action, is further indicative of their deliberate attempt to rile-up public dissent in a planned way.
Our party believes that the “church service” and Mr Granger’s call are intended to be
used as support-gathering mechanisms to instil fear and instability under the guise of calling for Local Government Elections as reflected in the Granger’s ultimatum. Guyanese must be reminded that Granger is yet to clarify which election he wishes.
This intention to once again hurt Guyana and Guyanese through protest action comes on the heels of a proposed No-Confidence Motion against the government and the “church service” must be seen in this context.
The lawlessness and wanton disrespect that ensued during that supposed attempt to “worship”, brought to the fore the well-established characteristics of the PNC through the protests engineered by the PNC. Its negative impact to people and property is well documented and all Guyanese must remain vigilant and guard against such disruptive events.
The PPP/C takes this opportunity to commend
the Head of the City Constabulary and his team for the action taken to avoid further chaos during the “church service”. That said, the PPP/C is not oblivious to the blatant double standards demonstrated by the Mayor.
As the First Citizen and someone who bellows continuously for “a moral and spiritual revival”, one would have expected him not to preside over the mismanagement at City Hall, the breaking of laws and discriminating against a fellow human being as in the case of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba.
The tactics of intimidation he initiated, including the use of a coffin as part of a mock funeral to instil fear into Ms Sooba, evokes haunting memories of similar actions that targeted former President, Mrs Janet Jagan.
While despicable, such actions in the past and present are not surprising especially given that many senior members of the PNC were
present at the “church service” at City Hall.
What is even more interesting is that part of the roof of the wharf at the Stabroek Market collapsed the same day the supposed “bastion” of morality and spirituality, Mayor Green, was presiding over the “church service” at City Hall.
The wanton mismanagement at City Hall which led to the collapse roof of the wharf of this iconic market can only be described as repugnant and the unearthing by Ms Sooba of the wrong doings at City Hall would have been the premise for the constant attacks she is subjected to by the Mayor, his Deputy and their clique.
Ms Sooba’s tenacity to remain steadfast to her mandate of improving the functioning of City Hall and to expose the mismanagement, has obviously been a thorn in the Mayor’s side.
Submitted by, PPP/C, Freedom House
Dear Editor,
The recent allegations put forth by Khemraj Ramjattan, leader of the AFC, are based in lies and political selfishness. Ramjattan has alleged that the PPP/C has offered money to parliamentarians to vote against a No-Confidence Motion, but he has provided no evidence that this actually happened.
Even Opposition Leader David Granger has called into question the validity of these accusations in a recent ‘inewsguyana’ article.
It seems as though Ramjattan is attempting to mislead the public and tarnish the name of the PPP/C, distracting from the fact that he and his party have offered no solutions to the problems that are actually facing the people of Guyana.
Rather than trying to
invent stories that are based on lies, Ramjattan could focus on trying to work to pass a budget, improve Guyana’s infrastructure and even work with members of the PPP/C to find common ground.
Instead, he has chosen to spread falsehoods and drag down the entire Parliament for his own political gain. If Ramjattan cannot produce any evidence to back these allegations, perhaps the members of his party should question their confidence in Ramjattan himself. His decisions and actions have not been those of a true leader, but of a man who is trying to engage in the kind of political trickery that the people of Guyana don’t deserve.
Sincerely, Marcia Quintex
After a fallout with Vision Airlines, TravelSpan has announced that it would be suspending its service out of Guyana from Saturday, but with the hope of returning to business once it secures another company from which to rent an aircraft.
TravelSpan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nohar Singh confirmed to Guyana Times International on Wednesday that the company was in the process of finalising new arrangements with another airline, while noting its dissatisfaction with the services of Vision Airlines.
Singh explained that while the TravelSpan staff, including Flight Attendants, and Management have worked diligently to offer a much-needed solution for an alternative airline within the market, its rented planes have been plagued by mechanical issues which resulted in unsatisfactory service on the flights.
Pullout
The CEO added that due to the lack of consistent service proven by
the significant amount of cancelled and delayed flights that caused major inconvenience to TravelSpan’s clients and the continued losses to TravelSpan and to Vision Airlines, effective September 27, the company will be discontinuing its General Sales Agent (GSA) status.
As such, he noted that all passengers booked to travel after September 27 will be protected with full refunds and offered the services of another carrier and in the interim, TravelSpan will be finalising arrangements with the new carrier.
Nevertheless, TravelSpan is commit-
ted to refund monies for tickets purchased after September 27. Singh, in a release, explained that for tickets paid in the United States, TravelSpan has been protecting passenger’s monies in escrow.
This precaution, the release added, was taken so that customers would not be left stranded as was the case of previous carriers after they discontinued operations.
For tickets paid for in Guyana, TravelSpan’s office will rebook passengers or offer a full refund.
The Escrow Bank will take approximately 14 days for the refund to be processed and the cheques to be prepared for customers.
The airline is, however, cognisant that while monies are protected, customers who have to wait for their refunds to be processed will be inconvenienced.
The airline says it remains committed and is looking forward to collaborating with a carrier that would keep the standard of excellence that it demands for its customers.
TravelSpan re-en-
travelSpan has announced that it would be suspending its service out of Guyana from Saturday
tered the Guyana Market last December with fully-booked flights to the United States out of Guyana, but stumbled in July of this year, with several cancellations which resulted in a dispute between Vision Airlines and TravelSpan.
Rising prices
The airline had sought reimbursements from the charter company for the delays and cancellations, but those talks were unsuccessful; hence, a decision to drop the charter company.
A senior member of the airline said that the decision to discontinue the services of Vision Airlines has been in the making for weeks.
In light of the delays
and cancellations, the senior staff told the Guyana Times International, the public had lost confidence in the services of TravelSpan and booked with other carriers.
“It will take some time for the airline to get back on its feet and with the Christmas season fast approaching, they are hoping to be up and running,” she added.
Moreover, with the absence of TravelSpan and Dynamic Airlines, other carriers have already upped their ticket fares to the US.
Presently, Caribbean Airlines, which is operating in the red, is charging close to US$900 while Copa Airlines is quoted as close to US$1000
and Fly Jamaica is the cheapest at US$664.
Only recently, TravelSpan had applied to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for permission to operate a scheduled service, moving away from the charter service it is licensed to provide.
Officials at the airline had told this newspaper that the move to acquire such a licence basically indicates that TravelSpan is here for the long haul.
“A charter service is basically to operate seasonal, but with this Scheduled Licence we have applied for… is indicating that we are here for the long haul,” the airline official said.
‘We are ready for Panama’ – Minister Ramsammy
- as Guyana
awaits Panamanian officials to examine factories before rice shipment sails
The deal inked earlier this year that will see Guyana supplying 5000 tonnes of rice to Panama on a monthly basis, is expected to become a reality at the end of September.
Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Monday reported that two of the technical persons from Panama are travelling to Guyana to examine the rice factories.
This, he explained, was due to the fact that Guyana has to satisfy the sanitary standards of Panama. The factories will be examined and testing of the rice done before Panama approves the shipment. The minister noted that the Panamanians’ visas had to be processed, and they will arrive by this weekend.
Minister Ramsammy stated that the deal is proceeding as planned, with four shipments organised for September, October, November and December. “… Guyana is providing the packaged rice and Panama is providing the ships. So the shipping responsibility is Panama’s,” Minister Ramsammy explained.
Pointing out that
Guyana has been working with Panama to ensure timely shipments, he noted that obtaining the packaged rice is not a problem. The minister stated that, “we have the rice available and packaging arrangements in place”.
Guyana has been advised that the ship should be available in the last week of September for the September shipment, “so it appears the shipping arrangements being made from Panama will target the end-of-month shipping. That means end of September, October, and November and so on, so that always leaves flexibility to the other man, so it could run into early October”.
“We are ready for Panama,” Minister Ramsammy declared. He added that the mills being used are the Techno Mill in Eccles and Ansag Rice Mill for the packaging, for this first shipment. However, he explained that this will not be the case for all shipments, as in the future all the rice mills that can meet the requirements will be engaged.
In August, the deal was announced by the minister and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). The deal was signed by Panama’s ViceMinister of Agriculture, Estebana Giron Dias, and the GRDB General Manager, Jagnarine Singh.
The agreement was signed at the Office of the Minister of Agriculture in Panama City and followed a meeting in Colombia between the Presidents of Guyana and Panama. With this new export deal, Guyana is expected to export between 475,000 and 500,000 tonnes this year and to reach about 550,000 tonnes in 2015. The actual export target for 2014 was 460,000 tonnes. Exports in 2013 totalled 394,000 tonnes.
As the Mexican Embassy continues to roll out activities in observance of Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16), a grand exhibition of legendary photos from one of the country’s most acclaimed museums was held at the Embassy.
The exhibition titled “From the kitchen to the eyes” featured classic photos of archaic dining rooms and kitchens from Mexico’s pre-modernisation era-that is 19001961-and was run until Friday at the Embassy’s Brickdam location.
Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Francis Olguin noted that the exhibition was merely a “small sample” of what the 'Casasola Archives has to offer. Olguin explained that the Casasola Archive' is a vast collec-
tion of over half a million photographs taken by several generations of the Casasola family and over 400 other photographers.
Collectively, the im-
ages, now housed in the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia Historia’s Fototeca in Pachuca, Hidalgo, form one of the most important photographic archives in
Mexico and offers a cross-section of urban society over the first half of the 20th century.
A large segment of the archives is identified as 'Judiciales', which
includes photographs of crime scenes, reconstructions of crimes, documentation of evidence and of Police procedures, and criminal trials.
The archives were founded by the famous photojournalist Agustín Víctor Casasola and his younger brother, also a photojournalist, Miguel Casasola. When foreign journalists began flooding Mexico to report on the civil conflict that erupted in 1911, the brothers formed an agency with several colleagues to better contend with this new, more competitive environment.
The 'Agencia Fotográfica Nacional', founded in 1912, grew into a wide-ranging archive of over half a million negatives, as the brothers began to acquire existing collec-
tions, beginning with the photo archives of their former employer, 'El Imparcial'.
The Casasola collection thus includes not only photographs taken by the two brothers, their children Agustín Jr and Gustavo, and other family members.
While the Casasolas continued to photograph after the Revolution, producing images like those of the drug users for newspapers including 'El Universal', 'Excelsior', and 'El Demócrata', their business increasingly involved the marketing of their archive and the publication of visual histories that drew on their extensive holdings.
On Thursday, students of the Burrowes School of Art’s Photography class toured the exhibition.
Former Information and Culture Minister under the People’s National Congress (PNC) –Forbes Burnham Administration, Elvin
McDavid has passed away.
The PNC Reform (PNCR) announced the death of McDavid in a release. McDavid, the party, said was born in Georgetown
on the June 10, 1944 and was educated at St Mary’s RC School, St Stanislaus College, University of Birmingham and the University of the West Indies. He died in
Jamaica where he was receiving medical attention.
McDavid was a former Political Assistant to the Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham; Minister of Information and Culture (197172); and Ambassador to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. He is credited with much of the pioneering work for the hosting of the first Caribbean Festival of the Arts (Carifesta) and the establishment of the Guyana National Service (GNS).
The PNCR extends its deepest condolences to McDavid’s children, brother and relatives.
President Donald Ramotar and new Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, on Wednesday in New York.
The two leaders discussed the Guyana/ Norway forest deal and reaffirmed their commitment to tackling climate change and to working to ensure other countries emulate the deal, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
In an interview after the meeting, President Ramotar said, “We both expressed satisfaction with the relationship that Guyana and Norway has had. We both think it is a very useful partnership and a good example of links between developed and developing countries in the common fight against cli-
Tmate change and for saving the international environment.”
In terms of getting more countries on board the climate change fight, the Guyanese leader said, “We think we are ready to share our expe-
riences with other countries so that we can have more countries coming in… other developing countries, more developed countries, so we can make a tangible and real contribution in fighting against climate change.”
On November 9, 2009, the Governments of Guyana and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and simultaneously published a Joint Concept Note, which sets out how the two countries will
“work together to provide the world with a relevant, replicable model for how REDD+ can align the development objectives of forest countries with the world’s need to combat climate change”.
Norway committed to providing financial support of up to US$250 million until 2015 for results achieved by Guyana in limiting emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, which will support the implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). As part of the agreement, the two countries agreed to establish the Guyana Redd + Investment Fund (GRIF) as the financial intermediary mechanism for the performance-based payments from contributors to Guyana. Guyana has
received about US$115 million from Norway to date under that agreement and the money has gone towards several projects.
These include: the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) which is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP); Amerindian Land titling; the small and medium sized enterprises which are in process of being implemented; climate resilient strategy and action plans; an institutional strengthening project to reinforce the institutions involved in environmental management; Project Management Office of the Office of the President; and the Amaila Falls hydropower project, the flagship project of the LCDS.
he Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, the implementing body of the Government of Guyana “Clean Up My Country” programme, handed over fogging machines to several Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to assist in controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases, primarily Chikungunya, across Guyana.
On September 5, the Region Thee RDC received its fogging machine and its fogging exercise is well under way. According to a release, Local
Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker, in his address to the gathering at the ministry’s compound in Kingston, said:
“This event provides another opportunity to foster collaborative effort in order to support the work that is being done, not only at the level of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, but also under other sector programmes. It supports our effort to improve the environment and to deal with health issues.”
One pertinent factor at the very start of the planning of “Clean Up My Country Programme” was the fostering of collabora-
tive effort among several sector ministries by providing the opportunity for them to be intricately involved in the planning and implementation aspects of the cleanup programme. Currently, several agencies are represented in the Programme Implementation Committee.
Minister Whittaker went on to say, “We resolve to ensure that programme heads in all the regions such as Education, Health and Public Works are all on board especially with the Regional Solid Waste Programme”.
Minister Whittaker also said “for us, sustainability of the programme is very important. It is for this reason that we (the ministry) sought ways and means by which we can empower our local government authorities to sustain the desired results of the Gy$1 billion across the 10 regions”.
Upon handing over the fogging machines, Whittaker outlined the Local Government Ministry’s expectation. “Our expectation will be to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop a programme of use so the fogging machine can be efficiently utilised.” The minister wrapped up his remarks by saying, “this is an investment that is taken on to bring the desired results and each of you has an important role to ensure that materialise”.
Present at the handing over ceremony were Local Government and Regional Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Collin Croal; Regional Executive Officers; Regional Health Officers; acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba; and the Health Ministry’s Vector Control Services Director, Dr Reyaud Rahaman.
APartnership for National Unity (APNU) has embarked on a countrywide protest and picketing campaign as the coalition upped the pressure on the government to set a date for Local Government Elections (LGE).
The party’s Leader, David Granger, said he did not intend to meet with President Donald Ramotar to discuss the possibility of Local Government or General Elections unless the meeting is to name a date for the holding of the LGE.
Hundreds of persons took to the streets outside the Office of the President on Tuesday shouting “we demand Local Government Elections now”.
The protest action on Tuesday is one of many that have been planned
by the coalition after President Ramotar ignored a recent ultimatum to set a date for Local Government polls. In the issuance of the ultimatum, Granger had promised to mobilise local and international action in support of democracy, should the president fail to set a date.
Speaking to media operatives at the protest, Granger said that the “protests” were aimed at convincing the president that “the people are angry and want Local Government Elections”.
The Opposition Leader said that the protests and picketing actions will continue until a date is set by the president for the holding of Local Government Elections.
Referring to the president, Granger said: “He does not have the right to postpone Local
Government Elections … we will continue to protest until we get elections.”
APNU Member of Parliament (MP) and newly-appointed General Secretary of the coalition, Joseph Harmon, pointed out that while the Opposition Leader remains willing to meet with the president, he will only do so, if the meeting is to set a date for Local Government polls. “Only time he is
going to meet is if he is going to name a date for Local Government Elections, other than that we not having any more meeting,” he said.
According to Harmon, the coalition will continue to do everything that is within the ambit of the laws of Guyana to ensure that the president sets a date for the holding of these elections. “This is not the end; this is the beginning,” he declared, as he contended that the
government will have a “difficult time until they declare a date for Local Government Elections”.
Division
When asked whether the APNU’s intensified call for Local Government polls and the Alliance For Change’s, by way of the No-Confidence Motion, push for General Elections, was indicative of a divide between the Opposition parties, Harmon responded in the negative.
He remarked that both elections were “one and the same issue… not two separate things”, adding that the call for Local Government Elections “is but one more nail in the coffin of this government”.
In a subsequent release, the APNU noted that protest action was held in all six municipalities – Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corriverton and Anna Regina. “APNU pickets called on the president to do the following: Respect the Constitution of Guyana; Demand that the President issue the ‘commencement order’ to operationalise the Local Government Commission; Demand that the President assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and that the President respect the people’s democratic right to elect their own representatives.”
Tempers flared in the courtroom on Tuesday afternoon when former Policeman Quanson John was freed of a charge of killing a schoolboy from Patentia, West Bank Demerara, back in 2010.
John was indicted with the murder of 16-year-old Kelvin Fraser in the vicinity of the Patentia Secondary School, West Bank Demerara. Fraser was shot dead on June 7, 2010, when Police reportedly responded to reports of drug addicts in the school compound harassing female students.
The trial began on September 8, with State Counsel Diana Kaulesar calling approximately 15 witnesses to testify against the accused, and some testified that John claimed he accidentally shot the teenager.
In an oral statement, John is reported to have said: “The young man was running and I told him to “freeze” and he stopped running. I told him to come over a drain where I was standing. He came. I was holding the gun in my left hand around the middle; the nozzle was pointing upwards. I was holding him with my right hand and he grabbed the gun and we started a struggle and the gun went off.”
The prosecution then closed its case early last week and Defence Attorney Glen Hanoman subsequently made a no case-submis-
sion. However, Judge Franklin Holder overruled the application and called on the accused to lead his defence.
On Friday, John led his defence by electing to give an unsworn statement from the dock in which he declared that he did not murder the teenager. He said that they went to the school in response to a report and picked up two young men upon their arrival.
The former Policeman recalled that he, along with two other officers, went into the school compound and a group of young men began running, so he pursued one of them until they got to Third Street, Patentia. John said that he subsequently got hold of the teenager and a struggle ensued between them, during which the firearm which he had in his hand went off.
Remorse
He explained that he thought the young man was ‘playing tricks’, but realised otherwise after he saw blood on
the young man’s upper chest. John expressed remorse over the incident, saying that he tried to apologise to the deceased’s family but was denied an opportunity to do so. “I am truly, truly sorry for what transpired that day, even though I cannot say what happened. I am not a violent person. I grew up in a Christian home and I fear God more than anyone else in the world. I did not murder Kelvin Fraser,” the accused said.
Back in June 2010, eyewitnesses claimed that Police had rolled up at the school and held several young men who were in the compound at the time. Fraser reportedly heard the commotion and went to enquire, but was met with chaos as the Police were chasing after students. He decided to run also and was pursued by a policeman who was armed with a firearm and subsequently shot him at point-blank range.
Reports further revealed that the 16-yearold fell into a mud drain but was removed and placed in the back of a pick-up vehicle where he allegedly bled to death before being taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.
A post-mortem examination conducted on the teenager revealed that he was shot to the left chest at close range. The cause of death was list-
ed as shock and haemorrhage from a lacerated lung, caused by gunshot injuries. Additionally, several pellets were also recovered from his body.
On Tuesday, after Justice Holder summed up all of the evidence, the 12-member mixed panel retired into the jury room to deliberate
on a verdict. The panel returned about two hours later to a packed courtroom with a unanimous verdict of not guilty.
For the first time in the history of Guyana, couples who are unable to conceive are given a second chance through a scientific method known as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), which is being offered at the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital.
