Guyana Times International

Guyana wants deals continued with new T&T Govt

With the new Keith Rowley Administration in place in Trinidad and Tobago, the David Granger Administration in Guyana has promised to meet with the twin-island Government to continue economic ties.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman on Wednesday said Government would be taking the soonest opportunity to meet with Trinidad and Tobago’s newest Head of State, Dr Keith Rowley, who was sworn in on Wednesday, to ensure the pledges made between the Governments of Guyana and Trinidad are maintained.

After months of heavy political campaigning, Rowley’s People National Movement edged to victory in the September 7 General Election, prevailing over the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led People’s Partnership (PP) regime 23 seats to 18 seats.

Guyana and Trinidad have had a number of commitments together, with pledges even being made by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to assist Guyana in the oil

and gas sector.

Guyana, more recently, upped its quota of oil imports from the neighbouring Caribbean country, after its reported shortfall from neighbouring Venezuela from the PetroCaribe deal.

Guyana has, for years, been accessing oil from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under PetroCaribe deal, but the recent revival of the border controversy by that country could see the deal altogether abandoned.

Through the deal, Guyana and Venezuela

have been bartering rice for oil. The arrangement has been on a ‘go-slow’ recently, after Venezuela upped its claims to a significant portion of Guyana’s territory – an issue which was settled by arbitration more than a century ago.

Venezuela has become increasingly aggressive, after US-based oil company ExxonMobil reported that it had discovered oil off the Stabroek Block.

“I think the commitment was not between Head of State and Head of State, but coun-

try to country. And so even with a change of government we intend to continue and deepen the ongoing arrangement between Guyana and the sister Caricom Country… we will refresh and renew the commitment made with the former Head of State, Ms [Kamla] PersadBissessar,” Trotman assured.

Among the other arrangements between the two countries is the establishment of a joint Commission to initiate and oversee collaboration in construction, education, business and other areas where it would be mutually beneficial to deepen ties.

The two countries under the leadership of both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and the PP, had agreed to a Guyana-Trinidad farming deal. There had also been a number of projects that were discussed but not yet implemented including plans for the establishment of an ethanol plant, the establishment of a cheese factory, a meat processing unit and the leasing of land around ponds for the rearing of Hassa and other sweetwater fish.

Guyanese man shot dead in West Palm Florida

The Sheriff’s Office in West Palm Florida is presently investigating the death of a Guyanese man. According to Florida news station CBS12, Michael Sears was last seen between noon and 6 p.m. on August 28, 2015. He had left home to run errands and never returned.

His white Dodge 1500 was found at the Newton Wood Apartment near Beleverdere and Jog Roads the day after he was last heard from. His body which bore gunshot wounds was found nearly a week later, on September 4, in a lake just about 1 mile north of his residence off Fair Green Road.

According to the West Palm Beach Sheriff’s office an autopsy was performed and Sears’s death was ruled a homicide.

His brother Dellon Sears speaking with reporters in Florida described Michael as “as a family guy, the glue in their family” While the Sheriff’s office is “diligently investigating who killed”

the thirty-one year old father of three girls, his brother who had kept hoping that Sears would show up is now hoping that the person (s) responsible for his death are caught “so that they’re not allowed to do this to someone else’s family.”

The family which is from Linden has set up a GoFundme account to pay the funeral expenses for Michael even as the police are asking persons who may have information about the homicide death of Michael Sears to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

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EDITORIAL

Tragedy in Syria

As the wave of refugees from Syria engulfs Europe by sea, air and land, the world is gradually beginning to ask questions about “causes” of the tragedy. Evidently, because the situation is now defined as a “European Crisis” and the victims – some of them at least – are breaking out of the anonymity of faceless “refugees”.

The image of Aylan Kurdi, the three year old toddler lying dead, face down on a beach in Turkey as he and his family tried to reach Canada via Germany, finally seemed to break a wall as it “trended” on social and mainstream media.

What it did was not to just bring home that the “11 million Syrians fleeing their country” were human beings, but that they were so “normal” and “European” looking. Aylan was wearing a red T-shirt, long shorts that went below the knee and black, velcro-strapped sneakers with no socks.

When hundreds of thousands of Syrians were being killed, with 10 million forced to flee into neighbouring countries during the last three years, they could be dismissed as “uncivilised Arabs” killing each other. The image of the burqa and the flowing, ankle length thobe made them the classic “other”.

The differing reactions of the European and other western nations to the cries of the Syrian refugees has been illuminating on their claim to the moral high ground when it comes to social problems. At one end of the spectrum has been Germany which accepted some 800,000 Syrians and on the other lies Britain which took in a mere 200. Canada had refused the application of Aylan’s family, who had relatives there, for refugee status. After the poignant image of Aylan, Prime Minister Cameron generously promised that his nation would accept another 4000. In-between would be Hungary that quickly erected a razor-wire fence.

Some may ask why would the western nations have a responsibility for Syrian refugees, after from the homily that “we are our brother’s keeper”? And the answer is that it was the Western nations that intervened to spur on the “Arab Spring of democratisation” starting with Libya under the doctrine of the “Right to Protect” (R2P).

By the time the Arab Spring swept across North Africa and reached Syria in late 2011, the Syrian Government was fortified to resist.

While one may not fully buy into the theory that the West is interested in regime change in Syria not so much for the citizens of that ancient land (but young – a mere 67 years -nation State) but to remove an implacable foe of Israel, the former bloc did move with alacrity to buttress the Opposition. In a State that was ethnically splintered, that Opposition not surprisingly soon followed the same lines of cleavage and morphed into full-fledged armies that could now be described as fighting a “civil war”.

One of those forces, supported by the U.S., captured large swathes of northern and eastern Syria in which the Sunni population predominated. Calling themselves the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) they moved into Iraq and Turkey. The latter had a common interest in suppressing the Kurds of their country as ISIS had already brutally attacked the Kurds of Syria. For generations the Kurds of Syria, Iraq and Turkey had been fighting for a homeland. Aylan was a Kurd.

As the US found out in Afghanistan with the Taliban, the enemy of their enemy was not necessarily their friend and ISIS was soon declared an “enemy” of the U.S., the West and Turkey. As such the U.S. has recently opened up communications with the Syrian regime and are presently launching attacks on ISIS.

And as the African proverb observes, “When the elephants fight, it’s the grass that gets trampled”. The grass are the refugees that are fleeing to Europe to avoid further trampling.

Berbice Bridge Company sustains Gy$1.5B in accumulated losses at 2014

Despite suffering accumulated losses of Gy$1.5 billion in 2014, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) has neither accepted nor rejected the subsidy proposed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to cover the loss to the company from lower tolls.

According to a release from the BBCI, it is under threat of insolvency unless it can restructure its financing and to date, it has never declared or paid any dividends to any of its ordinary shareholders. Guyana Times International was told that the company must either reduce its cost or increase its income to remain feasible. Presently, the income is its bridge tolls and its main cost is interest on debts.

Government and the BBCI recently began clashing about prices for the bridge tolls, with the Administration trying to fulfil its campaign promise of ensuring there are lower tolls for commuters utilising the Berbice River Bridge and the BBCI trying to ‘stay alive’.

To date, no agreement has been made between the two and although the Government had announced publicly that from September 1 lower tolls would take effect, this is yet to be realised.

In the subsidy proposition by the APNU+AFC coalition to cover the loss the company would incur if it were to lower bridge tolls, the BBCI is contending that its financial dilemma requires a long-term arrangement that would enable a refinancing of its debt with creditors.

“BBCI cannot restructure its financing unless it can present to its creditors and investors, a stable and profitable projection of the company’s financial position over many years to come… We have always recognised that an increase of tolls would be burdensome on the bridge commuters and therefore proposed an alternative to the Guyana

Government in May 2014, and made a supporting presentation to Cabinet in June 2014.

The alternative proposed by the BBCI was to increase the concession period from 21 years to 50 years thus smoothing out cash flows over a longer period,” the Bridge Company stated.

This would allow creditors and investors alike to benefit from the added security in BBCI’s projected profitability and improved cash flow position under the extended period. Such a move would result in the BBCI having the opportunity to restructure its financing and lower its costs thus restoring viability.

It was further explained that the lower costs would result in lower tolls without Government subvention.

However, the country went to polls before this matter was resolved and when this initiative to extend the Concession Period failed, the BBCI, in order to maintain its viability had no other option but to apply for increased tolls as per the toll formula and Concession Agreement.

“BBCI did so reluctantly in March 2015, some 10 months after it notified the Government of Guyana of the issues facing the Company (May 2014). Under the Concession Agreement, the Guyana Government has no authority to lower the tolls

without the consent of the BBCI…”

The company’s release went on to say that it penned a letter to President David Granger on May 18, 2015, stating that it had taken note of his party’s campaign promises to lower the tolls and that the BBCI was availing itself to have discussions with the Administration.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, on June 11 wrote the Company stating that his Government had retained the services of Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants to examine the financial position of the BBCI and to propose modalities and mechanisms provided in the law and various agreements to reduce its tolls.

According to the BBCI, it responded affirming that it was willing to work with the Administration to achieve any goal which may be of benefit to Guyanese.

Subsequently, the BBCI furnished Ram and McRae with all of the information he requested, which it could legally provide.

Guyana Times International understands that the Bridge Company did not hear from the Government until August when it was invited to a meeting with Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The meeting was to be held on August 12.

continued on page 24

Govt ignoring real issues affecting citizens

…while wasting millions of tax dollars on CoIs “fishing expeditions” - PPP/C

Tens of millions of dollars are being exhausted on the numerous Commissions of Inquiries (CoIs) launched in almost every agency in Guyana while the ordinary citizen cannot even benefit from a reasonable salary increase. Electricity and water subsidies were taken away from pensioners and children were denied the Gy$10,000 ‘Because We Care’ grant to aid in the purchase of back to school supplies.

According to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government appears to be locked in a haze, given the haphazard manner in which they keep wasting taxpayers’ monies to launch CoIs while nothing of substance is being done to address the plight of the people of Guyana.

Millions being wasted

What’s even more depressing, Jagdeo said, is the fact that most of the reports coming out of the Inquiries will not be utilised by the Administration or relevant authorities; therefore, millions of dollars are basically being pumped into nothing.

“I am betting you that these reports will sit on some shelf and will not serve any of the real problems that our people now face,” he posited. Since accession to office, Government launched several CoIs with the aim of detecting flaws and mismanagement in the various state systems and coming up with applicable solutions to the apparent problems in each.

Inquiries are being done into the sugar industry, the education sector, the public service, mining industry, among others. In addition to the

Inquiries, more millions are being pumped into state forensic audits into the various state agencies with the aim of discovering alleged “corruption practices”.

But while this is ongoing, Jagdeo pointed out that the country is suffering. owing to the fact that Government is paying no attention to the people.

“I spoke to tons of people, these aren’t just supporters of the [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] PPP/C, they confess openly that they supported the coalition, these are not people hostile to the Government and they’re

all hurting out there,” he stated. Jagdeo said the entire country is at a standstill, waiting for a positive indication from Government but to no avail.

“When people feel the Government does not know what it is doing; and it is demonstrated everyday in policy, it is a big worry… People are holding onto their money because why should they spend if they anticipate bad times ahead,” he posited.

He reminded that the rice farmers are yet to receive the Gy$23 billion that was promised by the

Government; the sugar industry is yet to know its fate; many of the developmental projects are currently stalled; and businesses are hardly investing. He added that many persons are being fired by the coalition Government, resulting in more people on the breadline which will ultimately result in higher poverty levels.

It is against this backdrop that the former President is urging the new Government to give up the chase and focus on managing the country instead.

Focus on managing

the country “I have one message to the government- get on with the business of managing our country, people out there need a clear signal where this country is going,” he advised.

Moreover, it was already revealed that Government will have to fork out some Gy$50 million from the treasury to pay handpicked auditors

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram and former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran for their works on the forensic audits.

More monies will have to be spent on the other auditors and other miscellaneous expenses incurred for these audits which, thus far has been observed to be doing nothing to benefit the country.

Government has also been engaging in conspicuous spending on events that, again, will not address the woes of the people. It was previously revealed that millions of dollars were pumped into the extravagant inauguration day celebrations for President David Granger. Additionally, it is assumed that an equal amount of taxpayers’ monies were used for the President’s birthday bash.

Leave politics and envy out of the operations of the Berbice Bridge

Dear Editor, I have been following the recent hullabaloo about the Berbice River Bridge and while I remained silent all the while, I cannot stand the one sided view of some members of society.

I have followed in the news most of the comments made by President Granger, Minister Harmon, Christopher Ram and even former President Jagdeo. Many of these comments are political and I have not seen anyone make a fair assessment based on how commuters feel about the Berbice Bridge and the services they now enjoy in light of what used to happen before.

Before the establishment of the Berbice Bridge, I was a regular commuter on the ferry service across. And I am still a regular commuter now that the Bridge is in place. On some occasions back then, there were two ferries operating

from either side of the crossing from Rosignol to New Amsterdam. But even when the two ferries were working, it was hardly a service that commuters like myself were ever satisfied with.

First of all, there was no guarantee that you would get on the very next ferry once you arrived at the stelling. But to take your car on the ferry was about Gy$1520 for a return trip, if I recall correctly.

If you wanted to get on the ferry on the next trip, that usually meant bribing one of the gate men at the stelling. This practice was prevalent under both the PNC and PPP/C administrations and both parties turned a blind eye to the suffering of passengers and drivers who used the ferry service on a daily basis.

Secondly, the waiting time was horrendously long and many times you had to buy food while waiting, thereby add-

ing to the overall cost you would incur for the “crossing”.

Usually, that’s another Gy$500 one would spend on some sort of food or snacks. For both ways, that was usually another Gy$1000, bringing the total to Gy$2520. Plus you still had to pay for every passenger in the car, including the driver, and that was around Gy$120 per person return, so that was another Gy$600 return, bringing the total to Gy$3100, not including the bribe to the gate men for swift processing.

For a 15-seater minibus, with all the passengers, driver and conductor, that meant paying about Gy$3320 for the return crossing. Now to cross with my car on the Berbice Bridge I pay Gy$2200 return. Mini buses pay the same. There is no waiting time except when the Bridge might be open, so usually there is no need to buy food.

The Berbice Bridge therefore in my view is a non-issue. It is only being contaminated by all the politically motivated comments surfacing. And there are those who wish to gain mileage, politically or otherwise, in this whole debate.

If one compares the ferries used before and the bridge itself, the average reader will get a firsthand look at the two options available. In these times, who will choose a ferry service when a bridge is a more than viable option?

For me, I welcome the Berbice Bridge and trust it is here to stay. Let us keep politics, envy and malice out of the Berbice Bridge, and instead let good sense prevail in all the deliberations.

Unfortunately, Guyanese have forgotten so fast the sufferings when the ferry service was in place.

Sincerely, Trevor Partap

Let us be proud of our “Guyaneseness”

Dear Editor,

I read the rather thoughtprovoking piece about “Guyaneseness” by Ravi Dev. The question is “Why do we have to hear about Africans and Indians or Amerindians? Why can’t we all just be Guyanese?” This brought back memories of our experience in the UK in the 1950s/1960s, when seeking accommodation. Landlords/ladies, when they heard a non-British accent, would often enquire about one’s nationality. Guyanese would always say they were from South America, to dispel the negative image the British had of “Windrush”.

In Guyana, in the 1990s, I asked a Guyanese man why he described himself as “African”, when the accepted term was “black”. His answer was that it was a case of heritage. I smiled and made no comment, as I remembered a Nigerian in London saying that West Indians were

not regarded by Africans as one of theirs, because we are descendants of slaves.

A Jamaican work colleague, married to a Nigerian, told me of her unpleasant experience, on meeting her in-laws for the first time, when they visited London. She was accompanied by a Nigerian friend, who spoke the language. Her sisters-in-law in their own language mockingly wondered aloud why their brother had to marry “a cane field girl”.

Guyanese may be proud of their African heritage and try to cling to it. The native African seems to have other ideas of superiority. Let us be proud of our Guyaneseness”.

Let us not overlook the fact that “……America, and Canada as well as Britain as all other stable democracies………..” are not on all fours with Guyana. Theirs is basically a case of black versus whites – a race/skin colour thing.

So legislation could work there. In Guyana’s case it might prove ‘a problem for a solution’. Colour of skin and texture of hair matter.

I also read with sadness the lament of a letter signed by a “Concerned Pensioner”, describing them to be “now useless Pensioners, having served through the good and bad times. Now old and senile, useless”.

I would earnestly suggest that the elderly should never see themselves as ‘useless’. My husband and I are both in our mid80s and, although we are not as agile as we were when young, we are still able to take part in community affairs and our advice is often sought out by others.

In my case, I am not 80 years old but a sweet 16 with 64 years of experience. Now that’s attitude.

Sincerely, Geralda Dennison

Government and BBCI should engage in negotiations

Dear Editor,

The current state of affairs between the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. and the Government of Guyana reflects poorly on all sides and on Guyana as a nation. With the company seeking to negotiate on behalf of shareholders and the Government seeking the interest of the general public, no common

ground has been identified nor solutions proposed. Instead, the Government is proposing to go into competition with the BBCI with the introduction of a Water Taxi service, which is as short sighted and backward a solution as can be conceived.

I would suggest a far more convenient and safe solution, one

where the Government can work together with the BBCI to introduce a Bridge Shuttle service at a low cost. This would potentially increase the BBCI revenue and could lead to a reduction in tolls without the taxpayer having to provide a subsidy. Spin-off industry would see taxis and busses parked on both banks of the

Freedom of expression is a human right

Dear Editor,

Former President Jagdeo signed the Declaration of Chapultepec on May 24, 2002. This Declaration was instituted by the Inter-American Press Association in 1994, a body that represents freedom of the press. The principle of the ‘Chapultepec Declaration’ is a result of a struggle begun by English poet John Milton, in his book Aeropagitica, in which he clamoured for the freedom to write and publish without any official license.

Press freedom should be the inalienable rights of every citizen of any democracy to express themselves freely without fear of the State; without fear or favour and intimidation and without any political prejudice in contemporary society.

In any country where the free press is dictated to by the State, there is lack of democracy and presence of totalitarian dictatorship. This type of Government is nothing new to Guyanese since the Forbes Burnham era, and now history is repeating itself recently in our nation where journalists, editors and writ-

ers are intimidated by the state or by autocratic politicians.

It’s one thing for us as a nation to sign this declaration joining over 26 nations, but are these laws implemented at every media in this nation including the Free Press, Radio and Television? I believe these laws should become a Press Freedom Bill in Parliament whereby the State must be separated from the Press without interference.

Without freedom there can be no true order, stability and justice, and without freedom of expression there can be no freedom.

A free press enables societies to resolve their conflicts, promote their well-being and protect their liberty. No Government should limit freedom of expression or of the press, whatever the medium. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the right to information are individual rights, which belong to all. The violation of freedom of expression and of the press is a violation of democracy, the framework for provision of human rights.

Sincerely,

Rev. Gideon Cecil

The Government’s empty promises

Dear Editor,

The ruling APNU/ AFC coalition campaigned throughout the election period and made a whole host of promises to the people of Guyana which they promised to deliver within 100 days. 100 days have passed by and most of the promises they made to us Guyanese were not fulfilled.

The APNU/AFC claims that Guyana is currently bankrupt and yet we have a whopping Gy$221 billion budget.

Berbice River to collect the shuttled passengers and continue their journey. It is time we think of solutions for the benefit of the people instead of adversarial positions of Government and private enterprise.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

The ruling party is only trying to put a shield over the eyes of the innocent people by attempting to make us all believe that we live in a poor low-graded bankrupted country. But that’s not true. Guyana is a developing third world country which has the ability of becoming the Singapore of the South America, but not under this administration.

If Guyana is bankrupt, then where did Mr

David Granger get millions of dollars to spend on his grand inauguration celebrations held at the National Stadium? Guyana is not bankrupt. Why would the Granger administration make such a declaration? What will foreign investors think when they hear the President of Guyana announces that Guyana is bankrupt and has no money in its treasury? Investments will stop and then Guyana will indeed go bankrupt. They gave us a meager salary increase, which will make no difference in our lives. Also, under the David Granger Administration, Guyana has seen a whopping increase of crime by over 10 per cent. Is this the good life Mr Granger has promised Guyanese? Guyana is a country that can be the richest of all but it all depends on the intentions of its ruler.

Yours Truly, Rayan Sattaur

Several injured during accident on Essequibo Coast

air-dashed to the city

After an accident on the Perth Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast, left four persons in critical condition at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), they were been air-dashed to the city after their conditions worsened.

On Wednesday morning at about 07:10h, a speeding minibus collided with a motorcy-

clist on the Pert Public Road, resulting in the four persons being severely injured. They have been identified as Leon Fetherson, 31, of Darthmouth Village; Onika Grant; Imanie Cecil and Winston Livian.

According to information reaching Guyana Times International, the speeding minibus, bearing registration number BTT 6674, and driv-

en by Winston Livian, also known as “Match stick” and was proceeding South towards Anna Regina when it collided with motorcyclist Mohandai, also known as “Knuckles”. The minibus was attempting to overtake another vehicle when the collision occurred. The speeding minibus flipped several times before crashing into a villager’s fence some distance away from the point of collision.

Mohandai was said to be on his way to the backdam when the minibus crashed into him. As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist’s helmet was knocked off and he fell from his bike. Mohandai suffered severe injuries to his head, face and other parts of his body.

Additional information revealed that Leon Feterson was the conductor of the minibus, while Onika Grant, a Special Constable, was a passenger of the minibus at the time of the colli-

sion. Grant sustained severe injuries to her head and spine.

According to Livian’s mother, Audrey Garraway, she received the call that her son was involved in an accident. She said her son is 24 years old and is a soldier.

Zane Fetherson, father of the injured conductor, said he received the tragic news early in

the morning. Fetherson said he immediately journeyed to the hospital where he saw his son in immense pain. He said his son underwent emergency surgery soon after he was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital. The distraught father stated that his son left very early for work that morning. Residents who converged on the scene said

they heard the loud impact and when they looked out, they saw the mangled minibus. Persons quickly rescued the injured passengers, driver and conductor. They were then taken to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital and later transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital. Police visited the scene and the matter is presently being investigated.

PPP/C offers to “brief” Govt on pending tax cases

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition has put forward an offer to Government to have former Attorney General Anil Nandlall aid his successor in several pending tax evasion cases that would bring in some Gy$20 billion if they were won.

This offer was made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during his first meeting with President David Granger and a ministerial delegation from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition on August 31 at the Ministry of the Presidency.

On Tuesday, Jagdeo told reporters at a press briefing that during the meeting current Attorney General Basil Williams raised issues about files missing from the AG Chambers.

“He (Williams) said that he does not have the files and Anil Nandlall – the former Attorney General – has publicly stated more than once that all the files that are necessary for all the cases are in the office or the institutional knowledge is there. He did not take a single document away,” the Opposition Leader declared.

Moreover, Jagdeo outlined that in order to ensure that the State

was successful in the pending tax cases so that it could recover as much as it can, the Opposition was willing to have Nandlall lend his “institutional memory” to the AG Williams.

“We will share all of the institutional memory that we have about those tax cases, because we don’t want the Government to lose those tax cases based on bad legal representation, because it will cause the treasury billions of dollars and us as taxpayers – people of this country. We want to share things with them, we want to work with them on this,” he outlined.

Jagdeo said that he informed those present at the meeting that there were billions of dollars in liabilities to the State tied up in just a few cases in court. He further disclosed that there were about 10 such cases he was knowledgeable about with a whopping Gy$20 billion outstand-

ing in taxes that could be put into the treasury and directed towards developing the country.

According to the Opposition Leader, this move is reflective of the PPP/C’s approach in dealing with the APNU/ AFC administration. He pointed out that it would not be seeking to block everything or anything that came on the agenda, because it was brought by the Government.

“We will take a different approach from the one that they (Government) took when they had control of the Parliament. They sought to block everything – the Money Laundering Bill, the Amaila (Falls Hydro Project), (Specialty) Hospital or the Airport Project,” he said.

Jagdeo pointed out that the PPP/C Opposition will be supporting things that are national and will seek to benefit the people of Guyana. “We hold them (Government) to the

that they made to the population and we

“Quasi-political” Ramayya takes up office as REO …gets a bigger piece of the pie – Nagamootoo

Political activist

Dr Veerasammy

Ramayya on Tuesday took up office as the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) replacing Paul Ramrattan who was fired by the David Granger Administration and demitted office on

Monday.

