Guyana Times International

fever heats up in Guyana

Dazzling performances as the Children’s Mash competition continues in Georgetown: The Children’s Mashramani Competition is one of the most exciting, exuberant and anticipated events during February – the month when Guyana officially became a Republic in 1970. This event gives school children from nursery to secondary the opportunity to showcase their talents with the stage of the National Cultural Centre being the foundation for many who continuously develop their skills in the ar ts.

Rainstorm to hit Guyana’s coast, massive flash floods expected

Extreme rainfall is expected to hit Guyana today (Thursday) and can result in massive flash floods across the country, the Agriculture Ministry has warned in a release on Wednesday.

The ministry, in collaboration with the hydrometeorological service, has indicated that there is a 70 per cent chance that this can happen. The high intensity weather pattern, which is presently over the Atlantic, continues to develop, and as a result, Guyana will experience

rainfall of 45 to 80mm over a 24-hour period, the ministry predicted.

Regions Three to Five and northern Region Six are among regions to be severely affected. Lowlying and riverine communities are asked to take precautions against possible flooding.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said based on information received from the Guyana Hydrometerological Service, the country is at risk of “severe weather conditions”, explaining that a storm is heading in Guyana’s direction.

But he was keen on noting that it is possible that the storm will change direction.

It was anticipated that the heavy rains would start Wednesday night and continue today (Thursday).

“The cloud system that is moving towards Guyana has enough moisture to produce along the coast and also in some interior areas like Region Nine, high intensity rainfall that could exceed 80mm rainfall,” Dr Ramsammy said during an exclusive interview with Guyana

Times International on Wednesday.

He said the ministry, in collaboration with the hydromet office, was monitoring the situation minute-by-minute.

On Tuesday, President Donald Ramotar and his Cabinet were informed of the high intensity rainfall and the likely impacts. Though there was a sense of uncertainty, the Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday issued media advisories to all regional democratic councils and the Local Government Ministry. That ministry

was instructed to notify all neighbourhood democratic councils.

These public entities were also advised to take the necessary steps to minimise flooding in the various communities. Dr Ramsammy said Georgetown and other parts of country do not have the capacity to take off the 80mm of intense rainfall.

It was explained that at the time of independence in 1966, Guyana had a capacity to deal with one and half inches of rain over a 24-hour period. “That means a

combination of the canals, sluices, pumps, could cater for that 3540mm of rain spread over 24 hours.” Now with a slight improvement, Georgetown has a capacity to deal with two inches of rainfall or 50mm of rain over a 24-hour period.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has put systems in place to deal with the intense rains if they occur, but the Georgetown Mayor and City Council continues to experience difficulties.

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EDITORIAL INTERNATIONAL

Engaging the citizenry

In any democracy citizens expect public institutions to be transparent and accountable. Hence, institutions such as the parliament, government ministries, the courts, law enforcement agencies etc. must always strive to engage the various stakeholders in the society as to how they can be more open, transparent and accessible to the public.

Too many times, public institutions operate with a high degree of secrecy and away from public scrutiny. The end result is that, in addition to ordinary citizens being denied an opportunity to direct probing questions to those in authority, the democratic processes of the nation is stifled as the valuable contributions of the relevant stakeholders are excluded from the developmental processes.

Just recently we witnessed the APNU members walking out of the committee tasked with finalizing the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism legislation over the private sector being given an ‘observer’ status to the deliberations. This legislation is aimed at ensuring that Guyana complies with certain international financial regulations with respect to money laundering and financing of terrorism activities.

The behaviour displayed by the APNU is nothing short of being reckless and irresponsible as the private sector is considered one of the key stakeholders likely to be affected by this legislation. It boggles the mind as to why would any responsible political party deny a key player such as the private sector body an opportunity to merely ‘observe’ how an important piece of legislation is being addressed by members of a special select committee.

Notwithstanding, we are pleased that efforts are being made by the authorities to ensure that there is more openness and transparency with regards to the happenings in the national assembly. Last week, the Parliament Office and the Canadian government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for the provision of live Internet streaming of all parliamentary business, sittings, committee meetings and other parliamentary-related activities.

This is certainly a step in the right direction and is evidence that Guyana is gradually working at building and strengthening its democratic practices. Through the project, Canada is working with Guyana to provide the structure required to facilitate the transmission of information from the legislature to the people, thereby encouraging greater democratic participation.

The relationship between parliament and the people is of growing importance everywhere. Citizens want to be informed about what is happening in the national assembly and how they will be affected. Also, they want to see and hear for themselves how well elected officials are representing their interests.

Similarly, elected officials want persons to be better informed about the work they do on a daily basis on their (citizens) behalf. In fact quite a number of parliaments around the world have established TV and radio channels dedicated to broadcasting parliamentary proceedings where citizens are fully engaged.

No doubt the internet is the future. It is considered one of the best ways to disseminate content of parliamentary proceedings to the public. The basic idea of transmission via the internet is to give the public free and full access to debates and other activities in the parliament. Some would ask why should there be live streaming of parliamentary proceedings; the reason for this is that there is need to create a direct link between citizens and those elected to represent them. Even though this may not necessarily lead to a better understanding of, or greater public interest in politics, live streaming on the internet will enable more persons to watch and listen, allowing them to form their own opinions without any interference.

That said, it is hoped that the process itself will be carried out in a transparent and independent manner. Professional criteria can be used to decide if the entire or sections of the parliamentary sessions will be streamed. Important questions such as who decides what will or will not be streamed, or who controls the cameras etc. would need to be taken into consideration.

It would also be useful if a facility is provided where there can be some level of interaction between lawmakers and other parliamentary officials and citizens themselves where they (citizens) can ask questions, seek clarifications or simply leave a comment on how they feel about a particular issue.

The essence of this is to get the involvement of citizens on matters concerning their own welfare. Not only would such a facility create a direct link between the electors and the electorate, but it would serve to provide useful citizens’ feedback to elected officials on issues affecting ordinary persons in the society.

This type of engagement can only make democracy stronger.

Young Mariel Barrow performing her dramatic poem titled ‘Proud Guyana’ on Wednesday, February 6, as part of the Children’s Mashramani Competition at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown.

Revenue boss reports dramatic increases in tax collection at Guyana-Suriname border

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reported a dramatic increase in revenue collection at the notorious smuggling hotbed of the Guyana/Suriname border, with tax collection moving from approximately Gy$7 million to a whopping Gy$25 million weekly. But it is still to hone in on a port at Line Path, which GRA chief Khurshid Sattaur admitted was problematic.

Sattaur said the increase in revenue was made possible after GRA put several new systems in place, plugging numerous loopholes that for years helped a number of Corentyne businesses to prosper. He noted that the GRA has been faced with a number of issues at that particular border.

While the entity was aware of what was happening, it had to carefully plan a strategy to tackle the issue and strengthen the system. “We are moving to use better customs procedures there,” he added.

Bond

According to him, the revenue authority now has a bond, rented from a private company, closer to the Guyana/Suriname border and it has a centralised valuation system that profiles all importers and selects those with a poor risk assessment for investigation.

Unlike the storage bonds used by the GRA in Georgetown that are actually owned by major shipping operators like John Fernandes Limited and Muneshwer’s Shipping, the bond in Port Mourant is controlled and operated by GRA.

“We are using that bond to have more effective control and management over goods imported to such an extent, we have improved the collection from what it was, say, around

September currently to more than 150 per cent,” he added.

GRA officials, he said, are also engaged in physical examination of goods in cases where this is necessary.

“So, all of these measures have served to improve the collection from what I mentioned and that I think has attributed to the effort we have made and the high degree of cooperation we are receiving from the authorities in Suriname.”

He noted that the meeting held with high-level delegates of both counties last September facilitated the implementation of these systems.

The GRA boss said he will not give any credit to the business community, specifically because they were forced to adhere to the system.

At one time, the business community of Regions Six and Five, with the help of their local government offices, lobbied to have all taxes removed on the importation of goods from the neighbouring country. “I am happy that we have been able to overcome those periods of difficulties, of challenges and of strong resistance and we are finally home safe, in that, we have put a system that is more accurate” and more consistent declarations are being made.

This, he said, will ensure more revenue is collected for the country and businesses do not have to complain about unfair competition from those importing goods from Suriname.

Line Path

According to Sattaur, many of the businesses located in the city, at one time, actually stopped clearing goods in Georgetown, joining the team of businesses in the Berbice region importing their goods from Suriname and trying to evade taxes.

Many of them had even moved to change their port of destination from Georgetown to Port Mourant.

However, systems have been put in place to tackle the slippages that have been occurring with commercial goods that bypass the official port or Moleson Creek where the ferry docks, coming into the country via an area called Line Path in Corriverton.

Chicken smuggling

The GRA boss said the tax body is now looking at issues relating to smuggling of other commodities. “There is a concern right now with the smuggling of chicken, which is being imported illegally into the country to avoid taxes. There is also a concern that a large amount of goat is being exported illegally from Guyana and we have put measures in place to address these concerns.”

A large volume of business is carried out between Guyana and Suriname. Goods – food, household appliances, and other commodities – mostly come from Suriname.

The importation of goods and the evasion of taxes by businesses have caused significant hardship for some businesses which have complained that they have to pay a large amount of taxes compared to those that evade taxes.

The Berbice AntiSmuggling Squad (BASS) was created several years ago to address the issue of smuggling of goods. While it achieved some measures of success, there has been a high level of corruption.

With the assistance of the Suriname custom authorities, the GRA has effectively moved to address the issue, frequently rotating its staff at the border to guard against corruption.

Proposed changes to ERC for House vote next week

Committee on Appointments

Chairman, Dr George Norton is expected to present a report in the National Assembly on Monday relating to the reorganisation of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

Dr Norton told Guyana Times International on Wednesday that the report will entail plans to add three more members to the legal structure of the ERC. He explained that the committee is moving to increase the number of appointees from seven to 10, and so include a representative from an Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese and Amerindian group. That new category will be referred to as cultural/ethnic.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament said significant progress was made over the past few months by the appointive committee to address this issue.

“There was no difficulty really in arriving at the stage where we can put a report to the House and we hope it would get the two-thirds majority,” he said.

Dr Norton add-

ed that the committee has removed the InterReligious Organisation (IRO) from the committee and placed the culture/ethnic group in its slot.

Detailed information

The report to be submitted on Monday provides detailed information on the work of the committee and will explain how the committee came to the decision to remove the IRO and replace it with another group. He said, “The ERC comprises certain entities and we had to have some additions, subtraction and changes… we also had to search to find if some of the religious and other organisations were still active.”

At present, the seven representatives comprise one member from the Christian religion, Hindu religion, Muslim religion, labour movement, private sector organisations, youth organisations, and women organisations. As it relates to the religious bodies, nine organisations falls under the Islamic group; 13 under the Hindu group, 36 under the Christian group, 20 under the labour movement group,

26 under the private sector group, 42 under the youth group, and 22 under the women group.

However, with the additional three positions, five Amerindian bodies, eight African bodies and three Indian bodies will be represented. All of the said entities that fall under the new category will be written to immediately after the passage of the motion, by the Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, and instructed to meet as a group to select their nominees and send back that information to Parliament.

A deadline will be set by the clerk for the receipt of the nomination. The nominees that

is chosen to represent these bodies are expected to be “competent to contribute positively to work of the commission and… committed to ensuring that it discharges all of its functions”, according to the National Assembly.

Dr Norton said, “We hope that nobody will judge the function of the ERC that should form now on any past commission that existed before.”

The ERC has been functioning without commissioners and a chairman for some time. While staff is attached to the commission, there is little known about the work they have been doing. The opposition, during the 2012 and 2013 national budgets, had cut funding for the constitutional body, but this was later restored through a court order.

The ERC was established under the Herdmanston Accord. It works with persons and agencies to promote harmonious ethnic relations. The commission also deals with complaints, promotes training in racial harmony, and fosters a sense of security among all ethnic groups.

GDF private accused of murdering exboyfriend’s mother remanded

AGuyana Defence Force private accused of murdering a 55-year-old Agricola resident was remanded on Wednesday when she made her maiden court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Twenty-six-year-old Abiola “Abby” Jacobs was not required to plead to the indictable charge when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry in Court One.

Jacobs is accused of murdering Donna Taylor at her Lot 1617 Public Road, Agricola home on January 31. Taylor was found with her hands tied behind her back and her throat slit a short distance away from her home in a clump of bushes.

The accused was unrepresented by defence counsel and stood silently while the charge was read to her.

She was subsequently remanded until February 26 when

she will appear before Magistrate SewnarineBeharry. Two of Jacobs’ supporters appeared emotional as she was led to the prisoners’ dock. More charges are expected to be laid against Jacobs. It is unclear whether she will also be charged with the attempted murder of Taylor’s British house guest, Samantha Sabat, the main witness in the case. Sabat suffered a broken arm and head injuries after jumping from the veranda as she fled the killers.

Medical doctor tipped to replace Backer

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has disclosed that it is looking to replace Member of Parliament (MP) Debra Backer, who is expected to retire from Parliament as a result of illness before the commencement of the 2014 national budget debate.

According to Opposition Leader David Granger, the coalition is looking for a replacement for the deputy speaker and frontbencher. He was at the time speaking during an interview with this newspaper. While Granger did not directly state that Backer will be resigning, he noted that the MP is expected to make an announcement soon, after which the party will take appropriate actions. However, he noted that the party is taking precautionary measures in the event of her resignation.

Backer took ill late last year and was hospitalised for several weeks at a local

hospital. She was then taken overseas for further treatment. There have been reports of medical doctor Karen Cummings, being one of the several persons under consideration to replace Backer. When asked by this newspaper to confirm this, Granger maintained that the Coalition is looking at several persons.

“We are receiving advice and looking at several per-

sons that were recommended and will select someone who will advance the interest of A Partnership for National Unity,” he stated.

Questioned about whether the party is looking to specifically replace Backer with a female, the opposition leader pointed out that there is a certain approach to the process, adding that though gender is one of the main factors being

looked at, there are other criteria.

“We are looking for people from different geographical areas, we don’t want everybody coming from urban areas,” he said. Dr Cummings is from the East Coast Demerara village of Victoria. Other criteria

In addition, Granger added that qualifications and age are some of the other factors the Coalition is looking at. With this in mind, it should be noted that Dr Cummings is in her (40s) and apart from being a medical professional; she has also substantial experience in the field of politics.

There was talk of former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) MP Aubrey Norton taking the position; however, from comments made by the APNU leader, it is clear that the party is looking to have a gender balance in the National Assembly.

“The APNU, and certainly the PNCR, which is a part of the

APNU, would like to see balanced and in fact, the PNCR component of APNU was pretty balanced in the National Assembly,” he stated.

Dr Cummings was a new face on the APNU list of candidates during the 2011 election campaign. In an interview with this publication at the time, Dr Cummings had said that her move to support APNU is not a new one. She stated then that while she has not been open about her political affiliations, she has always supported the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Always supportive

“I was not openly supportive, but I supported the party. I had gotten a scholarship to do a degree, I benefited from free nursery to tertiary education. I benefited under the PNC,” she said.

She believes that APNU has a lot to offer Guyana, more particularly in the area of development and opportunities for the young.

Guyana, Islamic groups to host regional meeting

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in association with the Islamic Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) and the Islamic Organisation for Latin America and the Caribbean (OIPALC) will host the ninth OIPALC conference on February 9 in Georgetown, Guyana. OIPALC was formed about 15 years ago to promote awareness of

the needs of Muslims in South America and the Caribbean. ISESCO has sponsored many of OIPALC programmes since ISESCO deals with the cultural and educational aspects of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Guyana, with about 12 per cent of its population being Muslim, is a member of the OIC. Neighbouring Suriname which has a Muslim population of about 15 per cent is also a member of the OIC.

Attendance

The conference will be attended by some important figures from the Middle East and the region. ISESCO Director General, Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri will visit Guyana to attend the meeting, as well as the under secretary in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Kuwait, Dr Adel AlFalah. In addition, officials from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Islamic Solidarity Fund are expected in Guyana for the event.

Dr Abdulaziz Altwaijri, a social justice advocate, is one of the founders of the East-West dialogue. He has written about and contributed to the fields of human rights, democracy, modernity, economic and social justice.

The visit and the meeting are part of ISESCO’s sustained effort to assist Muslim communities and minorities beyond the member states in preserving their cultural identity and fully integrating into their society and most effectively contributing to its development.

In a press release

on his upcoming visit to Guyana, Dr Altwaijri said the meeting in Guyana is very important because of the rapidly changing world.

There are wholesale violation of international laws, abuses of all aspects of human rights, attendant socio-economic problems and unrelenting waves of hate, discrimination and extremism.

Scope

“The scope and scale of these changes and problems are as such that the only solution is to promote dialogue among cultures and spread the values of understanding, coexistence and mutual respect between peoples and nations,” said Dr Altwaijri.

President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps and leaders of local Islamic organisations will also

attend the conference.

ISESCO, which is headquartered in Rabat, Morocco, was founded by the OIC in 1979, with the objective of promoting and consolidating cooperation with member nations in the fields of education, science and culture.

ISESCO also aims to promote and consolidate understanding and contribute to the achievement of world peace.

Guyana is considering ISESCO membership, which could lead to some tangible cooperation with the University of Guyana and other areas of education and the arts.

ISESCO is also willing to consider a membership fee waiver or reduction for Guyana.

Neighbouring Suriname is also a member of the OIC, ISESCO and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

No new director for UG Berbice campus anytime soon

Students of the University of Guyana Berbice Campus may have to wait a while longer for a director since there will be no appointment anytime soon.

Members of the private sector in Berbice and students of the university’s Port Mourant, Corentyne campus, have been lobbying to have former director Professor Daizal Samad reinstated. However, according to information received from the university’s registrar’s office at Turkeyen , interviews are still to be held for the post which has been vacant since July last year.

Tension has been brewing over the last couple of months, as students and members of the public questioned the reason why the post has not yet been filled, particularly by Professor Samad, who had reapplied.

A delegation headed by student Shazeena Seetaya had late last year met with President Donald Ramotar and Education Minister Priya Manickchand with a petition signed by over 5000 persons, seeking to have Professor Samad reinstated.

According to Seetaya,

President Ramotar had advised that Professor Samad re-apply for the post, noting that he would be given a fair chance, however, to date, nothing has been done.

Other sources revealed that operations at the campus have been crumbling over the last couple of months. Guyana Times International understands that internet services at the institution were recently disconnected; a situation that would have never seen the light of day, had Professor Samad been there. There has also been a decline in publications at the university, the source said.

Professor Samad, when contacted by this newspaper recently, said he wished not to comment

on the issue, but had confirmed that he did reapply. Last July, Professor Samad handed in his resignation, citing his inability to work under the strenuous circumstances. Samad had been seeking to have independence from the Turkeyen campus.

In his resignation letter to Pro-Chancellor, Dr Prem Misir and the UG Council, dated July 4, 2013, Professor Samad stated that relations between him and the ViceChancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, as well as with the “deadweight” Turkeyen campus had become strained and distant over the past couple of weeks. He had also accused Turkeyen of dictating the day-to-day running of the Berbice campus.

Several school children injured in Berbice bus accident

Several students were among persons injured on Monday after the bus in which they were travelling veered out of control and ended up in a trench on the Borlam Turn, Corentyne.

According to reports, at approximately 17:30h on Monday, minibus BSS 891 was on its way from New Amsterdam when the driver, who was reportedly speeding, lost control of the vehicle.

According to eyewitnesses, the bus was filled with mostly schoolchildren from the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) and was travelling east heading to Corriverton. “The driver was speeding and overtook two vehicles, but when he approached

the turn, he lost control of the vehicle.”

The bus ran off the road, cutting a lamp post in two, and flipped several times in the air before landing on its sides facing the opposite direction in the roadside trench.

During the process, several parts of the vehicle flew off, including the sliding door which landed a few feet away from the bus. Villagers rushed to the scene and rendered assistance to the injured.

An eyewitness said, “I was sitting outside when I heard a loud noise; when I looked up the road, I saw the bus in the trench and some children from the NATI coming out soaked and some of them covered in blood, I immediately rushed

over and assisted in getting the others out to the hospital.”

The vehicle was badly damaged and it was a miracle that no one suffered fatal injuries. One student reportedly lost an ear during the accident. Several other persons were admitted to the hospital nursing injuries varying from a fractured hand to cuts and bruises.

One of the passengers said they urged the driver to slow down; however, the driver, who was only identified as “Chris”, did not heed their call. He fled the scene immediately after the accident without rendering any assistance to the injured. Police are continuing their investigation.

GT&T plugs Gy$3.5M into children’s mash parade

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) has donated Gy$3.5 million to the Education Ministry, to assist with the hosting of this year’s Children’s Mash Costume and Parade Competition, which is set for next weekend.

The cheque was handed over to the ministry on Tuesday by the company’s Chief Financial Officer Justin Nedd, at its head office on Brickdam, Georgetown.

Before signing and handing over the cheque, Nedd said GT&T is committed to the development of youth and culture, two key factors for economic growth.

“GT&T has prided itself as being a strong corporate citizen, not only by contributing to public coffers through taxes and licence fees, but by actively participating and supporting activities such as the children costume 2014 parade,” he stated.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the ministry was Chief Education Officer Olato Sam, who expressed gratitude to the company for its support yet again to one of the major events on the ministry’s calendar.

He noted that many schools, parents and stakeholders look forward to this event every year, which the ministry is proud to hold on a wider scale.

“It is really a culmi -

nating activity for all of the talents and budding potentials that we see in relation to the arts. Students have been engaged in the last two weeks in major events, demonstrating their

skills in all dimension in performing arts,” said Sam.

This is the third year the telephone giant has been supporting the event. The annual Children’s Mash Costume and Parade Competition will be held on February 15.

According to coordinator of the event Desiree Wyle-Ogle, the competition was first held in 1991 and has been growing over the past years.

She disclosed that some 2000 students will be participating in the spectacular parade this year. The parade will include students from nursery, primary and secondary schools from across the country. Guyanese are urged to come out and support the event, which takes place before the main Mash parade on February 23.

Rose hailed as a good father and gifted designer

Everywhere you looked, there were little flashes of his legacy. Someone wore a Trevor Rose designed dress; others chose the kind of high heels that looked as if he was the designer with them in mind.

His grieving relatives also sported some very fashionable pieces. So when they said farewell

to Trevor Ryan Rose on Monday, they effectively ensured that his name lived on. And though a flooded Le Repentir Cemetery forced the postponement of his

burial, his family and friends ensured that he got the kind of send off, fitting of one who has made his mark.

Rose, 32, of Lot 232 East Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, who was a local clothing designer and sport enthusiast, was gunned down two Sundays ago.

Reflecting on her father’s life, Rose’s eldest daughter Shanise Rose told a packed audience at the Olivet Seventh-day-Adventist Church that her dad was a loving man, noting that he was one of her role models.

The child said she could have counted on Rose for guidance, regardless of the topic.

Family members gathered in honour of the deceased, remembered Rose as a loving father and a gifted fashion designer. The traumatised family members could not bear the sight of the open casket which had to be closed while Pastor Elton Lindie and Fitzroy Sealey carried out their sermon.

Pastor Lindie, a cousin of the deceased, gave his personal views and experiences of Rose’s life, while also recalling that the father of eight was responsible for the launch of one of the first local basketball teams in Guyana.

Hurt

Asked for their comments, relatives said the loss is hurtful, but not

more as the manner he departed. One man eulogised Rose as a person with a kind spirit, noting that he did not deserve such a death. Family members also believed that his murder was not a mistake and called for justice to prevail.

