Guyana Times International

Judge, husband assaulted in home invasion

Four men have been taken into custody following the early morning home invasion and beating of Land Court Judge, Nicole Pierre and her husband.

The ordeal took place at the couple’s Felicity, East Coast Demerara home just after 1:20 AM on Thursday.

According to a police statement, the Special Constable who provides security duties for the Judge was overpowered and tied up before the bandits moved inside the house and physically assaulted the Judge and her husband. The couple’s young son was also home at the time but was reportedly unhurt.

The perpetrators were about to make off with a security safe with money and jewellery and a suitcase of other articles when they came under fire from a security guard at a nearby premises.

The security guard and the armed men were involved in a confrontation as police dashed to the scene. The men re-

portedly dropped the safe and suitcase and hurried away from the scene.

The police force in a statement said police officers responded to the report and investigations have led to the arrest of four men, who are in custody assisting with the investigations.

The Judge and her husband have since been admitted to a city hospital for treatment to their injuries.

Taxi driver recounts harrowing experience at hands of bandits

B y J illica P inder

Twenty-four-year-old

Jonathan Gordon is alleging that he was beaten and robbed on Wednesday morning while plying his trade as a taxi driver attached to the Gem’s Taxi Service.

Gordon, speaking during an interview with Guyana Times International on Thursday, said that the incident occurred at 12:30h when he stopped to pick up three male passengers who were destined for Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown.

He said that on his way to that location, one of the passengers asked to be dropped off at Mandela Avenue and Meadow Brook Drive and he complied with the request.

When the first man exited the vehicle, he came over to the driver’s window and started looking for change. He then told his friend that he did not have change and that he should pay.

Gordon stated that as he turned to collect the cash from the second person who was on his left side in the front seat of his vehicle, the man on the outside of the vehicle leaned in, turned off the car, and took the key out of the ignition after which he proceeded to punch Gordon about his face.

The young man stated that the third man who was sitting behind him reached forward and held him in a chokehold.

After the beating, the group

tied his hands together and pulled his shirt up to cover his face.

The man who had previously exited the vehicle returned, started the car, and drove off with Gordon tied and held hostage in his own vehicle.

He said he heard one of the men mention that they were going into B Field Sophia.

He added that the man who was sitting on his left told him that he would be shot if he moved or made any noise.

Gordon further mentioned that a fourth person later joined the vehicle after some time.

He suggested that this new assailant might be someone he

knew or someone who knew him, as he was very keen on making sure that he was properly bound and that the t-shirt was fixed properly on his face before he entered the vehicle, and told the men to cut the seatbelts and secure his legs also.

The group, at gunpoint, asked him for money. He told them the money was in the car and that was all he had. He stated that one of the persons told him to “walk with more money next time”, if he knew what was good for him.

After another severe beating, the men then proceeded to throw him over a fence before driving away. Gordon said that he did not move until he was sure that the men were gone, after which he untied himself and removed the blindfold.

He noted that that was when he realised he was at Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara. Gordon said he walked to a nearby Shell Gas Station, explained to the security guard what happened, and asked him for a phone call.

The guard then told him that they should have killed him and refused to lend him a phone.

He shared that he then made his way along the seawall, intending to head to town when he saw a Police patrol and flagged them down. After he explained the situation, the officers dropped him at the East La Penitence Police Outpost as the incident had happened out of their jurisdiction.

An investigation of the matter is ongoing.

MPs List signals transition to younger leadership – PPP

Jagdeo confirmed as Opposition Leader

Although left off of the Party’s List of Members of Parliament (MPs), Central Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Donald Ramotar, who ran for another term as President of Guyana, has pledged his support for those who will be going to Parliament.

Ramotar, in explaining why he did not appear on the MPs’ List, stated that it was time for the PPP/C to allow the younger generation to take charge and lead. “…why am I not in Parliament? I would like to answer that question straight away to say that my personal view is that the Party should go into transition at this point in time and to transition to younger leaders to take us to future successes in the Party,” he noted.

He added that the leadership of the Party was engaged in extensive discussions and finally agreed that former President Bharrat Jagdeo should return at the helm of the PPP/C as the Leader of the Opposition. Ramotar clarified that the MPs were not arrived at via

a voting process, but rather through extensive discussions which led to a consensus.

Ramotar and Harper

Given that Ramotar and Elisabeth Harper were its Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates, the PPP/C is now faced with the reality that many may feel slighted that these two individuals will not be in Parliament to represent their constituency. When presented with this scenario, Ramotar explained that the drastic change in Guyana’s political atmosphere effected the decision to leave himself and Harper out of the parliamentary chambers.

“The whole situa -

tion in our country has changed tremendously; of course, we went into the elections with the expectations of winning the elections, we did win the elections, as I said before, we are convinced that it was stolen from us, so that changed the political situation quite a lot,” he said.

Ramotar added, “I think our supporters voted for the list and that they may very well understand the situation at hand.”

Although he will not be representing the Party at the parliamentary level, Ramotar affirmed that he would remain within the leadership of the Party and would continue to represent and fight for the rights of all Guyanese.

“I am not going anywhere; I will not stop representing the people of this country. I am here and I will continue to struggle on their behalf,” he assured.

Further, Ramotar said he would not be seeking to re-enter office in the capacity of Head of State unless something “really dramatic” occurred and his colleagues required him to return.

For Harper’s part, she had indicated to Guyana Times International her desire to stay out of the political scene for now.

Controversial figures

Appearing on the Party’s List of MPs are several controversial figures, whom some sections of society blamed for the failure of the Party at the recently-concluded elections.

A few of those include former Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran who made headlines and was even relieved of his ministerial duties after he verbally assaulted social activist Sherlina Nageer; Dr Westford whose former ministry is currently

being investigated for transfer of vehicle; and Anil Nandlall whose name was stained after a controversial conversation between him and a Kaieteur News reporter was leaked and went viral.

Ramotar admitted that there were heated deliberations concerning the appointment of certain individuals as MPs; however, in the end, a final decision had to be made by the Party regardless of individual views.

“In a political party like ours, there will be a lot of discussions, debates and disagreements, but, in the final analysis, when we come to a decision, that’s it, it’s the final decision.

There were people in our Party who were probably not in favour of every single person on the list … it would be totally unnatural if everybody were to agree on everyone there, but in the end that is the final decision of the Party and these are the people they want to take to Parliament and I will do my best to support them,” he said, noting that it was irrelevant to disclose whether or not he agreed with the indi-

viduals on the list.

He also indicated that if the need arose for changes to be made among the parliamentary representatives, the PPP/C would be capable of doing so.

Ramsammy out

The PPP/C had revealed its list of MPs on Monday evening which indicated that former Agriculture Minister Leslie Ramsammy would be returning to Parliament. However, due to his ill health, Ramsammy will no longer be participating and, therefore, the PPP/C will have to find a replacement.

Moreover, other individuals who appeared on the PPP/C List of Candidates, including former Minister Robert Persaud, Dr Ashni Singh, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul, Robeson Benn and Carolyn RodriguesBirkett have already indicated, in some way, their reason for not returning.

Ramotar maintained that the Party has no issues with those who were left out, noting that he was sure the PPP/C will have other important tasks for them.

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EDITORIAL

Bringing back Jagdeo

The announcement by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

General Secretary Clement Rohee that there is a strong possibility that Bharrat Jagdeo could return to the helm of dayto-day politics as this country’s Opposition Leader has ruffled some feathers and made the leadership of the country’s governing coalition apparently uneasy.

Since the disclosure that Jagdeo was favoured as the candidate to take the PPP/C forward following the May 11 General and Regional Elections, ‘anti-Jagdeoites’ have launched a new wave of attacks against the PPP/C.

Leading the cause in this respect are the usual suspects who seek to brand themselves as “nationalists, independent political commentators” and defenders of the Cheddi Jagan’s legacy and the future of the PPP/C.

Included in that group are the usual suspects in the persons of Ralph Ramkarran, Christopher Ram, Freddie Kissoon and social media provocateurs who dance to the tune of the new Government from the word go.

Others are set to follow especially those who ‘left the PPP/C’ allegedly because of Jagdeo, those who distanced themselves from the party because of concerns about corruption and ex-PPP/C Members who are now enjoying favourable relations as Ministers, state officials and sympathisers to the new coalition government.

In their writings and public pronouncements, they are seeking to convince Guyanese that Jagdeo is bad for the PPP/C and that the Party will implode under his leadership in Parliament. They would like Guyanese and supporters of the PPP/C to believe that Jagdeo is corrupt and is solely responsible for some of the problems facing the country at the moment. These individuals also seem very concerned about Jagdeo’s imagined total control over the PPP/C machinery and the make-believe albatross he has placed around the neck of the PPP/C youth and leadership.

For them, Jagdeo is evil and everything he touches will turn to evil because he is unconcerned about the country and its people. In their rush to force public opinion against Jagdeo, they have failed miserably to acknowledge the facts and dynamics surrounding the high levels of popularity and respect that he still enjoys within the Party and outside in face of nasty misinformation, distortions and lies peddled by the mass media especially the Glenn Lall-owned Kaieteur News and Stabroek News.

They refuse to accept the fact that it was Jagdeo who added flavour and colour to the 2011 and 2015 elections campaigns. In both instances, hundreds of thousands of people rallied around the PPP/C and connected emotionally with Jagdeo when compared to other party leaders for a myriad of reasons.

The things he said on the elections platform were on point, accurate for the most part, and delivered strong blows to those, now in Government, that crippled them at various points during the campaign.

It is not hard to believe that a majority of Guyanese from all ethnic and social persuasions would have voted the PPP/C back into power with a parliamentary majority had Jagdeo decided to run for President during the last two elections if there was no term limit.

Additionally, they appear far more concerned about the PPP/C and its future than those who currently sit at its helm and one must ask one’s self why. It could not be because they genuinely wanted the PPP/C in power or part of a shared governance arrangement with the coalition Government. And it certainly could not be because they wanted Donald Ramotar and Elisabeth Harper to lead the Party in the 11th Parliament because they have also hurled reprehensible and untrue propaganda against both of these distinguished Guyanese leaders.

It is clear that they are intent on weakening the Party by evoking subliminal feelings of discord, division and disunity within its membership following the May 11 elections. Their aim appears to be to embarrass Donald Ramotar who has shared a very close relationship with Jagdeo while he was the Party’s General Secretary, its presidential nominee and President of Guyana.

Jagdeo in five years’ time could weaken the Granger’s presidency bringing his Government to its knees. If he re-enters Parliament there would be no politician who could out-think him or out-manoeuvre him if a careful analysis is done of the line-up on both sides.

It is the PPP/C’s democratic right to decide who it should move forward with, following its recent political experiences and concerns about rigged elections. A public vote among the general membership of the PPP/C may very well vindicate any decision by the Party to move forward with Jagdeo.

Jagdeo is far from the monster that some are making him out to be. He is a political animal and having worked most of his life in Guyana and served the people, he appears willing to give his all to his Party and country in the face of orchestrated assaults, brutish propaganda, ungrateful comrades within the Party structures and neo-opportunism that is creeping up among current and former PPP/C supporters and members.

If the PPP/C wants to win another election in Guyana, it might as well bring back Jagdeo to serve in Parliament.

Persons dressed in African wear as the African Cultural and Development Association on Wednesday launched its 21st celebration of the Emancipation Festival at the

Strategies proposed by former Ambassador Ishmael

Amid the deepening controversy between Guyana and its neighbouring oil rich country Venezuela, Guyana’s former Ambassador to Venezuela, Dr Odeen Ishmael took the liberty of penning a 7000 word proposal for dealing with the issue and made several recommendations for the preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continues to push its claim to Guyana’s sovereignty.

Regardless of which approach is taken, Dr Ishmael underscored the crucial need for Government to be relentless in frustrating Venezuela’s efforts in its unjust claims on Guyana’s land.

“The policy Guyana may wish to pursue in dealing with the Venezuelan threat may be set out in the following long term and short term objectives:

“The long term objectives are: the security of the borders devolved to the new state at the time of independence, and internationally recognised; the achievement of a final settlement of the dispute with Venezuela.

“The short term objectives are: the maintenance of the territorial status quo pending the resolution of the problem; the elimination of the immediate threat to the security and territorial integrity of Guyana; bringing an end to the continued military, economic, political and diplomatic harassment of Guyana – the armed incursions, airspace and marine violations, subversion and interference with the country’s economic development; securing the withdrawal of the Venezuelan military forces from the Guyana section of Ankoko Island, illegally occupied since 1966.

Military option

Dr Ishmael considered the pursuance of the military option, both from Guyana’s and Venezuela’s end.

“The physical military disparities with Venezuela

have been quite evident. This military preponderance of Venezuela, in addition to what appeared as a resourcerich economy, has posed a real threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity,” he noted.

However, he also pointed out that the intense support Guyana has thus far received from the international communities and the outcome of the Malvinas War in 1980’s, which are all factors contributing to the influence upon Venezuela to restrain from using its military force in this dispute.

Therefore, he suggested that Guyana continue to build deeper relationships with select countries such as China, for its own border problems with Russia and India and Brazil and Colombia to counteract Venezuelan’s efforts to “purchase” the sympathy of some Caricom countries.

Also, he recommended that Guyana strengthen its relations with the United States Government in a “manner designed to encourage it to pressure Venezuela to accept the finality of the 1899 award.”

In addition, he noted that Guyana must also work to influence opinion in Venezuela itself for the withdrawal of the claim to western Essequibo.

“Some media reports from Venezuela indicate that the Venezuelan government has reservations that it can never achieve what it is claiming,” the former ambassador high-

lighted.

Development

Dr Ishmael recommended also that government expend as much as it can towards the development of the Essequibo area. “At the moment, the Essequibo region is a large sprawling area mostly undeveloped and sparsely populated. It is suggested therefore that the Guyana Government, as a matter of policy should give a high priority to the development of the region.

This includes the relocation of people from the urban areas for their direct involvement in agriculture and industry in the interior. At the same time resource diplomacy should be actually pursued to encourage mineral exploration, forestry and agricultural development particularly through joint ventures with foreign governments and companies,” he stated.

This would help because, in the Venezuelan media, numerous reports indicate that the current area of controversy is often referred to as an “uninhabited jungle tracks or no man’s land” and this perception may have prompted Venezuela’s claim.

“If western Essequibo were fully settled and developed with a larger population, the outrageous claim would not have been made,” Dr Ishmael speculated.

Further, he noted that Government should give high priority to the Guyana-Brazil road project as it would hold great economic and political significance to the territorial claim.

“The political benefits to Guyana would be substantial. The major regional power, Brazil, which participates in its construction, would ensure its safety and that of the surrounding territory from attack. The highway would help strengthen Guyana’s title to the Essequibo, thereby further minimising Venezuela’s chances to appropriate it,” he reasoned.

Govt determined to crush criminal network – Harmon

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government will be moving to beef up security at borders across the country, in what it called “a strategic attempt” to significantly reduce the recent spike in criminal activities in the country.

Coupled with that move is the resuscitation of the Police’s marine wing to provide Police Officers with flexibility and greater access to inland waterways along with the use of animals, including horses and dogs, to

go after criminals.

The upsurge in crime over the last couple of weeks had become a major bugbear for Government and citizens alike.

Several persons lost their lives at the hands of criminals. The most recent act of violence was carried out on an East Canje, Berbice woman who was shot to her head by bandits who invaded her business premises.

President David Granger on Tuesday summoned his top brass in the security sector, including Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Police Commissioner Seelall

Persaud, to a meeting where special focus was placed on five areas of strategy that would be taken to tackle crime.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said apart from border security, focus would also be placed on the Police administration itself and the requirement to identify criminal activities across all 10 regions of Guyana, to determine, where the activities are being committed and to decide on the strategy to deal with them on a national basis.

“It was felt that the high incidence of gun crimes has its genesis in the fact that we share a very long border with countries that actually produce guns and, therefore, our strategy will include border control activities as well as activities involving the Guyana Revenue Authority in relation to the way in which goods and services are imported into the country and the use to be made of the instruments that are available to the GRA,” Minister Harmon said.

Indians targeted in New Jersey in apparent hate crime

By Vishnu BisRAm

News reports are suggesting that people of Indian descent were targeted for violent hate attacks in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Several Indians were beaten in recent weeks with the attacks being labeled as hate crimes and police have launched an investigation.

The latest incident involves an Indian national who was out for a walk in North Brunswick. He was beaten in broad daylight on July 1.

A number of Guyanese have made New Brunswick their home and several others from surrounding areas shop there for Indian items. The area has been thriving since the settlement of Indians some 25 years ago. There is now a growing Indian presence in the area.

Police responded to a report of a man lying on the side of the road. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 57-year-old Rohit Patel bleeding heavily from his head. An ambulance was summoned and he was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel and taken to a hospital for further

medical treatment and observation.

Officers searched for the suspect and arrested 24-year-old Nyle Kilgore, of North Brunswick.

Kilgore, according to police, matched the description of a suspect in another attack. He was initially held on multiple charges but has since been released on bail.

In a report on CBS TV, Rohit’s son, Dipen, said he could not understand how and why his dad was picked upon: “My dad is a very fragile, innocent man who was just on his daily walk. I don’t understand how you can have someone who is continuously committing hate crimes, violent hate crimes, and he’s able to get out the same night”.

New Brunswick Police said several random assaults on people of Indian descent have been reported in the Governor’s Point and Colony Oaks neighborhoods, in which Kilgore matched the description of the attacker.

The police report of the latest attack stated that “Rohit was targeted because he is Indian”. Kilgore allegedly followed Patel for less than a minute before knocking him out with a strike to the head. Pictures showed Rohit bleeding.

According to multiple reports, Rohit said he is afraid to step out of the house; many in the local Indian community feel equally worried. Rohit and his wife moved to the United States from the United Kingdom in May, but because of the anti-Indian attack he says “they are contemplating moving back”.

On TV Station 12 news report, North Brunswick police say they believe there may be more Indian victims of racial attacks and are urging people with any information to come forward.

2:00 am curfew is a sign of backward leadership by the APNU+AFC Govt

Dear Editor, Minister Ramjattan made his first “big” move to reduce crime and domestic violence and to produce a better workforce and an economic solution for Guyana all in one decision. I have never seen such backward and visionless thinking by a public service leader in my entire life.

It is clear that the minister doesn’t have hard scientific data to back up his conclusions, so I will do him a favor and provide some assumptions from my observation as an average citizen.

1. Most crimes being committed are done by 100% sober people with a clear plan to kill and rob; they are not leaving bars at 2am to do this. This is obvious and needs no scientific backing.

2. Domestic violence that is rooted in alcohol consumption is generally done in the rural areas in small rum shops and bottom houses. So it would have been better for him to put a limit on DDL and DIH production if he wanted to see results.

3. Road accidents are caused by inexperienced drivers who bribed the police for their driver’s licenses, compounded by the police not enforcing the traffic laws.

4. The management of work performance is a dynamic between the employers and employees that

has to be carried out among them and should not be policed by the state. He is clearly showing signs of interfering in people’s freedoms and private lives (signs of dictatorship)

5. People have the right to spend their hard earned money however they wish, the Government has no right to even comment on this. Again you are interfering in people’s private lives and that of private sector.

So to avoid any bad surprises Minister Ramjattan should know that drinking and partying more than likely will continue after 2 a.m. regardless of the curfew and there will be an increase in unregulated underground parties rendering our young people even more vulnerable.

Businesses will be affected through the loss of revenue. It is my projection that the local economy will lose approximately G$154,000,000 weekly (see my public figure Facebook page for assumptions).

Minister Ramjattan is confirming my position taken during the period of elections, that the coalition is comprised of backward thinkers with visionless strategies, taking our country down the wrong path. As I said before, this government consists of “Paddle Boat” captains steering a Cruise Ship.

Malcolm Watkins

Do we have racist supremacists among us?

Dear Editor,

On June 17th, twenty one year old Dylann Roof entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States and killed nine people.

American commentators described the shooter as a white supremacist. They made this determination based on a manifesto he authored and posted to the internet.

In our own Guyana I have noticed that Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon has identi-

fied a few Indo- Guyanese who according to him are racial supremacists. In the interest of fairness and full disclosure, should he now not feel obligated to tell us who are the racial supremacists among our Afro-Guyanese population?

I do not think I am the only Guyanese that that would like this stalwart columnist to share this information with the rest of Guyana.

Wesley Hicken

Freedom fighters should be recognised by the PPP/C and the Government

Dear Editor,

I write to acknowledge and thank journalist and rights activist Dr Vishnu Bisram for recommending that myself, Pandit Rampersaud Tiwari, Pandit Birbal Singh, former Attorney General Sir Fenton Ramsahoye, and former Home Affairs Minister Balram Singh Rai be recognised with national honours for our contribution to the independence movement of Guyana (published in Guyana Times, June 15). We are deeply humbled by this recommendation.

Dr Bisram also recommended national honours for several other distinguished personalities living abroad (Arjune Karshan, Chuck Mohan, Vassan Ramracha, Dr Baytoram Ramharack) who consistently laboured for the freedom of Guyana from the clutches of the PNC dictatorship. Dr Bisram himself is deserving of national honours given his life-long history of struggle for Guyana while in the country and abroad.

Few contributed as much as Dr Bisram in the Guyanese Diaspora for the struggle for the restoration of democracy during the dictatorship. He is well-known for his exceptional service, volunteerism, advocacy, and activism in community affairs long after others have abandoned community development. And his journalistic contributions to Guyana are unmatched by anyone in the Diaspora.

I remember the work and the struggles of Pandits Tiwari and Birbal Singh as well as Balram Singh Rai and Dr Fenton and the hu-

miliation they suffered at the hands of the British. I worked with them. I was a PPP activist for national independence. It is well-known that I was imprisoned at Sibley Hall due to my political activism. I was physically abused and as a vegetarian almost starved as consideration was not given to my religious diet. Let me point out that Moses Nagamootoo was trained as a youth activist under my tutelage and he knows of the roles these individuals played.

These gentlemen were committed to the struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana during the dictatorship and were regular visitors at my Arya Samaj Mandir near Hillside Avenue and 145 Street in Jamaica and at other religious affairs as well as at public events educating the public about abuses in Guyana and soliciting support for their struggle to liberate Guyana from the throes of dictatorship. Ramharack, Ramracha and Bisram penned countless articles exposing the oppression of the Guyanese nation. They internationalised the struggle for free and fair elections the way few did. They even advocated abroad for the oppressed in Guyana.

They were among a handful of political activists who took time off their jobs and abandoned their families to carry out countless protests including in front of the UN and at different places in America against the illegal Government of Guyana. They contributed personal funds to the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. In addition, they

strongly influenced the US State Department to force Desmond Hoyte to hold free and fair elections in October 1992 resulting in the PPP returning to office after 28 years. Because of the struggle of these honourable figures, Guyana became free and the people gained economically, socially and politically. Presently, some of these same political activists are in forefront to save and ensure democracy in Guyana following the May 11 elections amid allegations of rigging. It is an injustice that these prominent and distinguished Guyanese were never recognised for their work. The PPP owes them an apology and the new government should correct this injustice by honouring these heroes.

All of the nominees and more, such as Melvin Carpen, Ravi Dev and Joe Kanhai, among others, are worthy of national recognition devoting countless hours in grassroots activism for free and fair elections.

It should also be noted that Vishnu Bandhu participated in the anti-dictatorial struggle for several years in NY before re-migrating to Guyana to launch a political party, and he is also worthy of honours. I would also like to add Moses Bhagwan to that list of deserving nominees and a few others who are still alive who fought the colonial power for our independence.

The contributions of all the activists to Guyana are immeasurable in supporting free and fair elections, transforming the lives of the nation.

Yours truly, Pandit Ramlall

Voters will support the same party no matter what the other side does

Dear Editor, Elections in Guyana have usually been accompanied by violence, corruption, stagnation, fear, threats, vindictive victors and bitter losers.

In the ABC countries it is not unusual to find voters in the same household supporting different parties. They take a few hours on elections day to cast their votes and return home to watch the results a few hours later on the same evening, then back to routine the next morning.

It is now established in Guyana that generally voters will support the same party no matter what the other side does. It is a country where it is easier to persuade some to change their religion rather than to convince them to support another

political party.

Whether fair or fraudulent, the result that allows any party to govern for decades produces a feeling of invincibility, arrogance and corruption.

The question then is how to respect the views of the public and change the party in office without resorting to the expensive, divisive, unpredictable, time consuming process of elections that makes enemies of neighbours, co-workers, family and friends?