Gynaecologist Dr Madhu Singh announced on Monday that the first baby conceived in Guyana through the IVF service was delivered just a few days ago.
The mother of the baby is a 32-year-old woman who was trying to conceive for some eight years now, but could not because of severe endometriosis, a medical problem which
causes infertility. Both baby and mother have been discharged and are doing well.
At a news conference to announce the accomplishment, Dr Singh said before now, patients requiring this kind of service would have had to travel to neighbouring countries, including Barbados and Trinidad. Some went as far as the United States and Canada and one can only imagine the expenses incurred because both parents are required to be examined and undergo multiple tests.
The IVF is used by couples who have tried simpler methods and failed to conceive. It is the only option for pa-
tients with low sperm counts, blocked fallopian tubes, or prolonged unexplained infertility. It is also the only option when patients have to use donor sperm or eggs especially those who may have uterine problems or may have had their uterus removed. “These women can use a surrogate to carry their babies once they have access to this service,” Dr Singh told reporters in the hospital’s boardroom.
IVF is a process by which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body in vitro (in glass). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulatory process, removing ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting sperm
tient per cycle of treatment is approximately US$8000, and this is due to the high cost of medications.
Since the beginning of the service, some 56 patients have been processed, Dr Singh related. “Not all of these had their embryos transferred due to medical problems, including high hormones.
Asked about the success of the service so far, Dr Singh said it is a bit “premature to talk about success rates because all the embryos have not been transferred. They will be, however, in the vicinity of the international success rate of 30 to 40 per cent”. The head of the hospital Gynaecology Department said every
fertilise them in a fluid medium in a laboratory. The fertilised egg (zygote) is cultured for two to six days in a growth medium and is then implanted in the same or another woman’s uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.
IVF techniques can be employed in a variety of situations. It is a method of assisted reproductive technology for treatment of infertility. These techniques are also employed in gestational surrogacy, in which case the fertilised egg is implanted into a surrogate’s uterus, and the resulting child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate.
According to Dr Madhu, the service has been in the making for some five years now and has cost the medical institution close to US$500,000. Dr Singh, who disclosed her passion for Gynaecology, particularly as it relates to fertility, said the service is a highly complex procedure and requires a dedicated lab and theatre. The cost to the pa-
patient is not required to pay the same cost, however. It depends on the kind of treatment they need. The medications have to be tailored to the individual patients, depending on their hormones, she explained Dr Singh explained in the event the service does not work with some patients, the institution continues to work with and accommodate them using the “rescue cycle”. Some women, she explained, produce 20 eggs or more. In such cases, the eggs are frozen and the process is repeated.
“Because what we have found is, if you say 30 per cent is the success rate for a cycle, over two cycles that success rate will become 60 per cent, over three cycle, 90 per cent. So if you don’t do it, someone else will get the success.”
Singh, who received training in this area from India, has been a practising gynaecologist in Guyana since 1998. She worked at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for some five years, heading the Gynaecology Department for two.
Ahigh level team from the ‘Kimberly Process Certification’ is presently in Guyana conducting a one week ‘Peer Review’ exercise during which they will meet with regulators and stakeholders, particularly the diamond mining sub-sector.
A team comprising: Louis Perron of the Government of Canada, James Lombe of World Diamond Council, Paul Roberto Alves of Brazil, and Frisco McDonald of the US Embassy Georgetown held discussions with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud. Also present were Rickford Vieira, Commissioner, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; Patrick Harding, President, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association and other stakeholders of the sector.
Minister Persaud, in
his remarks, stated that the evaluation is timely and anticipates a successful review of the systems in place for the production and trade of diamonds in Guyana. The Natural Resources and Environment Minister stated that he is optimistic that the review will certainly allow Guyana to be more compliant in the trade of diamonds.
He also pointed out that while diamond production is increasing steadily, there is an ongoing thrust for clean and responsible mining. This he said was evident in a recent assessment which indicated that there is a decline in deforestation on the account of new technology and more responsible and low-impact mining practices. It was revealed that diamond output for the period January – August 2014 has increased by 23.14 per cent as compared to
Officials of the 'Kimberly Process Certification' meeting with local stakeholders including Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud
the same period for 2013.
According to Louis Perron of the Government of Canada, Guyana has been receiving positive ratings and the ongoing review will only strengthen the current safeguards that Guyana already has in place. The review exercise will also serve as a
training
The Government of Guyana in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has trained 21 nurses and six paediatric care assistants through its Paediatric Nursing Programme to ensure a better child healthcare system at the premier health institution, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Senior Volunteer and Paediatric Nurse Educator Sumiko Yoshida lauded the Georgetown Public Hospital for the support she received throughout the two-month programme. Yoshida was also amazed by the dedication of nurses to the programme and said some nurses attended classes on their day off.
The training programme has been around since 2012 and a number of nurses have been trained since. Two training sessions were also completed earlier this year.
Paediatric Ward Manager, Surgical Unit
Aarissa Singh said this year’s training programme has seen increased participation by nurses. Yoshida said she looks forward to training another batch of nurses in 2015 through 2017 and in new courses; cardiac recognition, infant and child resuscitation, and paediatric critical care.
She said the goal of JICA is to improve the paediatric nursing services, the paediatric nursing educational training and improving the paediatric ward environment.
The recently completed training exercise is the third of its nature conducted at Georgetown Public Hospital in collaboration with JICA. She added that in October 2013, 19 nurses graduated from the programme.
She said that the programme is designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills required to manage emergency situations through assessment and quick interventions.
Further, it has a number of areas such as team dynamics, coping with death, infant and child resuscitation and vascular access. Nurses are expected to become more confident, competent in patient care delivery, and in caring for infants and children which will improve paediatric/ patient services. (GINA)
learning experience for the team, he pointed out.
The review team will also be meeting with the Guyana Revenue Authority, Bank of Guyana and stakeholders such as the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and Diamond Exporters, for the purpose of reviewing the processes by which diamonds are exported from Guyana that avoids them comingling with diamonds that may be fuelling conflicts around the world, referred to as “blood diamonds”.
Further, the visiting team will engage miners
in the field and will contribute to the worldwide best practices in the International Diamond Trade. The Kimberly process is a certification mechanism to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the world market. Guyana is a signatory to the scheme and as such diamonds exported from Guyana have certain requirements which must be satisfied to avoid diamonds traded from Guyana being associated with blood diamonds.
The Kimberly process was implemented 11 years ago and a Peer
Review of Guyana’s process was conducted in 2004 which was considered one of the most robust processes by the Kimberly Scheme.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is open to all countries that are willing and able to implement its requirements. The KP has 54 participants, representing 81 countries, with the European Union and its Member States counted as a single participant. KP members account for approximately 99.8 per cent of the global production of rough diamonds.
AMemorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Guyana and the United Kingdom paving the way for the latter to provide training and mentoring for the staff of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) created by the government to investigate money laundering crimes.
Signing on the ruling administration’s behalf on Monday was Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, who said that it was remarkable that such an event could occur within the relatively short space of time that SOCU was conceptualised and established to investigate suspected money laundering crimes, prosecuting persons suspected of terrorism and financial offences. Investigations and prosecution of money laundering activities,
Dr. Luncheon said, along with the financing of terrorism crimes, became a matter of concern in Guyana’s mutual evaluation under the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) programme of activities, “and the response was the Special Organised Crime Unit”.
He added that from SOCU’s gestation to the present, certified and verified support by the donor community,
the timeframe of less than six months, point to how much could be achieved when all work together.“This is a further example of the Government of Guyana and the donor community as prime stakeholders in this struggle against serious crimes, as they go out in positioning Guyana to respond to its obligations.”
According to advice from a British expert on
money laundering, jailing offenders was no longer seen as a deterrent, and recognised that in these modern times, forfeiture of assets and interrupting the financing of those with criminal intent were added factors.
The HPS emphasised to the head of SOCU, Lt Col. Sydney James that his successes will not be measured necessarily in convictions and putting criminals behind bar,
In what is being described as a brilliantly planned and executed break and enter, bandits on Monday carted off approximately Gy$4 million in jewellery and cash from a Nonpareil home, while the family was away.
From all appearances, the bandits fed the dogs in the yard with sedatives and then proceeded to break a window at the rear of the home. Thereafter, they removed the grillwork and made their entry.
They made off with just over Gy$3.5 million in jewellery and a small
07:30h on Monday after securing their home. It was not until, his wife, Samantha Singh, returned home after 18:00h that she made the discovery.
Singh explained that he received the call about the incident around 18:15h and immediately rushed home to his family. Shortly after he arrived, a lone police officer from the Vigilance Police Station arrived on scene. The officer took statements from the family and carried out preliminary investigations. It was noted that no Crime Scene
amount of cash that the family kept in the home. Interestingly enough, the only thing besides the money and jewellery that went missing from the home was a half case of Johnny Walker Double Black Scotch-Whiskey. All other items, including a laptop, iPads, tablets and several other electronic gadgetries, were untouched.
Daniel Singh – who is the General Manager for Guyana Times – and his family left home around
Analysts/Investigators were at the scene. It was only as the officer was leaving and questions were asked about the experts that he said a fingerprint expert would visit the following day.
Brief interviews with some of the neighbours in the usually quiet Nonpareil community revealed that a suspicious vehicle emblazoned with the logo of a major company was seen in the area for the most part of the day.
One neighbour Hardia Dalchand explained that she saw the vehicle with two occupants parked in front of her home. She explained that the men in the vehicle made no attempts to contact anyone or go to any home. This, she indicated, was strange because if they were looking for a home to conduct repairs, they would have asked for directions. Further, Dalchand pointed out that she suspected something was amiss after her children came home from school around 13:00h and she did not hear her neighbours’ dogs bark.
“The dogs usually bark; they does come and jump up on the fence and mek noise but me nah hear none of that,” said Dalchand. However, she said she quickly dismissed those fears and went back to her activities. Dalchand noted that the dogs slept for a long time, which was equally strange.
Another neighbour explained that he too
“A different order is required and it is our fervent hope, our expectation that this training that flows from the execution of the memorandum of understanding, and indeed the very existence of SOCU, would indeed give rise to expectations that are met, and that can clearly demonstrate that, yes Guyana is meeting its obligations to its people and its obligations to the rest of the world, when it comes to fighting money laundering and financing of terrorism”.
The agreement will result in significant support from the UK, for SOCU, according to British High Commissioner, Andrew Ayre. “It is important to us both, that organised crime is tackled, at its root, both in Guyana and outside the confines of Guyana. It is also important, today, because it helps Guyana to fulfill its international obligations under the Financial
A.I.D.S.
Action Task Force’s framework”.
The High Commissioner also wished the SOCU, “every success” and also thanked the United States Government for supporting the initiative. This most recent MOU builds on a previous one signed on January 13, for similar assistance. Despite the non-support from the Parliamentary Opposition of the FATF compliant Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill, and its subsequent non-passage in the National Assembly, government has indicated that it will be doing all that can be accomplished within international regulations to put measures in place to signal its support for the internationally required financial obligations. Guyana’s case comes up for review in October, by the FATF.
“conflict workshop” for men
Executive Director of Artiste In Direct Support (A.I.D.S.), Desiree Edghill on Monday hosted a “conflict workshop” for young men under the theme “Be you, be original, be free”.
was suspicious of the vehicle with the men inside. He noted too that the vehicle was a ‘GGG’ series which was all he could recall from the licence plate.
The story took a different angle when the Police Officer interviewed a Wash Bay attendant who worked nearby. The young man, whose name was given as Rayall, explained that during the day he saw some well-known “thieves” scoping the area. He explained that one member of the “Salt fish crew” approached him and asked him for someone by the name of “Buckman”. Rayall told the officer he found that strange since he was called Buckman. The neighbours are contending that should there be an Identification Parade, they would be able to identify the suspicious looking persons.
While the family is counting their losses, they are also grateful that no one was at home during the invasion.
Edghill said men are at greater risk of causing conflict in society. The workshop addressed depression, anger management, conflict within family, self-worth, peer pressure and a number of other social issues that young people are faced with.
The four-session workshop, which concluded on Tuesday, saw a number of young people from across Georgetown taking part in several activities. The workshop was funded by CVC/ COIN, a programme that works with young men in Guyana’s society who face day-to-day challenges. The project started in September 2013 and deals mainly with conflict resolution among men.
Work was also done under this project to train young men in life skills and risk reduction, hair and makeup, public speaking, among many others.
The programme will continue in 2015 and go beyond where peer education will be done using the sex positive manual; computer training will also be offered and
a continuation of work on conflict and human rights which seem to be the ground on which the workshop was birthed.
The main aim of the programme is not just solving the problems young men face but also to let them know that they should not limit themselves, but explore all that life has to offer.
Among the participants were the 2014 'Mr Guyana International' contestants who gained knowledge on their different platforms. Every person was given an opportunity to speak out on issues which might be affecting them.
Meanwhile, franchise holder of the pageant Paul Burnette said that he is extremely grateful for the teachings of Edghill. He noted that since the workshop began, there has been a significant change in the lives of the men and the way their day-to-day activities are carried out.
Some of the participants noted how beneficial the workshop was to them, given that they have insecurities and find it difficult to be themselves. One young man said being a victim of peer pressure lately, the workshop has helped him to believe in himself. The four-session event came to a close with skits and dramatic pieces where persons showcased what they learnt.
With the aim of strengthening security while at the same time maximising capacity, construction works on the third phase of a brick prison at the Camp Street penitentiary is set to commence after Cabinet cleared over Gy$80 million to fund the work.
Last Wednesday, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon disclosed that Cabinet had approved the contract of a whopping Gy$81.7 million for the construction of the brick prison.
Speaking with Guyana Times International, acting Director of Prisons Welton Trotz said while he was not given any official word about the approved money, the money will go a long way in speeding up the works.
The construction of a brick prison block at the Lot 12 Camp Street loca-
tion began two years ago and is currently at phase three. Some Gy$50.93 million was plugged into phase one of the project, which started in 2012. Phase two was done last year and was funded from the Gy$122 million Capital Works budgetary allocation for infrastructural works to be done at various prisons.
According to the Prison Director, the money granted will not only be used to sustain phase three of the project, but also complete the entire prison block. He noted that this new facility will be used to house
convicted felons and will contain the necessary amenities.
Trotz explained that the project is aimed at providing a more humane facility for the inmates, while strengthening security at the facility for both the prisoners and the prison staff. The Director pointed out that having a brick prison at the location will also tighten security for the more dangerous criminals held there.
Additionally, he said that with prison breaks in the past, the facility will provide more secure features; thus, pre-
Days after the owner of a mining camp at 14 Miles Issano was allegedly beaten and robbed by two of his ex-workers, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Joseph Nathaniel Nurse, 35, of Lot 24 Belmonte, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara died about 04:00h on Monday morning.
Danesh Rampersaud, 18, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and another man who were in the camp at the time of the attack also received several injuries but were treated at Troy’s Resources Medical Centre and sent away.
According to information received, about 21:00h on Thursday last, Nurse, a father of four and his two workers were attacked and beaten by two men who were armed with a gun and a piece of wood. During the ordeal, the two men demanded gold and money. Nurse reportedly put up a fight and would have received severe injures about the body.
The two men were bound while Nurse was reportedly left to die a short distance from the mining camp.
Rampersaud managed to free himself and untied his colleague, after which he raised an alarm. Workers from other camps nearby heard
the calls and went to their assistance. They were transported to the medical centre and due to Nurse’s condition; he was air-dashed to Georgetown and admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital up to the time of his death.
Ulita Atkinson, the fiancée of the now dead man, during a telephone interview with Guyana Times International related that the robbery and murder allegedly stemmed from an incident which occurred about two Sundays ago at the mining camp.
Based on a conversation with Nurse before the incident, she said that he had found that two of his employees were stealing from him and he asked them to leave the worksite.
She related that almost two ounces of gold were missing.
Upon searching the two men, one ounce was recovered. Nurse literally threw them out of the mining camp, she added.
However, she noted after speaking to the
venting any repeats of breaches of security at the country’s largest penitentiary.
As part of the Guyana Prison Service’s strategic plan to modernise prison facilities across the country, the decision was taken to reconstruct the brick prison block at the Camp Street loca-
tion, which has six main blocks.
Both inmates and staff had complained about the deplorable conditions of the old brick prison. At one point, the old facility was unused due to its inhumane state.
That block had housed prisoners with
mental illnesses and the solitary confinement room on the bottom flat; however, the area was flood-prone with sewage problems. The new layout of the facility would allow for better accommodation and would be divided into sections for the various categories of prisoners.
two workers, she found out that Nurse reportedly went to a popular drinking spot where he saw the two men Orin Major and Colin (only name given) and an argument ensued.
The argument went on for a while after which Nurse left for his camp.
Additional information reaching this newspaper revealed that upon arrival at the mining camp, he saw his two workers and called out to them but got no response.
As he went closer, he saw the two work-
The Guyana Government has tapped its Ambassador to Brussels as its candidate for the post of Secretary General of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) grouping. Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries have until September 30 to present
three final candidates for the position of Secretary General.
Well placed sources have told this newspaper that Dr Patrick I Gomes, Guyana’s Brusselsbased Ambassador to the European Union, has been nominated. According to the source, Dr Gomes stands
a great chance of being selected, given his involvement as the country’s representative on the ACP for a number of years. Sources have confirmed that so far nominations have been received from Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, while Haiti
and St Vincent and the Grenadines have expressed an interest in naming a candidate.
The Secretary General holds executive powers and heads the Brussels-based ACP Secretariat, which is the administrative and technical body of the ACP Group. The Secretariat provides policy guidance and technical expertise to the organs of the group, and monitors the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement. Appointment to the top post is for five years, and generally follows a principle of rotation among the six ACP regions, including West Africa (currently holding the post), East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.
The SG shall in turn appoint four Assistant Secretary Generals to head various departments in the Secretariat during his or her term. The regions will nominate candidates for these posts
The ACP Group of 79 Member States was established in 1975 by what is known as the 'Georgetown Agreement' and has as its core functions the management and implementation of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union addressing trade and economic cooperation, poverty eradication and sustainable development, and political dialogue on regional and international affairs.
Dr Gomes is the for-
mer Executive Director of the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD), and has also been a consultant Project Manager for the Regional Task Force on Financing the Caricom Food Security Facility (CFSF), in cooperation with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
In his academic life, he taught at the UWI’s Faculties of Agriculture and Social Sciences in Trinidad.
He is a member of the Board of Governors of the European Centre for Development Policy Management and has co-authored a book on Rural Development in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, following confirmation by the Council of Ministers last month that the Caribbean region will hold the post of Secretary General
ers gagged and bound.
At this point in time, the two former workers came out of hiding and struck Nurse several times to the head and body. The men then escaped with an undisclosed sum of gold and cash.
On Friday morning, Atkinson stated that she received a telephone call from a friend “Jason” who informed her about the robbery. Moreso, she was told that Nurse was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
When she arrived at the hospital, her fiancé was unconscious; hence, he could not say what occurred.
The woman was hoping for the best, but it was totally the opposite after receiving the news of his demise in the wee hours of Monday morning. Atkinson pointed out that she left the camp about three weeks ago,
of the ACP Secretariat for the 2015-2020 period, the Committee of Ambassadors have designated which regions to nominate candidates for the four Assistant Secretary-General posts. The Committee of Ambassadors was mandated by the Council of Ministers to make the decision based on consensus, as well as the principle of rotation and equal opportunity for each ACP region to be represented at a managerial position in the ACP system. The Committee confirmed the following at their meeting on Thursday 17th July: Assistant Secretary General in charge of Sustainable Economic Development and Trade – West Africa; Assistant Secretary General in charge of Political Affairs and Human Development – Central Africa; Assistant Secretary General in charge of Macroeconomics, Development Finance and IntraACP Programming –Southern Africa and Assistant Secretary General in charge of Administration, Finance and Human Resources –Pacific.