At one point, reporters asked Rose’s mother Lillian Browne how she felt about Rose’s killer or killers still being at large, and she responded saying, “There’s nothing nobody can do to bring him back”.

The funeral service was punctuated with a range of tributes and musical selections, one of which was performed by Rose’s two daughters. One member of the family said she came all the way from Trinidad and Tobago to be reunited with Rose after she migrated and got married, just days before her departure.

Burial delayed

Meanwhile, relatives were forced to postpone the interment of the fash-

relatives

ion designer due to the flooded cemetery. Soon after the final hymn was sung, it was announced that the burial would not be taking place immediately, but rather one day after the service, due to the weather and lack of support systems. Only recently, a number of burials was pushed back after the funeral services, including that of veteran broadcaster Terry Holder, due to the flooded Le Repentir Cemetery. Managed by the Mayor and City Council, the cemetery is a haven for thieves, who find security in the huge bushes and an assortment of waste. Rose was killed while he was in a taxi within the vicinity of the traffic lights at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Two other persons; a female acquaintance of Rose, Latoya Towler, the mother of Rose’s twoyear-old son and the driver of the car Troy Nieuinkirk, were also shot during the ordeal.

Tendulkar is deserving of the Bharat Ratna

Dear Editor

The following words tell a story: “Tendulkar is the first sportsman to win the award and at 40, the youngest.” This is a line I took from the story headlined: “Sachin Tendulkar receives top India honour Bharat Ratna.”

Well this is quite a fitting way to celebrate the cricketing life achievement of India’s most loved cricketing son. He has truly lived up to and even surpassed expectations.

Tendulkar started his international career, both test and one-day, in the later part of 1989 and finished in the same period in 2013; this adds up to 24 years as a player and hardly has he ever been injured, gotten ill or underperformed. In fact, no bowler has ever conquered him, to the point, where he has even been considered a particular easy prey for any single one of them.

The excerpt from his profile on Cricinfo sums up a good reason for this being so: “Sachin Tendulkar has been

the most complete batsman of his time, the most prolific run maker of all time, and arguably the biggest cricket icon the game has ever known. His batting was based on the purest principles: perfect balance, economy of movement, precision in stroke-making, and that intangible quality given only to geniuses – anticipation.”

Outside of his batting, he remains quite exemplary – humble, non-confrontational and easy-going. In 2001, he was handed a one-match ban, when he was accused and found guilty of balltampering, and this almost brought down the world’s wrath on his condemners.

The incident goes back to St Georges Park, Port Elizabeth, during the second Test match of India’s 2001 tour of South Africa. Mike Denness, as match referee, suspended Tendulkar for one game, as he thought that television cameras suggested that Tendulkar was involved in scuffing the seam of the cricket ball.

The incident escalated to allegations of racism, and ended up with Denness being barred from entering the venue of the third test match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) later cleared Tendulkar of ball tampering charges. This clearly shows what kind of individual the man is and his

place in the annals of the game.

We should take note of the fact that the Bharat Ratna award is India’s highest civilian honour. Previous recipients include India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Mother Teresa, South African President Nelson Mandela and former Indian Prime Ministers Rajiv and Indira Gandhi. The man is definitely among the greats.

A poll was done recently to identify who were the 10 most popular Twitter celebs in India. And barring Sachin Tendulkar, all turned out to be Bollywood stars. See the magnitude of the man?

Whether or not he realises it, “(Tendulkar) will continue to bat for India, even though cricket has stopped (in his life).” He remains an inspiration and the statistics will continue to challenge all up-coming players.

Sincerely,

Anil Jaipaul

We all have personal responsibility for our own lives

Dear Editor

A view posited by late Roman Catholic Saint, Mother Teresa is that we think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. But she goes on to say that the greatest poverty is being unwanted, unloved and uncared for.

“We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty,” she had said, and indeed this has some resonance in Guyana and was in fact duly recognised in a recent article in Guyana Times headlined, “Vagrants wish for a better life this Christmas”.

The article highlighted that one particular vagrant, for more than 25 years, has been immersed in a life filled with pain, sorrows, disappointments and loneliness; a life on the streets of Georgetown. His story represents a global phenomenon, but points somewhat in the direction of irresponsibility and lack of positive action to exit his dreadful state.

Barring some exceptional circumstances, vagrancy can be avoided if people are willing to take personal responsibility for their actions.

And this means, be-

ing ever mindful of our actions and decisions in life as sometimes our past decisions come back to haunt in the most distressing of ways.

Though one can rationalise and say that things have happened and that the circumstances were beyond control, it is important to bear in mind that the reaction to the situation in one’s own response, and this can be controlled.

As such, one cannot entirely divorce his/ herself from a situation. Many tend to view the notion of “responsibility” in a negative light, almost to comparing it to a

The Speaker must ensure that Guyana’s Parliament upholds the Constitution of the country

Dear Editor,

Permit me to state the following in relation to the acting Chief Justice (CJ) Ian Chang’s ruling on the country’s budgetary cuts by the parliamentary opposition.

January 29 was indeed a historic day for Guyana and the Guyanese people when Chang made the ruling that the National Assembly has no right to cut the national budget estimates of our country. The Guyanese people certainly welcomed the CJ’s ruling. In fact, all the indigenous toshaos I contacted rejoiced when they heard the news.

The people of Guyana and their democratically elected government under the leadership of President Donald Ramotar, therefore, scored a major victory against the power-hungry parliamentary opposition – People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) who in their unpatriotic agenda had cut the 2012 and 2013 national budgets presented to the Guyanese people by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

Totally ashamed of its defeat in the High Court, the parliamentary opposition still claims that it intends to cut the upcoming 2014 National Budget despite the ruling by the acting CJ. This would certainly be contempt for the High

Court and a demonstration of lawlessness which are definitely not qualities for national leadership. The people of Guyana must seriously take note of this.

The parliamentary ‘ball’ is now in the court of the Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, who must ensure that the National Assembly upholds the Constitution of our country, which could have far-reaching effects.

So, Mr Speaker, please let the National Assembly uphold the Constitution of Guyana at all times.

But it seems as though the parliamentary opposition intends to be on another time-wasting spree as a result of its ignorance of the separation of powers regarding the executive, legislature and judiciary. In this regard, it intends to legally challenge the acting Chief Justice’s ruling. It shall fail again!

The problem with the parliamentary opposition is it thinking that it is the government. No, it is not. It is the opposition which wants to run the government and the country through the back door, which is not different from the electoral malpractices prior to 1992.

But the good book states that anyone who enters or tries to enter the house through the back door is a thief. Now is the time to start watching them.

Yours sincerely Peter Persaud

necessary evil.

It is worthy for all Guyanese to accept this approach, because it entails a built-in mechanism to cater for setbacks by providing options to recover and not ended up being on the fringes of society.

All of this entails one being disciplined and living within his/her means and when mistakes are

made, there is a concerted effort to have them corrected and not casting blame on others.

Blaming others for our downfall is never a helpful approach as it does not allow one to trace his/her fault and know where the error occurred.

After all, in taking responsibility for our lives, we are rising above ani-

mals which are governed by instincts. Humans, with language, intellect and will power should pride themselves in making decisions based on intelligence and in the spirit to advance his situation for the betterment of his well-being, his family, his community and country at large.

Sincerely, Annalisa Ally

Several activities planned for Black History Month in Guyana

Aseries of activities has been planned in observance of “Black History Month”, which began on Wednesday with an art exhibition at the Quava Centre at the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

ACDA executive member

Eric Philips in an interview with Guyana Times International said other activities include lectures, drumming and a food exhibition.

There will also be an entrepreneurship workshop on February 15, which will be addressed by Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, and attended by representatives from civil society and various organisations, including the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and the European Union (EU).

The workshop themed

“Economic Empowerment” will be followed by a film festival.

ACDA is working with the African Heritage Museum, to have

some of its artifacts on display, throughout the month.

According to Phillips, celebrations will be held in the three counties, and plans are in the pipeline for the hosting of a reparations conference that will include the Pan-African movement and Rastafarian organisations.

A few outstanding African Guyanese will be honoured and prominent public personalities will be invited to speak about their contributions to their respective fields of work and Guyana as a whole.

ACDA is hoping that the celebrations planned will attract a wide cross-section of students, as the aim is to get students to learn more about African culture.

The African cultural body also said that its programmes are designed to target children, and is calling on parents to support its work.

Movies and nostalgia

By Anu Dev

We all have heroes and heroines from movies we saw as children. Some of these movies we can re-watch and they take us back, even just for two hours, to that time when things were so much simpler. Much of the appeal of those movies comes from the nostalgia accompanying our memories of when we first saw them, and what things were liked back then. Movies and songs can be really powerful in the way they evoke certain emotions within us.

For me, “The Little Mermaid” and “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai“ are two movies from my childhood that managed to make me remember quite strongly the first couple of times I saw those movies. And I still cheer when I see Shahrukh running towards Camp Sunshine with Raghupati Ragav playing in the background. Shahrukh has clearly mastered those dramatic running sequences. These movies still make me laugh, cry, sigh and sing-a-long. And I can’t help but reflect on how Indian movies have changed since the days of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. And truthfully, I really don’t enjoy most of the newer movies. Maybe some might call the older movies cheesy; even I quickly lose patience with the seemingly never-ending ‘runningaround-trees-while-singing sequences’, but at least they didn’t have the actors ‘getting down’ to Raghupati Ragav in a club like Hritik and Priyanka did in Krissh 3. It’s clear that Bollywood has always drawn some influences from Hollywood – the name ‘Bollywood’ itself speaks volumes – but now, it seems to be reaching all new heights. But that’s a discussion for another time – luckily we can choose whether we want to avoid the newer movies and look at movies from whatever era we prefer.

I finally got to see “Frozen” a few weeks ago and I was thrilled that it managed to make me as happy as the original Disney movies. Disney has clearly updated their style to make their movies more current, but they still managed to keep the ‘Disney-ness’ of the movie. It had all of the ingredients that we’ve come to expect and love from Disney movies.

So it’s nice that there are still movies that you can enjoy that can take you back to your childhood days. I know we should be moving forward, forging onwards, setting goals and trying to achieve those goals. But for me, and perhaps many people my age, we’re at a strange stage in life.

Just a few months ago, our parents were driving us to school, making sure we’re well fed and well dressed, but now, some of us are living on our own, doing our own grocery shopping, driving ourselves around and doing you know, ‘adult-things’. And a few years from now, we’ll be responsible for keeping our patients alive, defending our clients in court or keeping our businesses afloat. So with our futures quickly hurtling towards us, it’s nice to escape for a few hours into a nice movie that makes us feel like our younger selves.

So what movies take you back to your childhood? When last did you look at those movies? I can guarantee that those movies will be the ones that can cheer you up when you’re having a bad day.

Feral….

…youths

Back in 2011, London was wracked by riots during which youths looted stores for the fancy clothes and the expensive “gear” they affect nowadays. The Mayor of London blamed it on “people in this city, sadly, who are intent on violence, who are looking for the opportunity to steal and set fire to buildings and create a sense of mayhem, whether they are anarchists or part of organised gangs, or…feral youths.”

Now if you’re going to call youths pillaging from stores as acting like animals in the wild…what do you call the youths in Guyana who confessed to killing two taxi drivers – by first trying to strangle one and when that failed, by bludgeoning him to death? In London there was a section of society that jumped up in outrage at the Mayor for his description of the youths. But what metaphor can better describe people that can so callously and gruesomely kill another human being than “wild animals”?

Now we can go into all sorts of explanations and analyses as to how they became wild animals –single parent, poverty, poor supervision…whatever – but we can’t escape the fact that the killer youths acted like wild animals. To be “human” is not just to be born into the species “Homo Sapiens” but to act in a manner that makes you a part of “humanity”. It has all to do with how you act – and you’re not supposed to act like animals.

Now we can move on to talk about the “why?” –not as academic speculation, but so that maybe, we can see how we’re going to deal with this problem. Because it IS a problem – a big problem. In addition to the taxi drivers youth killers, we had the three youths who robbed a business in Paradise (did you get the irony?) and before that, the depredations by the “Hot Skulls” gang operating out of Albouystown.

Right off the bat, we can discard the above mentioned “causes” being in some way deterministic. We all know tons of children in those circumstances that don’t go around bludgeoning people to death. But we can detect a connection with the looting feral youths of London and the killers of Guyana: they all wanted to enjoy the paraphernalia of what defines the good life nowadays.

But they want to get their hands on those accoutrements the easy way – not through working for it. So it all comes down to how young people are being socialised to see how they can get the good things of life.

Among other things, we have too many opposition politicians encouraging the culture of resentment and envy in our youths.

…electricity thieves

But on the other hand, you do have the same kind of feral behaviour among some grown big men and women – those who steal electricity. You can’t be seen as common humanity if you force your neighbour to pay for your enjoyment of the good (electrical) life. Wild animals, that’s what your Eyewitness calls them.

We heard evidence that big businesses steal more than half of all electricity in Guyana! Now here you have people who can pass on their electricity costs as expenses – yet they prefer to steal. This is the kind of greed that removes them from the realm of humanity.

It was also revealed that the other big electricity thieves are in Sophia and South Georgetown. And we come to the same mindset as with the feral youths – these people want the good things of life but don’t want to pay for them.

Or is it that they all were inspired by the practically free electricity Linden receives?

…politicians

There are some that see the term “feral politicians” as a tautology. But what else can you call the politicians in the AFC who cut appropriations for Amerindian development? And boast they will cut it again? Wankers?

Gov’t to present Food Safety Bill in Parliament

Government will move to present the Food Safety Bill to the National Assembly before the beginning of the 2014 budget debates. This is according to Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy who said government is in the final stages of completing the Food Safety Bill, which it hopes to present in the National Assembly for the first reading and approval.

Dr Ramsammy said the Agriculture Ministry has concluded its part and Cabinet has given the approval for the bill to be vetted by the Office of the Attorney General before it is presented. “It is presently being worked on by the AG chamber to ensure that the bill is consistent with the laws and Constitution of Guyana. Once they are finished with this, the next step is for us to present it for its first reading,” Dr Ramsammy explained.

The agriculture minister said it was important that the bill be presented before Budget 2014, since the budget debates would take centre stage in all parliamentary affairs. “My intention is to move that bill to the special select committee of the Parliament and once it is read once and twice, then all will be in place to have it streamlined for passing.”

Food safety agency

Dr Ramsammy said the bill will facilitate the production of highquality healthy food for Guyanese. In addition, it will enhance the coun-

try’s reputation as a net exporter of food. The bill is important, since it seeks to establish a food safety agency that will ensure harmonised regulation of the food industry, from the farm to the consumer.

This bill, he added,

is in keeping with the National Food Security Strategy, which has several components. Minister Ramsammy noted that success has been recorded in all of the components. These include: the facilitation of sustainable and stable employment and the promotion of systems for consumption of healthy foods for increased nutrition of all Guyanese.

Food security

The third aspect is promoting increased institutional coordination and functionality for improved food and nutrition security.

Dr Ramsammy said Guyana has had great success in providing enough food for its peo-

ple. He noted that government is now working to address the nutritional aspect of the strategy. Guyana has also been able to significantly increase its exports of various agricultural products.

The Food Safety Bill has been discussed widely by stakeholders, and the Agriculture Ministry has ensured that it was subjected to the relevant scrutiny. The bill was drafted after considerable consultation back in 2001. The draft was also presented to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) for their input.

Rogue ranks should be weeded out of the police force – Rohee

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the police force must pay closer attention to its recruitment procedures and screening practices so as to ensure that perverts are not allowed into the organisation. His comment came via a statement in which he expressed disgust at the damning allegation that three ranks sodomised a teenage boy at the Stabroek Market Police Outpost. The accused ranks have been placed under close arrest.

Rohee said if found guilty, such ranks should be weeded out of the force as they are not worthy of wearing the organisation’s uniform. He said he is awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the allegation.

Alarming

“It is most alarming to note that in the wake of an ongoing allegation of sexual assault, yet to be determined, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), while it struggles to regain public confidence… finds itself further embattled due to this alleged despicable act.”

“The Ministry of Home Affairs stands ready at all times to assist the Guyana Police Force in surmounting its challenges, but wishes to strongly advise the force

to come to grips with its administrative and operational deficiencies, and to embrace fully the current effort at reforms in the best interest of the force, in particular, and the people of Guyana, in general.”

Fearful

The Alliance For Change (AFC), for its part, said it was the umpteenth complaint against the police and at the same time, serious crime is on the increase. “This is an untenable situation for the citizens and ought not to be allowed to continue. But, at the end of the day, security is the responsibility of the government and where it is found that the security force is turning criminal and not doing the job they have sworn to do, this becomes a reflection of the will of their political bosses. The buck

stops with the government,” the AFC said.

According to the party, it has repeatedly called on the government to professionalise the police force and “we have made specific recommendations in this regard, but these, like the Disciplined Forces Report, the Symmons’ and other reports and recommendations, have been tossed out by the government.”

In addition, the AFC said it supported the motion of no confidence brought against Minister Rohee yet the president stuck with him, “while the citizens of this country suffer and continue to live in fear”. The party said now citizens fear not only the criminals roaming our villages and towns but those hiding behind the uniform of the police force.

It noted that the recent incident on the Corentyne resulted in ranks from the Number 51 Police Station being removed. “It seems there will be no stern disciplinary action, no independent investigation to determine the level of ranks in criminal activities. Rather, these ranks have been transferred to other villages and towns where they can continue with whatever nefarious activities they were engaged in. Another village or town will now have to suffer. Is there any citizen who would feel comfortable knowing that rogue officers, who may be engaged in criminal activities, are in their community? How does this lend to building confidence in the police force?”

Safe state

The minority opposition party said it was clear that the government had no intention of acting decisively to clean up the force. “They have failed to provide a safe state for the citizens of this country and this is forcing many of our citizens to leave this country, it is scaring away investors and costing businesses and private citizens millions every year to pay for protection the government ought to be providing.”

Almost 100 per cent of under-five children vaccinated in Guyana

In 2013, Guyana recorded a 96 per cent vaccination rate in children under five, according to initial data.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran disclosed in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International that babies born in Guyana over the past 11-15 years have all received vaccines for preventable diseases.

“In recent years, we have been able to touch as much as 95 per cent to 96 per cent of our vaccinated population, that is, the babies that we need to vaccinate for vaccine preventable childhood illness,” he said.

Dr Ramsaran pointed out that the Health Ministry is looking at the sustainability of this programme, noting that vaccines are quite expensive and are administered free of cost in Guyana, unlike in other countries.

The health minister explained that owing to the change in market conditions, Guyana’s ability to pay for these vaccines is under threat.

However, the ministry is confident that “the government of Guyana will find those resources to continue this flagship programme for which Guyana has been given several international

awards in recent years”.

Working assiduously

Dr Ramsaran pointed out that the small percentage of children under the age of five who did not receive their immunisation shots are those in the most remote areas within the hinterland regions. He noted that the ministry is working assiduously to reach those communities.

The latest vaccine to be added to the government’s vaccination programme is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which seeks to help prevent cervical cancer and is administered to young girls between the ages of nine and 11.

The immunisation programme has seen a drastic expansion over the past decade, in the number of vaccines provided to combat preventable childhood diseases. In the 1970s, the programme started with vaccinations against six diseases: measles, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. Over the years, it has grown to encompass HPV, yellow fever, hepatitis B, mumps, haemophilus influenza, rubella, pneumococcal, meningococcal C, and rotavirus vaccinations.

Guyana has moved from focusing solely on children over the last

Willful blindness

…of Harris and Muckraker

Adam Harris is an old head when it comes to propaganda. He’s been spinning lies for almost half a century now – first for Burnham and the PNC at the Chronicle and then for The Mook over at the MuckrakerKN. But if day in and day out you’re mixing lies and truth, at some point you’ll end up not knowing which the heck is which. Or you end up believing your own BS. Or psychotic (psychosis??).

Take Harris’ column in MuckrakerKN. The man bemoaned the murders committed in Guyana. But then he had the unmitigated gall to complain that “news agencies” and now the “electronic media even publish the gruesome photographs”!!! In “chilling detail”, he complains! Here’s the fella who led the way – with his untutored “boss man”, as he fawningly refers to The Mook – in destroying the sensibilities of the Guyanese people with photos of headless bodies and bullet ridden children. And now he calls them “gruesome”?

It wasn’t gruesome when he and the Mook decided to print them. The money made from the public’s morbid fascination dulled the gruesomeness. “There was a time when the public made known their displeasure at the publication of these photographs in the newspapers,” Harris wrote. “Today, the country is taking these things in stride. In fact, the younger people actually rush to see these photographs with ghoulish glee. SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH MY COUNTRY.”

Something IS definitely wrong in Guyana. And it’s that people like The Mook and Harris can be allowed to get away with killing the moral fibre of the people of this country with their publication of filth and titillation. And now complain about it!! We had long warned about this effect: that people would begin to see the horror as the norm. This is a normal human reaction – how much horror or filth can you put up with? You sit in a latrine for a while and pretty soon you don’t even notice the stench. You even read the newspaper.

decade to include adolescents and then the entire family. The health minister noted that the ministry’s motto is “Not any child or family left unvaccinated”.

Constant monitoring is being done for signs and symptoms of any vaccine preventable disease. Testing for these vaccine preventable diseases is being done in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO).

And the danger we pointed out before – to no avail – is if people don’t become outraged by a horror, then that horror will never be eradicated. It is the norm. We don’t even hold our noses. But the willful blindness of Harris doesn’t stop there. He goes on to lay blame for the people’s incapacity for moral outrage. And guess whose behind he rubs his doo-doo on? The police!!!

We know the police aren’t choir boys but making children “rush to see these photographs with ghoulish glee”? This is being certifiably psychotic. …of stakeholders in budget

From some media reports, there seems to be a big disjunct between the government (specifically the Finance Ministry) and the “stakeholders” in the budgetary process. The latter act as if their name means they’re “holding stakes”, which they’re supposed to plunge into the heart of the finance minister. As if he’s Count Dracula. They’ve forgotten that they got their name because they’re supposed to have a “stake” (a part) in the outcome of the process.

The opposition’s the greatest culprit here. They want to control and write the entire budget – not surprising (but illegal), since they want to take over the executive. So they aren’t even showing up for meetings to discuss their suggestions. But the recent meetings with the GPSU and FITUG – the representatives of workers – indicated that they somehow expect the Finance Ministry as bound to adopt their proposals – lock, stock and barrel.

Everybody better understand this: the Finance Ministry has to consider the welfare of the entire country – not just special interests. The whole is greater than even the sum of the parts.

…on Caricom

The Caricom secretary general claimed “reforms” are under way. Who’s he kidding? Until we have a Caricom executive body with teeth, we’re just spinning wheels. And wasting money on inflated salaries and perks.

Dialogue is the best means of resolving conflicts – President

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in observance of the United Nations (UN) designated World Interfaith Harmony Week, President Donald Ramotar on Saturday called for a redoubling of efforts to foster greater understanding and appreciation among the different religions in Guyana.

World Interfaith Harmony Week was officially launched on Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The ceremony opened with prayers and messages from the Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Baha’i, Rastafarian, indigenous and Seventh Day Adventist bodies, and the United Apostolic Mystical Council.

The president, who delivered the keynote address, boasted of the beauty and uniqueness of Guyana’s multiethnic, multicultural society, and the commendable level of tolerance that exists among the various faiths.

Four years ago, World

Interfaith Harmony Week became an annual event that is observed during the first week of February, as the UN General Assembly’s way of urging countries to encourage activities aimed at fostering greater dialogue among people of different faiths.