We borrowed from others in limiting the Presidency to two terms and I seriously wonder whether we can lead the world in limiting the period for which a party governs considering our unique experience. Suppose we allow

each party to govern for a limited period of time, example five years and then have the other party take over without an election? This would give the country the necessary breathing space to stabilize, grow and flourish.

Then maybe in 20 years’ time with more mature parties and an electorate who have not grown up in an atmosphere of hatred and violence, we can go back to frequent elections.

This rotation in governing would ensure that there is the power sharing every five years. GECOM will need less funds and we can ask our global team of Observers to concentrate their limited resources elsewhere.

Some may argue that this is not democratic but

then not even the ABC countries are perfect democracies.

In fact it is quite probable that even regular elections may provide similar rotating governments given the small number of swing votes necessary to defeat one party.

One concern maybe that if one party knows that it is guaranteed to govern for a period of time, what would prevent it from become corrupt or dictatorial? The checks and balances of the constitution, the rule of law enforced by a strong, independent judicial system, a professional public service without political interference.

Asking the indulgence of readers, reference is made to the prefatory remarks in my book,

“Mohandas K Gandhi, thoughts, words, deeds”.

A judge presiding over a vicious court battle for child custody asked the child’s opinion. Her reply was, “I just want this fighting to stop or I will hurt myself.” She then showed him marks on her wrist as evidence that she had already attempted to do so. The immature parents were participating in an adversarial process without recognising that they were harming the child that they both claim to love so much.

The difference of course is that while the child involved gets an opportunity to express a viewpoint, there is no one to speak for the country when political parties are engaged in an internecine conflict that can

destroy the very country they want to govern. The nation needs time to heal, investors need a period of economic stability, and there is need to reach back into history exploring how ancestral societies functioned without elections while allowing the people to express their choice of who will take the leadership role.

Can we start this discussion now and seek input from the great minds at home and the Diaspora Advisory Department? Hopefully we can find another way before the next silly season destroys our native land. Perhaps it is time we have another referendum.

Ramnarine Sahadeo Retired lawyer/author Ontario

Guyana-Venezuela rice deal collapses –

thousands of farmers could be affected

By Gomatie GanGadin

Thousands of farm-

ers are expected to be affected over the coming months as the Venezuelan Government has refused to renew the rice trade agreement with Guyana, leading to the virtual collapse of the entire deal which ends November this year.

The historic rice deal sealed by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela several years ago saw Guyana receiving oil in exchange for rice.

Speaking to Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that during the PetroCaribe Ministerial Council Meeting which was held in Venezuela last week, the country indicated that it would not renew the agreement which comes to an end in November of this year. He noted that this was a result of the fact that Venezuela would be taking rice from Suriname and as such, did not require the large amount which was currently being sent from Guyana.

“They said that they had communicated that to the former

Administration that they will not be renewing the contract and they still stand by that,” he said. Jordan, however, said that the country has indicated that it may be interested in taking small amounts of rice from Guyana.

Questioned on the implications of this on the country, Jordan said that the Government was looking at alternative solutions which would include another deal with Venezuela. This, which will be in the form of a joint venture, will see Guyana and any other in-

terested country producing rice and Venezuela marketing the rice to countries such as Iran, which consume a large amount of the product.

He noted that from there on, once the rice would have been sold, they would then sort out the payment terms to each contributing country. He cautioned, however, that discussion was still ongoing on the matter and to make a full pronouncement at this time would be premature.

The Finance Minister said it was on this note that Guyana has asked

Strategies proposed by...

Dr Ishmael recognised that Guyana’s resources may be limited to develop western Essequibo and therefore, prompted Government to encourage, on a selective basis, foreign investment in the area.

Consolidating its support

Dr Ishmael noted that Guyana should not be remiss and complacent of the support it already has and must continue to work to hold on to traditional support while simultaneously building new ones.

“Guyana’s diplomatic options are significant. For instance at the bilateral level, Brazil will continue to be supportive of Guyana’s efforts to preserve peace and stability in the region. Important Latin American countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Peru should have no difficulty in the maintenance of the territorial status quo. In the Caribbean, Guyana can continue to count on the understanding and solidarity of Guyana’s Caricom partners. While continuing to work within the OAS, Guyana must increase its role in the Association

of Caribbean States, the Treaty of Amazonian Cooperation, the Rio Group and UNASUR,” he explained.

Another important factor to consider is that of Venezuela’s growing influence in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr Ishmael highlighted.

“With this is mind, Guyana must work to influence OPEC states to support its position.

Continuing Guyana’s diplomacy among Arab states, particularly within the ambit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is therefore a prime necessity. This has been done, especially from 1997, but it must be stepped up especially at this time,” he urged.

He encouraged too that the Guyana Government approach the British Government to be more pro-active in the issue, since it is also a party to the 1899 arbitral award and the Geneva Agreement.

He noted that countries of Africa and Asia could be considered Guyana’s natural allies and the Guyana

for the matter to be further discussed and for a high-level delegation to travel to the country. However, Jordan intimated that the way forward now was entirely dependent on the latest decree which has been issued by that country. He was, however, hopeful that the trade agreements between the two parties would continue.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had told reporters last week that Guyana would have been looking for an extension of

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Government should keep them fully informed at all times. Countries like Cuba which have given support firmly and publicly in the past, should not be allowed to slide into a neutral stance, Dr Ishmael warned.

Public opinion

Another important tool Guyana must take advantage of is the influence of public opinion of the issue, Dr Ishmael pointed out.

“Through the effective means of the Internet, information on Guyana’s position on the border controversy can be effectively disseminated all over the world. At the same time an effective education campaign in Guyana must be carried out, as part of the school curriculum, to inform young Guyanese of the history of the country’s borders. Such education should also by embraced by the tertiary educational institutions, offices and industrial establishments. Wellproduced radio and television programmes can supplement such an activity. Printed, audio and video resources must be prepared and readily available,” he suggested.

the deal even as the competing South American nations were eyeing the Venezuelan rice market, when the industry was not at its best with longstanding stakeholders. He had remained optimistic that owing to the length of time that the two countries have been engaged in this trade that Guyana would have had an advantage in maintaining its market share.

Long before the current crisis concerning the future of PetroCaribe, the political unrest and economic difficulties which had coincided with President Nicolás Maduro’s accession to office had raised questions about the future of the agreement.

Venezuela has been by far the major market for Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for around 60 per cent of total exports in 2010. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for approximately 38 per cent of total exports though the overall tonnage exported (150,000 tonnes of rice and 50,000 tonnes of paddy) far exceeded the 2013 export levels.

In light of this development, the authorities must now shift even further away from dependence on the Venezuelan

market and begin to source additional rice markets since rice production this year is expected to soar even higher.

Last month, President David Granger had mandated Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, among others, to set about sourcing additional markets for the rice produced. It is still unclear whether any new markets have been sourced and if so, how much of Guyana’s production will be going to these new markets.

Guyana had been aiming to sell more than 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy to Venezuela for this year; however, Minister Harmon said that the PetroCaribe Fund, set up to hold the proceeds from the oil-forrice arrangement, was “still bare”, and debtors were demanding outstanding payments.

The Finance Minister disclosed that Government has released more than US$9 million of the total of US$15 million owed for the rice farmers to be paid. He noted that the remainder will be paid as soon as possible in the coming months.

Kaieteur News scandalises CPL

....puts words into Finance Minister's mouth

In a totally unwarranted attack against Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, CEO of the NewGPC, which owns the Guyana Amazon Warriors T-20 cricket team, the Kaieteur News headlined on Wednesday that Finance Minister

Winston Jordan said the "Govt will not pay Ramroop's Gy$100M CPL invoice". In the story, however, there is no quote that the Finance Minister, in fact, made any such assertion and after being contacted verified he did not mention Dr

Ramroop.

Asked for a comment on the allegation, Dr Ramroop said, "The people running the Kaieteur News are either totally ignorant about the nature of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) or they are up to their

usual sensationalisation to sell papers. It was made clear when the CPL was launched that it is an independent corporation based overseas that has allocated seven franchises -originally six - to various territories. This information is even on Wiki! We only own the Guyana Amazon Warriors - not the CPL and I am sure that the Finance Minister did not make the assertion the KN claims he did."

The Wikipedia article Dr Ramroop alluded to, states: "On December 13, 2012, the WICB announced that they had finalised an agreement with Ajmal Khan founder of Verus International,a

Barbados-based merchant bank, for the funding of the new franchise-based Twenty20 league to be launched in 2013. It was then expected that the new Caribbean Premier League was likely to comprise six Caribbean city-based franchises as opposed to the current territorial set-up with the majority of the players are to come from the West Indies. As part of the agreement, the WICB will receive additional funding from Verus International for additional retainer contracts for players in addition to the 20 annual retainer contracts the board currently funds."

What is also significant is the substantial investment made by individual Franchisees such as the Guyana Amazon Warriors that impacts on the economy and the society. If for instance the New GPC had not made the investment on the cricket team, Guyana could have reaped none of the benefits it has and will continue to enjoy. By sponsoring four local young Guyanese talent to be with the team while offering them remuneration, is an investment in developing local talent that benefits the nation.

Because the NewGPC is a unit of a QAII which also owns a full media houseTV, Radio and Pressthe Warriors have also benefitted from a tremendous amount of publicity which from an opportunity cost stand-

point costs the franchisee millions of dollars which go unmentioned. That the CPL was able to attract as investors a multi-national corporation like Hero and mega Bollywood Stars like Shahrukh Khan, has been a boost to the entire Caribbean's image as an investment destination.

But in terms of the payments by the Guyana government to the CPL, this is in line with similar payments made by other participating Caribbean territories for the concrete benefits provided by the tournament in addition to the invaluable value of bringing together the people of the Caribbean. All governments understand the benefits of publicity for their tourism industry, even if the KN does not.

The CPL has since launched two widely successful tournaments in the Caribbean during 2013 and 2014 which was broadcast across the cricket playing world of 800 million people. The third tournament is presently underway. An independent Economic Impact study revealed last December that the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) injected into the Caribbean region’s economy a whopping US$166 million during the 2014 tournament. This injection was a significant increase of 58% compared to the tournament’s economic impact in 2013.

Kaieteur News...

Findings in the report showed:

• Incremental spend by regional and international fans totaled US$47.4 million (excluding accommodation and airfares)

• An estimated 217,176 regional and international spectators watched CPL 2014 live

• The international TV audience increased to 65 million in 2014 from 36 million in 2013, with 29 broadcasters from around the world airing the games live

• Over 21,500 international visitors (approximately 10% of total spectators), attended CPL 2014, spending US$7.9 million

• Thousands of new jobs were created in tourism and travel across the region by CPL and more than 156,000 jobs positively impacted

• The tournament's high profile international broadcast media campaign (which encouraged tourism in

the region) generated US$4.47 million in advertising value

The study conducted by SMG-Insight/ YouGov showed a breakout across each of the eight markets as follows:

• Antigua and Barbuda - US$13.8 million

Barbados - US$28.7 million

• Grenada - US$13.3 million

• Guyana - US$24.5 million

• Jamaica - US$25.1 million

• St. Kitts and Nevis - US$26.3million

• St. LuciaUS$13.9 million

•Trinidad and Tobago - US$21.1 million

With an investment of over US$25 million to date, the CPL is the world's second biggest T20 cricket tournament - behind the Indian Premier League - and is set to continue growing in 2015 and beyond. CPL, in partnership with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) continues to

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invest in the development of the game, providing opportunities for players and fans to access world-class cricket in the Caribbean.

According to the study, Grenada, for instance, for the estimated 13.3 million US dollars it earned, invested US$500,000 for the rights to host the opening games held in July 2014. The government of Grenada pointed out the benefits reaped: "Video clips of Grenadian culture and tropical beauty were broadcasted via television to an audience of nearly 800 million people in Grenada’s traditional markets of North America, United Kingdom, the Caribbean region and other nontraditional markets such as South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka."

Almost double the benefits for Grenada ($24.5M vs $13.3 were enjoyed by Guyana for the same $500,000 that it was billed.

St Lucia to table legislation to make CCJ final court

The St Lucia Government says it will soon table legislation that will allow for the island to make the Trinidadbased Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) its final court, replacing the London-based Privy Council.

Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony said that St Lucia has a provision in its Constitution that is identical to a provision of the Constitution of Dominica, which used that measure to join the CCJ that was inaugurated in 2005.

‘St Lucia has an identical provision but it makes reference to a section in the constitution which we believed was wrong. In other words there is an error in the section.”

Anthony said that St Lucia has a law that allows the Attorney General to refer questions to the Court of Appeal for an advisory opinion in constitutional matters.

He said armed with the opinion from the court he has formally written to the British Government “advising… that the Government of St Lucia wishes to delink from the Privy Council in pursuant of the requirements of that section.

“Now what will happen next, I anticipate

that when we go to Parliament with the legislation to seek to delink St Lucia from the Privy Council, the opposition or other elements who feel wedded to the Privy Council for all kinds of reasons for which I will not explore…will likely want to take the matter to the court again”.

Prime Minister Anthony said while he has no objection or problem with the move by the opposition, his administration would go ahead and table the legislation.

“Our Constitution requires a 90-day period between laying and the debate and once the constitutional process is completed meaning that the legislation has gained the approval of Parliament for which we must have a two-third majority, then I would expect that the persons who are opposed to the delinking will want to approach the court.

“We don’t have no problem with that, it will be interesting to get the Privy Council to pronounce on the findings of the Court of Appeal whose decision is not binding, it is only persuasive because it is nothing more than an advisory opinion.

“So that’s where we are and I am assume the next few months will be interesting in that regard,” Anthony said.

Rohee issues strong warning to PPP/C critics –

defends Jagdeo, party youth leaders

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said it will not be daunted by the heavy criticisms coming its way from the political masses, but will wade the storm and make an enormous comeback on the political scene.

The party, which was defeated at this year’s General and Regional Elections, said it continues to be attacked, something that has been happening as far back as the when the party was first established, but said it will not be bothered by the political rhetoric.

In a strongly worded letter to the Editor, the party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee said the party has always been under attack, with naysayers saying the party has “lost its way.”

“In 1964, when the party lost the election after being “in office but not in power” for seven years, the ultra-leftists and the ultra-rightists in the PPP at the time claimed that the party lost power because it did not push through with its “pro-social-

In March this year, Dominica became the first member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to join the CCJ in both its Original and Appellate jurisdictions.

Dominica joined Barbados, Belize and Guyana that have signed on to both the Appellate and Original jurisdictions of the CCJ that also functions as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chagauaramas that governs the 15-member regional integration movement.

Most of the other Caribbean countries are signatories to the Original jurisdiction.

Sir Dennis Byron, the second Caribbean national to head the Trinidadbased Caribbean court said he is certain that within a year, not only will Jamaica be added to of the full membership of the court, but also Trinidad and Tobago and the other islands in the sub-regional OECS.

“All the countries have agreed to be on board because when they signed the treaty establishing the court they entered into that arrangement and they went further than that, they have all put money to fund the operation of the court so they are fully on board in that respect. (CMC)

ist agenda” and that it “under-estimated the racial factor in the society.” Again, to those who championed these views, the cry for the second time was that “the party had lost its way.”

He said when the party decided to transform itself from “a loose mass party to a disciplined-type of party” the ultra-rightists and liberal democrats inside and outside the PPP at the time raised their voices in protest and condemned the party for adopting a pro-Soviet model which was unsuitable to our local conditions. “Once again, for the PPP “had lost its way”, he said.

He recalled too in 1973, “when the PPP adopted the political line of “civil resistance and non-cooperation” with the [People’s National Congress] PNC dictatorship, the party came under attack from ultra-leftists in and out of the party at the time for not going far enough. They called for armed struggle.

When the party rejected the call as adventurist we were attacked and the cry for the fifth time was that we “had lost our way.”

The Party “lost its way” again in 1974, he said, when it adopted the position of “critical support” for the progressive measures adopted by the PNC but critical of its reactionary policies. “The liquidationists in the leadership of the party at the time wanted us to extend “unconditional support” to the PNC while the racist elements inside and outside the PPP accused the party of “selling out the East Indians to the PNC” as far as both camps were concerned we had lost our way”.

No date yet for ruling in Presidential term limit case

Almost one month after acting Chief Justice Ian Chang deferred the ruling on the motion filed to challenge the presidential two-term limit, no new date has been set for the much-anticipated decision.

Back in February, civilian citizen Cedric Richardson had filed a motion, challenging the constitutionality of the two-term limit which was imposed on Guyanese Presidents since 2001. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and former Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman were named defendants in the matter.

Following responses filed by Attorneys representing the Plaintiff and the defendants, the parties had to lay over written submissions. Attorney Shaun Allicock, who is representing Richardson, and Deputy Solicitor General of the AG Chambers Prithima Kissoon along with Attorney Roysdale Forde for Trotman, have submitted written arguments on the matter.

Justice Chang was expected to hand down a ruling on May 12, however, amid the post-election tension, the matter was not heard. About a month later, on June 12, the matter was called but the Chief Justice further deferred the ruling. He is expected to issue a notice to the parties with the next date of the matter, which barring any further deferrals will be for ruling.

This publication was made to understand that although some “issues” have arisen, they do not affect the case. According to a source close to the case, the Chief Justice

PPP/C slams Govt for firing almost 2000 young Amerindians

does not seem prepared to hand down a ruling on the matter.

Consequently, this newspaper was also informed that former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is rumoured to be the elected leader of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is reportedly awaiting the decision of the case before he can make a decision on whether to take up the position as Leader of the Opposition.

In the writ filed on February 2, by 50-yearold Richardson, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, it is pointed out that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a twothird majority in the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President (Bharrat) Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”.

Richardson contends that the Act diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the alteration and, therefore, required for its legal validity, the holding of a referendum of the people for such alteration. Guyana’s Constitution, upon passing of the Act, states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.

The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.

By Alexis Rodney

The new David Granger-led Administration has fired close to 2000 young Amerindians who were employed as Community Support Officers (CSOs) across the country by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed the dismissal of exactly 1972 CSO’s in the hinterland regions, explaining that it might have very well been the right thing to do as their operations were found to be political.

Minister Harmon told reporters that it was always found that the programme, which has been in existence for over five years, was be-

ing used by the previous Administration for political purposes. This being the case, he said their sacking is justified.

He said this was found to be true during his outreaches to those communities. “We encountered that kind of work which the CSO’s were doing. So if that was true, if they were primarily involved in political work, then they ought not to be paid by the State and if they were being paid by the State to do that, then I can see every justification for the action which was taken,” he said.

But the PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said his party was appalled at the sacking of the officers, who have been carrying out their duties in a professional and objec-

tive manner.

Rohee at his press briefing on Tuesday said the almost 2000 youths were engaged in support services to the village councils, particularly in the social services, education and health sectors in various Amerindian communities and their respective regions.

They received a monthly stipend of Gy$30,000 each, which amounted to some Gy$60 million per month paid by the then Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

“The Granger-led Administration, has cut loose and thrown onto the breadline some 1972 Community Support Officers.

They were branded political activists by Government, carrying out support services to the village councils par-

ticularly in the social services sector in various Amerindian communities…. The CSO’s have since been left out since Granger became President”, Rohee told reporters.

He said Government is “oblivious” about the hurt and pain it has caused those individuals and “obviously don’t care”.

Rohee spoke too of the “scant regard” that is being given to the Hinterland Scholarship Programme – a flagship of the PPP/C Administration.

He said Government has failed to recognise that the vast majority of youth in the interior face daily challenges which they must struggle to overcome, either by “dent of hard work, for a rewarding income.”

Civic organisation to oversee gun amnesty programme

By VAhnu MAnikchAnd

As Government continues to formulate the details of the firearm amnesty programme, which provides for persons to hand over unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the authorities without facing prosecution, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has revealed that a civic organisation will most likely be given responsibilities to oversee the programme.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed that the operational aspect of the amnesty programme is currently being worked out. He explained that they have realised that persons may not be too inclined to hand over firearms to the Police, as such, they will have an independent organisation to oversee the programme.

Gy$1B Farfan and Mendes Headquarters opens at Providence

As it continues to expand with the aim of reaching a wider range of customers, the Farfan and Mendes Group of Companies officially opened its Corporate Headquarters and Showroom in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) at a simple ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

The net cost, inclusive of the building and land, amounted to Gy$1 billion; with the cost for the construction of the building being Gy$850 million while the development of the land was an estimated Gy$150 million.

With this bigger and better location, the Farfan and Mendes Group of Companies will be offering a wide range

of products and services including portable sawmill; woodworking tools and equipment, wire ropes, rigging accesso-

ries, industrial hoses, among others, all in one convenient location.

Some of the quality brands the compa-

ny boasts include Stihl, Viking, Motan, Biro, Delta, Wood-Mizer, CRC, among others at affordable prices.

With this new location, there is more space to facilitate customer parking – a feature which the original Georgetown branch did not posses.

At its headquarters, the parking lot can facilitate up to 60 customers. Also, there is enough space within the compound for trucks to upload and unload their cargo when necessary.

The Farfan and Mendes Group of Company was formed in 1967 when Derek Mendes, a Sales Representative of FT Farfan and Sons Limited in Trinidad, partnered with the Trinidadian Company.

In 1972, the company moved from the rented premises in Harel Street to the Urquhart Street, Cummingsburg location, which is currently the company’s Georgetown branch.

As it continued to expand its line of products and services, the company opened its subsidiary Mines Services Limited in 1992 in Providence.

Thereafter, a third outlet was commissioned on High Street, Georgetown, to meet the

growing demand for its alternative energy department.

In 1967, Farfan and Mendes Limited helped to introduce and pioneer the use of chain saws in Guyana, through demonstrations and a training programme sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). From that time onward, the name Farfan and Mendes has become synonymous with the timber industry in Guyana.

In the 1990’s, Farfan and Mendes evolved into a reliable supplier of industrial equipment, including machinery for the timber industry, the wood working industry and the agricultural industry, as well as chemical fogging equipment, power tools, tyres for most types of vehicles, pulling and lifting systems, among others. With the establishment of Mines Services Limited, the company was able to offer industrial tyre repair and truck wheel alignment, and to manufacture wire rope slings and hydraulic and industrial hose to the specifications of the individual customer.

Govt determined to crush...

Addressing journalists on Wednesday on the outcome of the highlevel meeting, Harmon said the Government has given a commitment to the Guyana Police Force that it would be pu tting all of the assets of the state at its disposal, to ensure “that wherever criminal activities exist that it will be rooted out most viciously”.

“So, the overt and covert operations which will have to be undertaken in this matter will be given the full backing of the state,” he promised.

The next element of the security plan has to do with Police organisation and training and the way in which the Police Force is organised, Harmon said. He said a clear directive was given by the Public Security Minister that more Police Officers needed to be put on the streets to carry out patrols and get out of the offices, where they are performing non-core functions.

“The deployment of the Police Force itself, the response time by Police to complaints by citizens, the operation of the 911 facility… all of these are part of

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the strategy and will be subject to serious review over the next couple of weeks,” Harmon said He said Police communication would be improved significantly with the use of computers, the Internet, and access to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) network.

“We have given the Police the undertaking that they will have these done. The networking of Police Stations will also be fleshed out by the Commissioner and they will have Internet access, linking the Police Stations with the CID headquarters.”

Essentially, he said the strategy session demonstrated the state’s resolve to ensure that citizens were safe and that criminals have no place, “we will go after them relentlessly and that the criminals and their handlers will understand that we will not sit by and allow them to run riot on the streets.

We are sending a clear message to all and sundry, that wherever the intelligence leads us, we will follow,” the State Minister promised.

Civic organisation to oversee gun...

Finding the source

Meanwhile, President Granger has reiterated the importance of removing illegal firearms from the streets of Guyana. He noted that there is a large amount of illegal weapons, as such; they need to find the source of these firearms and stop them from whichever countries they are coming from.

“The important thing is to seize more illegal firearms, more important than that is to stop firearms from coming into the country.

No point in having an amnesty and the weapons continue to come in,” he pointed out.

In its 2015 election manifesto, the APNU+AFC coalition had promised an amnesty period for persons to hand over unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the authorities without facing any prosecutions.

In efforts to curb the number of gun-related crimes and rid the streets of unlicensed weapons, the APNU+AFC coalition had outlined in its elections manifesto that it will be implementing an amnesty programme for

the surrender of illegal weapons, which will be backed by a “Voluntary weapons Collection” programme.