Ramayya who one month ago used the media to signal his intentions to Alliance For Change (AFC) officials to resign from the party citing neglect and his dissatisfaction over the way things were being done, recently said his resignation was from the

AFC) and not from the Government.

“And that was a spontaneous move because I was promised to go back and do the things that I really want to do and that is to serve the people. I was offered a job in Parliament and I said ‘No, I don’t want to go in Georgetown’, then

the Prime Minister also asked me to work with him, ‘I said no, it is not something lucrative that I am looking forward to. I want a job that I can be on the field seven days per week.”

He was at the time speaking at a Government outreach held at Whim on Saturday which Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said was held to inform Berbicians that Ramayya had been chosen as the new REO, although the media had broken the news more than 48-hours before.

Nagamootoo speaking at Saturday’s meeting on the issue of Government’s decision to make Ramayya the new REO, said the past was being left behind.

“Maybe I was a little too rash and gave him too small a piece of the pie and so we discussed and reviewed the situation. I remember that he always said that he wanted to be placed in a position where he could serve the people of Region Six and so I was appointing him the Prime Minister’s representative in Berbice, but I realised that that would probably limit him and so he is now identified as the REO and for the next four months of this year, Dr Ramayya has Gy$260 million to spend with the Regional Chairman and the Regional Council.”

He told the gathering that Berbicians ought to put pressure on the Administration in order that Gy$260 million in services is delivered to

the people of Berbice. Ramayya said he was told of Government’s decision to make him the new REO more than a week ago. “And I did consider that that will be an opportunity for me to touch every part of Berbice from Mara to Orealla. I intend not to work five days a week, but seven days a week in every community.”

Meanwhile immediately after entering his office at Vrymen’s Erven New Amsterdam, Ramayya held a meeting with Regional Chairman David Armogan, Deputy REO (Finance) Imran Ally and Deputy REO Bhadase Poonai to look at some of the immediate projects to be undertaken and the strategies that he will implement.

Shaddick, Benn nominated as PPP Commissioners at GECOM

By Michael younge

Two of the three persons who were nominated by the

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to sit as Commissioners on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have resigned with immediate effect.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo informed the media that Commissioners Mohamood Shaw and Athmaram Mangar have already been replaced.

He thanked the two PPP/C representatives for their sterling contributions to the Commission and their representation of

the Party at that level. Commissioner Mangar was appointed back in October 2013, while Commissioner Shaw was appointed by former President Jagdeo. Jagdeo said that their contributions have been recognised at the level of the Party because of their value and the yeoman efforts associated with the task which was bestowed upon them. The Opposition Leader announced that former Human Services continued on page 9

“We have no confidence in the Agriculture Minister” – RPA Action Committee

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) aligned Action Committee of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) declared that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is currently incapable of handling the tasks under his portfolio, and as such, declared that it has no confidence in his abilities to effectively and efficiently manage the agriculture sector.

During a press conference hosted by the controversial RPA Action Committee at the Georgetown Club on Wednesday, its members; Jinnah Rahman and Turhane Doerga both exclaimed that the Agriculture Minister has proven himself incompetent to deal with the issues in the agricultural sector, particularly in the rice industry. “I have no confidence in the Minister of Agriculture,” declared Rahman.

Labelling the Minister as “de facto”, the members exclaimed that it appears as if the previous Government is still calling the shots

within the Agriculture Ministry.

Asked for reasons why the Committee believes the Minister is incapable of performing his duties, Doerga in a startling revelation alleged that Jagnarine Singh, the former Head of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), is still conducting businesses on behalf of the Government.

“Jagnarine has tendered his resignation. It was accepted, yet Mr Jagnarine is signing contracts for the GRDB… what is happening… on July 28, Mr Jagnarine signed a contract in Panama… he is marketing Guyana’s rice for knock-over prices,” Doerga stated; expressing disbelief that the Agriculture Minister is allowing this to happen.

According to reports, Singh had indicated his desire to resign from the Board and Minister of State Joseph Harmon said his resignation was fully welcome. Subsequently, the Ministry advertised for his replacement.

It was also pointed out that the Minister also allowed People’s

Dynamic Airways selects 6 more for flight attendant training in Miami

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) persons to return on the RPA Board of Directors, and for this reason, the RPA Action Committee declared no confidence in the Minister.

“Those people who are said to be replaced on the manifesto are back on the Board… the Minister should have taken time to find out, of these people, who are real representatives… there should have been a proper election of the RPA… he didn’t do that. He didn’t check anything, he appointed the same PPP/C people on the Board. What is this Minister doing? This Minister is doing nothing,” Doerga said.

He also complained that whenever the Committee tries to make contact with the Minister to discuss issues facing the rice industry, he is almost never available.

Consequently, the Action Committee said it will give the Minister “time” to correct his “mistakes” but in the meantime, they will be raising their concerns with President David Granger regarding Holder’s performance.

Shaddick, Benn nominated...

Minister and longstanding PPP/C parliamentarian Bibi Shaddick and former Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn have been identified to represent the Party at the Commission.

“I have already written President Granger on the matter,” Jagdeo said as he expressed the need for both Commissioners to be sworn in with dispatch by the new Head of State.

Questioned by the media as to whether the Commissioners were forced to resign, Jagdeo responded in the negative explaining that they resigned for personal reasons. “You can ask them why they resigned too,” he suggested.

Following the May 11 General and Regional Elections, Jagdeo had indicated a view to make

sweeping changes at the level of the PPP and GECOM.

The PPP/C itself in a release confirmed that Guyanese could expect substantive changes at the level of the Commission as the Party had concerns about the questionable conduct, lack of professionalism and apparent lack of impartiality with

which GECOM conducted its business at the last elections.

The lone Commissioner representing the Party until the two nominees are appointed is Attorney-atLaw Sase Gunraj. The Government-nominated Commissioners are Vincent Alexander, Sandra Jones and Charles Corbin.

Six more flight attendants have been added to three full crews under the employ of Dynamic Airways, and Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia said the company is simply trying to offer its best service to Guyana.

The first of batch of six is expected to undergo a three-week training session, beginning September 28 at the Pan Am International flight academy in Miami, Florida. They include Yolanda Armstrong, Kemo Bayley, Amber Low, Demi Nunes, Zandy McRae and Tara Harewood.

Captain Jerry Gouveia at the simple introductory ceremony at Duke Lodge

on Tuesday said the need for more flight attendants has been presenting itself daily, even as the company continues to strive for international excellence.

According to him, the company’s mode of operation is not only to move people, but to help Guyana by creating employment. Roraima Group of Companies facilitated and participated in the recruitment process of hiring what it said was the most capable and qualified Guyanese applicants for the vacancies.

The recruitment period gained the interest of more than 400 applicants who for the most part were interviewed by a panel inclusive of Aviation specialists, Human Resources experts

and officials of Dynamic International Airways which commenced on August 28, 2015.

During the interviews and assessments, strict adherence to the criteria including academic qualifications was met to ensure all applicants had an equitable chance of securing the position.

The interviews and assessments assisted the panel in identifying effective communication skills and the applicants’ knowledge of their country which was some of the criteria that is required for an ambassador of Guyana.

Taking the criteria into consideration, 12 applicants were successful in the process to be recruited as Flight Attendants.

Kaieteur News on smear campaign against me, says former GuySuCo boss

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Dr Rajendra Singh is refuting an article published in the Kaieteur News edition of September 4, 2015, concerning the importation of a used 2003 vehicle. “The article is incomplete and misleading,” said Dr Singh.

The KN article stated that “extremely reliable sources have informed this newspaper that there is a provision within Dr Singh’s contract with GuySuCo which allows him to be exempt from duties on another vehicle. But this came with a condition.”

a scanned copy of the letter

GRa to former Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Dr Rajendra Singh

DPP gets files on fraud probe at Public Service Ministry

After weeks of intense investigations, the Guyana Police Force on Monday closed the probe into the multimillion-dollar fraud allegations at the Public Service Ministry and immediately handed over the files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice on the way forward.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Wendell Blanhum, told the Guyana Times International that the investigation was wrapped up on Monday and in excess of 20 files were sent to the DPP’s Chamber the same day.

Dr Singh said while his contract did include the provision as quoted in the KN article, on the contrary, there is no provision that requires the Board of GuySuCo to make a written request for the exemption from duty.

Dr Singh pointed out that when he imported

the vehicle, he made a request to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and provided the Authority with a copy of his contract, which included the provision for duty exemption for the second vehicle.

According to Dr Singh, the GRA then issued an approval letter to him for the 12-yearold used vehicle to be exempted from duty. The letter quoted the rele-

vant sections of the laws governing the exemption from duty.

The approval letter was copied to the Minister of Agriculture, the Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board and other relevant officers of the GRA.

“It seems as if this is yet another article by the Kaieteur News to continue their smear campaign against me,” added Dr Singh.

On Tuesday, Communications Officer at the DPP Chambers, Liz Rahaman confirmed to this newspaper that “several” files were received from the Police Force and were immediately given attention by DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack.

Rahaman said she could not say how long it would take to review the files, noting that the DPP usually went through all the documents submitted before proffering legal advice to the Police on the evidence provided.

Back in July, the Fraud Branch was called in to investigate allegations of a multimillion-dollar fraud at the

Ministry. This was done after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration had discovered more than Gy$120 million missing from the Public Service Ministry’s bank account.

However, reports indicate that during the probe, investigators found in excess of Gy$400 million missing. The probe focused on records dating back two years.

Sources told Guyana Times International that funds were requested from the then Office of the President for various services and programmes at the Ministry, but no records were found to show that the monies were spent on such.

On July 29, the day before the probe commenced, both Westford and Cummings appeared before the court on fraud charges in relation to the alleged illegal transfer of several State-owned vehicles to private ownership. The former Minister and her personal assistant were granted bail in the sums of Gy$800,000 and Gy$1.2 million respectively.

The transfer of the Ministry vehicles was uncovered following a request from Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, who had written the Public Service Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hydar Ally, requesting that he re-issue a letter, dated April 14, 2015, requesting the transfer of registration for eight vehicles into the names of Westford, Wayne Walker, Delroy Lewis, Gary Beaton (Westford’s spouse) and Osbert McPherson.

A change of registration for two vehicles for Walker was sought; one for Lewis; one for Westford; three for Beaton and one for McPherson.

This newspaper was told that former subject Minister Dr Jennifer Westford and her then personal assistant, Margaret Cummings were said to be at the centre of the probe. Both women were questioned by investigators on the missing funds.

PPP/C ready for Local Government Elections – Rohee

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has noted the announcement with regard to the imposed December 7, 2015 deadline by the Government to hold the long-awaited Local Government Elections.

General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday during a press briefing reiterated the Party’s readiness to participate in this national event whenever the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will host it.

“The Party has made its views known about this hallowed practice of the six days notice to be granted for a bill to be laid in the National Assembly and which has been violated by Government, not to mention, the stated intention to take the Local Authorities Elections Amendment Bill through all the stages at one sitting of the National Assembly slated for

September 9. While the PPP/C is gearing for full participation of the Local Government Elections, it is at the same time cognisant of certain perils which may impact negatively on the quality control preparations of the holding of these elections and during these elections itself,” said Rohee.

He explained to the media that these perils include, inter alia, the discriminatory practices vested by the returning officer, the requests for the recounting of votes which allow the return officer to be the sole arbiter in disputes that may arise with respect to votes being counted

and/or the tallying of results of the constituency or municipality elections which may be triggered by the request for a recount of votes and the returning officer will be the sole arbiter to determine whether these requests will be granted or not.

Guyana Times International was told that the Opposition Party was demanding once again the launching of an aggressive, focused and targeted voter education campaign with a view to enlightening electors. This will ensure these persons have a greater degree of awareness, confidence and understanding as a result of these elections which will contribute to transparent and problemfree Local Government Elections.

Meanwhile, as it relates to Dr Steve Surujbally being the Chairman of GECOM while these elections are held, it was firmly stated that the PPP/C’s focus is to ensure that the country has transparent and free Local Government Elections.

Canadian charity working to improve neonatal survival in Guyana

In maintaining a rich history which dates back to early 2009, Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK) has once again extended a hand of collaboration to the Public Health Ministry, with the primary objective of reducing under-five mortality and by extension, infant mortality.

Hospital Complex, the Suddie Hospital and the New Amsterdam Hospital are functioning effectively despite the need for additional staffing and consumable items.

This was confirmed by the Health Minister, who had previously told this newspaper that with the

GHTK is a registered Canadian charity which has been playing an integral role in Guyana by assisting in the reduction of neonatal and infant mortality. Just recently, its President, Dr Narendra Singh, a Canadian-based Guyanese, paid a courtesy call to the newly appointed Health Minister, Dr George Norton, in which discussions were held on the five Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) spread across the country within the public health system.

In an interview with Guyana Times International, Dr Singh said, contrary to reports published; only one of the five NICUs is not functioning at the moment. It was explained that due to a lack of medical and nursing personnel to operate the NICU at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, it has been out of operation for an extensive period. However, those at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Linden

exception of Georgetown Public Hospital, all other NICUs were down. He has since retracted that statement.

Dr Singh acknowledged that the number of neonatal deaths quoted were not accurate, since it included still births and non-viable foetuses. He did, however, agree with the Minister that the numbers were too high and corrective measures need to be taken immediately.

Lack of staffing and infection control

Lamenting on the issue of staffing, Dr Singh said the Health Ministry and by extension the Government of Guyana, needs to work assiduously to address this problem. But in addition to a shortage of medical personnel to man these units, infection remains a burning problem, particularly at GPHC, where there has been a surge in number of deaths.

“We need to fix that immediately, we need to identify the source of the infections and put sys-

Husband arrested for Crabwood Creek robbery – admits to “setting it up”

By Andrew CArmiChAel

tems in place to prevent it,” he said, while emphasising the need to have infection control procedures in place.

In Guyana, neonatal deaths account for approximately 50 per cent of the under-five mortality, but these figures are reducing with the installation of NICUs.

This is so because NICUs provide specialise care for prematurely born babies (neonates) who are not fully developed and are unable to survive on their own without the assistance of monitoring equipment, incubators and breathing apparatus. The neonatal period in Guyana is considered to be from 28 weeks gestation to the first 28 days of life.

Since the re-commissioning of the 24-bed NICU at the Georgetown Public Hospital in 2012 by GHTK and the Public Health Ministry, tremendous progress has been made in the area of neonatology.

Police have arrested the husband involved in Sunday’s Crabwood Creek, Berbice robbery, and he has told investigators that he had planned the robbery. Reports are that Krishnadatt Jettoo and his wife were beaten by five gunmen who invaded the couple’s Crabwood Creek home and took away in excess of Gy$5 million in cash and jewellery. Police in conducting their investigation interviewed the Jettoos and received conflicting reports.

Information reaching Guyana Times International indicated that Jettoo told the Police that the men had a long gun, but his nine-year-old son corrected him saying that it was a short gun. Investigators became interested and started treating Jettoo as a person of interest.

They held him as a suspect after learning that the intruders gained entry from the bathroom window which was the only window in the house

where the grill was secured with screws.

This was something that only family members would have known. Also the door to the upper flat was left open when the couple retired to bed.

Jettoo was arrested on Tuesday and taken into custody and later provided investigators with information on the robbery.

Acting Commander of B Division (Berbice), Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, speaking of the investigation, said it was revealed that the couple were going through a divorce and the husband set the criminals on his wife.

“But he never expected that they would have beaten him like that. He was beaten severely, but he was hoping that he would have received a couple slaps so that it would not look as though he set it up. He told us that he never expected the boys to be so ruthless.”

This, the Senior Superintendent noted, was said in the presence of Jettoo’s lawyer. Watts said the Police were going to investigate all robberies. “We will not take anything for granted and ensure that the robbery is not planned internally.”

“Jobs for the boys…”

PM appoints 4 “Special Representatives” in regions

Despite already coming in for harsh criticisms over the recent political appointments of Regional Executive Officers (REOs), the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government went ahead and provided four more of its activists with jobs within the regional districts in the country. These persons will work outside of the regional system established constitutionally.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Monday appointed four new Special Representatives in four regions across Guyana, who would be tasked with the responsibility of working with the public on issues which could be addressed through

the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The Prime Minister’s Representative will be responsible for liaising with the public on matters of concern and working through the Office of the Prime Minister to assist persons in their respective regions to improve their lives,” Nagamootoo stated.

Nagamootoo justified this initiative by explaining that it would help “take the Office of the Prime Minister beyond Georgetown”.

The political appointees are Karan Chand for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Abel Seetaram for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Gobin Harbhajan for Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) and Vladimir Glasgow for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). It is unclear why these regions were selected and if the other regions will be getting their own “special representatives”.

Government already

came under fire for providing simply “jobs for the boys” when it appointed “unqualified political” personnel as REOs for several of the administrative regions in Guyana.

Condemnation from sections of society was particularly high over the appointment of APNU/AFC Candidate Veerasammy Ramayya as Region Six REO. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) contended that this move by the coalition Government to “politicise” the regional administration was a clear hijacking of the regional powers. The move was also considered hypocritical given that the Government justified the firing of the former REOs by claiming that it wanted to get rid of

political appointees in the system.

Meanwhile, according to a media release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Region Two Representative is a veteran educator who worked as a teacher and administrator for over 30 years in Guyana, Belize, Turks and Caicos, the United States of America and Canada. Boasting a degree from the University of Guyana and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the Miami University, Chand landed jobs in areas of vocational training for young people and adult educational programmes. For this reason, one of his responsibilities will be to provide English Language training for the Cuban doctors attached to the

Suddie Hospital.

The Region Five Representative was only described as a social activist, but he has been a prolific letter writer for the AFC over the last few years and has been involved in several confrontations with PPP officials in the past.

The Region Six Representative is said to be a businessman for over 30 years who is committed to working with the rice farmers, cash crop farmers and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers in region.

The Region 10 Representative is a former student of the Linden Foundation Secondary School and he will be focusing on the issues of jobs, security, housing and youth development in Region 10.

Multimillion IDBfunded GPL project resuscitated – company to get new Board in two weeks

After being stalled for more than a year, the US$54 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded project for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc will be revived with the aim of improving efficiency to ensure the power company is “revamped, reenergised, and repowered”.

According to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, Collin Forsythe and former Divisional Director of Operations Elwyn Marshall will be working together to ensure that the project is on track by the end of December.

Patterson explained that the project was in jeopardy after being stalled for so long – with only a mere US$300,000 expended thus far.

The project will focus on three areas: the first component being to overhaul the management structure of the power company through the necessary training in the managerial and technical aspects. The second

component deals with loss reduction, while the third component will explore a pilot study on metering.

Meanwhile, Patterson announced that the new Board of Directors for the company will be announced and installed within two weeks.

Government recently dismissed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Bharat Dindyal and appointed in his place the Deputy CEO (Technical) Colin Welch.

Additionally, GPL’s other DCEO Aeshwar Deonarine had his services terminated after it was discovered that some Gy$27 million was transferred from the PetroCaribe Fund into his personal account.

Subsequently, Deonarine had requested time from the Government to repay the monies; however, to date, nothing has been repaid. When asked, Minister Patterson stated that he was not aware that the money has been repaid.

Guyana’s Indigenous youths worried about their future – Sukhai

As the annu-

al Indigenous Heritage Month celebration continues, a number of Amerindian youths are still concerned about their future in their respective villages, and in the country at large.

So said former Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, who told Guyana Times International on Friday that while she was happy to be part of the celebration at the Sophia Exhibition Site, she noticed that the turnout was poorer in comparison with previous years.

She noted that while culture was an important aspect of Amerindians’ livelihoods, the downturn which the indigenous people were experiencing has had a detrimental effect on their livelihood and overall well-being.

“I get many calls from young people every day to find out what is happening and it is very disturbing that the new Ministers have not yet reached out to the young people to explain to them what is on the developmental agenda to enhance their future options and opportunities,” the former Minister noted.

She also lashed out at the Government for not budgeting for the training programme it was about to introduce that

was supposed to benefit young Amerindians.

“There is no concept with how it will operationalise itself; if there is no money in the budget, if there is no methodology, there is no consultation, it will be worrisome to the young people,” Sukhai emphasised. She further not-

ed that since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government took office, the Administration has “let loose” of many technical staffers who were employed at the Ministry.

She opined that these staffers brought with them technical expertise to help in generating exuberance in indigenous development.

“… indigenous development is like an entire sector, if there is a downturn or slide backward, it will affect the villages’ development. This loss of time, loss of investment opportunities, will be very difficult to regain; you simply don’t regain it. I don’t believe that we should be generating negative impacts on a people who are in need for such support,” the former Minister stated.

Guyanese tops Caribbean at ACCA exams

Shaian Haniff, a student of the Accountancy Training Centre (ATC) in New Market Street, Georgetown, is the Caribbean’s top performer at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examinations. The ATC said in a media release that it was “extremely proud” to produce this year’s top Caribbean performer.

Haniff received an impressive 83 per cent for ACCA F5 paper – Performance Management – at the June 2015 examination session. Haniff began studying at the ATC in June 2014 immediately after completing her A Levels, and was tutored for the F5 paper by one of the institution’s leading ACCA members and lecturers, Lancelot France-Cummings.

The Centre stated that Haniff’s success was a testament that hard work, commitment and dedication were the equation to achieving high rewards as was reflected in the young woman achieving firsttime passes in papers F1 (82 per cent); F2 (83 per cent), F3 (96 per cent), F4 (91 per cent), and F6 (91 per cent).

The ATC further stated, “Shaian’s performance is outstanding”, adding that it has “a

track record of producing successful students and it upholds integrity”.

The Centre has been in existence for over 15 years. During this period, there have been several students who obtained top ACCA marks gaining over 90 per cent in various papers. The institution is Gold approved by ACCA and with its dedicated administrative and lecturer teams, prides itself on providing quality tuition and career guidance to all students.

The ATC has been actively sensitising the public on the career options available to persons who study there. On August 22, the institution hosted a free infor-

mation/guidance session for students and their parents/guardians at its New Market Street location. The session was aimed at guiding the audience in choosing a career path that was most suitable for the individual and which was in demand in the global economy. At that session, the ATC administrator and other speakers stressed on the fact that students often pursue qualifications that were not internationally recognised. Some also pursue qualifications that do not provide scope for them to move on to higher levels of qualifications – which makes them feel as if they wasted their time and money in the end.

CGX debunks reports of pullout from Guyana

One week after Canadian oil explorer CGX Energy Inc said management had determined that exploration drilling in the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana would not be prudent, the firm said it was fully committed to drilling in that Block by July 31 next year.

“We wish to confirm that CGX Energy sought and obtained an extension from the Government of Guyana to its drilling activities on the Corentyne Block so as to further assess the prospects on this Block in light of the Exxon-Mobil Liza-1 discovery in the adjacent Stabroek Block and to allow us more time to use this information to secure a joint venture partner. CGX Energy is fully committed to drilling on the Corentyne Block within the new timeframe July 31, 2016 negotiated with the Government of Guyana. Contrary to certain media reports, CGX Energy has not shelved its ex-

ploration focus on the Corentyne Block or any of our other assets,” CGX Energy Chief Executive Officer Dewi Jones was quoted as saying in an ad published in the daily newspapers on Sunday.

In the August 28 statement, which was reported on by Stabroek News, Jones had said, “Given the steep decline in oil prices that has persisted over the last 10 months, CGX Energy and its Board of Directors have determined that exploration drilling on the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana would not be prudent”.

The company had disclosed that its ability to continue as a going concern was dependent on securing additional financing through issuing additional equity, debt instruments or the sale of its assets or by obtaining a joint venture partner.

CGX had also said that the termination of the rig sharing agreements and deferral of the associated costs would allow it to continue to

search for a joint venture partner and it would continue to evaluate industry and market conditions over the next six months.

The company also highlighted its cost-cutting initiatives and revealed that it was in a precarious financial position. “Given the company’s capital commitment requirements associated with its petroleum prospecting licences and the … penalties, the com-

pany does not have sufficient cash flow to meet its operating requirements for the next 12 months,” the August 28 statement said.

In CGX’s latest statement, the company’s Co-Chairman, Dr Suresh Narine, said ExxonMobil’s Liza-1 discovery on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana has been a significant event for both CGX Energy and Guyana.