The need to intensify such dialogue was underscored by the desire to promote a culture of genuine peace in a world, driven in many places, by religious and sectarian divides, since tolerance and mutual understanding are general aspirations shared by faiths. The president

said that his government fully supports the goal of increased dialogue among faiths, and subscribed to the view that dialogue is the best means of resolving conflicts especially those exacerbated by ethnic and religious conflicts.

Unlike many other countries in the world, the various religious bodies in Guyana co-exist in harmony. The president explained that while interfaith dialogue had to be initiated in other countries in an attempt to ease religious conflicts, Guyana took this step of its own accord.

Interfaith dialogue

“For this reason, interfaith relations in Guyana take place characterised by the absence of hostility, animosity, and bitterness. The fact that the leaders of our various faiths have come together to foster greater understanding is something to commend and celebrate and encourage. It enriches all of our lives and helps to foster greater unity among all our peoples. It is also the best example that we, as a nation, can hope for when addressing challenges that we face,” President Ramotar posited.

“The fact that our religious leaders can come

together to advance the goal of interfaith dialogue should serve as a good example to our Parliament to put our people’s interest before narrow political agendas. The religious harmony that we have fostered must be held up as a beacon for building greater mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace across our land,” President Ramotar stated.

Freedom of religion

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Khadija Musa read to the audience, the message of UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-Moon.

In his message, the secretary general pointed out that each religion harbours a strident minority, prepared to assert fundamentalist doctrines through bigotry and extreme violence. This, he said, is an affront to the heritage and teachings of all major religions. Further, these acts contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right of all to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

A symposium was held after the launching ceremony engaging mostly young people from different faiths.

Guyanese listed as second largest immigrant group in Queens

In December 2013,

the New York City Department of City Planning issued a detailed report showing that Guyanese are the second largest immigrant group in Queens and the fifth largest in New York City.

Immigrants from Trinidad & Tobago occupy the eighth position. The report, The Newest New Yorkers, is based on data collected in the 2010 Census and the 2011 American Community Survey.

in New York City-trailing only the Dominican Republic (380,160) and China (350,231) and ahead of countries such as Mexico, Jamaica and India among others.

In the largest New York metropolitan region, the combined total number of Guyanese and Trinidadian immigrants would be over 288,000, the 5th highest foreign-born population, trailing the Dominican Republic (557,520), China (477,386), Mexico (366,810), and India (330,881).

The combination also reflects the propensity for Indo-Caribbean persons from Guyana and Trinidad, and other Caribbean countries, to

The report details the change in population and provides comprehensive information on the foreign-born population to policy makers, program planners, and service providers to help them gain perspective on a population that continues to reshape the city. The data is based on the foreign born population from specific countries, but the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Inc. combined the data for Guyana and Trinidad to reflect the overwhelming ethnic and cultural similarities among the two nationalities.

work closely together for social, political and economic development in New York City.

While this report demonstrates the large IndoCaribbean population in New York City, it does not account for the population born in the United

States. Immigrants from Guyana and Trinidad began moving to New York City in significant waves since the 1960’s and many are now first and second generation Americans. If these populations were included, we are confident the number

of Indo-Caribbean residents in New York City would be considerably larger.

In New York City, the combined foreign-born population of Guyana and Trinidad is 227,582. This is the 3rd highest foreign-born population

In Queens, which has the largest concentration of Indo-Caribbeans among the five boroughs, Guyanese represent the second largest foreignborn population with over 82,000 individuals trailing only Chinese immigrants who account for over 142,000. The report also found that nearly half of all Queens’ residents are foreign born as of 2011 out of a total population of 2.2 million residents.

Guyana, EU sign 10th EDF agreement

The government of Guyana and the European Union (EU) on Friday signed a financing agreement to the tune of 14.8 million euros under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Sea and River Defence Sector Budget Support Programme.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said the support is most welcomed since Guyana remains vulnerable to climate change, particularly rising sea levels.

Some 90 per cent of the population lives on the coast.

“Guyana’s topography renders it vulnerable to natural risks related to climate change and sea level rise as most of the country’s key assets are located in vulnerable low-lying areas and are protected by sea defences,” a joint statement by the two parties noted.

All of Guyana’s towns and major settlements and the vast majority of all non–mining industrial activities, includ-

ing agriculture and other economic activities are undertaken within the coastal zone.

But despite these vulnerabilities, Dr Singh said the Guyana government has made extraordinary contributions to the global fight against climate change with the preservation of its pristine rainforests. He expressed appreciation that the EU has recognised these efforts and has come onboard to assist Guyana in confronting the challenge.

“Government continues to invest extensive resources into this sector to protect and maintain the structural integrity of the sea and river defence infrastructure and advancing sustainable shore zone management systems in Guyana, and has been partnering with the EU to protect and maintain the structural integrity of these systems,” the statement added.

Heartened

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador Robert

Kopecký said it was heartening to partner with Guyana in this regard and underscored how savings can be garnered in the future from investing in proper infrastructure now.

Kopecký said the EU’s investment stretches beyond the upgrading of sea defences by means of construction as it includes the restoration plan for a mangrove forest at various locations (river or sea defence) countrywide.

The EU’s partnership with the government in this sector dates back to the Seventh EDF programme signed on February 24, 1994, at which time 12 million euros was committed.

A further 20 million euros and 18.018 million euros were committed under the eighth and ninth EDF programmes respectively. Overall, the EU has contributed about 50 million euros to the sea and river defence sector in Guyana. This investment saw the construction, rehabilitation and/or maintenance of approximately 35 kilometres of sea defence structures in Regions Two, Three, Four, and Six. The 10th EDF financing agreement builds on previous sea and river defence programmes undertaken by the government and the EU. The previous financial com-

mitments made under the seventh, eighth and ninth EDFs have been implemented through project interventions, but recent policy developments have set the environment for continuing EDF assistance to the sea and river defence sector through sector budget support.

A detailed implementation plan for sea and river defences was developed in 2012 by the government of Guyana to facilitate progressive adoption and enforcement of the policy by all stakeholders. The implementation plan focuses on an initial developmental period of five years from 2013 to 2017. During this time, a number of activities will be pursued with the objective of improving the efficiency and sustainability of the sea and river defence sector.

In order for Guyana to qualify for financial disbursement under the 10th EDF financing agreement, the sea and river defence sector would have to satisfy specific performance criteria in investment and performance targets, including a detailed annual implementation plan, capacity-building plan, annual condition surveys of all 160km of manmade sea defences and implementation of an annual infrastructure programme.

Kennard says no evidence Harding was baton raped

- but physical assault charges likely to be filed against some ranks

There is no evi-

dence to suggest that 23-year-old Colwyn Harding was baton-raped, Police Complaints Authority

Chairman, Justice Cecil Kennard said, noting that criminal charges to this effect will not be instituted against police officers accused of the allegation.

In a telephone interview with Guyana Times International on Tuesday, Kennard said he has completed his role in the process and is currently preparing his report with recommendations to be handed over to the relevant agencies.

Asked whether there will be any charges against the police officers accused of the allegation, Justice Kennard said “the evidence does

not point in that direction”.

He explained that the report from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which was handed over to him about a week ago, does not contain any evidence of Harding being assaulted to the extent he claimed.

However, he pointed out that there will be charges of physical assault levied against the officers.

He disclosed that he has recommended that two police officers be charged criminally and several others to face disciplinary action departmentally.

Kennard went on to say that a key factor missing from the report is a medical report to support Harding’s al-

legations.

The head of the PCA further noted that the fact that Harding waited months before making his complaint was another factor taken into consideration.

“He waited until he was at the Georgetown hospital, he might have revealed it to his lawyer

and other persons, but not until January. All he told the doctors was that he was assaulted, he did not mention anything about the police using a baton on him,” Kennard stated. No sexual assault complaint

Kennard noted that Dr Madan Rambarran, in his statement, said when he saw Harding in January, the young man made no complaints of being sexually assaulted.

“Even when he was in prison, he didn’t complain about that. He had several opportunities. When he got to prison, he didn’t tell the medical staff there. These are serious allegations,” he stated.

Justice Kennard explained that the next

step now is for him to hand the report over to the relevant authorities.

“Assuming that I’m recommending criminal charges, it will have to go back to the crime chief for him to take the file to the office of the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions], who will make the decisions where criminal charges are concerned,” he said.

He added that disciplinary charges were recommended for several officers, all of whom were stationed at Timehri.

He explained that some of the charges will be dealt with by the police commissioner and the others by the Police Service Commission.

Allegations against ranks from sergeant and lower levels are dealt with by the police com-

missioner, while those concerning officers above the rank of sergeant go to the Police Service Commission.

In early January, Harding told the media that he was baton-raped by police officers at the Timehri Police Station in mid-November last year.

Harding was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital GPH where doctors determined that he had a severe case of hernia.

After two surgeries and several weeks of treatment, he left two weeks ago to seek medical treatment in Jamaica.

This newspaper was told that he was seen by doctors there, but no surgery will be done until he recuperates some more.

New GPC Inc. supports Panwave Academy Steel Orchestra

The New GPC Inc.

in a bid to support the development of culture and arts has sponsored the Panwave Academy Steel Orchestra, which will be participating in the national steelpan competition next month.

On Tuesday, the pharmaceutical company gave a cheque to the steel orchestra to offset expenses during the playoff.

Handing over the cheque was NEW GPC Marketing Associate Livasti Bhooplall, who noted that the company is committed to youth development.

“NEW GPC believes investing in youth development is crucial to the success of our nation,” she said, calling on other organisations to support similar initiatives.

The Panwave Steel Orchestra offers under-

privileged children as well as children who attend schools which do not have music programmes an opportunity to become musically literate.

It was established in 2001 and was the initiative of a group of young graduates from Queen’s College and President’s College, along with Mildred Low from the Allied Arts Department of the Education Ministry.

The orchestra seeks to provide both practical

and theoretical training to youths.

According to band manager Andrew Tyndall, the orchestra has trained over 350 students and is continuing to work with various organisations to provide training.

Dannika Giddings, a Christ Church Secondary School student, who is currently attending the academy, said it has benefited her greatly since she has always been a

Teen charged with murder of Pegasus taxi driver

Eighteen-year-old Lorenzo Forde was arraigned on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the murder of Rubrindranauth Jeebo, a driver attached to Pegasus Taxi Service.

Forde, of Charlestown, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between December 27 and 28, 2013, in Georgetown, he killed the taxi driver.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that Jeebo

had left home to go to work, but the following day, December 28, his body was discovered in a clump of bushes in Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt. The court heard that the man’s body bore several marks of violence.

The prosecutor added that after the man’s death, his stolen phone was in use and the police traced the calls made to the accused. The young man confessed to killing Jeebo while one of his relatives was present, Grant said.

Chief Magistrate

Priya SewnarineBeharry remanded the accused to prison until February 19.

Forde had appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman last Friday charged with two counts of robbery under arms. On that occasion, it was alleged that on December 26 and December 30, he robbed two persons of their motor cars and other valuables. He pleaded not guilty to those offences and was remanded by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

lover of music.

She noted that a few of her colleagues have been attending the after school sessions, something they greatly enjoy.

Jovanka Williams, a past student of the academy, said the orchestra has made a positive impact on her life, noting

that it has helped to improve her grades.

She is now a music teacher at the Bishop’s High School and the North Georgetown Secondary School.

In 2008, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, through its school steel pan outreach programme, came on board and supported the work of the academy.

Tyndall said with “the sponsorship of NEW GPC, there will be plenty of opportunities to enhance the music programme” as he lauded the company for the kind gesture.

No bad blood between Peter Phillips and PM Portia

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says finance minister and the man who challenged her in a bruising contest for the leadership of the People's National Party (PNP), has her full support and that of the Cabinet.

Asked if there was any residual bad blood between her and Dr Peter Phillips, Simpson Miller said no: "He has the full support of his prime minister and the Cabinet, to pursue a path to ensure we can pay our debt and get the country out of this difficult eco-

nomic situation, so that your children and their children will not have to go through what we are going through again... ever in Jamaica."

Phillips had the full backing of her Cabinet for the work he had to do in sticking with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme. "It is a joined-up effort of every ministry and every minister," she said in an interview with Jamaican media.

Phillips and Simpson Miller were among four candidates who contested the PNP leadership in February 2006

to succeed P J Patterson as party president and prime minister. The others were Dr Omar Davies and Dr Karl Blythe. Phillips also mounted a second challenge for leadership in July 2008, two years into Simpson Miller's first prime ministerial tenure.

Simpson Miller added that she and Phillips worked well together politically, noting: "He is my neighbour, so we work well together. His (East Central St Andrew) constituency is adjoining my (Southwest St Andrew) constituency." (Jamaica Observer)

Gov’t allocates Gy$3.2B for electricity subsidy in

Linden

Prime Minister

Samuel Hinds on Monday confirmed that there will be no increase in electricity tariffs for Linden, Region 10.

In fact, the government has set aside Gy$2.900 billion in the 2014 national budget to subsidise the cost of electricity in Linden, while neighbouring Kwakwani Utilities Inc will receive Gy$300 million, a total of Gy$3.2 billion in subsidies, once there is no objection from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the National Assembly.

Prime Minister Hinds said the provision of the subsidy for Region 10’s Electrification

Programme is in keeping with the August 21, 2012 agreement signed between the government and the Region 10 Democratic Council.

In that agreement, the parties agreed that electricity tariffs within Linden will remain frozen until the completion of the work of the Linden Technical Committee, which was birthed out of the agreement as well.

The technical committee is expected to review the existing provision and consumption of electricity in Linden, including the history, the costs, the tariff structure, and subsidies. In keeping with the Terms of Reference (ToRs), the committee is also expected to conduct a study on the region’s econom-

ic circumstances and its ability to facilitate an increase in electricity costs, as well as consider the advantages and disadvantages of integrating Linden into the national grid.

Standstill However, the work of the committee is at

a standstill for want of a chairperson. Since the original chairman, Narvon Persaud resigned, the parties have failed to agree on another chairperson. The government had identified an individual to fill the post, whom the region had rejected.

“Concerning the agreements which settled the unrest in Linden, they froze electricity tariffs to where they were. The agreements stated that there would be no consideration of any increases until after the various committee reports would have been received, studied, and discussed. This position could not be more comfortable for the regional chairman and for APNU,” the prime minis-

ter posited.

In response to allegations that the government has abandoned the agreement, Hinds said, “The agreement has certainly not been barren.”

In March 2012, the prime minister had announced that there would have been an increase in electricity tariffs in Linden from July 1, 2012, stating that government was unable to further subsidise electricity in the mining town. He had said the increase would have been gradually implemented, but the proposed tariff hike was rejected by the people of Linden and by extension, Region 10.

Through the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI), customers on the Mackenzie shore would have received their first 50 kilowatts per hour (kWh) at Gy$5 per kWh, the current rate, but further consumption would

have seen them paying Gy$50 per kWh, while businesses would have paid Gy$65.

On the Wismar shore, under the Linden Utility Services Co-op Society Limited (LUSCSL), customers would have experienced similar increases. Their current rates stand at Gy$7 per kWh for residential customers and Gy$15 per kWh for commercial consumers.

The announcement had resulted in a series of protests. The events escalated on July 18, 2012 when the police and protesters clashed at the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, resulting in the shooting to death of three Lindeners.

After more than a month of unrest, the government and the region signed the August agreement putting an end to the looting, incidents of arson, and the blockade of major roads.

Businessman pledges Gy$100M to construct private hospital

Aprominent Guyanese businessman who requested anonymity has pledged some Gy$100 million for the construction of a hospital catering for kidney dialysis and treatment of patient.

The announcement was made by Doobay Medical Centre President, Dr Budhendra Doobay on Sunday, at a charitable event.

The multimillion-dollar hospital is expected to be completed within 18-24 months. The threestorey complex is expected to house a medical school offering courses for laboratory and pharmacy technicians, nursing and phlebotomy.

Patients suffering from severe kidney problems will benefit from enhanced dialysis and treatment, free of cost.

Professor, Dr Euan Carlisle of Mc Master University, Canada disclosed that through a collaborative effort with the Health Ministry and the Doobay Medical Centre, the hospital may be able to offer kidney transplant surgery in Guyana.

“Every two months, a kidney specialist from the Mc Master University, Canada comes here to ensure the dialysis patients are doing well. We go around and see all the patients and see that the dialysis is high quality.”

Professor Carlisle noted the good relationship between the centre and the university, and expressed hope that it will grow from strength to strength.

He further noted that the dialysis centre in Guyana has grown and is continuing to grow since its establishment two years ago. The centre located at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, sees about 40 people on a daily basis, providing free treatment.

“I feel that they are getting good dialysis and most of them say they are feeling very, very well and the dialysis is going very well for them,” Dr Carlisle said, but noted: “We would like to see more patients being planned for dialysis… first of all, we would like to try to prevent patients reaching the point of dialysis.”

This, he explained, can only be possible with the patients following the doctors’ instructions of eating healthily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising and taking their medications on time.

Dr Doobay said plans are in the pipeline for screening to be done at the centre, which can help in the recognition of similar problems so that the patients will become aware of what problems they are likely to develop, and as a result, the doctors and nurses can administer treatment in ample time.

The Doobay Medical Centre was established in 2011 and has since developed into a reputable entity for dialysis treatment. The medical centre is sustained by donations and fundraisers.

APNU expresses commitment to supporting anti-money laundering bill

After being hammered by the two private sector bodies on Tuesday for walking out of a meeting when a proposal was made for the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to observe the meetings of the select committee fine-tuning the antimoney laundering bill, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Wednesday said it is committed to amending the current act of 2009 to ensure that it is effective.

The party also committed to ensuring that the Bank of Guyana (BoG) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) are empowered and equipped to fulfil their functions and achieve the objectives of the act and to engage the government of Guyana, the private sector, civil society, the trade unions and the international community to protect “our economy with the enforceable Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism ( AML/CFT) laws”.

The PSC had criticised APNU’s position regarding the observation of discussion on the

Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, at the parliamentary special select committee. APNU objected to a motion put to the select committee for the proceedings to be observed by the commission.

The PSC, in a statement, said on December 10, APNU gave an unqualified undertaking to support the PSC proposal that the meeting of the special select committee be held in public, thereby facilitating observers.

“The PSC finds it inexplicable that APNU would now renege on its undertaking made at a meeting chaired by its leader, Brigadier (re-

tired) David Granger, and considers this to be a disturbing display of bad faith on the part of the major opposition party.”

The commission had requested an urgent meeting with the coalition over the matter.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said members of the National Assembly should leave “political grandstanding” out of the negotiations.

“The chamber noted with deep disappointment the position adopted by A Partnership for National Unity to withdraw and not allow outside observers to the parliamentary select committee debates concerning the amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill,” the GCCI said in a press statement on Tuesday. The coalition

has since said that it walked out of the meeting, owing to the disrespectful attitude of the chairperson of the committee, Gail Teixeira. Deliberate

On Wednesday, the coalition went a step further chastising the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration for dithering on the issue.

It said the government has deliberately not enforced its own

anti-money laundering legislation for over 13 years until it was threatened with sanctions by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the international financial community.

Noting that the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2000 was introduced by the PPP/C 13 years ago, APNU said it was never enforced and was deemed ineffective.

Guyana tipped to become a wedding destination

The Sixth Annual Wedding Expo was launched on Friday at Roraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Georgetown, with about 10 couples, who want to be officially paired, gracing the occasion.

Roraima Group of Companies Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouviea said the annual exposition continues to raise the platform for small business to showcase their work and build partnerships.

Gouviea said the Guyana tourism sector is on the rise, and called on all to get involved.

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali, who also addressed the launch, said plans are in train to make Guyana a wedding destination, with more partnerships from both the public and private sectors.

Ali added that with the establishment of a

“wedding direct webpage” showcasing Guyana, the country will quickly gain recognition in this regard.

The minister applauded the sponsors whom over the years have made the Wedding Expo a memorable one for the participants.

This year’s Wedding Expo will be held from March 28-30. The sponsors include Roraima Inn, Arrowpoint Resort, Kings Jewellery World,

Once yuh deh under yuh just can’t tek over

The word “under” is gettin to be a over used word nowadays. When tings not goin well, people does seh tings goin under. When people not feelin well, dem does seh dem under de weather. When people dead, dem does have to go under. Is only de rasta man dem overstand and don’t over use and abuse “under”.

A man end up in de hospital and he seh it was because de police went under he. A teenager get send away from under dem guards at de N-O-See. Then right away dem police had he under dem near to a market. When people hear bout that dem thought it was by another market, because a lotta tings does go on and go under by that area. Dem market people seh a lotta people does go under in that area too. Dem seh is some big boys who does go under some other big boys, but all of dem does dress like boys to fool people that dem don’t go under.

Fly Jamaica, Handin-Hand Insurance Company, K&Y Party Rental, Guyana Times and Karen’s Cake, Bromeliad Make Up, among others.

On a different note, Minister Ali pointed out too that more persons have been asking for a second dinner at Fort Island, after the great experience from the first ever “Romancing the Fort” in December 2013.

Soloman look like he was tryin to send de whole of Linden under. Before that, a man in a Tundra was tryin to fly over de bridge when he coulda drive over, and he went under. Now a man in de Mazaruni de other day jump over a boat and he went under.

England been to play cricket Down Under and as soon as dem land, de Aussies had dem all de way under. De same England now want to join wid Down Under and India to keep de other cricket nations under. Well, since de 1990s, de Waste Indies, of course, always deh way under. But, just like de headitor, de WISee-Bee don’t mind tekkin lil money, drinkin lil soup and stayin under de big ones. Now Imrun and Camrun run under.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De budget case done and de whole opposition gotta big hole under. De whole time, dem was tryin to send de guvament under. But de High Court show dem that once yuh deh under, yuh just can’t tek over!

Guyana’s parliamentary proceedings to be streamed live on internet

The Parliament Office and the Canadian government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for the provision of live Internet streaming of all parliamentary business, sittings, committee meetings and other parliamentary related activities.

The multimillion-dollar initiative is expected to take effect before the 2014 national and regional budget is presented in the House. It is expected to keep the world abreast with the business of the local Parliament. The project has been made possible through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. This fund supports and implements projects, the world over, in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments.

During a simple ceremony in Committee Room Two, Parliament Buildings, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman said the Parliament Office is about to make a quantum leap into the “present”, positing that the House has been lagging behind in the field of technology.

According to Trotman, with the commencement of the 10th Parliament, there was a vision to bring the people of Guyana closer to the House, and the new initiative will enable this dream to become a reality.

In 2012, Trotman, along with the clerk of the National Assembly

Sherlock Isaacs, approached the donor community for funds to initiate the project. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the then high commissioner of Canada David Devine responded positively.

However, things appeared dampened for

a while until the arrival of current Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles. Recently, the Parliament Office was informed that funding has been approved for the project which will allow persons in Lethem, Madhia and even Crabwood Creek to watch the proceedings of the National Assembly from the comfort of their homes, live.

High demand

According to the Speaker, there has been a high demand for this type of technology from the public, positing that since the commencement of the 10th Parliament, there has been a renewed interest in the affairs of the National Assembly.

Live streaming of the parliamentary sessions is a stepping stone to greater things, he posited.

He disclosed too that the e-parliament pilot project, equips all par-

liamentarians and staff of the Parliament Office with tablets to facilitate the exchange of information, thereby reducing the bulk of papers. This will be complemented by the launch of a media centre.

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner Giles said the project will benefit all Guyanese, giving them a virtual front row seat to the proceedings of the National Assembly.

She added that the live streaming of the proceedings will enable Guyanese to join the tidal wave, giving them equal access to the House, despite their location. Through the project, Canada is working with Guyana to provide the structure required to facilitate the transmission of information from the legislature to the people, thereby encouraging greater democratic participation.