“The amnesty programme will be accompanied by a special fund to provide alternative opportunities for training, development of generating projects, credit, etc, for youth at risk, and sports, scouting and other cadet like schemes for youth in schools and religious organisations,” the manifesto detailed.

Last month during a press briefing, Minister Ramjattan had stated that he needs to consult with the Top Cop on the way forward in implementing the programme to determine whether incentives will be given to those who take advantage of the amnesty period or whether persons would faced harsher penalties for failing to submit their illegal weapons within the amnesty period.

“So all of that is part and parcel of my projected plans for the next couple of months… Indeed we are going to grant an amnesty so they can start their collection and bring it to the nearest Police station,” he had remarked.

Dr Jagan, Selman ready for Parliament

Dr Clive Jagan, nephew of late President Cheddi Jagan, and Africo Selman, former Member of Parliament (MP) of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have both pledged their readiness to represent the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) whenever it decides to participate in the 11th Parliament to fulfil its role as the Opposition Party in the National Assembly.

Both Dr Jagan and Selman are among some of the new faces appearing on the PPP/C’s List of MPs, and both are equally excited about entering Parliament so they could advocate for issues pertinent to their areas of expertise.

For Dr Jagan, this is the first time he will be entering the parliamentary arena and he is very eager to work with his

colleagues to represent the interest of the Party.

Asked why he decided to take up the offer, the soon-to-be MP explained that the PPP/C was the single largest political party which has the single largest constituency, therefore, he felt “very proud to represent this constituency”.

Dr Jagan, who currently manages the Jagan Dental Health Centre, said before he accepted the offer, he had extensive discussions with his wife and three sons about how this new post would impact their lives during which his family pledged full support for his role as a parliamentarian representing the Party his uncle had devotedly worked to establish.

“The ideas and aspirations of Dr (Cheddi) Jagan, the principles of which he stood for will definitely influence my approach in the National Assembly,” he said.

Because of his background in the field of health, Dr Jagan anticipates his role as MP will enhance his capacity to advocate for and implement better health services across the country.

Dr Jagan mentioned the Specialty Hospital Project and noted that during his time in Parliament, he will push for the Project

to see fruition despite Government’s reluctance towards its development.

Another area that piqued his interest is that of the social services/social security sector which he said he will be extensively advocating for during his tenure as a PPP/C MP.

Duty and responsibility to serve Guyana

Meanwhile, Selman is equally enthusiastic about serving as a PPP/C MP after being suppressed as a parliamentarian during her tenure with the APNU.

Asked why she decided to take up the offer, she explained that “as a Guyanese, I believe that it is my duty and responsibility to serve Guyana. I feel that because I am an educator, I can represent and advocate for the people. I enjoy helping people and one of the ways in which I can advance this cause to help people is by

becoming a MP.”

Some of the issues she intends to advocate for include gender equality, representation of women, youth issues and educational issues.

Selman noted that Guyana has indeed come a long way with regard to women’s empowerment; however, society was still lagging in several aspects.

One example is the fact that of the 10 administrative districts in the country, only one will be governed by a woman.

As such, Selman said she will be advocating for more women to come to the forefront to lead the country in the direction in which they believe will bring about better changes in society.

“One day, I want to see a woman as Commissioner of Police. I want to see more females as Regional Chairman, I want to see more women in politics … so I will be championing women’s rights,” she said.

Further, being a teacher at the Success Elementary School, Selman said she believed all children should be on a level playing field where education was concerned. Therefore, another platform she will be taking upon entry to Parliament is equal rights for children in the hinterland regions.

Venezuela issues new decree

After much tension between the two neighbouring countries surrounding the issuance of Decree 1787, which sought to claim most of Guyana’s territorial waters off of the Essequibo Coast, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has withdrawn the controversial proclamation, but has replaced it with another decree.

This new dictum does not have any defining coordinates, a Venezuelan news entity reported. It poses no decision on land issues; but instead intends to support and justify the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) in defending the newly created Integrated Defence Maritime Zones and Island (Zodimain).

According to Venezuelan reports, the Ministries of Defence and Interior are empowered to implement the decree, which was published in the Official Gazette Number 40,696 on Tuesday. However, Article 20 of the new decree specifically emphasised that it aims to set boundaries, which has to do only with activities related to defence.

“This decree is to set

no boundaries, establish boundaries, nor any demarcation process in any way. Its sole purpose and exclusive range of concerns are protection against threats, risks and other vulnerabilities, so that does not mean any ruling on issues concerning territorial or alien by nature,” read one of the articles.

President Maduro on Monday, while addressing the National Assembly was reported as saying “I have decided to raise the content of this decree 1787 the Council of State and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ), and meanwhile, taking the doctrinal criteria, constitutional, issue a new decree replaces in all its parts”.

Venezuelan newspaper, The Universal, has reported the country’s Head of State saying that the new 1859 decree sets all constitutional legal and doctrinal elements, creates the zone of integral defence and established the Armed Forces’ tasks in all maritime areas of our country due and legally established.

In May, Venezuela issued a decree claiming most of Guyana’s continental shelf. A map to this effect indicates

Venezuela’s sovereignty of all waters within the 200-mile range, hence blocking Guyana’s access to resources in that area of the Atlantic Ocean.

This is the second decree expressing a claim to Guyana’s territorial waters. The first was issued by President Raul Leoni, 47 years ago in July 1968, and claimed “sovereignty” over a 12mile strip of Guyana’s continental shelf along the Essequibo Coast.

The Maduro decree was issued exactly one week following the discovery of oil in Guyana’s waters by United States oil company, ExxonMobil. Following the discovery of hydrocarbons, the oil and gas company on May 20, reported the discovery of oil-bearing rock in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

This latest action by the neighbouring country comes in the face of President Maduro’s upset over oil exploration and concessions granted by Guyana to the US oil and gas giant, to explore some 23,000 square kilometers of the Stabroek Block. The new decree covers the location where the drilling exercise is being conducted.

Govt’s Nov LGE deadline is “comical and nonsensical” – PPP/C

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has dubbed as “comical and nonsensical”, the comments made Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, that Government could be ready for Local Government Elections (LGE) by November this year.

During his address at a parliamentary sitting almost two weeks ago, Bulkan made the proposal, noting that its realisation was dependent on the go-ahead by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

GECOM’s Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield had later told this newspaper that the Minister had not yet contacted the Commission to discuss his proposal.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee, addressing journalists at his party’s press conference said Bulkan is fully aware of the realities that would prevent any such election from happening this year. “He is throwing dust in the eyes of the electorate by making them believe that

the [A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change] APNU+AFC coalition Administration is sticking to its first 100-day commitment by holding the long overdue elections before the end of this year… Compounding the situation further is the need for GECOM to finalise the boundaries of each of the 71 NDC’s and to ensure that the electors in each of the legally demarcated NDC’s are properly registered to vote. In addition, there are certain non assented bills that must be brought back to the National Assembly for passage. Then there is the preparation of over 500 digital ballot papers for each of the six municipalities that must be printed. Not to mention

those for the 71 NDC’s”, Rohee told journalists on Monday.

He said that with the 2015 budget calculated to be presented in August, and considering all the implications of the Parliamentary recess, the nation should be expecting the elections to be held in the second half of next year. “All of this is contingent on information provided to GECOM as regards to the candidates contesting the elections in the municipalities and the NDC’s”.

The party said it remains ready to contest the elections as provided for in the new laws whenever enacted. However, it restated its position as regards contesting any election with Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally at the helm as “he cannot be trusted”.

Rohee said considerations must also be given to the fact that an election petition initiated by his party is soon to be heard in the High Court. The petition, according to him calls for a number of irregularities to be remedied, before another election is held in Guyana. “

First Lady urges Success Elementary grads to help develop Guyana

Success Elementary, the private institution that came out as the star school at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, securing the first and second spots, held a grand graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre for their students on Tuesday.

First Lady Sandra Granger addressed the graduating class. After thanking Sir Wilfred Success, the school’s Director, for allowing her the opportunity to be part of the gathering for the school’s fifth prize-giving ceremony, she congratulated the 2015 class for completing primary education.

She acknowledged the hard work of parents, relatives and friends who supported and encouraged the young minds who have already made it thus far. The First Lady praised the students and told them that they have excelled because of their efforts and dedication to their studies although she knew that some of them would have perhaps rather being caught up in a game or two or some other form of entertainment.

She expressed hope that they have enjoyed every bit of knowledge that they have absorbed, which she hoped would stay with them throughout their lives. Mrs Granger told the graduating class that the country needed educated and dedicated people and they were among the young people who could contribute to making Guyana great.

She added that the country’s young people were the hope of the country, noting that over

Rohee issues strong warning...

He said throughout the 1968 to 1992 period while the PPP was in the political wilderness struggling for free and fair elections, the party was accused of “losing its way” because the dominant view at the time by some in and out of the party at the time that there was no way the PNC would concede free and fair elections to the PPP, and therefore, the party should resort to “any means possible” to win political power. This was the eight occasion on which the party was supposed to have “lost its way.”

He recalled too that when Walter Rodney emerged on the political scene and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was in its “heyday”, the PPP while supportive of the WPA opted for a different tactical approach to fight the PNC. There were many in and out of the party at the time that accused the PPP of having “lost its way” and saw the WPA as leading force.

Meanwhile, Rohee said if there was a political leader in today’s PPP who has come under attack more than any other it is Bharrat Jagdeo. “Jagan did come un-

der severe attacks in his time, even when he was President of the Republic. Recall the infamous accusation of him being racist following a speech he delivered in Toronto, Canada at the Travelodge Hotel.

In Jagdeo’s case, he is deemed “corrupt and racist” by some in the media, while other politicians have seen him as having an “insatiable ego”, “greed for the limelight”, and that he “practices methods of abuse, control and sycophancy.”

Another failed politician called him a “coolie bully.”

He said an “attack on Jagdeo is an attack of the PPP and its thousands of supporters”.

“It is an insult to the leaders and the entire membership of the PPP to describe them as “sycophants” as if they can’t think for themselves and oppose reactionary views and ideas. More so, to view our new [Members of Parliament] MP’s as “window dressing” and on their way to Parliament to “bury the dream of unity” as if unity is a one-way street on which the PPP alone must traverse or like Sisyphus must keep carrying the burdensome stone upwards.”

50 per cent of the population is below the age of 24 and sadly, many of them were unemployed and were no longer even look-

ing for work.

In concluding, she said Guyana was a blessed country with a wealth of human and

natural resources and as a country, we needed to develop the energy sector, fisheries, and agricultural sector for food security as well as build the export market. She stressed the need to develop Guyana’s mining sector while paying keen attention to doing so sustainably, so that the people of Guyana could reap the vast benefits of the mineral resources for many years to come.

She stated that she hoped these young achievers would be aware of the vast scope for their growth and development in Guyana, and told them that they could become anything they wanted to be if they kept education as their main focus.

She urged them to enjoy learning about books and technology and the

events that shape our lives. Above all, she urged them to enjoy the road that was now ahead of them and expressed hope that the careers of their choice would be at the end of this journey.

Just over 15,000 students from across Guyana wrote the NGSA examinations commonly known as Common Entrance. The top student is 11-yearold Solomon Cherai of Success Elementary who gained 530 marks out of the total 535. He will be going to Queen’s College when the new school year begins in September. The number two position went to Shania Eastman who also attends the Success Elementary. The Success Elementary School also gained the number six spot.

President still to assent to money laundering bill

Despite being passed more than two weeks ago, President David Granger is yet to assent to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, when questioned on the matter on Wednesday at the post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, noted that while the Bill was currently on the desk of the President, he was yet to affix his signature.

He, however, expressed that it was expected that he would soon do so. “We are just as anxious as you are or as any other bank or business entity is in ensuring that we have anti-money and the countering the financing of terrorism legislation that not only meets the international requirements but satisfies us as Guyanese that we have strong legislation that deals with the issues that affect us as well,” he said.

In the meantime, Harmon shared that the Government has

been having consultations with several agencies and thus far, the AML/CFT Bill seem to have satisfied the Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“From all we’ve been told is that the legislation that we debated and passed and that will soon be assented to by the President will make us CFATF and FATF compliant,” Harmon said.

According to Harmon, while international compliance was paramount for the administration, it took more than that for the legislation to work.

Living piece of legislation

He noted that even after compliance, however, the international institutions might require Guyana to change certain things as they hold their annual review or series of reviews.

“The international institutions have a set of reviews annually so even if it is FATF and CFATF compliant, they may say we need to look at this or look at that. It is a living piece of legislation

that you adjust from time to time for international best practices,” Harmon intoned.

Despite fierce objection by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), the new A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

Government on June 26 passed the controversial AML/CFT Amendment Bill 2015, paving the way for all financial transactions in the country to be monitored.

Amendments were made to Section 37 (A) and another section where the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) was previously appointed by the Finance Minister or the President.

Describing the situation as “untenable”, Attorney General Basil Williams said an independent authority would now be placed over the FIU, with the National Assembly having oversight. This independent body will advertise for and scrutinise persons for the position of Director and Deputy Director of the Unit.

Rohee slams Ramjattan’s 2 am curfew for bars, clubs

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said he does not support the initiative taken by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan to have night clubs close their doors by 02:00h , expressing that that move will do nothing to curb the “spike” in crime over the last couple of weeks.

What is needed he proffered, was an anti-crime plan by Government and more consultations and involvement of a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including a number of other Government Ministries.

President David Granger on Tuesday met with his top security officers, including Ramjattan at his office to craft a plan to address the issue.

“I do not support the imposition of the 2’0 clock deadline by Ramjattan. I never supported it while I was Minister. This country is a very opened and relaxed country, with a culture we share with other Caribbean people. I have never noticed during my tenure that bars and clubs remaining open after 2 am, led to any spike in crime”, Rohee said,

noting that there is no scientific data that anyone could provide that could prove this.

“We live in a relaxed society, not like in other parts of the world like in the Middle East. What you’re doing is imposing a curfew on people”.

Asked to comment on the rising crime situation and what could be done to address it, Rohee stressed that the situation is a very complex one that has to be looked at from different dimensions.

“In this sense, what is needed is not only an anticrime plan. Fighting crime is part of violence prevention. It is part of fighting violence which manifests itself in various forms. We need the Ministries of Social Services, Culture Youth and Sport, Foreign

Affairs and the NDC’s and RDC’s involved. It is a multifaceted issue and you have to have a comprehensive approach to the matter. That’s why we always say that the Police alone cannot fight this social ill”, Rohee said.

Government last week announced that it was moving to impose the 2:00 am (02:00h) curfew on bars. In light of the alarming upsurge in crime, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had said he believed that the late opening of bars and nightclubs was significantly contributing to the crimes and acts of violence being perpetuated.

The move by the Ministry has caused a ruckus within the local entertainment industry with local promoters, nightclub proprietors and other key stakeholders in complete uproar over the situation. According to media reports, stakeholders are arguing that the imposition of the curfew will not help solve the crime situation.

However, Ramjattan has insisted that the Government must go ahead with this measure.

Family of murdered businessman blasts Police, Ramjattan for tardy response

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

Relatives of murdered businessman, Ganesh Ramlall are up in arms against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for what they described as their lethargic response, which resulted in four killers escaping from the scene on bicycles early Sunday morning.

And they again slam Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan for not being able to devise any concrete strategy to deal with the upsurge in crime. Ramjattan has come under severe criticism for his handling of the crime situation so far and his recent enforcement of a 02:00h curfew for drinking bars.

Forty-eight-year-old Ramlall, owner of Regent Street Multiplex Mall and of Lot C La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, was shot at least seven times about his body including his head, in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Information received revealed that the businessman returned home around 00:30h, and went to use the external washroom when he was attacked by gunmen. After realising there were gunmen in the yard, he immediately rushed out of the washroom, heading to the backdoor of the house and yelled out to his wife, 18-year-old daughter and

niece who were upstairs. It was while alerting his family that thieves were in the yard that he was reportedly gunned down.

When Guyana Times International visited the home on Monday, relatives and friends kept pouring in to offer their condolences to the grieving family. Speaking with this publication, relatives gathered at the family’s home, vented their anger at the fact that the Police were unreachable on Sunday morning. They disclosed that a relative from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, had to transport a bus of Police Officers all the way to the crime scene.

One relative told this publication that there needs to be a stronger Police Force to “serve and protect” Guyanese, noting that it is almost every day someone is being killed. The woman noted that there needs to be better facilities in place and officers need to be fully equipped in order to effectively police the country. She highlighted that one such system that needs to be fixed is the emergency response line.

“They (Ramlall’s wife, daughter and niece) called 911 so many times and there were no answers. It wasn’t just them, all the neighbours were trying to get the police but no one got on to the Police station. They had to call a rela-

tive from till in Herstelling to bring Police and we have Police stations that are less than five minutes away from us,” the relative stated.

The women went on to say that it was after they took Ramlall to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and after they had returned home that two Police Officers from a nearby station arrived. “Only two of them showed up, suppose there was a troop (of bandits) here, what would they have done? The two just showed up casually asking “where is he (Ramlall)… that was almost an hour after they (Police) come,” the upset relative recalled.

The relative further explained that even after the perpetrators had escaped and neighbours had come out,

they were still trying the contact the Police but there was no response. She added that someone had to even go pick up the officers from one of the stations. The woman continued lambasting the 02:00h curfew that was recently enforced by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, noting that the Minister, as well as the GPF, should focus on effectively and efficiently managing the security of the country’s citizens. “I am challenging the Police Force and the Government to put better things in place. It’s not about curfew, it not about whether people are drunk or not, or if they smoke because if they are home early or not, they still get killed. That (curfew) doesn’t stop anyone from breaking and entering into your house. What can stop or help the cause is efficient service which we don’t have! Had the Police been there when we called, had they answered their phones when we called and not sleep as though they are being paid to sleep, then they probably could have caught the perpetrators,” the woman pointed out.

Meanwhile, this publication spoke to some of the victim’s neighbours regarding the incident. One man related that he was awakened by screams coming from the Ramlall’s house calling for help. He add-

ed that immediately after he heard several gunshots and the screams stopped.

The man recalled secretively peeping out into his neighbour’s yard, where he saw a man armed with a “big” gun standing on the outside next to the empty lot that is located on the right hand side of Ramlall’s house, while at the same time two others were scaling the fence from the inside.

He stated that the three men then walked in westerly, where there is a turn in the road, and subsequently jumped into a Primo motor car that was waiting further up the road. The shooting has sent shockwaves throughout the West Coast village.

The father of one was described by all as a gem. He had only last week attended the graduation of his daughter at Queens College after completing her CAPE examinations. Ramlall was a noted philanthropist, a staunch Hindu and was a benefactor of the village Mandir, which is located a block from his home. He worked his way up from owning stalls in Stabroek Market to becoming a mall owner and being one of the country’s largest importers of clothing from Curacao and Panama. The small village of La Jalousie is mostly populated by relatives of Ramlall.

Cummingsburg Accord violations: Dr Lutchman

nixed;

Burch-Smith appointed referee

…confab in works to save APNU+AFC coalition

Attorney-at-law, Ronald BurchSmith, replacing Dr Harold Lutchman, has been appointed chairman of a six-member committee overseeing the implementation of the Cummingsburg Accord between the Alliance For Change and A Partnership for National Unity (AFC/ APNU) and despite some glaring breaches in the pact, the lawyer said that he has not received any complaint on the issue of violation of the agreement. At the same time, Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon announced a “Coalition Building Forum” in the works.

Professor Harold Lutchman, who was appointed with great fanfare as the coalition’s Representative of the List of candidates, was explicitly designated as also playing the role as referee of the pre-election

pact. This was in addition to ensuring that the sharing out of Ministries and Parliamentary seats in a 60:40 ratio between APNU and AFC was kept. However senior coalition sources said that it was Burch-Smith who has been handling those issues and it appears that Prof Lutchman has been shunted aside.

After the elections, as violations of the accord committed by APNU against the AFC accumulated, Professor Lutchman maintained that his task had been just to present the list to GECOM. It would appear that Prof Lutchman’s reputation and professional integrity were used to assure AFC supporters that their suspicions of being outmanoeuvred by APNU were being addressed. Some of those assurances were that AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo would not be a figure-

head Prime Minister but would be given substantive powers of chairing the Cabinet and being responsible for “governance”.

However, after the coalition was installed into office, President Granger begun chairing cabinet meetings, claiming that the constitution demanded that only he exercise this power. However at the announcement of the Accord, when asked about this stipulation of the Accord he had affirmed that the constitution allowed him to delegate his powers. And that he would.

Ralph Ramkarran, who had been very positive about the coalition’s entrance on the political scene, however had said that the Cummingsburg Accord, which brought the parties together, has been blatantly disrespected and if it not addressed quickly and appropriately, the par-

UG student crowned Miss Jamzone Guyana

Twenty-four-yearold Cardella Hamilton who hails from the Ancient County of Berbice was on Sunday evening crowned Miss Jamzone Guyana 2015 at the Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara when the local leg of the pageant was held. The announcement of the final results did not go down well with certain sections of the crowd that were rooting for the other delegates

particularly, Treasure James who did not place. There was a heated confrontation between the chief judge of the pageant, Gordon Mosley, and James and her entourage who accused the panel of judges of cheating, claiming that the winner of the pageant was known from the inception.

Nevertheless, the situation returned to normal since the judges’ decision was final. Coming in as first runner-up in the pageant was

ties can expect to lose the support of its electoral support, particularly the AFC. He noted that the explanation which has been put forth by the President that the Constitution will have to be amended in order for the Cummingsburg Accord to be followed was inaccurate.

Contacted for a comment, Burch-Smith indeed admitted to this publication that as Chairman of the Committee, no complaint had reached him on the issue of violations of the agreement. He was however quick to point out that there was a confidentiality clause in the new Agreement and as such, he could not disclose too much of the proceedings at this time.

Coalition building confab Minister of State and General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Joseph Harmon also

weighed in later. To wit that the claims made by former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran and several other entities that the coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC) was on the verge of falling apart, could be nothing further from the truth, dubbing them as “ridiculous.”

Minister Harmon then made a new assertion that Cabinet is chaired by the President and upon direction of

the President; part of the Cabinet meeting is chaired by the Prime Minister. In fact, half of the meeting on Tuesday was chaired by the Prime Minister and whatever decision is taken when either of them are chairing, it is the final one,” Harmon said. Harmon however disclosed that Cabinet has decided to host a “Coalition Building” Forum which will see several issues discussed, in an effort to strengthen the coalition.

11 corneal transplants done at GPHC

23-year-old Radiante Frank, a decision which also did not go down well with the audience given that the delegate stumbled during the question-and-answer segment.

Hamilton, a University of Guyana student in the field of Public Management, carted off US$1000 and Frank took home US$500, along with other prizes including trips to Arrow Point Nature Resort.

The new queen will represent Guyana at the international pageant slated for August at the same venue where she will be competing with delegates from the Caribbean and North America for the title of Miss Jamzone Intentional.

Hamilton also copped the prizes for Body Beautiful as well as the People’s Choice Award, while Frank won the Best Country Dress, Best Evening Gown and Best Smile prizes. The Country Dress and Evening Gown were designed by Mwanza Glen.

The Best Fantasy Swimwear prize was awarded to James, and depicted the true pearl of Guyana, complete with a scarf that represented the land of many waters. The pieces were designed by Jason Sherlon.

Arecord breaking number of corneal transplants were performed during the past week at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by specialists brought in from a United States (US) based foundation, located in Queens, New York.

The team of US experts visited Guyana last week to perform a series of corneal transplant surgeries. They arrived on the morning of June 30, and immediately head to GPHC where they spent the entire day at the Ophthalmology Clinic, seeing over 35 patients.

Head of the Ophthalmology Department, Dr Shailendra Sugrim, generated the list of patients to be seen by the team on their arrival and from this pool, the team selected patients that were suitable for the transplant surgery.

In the following two days, July 1 and 2, the surgeons performed a total of 11 transplants, one cataract surgery and one removal of corneal foreign body. The team brought the corneas with them, along with special micro-surgical ophthalmic instruments to perform these surgeries. The donor corneas came from three US eye

Shailendra Sugrim

banks namely: Eastern Virginia, Texas Lions and NE Pennsylvania.

The team will work closely with Dr Sugrim to follow up on those patients who were operated on. However, some of these patients required second opinion from the US-based experts.

The team of specialists was accompanied by members of the Subraj Foundation and was headed by Dr Rahul M Jindal. The team has been travelling to Guyana since 2008 and had previously conducted six corneal transplants there. These transplants were successfully done in August 2014, and the corneas were donated by the NE Pennsylvania Eye Bank.