In addition, as a re-

sult of the recent drilling extension received for the Corentyne Block and the payment deferral arrangements obtained from Japan Drilling Co Ltd (JDC), CGX Energy has been afforded ample time to secure a joint venture partner.

“We welcome JDC as a significant equity holder of CGX Energy. Whilst the sustained low oil prices continue to be a concern for CGX Energy and other exploration companies, the company continues to be excited about its future in the Guyana basin,” Narine was quoted as saying.

The company, which has been engaged in Guyana since 2000 in the search for oil, also terminated its rig sharing agreement with Teikoku Oil (Suriname) Co Ltd (INPEX).

The statement said that in partnership with Pacific Exploration and Production Corp, CGX Energy continues to attract interest from potential joint venture partners. The company is working with Pacific

to find a suitable partner to develop its offshore and onshore acreage in Guyana, including the Corentyne Block, the Demerara Block and the Berbice Block, the statement said.

It added that CGX, along with Pacific, will be attending the APPEX regional conference in November where it plans to market its acreage to institutional and strategic potential joint venture partners, including several large international exploration companies.

CGX is not only engaged in oil exploration, but wholly owns a logistics yard and deepwater harbour facility in Guyana, which it is actively developing.

“The company continues to commit investments into the social fabric of Guyana as it envisions a long-term presence in Guyana both on activities related to exploration and in the development of its deepwater harbour facilities,” CGX said in the statement.

University student shot to chest trying to prevent robbery at Agricola

Afirst-year University of Guyana student was shot to his chest during an attempt to prevent a robbery being committed on passengers in a minibus at Agricola, Greater Georgetown on Monday morning.

The teenager, Karim Shivrattan, 17, of Lot 14 Public Road, Agricola, was shot once about 08:20h and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. According to the Police, the young man went to the assistance of two women who were being robbed at gunpoint by two men, one of whom was armed with a gun.

Based on reports received, the two bandits had joined a minibus at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and upon reaching Agricola, they requested to get off. As the vehicle stopped, the two men held up Natasha Rampersaud, 33,

and Lalita Narine, 53, both of Diamond Housing Scheme. They reportedly relieved the women of their jewellery. Upon realising what was happening, the young man went to the assistance of the women and was shot. He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remains in stable condition. The

two perpetrators made good their escape.

When contact was made with the relatives of the injured teen, his grandmother in tears stated that her grandson was about to head out to classes when the incident occurred. She explained that Shivrattan’s father would normally drop him off at classes,

Opposition Leader lays out concerns before Local Govt Elections are held

By Michael younge

Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had major concerns over some of the amendments that were made to the Local Authorities Elections Act which is slated to be debated in the 65-seat National Assembly this week before the parliamentary recess officially begins on September 10 this year.

Jagdeo, speaking to a packed media conference from the Party’s Freedom House headquarters on Robb Street, Georgetown, said that while his Party has no intentions of delaying the long overdue Local Government Elections, it has a number of concerns that must be addressed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) after reviewing the Bill.

He expressed concerns over the manner in which the Government had rushed to force a sitting of the Parliament over the weekend to have a final sitting before the recess to ensure that the legislation was passed.

Jagdeo said that the PPP/C Members of Parliament were not given enough time to discuss properly the contents of the Bill as many of them had received late notice about the sitting and copies of the legislation.

“When we looked at the Bill, there are 26 amendments and it seems as though some of the amendments did not originate in GECOM, but in the Minister’s office. Some of the amendments were altered by the Minister’s office,” the Opposition Leader remarked at the media conference, he continued, “So when GECOM says 40 days before elections

should be nomination day, it has now gone to 50 days but that’s just one issue….So we do have major concerns about various elements of the Bill.”

Jagdeo said that from the timelines set out in the new Bill, it would appear as well that Local Government Elections would not occur before year-end as promised by the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition Government.

“We are not going to try to block any passage of any legislation, but at the same time we will not support anything that is inimical to transparency and the interest of people and the conduct of clean, fair Local Government Elections…,”

Jagdeo said as reporters listened attentively to his position ahead of the debate.

He said that the PPP/C was looking forward to being told about the clear demarcation of both the external and internal boundaries of various areas and constituencies.

The public also has a right

so he asked the young man to open the gate so that he could drive the vehicle out of the yard.

Unclear

As he walked to the gate, she stated, the minibus stopped on the roadway to put off passengers, but he did not pay heed to who was disembarking and continued to open the gate. After opening the gate, he went onto the parapet and it was at this time the incident occurred.

The grandmother stated that she did not know the circumstances surrounding the shooting and was not sure if he went to assist the two women who were robbed. The Police subsequently visited the home to enquire what had occurred.

Ranks are still to make an arrest, but the description of the two men was given to Police. Of recent, there have been a number of robberies committed on passengers in

minibuses in the Agricola area.

In July, Sharon Baldeo, 42, of Section C Golden Grove, EBD was shot to her legs following a robbery in the vicinity of the Flour Mill Road, Eccles, EBD. She was a passenger of a Route 42 minibus.

It was reported that Baldeo and her daughter were on their way to Georgetown and the suspect who was sitting in the back seat of the minibus asked to be put off at Flour Mill Road, Eccles.

As he disembarked the minibus, he reportedly grabbed Baldeo’s hand bag containing Gy$245,000, an iPhone and personal documents, but she put up a fight.

In retaliation, the man whipped out a gun that he had in his pocket and discharged about three rounds hitting the woman in her legs. He then made good his escape on foot through the Flour Mill Road.

APNU/AFC Govt not serious about inclusive governance - PPP

to know about this very early, Jagdeo held out, as he explained the importance of the Guyana Elections Commission assuring stakeholders that people are transferred into their right division or subdivision or constituency.

“At the national level, the overall system is Proportional Representative but if you lived in Berbice, but you now live at Diamond and you didn’t transfer and you go up to Berbice to vote, that’s fine…”, he remarked before explaining that “when it is constituency based, assuming that people are not transferred into their right constituencies, then they can change results, sway results in a marginal area”.

The Opposition Leader said that it has to be “very careful and GECOM will have to assure that people not transferred in the past will now be in their constituencies”.

“We have to start now to argue for enhanced biometrics,” he posited before indicating that the PPP/C would be pushing for a clean voters list and an electronic dual voting system.

Jagdeo insisted on the need for the Opposition as well as other stakeholders to pay keen attention to what would be done with the votes cast by the Disciplined Forces as he explained the impact these can have on declaring winners in various areas and constituencies.

“If they don’t transfer the votes in the right constituencies, you can now alter the results of the votes in marginal areas using the Disciplined Services vote,” he warned.

“But all of these things have to be discussed and given clarity before we rush through legislation,” he insisted.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition Administration is far from serious in its talks and claims of having an ‘inclusive government’ which involves the Opposition Party.

According to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), it has not received any communication from the Government concerning this matter. In fact, the Opposition members have only been kept abreast of these public claims by the Administration through the media.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday during a media briefing stated that there has definitely been no formal or official invitation from the APNU or the AFC in this regard.

However, he maintained that while he was not asking for an invitation by stating the abovementioned facts, if the Administration was choosing to use the media as a tool to convey or relate messages to the PPP/C, that was “unacceptable”.

Guyana Times International understands that if and when the Government officially extends this invitation to the Opposition Party, then the PPP/C members will ‘sit and consider’ their move.

It must also be noted that by failing to do so and having events broadcast with hopes to achieve social cohesion, the Administration is contradicting itself.

Rohee referred to the recently-held social cohesion workshop which was hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre,

Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

“The PPP/C has noted the efforts made by the [David] Granger-led APNU/ AFC Administration to fool Guyanese people into believing it is making a genuine effort in promoting social cohesion in Guyana. The workshop was clearly a talk shop similar to those organised by the Ministers of Agriculture and Communities respectively. The event was in effect a race to the bottom to fulfil another one of the coalition manifesto’s promises and to hoodwink the donor community into believing that the Granger Administration is committed to and is in need of international financial support in this area,” said the PPP/C General Secretary. He explained that the reality in the country showed a “completely different” picture and this was characterised by the consistent and persistent witch hunting and purging of public servants known to be supporters of the PPP/C.

New Govt, Mayor Green betrayed us – irate city vendors …as M&CC demolishes stalls at the break of dawn

By AreefA BAcchus

Scores of Georgetown vendors on Monday accused the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Government and City Mayor Hamilton Green of betraying their trust after they started demolition work on select stalls in the Bourda Market area at the break of dawn.

The vendors, most of them poor and now frustrated, said that the move by the Central Government and City Council has deprived them of a livelihood and has effectively left them jobless as their stock and other materials were collateral damage as the exercise kicked in, in their absence, around 05:00h.

The exercise, conducted by agents of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), saw more than 10 stalls at the Bourda Market being dismantled and goods being displaced.

This resulted in the stall owners rushing to the scene; however, a major confrontation was prevented by ranks of the City Constabulary and several Police Officers who were equipped with batons.

The stalls were erected besides a derelict building that has reportedly been purchased by a businessman and was due to be demolished.

A question of notice

The frustrated stall owners lamented that they were not given any sort of notice and were now left on the breadline as their stalls were their only source of income.

Mr Fordyce, owner

of Stall 20, stated that his family operated in the market for over 40 years selling groceries. He stated that after the dismantling of his stall, and his goods being displaced, his losses are estimated to be close to Gy$150,000.

“Them seh we gah fuh go to the other corner on Orange Walk and them gon clean it and them give we a paper that say proper assistance shall

be given when we moving. Lo’ and behold, this morning at 05:00h they come and bruk up this place! Where is the assistance?” the frustrated vendor stated.

“We are asking Mr Joe Harmon, Mr Bulkan and Mr Granger to come because we want development! I lost close to a million dollars, I does sell wares…plastic and glass and is meh main source of income. And

yuh see this relocation that they say we going somewhere? We ain’t got no place fuh go yuh know…they ain’t show we nowhere,” the disheartened woman expressed.

Another vendor stated that for three days, she has not been selling as they told her they would be pulling down the derelict building next door, so it came as a shock to her when she

went to the market and discovered her stall demolished.

“They cannot come and take our bread…our livelihood! When the day come, how we gon survive? We have children to send to school…mortgages! How we gon make out?” she lamented.

The visibly frustrated woman fought tears as she explained that she no longer has a source of income to support her family. “They ain’t care nothin’ about the vendors ‘cause when the week come, if we ain’t pay up Gy$700, they lock up our stalls and we gah pay fuh it open back! They don’t care about we ‘cause Mr Royston King seh we are Bourda Market rats! I am asking the President to look into it ‘cause we can’t take it no more, is too much,” she stated.

Unavoidable Town Clerk Royston King declined to offer a comment when contacted by this newspaper. However, Mayor Green spoke to Guyana Times International on Monday about the issue. He stated that the illegal occupants have been given notices continuously over the past two years. He stated that continued on page 21

Essequibians up pressure on Govt to reduce ferry fares

…want equal attention as Berbicians

Essequibians who utilise Government’s ferry service to access Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and other critical areas across the country especially Georgetown are calling on the David Granger-led Administration to reduce the current fares that they are made to pay when they utilise the Ferry Service.

The residents said that they decided to push for Government to consider their plight given the immense attention that is being paid to Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Corentyne-Berbice) and the Berbice River Bridge toll reductions.

They claim that they are being neglected by the Government even though they have to pay fares that are far higher than those charged for persons who are travelling via the Berbice River Bridge on a daily basis. Since so many services are located in Georgetown, travelling to Georgetown is compulsory in many instances. They believe that they should receive attention like Berbicians.

Currently, a ticket on the ferry costs Gy$380 per person and Gy$1140 for a person with an empty vehicle (one-way).

A vehicle owner, there-

fore, has to pay a fee of Gy$2280 for his vehicle and Gy$1900 for five passengers – a total of Gy$4180 – to journey from and to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Businesses pay twice that amount when their vehicles are weighed. A minibus with 15 passengers would have to pay the Gy$2280 plus Gy$5400 for the passengers for a total of Gy$7680 if they wanted to take a trip to Parika. This fee is massively more expensive when compared to the toll at the Berbice Bridge, and can only be utilised at weird hours of the day.

Persons traversing over the Berbice Bridge between Regions Five and Six, on the other hand, only have to pay

a toll of Gy$2200 and it is now proposed by the Government for this to be reduced to Gy$1900 (return), a reduction of Gy$300 compared to what a person travelling with a vehicle from Region Three to Region Two would pay. Commuters on the Berbice Bridge can travel across at any time of the day or night.

A passenger who is a frequent user of the ferry service, Wazad Bacchus, said that he believed that the same reduction Government announced for the Berbice Bridge should be applicable to Essequibians. He explained that on a daily basis many persons used the ferry to earn a livelihood and sometimes the fare took away some of

Speaking to Phulmattie, (one name), a speedboat passenger from Essequibo to Parika, she complained bitterly, “I got to pay Gy$1500 each way every day…this is Gy$3000. Where am I going to get this kind of money? Essequibo only got rice, coconut and gramoxone? Is not like Berbice where they got four sugar estates and smuggling with Suriname. And yet we don’t get no break.”

their profits. Bacchus said many persons would be thankful if the fare for the ferry was reduced.

Another businessman, Terry Singh, said that businesses did not have other alternative to the ferry as there was no bridge from Region Two to Three. He said sometimes products would end up selling for more than they are being offered in the City of Georgetown because businesses have to recoup the transport costs.

On a daily basis, thousands of persons traverse the Essequibo River via the ferry to access education, health

services and to conduct business.

Other reforms Meanwhile, other residents are also calling on the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, to keep its election promise to the residents as it relates to the promised ferry transportation service improvements.

They are calling for a total revamping of the service being offered at the Supenaam Stelling by the two Chinese-made ferries.

Small-scale loggers raise concerns with Govt

Representatives of 14 different logging associations in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) met recently with Government to vent their concerns over access to land for logging purposes and tax concessions, as the global economy suffers another downturn.

Governance and Patrimony Minister Raphael Trotman, who is responsible for the natural resources sector, stated that the large group of small-scale loggers from the mining town of Linden sought to have an audience with the Administration to address issues which are affecting them.

He stated that these persons were concerned about the obvious downturn in the global economy, noting that many logs were shipped to China and Asia, but the economic troubles in that region have left loggers with a huge stockpile on their hands.

According to the Minister, the loggers wished to know if the Government could provide them with any concessions and if so, what concessions these would be.

Guyana Times International understands that the issue of large logging companies crowding the small loggers out of the market

Governance and Patrimony Minister Raphael Trotman

was also of major concern. Also the impassable state of access roads and fuel prices were also on their list of issues to be addressed.

Trotman told the media that while these representatives have committed their support to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, they also put the Minister on notice that this was “not a blanket support”, since they expected that the Government would perform in their best interest.

“I do plan a visit to Region 10 later in the month of September, and I would insist that Minister Patterson go along, because the state of the road is very critical, much of the cost of production or getting the logs to market has to do with transportation and the bad state of the road … so hopefully the

trip can involve Minister Patterson and some others, where we can bring some immediate relief and the Minister can see for himself what the needs are,” Minister Trotman explained.

With regard to the tax concessions which are already granted to existing companies and are being reviewed, the Governance Minister stated that the Administration would ensure that there was a level playing field. Foreigners as well as local small loggers should be on the same level, and these are some of the issues which the Government was working on with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

Guyana Times International understands that the intention of the APNU/AFC coalition is to also ensure that the large companies which have been granted concessions are working with the GFC and are doing so in a manner which respects the country’s laws and regulations.

“We want to ensure that they are keeping to their agreement at the end of the day, so that it’s value added; if they can’t, then we will look at taking them away, but we don’t want to start off by saying we are going to be taking anything away, that’s not in our interest,” Trotman said.

Govt says Nagamootoo is best person to lead “unity talks” with PPP/C

Even with the snub by the Opposition to hold talks with him, Government on Tuesday said that a delegation headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo will be meeting with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for talks on national unity.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman named the team which was expected to meet with the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss matters of inclusionary governance among other things.

But this move may be a challenge for Government as Jagdeo has already declared that his Party would not be meeting with Nagamootoo at this level. The new Prime Minister, back in 2011, parted ways with the PPP/C, of which he was said to be part all of his political life thus far. He had cited an “erosion of internal party democracy, corrupt practices, security lapses and arrogant, autocratic leadership as reasons for his leaving.

On Tuesday, Jagdeo told Journalists that he would not acknowledge any meeting with the Prime Minister. He said he would prefer to hear things from the President and from his office, as he would treat them in a more credible manner than responding to the public “utterances” of Nagamootoo.

“I think he is prone to make those utterances without any real substance to them and I

don’t think in this government he is authorised to make any offer to anyone because he can’t even secure commitments that were made to him through the Cummingsburg Accord,” Jagdeo said of Nagamootoo.

Jagdeo said the Prime Minister had used his recent visit to his home village of Whim, Corentyne Berbice to carry out a display of politics.

“I don’t think Nagamootoo can make that offer. I think it was politically done given the bad reception he had in Whim,” Jagdeo related.

Members of the Nagamootoo team include Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan, Chief Whip Amna Ally, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, State Minister Joseph Harmon, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams and Trotman.

Asked if the stalemate between the Prime Minister and the PPP/C would not hinder the

Miner charged with attempted murder

Aman was on Wednesday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the indictable charge of attempted murder.

Rocky Lex, 30, of Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara was not required to plead to the charge which read that on Sunday, September 6, at Kushi Backdam, Essequibo, he wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC) Sheik Raman with the intent to murder him.

The particulars of the charge were not revealed in court, however, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones revealed that the VC is still suffer-

discussion, Trotman responded in the negative, noting that it should in fact be used to bring everyone together.

Jagdeo, just over a week ago, had met with President Granger. Jagdeo had indicated that he needed to consult with Party members before a decision could be made on the proposals and also indicate when it would be ready to hold these talks.

He said he would not be responding to those issues, pointing out that there were several points on the agenda presented by the President; however, his Party was interested in raising several other issues including people, wealth creation and discrimination issues.

ing from his wounds and was recently discharged from the hospital.

The Magistrate remanded the accused to prison and transferred the matter to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for September 21.

Guyana formulating contribution to UN Climate Change Conference in Paris

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment on Wednesday held its National Stakeholders Consultation, in an effort to formulate the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) on Climate Change from Guyana, which is expected to be presented at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France in December.

INDCs will be foundational for the Paris climate agreement, demonstrating countries’ intent to decarbonise their economies and invest in resilience.

The event was held at the Grand Coastal Inn and was attended by Adviser on the Environment, Rear Admiral Gary Best; Minister of Governance with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman; Permanent Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie; Adviser on Sustainable Development at NRE, Clayton Hall; Head of the Guyana Energy Agency,

Dr Mahender Sharma and former Presidential Advisor and Head of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, Andrew Bishop. Representatives from various organisations including the European Union (EU), Conservation International Guyana (CIG), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Iwokrama International Centre, Guyana Human Rights’ Association among others, were also present.

Minister Raphael Trotman, who declared

the discussion open, told the representatives that the engagement was not only timely, but also needed.

According to Minister Trotman, Cabinet had mandated that a task force be set up to prepare Guyana for the Conference in Paris and out of this task force, came a draft document. However, he did not want this document to be the final one and as such, the forum was organised for comments, criticisms and suggestions on how it can be best improved.

He noted that it was always in the best inter-

tion. You don’t have to agree. The important thing is that you have a position on the matter,” Minister Trotman said.

In the meantime, Permanent Secretary of the Department, Joslyn McKenzie, in his presentation told agencies that climate change is one of the defining global challenges of our time and poses a serious threat to the well-being of humanity and the security of peoples and States.

est of the country for the national stakeholders to be allowed to give their input and advice on a matter of such importance.

“We are happy that this engagement is taking place. All of you are well aware of the need for Guyana to have an Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. You are all well aware of matters of climate change and adaptation and about upcoming meetings which culminate in December… We felt that this should be brought here for you to give your input and take a posi-

The adverse impacts of climate change, he said, are affecting all countries around the world; developed and developing, alike.

As such, he noted that the fight must be aggressive and it is in this regard that the INDC is crucial.

“The INDC should provide a clear signal to the general public and of course, the international community that Guyana is fully committed to achieving the paradigm shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The INDC needs to make a long-term commitment to this, making use of both domestic resources and international support… It is essential

that Guyana’s INDCs be ambitious, while leading to transformation in the most carbon-intensive sectors and industries,” he said.

Stakeholders who were invited to participate, shared their thoughts on how best they believe, the document can be improved and even pointed out areas, which were not covered in the draft document.

Shyam Nokta, a consultant, was high in praise for the initiative as he pointed out that the move by the Government should be commended. “I want to thank the Government for taking this initiative. The draft presentation was excellent and I think it covers a lot of critical areas as we move towards making a submission from Guyana,” Nokta said.

Meanwhile, Mr Bernard, a participant, said that while the presentation was most informative, he was concerned that the initial process did not begin with consultations and that a document was drafted before it was seen by the national stakeholders.

New Govt, Mayor Green betrayed ...

a space along Orange Walk, Bourda has been reserved for the relocation of the vendors.

“We began to look at the very fragile drainage system of Georgetown and we recognised that where the vendors were operating is part of our drainage contract. I met with them in office where I told them that they have to move over the weekend…at that time I said to them that once construction begins and there is ingress and egress of development, they will be allowed to go back provided that they have proper conditions like proper tents and their presence reflects an enhancement of the city,” he explained.

Nagamootoo fires back at critics who accuse him of interfering with media freedom

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has sought to refute claims that he has been interfering with the freedom of the media, stressing that he believes the media plays an important role in society. This comment came on the heels of the disclosure of Government’s intention to formulate a media policy for all media houses in Guyana.

the Opposition PPP/C.

“I was disappointed. I was very disappointed. I didn’t think that it was an objective headline in the sum total of what transpired yesterday in the Parliament… It is a Government paper and I would expect that for a paper that it has a point of view that supports a Government perspective… Here is a case where there was a resolution of a problem, a compromise having been arrived at… One would expect that it would merit the views of Government,” he had said.

to get one story,” the retiree said.

Another senior citizen said what the Prime Minister did was not what they were expecting of him. “We vote for a change not a change around. The Chronicle only used to have what the Government wants them to put in the paper, but we vote to change that… but it looks like we are not getting a change, just a change around.”

I am least interested in the journalist’s affairs, I read his columns but I have never spoken to the Editor of the Chronicle Newspaper in relation to his columns. I have never mentioned his name to the Editor in relation to his columns. I have not interfered or given any instruction for the journalist to feel displeased.”

‘Never interfered’

He stated that while he was trying to aid in the development of the vendors who he recognise face dire economic and social circumstances, Monday’s activity could not have been avoided as the area that they were occupying is an essential part of the area’s drainage system that needed to be improved, and the presence of the illegal structures would impede on the necessary drainage works.

Speaking at a Government outreach at Whim, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Saturday, the Prime Minister said media personnel were important to society and should perform their job in a qualitative manner which would bring professionalism to the job they perform.

“The press has been playing up certain issues about freedom of the media in Guyana; they too are inventing a jumbie when they talk about violation of freedom of the press in Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

But the vendors are saying otherwise. They say that they were betrayed by the Mayor who in an attempt to save face during the meeting told them to paint their stalls green and yellow and they would be allowed to stay there even as the Council worked out a plan for their relocation.

Nagamootoo has come in for heavy criticism after telling a group of reporters that he was disappointed by a headline which appeared in the Guyana Chronicle and he had a conversation with the reporter who wrote the story. The headline asserted that the government had “blundered” in its presentation of the budget when it was forced to seek corrections to the format with

The utterances of the Prime Minister sparked widespread condemnation about his interfering with the job of the media. This was especially so when the Chronicle, evidently confusing “State” with “Government”, essayed an editorial stating that the State media has to toe the Government’s line.

In Berbice, several persons have come out in support of the media and have criticised the Prime Minister over his alleged interference in the operation of the media.

One retired school teacher, Vincent Ramroop said the media, whether State-owned or not, has the right to report on exactly what was happening. “The Government is only oneside and they should give the other side of the story. We should not have to buy two newspapers

However, the Prime Minister stood his ground and stated that he has never interfered with the media. He told the Whim gathering that they should remind themselves that the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle remains the same person who recently carried a headline in the newspaper which referred to him as an animal.

