Guyana Times International

Commonwealth observers hold talks with local stakeholders

With the General and Regional Elections in Guyana less than a week away, the Commonwealth Observer Mission has arrived in Guyana and is already meeting with local stakeholders ahead of Monday’s Polling Day.

Following a request from the Guyanese Government, Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma constituted an Observer Group for the elections. The international Observer Group will be led by former New Zealand Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Kate Wilkinson.

Other members of the Observer Mission include Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, the Executive Director of the West African Civil Society Institute, Ghana; Dr Noor Mohammad, former Deputy Elections Commissioner, India; and Dr Hume Johnson, Professor of Public Relations and Media Studies, Jamaica.

Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Kenya, Ahmed Issack Hassan, along with Rajwantee Bullock, Local Government Councillor in Trinidad and Tobago,

and Raymond Whitaker, a writer and editor in the United Kingdom, also comprise the team.

Guyana Times International was reliably informed that the seven-member team arrived on Tuesday and is expected to stay in the country until May 19. On Wednesday, the Mission met with a wide range of stakeholders such as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Key areas

The Observer Group will also be looking at the pre-election environment and preparations. Some of the key areas that the members will be observing come Monday, May 11 are the voting process, counting and tabulation procedures, and the an-

nouncement of results.

Furthermore, the Group will assess all factors affecting the credibility of the electoral process as a whole. It will determine whether the elections have been conducted according to the standards for a democratic election, to which Guyana has committed itself, with reference to its own election-related legislation as well as relevant regional, international and Commonwealth commitments.

The Commonwealth Observer Group will act impartially and make an independent assessment of the electoral process. It will conduct itself according to the standards expressed in the International Declaration of Principles for Election Observation, to which the Commonwealth is a signatory.

Upon completion of its assignment, the Group will submit its report to the Commonwealth Secretary General, who will in turn send it to the Government of Guyana; the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); and the principal political parties, before making it available to all Commonwealth Governments. It will then be made public.

The disabled can vote, GECOM assures

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has assured that systems are in place to facilitate the voting process for everyone, including the disabled.

During a telephone interview with this publication, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Richard Francois, related that the Commission and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) have worked together throughout the months leading up to Elections Day to ensure systems are in place for that section of society to vote.

For the visually impaired, there will be a specially structured template that will be placed over the ballot paper to assist them in marking the ballot of their choice.

The others can, if they so desire, get the assistance of the presiding officer who is tasked with the responsibility of assisting the visually impaired in marking the ballot.

Those with physical disabilities can also rest assured that they will be able to cast their vote.

All new GECOM buildings are equipped with ramps for persons

with such disabilities, for example those who are in a wheelchair.

Additionally, all voters who are differentlyabled will be given priority treatment at the various polling stations across the country.

Meanwhile, Francois alluded to the fact that GECOM intensified its voter education campaign to ensure that the message reach those in outlying areas and those who are disabled.

For individuals with hearing disabilities, GECOM has ensured that they will be provid-

ed with a deaf translator in the advertisements so that everyone will get access to the information being broadcast.

Francois stated that GECOM was confident that it has employed an effective voter education system that utilised all mediums to disseminate information about the procedures for voting.

On May 11, Guyanese will be heading to the polls to elect a new Government. This year’s election has been dubbed the most significant election since the one held in 1992.

“I support the PPP/C” – Nadira Jagan

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

The daughter of former Presidents

Janet and Cheddi Jagan has expressed full support for the reelection of the Donald Ramotar Administration to office ahead of the 2015 General and Regional Elections which are billed for May 11.

Nadira JaganBrancier on Wednesday urged all Guyanese to go and vote for the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) party on Monday as she strongly refuted rumours that she was supporting the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

“It seems that there have been rumours that the children of Cheddi and Janet Jagan are supporting the APNU+AFC coalition. I do not!” she remarked in a letter to the local media earlier this week.

It is now clear that whatever concerns the daughter of Cheddi and Janet Jagan had, it was assuaged and that those carrying the banner of the party her father and mother founded had her firm support.

The Opposition has also been telling PPP/C supporters that all of the children and family members of the two former Presidents are fully supportive of Moses Nagamootoo’s alliance for the PNC’s David Granger. But Nadira Jagan said “I am writing to let it be known that I support the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in the upcoming election of May 11, 2015 and urge everyone to go out and vote early on that day for the Cup”.

