Guyana Times International

Guyana Goldfields set for June start-up

Canadian based gold firm Guyana Goldfields Inc (GGI) has announced that it is on track of starting up its Aurora, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) gold project next month, and has projected to produce between 30,000 to 50,000 ounces of gold in 2015 and approximately 120,000 to 140,000 ounces in 2016.

In a statement, GGI announced that the mill commissioning process has commenced and the Aurora Gold Project remains on track for projected initial gold production in mid-2015.

According to the company, overall project construction is approximately 85 per cent complete with GGI focusing on operational readiness training and commissioning.

GGI has commenced the commissioning of the following areas: SAG Mill; power plant generators, and water and air support systems. The company said it will continue the commissioning phase during the second quarter of this year and is in the process of com-

pleting the remaining piping, electrical and surface conveyor construction. “GGI is on track to start up the gravity gold and saprolite production circuits for mid-2015, which would allow for earlier gold production (pre-commercial production) through the processing plant. The commissioning and start up of the hard rock crushing circuit is projected to be completed in the third calendar quarter of 2015,” the statement read.

According to the company the mining fleet is fully operational and all materials required for construction are on site.

“All surface, on-site construction and bulk earthworks are completed, except for the river dike and runway expansion. The company is current-

ly operating at peak construction and manpower levels with over 1000 personnel at site. The operational readiness team has been hired and is undergoing initial training.” Guyana Goldfields said that initial open pit mining at Rory’s Knoll has defined the pit outline with excavation below river level with no inflow of water, as expected.

Expectation

Meanwhile, the company said it is expected to produce between 30,000 to 50,000 ounces of gold in 2015, and approximately 120,000 ounces to 140,000 ounces of gold in 2016. “GGI has approximately US$44 million as at March 31, 2015 of capital expenditures remaining to projected initial production.

The total initial de-

velopment costs for all facilities as well as mining equipment, owner’s costs, indirect costs, etc., remains forecasted to be US$249 million. The project is tracking on budget with US$52 million available as an overrun facility, if needed,” the statement added.

Commenting on the operations, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company Scott Caldwell said, “The commissioning of the mill circuit is a major milestone which we’ve been able to deliver on schedule and brings us one step closer to initial production. I am proud of what our team has accomplished in just a little over a year.

The energy at site is vibrant and I would like to thank all our employees and contractors for their dedication and excellent work. At this stage in the game, we are so close to production that it has eliminated a large portion of capital overspending risk.

Our next focus is producing ounces at or above our target for 2015 gold production, and joining the ranks of producers.”

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that a policeman be criminally charged in connection with the murder of well-known businessman Mohamed F Khan while another should face departmental charges for his role in the crime.

The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Wednesday returned the file in the Mohamed Feroze Khan murder case to the Police. Guyana Times reported on Sunday that a former Assistant Police Commissioner and a Sergeant who were implicated in the murder of Khan are expected to face Lennox Wayne also called “Two Colours” –the murder accused who claimed that he was contracted to kill the now dead businessman.

The two former Policemen were detained last Friday evening, but were subsequently released on Saturday after denying any involvement in the businessman’s murder. The houses of the two men were also searched, but there were

nothing substantial that could be tendered as evidence of the criminal act.

A senior Police source had told the Guyana Times International that the two men were expected to come face to face with Wayne who disclosed that he was offered Gy$500,000 to get rid of the businessman back in July 2014. He added that the accusations made by Wayne are merely assumptions after he recalled seeing a vehicle similar to that of the former Assistant Police Commissioner parked obliquely opposite Khan’s home on the West Bank of Demerara.

TT man surrenders after killing Guyanese woman

Hours after a Trinidad and Tobago national allegedly murdered his former employer’s common-law wife, Ashanti “Nicky” Debidin, out of jealousy, he surrendered to law enforcement authorities on Saturday evening last.

According to reports coming out of the twin-island republic, the 21-yearold man of Garth Road, Princes Town, contacted CNC3’s “Crime Watch” host who arranged to meet him outside the San Fernando Teaching Hospital.

After meeting the host, he was encouraged to surrender and complied. He was then taken to the Homicide Bureau Region Three at the San Fernando Police Station where he provided a detailed statement about the incident.

Debidin, 26, was found dead by her five-year-old son at their Garth Road, Princes Town home on Saturday.

It was reported that Debidin was murdered after lunch on Saturday. Her body was found in a sitting position propped against a wall in the kitchen.

Both wrists were slit and there was a gaping wound on her forehead. Her mother-in-law, Nazmoon Siewnarine, was reportedly in the upper flat of the house when the incident occurred. There were no signs of forced entry, and robbery as a motive for the murder was ruled out since nothing was stolen.

Two days after the gruesome murder, the dead woman’s common-law husband, Imray Siewnarine said the suspect reportedly told others that he chopped the woman after he ended their relationship.

The businessman reportedly told investigators that the suspect said he wanted him to feel the way he felt when he was dumped.

The murder suspect was employed by Siewnarine who even gave him money to take care of his sevenmonth-old baby and could not understand the motive for hurting his wife. Debidin and Siewnarine have been together for the past eight years and have a son.

The last time Siewnarine claimed he saw the suspect was a few weeks ago in a fast food outlet where he was verbally abused.

Siewnarine told Trinidadian media operatives that he was at work when the incident occurred. He said he left Debidin and their son at home and went to Chaguanas to complete a job.

“I got a phone call saying that Nicky dead. When I came home, I saw her body. I know someone killed her because she wouldn’t do this to herself,” Siewnarine said. Family members of the dead woman are still in shock, saying that they last spoke to the woman on Mother’s Day but at no point in time did she complain of any issues.

New Govt must focus on inclusive governance - U.S. Embassy

According to an online media outlet, the United States Embassy in Guyana has outlined its expectations of the new APNU+AFC government which it has acknowledged, comes into office with a very slim majority.

Chargé d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt was quoted by the online news agency as saying that it would be imperative that the new government’s focus remains on inclusive governance.

“As the President and his government move forward they are going to need to consult broadly with Guyanese society, they are going to need to consult with civil society, with the opposition. They are going to need to make sure that the policies that they advance are going to have the broad support of the Guyanese people and not just 51% of the Guyanese people,” Hunt said.

He made it clear that consultation, dialogue and taking other people’s issues into account are going to be critical as Guyana moves forward.

Hunt in the interview said the U.S government is eager to continue its work with the new gov-

ernment and offered support where it can, particularly in the areas of security and governance.

The US Embassy official appears convinced that the new administration will be more receptive to the assistance of the US government.

He noted that the United States government is also interested in supporting transparent management of Guyana’s natural resources.

To this end, he explained that there have been no discussions with the new government in relation to Exxon Mobil’s discovery of oil in Guyana’s waters. But turning his attention to the 11th Parliament which is expected to be convened within the next

week, the U.S Chargé d’ Affaires said he hopes that one of the first items on the agenda of the new Parliament will be the Anti-Money Laundering Bill.

“It is going to be very important that Guyana is able to present new legislation as it had promised. The indications I am getting it that it remains towards the top of the agenda and I hope that it will be tabled very soon in Parliament,” he added.

Hunt also used the opportunity to defend the Embassy’s pronouncement on the recently concluded elections; maintaining that it was free, fair and credible.

He said it is now left up to the new government to be “creative” in its management of the country. “I think it’s incumbent upon the opposition to take their seats in parliament and take part in the governance process. 49% of the people wanted to see them in parliament, wanted to see them take those seats, wanted to see them play a role in the governance of the country and I hope that the PPP/C will take up that responsibility that they have and take up that role in government.”

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EDITORIAL

Rebuilding national unity

President David Granger came to power in Guyana by campaigning on a promise to deliver positive socio-economic change and a Government of national unity that would heal the country, create higher levels of inclusivity and bring ethnic harmony and cohesiveness.

Since his entrance in the PNCR back in 2010 at the primaries, Granger has been talking about the need to make Government and politics people centered. This no doubt motivated him, along with the blessings of the top brass of the PNC/R which was still being controlled by Robert Corbin, to form the coalition movement under APNU.

After six years in opposition, Granger has finally succeeded in becoming President despite the fact that a dark cloud is hovering over the legitimacy of his presidency because of claims by the PPP/C that the May 11 elections were rigged.

He continues to pay lip service to the notion and meaning of the formation of a Government of National Unity. Similarly, President Granger has over the past two weeks since being sworn in made a mockery of the concept of inclusionary democracy.

Granger knows there can be no inclusionary democracy or national unity achieved without the PPP/C. It is disappointing that he has not seen it fit to explain what he means when he invited the PPP/C to join the “unity train” and “work in unity for Guyana’s development”.

He should have exercised more seriousness and invited the PPP/C to form part of his cabinet, if he is really interested in creating a unified country. He should have initiated talks with former President Donald Ramotar about working together.

Granger should have also called on GECOM to conduct a forensic audit of the elections results given the complaints and accusations being made by the PPP/C, especially if he was certain about the fairness and accuracy of the results declared by GECOM.

He should have by this week sent a frank message to all Guyanese that his administration would not tolerate any form of covert or overt racism especially from his supporters. He has used all sorts of rhetoric to escape issuing outright condemnation to attitudes being displayed by some of his own supporters to supporters of the PPP/C who have been complaining about the verbal abuse and torment they are made to face daily.

Granger has to focus on building trust in the society by working with the PPP/C to temper the fears that East Indians in this country have about the PNCR.

He has announced a 26-member Cabinet of Ministers with an average age of 55.6 years and 1, 445 years altogether. There was no consultation, for the most part, with other coalition partners as to the outline of his government and who would be best suited to serve in what post.

He went ahead and created new, renamed and subsumed ministries without consultation with the public or civil society, creating a bureaucratic monstrosity and confusion amongst the populace.

No proper explanation is forthcoming for these ad hoc changes, but the public relations czars in his Government have been painting him as a leader promising to consult with the populace and all stakeholders before making major decisions.

President Granger appears to have a vision for creating unity in Guyana but he will shortchange himself over the next five years if he does not share that vision clearly with the populace so that they could understand it, critique it and improve it.

Over the next few months, the Granger government must consult with the people and must end this culture of highhandedness which is becoming evident, given the manner in which governance is being administered since May 11.

National unity and inclusivity means the period of campaigning is over and it is time for the Government to give life to all of the governance proposals they are articulated on the campaign trail, including meaningfully involving the PPP/C in their plans for Guyana.

A view from above: Thousands attended the inauguration of President David Granger and members of the new APNU+AFC Government on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Guyana.

Guyana received Gy$53B in foreign investment last year

The flows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Caribbean subregion shrank 4.7 % in 2014 to total US$6.027 billion dollars, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean said on Wednesday in its annual report Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2015. However, Guyana has recorded a 19% growth with figures showing US$255M (GYD 52,836,704,490) last year comparing to US$214M in 2013.

The report was presented during a press conference at the organisation’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile. This nearly 5% decline in FDI directed towards Caribbean countries is less severe than the 16% drop registered in Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole, where flows fell to US$158.803 billion dollars in 2014 from US$189.951 billion dollars in 2013. Nevertheless, since 2008 FDI inflows into the Caribbean have fallen 37%.

The percentage of Foreign Direct Investment as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is relatively high in the Caribbean compared with other regions of the world, the study indicates. On average, these flows represent 4% of the sub-region’s GDP, and more than 10% in some of its economies, while in the rest of Latin America that percentage is fewer than 3%.

This dependence, combined with the concentration in terms of the receiving sectors (tourism and increasingly natural resources) and the countries of origin (mainly Canada and the United States), means that Caribbean countries are highly vulnerable to variations in FDI flows, the document stresses. ECLAC’s report analyzes the situation of 16 Member States in the Caribbean. Tourism is

the sector that receives the most FDI in countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, while in other nations, natural resources predominate (Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago). In Haiti and Jamaica FDI is principally aimed at the transportation and telecommunications sector.

The Dominican Republic is the biggest economy and the top recipient of FDI in the subregion (21% of flows go to natural resources, 26% to manufacturing and 23% to tourism). In 2014 it received US$2.209 billion dollars, up 11% from 2013 but still a far cry from the over US$3 billion dollars tallied in 2012. This country was followed by Trinidad and Tobago, which had inflows of US$1.394 billion dollars in 2014 (down 30% from 2013), Jamaica, which registered US$699 million dollars (an increase of 7%), and the Bahamas, with US$374 million dollars (9% less than in 2013).

Barbados jumped from US$5 million dollars in 2013 to US$275 million dollars in 2014 and Guyana rose 19% (to US$255 million dollars in 2014 from US$214 million dollars in 2013), while Antigua and Barbuda received US$167 million dollars (up 66% from 2013), Belize US$141 million dollars (48% more), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines US$139 million dollars (down 13%), and Saint Kitts and Nevis US$120 million dollars (down 13%).

Countries that had inflows of below US$100 million dollars in 2014 include Haiti (US$99 million dollars, down 47% from 2013), Saint Lucia (US$75 million dollars, down

21% from 2013), Grenada (US$40 million dollars, 64% less than the previous year), Dominica (US$36 million dollars, equivalent to a 36% increase), and Suriname (US$4 million dollars, down 97%).

Meanwhile, Cuba updated in 2014 its legislation regarding foreign investment with the objective of improving the country’s allure in this area and giving greater protection to investors. Currently the biggest investments in that country are co-financed by the State, although improving diplomatic relations with the United States are being watched closely, along with other factors.

According to the study, the reason for the significant amounts of Foreign Direct Investment going into the Caribbean lies in the active promotion policies applied by countries in the subregion. These policies range from actions to improve the overall business climate to the use of financial measures to stimulate FDI inflows, such as exemptions on income tax and customs duties. Upon analyzing the available evidence regarding the impact of these incentives, the organization recommends that Caribbean countries revise their usefulness, taking into account the high fiscal costs that these measures imply for their economies and the competition generated between countries in their bid to attract projects. One aspect to take into consideration is the fact that, on average, the repatriation of profits derived from Foreign Direct Investment is equivalent to more than three-quarters of the FDI inflows into the Caribbean, especially in countries such as Barbados, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyanese will forever be ‘One People’ - Sir Shridath Ramphal

By Vahnu Manikchand

As thousands of Guyanese braved the rain on Tuesday to witness the inauguration of Guyana’s eighth Executive President, David Granger, Sir Shridath Ramphal has challenged the newly-elected President and his A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government to work towards achieving national unity in Guyana, as he called for the end of political division.

Sir Shridath was at the time addressing the large gathering at the Guyana National Stadium where the country’s 49th Independence

Celebrations and the inauguration were being held. He told the new Government that it has a challenging path ahead and as such national unity is imperative. “National unity must not be an empty slogan but …an ethic of Government. I congratulate the coalition of parties that have taken a courageous first step in this direction, as I praise our people who have answered the question –“do you want us together or apart” – in a definitive way,” he stated. Nevertheless, Sir Shridath noted that this was not the end but the beginning of a journey that never ends, adding that the country’s aspirations must

not end within its borders. He reminded that Guyana is also part of a larger community, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and as such, the Government should strengthen its ties with other Member States. “We cannot be a model of good governance at home if we do not acknowledge that wider Caribbean homeland and give leadership in occupying together,” he noted.

Sir Shridath said he witnessed the beginning of Guyana’s independence, as the country’s founding fathers aspired to live by the National Motto – One People, One Nation, One Destiny. He pointed out that Guyanese were and will forever be “One People”

despite the political gimmicks which tend to sway persons’ belief that the motto is false.

The renowned diplomat noted that Guyana was on the verge of a great future with its human resources and the richness of its natural resources. He highlighted that the country’s future lay in the future of these very resources, cautioning that it would not be an easy ride. Furthermore, Sir Shridath declared that this 49th Independence Anniversary was symbolic since it embodied the inauguration of the country’s eighth Executive President.

The Guyanese borndiplomat outlined that even in his earliest days,

DPP recommends cop be charged...

The two men were arrested after telephone records showed that they were in contact with the now dead man, but based on reports gathered, the two men provided alibis for August 9, 2014 –the day the former MFK Trading boss disappeared. The decomposed, headless corpse of Khan was found on September

22, 2014 at Old Road, Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown. The head was reportedly found by workers attached to the Public Works Ministry who were weeding in the area. It was reportedly in a black plastic bag and was being carried by a dog. Upon the discovery, the men went to the area from where the

dog came and stumbled upon the body. The businessman who resided in Venezuela after selling his Hadfield Street business left that country on August 21, 2014 to visit his Guyanese attorney.

He was expected to spend five days in Guyana and return to his three children and wife. After his disappearance, his family members contact-

ed several of his friends, but no one had seen him.

After the discovery, relatives of the businessman turned up at the Lyken Funeral Home and positively identified the remains as those of Khan by the underwear and a belt that were found on the corpse. Investigators believe that the man was beheaded before his body was dumped in the area.

President Granger has managed to spread unity among Guyanese; hence, their integration at the national event. He went on to urge the thousands of Guyanese, and to a larger extent the diplomatic corps, who were present at the inauguration ceremony to lend their full support to the newly-elected President and his Administration as they worked towards fulfilling their promises made to the public.

“The task (of cohesion of its people) is not impossible. Indeed, it is within our grasp, particularly in the grasp of our young people who want to build a future that looks forward and not backward to the past. Let this great nation now run swift-

ly … Let Guyana rise as a model of good governance in a framework of power, respect and shared ambitions.”

Sir Shridath ended his presentation by quoting the lyrics from two popular national songs saying “onwards, upwards may we ever grow together”, while asking the question “can we do it” and to a resounding positive response from the audience, he too shouted “yes we can!”

No major trouble with Guyanese to Barbados immigration

There are no recent major complaints of mistreatment of Guyanese people living in Barbados, Guyana’s Consul General in Barbados Michael Brotherson has reported.

Brotherson is reported in the Barbados Nation as saying that his office had received only “one or two” complaints but, for the most part, Guyanese living in Barbados are content.

The establishment of the Consulate in Bridgetown is aimed primarily at working with the people and Government of Barbados, and the relevant agencies to have Guyanese nationals living there represented. “I daresay we have been collaborating well with the concerned agencies here,” he added.

Surujbally must tender his resignation

Dear Editor, The PPP/C’s calls for nation-wide protest against GECOM is justified on every sane ground. This body must all times do the right things and say the right things.

Recently, GECOM has displayed double standards and disrespect through its Chairman to the Guyanese populace. Dr Steve Surujbally, the GECOM Chairman has compromised his integrity and impartiality and exhibited utter biasness in the execution of his duties. This must not be allowed to continue.

However, the PPP/C must also share some blame for Surujbally’s relatively long stint as a Chairman. Surujbally presided over three elections. In 2011, the PPP/C should have supported the APNU’s call for Surujbally’s resigna-

tion.

This would have saved the occurrence of rigged elections in 2015. Such sensitive positions must be held for no more than two elections. Ironic, the same APNU will not support a call for Surujbally’s resignation this time around.

Guyana saw signs of Surujbally’s integrity becoming questionable, as some of his key decisions were clearly out of line. How can a Chairman discard the views of a key stakeholder? It appears that for every concern of PPP/C, he had a rebuttal.

In response to the PPP/C’s call for vetting Polling Day staff, Surujbally noted that this would not happen since it was not practical to the interest of the Commission’s operations to publish the names of elections day staff for

public scrutiny.

Dr Surujbally further held that the Commission has guidelines in place to handle the recruitment process in a professional manner.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee had based his call for the public vetting on the “fact” that the PPP/C had seen in 2011 the “unprofessional and biased acts by a few Presiding and Assistant Presiding Officers towards PPP/C supporters, Polling Agents and Candidates, especially in Georgetown.”

Rohee described the refusal by GECOM to publish the names of polling day staff as a “very sinister and undemocratic act against the Guyanese people”.

He said that as a significant impact on the transparency and in-

tegrity of the electoral process, much emphasis must be placed on recruiting experienced, qualified and neutral persons to fill these positions through a transparent process.

The last elections saw a cancerous spread of nepotism and highly political E-Day staff. There was biasness in terms of ethnicity. Election Day staff posed on Facebook with Presidential Candidates.

Some districts, as the media reported, had one family dominating employment, taking key positions. Again, these genuine concerns of the PPP/C were rejected by the Chairman.

All the nastiness and embarrassing situations could have been avoided if the staff were vetted. Many believe, there was collusion in the case of the fake Statements of

Poll.

The PPP/C was alarmed at GECOM’s decision to collaborate with a self-anointed Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) to implement a programme aimed at bringing out more youths to the polls.

Rohee premised the Party’s concern on two grounds: one, the fact that the organisation claiming to represent Guyana’s youth has no authority to do so; and, two, the decision to enter into a formal arrangement with a “partisan” body of youths or anybody for that matter must be a decision of GECOM’s Commissioners.

But Surujbally said the Commission will never endorse any “external” youth organisation, but like all the political parties, it wants young people to come out and vote on May 11.

The majority of the members on the GNYC expressed anti-PPP Government sentiments. A visit to their Facebook page will clearly show their support for the APNU/AFC coalition.

So it was obvious why this was a concern to the PPP/C. Instead, Surujbally saw nothing wrong about this move to collaborate. One will now wonder if they were doing voter education or subtle campaigning.

The above cases (and many others) highlighted why Surujbally must resign. His stance clearly shows disregard for the concerns of a major stakeholder. It showed also he had no concern and respect for PPP/C’s complaints – the party that was cheated out of office – when he was the Chairman.

Patriotic Citizen

Mr Gaskin’s appointment as a Minister The Chancellor and Chief Justice positions should be confirmed

Dear Editor,

Firstly, had I been permitted to vote in these past elections I would have voted for the PPP/C, reason being my deep appreciation for the major progress that was made by the PPP/C in bringing the country out of the abyss it had tunneled into during a past era.

Setting this aside and just to ensure that I have no political axe to grind, I think it is quite unkind and unfair for any to target Mr Dominic Gaskin’s appointment as a minister due to the perception of nepotism.

As someone who knew Mr Gaskin while he progressed through his Sacred Heart Primary School days, and his days at Queens College, finishing at St Roses, where he attained his A’Levels, and based on my knowledge of him as a person, he is conscientious, very fair, firm but caring, simple but honest and trusting, basically a person of integrity – the substance that many present day politicians lack.

I am sure that anyone who really knows this gentleman would also agree that he is an asset to any political party with which he would have been affiliated. I know that Mr Gaskin was one of the initial prominent members during the birthing of the AFC, years ago.

From my knowledge,

Mr. Gaskin has never been a member of the PNC wing of the APNU. Secondly Mr Gaskin from my knowledge was very well established and married before Mr Granger was the leader of the PNC/APNU. Mr Gaskin has earned his experience at his own expense.

I personally was very happy to know that a person of Mr Gaskin’s stature, was selected to be a Minister in the Ministry of Business and Investment (formerly the Industry and Commerce portfolios), since I think Mr Gaskin can set an example for many present day politicians to follow both within and outside of this present government.

I am sure in all fairness that anyone from any political party who had had the chance to meet Mr Gaskin and really know what he stands for morally and ethically would not disagree with me. Andrew Dookhan

Dear Editor,

Chief Justice Carl Singh and Justice of the Appeal Judge Ian Chang have been acting as Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively for the past decade.

The reason why they were acting and not confirmed for such a long time is that under Article 127 (1) of the Constitution, the President and Opposition Leader must agree to their appointments.

The new Constitution removed the term “consultation” with “agreement”. Both Justices Singh and Chang were appointed to act under the PPP/C administration and discussions took place between the former President Bharrat Jagdeo and the then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin, but no agreement was reached.

After Corbin was replaced as opposition leader by Brigadier David Granger, talks renewed for the two top legal judges to be confirmed, but it is reported that the then Opposition Leader who is the

new President said that the positions should be advertised in the region for suitable candidates to apply for the positions.

He said that there must be a transparent process before top positions in the judiciary are filled.

Now that all the ministers have been appointed and have started to prepare for the big task ahead, I think it is time for the Granger/ Nagamootoo administration to take steps to have a confirmed Chancellor and Chief Justice.

There are a few qualified and suitable Guyanese in the region who can be appointed to head the Judiciary. One name that readily comes to mind is Kenneth Benjamin who is currently the Chief Justice of the Central American country of Belize.

Justice Benjamin, before taking up the position of Chief Justice three years ago, served as a judge in the Eastern Caribbean for 17 years. He is a brilliant jurist who was a Guyana scholar and a

Queen’s College graduate.

There are a few other Guyanese born outstanding lawyers in the region who could be worthwhile candidates. Moreover other suitable Caribbean nationals could be available for selection.

As I write this piece I recall that after the Court of Appeal was established, the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham was not too happy with the then Chief Justice Sir Joseph Luckhoo to head the Judiciary.

He then invited Guyanese Sir Kenneth Stoby who was Chief Justice of Barbados to take the position and appointed him as Chancellor of the Judiciary. Thereafter, the Chief Justice’s position became the number two spot in the country’s judicial system.

In fact, Guyana is the only country in the hemisphere and perhaps the Commonwealth which has a Chancellor as Head of the judiciary.

Oscar Ramjeet

What will become of the National Toshaos Conference?