Gospel concert attracts thousands at National Stadium

It was indeed a night of worship and giving thanks as hundreds from all walks of life turned out at the Inspire Inc Gospel Fest 2014, held at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday evening.

With the dynamic performances from local, regional and international ministers of God, practically everyone was out of their seats as the word of God was administered to them.

The entire national stadium was undoubtedly anointed by the ministers who put on an epic show.

With hands in the air, bowed heads and in some cases, tears in their eyes, every member of the audience would have spiritually felt the presence of the Lord.

The concert started promptly at 19:00h, with two hours of local performances which definitely set the tone for the evening. From reggae to dancehall gospel, the artistes had everyone on their feet singing praises.

There were spectacular performances by Mariam Williams, who was accompanied by the powerful voice of her son, Jeremiah, who left an indelible impression on the hearts of those present. Ryan Hoppie also did his part on stage, but taking the crowd by storm was Cheryl Malone, who released her album “Unity” as she performed “Share

Some Love”. Holy rhythm

Bartica was also well represented by Solid Youth, who added a hip hop/ dancehall swag to the evening, with several of his tunes which had the audience dancing to the holy rhythm. Adding more flavour to the concert were Trenacia Esseboom, Samuel Medas and Sean Sobers. However, Eon Greave was the last local performer to take to the stage before the regional artistes. He performed “What A Restoration”, which was well received by the audience. The show started with Barbadian Hoszia Hinds, who took to the stage, decked out in an all-white ensemble. He performed to perfection.

Hinds spent over 20 minutes on stage, and from the reaction of the audience, he did an ex-

cellent job. Dishing out songs such as “Giving Up Is Not An Option”, “I Can’t Live My Life Without You” and “Lord God To My Rescue”, he had men, women and children jumping in joy, praising the Lord.

Dripping in perspiration, Hinds made way for Jamaica’s Junior Tucker, who continued from where Hinds left off. His powerful voice boomed through the speakers of Travellers Sound System. He performed “My God, He Loves Me”, “Blessing And Honour”, “I Am Determined To Fulfill My Destiny”, “I Love You Lord” and “Rock My Soul”.

During his presentation, he interacted with the audience and had them singing various pieces of choruses. Without any doubt, Hinds and Tuckers put the crowd in a spiritual

mood. All the local and regional artistes were backed by the Second Coming Band, which did a fantastic job.

Awards

As the show continued, three outstanding religious leaders receive Lifetime Achievement Awards for their dedication in spreading the word of God.

These were Reverend, Dr John Smith of the Central Assembly of God Church; Basil Smart, who hails from Linden; and Pastor Winston Mc Gowan of the South Road Assembly of God Church. Mc Gowan, a historian, has been serving as pastor for the past 30 years.

Smart could not make it to the show due to circumstances beyond his control, but the award was received by his son Selwyn Sills.

Inspire Inc Chief Executive Officer Yog Mahadeo also launched

the second edition of his book “A Garland of Pearl”, which was illustrated by Royston Chase. During his presentation, he urged Guyanese to stay away from criminal activities and be more vigilant in promoting peace, love and unity.

He presented one of the books to his brother, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, while noting that the third edition is underway. These books, he noted, will be available in local book stores across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Big welcome

And without any further hesitation, Yog introduced and welcomed Israel Haughton and the New Breed Band on stage. As he made his way to the stage, the entire Guyana National Stadium erupted in joy.

Spectators in the VVIP box went as close as possible to the stage to

get a clearer glimpse of the Grammy Award winning gospel singer and song writer. He started off his 90-minute performance with “Jesus”, a worshipping song, which was followed by “Walk With You”. With his guitar and backup singers, the crowd went into a frenzy.

Every tune from Haughton was accompanied by loud cheers and screams. He did as he promised; it was a magnificent performance that had the audience on their feet as they sang, danced and worship.

The inspiring show, which was not interrupted by rain, ended just after midnight.

Those in attendance include junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Member of Parliament Kwame Gilbert and others.

Gov’t willing to engage all stakeholders in preparation of budget 2014 – Finance Minister

Government’s ongoing budget consultations with various stakeholders have been fruitful and promising, as it seeks to include all in the process.

Recently, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) President Carvil Duncan, along with his team, met with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

“The meeting with the minister was constructive and informative,” said Duncan, pointing out that “we did not go into the meeting expecting any concrete conclusions, but just for the minister to consider our needs as he prepares his budget for 2014.”

Duncan explained that this year’s meeting was no different from previous years when he and his team met with the minister as part of the consultations.

“We presented a fivepoint agenda for the minister to consider and we left very pleased that the minister was considerate to have invited us to be part of his budget consultations,” he said, noting that “we left satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.”

Late last week, Minister Singh held two meetings, one with FITUG and the other with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) to seek their recommendations and suggestions as stakeholders on what the budget should include.

A number of additional meetings are scheduled for this week, as the consultations continue to include other stakeholders.

Good gesture

“The intention was to discuss FITUG’s thinking on what should be in the budget to the benefit of the workers we represent,” Duncan noted. “The minister also told us that we can write to him after the meeting, should we have any fresh ideas that should be considered,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to government for the courtesy they extended to the unions to be part of the consultation meetings this year, as they had in previous years.

Duncan said he anticipates that government will demonstrate the same courtesy in the

future in the preparation of the following year’s budget.

Government also invited the parliamentary opposition to be part of the consultations, but A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has publicly rejected the invitation, claiming that it was not given sufficient time to meaningfully participate in the budget preparations.

Dr Singh has refuted this claim and has been meeting with other stakeholders, which have indicated a willingness to participate in the process.

In a statement, the minister pledged government’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity in the budget preparations and remains open to discussions with the opposition.

“Government remains open to meet with the opposition as has always been the case and we look forward to a response by the APNU to our invitation to advance discussion on Budget 2014,” the minister said.

Budget 2014 is expected to be presented to the National Assembly by the end of March.

U.S. says it addressed significant threats in the Caribbean during 2013

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says it addressed significant threats, while “optimising resources and building partnerships” in the Caribbean last year.

In its review of the fiscal year 2013, the CBP said its efforts were possible through “collaborative operations and partnerships with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, which have become an integral part of CBP’s procedures within the Caribbean, in order to generate reductions in illicit activity throughout the area”, it said in a statement.

“Throughout the year, the men and women of CBP played a decisive role in ensuring our nation’s security and prosperity,” said acting Commissioner Thomas Winkowski.

“From border security to travel facilitation and trade enforcement, these numbers illustrate CBP’s combined efforts in 2013 to accomplish its critical mission,” he added.

CBP officers and agents in the Caribbean seized over 31,962 pounds of narcotics, with an estimated street value of about US$320 million, and seized about US$3.5 million in unreported currency in Fiscal 2013, which ran

Grenada seeks three-year wage freeze ahead of IMF agreement

The Grenada government is calling on trade unions to accept a three-year wage freeze as it seeks to enter into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to deal with an ailing economy.

Minister of Economic Development, Planning and Trade, Oliver Joseph, told radio and television viewers on Monday that the Keith Mitchell-administration was seeking the assurances from the trade unions ahead of signing and submitting a letter of intent to the Washington-based financial institution.

“I want to appeal to all the Grenadian people to work with us, this is a national issue, this is not a political issue, we are about nation building, we have this long

term plan to see Grenada out of this fiscal situation it is in, and at the end Grenada will benefit,” he said.

“The letter of intent has not been signed as yet. In the letter of intent, (it) explains the intention of the government. The letter of intent could have been signed today or it could be signed tomorrow (but) the government decide let us have discussion with the unions because what the IMF is saying, you as a government said to us over the three year period there would be no increase, but we want to see a signed document by the unions committing to that,” he related.

“So the measures that we said we would do, the letter of intent now, before we sign it we want to be sure that we reach agreement on all the ar-

eas, but we have a deadline in which we want to sign because that is contingent on getting support.

“So the sooner we sign and reach agreement, the better for the government because then resources, the first tranche will be released…so it is in our interest to sign it. So very shortly it will be signed and submitted, and the programme of support will commence,” he added.

But President of the Grenada Trades Union Congress (TUC), Madonna Harford, who also appeared on the television programme, raised issues with the manner in which the government was going ahead with the strategy.

“You freezing salaries for three years, the public worker above EC$3,000 would have to pay income tax. So no increase, income tax, then you have increases in user fees, properties etc, so in the long run the public sector worker would be at a serious disadvantage,” Harford said.

The trade union official admitted that while Grenada was not isolated from the impact of the global economic and financial crisis, “the fact remains that somehow… decisions that would have not been very good or wise decisions are coming back to haunt us right now.” (Excerpted from Caribbean News)

No decision yet on whether NYC public schools should be closed for Diwali - Mayor de Blasio

from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013.

Winkowski said the CBP Office of Air and Marine (Caribbean Air and Marine Branch) played a “major role in the determent of illegal activity throughout our coasts, through the coordinated use of integrated air and marine forces to detect, interdict and prevent the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs, and other contraband in the area”.

CBP agriculture specialists also seized more than 16,677 prohibited plant materials, meat, animal byproducts and soil and intercepted nearly 3140 pests. (CMC)

According to a report from the New York Daily News, NYC is moving to close school for two Muslim holidays and the Lunar New Year , but Mayor Bill de Blasio isn’t so sure about the Hindu festival Diwali as yet.

Appearing on WNYC’s “Brian Lehrer Show” on Monday, the mayor said he hadn’t taken a position on whether Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in India and other South Asian countries, and the Caribbean should be a day off from school.

But he said he’d move forward with closing schools for Lunar New Year and for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Muslim holy days.

“It is complicated in terms of logistics and school calendar and budget. But it’s something I want to get done in a reasonable time frame,” he said.

A spokesman for the Indian community appealed to the mayor to recognise the Hindu holiday. “We are disappointed. We’ve been trying for a long time … It’s very important for the com-

said

Carol Ann Lynch further remanded

Former beauty queen Carol Ann Lynch made another appearance on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer the charge of murder before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Lynch is accused of murdering her husband Farouk Razack in May 7, 2007 at their 106 Ireng Place, Bel Air Park, Georgetown home. Razack’s body was found about 08:30h on the day in question with a wound to his head and marks around his neck. At that time, Lynch had just returned home after taking their daughter to school. A postmortem examination confirmed that Razack was strangled.

She was not required to plead to the indictable charge and stood silently before the magistrate. She was presented by Attorney Peter Hugh as she made her appearance in Court One.

Lynch was remanded until April 1.

This is the former Mrs South America’s second court appearance af-

carol ann lynch

ter she turned herself in on January 21, and was charged for the second time with the murder of her husband, the then head of the Swiss Cambio House.

The matter had been discharged back in 2007 by then Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys who said there was not sufficient evidence for a prima facie case to be made out against Lynch. However, police issued a warrant for her arrest in September 2013.

Laws must be amended to address noise nuisance in communities – Chandarpal

As the parliamentary Social Sector Committee embarks on its quest to address noise nuisance in society, members pointed out that there are too many liquor shops in society, as they questioned the procedure used to grant permits.

At the committee’s meeting on Friday, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP Vindhya Persaud quizzed fire chief Marlon Gentle and City Council representatives, city engineer Colbert Venture and supervisor for building inspection Marlon Harris.

Lawrence asked whether there are limits as to how many permits and licences should be granted within a zoning area or regulations regarding the construction of a liquor shop or hosting of a social event. She also asked what criteria are used to issue permits for those events or businesses which are in close proximity with each other.

“You need to look at that sometimes. There

are three functions going on and everybody in the area will cry out, because from one time or the other you are getting that collage of noise coming at you and that’s an issue,” the MP stated. She suggested that the authorities adopt a first come-first serve policy whereby only the first person to seek permission will be granted approval.

Approval process

With respect to the social activities, Building Inspection Supervisor Harris explained that permission can only be granted for public places and most of the events are being held on reserved lands. However, he noted that when plans are submitted to City Council for the establishment of a business, they are forwarded to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for processing and approval.

“They are the ones who determine yes or no, permission could be granted,” Harris said. He disclosed there are no consultations during this process; however, there are members on the CH&PA board from the various agencies involved and they are the ones who decide wheth-

Guyana’s first indigenous restaurant opens

Tuma Sàlà, a Patamona word meaning “Come let us eat”, is the first Guyanese indigenous cuisine restaurant in the country.

er or not to grant the approval.

City Engineer Colbert Venture explained that when an application is presented to the board, a representative from the CH&PA inspects the premises to see whether the criteria are met after which a report is presented to the board for approval.

He noted that after approval is granted, the City Council will go out and inspect what is being built against what was approved, and the Guyana Fire Service on a yearly basis inspects the businesses to ensure they are on par with the regulations. If these are not adhered to, then the businesses will be written to and a letter sent to the City Engineer Department for further action.

Innovative Social Sector Committee Chairperson Indra Chandarpal pointed out to the members that as policymakers, they must look into the discomfort of the people and amend the laws to alleviate this.

Fire Chief Gentle told the committee that they will have to go back to the laws and look at zoning and the environmental aspects.

Tuma Sàlà, located on 37 Middle Street and Campbellville Avenue, Geogetown, opened its door to the public on Saturday.

Co-founder Michael Patterson was overwhelmed with joy on seeing the partnership venture becoming reality.

“We are extremely proud at the response we’ve gotten so far, and we hope that Guyanese can come and enjoy the traditional Amerindian atmosphere that we have to offer.”

Authentic Patterson urged citizens to visit the eatery to experience authentic Guyanese indigenous

cuisine, Amerindian style.

Prior to the restaurant’s opening, the only time when Amerindian food, drink and craft are widely showcased is in September, Amerindian Heritage Month.

“We want to do it more regular and also have that economic gain from such a venture,” Patterson explained.

He disclosed that the venture does not stop with the opening, noting that plans are in place for an Amerindian Night. Patterson pointed out that the restaurant also does catering for weddings, cocktails, and any reception.

One of the major concerns Patterson shared was that of storage of meat during the journey from the interior to the city.

Nevertheless, he explained that over the

past two weeks, they have managed to address this challenge.

“To keep meat stuff together in storage is an issue, but we have managed and where there’s a will, there is a way,” he said.

Tourism

The restaurant was officially launched on Saturday, January 18, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. Patterson said with the launch of the authentic restaurant, he hopes that it will improve tourism in Guyana.

The other members of the partnership business are Natasha George, Evelyn Felix, Ovid Williams, and Lolita Williams.

They are all looking forward to a long beneficial business career. The restaurant also features Amerindian craft, jewellery and ornaments.

Once upon a time…..

Once upon a time there was Brer Anansi. Brer Anansi live a long time ago and dead a long time ago. But old people seh that long ago people does dead and born back again a second time. Not the kinda born again whah dem preachers does talk bout. Dem does come back into a new life.

Well, Guyana got nuff old time people who look like dem dead and come back to life. Some a dem in Parliament. Some a dem in guvament. One a dem is a mayor-fuh-life. Just that fuh most a dem de new life ain’t no better than de old life. It woulda be better if dem never born again. Dem shoulda stay down under de earth.

De big problem is that nuff a dem lookin like dem still dead. Some a dem behavin like livin dead. And some a dem deh round de place like walkin dead all over. One a dem like de mayor-fuh-life got de whole place smellin like dead. Guyana cricket gotta a Brer Anansi. People not sure if he is one a dem who dead and born back. But dem cricketers seh Brer Anansi got cricket dead. And it ain’t look like cricket gon born back any time soon once Brer Anansi deh bout.

De cricketers hopin that cricket gon born back, but not Brer Anansi. One cricketer seh Brer Anansi does seh one ting and Nancy Dru does seh de opposite. Brer Anansi can’t see whah Nancy Dru doin and Nancy Dru can’t see whah Brer Anansi doin either.

Both a dem sound like old time Brer Anansi story whah grandpa and grandma does tell grandpickney fuh mek dem sleep. Just that this Brer Anansi story in Guyana cricket got every body wide awake and givin dem sleepless nights instead.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And wid cricket dead, is only Brer Anansi and Nancy Dru sleepin. People not sure if to tell dem keep on dreamin or don’t wake up at all! But that is de only way cricket gon born back!

East Coast, East Bank four-lane expansion projects expected to be completed this year

The East Coast and East Bank fourlane expansion projects are expected to be completed by yearend, head of the Public Works Ministry’s, Work Services Group Jeffery Vaughn said. Speaking at the ministry’s end-of-year press briefing recently, Vaughn gave the deadline for the East Coast Road at around June while the East Bank Road is expected to be completed by November.

He noted that the East Bank road was supposed to be completed by April 30; however, the date had to be pushed back after issues were encountered with several utilities.

The engineer noted that the issue with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) is being sorted out, and the company is expected to remove their cables by month-end.

He said despite the setback, the project has

not exceeded its initial budget.

According to Vaughn, Lot 1 of the project is 31 per cent complete while Lot 2 is 37 per cent complete; however, Lot 3 is only 27 per cent complete as the construction of the high bridge at Diamond is yet to commence.

Design completed

Meanwhile, he noted that the expansion and final design for the East Coast Highway is completed and two lots are 70 per cent complete.

Vaughn stated that Lot 1 is wrapping up at Felicity while work at Lot 2 is ongoing and has been delayed because of the BM Soat controversy.

However, he noted that the works at lots one to five are expected to be completed by midyear.

The four-lane expansion will end at Annandale, East Coast Demerara, while there would be a two-lane upgrade thereon to Belle

Field.

According to Vaughn, a number of road projects were completed last year while some have rolled over to this year. The Works Services Group head disclosed that some Gy$3.2 billion of foreign funds were allotted to roads projects, but only 40 per cent of it was disbursed. He noted that a number of the projects experienced shortfalls as a result of rains and shortage of building materials.

A research conducted by the Central Transport and Planning Unit revealed that there was a shortfall in supply of aggregate for roads and buildings.

According to Vaughn, there are several projects which are currently ongoing in areas such as Canje and Black Bush Polder. In addition, he disclosed that several studies are also ongoing while some are slated for this year.

Third installment of Norway funds approved

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said approval was granted for the disbursement of the third tranche of money from the Guyana and Norway agreement, with approximately Gy$1672 million already spent on various projects.

He told media operatives that there is an institutional mechanism in place for the administering of the fund.

Once qualified, funds are disbursed into a trust fund and approval is then given by a partner before the funds are channelled to Guyana.

According to him, the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) is the partner agency that will release the funds for various projects to be undertaken.

In providing details of some of the projects, Dr Singh said that institutional strengthening and capacity building for various agencies are currently taking place. The agencies include the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Office of Climate Change and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

“In addition to that, we are implementing with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), an Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) programme to look at promoting village economies.”

The Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) is a multi-contributor trust fund for the financing of activities identified under the government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The GRIF was established in October 2010, with the World Bank as a trustee, following an agreement signed between Guyana and Norway in November 2009.

Norway agreed to provide Guyana up to US$250 million by 2015 in performance-based payments for avoided deforestation in support of Guyana’s LCDS. Guyana has received three

tranches of funds from the multimillion-dollar agreement.

An online paper, Redd-monitor. org reported in August 2013, that Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative Director Per Fredrik Pharo said, “Given the uncertainty to the further funding mechanism of the partnership, we have made a consensual decision to delay the payout while working on improving the financial mechanism”.

However, the World Bank has said that Norway is one of the biggest donors to the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which consists of two funds: the Readiness Fund and the Forest Carbon Fund.

Of the US$258 million in the Readiness Fund, only US$11 million has been disbursed and from the US$390 million in the Forest Carbon Fund, no disbursement has been made, as no country has so far demonstrated that it has reduced deforestation.

Anglican Church elevates four to higher office

The St George’s Cathedral was abuzz on Sunday, when four members of the diocese were elevated to higher office. Ranfurly Brown, archdeacon of the West Central Bahamas Archdeaconry, delivered the sermon to a packed congregation.

It was an awe-inspiring moment for Reverend Paul Andrew Carto, who was installed as dean of Georgetown and rector of St George’s Cathedral, the Venerable Terry Nathaniel Davis as senior archdeacon, Reverend Clifton Ashton Elias as canon of the Stall of St David, and Reverend Jerrick Fitzgerald Rayside as honorary canon.

President Donald Ramotar and his Cabinet members, A Partnership for National Unity’s leader David Granger and Alliance For Change’s Nigel Hughes, along with a number of ambas-

sadors, sat with church members and other invitees in the world’s tallest wooden structure for the massive celebration. Reverend Ranfurly Brown described the event as a “new thing” and called upon members of the Episcopal movement to rise up to the occasion and make the Anglican Church the “place to be”.

“Today, we are gathering in this historic Church of the Cathedral of St George, to celebrate a new thing. A new thing that is happening in the Anglican Church in Guyana, to the glory of God.

A new thing that brings with it new life, new vibrancy, new vision, new dreams, and new ideas…. All to propel this Church forward and to promote the proclamation of an uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ in practical ways.”

Brown’s message was

infused with much humour; however, even in those “light moments”, he sought to drive home the message that the church has a critical role to play in the community and the country. “You are not to compromise anything that would cause you and me to be Anglican. There is a standard… maintain

the standards,” he urged.

The church’s presence in what is described as the “heart” of Georgetown, the archbishop pointed out, should be a symbol of its defined purpose of being a safe haven for weary souls.

“The positioning of this church building in Georgetown ought to be a constant challenge that

we should always be reminded of, as the people of God. That this church is in the centre of everything…. You have to be in the centre of people’s lives.” He noted that the church must be a place where people can find refuge.

Officiating at the ceremony was the Archbishop of the Diocese

of Guyana, Reverend Cornell Jerome Moss. He noted that the church has indeed gained and was thankful to the new members for accepting the challenge that is set before them.

Reverend Carto was solemnly vested by members and wardens of the St Phillips’ and Christ Church parishes. His gifts included a Bible, prayer book, hymnal and holy water. His post requires his exclusive service to the church and its operations.

The Venerable Terry Nathaniel Davis was vested as archdeacon by representatives of the warden’s of St George’s Cathedral. His position allows him to serve mainly as a priest and deacon occasionally.

Reverends Elias and Rayside, serving as canons, have a significant role to play in the administration of the Guyanese diocese.

Times Notebook

The wisdom of the Constitution

So the acting Chief Justice (CJ) has ruled that the opposition cannot use their numbers in Parliament to ARBITRARILY cut the budgetary sum allocated to any particular activity. He has properly ruled that they can approve or disapprove the budget in its entirety or in parts.

But he was clear that they cannot cherry-pick on the budget by deciding how much they will allocate to a particular line item. That is the responsibility of the finance minister who could change the amount for any line item after consultation with the opposition.

What the CJ simply ruled is that if the government decided, for example, to budget Gy$5 million for a bridge, the opposition has a right to

disapprove the construction of the bridge and, therefore, by forcing the finance minister to delete this line item, the overall budget will be reduced.

In accordance with the Constitution, the CJ does not interfere with the right of the opposition in Parliament to do this.

When the opposition decides, for instance, that they will reduce the amount allocated for the construction of a bridge to just Gy$1, they would have done two things.

Mischievous

First, they would have approved the construction of the bridge. Second, they would have approved the expenditure of only Gy$1 for the construction of the bridge. Clearly, this sum would be inadequate for the construction of the bridge and clearly this would be sheer mischievousness on the part of the opposition, approving construction, but making it impossible to do so.

The Constitution says that where a sum is allocated for an activity and it is insufficient to complete that activity, the government has a right to expend that money and provide Parliament with a statement of the excess expenditure.

The CJ was not taking side with the government or being anti-opposition. He was merely giving effect to the Constitution, the supreme law of the land. But the opposition and their supporters have begun the anticipated ridicule of the CJ and have openly stated they intend to disregard the ruling.