“The Chronicle referred to me as a jackass with my photograph. I did not dismiss the editor. He offered me his resignation. I have not fired him,” the PM said. However, that particular Editor was subsequently demoted.

Recently, he added, the columnist Rickey Singh had tendered his resignation and blamed him for interfering and censoring his article which criticised the Prime Minister. “I have not seen this journalist for over 15 years. I have not spoken to this journalist for over 15 years.

Nagamootoo was alluding to veteran Caribbean journalist Guyanese-born Rickey Singh, who resigned as a contributor and longstanding columnist to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, as he took a firm stand against the continued interference of the Prime Minister’s Office in the affairs of the company and the work of the editorial department.

Singh, in his resignation letter dated September 2, explained that he took the decision following the nonpublication of a column he submitted for the Sunday, August 31, 2015 edition of the newspaper.

He said that he had written to the then Editor-In-Chief Mark Ramotar and General Manager Michael Gordon soliciting a reason for the non-publication of the column which was critical of Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Government’s parliamentary posture as well as its failure to fulfil several post-electoral promises.

Major reforms needed at New Opportunity Corp – Youth Advisor Norton

Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton, believes that a complete reform in the system is needed in order for the New Opportunity Corp (NOC) to actually make a difference in the lives of the children who attend the institution.

During a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss ways to improve the NOC, Norton told the gathering that there needs to be a complete revamp in the mindset of employees and the entire approach taken to train the students.

Firstly, he said a reformative justice approach is needed rather a penal approach, noting that the latter will only make the students there feel isolated from society. On that note, he explained that programmes

need to be implemented and administered to help the students there be reintegrated into society.

Moreover, he said the system needs to work along with families and communities in order to help the students feel confident to re-enter society.

He reflected on an interaction he had with one of the students, where she preferred to stay at the Corp rather than return to her family due to her firm belief that her family will not accept that she has changed. This concept and mindset, Norton affirmed, needs to be changed.

Norton reminded that the Corp’s objective is to transform juvenile delinquents into acceptable members of society and, therefore, all approaches taken by the administrative level need to keep this target in mind.

“Work has to be done to transform the thinking of the family, the thinking of the community and the thinking of the wider society. If you reform somebody and put them in the same situation, then axiomatically, you’re in trouble,” he

said.

“We must begin to see young people as assets, rather than as problems,” he reiterated. Therefore, he said the institution needs to employ persons with quality leadership to take charge of the operations there and motivate the students to strive for betterment.

Additionally, he said the entire curriculum at

the institution needs to be adjusted so as to allow the students to gain the requisite skills to re-enter into society.

“There is little or no sense having young people there and they are not trained to lead. So what is critical to the process to me, is training these young people to be leaders in their own right,” he said.

More importantly,

Norton admitted that these changes can only be done if the necessary resources are provided. On that note, Norton urged the Government to commit itself to reforming the NOC and provide the resources needed to help in that regard.

“If the Government is serious, it will have to give the resources to deal with the NOC as needed,” he said.

Guyanese students return from YAP in US

Agroup of secondary school students recently returned from the United States after participating in the three-week exchange Youth Ambassadors Programme (YAP). This year’s Programme was held under the theme “Youth and Social Transformation” in various US states. The participants representing Guyana were Dolly Chambers, Ashraf Dabie, Joashaha Drakes, Nareema Khan, Hanani Lewi, Natisha Mokutnauth, along with their mentor Royston Alkins.

The group arrived in Brattleboro, Vermont, on August 9, for the commencement of the programme and joined approximately 36 secondary school students and adult educators from other Caribbean countries including The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Programme focused on civic education; community service; youth leadership development through site meetings, experiential learning activities and civic participation at the community level; mentoring by community, business and NGO leaders; volunteer programmes, and homestays with American families. The Programme culminated in Washington, DC on August 30.

During YAP, the Guyanese Youth Ambassadors and their Caribbean counterparts visited several cities, including Washington, DC; Cleveland, Ohio; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Seattle,

Washington. One of the main objectives of the Programme was to prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities.

In addition, the participants had an opportunity to foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, racial, religious, and national groups and create global networks of youth leaders, both within the participating countries and internationally from countries such as Lebanon and Iraq. The Programme also seeks to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other citizens of the interna-

tional community and also to provide a platform to influence the attitudes of the leaders of a new generation.

Community leaders YAP gives students and adult leaders an opportunity to develop leadership and problem-solving skills that enable them to act as community leaders. The project aims to hone participants’ sense of civic responsibility and foster civic activism. A core goal of the Program is for the student leaders, once empowered, to bring their experience to bear in helping encourage and guide other student leaders through community-oriented service projects. Youth

Ambassadors are required to implement follow-on activities upon their return home that will help the participants stay in touch with each other, reflect on their experiences, and integrate what they have learnt into their daily lives.

Upon their return to Guyana, the six youths met with Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Bryan Hunt, on Tuesday. In describing part of his experience, Youth Ambassador Ashraf Dabie shared “though my highlights in Seattle thus far are defined mainly by my interactions with the homeless, the visit to the Space Needle, exploring the Bill and

Melinda Gates Foundation, and touring Chinatown, the activity that was most outstanding to me was volunteering at North West Harvest. At North West Harvest, I, along with two of my Seattle teammates, assisted in the organisation’s daily distribution of food to the homeless and less fortunate.

“This experience definitely opened my mind to the struggles of the less privileged, and direct contact with these anguished people allowed me to truly sympathise with them. It also inspired me to consider the homeless in my country and initiate a similar project in Guyana. That experience singlehandedly achieved programme objectives of enhancing my understanding of diversity and improving civic engagement. I must say, only few are afforded the opportunity to participate in such a generously sponsored and wellimplemented programme, and I am honoured and grateful to be among such a minority.”

Meanwhile, Chargé d’Affaires Hunt congratulated the delegation and reaffirmed the US Government’s commitment to work with the Government and people of Guyana on issues that were of mutual interest to both countries and contribute to the improved well-being of Guyana’s most valuable resources –its people – through capacity building and institution strengthening.

Since 2012, a total of 29 students and six mentors have participated in the YAP representing Guyana.

68-year-old woman raped, beaten to death – tongue also severed

Days after a mother of seven was brutally raped and beaten along the Vreed-en-Hoop Jetty Area, West Bank Demerara, she succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

This event occurred even as Top Cop, Seelall Persaud, maintains that crime is under control and that it is being largely politically influenced by the Opposition. The Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, has responded criticising Police Commissioner Persaud, while urging him to remain professional and to do more to fight crime as opposed to entering into the realm of politics.

Megon Jones Cox, 68 of Lot 14 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, whose tongue was also severed from her mouth, was found on July 22 last in an unconscious state and was taken to West Demerara Regional Hospital.

cumbed on July 25.

Between July 22 and 25, relatives of the now murdered woman had frantically launched a search for her, but came up empty handed until two Saturdays ago when they visited the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary to make arrangements for her granddaughter’s funeral.

However, upon identification, a post-mortem was performed by local pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as multiple injuries about the body and blunt trauma to the head. The post-mortem was performed on Friday and the woman was laid to rest on Saturday in Stanleytown.

tion that her aunt, who is also referred to as Jean Shepherd, was a patient of the psychiatric clinic at the West Demerara Hospital.

“She is someone who would disappear from your eyesight in a flash… next thing you know she entertaining people somewhere… she either singing or cracking jokes… wherever you see a crowd, you see Jean”, Shellon stated.

“While searching for her, we were also making funeral arrangements for a cousin who had passed… It was when we went to the mortuary to make funeral arrangements; we saw our aunt’s body… the mortuary had a different name that the hospital had given them so that is how come we couldn’t find her”.

The niece went on to say that the woman only celebrated her 68th Birthday on July 20. Prior to her birthday, the elderly woman stayed with one of her sons in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazarni), but requested to return home so that she can celebrate her birthday with her loved ones.

Due to the severity of the injuries she sustained, Jones Cox was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she subsequently suc-

Guyana Times International understands that while the woman was in hospital, she requested a piece of paper and a pen and wrote a detailed report of her ordeal. In the note that was handed over to the Police, she mentioned the names of two young men as the perpetrators.

When this newspaper visited the home of the dead woman, a niece, Shellon (only name given) told this publica-

Further, Shellon related that her aunt went missing on July 22 after she left for the West Demerara to collect medication. “After she didn’t come back, we started to search around in the neighbourhood but didn’t find her… we went to the hospital but she was not there…” she stated.

The niece, who was at the time preparing for the funeral, stated that based on the note that was written by the woman, relatives leant of the brutal attack and what would have led to her demise. “They had no mercy on her… they raped her, and in a way to shut her up from talking they cut off her tongue. But little did they know, she was a darn good writer… When we saw her body, her head was swollen, you couldn’t recognise her face and she was naked as she was born… marks were all over her body”, the woman said in a solemn voice. Aunty Jean, as she is known in the area, did not get into anyone’s way relatives recollected.

man in police custody has confessed to the murder. The suspect reportedly told investigators that he and Jones Cox were having sexual intercourse, during which she cried out that she was in pain.

As a result, the main suspect got annoyed, picked up an object and dealt her several blows to the head, the Chief Stated. With a confession, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

Jones Cox leaves to mourn her four children and two siblings. As crime spirAls out of control…

One day passed and the search continued, but there were no signs of the woman.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, when contacted, told this publication that the

Govt, BBCI must negotiate win-win formula – PSC Head

…massive investment needed for alternative crossings

By Devina Samaroo

Though in support of river taxis in Berbice, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Norman Mc Lean is urging the Government and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to continue having fruitful negotiations with the aim of arriving at a mutually beneficial agreement regarding the reduction of the Bridge tolls.

“We (PSC) had a meeting with the Bridge and we feel that it is something that can be negotiated and we are encouraging both the Government and the Bridge Company to negotiate on a win-win formula to achieve the objective. Government has an objective to reduce the toll and the Bridge, as I understand it, will accept the reduction, but the spinoff will be that it will have to be a little longer so that will matter, for the two parties have to come up with a formula where there is a win-win situation,” Mc Lean said.

However, he did not

comment on a specific possible solution to the current impasse between the two parties –given that if both parties are to move forward, it is going to have to be a give and take situation.

Nonetheless, Mc Lean did indicate that the current fees were not entirely burdensome, making reference to the comparison of the ferry fees and the Bridge tolls that was published in a previous edition of the Guyana Times.

The comparison showed that the Bridge tolls were less costly than what was paid to

utilise the ferry service and in addition, travelling via the Bridge cuts time as opposed to travelling on the ferry.

He added that with the introduction of river taxis, persons would now have a choice between two modes of transportation. Also, he noted that if government indeed provided the subsidy for the elderly and the children, then it would be incredibly beneficial to families residing in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

However, when presented with the fact that the majority of the Berbice Bridge’s users are actually businesspeople and that they were not going to benefit from lower costs via the implementation of river taxis, Mc Lean noted that the fares would not be too burdensomewhen compared to the

cost encountered whilst using the ferry.

Meanwhile, the Berbice Private Sector representative bodies already expressed their support for the implementation of the river taxis. The bodies comprised the Upper Corentyne Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI); West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WBCIC); Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) and Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCC&DA).

The river taxi service will commence as soon as possible, with the utilisation of existing vessels until it is feasible for other boat operators to come onboard.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is in the process of examining the crossings at Rosignol and Blairmont

to ensure they are safe and to determine if any works needed to be executed before the river taxis begin operations.

It is expected that there will have to be massive investments for the Stellings and ancillary facilities to be brought up to standard to facilitate the return of

river traffic. No one has been willing to comment where this investment will come from, since there were no funds allocated in the 2015 Budget.

MARAD is also examining the condition of the existing vessels to ensure they meet the required standard.

Guyana’s housing sector on downward slide, Ali warns

The obvious downturn in the construction sector and the suffering endured by the hardware stores in Guyana is as a result of the negativity and criticisms of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change Government, says former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali.

During an exclusive interview with this publication on Friday evening, Ali stated that after the examination of the 2015 National Budget, and listening to the government policy and programmes in the housing sector, he is very concerned about its future.

“I am very worried about the future of the National Housing Programme, but much more importantly its implication to the housing market itself. The PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) Government understood that housing is not merely allocation of land, but that it has severe economic ramifications. Right now we have the hardware stores who are suffering because the demand is not there, because the construction sector is sliding and less people are constructing,” Ali stated.

He explained that although this is the existing situation, and it is quite evident in the country, it appears as if the coalition Administration is not interested in “making an aggressive housing programme”.

Guyana Times International was told that the Government’s idea of distributing 5000 houses/properties in five years is a “good idea”, but is totally inadequate to match the demand for housing in the country. This is also not enough to create the necessary “excitement” in the housing sector to push the economy forward.

Ali maintained that the present Administration is manipulating the process and situations surrounding the housing sector and this will lead to nothing but an inevitable downfall.

“Look at the East Bank of Demerara

housing scheme which was a booming area, a heavily organised area, where persons were building every day.

Trucks upon trucks of sand, stone, cement were going there. Check it out today, it has come to a halt because of the negative propaganda coming out of the Government in relation to the future of this expansion,” the former Housing Minister emphasised.

This newspaper was told that the land on the East Bank of Demerara, in the housing scheme, has a certain degree of equity held by the bank and also by the private developers and private investors.

According to Ali, as such, the private investors and developers are essential in stimulating growth and economic activity while stimulating the housing sector itself.

“When they pump liquidity into the system and the Government matches that liquidity, then the entire construction sector benefits. But look at what they are doing; they cut the 1000 home programme. The delays and the slothfulness in that programme has cost almost 350 jobs already and now they are saying persons had preferential rates on the East Bank,” he explained.

Police Force’s capacity down by 1500 – Top Cop

…1000 recruits on waiting list for training

While there has been much emphasis placed on the lack of resources within the Guyana Police Force, with particular attention being placed on the vehicular and weapon shortage, little focus has been on the fact that the entity is severely under strength.

Head of the Guyana Police Force, Commissioner Seelall Persaud disclosed to Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview that the Force was currently short of some 1500 ranks. The Commissioner explained that one of the factors contributing to this deficiency is the inadequacy in training capacity.

He explained that the Force conducts two residential training sessions (six months) annually; however, these can only facilitate a limited number of 330 persons.

Persaud noted that this course was essential for all recruits as it moulds and instils in them the necessary values and morals required of a police officer.

“We get people from all kinds of communities and they come with a thinking of how they were socialised. You know right and wrong varies from culture to culture, so we bring them in and try to change their

Recommendations from mining sector inquiry would be implemented – Govt

Recommendations from the mining industry inquiry will soon be implemented to ensure safety in the mining sector

Government has announced that the recommendations from the mining industry inquiry would soon be implemented to ensure safety in the mining sector; however, no details were disclosed on the nature of these recommendations.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, efforts are ongoing to address the implementation of some of the recommendations coming out of the inquiry and the public will be informed of these in the “short-term”.

An official inquiry was launched into the sector following the continued loss of lives in the industry as a result mainly of the collapsing of mining pits.

The inquiry into this deadly spate of events was launched in July

Berbice

“By then, the Government had already made several public pronouncements and had unilaterally announced new tolls, inclusive of an implementation date of September 1, 2015. BBCI had prior to this meeting, only heard and read of these new tolls and their implementation date via the media. It was never officially informed of the proposed new tolls prior to the meeting with the Honourable Minister of Finance,” the BBCI release explained.

behaviours, at the same time teaching what the law is, our Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and certain types of skills that will help to do their work,” the Commissioner stated.

Furthermore, the Top Cop highlighted that with the Police Force developing its social programmes to boost public trust, more youths are becoming interested in

At the meeting between the BBCI and the Administration, Finance Minister Jordan then apprised the Company of the Government’s already announced public position.

This newspaper was told that the Company then reminded Minister Jordan of its financial predicament, the toll formula provisions of the Concession Agreement, the application for increased tolls as a result of the aforementioned circumstances, and of the proposed alterna-

and a report of recommendations for the improvement of safety in the sector was recently submitted.

It was observed that the mounting incidents of mining pit collapses are owed to a lack of effective safety precautions and measures being taken by owners and operators in the mining sector.

President David Granger recently registered his concerns over the frequent collapse of mining pits within the country’s mining community.

The Department stated also that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was mandated to strictly enforce the regulations governing the operation of mines and the safety of mines workers.

The latest collapse last week resulted in the death of a young miner who was buried alive after a mining pit caved in at Tiger Creek, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). A few months prior, another mining pit in the said area collapsed thus resulting in the death of ten miners.

Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment expressed its concerns over the recent loss of lives caused by the collapses which were the result of negligence and noncompliance with the mining laws. Meanwhile, until these recommendations take full effect, the Department is advising all mine operators and workers to exercise due care and caution in their operations.

tive of increasing the Concession Period.

However, on August 13, Ram and McRae wrote BBCI proposing a simple subsidy applied to the existing tolls but this subsidy did not address, postpone or solve the problem of the threatening insolvency of the company.

“In the letter, the Government’s representative acknowledged BBCI’s request for discussions to take place on the proposed extension of the Concession Period… The proposal did not address the fact that the toll formula dictated an increase in the toll, to ensure the solvency of the bridge company… BBCI therefore counterproposed to Government its earlier position that instead of paying subventions at taxpayers’ expense the concession period could be extended from 21 to 50 years,” the Berbice Bridge Company noted.

NEW GPC INC/QAII’s Board Directors resign

Meanwhile, NEW GPC INC and QAII announced on Friday that they have withdrawn the representation of their two Directors on the Board of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc which was tendered earlier this week.

The two Directors represented the equity investment by the two companies as common stock shareholders, on which they have never received any dividends over the past eight years.

“The virulent attacks against the two companies that sought to personalise and politicise what is ultimately a discussion on the adherence to the terms of a binding contract and agreement between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and BBCI cannot go unnoticed”, the Company explained.

It was also pointed out to government that the unfortunate alternative would be to have the tolls raised at a minimum as per the Concession Agreement for the company to remain viable irrespective of the simple subsidy proposed by the APNU/ AFC Administration.

Oil deal with T&T will not replace PetroCaribe agreement

The oil and gas arrangement with Trinidad and Tobago, will in no way replace the PetroCaribe deal Guyana has with neighbouring Venezuela, but is instead being used as an alternative to cushion the effect of untimely delivery from Venezuela.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed that fuel was purchased from the twin-island republic, noting that Government needed to have an alternative in place to ensure that there is never a shortage of petrol in Guyana. He related that only a few weeks ago, the vessel sent to Venezuela for fuel encountered some difficulties in getting the fuel on time.

“We do not feel that this arrangement will put in jeopardy the users of petrol in the country, in fact it is the Government’s commitment to ensure that there is a regular and reliable supply of fuel to drive the industry in Guyana,” Harmon said.

Harmon further related that Government will do all that is necessary to ensure that the wheels of industry continue to turn. Guyana, through the PetroCaribe arrangement, has been receiving oil from neighbouring Venezuela in exchange for rice. While the arrangement between Guyana and the Spanishspeaking nation will still continue, Harmon said the Trinidad and Tobago is the standby arrangement.

He said the arrangement with Trinidad is feasible and the terms favourable, noting that Trinidad is very much aware of Guyana’s commitment to the PetroCaribe deal out of Venezuela. He noted too that the

financial arrangement in the deal is no less favourable than that of Venezuela.

Government, in July had begun pursuing a commitment made by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to assist Guyana in the oil and gas sector.

Governance Minster Raphael Trotman had said the offer would be explored at two levels – one was the supply of oil and lubricants to Guyana to see if there could be favourable terms and concession from the twinisland republic for the supply; and the other is for the actual assistance in the development of the oil sector itself, in terms of exploration, agreements and being able to interface with the investors who come.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar made the promise to Guyana’s President in July, when she met with him on the sidelines of the 36th (Caribbean Community) Caricom Heads of Government meeting in Barbados.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the Caribbean and is also the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas. Oil and gas account for about 40 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product and 80 per cent of exports. It has transitioned from an oil-based economy to a natural gas-based economy. In 2007, natural gas production averaged four billion cubic feet per day. Should Guyana receive the promised support from the twin-island republic, it could closely follow behind as oil has been found in Guyana’s waters.

PM Nagamootoo finally concedes APNU/ AFC “differences”

As an apparent battle for power continues in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition with more and more trouble brewing, a devastating breakup is possibly underway.

Recent developments including the possibility of contesting the Local Government Elections (LGE) as separate entities have only fuelled widespread speculation of an imminent split in the six-party coalition Government.

Conceding the existence of disputes within the coalition was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who, during a public meeting in Whim on Saturday, conceded that only during the past few days, the coalition had succeeded in “working out their differences”.

Nagamootoo did not elaborate on the aforementioned “differences” nor did he divulge any details surrounding the “resolution” of those differences. Efforts to contact the Prime Minister on Sunday to clarify these lacunae proved futile.

In the wake of the stunning comments, po-

litical commentator Dr Henry Jeffery questioned if the admission was just a political gesture to provide assurance to supporters of the coalition.

In spite of consistent denials by some members of the AFC, the parties have clearly been in breach of the much touted “Cummingsburg Accord”, notably in favour of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led APNU.

Specifically, contrary to the Accord, Nagamootoo does not chair Cabinet, nor is he in charge of domestic national affairs. In fact, the powers he was promised have all been diminished to oversight of the information sector of the state

media – an authority he now has been accused of abusing. The Accord also stated that the Prime Minister would recommend ministerial appointments and provide organisational structures for Ministries – for the approval of the President and the appointment of Heads of Agencies and non-constitutional commissions. It is apparent that he was never involved in none of these activities.

Aside from the violations of the Accord, Jeffery believes that difficulties could be arising from various other areas – which may be greater contributing factors to a possible rift between the two political groupings.

“The difference people have been talking about is essentially the differences around the issue of the Cummingsburg Accord. People are saying that the Accord says one thing and that they have not carried out the Accord according to what was stated. Time has moved on that they are now in Government and they can overcome that. But they are political parties looking at the fucontinued on page 27

Dollars for weapons

PPP/C MP urges Govt to offer money for illegal weapons

The gun amnesty programme has been rendered useless and visionless by many sections of society but People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)

Member of Parliament (MP) Harry Gill believes there is some hope for the initiative to work effectively and that is by granting monetary incentives as a part of the bargain.

The Public Security Ministry launched a month-long gun amnesty programme on September 1, to rein in illegal firearms with the hopes of reducing the surge of gun-related crimes in the country.

However, Gill posited that hardcore criminals are not going to risk walking into a station and simply hand over their weapons, even though amnesty is provided.

Gill argued that the there is a big demand for illegal weapons in the underworld and there is simply not enough reasons for criminals to come forth and hand in their weapons. “It is ludicrous for anyone to believe this will ever happen,” he stated.

Therefore, Gill recommends that the Ministry offer monetary incentives

for persons to risk exposure when they hand in the weaponry. “An amount of Gy$20,000 can be offered for every functional gun turned in, and Gy$10,000 for every defective gun, because a defective weapon can be used very effectively in the act of committing a crime.

When a victim stares down the barrel of a gun, there is no way to determine whether or not the gun actually works,” he said. He also suggested that the Private Sector be brought onboard to assist in providing the monetary incentives.

“The Private Sector can be persuaded to get involved by sponsoring some of the money, because the more guns that are taken off the streets, the safer it will be for businesses to operate,” he posited.

While on the topic of tackling crime, Gill said the authorities need to adapt a more incentivesbased approach to help getting criminals off the streets.

Gill is of the belief that many criminals, if given the opportunity, would chose to turn their lives around. Therefore, he suggested that programmes be developed to offer those

individuals a chance of getting their lives back in exchange for a confession.

“We’re all aware that there are several unsolved murders in Guyana. While some may remain that way, I am confident that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reasonable suspicions of who may have committed the majority of those crimes, and are working vigorously to get the evidence necessary to secure an arrest and conviction.

Many are wanted for questioning by the Police, and they are aware that their freedom will soon come to an end. But until then, they will continue their criminal activities, robbing and killing their victims until they’re caught. While some ca-

reer criminals will never change, I believe most would if given a chance to turn their lives around,” he reasoned.

Therefore, his suggestion is to offer a onemonth conditional amnesty to criminals wanted by the Police for crimes committed such as murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and rape. Conditions would allow for their names and photographs to be published in the press and for them to be offered leniency.