Dear Editor,

The assigned Head of the Presidential Secretariat Mr Joseph Harmon said that as part of the APNU+AFC government’s 100day work plan, they will be de-politicising the National Toshaos Conference for genuinedecision making.

But can Harmon say if this is a pretext for the APNU+AFC government to scale-down the size of the National Toshaos Conference, disallowing Toshaos

(Amerindian Village Chiefs) to speak for their respective communities in the presence of the President, his Ministers and Government officials about the abolishment of presidential grants to Amerindian communities, the abolishment of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), the abolishment of the Community Service Officer (CSO) programme, and the reduction of budgetary allocations for the

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MOAA)?

The May 2015 elections have come and gone. The Amerindian communities are waiting on the resumption of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project and implementation of the Community Development Projects (CDPs).

The Toshaos of Guyana are presently wondering what will become of their village elections which are scheduled for June 2015.

Can Harmon quickly inform our Toshaos and Amerindian community leaders.

Further, the over 180 Amerindian communities in Guyana are extremely worried that their development programmes under the former PPP/C government will now be abolished under the APNU+AFC administration. Can Harmon provide explanations to the concerns of Guyana’s indigenous people.

Peter Persaud

‘Land grabbers’ will be prosecuted – Govt

the signboard placed behind Diamond Housing Scheme: trespassers will be prosecuted

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has once again warned the defiant land grabbers against their unlawful activity as it urged those persons to simply apply for house lots, warning that lands squatted on after January 1, 1998 would not be regularised.

Since the announcement that the APNU+AFC Government has won the 2015 General and Regional Elections, hundreds of Guyanese strangely began combing their areas for unoccupied lands to start squatting.

The defiant land grabbers have already declared their reluctance to stop, claiming that the Government, particularly new President David Granger, promised to

represent the rights of the poor people; therefore, they believe claiming these unoccupied lands would mean the new Administration will have to allow them to keep it if they truly intend to fulfil their promises.

But the Administration explained that residents will not be legally allowed to own the lands thereafter this bizarre, “systematic” land grabbing exercise.

The Government reiterated that squatting is an illegal act and as such, persons may be liable for prosecution under the relevant Act.

The Granger-led administration has since been assuring residents that there was no need for such illegal activities as it assured all Guyanese that everyone will have fair and equitable access to lands.

Guyanese woman busted with cocaine in Barbados

Guyanese drug enforcement officers are now forced to revisit their security arrangements at the Ogle International Airport (OIA) after a Guyanese woman managed to smuggle almost 1.7 kilograms of cocaine out of Guyana on May 25.

Ronda Williams, 27, was arrested moments after arriving at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados via a LIAT Flight. According to information received, upon arrival at the airport in Barbados, Williams was interviewed by Police and was subsequently referred to Customs Officials for a search to be conducted on her luggage.

During this search, the cocaine was found in three packages stashed in false compartments of the woman’s suitcases. Williams was arrest-

ed and was charged two days after with possession, possession with intent to supply, trafficking and importation of 1.7 kilograms of cocaine into Barbados.

Barbadian authorities have since contacted drug enforcement officers in Guyana to assist with investigations, since it was not sure how the cocaine passed security checks in Guyana. A senior drug enforcement officer told the Guyana Times International that they remained baffled as to how the illicit drug got past security checks at the OIA. He stated that based on his knowledge, there are members of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Police Narcotics Branch present at OIA, and he was not sure where the breach occurred. Nevertheless, he stated that moving forward, security will be boosted.

space notifying the public that trespassers will be prosecuted,” the statement noted.

CH&PA will also be closely monitoring cer-

The Government pleaded with the disenchanted citizens to simply apply to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for house lots.

“Guyanese will be given fair and equitable access to land under Government’s land distribution policy. As such, CH&PA is requesting persons to desist from squatting and have patience as Government implements its policy,” the statement read.

Aside from issuing warnings against the instances of squatting, the Government also embarked upon other measures in an effort to bring an immediate halt to the exercise.

“Behind Diamond Housing Scheme, where there is empty land, has been the most sought area for land grabbers. CH&PA has since placed a sign board on the open

tain areas to ensure persons do not unlawfully occupy the lands. The areas targeted to be monitored are Government reserves

and

Guyanese in New Jersey celebrate 49th Independence anniversary

Last Tuesday, the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj recently collaborated with New Jersey high ranking politicians out of Washington D.C., State and local officials, to observe Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary celebration with a Flag raising ceremony at Jersey City, New Jersey.

Remembering from whence one comes and maintaining strong ties, are likely to have strong positive impacts on one’s life. Embracing and keeping one‘s heritage alive, lays the foundation for progress. Paying tribute to the country that had given overseas based Guyanese so much, is a laudable act.

HMNJAS recognizes the significance of Guyana’s independence for the advancement of Guyanese and others. So, it organized an Independence celebration at Jersey City Town Hall.

The welcome remarks for the occasion were made by Khemraj (Chico) Ramchal, the first elected Guyanese-born Councilman in the State of New Jersey. Khemraj thanked the NJASHM once again for hosting the Independence celebration at City Hall. Pandit Suresh Sugrim, President of the HMNJAS’s and planning committee also extended a hearty welcome to the Honorable Mayor of Jersey City, Steven M. Fulop as well as members of the U.S. Congress and other State and local

dignitaries.

The chairman of the proceedings was Pt. Suresh Sugrim who praised the Hon Mayor and his administration for allowing the Guyanese-Americans to use the City Hall for this purpose, and to be a part of the Guyana celebration. Pt Sugrim also said that he is looking forward to working with the Mayor and his team in addressing the social issues within the City of Jersey City.

Prayers were offered by Pastor Shoemaker (Christian) Pandit Arun Gossai (Hindu) Farouk Juman (Muslim). The American National Anthem was sung very nicely by 11 year-old Brianna Lutawana who received a standing ovation from the audience. The Guyana National Anthem was sung by Rick Ramdihol. The dynamic first -term Mayor of Jersey City thanked the organization for doing such a wonderful job in the State of New

Jersey as well as internationally.

The Mayor said that he did some research before attending the function and was impressed with the work of the organization. He conveyed words of gratitude to His Excellency President David A. Granger for sending a personal message to this event. The Mayor said that he is proud of the contribution of Guyanese Americans and is happy also that the City has a Guyaneseborn councilman.

The Guyana Head of State’s message to the Independence Observance was read by Parmanand Lutawan. The President thanked HMNJAS for hosting the event and expressed regret that he couldn’t be there in person.

Guyana’s Deputy Consul General Hon Mohamed Khan spoke on the importance of freedom and expressed his gratitude to all those who fought for it. He asked everyone to support the

work of the HMNJAS both in the U.S. and in Guyana.

Congressman Honorable Donald Payne Jr, observed: “since its independence from Great Britain in 1966, Guyana has and continues to be a nation with a rich history and a diverse culture. It is also a privilege for me to recognize the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj for all their hard work and dedication. Your organization does tremendous work in assisting the needs of Guyanese American population, especially in the City of Jersey City, the State of New Jersey and Guyana. It is because of individuals such as yourselves, that those who come to America can be given the opportunities they deserve and the ability to pursue their dream.”

The NJASHM received special Congressional recognition from Honorable Donald M. Payne Jr. Senate Recognition, Proclamations, Citations and Resolutions were received from the State Government and other local Government agencies. Pt Sugrim, in his closing remarks, thanked everyone for their support in making the event memorable and productive. He commended the Jersey City’s administration for their involvement in that program as well as for their service to Guyanese, West Indian and other communities. (Photos by Ram's Photography)

Junior Ministers not part of Cabinet - Archer

The eight Junior Ministers within the various Ministries will not be members of President David Granger’s Cabinet.

This is according to Director of Communications for the Office of the President, soon to be renamed Ministry of the Presidency, Mark Archer, who spoke to the Guyana Times International on Monday evening. According to Archer, there are only 15 Members of the Cabinet, along with President David Granger.

The 15 members who constitute the Cabinet are: Moses Nagamootoo, who is the Prime Minister; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Agriculture Minister Noel Holder; Business Minister Dominic Gaskin; Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan; Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister the Sydney Allicock; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams; Health Minister Dr George Norton; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; National Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes; and Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence.

This would then mean that Annette Ferguson and Keith Scott, Ministers within the Public Infrastructure Ministry; Valerie Garrido Lowe, Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry; Dawn Hastings, Minister within the Communities Ministry; Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Education Ministry; Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Finance Ministry; Karen Cummings, Minister within the Health Ministry; and Simona Broomes, Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, will not be included in Cabinet meetings or take part in Cabinet activities.

It also means that Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, and Citizenship Minister Winston Felix will not be making an appearance at the meetings of the Cabinet. These three Ministries come direct-

ly under the Ministry of the Presidency, which is currently known as the Office of the President. Their roles, according to Archer, would be to shadow the Ministers, in an apprenticeship kind of way.

President Granger has been on record as stating that the Junior Ministers were appointed to work under the Ministers, in an effort to gain experience, firsthand knowledge and the necessary skills to create a platform where younger leaders can be placed in ministerial roles. It is unclear whether the Junior Ministers will be accorded all the privileges and perks like full-fledged Cabinet Ministers.

Not large

Meanwhile, the Ministers, some of whom were sworn in last Wednesday and then on Friday, had their first official meeting as the new Government on Monday evening at the Office of the President; in an effort to discuss the Independence activities, the execution of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (ANU/AFC) famous 100 days plan and other pressing issues affecting the country at this time.

President Granger also dismissed claims that the new APNU/AFC Government is a “large Government”, and pointed out that there are fewer Ministries than those under the previous administration. “It is the amalgamation of the Ministries that would have created concerns,” the President said. “I have not created a larger number of Ministries than existed before; there are now fewer than there were before. As far as the names are concerned, I have explained that some of the changes in name were to emphasise the functions.”

Citing one example, the President pointed out that the Ministry of the Presidency always

Mayor Green, Bryn Pollard, Mary Menezes head list of national awardees

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green, Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard and Sister Mary Noel Menezes have been accorded with the Order of Roraima- Guyana’s second highest National Award-when the list of awardees was announced at the Independence Day celebrations at the Guyana National Stadium Tuesday evening.

Green’s honour was a surprise to many, given his disastrous management of the capital city, but according to Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency, Green was honoured for his long and outstanding involvement in the struggle for independence and his role in providing public service for three generations.

CCH

Meanwhile, Cacique Crown of Honour awards were also announced to several persons for their long, outstanding and dedicated service in the fields of politics, public service and community work. Among them are: Edith Bynoe, former

Minister of Government; Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform; Yvonne Harewood–Benn, former teacher and Minister of Government; LLewelyn John, former Minister of Agriculture, Home Affairs and Local Government; Professor Winston McGowan; Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, Protocol Advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency; Supriya Singh-Bodden, Founder of Guyana Foundation; Justice Donald Trotman; and Elsworth Williams, Apostle Full Gospel Fellowship.

Golden Arrow of Achievement

The Golden Arrow of Achievement was awarded to the following: Edgar Wrensford Adams, former Ministry of Works and Guyana Defence Force Officer (for long and dedicated service as Captain, Pilot Coast Guard Commander and Marine Surveyor)

Ivor Allen, Businessman and Contractor (for long and outstanding service in the public sector, in the field of politics and in business)

Jeanne Atkinson, President of the Amerindian People’s Association (for long and dedicated service to the indigenous peoples of Guyana)

Basil Brentnol Blackman, former Coast Guard and Guyana Defence Force Officer (for long and dedicated service in the Maritime Sector)

Paulette Euranie Bynoe, Director of the Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Guyana(UG) (for her outstanding contribution to environmental education, training, research and the development of national policies on natural resource manage-

West Demerara Hospital to be significantly upgraded – Dr Norton

The West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) serves as the referral hospital in Region Three, offering medical service to thousands of people residing on the West Coast, West Bank, as well as the Essequibo islands including Leguan and Wakenaam. However, while the hospital offers similar services to the country’s main referral hospital –the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

(GPHC) – there is need for some additional services. According to newly appointed Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, the new A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government will ensure key services, such as a 24-hour theatre, are put in place shortly. “The West Dem Hospital should be of a quality not too different from the Georgetown Hospital, however, no

doubt more resources need to be available to this hospital,” Minister Norton said during a visit to the West Demerara Regional Hospital on Wednesday. The staff of the hospital were applauded for their hard work and dedication, and especially for the hygiene of the entire facility. The Minister noted that “the staff know exactly what they want, understand their limitations, conscious of their challenges

ment issues)

Mitzy Gaynor Campbell of the Kidney Foundation of Guyana (for long service with exceptional dedication in the public and private sectors and in social work)

Malcolm Chan-ASue, Executive Director of Aircraft Owners’ Association (for long, dedicated service and outstanding service in the field of aviation)

Ivor Winston Crandon, Professor of Neurosurgery at the UWI (for his outstanding service in the field of medicine, for surgery in general and neuro-surgery in particular)

Doreen Patricia Duncan, retired Head

Mistress (for long and dedicated service as a teacher and as a community worker in Region Two)

Fazil Shahibbdeen

Ibrahim Hakh, Proprietor of F& H Printing Establishment (for outstanding service in the printing industry for over thirty-five years)

Maruice Bertwinsdel Henry, Ministry of Regional Development and Ministry of Legal Affairs (for long, dedicated and outstanding service as a Public Servant)

Sherlock Ewart Isaacs, Clerk of the National Assembly (for long and dedicated service in regional administration, in the Cabinet

Secretariat and in the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana) Leila Jagdeo, former General Manager of Guyana Book Foundation (for long and outstanding service in the Guyana Book Foundation)

Jean Benedicta Imelda La Rose, Programme Administrator of the Amerindian People’s Association (for long and dedicated service in indigenous rights activism)

Dr Paloma Ramona Francis Mohamed, Senior Lecturer of Faculties of Social Sciences and Medical Sciences (for her extensive and exceptional contributions in education and culture at the national and international levels)

Prince Albert Pompey, Councillor of Woodlands/Farm Neighbourhood Council (for long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of local government and in politics)

Evan Brewster Bridgewater Semple (for long and meritorious service to the People of Guyana and as a

APNU/AFC backers rap Granger’s high-handedness

Loyal supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government have expressed no fear of intimidation when it comes to criticising the new administration and holding them accountable for each and every action they make.

“I shouldn’t be loved when I am critical of the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) and hated when I am equally critical of the APNU/ AFC,” said the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive Member Dr David Hinds.

Other PPP/C critics, such as Tacuma Ogunseye, Christopher Ram and Ruel Johnson, have also begun to criticise the new President, David Granger, and his administration for some of the decisions they have made thus far. Their common argument is that, if the people fail to the hold the Government accountable for the simplest of mistakes and from its early stages, then the Government will grow to believe it is invincible.

Early stages

In his online blog, Dr Hinds explained that many citizens criticise him and others for being critical of the new Government at such an early stage. He indicated that this mindset can be dangerous. “I really do have a lot of sympathy for those who will say that I am being negative and that the new Government should be given a chance, a honey-

moon. In the euphoria of victory, a little bit of intolerance of criticism is to be accepted. After all this victory was like a God-send for half of the nation,” he said, indicating that it is the people who need to stand up to the administration to ensure they fulfil their promises to Guyana.

Hinds, who has always been critical of the PPP/C when it was in power, pointed out that his critique of the PPP/C was aimed at “getting rid of them”, while his critique of the new administration is only meant to prevent them from going astray.

Proudly expressing that he voted for the coalition, Hinds explained that “cheerleading for a Government” is not the only way to pledge support and loyalty. He urged all the other supporters of the new

Government to not let their loyalty blind them to its shortcomings or mistakes.

“It’s a tragic flaw in our political culture that has, in the past, hurt our nation. What we often see as the Government overreaches is the end product, when it’s too late to reverse it. Often we wait until the Government is on our backs to start holding them accountable. Not me. The way to prevent government overreach is to identify its early manifestations and nip them in the bud,” he noted.

Similarly, in a letter to a local newspaper on Monday, Johnson explained that it is in the early stages in which Guyanese need to start holding public officials accountable. “Governance has to be informed by continuous participation by citizens using their voices to express both agreement and disagreement with their Government,” he noted.

“We need to end the idiocy of abdicating our rights and duties as citizens to some

pseudo-monarchical sense of Government. I can be both one of the leading champions of the Granger administration and one of its sharpest critics, just as I can love my son and discipline him when he errs –there is no conflict in that position,” Johnson concluded. Illegal…unconstitutional

Meanwhile Ram, in his letter to the editor in another newspaper on May 25, explained that some of the actions taken thus far by the new administration are illegal. Referring to the establishment of the new Ministries, Ram agreed with PPP/C officials, former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Anil Nandlall when they declared it illegal “since monies cannot be released to those entities, which are not represented in the Appropriation Act”.

In his own words, Ram said, “any expenditure on these new Ministries, including any payments to and for the Ministers and the supporting Ministers, would be unconstitutional.” The new Government has opened the doors for harsh criticisms from sections of society in setting up, renaming and reshuffling Ministries without proper consultations and parliamentary

approval.

Ministerial appointments

WPA Executive Member

Tacuma Ogunseye, who is known to be an APNU/AFC supporter, also criticised the administration for not holding an in-house meeting before decisions were made with respect to post elections responsibilities and Ministerial appointments. The Grangerled administration was also heavily criticised for failing to explain to the general public the rationale behind all these changes- which are deemed “unnecessary”.

During the campaign trail, Granger said he will work towards reducing the number of Ministries because there are too many individuals appointed as Ministers who utilise state resources. However, while Granger did reduce the number of Ministries, he increased the number of Ministers.

In addition, he subsumed critical Ministries and created several unexplainable ones. The vital Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has been subsumed under the Education Ministry and the establishment of the Ministry of Social Cohesion still baffles most of Guyana.

Junior Ministers not...

existed, as it is merely the renaming of the Office of the President. “I felt it necessary to have a Minister of State, who would continue to act authoritatively to ensure that the Cabinet’s decisions are implemented throughout the Government’s service.”

Explaining the name change of the Ministry of Local Government to Ministry of Communities, President Granger said, “We are not simply building houses or building roads, we are building communities where human beings live and that is why it was renamed; to emphasise the human aspect of local development, of local government, of regional government and of housing schemes and water supply.”

The Head of State stressed the need to see

places where citizens dwelled. Not just as a collection of buildings but a collection of families, so that emphasis can be placed on sporting facilities, culture and other types of community life. These, and more, the President said, are more often than not absent from newly developed housing schemes, across the country.

The renaming of the Home Affairs Ministry to the Public Security Ministry, the President said is self-explanatory. “What does Home Affairs mean? Home Affairs is an old title which is taken from the British Empire; they had foreign affairs which dealt with international matters and home affairs. But we do not have an empire, so why should we call it ‘Home Affairs’?”

Likewise change to the Public Infrastructure

from page 8

Ministry from the Public Works Ministry is also self-explanatory as it caters to infrastructure for public use, and will be dealing with stellings, roadways and bridges.

Meanwhile, responding to the issue of no consultations being held before the renaming of some of the Ministries, President Granger said, “There is a lot of criticism, but some of it is not well informed. The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, the Indigenous people said that they prefer to be called ‘indigenous peoples’ rather than to be called ‘Amerindians’.”

With regard to the appointments, he said, “I had to have some consultations before the appointments were made; I could not sit down by myself and make Mr Ramjattan a Vice President.”

Workers are true pioneers of Independence struggle – Govt

By Bhisham mohamed and devina samaroo

“Independence brings change, change from colony to nation; change from subject to citizen; change from segregation to liberations; change from discrimination to the lives of dignity and equality.” These were the words of President David Granger as he addressed thousands at a flag-raising ceremony held at the rehabilitated Independence Arch on Brickdam.

Granger reflected on the struggles of Guyanese citizens in their fight for freedom as he paid homage to them for their devoted services in making Guyana what it is today – an Independent nation. “Guyana today celebrates the independence it gained on the 26th May 1966, after 350 years of Dutch and British colonisation … We’re assembled at this national monument in solemn remembrance of the lives of our heroes …. We’re assembled here to pay homage to those who agitate for decades to achieve national independence.”

President Granger recognised the ordinary workers, the legislators, and the politicians for their contribution to the struggle of freeing this nation from foreign rule. Though this struggle occurred years ago, the President reminded Guyanese that as citizens of this beloved land, it is their duty to continue the work of these brave souls in order to

transform Guyana into a united nation.

He reminded too that change is a process driven by the industrious efforts of dedicated individuals as he urged Guyanese to pour all their efforts into ensuring “we live together in peace, love and harmony”. He urged Guyanese to not dwell on the pains of the past, but look forward to the future with faith.

In quoting the words of Guyana’s first Prime Minister Forbes Burnham in his closing remarks, Granger said: “Independence is a means to an end. The end must be the changing of our society and the revolutionising of the economy. Change indeed is never-ending. Let us resolve, therefore, to work together to change our society into one great economy. Let us try to change our economy into a great prosperity; let us change our country into a nation of love, a nation of unity. Happy Independence Day. May God bless you. May God bless our country.”

Brazilian national dies after boat mishap

ABrazilian national is dead while another is injured after the boat in which they were travelling crashed into a bank of the Cuyuni River.

The dead man has been identified as 50-year-old Vincent Paulo Perriera, a well-known miner in the Cuyuni River. The name of the injured man was not immediately available.

According to information received, the two miners were on their way to the Upper Cuyuni River when the boat reportedly came into contact with a rock causing the captain to lose control.

It is not clear who was the captain of the boat at the time of the accident.

As a result, the boat ended up on the river bank. Perriera reportedly was tossed from the boat and landed hard on a rock, hitting his head in the process.

Additional reports revealed that the men were rescued by another boat a few hours later.

They were taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where Perriera was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police have launched an investigation into the matter. The injured man has been questioned by the Police.

Parade and salute

The ceremony was also spiced with military pomp and splendour that included a 21-gun salute. Besides, thousands braved the rain to be part of history since it was the first time after Guyana gained Independence in 1966 that the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead was done at

ent at the momentous ceremony but to the world at large.

The ceremony was slated to commence at 08:00h by which time all the diplomats, Heads of Government, Ministers of Government and other invitees trickled in under the white tent and anxiously awaited the arrival of His Excellency, David Arthur Granger

Minister was escorted to the podium for a military salute. Then, the sound of sirens from afar was the signal to indicate the arrival of His Excellency. Three outriders were spotted from a distance followed by a police vehicle and the presidential entourage comprising three wellpolished black cars. The President’s vehicle bearing the emblem of the Cacique Crown was in the middle.

President Granger stepped out of the vehicle to thunderous applause from the thousands who had assembled to get a glimpse of the man who has promised to unite the nation. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Nagamootoo along with top military men including Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Mark Phillips; Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud; Fire Chief

the Independence Arch on the eastern end of Brickdam, Georgetown.

The national colours –red, white, black, green and yellow –were on display in abundance not only for spectators pres-

and First Lady Sandra Granger.

Minutes before his arrival, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, arrived at which point the Prime

Marlon Gentle; and several other high-ranking officials.

Without any hesitation, the programme went into full steam with the sounding of the

trumpets as the Last Past was observed in honour of Guyana’s fallen heroes. As customary, a two-minute silence was also observed. Then it was time for one of the most anticipated parts of the programme – the wreath laying led by President Granger followed by the Army Chief-of-Staff, Police Commissioner, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green and other representatives. The eight wreaths were neatly placed on the base of the Independence Arch, made of quartz stone from the Mazaruni River. After that important aspect, there was a brief address by the Eighth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, who urged Guyanese to evolve as one and dedicate their energies towards building Guyana as a nation. The second most important part of the programme was the hoisting of the National Flag then there was a prayer done by Ashiana Narine, a student of the Bishop’s High School and the National Pledge recited by Anjanie Mohabir, a student of Queen’s College. The Guyana Police Force band took over as they played “Guyana the Free” followed by the singing of the National Anthem after which, the President took the final presidential salute and made his way to his presidential entourage to depart. As he left, he waved to those who came out to be part of the festivities to mark Guyana’s Independence Anniversary.

President Granger inaugurated amid pomp and ceremony

By Bhisham mohamed

Thousands from near and far flocked the Guyana National Stadium for the inauguration of Guyana’s Eighth Executive President, His Excellency David Arthur Granger which was held to coincide with Guyana’s

49th Independence Anniversary. It was a magnificent showcase of colours, creativity and talent, but, most of all, the outpouring of emotions, a spectacle that will last for a lifetime especially for the young children seen taking shelter under umbrellas during the in-

termittent downpours. The Guyana National Stadium was bursting its seams as Guyanese assembled for an event that will be marked down as history. The stands of the stadium were packed to capacity hours before the actual commencement of the rich cultural extravagan-

za. Just about 15:05h, Emcee of the proceedings, Basil Bradshaw announced the first performer who is no stranger to Guyana after win-

ning the GT&T Jingle and Song Competition in 2013, Ryan Hoppie. He took to the stage performing “Love and Unity”, a fitting rendition to get things rolling.

His performance certainly set the tone for the evening’s proceedings which saw the jubilant spectators waving the national colours with pride and joy on their faces. His performance was followed by that of Gavin Blackman who sang a remix of Eddie Grant’s “Johanna”. Reigning Calypso Monarch King Perai also did his part as he performed his winning song “Perai” dressed in his native garb including the Amerindian Headdress. As the cultural programme continued, the crowd erupted as Guyana’s own, Charmaine Blackman took to the stage singing her version of “Stand Up”.