Times Notebook is concerned that the Speaker of the National Assembly, by his statement on the ruling, has given clear indication that he will not alter his own ruling in Parliament and will continue to allow the opposition to arbitrarily cut the budget. This is unfortunate because the Speaker should ensure at all times that he adheres to the law of the land and not expose his personal political allegiance.

The opposition and even the Speaker of the National Assembly have

indicated that they will appeal this decision. This is their right. We live in a democratic country and the full scope of institutional arrangements in Guyana is at work.

But until the appeal process provides ratification or come up with another answer, the opposition must accept the ruling.

The absolute contempt with which MPs from the opposition and some of the commentators are treating the judgment is unacceptable in a democratic society. We can disagree with the CJ but we have legal options to challenge the ruling.

Negotiate

There is talk of how the opposition in the U.S. Congress has the ability to cut the U.S. budget. But that is not the case. In the U.S., when the opposition has a problem with the budget, they negotiate for the government to change the budget, but they cannot arbitrarily cut the budget.

When last year, the U.S. government was closed down, it was because the Republicans did not approve a budget. They wanted cuts and unless those cuts were made by the Democrats and the Obama government, all the Republicans could have done was to disapprove the budget. They could not pass a budget that they cut. They could only disapprove the budget presented by the Obama administration.

This mechanism exists everywhere. It is not that Guyana has a dysfunctional Constitution. The Constitution seeks to prevent dysfunctional behaviour on the part of anyone. There may be weaknesses in it which must be correct corrected. But the Constitutional arrangements on the budget are sound.

The CJ is saying to the MPs to live within the wisdom of the Constitution which follows very sound and hundreds of years of experience from other jurisdictions.

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

Accessories are a must to complete an outfit, and designer Sean Carrington knows this well. He recently launched AfroCaraibe, his most stylish collection of handmade bags and leather slippers. The designer specialises in leather craft, and caters for men and women. His

stylish accessories were a highlight at Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) 2013. They also received positive reviews from veteran designers.

Additionally, Sean had the privilege to accessorise designer and GFW founder Sonia Noel’s gents’ collections.

Sean has been designing for more than 15 years and has mastered his craft. His designs are displayed at various exhibitions in Guyana and the Caribbean.

For more information on this collection call 226-3099 or visit Guyana Fashion Week on Facebook.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has moved to shortlist four persons to be interviewed for the post of chief elections officer (CEO). This is according to GECOM’s Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally.

Surujbally told Guyana Times International on Tuesday that out of the four candidates, two are local and the other two candidates are based overseas.

The two local candidates are Calvin Benn, who is serving as the acting CEO and Keith Lowenfield, a senior staffer of the commission. Benn has several years of experience in elections, as he served previously as assistant to then CEO Gocool Boodoo.

Lowenfield, on the other hand, was the assistant to Benn, before he assumed the duties of acting CEO. Both Benn and Lowenfield have been senior officers of GECOM for several years.

Meanwhile, the names of the two candidates from overseas were not disclosed. However, the GECOM chairman told this publication that the interviews for these candidates will be done initially via Skype.

When asked why there has been such a lengthy delay in selecting a suitable person for the post of CEO, Surujbally said, “We are not going to rush this process; we will take our time in selecting a suitable candidate.”

The GECOM chairman explained that he wanted to ensure that the selection process remained transparent and free from any probems. “Later on, nobody will come and say that we didn’t do the right thing,” he said.

The process, he stated, will take as long as necessary, as he explained that GECOM is looking for the best candidate to fill the post of CEO.

GECOM had received several applications for the vacancy, which was advertised. The commissioners, including the chairman, started to look at the applications late last year. The first move they made was to shortlist applications to five possible candidates.

Surujbally had said that, based on the commission’s work, it found that at least 10 of the 14 applications received for the position did not meet the stipulated requirements. After, taking a break, the commission resumed work on January 27, looking at the possible candidates for interviews.

Surujbally has maintained that GECOM’s functionality and efficient administration have not been impaired following the departure of Boodoo. He said the commission has been functioning as it ought to.

The GECOM chairman has again expressed hope that the process for the selection of a new CEO remains free from political interference. He said based on the interviews, the team of commissioners and himself will make a decision on appointing the most suitable of the four candidates to the substantive post of CEO.

Guyana could hold local government elections this year, as government has promised to ensure this happens. Three pertinent local government bills were passed in Parliament last year and assented to by the president, an indication that the elections could be called anytime soon.

Simply the truth

Teaching, training, coaching

By Professor Daizal samaD

One of the things we get wrong in Guyana is that we compartmentalise things into untidy packages. We separate formal education into kindergarten, primary, secondary, technical, Cyril Potter College of Education, and university. As if one thing has little to do with the other thing.

Then we separate education from training which is separated from coaching. Education is what takes place in schools and square classrooms. Training is what we do with the police; it takes place at the Felix Austin Police College. Or we “train” by running or jumping or riding or weight-lifting, and so on.

Coaching is kept for sports: cricket, boxing, basketball, tennis, etc. Each thing is kept separate from the other. When we connect it, we borrow clichés and platitudes by saying something like: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”

Several coaches (cricket, boxing, karate) have talked about what they do and why they do it. Coach Cort, Coach Roberts, Coach Rogers, Coach Latcha, Senseis Ali, Dunbar and Senwasane. Boxing and cricket are my favourite sports. I know more about boxing than I do about cricket.

Because of my own interest, the coaches in cricket and boxing and karate were engaging. So we talked about the importance of the jab, the way to work around southpaws, the importance of footwork. We talked about looking at the way a batsman positions against pace or spin. Intense stuff.

But under it all, was this deep love for what they were doing. The one word that came up over and over was not ball or bat, not gloves or boxing boots, not mawashigiri kicks. The one word in all of it was “YOUTHS”. The other words were “discipline”, “excellence” and “education”.

The best police trainers use the same words. The best teachers use the identical words! But for the really good ones, these are not just words to be prattled and forgotten.

A boxer who is not disciplined and excellent will get hurt. The best policemen and women who are not disciplined and excellent will get hurt! A cricketer who is not disciplined and excellent will go nowhere and be hurt in the process! So

these coaches and trainers have to be very careful; a child gets hurt, and it falls on them.

And they care! And they understand that formal education is even more important than what happens on the pitch or in the ring or on the court.

Only few classroom teachers in “formal” education understand that if they do not do what they are supposed to be doing and in the ways they should be doing it, children get hurt. Children do not get hurt for life by being placed on a canvas or by breaking a bone. When teachers do not do what they are supposed to do, children get hurt for life. The damage is irreparable. I have witnessed too many people who stand in front of classrooms in the role of teachers. In Guyana, at every level, the focus is on the person who stands in front of the classroom. The “teacher” is there to “impart knowledge”. And the higher the educational level, the worse it is.

In this nation, the most egotistical “teachers” are almost always university lecturers. Teachers have no idea of why they are

doing what they should be doing. To say that you are “imparting knowledge” is sheer arrogance.

Arrogance yields, step by step, to gross bullying. And bullying is the opposite of teaching. I have seen lots of that in other places. I have never seen it as bad as it is in Guyana.

The coach and the trainer and (above all) the teacher have one thing to do: Make himself/herself irrelevant. This is difficult. And if the teacher/trainer/ coach is not conscious of what needs to be done and why they are doing what they ought to be doing, then damage happens.

If they are not aware of the fact that the important people are not themselves, but the people who sit in front of them, damage happens. Damage is not done to these “teachers” but to those who they are supposed to be teaching! And when damage is done to the children of a nation, that nation is lost.

In the four continents

upon which I have taught, I have known well a few “super professors”. These are true teachers. Professor Ian Fraser, Professor Roger Moore, Professor Tom Fish, and Professor John Rickford. Not only did they excel in the classroom, but they published heavily internationally. Their research and publication enriched their teaching. Students were the beneficiaries. I am honoured to know them as colleagues. Incidentally, Professor Rickford is GUYANESE! In the end, it is about discipline, excellence, and service! If we have no way to define what these words mean nor measure what they are, we have problems. We have problems.

The Shaping of guyaneSe LiTeraTure

Seymour Birth Centenary

Part IV

By PetamBer Persaud

The unveiling of a plaque on the former residence of Arthur James Seymour (AJS) was another simple but significant ceremony staged by the National Library to mark the birth centenary of Seymour.

That event took place at midmorning of Monday Jan 13, 2014, witnessed by family members: Seymour’s second daughter, Joan Seymour; Seymour’s niece, Dr Jacqueline de Weever; close friends including Dr Ian McDonald, the present owner of the property, media houses and staff members of the National Library.

It was an overcast morn with intermittent drizzle shooed away by “the cool Trade Winds”.

The clouds over Guyana were like “little curled feathers on the back of the sky [T]hen frisky lambs that gambol and bowl along [s]hephered by the brave Trade Wind”.

Many of the persons

witnessing the unveiling knew the house and its surroundings intimately, as captured in the following poems/odes by AJS –“The House” and “To the Family House Awaiting Repair”:

The House I have a room

Where several sages

Sleep in their serried shelves

And await my conversation

Here

I-fashion images

Carving and fitting words

Polishing syllables

Shaping new rhythms

To grace new meanings

Distilling experience

Hammering metal

In my spirit’s workshop

To the Family House Awaiting Repair

Oh, the long narrow home heavy with living

An age of memories people the walls

Around your naked frame.

Warm shell of love and crowding children

Where young girls in uniform

Hats worn like horse guards

Speech full of the school diction And the cool Trade Winds carry echoes...

The scent of roses in the slim garden

Growing in the fourhour overhead sun

Smell of bread from the oven

Everything mingling in the wind.

Image of the dedicated student...

Impatient for games and parties but slow for school

So many came here –tea visiting professors

Exam students, poets, novelists, sculptors,

A Chief Justice – a future Prime Minister...

And little children to the Kindergarten

Wrestling their way into the hall of learning

Chattering, tormenting the wild cherry-tree

That always yields its fruit.

O, crowd your long years of memories

Into a prayer for their future

For all who lived and loved and studied here.

To fill out those poems, to add life and colour to those words, to find out more about the rich and rewarding lives of “all who lived and loved and studied” at that house, and to know more about the life and work of Seymour it would be useful to read the following four of five of his autobiographies:

“Growing up in Guyana”

“Pilgrim Memories”

“Family Impromptu”

“Thirty Years a Civil Servant”

The plaque was another way of preserving

our literary heritage, and I suspect the National Library will again in the near future continue and extend similar gestures to other literary shrines across the country.

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

What’s happening:

• “An Introduction to Guyanese Literature” is now available from the author at the above contacts, Austin’s Book Service (telephone 226-7350) and at the National Library (telephone 226-2690).

both institutions

Qualfon, a leading global business process outsourcing (BPO) and call centre last week signed an affiliation agreement with the University of Guyana (UG).

The affiliate agreement outlines the intention to provide educational opportunities that will support students at both Qualfon and the university, a release from the Mexican-based firm said.

“Qualfon is partnering with the University of Guyana so we can offer accredited college courses to our employees and especially to our supervisors,” Qualfon’s Chief Mission Officer Roberto Sanchez Mejorada said.

Education

“We are a company that engineers our business around the things that matter most to our employees – like family, health, community, spirituality, and of course – education.”

Qualfon said most of its contact centre agents are young Guyanese men and women working to build a career so they can become self-sufficient and support their families.

“Qualfon is taking strategic steps to open the doors to a college education and to help ensure our employees have the opportunities they want and deserve,” said Qualfon’s Corporate University Manager Alejandro Perez, who is leading the higher educational programmes.

Qualfon University Coordinator Debra Gibbs said the agreement is a dream come true for Qualfon. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our employees and supervisors to get ahead and succeed in life, and our partnership with the University of Guyana lays a strong foundation for that initiative.”

The affiliate agreement specifically refers to “exchange programmes beneficial to the respective educational institutions” that will “promote the development of joint studies, research, and training activities, and other educational programmes of mutual interest”.

Specific programme details surrounding these educational opportunities are still in development, but Qualfon executives said they aim to offer online

classes, career training programmes, and professional development mentoring through the collaboration agreement with the university.

In September 2013, Qualfon broke ground on a multi-building contact centre campus in East Bank Demerara area of Georgetown, and the construction plans include an educational facility where employees will receive job training and could potentially attend college courses taught by professors from the University of Guyana.

The signed agreement solidifies the intent of the two parties to “engage in a university and community effort to provide for the education of staff and students”.

Agreement

“This agreement means Qualfon is working together with Guyana’s most respected higher education organisation to turn our company’s mission of ‘making people’s lives better’ into real action.

“We are forging a new partnership that will greatly benefit Qualfon employees and the students of the university. We are so thankful that the university is willing and excited to enter into this partnership,” said Marrow.

“Everyone has the right to higher education, and with the help of Qualfon, we are working to fill gaps in educational opportunities,” said Dr Opadeyi at the signing ceremony.

“Our agreement with Qualfon will advance the quality of life for the Guyanese. This is a moment that we have been looking forward to, and we can’t wait to get started,” he added.

65 per cent of Guyanese men die of prostate cancer – Dr Boyle

Health Ministry Chronic Disease Unit Coordinator, Dr Karen Boyle said prostate cancer claims the lives of 65 per cent of Afro-Guyanese males while 39 per cent of African females die from cervical cancer.

Dr Boyle made the disclosure at the opening of the Health Ministry’s inaugural symposium themed “Reduce Stigma and Dispel Myths” on Tuesday. The invigorating dialogue saw attendance from medical personnel and secondary school students.

Dr Boyle also pointed out that Indo-Guyanese women are most affected by breast cancer. “When we look at the proportion of cervical cancer cases, cervical cancer is ravaging our Amerindian women,” the Chronic Disease Unit coordinator said, noting that the high number of cervical cancer cases involving Amerindians can be attributed to the fact that hinterland women start having sex at an early age.

While noting that pancreatic cancer is the most deadly of all cancers, Dr Boyle said most Guyanese die from prostate, cervical and breast cancers. She explained that the emerging cancer epidemic accounts for more deaths than all the infectious diseases collectively.

Dr Boyle said more resources need to be diverted in the fight against chronic diseases, as the problem here seems to be getting out of control.

In the past, developing countries focused more on infectious diseases, as their population was dying rapidly from diseases such as HIV/AIDS. However, she noted that recently, there has been a hike in the number of deaths caused by chronic ailments, particularly cancer.

Health ministry chronic disease unit coordinator, Dr Karen Boyle (right) at the opening of the Health Ministry’s inaugural symposium on Tuesday

With regard to the fight against cancer, Dr Boyle said Guyanese need to pay keen attention to their diet and exercise regimens.

The Chronic Disease Unit has launched several programmes to combat the spread of chronic diseases.

Meanwhile, Maternal Child Health Director, Dr Janice Woolford said some 19,000 persons have been received Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV). Two years ago, her department had embarked on a progamme to immunise some 20,000 persons.

Cancer, known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. There are over 200 different types of cancers that affect humans.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Clinton Duncan Entrepreneur

By Vahnu Manikchand

From a very young age, Clinton Duncan realized that he wanted to be in the fashion entertainment industry – a dream he has fulfilled very early in his life.

At the age of just 21, he is a professional make-up artist, events planner and consultant.

“From doing that, I thought, 'You know what' I can probably make something of what I’m doing because I am very creative’.”

Duncan has worked on many big stages like Guyana Fashion Week, Suriname Fashion Week, Bartica Regatta and CARIFESTA.

At the moment, however, he is working on something bigger: launching a fashion magazine.

“I know a lot of young people in the fashion industry, and we came together and decided that we should do this...the idea is to get everyone in one place, or have one person be a link for them because they don’t have a building of their own; so I thought I can do something that will benefit us.”

The magazine is expected to be out in March and will be a monthly edition thereafter. Duncan said that he used to act, and one of the things that stuck with him is make-up because his mother is a makeup artist.

“Whenever she would be doing people's makeup, I would secretly be taking mental notes and practice on my friends, and people started telling me I was good and started hiring me to do their makeup.”

Three years ago, he decided to get qualified in this field so he did a course through the Commonwealth Youth Programme and has since been pretty comfortable with his decision.

During his high school days, Duncan wanted to become a doctor and was an overachiever in his studies and extra-curricular activities. However this changed when he was 15-years-old and was encouraged to participate in a designer’s competition. Duncan noted that this was where everything changed as he realised that he had a passion for fashion industry, but not in designing.

After completing CXC, Duncan went on to CAPE, studying science; however after the first year he decided to call it quits with that and do law, something which he enjoys. Currently he is a second year law student at the University of Guyana.

Duncan said that he wants to focus his law career in the direction of copyright laws and entertainment law, since his passion is in arts and entertainment.

“People have this perception that persons do art because they are not good in their academics, but that’s not so. It’s a personal thing that I want so I can have something to supplement my art.”

With his magazine launch a few weeks away, that is Duncan’s main focus right now as he foresees it being international.

“The idea is to push it as far as possible whether regionally or internationally. While we have a lot of magazines, there are not youth friendly, and with our magazine, it will be complied by young people.”

Duncan believes that for someone to fulfil their dreams, they need to take a step towards fulfilling it.

“If you want something, just get up and do it. This has been in me for a very long time, and the mistake I made was waiting thinking that an opportunity will come up. There is never really a right time, so you just have to get up and put your talent to work.”

Fusing fitness with fun is what Mitsy Munroe, founder of BraZumba, firmly believes in. Through her dance programme, she aims to revolutionize the fitness industry in Guyana.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Mitsy, 20, said she started BraZumba with her sister and a friend, but it later expanded into a fitness rave.

“It was basically a dance group, but then

we saw drastic change in our weight. We were drastically losing pounds doing the dances, and that was when I decided to do it as a fitness programme. I personally experienced the benefits of it as I was overweight,” she recalled.

BraZumba’s fitness programme mixes Brazilian and Latin dances to create a perfect workout. Dance styles include baile funk, reggaeton, samba, salsa and belly dancing.

Wanting to raise awareness on sexual abuse and to help victims on the road to recovery, author Julia Kanhai pens an emotional journey of rape, revenge and religion.

Julia started writing poems at the age of eight, and participated in impromptu speaking and elocution competitions in high school. In 2003, she earned a distinction in Literature at CXC and was awarded Best Literary Student. By 2008, she graduated from

the University of Guyana with a degree, and has been lecturing English there since.

She recently became a published author when her first book was released in the U.S. Already scoring numerous hits on Google, “Backslider” by Terry K. (the author’s pen name) is a fictional novel inspired by true events, and is set in New Jersey and New York. It tells the story of a pastor’s daughter who is trying to assert her independence especially in her personal life. On her first

“Currently there are about 25 women who are housewives and career women who want to get fit but do not want to lift weights. My programme is mainly cardio. I have women from 16 to almost 60. They have fun with each other and devote a lot of energy into the exercises. The dance styles are ideal for persons who do not want a muscular look. My aim is to bring something different to the fitness industry, and I wanted it to be fun; and through

date she is drugged and raped by someone posing as a Christian bachelor but is really a serial rapist. In a quest for revenge, she commits a few crimes of her own but eventually decides between drowning in her pain and resurfacing to face her ‘God’.

“The book vividly describes the trauma, denial, depression and doubts a victim experiences, as well as baby steps one can take to regaining their own trust. It breaks my heart every time I hear about another man, woman or child in Guyana who is victimized sexually. One feels ever more paralyzed when it is someone you know who has been brutalized, as was the case for me. I wanted to do something more for them than just listen and comfort: I wanted to help them to find their voice. And so my book is dedicated to the one whose voice was never heard and is intended for adult readers only,” the author noted in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

The writer explained that the reason she released the book in the U.S. and not in Guyana is because she wanted to introduce herself

BraZumba I achieve this. During my workout you have do many ‘sexy’ dance moves like ‘twerking’ which works your legs and butt. I try to help women develop their self-esteem and get them out of their conservative zone, all the while getting fit,” she explained.

Mitsy invests much of her time choreographing fitness/dance programmes and doing research in order to develop her techniques to achieve desired results.

“I am motivated when I see the women in my classes having fun. They even told me that they look forward to my classes more than anything else, and this inspires me to keep doing what I so love,” she revealed.

Her next addition to her programme is pole dance fitness for upper and lower body strength.

“When people hear about pole dance fitness they think strippers. I can assure you it is nothing like that. Pole dance fitness is an excel-

to the world. The book was released in America, Australia and England.

“Because of the strong influence that the American culture has on ours, I felt that if I could be successful in the U.S. then I would be accepted by the Guyanese commu-

nity both here and overseas. Also I hope that, as a country, we can learn to respect the time, work and labour of artists both abroad and local.

Regardless of economic factors, some amount of copyright laws that protect our authors, musi-

lent exercise technique to help women keep fit –and can also helps spice things up in their relationships. I also welcome men to try it out BraZumba, not only will they get fit but will learn some dance moves,” she declared.

BraZumba classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information on Mitsy’s fitness programme, call 6148452 or 647-4400.

cians, artists, dramatists etc. need to be established because it is the ethical thing to do. It is my contention that piracy in Guyana is rampant and at times even endorsed, so for this reason I asked my publishers not to market my book here,” she revealed.

Currently, the writer is preparing her next manuscript titled “Dream Guy”. It is a sequel to “Backslider”, and tells the story of a girl who is plagued by dreams that serve to warn and guide her. But then she meets the man of her dreams – both literally and metaphorically – but goes downhill from there.

“Writing is definitely a cathartic experience for me. My confidence is also tremendously boosted and I find myself penning things I would probably never say,” she declared. At the moment, copies of “Backslider” can be ordered from her website: sbprabooks.com/terryk/ or from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online bookstores. In the months to come, she will host an official book launch locally, as well as book readings and signings where copies will also be sold.

This week's Crossword

This week's Puzzle

J kes

Medical checkups

Due to a job transfer, Brian moved from his hometown to New York City. Being that he had a very comprehensive health history, he brought along all of his medical paperwork, when it came time for his first check up with his new Doctor.

After browsing through the extensive medical history, the Doctor stared at Brian for a few moments and said, “Well there’s one thing I can say for certain, you sure look better in person than you do on paper!”

When you’re gone

Edward was lying on his deathbed and the family was taking turns spending time with him. As he was speaking to his young granddaughter Emily, Edward suddenly smelled an all too familiar smell. Why it was his favourite – apple pie!

His wife Sandy must have been baking it for him to enjoy this one last time.

“Emily dear,” asked Edward. “Would you please go ask grandma for a slice of that Apple Pie? It’s smells so delicious!”

Emily ran off to fulfil her dying grandfather’s last wish. A moment later, Emily returned empty handed.

“Where’s my pie?” questioned Edward.

“Grandma said it’s not for now,” responded Emily, “it’s for the funeral.”

Granddad’s ethics

“So, Jimmy”, said Grandpa, as they stood on line at the local grocery store. ”What did you learn in school today?”

“To tell you the truth”, answered young Jimmy, “I’m not exactly sure”. “My teacher was going on and on about something called ethics, and I still don’t know what she was talking about!” Jimmy replied.

“Ah, ethics” responded Grandpa, “very important indeed. Well, let’s say the cashier gives me back too much change, ethics would be whether I keep the change for myself, or if I give it back to Grandma!”

The honest one

The city miser was on his death bed, as his last request he asked to be alone with his lawyer, doctor, and priest. “I know I am going to die” he said ” and I would like to take my money with me, so I am going to give each of you $150,000 and I want you to each make sure the money gets in the coffin.”

It was a few days after the funeral when the priest, overflowing with guilt, finally confided to the other two that he only put $100,000 back.