“After turning themselves in for trial, the police will follow through on their promise and offer a substantial reduction in sentence to those who surrender. But this must go along with mandatory counselling and training geared at rehabilitation, which will help to re-establish the prisoners back into society; giving them hope, a new skill, and the opportunity for a new life,” Gill said.

He then speculated that upon their release, the individuals would be placed on supervised probation with electronic monitoring for a several years. If probation is violated, they would be arrested to complete the full term of their sentence.

Police Force’s capacity ...

law enforcement. “Why is it that so many; 18, 19, 20, 25-year-olds, people applying to join the Police Force. It’s because they have confidence and they like what they are seeing and they want to be a part of it – they see a career. So all the indicators, except for a few reporters and politicians, seem to think there is more public confidence,” he declared.

In addition, Persaud mentioned that as a mean of regaining public confidence, the Force is building a training institution located at Adventure, Corentyne, Berbice, which had the capacity for 30 students but through community support, the facility can now accommodate 60 students with an additional class.

With this increase in capacity, the Force is now able to produce 330 recruits every six months, amounting to 660 recruits per year, providing there are no dropouts. The Commissioner outlined that while there are some trainees who drop out of the programme, the numbers are minimal.

According to the Top Cop, there are currently 1000 applications on

the waiting list for the training programme. He noted that these persons have already completed and passed entrance exams. Persaud added that one course was expected to close in a month’s time and immediately afterwards, a new batch would be trained.

Performing On the other hand, the Commissioner pointed out that even with such a tremendous shortage in the Force, the existing ranks have managed to pull their socks together and are doing exemplary investigative work. Persaud highlighted that the Police have managed to make arrests in most of the highprofile cases, referring to the gang that was dismantled in Craig, East Bank Demerara, back in July following several murders and robberies. Other cases that the Commissioner mentioned that the Police were able to make headway in are the murders of businessman Ganesh Ramlall; activist Courtney Crum-Ewing; Travis Rudder of Nandy Park, EBD; Montrose granny Carmen Ganesh and more recently cash crop farmer Pamela Kendall, to name a few.

ture. Therefore, there is always the possibility of other problems arising. The important thing is not the problem that has risen but the mechanism of solving these problems,” he said.

Already, both parties are contemplating the idea of contesting LGE as separate entities – a move which could, according to analysts, spell death for the coalition.

“If they see themselves as a group together in the long term, then they will go to these elections and contest together. However, if they do not, then they would be contesting the upcoming elections in the regions separately,” Jeffery had told Guyana Times International in a recent interview.

Moreover, the commentator was unsure that the coalition was doing enough to resolve the differences and if it were, it was doing an abysmal job of keeping the public informed of such critical matters.

“Mr Nagamootoo has said so, but I am not aware of any meetings they’ve had or any discussions they’ve had between the parties. He said so, but I am not certain what context he’s speaking…They say they resolved it, but they seem to be doing it in secret. It is possible that they

would have done so…but then again, it might just be Moses saying so at Whim. So you don’t know really…They are not releasing information about these things. Ok, you had a meeting? Where was the meeting held? What came out? Because it’s their supporters that are concerned and they should say a meeting was held and put out a press conference,” he said, explaining that it was too confusing to form a rational assessment of the situation.

Meetings

Meanwhile, AFC General Secretary David Patterson, who is also now Public Infrastructure Minister, had disclosed that meetings were being facilitated to ensure the tenets of the Cummingsburg Accord were implemented accordingly. A committee was established to deal with the issues between the parties.

Chairman of the committee, former President of the Guyana Bar Association, Ronald Burch-Smith, is tasked with the responsibility of ironing out any issue which cannot be settled by the two parties. AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes also plays an integral role in the committee. Efforts to contact both for details on these issues also proved futile.

Govt seeking additional airlines to service Guyana route

…as CAL recommits to services offered

In spite of suffering severe losses Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has endorsed its commitment to the Guyana market, assuring that its financial difficulties will not prevent it from offering quality services in the country.

This is according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International on Friday night stated that Executives of the airline recently met with Government Officials to outline the company’s plans in the future.

Minister Patterson said that during this discussion the airline reaffirmed its pledge to serving the Guyanese people, despite the problems it has been encountering in the past.

“We are always appreciative of such commitments especially this, which comes from CAL. During our recent meeting, we discussed a wide range of topics and these discussions will have to be continued. Thus far, CAL has

been a good corporate partner and we look forward to their continued services in Guyana,” he posited.

Meanwhile, the Public Infrastructure Minister also noted that his Government is also exploring options and actively seeking to have additional airlines operating in Guyana.

Guyana Times International was told that this move is to ensure that the people of Guyana have more options and benefit from a wider range of services being provided.

“It is our hope to have more airlines oper-

Rohee sets the record straight

…says the only Mission closed under PPP/C

Administration was Moscow

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been accused of crippling foreign affairs in Guyana under its tenure but General Secretary of the Party, Clement Rohee, maintains that this was not so.

During a press briefing at Freedom House on Monday, Rohee stated that the previous Administration before PPP/C took office, prior to 1992, had closed the embassies in India and in Africa. When one of these missions was to be closed, it was argued that the other had to be closed as well in a ‘so called balancing off diplomatic approach.’

“We didn’t close any missions, the only mission that was closed was the mission in Moscow and there were already plans under the previous Administration to close Moscow. This was the embassy that was fantastically and terribly downgraded to probably one person working there by the name of Hutson. Plans were already afoot to close that embassy when we took office in 1992 and we just continued with that so that is in relation to closure of diplomatic missions,” Rohee explained.

He told Guyana Times International that he had repeatedly stated ‘over and over again’ that the task he was entrusted with by then President Cheddi Jagan was to visit all of the diplomatic missions with a view of as-

sessing the strength of the staff and the terms of reference of each member.

“I don’t know who could now be disrespectful to Granger as President to say that ‘I am not undertaking such an assignment’. If President Jagan gave me an assignment to undertake at that time… obviously I had to take that. I didn’t want to be an undisciplined comrade by not undertaking an assignment given to me by the Head of State so I undertook that mission,” the PPP/C General Secretary noted.

Negotiations held

This newspaper was further told that Rohee at that time had visited the various missions where he ‘sat with each member’ and negotiated either the termination of their contracts or the renewal of the contracts under new conditions.

However, for those whose contracts were terminated, they all had discussions with the Minister at the time.

“In addition to that, we also ensured that they received all their benefits that were due to them, nobody was sent home by virtue of a letter or by a phone call, each person sat down and had a discussion. The Minister had a staff meeting first with them and a staff meeting with them after to explain to them that the Government during its election campaign promises

had said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was receiving a greater allocation than Ministries of education, health, social services and even the fire service and the Police. And the Government’s intention was to reallocate these resources and in the reallocation of these resources the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ budget was going to be slashed along with the Office of the President budget and it was in that context that the cuts took place,” Rohee further explained.

According to the PPP/C General Secretary, Dr Jagan utilised the resources garnered from those savings to pump it into the social sector and that was until between 1997 and 1998 when those contributions were eventually and gradually restored.

“So all this was taking place within the context of the reordering of the economic and social priorities of the Government, the shortage of resources, remember we were still having heavy foreign debt. That was the kind of challenges that the Government had to be facing at that time. And in the context of the social cohesion matter where Government apparently is seeking to boost its image as a reliable partner with the international community with the social cohesion issue, I am saying therefore Government is likely to use resources to boost its image,” he added.

ating in the country and we are working towards this goal, looking to get more airlines here and soon. The main idea is to have much more competition. We believe that with more competition it is the people who will have more to receive,” Minister Patterson emphasised.

Reports are that the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who also met with the company’s Executives, disclosed that CAL had been providing invaluable service to the country and that it will make arrangements to accommodate and facilitate

the demands of 2016. This newspaper understands that changes have been made which allowed CAL to provide jobs for dozens of locals and the customer service focus and on-board services will change “for the better”. It is expected that 2016 will be a “peak year” for travel to Guyana, especially since the country will be commemorating its 50th Independence anniversary. It should also be noted that Guyana has been one of the biggest countries of service for Caribbean Airlines Limited.

Brazilian charged for stealing money from GBTI returns to court

The Brazilian national who was previously arraigned before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for stealing money from a bank using fake ATM cards returned to court on Wednesday where he once again insisted that he is innocent.

Ramon Xavier Moriera, 32, a self-proclaimed businessman, previously pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Monday, August 31, at Georgetown, she stole Gy$60,000, property of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones had related that the defendant travelled to Guyana through the Lethem route on vacation and he is not a holder of any bank account. The Prosecutor stated that he was caught on camera on the day that he withdrew the cash and when he returned on the second occasion to make another withdrawal, he was arrested and taken into custody. Prosecutor Jones further revealed that the defendant’s name was on the

VISA Card but the pin number was not registered to him.

With the assistance of an interpreter on his last court appearance, the defendant told the court that he travels from the United States of America to Guyana and conducts trading of clothes and perfumes. He stated that thus far, it has been six days since he has been in Guyana and is currently staying at Hotel Kanais. Moriera further stated that his bank has a contract with other banks where he can withdraw money. He added that he used the card and made withdrawals in the United States and never encountered such issues. The defendant was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat who related that it is unclear what the offence committed is as his client did not break the law.

The Prosecutor revealed that the investigation is not yet complete but the Bank’s Chief Security Officer was present in court and ready to testify. He requested three weeks to complete the investigation which was granted. The matter will return to court on October 2.

By Lennox J Hernandez

Sand Creek is an indigenous community (population of 712 in 2009) located in the south of Region 9, about 96 km (60 miles) roughly southeast of Lethem, with the Kanuku Mountains to the north and east, and Sand Creek (after which the village is probably named) to the west, snaking around on the south of the village.

The Rupununi River, into which Sand Creek flows, is further west of the creek. Sand Creek is translated as Katiwau in Wapishana, the language of the people of the area.

buildings located there.

Whereas the village centre has a number of contemporary style buildings, including the Medical Centre, the primary school, the new Catholic Church and the Office of the Village Council, houses outside the centre are of the traditional thatched roof with mud walls, and a few with brick walls and galvanized iron roofs.

On higher ground, about a 20-minute walkfrom the centre of the village, is the newly built secondary school, which opened in 2012, along with a students’ dormitory and teachers’ quarters, to cater for students

lication “Rupununi Mission” (1985) by Fr John Bridges SJ, which highlights “the story of Cuthbert Cary-Elwes SJ among the Indians of Guiana 1909-1923,” we learn that the first church in Sand Creek was built by the villagers in 1918 at the insistence of FrCary-Elwes, who will later become the village’s first priest.

On his visit to the vil-

Though dating the origins of the village may be difficult, Dorothy Faria a long-time resident of the village, estimates it could be more than125 years old. Villagers are predominately subsistence farmers, and the area has adequate fishing sites.

Picturesque in its savannah setting with a mountainous background and much vegetation, Sand Creek appears serene.

The village today is a mix of old and new; traditional and contemporary, as expressed by the

from nearby areas.

The age of the village is seen in buildings such as the Storage bond (previously a shop for many decades) and the old Catholic Church, and the huge mango trees, estimated to be more than 100 years old, which line both sides of the main road to the village centre.

A more recent amenity in the village is the solar panel, used for lighting and electrical power.

Early Sand Creek accounts

From the pub-

lage in early 1919, the church of leaves (roof and walls) was ready. He,however, suggested replacing the leaf walls with mud, and the book gives Cary-Elwes’ delightful description of the happy disposition of the villagers during their conduct of this project.

On Fr Cary-Elwes visit to Sand Creek in February 1922, he records that “we moved the church to a site nearer the water.” This may be a reference to a then existing large pond; however, there is no mention if the building was new.

The first mention in the book of the name of the church at Sand Creek -St John Francis Regis – is when Fr CaryElwes’final visit there in January 1923 was noted.

The outward features of the church has changed over the years, the existing dilapidated remains being somewhat different to that of the church portrayed

in a 1956 publication by Edwina Melville (“This is the Rupununi”).

A new church has been built and the old one would likely be demolished.

‘Traditional Games’ looking to become an indigenous centrepiece

On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2015 the second CARICOM inter-tribal games ended at the Pakuri LokonoArawak Territory(St Cuthberts’ Mission) in Guyana.

In terms of news reports, the event was quietly held; for the tribes from Guyana and Dominica who attended, it was a small but successful endeavour, and the notion revealed a potential for becoming a truly international experience.

Events for the first CARICOM inter-tribal games were held in 2012 when founder of the event, Barbadian

Lokono-Arawak

Damon Corrie, who hails his ancestry in Guyana, sponsored 90 per cent of all associated costs for holding the games.

Since that time he has brought KalinagoCarib athletes from Dominica to Guyana so that there would be a minimum of two countries and three different indigenoustribes taking part. Prior to that, from 2007, he was already sponsoring a series of sporting events annually for the Lokono-Arawak people of Pakuri.

The idea of a regional inter-tribal sporting event began for Corrie after the 2012 London

Olympics when, for the first time in history, a member of his Lokono-Arawak tribe in Guyana was pres - ent as a competitorat the occasion. According to a report by the PanTribal Confederacy of Indigenous Tribal Nations, Corrie declared,“I wanted to ride on the wave of sporting enthusiasm and goodwill that the 2012 London Olympics brought to my tribe and share it with other tribes, and at the same time bring tangible benefits (medals & prize money) to Amerindian athletes who competed in my games which would ALSO be the first CARICOM InterTribal Games ever held in history – as a way to give the youth something positive to aspire to instead of

the destructive bad habits of illegal drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity – which idle souls with no positive recreational outlet tend to gravitate towards… to the detriment of themselves and wider society in general.”

That year, Corrie had invited Amerindian athletes from five CARICOM countries outside Guyana with Amerindian populations to participate, but due to short notice and lack of sponsorship to assist them in covering the expense of return air fare to Guyana from their respective countries, only the KalinagoCarib Tribal Nation (through sponsorship from the Touna Development Agency run by Kalinago exChief Irvine Auguiste) of Dominica was able to send twoathletes.

Corrie is reported to have said that he dedicated the inaugural games, held Sept, 26-28, 2012, to his deceased first daughterAderi Corrie who lived for only three days: Sept. 26th-28, 1994.

This year, the sole athlete from the other CARICOM countries was Arkeyshar Valmond, of the Kalinago-Carib tribe of Dominica. The other athletes were from several different tribes in Guyana.

Valmond won a gold medal in archery and a bronze medal in the Ladies’ 3km distance race, the latter in which Guyana LokonoArawakathlete

Roshelle Dundas received the gold.

Ziggy O'Selmo, a Guyana LokonoArawak athlete,earned his gold medal in the men's archery.

In the Men's ninelap race, five LokonoArawaks, and two Makushi runners, all from Guyana, competed for the gold. The two Makushi runners earned gold and silver.

Sylvester 'Balo' Paulin - of the Makushi tribe of Guyana, and also a member of the Guyana Defence Force, took the gold at that event, successfully defending the title he won at the 2012 inaugural event.

Other events at the games, dubbed the “Traditional Games”, included traditional dancing around bonfires and drumming.

Pakuri Toshao, Lenox Shuman, told one news agency in an interview that while there is room for improvement,“we intend to use this [the games] as one of the primary building blocks in the community.”

“It is my hope and dream that my small scale efforts will catch the attention AND interest of the new government, and they will one day be able to hold a truly professional and large scale CARICOM Inter-Tribal Games somewhere in Guyana, perhaps even at the National Stadium...”founder Damon Corrie stated on his blogspot. (Photos from damongerardcorrie.blogspot. com)

Story of the heroes

Part IV

By PetamBer Persaud

Although I have already planned this series examining the treatment of Guyanese ‘heroes’ in old books, I cannot constrain myself from presenting a new book, hot off the press as it were, gifted to me by someone of such humility who would want to be acknowledged as just a friend.

There are many reasons for this little shift in intention but, above all, I am beginning to become too embroiled in the story of heroes - the making of outstanding men and outstanding women, the elements of success, the reception of heroes, their impact on their society and their impact on the course of history.

This book, “The Excellent Decade 2005-2015”,produced by the ANSA McAl Foundation, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, tells the story of contemporary heroes of the Caribbean,including seven exceptional Guyanese men and women: Professor David Dabydeen, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Sydney Allicock (now the Hon. Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs), George Simon,Karen de Souza, Dr. Paloma MohamedMartin and Professor Suresh S. Narine*. Professor David Dabydeen is “an academic and writer of poetry and fiction… Dabydeen has won both the Guyanese and Commonwealth Awards

in the past for his contribution to arts and letters. He has played a vital role in promoting the literature, life and culture of the Caribbean at Warwick University in the UK.”(Taken from the book)

Annette ArjoonMartins “is a conservationist whose pet project is the 100-mile ecosystem in the northwest coastal region of Guyana where four species of turtle nest. She leads the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society as well as her own business.” (Taken from the book)

Sydney Allicock “is from the North Rupununi … Guyana and is widely accepted as a pioneer of community-based tourism in Guyana. He led the Surama community in implementing a sustainable tourism project that has been copied by other Amerindian communities in Guyana and is considered a model for development of the country’s interior.” (Taken from the Awards website)

George Simon “is a visual artist and archaeologist who has recently

(in 2011) made an archaeological discovery in Guyana that might cause history books about the pre-Columbian past of the Americas, and world civilization, to be radically rewritten.”(Taken from the book)

Simon believes in travelling, and since his formative days at St. Cuthbert's Mission on the Mahaicony River, Guyana, he has moved from place to place, accumulating knowledge, honing his skill, and sharing; but always returning to his homeland, Guyana. During his sojourns, Simon has founded organizations in service to all humanity but particular to the upliftment of indigenous peoples and minorities.

Karen de Souza“is a women’s and children’s rights activist from Guyana. She is the cofounder of Red Thread, an advocacy organization which provides service and support, education, and advocacy for victims of rape and domestic and other forms of violence and for the lowest-waged sectors of women. Ms de Souza is also a pioneer in public

education.” (Taken from the Awards website)

Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin“is one of the most prolific academics (communication and behavioural studies) and creative writers (playwright, scriptwriter and poet) in the region. A key figure in Guyana’s culture and academe, she has been producing creative work since the age of 13, and has, to date, won the Guyana Prize on three occasions.” (Taken from the Awards website)

Professor Suresh S. Narineof Guyana “is one …who has created the rare bridge between scientific research and commercial application, and

in many cases, lessened environmental impact… His work as a researcher has led to an enviable 138 peer-reviewed publications, two books, 22 patents, and the creation of environmentally friendly economic activity in Guyana, Canada and beyond.” (Taken from the Awards website)

The Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence was established in 2005 and the book captures ten years of the Awards. The book offers varied perspectives on excellence.

Sir Shridath Ramphal says that “striving for excellence is not new… our deepest roots lay in conditions of deprivation from which we were compelled to escape. The urge to excel is the very essence of that compulsion for self-improvement.”

Professor E. Nigel Harris says that “excellence and the ever moving target of attaining perfection were omnipresent…so was the need to …challenge oneself…as well as the status quo.”

Former President

of Guyana, Donald Ramotar says that “this quest for constant improvement…is present in almost every facet of life in the Caribbean…is not an exclusive club… also found …in simple folk…is also not just about the goal, it is also about the process.”

The goal of the Caribbean Awards for Excellence is to recognize significant Caribbean achievement, to encourage and to support the pursuit of excellence by Caribbean persons, for the benefit of the region.

*All biographical information quoted from the book, the Awards website, and from my work as a past researcher for the Awards.

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

What’s happening:

The Guyana Annual Magazine 2014-2015 issue in now available at Guyenterprise Ltd., Lance Gibbs and Irving Streets, Tel # 226-9874, the National Library, Austin’s Book Service and from yours truly.

Mahdia on the verge of getting township status

Mahdia, the frontier mining community of Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), is on the verge of transformation. Preparations are already in full swing to bestow upon the village township status. According to a release from the Communities Ministry, consultations have begun between stakeholders and Government regarding the areas in need of more development to aid in the transformation of what was once a deprived area into a thriving economic hub.

A delegation comprising Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Parliamentarian Gloria Bancroft and engineers visited the community on Saturday to interact with the residents and present Government’s plan to transform the village.

Infrastructural development

With regard to the infrastructural development, Minister Patterson said Government would be paving all internal roads in Mahdia, along with the road leading from the airstrip to the community. Consideration is also underway for the paving of the airstrip.

Patterson also committed to addressing the water networking woes of the residents who have been complaining of limited access to water.

Careful examination of the pipelines leading from the creek to Mahdia reveal that several leak-

ages, illegal connections and silt in the pipelines are the main reasons for low water pressure in the community. To address the situation, Patterson said two engineers would be stationed in the region to deal with similar issues whenever they arose. In fact, according to the media release, this would be the case for every region across the country.

During the visit, the residents expressed grave concern over the fact that they are paying the highest per kilowatt for electricity in the country. Recently, concerns were expressed in the media over the “discriminatory” move by the APNU/AFC Government to allow Lindeners to pay a mere Gy$5 per kilowatt hour for electricity, while other residents across the country feel the brunt of exorbitant electricity costs.

Nonetheless, during the encounter, Patterson

assured the residents that Government would work to ensure residents get a better supply of electricity at a more affordable cost. In fact, Minister Bulkan told the residents that the Tumatumari hydropower plant was being rehabilitated by a private company and when completed, residents would be able to access electricity for half the current price being paid.

Though there are not many issues surrounding the housing sector, residents highlighted that Mahdia needed to move away from leasing lands to land ownership.

In response, Bulkan said the necessary actions would be taken to ensure the subject Minister and Ministry was informed of their concerns and the situation was accordingly addressed.

Moreover, he said efforts would be made to complete the devel-

opment of a housing scheme in the area which was in dire need of an infrastructural transformation.

Education

Aside from demanding more qualified teachers in the local school system, the residents are calling for equitable distribution of resources in the education system in the region.

With mining being the main economic activity in Mahdia, residents were particularly concerned with this sector. According to the release, miners are faced with many challenges and are calling for swift intervention from the Government to aid in this regard.

Miners cited incoherent policies and lack of law enforcement in the sector as issues and, therefore, called on the Government to act accordingly to ensure the playing field is equal for all.

PPP youth arm celebrates 63 years

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), one of the oldest and longest-serving youth organisations in Guyana, celebrated its 63rd anniversary on Sunday.

The youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its struggle for social, political and economic justice during Guyana’s pre- and post-independence years has faced severe repression, forcing it to change its name at least twice.

Plenipotentiaries…

…for Berbice

We are witnessing an interesting development in Guyanese politics and governance – the fissioning of the nation for the expedience of getting a few more votes. PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo went down to his home village of Whim, with his fellow Whimsian Ramayya and Ramjattan, originally from up the road at 48 Village. This Eyewitness isn’t going to comment on the crowd bussed in and the pickets that greeted him: he found Nagamootoo’s reaction more interesting.

After hearing all the complaints of the neglect and alienation of Berbicians (didn’t he hear all of these during the campaign?) Nagamootoo suddenly announced that he will appoint a special “PRIME Minister representative” in Berbice. Now if this isn’t seat-of-the-pants governance, what is? Did Nagamootoo consult with his President and the rest of the Cabinet – which he assures us he sometimes chairs? The question is this: which part of the country doesn’t have problems and challenges? To address those issues isn’t this why we have the entire Regional system?

Did Nagamootoo forget that at the same elections he was elected to be PRIME Minister, there were also Regional elections that produced Regional Chairmen, Regional Councils and various entities to serve the people in the Regions? OK, if Nagamootoo, doesn’t care for the “will of the people” that delivered a PPP fella as Regional Chairman, and he wants his own man, doesn’t the rules of the game allow the Government to appoint a technocrat/Bureaucrat as Regional Executive Officer (REO)?

And if he didn’t want a bureaucrat who might bring up inconvenient objections that Nagamootoo’s directives weren’t in his rule-book, wasn’t Ramayya, who’d just been appointed as the “Quasi-political” REO of Region Six traipsing behind him? But that brings up the crux of the matter, doesn’t it? If the Government went to all the trouble to take the flack to appoint a “quasi political” REO, why can’t that be enough for Nagamootoo?

And the answer is that the self-esteemed challenged Nagamootoo doesn’t want a Ramayya who grew up catching crabs with him at the Whim foreshore, and still insists on calling him “Moses”. Didn’t Ramayya quit the AFC when Nagamootoo offered him a job at Gy$180,000 and no driver? And told him to stick his offer where the sun doesn’t shine? To crib a phrase from the late Desmond Hoyte, Nagamootoo wants someone who will be “his creature”.