She made way for Reigning Chutney King Roger Hinds with his tune “Searching for a Larkhi” which even had the Heads of State and members of the diplomatic corps tapping their feet. Then the title song from the hit movie “Titanic” was sung by Jennifer Pereira, a Lindener who did justice to the lyrics and notes. As it came down to the formal proceedings, GMoney and Jovinchy out of Kross Kolors also performed their pieces. At this time, the emcee handed over to Michella Abraham Ali for the formal aspect of the Inauguration ceremony. The formal session began with the guard of honour making its way into the Guyana National Stadium to loud applause from the crowd.

As they came to a halt after their parade, it was time for the arrival of the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. As his conveyance drove

onto the grass lawns of the National Stadium, there were roars from the crowd. As he exited the white car with his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, who looked stunning in a cream skirt suit, the Stadium went into an uproar. Both of them waved to the crowd who shouted “Moses! Moses! Moses!”. Sita Nagamootoo was then escorted to her seat in the presidential box as her husband waited on the arrival of the President. Granger’s entrance In similar fashion, Granger arrived to a thunderous roar from the crowd. He was greeted by the Prime Minister, and the top brass of the security services. As he exited, he waved to the crowd and made his way to greet his Ministers of Government who lined the field. Soon after, the President inspected the Guard of Honour and took his seat where he was entertained by approximately 530 children decked in colourful attire.

As the shadows lengthened, a prayer was done by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings in Akawaio language followed by a welcome dance by members of the Amerindian Community, after which Hastings handed over a golden key to the Head of State which meant that he was inaugurated as the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Finally, as the curtains were pulled on the Inauguration Day celebrations, the skies were lit up by an excellent display of fireworks by the Guyana Defence Force. His Excellency joined by members of his Cabinet, visiting Heads of State, members of the diplomatic community and family all stood in awe as they witnessed the display.

Teenager arraigned for murder of best friend

In a packed courtroom comprising friends and family of two best friends, 18 year-old Angelique Williams was on Monday charged for the murder of her best friend Latoya Renita Thomas.

Williams appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Christel Lambert who informed the defendant that the matter was indictable and she was not required to plead after the charge was read.

Police stated that on May 22, at Versailles, Williams murdered

Thomas. Williams was remanded to prison and the matter will return to court on July 1 after

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield requested six weeks to compile a report.

To date, the murder accused is yet to give an account of the stabbing incident. She was advised by her Attorney during the court proceeding to remain quiet. From reports received, the woman might have been too drunk to remember anything.

Williams went berserk on Friday evening last after she reportedly found out that the now dead woman was pregnant with her second child. She claimed that although they were best friends for the past five years, she was kept in the dark about the pregnancy.

Thomas was reportedly in the back seat of the vehicle with her daughter when an argument ensued between the two women. It was at this time that Williams

collected a bottle, broke it and attacked Thomas stabbing her at least 10 times to her head, chest and abdomen. The two women went to the Aracari Resort on an outing with several other friends. After committing the act, Williams took the murder weapon and slashed her own risk. Both of the injured women were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Thomas was pronounced dead on arrival and Williams was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for additional treatment.

Cuba to help Guyana “salvage” sugar industry

The Cuban Government will work with Guyana to help salvage the troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said. Nagamootoo made the comments following a meeting with Cuban Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Sugar and Agriculture, Ulises Rosales del Toro who is currently in Guyana as a special guest to share in the country’s 49th Independence celebrations.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the Prime Minister pointed out that part of their discussion was centred on areas of interest, particularly in the field of agriculture. He added that Cuba will work with Guyana in a joint effort to “help salvage our sugar industry”.

Further, he noted that Guyana will contin-

ue to work with Cuba to complete ongoing projects and programmes.

He also thanked the Vice President for all the assistance that Guyana has been receiving from the country over the years since 1976, primarily in the area of medicine.

In addition, PM Nagamootoo expressed his joy over the fact that the tension between Cuba and the United States of America is finally “thawing” out. He added that he has met many dignitaries of Cuba, but it was an honour for him to meet a hero of the Cuban people.

Meanwhile via his interpreter, Vice President del Toro said that the two countries will seek to strengthen their relationship which they have established and improved greatly over the years. He added that he was delighted to be in Guyana and share in the country’s independence celebrations. The Minister described the

West Demerara Hospital to be significantly...

and give the impressions that they want to overcome those challenges.”

Minister Norton also interacted with the staff and a number of concerns were raised, including the shortage of drugs and the unavailability of key equipment which forces them to refer patients to the GPHC. The Minister said “Like so many other areas that affect, the health sector in general, like the on and off availability of drugs, medical equipment or materials, it is plaguing this hospital, the issue of catheters, or proper sutures and some essential medications. It’s happening all around. I get that while the authorities (the staff) are conscious of this, they are always

relations between the two countries, and their people as magnificent. Distress

Only on Monday, GuySuCo reportedly threatened to shut down operations across estates owing to the lack of funds, which has affected its ability to pay staff. This announce-

from page 9

willing to do the necessary things to correct the situation.”

As it relates to the neonatal unit, while there is adequate equipment, there is a shortage of staff. “That unit is not functioning and many of times premature babies have to be transferred to Georgetown, we have a shortage of foetal monitors and so on, and those are things we need to put in place as early as possible,” the Minister emphasised.

Dr Norton was also concerned about the maternal unit, which he said needs to be extended and some additional equipment put in place. The dental unit also needs an extension and additional equipment.

ment was made by the labour unions representing sugar workers – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

The two unions in

a joint release said they were informed at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rajendra Singh on Monday that the Corporation was unable to pay senior and junior staff members this month’s salary. According to the release, Singh said the

Corporation may have to cease its operations on all estates with effect from Sunday unless funding to the Corporation becomes available within a few days.

“Should the Corporation cease its operations, the CEO explained all employees – waged and salaried –except security personnel would not be provided with work from (Sunday), May 31, 2015,” the unions expressed in the release.

The CEO also advised the unions that the Government has been apprised of the situation. GAWU and NAACIE believe that the ceasing of operations by the Corporation would further jeopardise the state of the industry and impact negatively on some 16,000 workers of the industry. The two unions hope that the new Government ensures the continuation of the industry’s operations at this crucial time.

"The fight will continue" – Ramotar

By Nafeeza yahya aNd

aNdrew CarmiChael

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has vowed to ensure that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) recounts all of the votes casted at the May 11 poll, as it ups the ante against the elections body during a public meeting held at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant on Tuesday.

The party started its campaign to pressure GECOM to commit itself to a recount last week, and is now mobilising supporters countrywide to take the fight to GECOM, while at the same time asking for the resignations of its Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally. The PPP/C is calling for Surujbally to resign saying that he has no integrity as the Commission’s Chairman. Among those who addressed the rally were former President Donald Ramotar, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and General Secretary of the party Clement Rohee. The rally preceded marches from Albion Estate Road and Whim Middle Walk, which met at Port Mourant Train Line Square where the rally was held. More than 2000 marched from Albion and some 600 from Whim.

According to Rohee, the party will continue its struggle until democracy is restored. Rohee said during the elections campaign, the PPP/C had given warning of

some concerns it had in relation to GECOM. He said the party kept complaining to the GECOM but was paid no attention by Dr Surujbally, who he referred to as a betrayer. “Our greatest achievement since Independence…has been the right of the people to choose a Government of their choice. We are back to where we started. The PNC (Peoples National Congress) has been masquerading as APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) and has stolen your votes, but this time they will not be allowed to get away with it.”

Rohee said that the a Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition cannot unite Guyana when hundreds of thousands of persons are being left out and so many saying they want their votes to be counted.

“They don’t want to recount the votes because if they do, they know that the PPP will win,”

Rohee said to shouts from the crowd.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall encouraged persons to stay resolute as the party is behind them. “The PPP/C will lead the struggle that is our main focus.” Nandlall criticised the current administration for having 26 Ministers inclusive of four Vice Presidents. “That is their idea of a clean and mean Government. What happened to former President Bharrat Jagdeo at Whim the other day is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Nandlall noted that the new administrated has started to operate in a high handed and dictatorial manner. “They freed sixty criminals without any consultation with you the people, they created new Ministries without any consultation with you the people, they renamed the Convention Centre without any consultation with you, the

people; that is dictatorship.” Nandlall said the cause is a just one to carry the fight to GECOM and promised to take the battle on the streets, in the National Assemble and to the courts.

Meanwhile Ramotar, who delivered the feature address, assured the crowd that his party will not give up and will fight to the end to ensure that the democratically elected government is in power and not the “de facto APNU+AFC coalition”.

Ramotar recalled the days of early independence when the PNC was in power. He said Guyana had the dubious distinction of being the only country to gain independence with a state of emergency in place. “Today we have a situation, not as bad as that, but a situation. If we do not continue to resist we will go back to that type of situation and therefore we have to struggle once more for democracy in our country. Cheddi Jagan used to always say that you cannot have sustained social and economic development unless you have political democracy; it was impossible to have sustained growth and development. That is why it is very important for us to fight to ensure that General Elections must reflect the will of the people of our country, and this last election did not reflect the will of the Guyanese people. You voted for the PPP/C but we didn’t get our votes counted,” Ramotar added.

Ecuador to establish embassy in Guyana

The Ecuadorian Government will soon be establishing an Ecuadorian Embassy in Guyana. This disclosure was made by the Ecuadorian nonresident Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Rafael Quintero Lopez during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International following his first visit to Guyana.

“The decision has [been] taken that we will establish an embassy right here in your country in the capital of Guyana,” he said. This move can be seen as another defining moment in strengthening Guyana’s relations with its South American neighbours.

Ambassador Quintero Lopez, who is also the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Venezuela, explained that his Government aims to improve on the diplomatic relationship the two countries have developed over the past 41 years.

“We have diplomatic relations with Guyana for more than 40 years but we never had an embassy, a physical embas-

sy here,” he lamented.

The Ambassador revealed that the idea is to establish an embassy within the coming months and to dispatch a Charge d’Affaires during the first month of the embassy’s establishment in Guyana.

“This person will come and arrange everything and it prepares the establishment of the embassy with an Ambassador resident in Georgetown,” he said.

The Ambassador explained that the Charge d’Affaires will be dispatched to Guyana within the coming months and will remain until the Government of Guyana grants its agreement to Ecuador’s chosen Ambassador to take up residence in Guyana. In the meanwhile, Quintero Lopez will remain as the non-resident Ecuadorian Ambassador to Guyana.

The Ambassador explained that, at this moment, he is unable to pronounce on which specific areas the countries would focus on developing and strengthening.

Mayor Green, Bryn Pollard, Mary Menezes head list...

Minister of the Anglican Diocese)

Gwendolin Agatha Tross, retired Lecturer (for long and dedicated service as an educator in nursing and for her pioneer role in the establishment of the degree nursing programme at the University of Guyana)

Maurice Wilfred Veecock, Senior Lecturer at UG (for service of an exceptionally high quality as a water resources and hydropower engineer in the Ministries of Works and Energy and Mines)

Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (for its outstanding service to the community in the West Demerara area)

Olga Bone Ministry of Education and University of Guyana (for long and dedicated service in the field of education)

Wordsworth Mcandrew, Broadcaster/ Folk Researcher (for long, dedicated and outstanding service to Guyana, especially for his research and celebration of Guyana’s cultural heritage and as a broadcaster) Medal of Service

The Medal of Service was awarded to the following:

Mabel Baveghems, former Member of Parliament (for long and dedicated service in the field of politics)

Gordon Chase, Ministry of the Presidency (for long service, with exceptional dedication, in the Guyana Public Service)

Roylance Patricia David, Executive Director of the Adult Education Association (for long and dedicated service in the field of ed-

ucation)

Jaitun HaniffPersaud, Confidential Secretary to the Speaker (for long and dedicated service in the Public Service and more recently in the Parliament Office)

Noshella Lalckecharan, Assistant Director of Nursing Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (for long and dedicated service in the field of nursing)

Godfrey Emerson Marshall Advisor on Forestry for the Guyana Forestry Commission (for long and dedicated service as a Forest Officer)

Sheik Shakur Niamatali, Managing Director of Variety Woods and Green Heart Ltd (for long and outstanding service in sus-

tainable tropical forest management, wood utilization and marketing of forest products in the development of Guyana’s Forestry Sector)

Dionysia Niewenkerk, Chairperson of Women’s Group, Lethem (for long service in the field of women’s affairs and in politics)

Amrita Thomas, ViceChairman of Region 7 (For service of a consistently high quality to the residents of Region 7)

Burnell Lancelot Thomas, former ViceChairman of Region 10 (for his long and outstanding involvement in the field of culture and in politics)

Military Service Star

The Military Service Star was awarded to Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, for service of an

exceptionally high quality and beyond the normal call of duty in the Guyana Defence Force.

Military Service Medal

Wilbert Arlington Lee, retired Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (for distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an officer in the Guyana Defence Force)

Walter Leyland Francis Morris, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (for distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an officer in the Guyana Defence Force)

Carol Audrey LewisPrimo, former Assistant Commissioner of Police (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force)

David Kenneth Ramnarine, Assistant

Commissioner of Police (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force)

Carl Vonludwig Grahame, Deputy Director of Prison (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service)

Welton Cuthbert Trotz, Director of Prison of the Guyana Prison Service (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service)

Desiree D’SantosMoore, retired Station Officer of the Guyana Fire Service (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service)

Peter Wilson, retired Station Officer (for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service)

Govt condemns murder of elderly Mahaica woman

… commits to tackle “wave of heinous crimes”

The Social Protection Ministry has condemned the murder of 68-year-old Chandroutie Basdeo Persaud who was found dead, bound and gagged at her home in Riverview Squatting Area, Mahaica on Saturday.

In a statement the ministry said in recent times there has been a “spate of mindless murders particularly of our women folk in spite of efforts made to address and eliminate this scourge”.

“The Minister views this situation as deplorable and commits the efforts of the Ministry to combat this wave of heinous crimes and to protect the rights of this vulnerable resource of our society.”

Based on information received, the woman’s bedroom was ransacked and about Gy$800,000 in cash was missing.

At the home of the dead woman, her spouse Suraj Persaud explained that he woke up about 05:20h and called out several times to his wife, but she never answered. As he opened the woman’s bedroom door, he saw the place in a mess, with boxes everywhere. He thought something was amiss hence he telephoned his daughter who lives a short distance away. Within five minutes, his daughter arrived at the house and opened her mother’s bedroom door and she saw her lying on the bed.

She called out to the woman, there was still no answer, so she decided to shake the woman thinking that she was asleep. Upon doing so, she realised that her mother was dead.

As they looked around, they saw the box containing the woman’s savings on the ground without the money inside. It was only then he learnt of the amount of savings his wife had from his daughter. The distressed husband and daughter then raised an alarm and the Police were summoned.

Concerns In light of the upsurge in the killing of pensioners, former Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster had said there was a need for the presence of Life Alert systems in Guyana to protect the elderly.

“Abroad there are these electronic button systems for panic alert.

Senior citizens would use those and in the event they feel threatened, they just push a button and the Police and hospital emergency units are notified. I think that is an avenue we need to look at seriously here in Guyana,” Webster had told this newspaper.

She had admitted that at present, the work of the National Commission for the Elderly was stymied owing to low funds.

Back in February, two elderly women, 67-yearold Ramdai Mohabir and 73-year-old Suroogpattie Ramlakhan were killed by intruders in their homes.

Commentators have said that there is need for more senior citizen homes. The gruesome murders of elderly women have created widespread concern and disgust. The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), in a press release, back then had expressed shock and disgust at the murders.

“I want PPP/C to come onboard” – Granger

President David Granger has reiterated his promise that he will not renege on his offer to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of inclusive governance and democracy.

“I want the PPP/C to come onboard. We already are a six-party coalition and we will continue to keep the door open to having joint committees, for example, the budget, I see that there should be a tripartite committee looking at the budget and I need to work with them,” Granger said.

He noted that while he has only received 51 per cent of the votes of the Guyanese society, he intended and wanted to be a President for all the people and as such, would like Ramotar to come onboard so that the voices of the 49 per cent of the population which voted for the PPP/C is heard for the overall good of the country.

“I have said before and I repeat that it is not my policy to have 51 per cent of the votes and lock 49 per cent of the population out. The PPP/C does have a constituency and I respect that people have the right to vote for whichever party and I respect that constituency and I wish that the PPP/C would give voice to the constituents by sharing the National Assembly with us and the Government with

us,” President Granger expressed.

Though the offer has been made several times since Granger took office, and the PPP/C is yet to take up the offer, Granger said that the olive branch’ offered is still very much fresh and will not die anytime soon.

The President upon his swearing in at the Parliament Buildings on Saturday, May 16 had extended a hand to the PPP/C for inclusive governance. Speaking during an interview on Monday morning, Granger said that he was particularly disappointed that former President Ramotar had not yet shown any indication that he wished to take up the offer.

“There has been no indication of acceptance. I have seen an article in the papers which say that there will be no acceptance… I am disappointed, not surprised… this is a moment that Guyana has been wait-

ing for. It is a moment that we should regard as the start of a process of building national unity; as a process of creating inclusionary democracy and rejecting the winner-takes-all governance,” the newly elected President said.

However, the PPP/C had taken to media stating that they had never received a formal invitation from the President and as such, could not take up the offer. Former President Donald Ramotar has said that any attempt by the Guyanese leader to suggest that the PPP/C has scoffed at inclusionary governance would be disingenuous.

However, when the Head of State was questioned by media operatives on whether a formal invitation would have been extended to the former leader, he had said that he intended to formally write Ramotar to come onboard his national unity movement.

Minister Norton tours health facilities in Bartica sub-district

Newly sworn-in Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton visited Region Seven (CuyuniMazuruni), and met with health personnel attached to the Bartica Hospital and the Four Mile, Riversview and Kartabo health posts, on the way forward for the health sector.

During a very interactive session on Saturday at the Bartica Hospital conference room, Minister Norton explained that the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration’s plan was not to “break down and build over or reinvent the wheel”, but rather, to improve on what was already established.

Dr Norton said that there were shortcomings in the health-care system, not only in Bartica but throughout the country; however, the new Administration would be

working to tackle most of them. In terms of the health sector, because it involves training, it can take some time before one can see the fruits of their labour; nevertheless, there are some key things that can happen immediately to ensure health care is delivered equitably to all, he said.”… We can only do so by coming and hearing from you. I, as the

Minister, must be looked at by you as your representative … we have got to work together as Guyanese to better the situation that we have at the moment,” Dr Norton emphasised.

The Minister mentioned some key priority areas that the Administration would be focusing on, such as infant mortality and training of personnel such as

radiologists, general surgeons, and internal medical specialists among other specialised areas, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Given that suicide was becoming more prevalent in Guyana, Minister Norton said that health institutions ought to play a greater role in helping to tackle this problem by offering counselling. He urged

the staff to modify their work ethic and start being their brother’s keeper. “We cannot remain here in Bartica less we become vegetated, we have got to keep our interest in our profession.” he said. Another key area that the Administration will be looking at is job satisfaction, ensuring that nurses are paid handsomely based on their qualifications, he

added. Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford said that health-care providers should be the change they want to see. While there were challenges, he said that “when it comes to life, we should always do our best, under any circumstances to ensure that we preserve life”.

At Four Mile, Riversview and Kartabo, the Community Health Workers (CHWs) were commended for their efforts to ensure persons in their respective areas are receiving quality service. They were also lauded for their record-keeping and public education efforts. Dr Norton urged them to take advantage of the many training programmes offered by the Ministry and to elevate themselves.

Meanwhile, on May 22, the Minister made visits to the Georgetown Public Hospital and several health centres in Region Four.

Supporters call for case against Jagdeo to be thrown out …say

he

always advocated for racial unity in Guyana

Supporters of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Monday, gathered outside of the Whim Magistrate’s Court to show solidarity with him after he was slapped with what is believed to be politically motivated charges, filed by political activist and social commentator Christopher Ram.

period opposition parties were on television uttering many racist remarks. She questioned why they were not brought to court. The protesters were assured by the former President not to worry as he will fight this to the end and will not let up until justice is served.

the section of the law under which the charge has been laid. In his view, it is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court in which it has been filed. He further went on to state that it is a gross misinterpretation, colossal misuse and abuse of Section 139D of the Representation of the People Act, Chap1:02.

An elderly woman, who was part of the pro-

Armed with placards bearing “Justice for Bharrat Jagdeo”, “The matter for the case against Bharrat Jagdeo should be dismissed”, among others, the supporters showed solidarity with the former Head of State. Speaking with this newspaper, the protestors said that they will continue to stand with the Former President and believe that he should have never been brought to court to face such a matter since he is an advocate for racial unity. They are of the view, that the Former President is a “just and respectable” man who would not incite ethnic fear into the people of the country. As Jagdeo, made his way into the court compound the protesters shouted that the matter be dismissed.

test, said she left her Black Bush Polder home since 08:30h, as she wanted to be a part of the protest action to voice her concern for the matter to be dismissed. The woman, who was brought to tears as the former President arrived, said he should not be brought to court. “I went to Babu Jaan, he was the one who talked against racism, how can they bring him to court for saying he causing racial tension …this is not right, this man is the one who fight for the betterment of Guyanese,” she stated. Lucille Ayana of Albion said during the election

One of Jagdeo lawyers, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, had previously said that Ram, a known Government critic and holder of a British passport, “seems to have an unnatural obsession with the former President”. De Santos noted that he has examined the allegation and

The Senior Counsel noted that while he will not speculate in relation to the motive which inspired the institution of the charge, he will, however, state that “it constitutes an abridgement of the constitutional right and freedom of my client to speak and

express himself freely”. De Santos further noted that the unprecedented use of a criminal charge to muzzle speakers at public political events was an assault on the democratic right of political leaders to speak freely on matters of national interest, as well as a violation of the democratic right of the citizenry to receive such information. He said that the case was nothing more than political sensationalisation and mischief. However, the Senior Counsel has expressed faith and confidence that the matter will be speedily reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Essequibo flooding: Queenstown residents counting their losses

By IndrawattIe natram

Heavy rainfall ex-

perienced in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) over the past two weeks has left several villages on the Essequibo Coast battling rising water, with many farmers and residents counting their losses. To compound the woes of residents, many of the sluices are clogged and excavators immobilised owing to mechanical problems.

Government has since dispatched a team to the area to assess the situation and bring relief to especially rice farmers whose crop is under threat from the flooding.

Guyana Times International was told that the village of Queenstown was the hardest hit, with residents disclosing that they have been under water for some two weeks. One resident, Cromwell Mentis told this publication that many villagers are being forced to stay indoors owing to the excessive flooding in the Queenstown area. Mentis, who spoke on behalf of his community, blamed the flooding on the non-functioning sluices.

“Every time it rains, we are faced with these problems over and over; the sluice is clogged. Despite complaints, no one seems to care.” He went on to say that the heavy rainfall, compounded by the nonfunctioning sluices, has resulted in the water rising to about eight inches. “Most persons’ gardens are under water; small children are at risk – they are playing in the water. The water no coming over the land; this morning (Sunday) many persons had to move their kitchen utensils, we need help.”

Another resident of Queenstown, Rhonda Ramdhan said although she was sick, she had to wake up early to bail water out of her premises. She was seen with her husband in their yard installing sand bags to stop the flow of water. Ramdhan said for over two weeks, her land has been under water and noted too, despite several reports to regional authorities, nothing has been done.

When this newspaper visited the Capoey sluice, it was clogged with slush mud. There were three machines parked on site but none was working.

Communities neighbouring the clogged sluices such as Affiance and Taymouth Manor were also inundated with knee-high water.

“Pump will be mobilised”

Meanwhile, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Engineer Jafaun

Permansingh, who was on site, said efforts were being made to have a pump dispatched to the area to assist residents. When asked when the pump will be dispatched to the region, Permansingh said the soonest will be Sunday evening. He further ex-

plained that the flooding has been caused primarily as a result of the clogged sluices.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday said that the Agriculture Ministry and NDIA were working assiduously to alleviate

the flooding of rice lands on the Essequibo Coast. The statement read that the issue was reported to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Saturday morning and he immediately alerted newly-appointed Agriculture Minister Noel Holder. Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Minister Holder dispatched NDIA head Lionel Wordsworth to the affected area and instructed that all efforts be made to bring relief to the affected rice farmers. Over 1000 acres of rice lands between Queenstown and Devonshire Castle have been affected by the floodwaters. Water had accumulated in the backlands over the past several days and excessive rainfall overnight exacerbated the situation. Two pontoons fitted with two excavators each were Sunday morning deployed to Windsor Castle and Capoey where they are being operated to desilt the outfall channels there. Regrettably it has been confirmed that the previous Administration did not dredge or desilt the outfall channels in the area during the dry season.

Exxon oil find: Discovery could put Guyana on oil, gas map – analysts

ExxonMobil’s “significant oil discovery” offshore Guyana has been described as the most exciting thing happening in terms of Latin American exploration right now, analysts with Wood Mackenzie told Rigzone, an online news outfit covering the oil and gas sec

tor.