Each region is now invited to put forward qualified nominees for the respective positions. The Secretary General, who will be named at the next ACP Council of Ministers meeting in Suriname on3-4 November, shall make the final appointments of Assistant Secretary Generals based on merit and competence.
but would normally contact Nurse to check up on him.
When she left, she recalled leaving Major and Colin working with Nurse.
Nurse later told her that he had gotten rid of the two men after they were caught stealing and that he had hired two Indian guys from Tuschen. He sounded happy when she last spoke with him, she recounted.
Shevon Doodnauth, a sister of the dead man told Guyana Times International that Police are hunting for the two ex-workers as they are the main suspects in the robbery/murder.
The man leaves to mourn his four children, mother, seven siblings and fiancé. The Police in a release stated that they are investigating the incident.
Commissioner
General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)
Khurshid Sattuar has again raised concerns over allegations being made by Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, referring to his most recent ploy as an attempt to influence the judgment of the acting Chief Justice in the ongoing legal proceedings involving vehicles imported by two remigrants.
Lall and a GRA employee are currently implicated in a scam, allegedly robbing the Guyana government of millions of dollars in import duty on two 2013 Lexus
Suburban L57 SUVs brought into the country by remigrants. Lall is listed as the closest relative of the remigrant on documents submitted.
Sattaur, in a letter to the media on Sunday, said the Kaieteur News owner is using his publication to undermine the work that the GRA is bounded by law to execute.
The Commissioner General was referring to a publication in the newspaper’s Sunday, September 21 edition which accused him (Sattaur) of carrying out a plot with former President Bharrat Jagdeo to “bring down Kaieteur News”.
“This supposed revelation of a plot to destroy the Kaieteur News is nothing but an apparent attempt by the newspaper’s publisher to forestall any audit the GRA
Following several days of strike action at the Skeldon Estate and several discussions over the dismissal of a field worker, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Wednesday agreed to call off the strike and amend the dismissal of the worker at the centre of the dispute to a suspension.
Mill Dock Operator Stephen Daniels was dismissed for allegedly assaulting the General Manager of Skeldon Estate, but this has been amended to a sus-
pension following the conclusion of talks at the conciliation level. Wednesday’s agreement followed two days of conciliatory discussions between the two parties hosted by the Labour Ministry, which resulted in the Corporation and the Union agreeing to a six-item Terms of Resumption.
After holding firm to its decision of dismissing the Mill Dock Operator, GuySuCo eventually concurred to put him on suspension without pay, pending the conclusion of “either conciliation or arbitration” between the Corporation and the Union. The con-
ciliation talks are also part of the Terms of Resumption, which cater for discussions to commence on the grievance which caused the strike. These talks are expected to commence on Friday, following the resumption of work.
The terms further included that the strike action by field and factory workers at the Skeldon Estate be called off immediately and that there be a full resumption of work.
Additionally, the Terms of Resumption called for no victimisation of any party and the days when the workers were on strike will be re-
Key decision makers of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) met this week for a series of strategic meetings vital to the Region’s continued response to HIV.
Notable achievements of the meetings were the endorsement of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF), 2014-2018 and the endorsement of the next steps in the process of applying for a valuable Global Fund Grant under the New Funding Model.
The Priority Areas Coordinating Committee (PACC), the Executive Board of PANCAP and the Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) collaborate to guide the work across the Caribbean by the Ministries of Health, faith-based organisations, community groups and others committed to
reducing the spread and impact of HIV.
In a release by the Caricom Secretariat, it said the CRSF serves as the primary guiding document to this work.
The latest version of the CRSF, 2014-2018 was endorsed by the Executive Board of PANCAP. The CRSF 2014-2018 was drafted through a series of discussions with member states and organisations, and is based on the data and research gathered from across the Region, taking into account global developments. It includes six priority areas, as well as a clear plan and defined activities. There is a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination as a way of halting the spread of HIV by providing access to health services to all people regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, citizenship, ethnicity or any other
may wish to undertake of the tax affairs of the Kaieteur News which may uncover irregularities, tax evasion, tax avoidance, fraud, etc.
"It is an attempt to intimidate the GRA and
its officers from discharging their statutory duties and functions by suggesting that any audit of the Kaieteur News is malicious and vindictive,” Sattuar’s letter stated, continuing that that the GRA cannot abandon its statutory mandate in light of “spurious and baseless conjecture”.
“Indeed, it compels the GRA to action since these actions believe the fact the Kaieteur News has an interest in preventing an audit by the revenue body, a clear indicator of fraud and the need for an investigation,” he said.
Sattuar added that the move can be construed
as an apparent and continuing effort to influence the learned acting Chief Justice in his impending decision. He said this is confirmed from the most naive reference made by the Editor of the publication that “this matter is before the court and I am sure it will go nowhere”.
“Perhaps the Editor of Kaieteur News can enlighten the public what is meant by this statement and if he is privy to information that is not in the public domain. The GRA is still of the firm belief that the matter will be heard and determined expeditiously and justice will prevail,” statedSattaur.
worker’s dismissal amended to “suspension”
corded as not available as opposed to absent.
Pleased
Speaking to this newspaper, GAWU President Komal Chand stated that he was pleased that the Union was able to get GuySuCo to comply with its main demand, that is, to reinstate Daniels.
On Monday, GAWU and GuySuCo’s
factor.
The Global Fund continues to be a key supporter of the work of PANCAP. During the meeting, the status of the current PANCAP Global Fund Round Nine Grant – Phase Two was shared. PANCAP is now applying for a three-year grant to focus on human rights issues. Earlier this year, an expression of interest was submitted to the Global Fund and following a review, PANCAP was invited to submit a concept note.
The meetings this week provided an opportunity for the leadership of PANCAP to contribute to the regional dialogue process, a key requirement of the New Funding Model of a policy and strategy working group (PSWG) on stigma and discrimination tasked with guiding PANCAP’s efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Industrial Relations Department Director, Jairam Pitam, met to find a solution regarding the industrial action; however, GuySuCo refused to meet the conditions put forward by the Union; hence, stalling any chances of resolution. This forced the ministry to intervene on Tuesday, but the two parties could not come to an agreement; hence, the discussions had to continue the following day.
On Sunday, both factory and field workers from the Skeldon Estate took full strike action after the dismissal of Daniels, who reportedly verbally and physically abused a senior estate manager on Friday evening. However, workers at the factory claimed that the manager was intoxicated and had pro-
voked the Mill Dock Operator who retaliated by hitting him. Daniels was subsequently issued with a dismissal letter the following day causing the strike action to commence.
GuySuCo had refuted the claims made by the worker and stood by the manager’s decision to dismiss Daniels. While the Skeldon factory was still operating during the strike by those workers who are not unionised, it could have lost in excess of Gy$255 million if field workers had stayed off the job for the next two days. Currently, 1130 punts of cane are waiting to be transported to the factory to be ground. At 12.45 ton per cane/ ton per sugar (TCTS), it would produce in excess of 83,000 tonnes of sugar at Gy$5000 per tonne.
Agriculture
Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy recently led a delegation to Ontario, Canada to learn from the experiences of the highly successful Ontario dairy industry.
The Guyana delegation focused primarily on leveraging Ontario’s significant knowledge and experience in the dairy industry. Guyana is preparing to establish a local dairy plant operation that will supply its dairy needs in part. The mission was organised by the High Commission of Canada and included a consortium of government, regional agencies and private sector leaders. All are critical players in the development of a dairy production facility in Guyana.
Minister Ramsammy and his team were welcomed by Ontario dairy leaders, many of whom had met with the minister on the margins of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture October 2013. The Guyana team visited Grasshill Dairy Farms; Summitholm farm; Caledon Jersey; Kawartha dairy;
Mariposa dairy; Maryland Farms; Eastgen and Via Pax ET Led.
The Guyana delegation was hosted by the Ontario Ministry for Agriculture Farm and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and Kawartha Lakes Economic Development office. The high level delegation was exposed to the full range of Canadian technologies including: genetics; dairy cattle traceability; precision dairy management; feed and forage and varying dairy farm operations. These technologies will be instrumental as Guyana establishes a large scale dairy operation.
Ontario dairy industry operations feature the best in class operations. There are over 4000 dairy farm operations in rural Ontario that boast both environmentally sustainable techniques and precision management technologies for improved efficiency.
During the visit, Minister Ramsammy took the opportunity to meet with members of the Ontario dairy community, regulatory associations and the University of Trent. Discussions were held on broadening technical exchange and educational programmes between Canada and Guyana.
The Guyana delegation also included top brass of the Guyana Livestock Development Dr Dindyal Permaul and Dr Dwight Waldron, head of IICA Guyana Wilmot Garnett and Guyana’s Private Sector dairy leader Sterling Products represented by Quality Assurance Manager, Anthony Ross. Canadian private sector company Amanitas Group that is currently partnering with Guyanese company D&S Construction, joined the mission as the company explores opportunities for investment in Guyana.
Minister Ramsammy and the Guyana delegation also met with
Canadian education leaders including Dr Arnold Doobay and Professor Suresh Narine. Discussions were held to explore the opportunities for skills transfer, vertical integration and leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders towards the development of a viable Guyanese dairy plant facility.
Minister Ramsammy noted that Guyana could learn much from the Ontario dairy experience as the country prepares to reduce its dependence on dairy imports. In discussing Guyana’s need to set up a dairy plant,
Minister Ramsammy pointed out that the Caribbean’s food import
bill is US$5 billion per year, and this situation provides an opportunity for Guyana to reclaim its role as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, whilst also contributing to a reduced regional food import reliance.
In discussions with Trent and Guelph Universities, Minister Ramsammy called for the establishment of a consortium among the Guyana Ministry of Agriculture, Trent University, the High Commission of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Farm and Rural Affairs, University of Guelph, IICA, and Grasshill Farms. This partnership would help Guyana set up a National Soil Laboratory that would offer support between the agriculture and extractive sectors. The establishing of a multi-sectoral grouping would allow for Guyana to influence the expertise of the partners and will facilitate access to laboratory funding through the Export Development Bank of Canada and private investors. (Canadian High Commission)
President Donald Ramotar on Tuesday warned world leaders to summon the political will to fight climate change or risk destroying the lives and livelihoods of future generations.
Speaking at a Climate Change Summit held at the United Nations Ramotar said: “We are far from achieving a lessthan-two-degrees climate target, and our world is heading for climate catastrophe. If this continues, it will reverse development progress and destroy the lives and livelihoods of future generations. We possess the knowledge and the power to avert this catastrophe – but the international community is yet to summon the political will to turn this knowledge into meaningful action. We must use our presence as Heads of State and Government at this Summit to bring focus on the reality that the solutions to climate change can only be realised with requisite political will.”
The Guyanese leader said in the 15 months to Paris, the world must en-
sure that industrialised countries need to take deeper cuts in emissions as part of their contribution to the 2015 agreement. He said pledges since Copenhagen have been weak and insufficient and will “see us falling significantly short of the goal we have set ourselves”.
Secondly, Ramotar said developing countries are ready to take actions to develop along low carbon and climate resilient paths, but the global financial system makes such actions difficult. Those countries most responsible for this climate change problem must take the lead in support-
ing those which are most vulnerable and least responsible. “So, either we find ways to generate large flows of assistance to the developing world, or we find a way to provide better incentives for low carbon development than is the case today,” the president said.
Thirdly, he told the Summit that there has been a tragic erosion of trust since Copenhagen, with many developed countries failing to make their financial pledges a reality. It is vital that the 'Green Climate Fund' be capitalised urgently and at the scale required and furthermore that it be made fully operational no
later than 2015.
Additionally, Ramotar said forests can offer up to 20 per cent of the climate solution, once the right financial incentives are in place. We cannot achieve the 2 degree goal without REDD+. The last COP in Warsaw delivered a REDD Plus decision for an international framework for payments. What remains now is for the financing to be made available to implement REDD Plus in forested countries. Such a financing scheme must include payments for ecosystem services.
“Mr Secretary General, in my own country we are committed to action and have been act-
ing for many years now. In 2009, Guyana launched one of the world’s most ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategies – and set out a new development path that is based on deploying our forests to mitigate global climate change while using the benefits to enable low carbon development, improving climate change resilience and enabling national development.”
He said the GuyanaNorway partnership has provided the impetus to move the LCDS forward but more such partnerships are needed. Under the LCDS, Guyana has advanced work in renew-
able energy and in creating sustainable, lowcarbon livelihoods for communities. “Our indigenous peoples have greatly benefitted from these initiatives. We have also mainstreamed climate change across the entire policy matrix. As a lowlying coastal state, we are particularly vulnerable to devastating climate change impacts.
“Adaptation activities and building resilience to improve our ability to cope are indispensable elements of our climate strategy,” the president told the Summit. He asserted that firm financial commitments are essential to the success of these efforts and must be significantly increased to facilitate broad-scale deployment and allow their long-term sustainability. “… I am confident that implementation of these measures will see us achieving the goals we have set ourselves and avert the catastrophe that looms before us. My country Guyana pledges to shoulder its share of this responsibility in full. We call on the rest of the world to do the same.”
Speaker of the National Assembly and Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Raphael Trotman, secured an injunction late on Monday, restraining Johnny Anthony Welshman – the young man who has accused him of raping him when he was just 12 – from making any statements or publishing any materials about the issue.
Trotman has since denied the allegations. In the court documents filed on Monday, Trotman is also seeking a whopping Gy$50 million for libel contained in articles published in the Stabroek News and the Guyana Times on Monday and materials circulated on Welshman’s Facebook page beginning on Friday last.
Affidavit
The ex-parte affidavit in support of the application for an interim injunction states, “…restraining the defendant whether by himself, his servants and or agents howsoever from publishing and or attempting to publish whether in
print, electronic or any other media any material relating and or pertaining to allegations of sexual assault by the plaintiff on the defendant”.
In addition, Trotman had asked that all the contents referring to himself that have been posted on the Facebook page of Welshman be removed forthwith. The 22-year-old Welshman has accused Trotman of allegedly sexually abusing him several years ago. The young man noted that he was first abused by Trotman at the age of 12, but was being sexually abused
since the age of eight by a close relative and another person. According to the young man, the abuse has left him suffering from depression, post traumatic stress disorder, behavioural problems, poor self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Questioned by journalists at the Parliament Building on Monday, Trotman maintained his innocence.
Although he had not been contacted by the Guyana Police Force, Trotman said he was prepared to cooperate as he placed his trust in the
hands of investigators. “I have every confidence that not only would the Police do a good and thorough investigation, but I am confident that I would be completely exonerated,” he said. Questioned about what makes him so “confident”, Trotman said: “A lie can’t stand and every lie needs columns of lies to keep that one lie up and when I look at the newspaper this morning, I smiled because everything is now crumbling.”
Asked too about the letter of recommendation that he had written for Welshman, the Speaker said he did it
based on the fact that he knew Welshman’s father – Johnny Terry Welshman, who now resides in Brazil. He explained that his secretary had informed him that a “Johnny Welshman” was there to see him. Trotman added that he had not recognised the young man who called him “Uncle Raphael”.
The young man reportedly said he was back from Trinidad and Tobago and needed a reference. “I said ok, and I did something very general, because I would normally say I know the person, but I said I know
the family… the secretary prepared it and I signed it,” he recalled. According to him, the transaction was done at the “counter”.
He added, “I now realise that I have been set up.” He maintains that with God by his side, he would be exonerated.
In an earlier statement, Trotman described the allegations made by Welshman Junior as “wicked assertions”, positing that they are being peddled by “an unstable young man, who appears to have a troubled mind”. He is convinced that the allegations against him are politically motivated. “Conveniently, such scandalous assertions are obviously intended to provide a timely distraction from the serious prevailing political situation in Guyana, which imminently requires me as Speaker of the National Assembly to guide the ship of the nation’s Parliament through the strongest test to Guyana’s constitutional democracy: the debate of a no-confidence motion,” he said.
The launching of a Mental Health Council, comprising members from recognised religious communities, and other stakeholders, will soon “up the ante” against suicide.
This was disclosed by Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran at a walk organised by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the Indian Arrival
lier this year, over 200 nurses received specialist training via a UKtrained specialist mental health nurse.
One hundred and fifty persons drawn from the Health Ministry, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service and the Social Services Ministry, have also been trained to address those who need assistance to cope with issues that may lead to sui-
stated that while all Guyanese are potential victims of suicide and suicidal behaviour, studies have shown that certain groups within society are more prone to commit the act.
“For example, a recent study showed that East Indians tend to be, and especially male East Indians, more susceptible.”
He added that the ministry will be working
Committee (IAC) on Sunday that started at Lamaha and Light Streets and ended at the Square of the Revolution. The IAC had earlier called for suicide prevention to be a national priority.
Minister Ramsaran also disclosed that, ear-
cide. Participants were also urged by the Health Minister to “reach out and stay connected” with those who may be depressed.
Minister Ramsaran said the campaign will “stretch across several ministries” to ensure more participation. He
with the IAC and other stakeholders in suicide prevention efforts. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud also expressed similar sentiments, calling on stakeholders to reach out to others and make a difference, noting that while medical professionals
have a role to play, others have a role in helping to prevent persons from committing suicide.
A call was made by the Pan American Health Organisation Resident Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow to reduce access to the commonly used pesticides, employed by many to commit suicide.
This can be done in partnership with the Agriculture Ministry, along with the Education Ministry to educate highrisk groups between ages 20 to 45. Those above 60 years old are also at risk, he added as he gave PAHO’s commitment to work with the Health Ministry and all stakeholders in the suicide prevention fight.
IAC Executive Member Neaz Subhan in brief remarks expressed
appreciation to those who participated in the early morning event, especially the students.
There was a large contingent from the Sarswattie Vidya Niketan School in Region Three. He said that, based on the numbers of those who commit suicide, it was not something that anyone should be proud of.
National priority
Subhan added that the IAC wants suicide to be declared a national priority, with the resultant discussions and planned strategy to provide help and a mechanism to assist those with the tendencies.
Describing the incidence of suicide as a “painful experience”, Caribbean Voice representative, Dr Faith Harding said everyone must be part
of the effort to stop the scourge. “It is everybody’s business and this partnership between the government, all the organisations and the communities is of great importance, so that we remove the scourge and help each and everyone in our nation to avoid suicide, or see suicide as an option.”
Guyana was recently declared as the country with the population at most risk of committing suicides, after studies found that it had the most suicides per capita in the world. The Health Ministry is embarking on a number of programmes and initiatives to address this issue, described by the sector minister as ‘a national health emergency’, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
Residents of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway community of Bamia last Friday told Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill of the many problems they face ranging from poor water and electricity supply to unemployment.
Edghill was in the community to address various developmental issues affecting them. The visit to the small, remote community was among the first of nineteen such meetings planned by the minister, to be conducted across Region 10 in the upcoming weeks. He first met with the head teacher, students and teachers of the Bamia Primary School, as well as residents, at the Bamia Multi-purpose facility, which currently houses the Bamia Nursery and Primary Schools.
In relating to the
Junior Finance Minister, challenges faced by the school, headmistress Denise Piggott highlighted that problems range from no access to potable water and electricity, unemployed parents, telephone services, to transportation woes for students coming from some outlying areas. She said although the school caters for students from the nursery to Grade 6 level, there is need for a secondary department in the community. Piggott said many students who sit the National Grade 6 Assessment (NGSA) Exams become dropouts, due to difficulties in getting to schools in outlying areas.
“We are at a big disadvantage as a school: telephone communication is difficult, in terms of making contact with the Education Department,” she said, in relation to not hav-
ing landline telephone service at the school. Piggott also related that there are issues surrounding the school’s use of the two-storied multipurpose facility bottom flat. She said a request was made for a permanent school to be built, noting that she had been informed by the Regional Education Officer that such has been budgeted for.
The Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Zara Group of Companies on Saturday evening graduated 202 persons in the field of Information Technology (IT).
The simple graduation ceremony was held at the Richard Faikal Police Station at Suddie, Region Two.
The training was conducted by hired personnel as well as those within the Force. According to IT trainer attached to the Force Gladwin Hanover, this year the Zara Computer Centre at Suddie has managed to improve their production by training four adults in foundation programmes, one advanced programme and four summer programmes.
Hanover said for the remainder of 2014, the centre will focus on con-
ducting two more adult foundation programmes and one advanced programme.
‘G’ Division Commander Kevin Adonis said the graduation is the second for the centre, pointing out that it is a way for the Force to build partnership with the community. Adonis said the Information Technology programme focuses on building relationships with the community.
“This is a foundation, from here you will build more things. I urge everyone with this certificate, you have to move on…” Adonis told the graduating class.
Senior Superintendent and Force Training Officer Paul Williams lauded the partnership between Zara Group of Companies and the Guyana Police
Force, noting that it has been making a positive impact.
The group has contributed to the Force by building three state-ofthe-art IT laboratories.
Williams said each class has a capacity to accommodate 30 persons and the courses offered are free.
He noted that from June 2012, a total of approximately 800 persons have been trained. He said new recruits of the Force were also trained.
“We have seen that with the use of computer, it has helped us to fight crime, it helped us to see essential things, it helped us to see the areas that have the most crime,” Williams said.
He urged the graduates to make the most out of the knowledge garnered and fight to further themselves.
Linden. It was noted that although there are scheduled regional medical out-reaches to the remote community, they are not constant. This issue was also presented to some of the Region’s doctors and medical personnel who were present at the meeting.
Residents, in voicing their concerns, complained about not having readily available access to health services at Bamia and called for the establishment of a health centre in the community.
A female resident indicated that pre-natal and post-natal services, for example, are only made accessible by travelling to Amelia’s Ward,
The minister, however told residents not to look forward to the establishment of a health centre in the community due to several issues, and advised them to utilise the centre at Amelia’s Ward since it is the closest to the area.
Also among concerns noted by residents are unemployment issues. Apart from farming, residents said many would seek employment opportunities in interior locations due to the unavailability of jobs in the area.
Appeals were also made for more drains and outlets in the area, in addition to regular cleaning and clearing of those present currently. Residents noted that during rains, they are affected by water gushing into the community.
After listening to residents’ concerns, Minister Edghill appealed to them to cooperate and make good use of readily available facilities, in addition to encouraging the spirit of community togetherness, noting that it is in the best interest of development. He added that the management committee of the school and the current Community Development Council should work together and negotiate in the best interest of the residents.
The issue of land ownership was also brought to the forefront by residents and farmers who allege not being given equal opportunities in some instances.
Police are yet to identify the headless body of a male that was found at Old Road Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, on Monday afternoon.
Crime Chief Leslie James told the Guyana Times International that the Police are currently conducting investigations into the matter; however, they were unable to identify the corpse, which was decomposing.
According to information reaching this newspaper, workers attached to the Public Works Ministry, who were weeding in the area, first discovered the head of the body which was reportedly in a black plastic bag and being carried
by a dog.
Upon making the discovery, the men went to the area from where the dog came and stumbled upon the body. One of the workers related to this newspaper that they saw the dog carrying the black plastic bag and the animal suddenly dropped it. Out of curiosity, he opened the bag and made the gruesome discovery. The body, he added, was found in a trench behind a tyre. The Police were subsequently informed.
When this publication arrived at the scene on Monday, the Police were conducting investigations. Arrangements were also being made for the State Pathologist to conduct the post-mor-
tem examination at the scene, since the body could not have been moved due to its decomposed state. However, a senior rank had told the Guyana Times International that the Police were unable to contact Dr Nehaul Singh to perform the autopsy; as such, the body remained at the site until the following morning. Investigators believed that the man was beheaded before his body and head were dumped in the area. Several plastic handcuffs were recovered at the scene and were taken as evidence. The head of the corpse was placed in a brown paper bag and taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.
Several Linden men participated in an interactive twoday gender-based violence conference last Thursday and Friday, inside the boardroom of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN).
The conference, which men of all ages attended, was a collaborative effort between the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministries and the Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Health Ministry. Facilitators were drawn from Help and Shelter.
Gender-based violence is violence that targets individuals or groups of individuals on the basis of their gender or sex. It includes any act which is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm. It is typically a result of unequal power relationships.
Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau of the Labour, Human Services and Social
Security Ministry, Pastor Diego Alphonso said similar forums have been conducted in several other regions across the country.
“We have men from the communities coming out and we would have interactive discussions on the whole issue of gender-based violence, men’s perspectives, and what are their thoughts as it relates to this whole issue,” explained Alphonso.
“The main aim is to sensitise men about the scourge of gender-based violence and the negative effects on society, but also
to hear from them what is it that prompts or provokes them to the conclusion that violence is the way for solving problems confronting them in relationships and other issues,” he said.
Other issues discussed were causes and effects of domestic violence, anger management, conflict resolution, and how culture, society and myths may affect men’s roles in society, among others.
Pastor Alphonso said he was enthused by the turn-out, as well as the men’s interaction on the various topics, noting that they were frank in relating their thoughts, experiences and ideas. At times, the participants were divided into groups, given exercises on topics discussed, and were given the opportunity to present their findings.
“We understand that in a lot of instances they have valid concerns which do not justify violent actions, but we un-
derstand that men are hurting too, just as how women and children are hurting.
“So we seized this opportunity to see what it is they are dealing with and in trying to address it, we discussed options and alternatives to vio-
are the main perpetrators of physical violence. However, they are often subjected to psychological and verbal abuse.
“They want a level playing field where we can also address how a man can get help in a situation where he is being
like to see a marked decrease in gender-based violence in our country, we would like men to be more understanding and respectful, and generally we would like to see a change in behavioural patterns of both males and females.”
lence. We understand they have genuine concerns and we’re listening and empathising with them,” said Alphonso.
He said, based on the sessions held, men are acknowledging that in many instances they
The Police Band stand area was a meeting of environmentalists as persons from various organisations and schools congregated to clean up the shores of Guyana for the annual International Coastal Clean-up campaign.
Members from the Youths For Guyana team were there and came up with a great initiative to clean and still have fun with a “trash run”.
This idea involved the participation of all or most of the environmental groups. They were posed in a horizontal line then had to run a distance with trash bags while picking up as much refuse as they could, then run back picking up refuse still.
This activity got the youths quite excited as they strived to be the winner while cleaning up the sea wall from the band stand all the way to Camp Street.
This cleanup campaign is an annual event in Guyana, organised this year by Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) in observance of International Coastal Cleanup
(ICC).
However, this coastal cleanup has been happening around the world since 1986, being established by Ocean Conservancy. It is where the world meets up on their seashores and waterways and pick up refuse that the water brings in.
Project Coordinator Elun McCurdy, stated that most of the volunteers from the different organisations are young people, but she has seen an increase every year of persons in the whole.
Several groups CYEN collaborated with the Natural Resources and the Environmental Ministry’s protection agency who themselves mobilised different groups to get involved; thus the large number of persons at the band stand at 06:00h.
There were representatives from practically every environmental group in the region if not Guyana; due mostly to McCurdy’s use of social media to get persons actively involved in taking care of the environment.
The International Academy’s Key Club was there with a very determined Jiah, who showed her determination to clean up the environment through her efforts to remove a bag that had rooted itself into the ground.
Aretha Ford, from CYEN, organised the different groups further into sub-groups of five then they were given clipboards to record the garbage they collected and also gloves to protect their hands.
A member of Youths for Guyana, Oron Phillips, informed Guyana Times International that the record is quite important as it enables the International Ocean Conservancy to hold the relevant businesses, manufacturers or Multinational Corporations accountable for their products that may be polluting the oceans, seas or land. Through this, these companies are able to take more responsibility for their products, and countries and the international community can enable certain policies to protect their environment.
abused,” said Alphonso.
“We’re hoping that men will understand that violence is not the solution to a problem, but it actually creates new problems for themselves and society,” he added. “We would also
A participant, Lester Glenn, said he benefitted meaningfully by attending the sessions. He said the information was well received, adding that the information on anger management was especially helpful.
the Ebola virus is affecting multiple countries, including liberia, Sierra leone and Guinea
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is exacting an acute human and economic toll that requires rapid action by the international community.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff has prepared a prospective institutional response and is recommending to the Fund’s Executive Board to extend additional financial support to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone of about US$127 million.
“The Ebola outbreak is a severe human, social and economic crisis that requires a resolute response from the international community,” said IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. “The governments of the three countries have requested additional IMF support to help cover the acute financing needs they are facing as a result of the outbreak. We are working very closely with them to help address these needs as quickly as possible.”
Beyond the human toll, the Ebola outbreak is having a significant economic and social impact on the three countries. Preliminary IMF staff estimates show that growth
is likely to slow sharply in all three countries as key economic sectors such as agriculture, mining, and services are being disrupted. Food and labour supply disruptions are hitting the poor and vulnerable groups hardest. Significant financing gaps have emerged as export and tax revenue have fallen, and governments try to meet additional needs to finance their healthcare systems and food and fuel imports.
Contingent on the IMF Executive Board’s approval, the proposed IMF financing will immediately be made available to the governments. It will help cover a sizeable share of the total financing gap of some US$300 million estimated over the next 6 to 9 months by staff for the three countries. Additional and prompt balance of payments and budget support from the countries’ bilateral and multilateral development partners will be important to support macroeconomic stability through this challenging period. The IMF Executive Board will consider the proposed additional financing in early October.
With much pomp and grandeur, Guyanese joined Malaysians as they observed the 51st Malaysia (Independence) Day celebrations at the New Thriving Banquet Hall on Camp and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown last Friday.
The Barama Company Limited (BCL) hosted a reception which saw guests treated to sumptuous Malaysian delicacies and cultural performances, giving them a glimpse of the country’s heritage.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barama Company Limited Thomas Apun said Guyana and Malaysia, though thousands of miles apart, both gained independence from Britain, adding that the two countries also share diversity in its people, religions and languages.
Apun pointed out that his company has always supported the development of local skills and
contributed to economic development of the country as a whole. “This is why we thought it necessary, as with any family, to share in our celebrations and merriment.
To share our culture, our cuisine, our arts, our heritage, our similarities, our differences, our diversity and our desire to grow,” he said.
The CEO noted that with the establishment of BCL and Demerara Timbers Limited, the two Malaysian companies have made a positive impact on the development of the country and the lives of the people in Guyana.
“To date we are the largest contributor to FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the forestry sector, with an investment of approximately US$160 million in fully-integrated forest and manufacturing operations,” Apun said. He noted that some 85 per cent of the company’s 1000 plus workers are Guyanese, who also hold
senior positions in the company.
Additionally, Apun said BCL has installed more than 3800 kilometres of roads in various interior regions, which are being used by persons in the mining, forestry and other sectors.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in addressing the gathering said
Natural Resources and Environment
Minister Robert Persaud has urged persons to desist from illegal dumping of garbage, and pointed out government’s efforts to promote a clean and healthy environment.
He made the remark on Saturday as scores of local and international volunteers turned out to clean the seawalls in observance of ‘International Coastal Clean-up Day’ (ICC).
The minister said Guyana has to deal with the critical issue of solid waste management, especially in populated areas. He added that the “Cleanup My Country” campaign under the Local Government Ministry and other such activities, including the Pick It Up Guyana (PIUG) and Litter Wardens Programme are initiatives put in place to bring about greater sanitisation and involvement of all Guyanese, particularly young people, in creating a cleaner environment.
ing the passage of Litter Enforcement Regulations, the PIUG’s work became integrated into a Litter Wardens Programme under the Environmental Protection Agency and has engaged 12 wardens for Georgetown. The intention is to increase the number to 30.
Under the programme, the possibility of including current employees of other state agencies as well as nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and other citizens who are willing to commit to the solution is being explored.
the South Asian country continues to make remarkable strides toward socio-economical development in Guyana. He also recognised the fruitful relationship the two countries have shared over the years, which he said continues to grow.
“Both Guyana and Malaysia have shared interests in economic trade
and cultural cooperation. Indeed, one of the hallmarks of our relationship is the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.
“Several Guyanese have benefitted from various training programmes and Malaysia continues to offer its experience and expertise through huge scholar-
ship offers,” Hinds stated.
The Prime Minister observed that, on the international level, the two countries enjoy extensive cooperation as members of international bodies such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations, among others. He said while the country encourages investments in certain key sectors in the economy, government has acknowledged the contributions made by BCL in the sustainable development in the forestry sector, along with the creation of job opportunities for Guyanese.
In the midst of the celebratory atmosphere, deep sadness was expressed over the still missing Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. The South Asian country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957. The 51st Malaysia Day was officially celebrated on August 31.
With a population of over 80 per cent foreign students in Guyana, including a large number coming out of the West African country of Nigeria, the management of the University of Texila said it is taking every precaution against the spread of the Ebola virus here.
lance to ensure that returning students are not infected with the virus. He explained that the students, upon returning to Guyana, are asked to remain at home for at least one week to make sure they are not infected.
He said the University has also been seeking information from the students at the ports of entries through which they had travelled, explaining that coming from Nigeria, these students would have had connecting flights through Europe and other destinations.
ICC is an annual observance intended to enhance awareness, as well as action to prevent pollution along coast lines, oceans, rivers and seas. The initial ICC was conducted in Georgetown, in September, 2005, attracting 70 participants. Since then, participation in the activity has grown gradually to an average of about 200 persons in the Georgetown ICC. The activity has also been conducted in other regions of Guyana.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has over the years, collaborated with other partners to mobilise volunteers to participate in the annual ICC exercise to rid the coastline of litter and to encourage positive behavioural change, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. In 2013, follow-
In relation to the currently ongoing cleanup efforts, Persaud said “the cleanliness would need to be sustained after they have been made, they can only be sustained by greater efforts of the Local Government authorities but at the end, the commitment of villagers in communities will make that difference.”
He added that it is his hope persons who come out to relax on the seawalls on Sundays see the efforts of the persons involved in the coastal cleanup, and appealed for persons who use the seawall to conduct their activities in a manner to ensure it remains clean.
The Ebola virus which has, up to recent media reports, killed some 2630 persons and infected another 5357, is raging through Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and has spread into Nigeria and Senegal, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said, with no sign of slowing down.
Texila’s Student Affairs Manager Clairmont Frank, speaking with Guyana Times International last Friday, said that, while not seeking to create any form of stigma, they are still working to keep the deadly disease at bay.
Frank said that the University has a high percentage of students coming from Nigeria. Many of these students had gone home during the holiday break and are now returning to classes in Guyana.
To be safe, Frank explained that the University has been carrying out its own surveil-
For now, students coming from East and South African countries are safe. Although the possibility of the virus reaching Guyana and other parts of the Caribbean is slim, health officials say all necessary measures are in place to safeguard citizens by conducting surveillance on visitors at ports of entry.
At Lethem, officials there reported that the Port Health Office there has been carrying out disease surveillance. This newspaper was told that, since some people travel from around the world and pass through Brazil before coming to Guyana via Lethem, no chances are taken.
The officials said information on the recent travel history of the passenger is gathered and sent to the Health Ministry. Similar surveillance activities are being carried out at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as well as Ogle International Airport.
The Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) had urged the countries of the Americas to be vigilant and prepared for the eventuality of the Ebola virus reaching the region. The recommendation followed a statement by WHO Director General, Dr Margaret Chan that the outbreak in West Africa constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). The current Ebola virus disease outbreak started in Guinea in December 2013.
Port Health Officer at the Moleson Creek Ferry Service Stelling Adeola Craig told Guyana Times International that the entity has been taking information from passengers coming from Suriname. She explained that if necessary, passengers would be quarantined. Reports on such instances, she said, will be sent to the Health Ministry.
The Forest Products Development and Marketing Council Guyana Inc (FPDMC) launched its first forestry related magazine on September 5 at its Incentive and Investment seminar held at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Multiplex in Kingston, Georgetown.
It is the first magazine to be produced in Guyana which is dedicated solely to the timber industry. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud was on hand to receive the first copy. In keeping with the incentive and investment theme of the seminar, the magazine which is titled, “Guyana Timber Trade and Investment Magazine”,
is one of a series of recommendations in a summary report on “Marketing Strategy for Guyana’s Wood Products Industry”, prepared by international Consultant, Dr Kwame Asumadu.
This magazine reflects the thoughts of a number of knowledgeable contributors’ experiences and views on current topics pertaining to forestry in Guyana. The magazine examines the market and investment opportunities for potential buyers and investors in the industry.
The magazine encourages investment that supports innovation and efficiency in the sector as it relates to adding value to timber with a particular emphasis on the lesser used species, while introducing
new opportunities and markets, a release said.
The magazine covers a range of topics such as analysing the timber
industry in Guyana, an overview of the forestry sector, sustainable forestry management as well as the promotion
of Guyana’s lesser used species as an alternative solution for processing, just to mention a few.
Additionally, a quick
reference guide is included in the layout of the magazine to assist and inform readers of species and their matching application. One of the magazine’s focuses is the establishment of downstream processing with an emphasis on lesser used species and to widen access to niche markets internationally.
Five thousand copies of the magazine have been printed and distribution will include both local and international stakeholders.
The FPDMC has acknowledged and thanked all the entities that have contributed to making the production of the magazine possible. The council especially thanked the advertisers and the printers, Global Printing and Graphics Inc.
The United States Embassy in Guyana last week completed a training programme for Guyanese port security workers and sea cadets on the intricacies of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
The three-day class, consisting of 43 students, including 10 Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) cadets, focused on international security regulations and helped build relationships between port employees, Guyanese Government agencies, and the US Coast Guard. This was the fifth course in a series of training programmes designed to enhance port security.
In a statement, the Embassy said the ISPS Code outlines responsi-
bilities of governments, shipping companies, shipboard and port/facility personnel to identify security threats and take preventative measures against secu-
rity incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.
The programme, funded through the Caribbean Basin
Security Initiative (CBSI), helps strengthen capacity and provides practical skills to relevant security officials working in the critically important area of
port security. Through such CBSI partnerships, the United States and Guyana seek to enhance the bilateral security relationship to create a partnership to
combat transnational crime, develop strong security institutions in Guyana, and advance the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana.
Guyana has completed its 4th Annual Assessment of Deforestation and Forest Degradation under the Monitoring Reporting and Verification System.
Interim results on 2013 deforestation rate indicate a decrease in the rate of deforestation from 0.079 per cent as the annual rate for 2012, to 0.068 per cent as the reported rate for 2013.
Total deforestation is 12,702 hectares for 2013.
The main reason for this decrease in deforestation rate is on account of a decrease in deforestation from mining activities which dropped to 11,487 hectares from the 2012 total of 13,664 hectares, a decline of 2177 hectares.
The decrease may be on account of new technology and more responsible and low-impact mining practices, the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry said in a state-
ment. It added that a significant fact influencing this decline in deforestation in mining has also been the intensified monitoring activities by the natural resources sector and its agencies in working with operators in the sector.
“Forest sector deforestation continues to be at a very low level of 330 hectares and justifies the assertions that forest harvest has had, and continues to have a very low impact on deforesta-
tion. The results are being finalised at this stage and will be incorporated into the MRVS Year 4 Report which is expected to be released shortly,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, the findings and methods of the Year 4 assessment will be open to two layers of independent assessment: the first by a team of accuracy assessors who will be working to establish the statistical accuracy, uncertainty levels and
precision of the reported results, including the deforestation rate; and the second assessment will take the form of an independent third party verification, conducted by a company contracted by the government of Norway.