So when he says, “Jump!” the fella will whimper, “How high, sah?” Then Nagamootoo told the surly Berbicians that “Ramayya has Gy$260M to spend along with the Regional Chairman”. Really? So when his Special Representative brings supplications outside the budget, what then?

Ah! The things a man has to do to boost his ego! …and divisions

ignation or terminated on a daily basis by this new Government has strengthened our solidarity and renewed our efforts to once more fight every force that seeks to divide us, and will speak up against every action that causes tension in our richly diverse society”.

Back in his old hunting grounds, PRIME Minister Nagamootoo fell into an expansive mood. He confessed what he’d been denying for months: that there were severe problems and divisions in the marriage between the APNU and the AFC. Seems he couldn’t hide it from these folks of Whim who’d witnessed the marriage to begin with. He accepted he’s been getting “blow” in the political marriage.

When his comrade from the “old days”, Ralph Ramkarran, had suggested the marriage was “troubled” and possibly on the rocks, Nagamootoo’d staunchly denied this. It’s always possible he didn’t know but in most of these cases folks deny they are being cuckolded. However, Nagamootoo confessed to the good folks at Whim he’d been having “discussions” about the problems – presumably with the agreed-to political marriage councillors headed by Burch-Smith.

What’s a bride to do when her “pre-nuptial” Accord isn’t honoured? Go to the courts?

Chairman of the PYO and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, during an interview with

Since its creation, the organisation has defended and supported young people, placing a special emphasis on their involvement in decision-making processes and their access to fair and equal opportunities in the political, social and economic realms of Guyana.

this newspaper, stated that “the PYO over the last few months has noted the reversal of many of these achievements. In this regard, the firing of 1972 young Amerindians and hundreds of young people forced into res-

Ali further stated that the PYO “salutes its stalwarts and all of Guyanese in their continuous support for our cause in building a strong, united and free Guyana”.

Among those notable personalities who were part of the PYO were Former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and the late Michael Forde.

Or remain and cry at nights?

…new SUV

In a place like Berbice, you know those who showed up to see Nagamootoo and weren’t bussed in, were there for a reason.

They wanted to gawk at the Gy$22M SUV. Which could’ve bought the entire paddy crop from Whim!

The Guiana Match Factory

According to one source, the Guiana Match Factory was founded in Georgetown, British Guiana in 1910. In the book “Igniting the Caribbean's Past: Fire in British West Indian History” by Bonham C. Richardson, it is stated that the match factory opened in British Guiana in 1883.

Juanita De Barros, in her book “Order and Place in a Colonial City: Patterns of Struggle and Resistance in Georgetown, British Guiana, 1889-1924” states that there were two match factories near Georgetown in the late 19th – early 20th century.

In a 1903 Hansard report of a British parliamentary discussion on British Guiana’s protective duty on matches, it was stated that there is only knowledge of one such factory.

A 1955 report on the factory later noted that by then there was only one match factory.

In April 1932, the Guiana Match Factory Limited began manufacturing cigarettes under the ‘Lighthouse’ brand, named after Georgetown’s famous lighthouse landmark located in the Kingston area, near the Demerara River.

In 1966, when the country became independent, the name of the factory was changed to the Guyana Match Company Limited, which was by then located at 25 Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara. It closed down sometime later. The building, which was partially destroyed by fire in 2009,is now owned by

Matchbox covers or labels of the company have since become scarce collectors’ items. A phillumenist is a collector of matchboxes, matchbox labels and/or all things related to it. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Warapana adds to Guyana pre-history

U.S. and Guyanese anthropologist/archaeologist Mark G. Plew and Louisa B. Daggers, respectively, recently made an exciting discovery in the Warapana area of the country.

Warapana is located at Akawini Creek, on a hillock some 1,500 meters from Warapana Creek off the Pomeroon River. The area is heavily forested with high canopy and some mangrove, including evidence of farming, which extends into the forest.

The coastal plain of north-western Guyana is characterized by a number of Archaicage shell mounds. The mounds, which are accumulations of shell refuse, served as living areas and as places for burials.

On the basis of new discoveries and recent radiocarbon dates, the prehistory of Guyana may be broadly divided

area of investigation

Daggers 2015). Upon arrival at Warapana it became immediately obvious to Plew, Daggers and their team that the site is not in the strict sense a shell mound. The site appears to be a short term use of the location in which

into three major periods. The first, dating from at least 12,000 years ago and perhaps much earlier, is the Paleo-Indian period associated with the end of the last great Ice Age and the hunting of large animals such as the giant ground sloth.

During this time, early people appear to have intruded into and through southern Guyana as they moved into north-eastern Brazil. Little is known of these people except that they produced wellcrafted triangular-bladed projectiles sometimes made from quartz.

As modern conditions appeared, some 7,000 years ago, the second period associated with the first Meso-Indian or Archaic hunter-gatherers appeared on the northwest coastland and in the Rupununi savannah (Plew 2005; Williams 2004, Plew and

shellfish were processed in conjunction with the harvest of fish and small mammals.

An initial survey indicated that the shell scatter covered an area of little more than 30x30 meters. It is evident that there was significant amount of previous dig-

ging into the area. The team also observed considerable animal-burrowing in these areas, which was taken to reflect disturbed sediment. There were also findings of a human scapula (shoulder blade), clavicle (collarbone), and sacrum (triangular-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine) fragment at the site.

The remains of one and or possible two individuals were recovered, though it is not certain if they are contemporaneous with the aboriginal use of the site area. Functionally, the site appears to have been little more than a short-term shellfish processing station. Though shellfish are the primary target species in the diet breadth of the region, the team noted the presence of small to medium sized mammals and the remains of large fish.

The findings are being studied by Daggers and her team. (Excerpted from text by Louisa B. Daggers - Amerindian Research Unit, University of Guyana)

Jack resigns as ILP political leader

Trinidad and Tobago: Jack Warner has resigned as the political leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP) in Trinidad and Tobago. This was announced last night at the ILP’s National Executive meeting at the office of the former Member of Parliament for Chaguanas West, Caroni Savannah Road, Charlieville.

None of the 26 ILP candidates who contested Monday’s general elections were successful in obtaining a seat.

A release from Warner stated that he decided to step down as political leader in order to have a successful succession planning.

“The National Executive was advised by the political leader, Jack Warner, of his irrevocable decision to pass on the mantle of leadership of the party as part of the succession planning of the ILP. Mr Warner stated that the ILP must be a vehicle for the emergence of new political blood and talent, especially from the youth

membership of the party,” the release said.

The ILP elections for political leader will be on October 10. All registered members of the ILP qualify to participate in the elections, both in terms of nomination of candidates for the position of political leader and in voting for the candidate of their choice.

Details of the availability of nomination documents, nomination deadline and the procedure and hours of voting will be announced shortly in accordance with the Constitution of the ILP. (Trinidad Guardian)

Kamla to challenge election results …says extension illegal

Trinidad and Tobago: While former Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley was sworn in as Prime Minister during a ceremony at Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was challenging the result of Monday’s general election and asking that it be declared null and void.

She also chastised the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) for what she claimed was a sudden change in the regulations, resulting in the entire process being sabotaged. In a letter issued yesterday, PersadBissessar described the People’s National Movement’s 23-18 victory as unfair. PersadBissessar blamed the extended hour granted to citizens as playing a key role in what she maintained was a biased result.

“A decision has been taken to challenge the results of the general election based on legal advice the People’s Partnership has received. The challenge is based on the sudden decision of the EBC to extend the time for voting from

6 pm to 7 pm throughout the country without any official notification to the People’s Partnership and its constituent parties," Persad-Bissessar said.

She said the rules which govern a general election were quite clear, adding that strict adherence to such rules was absolutely necessary to minimise and avoid irregularities. Failure to do so, Persad-Bissessar added, would result in allegations and perceptions of unfairness and favouritism.

In questioning the late swing of the votes in favour of the PNM during the count, Persad-Bissessar said: “Information and data received by the party strongly suggested that the People's Partnership was comfortably ahead in the polls at 6 pm. “The march to victory was adversely affected by the sudden unilateral decision by the EBC to extend hours of the poll from 6 pm to 7 pm.”

In chastising the EBC, Persad-Bissessar said the organisation “cannot and should not” change the rules of engagement without giv-

ing proper notice to candidates, political parties and voters. “We have received reports that citizens were unable to cast their vote at certain polling stations because the officials of the EBC were themselves unaware or uncertain about the decision to extend the time of voting until 7 pm.

“Additionally, many citizens were unaware of this extension of time and hence did not cast their vote,” PersadBissessar alleged. In citing Rule 27 (1) of the election rules, she said the “taking of the poll at each polling station shall be between 6 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon of the same day.”

Any suspension or adjournment must be based on fair and ade-

quate prior public notice to ensure there was a level playing field, she said. Thus, the poll could have been adjourned to the following day to facilitate those who were unable to cast their vote for good reason. This has in fact happened in the past, Persad-Bissessar pointed out.

Persad-Bissessar said the PP had also been advised that the decision by the EBC to give an extra hour undermined the legal framework which governed the conduct of the general election and was tantamount of the shifting of the political goal post at the end of the game. “This might have very well affected the integrity of the process and the results in critical constituencies.

Air and sea operation makes

US$2.5

million drug bust in The Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas — A joint task force from Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) seized 2,842 pounds of marijuana with an estimated wholesale value of over $2.5 million during three separate law enforcement operations in The Bahamas this past weekend.

The OPBAT task force was comprised of officers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Air and Marine (OAM) and the Bahamas Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), a division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF).

Over three separate nights, OAM aircrews observed suspicious go-fast vessels transiting waters in the southeast Bahamas and the law enforcement officials made the drug bust.

In addition to the narcotics seized, two smuggling vessels and a vehicle were taken into custody, and six suspected smugglers were arrested.

The seized go-fast vessels and contraband were eventually escorted to Nassau, Bahamas, for further processing.

“In the maritime environment, we operate efficiently and effectively with a variety of federal, state and local partners including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard,” said CBP’s Miami Air and Marine Branch Director William Gibbon.

“Our experienced agents in South Florida are diligently supporting an array of border security and maritime law enforcement efforts.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge, A.D. Wright, said OPBAT was able to adapt to the ever changing tactics of narcotics traffickers.

“Our continued cooperative ef-

The drugs seized in last weekend’s operation

forts with the governments of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Department of State to deny traffickers the ability to operate effectively in the Bahamas has left an undeniable footprint in the overall strategy to combat the flow of narcotics,” Wright said.

OPBAT is a combined DEA, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Government of Bahamas partnership to combat drug smuggling to and from the Bahamas.

The OPBAT Operations Center in Nassau is responsible for initiating and prosecuting law enforcement cases in the Bahamian area of responsibility (AOR). In addition, OPBAT assets regularly assist with prosecuting human smuggling and search and rescue cases throughout the AOR.

U.S. Coast Guard OPBAT Director, Commander Mark Driver, said the strong partnership between the U.S. and Bahamian forces creates a potent deterrent to criminal activity and has resulted in the seizure of over 45 tons of narcotics since October last year. (Caribbean News 360)

First Week Back

By Anu Dev

“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl.

The first week back to school is always one of the toughest. Perhaps, it’s because most of us spent the previous two months lounging about and relaxing, so it’s quite a shock to the system to have to get up early and then sit in a classroom for the entire day. And with what the traffic situation’s like these days, everyone really does have to get up very early if they want to get anywhere on time.

For me, coming over from Guyana to Trinidad, there’s that extra frisson of tension wondering whether if I’ve left something back at the old homestead! This particular first week was exciting, but at the same time very daunting. And that was for two reasons: firstly we’re at the beginning of a new stage in our medical training and secondly I made a decision to move out from my old dorms into an apartment.

The previous two years were the ‘pre-clinical years’ where we learnt about what was “normal” in the human body. This year, the ‘para-clinical stage’, we’re delving into “pathologies” – what can go wrong in the body. And as we all know, there’s a whole host of things that can and do go wrong – and we become “ill”.

And it’s been really interesting so far. The only problem though, is that Microbiology has now made me completely paranoid that every single thing is covered with millions of bacteria that will kill us in the most painful ways imaginable. A little knowledge really is a dangerous thing!

We’re also starting “clerkships” this year, as a way to prep us for the upcoming clinical years of our training. We were toured about some of the different labs and walked through the whole process from collecting a blood sample from a patient, to the labs that process the blood and then finally to where results are collected. To find out what’s going wrong with the body, of course.

And it was all a bit intimidating, because it was starting to sink in that soon we’ll be sent out into the actual hospitals to deal with actual patients. Up to now “medicine” was mostly in my head…but it’s inexorably dawning that pretty soon the knowledge will have to be applied to real people.

As I intimated, it’s really been a period of transition these past couple of weeks both in school and out with the move from dorms to apartment. And it’s a whole new experience. Although I had to deal with sharing a floor with 5 other people on the dorm, each could literally retire to their own self-contained room. I’ve already discovered it’s very different sharing an apartment with another person. It’s really important for there to be clear communication so that things run as smooth as possible.

Whenever I have to pack my things away into boxes, I’m always astounded by how much stuff I managed to accumulate during a year. “Where does all this stuff come from?”

And unpacking raises similar questions, “Why did I take the time to keep all of these receipts? Why did I keep all of these notes from 1st year? Am I a hoarder??..a pack rat?”

But now I’m well ensconced and recovering from a hectic first week. The apartment’s already becoming to feel ‘home-like’. ‘Home-like’ because home will always be back home in Guyana.

Returning to Trinidad has been lovely so far. Well, except for the constant barrage of campaign ads for their elections (which was on Monday). It’s messing with my ability to effectively procrastinate on YouTube when each video is preceded by an ad exhorting me to vote for this or that character. It’s so inconvenient: you know, having to wait three seconds to press the skip button.

But here’s to yet another year! Best of luck to all students for the new year! May the force be with us and may the odds be ever in our favor!

Times Notebook

Media Freedom under threat in Guyana: Ramsammy’s ruminations

By Dr LesLie ramsammy

he APNU/AFC

TGovernment recently announced its intention to introduce media regulation for the media to behave responsibly, as a result of the media reporting on Government’s mistakes.

I was a part of a PPP/C Government that embraced and promoted the notion of Media freedom as a public good, and which endured frequent and irresponsible attacks from the media houses belonging to biased owners. PPP/C leaders and ministers complained about the irresponsibility of the media which often used lies and fabrications to pursue an anti-PPP/C agenda. But the Party insisted that only selfregulation was possible for responsible media behavior since Government regulations often lead to media censure.

Media freedom is an imperative for democracy, and although it’s a fundamental right and a public good, it’s one that people have had to fight for. It is a daunting task, but must remain an imperative – we must be vigilant in protecting this natural right, the right to liberty, life and happiness.

When a Government, particularly one with a past history of repression, speaks of media regulation and policies we must become extremely sensitive and aggressively vigilant. Regulations have been used as the most common and pernicious tools to restrict media freedom around the world. Guyana effectively used regulations in the 1970s and 1980s to suck the life out of press freedom and to ensure a press that functioned as a propaganda mouthpiece of the oppressors.

In the first twenty five years as an independent country, Guyana was one of the countries deprived of press freddom, and which during the 1970s and 1980s was used as an arm of repression to solidify the dictatorship that kept Guyana backward. This led Guyana to becoming one of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, along with Haiti.

Freedom House, the International watchdog, lists Guyana at number 62 out of 180 countries in terms of media freedom. For reference, the USA, a country that boasts it is the guard-

ian of global freedom, is ranked at number 49. In the 1970s and 1980s, Guyana would have been listed with North Korea and Eritrea at the bottom of the list.

Although it took some time, the PPP/C Government opened up the media landscape. There are at least three privately owned dailies, at least seven privately owned radio stations and more than 25 privately owned TV stations. There are many privately operated on-line news services. In the last ten years in particular, many of these privately owned media houses were rabidly anti-PPP/C.

The APNU/AFC while in Opposition, was vehemently opposed to any effort by the then PPP/C Government to regulate the media. But both former Presidents, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar were equally adamant that media regulation by Government can never be a part of good governance and must never be allowed to be part of a democratic regime.

However, under the APNU/AFC, continued

free press in Guyana is at risk. APNU/AFC has shown a frightening predisposition to continue from where the PNC left off in 1992. This is because it’s mainly led and controlled by people who are lifelong card-bearers of the PNC and disciples of Forbes Burnham.

Under the PNC, the press was used to concretise the dictatorship and to uphold and promote the policy of party paramountcy. Any reporter or journalist who dared to question the regime felt its wrath.

Indeed, this year is the 30th death anniversary of Father Darke, the Catholic Standard photographer, who was murdered by Government appointed thugs, Rabbi Washington and the House of Israel. They were hired to kill press opponents of the PNCgovernment at the time. Others like Ricky Singh were brutalized, escaping with their lives to make a living in other countries.

It is this history that is enough to frighten us that the solid gains Guyana has made in improving its standing on

the global platform of media freedom is under threat.

In less than three months in office, we are frightened not only by the Government’s history, but by its actual behavior. The ugly episode of Mr Nagamootoo explicitly demonstrating that APNU/AFC won’t tolerate an independent media disappoints many.

I am not just disappointed, I am genuinely afraid that we are seeing the beginning of a new age of media repression in Guyana. The talk of media regulation by APNU/AFC is not about responsible behavior of the media, but about muzzling the media. As a nation, we must not allow APNU/AFC to deny media freedom in our country. It would be the first step in the trajectory to authoritarian rule again in Guyana. We must be firm in our opposition to stop APNU/ AFC to return us on that backward road.

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

This week's Crossword

A bridge too far…

…in Berbice?

Seems that this Berbice Bridge issue just won’t go away. So your loyal Eyewitness thought he’d have a stab at understanding what the heck’s going on. As CN Sharma used to say, there always three sides to any story: your side, their side and the truth. First off the bat, there’s the government side. Without taking “lee from license” they announced to their Berbice supporters that they were going to reduce the tolls from the Bridge “significantly”.

Why?? Duh!! Why do politicians make promises? To get votes, silly!! And in the last elections, getting votes from Berbicians were seen as key to getting the APNU/AFC coalition over the winning line. And it did – even if only by a whisker. Now when you’re campaigning, talk is cheap – you can say whatever the heck pops into your mind. So they promised to lower the tolls on the Berbice Bridge – without even consulting the people who own the Bridge!

That’s like the government telling you the price you’re charging for the chickens you’re rearing in your backyard, is too high because your neighbours say so…and you must lower your price!! That’s right…don’t ask where those neighbours were when you were taking debt to buy chicken feed and all that. It’s all for the “greater good”…you’ll make a whole lotta people happy!

Now while all of this may be jolly well good at some level…you and your Eyewitness fully well know this isn’t how the real world operates. Before the Bridge was built, folks had to wait interminable hours to cross in a ferry that never had the capacity to deal with the Cara and trucks etc. Pontoons, barges and “launches” were all drafted to help out. But bridges cost money, no? And so it was, the government rallied practically the entire business community of Guyana – financial and commercial – and together closed the deal to construct the present Bridge.

This week's Puzzle

What everyone – including the new government – seems to conveniently forget is that THE PRESENT COST OF CROSSING THE BERBICE RIVER IS THE SAME AS WITH THE OLD FERRY!!!! But now folks can cross at any time – at their convenience…without the sometime day-long wait. This was the promise the government made at the time. After about ten years or so, when some of the loans were being paid off the tolls would’ve gone down and in 21 years, when the Bridge was all paid for, the government would’ve taken over the Bridge to charge little or nothing as they do with the Demerara Bridge.

So what’s the hullabaloo about? Just govt being willing to kill the golden (business) goose to get into power!

…in Demerara

One hears of “large interest rates” being paid to investors in the Berbice Bridge. Did anyone ask what rates were being changed TO OTHER BUSINESSES borrowing money at that time? The SAME as was charged to the Bridge Company!!

So where did this “exploitation” of the small man spiel come from? The politicians in the AFC who piloted a “toll reduction” motion since 2014”, that’s who. Because they wanted Berbicians’ votes. But there’s a solution that no one’s bringing up. When Bookers ran the sugar industry, they accepted that the Demerara estates had higher costs than Berbice. So they “cross subsidised” Demerara sugar with Berbice’s. Well it’s payback time!

Today the government can do the same for Berbice with the Demerara Bridge. 10,000 vehicles cross daily. If the toll’s increase by just Gy$100 per vehicle…that’s Gy$1M per day or Gy$365M per year.

That’ll be enough to subsidise the Berbice Tolls at the new rates being requested!

…and recovering Government’s costs

The folks are raising the issue of monies the government, via NICIL, plunked into the approaches to the Bridge.

They should ask Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo for the Gy$7 million he pocketed for filling out some forms to relocate some families from D’ Edward Village!

Donald Cuthbert

Locke was born in the West Coast Demerara village of Stewartville, and began painting in 1947 under ER Burrowes, MBE.

Locke was awarded a British Council Scholarship in 1954, and studied at Bath Academy of Art in Wiltshire, England. In 1959 he was awarded a Guyana Government Award to Edinburgh University, Scotland.

He returned home to become involved in the Independence artists of the era before migrating from Guyana in 1970.

It is said that he became disillusioned with the British art scene and arrived in the United States in 1979 when he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in Sculpture. He was artist-in-Resi-

a piece from his 2009 uK exhibition, “Pork knocker Dreams”. along with international showings, work of the late artist has also been exhibited at

dence at Arizona State University for one year; becoming a permanent resident in 1980.

After working as a correspondent as well as an art critic for several years in Southwest US, Locke returned to painting in 1989, and moved to Atlanta in 1990.

For five years he was one of the resident studio artists at the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center, and a member of the part-time faculty at Georgia State University and Atlanta College of Art.

He retired from teaching in 1996. For three years he wrote a weekly review for Creative Loafing, Atlanta and was a mem-

ber of the Advisory Board of Art Papers.

Some of the public and private collectors of Donald Locke’s work around the world include the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Guyana National Collection here in Guyana; and The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York.

He has also done solo shows in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Medellin, Colombia; Cuenca, Ecuador; Budapest, Hungary; Faenza, Italy; V&A Museum, Whitechapel Art Gallery, Hayward Gallery, London, UK; Nottingham, UK; Aljira Art Gallery, Newark, NJ; Biennial Atlanta, GA; Master Artist

Series, Atlanta, GA, and Studio Museum of Harlem, NY.

Exhibitions of his work have also been featured at Skoto Gallery in New York, New Jersey, Solomon Project in Atlanta, and City Gallery East, located in Atlanta City Hall East, in the US.

Locke experimented with various art media and methods over the years, including metal and pen and ink, creating mixed media sculptures and paintings.

On Dec. 6, 2010 Donald Locke died of cancer; he is survived by Leila Locke his wife of 30 years, who is also an artist, his children: Hew, Jonathan and Corinne, and five grandchildren.

Broomes to Regent Street businesses: Get your house in order

-

Officials find pattern

Regent Street businesses have been warned to get “their house in order” or face prosecution for violating the rights of workers, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Simona

of

labour violations at Regent Street stores during impromptu visit

After visiting a number of stores, the Minister and her team discovered a pattern to the violations. Employees’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) were being deducted but not paid over to the Scheme, no proper records of employees’ wages were kept, and some

Broomes and a team of labour officials Tuesday inspected some businesses on Regent Street where they discovered that a number of labour laws were being violated.

stores had no business registration.

There was a prevalence of poor working conditions, employees working over 40 hours per week without being paid overtime, be-

ing paid under the minimum wage, having only 10 minutes of lunch, and not having proper lunchroom or restroom facilities, while First Aid kits and safety mechanisms, such as a fire escape or fire extinguishers, were found to be absent from most businesses.

According to Minister Broomes, the inspection resulted from the numerous complaints received by the Social Protection Ministry, from employees who were being underpaid and treated badly by their employers.

“Persons may have said why a Minister would want to walk down Regent Street and get directly involved? It is because of the nature of the problem and people are not complying. So I am here this morning to support the staff, and make it known in a very strong way that compliance is a must,” Broomes told reporters.

The Minister pointed out that whenever a breach of the labour law was pointed out to an employer, that person was then written and given time to fix the is-

sue. If there is no compliance, the matter is referred to the courts.