Wood Mackenzie is a global leader in commercial intelligence for the energy, metals and mining industries and provides objective analysis and advice on assets, companies and markets, giving clients the insight they need to make better strategic decisions. Rigzone reported that the discovery is the first oil discovery in Guyana, and indicates that ExxonMobil’s strategic focus on ultra-frontier acreage is starting to pay dividends after a period of exploration underperformance. However, it will take months to ascertain the size and commercial potential of this discovery, Wood Mackenzie said in a May 21 press statement.

“The fact that ExxonMobil is describing this as a significant find is certainly of inter-

est,” said Matt Blomert, research manager for Wood Mackenzie, in an interview with Rigzone. Two disappointing wells were drilled on the shelf in 2012: CGX Energy’s Eagle-1 and Repsol’s Jaguar-1 wells. The Liza discovery marks the first material discovery in the Guianas since 2011, when Royal Dutch Shell plc encountered oil with its Zaedyus oil

field in French Guiana. But subsequent appraisals of Shell’s discovery in 2012 and 2013 proved disappointing, Wood Mackenzie analysts told Rigzone.

“The Zaedyus appraisal demonstrates the risks around discovery volumes in the basin, specifically regarding seal integrity and hydrocarbon migration.”

Seal and migration

are key petroleum system and reservoir parameters for any conventional explorer when looking at prospects and then how large the discovery might be, Julie Wilson, research director of Global Exploration at Wood Mackenzie, told Rigzone in a statement.

Geological models

“In this basin, they are particularly relevant because of the stratigraph-

ic complexity of the fan systems. It’s clear that there is a CenomanianTuronian source rock and petroleum system at play in the basin, and that there are potential reservoir rocks, but the key to making commercial discoveries is understanding where the oil migrated to and where it is trapped in sufficient quantities. Explorers here (as anywhere) will

need to build good regional geological models, build a picture of what they think the prospects look like, and test that by choosing good drilling locations,” Wilson said.

Days after announcing its discovery of hydrocarbons, oil and gas giant ExxonMobil last week reported the discovery of oil-bearing rock in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

The United Statesbased oil company said the Liza-1 well has encountered more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well is the first on the 6.6-million acre Stabroek Block and has been drilled to 17,825 feet. It was drilled by ExxonMobil local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd.

ExxonMobil’s President, Stephen Greenlee said he was encouraged by the results of the first well on the Stabroek Block. He assured that over the coming months, the company will work to determine the commercial viability of the discovered resource as well as evaluate other resource potential on the block.

CPL holds auditions to select cheerleaders

In a matter of four weeks, the biggest party in sport will take the Caribbean by storm and as such, Guyana is leaving no stone unturned in making the Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) the grandest in the Region.

More than 30 young ladies stormed the foyer of the National Cultural

Centre, Homestretch Avenue, to be a part of the auditions to select cheerleaders for the upcoming cricket competition. The young ladies came from a wide crosssection of society.

At the auditions, the young ladies were grilled through routines with various dance moves, in order to be selected to be a part of the cheerlead-

ing squad to entertain fans for the Guyana leg of the competition when it is hosted in July.

Surida Nagreadi, the Coordinator of the event explained that the momentum is building in anticipation of one of the biggest parties in the Caribbean. She noted that plans are moving apace to host at least four matches in Guyana,

while noting that the auditions were planned to ensure that spectators are well entertained.

She expressed her gratitude to the Amazon Warriors Energy Drink team for being a part of the audition. Nagreadi also stated that out of the lot, 16 young ladies will be selected to be a part of the cheerleading team that will be trained by Director of the Classique Dance Company, Clive Prowell.

On this note, Prowell stated that he was impressed with the immense talent that the young ladies brought to the table. Unfortunately, he noted that only 16 will be shortlisted to be a part of the team.

He recalled that

back in 2014, he was the Assistant Choreographer, but this year he was given the mantle to have full control of the young ladies with respect to their routines and appearances.

He intends to have rigorous training sessions with the young ladies to make sure they are ready to entertain. He plans to incorporate a few of the dance company’s routines during the rehearsals which start next week and will be held twice a week.

The team, he stated, must be energetic and possess excellent physical appearances.

In addition, one of the persons responsible for selecting the final 16 was no other than

former Miss Guyana Universe contestant Lakota McPhoy. She explained that her job was simply to select the young ladies who possess the qualities of being cheerleaders – these she stated are physical appearance, beauty, and the ladies must show interest and more obviously must have a pleasant personality.

A few hours into the audition, and McPhoy was impressed with the level of commitment and energy that the young ladies brought with them.

Tickets for the Guyana leg of the competition will be available at the CPL Office on Middle Street from June 15.

Economic empowerment of Amerindians top priority for new Ministers

Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister

Sydney Allicock and his junior partner, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, have disclosed that one of their main focus areas would be the empowerment of indigenous women and youths even as they will be working on a plan to ensure that the villages are able to achieve economic growth and stability.

Speaking to the Guyana Times International on Friday, immediately after they were both sworn in by President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency (Office of the President), Allicock and Garrido-Lowe both pledged their commitment to the development of the country’s first people, the Amerindians.

According to Allicock, as he assumes the office of the Minister with responsibility for the Indigenous people, his priority lies in being able to formulate a plan for economic development which can see the Amerindian communities prospering without them depending solely on the Government.

“I am hoping that with the help of the Toshaos and the advisers, we will be able to formulate a community-based economic plan, because the more we can see the communities for themselves, owning for themselves, rather than being in a position to depend and wait and wait on the handouts from the Government. It’s about allowing each family to own economic strength, own academic strength and ensure social cohesion,” Allicock said.

He expressed that another key area that he would like to see develop would be the level and quality of education which was available to students in the hinterland region.

The newly-appointed Minister expressed that the communities have

Swami Aksharananda verbally attacked en route to Georgetown

Swami Aksharananda was verbally attacked by a gang of men on Friday May 23 as he was making his way to Georgetown.

During an interview with the Guyana Times International on Saturday, the Swami related that he had just parked his vehicle at the Transport and Harbours Parking Lot in Vreed-enHoop and he was heading towards the landing when the abuse started.

Aksharananda expressed his antipathy to this type of behaviour as he questioned the audacity of persons to conduct themselves in such an undignified manner.

Swami Aksharananda is a Guyanese Hindu scholar and is known as a leading peace advocate in the country.

the potential to develop, but this was significantly hindered by the lack of teachers and the quality of education which was available there.

“We can do so much more but we need better equipped schools, more teachers and a better education system in the hinterland to make our dreams become a reality,” Allicock said.

Engine of growth

Questioned on what would be another of his priority areas, Minister Allicock said he was hopeful that Toshaos’ (Amerindian Leaders) Elections would be held as soon as June, so that long outstanding issues would be dealt with thereafter.

“Toshaos’ elections are definitely as priority because they would be the drivers, the legal people to forward our plans. The engine of growth and movement are our Toshaos … they can bring the communities together.”

Further, Minister Allicock said that other priority areas would be jobs, as he noted that with the rapid growth of the indigenous population and the shortage of teachers, youths are now moving on to neighbouring countries. He further pointed out too that tourism, agriculture, handicraft and community based farming would be addressed.

The Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister also said that the effect of mining on Indigenous communities would be another area in which his Ministry would be working assiduously. This, he pointed out, would ensure the consideration of previous arrangements, and would include dialogue and education.

The effects, he explained, include broken families and drug addiction among others. He noted that a constructive programme for the people in the interior is needed.

“I was about to enter the boat, I was accompanied by a black guy and he began asking me some uncomfortable questions about myself and I refuse to answer… he was very disrespectful and very loud and he was demanding I answer the question and I said I am not going to answer it,” he noted.

racially inciting remarks in his direction.

Swami Aksharananda related that several other men of African-descent joined in and began blurting out

“As I was going down into the boat, they kept shouting and yelling at me,” he said. Swami

For several years now, Swami Aksharananda organizes and leads an annual blood collection drive, the largest such endeavor in the history of Guyana, so that all Guyanese, irrespective of race or religion, can be a beneficiary.

Several other Guyanese have over the past few days expressed concerns over the occurrences of similar types of behaviours.

Giftland Mall opening postponed to June 25

The opening of the multimilliondollar Giftland OfficeMax Mega Mall has been pushed back to June 25. The mall which was slated for a grand opening on Independence Day, however, due to unforeseen delays; the date has once again been pushed back.

Giftland Mall Director Ian Ramdeo, during an interview with Guyana Times International, explained that there has been another delay with the delivery of fuel tanks for the mall’s self-contained power plant.

This is the third delay owed to the delivery of the fuel tanks. While many may view the delay as a great disappointment and inconvenience, Ramdeo noted that the postponement is actually advantageous for some.

“It is very inconvenient but it gives the tenants time to be a lit-

tle better prepared,” he stated.

Ramdeo emphasised that the mall cannot be opened without the installment of the fuel tanks because the facility’s operations will be heavily dependent upon the power plant.

The power plant, which costs in excess of US$4 million, will have a team of full-time electrical and mechanical engineers and power plant technicians who will man the system on a 24hour basis.

The power plant engineering team will include engineers from PDV Consultants and from Guyana.

The facility will generate 3.8 megawatts of electricity on a daily basis and can serve the over 6000 households in the mall’s environs.

The mall will also have its own sewerage treatment plant and water well.

The Giftland Mall project has been in the making for over six years. The company had acquired the land in 2007 and construction began in 2009. However, the project was in the pipeline long before construction commenced.

Being the first of its kind in Guyana, the

mall will be introducing a number of exciting amenities such as free drinking fountains; valet parking; a playground featuring zip lines, rock climbing and bungee jumping; and a 90-station sheltered bus terminal.

The mall will also be featuring a 560 feet

“strip” comprising four fine dining restaurants, sports bars, Brazilian grills, and pubs for evening entertainment. The area will also be used to showcase Guyanese culture and exhibitions, talent and other shows.

The company also bought the rights to be the distributor of Levi’s

and Dockers brand in Guyana. According to company officials, the move to include retail stores featuring internationally known brands in their operations underscores their commitment to providing better quality and more options to Guyana.

Other companies which will be housed in the mall include the Camex Group consisting of Church’s Chicken, Mario’s, Quiznos and Dairy Queen; Caribbean Cinemas; Popeyes; multibrand sport stores and Topaz jewellers.

There will also be four 20-foot aquariums with live tropical fish and salt water fish, which will serve as a great attraction for children.

With an estimated 20,000 persons visiting a day, the mall is equipped with a 500-car parking lot, along with additional parking for staff and delivery personnel.

Granger’s Cabinet deemed a ‘huge financial burden’ on tax payers

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), in multiple statements last Saturday, expressed its concern over the decision of President David Granger to appoint 26 Cabinet Ministers to govern the affairs of the country.

The previous ruling party highlighted that given the number of Ministers appointed to serve the current administration, millions of dollars of taxpayers monies would be spent on their salaries, benefits and other entitlements.

“This governmental monstrosity will impose immeasurable financial burdens on the people of Guyana”, the Party stated in its release to the media.

The PPP/C further stated that “each of the 26 Ministers appointed thus far, is entitled to vehicles, free gas/diesel, free telephone, free electricity and free internet service….” In addition, the Ministers will also be entitled to free housing or housing allowance, water, domestic

staff and additional office staff, among other benefits and privileges.

“This amounts to millions of taxpayers’ dollars”, the PPP/C argued while stating that “this extravagance is being spearheaded by a grouping who promised the

people of this country to cut excess spending of public funds, and a lean and clean Government.”

The PPP/C, now in opposition since the May 11 polls, argued that the worse is yet to come. The Party said it has noted that when-

ever a Minister who is an Alliance For Change (AFC) candidate has been appointed, another candidate from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been appointed a Minister within that Ministry.

“The intention is

clear; it is obviously to spy on the AFC Minister. We would not ordinarily concern ourselves with the internal contradiction and conflict with the coalition; our concern, however, is with this political mechanism being a financial burden to the people of this country”, the PPP/C stated.

The current Opposition, in another release, also viewed the creation of a “Ministry of Citizenship” as strange. “The nation is unaware what this ministerial portfolio entails. What we know, however, Winston Felix was placed there to achieve two objectives:

To keep a close eye on Khemraj Ramjattan and to alter the demographics of the Country,” its statement explained.

Dabydeen to feature at Canadian academic conference

Guyanese-born poet, short story writer and novelist, Cyril Dabydeen will be a featured writer reading from his newest collection “God’s Spider” with a focus on the iconic Sir Wilson Harris, at this year’s Annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences Conference at the University of Ottawa on Sunday.

Dabydeen will be a special guest at the joint session of the Canadian Association of Commonwealth Language and Literature Studies Society (CACLALS) and the Ass’n of Canadian and Quebec Literatures.

The Congress – previously called the Learned Societies – is an annual gathering of

the brightest and best scholars from Canada and abroad at a Canadian university. The country’s tertiary institutions take turns each year to host this special event focusing on scholarship. It is being hosted this year by the University of Ottawa under the theme “Beyond Borders”.

Dabydeen’s new volume is inspired by his reading over many years of Harris’ work on the mythos of pre-Columbian peoples and archetypes associated with new ways of apprehending our world beyond the conventionally logocentric.

The metaphor of the “spider” symbolises the artist’s combined instinct of creator and weaver, and the greater power of a metaphysical-

ly God-inspired universe in symbiosis with Guyana as focus and interweaved with classical Greece as reflected in “Homer’s Odyssey”.

Dabydeen, in writing the new poems, goes into interior landscapes with motifs springing from his own Indianindenture ancestry with poems such as “Tryst with Destiny”, “Sarojini Naidu” and “Buddha in Ottawa” tied to associations with CLR James, cricket and Commonwealth awareness. This is in a cosmopolitan world-view.

The writer has met Harris in London, UK, and elsewhere. As an adjudicator for the prestigious Neustdat International Prize for Literature given by the University of Oklahoma,

he nominated Harris to receive this top award a few years ago.

Dabydeen had his last formal reading was at the University of Vienna at the International Conference on the Short Story, where he also served on an international panel on short fiction (flash fiction). He has been invited to read at the next biennial short story Conference in Beijing in 2016.

He has done over 300 readings internationally, and is a previous winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature for his novel “Drums of My Flesh”. Dabydeen has taught writing at the University of Ottawa for many years, including the Advanced Fiction Writing course.

Youths feel slighted by President Granger

By Devina Samaroo

After showering the nation with promises of providing a more prominent role for youths in society, President David Granger appears to have failed to deliver upon his words.

All throughout the campaign trail, the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition persistently preached about providing better opportunities for young people, foremost by having greater youth participation in the decision and policy making process of the country.

However, Granger’s selection of Cabinet Members can be considered the most glaring example of the coalition eating their own words.

Throughout its campaigning and rallying, the coalition succeeded in wooing some 60 per cent of the voting population, between the ages of 18 to 35, by making them believe that APNU/ AFC will look out for and represent their interest. However the average age of members of APNU/ AFC Cabinet appears to be above 35-years-old; all the Heads of Ministries,

and even the Ministers within the Ministries, are not considered by society to be youths. Thus far, the APNU/AFC administration did not mention the role of any key APNU/AFC youth personnel such as James Bond, Christopher Jones, Nia Gonsalves, Mark Ross and Malika Ramsey in their Government.

When placed on the spot by media operatives concerning the Cabinet’s lack of youth participation, Granger said he believes that young people are adequately represented. “We have a balance of experience…there are

only two persons in the entire Cabinet who have had Cabinet experience and we need to ensure that persons who have had experience in other fields are in positions to lead those Ministries,” he said shortly after the swearing-in of “aged” Ministers.

Despite the fact that the Cabinet is dominated by older individuals, Granger maintained that his Cabinet is balanced. “You can’t fake experience. We need the experience,” the President said.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Another glaring ex-

ample that the coalition is not at all concerned about the elevation of youth in the Guyanese society is the fact that they subsumed the critical Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under the Education Ministry.

Reports indicate that several youth organisations have since expressed their extreme disappointment by this move, citing that it is a clear indication that the new Government has betrayed them.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) critics also came forth and condemned the move by the APNU/AFC

Government to suppress the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry under another Ministry. Under the PPP/C, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport had a clear objective of building up a strong and modern yet culturally rich Guyana through the participation of young people.

Meanwhile, since the new Government took office, a great portion of the youth population were determined to hold the Government to its glorious promises made on the campaign trail. In particular, through social media, which can be termed

as a key channel for change in the 21st century, has been exploding with warning comments against the APNU/AFC Government, reminding the administration that is has a duty to fulfill.

One young person, who currently pursues his studies in business management, congratulated the APNU/AFC for winning the preliminary vote, noting that he would hold them fully responsible for the state of the country thereafter.

Another, speaking under the condition of anonymity, explained that he was excited to see what a change in the Government will do for Guyana. However, though sceptical of the uncertainty ahead, he said he would give the next administration six months to prove to the nation that they made the right choice. “If families can finally walk on the streets without fear of being robbed or killed; if we can finally live in peace; if a new Government changes anything; that Sophia incident is not the change I was expecting, but I shall wait and see what this new Government brings,” he noted.

Strong evidence to prove elections 2015 were rigged - 3 GECOM Commissioners

Three of the six Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) say they strongly believe, based on factual evidence, that the General and Regional Elections 2015 were rigged.

In a press statement, the three Commissioners: Mohamood Shaw, Athmaram Mangar and Sase Gunraj; all of whom were nominated by the ruling Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) stated they have enough reasons to accurately declared that the Elections were far from free and fair.

The statement explained in details, the series of irregularly activities within GECOM that led them to believe that Elections were indeed rigged.

Starting with a Commissioners meeting on May 13, prior to the announcement of the preliminary results, the Commissioners related that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield acknowledged that there were significant disturbances with the electoral process.

“The Chief Elections Officer…disclosed that it goes against his conscience to disclose the results in his possession,” the statement noted.

Some reasons why it is assumed that Lowenfield went against his conscience is because he mentioned the fact that there were “variances in the data contained in the Statements of Poll within his and those in the possession of the Returning Officers of the respective Electoral Districts; and the number of votes cast as recorded on some of the Statements of Poll in his possession far exceeded the number of electors on the official list of electors

for the corresponding division.

Fake Statement of Polls

Also, the statement noted that the layout of some of the Statements of Poll that were received by the CEO differed from those officially issued by GECOM which led to the realisation that fake Statement of Polls were involved.

“This view was shared by several members of the Commission who recalled observing several different Statements of Poll before they reached the Chief Elections Officer. This led to the belief by the Commission that there were fraudulent Statements of Poll which were inserted into

the GECOM machinery, and were eventually used in the tabulation of the final results,” it read.

Following that revelation, the Commissioners said it was unanimously agreed during the said meeting that the Statements of Poll deemed to be irregular by Lowenfield would not be used in the release of the preliminary results by him.

Preliminary Results

Moving along to the Press Conference at 9pm, Lowenfield, against his conscience, announced that results of 1809 polling stations (excluding results from 490 polling stations).

“This led us to the be-

Housing, water sectors too important to be subsumed –

By Michael younge

The David Granger administration has announced its intention to subsume the Housing and Water Sectors under the responsibility of the Ministry of Communities.

There was no explanation forthcoming as why the decision was made, despite repeated attempts by media operatives to get clarity on the rationale behind the move and its necessity given the importance of the sectors.

In an invited comment, the former Housing and Water Minister under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, Irfaan Ali, said that those two sectors are far too important to be included under another Ministry, which will have several other priority areas to handle.

Ali stated that he was disappointed that the current “de facto Government” would make such a move without properly consulting the stakeholders in the sector and the other public servants, who understand fully the socioeconomic impact that policy driven work in the Housing and Water sec-

tors can have on the wider economy and the domestic growth and development of the country. “Such a move will no doubt have a negative impact on the country’s development. You should not change things without consultations and without first understanding the dynamics that govern the Housing and Water Sector,” he said.

The former Minister said that since the PPP/C came into power in 1992, there has been a focus on delivering affordable housing to Guyanese, who before could have only dreamed of becoming homeowners. “The PPP/C Governments, over the past 23 years, have made a deliberate attempt to give the Housing sector the treatment and attention it deserves. We have transformed the lives of Guyanese piloted reforms in the sector that has led to the decrease in interest and mortgage rates at commercial banks,” he related.

Ali, who is an economist by profession, argued that it was important for the new caretaker Government to understand the impact that the Water Sector has had in

Ali

creating sustainable communities across the country through the delivery of portable water. “Over the next two years, if adequate attention is not paid to the now subsumed Housing and Water Sectors by the Ministry of Communities, you will see the trickledown effect of this move”, he warned. He said that the Housing and Water Sectors together have contributed greatly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product over the years and has used up much of the liquidity that exists in the economy because of positive spurs in the Gold and Diamond Mining sectors.

He reiterated that the PPP/C administration was more focused now than ever before on the distribution of thousands of new house lots to Guyanese, who he stated were more than deserving of them. He explained that “housing is a priority” for the PPP/C administration and the former President’s vision, which is aimed at empowering Guyanese while changing their current social and economic positions. “We have managed to reverse the trends which occurred pre 1992 that

lief that there were at least 490 Statements of Poll affected by the irregularities disclosed by the Chief Elections Officer,” the Commissioners concluded.

Then on May 14, Lowenfield made another public announcement of the irregularities discovered on the previous day.

“Notwithstanding the public disclosures by the Chief Elections Officer, he proceeded to announce the preliminary results of all 2299 polling stations across the country,” the statement noted.

22 ballot boxes

On May 15, a delegation from the People’s

Former Housing and Water Minister under the People’s Progressive Party/civic (PPP/c) administration, Irfaan Ali

saw Guyanese struggling to acquire property and land. We are closer now to improving the lives of all Guyanese and the demand is great. The question is do we have enough time and resources to deliver. My answer is ‘yes’ we do,” the calm yet passionate former Housing Minister charged.

Ali is convinced that the future of Guyana is dependent on a buoyant and constantly developing housing, building and construction sector. He argued that his government has managed to restimulate the growth of what was a dying sector through continued investment and the right policies.

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) met with the Commission to discuss the said irregularities and provided a sample of 22 Statements of Poll and requested that the corresponding ballot boxes be opened to verify the said results.

The statement said the Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, gave an undertaking to open the said 22 ballot boxes be opened to verify the said results.

This position was later recanted at a meeting of the Commission that continued immediately after the departure of the delegation aforesaid.

Following this, the

President to assent to all bills passed in 10th Parliament

The benefits of former Presidents will be a major target in the new Parliament, President David Granger has said as he promised to assent to all bills that were passed in the 10th Parliament, but were not assented to by former President Donald Ramotar.

During an interview on Monday, the President related that he was displeased with the current benefits which are in place for former Presidents. He noted that it was the taxpayers who were funding these and as such, it should be reasonable.

To this end, President David Granger said that the bill will be assented to by him since it was amended and passed in the 10th Parliament but was not signed into law by the then President, Donald Ramotar. “We are going to be reducing the benefits in accordance with the bill which was passed by the National Assembly in 2013. It was passed but was not assented to. But I intend to assent to it as

it was passed..,” he related to media operatives.

Granger said that those bills which had been unanimously passed by the National Assembly during the 10th Parliament will receive his signature to ensure that they become law while the others, which were not passed or were not given due attention due to the prorogation of the Parliament, will be returned to the 11th Parliament for debate and passage.

“Everything that was passed by the 10th Parliament but was not assented to will now have to be returned to the 11th Parliament, so I will have to cut benefits to which I am entitled. We introduced the bill because we felt that the whole bill was unfair. We have redrafted it and reintroduced a fairer bill, and I will be a beneficiary of that bill,” President Granger stated.

The benefits of former Presidents have been a contentious issue by the current Government when they were in Opposition.

New Ministries created by Granger illegal – PPP/C

By Vahnu Manickchand

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is claiming that the establishment of several new Ministries by the newly elected A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government is illegal.

During a press conference held at Freedom House last Friday, the party’s Executive Members highlighted that the new Government is creating new Ministries without following the proper legal procedures.

Former President and Executive Member of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo, explained that the formation of new Ministries is illegal since monies cannot be released to those entities, which are not represented in the Appropriation Act.

“You cannot disburse monies to Ministries that

don’t exist anywhere except by this new decree. There is no budget now at this point in time… only after the budget or in the budget process, you’ll be able to create a Ministry, have it reflected in the budget and the Appropriation Act, allocate funds to that Ministry and then you can disburse resources to it. You can’t create a Ministry today and take money from another Ministry and send it to this non-existence in law Ministry,” the former President outlined.

Jagdeo further pointed out that the 1/12th rule that was adopted by the PPP/C while in power to fund the various Ministries after Parliament was prorogued, cannot be used to fund the new Ministries.

This view was supported by former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who stated that the 1/12th rule

was in relation to budgetary allocations that Parliament had already approved for Ministries that were in-existence at the time.

“Now you have monies being obviously spent in relation to Ministries that were not existing and did not fall under any Appropriation Act. This is being done by people, who over the last three years, you would have seen and heard championing causes of constitutional spend-

Public Infrastructure Ministers get briefing from managers

Managers/ Directors of the newly-renamed Public Infrastructure Ministry were challenged by the incumbent Minister, David Patterson, during an interactive meeting at the Ministry’s boardroom on Friday to be proactive in how they manage their respective agencies/departments.