The rate of deforestation over the past 23 years has remained fairly stable between the range of 0.02 per cent and 0.08 per cent, and stands to compare quite favourably with the global average
deforestation rate (computed across 85 developing forested countries as report by FAO), which is recorded at 0.52 per cent. This rate also compares very favourably with Guyana’s Reference Level as agreed under the Guyana Norway Bilateral Agreement on Forest and Climate, which is set at 0.275 per cent (computed as the mean between Guyana’s historic rate of 0.03 per cent and the global rate of 0.52 per cent).
Residents of Batavia, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) have welcomed the completion of a new 100-foot wooden bridge constructed at the Northern end of Arian Island at the cost of Gy$1.8 million, which was made available by the Government of Guyana, through the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.
The Government
Information Agency (GINA) reported Batavia’s Toshao Eyon Boyal as saying the bridge was built over the part of the island that is usually flooded whenever there is high tide.
The construction of the bridge is to ensure that students no longer have to walk through swamp water to get to the Batavia Primary School.
“It’s a dream come through for the village,
especially for the children of the primary school who traverse the area on a daily basis. Finally, after 13 years, our dream for a bridge over that specific area is now a reality,” Boyal said.
This bridge is only one of several projects being implemented in the Region Seven community by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, according to GINA.
in order to recover their outstanding wages
Five Guyanese who have been living for the past 19 months on a Nigerian oil and gas vessel docked in Trinidadian waters, have vowed not to leave the ship unless they are paid US$215,000 in wages.
The ‘M T Tumini’ has been docked a mile off Trinidad Cement Limited’s jetty with the Guyanese holed up in there since July last year, coming to shore only every three weeks to fetch drinking water and food.
With little funds remaining, however, having been paid July, 2013 wages in January this year, the Guyanese are pleading for intervention by the Trinidad and Tobago Government to seize the ship under International Maritime Law.
Attorney Nyree Alfonso has written to the vessel’s former owner in Nigeria, Petroleum Brokers Shipping Services Limited, threatening to arrest the vessel and sell it in order
to meet the wages of the Guyanese crew.
With the crew running out of funds to even purchase drinking water, the Guyanese made a desperate plea for local intervention on Friday, saying they sought assistance from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in London, who advised them not to leave the vessel, for fear that they would lose their wages.
‘M T Tumini’ was first purchased by Petroleum Brokers Limited of Nigeria in 2008, from a Florida-based company which worked the vessel in the Caribbean, transporting fuel. However, after the Nigerian company purchased the vessel, it never sailed due to extensive repairs that were needed.
A Nigerian bank –Eco Bank, took over the mortgage on the vessel and continued to finance its operations in Trinidad.
A five-member crew from Guyana was hired to
operate the vessel. They are Rakesh Jim (Chief Officer), Roy Fredericks (Chief Engineer), Lawrence Daniel (Second Engineer), Mohammed Gadwah (Second Officer), and Neil Rampersad (Assistant Engineer/ Oiler).
The men are still aboard the vessel, seeking the Trinidad Government’s intervention, while claiming that it seems Eco-Bank has abandoned the vessel in Trinidad.
The Guyanese crew has not left the vessel since July last year, except to use a dingy to get on shore at Claxton Bay to purchase water and foodstuff to take back to the vessel.
Alfonso’s letter threatened that under Trinidad and Tobago law, if the vessel remains in local waters, judicial arrest proceedings could be taken out to move to the court for an order for sale of the ‘M T Tumini’, in order to settle the crew’s wages. (Trinidad Newsday)
The Institute of Creative Arts held their first convocation ceremony last Thursday at the National Cultural Centre, graduating 58 students – the first batch of the newlyminted arts school.
The event saw more than 200 attendees and the graduates from all across Guyana. Ten students graduated from the National School of Dance, 25 graduated from the ER Burrowes School of Art, seven from the National School of Music, and 16 from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.
Among the high flyers are: Tammy Walker who was named the Best Graduating Student from
the ER Burrowes School of Art; Quacy Welcome, Best Graduating Dance Student; Esther Hamer, Best Graduating Theatre Arts and Drama Student and Mellissa Lynch, Best Graduating Music Student.
Speaking at the ceremony Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said: "Today, we make history, today we graduate the first set of students from the Institute of Creative Arts; this indeed is a proud moment for all of us,” he noted. He also used the opportunity to congratulate all the graduates and teachers for their hard work and dedication, adding that the Institute is a
work in progress and by the end 2016 when the two other schools are launched, Guyana will also be accommodating overseas students who wish to pursue studies in the arts.
The minister pointed out that the school is now at a greater advantage, since past students had limited choices and had to remain within their area of studies, while the new and future students can explore and pursue studies in multiple areas.
Also speaking at the event was Principal of the Institution, Professor Vibert Cambridge, who underscored the importance of the certificates
received by the graduates. Cambridge said, in his address, that he was proud of the first batch of graduates, because they are well-equipped with knowledge to hit the world of work by storm. He then noted that the aim of the Institute is to educate students about the arts while empowering artistes through occupational functions. He also used the opportunity to congratulate the graduates and urged them to stay focused.
In her speech, Valedictorian Esther Hamer, who captured prizes for Best Graduating Drama and Theatre Arts
Student, Best Student in Performance, Best Student in Production and Best Student in Research, noted that it was nothing less than hard work and sleepless nights that got her where she is. The actress noted that she had to sacrifice her family time and took time away from work all because she knew this was what she wanted. Hamer said twice she had reached the point of giving up but remembered her grandfather told her to never give up. She concluded her speech with a quote from Konstanstin Stanislavski which says “Love art in yourself and not yourself
in the art”.
Four Guyanese legends were also presented with lifetime awards for their contributions to the arts over the years. The awards were presented by the Principal of the Institute who said that the recipients of the awards qualified because of their unselfish and transformative contributions in Guyana. The awardees are: Gem MadhooNascimento, Professor Doris Elrina Rogers, Meighan Steele-Duke and Vivienne Daniel. The event closed with a melodious rendition from the National School of Music.
Despite stern opposition, the decision to hike tuition fees at the University of Guyana has not deterred the spirit of Guyanese and international students from attending the institution.
Speaking with Guyana Times International last Thursday, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob
Turkeyen campus. The figure represents both new and continuing students.
New students are now required to pay a tuition fee of Gy$160,000 each in addition to Gy$50,000 in facility fees, while continuing students will pay Gy$130,000 along with the facility fees. Adjustments have also been made to the fees paid by international students.
ment some of the initiatives. “We are still waiting. The reason why we are waiting is, of the 6500 students that we have up to today, only 1000 have paid their fees,” he explained.
October 3 has been set as the deadline for new and continuing students to pay their tuition fees. “We are encouraging all students to pay their tuition fees before October 3, 2014,” Dr
Opadeyi said the number of applications and registrations has not dropped, positing that it remains stable. It was explained that approximately 6500 students have been registered for the Academic Year 2014/2015 at the
Questioned about the “glorious” plans that were touted by the administration earlier in this year, Professor Opadeyi said the University’s administration has not acquired the required funds to imple-
Opadeyi said.
During the wave of consultations on the new tuition fee structure earlier this year, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that students would be able to benefit from improved laboratories, classrooms
and free Internet access with major emphasis to be placed on Information Communication Technology (ICT). In fact, the Vice Chancellor boasted that physical changes on the campus would be visible by the second week of the new academic year, with monitors erected around the campus for instructional purposes, in addition to the increased use of projectors and other technological equipment and devices.
But even as the new academic year entered its fourth week, the Turkeyen Campus appeared to remain in its old state, with the exception of increased security service and the retooled Internet Resource Centre, Centre for Information Technology (CIT) which was rehabilitated by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company, to the tune of Gy$20 million.
At the Turkeyen campus, there appears to be a shortage of classrooms during the evening, a shortage of furniture and other critical amenities students require. Students continue to study side by side with animals. Earlier in the
week, a student had to run to safety, to avoid being trampled by a horse while on campus.
But the Vice Chancellor maintains that conditions at the Turkeyen Campus are improving. He refuted claims that there is a shortage of classrooms.
“It is a matter of irrational use of our classrooms, most persons want their classes to be held in the afternoon because they are working, so while there are rooms available in the morning, we are not using them.”
In an effort to cushion the impact, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the administration has taken a decision to transform the former 'Spicy Dish' building to
classrooms. According to him, the building would accommodate 350 students before the end of the year.
When asked about the University’s online programme, Dr Opadeyi said it is set to commence on September 29.
“Everything is on track, we have 255 students, the tablet computers will be delivered on Monday and the students would be here for one week of orientation,” he explained.
In May, the University announced the introduction of online degree programmes, allowing for students from across the country to have easy access to tertiary education without having to set foot on campus. Students will have access to Bachelors of Sciences (BSc) programmes in the areas of Psychology and Criminology, Mathematics and Physics, Computer Sciences and Information Technology and Environmental Management and Technology. The online students would be equipped with the tablet computers to ensure effective studying.
patients being prepped for surgery under the supervision of Head Nurse Kunte bacchus at the Georgetown public Hospital’s Eye clinic
This week, over 100 Guyanese benefitted from eye examinations and surgeries conducted by the Chinese medical team at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Head Nurse of the Eye Clinic, Kunte Bacchus, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that 40 patients were booked for Wednesday, 20 for Thursday, and another 30-40 for Friday.
Most of the surgeries conducted were for
the removal of cataract, which takes a minimum of 10 minutes to be completed. However, two retina surgeries were slated for Thursday. These entailed a more complicated procedure than the cataract surgeries. Pre-operative procedures and secondary screenings for surgery patients by the Chinese team began last week.
At the hospital earlier on Wednesday, staff of the eye clinic were busy prepping a number of patients for the operating theatre.
Bacchus explained that, “we try to allay their fears so that they do not get too anxious; we start dilating the eyes, check their blood pressure, and check their body weight to make sure that they are in order and ready for surgery.” Additionally, the families of the patients were educated on how to administer the best post-surgery home care for patients after they are discharged.
The National Park played host to hundreds of students from a variety of schools in and out of Georgetown, as well as trainee teachers, after they marched around the city in observance of Education Month, whose 2014 theme is “Literate by Grade 4 through consistent home, school and community involvement”.
The Education Rally is a traditional march that is undertaken every year by the Education Ministry to observe Education Month in September. The march began at the Parade Ground on Middle Street. There, one could have seen an array of colours as there were students from Christ Church Secondary School, St Roses High, Lodge Secondary, Brickdam Secondary, and even the Cyril Potter College of Education, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.
The march proceeded along Camp Street into Lamaha Street then into Albert Street and culminated at the National Park. The students were quite happy to see Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who marched with the Ministry of Education as
well. She spoke to a few students, showing particular attention to the North Georgetown crew in their new uniforms. This, along with the majority in attendance being youths, added to quite an electrifying atmosphere for the rally.
At the Park, the students were greeted with music from the Lodge Secondary School Steel Pan, headed by Music Teacher Sindo Austin, which added to the aura of excitement that the youths expressed.
There were performances by the South Ruimveldt Secondary School who got the pavilion of students more excited with their enthusiastic physical display; and Teneccia DeFreitas, whose renditions had the students singing along, particularly to “Mama, I don’t want to be born”. DeFreitas also encouraged the students to do
well, reiterating that “education is the key to success”.
Minister Manickchand informed the attendees that the ministry and the government are committed to education for all Guyanese, “We promise with all our hearts that all our children will be literate…”
She stressed that this goal cannot be reached in isolation, as it requires the efforts of all “working together”, highlighting that, among other things, parents need to attend PTA Meetings and ensure children do their homework, while teachers need to “teach consciously” to get positive results. She called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other private bodies to do their part in this “drive to make our children literate by Grade 4”.
Members of the Enmore Youth Development Group (EYDG) recently spruced up six road signs in the East Coast Demerara village of Enmore, as part of their community development initiative.
The youngsters re-
painted a few ‘Stop’ signs, as well as some pedestrian crossings in the area.
The members said they are grateful to those who assisted them in making the exercise a reality and success. The EYDG has been doing its part to make the community a
better place, and among its upcoming activities is participation in the annual Diwali motorcade next month. The group recently held a fundraiser at the Enmore Hope Primary School ground to garner funds to help bring that project to fruition.
By PetamBer Persaud
Victor Ramraj was always prepared to promote the appreciation of literature whether it was the literature of Guyana, the Caribbean, Canada, or the wider world. In his work, covering several decades, Ramraj had presented papers and lectures on significant and established writers like Wilson Harris, Denis Williams, V S Naipaul, Derek Walcott, Samuel Selvon, Neil Bissoondath, Jean Rhys, Arundhati Roy, Timothy Mo, Salman Rushdie, Mordecai Richler, and Paul Theroux, portraying the range of his scholarship. On his final trip to Guyana, the land of his birth, Ramraj delivered a sterling presentation on Alice Munro of Canada, Ramraj’s adopted home since the 1970s. (Munro is the first Canadian woman writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.)
Ramraj was born in British Guiana where he exhibited a leaning towards literature before migrating to North America. In the late 1950s, his imaginative writings were published in the Chronicle Christmas Annual at a time when it
was a distinct honour to be published in that magazine. (That magazine, now published under the title ‘The Guyana Annual’, will celebrate its centenary in 2015, having being launched in December 1915.) One of his stories, ‘The Dead Son’, performed at the Theatre Guild, Guyana, earned him the Playwright of the
Year Award. That was the first of many awards to crown his impressive literary output. In the 60s, he taught English at one of Guyana’s most prestigious learning institutions, Queen’s College, eventually heading the Department of English. That firm literary foundation he attained in Guyana was extended
on with a BA in English (Honours) from the University College of the West Indies (London) –now UWI, Mona Campus – in Kingston, Jamaica. At that university, he also found his helpmate, wife, and lifelong friend, Ruby. Ruby Ramraj is attached to the University of Calgary. Victor Ramraj went on to gain his M A and PhD from the University of New Brunswick. His dissertation was titled, ‘The Ambivalent Vision: Mordecai Richler and the Satirical Tradition in the Canadian Novel’. He was an authority on post-colonial studies including satire, comedy and humour. At the time of his passing, Ramraj was Professor of English at the University of Calgary, previously have served in the capacities of Assistant and Associate Professor.
While the University of Calgary was his base, Ramraj’s ambit of operation included the far reaches of the earth, supported by invitations to share his knowledge, sit on panels of judges, moderate at conferences, supported by numerous research grants and awards, and his devotion to family. Victor Ramraj served on the panel of judges
for the Commonwealth Prize, the Annual Raja Rao Award (for most distinguished writer of the Indian Diaspora), New Delhi, and on more than one occasion he was elected to chair the panel of judges for the Guyana Prize for Literature. His contribution to world literature included securing grants for publication like the journal ARIEL and for researching Caribbean short fiction.
Ramraj was president of the Canadian Association of Learned Journals; editor of ARIEL: A Review of International English Literature; president of CACLALS: The Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Federation for the Humanities; and was a member of the Editorial Advisory Board (Humanities), Broadview Press, Peterborough, Ontario.
‘Concert of Voices: An Anthology of World Writing in English’, can be considered his magnum opus. ‘Concert of Voices’ was an ambitious project consummately executed by Ramraj who admitted it was a “formable
task” buffeted by numerous constraints which he overcame with his overriding concern for “human commonalities”. Ramraj took great pain and pleasure in highlighting the parameters within which he worked: ‘the selections can be used to show that literature alerts us to the common and shared in human experience, whatever our own particular cultural, ethnic, historical, national, or political attachments – “the old Adam is the same”’. Other endearing qualities of that massive anthology were the inclusion of writers whom may be slighted by specialised/formal anthologies and the inclusion of eight Guyanese writers who had to ‘define themselves in relation to current or residual imperial presences or to dominant cultures within their societies or to both’. ‘Concert of Voices’ combines poetry, fiction, drama, and essays in an anthology of world literature in English. Victor Ramraj made an enormous contribution to literature - a legacy that will continue to benefit mankind for a long time. Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com
The trip begins in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne River, Berbice. Cow Falls, according to author of ‘Bradt Travel Guides’ Kirk Smock, is located 120 miles up the Corentyne River – a six-hour journey.
The journey to Cow Falls is an exhilarating experience on the Corentyne River. Upon nearing and also entering Cow Falls, there are huge boulders, which are sometimes covered by water.
There is only one building in Cow Falls that provides accommodation for tourists. It is built on rocks raised above the river.
Fishing and other fun water activities can be enjoyed at Cow Falls. There is no internet or electricity and so enjoying nature in all its glory is another highlight of the trip.
Travelling 90 miles, according to Smock, from Cow Falls is
For more information on this tour, visit www. guyana-tourism.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
In keeping with the spirit of Education Month 2014, the Rotaract Club of Georgetown (RCG) launched their newly restructured Sophia Literacy Programme yesterday at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
At 15 years old, the programme, which has been in existence since 1999, was implemented to provide remedial literacy classes, in reading, writing, and phonics, offering academic assistance for students ages 4 to 12 in and around Sophia.
During an interview with the club’s current president, Kevin Fogenay told the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine that the Sophia Literacy Programme has undergone several changes for the new term.
“Several changes were made to the programme. It was revamped to accommodate present conditions in finances, environment and so forth. For instance, the classes catered for children from
Grades One to Six; however, we will now focus on students from Grades One to Four,” Fogenay pointed out.
Other changes made from the initial proposal includes a reduction in the amount of teachers hired by the RCG to tutor the children, class room composition, procedure for composition selection and a reduction of class time.
“Initially, classes were held on every Saturday from 9am to noon, however, while the day remains the same, classes will now be conducted from 9.30am to 11am,” Fogenay explained.
A mixture of fun and learning, the literacy programme includes field trips and annual Christmas parties. “We try to keep it fun. It’s not just a place for learning, but a place with a lot of extracurricular activities, field trips, kite flying, Mashramani parades and the like,” he noted.
Fogenay continued: "At the end of each
class, we also try to provide snacks for each child. Thanks to our donors, we have been able to continue this tradition. However, in the pass year it has become increasingly difficult to do so and, sadly, this term's snacks have been suspended from the programme.”
Nonetheless, the RCG has pressed on over the years against all odds by running the three-month long programme annually with two terms each year similar to that of a regular academic sched-
ule.
“On the first day of class, the Ministry of Education’s diagnostic test will be administered to the students which will allow the teachers to place them in a class based on their reading ability. We are no longer going to group them by age,” Fogenay disclosed.
He explained that at the end of each semester, the diagnostic test is given to gauge the progress of the students for the next term. Fogenay added that the test is “devised in such a way to ensure that all the students at the end of the year will be able to at least read at a Grade Four level”.
True ‘givers’ in every sense, the RCG employs three trained teachers (five before the restructure) to conduct the classes, while no less than six Rotaract members are on hand to assist the teachers and conduct a fun and educational activity with the children during the break period.
With the grand total of GY$500,000 to keep the programme running annually, and the direct contribution of the RCG members, coupled with solicited funding from various public and private sector entities, and a series of fundraising activities, the club strives to get by.
The Rotaract Club of Georgetown established on 1 July 1985, is the oldest Rotaract Club in Guyana with 29 years of service. It was created for individuals from ages 18 to 30 residing, employed or studying in Regions Three or Four who are dedicated to community and international development. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
…Clive
No, not Clive Lloyd. He’s doing quite well, thank you. The new mandarins at the WICB seem to have recognised the worth and integrity of this regional cricketing genius. They’ve evidently tasked him with reviving our fortunes in the one thing we used to do better than anyone else in the world: cricket. No. We’re talking about Clive Thomas –unquestionably the most prolific economist in the modern Caribbean.