“I’m glad you brought it up” said the doctor, “because I have also been feeling guilty, I only put $80,000 back.”

“You people should be ashamed of yourselves” stormed the lawyer “stealing money like that! Am I the only honest person here? Here look at this,” he said, pulling out his check book, “look I wrote out a check for the full $150,000!”

Who’s the boss?

A man was married to a woman whose commands to her husband were as sharp as the bite of a barracuda. It wasn’t so much that he was a coward, or too timid to talk back, but you know how it is…let’s keep peace in the family.

One day the wife invited a group from the local women’s club to her house for tea and discussions. To make sure that her husband did not interrupt the goings-on, she ordered him into the closet and sternly told him to stay there until the last lady had left.

During their bridge game, the ladies of the club spoke of the authority they wielded over respective husbands. Not to be outdone, the hostess informed the others that not only had she ordered her husband into the closet, but she could order him to come out, at will.

“I’ll prove it,” she boasted.

“Bob!” she commanded, “come out of that closet!”

No response.

“Bob!” she called in a louder voice, “come out of that closet this instant!”

Nothing.

“Bob!” she screamed at the top of her lungs, “I order you to get out of that closet this instant!”

“No, I won’t!” came her husband’s muffled cry from inside the closet. “I’ll show you who is boss in this house!”

Army hails women’s corps at 47th anniversary

Women serving in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have been lauded for the backbreaking work they have done in shaping the course of the military institution. For 47 years they have endured severe hardships and discontentment, faithfully serving in areas that are dominated by their male counterparts.

On Tuesday, the force’s auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna was filled to capacity when officers and special invitees witnessed a packed programme of praise and thanksgiving. The women were spectacular in their performances, celebrating their achievements in what was described as one of the country’s most respected disciplined forc-

es.

Deputy Chief-of-Staff

Colonel Kemraj Persaud, delivering the feature address on behalf of army chief, Brigadier Mark Phillips, said women, since they first became part of the force in 1967, have performed exceptionally, proudly wearing their uniforms at every forum. He noted that the corps has gracefully progressed over the years.

“The women’s army corps has indeed come a long way. I do not believe that anyone would doubt their value and significance to the country as a whole and I have every confidence that we, together as a force, would embrace the changes that are so necessary for our continued development”.

He posited that the

be prudent and appropriate for them to ascertain what kind of “women army corps they wish to build”.

Transformation Reverend Faye Crawford from the Tucville Assembly of God Church delivered the sermon. She urged the women to “faint not”, pointing out that they needed to be transformed by the renewal of their minds.

“This morning I pray that

force’s many policies are very much accommodating to today’s environment. Colonel Persaud urged the women corps to do some introspection on their respective roles, pointing out that it will

the GDF’s Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in February 1967 was a direct result of Venezuela’s seizure of Ankoko in the Cuyuni River in October 1966.

In that, the year of Guyana’s independence, the GDF had barely established its first battalion of fewer than 500 men when it was forced to deploy troops to Eteringbang on the country’s western frontier to confront Venezuela’s aggression.

The sudden removal of such a large number of men from such a small force had severely impacted the work of the GDF, as some recruits were still undergoing basic training. Others were deployed along the coastland, which, only two years earlier, had been the scene of murderous ethnic strife, creating huge manpower problems.

Soldiers had to be found quickly to secure the borders and others had to take their place in the camps. The GDF’s solution was to recruit women.

we all catch the vision, because there is a way, a better way that we could walk, talk, and live for a changed heart, a changed life”.

The establishment of

In January 30, 1967, just three months after the Ankoko incident, four women – Captain Joan Granger and Officer Cadets Brenda Aaron,

Clarissa Hookumchand and Hyacinth King –started training at the GDF Training Wing at Timehri. On February 6 of that year, 56 other women joined them as recruits.

After six weeks of training in drills, field craft, skill-at-arms, shooting, and physical fitness, the 60 women were formally inducted into the GDF at a parade in March, which was inspected by Mrs Winifred Gaskin, the then education minister.

Since then, female soldiers have been making strides, proving that they were no less incapable when compared to their male colleagues.

It was a historic moment in 2005, when then Lieutenant Christine Bradford became the first female officer to climb Mount Ayanganna to hoist the golden arrowhead.

She was followed five years later by female Lieutenant Nellon McKenzie. In 2012, Lieutenant Stacey Cadogan was honoured for being the first female officer to participate in the platoon commanders’ course, which was previously reserved exclusively for male soldiers.

38 travel & tourism

week ending February 9, 2014 | guyanatimeSinternational.com

Apicturesque destination, the village of Kurukabaru, located near the North Pakaraimas in Region Eight, is ideal for tourists who want to explore untouched nature in Guyana.

With a population of 4,500 persons, it is some 3,000 feet above sea level. Kurukabaru is higher than Paramakatoi, and is, in fact, the highest settlement in Guyana.

The wind at Kurukabaru is said to howl continuously, and the nights there are extremely cold. Even the hardiest hinterland dwellers greatly respect the cold temperature at Kurukabaru, especially at nights.

In deference to this aspect of life on this highland plateau, some have renamed the village “Coldkabaru”.

(Photos by Michelle Kalamandeen. Visit Michelle Kalamandeen Photography on Facebook to see more wonderful photos of beautiful Guyana)

Inspired by nature, Carlus Savory a new artist, making a name for himself within the local art industry.

The artist was born and raised in Coomacka Mines, a small village in Linden where pristine nature abounds just outside his front door. Inspired by nature, Carlus uses his paintings as a medium to build appreciation for the rich biodiversity he witnesses everyday he steps out his house. Additionally, he is inspired by veteran art-

ists, like the late Phillip Moore, and tries to emulate them in producing quality work.

After completing high school, Carlus attended Burrowes School of Art where he further developed his talent as a well-rounded artist.

“I graduated from the institution in 2010. There, I was able to learn a lot on all aspects of art. In high school, I was into architecture, and that built my appreciation for art and motivated me to pursue studies in it. Now art is a passion and I try everyday to develop myself as an artist,” he stated in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

The visual artist said his talents are hereditary: his entire family is artistic, and he lately found out that veteran Guyanese artist Ron Savory is a distant relative.

Art for Carlus is a mean of self-expression. He enjoys painting about nature including landscapes, animals and lakes. His most recent obsession, which he has made a career out of, is animation. Carlus described animation as a “different level of art which pushes an artist to think out the box.”

Notably, although a young artist, Carlus has proven many wrong, showing that art can be a rewarding career.

“Persons would tell me that I cannot make a career out of art, but when you are passionate about something you do not think like that. I have made a career out of it because I did not stick to just one aspect of art. I do animation for advertisements, I still paint, and I work with local art group Bravo

Arts. If you really love something you will work extra hard to make it successful,” Carlus declared.

He explained he thoroughly enjoys the art process because of its unpredictable end result. Initially, Carlus would start painting with just one image in mind then that is developed into more images which he cohesively puts together.

“In the end when I look at it I am amazed at what was conceptualised. The process is exciting and it motivates me to keep on improving my work,” Carlus pointed out.

His debut exhibition was at the National Drawing Competition Exhibition held at Castellani House. He entered three pieces of his most notable work and received positive reviews.

Exploring all aspects of art is what Carlus enjoys. One such aspect is capoeira- a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music.

“I love to dance, that is why I joined capoeira. I started when I was 17. My tutor at Burrowes was involved in capoeira and invited me to join. It is an art form, and I love being involved in all aspects of art,” he expressed.

For his future, Carlus would like to further his studies in art abroad and continue to develop himself as an artist.

He advises fellow young artists: “If you’re passionate about something then vigorously pursue it, no matter what, do not give up. If you really love something you will find a way to make it happen.”

National Trust launches heritage magazine

Prime Minister

Samuel Hinds lauded the second edition of the Heritage Magazine, published by the Guyana National Trust, saying it shows what has been achieved in Guyana.

Speaking at the launch of the magazine, on Friday at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, he noted that Guyana is relatively large with a small population, and its achievements must be shown in its heritage.

He pointed out that with the country’s history of colonial rule, and the various types of architecture left as a result, what remains should be cherished.

This rich heritage should be used as a base to continue the development of the country. The prime minister cited the drains and canals established decades ago with slave labour, he stated that these achievements should also be recognised as part of the country’s heritage as “all work should be celebrated”.

He explained out that the justification for independence was that “we would be working for ourselves and as we move forward, we should be working harder”.

Guyanese culture Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed pride in producing information to help persons appreciate Guyanese culture.

“Through the publication of the magazine, it brings perspective to Guyanese heritage”.

The magazine builds not only on heritage but languages spoken in Guyana, Minister Anthony stated. He urged that Guyanese be proud of their inherited languages and think of them as part of their legacy.

He also pointed to various historical finds,

urging that they be saved. “Magazines like this would help to educate the public… we need to tell the story about ourselves… getting people to understand is what is important,” he observed. The minister also called on all Guyanese to become interested in saving the heritage of Georgetown by preserving the historical buildings.

Sharing some insight into the magazine’s production, National Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nirvana Persaud said after producing the first publication in 2011, owing to the diversity of local heritage and feedback from stakeholders, it became quite obvious that it could no longer remain a one-off publication.

She noted that initially an annual publication was considered, “but given the scope of doing this, we are now confident of a biennial production that will document and highlight various aspects of our rich and diverse heritage both, tangible and intangible, cultural and natural”.

The 80-page magazine, Persaud said, includes an array of articles and information that covers various aspects of Guyanese history, “The 1763 rebellion, Indian arrival, PortugueseGuyanese heritage, Chinese immigrant experience, archaeology, petroglyphs, history of our canals, Guyanese language, myth of the sea monster, monuments, craftsmanship, preservation and conservation, including a focus on our natural heritage of the mangrove restoration project, among others highlighting the rich and intricate legacy from which we have evolved.

Historic

“It also highlights our historic City Hall, which has been recently en-

listed on the world monuments watch list for 2014-2016 by the World Monuments Fund, and advocates for its preservation”.

The publication was challenging to produce, according to the National Trust’s CEO, and she thanked all who worked hard to ensure its success.

Copies were given to contributors; national repositories – National Library, National Archives, University of Guyana Library; and officials including Minister Anthony, Prime Minister Hinds and Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green. The publication will be freely distributed, but in limited numbers, since only 2000 copies are being produced. A number of copies will also be disseminated to schools, tourism bodies, developers, municipalities, and airlines among others for wide circulation and maximum heritage promotion and marketing.

Female Jamaican dancehall artiste Tifa led the pack at the seventh staging of Youth View Awards (YVA) held at the National Indoors Sports Centre in Jamaica on Saturday.

The ‘Spell It Out singer’ won awards for the Female Fashion Icon of the Year; Favourite Local Female Artiste of the Year; and Young, Hot and Hype Female Artiste of the year.

"I'm grateful for the wins; 2013 was not my best year, but I have a strong fan base and Jamaica people have spoken," Tifa told Jamaican media.

Other winners who left with two individual or shared awards were Chronixx, I-Octane, Konshens and incarcerated deejay Vybz Kartel.

Single award winners included Mystic, Kalado, Popcaan, Kevin Downswell, QQ,

UIM Records, Shady Squad and Chromatic. Between announcements of winners were performances from TOK, Kalado, Popcaan, Kevin Downswell, Jah Bouks, Gaza Slim, Bugle, Alaine, I Octane, and Jodi-Ann Blake.

Samantha J, who received the Favourite Breakout Celebrity award, struggled during her set which included her smash hit ‘Tight-Up Skirt’.

Disney Channel stars Zendaya and Trevor Jackson gained new fans after they wooed the audience with their individual performances.

Before her performance, the 17-yearold Replay singer said she was looking forward to performing for her Jamaican fans.

"I am so excited to be performing. It really touches my heart to hear that Jamaicans love my music," she said.

Karen Clarke, YVA conceptualiser, was pleased wi th event. She said the awards show is about giving youth a voice.

"It also shows the power of a vote. Without music, sometimes there is no life," she said.

Patrons enjoyed the after-party at the same venue. (Jamaica

Chutney-soca battle heats up in Trinidad

Forty-three artistes in the soca and chutney-soca arena mounted the stage at Rienzi Complex, Couva in a musical battle for a place in the finals of the 2014 Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch competition held over the weekend in Trinidad and Tobago.

Accompanied by back-up singers and dancers, these artistes each gave tremendous performances in a show that began at 8 pm, on Saturday, ending early Sunday morning.

The Chutney Soca Monarch semi-finals heralded the start of many competitions for Carnival 2014, with the International Soca Monarch, Panorama, Calypso Monarch all due to take place this month and the first weekend of March, ahead of the Parade of the Bands on Carnival Monday and

Tuesday (March 3, 4).

The first winner of Carnival will be crowned at the Chutney Soca Monarch final on February 15 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

Performances

The opening act of last Saturday’s semifinal round was Jerry Singh, singing ‘Brand New Second Hand’ followed by Vedesh Sookoo’s performance of ‘Pack yuh clothes and go.’

Thousands of patrons witnessed the seven-hour show featuring some of the biggest names in soca, among them Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal), a six-time Chutney Soca Monarch, and a former Young King of calypso.

Rikki Jai teamed up with pop/rock musician Nigel Rojas for ‘Clap your hands”, a tribute to stalwarts of chutney

soca. Rojas collaborated with Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) on last year’s international awardwining ‘Differentology.’

It would be an evening of collaborations featuring local and regional acts, such as young Saleem Beharry’s duet with reigning Soca Monarch of Grenada Mr Killa (Hollis Mapp) on ‘Breakin d rules’.

Mr Killa is steaming up the fete circuit with his hit ‘Rolly Polly’.

Jamaican dancehall star Kemar Lyrikal teamed up with Veekash Sahadeo for ‘Doh vex if yuh ex with a next’, while TT soca diva Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon accompanied Rick Ramoutar for ‘Dheen Ta Na’.

Among the soca and calypso stars entering the competition were two-time Road March and for-

mer International Soca Monarch winner, Shurwayne Winchester, Blaxx (Dexter Stewart) and Crazy (Edwin Ayoung).

Ravi Bissembhar, a former Chutney Soca Monarch, who opted out of competition last year, was back with a bang, performing his crossover hit ‘Bread’.

KI Persad had the crowd eating out of his hands for his performance of ‘Professor Feter’, and veteran in the art of chutney music Anand Yankaran was back in the limelight after an absence of nearly a decade.

Cross-over acts

Promoter George Singh said he was amazed by the quality of the performances and the number of crossover acts taking part in the competition.

“This is first year in the nineteen years of competition that we have seen so many soca artistes embracing chutney music,” he said, adding the music was evolving and reached a wider cross-section of people the world over. He noted there were competitors from several countries including the United States, Canada, Guyana and Switzerland.

On the topic of prize money, Singh said he remained confident that the TT government will sponsor the TT$1 million for the first prize. In the interim, he was successful in signing a new sponsor El Dorado Rum, distributed by Brydens. This major event for Carnival is sponsored in part by NLCB, NCC, Guardian Media Limited, Blink/ bmobile, Carib Brewery Limited, KFC, Edoo’s Welding, Firepower Fireworks and the Ministry of Arts And Multiculturalism.

The finalists will go up against defending Chutney Soca Monarch Raymond Ramnarine for the 2014 crown at Skinner Park in the next two weeks.

With the theme ‘More than an Event’, Singh said the competition showcased the talent of the country.

“An entire industry has been built around this event over the last eighteen years,” Singh stated, adding millions of people all over the world will tune in this year to view the Chutney Soca Monarch final which will be broadcast live on CNC 3 and streamed on the Internet via “bpartofit. com”. Fans voting by texts will help determine the winner along with judges at the final. (Excerpted from

Year of the Horse promises good health, prosperity

Legend has it that in ancient times Buddha asked for all the animals to meet him on the Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality.

This year on Jan. 31, the Chinese community worldwide celebrated the Year of the Horse. Those born in this year are said to possess ingenious communicating techniques and want to be in the limelight in their community.

The Chinese New Year is an annual celebration marking the start of the new year according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The Chinese New Year always falls in the months of January or February.

The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a 12-year cycle, each year relating to an animal sign. The animal signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the lunar month, this year it started on Jan. 31, and continue until the 15th, when the moon is the brightest.

Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year in pre-modern times signalled to farmers in China to begin preparation for the sowing of their fields.

At the Chinese New

for the Chinese community and is held today, Sunday. Additionally, the Chinese arrival to Guyana coincides the same time with the New Year, so the association would normally arrange a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument at Winsor Forest,” she explained.

Then there is the highly anticipated Chinese New Year fair, which would be held at

National Park on Feb. 9. Choo stated that the event begins at 2:00 p.m., with an extravagant cultural show at 5:30 p.m.

She said too that the event is a great opportunity for persons to experience Chinese culture. Delectable Chinese dishes and creative crafts would be on sale, and persons have a chance to win prizes at intervals dur-

Year, people traditionally wear red clothes and give children “lucky money” concealed in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which, according to legend, can drive away bad luck. The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom. Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.

In Guyana, everyone joins in to celebrate the Chinese New Year at a grand fair, usually held at the National Park tarmac. The climax of that event is the launch of lanterns into the evening sky. In China, the New Year atmosphere is brought to an anti-climax 15 days away when the Festival of Lanterns sets in. It is an occasion of lantern shows and folk dances. One typical food enjoyed around this time is the Tang Yuan- dumplings made of sweet rice rolled into balls and stuffed with either sweet or spice fillings.

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year season and afterwards life goes on as per normal.

Another tradition is the lighting of firecrackers. These are an important element

and are traditionally let off to frighten away ghosts so the New Year could start free of them. Legend has it that long ago there was a monster that terrorised people. However, it was afraid of loud noises, bright lights and the colour red. At midnight on the last day of the old year, these things are used to frighten away the monster for the whole year.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Anyin Choo, executive member of the Chinese Association of Guyana, outlined that locally there are a series of events planned for the New Year.

The Year of the Horse, Choo mentioned, promises abundant health and energy. A special treat around this time are the dumplingshaped like Yuanbao, gold coins representing prosperity.

“It is customary for various Chinese families, friends and businesses to get together for a grand dinner to kick start the New Year. The dishes are quite different from what you would usually have during the year. At the dinner there is a large variety of everything which signifies that persons will have abundance for the year. It is mainly

ing the fair. Tickets can be bought prior to the event or at the venue.

When the launching of lanterns begins, everyone gathers to light and send them off in unison into the evening sky. Although there were certain incidents that occurred at last year’s event, Choo pointed out the lantern event will still happen but with caution. Vendors will give instructions on how to safely send off the lanterns.

“We also have planned to visit some children’s homes and orphanages to make donations,” she disclosed.

The Chinese New Year has been celebrated for 3,000 years. Festivities include the lion and dragon dances and parades with traditional costumes.

Richard Shaw

Richard

Shaw, inspired by the cadence of music, is most happy when he is on stage showcasing his talents as a dancer. He developed a passion for the art form at a tender age, and over the years has excelled as a talented dancer to become one of Guyana’s famous performers. Although he started dancing professionally about a year ago, Richard has shown that with hard work nothing is impossible. Due to his expert dance techniques, he was invited to join local dance company Ishara Dance Troupe. He has been performing mostly Bollywood dance moves, both locally and abroad. Through the dance group, the poised dancer enjoys opportunities to excel as a young professional. He also finds joy in giving back through the numerous charity efforts of the dance group. Dancing balances Richard’s life and is a therapeutic way of him relieving stress and keep fit. Other than dancing, Richard works at Demerara Bank and hopes to pursue studies in banking and finance. His advice to youths is to be determined to achieve goals in life despite challenges.

Bone Marrow The Pregnant Workers Act

By RichaRd Kistnen, esq

Bone marrow is the flexible, spongy tissue located in the interior of large bones, such as the hip and thigh bones. In addition to fat, bone marrow contains many nutrients, such as iron, phosphorous, and vitamin A, which is one of the reasons it is part of the human diet. Bone marrow also contains stem cells. These are cells that can renew themselves and make other types of cells in body.

All blood cells develop from immature cells called hematopoietic (bloodforming) cells. Since most of the stem cells that form blood are located in bone marrow, the main function of bone marrow in humans is the production of blood cells (hematopoiesis). These stem cells can develop into red blood cells that transport oxygen around the body, white blood cells that fight infections or platelets that aid in blood clotting. Therefore, when bone marrow starts to produce poorly functioning blood cells, it affects the blood’s ability to transport oxygen and other nutrients around the body, and it prevents the immune system from

functioning properly. The latter complication makes the body more susceptible towards infections and diseases.

When someone has a bone marrow disease, such as leukemia and lymphoma, they are having problems with the production of stem cells or how they develop. For instance, in the case of both leukemia and lymphoma, which are cancers of the blood, bone marrow produces large amounts of malfunctioning white blood cells. These cells are not fully formed and cannot fight diseases; therefore, this person’s bone marrow would have to be reset, in order to allow the production of normal, healthy cells. This procedure is referred to as a bone marrow transplant.

Bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant is used to treat and sometimes cure certain types of cancers, genetic diseases, and blood disorders. The affected individual’s hematopoietic cells are replaced by infusing new blood-forming cells into his or her blood stream. Due to the fact that bone marrow has broad implications in treating several diseases, scientists continue to develop newer technology to aid in this process.

Last week, a new law became effective in the City of New York. That law, called the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (NYC Admin. Code 8-107(22)) is intended to prevent discrimination by employers against pregnant women. This law seems like a “no-brainer,” but it only exists in a handful or two of states. (There is, however, a comparable law at the federal level.)

The onus for creating the law came from stories of pregnant women who were being terminated from employment, removed from their position, placed on unpaid leave, and so on when pregnant. Many of the women in these stories indicated that they would ask their employer for a “reasonable accommodation,” such as bathroom breaks or assistance with manual labor. Some suggestions often come from a doctor, who would indicate in a note that a pregnant woman should refrain from engaging in any strenuous pushing or lifting. Rather than have to deal with personnel changes and shifts, employers may have often found it easier to dismiss the employee, remove them from their position, or send them on unpaid leave, among other things.

The new law requires that employers (that have four or more employees) grant reasonable accommodations “to the needs of an employee for her pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition . . . provided that such employee’s pregnancy, childbirth, or relat

ed medical condition is known or should have been known by the em-

ployer.”

“Reasonable accommodations” are defined by the law as “such accommodation that can be made that shall not cause undue hardship in the conduct of the covered entity’s business.” If the employer believes that requested accommodations create an undue hardship, the employer bears the burden of proving such undue hardship. Factors the court may look at to determine whether a requested accommodation creates an undue hardship include: (1) the nature and cost of accommodation; (2) the overall financial picture of the employer’s facility and the effect of the accommodation on that facility; (3) the overall financial picture of the employer’s business and the effect of the accommodation on the business; (4) the kind of business the employer is engaged in. Additionally, the new law requires employers to provide information on the rights afforded to under the law to its employees.

As with the other discrimination laws in New York City (under the Human Rights Law), enforcement is likely to be a concern. The costs involved in litigating any case are always pretty substantial. Especially since smaller employers are likely the targets of lawsuits under the law, plaintiffs may not be able to afford fronting legal fees in these kinds of cases. Unless courts are willing to award large damages to a successful plaintiff, this might be another law that is rich in spirit and intent, but poor in its strength and effectiveness. If you need to speak with a lawyer, call the Law Office of Richard Kistnen, (718) 738-2324.

Abdur Rahman Slade Hopkinson - The forgotten poet

Abdhur Rahman

Slade Hopkinson

was a Guyanese poet and actor, born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, British Guiana in 1934. His mother was a nurse and his father a lawyer. He lived

a middle-class life in New Amsterdam until his father died and his mother later moved the family, comprising Slade and his sister, to Barbados.