“This Ministry has a lot on its hands. Therefore, it is imperative that Managers continuously engage and connect with their staff and various stakeholders. Effective stakeholders’ engagement is a critical element in successful management,” Patterson charged. “We have to define and defend our mandate.”

Minister Patterson also hinted that there will be a revised struc-

ture in terms of how the Ministry tackles road and sea defence maintenance. He, along with the Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, was briefed on the agencies/departments’ roles, projects and financial performance among other things.

In her address to the Managers, Minister Ferguson said she was enthusiastic about working along with the Managers, describing them as the backbone of the Ministry and servants of the people.“We have the nation’s business to look after and we are here to get the job done,” she added.

The meeting involved 21 top officials including: Balraj Balram, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary; Ramesh Ghir, Chief

Executive of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA); Geoffrey Vaughn, Coordinator of Works Services Group (WSG); Maitland Stewart, acting Chief Sea and River Defence Officer; Claudette Rogers, Director General of Maritime Administration Department (MARAD); Marcelene Merchant, General Manager of Transport and Harbours (T&HD); Zulficar Mohamed, Director General of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Rawlston Adams, General Manager of Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB); Ron Rahaman, Chief Roads and Bridges Officer and Louise Williams, General Manager of Canawaima Ferry Service.

ing, lawful spending and all these novel and lofty ideals. You would have heard them advocate very loudly and you see them now, in just a matter of days, violating the Constitution, violating the financial laws, violating financial regulations,” he noted.

Nandlall went on to point out that there are a series of legislations in place that ascribe Statutory responsibilities to specific Ministers under specific Ministries, but now there are a host of new ministerial bodies.

He added “so I don’t know how they will carry out their statutory responsibilities which the laws of the country would have devolved upon traditional Ministries”.

Furthermore, General Secretary of the party Clement Rohee, said that creating new Ministries also carry legal implications since many bills were passed in Parliament, giving specific Ministries responsibilities to implement those pieces of legislations.

A few days after Leader of the APNU+AFC coalition

David Granger was sworn in as Guyana’s eighth Executive President following the May 11 polls, the new Government opted to reduce and rename several of the Ministries that were established under the 23-year reign of the PPP/C.

Some of the new Ministries established

by President Granger include the Ministry of Citizenship, the Ministry of Governance and the Ministry of the Presidency, formerly known as the Office of the President.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion has replaced the Culture and Youth Ministry; while the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was renamed the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security was renamed the Ministry of Social Protection, while the Ministry of Health was renamed the Ministry of Public Health.

Also, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has been rebranded the Ministry of Communities. This latter Ministry will envelop the Housing, Water and Local Government Ministries.

On the other hand the Ministry of Business is expected to be responsible for internal trade, information and communication technology. The Ministry of Sports was included under the Education Ministry. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security has replaced the Home Affairs Ministry.

Ogunseye upset with Granger’s post-election decisions

Executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Tacuma Ogunseye has registered his disappointment with the postelection decisions being made by President David Granger. The WPA, which forms part of the ruling A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, registered these concerns through a letter which was released to media outlets.

Ogunseye said that as a member of the WPA’s leadership, he is obliged to pen his dissatisfaction on the fact that the recently elected President David Granger, as the leader of the APNU, failed to call a meeting with the executives of the 10-year-old coalition to discuss and decide on the post-election responsibilities.

“This failure to act on Mr Granger’s part has taken place in spite of efforts by the WPA to have the APNU executive meet on these matters. Further, the failure to initiate meetings of the APNU executive has to be seen in the context of the WPA’s protracted efforts to have this critical decision-making or-

gan of the APNU function as it was intended to do, thereby facilitating the making of important decisions of the alliance,” Ogunseye outlined.

Though conscious that this letter would likely upset his fellow comrades within the APNU coalition and its supporters at large, the WPA Executive went onto say that in politics it is often said that the timing of political interventions is essential to achieving much sought after political objectives. However, Ogunseye pointed out that there are times when such considerations can be counter-productive to the people’s interests. He expressed very strongly that the issue on the post-electoral re-

sponsibilities must be addressed publicly at this time, adding that if not done, then it will set a dangerous precedent that can have negative effects on their collective political aspirations.

“I find it hard to accept that the common courtesies and respect for comrades which civil political relations dictate, in this case was not followed. Nowhere in the civilised world are parties, which are engaged in alliances with each other, treated with such disdain,” the WPA Executive further outlined.

On the other hand, Ogunseye explained that his letter is limited to the issue of the failure of the executive to meet at this historical juncture in the life of the APNU and the country when important matters of the organisation, the Government and the State have to be decided on.

Despite his concerns, Ogunseye, nevertheless, penned his congratulations to President Granger and the APNC+AFC coalition on their historic performance at the recently concluded polls that led to their success at the polls.

Strong evidence to prove elections 2015 were rigged...

three Commissioners said they made requests of the CEO, pursuant to the disclosures aforesaid, for the information on several concerns, including: the steps taken to ascertain the authenticity of and the information contained in all the Statements of Poll within his possession; the total number of Statements of Poll affected by the irregularities; steps taken to correct the discrepancies as aforesaid; and the extent to which the discrepancies affected the overall results of the said elections.

On May 16, the statement noted that the CEO “refused and/or neglected to provide to the Commission, the requested information.”

It added, “At that meeting, we were presented with the official declarations of the Returning Officers of each of the 10 Electoral Districts of Guyana, as well as, 2 spreadsheets, both under the hand of Mr. Keith Lowenfield, Chief Elections Officer, containing the results of the Regional and General Elections. The results were not presented in a manual form, as is also required by law.

“Upon our request, a copy of the report of the Information Technology

from page 24

Department, which was tasked with encoding and tabulating data contained in Statements of Poll from all of the Electoral Divisions across Guyana, was provided. The report from the Information Technology Department differed significantly from the spreadsheets presented by the Chief Elections Officer, and the Chairman withdrew the said report.

“In light of the glaring inconsistencies and in the absence of satisfactory explanations of same, we were left no option but to vote against the declaration and publication of the said results by the Commission. The other 3 (three) members of the Commission, along with the Chairman, then voted in favour of the said declaration and publication of the said results.”

Then on May 20, one of the CommissionersSase R. Gunraj wrote, in his capacity as a Commissioner, to Lowenfield, in his capacity as CEO, requesting the information on results from each Electoral District, disaggregated by Polling Division, as compiled by the Chief Elections Officer; results from each Electoral District, disaggregated by Polling Division,

as compiled by the Returning Officer of each Electoral District; report from the Information Technology Department, disaggregated by Polling Station; photocopies and/or electronic copies of Statements of Poll of each Polling Station, as submitted to the Chief Elections Officer; and photocopies and/or electronic copies of Statements of Poll of each Polling Station, as submitted to the Returning Officer of each Electoral District.

On May 21, the Commissioner received a response from Lowenfield who said “that he requires the consent of the Commission to release the requested information.”

However, the statement explained that “information similar to which was requested was provided to the Commission, as a matter of course, after every past election.”

In conclusion, the three concerned Commissioners said they find it amiss that the Chairman did not convene a meeting since, especially in light of the many outstanding issues regarding the conduct and outcome of the General and Regional Elections 2015.

New Cabinet to decide on payment plan

Education Minister

Dr Rupert Roopnarine said the new Cabinet will have to decide on the payment plan for the rescheduling of the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) examinations, which has an estimate cost of some Gy$80 million.

The rescheduling of the examinations was done after it was realised that the dates clashed with that for the General and Regional Elections on May 11. The examinations that were initially set for May 11 and 12 were rescheduled for June 15 and 16 respectively.

During an interview with the Guyana Times International, Dr Roopnarine explained that the cost will first have to be approved by the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) governed Cabinet before any payment can be made to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Reports indicate that since the decision was make to shift the dates,

the then APNU/AFC Opposition objected to the initiative, suggesting that the then President Donald Ramotar has placed the future of Guyana’s youth at second place.

They had also accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government of strategically putting the General and Regional Elections on the date for the examinations because they had anticipated that the election date would have to be changed, thus allowing for an extended time in office.

Meanwhile, Dr Roopnarine noted that, since he was sworn in as Education Minister,

he has not yet met with Caribbean Examinations Council; therefore, he is not very au fait with the arrangements between the Ministry and the Council in this regard. In that light, he explained that he cannot pronounce on his assessment of the estimated cost. Some observers argue that the Gy$80 million is too expensive while others contend otherwise.

When asked whether the net sum will be paid in full, Roopnarine said that the decision will have to be made by the Cabinet.

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand was hes-

itant about disclosing this estimated cost to the public. She had told this publication that the Education Ministry is in the possession of the provisional cost but persistently declined to disclose the amount. Manickchand had explained that there were no other possible dates for hosting of the elections that would not have conflicted with the CXC examinations.

She noted that the Guyana Elections Commission had submitted a list of possible dates for the hosting of the elections, all of which were within the CXC period. “It was inevitable that we would have faced this slight hurdle…,” she said. As a result, the only option available was to reschedule the CSEC and CAPE in Guyana. Officials noted that the decision made was in keeping with the best interest of the students.

Currently, students across Guyana are in the midst of writing these critical examinations. Many who endured writing these examinations during an intense political atmosphere, claimed served as a minor distraction in their studies.

Prem Misir is new VC of University of Fiji

the

The University of Fiji announces the appointment of Professor Premnarine Misir of Georgetown, Guyana as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University.

In making the announcement the ProChancellor of The University of Fiji, Anil Tikaram said Professor Misir holds a PhD in Social and Behavioral Science from University of Hull (England), Master of Public Health from University of Manchester (England), Master of Philosophy (Sociology) from University of Surrey (England) and a Bacheor of Social Science in Economics and Sociology from Queens University of Belfast (UK). Prof Misir also has

a Postdoctoral in Public Health from Columbia University (NY). Professor Misir has substantial experience in University administration as Pro-Chancellor of University of Guyana. He has also served as Professor of Public Health at University of Central Lancashire, England. He has intensive publications to his credit in international Journals, books and book chapters. Prior to his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Fiji Professor Misir was Executive Director of Health Sector Development Unit at the Ministry of Health, Government of Guyana. (THE JET NEWSPAPER).

By Odeen Ishmael

Throughout the early part of 1966, preparations for Guyana's independence celebrations went in full swing. A special committee appointed by the Government designed the new coat of arms and selected the Canje pheasant as the national bird.

The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called "The Golden Arrowhead", had already been chosen during the period of the PPP Government from entries submitted through an international competition.

The winning five-coloured design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the independent nation - Guyana - was also chosen since 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly.

The flag of Guyana was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana's journey into the future. The golden arrowhead, with narrow white and black strips along its sides, was set on a green and red background with narrow white and black strips along the sides of the arrowhead.

The five colours were also seen as symbolic to the country various assets: green for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country's mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation building; black border, depicting the people's endurance; and white symbolising the natural water potential of the country.

A nation-wide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, also helped to select the words of the new National Anthem.

The winning entry, "Green Land of Guyana", was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician.

Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until 29 May. Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag.

On the evening of 25 May, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park (later to be renamed the National Park). Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments.

Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast. Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence.

With the raising of the new flag, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then around midmorning, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It

was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry.

Significantly, for this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham.

The meeting of Parliament was chaired by the Speaker, Aubrey Alleyne. The Duke of Kent read a throne speech on behalf of the Queen, after which on behalf of the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Prime Minister Burnham the constitutional instruments designating Guyana an independent nation.

Immediately after, there were speeches by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Leader of the Opposition Cheddi Jagan.

Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: "The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free."

In welcoming independence, Dr. Jagan seized the opportunity to point out that the Burnham government was abusing its powers through the extension of the state of emergency beyond the date of independence. This, he said, was generating fear throughout the country and was detrimental to the struggle for peace and security.

He also highlighted the view that his party was "the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office." He added, "We are confident that despite these ma-

nipulations the People's Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections if these are fairly held."

Later that afternoon, Sir Richard Luyt was sworn in by the Duke of Kent as Guyana's first governor general at a ceremony in the ballroom of Guyana House, the official residence of the governor general.

During the period of the independence celebrations, many public events were also held. These included carnival-

style parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies addressed by Burnham and his ministers.

On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. The new state received instant recognition internationally. However, in its note of recognition signed by Foreign Minister Iribarren Borges, the Venezuelan Government stated that it "recognises as territory of the new State the one

which is located on the east of the right bank of the Essequibo River".

The Venezuelan note claimed that the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela ran "through the middle line of the Essequibo River, beginning from its source and on to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean".

In a response to the Venezuelan government (sent on 18 August 1966), Burnham rejected this assertion and expressly stated that the "Guyana constitution stipulates that the territory of Guyana embraces all that area, which immediately before the 26th May, 1966, comprised the old Colony of British Guiana, together with the area which by Act of Parliament may be declared as part of the territory of Guyana."

He added: "The territory which extends between the middle line of the Essequibo on the east and the boundary of the old Colony of British Guiana all along the rivers Cuyuni and Wanamo on the west, was already included on the 26th May, 1966, judicially and administratively, within the old Colony of British Guiana and forms part of the State of Guyana."

y I sahak B as I r , CC h

Suddie is one of the many villages located on the Essequibo Coast at the mouth of the Essequibo River and northwest of Hamburg Island.

In the 1920s, Suddie emerged as the epicentre of the Administrative.

Suddie and its adjoining village, Maria’s Lodge, was purchased from the Trustees by Sasenarine Maharaj, with the exception of the administrative block.

The block is a onemile stretch of flat sand above sea level and was created by accretion of mighty Essequibo River, several hundred years ago. However, the sea is now reclaiming the area, swallowing the once beautiful beach and eroding the seaside trees. Even the old Dutch groyne has fallen under the pressure of the high waves. That part of the Essequibo River is very shallow at low tide and is not

navigable.

Prior to the implementation of the 1980 Constitution of Guyana, the county of Essequibo was administrated by a district commissioner, and his office was located in Suddie. The office also entailed education, forestry, revenue and public health.

At Suddie, several colonial buildings were used by different offices to help administer county requirements. These buildings are the present public hos -

pital, the police station, the police training school, the resident surgeon’s house, the Post Office and the hostel for nurses.

All transactions were done at Suddie, whether it was appointment, tender, shop licence or birth registration as the function of the High Court. Beside a plant breeding station and cinema, Suddie was serviced by J.P. Santos Super Stores and a rum shop.

Suddie Public Hospital is still a masterpiece of architecture, built with pitch pine material and facing the Atlantic breeze.

One of the few senior citizens remaining is Sonny Lord, a proprietor of the first hotel in the area. He served in the National Service.

Suddie has at its perimeter, fuel stations, supermarket, a large housing scheme developed by Food for the Poor Inc. and the Central Ministry of Housing. In the same vicinity, there is the original Boy’s School, renamed the New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

One of the buildings at NOC still has its Dutch orientation. It was used from 1860 to 1920 as the Suddie Hospital, which served not only the county of Essequibo but also the Essequibo Islands. The original port to get to

Suddie was an area known as public waterside, which was located in Aurora and was the terminus of the traditional midday bus. However, with the decentralization of the regional system, Suddie was relieved of its many administrative responsibilities.

With the change of time, Suddie remains a tourist destination, and the tall imposing historic hospital building signals to hundreds of mariners at sea that they are near the Essequibo Coast. From one medical doctor in the 1980s, Suddie Hospital is now managed by many Cuban-trained medical personnel, Eye Care Centre, dental facilities and a diagnostic centre. Beside medevac air service as required, Suddie is supported by a well-established library. The vision of an airstrip at the back of the New Red Village is being examined.

Notably, Suddie is also the gateway to the Ituribisi Lake, and the Rooster Holiday Resort is now the centre of attraction for lavish entertainment. (Photos by Marco Basir)

Commemorating Independence with coins

Several coins were issued to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Guyana’s independence.

One was a 100 Guyana dollar coin. According to the Bank of Guyana, the 10th Independence Anniversary Issue coin of 1976 was struck in .500, Fine Gold.

The 25.25 mm in diameter coin depicts the country’s coat of arms on its obverse and an Arawak indigenous Indian on its reverse, along with the denomination.

The obverse is inscribed: “Our people-our most precious asset”, over the coat of arms, while its reverse is inscribed “Eldorado 1596 - A new Guyana 1966”.

Weighing some 5.74g, the gold coin is listed on one coin collecting website, as among the rare coins collected by its members. It is said to be valued almost GYD25, 000 today.

Some are also described as “1976 100 Dollars Proof Gold Coin”, which is considered to mean that it was struck using a special, high-quality minting process, and made especially for collectors.

Another coin minted in 1976 to mark the occasion

was the GYD10 coin. The 43.23g round coin was, according to the Bank of Guyana, struck in silvercopper. There would later be proof coins from 1976 -1980. This coin features on one side a representation of our national hero Cuffy,

with the words “Collective responsibility”, while its other side features the coat of arms as described of the abovementioned gold coin.

Another 10th Independence Anniversary Issue coin is

the GYD5 coin. This coin is said to have been engraved by one William Shoyer, and bears a representation of Guyana’s celebrated labour leader, Nathaniel Critchlow.

Struck in .500 silver,

the 37.3g round coin includes the inscription “Collective Work” over the portrait, and the coat of arms on the opposite side. This coin too was minted from 1976 - 1980.

Other commemora-

tive coins included animals like the hoatzin (50 Guyanese cents), harpy eagle (25 Guyanese cents), monkey (10 Guyanese cents) jaguar (5 Guyanese cents) and manatee (1 Guyanese cent).

On April 29, 1966, in the British House of Commons’ sitting, British MPs discussed the Guyana Independence Bill. Here are excerpts of that Bill taken from Hansard 1803–2005 records.

11.13 a.m

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Frederick Lee): The main purpose of the Bill is very simple. Indeed, in the words of the Preamble, it is to provide for the attainment by British Guiana of fully responsible status within the Commonwealth", and although I see from the Order Paper that some of my hon. Friends have certain reservations at this point in time, I am, nevertheless, sure that the House will welcome the attainment by British Guiana of independence and that we all have the desire that Guyana, as the new nation is to be called, will remain, as she intends to, within the Commonwealth.

… Turning to more recent history, British Guiana has, I believe, had more than its share of conferences, constitutions and commissions, and, unfortunately, of violence and racial strife. I

do not intend to dwell on the rather unhappy history of the advanced form of Constitution which was introduced in 1953 but then had to be suspended in the same year.

Nor do I think that this is the occasion to comment in too much detail on the unhappy events of the early 1960s, when violent disturbances in each of three successive years and the failure of political parties to reach agreement at constitutional conferences frustrated our renewed attempts to bring the country to the point of independence.

… After exhaustive discussion, from which I think no relevant matters were excluded, the conference agreed to a form of independence constitution, which it is proposed to embody in an Order in Council to be made under the Bill now before the House. The conference also agreed that Guiana should take its place among the free nations of the world on the date which appears in Clause 1, namely, 26th May, 1966.

... I would not think it in the interests of either my hon. Friends or the House that any delay should now take place in

bringing independence to British Guiana.

11.51 a.m.

Mr. Julius Silverman (Birmingham, Aston)

We in this country, and especially in this par-

and Ceylon and which set in motion a movement of liberation which embraced the whole world.

We are proud of that, but I am sorry to say that I am not proud of the re-

cord of Her Majesty's Government in Guiana. It is not a creditable phase in our history, and I say that bluntly.

ty, are proud of Britain's record in the liquidation, the dissolution, of the Empire. In 1947, we took that great act of liberation which liberated India, Pakistan, Burma

Constitutional tactics as "jiggery pokery", and I think that they were. However, that has now happened and such a Constitution operates in Guiana.

I am afraid that I am not as optimistic as either of the Front Bench speakers today about a country which is deeply divided right down the middle on the basis of race and politics. For one-half of the country it is not merely a question of lack of co-operation, but the knowledge that it is virtually excluded from the seat of Government.

These people face the sort of thing I am describing today. The prospects are gloomy and I wonder whether, after independence, even the safeguards of present Constitution will be maintained. I am sorry to say that, but I cannot accept the rosy picture which my right hon. Friend painted.

12.43 p.m.

Reference has been made to the 1964 election in Guiana and the lack of co-operation from Mr. Jagan. The view of Mr. Jagan—with which, to some extent, I concur—is that the 1964 election was based on a Constitution deliberately organised to keep him out and to put in a Government more amenable to the United States.

That indeed happened. When the debate on the Constitutional Order took place my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister called it a "fiddled Constitution", and I believe that it is. The present Commonwealth Secretary described the

Mr. Hugh Jenkins (Putney) My interest in British Guiana began in the early 1950s, when I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Burnham and Dr. Jagan together at a much happier time. They were members of the same party, and it seemed possible that the country would advance along a course which would proceed to independence, not without difficulty, trouble and trial, but without violence. Unhappily, that hope was not realised…

2.13 p.m.

The UnderSecretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Stonehouse) If we did what is advised

and held up independence we would see a return to conflict in British Guiana and the holding back of economic development—including work on mineral development—educational advance and reforms of all descriptions. We should contribute not to stability, but to instability.

I repeat that the present situation is unsatisfactory and that we do not like it any more than my hon. Friends do. It would be far less satisfactory to hold up independence, for that would contribute to a worsening of the situation and hold back worthwhile developments in Guiana.

I appreciate the feelings with which my hon. Friends have spoken and I applaud the humanity which inspired them to make their speeches, but I now implore them to withdraw their Amendment and not vote against the Bill and to let Guiana have a message from a united House that we look forward to its making a success of its independence from 26th May onwards, an independence which can give the people an opportunity for better relations with Surinam and Venezuela being a very important part of their becoming a sovereign State, to concentrate on the priorities of providing better education and to provide economic development, to allow individual standards to improve and, above all, to contribute to a stability which can help racial co-operation which is so essential if Guyana is to succeed…

…I commend the Bill to the House.

Lean and mean…

…government?

In opposition, the new government promised “lean and mean” government. Or was it “lean and clean”?”

Your Eyewitness’ head is still reeling from all the campaign rhetoric. He doesn’t know about “the mean or clean” part of the promise, but within a week of the changing of the guard, we can already see that “lean” has had to be jettisoned. David Granger’s discovering the trials and tribulations of coalition government.

And in the case of the APNU/AFC coalition we actually have a coalition to the fourth degree. In the beginning was the PNC which then begat the PNCReform (PNC-R), of which George Norton and Supriya Singh are from the latter appendage.

Then PNC-R begat PNC-R One Guyana (PNC-R1G) – which contested the 2006 elections with some rebranded “reform” fella and this begat the APNU –with PNC-R1G joint up right the WPA, NFA, GAP and JFAP.

Finally APNU begat the APNU/AFC coalition by hooking up with AFC. You got all of that, dear reader? There will be a quiz at the end.

With the elections won – the promises have to be kept, because in politics, if Granger forgot, it all has to do with who gets what, when and where. And this early in the day, even if he may want to throw some of his erstwhile overboard because the ship’s getting top heavy (triage style!) it wouldn’t look too kosher.

So “lean government” is taking a licking as Brigadier (ret’d) President Granger (is this the correct protocol?) shares out the pie.

But even though he cut the slices quite a bit differently from his predecessor’s administration, he’s already up to 26 Ministers and counting. But when you have 11 parties expecting their piece of the pie (or action) you’d expect some creativity, no?

But some of his appointments need some explaining. Take the newly baptised “Ministry of Social Protection”. (Why not “Social Services”?? Heck!! We’re dealing with an army man here…”protection” is the mission, OK?)

Well, we have Volda Lawrence as the subject Minister. But then we have Simona Broomes as a Junior Minister with the Minster. “Simona who?” you ask? This is the lady who went into our Wild South and rescued all those young ladies who were being trafficked.

Earned a commendation from the US State Dept, didn’t she? So even though there were so many coalition mouths to feed, Simona gets a Minister wuk. And not so incidentally, one less black mark from the US.

Smart, eh? Well, what do you think President Granger’s was doing when he attended all those staff courses?

…cohesion

Your Eyewitness confesses he’s been thrown for a loop on this other newly formed “Ministry of Social Cohesion”. He’s reminded of those Ministries from back of the glorious days of our bold push into “cooperative socialism”.

Remember the “Ministry of National Mobilisation” that exhorted us to participate in mass games and group activities that were supposed to bring us oh so close cohesive so as to “cooperate”?

“But this time nah lang time” and the days of the cooperative experiment are over, aren’t they? So your Eyewitness is wondering exactly how this “social cohesion” is to be brought about. Are we going to be made into “one people” as the Resident UN Representative Ms Musa “believes” – by downplaying our ethnic identities and insisting on us being “Guyanese”? Problem is…who gets to decide what’s “Guyanese”.

Your Eyewitness on the other hand, holds that these matters like “social cohesion” are best left to the people – with at least governmental input as possible. In social relations, as in economics, the invisible hand mightn’t mean “no hand” – but it certainly doesn’t mean the heavy hand of government.

…Code of Conduct?

The government’s introducing a “Code of Conduct” for Ministers and Parliamentarians. Does this mean our favourite parliamentarians can’t say, “Haul yuh ass!” any longer?