Minister Broomes expressed her disappointment with how the courts are dealing with these issues. She said when the employers are found guilty, they are only subjected to pay a Gy$10,000 fine. According to the Minister, the laws will be amended to give justice to those employees whose rights are violated.

Employees at various

stores were informed by Minister Broomes that the labour laws state that after four hours of work, they are entitled to one hour for lunch and should be compensated if they decide to work through it. She made known to the employees that they are working and that entitles them to be paid.

Minister Broomes recognised that there must be a balance between employer and employee. She stated that employees’ rights must

be protected and not violated. “It is something that has to be changed. They are not store boys and store girls, they are workers and should be treated like workers,” Broomes said. She urged employees not to be scared stating, “I am here to help.” The Minister said that her Ministry, along with the Government, would be implementing the ‘fresh approach’ policy laid out in Parliament, noting that it was for all Guyanese.

Former GuySuCo boss calls on Dr Clive Thomas to retract “misleading” statement carried in Guyana Chronicle

Contrary to statements made by Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Clive Thomas, the energy assets at the Skeldon estate were sold with the Board’s approval and the relevant documents are available to support this pronouncement.

This is according to former GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Raj Singh, who speculated that Dr Thomas was being ill-advised

or was simply trying to mislead the public.

In the Chronicle edition of September 9 under the article “GuySuCo board was shut out of Skeldon energy sale deal”, Dr Thomas was quoted as saying “the former CEO agreed with the PPP Administration to sell the energy assets without the consent of the Board.”

But in actuality, Dr Singh said, the Government of Guyana, through a Cabinet deci-

sion on February 3, 2015, decided to sell the energy assets. Subsequently, the decision was received by GuySuCo. Then on February 21, 2015, the Board approved a resolution to sell the energy assets.

“Company Secretary Frederick Singh scheduled the meeting of the Board, was present at the meeting, took minutes of the meeting and prepared the resolution titled ‘Resolution of the Board of Directors

of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc passed at a special meeting held on the 21st day of February 2015 at the Head Office of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc Ogle Estate, East Coast Demerara at which a quorum was present,” Dr Singh stated.

He pointed out that the resolution in paragraph four states “Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of GuySuCo ratifies the decision of

Cabinet to sell the aforesaid Co-Generation Plant…..” and in paragraph five, the resolution states “Be it resolved that the Board of Directors authorised Dr Rajendra Singh, Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo to sign all documents”.

On that note, Dr Singh posited, “Did Clive Thomas consult with Company Secretary Frederick Singh? Is he now willing to retract his misleading statement?”

Experience the airy heights of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway

Suspended some 33 metres above the rainforest floor on the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a breathtakingly incredible experience that you can never forget.

A series of suspension bridges and four spacious platforms provide views of birds and other wildlife you simply won’t get from the ground. Those who have experienced the walkway speak of being “eye to eye” with the birds and other wildlife.

Constructed of aluminium and suspended by steel cables, the canopy, built to Canadian outdoor construction standards, is the only tourist canopy walkway in the Guiana Shield.

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is situated at Mauisparu, near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana, about 300km (190 mi) south of Georgetown.(Source: iwokramacanopywalkway.com)

By Lennox J Hernandez

Petroglyphs are pic-

ture-writing images (pictograms - a pictorial symbol for a word or phrase; or logograms - a sign or character representing a word or phrase) created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving, or abrading. Petroglyphs are found worldwide and the term is usually used in the context of prehistoric peoples.

Guyana has its own petroglyphs and these

are strong evidence of human presence here as much as 7,000 years

ago (our Indigenous peoples). The late Dr Denis Williams (1923-1998) is still our greatest exponent on this subject, culminating in his posthumous publication, “Prehistoric Guiana”.

Williams defined three types of petroglyphs in Guyana: the Enumerative or Aishalton type; the Fish Trap type; and the Timehri type. Later, he discovered what he determined was a sub-type of the Enumerative Type which he named the Cuneiform Type.

Simply put, the Enumerative Type gives

The Petroglyphs are on the bed of the Minisaruwau River, a tributary of the Rupununi River, and are easily seen in the dry season, but not so easily depicted because of erosion over the centuries.

an account of prehistoric events, while the Fish Trap type is associated with a severe drought in South America about 4,000 years ago – this particular petroglyph represents types of fish traps, indicating the type of fish that are found in a nearby pond.

These photographs depict a few of the

Rupununi petroglyphs. The markings on the rocks are highlighted with white chalk so the image can be easier seen. Unfortunately, decay of these prehistoric artefacts is becoming more rapid and is of great concern to the national heritage.

Weathering is a dominant cause of decay in

most cases, whilst in some cases the rock being in a water body poses a challenge for conservation. In contemporary times the greatest challenge however, is the damage caused by persons who have no care for such heritage items. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

CSEC/CAPE top performers meet President Granger

President David Granger on Wednesday met with some of the country’s top performers at the 2015 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam.

During the brief interactive session with the students, President Granger stressed on the importance of educating a nation and he spoke of some of his Administration’s plans for the country’s education sector.

At CAPE this year, several candidates recorded outstanding performances. Among the top performers are Cecil Cox, Larissa Whiltshire and Sasha Woodroffe all of Queen’s College and Shonta Noel of St Rose’s High, who all secured Grade One passes in six units. With regard to CSEC, 47 candidates secured 11 Grade Ones or more.

CSEC/CAPE top performers meet President Granger

President David Granger on Wednesday met with some of the country’s top performers at the 2015 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam.

During the brief interactive session with the students, President Granger stressed on the importance of educating a nation and he spoke of some of his Administration’s plans for the country’s education sector.

At CAPE this year, several candidates recorded outstanding performances. Among the top performers are Cecil Cox, Larissa Whiltshire and Sasha Woodroffe all of Queen’s College and Shonta Noel of St Rose’s High, who all secured Grade One passes in six units. With regard to CSEC, 47 candidates secured 11 Grade Ones or more.

Hundreds of workers “quietly terminated” since APNU/AFC took office – Jagdeo

Less than six months after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition took office, hundreds of people are being “quietly terminated”, because of their ethnicity and/or their perceived political affiliation, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo claimed.

A large number of officials who served under the previous regime have already had their employment terminated.

The former President told Guyana Times International on Friday evening, “Those who are not being terminated because of these, their job environment is being made so uncomfortable that they are being forced to resign. So that is a silent number we don’t see who are forced to resign because of workplace discrimination…and what we have replacing them with are people who are unqualified, who are pure politicians, like in the case of Berbice with Mr [Veerasammy] Ramayya.” He was referring to Ramaya who was dubbed “quasi po-

litical” by Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon.

He said Government’s move to appoint Ramayya as the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was “very disturbing”.

“Ramayya replaced a technical person and unfortunately, he does not possess any financial skills to manage the finances of the said Region,” Jagdeo stated.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Irfaan Ali told this newspaper that the issue of “witchhunting” and harassment of public servants and public officials continued to be one that was of great concern to him and his party.

“A lot of young professionals, the stories are not coming out in the press, they are forced on a daily basis to resign because of the inhumane treatment, because of the harassment, because of the insults that are

meted out to them. This is something that continues on a daily basis.

The most recent case is that of Mr Chamanlall Naipaul, who comes from Region Three. I think it is disgusting to [so] treat a senior journalist, a man who has so much of experience and has given so much of his life towards journalism, especially in Government service,” said Ali.

He stated that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo must be

aware of the potential and capabilities of Naipaul because the two of them worked with each other during the Guyana Information Service (GIS) days.

“I think that we have to address the issue nationally whereby professionals, a lot of young professionals are sent home, sent on leave and harassed to resign and these are the stories that are not getting out there. I think that the population needs to understand that this is not only an

ethnic issue, but this is an issue which is about retaining the skills, protecting people’s rights and their interests,” the PPP/C MP explained.

He noted that if persons in authority or those who have some power in the country could not protect these workers’ rights and their interests as well as their democratic freedoms with regard to employment, then “we are in a serious state” here in Guyana.

Ali emphasised that the powers that be should and are expected to execute their duties and obligations to all citizens of Guyana without fear or favour and without affection or ill will.

Only recently, several high-profile officials were sent on leave including the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Rajendra Singh; the Guyana Oil Company, Badree Persaud; the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth; and Guyana Power and Light, Bharat Dindyal among others .

Govt has an obligation to seek social cohesion in the society – Trotman

By Alexis Rodney

Government on Wednesday sought to refute the claims made by former President Bharrat Jagdeo that the establishment of the Social Cohesion initiative was aimed at “usurping the role of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC)”.

Minister of Governance and Patrimony Raphael Trotman said the claim by the former Head of State was a bit strange, giving the fact that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government in the tenth Parliament had failed to appoint the selected individuals for the post.

“In no way, does it supplant or take over or usurp the functions of the ERC. The ERC needs to be appointed very quickly and get busy and so, too, the other rights commissions,” Trotman told Journalists when pressed for a comment.

Jagdeo on Tuesday had contended that the establishment of the department was somewhat taking over the role of the ERC which has not been in operation for some time now. He demanded that the new Administration swear in the ERC.

“The ERC has Terms of

Reference and the mandate to forge cohesion among our people, through promoting better understanding through building trust. It also has a coercive role and an investigative role so not just a role to bring people together but complaints can be made about cases of discrimination and more. To

sit on this Commission, you have to have two-thirds of the National Assembly and it is bi-partisan, where we are forced to work together and these do not come from the political class,” Jagdeo said.

But Trotman, maintaining that the new entity has its rightful place in society, said that the PPP Government under the leadership of former President Donald Ramotar, had failed to appoint the nominees, which he also said took a very long time to process.

He said while there are constitutional barriers to the process, Government is considering bringing back the same list of nominees to be used as the process had taken months to complete.

He said if the Leader of the Opposition would agree to a motion which Government intends to take to the National Assembly, that says the 11th Parliament will endorse the list generated by the 10thParliament, that will be good

“because the truth is same players, just that they have changed sides, then we will proceed,”.

“The ERC remains a constitutional entity. Whether you have an Ethnic Relations Commission or not, it is the duty of a responsible Government to seek social cohesion in our society,” Trotman said.

Jagdeo informed media operatives at a press conference on Tuesday that he recently stated to the Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth that the international community may have unwittingly participated in an act that would supplant a constitutional protective body and replace it with Executive fiat.

He explained that by replacing the ERC with a Social Cohesion Ministry which will have a large amount of resources, this clearly shows that the Executive will take over the role of the ERC.

Teenager charged with murder of young Belize journalist

BCITY,

Belize – A 17-year-old said to be associated with a gang has been charged with the murder of journalist Kareem Clarke, two months after the 27-year-old was gunned down. But police say they still do not have a motive.

“From what we have been made to understand, it was just done randomly. There was no basic motive for it and the person whom

we have arrested and charged is an associate of the PIV gang which is one of the gangs that is based in the St. Martins area,” Senior Superintendent of Police Chester Williams said.

“It would appear as

if these persons were there, they were drinking, they were high and they basically just shot anybody who was passing by.”

He disclosed that an eyewitness to the incident had given police the break they needed to charge the suspect.

Williams said while lawmen had been working with the witness from the outset, the individual had only recently given a sworn statement.

Clarke was shot in the left side of the forehead, back of the head, abdomen, right upper back and middle of the back, as he was riding his bicycle around 1 o’clock on the morning of

July 6.

The journalist had reportedly left the residence of a friend when he was ambushed by a lone gunman who fired several shots, killing him on the spot.

Police recovered eight 9-mm shells from the scene.

The teenager appeared in court on Tuesday and was remanded to prison.

(Caribbean News 360)

So unfair…

Satiricus knew that there is only so much a man can bear. And though he had risen to High Office, Naga Man was still a man. In fact, nowadays he became high in his High Office even before noon. So when he complained that the media was “so unfair” to him, a tear rolled down Satiricus cheek.

Satiricus was reading the latest diary entry that Naga Man had made, courtesy of his wife’s niece Leelawatee. When Naga Man had risen to High Office, he carried along her as his maid from the Opposition office. She had been the one who had found the two cockroaches in the oven that had made it impossible for Naga Man to step into his new house, until it was fixed up for Gy$72M. The diary entry read:

Dear Diary,

You know dat me bin a wan reportah fuh most ah me life. Me use to carry round Janit handbag fuh she, but me does write one-two story too. But evah since me occupy High Office when me turn Prime Moocher, it look like dem reportah who leff down deh, jealous me. Me na know wha me do dem. Dem a tell lie pon me.

Fuss dem seh ME na gat power even though me ah de Prime Moocher. Power?? Ha! Dear Diary, me gat mo’ power dan GrainJa. When he gone to foreign, is me does be President AND Prime Moocher at de same time!! Dat is power!! Me does get he siren and me siren when me moving around dem time! Dat is power! You should see all dem car pulling out ah de way fuh lemme pass!

But dem reportah unfair to me, Dear Diary. Dem seh de guvment build road to me house. But is only one time I mention de road to the contractah. Is not like me halla pan he or anything. De man build de road quick, quick because he like me. Wha wraang wid da?

Dem reportah unfair to me. Dem seh me “ah-cuss” wan reportah. Dear Diary, me swear pan me Mummah grave, me na cuss none reportah. De only bady me cuss is me grandson. Oh! And me does cuss Ram Jhaat stinkin’ because he meek me cyan drink pass 2 a’clack in de maanin. Is de reportah “ahcuss” me.

Dem so unfair to me, Dear Diary. Ah gone fuh now. Ah gon get high befo 2 a’clack ketch me.

SOLUTION

Still much to be done for Guyana’s Indigenous People, says Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday evening while attending the heritage celebrations at the Sophia Exhibition Site, Greater Georgetown, stated that while he was extremely pleased to see the tradition being up kept, there is still much to be done for the indigenous people.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times International, Jagdeo explained that this tradition was started under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. Its purpose was to restore dignity and respect for an important aspect in Guyanese culture, mainly the indigenous people’s contribution to this culture.

However, due to the situations which the indigenous folk are presently facing, he explained that this has caused a number of persons to wonder about the future of the nation’s first peoples.

“It is very sad though that this is taking place at a time when so many things are happening in our country that are inimical to the interest of our indigenous people. Some 2000 of the young Community Support Officers (CSOs) were terminated by the Government and that is taking away some Gy$720 million per annum out of their economies of their villages. This will have a devastating impact on the lives of the people living there,” Jagdeo said.

The former President elaborated that the most worrisome part of this action by the A Partnership for National Unity/AFC (APNU/AFC) Administration is that almost three per cent of the population is directly affected with almost 15 per cent being indirectly affected.

He opined that this move by the Government is one which he deems the most horrific and the worst act of discrimination in the post-independent period in Guyana.

It was further stated that it was only when the PPP/C ‘put pressure’ on the Administration that the APNU/AFC ‘hurriedly put together’ a programme which they said would train indigenous people in certain areas.

“They said that those who have lost their jobs will be eligible to apply. This does not mean that they will actually get a

job. It means that they will just be eligible to apply for this training,” Jagdeo noted.

He also referred to the dismantling of the land titling unit where staffers, who were professionals, were hired through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“This was done purely for political reasons.

We have seen tonnes of resources that we left for the funding of the indigenous people’s village development plans and land titling activities… The Government is putting all these resources at risk because we are not focusing on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and our commitments to the international partners,”

the Opposition Leader emphasised. Guyana Times International was reminded that the LCDS, specifically the agreement with Norway, is not just an agreement based on forestry. However, there is also an agreement about good governance and this is the key element which is lacking, he disclosed.

Bradley Cooper’s romance with Irina Shayk has been approved by the actor’s mother following a Labor Day get-together.

The “Silver Linings Playbook” star, 40, and the 29-year-old Russian model were spotted kissing in Atlantic City, New Jersey, reported People magazine.

Shayk, who previously dated soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, was photographed standing by Campano as her boyfriend chatted with friends at a lunch party

The trip back to Atlantic City was full of nostalgia for Cooper, who was spotted dining with his mother at Bob’s diner, where they ate when he was a boy. (Indian Express)

Nicole Kidman pays tribute to father in ‘Photograph 51’

Nicole Kidman says her new West End stage role as a scientist is a way of “acknowledging” the work of her biochemist father, who died last year.

The Oscar-winning star, 48, plays pioneering British scientist Rosalind Franklin in the play “Photograph 51”, reported BBC online.

Franklin was the only woman involved in the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953, but only received recognition years after her death.

Funnyman Kevin Hart will wed fiancee Eniko Parrish on August 8, next year.

The 36-year-old “About Last Night” actor, who proposed Parrish more than a year ago, also revealed he is leaving the wedding planning to his bride-to-be, reported Aceshowbiz.

“We’re gonna go August 8th, next year man,” said Hart. “That’s right ladies. I’ve got to put this chocolate in the freezer.”

The groom-to-be then joked, “So if you wanted a piece, you better take that

The play, by Anna Ziegler,

opens at the Noel Coward Theatre next week.

“This is my way of acknowledging him but also acknowledging the people in science who quietly do things and aren’t acknowledged a lot of the time. He knew I was going to do this. I like to think he’ll still be somewhere offering support,” she said.

Kidman recalled how as a child she spent time with her sister playing in laboratories with “test tubes and microscopes” while her father worked. (Indian Express)

want and put it in your pocket, because you ain’t gonna get it, because it’s happening, August 8th,” adding “I’m going to lock this love up in a box.”

Hart said though he is not going to interfere in the preparations, the actor has given a budget to Parrish to comply.

“To be honest with

you, I don’t know what the hell is going on. I told her, ‘Do what you want to do, and just come back to me with a finished product.’ She has a number, if she goes above this number it’s not happening. That’s all I did, I gave her a budget.”

Hart proposed to his longtime girlfriend in August 2014 on her 30th birthday. The funnyman announced the engagement on his Instagram by posting a photo of them that showed Parrish wearing a huge diamond sparkler on her finger.

(Indian Express)

Excited to work with James Foley on ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’: Dakota Johnson

Actress Dakota Johnson says she is looking forward to collaborating with director James Foley on the sequel of her eroticromance “Fifty Shades of Grey”.

the sequel.

Dakota, 25, admitted that she was afraid at the beginning, but she was grateful later to know that it was Foley who would replace Taylor-Johnson, reported Aceshowbiz.

“It’s quite exciting,” she said of teaming up with Foley.

‘Mad Men’ actor Jon Hamm announces separation from Jennifer Westfeldt

‘Mad Men’ actor Jon Hamm and actress Jennifer Westfeldt have announced their split after 18 years of togetherness.

The pair, who began dating in 1997 and starred together in the 2011 film “Friends with Kids”, gave no clue on the reason that prompted their break-up, reported People magazine.

Despite their separation, the celebrity couple stated they ‘will continue to be supportive of each other in every way possible moving forward.’

“With great sadness, we have decided to separate, after 18 years of love and shared history. We will continue to be

supportive of each other in every way possible moving forward,” they said in a joint statement.

Hamm, 44, and Westfeldt, 45, had been the subject of split rumours for months.

Earlier this year, Hamm completed rehab for alcohol abuse and credited Westfeldt for supporting him throughout his treatment. In April, the couple released a statement denying reports they had broken up. The actor and actress were last seen stepping out together on July 22 at the after-party for the “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp” premiere in New York City. (Indian Express)

Justin is my best friend: Jennifer Aniston

“Cake” star

Jennifer Aniston is happy she has found a best friend in husband Justin Theroux.

The 46-year-old “Friends” actress, who recently tied the knot with the actor-director, said she loves his dry sense of humour, reported Female First.

people and have a different spin?”

“Fifty Shades Darker” is yet to start its production.

The franchise is the adaptation of author EL James’ best-seller series of the same name.

“When it comes to relationships, I’m a late bloomer. But I’ve learnt from my mistakes, am comfortable in my own skin and have more confidence than ever. In Justin, I have met my best friend – that’s the icing on the cake!

“He is kind, honest, and generous and has empathy for other people … I think that’s amazing! The fact that he also has a dry sense of humour is a big plus.”

Aniston, who got engaged to the 44-year-old “Leftovers” star three years ago, said the pair took their time before getting hitched because they did not need to have the “piece of paper”.

“We weren’t in a rush. It’s not like we felt any less close to one another just because we didn’t have a piece of paper to prove we were together.”

(Indian Express)

Sam Taylor-Johnson, who helmed the first part decided to leave the franchise and not to return for the second movie.

Foley, who directed some of “House of Cards” episodes, recently signed a deal to direct

“There was a moment of being afraid, because I didn’t know what it was going to be like. I had an experience with Sam and then that all went away. Now I’m excited. I think James is a talented filmmaker. How often do you get to reconvene with the same

James’ husband, Niall Leonard, writes the script with Michael De Luca, Dana Brunetti and James tapped as producers.

The second instalment of “Fifty Shades” movie series is slated for a US release on February 10, 2017. The first part starred Jamie Dornan opposite Dakota. (Indian Express)

“Wolverine” star Hugh Jackman has said that he would “seriously consider” the idea of playing James Bond if asked. The 46-year-old actor, also revealed that he was kind of approached to play 007 before Daniel Craig took it up, reported Digital Spy.

“I’d seriously consider it. Just before Daniel (Craig) took over… At the time I was just about to do “X-Men 2″ and I was like ‘I don’t think it’s the right time’ – but it was not an easy one for me to give up,” he said. He also said that Craig was a friend and praised his performance as Bond. (Indian Express)

Akshay Kumar rings in 48th birthday with wife Twinkle Khanna

Bollywood’s ‘Khiladi’

Akshay Kumar, who turned 48 on Wednesday, rang in his birthday with his beautiful and witty wife Twinkle Khanna. Twinkle took to Twitter to share with her fans and followers a photo of hers with superstar Akshay Kumar and captioned, “All set for the birthday boy’s dinner #happybirthday”

Known for his varied kind of roles in movies like ‘Aitraaz’, ‘Special 26’, ‘Mohra’, ‘Baby’, ‘Yeh Dillagi’ and the recently released ‘Brothers’, Akshay Kumar is hailed as one of the superstars who have been reigning Bollywood for more than two decades.

Actor Anil Kapoor is quite excited about his daughter Sonam Kapoor’s upcoming film “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” with superstar Salman Khan and says the two make a good couple on screen.

uted a lot to this country,” Kapoor said.

On the special occasion of his birthday,

Also famous for his witty charm and dropdead good looks, Akshay has struggled his way to the top and is one of the highest tax-payers of India.

Akshay ‘gifted’ his fans and followers another song from his forthcoming movie ‘Singh Is Bliing’, helmed by Prabhudheva. The movie also stars Amy Jackson. (Indian Express)

Searching for the right script to work with sons, Sunny and

Bobby: Dharmendra

Veteran actor Dharmendra says he is keen on teaming up with his sons, Sunny and Bobby, for a movie and is already on a lookout for a script which will do justice to the trio.

The 79-year-old “Sholay” star had earlier paired with Sunny, 57 and Bobby, 46, for the 2007 sports-drama “Apne”, action-comedy “Yamla Pagla Deewana” and its sequel in 2013.

“We are searching for the right story. ‘Apne’ was a huge hit, ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana’ had worked but the sequel was a flop. So after the film’s failure, we are taking our time to think of a good story which will work,” the actor told re-

porters.

Dharmendra was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of Dharam Garam – Dhaba Te Theka, a restaurant inspired by the actor’s hit movies, songs and memorable dialogues.

Even though the actor has shouldered many hit films, including “Chupke Chupke”, “Dharam Veer” and “Yaadon Ki Baraat”, there is still one apprehension that Dharmendra has — dining at a five-star hotel.

Narrating an incident, Dharmendra said he prefers a dhaba over a swanky hotel as it offers an individual the space to be relaxed.

“The etiquettes at a five-star hotel make me

a little uncomfortable. Long back I had stayed at a five-star hotel, and it was my first visit. I went downstairs to have dinner and saw a man slicing mango (delicately) and started eating it with a spoon. I wanted to have it too but not like that.

“So, I called the bell boy and asked him to deliver mangoes to my room. When the fruit came, I rinsed and ate them just the way it should be eaten- with bare hands.”

The actor, who started his Bollywood journey with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere” in 1960, has often been called “HeMan” or “Action King”. Yet, Dharmendra says he never feels like a star.

“For 55 years, the audience has loved me unconditionally. I never consider myself an actor, nor a star. I have just tried to spread love through my movies and the affection that I got in return has made me who I am today. I am thankful to the audience.”