Additionally, the team had also performed a record breaking 26 kidney transplants during a previous visit. Dr Jindal thanked the Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Michael Khan, the nurses and Dr Sugrim for the “superb” arrangements made to facilitate their work in the operating rooms and clinics. Drs Waller and Pasternack also expressed their gratitude to the President of Subraj Foundation, George Subraj, for facilitating the humanitarian mission. Subraj also promised to fund additional missions in the future to perform kidney and cornea transplantation at the GPHC. The visiting team commented that their aim is to sustain these procedures in the public hospital, where the procedures are free.

While the US-based team has departed, it is working with Dr Sugrim to generate a list of patients who may require corneal transplants on their next visit, which is likely to be in September of this year. Patients who are interested in the free service are urged to contact Dr Sugrim at the GPHC, where all the procedures will be performed completely free of cost.

“We are with you”

…US says committed to supporting Guyana against Venezuelan aggression

Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt has assured the Guyana Government and the people of Guyana that Washington was committed to extending its support in the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“We stand with the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil as they work together to extract natural resources in a responsible manner that protects the environment,” he said.

Hunt was at the time addressing the invitees at the celebration of the 239th birth anniversary of the Unites States of

America at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday evening.

This is against the backdrop of President David Granger expressing his wish to meet with Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro to facilitate discussions with the aim of having the recent decree issued by the latter withdrawn.

Just recently too, the Commonwealth said it stood as one and spoke with one voice in its commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as it offered full support for the position adopted by the Government against spurious and illegal claims made by the Venezuelans.

President Granger

last Thursday appealed to his regional counterparts, petitioning them to lend their full support to the country given Venezuela’s threats against Guyana’s sovereignty. His plea was for solidarity with Guyana, over the decades-old controversy. It was Granger’s first major speech to an international audience since being elected and also his first Caricom summit as Head of State. He used much of the speech to condemn Venezuela’s provocation and warned Caricom if it did not take a stand, it risked becoming a spent force.

“We yearn for the security of the United Nations and a sense of international law to

bring a peaceful end to Venezuela’s rejection of the validity of the boundary which has been defined as a full and final settlement and which all parties at that time vowed to accept,” Granger told attendees at the Summit on Thursday.

He said years of “naval superiority” should not be allowed to suppress the law, noting that the actions as demonstrated by Venezuela must be condemned.

“Guyana assures the representatives of the international community here today of its adherence of international law. We assure the Secretary General of the UN, we assure the Secretary General of

the Commonwealth and the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), that Guyana today and for all times will pursue the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-appearance in each other’s internal affairs and mutual cooperation for peaceful coexistence between neighbours,” he continued.

Granger told the Caricom heads that his country faced a huge threat, noting that “Decree Number 1787”, promulgated by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, was timed to coincide with Guyana’s independence anniversary on May 26 this year and his inauguration.

Just over a week after the discovery of oil was made in Guyana’s territorial waters by the US

oil giant ExxonMobil, the new decree issued by the Venezuelan Government purported to claim ownership of Guyana’s territorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo Coast. “By this decree, the Venezuela Government has also created the socalled “Areas of Integral Defence of Marine Zones and Islands”. These zones stretch into part of Suriname’s maritime space and maritime waters claimed by other countries. This latest action by the neighbouring country comes in the face of President Maduro’s discomfiture over oil exploration and concessions granted by Guyana to the US oil and gas giant, to explore some 23,000 square kilometres of the Stabroek Block. The new decree covers the location where the drilling exercise is being conducted.

Ivelaw Griffith in running for UG VC

… several others expressing interest – Roopnaraine

President of the Fort Valley State University in middle Georgia, USA, Guyanese born Dr Ivelaw Griffith has expressed his interest in serving the more than 8000 students of the University of Guyana (UG) as its Vice Chancellor, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has confirmed.

And while Griffith, a renowned expert on Caribbean security issues including drug trafficking and the impact it has on countries in the Region, will be a great choice for the crumbling university, his appointment, like the many others, will have to take a procedural basis.

Dr Roopnaraine, in an invited comment on Monday told this publication that Griffith is among a few renowned scholars who have indicated their interest in serving the university at that level.

He said, while they have expressed an in-

terest however, none of those individuals have yet applied, particularly because the University has not yet advertised a vacancy for the post which is currently being occupied by Nigerian Professor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi. The University, he said, will be advertising the vacancy.

A Political Scientist, Dr Griffith served earlier as Professor of Political Science and Provost and senior Vice President at York College of The City University of New York. His notable achievements there include growing the full-time faculty by 30 per cent over four years, re-organising the academic division into three schools, and enhancing the research and scholarly climate by creating a Provost Lecture Series and a companion Distinguished Scholars Lecture Series, recognising and rewarding research and scholarship, and establishing an

Youths must become crusaders for national reconciliation – Dr Roopnaraine

Government, through the Education Ministry, last Saturday brought together a wide cross-section of youths, and private and civil society members, for a twoday working session, aimed at advancing the process of finalising the National Youth Policy and the broad themes of a National Youth Action Plan.

Day One of the session opened at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, with Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

charging the youths present, to become crusaders for national reconciliation. The Minister, addressing the youths, said in his mind there was no more sacred task confronting youths and Guyana than that of healing of the nation. “We have a nation that is always hovering on the brink of self-destruction; we need to heal this… we need to reconcile,” Minister Roopnaraine said, speaking of the divisions that have characterised Guyana since the 1960s. Dr Roopnaraine pointed out that

Guyanese youths have inherited this fractured and polarised society, and that Guyana cannot move forward as a nation without once again reclaiming and regaining that united anti-colonial democratic movement that it had in the fight for independence. “It is what we in the Government committed ourselves to, it was what inspired the formation of our Government,” Dr Roopnaraine said.

He noted that the latter movement to national reconciliation came about by the reconciliation of the Working People’s Alliance and

the People’s National Congress, two warring parties. “Some of you may be too young to know something about the bitterness of the fight that these two parties were engaged in,” the Minister told the youths. He explained that in the 1970s, led by Dr Walter Rodney of the WPA, a national movement was developed and “we entered into the most furious conflict with the People’s National Congress”.

He noted, however, that the day came “when we recognised the need for reconciliation”, and from these two warring parties,

came the movement for national unity and the bedrock of this alliance, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU.)

Although the country has been developed to this point, there is yet much to be done, Dr Roopnaraine noted. “We still live in a society where there is too much suspicion between major sections of the society,” he said. “I am convinced and I believe that you must be convinced after all this time and all this experience that without joining forces, without in effect becoming one nation, and devoting ourselves to the construction of that one

nation, we as a country will falter.”

He urged the youths to embark on this crusade of reconciliation and to “embrace a crusade of love and neighbourliness”.

Youths are the “here and now”

Addressing Government’s recognition of the importance of providing a framework for positive development of all Guyanese youths, Minister Roopnaraine noted that youths were not only the future, but the “here and now”.

In terms of basic arithmetic, Guyanese under 35 years of age

Guyana Police Force marks 176th anniversary amidst rising crime rate

By Michael younge

Vice President and Public Security Minister

Khemraj Ramjattan, last Saturday morning, took a salute from junior and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force as the entity kick started activities to celebrate its 176th anniversary of serving the public, at a time when domestic crime is spiraling out of control.

Ramjattan, decked out in a suit, took the salute as ranks marched past the Ministry of Public Security on Brickdam. Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud received also his salute on Young Street, Eve Leary.

The parade, which was led by Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, moved off from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary at 06:00h

heading east onto Young Street, south onto Parade Street, east onto Lamaha Street, south onto Waterloo Street, east onto Regent Street, south onto Camp Street, west onto Brickdam, north onto Avenue of the Republic, east onto Church Street, north back onto Camp Street, west to Young Street and back to the Police Headquarters.

Ramjattan joined in the celebrations which will continue through the month of July with several activities aimed at highlighting the gains made by the Guyana Police Force since its establishment.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud recommitted the Guyana Police Force towards tackling the scourge of crime, telling ranks following the march that the time for excuses was over as

Countdown to Carifesta Xii…

more and more resources were becoming available to the entity to make Guyana safer.

He called on ranks to become more professional and accountable as they execute their constitutional and lawful manner, as he underscored the urgent need for policemen to rid the society of elements and individuals which have no interest in abiding by the laws of the country.

Persaud took time out to congratulate the serv-

ing members of the force for their performance during the past elections period, which he said was a “critical” time.

He expressed the view that the ranks performed well and got through the period which proved to be very trying if one considers all that took place. The Police Commissioner made these comments despite the fact that the crime rate sky rocketed under his tenure during the first half of the year.

Additionally, the Commissioner failed to directly address the concerns of the public about the hike in crimes over the past few weeks, despite assurances from Minister Ramjattan that the Government and the Police had embarked on a “strategic” approach to fighting crime.

In fact, following public pressure, Minister Ramjattan admitted that to solve the current crime situation a herculean effort was needed, admitting also that the new Government may have underestimated the weight and gravity of the situation before gaining access to office.

Back in 2011 and 2012, Minister Ramjattan, who was an opposition politician, had severely criticised the then Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee for not doing enough to control the crime rate in the country.

Ramjattan had lambasted Rohee and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic for failing the people and not being able to properly administer his responsibilities as security Minister. It’s just two months now that Ramjattan has been appointed as Guyana’s Public Security Minister and already he is facing the same criticisms as Rohee from an impatient citizenry anxious to relish the joy of a safe and secure society.

Thus far, there have been over 25 murders recorded since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government took office. Several murders are still unsolved and, even with recent shift around of senior police ranks, the Government said it is hoping to solve them as soon as possible.

Slow progress; Guyana still to select delegation

With less than 50 days away from the launching of Carifesta XII, Guyana is yet to select a delegation of its best local acts to represent the country at the Caribbean’s premier festival of arts, which will be held in Haiti, August 21-30.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who has direct responsibility for culture, told this publication on Saturday that auditions for individuals desirous of being a part of the delegation are still ongoing, and she is unsure of when it will come to an end.

Following the conclusion of these auditions, suggestions/recommendations will have to be submitted and deliberated upon, the necessary paperwork will have to be completed, and then the delegation can be officially announced to the public.

The delegation selection committee is being headed by Lennox Canterbury, a long-time member of Guyana’s Carifesta machinery. Efforts by this publication to contact Canterbury for an update on the selection process proved futile. In the meantime,

Minister Henry acknowledged that time is catching up but she assured that everything will be in order in time for the grand festival. She explained that the Guyana had a late start in its preparations for Carifesta due to the recently concluded General and Regional Elections.

Nonetheless, she guaranteed that stakeholders are working tirelessly towards ensuring that Guyana makes its biggest and best representation at the arts festival.

In addition, the Minister was unsure of the limit to the number of individuals to be

Ivelaw Griffith in running for...

Undergraduate Student Research Programme.

Before becoming York’s Provost in 2007, Dr Griffith was Professor of Political Science and Budget Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University (FIU), Dean of the Honours College at FIU, and Provost at Radford University in Virginia.

Griffith holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, with distinc-

tion in political science, from the University of Guyana, a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Long Island University, New York, and both a Master of Philosophy and a doctorate in political science from The City University of New York Graduate School.

He also graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education’s programme in education-

al leadership.

Deeply committed to the intellectual enterprise, Dr Griffith is a specialist on Caribbean security, drugs, and crime. He has published seven books and more than 50 articles in various scholarly journals. The research for the highly acclaimed Drugs and Security in the Caribbean: Sovereignty Under Siege, published by Penn State Press, was funded by the MacArthur

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Foundation. His eighth book Challenged Sovereignty will be published by the University of Illinois Press. Griffith also serves on the editorial board of the journal Defence and Security Studies Review. Should he be appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Griffith would take the rein at a time when the country’s premier tertiary institution is in shambles.

placed on the delegation; however, she noted that the aim was to send as much representation as possible.

For Carifesta XI, there was a 50-person limit imposed by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for all participating countries. Furthermore, Henry pointed out that it is too premature to arrive at an estimated cost for this event.

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry’s website, Guyana has registered to participate in 11 areas including visual arts, literary arts, culinary arts, fashion, craft, symposia, theatre, dance, music, master class, and children and youth focus.

Carifesta was organised by then President Forbes Burnham and the first festival was held in Guyana in 1972. Today, it is the largest cultural and artistic event in the Caribbean. Carifesta

celebrates diversity and similarity; talent and brotherhood and it gives artists the opportunity to discuss, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Haiti already signaled its intention of hosting the biggest and best ever Carifesta in the Caribbean. Though the country is still in recovery from the 2010 earthquake, it is fully prepared to present a festival of a lifetime, which will be celebrated under the theme “Our Roots, Our Culture, Our Common Future”. The celebrations will take place in five different cities over the twoweek period. These cities are Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Cap-Haitien, Gonaives, and Cayes, each representing certain popularity within the country or holds significant historical representation.

More than 30,000 US non-immigrant visas issued to Guyanese in 2014

The United States Embassy in Georgetown has issued more than 30,000 visas to Guyanese to visit and study in that country.

According to US Chargé d’ Affaires and acting Ambassador, Bryan Hunt, who was at the time addressing invitees at the 239th anniversary celebrations of the United States at the Marriott Hotel last Thursday, those were the figures for only the past year.

“In our consular section, from last year at this time to now, we have issued over 30,000 non-immigrant visas and we are encouraging more Guyanese to visit our wonderful country to see firsthand the many bonds that unite us,” the diplomat said as he endeavoured to describe some of the many areas of partnerships which the two countries share.

He noted that while the number is past 30,000, Guyanese should not in any way be deterred since the Embassy wished for more students to study in that country.

“We want more Guyanese to study in the

US and be a part of the 100,000 strong initiative and share perspectives on issues such as climate change, entrepreneurship and governance,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who was at the time acting in the capacity of President while President David Granger was at the 36th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados, registered his satisfaction with the announcement, especially the fact that opportunities were afforded to young Guyanese to pursue education in the United States.

“Our Government welcomes the open door policy that allows thousands of our people to visit the USA,” Nagamootoo expressed.

For the year 2014, the US issued over 9.9 million non-immigrant visas worldwide.

Hunt, however, did not mention the number as it relates to those who were rejected or those who were granted resident visas. As many as 30,000 Guyanese continue to migrate to the USA annually.

PPP/C respects Harper’s choice of not accepting MP’s offer – Ramotar

By Michael younge

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has nothing against former Guyanese Diplomat Elizabeth Harper, even though she turned down an offer from the Party to represent it in the 65 seat legislature as a Member of Parliament (MP). This is the position of former President Donald Ramotar who is also an Executive Member of the PPP/C.

Ramotar, speaking during a brief interview with this newspaper last Thursday afternoon, said that Harper has made her choice and the Party respected her decision with respect to the offer. He stated that contrary to the nasty campaign being waged against Harper, the PPP/C still believes that she would have made an excellent Prime Minister (PM) and legislator.

He maintained that there was no rift between Harper and the PPP/C Executive before or after her decision while explaining that, as a democratic entity, the Party was bound to behave with maturity and tact. “Though I am disappointed over her decision, the PPP/C and Mrs Harper will continue to

Canje businesswoman shot to head by bandits

Police in Berbice are looking for five men they think could assist with their investigations into the shooting of a Canje Businesswoman on Monday evening.

According to reports, 39-year-old Angela Hussain was shot in the head when five heavilyarmed men entered the Palmyra grocery store as the Hussain’s were about to close for the day. According to the injured woman’s daughter; Shabanna, the men entered the premises at about 19:30h. According to her, as they were about to close, the five men – four carrying firearms and one with a cutlass – entered the building and went straight to her mother. “Two go to her and one to my father and the others go back outside.”

She said that the men demanded money and her mother showed them the day’s sales. “They take it and then they ask for more money and she tell them that is all the money that she have and

they leave and go outside.”

The younger Hussain said shortly after, two of the men re-entered the shop demanding more money while a third held on to her eight-year-old sibling. “They say that they gon shoot he if she ent take them upstairs where the money is.”

It was at that stage that Angela was shot, Shabanna noted. She said her mother retaliated to the threats of killing her child and was

enjoy cordial relations. She would have been an ideal and good Prime Minister,” the former President remarked.

Ramotar was convinced that the onetime Prime Ministerial Candidate for the Party dealt sufficiently with questions from sections of the media about her role after the May 11 General and Regional Elections with the PPP/C. “I believe that she has dealt appropriately and sufficiently with the issues raised about her future since the elections,” Ramotar advised, declining to speculate about what may have led Harper to decline the offer.

Harper rose to the forefront of local and national politics back in February when the Party

announced that she had been selected to contest the May 11 Elections as its Prime Ministerial Candidate, running side by side with its Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar.

Back then, the Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee told media, “The Central Committee of the PPP/C, the second highest decision making body of our Party after Congress, has just concluded a historic meeting having considered a report from the Executive Committee on the subject of a Prime Ministerial Candidate. It was presented with a single nomination for the candidate to be the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the PPP/C.

The Central Committee unanimous-

ly endorsed the nomination presented by the Executive Committee and reaffirmed the tradition established since 1992 whereby the PM candidate would be a member from Civil Society.”

Rohee said then that while there were several other contenders in the race for the position, it was Harper who managed to receive the unanimous votes of the Committee due to her wealth of experience and qualifications.

Harper was the country’s serving Director General within the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and a respected diplomat who represented Guyana internationally at several auspicious events. She later resigned to campaign for the PPP/C and was warmly accepted by thousands of Guyanese who rallied with the PPP/C during its reelection bid.

During the campaign, Harper said that she would work to fight domestic violence after breaking her silence on her own traumatic experience, to protect the lives of children and women, and to lobby for a better life for all Guyanese.

shot once to the back of the head. The men were then led to the upper flat of the building where they were given an undisclosed sum of cash and jewellery. They then made good their escape. Hussain was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she underwent emergence surgery. Her condition is said to be stable. Meanwhile, Police arrived roughly 30 minutes after the shooting to begin their investigations.

“Disunity” in Caricom could derail Sir Ron’s chances to be Commonwealth SG

After Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government failed to agree on a single candidate to nominate for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General, at least one regional leader is warning it could cost the Region.

The post is rotated between Commonwealth regions and the Caribbean region is next in line. But Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said disunity in Caricom may jeopardise this practice.

Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Sir Ronald Sanders, while Trinidad and Tobago has nominated Dr Bhoe Tewari. Dominica has nominated Baroness Patricia Scotland. “I think we are making a serious mistake with having three candidates and we put out their names early; we didn’t even attempt to talk to each other privately – three names! And I thought that was a bad approach and I’m not sure we will benefit from it,” said Prime Minister Mitchell.

The Grenadian Prime Minister, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in

Barbados, gave his public backing to Antigua and Barbuda’s nominee Ronald Sanders and bemoaned the lack of unity. “I think it’s a mistake, and those who did it must know that. I certainly spoke out about it and I’m not afraid to say so, because I think it was the wrong approach, and it may result in us not getting that candidate for the post of Secretary General. We may have missed the boat,” said Mitchell.

Caricom Chairman and Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart admitted the issue was carded for the summit but did not come up because of a packed schedule and the visit of several international delegations. He howev-

er said a group including himself, the Bahamian Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Belize was formed to tackle the issue.

“The bureau will take certain steps and make certain recommendations. This issue is a very important issue for us,” Stuart said.

The Caricom Chairman said if the Caribbean misses out, it could take another 40 years before the position rotates back around to the Region.“Really, what we are being called upon to do now is to make a decision that will have implications for the next 40 years, and therefore, that decision cannot be made lightly, but at the same time, even as we speak, time is passing by there-

fore we have to afford some urgency to it,” said Stuart.

Commonwealth Heads of Government are due to elect a new Secretary General at the Heads of Government Meeting in Malta from November 27-29. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who ahead of the meeting, accepted that it was unlikely that a unified decision would be reached, said in no case will he withdraw the nomination for Sir Ron. “Under no circumstances will we withdraw the nomination of Sir Ron Sanders because he is the forerunner candidate. He is not trailing behind any other, he has the most pledges … he will remain in the race because he is the best prospect of getting that job,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also told regional media that he did not consider Dominica’s nominee to be a Caribbean candidate. “Baroness Scotland is actually an active member of the British Privy Council and therefore is not a Caribbean candidate,” Browne said. “We have three (candidates) and we’re hoping by the time we get to Malta we’ll have one”.

Youths must become crusaders for national...

make up 70 per cent of the national demographics and are disproportionally affected by “every ill thing that our society has to offer”, the Minister noted.

“… this process that you are embarking on is engaging youths to find solutions about these problems,” the Minister said, adding that he needed an action plan. “…What I am interested in is implementation, any report that comes to me that does not have a programme of implementation and an action plan is not a report that I am going to spend a lot of my time on,” the Minister said.

Highlighting how critical it is to empower youths to make meaningful contributions to Guyana’s sustainable development, Minister Roopnaraine pointed out that “the sustainable solutions and actions, for society in a stage of crisis or pre-crisis, have always come from young people”.

He noted that the journey of persons like Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Walter Rodney, Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson

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Mandela, Fidel Castro and Barack Obama all began in earnest during the days of their youth. “They did not come to where they reached by accident … they were inspired and nurtured in their youth,” he said. He promised that Government will offer avenues for such nurturing for Guyanese youths. “… we are going to listen to you, take your recommendations, work with you as partners, in making this society one that we can all be proud of,” he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment Aubrey Norton, in his presentation, noted that these working sessions were intended to encourage serious discussions on the question of the National Youth Policy and a National Action Plan. “It is important for us to recognise that we are here for ideas to clash, and not personalities,” he said. “….we welcome the clash of ideas, we welcome free and, frank discussions that allow us to disagree, but then arrive at a consensus on the way forward,” he added.

Govt promises to address concerns of Guyanese law students

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams has committed himself to resolving the ongoing challenges between Guyanese law students and the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) vowing that he will explore all available options.

This commitment was communicated to 25 of the 27 Guyanese students currently attending the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and Tobago when they paid a visit to the Minister during the course of last week to raise several issues and concerns about their education in relation to tuition, discrimination and disadvantages faced in pursuit of their Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

Sherry Hewitt, who serves as secretary to the group, raised the issue of fee payment, while other students raised concerns about immigration, course content and late arrival of the Guyanese students list to the Trinidad immigration department.

According to the students, the number one challenge to the pursu-

ing of the LEC is the tuition fee which amounts to TT$65,792 ($2.2 million in local currency or US$11,000) per student. They noted that they were now required to pay the full tuition at the beginning of the September semester each year as opposed to 50 per cent in September and 50 per cent in January of the following year as previously obtained, making it exceptionally difficult to study.

The students also requested help from the Attorney General to address the courses of Family Practice and Procedure,

Legal Drafting and Interpretation for second-year students in relation to the unique Roman Dutch system of land titling in Guyana as opposed to Trinidad’s laws.

According to the Guyanese students, the two courses have a high rate of failure at the law school; hence, their desire for a tutor who has knowledge of Guyana’s laws.

The issue of immigration was also highlighted, since students were turned back by the Trinidad immigration owing to the late submission of the list of Guyana

students accepted to the law school.

In the meantime, they are requesting scholarships for their final year with the understanding that they will serve for a contracted period. Of the 27 current students attending the HWLS, only one is the recipient of a Public Service Ministry scholarship.

Fee payments

The Attorney General shared with the students how different it was when he studied at the Law School.

In empathising with the students, Williams promised to explore what help they need-

ed to address the issue of fee payments and the accommodation of more Guyanese students, since the top 25 students were selected out of a total of 80.

The students explained that the issue was not one of space as was being peddled by the School since six Trinidadian students were placed in the Guyanese class after the academic year had commenced.

Impasse Days after the Council for Legal Education had stated that it would not be guaranteeing any of the 25 places usually of-

fered to Guyanese students at the end of the degree programme at the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana last year, its Chairman Jacqueline SamuelsBrown had said that the placement issue was not one that was of pure bias, but one of space and accommodation for the students who stay on campus. Samuels-Brown had said that UWI had, in the past, released statements alluding to changes in teaching methodologies, teaching content and the poor conditions of the facilities afforded to students as well as the overcrowded nature of the law school. In light of this, she noted that the school had initiated precautionary safety measures before facilitating students and it was on these grounds that the decision was taken to accept the students only if space was available.

Samuels-Brown had noted that the Council was facing a monumental task in finding accommodation and facilities for students, as the law school was built to accommodate some 200 students, but was facilitating approximately 400 students.