From colonial coins to financial Independence

Money was first introduced to Guyana by the Dutch colonists, but there was never much in circulation.

Previously, according to Guyana.org, there was an informal barter system among the original inhabitants of the territory before they began trading with Dutch colonists and traders for European goods such as knives and cutlasses.

Even after the Dutch introduced money, they rarely used it for large business transactions. It was normal for them to write promissory notes, which eventually would be redeemed from their agents in Amsterdam where they sent their sugar and other produce to be sold.

The Dutch colonists introduced the guilder and other coins such as pennings, stivers and bitts whose values fluctuated over time. Side by side with these coins from other European na-

the Receiver's Office for Colonial Taxes. This office would then re-issue the paper money to the public again.

When the British seized Guyana in 1803, English coins began to make a gradual appearance. However, the Dutch coins continued to be the main means of commercial exchange throughout the rest of the century, by which time the Portuguese and Mexican coins could

In 1836, two other banks, the Colonial Bank and the British Guiana Bank, were set up. The former, many years later, was taken over by Barclays Bank, while the latter, during the second decade of the 20th century, was absorbed by the Royal Bank of Canada.

In 1900, the Dutch coins were withdrawn and were replaced by British coins such as the half penny, penny, sixpence, twelve pence, shilling, florin, half crown, crown, sovereign and guinea.

tions circulated. These included the English guinea, the Mexican dollar, and the Portuguese gold ducat, moidore, and joe.

Paper money and English coins

By the end of the 18th century, a type of paper money issued by the government or the banks in Europe began appearing in Guyana.

Usually, when a person had accumulated a quantity of paper money, he would exchange the notes for gold at

hardly be found in circulation.

Many slaves saved coins that they acquired by doing odd jobs during their free time, or through the sale of the produce from their provision grounds.

The first bank to be established was a savings bank for the slaves in 1828. This occurred at a time when the British government was implementing policies aimed at improving the social condition of the slave population in its colonies.

Official British paper money was also introduced into Guyana at this time. This system of currency remained until 1951 when Guyana joined with the British Eastern Caribbean territories to use common Eastern Caribbean coins and currency notes, even though many of the British coins continued to circulate for a while.

Independence

Guyana, on attaining independence in 1966, withdrew from the Eastern Caribbean currency board and began to issue its own coins (one cent, five cents, ten cents, twenty-five cents, fifty cents) and currency notes with values of one dollar, five dollars, ten

dollars and twenty dollars.

The Bank of Guyana, as noted on its website, was established through the Bank of Guyana Ordinance No. 23 of 1965. Actual operation commenced on Oct. 16, 1965, seven months before the country gained political independence. This Ordinance established the Central Bank as an ‘autonomous institution' with headquarters in the capital city of Georgetown.

The early establishment of the Bank was promoted by an agreement of the U.K. government (acting for the still colonial members of the British Caribbean Currency Board (BCCB) and the Trinidad & Tobago government), for the dissolution of the BCCB by mid-1967 and the cessation of issuance of currency after 1965.

At its establishment, the Bank was housed in temporary premises in three locations. The governor operated from an office assigned to him in the Parliament Building.

Office space was rented from the Colonial Life Insurance Company, High Street, Georgetown, to house the Research Department while the BCCB's office in the General Post Office Building, Georgetown, executed currency operations on behalf of the Bank.

The Bank commenced issuing the new national currency notes on November 15, 1965, to replace the BCCB notes, the issuance of which was expected to cease by December 31, 1965. However, national coins were not issued until mid-1967.

The Ordinance establishing the Bank was revised and became the Bank of Guyana Act. CAP:85:02. This Act was further revised in 1995, 1998 and late 2004.

All Jamaicans must stand in the interest of children – PM

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA:

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson, has commended the volunteers who came out to work on the Rudolf Elder Park in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, which was the National Labour Day project.

She said the strong turnout of persons, including opposing political representatives, sends a signal that “all need to stand in the interest of our children”.

The Prime Minister joined scores of residents, public officials, members of the private sector and civic groups, in the rehabilitation of the park under the

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Officers within the public sector are to commence human rights training in June, as the Government advances plans to establish a National Human Rights Institute for Jamaica.

The training, which will begin with judicial officers, is targeting all public sector professionals, whose work involve aspects of human rights.

The Government has been working on establishing the institute

theme: ‘Labour of Love, Nurturing our Children.’

Scores of volunteers gathered from early in the morning, to paint, erect a perimeter fence, install concrete benches, tables, swings, slides, and plant flowers and trees, among other activities.

The Prime Minister used the occasion to once again declare the Government’s commitment to the protection of children.

“We do not want any child to be ignored; all should be taken care of. So anything to do with their education, and their care and protection, will always be given serious attention. I

want to encourage communities to care for and protect the children,” she said.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Eastern St. Thomas, Hon. Dr. Fenton

Ferguson, informed that he has committed Ja$5 million to continue work at the park “to ensure that it becomes a treasured recreational ground”.

“We have done all the design work for the park, and we are going to transform this park. It is going to become our own Emancipation Park in St. Thomas. It is going to be a wonderful area for our people and our children,” he said, while calling on residents to protect the facility.

Acting Principal Director of Culture at the Ministry of Youth and Culture,

Dr. Janice Lindsay, said the focus on pro-

tecting children “really made a difference for Labour Day 2015, as the theme really got people working.”

Corporal Donavon Gordon of the St. Thomas Police Community Safety Branch, said the Labour Day focus on children will boost measures to keep children safe.

Western St. Thomas Member of Parliament, James Robertson, informed that some 20 projects were undertaken in his constituency through the Social Development Commission (SDC), including restoration of a bypass in the Mount Vernon/Jones Pen area “where we have a major breakaway.” (JIS)

since May 2014 with technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It will complement the existing network of institutions that are mandated to protect the rights of nationals.

In a statement in the Senate on May 22 on Jamaica's recent Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights, Minister of Justice Senator Mark

Golding explained that the intention is to "go through the system to train the different cohort of persons, who are part of the key agencies and institutions that touch and concern human rights".

"Part of the plan of action is to train people on human rights issues, the conventions, the existing infrastructure in Jamaica, and the role of the National Human Rights Institute," he said.

He said the

Government is looking at the Office of the Public Defender "as a possible and likely candidate for the expansion of its role to become the National Human Rights Institute. We have been working with them around that issue."

Opposition Senator Kavan Gayle commended the Government on the work it continues to do in the area of safeguarding human rights.

"As a developing country, we appear as if we are really first world in protecting human rights and we must be commended on that," he said.

Jamaica participated in the meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, from May 13 to 15 which considered the country's report to the 22nd session of the Second Cycle Universal

Periodic Review.

The Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council was established pursuant to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution of March 15, 2006.

All UN Member States participate in

the Universal Periodic Review process, which is aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground, and supporting co-operation in the promotion and protection of human rights; ensuring the fulfilment of each state's human rights obligations and commitments.

It also encourages the sharing of best practices among states and other stakeholders; as well as full co-operation and engagement among the Human Rights Council, other human rights bodies, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The review takes the form of an interactive dialogue between the state concerned and the other UN member states. (Jamaica Observer)

Optimism over St Lucia’s ability to host Commonwealth Youth Games

CASTRIES, ST LUCIA: The CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), David Grevemberg, says he is “more optimistic” about St Lucia’s ability to host the youth meet in 2017.

Grevemberg made his disclosure after a visit to St Lucia over the weekend in which the country’s hosting of the Commonwealth Youth games dominated the agenda.

There appears to have been some uncertainty surrounding the ability of St Lucia to host the games two years from now.

The CEO says the CGF stands ready to lend assistance to the local authorities, and he is looking forward to the island having a great event .

Grevemberg was among some 29 delegates from 21 member territories of the (CGF) in St Lucia over the weekend, at a joint meeting of the Caribbean and Americas region.

“Commonwealth Games is very important but we need as sports organisations and National Olympic Committees to get our respective

Governments involved,” said Juman Yassin, Regional Vice President of the Americas. “We need for Ministers in the Caribbean, in the Americas, and throughout the Commonwealth to appreciate the Commonwealth Games is important, but we need… their contribution so it could go much further.”

During the course of their visit, the CGF officials met with the Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Pierre and Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Shawn Edward. The Caribbean and the Americas together comprise the second biggest region of the Commonwealth in terms of member territories, behind only Africa. (CMC)

More international investment for Jamaican tech start-ups

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: Jamaican tech entrepreneurs continue to get more support from international investors as Start-Up Jamaica rolls out a second set of participants for seed funding.

What's more, California-based accelerator company Devlabs will top the previous funding set by Jordan company Oasis500 to up to Ja$5 million in cash and business support for each successful local start-up seeking to solve social and economic problems, whether nationally, regionally or globally.

The second pitch got underway last Thursday and saw 10 companies from Start-Up Jamaica, the University of Technology and Northern Caribbean University making five-minute pitches to Devlabs co-founders Ruben Hernandez and Jose Lopes at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) building on Duke

Street in downtown Kingston.

Devlabs incubates tech start-up companies founded by outlier entrepreneurs from small cities and rural towns around the world. It expects to select the winning companies over the next few months.

Last September, the Government and the World Bank inked a deal with Oasis500 for seed funding of up to US$30,000 (Ja$3.48 million) for each participant under the Youth Employment in Digital and Creative Industries (YEDCI) project.

Start-Up Jamaica is a key element in a strategy developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining to help innovators and entrepreneurs in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to grow their ideas into marketable products and services, thus contributing to economic growth, increasing employment,

and generating foreign exchange.

The strategy aims to transform Jamaicans from being technology consumers to technology creators over the next few years, and to position Jamaica as the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Caribbean.

Start-Up Jamaica con-

ducts a 45-hour intensive boot camp, welcoming potential entrepreneurs in the areas of digital media, mobile technologies, ICT and digital content at its incubator facility at JNBS. The programme provides participants with key skills and technology, business, management, legal and accounting support they

need to prepare them to pitch to equity investors and receive investment to grow their businesses.

Following the training, three start-up projects, RevoFarm, CrimeBot and the Vinelist, were selected from a pool of 60 potential entrepreneurs to benefit from seed funding and a trip to the company's headquarters in Jordan last March.

The tech companies have been benefiting from a 100-day training initiative, which saw Oasis500 planned investment come in the form of cash, mentorship, training, and other business support. In exchange, the Middle Eastern development company has the opportunity to take up to a 20 per cent stake in each start-up.

The new partnership with Devlabs is expected to take the same form.

Currently, the participating start-ups include developers of mobile

and social media games Pandasoft; online wholesale club Pantrypan; social shopping platform and two-time participant Vinelist; electronic farm monitoring system Smart Farm; Jamaica Care Packages, which delivers monthly care packages to members of the Jamaican Diaspora; and DaiMangou, a platform for game developers -- all from Start-Up Jamaica. Seek, an android application for job seekers, also entered the programme from the Northern Caribbean University, along with iTech Student Information Management System. From the University of Technology, Jamaica, Callin Russell pitched JaApps Medical, while Stephen Smith and Rickardo Hyde pitched Working Enigma.

Start-Up Jamaica will be open to another 60 applicants over the next two months. (Jamaica Observer)

6 million die every year from tobacco- related diseases – PAHO

Tobacco-related illnesses are among the biggest public health threats the world have ever faced, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said. It added that approximately one person dies from a tobacco-linked disease every six seconds, equivalent to nearly six million people a year. That forecast, the WHO said, will rise to more than eight million people a year by 2030, with more than 80 per cent of these preventable deaths occurring among people in low- and middle-income countries.

The WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) entered into force in 2005 allows countries to enact national legislation in areas that include protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke; eliminating illicit trade; banning advertising, promotion and sponsorship; banning sales to minors; including large graphic health warnings on tobacco packages; increasing tobacco taxes; and protecting all these public polices from commercial and other vested interests in the tobacco industry. There are 180 Parties to the Convention, 30 of them from the Americas.

Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) is honouring six individuals and

organisations as winners of the regional 2015 World No Tobacco Day awards, in recognition of their contributions to advancing tobacco control in the Americas to reduce deaths and illness from the tobacco epidemic, which kills one person every six seconds worldwide.

The World No Tobacco Day awards honour individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to advancing policies and measures on tobacco control. The regional winners from the Americas of the 2015 World No Tobacco Day awards are: Nicaragua, represented by President Daniel Ortega. Nicaragua was the first country in the world to ratify the FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products. The country’s leadership and example are expected to encourage other countries of the Americas to follow suit and help to secure the number of ratifications needed for the protocol to enter into force internationally; Uruguay, represented by President Tabaré Vásquez. Uruguay was the second country of the Americas to ratify the FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Vázquez, a medical doctor and oncologist by training, played the lead role in advancing his country’s comprehensive

and effective tobacco control policies. Despite legal challenges by the tobacco industry, he has continued to support tobacco control during his second presidential term and is also encouraging public policies to reduce harmful consumption of alcohol; Marcelo Fisch, head of the Fiscal Special Control Division of the Federal Revenue Secretariat in Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. Fisch has been a key partner in advancing tobacco control both in Brazil and internationally.

He was a key participant in negotiations of the guidelines for the implementation of Article 6 (price and tax measures to reduce demand for tobacco) of the WHO FCTC as well as the Protocol on Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products.

Bialous co-authored the 2002 PAHO publication “Profits over People,” which is based largely on her research, and gives generously of her time to mentor young tobacco control advocates; and Mirta Molinari, who serves as Regional Tobacco Control Coordinator for Latin America of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and Director of the Union’s country office in Mexico. The Union’s Department of Tobacco Control is a global leader in the fight against tobacco use and for the implementa-

tion of the FCTC. In the Americas, the Union has partnered with PAHO/ WHO and others to advance the FCTC, through

its Mexico City office, which opened in 2007.

Molinari is a long-time tobacco control expert and has been a key part-

ner in advancing tobacco control not only in Mexico but in many other countries of the Americas.

This week's Crossword

Shadow boxing…

…on Ministries

The new government’s ticked off a whole lotta people – including fervent supporters – for springing all these new and rearranged Ministries on them. “Forget “consultation”, they say, “couldn’t they at least have mentioned these plans on the campaign trail?”

How about the Manifesto? Wasn’t that supposed to be a plan the populace was endorsing when they voted for them? They’re worried that maybe they bought a pig in a poke.

With Ogunseye from the WPA publicly complaining that his party, as a card-carrying member of APNU, wasn’t able to even have a discussion with the leader of the PNC (as the major partner of APNU) after the elections, makes it appear that even the partners to the omnibus coalition have been caught off guard.

But these changes of names of Ministries isn’t just going to pose a problem for our primary school kids to learn in a hurry for their end of term tests (yes…this was an objection cited in the press!) there are also the implications for the functioning of government.

Form does influence function, doesn’t it? Whether you want to break-dance to run an organisation. Take “Sports” which is now subsumed into “Education”. We’ve all been made aware that “Sports!… it ain’t just a game!”. But surely it can’t just be an appendage of “Education” – which is supposed to be the centrepiece of the transformation of Guyana.

Why should “sports” – which has so many tentacles – distract from such a game breaking endeavour? Doesn’t each of them deserve their own place in the sun?

And so on and so forth for “Culture” and “Housing and Water” etc…etc…And then again, the complete reorganisation of governance structures couldn’t just be a spur of the moment thing, right? Somebody or some bodies must have been in the know.

This

week's Puzzle

So exactly who decided this move? If, as is being touted, the government is for “all the people”, shouldn’t those same “people” know who’s calling the shots. The PPP/C government was criticised for years about their “democratic centralism” structure of decision making.

So what’s the new mechanism in the new government? If the people aren’t told, they might just start believing the rumours that there’s a cabinet within the Cabinet”. A “kitchen cabinet” so to speak – an unofficial band of close associates where the real decisions of governance are made.

The government must move with alacrity to answer these questions and dispel the rumours and doubts bubbling to the surface of the minds of John and Jane Public.

God forbid they start believing that there isn’t even a “kitchen cabinet”…but a one-man show!! …in governance

But there’s been a more serious objection to the wholesale and arbitrary “break up to make up” of Ministries: according to the PPP/C, it’s illegal!!!

Former President Jagdeo pointed out that in the absence of a Budget and an Appropriations Act, monies can only be allocated to existing Ministries and agencies. And then only 1/12 of what’s been stipulated in the last Budget!

The new Finance Minister Winston Jordan, quickly agreed – as Budget Director back in the day, he knows. So it’s clear that even he wasn’t informed BEFORE the decision on reorganising the government was made. So now Guyana had a BIG problem – not just the APNU/AFC government. How’s government supposed to function if the Ministries can’t get any money?

For instance no roads can be fixed since monies can only be spent by the Ministry of Public Works –and not by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure!!

Gaskin can’t even send out for pizza for the staff!! He and the rest of his cohorts can only shadow box. …on cricket legacy

This Eyewitness knows that cricket’s a team sport. And that individual stats come after the team stats. But even if Chandrapaul’s chase of Lara’s record appears quixotic, surely the WICB owed him one last hurrah!

By Janet Jagan

As we celebrate the anniversary of Guyana’s independence, it is a fitting time to see how it began.

Certainly, the seeds of seeking an end to colonialism must have been planted in the hard days of slavery and indentureship when life was unbelievably difficult and the reason for the crushing oppression and cruelty was easy to define.

Billions of words have been written about slavery, the middle passage, the unbearable cruelty of the slave masters and the many uprisings against slavery. These were dealt with in ways which are almost beyond belief.

Cheddi Jagan in his book “The West on Trial” writes about the prisoners in the Berbice uprising: “...53 of the defendants were condemned to death. Next day, 15 of them were burnt to death over a slow fire and 16 were broken on the rob rock. The remaining 22 persons were hanged...”

After slavery was abolished, indentured labourers for the many sugar estates were brought to this country. Their conditions were slightly better than the slaves.

Dr. Jagan in his book quotes Elizabeth Caesar, a labourer of Pln. Vreed-en-Hoop: “... the Coolies were locked up in the sick house and next morning they were flogged with a cat-o’nine tails; the manager was in the house, and they flogged the people under his house; they were tied to the post of the gallery... I cannot tell how many licks; he

gave them enough. I saw blood. When they were flogged at the manager’s house they rubbed salt pickle on their backs.”

With these experiences and much more, the spirit of resistance against those who caused the sufferings was inlaid and would later be expressed in a desire ‘to be free of such exploitation.

Guyana’s history shows that the very beginning of the recognition of the need to be independent of Britain began with the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950.

The ‘concept of a struggle to free British Guiana of colonialism probably had its origin in Cheddi Jagan’s studies, while a student in the USA, of the writings of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

At that time, India was on a course aimed at

complete independence from British rule. The struggle inspired many in the British, Dutch, French and Belgium colonies in all parts of the world to follow suit.

As early as 1945 Cheddi Jagan, in an article wrote: “It therefore behoves the working class people to get control of government through their Constitutional ballots in our forthcoming election, with a view towards complete independence.”

And after the PPP was founded, in its first Manifesto, the Party declared: “The People's Progressive Party recognising that the final abolition of exploitation and oppression, of economic crises and unemployment and wars will only be achieved by the socialist reorganisation of society, pledges itself to the task of winning a free and independent Guianese society in which security, plenty, peace and freedom shall be the heritage of all.”

Thus began the struggle in the then British Guiana for independence. Somewhere in the psyche of the onetime slaves and indentured workers lay the elements of resistance to those who brought about the misery of their forefathers. It took time for most Guyanese to accept the idea that Guyana could be a free and independent nation.

Many scoffed at the advocacy, by the PPP, of independence from Britain. British Guiana is too small to be independent they said. There was talk of an amalgamation of the three Guianas - British, Dutch and French - into one country.

Conservatives and recipients of favoured

positions from the British, the business and religious community (Christian), were against such an “outrageous” idea. There was, indeed, a lot of opposition to the concept of independence.

The PPP pursued its objective through the years. Former allies fell out and I can recall, would only support independence if Jagan were not at the head of government. The Cold War,

too, had its negative effects which led to political interference and a nation in dire conflict.

Despite the long and difficult struggle for independence, which many countries also experienced, Guyana became a free and independent nation 40 years ago and proudly took its place in the United Nations and other organisations, like the Non-Aligned Movement, the OAS, etc.

All Guyanese can be proud that we have overcome oppression, exploitation and attempts at a dictatorship. Guyana is a democracy that upholds all the finest principles of a democratic state. We have our problems, serious problems, but they will be overcome. Unity is the password to our future. (First published in GINA’S 40th Independence Anniversary magazine)

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

Book Review by Petamber Persaud

“…home to me has always been just an iron enclosure of tension and unhappiness, a place where you keep your head down, stand out of harm’s way and listen…and wait with breath drawn and muscles tense….”

Amemoir is usually written because there is an interesting story to tell. That story is usually a success story. Seemingly mundane stories are also told, recorded to preserve one’s heritage. Some memoirs go further than presenting a mere story in that they deal with real issues faced by the writers in order to empower persons – both the victims and the abusers. This empowerment comes by way of offering solutions to similar situations.

“Sunday’s Child” deals with real contemporary issues affecting the child and offers solutions. Offering of solution is what made this memoir stand out as a remarkable book – engaging, inspiring and empowering. “Sunday’s Child” deals with some of the millennium goals and with the rights of the child. The rights of a child is a grave issue mainly because grownups ignore those rights and the child, on the other hand, unaware of those rights cannot claim the proper opportunities to do their utmost and become the best they could be.

The rights of the child include the right to security, protection from cruelty, the right to proper nutrition and education. The millennium goals include eradication of hunger and poverty.

The writer of “Sunday’s Child” had gone to great lengths in order to show that the old saying is still evident: “children should be seen and not heard”. This is played out in the story of Anne,

an innocent girl, who is living with her uncompromising and cruel grandmother.

Grandmothers are usually gentle, loving, kind, understanding and forgiving. However, under that façade, grandmothers can be monsters, monsters of abuse. Anne’s grandmother made her wish she didn’t live in such a house where the grandmother smelled like hate. Where Anne was beaten naked and had salt rubbed into her wounds. Where she had to go into the ‘rum shop’ to buy cigarettes and rum for the grownup, where she was called names and forced to beg and thief. Where her face was punctured by a piece of wood implanted with nail during a beating; where she preferred to be sucked by Ole Higue and stand all day in the food lines rather than stay at home.

Home was a place from she wished

to escape before becoming the ‘next ingredient for Mammy’s [the grandmother] nervous breakdown pot”! In most cases the abuse is not seen or exposed so it cannot be dealt with.

“Sunday’s Child” exposes this abuse vividly in a way as when it is experienced first-hand. The story is a simple and straightforward one of a girl about ten years going on 11…12…going on 15, whose story is a continuous struggle and triumph over hardship while living with an abusive grandmother after her parents went their separate ways.

The backdrop of the story is not that simple, for the memoir is set in the 1970s Guyana of shortages of food and essential items that made life for the grownups a challenge and a misery for children. It was not an easy life negotiating shortage of essential household items.

Anne had little to eat and many times the food lacked any nutritional quality…she had little to wear…no proper housing…no proper sleeping arrangement…she was bereft of basic school material.

Against all of those discomforts, Anne had to deal with the grandmother who would give all grandmothers a bad name.

Another significant aspect of the book is that it is written through the eye of the child as she tries to interpret the world around her and this interpretation is forever influenced by adult perceptions. It is remarkable that the writer was able to this with raw honesty and raw innocence.

But there are redeeming moments in the story like Anne listening to music, viewing Indian movies, being helped by

her school friends and most of all being helped by her aunt, Theresa, who was like an angel sent to save Anne.

In addition, one motif sustained the victor in this abusive situation. That motif is found in the cat she was forced by her grandmother to stray but which would return, repeatedly, for more punishment. Often Anne had to remind herself of the cat in order not to succumb to the older woman’s cruelty.

The first chapter set the tone of the book – an innocent girl enjoying school days is stalked by a molester but saved just in time by a Good Samaritan. Anne is saved in the end by moving out of the reach of her abuser when her mother returned from living abroad to set up a home for her and her abused child.

Here’s the link to the author and the book: http://www.amazon.com/AnneLyken-Garner/e/B0050T6XC0

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

Bourda Green was once called Bourda Pasture. It was a neglected field before becoming a favourite spot for large political meetings. From the late 1940s and into the 1950s, Dr Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham addressed mass meetings there calling for an independent Guyana during various rallies.

Homestretch Avenue was built on the ‘homestretch’ of the former D’Urban Park Race Course, named after Governor Benjamin D’Urban.

Benjamin D’Urban’s tomb can be found in Pointe Claire’s Field of Honour, Canada. The Papineau cemetery, where his remains were originally buried, was in the way of building a new access ramp to a bridge. D’Urban’s remains, along with those of other Canadian soldiers who have served internationally since the 18th century, were transferred in 1944 to Last Post Fund’s National Field of Honour in Pointe Claire, Montreal, Canada.

Durban, in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is also named after Sir Benjamin D’Urban who was also governor of the territory.

A museum displaying the history of the Guyana Police Force was founded in 1932, but left neglected until 1975, when it was resuscitated by John Campbell, a writer who ‘undertook the task of redesigning’ the museum. The John Campbell Police Museum reopened in 1993 near Eve Leary in Georgetown.