In Barbados, Slade attended Harrison

College, at the time an all-boys school, considered among the most prestigious in the West Indies. In 1952 he received a scholarship to attend the University College of the West Indies where he would meet future famed Caribbean literary figures Derek Walcott and Mervyn Morris, also students then. A year later, Hopkinson received his BA, and a Dip. Ed in 1956.

During his time at university he was very active in theatre: acting in and directing Caribbean and Shakespeare plays and other western classics like “King Lear” and “Oedipus”.

Hopkinson published his first book in 1954 at age 20, “The Four and Other Poems”; followed by plays entitled, “The Blood of a Family” (1957) “Fall of a Chief” (1965), “The Onliest Fisherman” (1967), “Spawning of Eel” (1968), rewritten as “Sala”, and “The

Long Vacation”.

He went to work in Jamaica after university, first as a teacher then weekly newspaper editor and government information officer. In Jamaica he married and had several children. One, Nalo Hopkinson, is now a respected novelist in her own right, noted for her first novel, “Brown Girl in the Ring” (1998); another, Keita Hopkinson is an established artist in Jamaica.

In 1962 Hopkinson moved to Trinidad with his family where he joined Derek Walcott’s Trinidad Theatre Workshop. He became a Muslim in 1964 and changed his name to Muhammed Abdhur-Rahman Slade Hopkinson. After receiving a Rockefeller Scholarship, he attended Yale Drama School from 1965 – 66 then returned to Guyana to lecture at the University of Guyana from 1966 –1968.

He returned to

Preserving our heritage through pictures

Trinidad after his stint at UG, but by 1970, differences between himself and Walcott led to Hopkinson forming the Caribbean Theatre Guild that same year. His own acting career was cut short by kidney failure in 1970, which by 1973 saw him taking regular dialysis treatments.

Then in 1976 the Guyana government published two of his collections of poetry, “The Madwoman of Papine”, which is described as containing his “secular poems ranging over his Caribbean experiences”; and “The Friend”, considered “his religious and philosophical poems, written in the process of discovering the teachings of the Sufis.”

In Guyana he was said to be active in a local literary group called “Anira” comprising famed Guyanese poet Martin Carter, Sydney Singh and Jan Carew, among others.

His illness did not stop him from working in the Caribbean, and beyond: he worked for a while with the Jamaica Tourist Board then became Guyanese ViceConsul to Canada be-

fore returning to the classroom as teacher in Toronto, Canada, and classroom assistant at the end of his working career.

Despite taking longterm disability leave after suffering from cancer of the kidneys, he continued writing for journals and anthologies, and completed what would become his final collection, “Snowscape with Signature”, a selection of poems written between 1952-1992. Sadly, Abdhur Rahman Slade Hopkinson died just before the 1993 publication of “Snowscape with Signature”, and has since seemed to have faded from the memories of Guyanese literature.

Despite his lack of recognition – there is little of his biography to be found – Hopkinson’s poetry has been praised by many critics and reviewers over the years. As one reviewer notes of his final collection: “Hopkinson’s poems are tightly disciplined...his imagination also ranges at will, and his capacity to surprise makes every one of his poems worth reading.”

Jared Peroune is a pianist and rising opera artiste whose recitals have already graced several hallowed halls

There is certain calm when listening to maestro pianist, U.S.based Guyanese Jared Peroune. As his fingers lithely orchestrate the keyboard, Jared creates enchanting melodies.

Growing up in Georgetown, Jared emigrated to the U.S. in 1994. There he was able to fully pursue his studies in music. He received his degree in Piano Performance from Barry University in 2006, his Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Miami in 2012, and is anticipating graduating from the University of Miami with his Doctor of Musical Arts degree, also in Collaborative Piano.

He made his debut public performance when he was 16. Quickly becoming an established accompanist and chamber musician, Jared has collaborated with a number of vocalists and instrumentalists throughout South Florida. He has been heard in concerts and recitals throughout Florida and in his hometown, Guyana.

Aside from his work as a keyboardist, Jared is a rising artist in opera. His singing has been heard in more than a decade of fully staged productions at Colony Theatre on Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, Gusman Centre, and in Fort Pierce, with a cameo appearance in “La bohème” with Treasure Coast Opera; all in conjunction with the South Beach Chamber Ensemble, Alhambra Orchestra, and Frost Symphony Orchestra, to name a few.

He has also sung in productions with Amici dell’arte, the HispanicAmerican Lyric Theatre, and Pro-Arte Grateli. In the spirit of collaboration, Jared is an active chorus singer with choruses that have performed a wide range of choral works at noted halls, including the Arsht Centre in Miami, and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“Music was always something I feel I had an aptitude for; but I owe my first true inspiration to the music teacher I had in elementary school. There were many things about her I admired that were not solely music related, but because she was the music teacher, that stuck with me most. She, of course, was a keyboardist,” he recalled in an interview with Guyana

Times Sunday Magazine

He chose music because he takes pleasure in working with others. “In music, everyone involved has to be invested equally to make things work the best they can. That kind of collaboration surely exists in many other fields, but music allows us to combine among many things, physical and artistic personal attributes more than any other field,” he explained.

He has played both as a soloist, chamber musician, vocal accompanist, or part of orchestra in a number of places and private engagements. One most recent performance was as a pianist for Carmina Burana at the Arsht Centre in Miami. The Centre is one of the biggest, if the not the biggest (in size and calibre), venue in Miami.

“I have been able to play with chamber groups, orchestra, choirs, instrumentalists, and vocalists. My many engagements have given me the chance to expand my horizons a little and explore voice as well. In the past decade, I have been able to perform roles in fully staged operas as well. Inside of school and out, the pursuit is the same. I wish to learn all that I can, from all those who know far more than I. During my last trip to Guyana, my aunt set up an impromptu recital at the Dewer's studio. It was a relatively short program given I was not prepared to play anything during that trip and did not carry any music. I hope to return with a more substantial program in the near future,” Jared noted.

He considers himself as a “simple person”. For relaxation, he enjoys going to the movies. It is an opportunity to remove himself briefly from reality. He also likes to spend quality time with friends and family.

Jared believes that many things in music are a “great big puzzle.” He loves puzzles, something he thinks he inherited from his father. Piecing together certain things is “great fun” for Jared.

He has had the great fortune to work with individuals who have taken a particular interest in his development and have watched him grow

from student to colleague. He credits them for showing him many possibilities that can exist if he is true to his gifts.

‘I’m a drama queen in real life too’ - Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra, who is playing the role of a quirky scientist opposite Sidharth Malhotra in her upcoming film ‘Hasee To Phasee’, says she is a drama queen in her real life too.

The song ‘Drama Queen’ in the film is dedicated to Parineeti’s character of Meeta, a nerdy and unpredictable girl.

“I am a drama queen in real life too, but I don’t take this terms in a negative way. It is a positive term for me. I stay happy, don’t take life seriously,”

Parineeti told reporters.

Parineeti explained that she said yes to the movie as a part like this is rarely written for a Bollywood actress.

“It was quite difficult to play the role of a scientist in ‘Hasee To Phasee’. There was no reference point for me. No actress in the industry has ever attempted to do a role like this because in our industry either the female characters are normal or mentally challenged. My role is a cross between the two,” she said. (TOI)

‘I realise that education is important’

- Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor has said that she would like to support literacy campaigns in India.

The actress, who quit her education to launch a career in films at the age of 20 “because she was in a rush to become an actress”, said that she now values knowledge outside of films.

“I realise that education and a basic grounding are important. So hopefully, in 2014, I would like to do something about this and it’s a cause I strongly believe in,” she told Masala.com.

“I’ve started believing that it’s good to know about what’s happening around you, apart from films.”

The 'Bombay Samurai' star said that husband Saif Ali Khan has influenced her personal desire to learn more about the world beyond films. “He has so much information. He’s in his 40s and reads so much.”

Kapoor last year supported the launch of a mobile safety app for women. (Digital Spy)

Twinkle Khanna was admitted at Breach Candy hospital late on Saturday after she complained of an unbearable pain in her stomach. The doctors had given her the necessary medication and kept her under observation through the night.

A friend of the couple told Mirror that Akshay Kumar was by his wife’s side all through and so was Twinkle’s mother Dimple Kapadia. “In the morning when the reports came in, it was diagnosed that there was a stone in her kidney and a quick decision was taken to get an immediate surgery done.”

The operation was performed on Sunday afternoon and went well. The friend said, “Tina bhabhi is feeling much better and she might get discharged in a couple of days if all goes well. Akshay had a prior commitment on Sunday evening. He made a quick appearance at the Race Course before dashing back to the hospital.” (TOI)

Emraan Hashmi will be back in Mumbai to shoot for his film ‘Mr X’, from February 16,” informs uncle Mahesh Bhatt, who also assured that the actor’s four-year old son, Ayaan, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in his kidney, is responding well to treatment in Canada.

On the recommendation of the doctors who performed an emergency surgery on him in Mumbai, the actor flew out his son to Canada because according to reports, it has the best children’s care in the world.

Salman Khan might have gone for the celebrity T20 match in Dubai on a whirlwind one-day visit, but that didn’t deter the loving brother in him when it came to pampering his sister, Arpita.The actor, who stayed in the Dubai stadium till the end of the match, took his sister out shopping. Despite the fact that he was to fly back to Mumbai late that night, he ensured that he took time out for a quick trip to Abu Dhabi, where he indulged his youngest sister with all that she wanted. (TOI)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has made it to the fourth position in a recent poll of the world’s most beautiful women.

Conducted by Hollywood Buzz, the survey saw participation from more than four million people, who selected the most intelligent, desirable and successful women of 201314. Aishwarya was only beaten by Monica Belluci, Kate Upton and Angelina Jolie.

Commenting on this Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said, “The results of this poll by Hollywood Buzz were brought to my notice by my well-wishers. Believe it or not…I must admit it’s overwhelming to hear that over 4 million people across the globe have voted and listed me amongst their top choices.” (TOI)

“What not many of us are aware of is that when it comes to children, 90 per cent of cancer is

curable. The treatment is regularised and Ayaan who is being given the mildest two-drug chemotherapy is doing well,” said an ebullient Bhatt. His mother, Praveen who has family there, will stay back in Canada with Ayaan. Emraan will fly there after he finishes with his film commitments in Mumbai.

“After the anguish we faced, we have reason to believe that the dark night is behind us and Ayaan will be back with us in four months if not before,” Bhatt indicated. (TOI)

Shah Rukh Khan back at work, still recovering

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was injured on the sets of Farah Khan’s ‘Happy New Year ’, resumed work Tuesday. However, he has been advised not to do heavy scenes.

“SRK’s back to work on Feb 4. He is still recovering from his injury, so no heavy scenes for him,” said a source close to the superstar. The incident took place Jan 23. and the 48-yearold was rushed to Dr.

Balabhai Nanavati Hospital He had suffered a shoulder fracture, his left knee’s patellar tendon was torn and doctors advised him complete rest for two to three weeks.

A heavy door had caused the injury. ‘Happy New Year’, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone , Sonu Sood, Boman Irani and Vivaan Shah, will release this year around Diwali. (TOI)

Rumor has it that Eva Mendes is a mom-to-be.

Eva Mendes sparked pregnancy rumors earlier this week after refusing to cooperate in a routine, preflight security scan at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Saturday. While photos of the 39-year-old show no signs of a baby bump, sources at the scene claimed the film star denied the security procedure, telling Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers she was allegedly “pregnant.”

So does that mean Mendes boyfriend of two years, fellow actor Ryan Gosling is going to be a first-time dad? Not exactly. Following the pregnancy buzz, a rep for Mendes confirmed to E! News Monday that the actress is not with child.

“[Eva] has never gone through the scanners at the airport; she has always elected to be hand-checked instead,” said the rep.

According to the site, a separate source has also added confirmation that Mendes never discussed a pregnancy with airport workers during her

Jessica Alba, who recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of her eco-friendly family brand The Honest Company, has revealed how she got around to starting the firm, recalling a scary incident when her daughter Honor, now 5, ate part of her diaper as a baby.

The 32-year-old actress told Us Magazine that her child’s diaper exploded one time and all the beads inside it went in Honor’s mouth.

Jrecent trip.

Despite rumors of a possible Mendes-Gosling baby, the couple has reportedly not been photographed together in months and has also recently been the subject of break up rumors.

While neither Gosling, 33, or Mendes have addressed their alleged split (a rep for the couple previously denied any trouble in paradise), a source revealed to Us Weekly in November that the couple was on the rocks due to the ‘Hitch’ star’s jealousy causing a rift in their relationship. (E Online)

The ‘Sin City 2’ star explained that she was so freaked out that she called her pediatrician, 911 and her mom to ask her what the diaper was made of.

Alba added that she contacted the diaper-maker company too, but they refused to tell her about the ingredients in the diaper.

After the incident, when she couldn’t find any ecofriendly products in the market for kids, she decided to start The Honest Company. (TOI)

ohnny Depp and Amber Heard are planning to marry on a beach in the Bahamas.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor owns a private island where he filmed scenes for the swashbuckling blockbuster, and it is said while some of his rock star friends will be in attendance, it won’t be a ‘’big, glitzy’’ party.

Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, an insider said: ‘’They’re having a small intimate ceremony barefoot on the beach in Little Hall’s

Miley Cyrus to Justin Bieber: ‘Pay people to make sure you don’t get in trouble’

No Miley Cyrus mugshot yet! The 21-year-old ‘We Can’t Stop’ singer has managed to stay out of jail--so far--despite her headline-making partying ways. During an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Jan. 30, Cyrus shared advice to recently arrested Justin Bieber on how to stay out of trouble.

“You’ve got a lot of money. Pay people to make sure you don’t get in trouble and party at your house,” the former Disney star said. “Buy a house, and add a club to it.”

Last week, Bieber, 19, was arrested in Miami, Fla., and charged with DUI, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license. On Jan. 30, the Canadian singer was also charged with assault in connection with an alleged incident involved a

LPond Cay.

‘’Afterwards they’ll have a barbecue where some of Johnny’s musician pals are going to perform, followed by limbo dancing. Neither Johnny nor Amber want a big, glitzy Hollywood bash. They are both very private.’’

Johnny new fiancée was recently spotted showing off her large diamond engagement ring for the first time as she saw him perform at a private charity event in Anaheim, California. (TOI)

eonardo DiCaprio has revealed that he saw a darker side of Hollywood while growing up as a “very poor” kid living in a neighborhood filled with junkies and prostitutes.

According to the LA Times, the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ star spoke about his childhood neighborhood near Hollywood Boulevard and Western Avenue and said that there was a “major prostitution ring” at the street corner with “crime and violence everywhere”, Radar Online reported.

The 39-year-old American actor admitted that his life was “like ‘Taxi Driver’ in a lot of ways” as he grew up very poor and got to see the “other side of the spectrum”. (TOI)

limo driver in Toronto last December.

While Bieber and Cyrus are both making headlines these days for their scandalous behavior, Cyrus says there’s a big difference between the two of them.

“It’s funny because today, I was looking at--my fans put all these people’s mugshots up, and

they were like, ‘I don’t see a Miley mugshot yet!’ I get the most flak of anybody. I’m not doing anything illegal! I’m doing a lot of s--t …Oops, sorry!” the ‘Wrecking Ball’ singer said, apologizing for cursing on TV. “But I’m not doing anything illegal! So that’s all right. Everything I do is legal in California.”

(US Magazine)

The aunt of Hugh Grant’s latest lovechild with Swedish TV producer Anna Eberstein has revealed that the actor is a good father and not a Casanova despite getting two different women pregnant at the same time.

Elizabeth Berggren said that there are a lot of men who have children with different wives, so it’s not that remarkable, while asserting that the ‘Notting Hill’ star has a “warm relationship” with his third child, the Mirror reported.

Berggren added that

Grant is a likeable person and is very good with dealing with his son.

Grant first became a father when daughter Tabitha Xiao Xi was born in September 2011 to girlfriend Tinglan Hong, followed by son Felix. (TOI)

Actress Cara Delevingne reportedly wants to move in with model-actress Michelle Rodriguez. The two are report-

edly looking out for property in Britain, reported contactmusic.com.

“They love spending time with one another so moving in is a no-brainer. Splitting their time between London and LA (Los Angeles) would suit both of them. Cara’s family have met Michelle and think she’s great,” The Sun Newspaper quoted a source as saying.

The two sparked rumours of dating after being spotted cosying up together in public recently. (TOI)

Guyanese sports personalities of 2013 to be announced on February 21

Atough task awaits the National Sports Commission (NSC) panel which will deliberate on February 21 to select the winners for the 2013 National Sports Awards.

For most of the categories, the panelists will be forced to measure the performances of the various athletes, associations and officials who have represented Guyana with distinction.

Guyana’s first international gold medalist at the 1996 Pan American Championships in Canada weightlifter Winston Stoby is leading the nominations for senior Sportsman-of-theYear, following a prolific year in that field.

In 2013, Stoby defended his world title against a lifter four years his junior unsuccessfully, but after competing in the 74kg Masters 2 Category, he set a new Deadlift World Record (WR) with another impressive performance at the 31st World Masters Men’s Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Stoby shattered his old Deadlift World Record of 260kg achieved in 2012 in Texas with a new record of 277.5kg to

win the gold medal, but had to settle for second overall to the U.S.A.’s Gregory Page.

During last year, he also participated as a member of the Guyana team that defended their Open title successfully, capturing the gold medal in his weight class.

Stoby has gained four nominations as against two each from veteran West Indies batsman and last year’s Sportsman-of-the-Year Shivnarine Chanderpaul and cycle superstar Alonzo Greaves. The other contenders, with one nomination each, are Olympian Winston Geroge, motor racer Kevin Jeffery and squash player Alexander Arjoon.

The nominees for the Junior Sportsman-ofthe-Year accolade are Junior Carifta 400 metres bronze medalists Jason Yaw (two nominations), badminton player Narayan Ramdhani, table tennis player Sherman Britton and squash player Nyron Joseph, all with one nomination each.

On the distaff side, the race is expected to be a dogfight, with athletics queen Alika Morgan as the frontrunner for senior Sportswoman-ofthe-Year.

Morgan leads that category with three nominations, while Guyana national women’s hockey goalkeeper Alysa Xavier has two. Junior

Team-of-the-Year category, comprising powerlifting, hockey, junior Carifta and squash teams.

Carifta under-17, 1500 metres gold medalist Cassie George and last year’s Sportswomanof-the-Year Nicolette Fernandes were the other nominees with one nomination each.

The junior category of the awards also promises to pose headaches for the panel, with badminton player Priyanna Ramdhani, table tennis player and last year’s junior Sportswoman-ofthe-Year Chelsea Edgill, hockey player Jevina Straker and squash player Victoria Arjoon vying for the junior Sportswoman-of-theYear award, with one nomination each.

There is a potpourri of teams to contest the

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Guyana Table Tennis Association, and the Guyana Squash Association are the entities vying for the Association-of-theYear, while the nominees for the Most Improved Association are the Guyana Boxing Association, the Guyana Table Tennis Association and the Guyana Squash Association.

Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club President John Carpenter, Guyana Table Tennis Association

President Godfrey Munroe, Guyana Olympic Association

President K A Juman Yassin, Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation

President Peter Green and Michael April of the Guyana Boxing Association are the candidates for Male Sport Personality, while the Female award is a contest between Manager of the 2013 CARIFTA Games team Amanda Hermonstine, University of Guyana Sport Administrator Lavern

Frazer Thomas and Fernandes.

Carl Ince (squash), Terrence Poole (boxing), and Linden Johnson (table tennis) are the candidates for Coach-of-theYear.

For the media awards, Capital News Esan Griffith has two nominations for Sport Journalist (Non-Print), followed by Stephan Sookram and Aletha Grant-Charles of NCN and Sean Embrack of HGP Channel 16, Cable 67 with one nomination each.

Chris Campbell of Stabroek News and Calvin Roberts of Guyana Chronicle have two nominations each, while Guyana Times/ RGI/TVG’s Treiston Joseph and Duncan Saul of Stabroek News gained a nomination each, are in the running for Sport Journalist (Print), Orlando Charles and Aubrey Crawford of Stabroek News, Franklin Wilson of Kaieteur News and Guyana Times/ RGI/TVG’s Avenash Ramzan are the nominees for Sport Journalist (Photographer).

A date and venue for the awards ceremony will be confirmed shortly.

Busta Champion-ofchampions cricket tourney bowls off on February 16

The 10th annual Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Busta, Championof-Champions cricket tournament for the top cricket clubs in Berbice will bowl off on February 16 at four venues in the ancient County.

The tournament is hosted by the RHTY&SC and sponsored by the Guyana Beverage Company under its Busta brand.

The tournament will involve Upper Corentyne, RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Albion, West Berbice, Young Warriors Universal DVD, Blairmont Community Centre, Port Mourant, Karibee Rice and Universal Solution Bermine.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster said that all arrangements are in place for a highly successful tournament.

Foster added that all teams have been informed that players’ discipline on and off the field must be of the highest standard and that the decision of the umpires must be respected.

He also called on the management of the Area ‘H’, Albion, Port Mourant and the Cumberland ground to get their respective venue in order.

Meanwhile, organisers are advising participating clubs that only players that were registered for the 2014 cricket season will be allowed to play. In addition, organisers disclosed that each team can field one non-based Berbician.

The semifinals will be played on the February 22, while the date and the venue for the final will be announced later.

The winner of the tournament will receive Gy$100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will take home Gy$50,000. The finals will also be broadcast live on NCN Radio.

The fixture for the opening round will see RHT Gizmos and Gadgets come against Upper Corentyne at the Area ‘H’ ground, Albion Community Centre will host West Berbice, Young Warriors Universal DVD oppose Blairmont Community Centre at the Cumberland ground and Port Mourant Karibee Rice host Universal Solution Bermine.

All matches start at 09.30h and teams will be outfitted in Busta T/ Shirts provided by the sponsors.

Guyanese fast-bowler Jeremy Gordon disappointed with Canada show at W/C Qualifiers

Different qualification tournament, different country and different format, but similar sentiments by fast-bowler Jeremy Gordon after his adopted country Canada once again failed to qualify for another International Cricket Council (ICC) event.

Only today (Saturday) the ICC 50over Qualifiers concluded with Scotland humbling United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs in New Zealand while the North Americas grabbed a solitary win in their four allotted matches.

Canada also suffered a huge defeat in the seventh-place playoff to the Netherlands succumbing to an eightwicket margin.

“I think I didn’t play to my true potential and that was one disappointment, while our team just didn’t live up the expectations, but it was another good trip in New Zealand,” the 27-yearold right-arm quickie divulged.

Two months ago Canada were also eliminated at an early stage in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers tournament, which was held in UAE. Guyanese Gordon was also disappointed, despite his satisfactory performances, coming out with 11 wickets from seven matches.

“You missed out on the T20 stage and hope to make things better in 50over version, but falling short was a great disappointment; I don’t think it was the ‘right’ team even though we showed a lot of fight,” Gordon declared on his arrival home in Toronto recently.

Canada, which featured in the last three consecutive world cup events, (2003, 2007, 2011), lost three of their four mandatory games to stake a claim of the two available places which were up for grabs.

They were placed in Group A and were beaten by UAE, Hong Kong, and Scotland in that order, while triumphing over Nepal. Gordon, who finished with seven wickets, including a fourwicket haul in the victorious match, stated that the opposing teams played excellent cricket.

After a successful year (2013) for Gordon at the Intercontinental Cup for Canada, Gordon was excited to make a comeback for his native country. He was part of the action at the club level but it wasn’t enough for the Guyanese selectors to invite him at the national trial late last year.