Guyana Amazon Warriors call for fans to rally with the Team

Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Omar Khan said that home fans support will be important to the Warriors for their home games in the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) beginning next Wednesday at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Fresh off their second victory against the St. Kitts/ Nevis Patriots Wednesday night at Warner Park in St. Kitts, Khan expressed confidence that Amazon Warriors will bounce back into conten-

tion for the playoffs in their crucial home matches against the Jamaica Tallawahs on July 15th, St. Lucia Zouks – July

A17th, Barbados Tridents - July 18th and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steels on July 21st.

“Unlike the past two years,

where the Guyana Amazon Warriors started their campaign at home, this year we have been on the road with matches in Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts/Nevis and Jamaica where the home teams have received tremendous support, so we are looking forward to the tremendous support from all of Guyana when we return to play at Providence,” he said.

The Amazon Warriors, losing finalists in the two previous editions of the tournament have suffered two closely fought defeats against the St. Lucia Zouks and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Khan is urging local fans to secure their tickets early as he anticipates sold out crowds for all four matches. Tickets are going fast so fans are urged to take the opportunity to get the remaining tickets early.

Tickets are being sold at the CPL Central Office on Middle Street as well as the Guyana National Stadium Ticket Office, Courts stores in Georgetown, Berbice, Parika and Linden and at Ramdhan Distribution located at 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, and a few buildings from Berbice High School (BHS).

Ashona Pardat goes from business student to budding cartoon artist

rtist Ashona Pardat gets lost in a Disney world when she’s transforming her bare walls into colourful displays of princesses and fun characters.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Ashona said after completing secondary school she fully pursued her passion for art.

“Art was never a subject of interest in high school. I actually chose to go in the business stream. After finishing school, ly-

ing on my bed and gazing on the plain walls in my room, I decided to do some painting on them. I did cartoon characters and they looked so good that my friends doubted me. They told that I didn't paint them on my own. I decided to do them openly on the outside walls of the house so they could see me doing it and still they were doubtful, feeling it to see if it’s a sticker. That’s when I realized my talent and started to pursue art even more,” Ashona recalled.

She stated that she invests all her talents into her work because she wants it to look “perfect and attract attention, which it does every time”.

Art, according to Ashona, allows her to express herself and develop her talent. Her area of interest is painting mostly cartoon characters because she loves how colourful and fun they are.

“Art helps me to express my emotions and I’m developing my talent also.I didn't get any formal training in art. I

was born with this talent. During my school days I never realized it [talent] -maybe because after coming home from school in the afternoon I was always in a hurry to play cricket and made no time for books. I was more interested in sports than art,” she admitted.

The budding artist’s plans are to keep honing her talent and creating her own cartoon characters.

“It’s good to try doing

every little thing that you can because you never know where your hidden skill lies,” Ashona noted.

For more information on the artist, email ashonapardat@yahoo. com completed artwork of

By Dmitri Allicock

Cattle, cowboys and horses, creeks, rivers, wooden bridges, swamps, rain, mosquitoes, jaguars and snakes are the ingredients for a great imaginative western movie. These can also be found in stories on the movement of herds of cattle on the famous Rupununi Cattle Trail to the coastal marketplace of British Guiana.

On the hoof, cattle were driven along a cattle trail that wended its way from Annai in the Rupununi savannahs through rough terrain to the Yawakuri savannah on the Berbice River, covering a distance of at least 120 miles. At the end of the journey, the cattle were exhausted and wasted. In 1919, the trail was successfully completed and the first head of cattle was driven over it in 1920.

A glance at the map of Guyana reveals that the 5,000 square miles of the prime savannah lands of Rupununi is located in the isolated deep south- west of Guyana. In the early ranching period, there was no way to reach the Guyana coast with cattle and no mar-

ket at all except in Brazil where demand was uncertain and values low. Transportation was a serious problem and waterfalls interfered with river transport. Highways and railways were nonexistent, and construction through the forests and swamps was cost prohibitive.

The New York Times of Oct. 21, 1917 noted, “A reduction from 4 weeks to one on the time necessary to transport cattle from the interior of British Guiana to the coast will be affected by the construction of a cattle trail from the Annai Savannah on

the Rupununi River to the Yawakuri Savannah on the Berbice River, a distance of 120 miles. A loan of $60,000 for the purpose has been authorized by the Combine Court of British Guiana accordingly to a report from the Consul George A Chamberlain, station in Georgetown. Work upon the trail is to begin at once and it should be ready for use early next year.”

The publication further added, “There are at present about 35,000 heads of cattle in the savannah in the Rupununi district, and it is estimated that over 1000

20,602, and pigs 12,312.”

On the trail in the late 19th century

The trail was the brainchild of pioneer, H.P.C. Melville, born 1864, former commissioner of the Rupununi district who owned Dadanawa Ranch in the 1880s and felt that the construction of this trail could convey Brazilian cattle and horses to British Guiana’s coast and be utilised as an outlet for the large and rapidly increasing herds of local cattle grazing on the savannah.

head will be taken over the proposed trail yearly to the Berbice River, and hence transported to the coast for the local market and for export. It was further stated in the court that there was 150,000 head of cattle on the Brazilian ranches near the British Guiana border, and that transportation to the coast would be less expensive by this trail that at present by Manáos and other places where markets were available. This trail will also make access to the interior of the colony

The market to the Guyana coast was opened with the development of the cattle trail through the forest just at the end of World War I. The trail was very difficult to traverse, particularly in its early years because of the swamps and long distances without proper feed in the tropical jungles. Losses were extremely heavy and profits small, if there were any.

Frequent attacks by jaguars, swimming the Essequibo, parasites and disease took a toll. This trail was somewhat im-

had the task of maintaining the trail free of bush, keeping wooden bridges safe and wire fencing along its path. This bush trail became an access into the heart of British Guiana, and traffic went both ways.

The 1930s and ‘40s

During the depression years of the 1930s, cattle scarcely paid the cost of driving them to the market, and ranching became a moderately profitable undertaking due to the more favourable markets during and after World War II.

After the close of World War II the country was opened to air traffic. With some aid from the colonial government, landing fields were developed and regular traffic by the-then Guiana Airways Company was established. Regular shipments of beef from the Rupununi to Georgetown by air began on July 9, 1948. Despite the high cost of airlifting beef to coastal markets in some quantities, it succeeded due to low production cost. The war years and moment of prosperity for

for other purposes much easier.”

A 1924 British Guiana report stated, “There are very extensive savannahs tracts in the far interior on which at present cattle are being raised. With the provision of the Rupununi Cattle Trail in 1920, it is possible that this region will become the important cattle-raising section of the colony.

Horses are raised in some numbers on the plantations and farms of the coastland. There is, however, the possibility of considerable development in this undertaking when suitable opportunities offer for ready sale. The number of cattle in the country in 1921 was estimated to be 122,886, the number of horses 1,762, sheep

proved in the preceding years and death losses were not as great but weight loss was severe and only the strongest and most rugged cattle could hope to make the trek to the grasslands between the Demerara and Berbice rivers.

One branch of the historical cattle trail ended on the eastern shore of the Demerara River near the mouth of Arakawa Creek- Linden today. A stelling was constructed and herds of “cattle were loaded onto the steamer and punts for transport to Georgetown. The trail supplied fresh beef to the local market of Upper Demerara and supplemented other local livestock.”

Teams of workers and contractors, many from Upper Demerara,

the arduous Rupununi Cattle Trail came to an end with the birth of air transport, and in 1953 was permanently closed.

Parts of the cattle trail have been upgraded into a fair weather track over the years, and serve as a road to Brazil through the town of Linden, ending at Lethem. The jungle has reclaimed other parts of the trail. Iron pegs, which once marked the trail, can still be found buried in the dense growth. Rotting greenheart bridges were still present as late as 1982. Piling remnants of the loading dock alongside the Demerara can still be found today.

And so went this one-of-a-kind Rupununi Cattle Trail into the annals of Guyana’s history.

For Zack Buck, an American extreme survivalist/outdoor educator, surviving “naked and afraid” in Guyana’s savannah is an experience he will always cherish.

Zack was a participant of the Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid” show, a reality

country or heard of it?

Zack Buck: I had no idea where Guyana was before looking it up online. I thought at first they told me I was going to Ghana in Africa because I misheard production. It turned out to be a beautiful country of jungle and tropical grasslands known as the

show where two complete strangers - a man and a woman - meet in a very unique way. The pair is stranded in a dangerous, desolate location in various parts in the world, without food and water, and completely naked.

Each episode follows the two as they attempt to survive on their own for 21 days, with nothing but one personal item each and the knowledge that the only prize is their pride and sense of accomplishment.

Because there is no other choice, the couple quickly gets to know each other - and their surroundings - and hope that their instincts, survival skills and stamina serve them well.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Zack narrated his experiences of surviving in Guyana’s savannah.

Sunday Magazine: What prompted you to do the “Naked and Afraid” show?

Zack Buck: I made the decision to do the show because it sounded like a good adventure to test my survival skills and learn about myself. Tribes in North America would go on vision quests to gain insight on life under similar conditions of starvation and enduring the wild.

Sunday Magazine: Before coming to Guyana, did you know anything about the

as “a little ball of awesomeness”. Out of the 21 days we were supposed to survive, she left on the morning of day seven because she wanted to see her family.

Sunday Magazine: When you arrived in the country, what were your thoughts?

Zack Buck: My first thought on Guyana was that the food was different from American food, which messed up my stomach. The means of transportation was different as well. I travelled on a small, eightperson propeller plane to Lethem and then drove on an unmarked road to our destination. Looking down at the jungle from the plane, I could only imagine how harsh the conditions were.

Sunday Magazine: Which area were you dropped off?

Zack Buck: I was dropped off in the Rupununi Savannah.

Rupununi Savannah.

Sunday Magazine: When you learnt you were coming to Guyana, what was your reaction?

Zack Buck: At first, I thought I was going into the jungle and that concerned me. The insects in the jungle seem to pack more of a punch. With Guyana being over 80 per cent jungle, I figured I would be there. It turned out I was wrong and was dropped off in the savannah where the heat was an issue.

Sunday Magazine: Did you have a partner?

Zack Buck: I had a partner on the show that I had never met until we were both stripped down naked and told to survive. Her name is Afften from Chicago, Illinois. She describes herself

Sunday Magazine: What was required surviving in that area?

Zack Buck: The challenge required me to survive for 21 days with only a few items and then hike to an extraction point many miles away for my pick up. I didn’t have food, water, clothes or shelter to start. I had to improvise and overcome the odds hoping to work with nature and not against her.

Sunday Magazine: Did you survive for the specified time?

Zack Buck: I survived the full 21 days despite having a partner that quitted early and a 102.8 fever on day 20. I hope to do the challenge again someday. The new challenge for finishers is 40 days long that I hope to take on.

Sunday Magazine: Were you able to tour Guyana after the show?

Zack Buck: I did not get to tour the waterfalls or rivers after I was done because I was so sick. My mind was on food, and despite being told to take it easy by the medic, I ate a whole bucket of chicken and tub of chocolate ice cream the two days following the end of my challenge. I lost 28 pounds, but have gained it back since.

Sunday Magazine: Would you ever come back to Guyana to visit?

Zack Buck: I would love to come back to Guyana again someday! I want to visit the jungle and see the amazing waterfalls as well as see

if my lean-to shelter is still standing.

Sunday Magazine:

Our indigenous people, the Amerindians, survive living every day in the savannah where you were. What would you say about that?

Zack Buck: The Amerindian people know more about where I was surviving than I did. It would be a great experience to ask them questions and learn how they survive compared to what I did. I am sure they would say the same thing to me if they came to the desert of Utah or woods of Missouri to survive. Going to a place where the resources are different than you are used to is a real challenge making you im-

provise and adapt.

Sunday Magazine: What did you learn from this experience?

Zack Buck: It was very nice to get home and see my family after the adventure was over. I learnt a lot about myself and appreciated even more what I have in life and the basic needs of survival: food, water and shelter. Zack is not the first person to survive Guyana’s harshest terrain on the show “Naked and Afraid”. For videos on the shows of Zack and others in Guyana, visit http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/naked-and-afraid/ or log on to www.zackbuck. com for his tips on being a survivalist.

Blind TT boy gets into top primary school

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Kiran Jonathan Lall may have partial vision but that didn't stop him from getting a place at one of south Trinidad's top primary schools.

The five-year-old is expected to start at Grant Memorial Presbyterian in September.

Kiran, who lives with his parents Kevon and Asha Alexander Lall at Olera Heights, San Fernando, graduated from the Wee Ones Childcare Centre at Rushworth Street, San Fernando on Sunday.

Dressed in his red graduation grown and

matching mortarboard, Kiran strutted down the aisle, smiling at his principal Claudette Burnette, his teachers and parents.

His father said Kiran was born with congenital bilateral cataracts. At the age of two months, he underwent surgery to remove the cataracts.

“It was a tough time for us and we had him stay with a babysitter until he was one. Then we decided that it was time for him to go to school and we enrolled him at Wee Ones,” Kevon said.

Asha explained how Kiran reads and writes.

“Because he is visu-

ally impaired, he reads large print but he is very bright and we were glad that he had the requisite skills to get into Grant school. Since he joined Wee Ones, he has been learning and progressing well. He reads for us. His teacher boasts that he is one of the brightest students.” Asha said.

She also said that Kiran was good with colours and often helped her to match her clothes.

“When I dress up, he says, 'Mummy you look so pretty,'” Asha said smiling.

Asha is also blind, and so bonded with her son in a special way.

Burnette said she did

not usually take in students with special abilities because of the shortage of specially trained staff. The school has a population of 154 pupils and 22 members of staff.

But Kiran impressed Burnette with her abilities and she has found his progress gratifying. Burnette, worked as a social worker in Trinidad before migrating to North Carolina where she operated two childcare centres.

In 2002, she returned to TT and opened the Wee Ones Childcare Centre. Burnette said she hoped to open a second branch of her school in Cocoyea in September. (TT Guardian)

Ancient Priest is Jamaican Festival song winner

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

It was celebration time for LeeRoy 'Ancient Priest' Johnson as he won the top spot at Saturday's staging of Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Jamaica Festival Song Competition.

Based on the applause inside the tightly packed Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, it was clear that Ancient Priest was one of the fa-

vourites in the competition.

During the performance of his single 'Celebration Time', almost everyone stood and danced to the lyrics. The cheers grew even louder when he was announced the winner. Besides the JCDC trophy, Ancient Priest walked away with Ja$500,000 and a consolation prize of Ja$30,000 for Best Performer.

"I entered this competition very confident. Being a Christian, I prayed a lot and knew

that I had the song Jamaica needs now," an elated Ancient Priest told the media, after being announced winner.

A music teacher by profession and enrolled at Northern Caribbean University in Manchester, the singer said he is working on his debut gospel album entitled I Am Ancient Priest, slated to be released in October.

This is not the entertainer's first entry in the JCDC song finals as he was also a

finalist in 2010 and 2012. Both years, he copped prizes including Best Performance, Best Lyrics and Best Arrangement.

Another crowd favourite, Oniel 'Nazzleman' Scott earned the second-place title and Ja$250,000 for the

single Little But We Tallawah, while third place went to Sherlette 'Princess' Black. The visually impaired Princess warmed the hearts of the audience and judges with her single Sweet Festival Sound.

Marsha Marie Campbell cropped the Online Voters Award and Ja$20,000. Between the 10 finalists' performances, the audience was entertained by past winners Heather 'Brown Sugar' Grant and fourtime winner Roy Rayon. (Jamaica Observer)

The Enforcer…

…of Cummingsburg is missing

When the Cummingsburg Accord was being hammered out, there were clearly stated concerns by the AFC about linking up with APNU – since it was practically just a non de plume for the “PNC”. In the always colourful language of AFC’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan, such a move would turn them into “dead meat”. And only three years before, Ramjattan’s hand-picked Presidential candidate Nagamootoo, had been declared as an unreconstituted and irredeemable crypto-PPP. What could’ve changed since?

So Ramjattan drew a line in the sand. As a longtime lawyer, knowing of the powers of the Guyanese presidency, he demanded that either Nagamootoo became “Presidential Candidate” or “no deal”. He even slammed the table when he said it, to show how serious he was. And as a fella who’d slammed dominoes on tables, Ramjattan was quite a slammer. However, when the Cummingsburg Accord was announced and – lo and behold (not “lol” and behold!) – Granger was announced as Presidential Candidate, Ramjattan was asked whether water had washed out his line in the sand.

Not so, he replied sternly, as is his wont when he made excuses. He pointed out that APNU had agreed to the appointment of the most eminent scholar and gentleman – even higher than Granger, who was just “an officer and a gentleman” – as the enforcer to all the “tenets” of the Accord. Now lest that some doubt the word of your humble Eyewitness (who is not a scholar, officer or gentleman) he’ll quote from the Muckraking KN – mouthpiece of both AFC and APNU.

After pointing out that Lutchman had to ensure the divvying of the seats in the 60/40 ratio, it continued: “The coalition agreed that the Representative of the List will be assigned other responsibilities such as ensuring that the TENETS of the Cummingsburg Accord are upheld by both of the political groupings.” The Stabber reported that Lutchman “would have to ensure that the agreements between APNU and the AFC as it relates to the National Assembly and OTHER MATTERS are honoured.”

So now that the TENETS of the Accord have been more violated than any of the working girls dragged out of the bush by Simona “I is” Broomes, inquiring minds want to know what’s the eminent Dr. Lutchman doing about it? And he can’t excuse his inaction by Nagamootoo and Ramjattan’s saying they’re enjoying the violations, whether for fringe benefits or not. Violations are violations and the least that the good Doctor can do is to “tell it like it is”. Not to do so would vitiate all the nice words he uttered about helping democracy in Guyana.

He’d be participating in its rape.

…of media fairness?

Now, after the violations of Nagomootoo’s “powers” – as spelled out under the Cummingsburg Accord, – he was dropped a crumb in the form of being “responsible” for information. Note that he wasn’t officially made into a “Minister of Information” – he was just delegated some residual power inherent in President Granger. And so Nagamootoo has come to a full circle – a circle with a 23 year diameter – to where he was with the PPP in 1992.

Anyhow, he immediately assured the nation that the State media under his control would not be a lapdog for the government; presumably as it was during the PPP regime – because Nagamootoo explicitly said so – but not as under the former PNC’s time, because they weren’t mentioned. So your Eyewitness was intrigued to see two new columnists in the Chronicle – David Hinds from the WPA (a member of APNU) and Sase Singh of the AFC.

The Enforcer…

Even though he moaned that the spiking crime rate needs a “Hercules”, Minister Ramjattan sounded more like Dirty Harry when he threw out this warning to the drug lords: “We’re gonna get you.

Come what may, we’re gonna get you!” “Dirty Ramo”?

Guyanese is first black mayor of U.S. town

US-based Guyanese Kwasi Fraser is the first black Mayor of Purcellville, a town in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States. He recently completed his first year as mayor and is in his second.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Fraser credits his Guyanese upbringing and culture for being a successful mayor; a post he never envisioned himself taking up.

Sunday Magazine: Where in Guyana are you from?

Kwasi Fraser: I was born in Georgetown, Guyana. My father, however, was a dispenser, and we were privileged to reside in several areas of Guyana, including Lethem, Ana Regina, Parika, and Buxton, where my mother was born and our final residence prior to migrating to the United States. We migrated to the United States in 1982.

Sunday Magazine: What are your academic qualifications?

Kwasi Fraser: I possess a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Stony Brook University and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Rutgers University. I also earned an Executive education Certificate from Harvard University and a Project Management Certificate from George Washington University. My professional certifications are Certified Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Sunday Magazine: What motivated you to run for Mayor?

Kwasi Fraser: I was motivated to run for Mayor by my desire to serve and to make a difference in my community. I believed that my academic, professional, and life experiences had prepared me to foster greater fiscal responsibility, transparency, citizen engagement, and wise growth for our town. My decision was be a spectator or a leader, and I felt equipped and empowered to lead.

Sunday Magazine: Were there any challenges you faced becoming the first black Mayor of Purcellville?

Kwasi Fraser: The key challenge that I face is obtaining buy-in and support from other council members, especially those members who were loyal to the prior administration and did not see my brand of change as necessary. My supporters who enabled me to win 61% of the vote will continue to see that margin as a mandate, but I am constant-

ly reminded that 39% of those who voted did not vote for me.

Sunday Magazine: As Mayor, what are some of your responsibilities?

Kwasi Fraser: I lead council meetings and ceremonial events, appoint individuals to special committees and boards, serve on regional advisory boards, sign checks, assess and recommend business development opportunities, vote, and engage our citizens and businesses for feedback and insights.

Sunday Magazine: Are you married?

Kwasi Fraser: I am married to my college sweetheart Angela,

and this year marks our 18th wedding anniversary. We have three children: Darius, Naomi, and Jeremy.

Sunday Magazine: Did you ever envision yourself becoming a Mayor?

Kwasi Fraser: When I moved to Purcellville, I never envisioned I would run for or become mayor. In fact, I had never contemplated entering politics based on my perception of the inefficiencies and bureaucracies that exist in government, with wasted efforts on meaningless matters and long cycle times to make decisions. However, as I evaluated the critical needs of

Purcellville, I saw myself as a change leader and ultimately becoming the mayor of our town. When I prevailed, I was surprised by the substantial margin of victory.

Sunday Magazine: Did your Guyanese roots contribute to you being an effective mayor?

Kwasi Fraser: Yes, watching my parents invest in and raise chickens to supplement our income, planting a vegetable garden, and having my mother bake goods and place in paper bags for me and my siblings to distribute to those less fortunate in our neighbourhood in Guyana left an indelible impression on me to work hard, to lead, and to serve others.

Sunday Magazine: What's your advice for youths who may want to pursue politics?

Kwasi Fraser: First, identify issues or concerns in your community that you firmly believe need to be addressed, then ask how you can use your abilities and experiences to tackle those issues or concerns. Second, realize that you don’t know everything and as such continue to pursue knowledge. Third, be humble and a good listener to those you would like to serve.

By PetamBer Persaud

(Extract of an interview with Ms Beryl Adams-Haynes, author of “Plaisance: From Emancipation to Independence and Beyond”, Georgetown, Guyana, July 2010. Adams-Haynes was born in Plaisance and was an educator for many decades. She was honoured with the Medal of Service for her outstanding contribution to society.)

PP Our history was first recorded by the Europeans colonisers who did take a certain amount of licence with the fact and that history was so written to show the Europeans in a good light. But it is a matter of pride that more and more scholarship on our history written by our own people is turning up, rewriting that initial and sometimes flawed history. Our history is important. Recording and

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

righting that flawed history is imperative. What were the factors leading up to the research, writing and distribution of this book?

BAH The idea came to me some years after I re-migrated and discovered by chance that Plaisance was bought by freed slaves, this discovery came late in my life. I started talking to older folks in the village and found out that no one has ever approached them for such information. Then again not many of them, the older folks, knew much about our ancestral history. The inspiration came from the situation of them not knowing; me not knowing and the question of how will the younger ones know; and that’s what set me on the path of research, documenting and finally the book.

PP Research material on Guyana in Guyana is not easy to obtain; I am a researcher on Guyanese Literature and a sort of

quasi-historian so I know the difficulties in getting information, cross-referencing etc. Tell us about your research stages.

BAH The research stages as you said before were not easy, it was an uphill task. I started here at the archives and the library finding very little information on Plaisance. You may come across an articles running into many pages with just a mere reference – one line, a few words - on Plaisance. Thanks to my children who are still in London and who were feeding me with some amount of information as to websites that would be useful. The bulk of the material for happenings in the village from the 1920s onward came from the older folks. I contacted many villagers who provided information up to recent times. Some prominent Plaisancians were listed in the earlier manuscript. The idea of the annexes came from my editor Dr. Laurence Clarke a prominent Plaisancian. To get information as to what some of our villagers (as

few pages, a twenty-fivepage document perhaps for my own satisfaction but it took on new dimensions and has taken off in way beyond my expectations.

Let me explain: when I came back home, Plaisance never celebrated Emancipation at village level. I got together with other villagers and one thing led to another and the birth of our Emancipation celebrations began twelve years ago. This led to an awakening of our villagers and their quest for knowledge of our history.

PP It would be a good time to talk about the history of Plaisance and the village system.