The first Europeans to settle in Guyana were the Dutch who cultivated cotton. Sugar was first produced on the Pomeroon River at the village of New

Middelburg.

On May 27, 1938

American pilot and mechanic, Art Williams, along with John Henry Hunterm, registered a new company in British Guiana called the British Guiana Airways Limited.

In July 1955 the colonial government purchased B.G. Airways Limited and renamed it the British Guiana Airways (Government)

On September 1, 1963, the Guyana Airways Corporation, established under the Public Corporations Ordinance, took over operations of the B.G. Airways (Government).

In 1965, the entire G.A.C operations were moved to the Atkinson Airfield, now known as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, or the Timehri International Airport. Flight operations had previously been carried out at the then Mackenzie Airport, Ruimveldt and Atkinson Field.

According to Lloyd Luckhoo, Guyana is the only country in the world in which the Prince of Wales (in 1920) and Her Majesty the Queen (in 1966) actually attend-

ed race meetings – the Prince at Bel Air Park and Queen Elizabeth at D’Urban Park.

In 1943, Vincent Roth became the curator of the Guyana (British Guiana) Museum. He also established the zoo in the Botanical Gardens. Roth arrived in British Guiana in 1907, when he was 18 years old, after completing his schooling in Tasmania. He joined his father, Dr Walter Roth, who had taken up the post of Government Medical Officer in the North West District of British Guiana in 1907. Vincent Roth departed for Barbados in 1964, and died in 1967.

In 1906, Walter Roth was made protector of Indians in the Pomeroon district of British Guiana. In 1924, his valuable work, “An Introductory Study of the Arts, Crafts, and Customs of the Guiana Indians” was published. Roth retired from the government service in 1928 and became curator of the Georgetown museum of the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society, and government archivist.

The Walter Roth

Museum of Anthropology in Georgetown, Guyana has been named in his honour.

The city once used a tram service around the town. It began and ended on the Georgetown Seawalls.

In 1891, Lady Gormanston turned on the first electric lights in Guyana.

On July 17, 1879 Lady Kortright, wife of Governor Cornelius Hendricksen Kortright, ceremoniously lay the foundation stone of Stabroek Market.

The Town Hall (now the City Hall) was opened in 1889 in the city of Georgetown.

Robert Howat of the Scottish Black Watch took the most dangerous dip on record when he swam across the top of Guyana’s Kaieteur Falls in 1955, drawn by both the challenge and the flower blossoms on the far bank. Howat was on the final leg of his risky round trip and “hungry for dinner” when he got caught in a whirlpool and was spat out toward the world’s highest sheer drop-off of water.

“I drifted almost to the lip and was rescued by an Amerindian as I was holding on to weeds 10-15 yards (metres) from the edge,” the former infantryman in the crack Highland regiment

said by telephone from Lichfield, England.

“It was put into the Guinness Book of World Records in 1970-71 as the most dangerous swim recorded, but it was taken out again in 1980 because they didn’t want anyone else attempting it,” said Howat, who was 25 when he took the plunge. To date no one else has gone to such extremes to get a bird’s-eye view of the gargantuan waterfall. (forests.org)

Members of a geological survey team that included C. Barrington Brown, a British geologist, discovered the Kaieteur Falls on the Potaro River on April 24, 1870.

Clothes and country on show

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel recently put on a mesmerizing display of her latest designs in St Lucia, while displaying the beauty of her country on the catwalk.

Noel’s latest collection ‘First Resort’ received accolades at the recently concluded Hot Couture, a fashion event as part of St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

Chic white lace jumpers, dresses and suits were the talk of the show, while images of Guyana’s flag and scenery set the mood on the catwalk.

“This is my second year at the Hot Couture show and the response has always been tremendous. It’s a great feeling to attend St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and seeing so many prominent women proudly wearing my designs,” Noel expressed in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

For more info on the collection, contact the designer on 226-3099. (Photos by Andrea De Silva)

On Guyana’s independence, the country received numerous gifts and tokens of congratulations on the historic occasion. Some of those gifts are still with us today.

A gift that is still prominently displayed is the Independence Arch, which now frames the 1763 Monument when looking east up Brickdam.

Another Independence Arch once straddled the Ruimveldt Public Road but it was removed in 2004 as the road was made into a 4-lane highway, and the arch became too small to span the road.

It was called the Ruimveldt Independence

Arch, and was constructed by the firm GEO. A. Hamilton and Sons in 1966 for independence commemorations.

Germany presented 400 transistor radios for use in schools, while the United States provided a US scholarship valued $170,000, along with books for schools, to the value of $780,000.

The Vieira family of Houston Estates Limited presented a piece of land that housed former Methodist School pupils at Houston. Additionally, rent was also waived for the building, which the government hired to use as a school.

According to an article in the Sunday

Graphic of May 15, 1966, the government had up to that date received more than $600,000 in Independence Day gifts from several local companies.

One such company, the Demerara Holdings Group of Companies, had already announced that it would be presenting a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham, and later added that it would be making an additional presentation.

The firm pledged to endow a chair at the University of Guyana to be called the Sandbach Parker Chair of Public Administration and Government.

Other firms that pledged gifts to mark the historic occasion included D. M. Fernandes Limited, Sankar Bros. and Tang’s Drug Store.

The City Council also confirmed that it would

NY-based Guyanese singer releases new single

sponsor nine scholarships at the University of Guyana in arts and natural sciences as its gift to Guyana on its attainment of independence.

Several other firms later presented monetary donations to benefit a suitable local entity. Vice President of Continental Oil Company of the USA,

Richard Hittle, presented a cheque for $5,000 to Prime Minister Burnham, which was pledged to buy books for the National Library.

William Keen, manager of the local Chase Manhattan bank also donated $5,000, which was presented to Ptolemy Reid. The funds were said to be pledged to the creation of a youth camp

at Atkinson Field.

The UN through its representative, W. M. Harding, presented an Amerindian village scene made of balata to the people of Guyana. Lynette Dolphin received the gift on behalf of the government. The sculpture was designed and created by Harold Macdonald, and presented June 1, 1966.

TT Chamber CEO: Diversification taking too long

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: CEO TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Catherine Kumar said diversification projects have taken too long to implement. Noting that diversification does not happen overnight, she said those plans should be in TT’s medium-term plans. “We’re probably going to continue to be reliant on the energy sector for quite a while, so what we need to do is look within the energy sector and see how we can diversify.

“It is not just about moving the sectors. There is a lot to be done from a policy point of view in order to prescribe diversification and that is where the Government comes in, as opposed to where the private sector comes in.”

Her comments followed Moody’s Investor Services’ downgrade of TT earlier this month. The New Yorkbased rating agency also lowered the country’s outlook from stable to negative.

Kumar added said she is concerned about the down-

grade because it has an impact on Trinidad in terms of investment and credit. “If it is that we are not able to access the international credit market as easily, or it becomes more expensive for us, that is an issue we are concerned about. “Besides the fact that it is more difficult, or maybe more expensive to borrow outside, it is the mere fact that you are downgraded that sends the wrong message to any country as far as bringing in foreign direct investment,” she said. (TT Guardian)

Guyana has a new government. Questions abound as to the fairness of the elections, but the fact is there is a new government.

In 1997, the opposition questioned the statements of poll (SOPs). There was an extensive verification exercise, involving all stakeholders, even though the observers all concurred that the election was free and fair.

This was later followed by an extensive forensic re-count of all boxes, supervised by external commissioners. In the end, the results revealed that the PPP/C won even more votes since the only thing that changed was that some of the rejected ballots were counted for the PPP/C.

The 2015 elections have too many questions for Guyana to ignore. We are certain that the PPP/C will challenge the results and the fairness of the elections through an election petition in the courts. They must do this.

The new Cabinet – jobs for the boys and girls?

Since 1992, this election will stand out as the one that is at least the most untidy elections Guyana has had. Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally and GECOM cannot feel too much pride in these elections and it would be only fair that we at least document in court the many deficits of the 2015 elections.

What will remain forever a stain on this government and on GECOM is that there is huge suspicion that GECOM, APNU and other possible stakeholders colluded to cheat at these elections.

When someone knows that they have nothing to hide it would be in their own interest to do whatever is necessary to clear their names. In this case, it seems like an unholy refusal to protect some unsavory truth.

The business of the country must go on. The new Government has now sworn in Ministers of Government. Our last count so far is 26 Ministers. This is in the

face of an election manifesto promise of fewer ministers.

Since 1992, this is the largest Cabinet. It might well be the largest cabinet in Guyana’s history. We have the unheard situation of three ministers in one ministry. We have small ministries in which there are two ministers.

We are forced to ask whether it is a case of “jobs for the boys and girls”. Note there is still no minister of Housing and Water or Labour. What happened to the commitment of only 15 ministries? But what is the point when the number of ministers has increased.

So the government starts out with a con job, trying to fool people that staffing and expenditure will be reduced.

Now faced with the exposure that far from reducing expenditure, the present arrangements will increase expenditure, the new government has come up with a novel explanation of the significant increase in ministers.

According to them this will lead to a more effective and better use of space.

Make no mistake; sooner than later, there will be a demand for more space to accommodate all these ministers. But we would have thought that functional need would have dictated the need for ministers, not space alignment.

There are three Vice Presidents. Is this the way to curtail expenditure? But none of them will speak in Parliament for the President. He will be speaking through the HPS, who is also a Minister of State.

The President has made it clear to the pretenders to the throne already – you have titles, but the HPS is the real next-in-line for this Government and only he can speak for the President. Why then we need three vice-presidents?

One reason why it needed at least two persons for each ministry is that the AFC ministers have their portfolio with a PNC person to look

over them. That is unmistakable.

It is true that some of the ministries with PNC ministers also have two ministers, but in all cases with AFC ministers there are PNC members to look over what the AFC people are doing. There is no AFC person who is alone. In the case of the new Prime Minister, he merely has a small portfolio in information.

But the Prime Minister was told that constitutional matters will reside in him. Yet now Mr Trotman has been appointed to also deal with constitutional matters. The poor Prime Minister cannot be left to do his work on the Constitution, Mr Trotman will take up some of that responsibility.

Mr Granger did not have a meeting of the Constitutional Commission for more than two years and only two meetings in three and a half years, one of which was to elect him as Chairman of the Committee.

Now he has appointed two ministers to deal with this. Is one of them going to chair the Standing Committee in Parliament and what will they do without the PPP/C support?

This once again makes Guyana stands apart from the other Caricom countries. None of them has the Cabinet size as Guyana and none of them has three deputy Prime Ministers (deputy Head of State).

Can we argue that Guyana is larger than all the other Caricom countries and this justifies the larger cabinet and the several VicePresidents?

This cannot be the explanation because Trinidad has almost twice the number of people as Guyana and Jamaica almost three times. But, of course, the new government had to ensure that it creates enough jobs for its people.

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

Guyanese Suresh Narine and the search for alternative energy

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The question of what happens after we squeeze the last drop of oil from the last oil rig lurks always at the back of the minds of not just oil producers, but anyone who has thought about what powers their cell phones, cars, and homes.

High hopes are pinned on solar energy, but while this technology evolves, others, less well-publicised, are also evolving. And at the forefront of petroleum substitution technology is Prof Suresh Narine, the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence joint laureate in Science & Technology for 2015.

Prof Narine, a jovial, gregarious man, as willing to talk about cricket and politics as alternative energy, was born in Guyana, in the small rural village of Herstelling. After attending Queens College in Georgetown, he went to school in Canada, where he studied physics and chemistry.

He realised early on

that his love for science had to be balanced with a need to make a living, so he was always attracted to the practical uses of science. His PhD was in food science and material physics at the University of Guelph. His great departure from orthodoxy there was that “I convinced by PhD supervisors to let me take a materials physics approach to understanding foods, in particular lipids”. This paid off in 21 publications in peer-reviewed journals by the time he had concluded his PhD, in just two-and-a-half years.

Such achievements ensured he was offered a job with M&M Mars, the global food company, even before graduation. “At Mars, I learned that when the world of science is wedded to the world of commerce, amazing things can happen and have pivotal impacts on people’s lives,” he says. “I think I ceased to be a purely fundamental scientist from this time onwards.”

But like many Caribbean people, in

the midst of his success, his heart yearned for home, and that yearning changed his life in 2005.

“I returned to Guyana to assist after there had been a series of devastating floods,” he says. “And I was challenged by (then) President Bharat Jagdeo. He said ‘what have you done for your country which has prepared you for the success you now enjoy?’.”

In response, Prof Narine took over the Institute of Applied Science (IAST) which had fallen into dilapidation. By sheer will power and persistence, he managed to outfit the laboratory, recruit staff, and engage in research with commercial potential. And he has succeeded. The IAST and sections of the Guyana government now uses biodiesel made by an IAST programme to power government vehicles. The institute has projects for using waste biomass from the milling of rice and sugarcane, to create brickets to burn as fuel which preserves forests. And the IAST is working on

projects which will find a substitute for toxic mercury in the gold extraction process, as well as producing food products like breakfast cereals from local produce and construction materials from agriculture and forestry fibres and plastics.

In fact, the IAST is currently building a factory to commercially produce breakfast cereal and nutrition bars, with funding from the Government of Guyana.

One of his main areas of research of special relevance to the Caribbean is in “lipid derived biomaterials”. These are materials that have traditionally been made by petroleum byproducts, like plastics and polymers. His approach sounds simple enough: “Five to 700 million years ago, photosynthetic materials from plants were buried in the earth’s crust. Now, millions of years later, we are harvesting that material as petroleum. But why wait 700 million years? Let us take biomaterials and figure out the chemistry and physics and turn it into those materials today. And we have seen a remarkable amount of success in this approach.”

This technology does have the potential to change the world, and in addition to the plant

being constructed in Guyana, others are being constructed in the United States and Indonesia, with others planned for Malaysia, Canada and Israel. However, despite his success as a scientist, Prof Narine believes that there are limits to science. “Science without the arts would lead to tremendously barren and desolate lives… for scientists, a lack of appreciation of the arts would create a life without joy...I believe great scientists and artists are made not born. So mentorship is central to fully developing our young people….and first of all, young people need mentors who believe in them…I am a great believer in the Pygmalion effect.”

This need for nurturing human potential is of special concern to him. His acceptance speech at the Caribbean Awards for Excellence Ceremony in 2015 contained an impassioned plea for Caribbean unity not as an emotional necessity, but as a pragmatic necessity. The islands are small, and by themselves cannot generate the critical mass necessary for success. The only way to survive is by cohesion, and the region needs to exploit the vast resources of land and fresh water available in Guyana,

Suriname and Belize if it is to address the serious issue of food scarcity and security in the Caribbean.

“In my own efforts in Guyana,” says Prof Narine, “I have seen first firsthand how important a tool science and technology can be in leapfrogging the developmental process. I firmly believe that our region’s science and technology portfolio should be heavily focused on technology transfer and the harnessing of S&T for development and wellbeing of our people. Much more needs to be done in integrating the UWI, the University of Guyana, Anton de Kom University, University of Technology in Jamaica, and UTT.”

Notwithstanding his success in the Caribbean, Prof Narine’s accomplishments go much further. He is also responsible for a number of international researchto-application initiatives in India, Malaysia, Brazil and Israel. He is presently director of the centre for biomaterials research at Trent University, Senior NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials, and Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering. (TT Guardian)

Pregnant TT Mom charged with killing infant son

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: The mother of baby Rojel Jeremiah HillaireFarrow has been charged with his unlawful killing.

Alisha Hillaire, 20, of Exchange Road, Couva, was charged last night with manslaughter, Constable Harripersad of the Homicide Division (South). Hillaire had been in police custody since last Monday, after the autopsy of the 22-month-old child.

A pathologist found that he had died as a result of blunt force trauma. Baby Rojel was found

unresponsive at his home two Sundays ago. He was pronounced dead at the Couva Health Centre.

She is expected to appear before a

on

who is four months pregnant, is a mother of three. (TT Express)

Jamaica artiste Omi makes UK history

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Singer Omi made reggae history last weekend when his song 'Cheerleader' topped the United Kingdom pop chart for a fourth straight week.

This is the longest reign at number one in the UK by a Jamaican artiste. Cheerleader was recently certified platinum for sales of over 600,000 copies in that country.

So far, the song has sold more than 1.9 million copies worldwide. It is currently making moves on Billboard Magazine’s main charts.

It is number 31 in its third week

on the Billboard Hot 100; number 29 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay; number 31 on the Mainstream Top 40; and number 28 on the Rhythmic chart.

Cheerleader has also topped charts in 12 countries, including Australia, Germany, Sweden and Denmark.

The song has sold over 600,000 copies in Germany. Twenty-eight yearold Omi, who is from Clarendon, was presented with a plaque commemorating that milestone on Saturday shortly after his performance at a football match, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, between champions Bayern Munich and Mainz. (Jamaica Observer)

Ms World for Jamaica finals

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Reigning Miss World, South Africa's Rolene Strauss, and Miss World organiser Julia Morley will be special guests at the Miss Jamaica World 2015 Grand Coronation Show scheduled for the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, on August 15.

The announcement was made at the launch held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, on Wednesday.

Miss Jamaica World franchise holder Laura Butler said she'll be ramping up the production on this year's staging.

"We have had many challenges due to limited resources, but we are dedicated to keep improving and staying our course," said Butler.

Prior to the coronation show, the 20 finalists in this year's pageant will be unveiled at an elimi-

TT Health Minister unveils 25-year upgrade for hospitals

Health Minister Dr Fuad

at the Hyatt regency, Wrightson road, Port

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The Ministry of Health is seeking to upgrade three of Trinidad's major hospitals over a 25-year period.

The Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), the Port of Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) and the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) are each earmarked for redevelopment, with an aim of creating modern, state-of-theart facilities.

On Tuesday, during a news conference at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, the individual master plans for each hospital were presented.

The initiative to devel- op the master plans began in July 2014, under the guidance of Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan, and was undertaken using country loan funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), through the Ministry of Public Administration, in the amount of TT$16,432,903.12.

The contract was awarded to a consortium led by B+H Architects in Canada.

Among the improvements outlined in the master plans are the elimination of wards and the introduction of individual rooms to allow for "privacy and dignity", according to Chris McQuillan of B+H

Consultants.

Increases in the number of beds, spaces for outdoor therapy and increased parking capacity are also among the developmental plans.

Speaking at Tuesday's news conference, Khan said the PoSGH, in particular, is in need of an upgraded as Port of Spain is the capital city and should have a proper medical centre, as well as medical teaching facilities. Khan said he was looking towards the future of medical care, adding the upgraded facilities would make way for the introduction of telemedicine and telesurgery.

He said a master plan for the St Ann's Hospital would also be sought as the institution is currently in "a total mess".

"St Anns Hospital is in a dilapidated state. Mental health has not been put on the front burner until we came into office," he said, adding one in four persons in Trinidad suffers from some form of mental disorder.

Ministry of Health deputy permanent secretary Lydia Jacobs described the initiative as a "milestone project" and said it was the first time in three decades a hospital master plan has been undertaken in Trinidad. (TT Express)

nation to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, on June 21.

"We are looking at selecting 20 girls this year for the finals and, of course, two will be automatic finalists -- the winners of Miss Jamaica World Middlesex and Miss Jamaica World Cornwall," said Butler, who has had the franchise since 2013.

An added component of this year's pageant is the availability of more scholarships for participants.

"We are committed to working hard and creating opportunities for the young women through the scholarships. We are also bringing back the swimsuit parade component and we will be doing more events in Kingston. We will also be showcasing the rest of the island through visits to various attractions," said the franchise holder.

This year's prize package has been increased to over Ja$15 million in cash and prizes.

Current title holder

Laurie Ann Chin recalled the highlight of her reign.

"Competing in London at the Miss World finals was the highlight for me. It was my first time and it meant so much to me to carry my country on my shoulders. I also got the chance to network and to meet many friends," said Chin.

Chin finished in the top 30.

FLOW's Michael Look Tong said the event would be broadcast in Antigua, St Lucia, Trinidad, Barbados and St Vincent. (Jamaica Observer)

Actor Johnny Depp has reportedly decided to adopt an orphaned bat after it was found close to the set of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’. He has named the creature Jacki Sparrow.

The 51-year-old actor, which he is currently filming in Australia, is said to have offered to pay for the bat's medical care after it was rescued by the The Australian Bat Clinic. He named it Jacki Sparrow after his character Jack Sparrow in the pirate movie franchise.

"He was very interested in it (Jacki Sparrow) and so we asked if Johnny would like to sponsor her (it), because we do sponsor little babies and he said

yes. We're going to be sending Johnny an adoption certificate and little update photos, which is what we normally do with our sponsors," the Bat Clinic's director Trish Wimberley told dailymail.co.uk. Depp is incredibly fond of his pets and could

be facing jail time after illegally bringing his two dogs in Australia. He landed in hot water earlier this month after flying on a private jet with his Yorkshire Terriers, Pistol and Boo, breaking the country's strict quarantine laws. (TOI)

Keira Knightley welcomes first child

‘T

he Imitation Game’ actress Keira Kightley and musician husband James Righton have welcomed their first child.

The sex of the child is not revealed yet, reported People magazine. Knightley, 30, began dating Righton, 31, in late February, 2011. The couple married on May 4, 2013 in Southern France. Knightley and Righton live in Islington. (TOI)

Actress Demi Moore and her daughter Rumer Willis looked like identical twins in a photograph featuring them in the similar outfits and pose.

The image was shared on photo-sharing website Instagram on May 25.

In the photograph, Moore and her eldest daughter sport the same black jumpsuit and matching glasses.

Wearing their straight long hair down, they have posed with their hands in their pockets while smiling and leaning their heads toward one another, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Moore captioned the image: "Bookends!! #twinning."

Later, Willis also shared the specific photograph on her own Instagram account.

"That moment when you realize you actually are becoming your mother #twinning #imnotmad," she wrote.

The photograph was posted only days af-

ter Moore watched her daughter and her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy being named as the winners of the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars". They took home the Mirror Ball trophy on May 19.

Moore said in an interview for the show that she actually didn't approve of Willis joining

Azealia Banks to make acting debut with ‘Coco’

Rapper

Azealia

Banks has landed her first starring role in an upcoming feature film, titled ‘Coco’.

Banks will play the titular character in the film, a drama for Lionsgate and Codeblack Films that will be directed by Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, an American music producer, reported Deadline.

Banks, 23, stars with Oscar-winning composer Common, Jill Scott, Lucien Laviscount, Lorraine Toussaint and Hana Mae Lee.

It has a script from Nicole Jefferson Asher and will be produced by Paul Hall.

In the Brooklyn-set drama, Banks plays an aspiring 20-something rapper who wants a career in hip-hop but is torn by her parents' dreams that she finish college. She gives in.

Actress Katie Holmes paid homage to her grandfather, who was a WWII veteran, on this

Actor George Clooney doesn't think there's any point trying to "fight" ageing.

The 54-year-old, who married lawyer Amal Alamuddin, 37, last year, has argued that men who dye their hair and have plastic surgery usually make themselves look even older than they are, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think for all of us, you have to come to terms with getting older and not trying to fight it," Clooney said on a radio show.

"You have a couple of optionswhich is get older or die. And so you have to get used to that idea that your roles in films and who you are and how you're perceived is going to change. That will disappoint people at times," he added.

Asked if he'd ever considered cos-

the dance competition.

"When she said she wanted to do 'Dancing with the Stars', my whole insides - I have to be honest - were screaming no,"

Moore said at that time.

"But one of the most beautiful things that I've witnessed is watching her passion become greater than her fear."

(TOI)

While matriculating, she finds herself in the classroom; she experiences the true calling of the power of the spoken word, which helps her goals as a hip-hop artist. It has a bit of 8 Mile edge to it. (TOI)

Memorial Day.

The 36-year-old actress posted on her Instagram account a black-andwhite snap of her late grandfather dressing in his uniform as he posed looking off-camera.

"My grandfather. He served in world war 2. Thank you to all of the great men and women who serve our country. Happy Memorial Day!!" she captioned the image.

On the same day, Holmes also shared another Instagram photo that showed a person wearing jeans with printed stars on it. "Happy Memorial Day weekend!!" read its caption. (TOI)

metic surgery or dyeing his hair, Clooney added: "Clearly I haven't.

"For me it's never been an issue or an option. I don't think it would make much sense quite honestly. I've seen it happen - particularly on men - I don't think it really works, I think it actually makes you look older. (TOI)

Robert Redford gets Arts degree

Veteran actor Robert Redford has received an honourary degree in Fine Arts from a US university.

The 78-year-old Oscar-winning ac-

tor was given the degree by officials at Colby College in Maine and prior to receiving it he gave a speech to students advising them to not shy away from tackling the world's big issues, reported Contactmusic.

"You're stepping into a world that's, well, pretty rough.

It's pretty chaotic, pretty divisive. You've got climate change, you've got debt, you've got wars, you've got political paralysis. It's kind of a grim story. But the story, I think, can be retold, and I really believe that you're the ones to do it.

"Don't be afraid to take a risk, don't be afraid of failure - be bold," he said. (TOI )

Nadiadwala to promote 'Housefull 3' at IPL 2016

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is planning to tie up with Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 to promote his film 'Housefull 3' on a large scale.