Nadira has been the driving force in the preservation of her parent’s legacy and played a key role in the archives of her father being stored at Red House. Since her parents’ death, she spends a considerable amount of time every year in Guyana, working

on that project and others.

Nadira JaganBrancier’s declaration of support for the PPP/C at the May 11 General and Regional Election comes close on the heels of Joey Jagan, her older brother, throwing his hat into the ring for the Opposition PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition and is seen by most observers as clarifying that she was not associated with his move.

A letter from their mother, just before she passed away was also released which indicated that the matriarch of the family was very suspicious of her son’s political actions. She was very scathing of his reference to Forbes Burnham as his “Godfather”.

When he declared his support for the PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition,

he once more alluded to this relationship which his mother denied. When Burnham ran for office, his sister Jessie issued a pamphlet, “Beware My Brother Forbes!”.

The letter from Janet Jagan suggests that she had just as much an intimate knowledge of her son to write to the PPP: Beware my son Joey.

Her cousin, Dr Clive Jagan and a majority of his siblings have also endorsed the PPP/C and the re-election of the Donald Ramotar Administration. Joey was also known for his ill-fated and short lived Unity Party. Dr Clive Jagan, nephew of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan who was named on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, said the PPP/C has remained true to the philosophies

of his late uncle in upholding his legacy and it is for this reason he has thrown his support behind the party.

In addition to applauding the party for upholding the principles of the late President, he said the PPP/C is the only party that can move the country forward. However, when questioned on whether he believes that the party may have strayed from Jagan’s core values, he responded strongly in the negative.

He explained that the PPP/C continues to uphold the fundamental pillars such as democracy, freedom of press and progress for the people.

“In terms of moving away from his principles, I really don’t agree with that because I’ve seen development, I’ve seen that presumptions are

made that they are moving away but there has been no valid proof that can make the Opposition or anyone come out and say that the PPP has moved away. They still stand for the same policies, they still stand for progress, they still stand for democracy, for freedom of the press, everything is still going on…,” he said.

In responding to questions regarding the difference in the lifestyles of Government’s officials, party leaders and supporters from Jagan’s era to now, the relative said that while his uncle was a simple man, the two periods cannot be compared since things have changed drastically over the years. “He was a very simple man; I can tell you that, he was very simple. He had sheep in his yard to mow the lawns… but time has changed from then to now. People have changed, they have achieved more,” the nephew pointed out. The only member of the closely-knit – and sometimes very reserved and private Jagan family –who has thrown support behind the Opposition coalition, is Joey Jagan who is considered relatively unstable and opportunistic.

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EDITORIAL

Jagan on coalitions

The idea of a coalition governing Guyana, raised by Dr Cheddi Jagan at several historical conjunctures, has been raised by his son as the main reason for joining the PNCled APNU/AFC “coalition”. But this latter artifice is redolent of the PNC/UF “coalition of convenience” that was arranged by the US/CIA machinations to oust the PPP and Dr Jagan from office. The players might have changed but not the plot.

Moses Nagamootoo stormed out of the PPP/C when he was rejected as the party’s Presidential Candidate but has now accepted to play second fiddle to David Granger, leader of the PNC, in their announced coalition.

Where would he be if he had been the PPP/C’s choice?

Wearing red and “remembering” the PNC’s sordid history. His leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, had flip-flopped about being “dead meat” if the AFC joined the PNC. He then swore to Berbician supporters he would only do so if the AFC got the Presidential Candidacy.

Nagamootoo and Ramjattan pledged their 11 per cent support but only got the largely ceremonial role of the Prime Ministership. Ramjattan once again flip-flopped to accept because he was to be made a Vice President like Ranji Chandinsingh to Burnham when he joined the PNC.

Nagamootoo is fond of quoting Dr Cheddi Jagan on any number of subjects and, not surprisingly, like Joey Jagan, has done so approvingly on the coalition. But he would do well to remember that Dr Jagan was never interested in “positions” per se, but only in relation to executing programmes that formed the basis of all his negotiations with other parties.

It was Burnham who was consumed with “position, pelf and power” rather that the greater good and the two should rather have quoted this disciple of Machiavelli than Dr Jagan.

It is rather poignant that Dr Jagan was the one who asked his colleague from the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) Ashton Chase to step aside for Burnham who was returning to Guyana as a newly minted lawyer, to be Chairman of the about-to-beformed PPP.