BAH In the beginning it was not easy. There was friction as persons jockeyed for the better plots to build; remember some 65 persons bought the plantation and all of them couldn’t live or build in the same area. Assistance was sought from the government (plantocracy) to help put their affairs in order. There were also problems of flood-

of international stature. Right on our doorstep is the first female judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice, a trail blazer Madam Justice Desiree Bernard; Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos; Director of World Bank (Sudan, Africa) Dr. Laurence Clarke; Prof. Denis Benn who heads the Michael Manley Institute, Mona Campus; Dr. Imran Ali; Eddy Grant international recording songwriter and artiste; Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite former world boxing champion; Nizam Ali, Chartered Accountant and many others.

PP Many of these achievements came about because of three main factors mentioned in your book: deep roots in the church, education, and political and cultural awareness. Now we have a book in which you have put a lot of hard work to bring the history of Plaisance to the fore, very commendable but here’s my pet peeve: are our young people reading?

BAH That

Sign welcoming persons to the village

you must be aware most of our people are residing outside of Guyana) were doing, assistance was sought from villagers abroad who were enthusiastic and excited about this long awaited publication.

PP Much of our history, in various forms, is stored in foreign archives…

BAH Yes, I know that now, researching, cross referencing, documenting and finally the end product took some six years, not continuously, before it finally came to fruition. When I set out to write the history of Plaisance, I didn’t set out to do this [showing the book], I set out to write a

ing, sanitation, drainage, difficulties collecting rates and taxes and other woes…but those problems were overcome to an extent, leading to better life style.

PP That’s the past, let’s look at the present Plaisance, to those who have endured and have made and are making significant contribution.

BAH The Plaisance of today is different from the Plaisance I grew up in and even more different from the Plaisance of our ancestors who worked so hard to develop it and call it their home. Plaisance has produced and will continue to produce many outstanding citizens: both local and

is one of our problems –reading. Lack of reading could defeat the purpose of the book. We - various committees - have planned to go into the schools, to read extracts and do other related activities …

PP Making that connection with the youths is crucial and I hope you succeed for it would benefit your community of Plaisance and eventually the country. Congratulations again on gifting us this important scholarship, which is already going into a first reprint. Responses to this author telephone (592) 2260065 or email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

Wrong answer…

…on youths

Was the editor being ironical at the new Chronicle when he contraposed its editorial call for a new Guyana National Service (GNS) with a story on the “Industrial Site Day Care Centre” for pre-schoolers?? Naaaah!! With all those heads rolled and about to be rolled, prudence would be the order of the day! So this Eyewitness will chalk up to serendipity, the sly suggestion that “National Service” is just “Day Care for Youths” – under a different name.

For years now President Granger’s been saying with all the problem the country’s facing from unemployed youths, we should bring back the National Service. Well, since the GNS has been gone so long and present day youths don’t know anything about it, maybe it’s time we lift the cover over the sepia-coloured veil that’s been thrown over it?

First of all, the GNS was launched in 1974 by Burnham within his overarching thesis that Guyanese society in general, and youths in particular, were “undisciplined”. Military style institutions would whip them into shape. The GNS was just a teeny bit softer than the GDF from which it drew practically all its leaders. The first leader was GDF Col Desmond Roberts and the second Brigadier Joe Singh who was later transferred by Desmond Hoyte to head the GDF. Then there were the People’s Militia, the Young Socialist Movement and the Women’s Auxiliary etc. –which all had military training.

This Eyewitness would want to know which one of the 5 stated objectives of the GNS are to be revived”. Create an untied and “truly Guyanese society”? So who’s gonna say what’s “truly Guyanese”? “Settle youths and complete development projects especially in the interior”?

So how many of the thousands of youths from the first experiment actually settled in the interior? How many want to go there now? “Inculcate the Socialist ideology of Guyana into Guyanese youths”?? Really? And finally, “mobilise and train youths in relevant development skills especially related to the hinterland”. What is this? Hunting and fishing?

So we return to our starting point? Is “Day Care for Youths” the best we can do? The National Service was conceived at a time when the third world was looking at alternatives to the Capitalist Model of development. Much of its developmental activities were framed within the “Feed, Clothe and House” five-year plan, so where’s the GNS’ cotton, pigs, corn or whatever from that era? Blowin’ in the wind.

This Eyewitness admits we have to do something for our youths. But in this 21st century, we should focus on providing well-paying jobs for them. Rather than sending them to “Day Care”. …or mistaken question?

Now while President Granger might favour the resuscitation of the GNS (not to mention the National Cadet Corps in high schools) his Youth Minister, Rupert Roopnarine seems to be marching to a different drummer. He brought along his Government’s answer to Odinga Lumumba – Aubrey Norton, who’s his “Youth Empowerment Advisor” –to a “National Consultation on Youths at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre. (The latter was, of course, without even a consultation with the AFC, much less a “national consultation”. But that’s grist for another mill.)

Trouble was, neither of them mentioned their President’s suggestions for youths. Brother Norton (That’s what Minister Roopnarine called him. Norton found religion?) insisted that the new thrust for youths would be “bottom up” rather than “top down” to promote a “Guyanese culture”.

This Eyewitness isn’t sure, but maybe this is what prompted long-time anti-alcohol activist Vidya Kissoon, to ask that “drinking” as a part of Guyanese culture be de-emphasised?

But not to worry. We confirmed that Brother Norton said, “bottom up” not “bottoms up”. …on debt

Venezuela ships us oil. We owe them for it. We ship them rice. They owe us for that. Why say this is a “debt write-off” by Venezuela.

Then we’ve also written off their debt, no? How come that’s not mentioned?

clara ramdeholl (1909-1939)

In 1915, the Canadian Mission established the Berbice High School in New Amsterdam, British Guiana as a school for boys. Five years later, in 1920 a separate building was erected on the site of the current Berbice High School, as a school for girls.

In its first year, Clara Ramdeholl was one of the 10 girls to first attend the “girls’ school”. She graduated in 1925 at age 16 and began teaching there until 1932 when, at 23-years-old, she left the colony for England to study law.

Admitted to the Inn at Middle Temple in England on Oct. 12, 1932, Clara was called to the Bar Nov. 17, 1939. At the time, she would be only the third qualified female barrister from British Guiana after Gladys Sarran (1930) and Iris DeFreitas (1897).

Her call to the Bar would be in absentia however, as Clara and her brother Cecil, who had become a doctor, had already left England Nov. 14, 1939 to embark on the steam ship “S.S. Simon Bolivar”, to travel to Amsterdam, Holland en route to British Guiana.

Clara had not seen her parents since she had left, and her father had not long earlier passed away. With her brother Cecil on six months leave, she took the opportunity to return with him to British Guiana.

However, on Nov. 18, 1939, the “S.S. Simon Bolivar” was sunk by German magnetic mines. Despite surviving the sinking ship, Clara lost her life after the lifeboat they had managed to reach capsized and she was forced to endure the frigid waters of the North Sea, despite desperate attempts by her brother to keep her alive.

Her body was declared lost at sea.

Not long after, the Canadian Mission asked

church was formally named the Ramdeholl Memorial Guyana Presbyterian Church, and was dedicated at a service on April 15, 1940.

The church building remained in the school’s compound until Guyana became independent and there was a mandatory separation of church and state. It was then moved across the street to its current Lot 22 Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam location.

her mother for permission to dedicate a church they planned to build within the school’s compound, in Clara’s memory. It would come to be in memory of both Clara and her father, Robert Ramdeholl.

The tragedy of the Ramdeholl family sadly did not end there. Clara had apparently planned her return as a surprise for her mother, Mary Ramdeholl. Discovering that Clara was aboard the “S.S. Simon Bolivar” and did not survive led to illness from which she never recovered. Mary died within months of Clara’s death, and indeed her husband’s.

The newly built

With the building showing signs of its age, the Ramdeholl family now abroad began a

fundraising effort for its restoration. On Dec 28, 2014, rehabilitation works were completed and a re-dedication ceremony was conducted at the church.

The Ramdeholl Memorial Church is featured in the New Amsterdam Heritage Trail, a 2015 publication by the National Trust of Guyana that hopes to enrich future generations with knowledge of their Guyanese heritage. (Photos: ramdehollmemorialchurch.wordpress.com)

This week's Crossword

Innovations…

…in crime fighting?

Well, Ganesh Ramlall heeded Ramjattan’s directive and returned home before 2 am. Heck, he must’ve even listened to Cinderella’s godmother since he left a BBQ “sport” at the stroke of midnight. But that didn’t save his life from the criminals, did it? Yet Ramjattan’s biggest “innovation” to confront the tsunami of crime drowning the nation, is to close bars and other drinking spots at 2 am!!

Now listen. This Eyewitness isn’t saying that there shouldn’t be closing times for bars. In every country in the world these are standard. The country already has this law on the books. And while we’re on it, shouldn’t he be telling the Police to clamp down on loud music that’s making Guyanese walk around like zombies the next day? Imagine neighbours of Seeta’s Bar in Kitty being grateful that they can now start sleeping at 2 am!

No…what this Eyewitness is teed off about is that Ramjattan seriously thinks his 2am clubbing curfew will cut down crime. Was this guy dropped on his head as a baby? But since he’s clearly challenged in his new job (“moutar different from guitar”) we’ll offer him some gratuitous advice. That’s free…no “gratuity”! First and foremost, establish benchmarks for police response times to reported crimes.

These are Standard Operating Practices in modern police practice. Once again, the police were unresponsive to the calls of citizens under attack. Den Amstel Police Station is less than five minutes away from Ramlall’s house. And we’re not talking about driving at “screeching tires” pace. Den Amstel Police Station has police cars. Find out where they were when the calls came in. Were police roadblocks thrown up at the Harbour Bridge or towards Parika?

This week's Puzzle

How about police ranks literally being IN the communities. THIS is community policing….not to have some hand-picked jerks strutting around the communities like fowl cocks. Farm out routine police clerical tasks to hired civilian clerks…this’ll free ups cops to be on the beat. Every community has its “known characters” and their hangouts. “Known”, that is, to everyone in the community but the police. BECAUSE THE POLICE AREN’T IN THE COMMUNITY!!

Work on getting that forensic lab up and running. We hear about all these highly skilled men who retired from the Disciplined Forces in their forties – after their twenty years’ service. Why not post a couple of them to oversee that department rather than at OP, where they have nothing to do but worry about dealing with “undisciplined” civilians. But then again, all of this might be over the head of Ramjattan, who can only focus on closing bars at 2am.

Just because HE has a problem??? …from Venezuela on Border?

Right off the plane from the Caricom meet, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge announced that the Venezuelans representing President Maduro, promised that before this week is out, they’ll “facilitate a resolution to the problem.” Really? Now since this statement was made just after an hour of flying, we can safely assume that Greenidge wasn’t jet lagged.

But if, because of diplomatic niceties, he couldn’t scream “Beware a Trojan Horse!!!” this Eyewitness isn’t so constrained. Hey…he recognises that to a certain extent, Guyana’s being played by “larger” forces. But the reality is that for Venezuelans of whatever positioning on the ideological spectrum, our Essequibo – and all it promises, is “theirs”…and wuz robbed of it.

So while Maduro might be the friendliest leader since Simon Bolivar, the best he’s going to propose is “joint development” – as has been their mantra since 1970. Or alternately, giving them our Point Playa Atlantic beachfront – which gives them the same maritime rights as Decree 1787.

Forewarned is forearmed!

…on tinting…or abuse?

Another thing that Ramjattan can do without much ado, is to order the removal of ALL tint from ALL vehicles. Especially official vehicles.

What do they have to hide in this “age of transparency”?

Guyana-born

Soyini George is the designer, founder and owner of the Washington, DC,USA handmade baby clothing and accessories brand, Yinibini Baby.

The product’s success is perhaps partly because of her Guyanese

heritage, rooted in her family since, as a little girl growing up in Guyana, Soyini’s learned to sew from watching her Great Aunt Jean weave her scissors through fabrics and gather them together to create stylish clothing.

The website

Guyanesegirlsrock states this was just the beginning of Soyini’s love for art, design and colour. One year after graduating from college, and with US$100, a dining room table and tons of motivation, she started the Yinibini brand of clothing and jewellery

for women in 2006.

The origin of the name “Yinibini” comes from the last four letters of Soyini’s name (Yini) + bini, which means ‘good girl’ in Guyanese creole.

In 2010, the brand’s focus was switched from women’s clothing to accessories and clothing for babies in what she called was a “wonderful and natural expansion of the line.”

Yinibini Baby clothing and accessories are all hand-sewn and made of cotton, organic cotton, cotton blend and bamboo blend fabrics. The collection includes blankets, onesies, booties, bibs, burp cloths, dresses and more.

Soyini draws inspiration for colour, texture and patterns from memories of her (Great Aunt Jean’s husband) Uncle Reggie’s garden.

“He took pride in his garden, and the vibrant colours, textures and patterns of the fruits, flowers and vegetables still lingers in my mind”, Soyini reveals. She applies the same meticulous care and love to all of her delicate pieces.

She also notes that life in the Caribbean influenced her appreciation for colour, nature, design and movement in her pieces.

Soyini’s work has not gone unnoticed in her hometown of Washington, DC. Yinibini Baby was voted Washington City Paper's, Best of DC, Readers' Poll, 2nd Place, 2011; Washington City Paper's Best of DC,

Stewart American Made Awards. American Made spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade. The program is made up of people and communities that have turned their passion for quality craftsmanship and well-designed goods into a way of life.

Yinibini Baby’s products are available in several stores across Maryland, Washington DC, Ohio, Florida and Virginia, and are also available in selected online stores. Soyini’s dream is to open her own brick and mortar store in the Washington DC area.

“I'm involved in the entire process, from start to finish.

Soyini says that her original illustrations are based off of childhood stories and memories. Soyini went through a rapid growth spurt as a child, and so became much taller than her classmates. This was the inspiration behind the “Too Tall Birdie and Friends” illustrations that can be found on onesies and the Organic Reversible Bib.

Her affinity with art and artists goes back years, as she was once Outreach Specialist for the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum where, making visits to the studios of artists, she sought lo-

Best Local Crafter, Readers' Poll, First Place, 2012; Washington City Paper's, Best of DC, Runner Up, Readers' Poll, Best Local Crafter, 2013; Washington City Paper's, Best of DC, Readers' Poll, First Place, Best Local Crafter, 2014. She also won the 2014 Clifton Day Judges Award from the Clifton Betterment Association.

In 2014, Yinibini Baby was also named a finalist in the Martha

I research the fabrics, pick fabrics, design, cut, measure and sew. I take pride in my work, and handle each piece with the best of care, so you know you are getting the best!” Soyini states in her yinibinibaby blog.

All of the clothing and accessories are all handmade or screen-printed and /or block printed by hand.

According to herbanlifstyle, which named her their March 2014 Artist of the Month,

cal artists for the museum's exhibitions and programming.

While in Guyana she attended Queen’s College up to 1985 before migrating. She lived in Dominica and is now a native of Washington D.C. USA.

Soyini is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, MA, USA with a degree in Art and Graphic Design and Visual Communication, though she still considers herself “self-taught.”

The health benefits of fasting

While fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is due to spiritual beliefs, many of us choose to fast with the belief that it benefits our health

Numerous recent studies have suggested that intermittent fasting - abstaining or reducing food and drink intake periodically - can be good for us, making it one of the most popular diet trends worldwide.

"Studies of intermittent fasting show that not only do people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels, but also in their insulin sensitivity," says Dr. Michael Mosley - author of “The Fast Diet” books.

One study, conducted by Dr. Valter Longo and colleagues from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, found longer periods of fasting - 2-4 days - may even "reboot" the immune system, clearing out old immune cells and regenerating new onesa process they say could protect against cell dam-

age caused by factors such as aging and chemotherapy.

Since the body is unable to get its energy from food during fasting, it dips into glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. This begins around eight hours after the last meal is consumed.

When the stored glucose has been used up, the body then begins to burn fat as a source of energy, which can result in weight loss.

As well as aiding weight loss, Dr. Razeen Mahroof, of the University of Oxford

Shivanie Latchman is a resolute beauty. As a vibrant, young entrepreneur, Shivanie is proud of her assortment of achievements. She is a successful proprietor of a leading convenience store within her community, a marketing representative for MTV Channel 14/65, television host/producer of “Entertainment Buzz”, a programme designed to highlight the rich and diverse talents of Guyanese entertainers, and the founder of the dynamic dance group, Ishara Dance Troupe. As a youth activist, Shivanie assists her community and youths whatever way she can. She served as an executive member for the East Bank Building Social Cohesion Youth Group. Shivanie continues to collaborate with numerous charity organisations, both local and overseas, to help in fundraising efforts.

in the UK, explains to Medical News Today that the use of fat for energy can help preserve muscle and reduce cholesterol levels.

"When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot

of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged," the USC’s Dr. Longo explains.

However, according to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), there are numerous health risks associated with intermittent fast-

ing.

People who fast commonly experience dehydration, largely because their body is not getting any fluid from food.

As such, it is recommended that during Ramadan, Muslims consume plenty of water prior to fasting periods. Other individuals following fasting diets should ensure they are properly hydrated during fasting periods.

Fasting can also cause heartburn; lack of food leads to a reduction in stomach acid, which digests food and destroys bacteria. But smelling food or even thinking about it during fasting periods can trigger the brain into telling the stomach to produce more acid, leading to heartburn.

While many nutritionists claim intermittent fasting is a good way to lose weight, some health professionals believe such a diet is ineffective for long-term weight loss.

"The appeal is that [fasting] is quick, but it is quick fluid loss, not substantial weight loss," says Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Loss Management Center. "If it's easy off, it will come back quicklyas soon as you start eating normally again."

While intermittent fasting may have health risks, nutritionists claim it can be good for us if individuals consult with their doctors before adopting such a diet, and adhere to it correctly.

Carmona says don’t call TT banana republic

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

President Anthony Carmona said TT was neither a banana republic or a failed state and chastised nationals who refer to TT in such derogatory terms.

Addressing the Scout Movement Colour Parade and award ceremony at the San Fernando Hill last week, Carmona said: “As a (former) United Nations prosecutor, I can tell you what a failed state is and we are very far from that.”

He called on nationals to get their act together and take an example from Americans, who, he said, in spite of the many injustices taking place in their land, would never define their country in those derogatory terms.

“I often hear Trinidadians and Tobagonians refer to our country as a banana republic. Why don’t they (Americans) call the United States of America (USA) a banana republic, where 300 bike men meet in a car park and have a big shoot out resulting in some 15 persons dead, where terrorists are bombing left, right and centre.

“No, those people do not define America. They are citizens of America but they do not define America and nobody will call America, because of the slaughter that takes place in America, a banana republic.

“And nobody will call America a failed state because many men have been executed innocently in America because of prejudice and biasness and racial disharmony. No, because that will not define a country.”

Carmona said it should be the same for us as TT was a great country. He persuaded the young men not to let anyone tell them differently.

He said adults were the greatest bullies and were not doing a great job

of raising the standards of conduct and behaviour in our community.

He called on them to become upstanding citizens and ensure young people were taught proper values and respect.

He also advised the youths against engaging in social media, “where vicious, negative things are said over and over.”

He added: “You will not engage in social media, which I often refer to as a minefield of cowards, hiding behind some nom de plumes and fake names and fake emails, to insult and denigrate people.

“You would not do that because the Scout Movement is not about that. It is about sharing love, engaging in a philosophy of humanity to each other.”

He said while we have our share of problems in TT, once the Scouts were prepared to stand up they could be part of the solution.

He advised against cowering in small corners to denigrate or talk people bad but instead take their selfless effort to a different level of patriotism which would lead to problem-solving.

(TT Guardian)

TT boosts business ties with Cuba

PORT-OFSPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Although there are some differences in the way Cuba and TT do business, CEO of the TT Chamber of Commerce

Catherine Kumar says it is important for local businesses and companies to enter that market.

She said initial feedback from the participating companies in the Chamber’s recent fact finding mission to Cuba indicate that there is immediate potential for trade and collaboration.

The TT mission to Cuba included 17 companies and 20 delegates, along with officials from exporTT. Some of the sectors represented included energy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage.

Kumar said in Cuba almost all economic sectors are state controlled but in recent times there has been a shift allowing privately owned businesses to function more freely. However, so far this is restricted to hair

salons and restaurants.

The Chamber CEO said the agreement will facilitate a stronger business relationship and support a framework for member companies who wish to do business in Cuba. She gave the example of state run supermarkets with limited variety and the potential where they is an opportunity for TT businesses to supply a range of products.

“We found potential for collaboration and trade. In the food and beverage sector the Government run supermarkets are stocked with limited variety. This coupled with Cuba’s growing tourism industry means that there is demand for food and beverage and other household items like canned food products, dry goods, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, toilet paper and alcoholic beverages,” Kumar said.

She warned, however, that there are problems with distribution networks in Cuba which are more focused on price

than brand awareness.

“The latter is usually important to our manufacturers who invest heavily in marketing and brand awareness. As such, potential TT exporters will have to hire a private brand activation manager which translates into initial higher costs but which should pay off via higher sales in the medium term,” she said.

One of the participants in the TT mission, Charles Carvalho, CEO of Carvalho Travel Agencies, urged local companies to look at the long term future as Cuba continues to open up its economy.

While TT has long enjoyed diplomatic ties with Cuba, improved relations between that Caribbean nation and the United States have increased prospects for a range of economic activities. More trade and travel between the two countries provide opportunities for investment and new markets for a range of industries in the region. (TT Guardian)

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

A picturesque destination, Kurukabaru, located near the North Pakaraimas in Region 8, is higher than Paramakatoi, and is ideal for tourists who want to explore untouched nature in Guyana.

The wind at Kurukabaru is said to

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

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

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

Dookeran says Greek crisis could affect TT

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

The Greek debt crisis could have local repercussions, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Dookeran warned on Monday

“The implications for us is that if there are going to be Eurozone ripples it will have its effect globally and it will also have its effect in terms of our equity investment in the Eurozone,” Dookeran said, citing the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund. “The private sector may also have key investments. It will depend on how the market responds to the uncertainty. I don’t sense any panic in the financial markets but I do expect uncertainty that will eventually be reflected in the pricing in the market.”

On Sunday the Greeks rejected the latest international bailout proposal in a referendum, forcing a return to square one on the issue. The Greek debt situation dates back to the 2008 Wall Street collapse.

In the midst of that global financial crisis, it emerged that Greece had understated its deficits, raising alarms which resulted in the country being shut out from borrowing. Despite a US$264 billion bailout with conditions, Greece did not manage to enact reforms regarded as necessary and funds were simply cycled back out to repay debts.

Greek politicians have resisted austerity measures saying a humanitarian crisis is looming amid its population.

Dookeran said the situation involves several dynamics.

“There are three aspects,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said. “The first is with respect to the situation in

Greece itself and whether financial stability could be established. Secondly, the matter involves the question of a united Europe and the rules governing membership in the Eurozone and how they can now be tested. A third aspect involves the shifting the balance of power within EU and with Russia and other countries that may depending on how this matter is resolved.”

Dookeran continued, “What this does is open a new opportunity for a fresh set of negotiations. It could go either way. We will watch carefully.”

Finance and Economy Minister Larry Howai has stated his ministry is monitoring the situation. Germany and France on Monday opened talks on whether they would re-open talks with Greece, as the possibility of the country leaving the European Union was much discussed. (TT Newsday)

Antigua PM denies victimisation in arrest of former House Speaker

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has denied allegations that his administration played a role in the arrest of former Speaker of the Parliament, D Gisele Isaac, who is facing fraud charges in Antigua.

Browne, who was attending the 36th annual summit of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders that ended in Barbados on the weekend, told reporters that the allegations were nothing more than a "knee-jerk reaction of every single person who finds themselves in trouble with the law.

"Almost invariably, especially where they have political connection, they tend to blame the government. I can assure you my government has absolutely no interest in interfering in the work of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecution) or the police, we have a policy of non-interference.

Isaac, who is also the UPP chairman, and popular radio announc-

er Algernon 'Serpent' Watts were arrested and charged last month as police probe activities at the Board of Education (BOE) initiated by Education Minister Michael Browne in August last year.

The former speaker will re-appear in court on October 25 after being charged with conspiring to defraud the BOE.

Isaac and Watts are alleged to have committed the offences during the period 2013-14.

Isaac, who served as Speaker during the last parliament when the United Progressive

Party (UPP) government was in power, has been released on EC$35,000 (One EC Dollar =US$0.37 cents) bail, while Watts' bail has been set at EC$15,000.

Both were jointly accused of conspiring to defraud the Board of Education of EC$13, 983.97 between March 2013 and March 2014.