Thomas is as indigenous an economist as you can get and while he’s accepted a host of “visiting professorships” across the globe, the good doctor has always called Guyana “home”. Just out of grad school, “The Dynamics of West Indian Economic Integration”, he produced in collaboration with Havelock Brewster back in 1967, stands as a testimony of “what could have been” if it hadn’t been ignored as a template for all subsequent integration movements.
But unlike what he and other social “scientists” would have us believe, Thomas’s claim to “objectivity” in his writings crumbles into dust when examined even cursorily. We’ve already pointed out the cognitive dissonances he’s obviously subjected to as he tries to project this “objectivity” in his weekly column in the Stabber News.
Knowing that most folks just glance at his headlines –or, at best, skim though his articles (let’s face it – economic analyses filled with tables and stuff aren’t seen as exactly “sexy”, are they?) he buries findings that contradict his newfound ethnic bias. And trumpets his bias in the headline.
His most recent headline screams: “Inequality, poverty and the flaunting opulence of the newly-rich”. Can’t miss the “flaunting opulence”, can you?? He “explains”: “to the poor struggling masses, the perception of an inexorable rise in the flaunting opulence of the newly-rich amongst us leads not only to resentment, but also to feelings of societal marginalisation and exclusion.”
Trouble is, the “perception” – to use his word – is formed by fellas like him writing slanted articles like the instant one! And this gets picked up and exploited by the provocateurs out there.
Before 1992, as a staunch Marxist, “ethnicity/race” was just an “epiphenomenon” to Thomas. Now, as a member of ACDA, “ethnic” disparities in wealth and poverty are his métier. Yet it’s only as a throwaway last line he mentions that after the PNC’s 28 years, the ethnic breakdown in poverty was Indians 33.7 per cent, Africans 43 per cent and Mixed 44.7 per cent.
By 2006, under the PPP/C, it was Indians 30 per cent, Africans 31.6 per cent and Mixed 33.7 per cent!!! Where’s the “objectivity” in hiding that now there’s no ethnic disparity in poverty??
…weak
David Granger just called Clement Rohee “distracted and weak”. Talk about the pot calling the kettle “black”!!! Sigmund Freud had this theory about “projection” as a defence mechanism in some people. Fella reportedly has secret feelings about being a homosexual but is ashamed because he’s taught it’s an abomination. So he “projects” these homosexual desires to others – whom he dislikes. In fact, he may become a champion AGAINST homosexuality!
Now Granger’s been dogged by accusations of being “weak” ever since Burnham catapulted him over a dozen senior officers to make him the head of the GDF. He was always seen as a desk-bound officer, commanding very little respect from the troops. He was just slavishly loyal to Burnham. Hoyte refused to appoint him as his Chief of Staff.
Right now the “weak” taunts dog him wherever he goes. Even the Stabber News – where he used (?) to write editorials, had an editorial Sunday about his weakness. And he’s now so “distracted” by the challenge from the AFC.
So the wanker projects “distracted and weak” to Rohee!!
…nice
Prezzie is one heck of a nice fella. Remember how he started the Tripartite Talks after the last elections? Well, we hope he remembers how he was kicked in the teeth by Granger and Ramjattan afterwards.
So with the new olive branch to Granger – forewarned should be forearmed.
Guyana will be holding the second bi-annual Visual Arts Competition (GVAC) this year in November and all sculptors, potters, painters, and visual artists in the whole are invited to display their pieces.
The GVAC is being hosted for the second time, having been revived in November 2012. The competition is not a new creation in the arts community, as it has been in existence since the 1960s, however, due to some difficulties, it had collapsed.
Alim Hosein, Chairman of Castellani House, the nation’s premier art gallery, indicated that the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry revived the GVAC in 2012 as there was a need for an art exhibition for Guyanese visual artists to have an opportunity to showcase and enable the work of young artists in Guyana.
The competition has changed from what it was, as it is now scheduled as a bi-annual event, giving more scope for artists to work on their pieces and develop their artistic abilities. The rules have been fine-tuned somewhat too. Nevertheless, it remains the same as there is no limitation on the age of participants or the geographic location in Guyana the artist may hail from.
There is, however, a limit on the number of pieces a competitor can submit; that being a total of three pieces in any category or perhaps three pieces in one category.
At the 2012 competition, there were pieces in the categories of painting, ceramics, photography, sculpting, drawing and textiles. However, this year there will be no textiles being displayed as the organisers have decided to allow the category of ‘fine craft’ to be a part of the competition. This category involves unique creations such as jewellery and other small pieces.
Each of the categories will be judged for first, second and third places; with respective prizes of Gy$500,000, Gy$300,000 and Gy$200,000. Hosein informed Guyana Times International that the winners get to keep their work as he believes that this enhances their capacities to flourish in their art, selling it as they accumulate a following. He remarked that sometimes, the National Art Gallery (Castellani House) buys some pieces for the Gallery.
These prizes are not the only ones that are favoured, however, as there is the Promise Award that is given to an “up and coming” artist who shows great promise but did not necessarily win the competition. Artists over 26 years of age are not awarded this prize. Even so, the judges as a body can give their own award to one or two individuals they may have been impressed with.
President Donald Ramotar, being the patron of the competition, will present the winners of the relevant competitors with their awards in December, when the awards ceremony will be held.
Talking art Hosein remarked that the GVAC is not only limited to this competition, as it is probably the only opportunity that visual artists have in getting together and talking all things art, to share their different styles, unique additions or creations and ideas. There will so be other events hosted to facilitate the meeting and showcasing of the various art forms in Guyana.
The judges also bring their own pieces to showcase and advise the younger artists on their development in their different categories. This “gives courage and energy to create more”, remarked Hosein, as there is a week-long programme of activities geared towards an artist fellowship with oth-
Winslow craig’s sculpture “Saving Seeds” won first prize in its category
er artists and their own artistic growth through this.
The judges have three days to look at the pieces of the competitors which are kept at Castellani House. In 2012, the pieces were kept at the museum where there were some quite detailed sculptures.
Hosein remarked that the participants of the competition cannot submit pieces that were created before November 2012, as the aim of the competition is to “create
new work”. He wants the artists to “show us what you’re doing currently”, stating that this can be in any form or style – realist or abstract. He also mentions that there is no theme or focus as they, the organisers, wish to “release the creativity of the artist… the imagination, the skill, the quality.”
A dying talent
Guyana Times International spoke to the 2012 winner in the ‘Drawing’ category, Michael Griffith, who re-
Ruby Wilkenson, the oldest senior citizen at the ‘Palms’, the government-run home for the elderly, celebrated her 104th birthday on Monday.
Born September 22, 1910, Wilkenson, a widow, hails from Linden.
She came to the Palms on May 13, 2005 and fast became a fan of her ward. While she has lost some of her hearing and memories, she is a kind, smart and jovial person.
The management and staff of the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the Palms have extended best wishes for good health to Wilkenson on her birthday.
the painting by carl anderson titled “caribbean beauty Queens” was part of the Guyana Visual arts competition in 2012
lated that the competition has been a great motivator for him. He stated that “it was a nice initiative… (as it) allowed local talent to be displayed”, especially when
art seems to be a “dying talent” in Guyana. Griffith’s winning piece for 2012 was titled “Humble Beginnings”. He said it is an “interactive portrait between the artist and canvas”. The driving force behind his entrance into the competition was his wife, as he would not have entered otherwise, but he was “exhilarat(ed)” that he did. At the 2012 competitions, he remarked that he was particularly in awe of the work of Winslow Craig, a sculptor, and Carl Anderson.
Satiricus was puffing with pride. Here it was his favourite politician Rum Jhaat was proving once again, he was so far ahead of the pack. What a guy!!! Forget that some sniffed it was a “pack of rats” he was ahead of. They were just jealous. Rum Jhaat could out drink them every day of the week, and thrice on Sundays. “A large a day, keeps the doctor away,” was his motto.
Most people in the world followed the maxim: “Important principles may, and must, be inflexible.” Bah and humbug!!! Not Ramjattan. He was not afraid to say that he was willing to abandon any damn principle. “Now that’s the mark of a man who’s not afraid to march to the beat of his own drummer,” marvelled Satiricus. Was anything ever achieved by fellas who followed the herd? Wimps!!
“But man Sato, dis na none ardinary principle!” objected Cappo. “De difference between de KFC and all dem adda party is dat deh Leadah gon switch between black-man and coolie-man.”
“That’s right,” agreed Suresh. “So no one race gon be pon top all de time!”
“But you chaps don’t understand,” countered Satiricus. “Things change since Rum Jhaat and Trottie announce the principle.”
“Really??” asked Hari, with his eyebrows touching his hair. “And what exactly changed?”
“Budday! You don’t hear what everybody talking?” Satiricus sounded agitated. “All them race thing gone!! All awee is one now – so KFC don’t have to rotate no more!”
“But if de race thing done, how come KFC not joining up wid Pee an’ See??” Cappo wanted to know.
“Listen chaps, that is only because Naga Man still remember GrainJa said that he NagaMan is still “PPEE” replied Satiricus hotly. “Is GrainJa fault.”
“So how did the KFC achieve this remarkable feat to solve the race problem in Guyana??” asked Teacher Samad, who’d been listening quietly as usual.
“Well, where you been living, Teacher Boy?” replied Satiricus huffily. “The three top leaders of the AFC show the country that there is no difference between we, the people of this country!”
“How?” asked Samad laconically.
“Well they show the country that all the races in this country thief and have conflicts of interest like one another,” said Satiricus with a smirk. “NoGel tek money from Site and didn’t tell nobody: NagaMan tek money from NICIL for the Bridge and didn’t tell anyone, and Rum Jhaat tek money from Feathers and still didn’t tell nobody up to now!”
announcements
Actual announcements taken from church bulletins show how a letter or wrongly phrased sentence can make all the difference:
“The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev and Mrs. Julius Belzer.”
“Tuesday at 4 PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.”
“8 new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.”
“The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge -- Up Yours.”
I can hear just fine!
Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked, "Windy isn't it?"
"No," the second man replied, "it's Thursday."
And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's have a beer."
In my next life
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear.
When you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months.
I could deal with that.
Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid.
I could deal with that, too.
When you're a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs.
I could definitely deal with that.
If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too.
I could deal with that.
If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.
Yup ... gonna be a bear.
An old man and woman were married for years and years even though they hated each other. When they had an argument, screams and yelling could be heard deep into the night. Repeatedly a threat was heard from the old man against his wife. "When I die I will dig my way up and out of the grave to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!"
It was believed that the old man practiced black magic and was responsible for missing cats and dogs and strange sounds at all hours. He was feared and he enjoyed the respect it garnished.
The old man died abruptly under strange circumstances and the funeral had a closed casket. After the burial, the wife went straight to the local bar and began to party as if there was no tomorrow.
The gaiety of her actions was becoming extreme when her neighbours approached in a group to ask these questions: "Are you not afraid? Concerned? Worried? That this man who practiced black magic and stated when he died he would dig his way up and out of the grave to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life?
The wife put down her drink and said, "Let the old guy dig. I had him buried upside down."
Originating from East Canje, Berbice, 19-year-old Jeremy Etwaroo who is currently signed with the prestigious ‘BMG Models Management’ in New York and ‘Avalon Artists Group’ is slowly making a name for himself in the US and international modelling industries.
As a contestant in the July 2014 International Model and Talent Association’s (IMTA) annual competition in New York, he collected numerous honours, including 2nd runner-up as ‘Male Junior Model of The Year’, 1st runner-up in the hotly contested ‘Runway’ competition, as well as 2nd runner-up in both ‘Commercial Print’ and ‘Swimwear’ divisions.
While Jeremy shines in the world of glamour, he is also an honour student and has a humble personality. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends and dreams that someday his modelling career will help him become a role model for young people everywhere.
This talented youngster, who is also well-read, believes that every human being in society should live by the words of Albert Einstein - "Try not to become a man of substance; rather become a man of value.”
‘Simplicity’ is the title of the current art exhibition at Castellani House showcasing contemporary ceramics created by Sigrid Sandker, a Guyana-based Austrian artist who spent a year studying at Burrowes School of Arts.
The exhibition displays a series of functional clay items made of fired and glazed dark clay in simple colours, ‘minimal’ designs and subtle elegance. Intended to showcase mainly ceramic items, only a few paintings from Sandker’s ‘second passion’ is displayed.
“It was in Guyana, that I fell in love with clay and the ability to produce beautiful items with my hands,” Sandker told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine. “The exhibition is separated into two parts: ‘Earth and Jewelry’ and ‘Air and Water’, to best display
work.”
The artist noted that the exhibition was set up in a way that best display the functionality of the items, arranging them in a cozy setting to give a “homey” feel. “I bought items from my garden at home to demonstrate the functionality of the pieces.”
Experimenting with deformity, as displayed by her Japanese plate set piece, among other ceramic techniques, al-
lowed her to be more in- teractive with her work, being able to use her hands to shape the clay and getting in touch with nature, which inspired Sandker’s passion for ceramics.
‘Simplicity’ opened on 18 September and will continue until 4 October 2014 at Castellani House on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10am to 5pm on MondaysFriday and 2pm to 6pm on Saturdays; the gallery is closed Sundays and holidays. (Photos
Showcasing women in a positive light, their work, achievements, successful endeavors and talents, is the idea behind the Regional Women’s Affairs Committee (RWAC) Women’s Exhibition held on 24th September.
The exhibition hosted over 20 booths showcasing the talents of women organisations, groups, individuals, and secondary school girls in several sectors.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, chairman of the RWAC, Genevieve Allen, outlined what the committee sought to achieve through the exhibition: “We have invited several women organisations, groups, and individuals to come and display their skills and achievements. Some in craft, garment construction, foods and even the health sector…nurses are coming in to demonstrate their skills. There will also be representation from a few secondary schools, young girls who will showcase projects from the Home Economics department, Agriculture Science, Industrial Technology and Visual Arts.”
The committee de-
cided on the exhibition after agreeing that women issues, domestic violence and the rise of violence against women in Guyana are often highlighted in the media and social networks, thus creating the need for lighter topics. As a result, the committee chose to “bring something positive” to the table by showcasing women’s talents and skills.
“It is my hope that after the exhibition, seeing the skills and talents of women, the general public can identify with women and support their work,” Allen declared.
In keeping with their mandate to promote development of women across the region, the
RWAC also launched their ‘Women Space’ at the exhibition, a Women’s Affairs Bureau initiative that seeks to establish a space or facility in all regions where persons who need help can visit to seek assistance whether through counselling, representation or referrals.
“Women spaces have already been established in Regions Five, Six, and Ten, while the Region Four space would launch this Wednesday,” Allen noted.
The new Women’s Space will be found in the Regional Democratic Council’s building in Triumph, East Coast Demerara. It will facilitate close collaboration with the Promotional
Welfare department and is planned to be opened for two days a week initially and, depending on the frequency of visitors, extended to three days per week.
The Regional Women’s Affairs Committee, established in June 2012, was formed under the Regional Democratic Council to identify and solve issues affecting women in the region. It is comprised of two executive members, the chairperson, appointed by the Regional Chairman, and the secretary, the principal person in the committee.
The committee, which seeks to be as diverse and impartial as possible, is currently made up
of 13 members, including representatives of each major political party both males and females; the secretary, Rhonda Marshall; and Allen.
Since its inception, the RWAC meets monthly to address issues by planning workshops, discussions, presentations and numerous programmes to promote the development of women in the region and around Guyana.
The committee works in collaboration and welcomes the support of many women organisations in Guyana, including the Women’s Affairs Bureau, the Guyana Leadership Women’s Institute, and Help and Shelter.
With their most recent endeavour, the RWAC hopes that bringing women together for the exhibition will facilitate peer learning by ‘providing a forum where social interactions can strive, learning from each other and building on past mistakes’.
The Women’s exhibition, which was helf from 11am and concluded by 4pm on Wednesday to accommodate the participating students, was hosted in the Regional Democratic Council’s compound in Triumph, East Coast Demerara. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
Some of the most notable achievements made in last three years include: Two workshops in 2012 on the ‘Elimination of violence in schools and communities’; month of the elderly; numerous outreach and training sessions; and presentation of various honours for outstanding women on women-related days.
The Guyana’s National Award Scheme now called the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) is celebrating 16 years of existence.
Launched by its first Patron, President Janet Jagan on October 3, 1998, since that time, teens and young adults form across Guyana have and continue to benefit greatly from the life-changing experiences and services the programme offers.
Over the years, the programme has taken into account the diversity among youths and provided them with numerous opportunities to be developed and engaged in avenues such as, developmental and character-building programmes, skills training, adventurous journeys, community services, physical recreational and other interest activities offered by the programme, a release stated.
Through these activities, the award aims at developing and instilling life skills among its participants that would stand them in good stead in their future endeavuors. The award has an important role to play in ensuring that youths are empowered to cope with and are able to overcome challenges that may threaten their development.
According to the group, they find it necessary to constantly stimulate new interests or improve existing ones, among participants.
“These interests may be hobbies, vocational/ job-related skills, social or individual activities, cultur-
al activities and life skills. It is hoped that by being engaged in these types of activities, youths will be better prepared to make that important transition into adult life, and become responsible adults who would make valuable contributions to their communities/ country,” the PYARG said in its statement.
It noted that “The award concept is one of individual challenge”. It presents young people with a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourages personal discovery and growth through self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility to themselves and service to their community.
According to PYARG, it continually strives to ensure that this concept is maintained while at the same time, ensuring that the activities provided are relevant and in-keeping with the developmental needs of young people.
“Over the years, this was achieved through a number of successful collaborations with a number of governmental and non-governmental agencies. There is a critical need for safe and positive environments for youth when they are out of school and we at the award provide that environment where participants are involved in after school programmes. Most of our participants exhibit fewer behavioural problems, better ability to handle conflicts, and improved self-confidence; some of the benefits derived from participating in the PYARG.”
Deep within the forest stood a massive tree.
This tree was a very unusual tree because it had magical qualities that enabled it to produce all kinds of fruits on its wide leafy branches. It also had an immense trunk and was much taller than any other tree, rising like a majestic mountain in the middle of the forest). Large knots protruded from its bark, and its branches were so thickly covered with leaves that they blocked the sunlight from reaching the ground. Nevertheless, it was always full of life since large flocks of birds and swarms of insects occupied its branches and fed on its delicious fruits, which emitted a pleasant fragrance all around. All the people in the surrounding countryside came to this special tree for its abundant supply of fruits and most of them felt that they must make special efforts to ensure that it was carefully protected. For its colossal size and magical properties, it was known as the tree of life.
But Pia, the well-known powerful and muscular woodcutter, was determined to test his skills by cutting down this mammoth tree. One day he expressed his thoughts to the men in his village.
“All over the land everyone would regard me as the greatest woodcutter if I chop down this tree,” he boasted.
But Akuri, the short rotund farmer, immediately objected to his plan.
“How can you ever think of cutting down the tree of life?” he remonstrated. “It provides fruits for us all year round. If you chop it down, we will lose a most valuable resource, and, furthermore, our ancestors warned us that if ever that tree is cut down a destructive flood will spread all over the land.”
But Pia shook his head in disbelief.
“It’s just an old superstition that cutting down the tree will bring about a flood,” he declared. “I don’t believe that will ever happen. And if I cut down the tree, we can easily transplant pieces of its branches all over the land, thus enabling more fruits to be available after a little while.”
Opinion was divided over his statement, and while some agreed with him, others, including Akuri, continued to raise objections.
But nothing could deter Pia, so he grabbed his heavy axe, threw it across his broad shoulders, and strode into the forest towards the magic
tree. Akuri, worried as ever, hustled behind and pleaded with him to desist from any rash action.