However, he is still desirable of wearing the Guyana colours again and should be in Guyana soon to play club cricket and by extension inter-county competitions to enhance his chance again.

He said since the weather in Canada only provides the opportunity to play for short periods, Gordon he is seeking contracts to play in either England or Australia soon.

“I [am] still very optimistic that I will play for Guyana again; I know I have to play on a regular basis down there to be selected, but I want to play professionally in other countries to keep improving my game as well,” Gordon, who plays for Brampton Masters Cricket Club in Canada, revealed.

Gordon, who made his debut for Canada in 2011, believes that hardwork and commitment are of paramount importance to be a great cricketer and his accomplishment so far has been very inspiring – something that he has attributed most of his success as an athlete.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be continuing the encampment for its cricketers in preparation for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional FourDay Cricket Competition which will bowl off on February 28.

The camp will consist of all the reserve players not selected for the 50-over tournament, currently underway in Trinidad and Tobago. When the players from this tournament return, they will all rejoin the camp for a short period to facilitate practice matches.

The encampment programme commenced

February 5 at the GCB hostel in LBI, East Coast Demerara. The head coach is Julian Moore and assistant is Reon King and Quasen Nedd. The trainers will be Patrick King and Carl

By TreisTon Joseph

FIFA’s position on the long overdue goal project has not shifted. So said FIFA Development Officer Howard McIntosh, at a press conference, on Monday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) headquarters in Campbellville.

Guyana, which was among the first set of countries since 1998 to receive the gesture by FIFA to start the project, still has not turned a blade of grass to begin the foundation of their first, while some Caribbean countries are on their fourth according to McIntosh.

“Nothing has changed in terms of FIFA’s commitment to the Goal project, we are committed to see it happen…we are concerned at the pace, we’d love to see this moving along because our interest, as I indicated, earlier is that we do get the facilities up and running,” McIntosh stated.

He added: “The specific reason for my visit is to try and get a better handle on the time frame to ensure that things happen as quickly as possible.”

However, the new executive body of the GFF has been given land at Leonora by the Sport Ministry to begin the project, which will have to be leased if FIFA is to release the US$500,000 to begin the first phase, according to president of the GFF Christopher Matthias.

“The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is an understanding on both parts of the government and the GFF with regard to building a technical centre at Leonora. The MOU needs to include the phasing and a costing to it.

“A draft of the MOU has been submitted, it needs to have that basically and for the government to sign that MOU along with the GFF and to issue a lease, because

as was told to the minister (Dr Frank Anthony), and I was reminded of that, FIFA would not release a cent unless there is an understanding that there is such a lease,” Matthias said.

McIntosh, who noted that the process was frustrating due to the accessibility of the funding for the project, highlighted that Guyana is not the only country FIFA is having the same issue with in the Caribbean.

“Part of my job is to work with the federation to ensure this happens and we have not done a good job in this part of the world, we just have not done a good job in terms of the management of these projects, unfortunately,” McIntosh stated.

Meanwhile McIntosh also visited New Amsterdam to view some of the facilities and hopes to visit other regions in the future in order to help develop the sport outside of the capital city.

GFF yet to begin Goal project GCB to

Stephenson.

All players are reminded that further fitness tests will be conducted during the new encampment period hence players are expected to maintain minimum fitness levels.

The players to be encamped are: Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jason Sinclaire, RajendraChandrika, Anthony Adams, Ryan Ramdass, Keon Joseph, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Vishal Singh, Rajiv Ivan, Ricardo Adams, Totaram Bishun, Zaheer Mohamed, Ameer Khan, Shaquille Williams, Jonathan Foo, Ryan Fredricks, Andre Stoll, Ron Thompson.

52 Sport

Fraser-Pryce elated with chancellor's medal from UTech

The University of Technology Jamaica (UTech) last Friday awarded Jamaica's sprint sensation Shelly-Ann FraserPryce with the university's prestigious chancellor's medal during a delegates' banquet.

The banquet forms part of the first staging of the semi-annual meeting of the 2014 International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), which was held at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa in St James.

The IAUP is an association of university chief executive officers, presidents, rectors, vicechancellors and chancellors from higher education institutions around the world.

The prestigious award was presented to Fraser-Pryce, an Olympic champion and past student of the university by Chancellor of UTech Edward Seaga. The activity was witnessed by her husband Jason, Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech and chair of the Caribbean Region of IAUP; Professor Neal King, president of IAUP.

Also in attendance were Jamaica’s Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites; president of the MVP Track Club Bruce James, and university presidents from

tt’s richard thompson to open season in February

Trinidad and Tobago’s triple Olympic medallist Richard Thompson is set to open his 2014 season this month when he competes indoors.

across the world.

Fraser-Pryce in accepting the award said of all awards received in the past this was among the best due to the fact that her journey started at UTech.

She said graduating from UTech was her greatest achievement as in the beginning she was encouraged by persons to do her studies overseas.

"When I left high school and joined the UTech family, many persons said I should go overseas and go to university abroad and I said no, I wanted to stay here

in Jamaica and I wanted to continue my education here. And persons thought it wasn't possible for an athlete to do well in track and also do well in the classroom, but I had something to prove because for my family no one went to college, nobody had a degree and it was my time to change that.

"And I want to thank the chancellor and the president for giving me this honour, for continuing to believe in who I am. And, I also want to say that I am who I am because you gave me a

chance and I blossomed in the person I am today because I have learnt something so profound at the University of Technology, and education goes a far way.

"When you have it no one can take it from you. And I thank you for allowing me the honour to stand here to receive this honour," Fraser-Pryce said.

Fraser-Pryce graduated from UTech in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Care and Adolescent Development. (Jamaica Observer)

golf season tees off on Sunday

The 2014 golf season is set to tee off on Sunday, with the Banks DIH Limited/ Citizens Bank Player’s Cup/GT Beer Championship, slated for the East Coast Demerara fairway.

The one-day tournament, organised by the Lusignan Golf Club will feature approximately 10 teams battling for supremacy.

Each team will comprise four players and the winning team will

be determined by the lowest net score.

Apart from the team prize, the individual player with the best net score will win the prestigious Player’s Cup, sponsored by Citizens Bank. The present holder of the Player’s Cup is Patrick Prashad, who also won the title in 2012. There will also be a best gross prize up for grabs. The players will compete in

three flights – 0-9, 10-18 and 1928 handicaps.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Banks DIH Clifford Reis will lead a strong Banks DIH Limited/ Citizens Bank four-member team, which includes Gavin Todd, Mark Lashley and current ladies champion Christine Sukhram. The manager is Alton Small.

Lusignan Golf Club President Jerome Khan will lead the Jaguars, which will include Imran Khan, Jack Harry and Matti Wesselin, while former Vice President Kishan Bacchus will spearhead a team with Fazil Haniff, Kalyan Tiwari and Munaff Arjune.

Brian Hackett, William Walker, Ian Gouveia and Patrick Prashad will compete as another team.

Other players expected to be on show include Joaan Deo, Troy Cadogan, Colin Ming, Dr Philbert London, Maurice Solomon, Robert Hanoman, Roy Cummings, Faizul Deo, Chatterpaul Deo, Shanella Webster, Carlos Adams, Muntaz Hanniff, Avinda Kishore, Avinash Persaud and Brian Glasford.

There will be attractive prizes for the top three teams in the tournament. Tee off is 09:00h.

The national 100m record holder will be returning to the indoor circuit for the first time since 2012 and has sights set on the World Indoor Track and Field Championships in Sopot, Poland from March 7-9.

The 28 year old has been working on his fitness for the 2014 season.

“I am getting close to being 100% healthy once again. I was at the Michael Johnson rehabilitation Centre in Dallas doing some rehabilitation work and it has gone very well. I feel confident about being able to compete injury-free (this) season. I am just praying and asking God to keep me healthy.”

The Nelson Street Boys RC Primary and Queen’s Royal College graduate has an indoor 60m best of 6.51 seconds set in 2008 the year he captured the NCAA Division One indoor crown for his university, Louisiana State. The national record is 6.49, held by Ato Boldon.

Commonwealth Games

The Cascade resident is also looking to debut at the 2014 Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3. “Ultimately the goal is to go the Commonwealth Games and put Trinidad and Tobago on the podium. We have a strong team with (Keston) Bledman and Marc (Burns),” he stated.

Meanwhile former double Carifta champion Nicholas Landeau is hoping for a great 2014

season after spending three weeks training at the world-renowned Iten’s High Altitude Training camp in Iten, Kenya.

Landeau made the trip to Kenya in December with his England track club Eailing Southhall and Middlesex (ESM) Athletic Club which he joined since migrating to England in late 2012.

The Belmont Boys Secondary graduate was accompanied by his coach Steve Man and training partners Mo Hashi and Ben Waterman. Landeau said the Kenyan training experience while help him for the upcoming track season. “We decided to go out the as long term preparation for the Carifta games and other upcoming track and field championships.”

He will be bidding to compete in the Carifta Games for the fifth time. He made his debut as a 14 year old at the 2009 edition in St Lucia where he failed to win a medal. However, a year later in the Cayman Islands the Chaguanas resident was runner up in the boys under 17 1500m and 3000m events behind compatriot Mark London.

Landeau stepped up to gold the following year in Jamaica taking the 1500m/3000m double. In 2012 he secured silver in the boys under 20 5000m in Bermuda.

Meanwhile Olympic bronze medallist Deon Lendore was named the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Athlete of the Week after he clocked a world leading time of 45.74 in the men’s 400m at the Texas A&M Triangular meet in College Station, Texas on January 25. Lendore now holds four of the top five times in the school’s history. (Excerpted from TT Newsday)

Works on warn-up pool moving apace

Works on the warmup pool for the National Aquatic Centre are moving along at a reasonable pace with contractors currently working on land fillings at the Lilendaal site.

Lately many reports have surfaced of the pool having cracks in the foundation and collapsing due to the current warm-up pool which is under construction. However, a visit to the site by Guyana Times International Sport to the pool on Wednesday proved otherwise, as workers were seen working on the warmup pool while the 50metre pool was filled with water and seemed in excellent condition.

While a small sec -

tion of the walkway attached to the pool house facing the warm-up pool has dropped due to the hole dug for the warmup pool, Administrator of the National Aquatic Centre Abraham Watson told this publication that it was nothing the contractors did not expect.

“As you can see the pool is fine and the contractors are working, it was known that digging the hole for warm-up pool would have caused a bit of sinking, but everything is ok and we have an additional 10 workers coming tomorrow to help catch up on the work which is about three days behind schedule,” Watson stated.

The contract for the foundation of the

Nagico Super50 tourNameNt…

25-metre warm-up pool was awarded to D&S Construction for Gy$37.3 million in August of 2013.

The foundation work will include foot rests and upper walls to accommodate the pre-fabricated pool, a reinforced concrete strip, columns and base which will be six inches thick. There will also be various drainage works being done.

The foundation is expected to be completed in six months which will make the deadline for the completion of the foundation sometime in March. Further, the 25-metre pool will be installed by Myrtha Pools, the same company that installed the 50-metre Olympic size pool.

Guyana win hriller to go into semis

Guyana fought back to defeat the Windward Islands by 22 runs in Match 6 of the NAGICO Super50 tournament and confirm their spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

Before the match, Guyana suffered a big blow losing opening batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul to injury. The Windward Islands, however, remain unchanged from their first match, when they were defeated by Jamaica.

Guyana won the toss and elected to bat first, selecting Assad Fudadin for Chanderpaul. Fudadin compiled a rather slow 51 off 120 balls, while Sarwan continued his good form with a well made 62.

Eventually, it was skipper Christopher Barnwell, supported by Leon Johnson, who helped Guyana recover from a slow start to post a competitive 235 for 7 from their 50 overs. Guyana had earlier lost Trevon Griffith for a duck.

The Windward Islands bowlers were quite tight for the best part of the innings. However, coming down to the end of the innings, they seemed to lose their way somewhat.

Barnwell blasted 51 runs from 43 balls, putting on 84 runs with Johnson, who hit 41 runs from 31 balls.

The Windwards, chasing 236 for victory decently placed at 200 for seven,

ScoreBoarD

Guyana innings (50 overs maximum)

TA Griffith c †Fletcher b Johnson 0

AB Fudadin c Johnson b Mathew 51

RR Sarwan c Sebastien b Mathew 62

CD Barnwell* b Mathew 51

LR Johnson c Currency b Charles 41

N Deonarine c Sebastien b Johnson 2

A Bramble† c Lesporis b Mathew 6

V Permaul not out 1

Extras: (b 2, lb 4, w 14, nb 1) 21

Total: (7 wickets; 50 overs) 235

To bat: D Bishoo, RR Beaton, PG Wintz

Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Griffith, 0.6 ov), 2-124 (Sarwan, 35.1 ov), 3-130 (Fudadin, 37.3 ov), 4-214 (Johnson, 46.3 ov), 5-218 (Deonarine, 47.3 ov), 6-234 (Bramble, 49.2 ov), 7-235 (Barnwell, 49.6 ov)

Bowling: DE Johnson 10-139-2, KK Peters 10-1-37-0, M Mathew 10-1-41-4, J Charles

7-1-39-1, LAS Sebastien 9-150-0, GE Mathurin 4-0-23-0

Windward Islands innings (target: 236 runs from 50 overs)

DS Smith b Beaton 5

J Charles c & b Barnwell 35

T Theophile lbw b Bishoo 31

ADS Fletcher† lbw b Bishoo 17

K Lesporis lbw b Wintz 33

RK Currency b Beaton 19

LAS Sebastien* lbw b Permaul 19

M Mathew c Permaul b Beaton 24

GE Mathurin c Griffith b Permaul 5 DE Johnson b Permaul 0 KK Peters not out 3

Extras: (lb 11, w 11) 22

Total: (all out; 46.4 overs) 213

Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Smith, 5.1 ov), 2-55 (Charles, 8.6 ov), 3-95 (Fletcher, 18.5 ov), 4-96 (Theophile, 20.1 ov), 5-157 (Currency, 33.1 ov), 6-158 (Lesporis, 34.1 ov), 7-200 (Mathew, 42.3 ov), 8-206 (Mathurin, 44.2 ov), 9-206 (Johnson, 44.3 ov), 10-213 (Sebastien, 46.4 ov)

Bowling: PG Wintz 5-0-291, RR Beaton 9-1-43-3, CD Barnwell 6-0-31-1, V Permaul 9.4-2-24-3, D Bishoo 10-0-422, N Deonarine 7-0-33-0

Jamaica expected to send ‘strong’ team to World Relays

Jamaica is expected to send its strongest team to the IAAF World Relays in The Bahamas despite not having a trial prior to the event set for May 24 and 25.

Dr Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), didn't envisage any problems in team selection when he spoke with Jamaican media.

with less than a run a ball to score.But spinner Veerasammy Permaul forced a collapse with the last three wickets to give Guyana victory.

Johnson Charles had started the innings positively but he only reached 35. Tyrone Theophile supported with 31, but Windward Islands kept losing regular wickets along the way.

For Guyana, Ronsford Beaton and Permaul took three wickets each, with the former being awarded Man of the Match.

(WICB)

"We will be selecting the team the same way we have done with the Penn Relays teams that comes on a month before and the World Indoors," said Dr Blake.

"We write to the coaches and the athletes' reps and get in touch with them and they will recommend which of their athletes will be available and then we choose the best team out of what is available at the time," he noted.

The first edition of the 2014 IAAF World Relays will serve as a qualifying competition

for the 2015 IAAF World Championships and is expected to have more than 1,000 athletes and team officials from 40 nations for the event.

The top-eight teams to place in the 4x100m and 4x400m events at the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 shall automatically qualify for the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015.

If one or more teams in the A Final are disqualified or do not finish, their qualifying places will be taken by the top-placed finisher(s) in the B Final.

Jamaica, with the incomparable Usain Bolt, have swept the 4x100m relays at the Olympic and World Championships since 2008 and are expected to dominate once again regardless of the composition of the team.

Meanwhile, fans will have the chance to have a preview of the upcoming IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 during a test event scheduled to be held prior to the IAAF

World Relays. On May 9 & 10, young high school athletes from around the Bahamas will test the readiness of the newly built Thomas A Robinson Stadium by competing in the replica of events that will be run at the Relays.

The participating teams will compete in the following test events -- 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m, along with a sprint medley that will include 400m, 200m, 200m, and 800m legs for the boys and 100m, 100m, 200m and 400m legs for the girls. A maximum of one team from any one member country can compete in each relay event and a maximum of six athletes may be entered for each relay team. Any four athletes among those entered for the competition may then be used in the composition of the team for the first round.

They will target an ideal number of approximately 16 teams to qualify. (Jamaica Observer)

R&R-sponsored Mash 40-mile cycle road race set for Sunday

The R&R International Limited-sponsored 40-mile cycle road race will be staged on Sunday on the West Coast Demerara roadways beginning at 08:00h from Schoonord (entrance of the Demerara Harbour Bridge).

The country’s top pedal-pushers will journey from Schoonord to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The veterans, mountain bikers and females will turn back from the Uitvlugt Community Centre, while the open category and junior riders will turn back at Bushy Park.

The top six finishers in the open category as well as the first two fin-

ishers in the juniors, veterans and female categories will receive trophies and monetary rewards, while the first mountain biker will also be rewarded.

The defending champion is Alonzo Greaves, who clocked one hour 41 minutes 58 seconds in winning last year’s event.

The defending champions of the juniors, veterans and female categories are: Raul Leal, Stephen Fernandes and Naomi Singh respectively.

The event, which is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed M.S., will see former cyclist and managing director of R&R International Limited, Jacob Rambarran, on hand to assist with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.

Barnwell delighted after victory over Windward Islands

Guyana’s captain Christopher Barnwell expressed great delight following his team’s victory over the Windward Islands of the NAGICO Super50 tournament at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.

The Guyanese successfully blended youthful talent and seasoned old hands to beat the defending champions by 22 runs, after setting a target of 236. Guyana, suffered an early dent in the batting line-up just before the game start with veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul ruled out due to injury, but that did not dampen the spirit of the team. They, however, stuck to their game plans and ensured the defending champions were booted from the tournament as a damp squib. “We did not get off to the best of start, the wicket was playing a bit tricky and somehow the batters manage to step it out and we know once we kept wickets in hand we can always go hard at the end, so we planned just to see out the new

ball and ensure that we had wickets in hands for the latter part of the innings which eventually played out for us,” Barnwell said after the game.

The 27-year-old Barnwell added “While

the batters did a good job, the bowlers held their nerves to pull off the victory. I was very impressed with young Beaton and also fellow fast bowler Paul Wintz as well as Permaul, they all held their nerves and

bowled in the correct areas.”

Momentum

Meanwhile, Barnwell says despite their success, his side will remain firmly grounded as they recognised their mission was not yet fulfilled. “What we’re doing is taking it step by step. We’re just focusing on our goal and the process,” said the West Indies T20 all rounder. “We would love to be in the final. We’re in the semi-finals so I think it is just a matter of taking the next game that we’ve got in stride and trying to continue with this momentum. We don’t want to be looking too far ahead of ourselves. I think for us it has been a process and we just want to continue that process.”

The win meant that both Guyana and Jamaica have qualified for the semi-finals while Windward Islands and Ireland have been eliminated from advancing in the NAGICO Super50 tournament.

Guyana will now clash with Jamaica in their final preliminary game on Saturday.

England name West Indies tour squad

London, EnglandWorcestershire's Moeen Ali and Lancashire's Stephen Parry are the two surprise inclusions in the England squad to tour the West Indies and then go to the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. Ali and Parry are the only uncapped players in the World Twenty20 squad while Nottinghamshire's leftarm paceman Harry Gurney is selected for his first senior England squad for the matches in the Caribbean.

The national selector James Whitaker said:" We would like to congratulate Moeen Ali and Stephen Parry on their selection for the tour to the Caribbean and then to represent England in the ICC World Twenty20. It is an exciting opportunity for Moeen and Stephen and all the England players.

"Both Moeen and Stephen have been very consistent performers for Worcestershire and Lancashire and both counties and their coaching staffs, must take credit for their continued

progress.

"Harry Gurney, under the guidance of the excellent coaches at Trent Bridge, has performed well for Nottinghamshire in limited overs cricket - showing good control with the white ball and, as a left arm quick, brings some variety to the tour party.

"England have won the ICC World Twenty20 before - in 2010 in the Caribbean - and this group has an exciting mix of youth and Twenty20 experience and I am sure with good preparation, desire and

Tom Moody named director of cricket for Limacol CPL

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that former Australia International, Tom Moody, has joined its ranks as director of cricket.

Moody has vast experience at the top level of the game, having represented Australia, Warwickshire, Western Australia and Worcestershire as a player – before turning his attention to coaching, commentary and cricket administration.

determination they will be able to produce an exciting brand of cricket."

Stuart Broad will captain the squad in both the one-day internationals in the Caribbean - in the absence of the rested Alastair Cook - as well as the Twenty20 games to follow. Eoin Morgan will be vice-captain for both tours.

Whitaker paid tribute to the value that Morgan brings to the squad, and said: "Eoin has recognised leadership qualities and he has successfully led England sides in the past. This status of vice-captain is a reward for him. We believe that he and Stuart will form an excellent leadership team."

(Nottinghamshire), C Jordan (Sussex), M Lumb (Nottinghamshire), S Parry (Lancashire), J Root (Yorkshire), B Stokes (Durham), J Tredwell (Kent), L Wright (Sussex)

Fixtures England v Vice Chancellor's XI: 25 February, Antigua

Three-match ODI series v West Indies, Antigua: 28 February; 2 & 5 March

Three-match

Twenty20 series v West Indies, Barbados: 9, 11 & 13 March

Squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh

(Middlesex - vice captain), M Ali (Worcestershire), R Bopara (Essex), T Bresnan (Yorkshire), J Buttler (Lancashire), J Dernbach (Surrey), A Hales (Nottinghamshire) C Jordan (Sussex), M Lumb (Nottinghamshire), S Parry (Lancashire), J Root (Yorkshire), B Stokes (Durham), J Tredwell (Kent), L Wright (Sussex)

Fixtures

Super 10 - Group 1

22 March - v New Zealand

27 March - v Sri Lanka

29 March - v South Africa

As the tournament progresses, we will strive to maintain our status as a first class cricket tournament, attracting the best players and coaches from around the world.

“Having played and coached at the highest level, Tom has the ideal qualifications to ensure that all aspects of Limacol CPL’s cricket output are of the highest international standards.”

Also commenting, Tom Moody said, “It’s a real honour to be asked to take on the director of cricket role for the Limacol CPL. The tournament burst onto the scene last year and produced some outstanding action and entertainment. From

Commenting on the appointment, Limacol CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe said, “We are delighted that Tom Moody has joined the team at Limacol CPL.

a purely cricket perspective, Limacol CPL has set the bar high from its inaugural year and I’m excited by the challenge of helping to continue to improve and deliver the highest possible standards for the fans, the players and everyone associated with the tournament.”

Following his retirement from the game in 2001, Moody became president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and coach, then Director of Cricket at Worcestershire. In 2005, he was appointed as Sri Lanka’s coach, guiding the team to the World Cup final in April 2007, before returning home to coach Western Australia. He is currently coach for IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Tour party for the Caribbean: S Broad (Nottinghamshirecaptain), E Morgan (Middlesex - vice captain), M Ali (Worcestershire), R Bopara (Essex), T Bresnan (Yorkshire), J Buttler (Lancashire), J Dernbach (Surrey), H Gurney (Nottinghamshire), A Hales

S Broad (Nottinghamshirecaptain), E Morgan

31 March - v qualifier (All matches in Chittagong)