Isaac, who served as executive secretary of the BOE, received additional charges of fraudulent conversion of the same EC$13, 983.97; fraudulent conversion of another EC$9,000 and corruption.

Watts is accused of failing to pay Education Levy to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue between March 2013 and February 2014, being a person self-employed as a debt collection officer at the BOE.

The opposition UPP has termed the charges political and supporters earlier last month staged a protest march outside a police station in support of Isaac. (CMC)

Jamaica: Production of biofuel still in the mix

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Jamaica is looking to produce its own bio-fuel and increase the current mix of ethanol in petrol to about 20 per cent.

This is according to Principal Director, Policy, Planning, Development and Evaluation Division, in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Dr Oral Rainford, who said this “is something that we are giving serious consideration.”

He was speaking at the opening of the workshop on the Life Cycle Sustainable Assessment and Global Bio Energy Partnership (GBEP)

(L-r) From oaS ruben contreras Lisperguer, Political-Economic counsellor, United States Embassy, cleveland charles, ambassador of Brazil to Jamaica, carlos alberto den Hartog, and oral rainford. (Photo:

Indicators for Sustainable Biofuels in Jamaica, at the Kingston offices of the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF), on Monday.

A ten per cent ethanol mix in fuel was implemented in Jamaica in 2008. This ethanol, which is produced from cane sugar and molasses, is mainly

imported from Brazil.

Rainford is adamant, however, that “we’ve got to begin doing more for ourselves,” in terms of producing bio-fuels locally, start-

Teacher shortage in TT worrying

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD:

Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) president Devanand Sinanan on Monday bemoaned an acute shortage of Tech/Voc (technical/vocational) teachers in the nation’s secondary schools, as he reacted to plans for 3,000 Onthe-Job (OJT) trainees to join the school system, announced last week by Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Fazal Karim.

Further, the country lacks sufficient trainers at tertiary level to train a cohort of secondary school Tech/Voc teachers, he lamented. The shortage is in areas such as Electrical, Plumbing, Welding and Food and Nutrition, he said.

He said that while the country’s primary schools do not face any teacher shortage (and may even have a surplus), in contrast in secondary schools there are shortages in the areas of Science and Tech/ Voc Education.

He said the Tech/Voc shortage arose with the end of John Donaldson Technical Institute’s (John D’s) Tech/Voc training programme a few years ago.

The country now has a shortage of Tech/ Voc teachers in secondary schools and likewise in turn led to a shortage of youngsters qualifying in Tech/Voc in secondary school thereby creating a dearth of persons likely to become the Tech/Voc teachers and trainers of tomorrow.

“Tech/Voc positions remain vacant for years and years until the whole department is virtually forced to shut down. When they stopped training Tech/voc teachers at John D, more than a decade ago, there is no institution currently that ef-

fectively trains persons to become Tech/Voc teachers. Those existing tech/ voc teachers retire and move out of the positions and we don’t have people to replace them,” related Sinanan.

“So if you go from school to school, all those former senior comprehensive schools, and you speak to the principals I’m sure they will tell you they have three four and five vacancies in the Tech/ Voc subjects.”

Sinanan said, “The Tech/Voc problem is a serious one. We have been making a lot of noise to the Ministry about it. We spoke to the Ministry from even before this Government and alerted the Ministry to this reality. They had said MIC (Metal Industries Company) was supposed to come on-stream with some kind of Tech/ Voc teacher training programme, but we are not too sure what happened there. They said that UTT (University of Trinidad and Tobago) was supposed to have a programme for Tech/Voc teacher training which they introduced but apparently a lot of people are not accessing it, for all kinds of reasons. He suggested this is due to the B Ed (Tech/Voc) degree’s range of offerings being too limited.

“The bottom line is that we have a problem whereby we have lots of vacant positions in the Tech/Voc areas, and of course children can’t access the Tech/ Voc programme and the principals are very often actually forced to effectively shut down the Tech/Voc departments.”

Sinanan said this was a serious problem that needed to be highlighted.

“We feel — but we don’t have any hard evidence — that it is part of a concerted effort to remove

Tech/Voc education from mainstream schools, and separate it completely, a position that we are totally opposed to. We have expressed those sentiments

ing with the mix currently being used.

The principal director noted that this plan to produce bio-fuel in Jamaica is being partly hampered by the unwillingness of industry players to venture into this production.

Another setback, he explained, is the lack of adequate arable land for the production of the raw material, as there is a “contest” for such lands with more profitable crops.

Rainford noted however, that the government is working to bring back into production, lands that have remained uncultivated for many years, and “begin developing the fleet

repeatedly to the Ministry of Education.”

He said Germany and South Korea removed Tech/Voc from their mainstream school system 30 years ago but have since

stock which we will use in our bio-energy project as we go forward.”

This is the second workshop being held as part of the implementation of a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Brazil, Jamaica and the United States, for the advancement and co-operation on bio-fuels development.

The four-day workshop seeks to provide technical training in a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment tool, which is a software designed to help decisionmakers in the public and private sectors advance the production of bio-fuels locally. (JIS)

come full circle to realise that Tech/Voc education belongs in the school system and in fact should be introduced from as early as in primary school. (TT Newsday)

Reggae meets jazz at Kings Theatre

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Reggae Jazz Fest, a show with Monty Alexander and Beres Hammond, is part of the comeback season for the storied Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York.

The show is scheduled for August 1 when Jamaicans celebrate Emancipation Day.

Built in 1929 as the Loew's Kings Theatre, it was a popular spot for vaudeville and movie-goers before closing in 1977. It re-opened in February after renovation of almost US$100 million with a concert by Diana Ross. The

a massive Jamaican community. George Crooks of Jammins Productions is promoter of Reggae Jazz Fest, which he said caters to fans of traditional jazz and lovers rock reggae.

"We have Beres who everyone loves, but Jamaica also has Monty Alexander who is an exceptional Jazz artiste, who plays Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall on several occasions...so we wanted to introduce him to the rest of the Caribbean community," Crooks told the Jamaica media.

Alexander has lived in

the United States since the early 1960s and established himself a major player in traditional jazz. He has collaborated with a number of Jamaican musicians in recent years, including Ernie Ranglin, Sly and Robbie, Glen Browne and Dean Fraser.

Reggae Jazz Fest is the third concert in the Kings Theatre series -- following soul singer Jill Scott and The Whispers/Stephanie Mills. Rock singer Jackson Browne is also on the itinerary. (Jamaica Observer)

A broken education system in Guyana – Minister Roopnaraine strains credulity

Minister Rupert Roopnaraine disdainfully pronounced the other day that the education system in Guyana was close to collapsing when he took over the leadership of that ministry less than two months ago. We believe that Minister Roopnaraine lacks credibility on this matter.

His duty as Minister of Education is to make the education system of Guyana better than it is today and make it serve each Guyanese child.

But Minister Roopnaraine didn’t inherit a broken education system. Indeed, he inherited one that’s stronger than at any other time in our country’s history, whether it’s our colonial history or our post independence history. The new Minister of Education should be honest about this fact.

Education for children at present nursery, primary and secondary levels, exceeds levels of such education than at any other time in our history.

More Guyanese citizens are accessing tertiary and post graduate education than ever before in Guyana. A greater diversity of tertiary and post graduate education programs is available through in-school education programs or distant learning. There’s also greater access to technical-vocational training than anyone would have imagined just less than a decade

ago. At all levels, public and private sector programs are transforming the skill-levels of the Guyanese citizens – young and old.

When Dr Roopnaraine was a boy, he was able to attend an elite high school although he was one of less than 10% of Guyanese children who could even benefit from secondary education. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP/C initiated a transformation in the early 1960s that today see most of our children with access to secondary education.

We produce our own lawyers, doctors, dentists, engineers, accountants and managers. We even train pilots. Our nurses are trained at higher levels. We train our own specialists in surgery, orthopedics, trauma, medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry. The diversity of education opportunities are such today that Dr Roopnaraine would not have imagined when he left high school.

Much of the success that has led us from being a country with limited opportunities for a limited number of Guyanese to now where vast educational opportunities are available to most Guyanese comes from the vision and the platform that Cheddi Jagan and the PPP/C initiated in the 1960s.

The expansion of programs resulting from investment in

the last twenty years by the PPP/C Government today is one that APNU+AFC has a chance to make even better.

Let’s remember that out of the eight CXC top awards given in 2014, Guyana won four and one of those was attributed to the overall top CXC student in Caricom. In 2013, our children won five of the eight awards

schools have been constructed. The Education Ministry has massively invested in infrastructure and technology so that our teachers and students could benefit from modernization.

A goal of any education program is to achieve Universal Access to Education at all levels. Guyana has long surpassed

and no country has won more of the top CXC awards than Guyana over the last decade. This has resulted due to an improved investment milieu for the education sector.

From just about $8US per capita in 1991, Guyana today invests over $200US, more than 25 times it did in 1991. The education sector commands close to 20% of the entire national budget today, compared to about 4% in 1991. It is the reason why most of the schools have been reconstructed or rehabilitated and new

the goal of 100% access to primary education. In terms of secondary education, Guyana has emerged from just above 30% in 1992 to greater than 95% today. More than 70% of our children have access to nursery education, one of the highest accesses in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The education sector has increased the training of teachers through in-service training and pre-service training. From less than 30% trained teachers in our schools in 1991, there are now more than 75% trained

teachers.

Many schools in our hinterland have a hot meal feeding program for children, while on the Coast there’s a juice and biscuit snack program in place. A Free Textbook Program in Guyanese schools is not new, but before 1991, it was a promise not kept. Guyanese schools are increasingly utilizing ICT as an education strategy. Many schools have computer labs and most children today have access to a computer. This has been bolstered via the One Laptop Per Family Program. From where we stand, the education system in Guyana does not appear to be close to collapsing. Indeed there are weaknesses to be corrected and strengths to be enhanced. There are standards and quality regulations to be put in place. But to dismiss the achievements of the PPP/C administration is cheap politics.

The best way of securing his own legacy is for Minister Roopnaraine to build on the successes of the last twenty years. Can he move the APNU+AFC Government to make the investment in education that is necessary? Or is he setting the stage to justify his failure to better the successes of the PPP/C?

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

Govt promises faster issuance of Diaspora passports

The Government of Guyana has approved some Gy$9.7 million for the purchase of equipment which will see a faster issuance of passports to Guyanese in the Diaspora.

According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, persons in the Diaspora have been complaining bitterly about the time taken to acquire their Guyana passports.

The process, he said, sometimes took as much as five months but with the Gy$9.7 million now allocated, additional equipment will be purchased to equip the immigration office to ensure that the issuance of passports is done in as little as five days.

Minister of Citizenry, Winston Felix had briefed Cabinet and informed that there exist-

ed a “backlog” and steps were being taken to en-

sure that this was “reduced considerably”.

In the meantime, Harmon said the Government was looking to decentralise the immigration office.

RINS

“The processing of applications along with deliveries will also be decentralised, so that a Guyanese citizen in Berbice, in Linden, at Bartica, in Lethem and in the hinterland locations, it will make it easier for them to access these essential documents which are necessary for them to travel and to do business,” Harmon said.

It was only recently that the newly-installed Minister of Citizenship, in explaining the vision for the Immigration Services, “Developing to its full potential, Guyana’s reg-

istration and immigration system”, noted that it was envisaged that in the long-term, the country would be serviced by an efficiently run decentralised Registration, Immigration and Naturalisation Service (RINS).

This service will have branches in all of Guyana’s townships such as Bartica and Lethem, and will enable persons to know their rights and responsibilities, and “have access to recourse in the event of anomalies to the system”.

The Minister stated that for too long these agencies have had a disparate relationship, and they were unable to share information, and hence completely serve the purpose for which they were designed. The Ministry

of Citizenship, currently housed in the compound of the Ministry of the Presidency, will review the existing system and structures and the formulation of a strategic plan to integrate the systems to achieve the development of a comprehensive citizenship policy, a border policy, decentralisation of services and a national model that includes civic education to transform the sector to realise its full potential.

The Ministry will comprise two divisions, Minster Felix added, “One involved in the registration of births, deaths and marriages, while the other will be engaged in the registration of citizens, naturalisation, visa extensions, passport applications and other related matters.”

Ali says Harmon’s criticisms “baseless”

– urges Govt to revisit decision to stall project

Former acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Minister Irfaan Ali, under whose Ministry the Rural Development Fund was managed, has strongly refuted claims made by Minister of State Joseph Harmon that documentation does not exist for the spending of at least Gy$100 million from the billion-dollar fund.

Speaking to Guyana Times International on Wednesday afternoon, Ali said that it was “amazing” to hear the Minister of State make such statements when the said Fund was approved by the National Assembly when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was in power. “This project was one of four initiatives announced and debated in

the National Assembly in the last budget… the two projects being the call centres for Enmore and Tuschen,” he said.

He noted that the resources budgeted for the Rural Development Fund went to the Committee of Supplies and every question asked was answered to the extent that resources under this project were not subject to cutting.

“Further, the works for the construction of the factories and the supply of the equipment was publicly tendered and awarded at the NPTAB, so it is amazing to hear the reasoning that enough information was not available on these projects,” the former Minister intoned.

Ali further said that the decision to pull the resources from the people of Wakenaam and

Leguan under the Rural Development Fund is one that is detrimental to the creation of wealth, improvement of livelihood and creation of new economic opportunities.

“It is strange that the reasoning behind this decision is not based on the positive attributes of the projects or the opportunities it has created for the people on the Islands, but it is based on the assumption that there is not enough information available on the project.

I wish to call upon the Government to seriously reconsider this decision, as it is one that will take us backward rather than forward…,” the former Minister expressed.

This publication was able to source a copy of the project document titled “2014 Rural Development Fund Project Document,

Former acting tourism, Industry and commerce minister Irfaan ali

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce” which contained all the information on the projects; including cost, implementation, schedule of works among others, that the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said could not be found.

In the document, the construction of factory building in Leguan,

Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara, Region Three was pegged at Gy$39,497,692, with the different phases and the cost for each phase clearly identified and listed. All information was also listed for the two call centres at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Harmon, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, said that through the Rural Development Fund, Wakenaam and Leguan would have seen the establishment of a Plantain Chip Factory, while Enmore and Tuschen were earmarked for call centres. According to Harmon, as of June 30, over Gy$20 million had been spent on the building at Wakenaam

and there was a further Gy$33.6 million still to be spent on it. Additionally, some Gy$24 million was invested in Leguan. However, he said that no documentation could be found for the respective projects at the Ministry and as such, the Government has taken the decision to put the project under review. He disclosed that as it stood, close to Gy$100 million had been spent and therefore Government will now have to review the way in which the money was spent, following which a decision will be taken as to whether the projects will be completed.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan have also been asked to assist in having the review carried out, Harmon said.

TT PM Kamla tells Rowley apologise to nation

PORT-OF-SPAIN,

TRINIDAD: Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has challenged Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to apologise to the nation for several racist comments made by members of the People’s National Movement over the years, saying the party was not being honest in its recent comments about using race in campaigning.

As she made her point on Monday, Persad-Bissessar went back to the 2013 Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) election, when then deputy Chief Secretary Hilton Sandy told supporters that if they did

not vote the PNM back in to power a “Calcutta Ship” was waiting to take over the island, to make her point.

Speaking at a UNC Monday Night Forum at the Gasparillo Secondary School, she also called on PNM youth officer Fitzgerald Hinds to apologise for his “alligator in murky lagoon” comments at a public meeting at Piggott’s Corner, Belmont, recently.

She said if Rowley was genuine about not running a racist campaign he should confront all racist remarks coming from members of his party.

“I am calling on the Opposition Leader and Mr

Hinds to apologise to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I call upon them to apologise and to confront the racist campaign they have run and the racist campaign they continue to run,” Persad-Bissessar said. She also challenged Rowley to account for his representation of the Diego Martin West constituency, saying it was under the former UNC government that the Carenage Government School was built, while the People’s Partnership had built the Diego Martin Highway, several schools and will soon open the new Carenage Health Centre.(TT Guardian)

The Olive Branch

Satiricus didn’t believe in holding grudges. “What’s the point,” he asked himself. “We’re all dead in the end, no?” Satiricus was given to having these discussions with himself – and it was why he’d get some odd looks from folks since he’d speak out aloud occasionally.

Anyhow, Satiricus was so pleased to see former Minister of the Government, Mr. Old Time Biggie, going to meet the new President. His wife had sent him a posting from some social media site showing Mr. Biggie going through the gates of the Office of the President. And even though he’s been out of office for a month, the pic showed Mr Biggie, working his phone even as he was walking. Mr. Biggie was such a go getter! He was probably offering some words of comfort and solace to some poor children whose father had perished in a mining collapse.

Mr Biggie was standing head and shoulders over his other comrades who kept whining on being “cheated out of office”. “Well that was progress, no?” thought Satiricus. “So what if they were cheated? Even though the whole country had been waiting for riots to break out – IT DIDNT!!” That was progress and Satiricus was always one to salute progress.

Ex-Minister Mr Biggie had also pointed out that the cheating wasn’t as big as in the past. Heck!! In the old days the cheating would’ve been by hundreds of thousands of votes. Here it wasn’t even 5000!! “Why!! That was practically almost NOT cheating!” exclaimed Satiricus loudly, as his neighbour looked at him kinda funny.

His wife had snickered when she’s passed on the pic of Mr Biggie sidling into the Presidential compound. And Satiricus just knew what she and so many others were thinking: that Mr Biggie was stabbing his comrades who’d made him into what he was, for a “lil wuk”. But those were people with small minds. They didn’t know that Mr Biggie was doing it all – not for himself – but for his comrades.

And this was why he’d announced that he was taking a “sabbatical” from his party. He wanted to build bridges to the new government for his old comrades. Speculation that he was just trying to protecting his own rear end, was so unkind. Mr Biggie was like name and nature… not that he had a BIG ego….just a BIG heart!

By Rakesh RampeRtaB, esq

This is the second in a series of articles on Wills. In the first, a number of basic concepts were discussed, one of which is what happens generally when a person dies without a Will. It was said that such a person's assets or estate, however small, will go to the State, "if the estate is not properly distributed."

What does this phrase mean? It means that if a dead person's (or decedent in legal terms) assets are not distributed amongst his or her relatives, those assets will go to the State. Of course, since there is usually some relative alive, New York State is not likely to get anything.

When a person dies without leaving a Will, we say that person died "intestate" and his or her assets shall now be distributed according to laws set down by the lawmakers, to avoid confusion, since the dead person left us no instructions as to what to do with his or her belongings.

The law is often called the law of intestacy. It is one of New York's Estates Powers and Trusts Laws (EPTL), and the specific statute we should be concerned with is usually referred to as EPTL 4-1.1.

Under EPTL 4-1.1., the assets of a dead person who died "intestate" (without a Will) is now to be distributed among surviving relatives in a specific order. Of course, before we can parcel out anything, we have to ensure all outstanding debts, taxes, administration expenses, including reasonable funeral expenses are paid.

Now we can proceed. If the dead person has a spouse (i.e., husband or wife) and no children then the spouse takes the full estate. End of story. If there is a child or children and a spouse, then the spouse is entitled to $50,000.00 first.

Next, the remainder of the estate, if any, is divided between the spouse and childrenthe spouse gets half of that remainder, with the other half divided between the surviving children, equally. Of course, it gets tricky when a dead person has a child who passed before him or her, and left children of his or her own, behind.

There are other tricky scenarios but let us move on. If there is no spouse but children, then the assets are divided equally among the children. If there is no spouse and no children, then the next per -

are no brothers and sisters also, then the assets will go to grandparents; that is, one half to grandparents on the mother's side, and one half to grandparents on the father's side. There are other com -

sons to get assets are the surviving parents. What happens if there is no spouse, no children, and no parents alive when a person dies without a Will? In this case, the assets go to the dead person's brothers and sisters, equally. If there

binations and variations that can emerge from this order, but let us end here, as we wish to keep the order of distribution simple. Otherwise, it will get confusing because the subject of Wills and allocation of assets is quite troublesome.

To avoid some of this confusion, it is advisable to get a Will done. Even when assets pass by intestacy and go to relatives, such assets may still end up in the hands of someone who may not deserve them, or who may squander them. Again, one should get a Will. This article does not constitute legal advice; if anyone wants to draft a Will, they should retain an attorney. This writer and attorney may be reached via email at rrampert@ yahoo.com.

Actor Chris Evans has been quietly dating Elizabeth Olsen for a few months while filming 'Captain America: Civil War'.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron co-stars have been dating for months, reported Ace Showbiz.

"Chris and Lizzie are definitely involved in some kind of ultra-secret romance that's being kept under wraps while they shoot," a source said.

"The attraction between them has been there from day one."

The 34-year-old Captain America: The First Avenger actor allegedly wants his personal life to be very private.

"Chris is paranoid about his womanising becoming public while he's on this multi-picture deal with Marvel. He's protecting his image, and will bend over backwards to keep things quiet," the source added.

Back in March, Evans

was rumoured to be dating Lily Collins. They reportedly hooked up after meeting at the star-studded Oscars after-party hosted by Vanity Fair in

February. Olsen, 26, ended her engagement to Boyd Holbrook in January after two years together. (TOI)

Lindsay Lohan says no to Burger King commercial

'F

reaky Friday' actress Lindsay Lohan has rejected a Burger King commercial.

The 29-year-old actress, who had been to rehab was approached by the international chain to appear in their commercial, where they wanted her to wear a spicy chicken fries box and smoke a chicken fly like a cigarette.

But the actress felt the idea made fun of her troubled past and said no the brand, reported Female First.

"We were gob-smacked. It was making fun of her issues," an insider said.

However, according to another source, it was the food chain that actually rejected the Mean Girls star because her managers were interfering and wanted too many changes in the final idea. (TOI)

Stand-up comedian Russell Brand's cell phone was stolen during his latest visit to India.

The 40-year-old 'Get Him' to the Greek star was in India to perform his stand-up show for the Comedy Central Chuckles Festival in cities Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore.

During his visit to the slums, where he went to meet the underprivileged residents, his cell phone was stolen from the pocket of his trousers, reported Contactmusic. Brand posted a video on Instagram, describing the incident.

"In the mad free-for-all, one of them nicked (stole) my phone, I didn't even notice it happen. Someone explained, 'Oh, your phone's been nicked', then another kid bought (sic) it back." "I went to try and give him money and stuff and he looked at me as if it meant nothing, like, the money. That kid was

living by a higher code," wrote Brand. (TOI)

Jessica Alba's husband dislocates shoulder in pool dive

Actress Jessica Alba's film producer husband Cash Warren has injured his shoulder while having fun by the pool.

The father of two was showing off his sporting skills when he landed awkwardly in the water and he has taken to Instagram to share a snap of his impressive front dive - moments before he hurt himself.

"Dislocated my shoulder doing this dive...but it was worth it dammit! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend," he wrote. (TOI)

'Hunger Games' actress Jennifer Lawrence and Coldplay

frontman Chris Martin were spotted spending quality time together putting break-up ru-

mours to rest.

The 24-year-old actress and her musician lover were seen taking a stroll in Manhattan on Friday, reported People magazine.

"They were walking arm-in-arm, in a hurry it seemed. It looked like they were dressed for date night," a source said. The last time Martin, 38, and Lawrence were seen together before there outing last weekend was when the couple attended a U2 concert.

(TOI)

Actress Diana Douglas passes away at 92

Veteran actress Diana Douglas, mother of actor Michael Douglas, has died. She was 92.

Diana, who appeared in dozens of films and TV shows including 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles', 'ER' and 'The West Wing', died of cancer in a retirement home on July 3.

Her husband of 13 years, Donald Webster, confirmed the death of the actress.

The film marked her final big screen appearance.

Born Diana Love Dill in Bermuda, she studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where she met Kirk. She began her career with Warner Bros, and modelled on the cover of Life Magazine in 1943.

Diana was married to actor Bill Darrid from 1956 until his death in 1992. She later married Webster in 2002.

She appeared with her ex-husband and elder son in the 2003 film 'It Runs in the Family'.

She was the first wife of actor Kirk Douglas and was married to the legendary actor from 1943 until their divorce in 1951. She had two sons, Michael and Joel, with Kirk.

Taylor Swift's

The actress officially retired from showbiz in 2008 at the age of 85.

(TOI)

friends 'don't trust' Calvin Harris

Pop star Taylor Swift's friends reportedly 'don't trust' Calvin Harris over his close friendship with the star's close buddy Gigi Hadid.