(Indian Express)

Immunization is important for a child’s healthy future: Madhuri Dixit

After lending support to ‘Set Beautiful Free’, Vivek Oberoi and Amruta Fadnavis’ initiative for a rehabilitation centre for girl children born to sex workers, Madhuri Dixit Nene pitched for awareness of routine immunization as a UNICEF celebrity advocate at the Radio4child awards.

The awards by the Radio Operators of India (ROI) honors radio jockeys for sensitizing the public through creative messages on routine immunization.

Looking elegant in a Payal Singhal saree, Madhuri thanked to RJs and radio stations for spreading the message.

“I appeal to RJs and Radio stations to give more space to critical issue of routine immunization. Each

child should get proper nutrition, upbringing, education and health care. I am honored to be associated with the cause of routine immunization to ensure a healthy future for children,” she said at the function on Monday.

Asked if she was scared of injections, Madhuri, referring to her husband, said: “My husband is a doctor and I am not scared of injections.”

She also pointed out that as the mother of two sons, Arin and Raayan, she is very concerned about their health.

“As a mother, I am concerned about my children’s health. And I request everybody should take this routine immunization very seriously.” (Indian Express)

“It’s a Sooraj Barjatya film so there is excitement. I am excited to see it. He is a great director, he has made some pathbreaking films. He has changed the way films are made in India. He has huge fans,” Kapoor told PTI in an interview.

“People like Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar are completely inspired by his (Barjatya’s) kind of filmmaking. He changed the way marriages are celebrated in India. He got the whole value, family system back which is the fabric of India. He has contrib-

“Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, the family drama directed by Sooraj Barjatya, has Salman in a double role. It is one of the most awaited films of the year considering that Barjatya and Salman have earlier given blockbusters together and they are coming back together after a very long time.

Sonam and Salman had earlier shared screen space in Sanjay Leela

Bhansali’s “Sawaariya”.

“She was opposite Ranbir Kapoor (in “Sawaariya”). I think both (Salman and Sonam) are really good looking people… I think they look great together. I hope people like them,” the 58-year old actor said.

“Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, also starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and Swara Bhaskar, is slated to release on November 12. (Indian Express)

Gauri Khan to showcase furniture line in Paris

Gauri Khan, entrepreneur and wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has been invited to showcase her latest bespoke furniture line at an exhibit in Paris early next year. She says it’s a sign in the right direction.

Gauri has been invited for MAISON&OBJET, a trade fair reserved for professionals dedicated to lifestyle, decoration and design. An oninvitation-only fair, it is scheduled to be held on January 22-26, 2016.

“Being invited to be part of this very fair is recognition that our efforts are in the right direction. The unique creativity at such a forum quite exciting for one inclined to design,” Gauri said in a statement.

Gauri is currently at the headquarters of MAISON&OBJET in Paris. Her latest collection, crafted for her by CraftreD Designs Pvt Ltd, is said to be a blend of creativity, design and technology.

Régis Mathieu (makers of iconic chandeliers under the Mathieu Lustrerie brand) and Jean-François Lesage, (the son of the founder of the prestigious Parisbased House of Lesage) are collaborating with Gauri.

Actor Kunal Kemmu absolutely dotes on Saif Ali Khan’s son, Ibrahim Ali Khan. The duo get along well whenever they meet and if Kunal is to be believed both get along like a house on fire.

“Ibrahim is a fun guy to be with. I have seen him grow in front of my eyes. He and Sara used to come on the sets of ‘Kalyug’ to meet Amritaji (Saif’s ex wife). Sara has

grown into a beautiful and intelligent girl while Ibrahim is younger and a total fun guy to be with,” said Kunal Kemmu, who is married to Saif’s younger sister Soha Ali Khan.

Recollecting his recent vacation with the Pataudi family, Kunal said: “We vacationed in Maldives recently where me and Ibrahim went diving and bonded a lot. We don’t meet up a lot

She is naturally excited about the opportunity as the exhibit is considered a major event for professionals working in the art of living in expressions as varied as decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances, tableware and the world of children.

Frederic Bougeard, the international and development director of the show, has expressed faith in Gauri, who has showcased her stylish side by designing for a fashion line.

“Khan’s furniture line symbolises the flair and chic that MAISON&OBJET embodies,” Bougeard said. Raj Anand of MAISON&OBJET’s India Office is also excited about Gauri’s collection. (Indian Express)

but we do keep in touch and chat whenever possible. He is a fun guy and I love him.”

On the career front, Kunal is excited about his next release ‘Bhaag Johnny Bhaag.’ “There is some pressure considering that it is a solo release but I am excited too at the same time because we have a strong riveting plot which I am sure audience will love,” said Kunal. (Indian Express)

WICB clears the air over decision to sack Ramdin as captain

ST. JOHN’S,

Antigua - The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is seeking to clear the air over the circumstances surrounding the decision to remove Denesh Ramdin as captain of the regional side.

A WICB statement issued on Wednesday was released in response to media reports suggesting sinister motives may be behind the decision to sack the Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper batsman.

The decision has drawn fire in some quarters including from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president, Azim Bassarath and former West Indies manager Omar Khan.

Bassarath says he does not agree with the decision to sack Ramdin while Khan has called on the WICB to come clean.

A WICB statement said that Holder’s appointment had been recommended by the Clive Lloyd-chaired selection panel and “endorsed unanimously” by the directors.

However, Khan has pointed to comments

in the media by director Azim Bassarath who says he did not participate in the teleconference because of his commitments as a Returning Officer for Monday’s General Elections here.

“The West Indies Cricket Board would like to clear the air, following a number of media reports throughout the Caribbean concerning some details of the decision to replace Denesh Ramdin as West Indies captain,” the statement read.

“… the appointment of Jason Holder was recommended by the WICB Selection Panel and en-

dorsed unanimously by the Directors who participated in a teleconference meeting on the matter last Wednesday”.

Khan has also suggested that Ramdin may have been fired as Windies captain because of his decision to resign from the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

But in attempting to dismiss this claim, the WICB noted that Holder is currently not a member of WIPA.

West Indies are preparing for a tour of Sri Lanka to play two Test matches, three ODIs and two T20s. (CMC)

Drayton wins Burnham memorial chess tourney

The Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham memorial chess tournament concluded last weekend with Guyana’s FIDE Candidate Master, Anthony Drayton, emerging as champion at the National Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue.

On the final day of the competition, Drayton, who was in third position coming into the final two rounds, defeated Davion Mars and Alexander Duncan to increase his tally by two points to finish with a grand total of 5.5 points.

Former national junior and senior champion, Taffin Khan, also scored 5.5 points, after earning a bye from Frankie Farley and defeating Errol Tiwari on the final day, but had to be content with the second place after the tie-break system was employed.

Veteran player and former president of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Errol Tiwari, was impressive during the seven-round Swiss system competition, collecting five points to take the final podium spot.

After suffering the loss to Khan, Tiwari was gifted a bye after Glenford

Corlette, who was leading the points standing heading into the final two rounds, failed to show up for his match.

At one stage of the tournament, Roberto Neto had assumed the lead and at the penultimate stage was oozing confidence on three points. He managed to add another two points to his tally to capture top honours in the junior category after finishing the tournament on five points.

Davion Mars finished second in the junior division with 3.5 points, while Michael Chapp Jumbo occupied the third place spot after scoring two points. They were the only three players to compete in the junior category, and whether the GCF will stage a national junior championship this year is yet to be decided.

Since the tournament was FIDE rated, the participating players will soon earn points to improve the ranking on the world stage.

The presentation of prizes to the top performers will take place on Friday at the Carifesta Sports Club, Carifesta Avenue.

Die-hard Powell creates history in Croatia

ZAGRED, CroatiaJamaica’s die-hard sprinter Asafa Powell has become the first athlete in history to run sub-10 seconds in a 100 metre race over 100 times.

Powell, a former 100 metres record holder, achieved the historic feat by posting 9.96 seconds to win the event at the IAAF World Challenge meeting in Zagreb, Croatia on Tuesday.

He ran sub 10 seconds for the 101st time, to finish ahead of American Mike Rodgers who was timed at 10.10 seconds and Ramil Guliyev of Turkey who was third in 10.18 seconds.

Veteran Caribbean sprinter Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis was fourth in 10.31.

Powell was the most outstanding Caribbean athlete on display as the region bagged a number of bronze medals from field and track events.

In the women’s 100 meters, Jamaica’s Simone Facey clocked

11.25 seconds to finish third behind American Candyce McGrone (11.10s) Sherone Simpson, also from Jamaica, placed fifth in 11.37 seconds while Trinidad and Tobago’s Semoy Hackett was 7th.

Jamaica also picked up another two bronze medals- Novlene Williams placed third in the women’s 400 metres posting a time of 51.81 while Andrew Riley was

also third in the 110 metres hurdles in 13.52 behind Sergey Shubenkov of Russia who won in 13.11 and Pascal Martinot-Lagarde of France (13.50)

Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott picked up a bronze in the Javelin throw with a distance of 82.99 metres after the Germans Thomas Rohler (85.44) and Andreas Hofmann (84.98) (CMC)

GFF meets UDFA on constitutional reform

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Officials of the Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Wednesday evening travelled to the Mining Town of Linden to meet with members of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) on the issue of constitutional reform.

ward for the UDFA to have its election after it would have adopted its new constitution. The GFF’s next stops will be Essequibo and Bartica, two associations the local governing body has direct responsibility for, Toney pointed out.

UDFA ban lifted

The meeting was held at the Linden Enterprise Network building on Republic Avenue, and was attended by Chairman of the Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, GFF’s General Secretary Richard Groden and Assistant General Secretary Diedre Davis, and GFF’s Director of Marketing and Communications Rawle Toney.

According to Toney, the meeting was geared to chart the way for-

In June this year, the Normalisation Committee concluded what had been described by Urling as a “very successful” Extraordinary Congress attended by FIFA’s Head of Member Associations, Primo Cavaro.

Hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, members of Congress were able to adopt the amended statutes of the GFF constitution.

They also reviewed and subsequently lifted the sanctions that were imposed on the UDFA executives by the previous GFF administration. Urling had said at a post-Congress press briefing that the meeting was “successful” and “very cordial.”

“It lasted just about an hour and a half, and we adopted unanimously the new statutes of the Guyana Football Federation. We also lifted the sanctions that were imposed on January 17, 2014, on the UDFA executives. They will now be able to participate in football and football related activities; they won’t resume

Trelawny's Multi-Purpose Stadium to be renamed in Bolt's honour

Kingston, Jamaica

- Following the Government's approval of a J$26million installation of an irrigation system, the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium will be renamed in honour of Jamaica's greatest athlete Usain Bolt.

The facility will be known as the Usain Bolt Sports Academy.

Natalie NeitaHeadley, the minister with responsibility for sports, said the idea is the brainchild of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

"It has been the Prime Minister's dream, not just since Beijing 2015, but her desire to have that stadium in his homeland appropriately named, the Usain Bolt Sports Academy," said Neita Headley.

"But we will not do so, however, until completing plans of putting in the proper infrastructure," she noted.

Bolt, 29, was born in Sherwood Content in

their roles as the executives of the UDFA,” Urling had explained.

Those executives were Sharma Solomon, Collie Hercules, Terrence Mitchell, Wayne Bethune, Rawle Johnson, Jeffrey Trotman, Ansawatt Barrett, Patrick Day and Clive Brushe.

The aforementioned officials of the UDFA

were suspended by the Christopher Matthiasled GFF for playing their tournament final on January 1, 2014, at the MSC ground, simultaneously with the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Banks Beer Cup Finals at the Guyana National Stadium.

Congress at the time believed that the two

should not have been played on the same day, but the UDFA explained that the finals being played on New Year’s Day, 2014 meant a lot to the Linden community and as such, went ahead with the hosting of their finals.

Notably, all the associations present at the GFF Extraordinary Congress with the ex-

ception of the GFA voted for the suspension to be lifted with immediate effect.

Following those elections, the GFF Congress will be held where an Executive Committee will be elected to lead the local governing body forward. It has since been announced that the GFF Congress is fixed for November 14.

Trelawny and is widely regarded as the world's greatest sprinter of all time, holding world records of 9.58 seconds for the 100m and an amazing 19.19 for the 200m.

He was also a part of Jamaica's 4x100m world record team of 36.84 seconds.

The Trelawny MultiPurpose Stadium, which was built in 2007 at a cost of approximately US$30 million, has been the proverbial white elephant due to a lack of activity there and its failure to generate cash.

But the Minister thinks it is quite capable of holding its own, especially with the name Usain Bolt associated with it.

"I think it will be a great utilisation of the space, a fabulous venue. Many persons across the world will want to be associated with that stadium, moreso, if it is named Usain Bolt Sports Academy," NeitaHeadley pointed out.

Australia’s Haddin calls time on career

SYDNEY–

According to a recent Reuters report, Australia’s wicketkeeper Brad Haddin announced his retirement from first class cricket on Wednesday, following Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers in stepping down from tests in the wake of the Ashes series defeat. The pugnacious 37-year-old, who retired from one day cricket after Australia’s World Cup triumph earlier this year, kept wickets in 66 tests, scoring 3,266 runs at an average of 32.98 and taking 262 catches with eight stumpings.

“I’ve had an outstanding career, I’ve enjoyed every minute, and in the end the decision was not a hard one,” Haddin, who played 17 seasons for New South Wales, told a media conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

“Once you’ve lost that will to get up and do the things you need to do to play for Australia, it’s time to walk away. I’ve had a great run and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’m leaving the game.”

An assured pair of hands behind the stumps, Haddin’s runs were often extremely valuable to his country coming as they did in counter-attacking tail-end partnerships. Haddin, renowned as a talkative, tough competitor, played his last match in the opening test of the recently concluded Ashes series against England in July. He missed the second test at Lord’s to be with his sick daughter and failed to regain his place in the side from Peter Nevill for the remainder of the series, which England won 3-2.

“I came to the realisation, probably after Lord’s, that I’d lost that fight to continue,” he said.

“I was all about trying to make myself the best cricketer I could be every time I walked out on the training paddock and I probably lost that hunger from there.”

With Adam Gilchrist his predecessor, Haddin had to wait until he was 30 until he played his first test against West Indies in 2008. He lost his place in the side in 2012 when he stood

down from the tour of West Indies for personal reasons but returned in early 2013.

Appointed vice captain for the home Ashes series against England, he surpassed 50 in six of his eight innings and took 22 catches as Australia won back the urn with a 5-0 sweep. “The 5-0 one was an amazing series, not just the cricket but the whole theatre around the country, how everyone embraced that campaign and the way we were playing,” he said.

“But the highlight for me is the support you get in the good and the bad. The support me and my family have had over the last couple of years from the Australian public is amazing.”

Haddin, who will continue to play some domestic Twenty20 cricket, said he had confidence Australia’s test future was bright despite the loss of so many experienced players.

“It’s an exciting time, I think we can cover all the retirements, we’ve got a great leader in Steve Smith,” he said.

“He’s going to be a great leader for a long period of time. Australian cricket is always healthy.”

A reminder of his fiercely partisan nature came when he paid tribute to his former coaches at New South Wales, Steve Rixon and Trevor Bayliss.

“This is going to hurt,” he said. “Trevor’s the England coach now and after what he did to us I don’t really want to talk about him too much.”

Trelawny's Multi-Purpose Stadium to be...

"We would want people to come here to train and be a part of sports, our tourism product," the minister added.

The Cabinet has also given its approval for the construction of the proposed National Sports Museum at an approved site at the National Stadium complex.

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has conducted a feasibility study and a design competition among architectural students will be undertaken. J$39.7 million has been provided in the present budget for the design and preliminary research relating to the project.

The Sport Infrastructure and Capacity Building

usain Bolt

Committee of the National Council on Sport, chaired by Don Anderson, is leading the charge on this project.

"We encourage corporate sponsors to join us in this exciting venture. Already some corporations have expressed their interest in partnering with us," said NeitaHeadley.

West Indies set for 44day tour of Sri Lanka

West Indies embark on a 44day tour of Sri Lanka, which includes two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is in October and November, an SLC press release has said. The first Test begins in Galle on October 14, where West Indies have played only two matches in 2001 and 2010. They will only have three days to acclimatise to the venue.

The SLC interim committee had earlier said that the board was trying to reduce the costs it will incur by hosting games in Galle, as well as at other venues for the tour.

That could be the

reason West Indies will spend much of their time ahead of the first Test in Colombo – seven days of training at the Sinhalese Sports Club, followed by a three-day game at the venue.

Following the Galle Test, West Indies return to Colombo for the second Test at P Sara Oval, where they have never played red-ball cricket before. Three days’ practice at the venue will lead them into the match starting on October 22. West Indies have never won a Test series in Sri Lanka. They drew with the hosts in 1993 and 2010, and lost in 2001 and 2005.

The ODIs start in November and will be day-night affairs. The first two ODIs will be held at the R Premadasa stadium on November 1 and November 4. Pallekele will host the final ODI on November 7 and the teams will stay back for the first T20 two days later. The final T20 will take the teams back to Premadasa on November 12. These T20s are the only confirmed matches that West Indies play before the World T20 in India in March 2016. Sri Lanka have two more on their docket when they visit New Zealand in December 2015-January 2016. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Taylor elated to be Windies women captain

KINGSTON— New captain of the West Indies Women cricket team Stafanie Taylor says she is elated over her elevation to her new role in the regional outfit.

Taylor was appointed to replace the long-serving Merissa Aguilleira as Windies women begin preparation for the home series against Pakistan starting next month.

An 18-member squad has also been selected to begin training for the series against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Government has, for the first time, allocated in the 2015/2016 budget, J$71 million to assist in offsetting the costs to athletes and federations in preparing for regional and international competitions through greater access and use of the national sporting facilities.

(Jamaica Obsever)

“I’m feeling honored to be the captain,” declared Taylor in an interview with the Pakistan Observer. “The good news was conveyed to me by the WICB president. Obviously my family members were elated and congratulated me on this appointment”.

She has not scored a half-century in over three years and managed only 69 runs from ten ODI outings last year and 86 runs from 12 T20 innings.

Taylor, by contrast,

has been one of the most prolific batsmen in the women’s game in recent years garnering 3115 runs from 84 One-Day Internationals, already with five centuries and 20 half-centuries.

“I knew at some stage this (captaincy) was to come,” said the Jamaican cricketer.

“I would want the long-serving Merissa

Aguilleira in the team. I would expect her views just like any other player on and off the field”. Taylor, 25 has played over 80 ODIs’ and 62 Twenty20 matches while scoring over 3000 and 1800 runs in both formats of the game. She has also captured over 100 and over 50 wickets in both formats.

(CMC)

CONCACAF World Cup: Jamaica, SVG advance to first group stage

MANAGUA, Nicaragua –

Substitute Simon Dawkins pulled Jamaica from the brink of expulsion by scoring in the penultimate minute of regulation time to hand Reggae Boyz a two-nil victory over Nicaragua in their second-leg third-round World Cup Qualifier here Tuesday night.

Dawkins’ late goal added to a first half conversion by Darren Mattocks and allowed Jamaica to advance to the Fourth Round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying phase.

The match momentum swung back and forth for the most part, with Jamaica pressing the Nicaraguans deep

while the home side opting for a strategy of chasing long balls at Estadio Nacional.

The Jamaicans repelled the attack and did not repeat the defensive blunders that allowed the Nicaraguans to score three goals on Friday night.

Needing to win by two clear goals, after the 2-3 loss to them in the opening leg, the Reggae Boyz pressed the hosts and created a number of corners from which the opener emanated.

Mattocks put his country ahead in the 13th minute, slamming home the first goal after Demar Phillips executed a corner from the left side.

Dawkins’ winner in

the 89th minute of play also originated from a corner after the ball was cleared into his path allowing him to fire with his left foot to silence 20 000 Nicaraguan fans inside the stadium.

Jamaica will join Group B which includes seeded teams Costa Rica, and Panama, as well as Haiti who advanced after beating Grenada three-nil Tuesday to win the tie six-one on aggregate.

St Vincent and the Grenadines also advanced to the next round despite suffering a twoone defeat to Aruba in their second leg tie in Oranjestad.

Tevin Slater scored a late goal after Aruba had erased a two-goal

Gafoor looking to build experience

Racing action in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship gets going in just under four days in Barbados and debutant driver Nazim Gafoor has considered this leg to be an experience gaining occurrence.

Gafoor, who drives a Mazda Miata, built and tuned for the Group 2 division says that while it may be his first time out, he is still looking to make an impression.

“Well it’s my first time outside of Guyana (South Dakota) but I’m still very confident in my abilities as a driver. Many may think that I am young and inexperienced but I think my youth is an advantage; my reflexes are in tiptop shape,” said Gafoor.

Gafoor, a newcomer to circuit racing recently has been involved in drag racing as well, indicating to this newspa-

per that he is trying to be as competent as possible.

“What I am hoping to do at this meeting is to gain some more experience and basically see what some of the other styles the Caribbean drivers have. My main goal is to be competitive, come November (4th leg of CMRC in Guyana) so that I can really put up a fight on my home turf.

Gafoor is the only Group 2 representative in the 11-member team which also includes Danny Persaud, Mark Vieira and the fatherson duo of Kevin and Kristian Jeffrey.

In the two-wheel category, Stephen Vieira will lead his cousins Matthew and Elliot along with Joel Neblett and Kevin Persaud.

The third leg of the CMRC 2015 will be held at the Bushy Park Raceway this Sunday.

deficit within the first 50 minutes from an Erixon Danso brace.

The 21-year-old striker chipped over goalkeeper Eric Abdul from 10 yards out to hand SVG a 3-2 victory on aggregate and a berth in the fourth round where they will face Group C opponents United States, Trinidad & Tobago and

Guatemala. However Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao and Grenada were not so fortunate.

Will Johnson’s goal in the 45th minute lifted Canada to a 1-1 draw at the FFB Stadium, giving them a 4-1 aggregate victory after earning a 3-0 win in Friday’s opener.

after suffering their second one-nil

Giftland Mall unveils Next Generation Boxing

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The usual daily buzz at the freshly minted Giftland Mall will reach fever pitch on September 26 when the management of the sprawling department store in partnership with the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) stages the firstever Next Generation Boxing- Giftland Showcase ProAm boxing card.

An evening of fistic fury is set to transform the Liliendaal facility into a virtual battle ground, as 16 of the country’s emerging boxing talents will compete in four professional and a similar number of amateur fights.

The format of this rebranded eight-fight event will take a similar format as the GBBC’s marquee monthly programme, the Guyana Friday Night Fights, which started in 2010, but has suffered a lull after 30 editions.

President of the GBBC, Peter Abdool, speaking at a media event on Tuesday to announce the partnership between the board and Giftland Mall, said the President and Founder of the shopping cen-

tre, Roy Beepat, and his team have now picked up “the torch” and have launched an event to feature the “next generation of fighters” in Guyana.

“Consequently, this entire card has been put together essentially on the tremendous prospects that are still in Guyana,” Abdool said.

“The presumption is that Mr Beepat, once we are successful, will actually be able to put this programme to us and allow us to box on a regular basis so that we get our amateur boxers exposed…and move them up to world titles.”

Abdool, who is also the President of the

Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE), hailed the partnership as “a fantastic undertaking.”

Beepat said the move to align itself with boxing is just an extension of the company’s active involvement in the sporting community.

“It has always been

our long-term plan to be more involved in sports, and the Giftland Mall allows us the opportunity to actually host these events and to further our participation [in sports],” Beepat intimated.

The card will be headlined by a 12-round title fight that will see

Trinidad and Tobagobased Guyanese Iwan Azore putting his national welterweight belt on the line against reigning national lightweight champion Dexter Gonsalves.

Imran “Magic” Khan, a highly successful amateur boxer, will make the move up the professional ranks and will face David Thomas in a four-round lightweight contest, while Terrence Adams and Keeve Allicock will open the professional segment with a four-round featherweight showdown.

In bout number three, Anson Green and Quincy Gomes will trade punches in a six-round junior welterweight clash. The amateur segment of the card will be announced shortly, according to Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association, Terrence Poole.

Shortly after the formal proceedings on Tuesday, seven of the eight professional boxers, with the exception of Azore, who will arrive in Guyana three days before the fight, signed their contracts, and all expressed a high degree of confidence of being in the winning corner on fight night.