Soon after, Pia arrived at the magic tree and stood beside its huge trunk under the thick branches looming overhead. He lifted his axe and made a heavy chop on the trunk. But the wood was so hard that the heavy axe bounced back without leaving a mark on it. Again and again he swung the axe, but it had no effect at all.
Standing close by, Akuri pleaded for Pia to stop his madness, but the woodcutter ignored him and continued to chop away.
As Pia realised he was making no headway, he suddenly remembered that he could call on the forest spirit to soften the wood of the magic tree. This he did, and almost at once, the forest spirit who had always protected him, softened the wood and the heavy axe began to cut deep into the trunk.
Seeing this, Akuri begged, “Please, Pia, don’t cut down the tree or else a dangerous flood will emerge from it.”
But Pia continued to ignore him, so in frantic haste he began to collect bees’ wax and fallen fruits which he stuffed into the sharp gashes the axe made on the tree trunk. Akuri hoped that his action would prevent any flood that he feared would spew from the damaged tree. But as fast as Akuri kept filling the gashes, Pia continued to hew away at the tree trunk.
Then Pia’s axe sank far into the trunk which had become as soft as a papaya tree, and at any moment it seemed as if the tree would tumble over. By this time, a large crowd of people had gathered at the scene and they watched as Pia chopped away while Akuri tried desperately to stuff the deep cuts with wax and fruits.
Soon, the great tree began to sway, but just as it was about to fall, the onlookers heard a loud shout. It was Anzik, Pia’s close friend, who came rushing up to save tree of life. He had been away from the village and, on his return, had learned from some children of what his friend intended to do.
He shouted to the forest spirit, who was his protector as well, to make the tree trunk as hard as rock. At once, the forest spirit heeded his call and immediately Pia’s axe no longer had any effect on the tree.
But the damage was already done. With the trunk cut more than half-
way across, the mighty tree swayed and then crashed heavily with a loud creaking sound to the ground. Its wide-spreading, heavy branches knocked over all trees nearby, and its fruits flew off in all directions. And as slammed to the ground, the force of its weight split a large section of the trunk and tore up the deeply embedded roots which erupted from the soil, causing a destructive earthquake all over the land. Great blocks of rock were ripped up and thrown in the air as well, and as they fell back they formed a range of high mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.
As for the enormous trunk of the tree of life, it also rose up to the sky in the form of a massive rock, and created a towering mountain which later became known as Roraima.
And from its base where the ripped-open trunk once stood, a gigantic spout of water shot out and began to flood the entire countryside. While Pia and some of the villagers saved themselves by rushing to higher ground, many people and animals in the surrounding areas could not escape the deluge. The flow was so fast and furious that large numbers of them drowned because they could not reach high land quickly enough.
One of those lucky enough to escape was Akuri. He ran as fast as he could, but his short chubby legs proved to be a disadvantage. As the flood waters were almost upon him, the forest
Guyanese Dr Prem Misir was recently appointed Visiting Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at the Fiji National University (FNU) in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.
On a visiting basis, Dr Misir’s main responsibility includes management of the Public Health and Primary Care Programme and consulting in public health. He was also a Professor in Public Health at the University of Central Lancashire in England. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), at the Health Ministry in Guyana. He is the former ProChancellor of the University of Guyana.
In addition, he is with the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Guyana, teaching Research
Methodology and Biostatistics. He was also Visiting Professor at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
The University of the West Indies Press recently published his book, "HIV and AIDS Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana".
Dr Misir is the holder of a PhD (University of Hull, England), MPH (University of Manchester, England), MPhil (University of Surrey, England); Post Doctoral Programme in Public Health (Columbia University, New York), and BSSc (Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom).
The Royal Society for Public Health in England recently elected Dr Misir as a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH).
Dear Editor,
Observed twice annually, Nava-raatri, a period of nine nights is regarded very sacred by Hindus. While is it outwardly featured with hosts richly symbolic rituals and ceremonies, it is more of a highly spiritual charged period wherein every effort ought to be made in identifying oneself with the Supreme Spirit.
It is a period of sincere prayers, symbolic worship, cool introspection and genuine scriptural recommitment. Religious observances, traditional worship have, at times, more than one significance.
Apart from them being the adoration of the Divine, they are commemorative of thrilling bygone events, allegoric when interpreted from the occult standpoint, and are significant pointers guiding man on the path of God-Realisation. Nava-raatri is one such observance. It is dedicated to worship of God as Mother—the feminine aspect in three prominent names, viz, Durgaa, Lakshmee and Saraswatee.
However, underlying all outward engagements during the observance, there must be a more sublime and profound inward transformation of life, that every spiritual aspirant seeks to undergo.
This deeper purpose of Navaraatri is captured in its division of three sets of three nights each, to which the spiritual aspirant in his life of spiritual pur-
suits adore the different aspects of the Supreme Goddess. This has got a very sublime, yet thoroughly practical, truth to reveal. In its cosmic aspect, it epitomises the stages of the evolution of man into God, from manhood to Godhood. In its individual import, it shows the course that spiritual pursuits should take.
The central purpose of existence is to recognise the eter-
nal identity with the Supreme Spirit. It is to grow into the image of the Divine. The Supreme One embodies the highest perfection. It is spotless purity, “Niranjana”. To identity with That, to attain union with That, is verily to grow into the very likeness of the Divine.
The spiritual seeker has, therefore, as the initial step, to get rid of the countless impuri-
ties and the un-divine elements that have come to cling to him in his embodied state. This transformation is to be had during the first three nights (first segment of Nava-raatri), where the Supreme is worshipped as Mother Durgaa. Then the acquisition of lofty virtues and auspicious divine qualities are then sought for.
This happens in the sec-
ond three nights of the season, wherein the Goddess as Lakshmee in adored. Thus rendered full of purity and goodness, Knowledge flashes upon the seeker like the brilliant rays of the sun upon the crystal waters of a perfectly calm lake. This is to be had in the final section of Nava-raatri in which Saraswatee is worshipped.
This arrangement has also a special significance in the aspirant’s spiritual evolution. It marks the stages of evolution which are indispensable for every seeker of spirituality, through which everyone should pass. One naturally leads to the other, and to short-circuit this would inevitably result in a miserable failure. Nowadays, many ignorant spiritual seekers aim straight at the appropriation of Knowledge without the preliminaries of purification and acquisition of divine qualities, and complain that they are not progressing in the path. How can they? Knowledge will not descend till the impurities are washed out and purity is developed. The pure and good plant can grow on no impure soil. Therefore, Nava-raatri once observed as pointed out above brings man to realise his higher self and to feel the Supreme Spirit within – all of which helps in the journey of realising the Ultimate Goal – to merge with the Supreme.
Yours sincerely, Pandit Charranlall Nandalall
Like buildings, monuments and traditions preserved as part of our Guyanese heritage, our natural heritage is also an important aspect of national pride. Guyana is home to a multitude of animals, birds, fishes, plants and insects, more of which are now being discovered or still to be discovered.
The Protected Areas (PAs) Bill was passed 7
July 2011 for the protection of Guyana’s natural heritage. This event would see Guyana upholding its commitment to the requirements of the International Convention of Biological
Diversity (CBD).
Among other things, the Bill allows for “the protection and conserva-
tion of Guyana’s natural heritage and natural capital...” as well as the creation of a Protected Areas commission and Trust Fund which would be responsible for and aid with, developing a working plan to manage Protected Area systems.
The Bill ensures that many natural ecosystems are preserved for the benefit of its inhab-
of the few places remaining where they are less so.
While Guyana’s natural heritage is awe inspiring for some, it is ignored by others who take its lush green habitats for granted, even destroying them for economic gains. The Bill is intended to control and prevent this abuse and misuse of our natural
itants, some of which are considered threatened species internationally. Many of what are known as “Guyana’s giants” could be found on endangered species lists, but Guyana is one
heritage and conserve it for future generations. It is hoped that the recently passed Bill would ensure the future prosperity of our natural heritage. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
By Anu Dev
Ithink I’d better get down on paper, the memory of my vacation in New York. Even though I’ve been back only some three weeks, things are already beginning to get hazy. With my lecturers insisting they really have to drone on for hours at a stretch, and days on end, I guess there’s only so much the old grey cells can retain!
One thing that struck me in New York City was the sight of so many Chinese tourists. They were everywhere – even upstate New York!!! And it wasn’t by chance. The New York tourism folks are sending all kinds of teams to China to snag a share of their US$100+ billion tourist market.
As one newspaper pointed out, the middle class in China is larger than the ENTIRE population of the US…and they have as many billionaires. That’s a lot off dough rolling around!!
Having ploughed through seven years of various courses in high school that bemoaned our (Caribbean) declining tourist trade because of the decline of the West, I wondered why we also haven’t gone after this alternative tourist market. Jeez!! If the Americans can try to lure Chinese tourists to New York – why can’t we?? Even the flyers handed out by the touts on 8th Ave hawking NYC Bus Tours and the Empire State Building, had Chinese calligraphy.
With so many relatives in New York, I had the opportunity to check out their secondary migration. One aunt lives in Poughkeepsie, up the Hudson Valley. Even though I hadn’t visited for nine years, I still remembered the hills and forested areas of that part of the state very fondly.
The streets of Jamaica, Queens can get a bit too much sometimes!! The visit didn’t disappoint. From the famous vaulted ceiling over the great hall of Grand Central Station (where that scene from ‘Madagascar’ was filmed and from where we took the train up) to visiting the palatial homes of the Vanderbilts and Rooseveldts outside of Poughkeepsie, a different New York presented itself.
I’m not sure many New Yorkers realised that their State was once owned by the Dutch, and in fact only became British after the treaty of Breda back in the 17th Century when it was exchanged for Suriname!! (Who snickered why I had to write WI History? Ha! )
But if one took time to notice, there were signs of Dutch presence everywhere in upstate New York –from the stone fences, to the houses, to the artefacts – not to mention the names of towns and places. Having coffee and cake in the picturesque Europeanlike village of Rhinebeck was a highlight of the trip.
We also spent a night over in the town of Schenectady, near the state capital of Albany. This also brought back scenes from my books. This was the landscape that Fenimore Cooper described in (often painstaking) detail in ‘Last of the Mohicans’. This was the land of the Mohican Tribe. But today Schenectady can be seen as a snapshot of 21st Century America: its once great factories closed; its products “outsourced” to China; and its cities plunging into ruin.
The population of Schenectady has declined by a third from its heyday when General Electric (GE) produced turbines and generators that lit up the world. My cousin Devi drove me past the gargantuan GE factory – that once employed 40,000 but is now one tenth of that.
The abandoned houses in the city attracted thousands of Guyanese from New York City – and they have done a wonderful job of gentrifying large swathes of what were slums.
members of the Guyana Nursing association (GNa), Guyana Sickle cell association (GSca) and the rotary clubs of Guyana
The Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) introduced Dr Lola Oni to Guyana at a cocktail reception at Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday evening. Her visit is in keeping with the organisation’s bid to raise awareness on Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia diseases.
Dr Oni is a Sickle Cell Anaemia specialist from London, who was brought here through the sponsorship of the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP), which was instrumental in the implementation of GSCA. It has also been quite instrumental in cancer awareness and creating a society to target the issue and other health issues in Guyana.
GSCA, the main health body in Guyana that targets the Sickle Cell Anaemia Disease, was mobilised by AGNAP from the beginning, in its goal to tackle the sickness. The organisation has also collaborated over the years with the Health Ministry in its aim to put more focus on the sickness through awareness and education activities.
GSCA President Errol London remarked that it has been the Association’s practice to assist families that have been affected with this disease. He said that they have not had the access as he would have wished; however, they are working with the Health Ministry on this, particularly in the remote regions in Guyana.
He informed Guyana Times International that the GSCA has been working with the ministry to establish a national protocol for doctors to deal with patients, especially Sickle Cell Anaemia patients.
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder, characterised mainly by chronic anaemia and periodic episodes of pain. It is where one’s haemoglobin (red pigment in blood cells that carries oxygen to the body) does
not work properly, thus the red blood cells are slow in circulating the oxygen around the body, blocking up one’s blood vessels. This disease causes jaundice and delayed growth and weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections.
Dr Oni spoke about the importance of bringing awareness on this issue and the need for the relevant healthcare bodies to be on board. She applauded the Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, for showing interest in this disease by his presence at the reception.
She was particularly emphatic that “every-
one” should be tested for Sickle Cell, stating this will go a long way in preparing individuals and families for the impact of the disease and also give them a chance at a normal life.
In his remarks, Minister Ramsaran reflected that Dr Oni’s comments were quite sound, using the opportunity to reiterate some of his plans regarding Sickle Cell Anaemia. He stated that it is necessary that persons affected wear tags that identify them as Sickle Cell patients so doctors will be able to work with them accordingly.
He also remarked on the importance of keep-
ing such patients warm at all times and the fact that the hospitals can be a cold place. He stated that it was an initiative of the Health Ministry to hand out blankets to these patients, as they seek treatment, in a small effort to alleviate their discomfort. The minister also revealed that a specialised health centre is in the works to target the sickness. At the reception, the Rotary Clubs of Demerara, Stabroek, Georgetown Central, and Georgetown were also thanked for their involvement in bringing awareness to the issue in collaboration with the GSCA.
Ryan Gosling is "madly in love" with his newborn baby daughter with Eva Mendes, it has been revealed.
According to a source, the 33-yearold 'The Notebook' star couldn't be happier with his daddy status, adding that the 40-year-old beauty too was just loving to be a mom, People magazine reported.
Meanwhile, the couple's parents too have been doting on the newborn as an insider said that grandmothers from both the sides have been very excited and have been helping as much as possible. (TOI)
I should have had more kids: Naomi Watts
Actress Naomi Watts, who has two sons, has confessed she regrets not having more children.
According to More magazine, the actress regrets not meeting her longtime partner Liev Schreiber earlier and starting a family with him, reports contactmusic.com.
"I should have had
more kids, started younger," she said.
The 46-year-old has Sasha, 7; and Kai, 5; with Schreiber.
"We both wanted the same thing. A family. Liev has a lot more courage than me. He's always saying, 'Let the kids do it. Take the training wheels off!' My bit of fear balances him, and he balances my fear," she said. (TOI)
Nick Cannon flaunted $2 million diamond encrusted shoes
Nick Cannon, host of 'America's Got Talent', flaunted a pair of diamond encrusted shoes worth $2 million on the finale of season nine of the reality show. "$2 million shoes--a million each foot," the host said in an
Instagram video showing off his fancy feet.
As per a report in Women's Wear Daily, Cannon wore the Tom Ford's shoes on Sep 16.
The shoes were created by jewellery designer Jason Arasheben, founder of Jason of Beverly Hills, and have more than 14,000 full-cut round white diamonds set onto white gold, totaling 340 carats.
"When Nick approached me last year, he said he wanted to make history and be so over-the-top. He wanted to set a new standard in diamonds. 'How can we make the most expensive pair of shoes in the world and make this finale special?' he asked me," the jeweller said. (TOI)
Pregnant Zoe Saldana pole dances with husband
Pregnant actress Zoe Saldana has shared a pole dancing video with her husband Marco Perego. Saldana, 36, wore black pants and a fitted white top for her quick spin, reported U.S. magazine.
"Let's do that again!!!
Absolute boredom at #Dulles airport. #poledancing is difficult under these conditions," she wrote via Instagram.
The parents-to-be were headed home after Saldana received an award at the 2014 Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, DC, on September 18.
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has added baking to her culinary skills by taking private lessons from top chef Zoe Loeb.
The 41-year-old jumped at the chance to work with her long time friend Josh Loeb's wife when she heard the "serious baker" was working on a book based around the recipes for dishes she serves at her Huckleberry Cafe in
California, reports contactmusic.com.
Detailing the first of many hook-ups with Zoe in her new goop. com newsletter, Paltrow, who has penned her own cookbooks, writes: "When I heard Zoe had compiled the sweet and savory breakfasts from Huckleberry into a book, I leapt at the chance for a baking lesson with her (I am a good cook, and a s**t baker). (TOI)
George Clooney's famous Italian pal to officiate his wedding
George Clooney's upcoming wedding ceremony with Amal Alamuddin will be conducted by his Italian pal Walter Veltroni, who's not only
a writer, journalist and politician, but had served as mayor of Rome.
The news was confirmed by a representative for the Venice Municipality to People
magazine.
Veltroni, 59, is a close friend of the 53-year-old Oscar winning actor, who had even likened him in the past to U.S. President Barack Obama.
However, this won't be the former mayor's first celebrity wedding, who had also written the preface to the Italian edition of Obama's 2006 book ‘The Audacity of Hope’, as he had invited to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes's 2006 nuptials in Bracciano. (TOI)
Kimye won't 'physically discipline' daughter North West
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West won't use physical discipline when their daughter North West acts "naughty", it has been revealed. According to sources,
the couple had decided before their daughter's birth that there wouldn't be any spanking ever, the Mirror reported. Insiders claimed that it's not how the 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star and her husband want to raise their daughter, and as she gets older, and when she acts up, there will be time outs, taking away a favorite toy, but absolutely no physical discipline. (TOI)
Jessica Alba learnt beauty tricks from grandma
Actress Jessica Alba says she learnt a lot of her beauty tricks from her grandmother. The 33-year-old informs that living with her Latin grandmother, as well as her mother, as a child meant she was given a lot of fashion and beauty advice that she's carried with
her ever since, reports contactmusic.com.
"My grandma, whom I grew up with and who helped raise me with my mum, loved aloe vera. If anything was wrong, she'd break her aloe vera plant and rub it all over," she said. (TOI)
Daniel Radcliffe never forgets to pay back his debts
Daniel Radcliffe recently paid back a taxi fare he owed to Dublin Minor Football team two years after it was first paid.
The 'Harry Potter' star had been partying with the team in 2012 when they all got a taxi to a house party and the team members paid on behalf of Radcliffe when he was short on change, the Mirror reported.
Former Dublin player Conor Mullally then tweeted a picture of the cash along with the actor's note. The 25-year-old actor thanked again for paying for his cab and he couldn't live with himself if he didn't honor his word and paid them back. (TOI)
Star couple, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, has been in Goa for the last couple of days. Last Saturday, Saif, minus his missus, was even spotted entering a well known night club in Sinquerim. However, he was there for only a brief moment as he exited the club immediately after witnessing the weekend crowd there.
Sources say that the duo is in the state, with family and friends, to ring in Kareena's birthday which was on Sunday. The two are currently staying in a five star hotel in North Goa. Sources also say that the Nawab and his begum are staying confined to their room for the fear of being mobbed by their fans. (TOI)
Shah Rukh Khan crosses 9 million followers on Twitter
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has crossed 9 million followers on micro-blogging site Twitter.
The 48-year-old actor is now the second most followed Indian actor on Twitter after megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has 10.4 million followers.
The 'Chennai Express' star joined the site in July, 2010 and has since shared 7,718 tweets. His contemporaries Salman Khan and Aamir Khan lag behind with 8.26 million and 8.45 million followers respectively. (TOI)
Katrina Kaif: I care for Ranbir Kapoor and am very protective about him
Katrina Kaif, 31, is intelligent, incredibly sensitive and self-made. She is not just one of Bollywood’s most beautiful actresses, but she is absolutely honest and can be loyal to a fault when it comes to her family and friends.
She is deeply spiritual and very funny. Over an hour-long conversation, ahead of her upcoming action entertainer ‘Bang Bang’, she recently spoke about her love for her family, her spiritual connection with Alvira Khan and what makes her care for Ranbir Kapoor the way she does. Excerpts:
Barring Ranbir Kapoor, who are the people you care for the most in the world?
I love my mother the most and love all my sis-
ters equally. In my head I think am a boy and feel responsible for my family and sometimes I am uncomfortable with my weaker, feminist side as I am usually so adjusted to being the stronger one.