"Calvin has shown a sudden interest in Gigi. Taylor's friends started to notice that he was pursuing a friendship

with her. They don't trust him, but they're trying to support Taylor because they know how much she's in love with him," a source said.

"Calvin has been liking Gigi's pictures and her selfies on Instagram the minute they're posted.

The 25-year-old

singer is believed to have confronted Harris about his and the 20-year-old model's growing friendship, where he said he was just texting her about a "major role in his music video," something he is "really excited about," reported OK! magazine. (TOI)

Hema Malini to provide financial aid to accident victims

BJP MP Hema Malini, who was discharged from a Jaipur hospital on Saturday after her Mercedes collided with another car leaving a child dead and injuring five others, including the actress, has offered financial assistance to families of the victims.

The 66-year-old actor-politician reached Mumbai today by a chartered plane, accompanied by her daughter Esha Deol and Deol's husband Bharat Takhtani. Talking to reporters outside Hema's residence in Juhu, Esha said, "My mother will help the families of victims. She is doing this not because she is a neta (leader) but because she is a good human being as well."

On Thursday night, the car in which Hema Malini was travelling rammed into another car coming from the opposite direction in Dausa district of Rajasthan, killing a four-year-old girl and leaving five others injured, including the veteran actress.

"Jab accident hua tab mummy ki jo condition thi wo kisi aur ke baare me kaise soch sakti thi...koi bhi nahi soch pa raha tha...par hame afsos hai us pariwar ne apna khoya hai (When the accident took place, my mother as well as the family was not in a condition to comprehend anything but we are sad that a family has lost a dear one)," Esha said.

"When the accident happened she was asleep. She had told everyone to

wear their seat belts. But achanak picche se jor ka dhakka laga (suddenly we felt jolt from the rear side)," she said.

"The accident was very bad..It was traumatic so no one was in a state to talk...or think anything," she said.

Esha informed that Hema has been advised rest for now. "Doctors have asked her to take rest at home. She is a bit better now...she is fine. She wants to rest now. She is not meeting anyone. She will relax for a day or two and then she will meet (people)," she added.

The actress, who was discharged from hospital, had undergone a surgery for her wounds at the Fortis hospital. She was also treated for a minor fracture on her nose. Mahesh Chand Thakur, who was driving Hema's car at the time of the accident, has been arrested. (TOI)

Actress Parineeti Chopra, during a live chatting session with her fans on Twitter, said in response to a question by actor Arjun Kapoor that it was because of him that her life changed when he "chose" her for 'Ishaqzaade'.

SParineeti decided on a live chat on Twitter as she had amassed five million followers on the micro-blogging website.

Arjun took to Twitter when the actress was chatting with her followers, and asked her to tell the world on how the Gunday actor changed

uperstar Hrithik Roshan says it was Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone, who inspired him to become a stronger person in his life.

The 41-year-old 'Bang Bang!' actor took to the micro-blogging site Twitter to wish his idol happy birthday and thank him for being his inspiration.

"It was also @TheSlyStallone birthday! Give it up for the man who inspired the thin weak me to be strong one day. Can't thank him enough. Happy Birthday!"

Stallone, 68, celebrated his birthday on Monday.

The 'Krrish' actor is currently shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker's epic adventure-romance Mohenjo Daro opposite actress Pooja Hegde, who makes her Bollywood debut with

Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput finally got married in a close knit ceremony. In no time, the pictures of the newlyweds made it to the social media. Wishes started pouring in from fans and wellwishers. Shahid too posted a wedding selfie clicked with wife Mira Rajput, or should we say Mira Kapoor? "#hitched https://instagram.com/p/41a-L9BJj1/" [sic] he wrote. (TOI)

Pher life.

"Hello excuse me madam @ParineetiChopra please tell the world how I have changed ur life...u can chat later...this news is very important," Arjun tweeted on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old actress, who had made her Bollywood debut with 'Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl' and then starred in films like 'Shuddh Desi Romance' and 'Hasee Toh Phasee', replied: "@ arjunk26 baba you ARE my world, it changed the moment YOU chose me for Ishaqzaade. Tumhi ho bandhu, sakhaa tumhi #Parineeti5Million."

The duo starred together in the 2012 film Ishaqzaade. (TOI)

akistani actress Mahira Khan will soon make her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in his upcoming film 'Raees'. The actress, who has romanced Fawad Khan and hosted a KJo-like TV show, will clash with Salman Khan at the box office. But before that, this Eid, Mahira will be seen in a Pakistani film, Bin Roye, which will release

alongside Salman's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', reports Mumbai Mirror. Speaking from Lahore, the actress dismissed any talk of competition, pointing out that while the Salman-starrer will open in 1000-plus screens, her story of love and loss will probably not get more than 50. While her film will be an Eid attraction in India, Salman's cross-border story is yet to be cleared

in Pakistan. "I'm told that 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' has some Pakistani elements which could become an issue even though Indian films always play to packed theatres here," she reasoned. "One of our really big hits, Waar, couldn't be released in your country (India) because of some Indian elements. It's what I call 'cinema politics'," she was quoted in the report. (TOI)

Megastar Amitabh

the film.

The film, which has its music by AR Rahman, is scheduled to release on 12 August 2016. (TOI)

Bachchan, who has a meet and greet session with his fans every Sunday, says it worries him to see women and children in discomfort due to the crowd. He has sought the help of police for a "simpler and effective" way of managing the weekly gathering in front of his residence Jalsa here.

"It is another Sunday and the rains have been silent for a while...and the wishers and well beings of my life gather outside the gates of JALSA and in heavy multitudes and in some unpredictable crowd planning ...it worries me no end when the little children and the ladies are subjected to discomfort...," the 72-year-old posted on his blog.

Keeping this in mind, Big B made sure

that his female fans and children face no difficulty while being part of such a huge turnout of people.

Fans gather outside Jalsa, Amitabh's house, every Sunday morning and the 'Paa' star makes sure that he acknowledges the love and respect by sharing photographs of the Sunday ritual on his official pag -

es on various social networking platforms. He also mentioned the efforts of youngster who designed a paper book that was presented to the megastar at the gate. The paperbook had photographs of Madhushala, his father Harivanshrai Bachchan's book, and of 'Piku', Amitabh's last released film. (TOI)

Sammy ruled out for remainder of Hero CPL

St Lucia Zouks captain, Darren Sammy, has been ruled out for four weeks, and will miss the remainder of the Hero Caribbean Premier League, after sustaining an incomplete fracture to his left hand. He will be replaced as captain by Kevin Pietersen and Keiron Cottoy has been called up to the St Lucia Zouks squad.

All-rounder, Sammy, has scored 81 runs and taken six wickets for the Zouks in CPL 2015. He suffered a fracture on his second metacarpal when facing a short ball from Andre Russell in Wednesday’s match against the Appleton Estate Jamaica Tallawahs. He will continue to travel with the St Lucia Zouks squad for the remainder of this year’s tournament.

Tom Moody, Director of Cricket, Hero CPL, said: “It’s a real shame for Darren, he’s one of the biggest names in the CPL and a great leader for the

Zouks. We wish him a speedy recovery, and knowing the kind of guy he is, I’m sure he’ll continue to be an inspirational part of the squad for the rest of the tournament even though he won’t actually be out in the middle.”

Hero CPL 2015 began on 20th June, with global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi joining the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, and exciting up-and-coming local talent. The tournament has already provided plenty of excitement, with packed crowds, an unrivalled party atmosphere, thrilling finishes, and some outstanding batting and bowling performances. The competition will feature 33 matches in all, with the final, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, taking place on 26th July.

(CPL Release)

Hero CPL fan takes catch to win US $1000

Private Javed Fisher, of the Jamaica Defense Force, is today US$1,000 richer, thanks to the Hero Caribbean Premier League’s Catch a Million promotion, in association with Guardian Group.

Private Fisher, a fast bowler with the JDF Cricket Club, caught a Chadwick Walton six one-handed at Sabina Park during last night’s match between the Appleton Estate Jamaica Tallawahs and St Lucia Zouks.

As well as winning US$1,000, Private Fisher also has the chance to win a trip to Trinidad for the Hero CPL final, and if he repeats the feat at the Queen’s Park Oval, he will win US $1million!

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer,

Hero CPL, said: “We’ve had a lot of near misses so it’s great to have a successful one-handed catch in the crowd. We’re delighted for Private Fisher – you can tell he’s a good cricketer because he made the catch look so easy! We wish him the best of luck as he tries to progress to Trinidad for the final.”

Larry Olton, Group VP Integrated Marketing Communications, Guardian Group, said: “Last night’s match between the Tallawahs and Zouks presented multiple exciting opportunities for a spectator to take a US$1000 catch and Guardian Group congratulates Private Fisher and wishes him the best of luck as we move to the final in Trinidad and the chance to win up to US$1million.”

The first person to take a catch one-handed at every CPL match this year will win US $1,000. The public will vote on the best catches online at CPL’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CarnivalT20) to decide who makes the trip to Trinidad. In the CPL countries where there is no one-handed catch, fans can still register at www.myguardiangroup.com for a chance to win the trip to the Hero CPL Final. There have been over 200 sixes in the tournament so far, and there are bound to be plenty more opportunities for fans at the upcoming matches in Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to win some serious cash. (CPL Release)

CONCACAF Gold Cup: Haiti snatch point with late equaliser

… U.S. beat Honduras 2-1

FRISCO, Texas

– A goal four minutes from time helped French Caribbean side, Haiti, snatch a share of the points against Panama in a dramatic finish to their opening Group A game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup here Tuesday. Haiti seemed headed to defeat following Alberto Quintero’s 55th minute conversion but the 21-year-old Duckens Nazon produced a lovely piece of skill with time ticking away to finish from close range, and send his side into celebration. In the second game of the double-header at Toyota Stadium, Clint Dempsey scored twice

as defending champions, the United States, beat Honduras 2-1. Dempsey, the former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspurs front-man, struck in the 25th minute when he headed in a rebound to give the U.S. an early lead. He was on target again in the 64th minute with another header, putting in Michael Bradley’s free kick, as the hosts took control of the game. Carlos Discua came off the bench four minutes later to pull one back for Honduras who then failed to find an equaliser.

Earlier, both Haiti and Panama squandered chances to take full honours from the

contest, and the game went to the half-time whistle locked nil-all. Ten minutes after resumption, however, Quintero found the back of the nets after defender Reginal Goreux made a hash of a clearance.

Blas Perez came close to a second for Panama on 72 minutes before Nazon spoiled their party, skipping free of his marker and producing a low shoot from eight yards out to beat the goalkeeper.

In their next game tomorrow, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Haiti clash with the U.S. while Panama face Honduras. (CMC)

Guyanese Eion Katchay optimistic Canada can qualify for ICC T20 World Cup - Gordon lone Caribbean player selected….

By RavendRa Madholall

TORONTO, CANADA:

Former Canadian allrounder Eion Katchay is very optimistic Canada will be qualifying for next year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup in India.

He made this declaration on Sunday as Canada set to begin their campaign on Thursday against Kenya. The qualifying tournament is hosted jointly by Scotland and Ireland and will run for 18 days.

Of the 14 participating teams, six will join the other 10 full-member ICC countries at the mega event from March 11 to April 3. Apart from his optimism, Katchay spoke enthusiastically.

“This [is] a great chance for Canada to qualify, they did well in USA recently at the first qualifying tournament so I think they are more ready

and prepared to reach at T20 World Cup in 2016,” the medium-pace bowler and righthanded batsman, related.

He is also very confident that this bunch of players is talented and capable of making Canada proud to advance and be part of the World Cup showdown.

“I know this is a very good team and can do well over there; once they play to their true potential, Canada should be in the top four; the side very talented, they got experience and they are playing good cricket as well,” the former Guyana first-class cricketer stated.

Since the inauguration of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 (South Africa), Canada have never featured having suffered elimination at the Qualifier competition but Katchay on hangs high hopes of them making their debut on this occasion.

Lara to stage clinic on eve of CPL final

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD: -- Batting

legend Brian Lara will host a clinic in Trinidad for thousands of children ahead of the Caribbean Premier League final later this month.

The former West Indies captain, a CPL Twenty20 ambassador, will stage the event on July 25 - the eve of the grand final at Queen's Park Oval.

"Passing on my skills and experience to youngsters is something that has always been really important to me and I'm excited about this chance to work with all these talented kids in my hometown," said Lara.

"CPL is all about inspiring West Indians of all ages to get excited about cricket again, and I hope events like this will help us find our next generation of cricketing legends."

Lara is considered by many as the finest batsman of the contemporary era, gathering 11,953 runs from 131 Tests at an average of 52. His career aggregate is the most by a West Indies batsman.

He scored 34 centuries and still holds the world records for

Seasoned campaigner and skipper Rizwan Cheema will lead the side and his experience and ability is always a great asset for Canada partic-

ularly in this limited-over version.

Additionally, players like opener Ruvindu Gunasekera, Hiral Patel, Cheema, Jimmy Hansra, fast-bowler Jeremy Gordon among others have done well for Canada on the big stage and they should take up the responsibilities again, according to Katchay, who still plays Elite cricket in Toronto representing Civics Cricket Club.

For many it was a shame for where Canada’s cricket has gone generally to relegating to Division Three despite hoping qualified for the 50-over World Cup tournaments in 1979, 2003, 2007 and 2011.

After failing to qualify for the 2015 event in New Zealand and Australia, Cricket Canada lost their final support from ICC as well.

Meanwhile, the absence of young and talented all-rounder Nikhil Dutta is a huge blow

for the team. The 20-year-old Dutta currently in the West Indies representing St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.

Canada was placed in Group B alongside Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Scotland, Kenya and Oman. The other Group is comprised of defending champion Ireland, Nepal, Hong Kong, Jersey Papua New Guinea, Namibia and United States of America.

The full squad reads: Rizwan Cheema (Captain), Saad bin Zafar, Khurram Chohan, Navneet Dhaliwal, Satsimranjit Dhindsa, Ruvindu Gunasekera, Jimmy Hansra, Shaheed Keshvani, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Cecil Pervez, Junaid Siddiqui, Hamza Tariq and Srimantha Wijeyeratne. The manager is Wijay Senathairajah and Mukesh Narula the coach.

McDonald, Persaud win GBTI U-18 Boys and Girls tennis titles

the highest ever score in firstclass cricket and the highest individual Test score in a Test innings.

Damien O'Donohoe, the CPL's chief executive, said he was thrilled by the idea.

"Brian is a living legend and it's going to be amazing to see the positive impact his masterclass will have on the local kids who will attend," O'Donohoe said.

"This year's CPL has seen thousands of children [being] entertained and inspired by the best cricketers from the West Indies and across the world. The CPL players have attended schools across the region, speaking to the children about what it takes to make it to the top of whatever profession they choose.

"Brian's masterclass will be the perfect way to sign off this programme of events with the children of Trinidad and, fingers crossed, we may even identify the next Brian Lara while bringing the biggest party in sport to the Queen's Park Oval."

The CPL bowled off on June 20 in Barbados and is currently ongoing.(CMC)

Mark McDonald and Shivani Persaud were crowned winners of the Under-18 boys and girls age group categories of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) tennis tournament, which is ongoing at the Bank’s tennis facility, Bel Air Park.

According to a release, McDonald made the final when he defeated Hemraj Resaul, 6-3, 6-7(7-5), 10-7, while Jordan Beaton beat Keenan Persaud, 4-6, 6-1.

In the semifinals, Beaton looked solid in the opening set with a race to 2-0 but a confident McDonald made a comeback with his die-hard attitude. He played a more consistent level of tennis with the right amount of aggression to secure the title 6-4, 6-4.

Beaton had the higher 1st serve percentage but McDonald secured more winners and fewer errors which aided his win.

In the girls’ game, Kalysca Fraser beat Sarah Klautky while Shivani Persaud defeated Diana Bharrat to meet

each other in the final.

Fraser and Persaud had an intense match that went to a super tiebreaker. Persaud and Fraser played a similar style of tennis. However, Persaud had the edge over her opponent with more striking shots. She won 7-6(7-2), 4-6, 10-5.

Meanwhile, No.2 seed in the men’s division, Leyland Leacock, has progressed to the final of the Men’s singles after a skirmish through the bottom half of the draw. He defeated his fierce rival Benjettan Osborne 6-3, 6-2.

The opposition was greater in the first set but Leacock countered well to Osborne’s flat forehand strokes. Leacock’s biggest challenge came in his match against Philip Squires, who denied him a spot in the final of the Men’s Singles Open.

History seemed it would repeat itself when Squires comfortably took the first set 6-3. A determined Leacock cleaned up the errors and made a comeback to win the second set 6-4 and a 4-2 lead

in the third set until he pulled a leg muscle.

He mustered the last of his fuel as he collapsed with a win at 6-3. His opponent in the final will be Anthony Downes who also had a slight scare in the semi-finals.

The defending champion Downes looked impenetrable in the first set when he made no hesitation to chalk up 6-0.

While up 3/0 in the 2nd set, Downes pulled a groin muscle which limited his mobility Lopes then dictated the pace of the game, extended the rallies and occasionally got to the net to put away the volleys. He took a substantial lead at 5-3 serving for the set when Downes used his experience to launch an insurgent and break his serve. He won the next three consecutive games and captured the set 7-5.

The title can go either to Downes or Leacock but it will come down to being physically prepared for a long match. Leacock would need to clean up the unforced errors but he is the best candidate to counter Downes’ power.

Guyana Rugby 7s team eager to dominate at Pan Am Games in Toronto

B y R avend R a M adholall

TORONTO, CANADA: The Guyana Rugby Seven team is eager to dominate at this year’s Pan American Games which starts on Saturday at BMO Field in Toronto against defending champion Argentina.

Having arrived in Canada several days ago, the side got underway with two warm-up matches last Saturday in Burlington and despite suffered defeats, former skipper Ryan Gonsalves expressed deep confidence the guys will come out on top.

“I just want to say that the guys are in good shape and ready to make an impression in Toronto; two senior players have injuries but they should be fine for Saturday’s showdown so I am very confident that we can be in the winning column,” Gonsalves, stated.

After their dominance in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) tournament over the past decade, the Guyanese feels that this is one of the greatest motivations they have now to be inspired.

Guyana will begin their quest for supremacy against the aforementioned country then they will take on Canada before clashing with Brazil the same day in Pool B. The best results will see the top two teams advancing to the other stage.

The other Group will comprise of United States of America, Uruguay, Chile and Mexico. The winner of each pool will play the lowest-rank team in the other group while No. 2 takes on No.3 in the cross-pool knockout stage.

Even though Guyana was beaten to Canada at the last NACRA in Cary North

Carolina, 51-0, 31-yearold Gonsalves mentioned they have moved on and expect the guys to put in an improved performances on their home soil.

“We just have to put those bad performances behind us and focus on this new tournament; this is a massive event and the players are very pumped up too,"

J’can Reggae Boyz looking to deliver goods at Gold Cup 2015

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A number of Jamaica's English-born professionals have high hopes of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, with their team set to bow into action on Wednesday against Costa Rica at the Stubhub Center in cool Carson City.

Giles Barnes, who plays his football in the MLS with Houston Dynamo, has dreams of grandeur.

"Obviously it's an honour to play for my country and I think we can really do well in this tournament as well, so hopefully we can come here and get the wins and that would be brilliant.

Lanky defender Michael Hector,

who currently plies his trade with Reading in England, says he has his eyes set on the knockout round of the tournament.

Simon Dawkins, the skilful attacking midfielder, says it's time to get the results that the team did not get at the Copa America, even though they had three creditable performances against Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina, losing all three encounters 0-1.

After kick-starting their Group B campaign on Wednesday, the Boyz will then face Canada on Saturday in Houston, Texas, before closing out the preliminary stage against El Salvador in Toronto, Canada, next week Tuesday. (Jamaica Observer)

Gonsalves revealed.

The experienced Gonsalves still with the distinction of leading Guyana to the first Pan Am Games in Mexico four years ago while he skippered the team to NACRA’ 7s and 15s championships, the Las Vegas 7s and Hong Kong 7s.

Another seasoned campaigner Claudius

Butts is also in a highly optimistic mood stated that the team is brimming with profound confidence and capable of winning this tournament.

He stated that the onus in on the senior players to bring out their best performances and ultimately make Guyana proud.

“We definitely will

play competitive rugby, the preparations are going okay and we have a good team to do well here in Canada,” Butts acknowledged his responsibilities as well and said they have a great chance to prove their skills and vie for a spot at next year’s Olympics in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the team along with other participating athletes set to attend a reception function at Twilight Restaurant and Bar in Scarborough where they will be hosted by the Guyana Consulate.

The full team reads: Richard Staglon (Captain), Peobo Hamilton, Lancelot Adonis, Rickford Cummings, Claudius Butts, Ronald Mayers, Patrick King, Akeem Frazer, Ryan Gonsalves, Dwayne Schroeder, Phibian Joseph and Avery Corbin. The manager is Terrence Grant and Theodore Henry as the coach.

7 J’cans bow into action as World University Games start

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

Seven of Jamaica's 11-member track and field team will be in action on Wednesday's first day of the athletics programme at the World University Games being held in Gwanju, South Korea.

Sprinters Kemarley Brown, Shimayra Williams and Kedisha Dallas, 400m runners Tovea Jankins and Fitzroy Dunkley, 400m hurdler Rhonda Whyte and 800m runner Simoya Campbell will all be in action.

One athlete who will not be in action, however, is 400m hurdler Andre Clarke who broke his collarbone when he fell in training last week and will be out of action.

The other members of the team are heptathlete Salcia Slack, sprint hurdler Danielle Williams and discus thrower Chad Wright.

Campbell will be confident after coming off a big lifetime best 1 minute 59.92 seconds in the 800m final at the recent JAAA National Senior Trials, qualifying her for the IAAF World Championships.

There will be two rounds of the men's 100m, and Brown, who ran 9.93 seconds last year but struggled with injuries this year, should be able to get through the rounds.

In the women's 100m that will have just one round on Wednesday, Williams, who ran 11.61 seconds and just missed

qualifying for the women's 100m final at the Senior Trials, and World Junior Championships semi-finalist Dallas should advance as well.

Tovea Jenkins, the former Mt Alvernia High and Herbert Morrison athlete who now attends Johnson C Smith University in North Carolina, could be a dark horse for the final of the 400m.

Dunkley, a member of the Louisiana State NCAA champion 4x400m relay team, will carry the flag in the men's 400m, while Whyte, who has had a good season until she fell in the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at the JAAA Senior Trials, will seek to atone. (Jamaica Observer)

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Hodge fires Warriors to 2nd win!

Amature fif -

ty from Brad Hodge was instrumental in taking the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a crucial victory in a rain-affected match against St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Rain interrupted the Amazon Warriors run-chase of 1586 three times, but Hodge, the most experienced T20 player in the world, didn’t let the disruptions influence his mindset and he stayed cool and calm to guide his team to an 8-wicket DuckworthLewis victory.

While Hodge played the anchor role it was up to Assad Fudadin and Denesh Ramdin to play starkly different but equally important cameos in assisting the Amazon Warriors towards victory.

After losing Trevon Griffiths in the second over, Ramdin launched a brutal assault, taking 22 from the fourth over of the innings bowled by Sheldon Cottrell.

Ramdin fell immediately after the end of the Powerplay to bring Hodge to the crease in partnership with Fudadin who in fact took some time to get going and for much of his innings was striking at below a run-aball.

The Patriots were dealt a blow when

their star bowler from the last two matches

Tabraiz Shamsi pulled up injured early into his spell. Although he returned to bowl he was clearly not comfortable bowling and after Fudadin struck him for consecutive sixes he removed himself from the attack.

Back-to-back sixes from Hodge off the first two balls of the thirteenth over bowled by Shahid Afridi reduced a still difficult equation to almost a runa-ball, and despite two further rain intervals the Amazon Warriors weren’t going to lose from there and their victory was eventually confirmed.

Earlier on it was Marlon Samuels who was yet again the star man with the bat for the Patriots, his 61 off 40 balls was the only score of more than 19. There were however six other double figure scores and the Patriots may look back and rue the fact that not one of those starts was converted into a more significant score.

Given the relatively tight nature of the chase it could’ve been the difference between victory and defeat.

Marchant de Lange and Ronsford Beaton both took two wickets for the Amazon Warriors, and although Sunil Narine

was frugal he picked up none.

This was a hugely important win for the Amazon Warriors who were languishing at the bottom of the table – this win elevates them to fifth. The Patriots remain in third place. (CPL.com)