Confirming the news, spokesperson for the film said: "Even though IPL 2016 is a year away, we have tied up with it. It is the first of its kind and Housefull 3 will be promoted there on a grand scale."

The announcement comes after Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 came to an end with Mumbai Indians clutching the trophy.

After successes of Housefull and

Housefull 2, the third installment of the film is being helmed by director duo Sajid-Farhad.

The sequel, which feature Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh among others, is slated to hit the screens on June 3.

Housefull 3 will be releasing soon after the IPL and the team of the film will be promoting the film extensively there, read a statement.

Meanwhile, the team of Dil Dhadakne Do including Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar promoted the film at the IPL final in Kolkata on Sunday. (TOI)

Tabu replaces Rekha in 'Fitoor'

Rekha, who was not so pleased with the rushes of ‘Fitoor’, has decided to opt out of the film. Rekha had finished shooting for the film. A source has been quoted in a Mumbai Mirror report as saying that Rekha came to the con-

Actor Ranbir

Kapoor's latest film 'Bombay Velvet' failed to strike a chord with the audience, but superstar Aamir Khan is all praise for the versatility of the 32-year-old and says "he can do any film".

"Ranbir is a fantastic actor. He can do any film, he is that good," the 50-year-old, who is himself known for his ability to slip into myriad roles, said here in an interview.

Both Aamir and Ranbir were seen to-

clusion that she is not looking good on screen and that no re-shoot can salvage it. She therefore decided to exit the project. The source also assured that the producers won't be taking any legal action against the veteran actress. Confirming the news, a forlorn

Abhishek has been quoted as saying that, "It is entirely our loss to have missed this chance to work with the legendary Rekhaji, and I hope to work with her in the future." However, according to a report on Miss Malini.com, the makers have approached Tabu for the project and she has agreed to be a replacement to the veteran actress. Apparently, Rekha's scenes will now have to be re-shot and Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif would have to allot more dates for the film. Rekha's decision to opt out of ‘Fitoor’ comes as a shock to many. (TOI)

Actor Shakti Kapoor will be seen playing the role of a crazy professor on a quest to seek the meaning to life as well as death, in his upcoming film 'Untouched Love'.

According to a source, the 56-year-old will be seen as an insane person, who is experimenting with the cycle of life and tries to determine the birth and death of a person.

Apart from peeping into other's lives, the professor will even discover the day of his death. His whole plan turns into a fiasco after he becomes the focus of an intense media circus. At the same time, he tries to save the life of his son who is dying a painful death.

Shakti, who is known

for his villainous and comical roles in films, is said to have liked the narration of Untouched Love.

"He was very amused and had a hearty laugh. He found it to be different from the type of movies he has done in the

past. The script prompted him to take up the project," the source said a statement.

Besides 'Untouched Love', Shakti will also be seen in 'Shimla Mirchi', 'Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3' and 'Surkh Wala Love'. (TOI)

Amitabh Bachchan shares throwback father-son moment

M- on the fatherdaughter bond - has garnered plaudits galore,

has shared an old photograph featuring himself with his late father Harivanshrai Bachchan and son Abhishek in the same frame.

Reminiscing the moments, the 72-yearold took to micro-blogging website Twitter to share the image, which was taken on the sets of his the 1979 film Kaala Pathar.

"Three generations, one frame ...(on the sets of 'Kaala Pathar' in Pune, at Raj ji's farm)," the Paa actor tweeted alongside the picture perfect capture.

Kaala Patthar is a 1979 Bollywood action drama film produced and directed by Yash Chopra. (TOI)

After reality show, former Miss India set for her Bollywood debut

Agether in PK. While Aamir had a full-fledged role, Ranbir was seen in a cameo at the end of the entertainer.

As of now, Aamir is busy with his film 'Dangal', a biopic on the life of wrestler Mahavir Phogat. (TOI)

fter showcasing her athletic side in the reality show Zor Ka Jhatka — Total WipeOut hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, former Miss India Priyanka Shah is all set for her acting debut with the Hindi film ‘I Love Desi’. Releasing May 29, the film is a family drama in which Priyanka plays the role of a hoitytoity Punjabi NRI, who learns the value of her culture after getting married to an Indian.

The nuances of the spoilt yet sophisticated NRI came easy to her, says Priyanka, thanks to her background in fashion. An engineer in electronics and telecommunication from Pune, Priyanka was already dabbling in modelling when she decided to participate in Miss India in 2007, where she was placed in the top 10. Following that, she won the Miss Tourism 2007 international pageant and since then has modelled for some of the most well-renowned fashion designers and choreographers.

Talking about the film, Priyanka says, "I was apprehensive about the film initially as it stars a newcomer and has a relatively new team. I usually never end up doing films I want to, but this worked

out well. For instance, I was called for look tests for Chak De but it didn't work out since I was a student. This movie came in an unexpected way. The makers didn't even disclose the script to me till they had signed me."

Even though she is now focused on a career in films and TV, this multi-faceted actress loves to model and indulge in sports too. "I was the former captain of the Indian netball team and also represented the country at the Asian Games. Right now though, acting is my priority. I have done another Bollywood film and am in talks for a few more projects, including TV." (TOI)

Chanderpaul has earned farewell series – Lara

Brian Lara has berated the West Indies selectors and the WICB for seeking to deny Shivnarine Chanderpaul the chance of a final Test series against Australia, demanding that his former teammate be reinstated for a farewell along the lines of that given to Sachin Tendulkar by the BCCI.

Chanderpaul, 40, was omitted from the West Indies training squad ahead of their two Tests against Australia following a significant downturn in his run-making during his two most recent series, where his average dipped to little more than 16 over six matches.

However, Lara said that Chanderpaul's contribution to the game, which left him narrowly short of surpassing Lara as the most prolific Test batsman in the history of the Caribbean region, merited a more respectful farewell than the one ultimately decided on by convenor of selectors Clive Lloyd and coach Phil Simmons.

'Untidy and distasteful'

The West Indies Players Association expressed their disappointment with the treatment of Shiv Chanderpaul after he was left out of the training squad ahead of the home series against Australia. Wavell Hinds, the president of the WIPA, said the organisation would continue to have dialogue with the WICB to bring an amicable solution in the best

interests of Chanderpaul and West Indies cricket. "We are very disappointed in the manner which Chanderpaul was treated," Hinds said. "WIPA believes the process of omitting Chanderpaul was untidy and distasteful."

"This has absolutely nothing to do with runs or numbers," Lara told the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. "It has to do with respect and Chanderpaul

has earned the right to say goodbye in an acceptable way. In fact, he should be allowed to do it in his own way.

"The manner in which they deal with their players is despicable and should no longer be tolerated. When you look back to so many of our heroes and the manner in which they were dumped, it makes you shudder."

Lara contrasted Chanderpaul's fate with that of Tendulkar, who was granted a specially scheduled Test series at home against West Indies to end his own storied career. "What did they do?" Lara asked. "They organised a Test series in his honour and gave him a farewell in keeping with his contribution to the game.

"In that way, there will be no hostility and whether he makes a double-century or a duck, it doesn't matter, it will be his farewell series and the entire cricketing world will know that. He deserves it. The WICB and the Caribbean owe it to Shiv to

send him off with dignity and respect. He has earned it."

These strong words followed those uttered by the Guyana Cricket Board secretary Anand Sanasie, also a WICB director. Sanasie said that the WICB president Dave Cameron had petitioned the selectors for a more generous view of Chanderpaul's situation but had been rebuffed.

"Let me make it clear that the president and vice-president and myself tried our best to get Shiv retained. In the end the selectors have the final say," Sanasie told a press conference in Guyana. "So to those who say that this is a WICB decision, that is not true. Shiv was never told that the match in Barbados (against England) was his last and they wanted to cover up a wrong with another wrong.

The 12 members of the West Indies training squad are currently in Barbados, preparing for the two Tests to be played in Dominica and Jamaica.

Webb, Warner among 14 indicted as football scandal rocks FIFA

MIAMI, United States— The embattled Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) says it plans to co-operate with authorities to "its fullest capacity", after its president Jeff Webb was among several FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) officials arrested in Zurich and indicted on corruption offenc-

es by the United States Department of Justice on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old Webb, a Caymanian, was among high-level officials gathered in Zurich for tomorrow's FIFA presidential elections,

where the long-serving incumbent Sepp Blatter is expected to be re-elected.

In a 47-count indictment implicating nine present and former FIFA officials, along with five corporate executives, the US Department of Justice alleged an elaborate 24-year scheme involving US$150 million in bribes and kickbacks relating to media and broadcast deals for a plethora of football tournaments.

The 14 have been charged with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, among other offences.

Trinidadian Jack Warner, a former CONCACAF president and powerful FIFA vicepresident, has been named among the 14, though he resigned from all football-related activities four years ago.

Warner, having turned himself in to po-

lice following a US request for his extradition, appeared in a magistrate's court in Trinidad and Tobago and was released on TT$2.5 million (US$394,457) bail.

Warner, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar, was ordered to surrender all his travel documents and will reappear in court on July 9. He faces 12 charges of racketeering, wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering offences in the United States.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, confirmed that the extradition request for Warner had been made and said "it gives me no pleasure; the member is a member of this honourable House and the matter is now in the hands of law enforcement officials and judicial officials for due

process according to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago".

In a brief statement yesterday, CONCACAF said it was "deeply concerned" by the arrests of the officials, including those linked to CONCACAF, but would continue to carry out its operations as usual.

The FIFA officials could be extradited to the United States to face charges. According to the Department of Justice, the corporate executives "agreed to pay well over US$150 million in bribes and kickbacks to obtain lucrative media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments".

The 47-count indictment alleges the officials were also involved in corruption relating to the bids for hosting World Cup finals, the 2011 FIFA presidential election, along with marketing and broadcast deals.

Sobers backs Kallis to set CPL alight

Sir Garfield Sobers is regarded as one of the greatest allrounders to have ever played the game. In recent times he has been an avid supporter of the Caribbean Premier League and enjoyed his home island Barbados winning last year’s competition.

We caught up with the 78-year-old to chat about the CPL and get his thoughts on Twenty20 cricket.

Q: What excites you about the CPL?

A: It’s a great competition for the Caribbean. It’s getting people out to watch the cricket. It’s attracted a new audience by playing it at night. You can take your family out for the evening. It’s great entertainment.

Q: What impact is the tournament having on Caribbean cricket?

A: The competition won’t develop Test players, but it encourages players to be positive and play shots, which they can introduce

GFF names 31-member squad ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has named a 31-member squad ahead of their Round Two World Cup qualifying match against St Vincent and the Grenadines in June.

The squad will consist of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, 12 midfielders and six forwards. Jamaal Shabazz will be the Head Coach of the team for the time being.

The squad reads: Goalkeepers: Akel Clarke – Central FC; Derrick Carter – Western Tigers FC; Anthony Whyte –University; Matthew Allick – UK-based formerly of Dagenham & Redbridge – Trial with National team.

Defenders: Jamaal Smith – Alpha Utd; Matthew Briggs –Millwall FC; Joshua Brown – Slingerz FC; Kris Camacho – Alpha Utd; King Solomon Austin – Slingerz FC; Colin Nelson – Slingerz FC; Adrien Butters –on trial from Toronto FC; Daniel Whyte –University and Walter Moore – FF Jaro.

Midfielders: Dwayne Jacobs – Slingerz FC; Neil Danns – Bolton Wanderers FC; Clive Nibriga – Slingerz FC;

Vurlon Mills

Daniel Wilson – Alpha Utd; Eon Alleyne – Fruta Conquerors FC; Konata Manning – Pele FC; Vurlon Mills – Slingerz FC; Brandon Beresford – Graceland University; Christopher Nurse –Carolina Rail Hawks FC; Ricky Shakes – Boreham Wood FC; Sam Cox –Boreham Wood FC and Trayon Bobb – Caledonia AIA.

Forwards: Emery Welshman – Real Salt Lake; Marcel Barrington – Leicester City FC; Purnell Schultz –Caledonia AIA FC; Kevin Beaton – University; Sheldon Holden – Alpha Utd and Kadell Daniel –Charlton Athletic.

to the longer format. There’s no harm in players playing both short and longer formats. It allows them to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Like I said there’s a new audience watching the games too so hopefully it will make people go back and watch Test cricket.

Q: You never had the chance to play T20 cricket. Is there anyone you played with who you think would excel now?

A: They all would have been great players! The likes of Everton Weekes, Rohan Kanhai and Sir Clyde Walcott were all very attractive players and they could play any type of cricket. They wouldn’t have had to change their game either because they could score quickly and were naturally attacking players.

Q: What do you make about the invention in the game today with reverse hits, sweeps etc.?

A: I think they are

a little bit overdone. I am a fan of them but I don’t think you would have seen them much in my days when players didn’t wear helmets. Protection means players feel more fearless.

Q: Who are you excited to watch in this year’s tournament?

A: Jacques Kallis is one of the great players of all-time. People in the Caribbean haven’t seen a lot of him and he is the type of player people will want to come out and watch. He’s

sheer class and I can’t wait to see him play for the Red Steel.

Q: Who are you tipping for this year’s tournament?

A: I think Barbados can defend their title. All of the islands are strong and with the likes of Kallis it will be a good competition. The CPL is only getting stronger and with the calibre of player in this year’s tournaments I am expecting crowds to grow and grow. (www. cplt20.com)

11 clubs granted CONCACAF licensing

The new club licensing system that has been established by CONCACAF in the confederation has made a smooth transition in Guyana with eleven clubs already making the mark and have been duly granted their licenses by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) following the verification process.

Of the eleven clubs, eight have been selected to be part of the inaugural GFF Elite League, which will take flight later this year, according to GFF Technical Director, Claude Bolton.

The eight elite clubs are Alpha United FC, Guyana Defense Force, Slingerz FC, Monedderlust FC, Fruta Conquerors, Georgetown Football Club, Pele FC and Buxton FC.

The activity sought in the first instance to congratulate the clubs on their selection for the GFF Elite League, while Portabella took the opportunity to walk the club through the intricacies of embracing the new concept of club licensing and what it entails with a view to making Guyana’s structure more efficient.

“The main objective is to improve the quality of all football clubs, all futsal and beach soccer clubs in the CONCACAF region, both men and women.”

On Monday last at the Water Chris Hotel, Quamina Street, the eight elite clubs were privileged to be part of a seminar with CONCACAF Club Licensing Manager Andres Portabella and FIFA Consultant Michael Gandler.

Each of the 41 mem-

bers association in CONCACAF is being assisted to implement the club licensing system.

Portabella informed that the club licensing system sets minimum criteria for clubs to participate in their leagues at the domestic level which is now kicking in 2015 and 2016.

“In 2017 we’ll set a regional criteria that will establish minimum criteria to participate in CONCACAF Club competitions. So basically in this first stage what CONCACAF has done is grab the FIFA club licensing regulations and we have adapted them to a set of CONCACAF club licensing regulations which every single federation in CONCACAF has to adapt to a federation set of club licensing regulations,” he said.

The CONCACAF Club Licensing project has already touched down in other countries; Portabella’s last stop was Bonaire, one of the smallest affiliates in the confederation.

“We’ve had a great reaction from the clubs there. They have embraced us and the system and are ready to take on this new project and the movement to develop their clubs.”

More developed federations would have also been visited by Portabella including Costa Rica and Panama which have more developed systems.

It was pointed out by Portabella that CONCACAF has brought down the level of criteria to a basic level so that the system can be inclusive, including all clubs in the region whether they are super professional or very amateur.

Guyanese Prahalad (154*), Amidon (121*) pilot

Hawaiian Arctic to comprehensive victory

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO, CANADA:

Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club bounced off their 2015 Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier Division 50-over competition in clinical fashion having humiliated Deccan Hawks Cricket Club by a comprehensive 208-run margin.

Playing at the Ashtonbee ground on Saturday, the club aiming for their six title in succession, piled on a formidable 332-1 from the reduced 44-over while Deccan Hawks, in reply, struggled to 124-9 at the expiration of the overs.

Opener Reyaz Prahalad plundered 10 fours and three sixes in his run-a-ball; unbeaten 154 while Azhad Amidon also capitalized on the innocuous bowling performance registering 121 not out.

They began an attractive, undefeated 238-run second-wicket partnership after former Guyana batsman

Krishna Arjune departing for only 26.

The right-handed Amidon also showed good aggression during his 116-ball appearance at the crease hitting 12 fours and two maximums.

When Deccan Hawks batted, the off-spinner Hemnarine Chattergoon grabbed two wickets for 19 runs from 10 economical overs while another part-time spinner Iqbal Rahaman with two

Jamaica Salcia's big bang!

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: After her gruelling 16-event schedule in last weekend's NCAA Division Two outdoor championships at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, Salcia Slack would be excused if she said she felt extra fatigued.

The former Holmwood Technical and UTech athlete, however, said she felt the same way she normally feels after a track meet. "No I am not that tired," she said when questioned by the Jamaican media on Saturday night.

Slack, who is in her final year of eligibility at New Mexico Highlands University, had just completed one of the most extraordinary weekends in track and field, competing in 16 events, the seven-event Heptathlon as well as the 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, triple jump, shot put, and long jump as well as running both rounds of the 4x400m relays.

She ran the heats and finals of both hurdles events and made all but two finals, failing to score in the triple jump and shot put events, but ended up with 31 of her school's 42 points for fourth place in the women's section and single handedly beat 63 other schools that managed to score a point in the three-day championships.

In addition to retaining the Heptathlon title, she was second in both hurdles events, both in new personal best times of 13.42 seconds and

58.24 seconds, respectively, and sixth in the long jump, also with a new personal best of 6.22m.

Given the notion that Jamaican athletes are often time over-worked and burnt out by American college coaches, one of the first questions posed to Slack was whose idea it was for her to embark on such a potentially energy-sapping and gruelling schedule.

Slack was forced to take a break in early May after an injury at the Mt Sac Relays, but noted that she has her eyes set on competing at the World University Games in Korea, July 3-15 and the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, August 22-30.

Her personal best of 6,141 points in the Heptathlon done this year is over the 6,075 qualifying standard for the World Championships.

With the wear and tear on the body that the multi-event can inflict, Slack might be looking for a new event to extend her competitive years and said the 400m hurdles might be the event she will focus on.

"I really love the Heptathlon," she said, adding "it is my favourite, but after so many injuries I need to find a new event."

She basically used her natural speed and strength to run the event, explaining she has not learnt to 'hurdle' yet, "I was just jumping over the hurdles and running," Slack said.

(Jamaica Observer)

victims yielding 34 runs from his 10 overs.

Hawaiian club has dominated this competition over the past six years and created history since the formation of the association three decades

ago,the team won 17 consecutive matches in last year’s tournament.

Eon Gunraj stated that the players are eager and ready to make another big impact this year and have resumed with the right momentum for more success in 2015.

“I think we started off the right way winning by such a big margin; we [are] not underestimating any team, we want to go out there and play good cricket for the club again and to ultimate win the championship,” Gunraj, who is the Secretary/Manager, pointed out.

Some of the long-standing executives of the club have also been recognized for their continued dedication and commitment and they must be very proud for such an unprecedented feat, according to Gunraj.

Hawaiian Arctic will be in action this Saturday at the same venue but against Durham United Cricket Club.

Jamaica Elaine Thompson steals spotlight

KINGSTON,

JAMAICA: On an evening when three personal best times were registered, it was rising sprint sensation Elaine Thompson of University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) who stole the spotlight at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) AllComers Development meet two at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Thompson, the current world leader in the 100 metre with a time of 10.92 seconds, continued her rich vein of form when she clocked a fast 22.37 seconds to win the women's 200-metre event.

The 22-year-old, who was competing in her first 200-metre event for the season, came off the curve ahead of teammate Shericka Jackson and sprinted away from the field in the home straight in a positive wind speed of 0.4 metres per second.

Jackson was second in 23.03 seconds, while Natasha Morrison of MVP track club finished third in 23.37 seconds.

The men's event was won by American Terrel Cotton in a new personal best time of 20.22 seconds. Cotton, who has been based at Racers track club for the past two years, came with a storming run in the closing stages to get by Olympic bronze medallist and teammate Warren Weir (20.55secs).

Rusheen McDonald of MVP was third in 20.57 seconds, while Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis representing Team Nike fin-

Elaine thompson of UTech in full flight during the Women’s 200-metres at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) All-comers Development meet at the National Stadium on Saturday. Thompson clocked a fast 22.37 seconds to win the event.

(Photo: Bryan Cummings)

ished seventh with a time of 20.82 seconds.

Meanwhile, Calabar's young prodigy Christopher Taylor also registered a personal best time on his way to victory in the boy's junior event.

The 15-year-old clocked a blistering 20.78 seconds in a positive wind speed of 1.8 metres per second to win ahead of Nathon Allen (20.96sec) of St Jago and Michael O'Hara (20.97sec) of Akan track club.

Sashalee Forbes of Holmwood Technical stopped the clock at 23.94 seconds to win the girl's event ahead of St Jago's Shaneil English (24.19sec) and Ashley Williams (24.26sec) also of Holmwood Technical.

Janieve Russell of

University of Technology had earlier given the meet a fine start when she won the women's 400-metre hurdles in 56.52 seconds. She won ahead of Ronda Whyte (57.07sec) of GC Foster College, and Junelle Bromfield (58.07sec) of St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

Ansert Whyte of Racers took the men's event in 50.23 seconds, followed by Andre Clarke (50.48sec) of GC Foster College and Spintec's Romel Lewis (51.14sec). The boy's junior event was won by Norman Pickersgil of Akan track club in 53.92 seconds, with Duran Crooks (54.43sec) of Munro College and Zavier Lawrence (55.08sec) also of Akan taking the runners-up spots. Jauavney James of STETHS finished on top in the youth equivalent in 53.07 seconds ahead of Timor Barrett (53.99sec) of St Jago and Leonardo Ledgister (54.00secs) also of STETHS.

In the women's 800-metre run, Samantha James (2:08.91) of UTech ran a well-timed race to get the better of the fast finishing Bobby-Gaye Wilkins-Gooden (2:09.62) and Chrissani May (2:11.03) of Holmwood Technical. Jowayne Hibbert, running unattached, won the men's event in 1:49.87 minutes, followed by Chad Miller (1:51.70) of Kingston College and Rory Rhoden (1:52.45) of GC Foster College. (Jamaica Observer)

Santokie can’t wait for CPL to start

Jamaica Tallawahs

bowler Krishmar

Santokie says he will use the disappointment of the Player Draft to take his performances to new heights in this season’s Caribbean Premier League.

The left-arm seamer, who is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the CPL with 33 scalps, was surprisingly not picked until the ninth round of February’s Draft, with his home franchise the ones to secure his services.

Speaking to cplt20. com, Santokie said: “I was very surprised and a bit disappointed with what happened in February. I’m the leading wicket-taker in the history of the CPL so I thought I would be taken higher.

“As a player you always want to do your best. There’s nothing I can do about what happened but I will use this

to spur me on to better things in this year’s competition.

“I always enjoy the challenge of bowling at the big hitters like (Kieron) Pollard, (Shahid) Afridi and (Dwayne) Smith. There are certain players I am looking forward to bowling at but for now I am going to keep those close to my chest.”

Santokie’s selection, by the Tallawahs, means that the 30-year-old will represent his home island for the first time in the franchise competition, having spent the previous two seasons with the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

“I’m very excited for the competition to start in a month’s time and it’s great to be going back home,” he added. “My parents and family have brought tickets and will be at the games in Jamaica.” (www.cplt20. com)

CPL excitement!

- Guyana’s Ticket Centre to open on June 15 - visit www.cplt20.com to purchase

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

With the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2015 fast approaching, excitement among the fans is gaining momentum with thousands across the country anxiously awaiting the moment to pocket their tickets for the matches in Guyana.

The OPCO Office on Middle Street, Georgetown, which usually houses the central Ticket Centre, will become operational on June 15.

In the meantime however, tickets for the four games in Guyana and all other matches across the region can be snapped up online by visiting the official site: www.cplt20.com.

According to the website, family packages are available where two children will be admitted free, while there will also be 15 percent off for four-match season ticket.

tickets online

The National Stadium at Providence will host four games in July with the Guyana Amazon Warriors involved in all the matches, against 2013 champions Jamaica Tallawahs on the 15th at 18:00h, St Lucia Zouks on the 17th at 20:00h, defending champions Barbados Tridents on the 18th at 16:00h and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on the 21st at 18:00h.

Tickets for the highly anticipated semi-finals and grand final are also on sale, and those can be bought online at the CPL site. Prices start at US$12.50 for the semi-finals, and US$15 for the final.

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of CPL, said: “CPL is always the hottest ticket in town. We know that all three games will be a sellout at the Queen’s Park Oval, so I urge fans

to book early to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait to see who will be battling it out in the finals in front of what is bound to be a fantastic crowd at one of the Caribbean’s most iconic venues.” Global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi will join the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine and exciting upand-coming local talent.

Last year’s tournament attracted a global audience in excess of 65 million and this year is set to be even higher as fans across the world continue to be drawn to the high quality action on the pitch and the unique party atmosphere off it.

The tournament will run from June 20 to July 26.