What is Ranbir Kapoor like?
In the time that I have known Ranbir, since ‘Saawariya’ released, I have seen a lot of change in him as a person.
How special is he for you?
I care a lot for him and feel protective about him.
Rannvijay Singh's wife makes him uncomfortable on film sets
Last Friday, after an event in the city, Karan Johar flew off to New York to be with his mother, Hiroo Johar, who was scheduled to undergo a back surgery there. She had flown out the day before.
A friend of the filmmaker told Mirror, "Karan has gone away for a month. He may fly back to Mumbai for a couple of days if something important comes up, otherwise he will be by his mom's side."
Karan is very close to his mother and earlier this year, he bought
a fully furnished, duplex apartment in a 12-storey Bandra building and moved into it on her
B-Town celebs unite to create awareness
Kunal Kolhi, Kunal Kapoor, Cyrus Brochha, and Tara Sharma came out in support of Footsteps4Good and announced a marathon to be held on Gandhi Jayanti i.e 2nd October in Mumbai.
Speaking to journalists, actor Kunal Kapoor said, "I think footsteps 4good is a great initiative. It's a marathon on 2nd October. There is one 10 km run and one 5 km walk and many corporate have also joined it."
"Gandhi Jayanti is when the walk and the run will happen and I am here supporting angle express and all the wonderful NGO's. I think it's a great platform to create awareness and also to raise funds," said actress Tara Sharma.
A minimum of Rs.1000 will be charged as registration fee. The mara-
thon will have a 1 km barefoot walk, 5 km walk and a 10 km run.
The event is an initiative to support various participating NGO's with the funds raised by charity. (TOI)
Veena Malik gives birth to a baby boy who now has a Twitter account
Bollywood actress Veena Malik is now the mother of a cute baby boy. Lastly in the news for her high profile marriage to Asad Bashir Khan Khattack, Veena Malik gave
birth to a healthy baby boy recently.
The news was disclosed by her husband Asad as he tweeted, "Thank you Allah Pak 4 blessing us wth a lovely son Abram Khan Khattak. @iVeenaKhan thx 4 giving me biggest happiness."
According to the sources, the baby boy has been named Abram Khan and has a Twitter page with 17 followers.
The proud father and husband Asad was over the moon. He retweeted, Veena`s tweet that read, "Alhumdullilah we are blessed with a Baby Boy @iAbramKhan...cute son of Proud father @Asadbashirr" (TOI)
Hrithik Roshan: I’m going to live till 90 and be an unstoppable force
Even the boldest actors shy away from love making in front of the camera as they are not quite sure how it will turn out to be.
Actress Anindita Nayar and Rannvijay Singh were very uncomfortable shooting an intimate scene for the film, especially due to presence of Rannvijay's wife Priyanka Vohra on the sets for the particular scene.
According to sources, Rannvijay's wife kept looking into the monitor on the sets to see the final outcome of the shot. This made Anindita into a bundle of nerves as every move was being scrutinised by her on screen lovers real life wife! (TOI)
It was a rare gathering of sorts, with almost the entire Roshan family turning up for the ‘CII Big Picture’ summit in Delhi. They were felicitated for their contribution to Indian cinema, and Rakesh, Rajesh and Hrithik Roshan sat down to talk about their
lives in showbiz. Topics ranged from the bond that they share, both personally and professionally, to Hrithik's unexpected foray into films 14 years ago, and his directorial aspirations in the future.
His father has been an actor, director and producer, and when Hrithik was asked if he would be donning multiple hats in the future, the actor said, "I'm going to live till 90, and be an unstoppable force till my last breath. It's not easy to be a director, he is like the leader of a team. So, when you ask me that question, I feel a little fear, but I will direct a film in the future."
He added, "Right now, ‘Bang Bang’ is releasing, it just proves that I am still okay at what I'm doing, and I can last a few more years." (TOI)
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has extend congratulations to a “son of this soil, national hero and a true Ambassador of Guyana”, batting legend Shivnarine “Tiger” Chanderpaul for achieving yet another feat in world cricket, surpassing Sir Donald Bradman’s 29th test centuries.
“Tiger” as he is wellknown around the world, during the final test against Bangladesh at St Lucia last week, carved out a patient 101 not out to surpass Sir Donald’s record.
During the same series, Chanderpaul became only the second batsman to remain undefeated throughout a Test series with three of more innings and scored 200-plus runs.
Jacques Kallis was the first to do so, against Zimbabwe in 2001.
“Additionally, we wish to congratulate “Tiger” on returning to the number three position in the ICC Reliance Mobile World Test Batting Rankings and remain confident he will continue to climb his way back to the top of the
rankings, having held the number one test batsman position on several occasions in the past,” the PPP/C said in a statement.
“The PPP/C takes this opportunity to urge the West Indies Cricket Board and its Selection Panel to ensure that the
Guyanese batting machine is selected for the upcoming tours of India and South Africa, since he required a mere 228 runs to surpass Brian Lara’s record of 11912, the most runs by any West Indian batsman.
“It is important to note that Shiv currently is the
6th overall leading runs scorer in test cricket with 11684 from 156 tests,” the statement said
The party noted that records are nothing new to Chanderpaul as he also holds the record of the most not outs by any test batsman, have left unbeaten 49 times in test cricket. He scored the fourth fastest test century in the world, having clobbered a 69 ball 100 against Australia back in 2002-2003 at Bourda.
“The PPP/C wishes to also urge all Guyanese to join in a lobby for this great Guyanese and West Indian batting ace to be included in the West Indies team for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
“The PPP/C also calls for the Guyanese batsman to be conferred with the Order of Roraima, bearing his outstanding record as a cricketer and his commitment to the game, having represented the West Indies for more than 20 years and continuing.
“Bat on “Tiger”. You are truly a symbol of Guyana and the talent of our peoples,” said the PPP/C.
Royal Youth Movement athlete Elton Bollers is the new sprint champion of Guyana, when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) completed their 2014 championships at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary on Sunday.
Bollers ran away with both the men’s 100 and 200 metres, besting transitioning junior athlete Tevin Garraway who was second in both events.
Bollers clocked 10.9s and 22.0s to win both events, while Garraway was second in 11.1s and 22.1s in the 100 and 200 metres respectfully.
Meanwhile the top stars from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) did not participate in the event because of orders handed down by their superiors.
Such a development hampered the productivity of the meet as a number of other athletes were able to produce wins.
With the absence of Alisha Fortune due to body building commitments, Natrena Hooper Running Brave Athletics starred, winning a tri-
ple sprint crown in the women’s 100, 200 and 400 metres respectively.
Cleveland Thomas in the absence of, Cleveland Forde, easily ran away with the men’s 800 and 1500 metres as Kevin Bayley-another leading middle distance athlete-was also absent from the race.
In addition, while the meet was expected to be conducted under the new automatic time system, the AAG had to resort to hand times due to the inability to set the time system correctly.
Further, the event was labelled as the track meet that will select Guyana’s top athletes for the upcoming South American Championships.
After University of Guyana’s thrilling 26-24 win over the Yamaha Caribs to claim the Banks DIH Sevens tournament as well as their gutsy performance against the Pepsi Hornets in recent 10’s Rugby tournament, President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GFRU) Peter Green believes the game will only go from strength to strength.
“After watching the game I will tell you something, the standard of play that I’ve seen compared writing overseas… the local players are on par, actually.”
“I have seen a lot of di-
amond in the rough in the making, we have good play-
ers and we are going to do well,” Green stated about the prospect of Guyana performing on the world scene.
Such was Green’s enthusiasm for the current crop of players; the president gave a time frame for when the players will be at their peak.
“I have a lot of hope and encouragement that by October month end, the players will be better than an international level… the players that we have our eyes on, there is a lot of promise in all of the clubs,” Green highlighted.
Meanwhile, Green sees scope for more development as the GFRU has plans to
decentralise the sport, “We won’t stop here, we’re trying to improve on this (current level of rugby) where we have five Georgetown clubs… we are going to look at hinterland rugby and school rugby as well,” Green related. Green also shared what he believed stunted the growth of rugby in Guyana, “to develop rugby each club must have a good infrastructure, a good EXCO (Executive Committee), you cannot have the union suffocating clubs by demanding their players or tournament or implementing programmes that are detrimental to club development.
“The strong and vibrant programme that we used to have years ago for some reason or the other is no longer in place, so what you have in actuality is that you have more people playing and you don’t have development, that is the cost… so source clubs like Caribs and Hornets will have to recruit younger players,” Green quipped.
However, Green is positive that the game will move to different heights especially with the emergence of 'UG' and 'Police' and believes that the ruggers stand a good chance at the upcoming NACRA championship set for Mexico later this year.
Eight teams will compete in the Banks Malta Supreme Under-13 cricket competition organised by the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) and sponsored by Banks DIH Limited.
The competition will start this Saturday, providing the availability of grounds.
Georgetown Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Everest Cricket Club, Transport Sports Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation and Malteenoes Sports Club, Diplomats and Bel Air Rubis battling for top honours.
The tournament was launched on Wednesday last at Banks DIH Sports Club with president of the GCA Roger Harper highlighted the importance of the tournament.
He said the tournament was timely and he thanked Banks DIH Limited for its sponsorship.
“He had a fantastic tournament last year and we want to
thank Banks for their support, and we look forward to building a long and fruitful relationship.
“With Banks' support, the kids have been give the opportunity to showcase their talents as well as they have meaningful recreation so that they can go out there, expanse some energy learn different things including teamwork, discipline and of course getting in the all important exercise so that they can develop a healthy lifestyles,” Harper concluded.
Malta Supreme Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, said that his company was delighted to be sponsoring the tournament for a second time.
He said that the event is critical to the development of cricket in Georgetown and by extension Guyana.
“We have already seen the benefits in view of the fact that several players have gone on to represent the national un-
der-15 team. We see this tournament as a developmental one and we would like to applaud the GCA for this initiative,” he declared.
McKenzie also urged the players to
The premier event on Guyana’s local cycling calendarthe ‘Ride for Life’ FiveStage-will take place on October 16-19, covering a distance of 266 miles of the country’s roadways. This publication was able to confirm the dates last Thursday, after engaging key personnel close to the organising body for the eighth annual event.
After cyclists and officials travel to the Ancient County on October 15, the opening stage will be held the following day from Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46.6 miles) from 07:30 hours; while Stage Two will be on the same day from Rosignol to Georgetown (60.4 miles) from 14:00h.
Stage Three will take place on October 17 from Wales to Parika (35 miles) from 09:00
hours, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07:30 hours the following day from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles. The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08:30 hours and finish in Georgetown on October 19, covering a distance of 62 miles.
As was the case in previous years, the event will be held with the objectives of increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/Aids among participants and the general public, and increasing HIV/Aids activism and volunteerism among the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/ Aids.
The event has over the years attracted a large amount of overseas riders, and this year would be no different,
according to chief organiser Hassan Mohamed.
“Once again we can expect a large group of foreigners, including Guyanese residing in the Caribbean and North America, coming down to compete in the race. Right now we’re on putting all the logistics in place to ensure we have a successful event come October,” Mohamed related from his Homestretch Avenue office last week.
Team Coco’s Raynauth Jeffrey is the defending champion of the Open category, having won last year’s event in a time of 10 hours, 05 minutes, 33 seconds. Hamzah Eastman was the leading Junior rider with a time of 10 hours, 09 minutes, 56 seconds, while Raymond Newton was the top Veteran in a time of 10 hours, 09 minutes, 57 seconds.
make full use of the exposure and indicated that they have the full support of Banks DIH Limited.
GCA Competitions Chairman, Shawn Massiah,
said the tournament will run for one month. Massiah said that the tournament format is 25 overs per side and two matches will be competed daily.
Last Saturday, the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) hosted their Inaugural Steel Challenge Tier 1 Match at the GDF Timehri Range.
The GSSF as an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) is seeking to promote this completely new type of sport shooting to all local competitive pistol shooters by organising such matches on a regular basis.
In her opening remarks GSSF President Vidushi Persaud paid tribute to the members who came out to take part in the event and praised the outstanding effort put in by the match committee to ensure that everything was well organised for this Inaugural Match.
She noted that the success of the events of sporting organisations depends primarily on commitment and co-operation: there is no substitute for good relations and teamwork.
She then introduced the designated match officials and asked the GSSF Vice President Michael Blake to give his remarks. Blake noted that strict safety rules will be observed and wished all the shoot-
ers best of luck and to put firearm safety first while having fun. ‘Steel Challenge’ is considered to be one of the fastest shooting competitions in the world.
The competition consisted of two stages where competitors were required to shoot five different steel targets set out at various angles and distances, one of which is designated as a “stop plate.”
Registering a hit on the plate stops the time. The total time it takes to hit all five plates is used for the score. Misses and
penalties add 3 seconds to the time for each. Competitors are scored using an electronic timing device which records the time that every shot is fired.
The shooter with lowest time wins. Shooting was done from a stationary position for the two stages. The shooter would assume his/her position in the shooting box, upon the beep of the timer, draw their firearm and shoot at the targets, timer stops when the shooter hits what is designated to be the stop plate.
The competitor’s best four scores out of five strings of fire on each stage will then be added together for collective score. The lowest total time/score for all stages wins the overall match.
Stage 1 Accelerator:
1st Ryan McKinnon –25.12
2nd David Dharry –36.27
3rd Ray Beharry –38.44
Stage 2 Smoke and Hope:
1st Ryan McKinnon –14.92
2nd David Dharry –19.90
3rd Sadiq Rahat –21.83
Overall Winners
1st Ryan McKinnon –40.04
2nd David Dharry –56.17
3rd Ray Beharry –60.63
In delivering the Vote of Thanks, Vidushi Persaud conveyed thanks to Managing Director of Doc.com, Pravesh Harry, Messrs. Ken and Kevin Jaikaran of Ken’s Mufflers, the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, the National Sports Commission, Neil
Kumar, sport Director and the Sport Ministry for their support. She went on to convey thanks to the Match Officials for their hard work in ensuring the staging of a smooth and efficient Match and to the Range Officers that ensured the overall safety of all. She also thanked the competitors for their participation. Acknowledgment was given to the SCSA Match Committee – thanks to Roul Bhudu, Pravesh Harry, Michael Blake and lastly but by no means least, the hardworking and tireless Ryan McKinnon who on a personal note, she noted was her pillar of strength and one of the main reasons she was standing there as they were all about to embark on an exciting journey with GSSF to take sport shooting in Guyana to a whole new level.
Competitors and spectators at the end of the Match all declared it was a lot of fun and that the instant audio feedback of a miss or hit from a round connecting with the steel plate was certainly what appealed to them. Needless to say, a lot of extra rounds were needed and as competitors relentlessly strove to secure the ‘ping’.
The phenomenal Priyanna Ramdhani continued her dominance in the age group categories, while Hemraj Beharry announced his presence on the local badminton scene when the Banks DIH Guyana Classic Badminton tournament concluded on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The two-day competition, organised by the Guyana Badminton Association, attracted players from Guyana and neighbouring Suriname.
Ramdhani, a star performer for Guyana at regional and international meets, was at her best, carting off a total of six gold medals.
The pint-sized athlete won the Girls Under-13 Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles and was also successful in all three of those categories at the Under-15 competition.
Beharry, on the other hand, tasted success in the Boys Under-15 Singles, Doubles
and Mixed Doubles. Ramdhani and Beharry’s performances ensured Guyana finished with 14 first place finishes and 11 runner-up spots. Ramdhani defeated compatriot Abosaide Cadogan 21-9, 21-14 in the Under-13 Girls Singles final, before they
teamed up to beat the Suriname pair of Sanaa Arichero and Abigeal Hing 21-14, 21-9 in the Under-13 Girls Doubles final. Ramdhani and fellow Guyanese Tyreese Jeffrey disposed of the Dutch duo Timothy Karg and Arichero 210, 21-0 in the final of
the Under-13 Mixed Doubles.
Ramdhani also made a clean sweep of the Under-15 competition, toppling Cadogan 21-10, 21-10 in the Singles, before teaming up with Cadogan to win the Doubles against Suriname’s Joy Yzer
and Hing 21-7, 21-11. Ramdhani and Beharry emerged with a 21-9, 21-7 victory over Karg and Yzer to lift the Mixed Doubles medal.
In other results, Jeffrey won the Boys Under-13 Singles; Kevin Karg and Timothy Karg of Suriname won
the Boys Under-13 Doubles; Timothy Karg took top honours in the Boys Under-11 Singles; Chante Koswal won the Girls Under-11 Singles; Timothy Karg and Rivano Bisphan combined to win the Boys Under-11 Doubles; Chante Koswal and Sion Zeegelar topped the Girls Under-11 Doubles; and Timothy Karg and Chante Koswal prevailed in the Under-11 Mixed Doubles.
Special prizes were given to the most improved players of both countries: Siya Persaud of Guyana and Eros Peirpont of Suriname, while Amelia Balram of Guyana and Miracle Abdillah of Suriname were rewarded for their ‘Excellent Sport Personalities’. Prizes were presented by Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, Guyana Olympic Association Vice-president Charles Corbin and Olivia Wijntuin of the Suriname contingent.
With the passage of time in today’s sporting world, athletes’ age and peak performances are unable to be sustained, thus evolution of an athlete is inevitable.
While some are never able to adapt to what ‘Father Time’ limits their bodies to, some go on to post careers stemming from their success as athletes.
The latter is the case with Guyana’s own golden girl, Aliann Pompey, who has produced countless moments for her nation, none more recognisable than her 2002 Commonwealth Gold medal.
Twelve years after that momentous gold medal run in Manchester, England, in the 400 metres, Pompey has called it quits with competitive running and will now set her sights on coaching.
Pompey will now coach the women’s sprint team of St John’s University, also known as team ‘Red Storm’, located in Queens, New York. The University has an acclaimed NCAA Division One programme.
“I wanted to stay in the sport and this gives me a chance to do so; I’ve been able to see the sport from different perspectives…as an athlete for many years, as an administrator, as a student, as a mentor, as an official and now as a coach,” Pompey told this publication in an exclusive interview.
However, the 400 metres specialist believes she is more than capable of handling the next chapter of her career in sport.
“It is much different, but I think I’ve developed skills that will make the transfer smoother; not to underestimate any challenges that I will face but
few days so it’s hard to say what their needs are. This much I can say, to start with they have to be convinced of the team’s goal as well as their personal contributions to make that goal a reality,” Pompey noted.
“My main aim is to get to Eugene in 2015 where the NCAA Champs are held as I look forward to building the tradition of excellence there,” she concluded.
Despite the limitations put on Pompey’s body by ‘Father Time’, one thing is for sure: Guyana’s golden girl has evolved with the passage of time.
I think I’m ready. I’ve worked with a handful of athletes over the years; I’ve coached two athletes that are world masters champs and medalists… I volunteer coaching at Manhattan College for a few years after I graduated, but I think the key is that I am familiar with what it takes to get to a certain level,” the Guyanese highlighted.
Looking a bit at the challenges of coaching and the fact that not every athlete is made from the same cloth, Pompey who admitted to the diversity of the group at St John’s, believes she can cope with the challenges of coaching different types of athletes.
“I was one of those independent athletes who wanted to figure out why I was being told to do certain things so I learned a lot; I also made it my business to find out what other people were doing differently… I think I’m a walking encyclopedia of workouts,” Pompey posited.
Further, Pompey gave insight into some of the challenges she believes she might just happen to face. “When you break it down into event groups, 400 metres for example, you have variables to consider…some are speed runners, some are strength runners, some did work over the summer, some haven’t, some are just leaving high school and some have been in college one, two or three years,” she explained.
While sprinting is equally mental as it is physical, Pompey highlighted what her approach to that side of the job will be like.
“I am still learning about my team… I’ve only been with them a