Burnham spent the next five years plotting and manoeuvring to oust Jagan as leader. Granger could not have possibly overcome his distaste and suspicions of Nagamootoo’s crass ambitiousness and pursuit of power. Granger has studied Burnham, his hero, well.

It is therefore extremely unlikely that he would delegate the promised powers to Nagamootoo knowing that they would only be used to wrest power from him. Granger, of course, has the ready-made excuse that he would be violating the Constitution to delegate any powers to an underling.

But we do not have to revisit Dr Jagan’s proposed “National Front Government” as a coalition for Guyana. In that phase, the ideological climate made the left-dominated basis for negotiations a moot point.

In the lead up to the 1992 election, the Opposition parties including the PPP/C and WPA had joined with three other parties to form the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) to agitate for “free and fair elections”. When they sought to form an electoral coalition, in view of the disparate array of ideological orientations of the parties, the threshold issue was to hammer out a common programme.

Only then did they discuss who would be the leader. Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, on the other hand, insisted that the question of leadership was paramount on their agenda. They followed the path of Burnham rather than the path of Jagan. The second crucial difference in the coalition vision of Dr Jagan was that while he saw race as important, he never made it “fundamental”, as Nagamootoo and Ramjattan have done.

Jagan knew that ultimately, we have to form a united Guyanese nation and that the racial bogeyman must be rejected. The AFC/PNC coalition was born on the cancer of race and will die because of it.

The Commonwealth Observer team is in place and is calling for peaceful elections while looking forward to a high voter turn out on Monday.

Canadian-based Guyanese launches unique documentary on Georgetown

Canadian-based Guyanese Lal Balkaran, who is the author of numerous books aimed at showcasing the talents and beauty of his homeland, has launched yet another unique piece capturing the beauty of Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown.

The documentary, entitled “Historical and Contemporary Georgetown: Guyana’s Heartbeat”, contains over 500 chronological texts and photographs spanning three hundred years from its beginnings in the 1700’s to 2015, highlighting the key issues and events that shaped the city and all of Guyana.

The documentary also features spectacular images of main historical sites that practically define the city, such as buildings, architectural treasures, markets, streets, monuments, gardens, and flowers.

Some of those sites include the Amerindian Hostel, Avenue of the Republic, Bank of Guyana, Bishop’s High School, Botanical Gardens, Bourda Market, the Brickdam Cathedral, Castellani House, Christ Church, Church of the Sacred Heart, City Hall, Le Repentir, Main Street, National Library, National Park, Parliament Building, Promenade Gardens, Queen’s College, Red House (now the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre), St Andrew’s Kirk, St George’s Cathedral, St Rose’s High School, St Stanislaus College, Stabroek Market, State House, The 1962 Political Disturbances, The Monuments (1763, African Liberation, Non-aligned, Walter Rodney, Indian Immigration), The Benab or Umana Yana, The Cenotaph, The High Court, The Lighthouse, The Sea Wall, Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, and many more famous landmarks.

“I simply cannot tell you

in so many words what a pure joy it is to view Lal Balkaran’s Historical and Contemporary Georgetown: Guyana’s Heartbeat on DVD. If it doesn’t bring tears to your eyes with colorful and memorable scenes, then I don’t know what else will,” said Reverend William Guthrie of Christ Episcopal Church, East Orange, Florida, after viewing this extraordinary video.

“Remarkably done. Everything you wanted to know about Georgetown is contained in this well-researched and professionally-compiled documentary,” Professor Stafford Griffith of UWI, Mona, Jamaica had to say after watching Guyana’s history flashing right before his eyes.

Balkaran was born at Plantation Versailles on the West Bank of Demerara on July 4, 1953, and grew up in Pouderoyen, and later moved to Goed Fortuin in 1970, all three areas in close proximity.

He attended the near-

by Malgre Tout Government School (1960-1965) and the West Demerara Government Secondary School (1965-1970). After high school, he taught in the Rupununi for five years from 1970-75 among the Wapishianas, and travelled extensively throughout Guyana. Additionally, he is selftaught and is a certified internal auditor, fellow certified general accountant, fellow chartered management accountant, and holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He moved to Barbados in 1982 as the accountant at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and then as a financial controller at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation in 1984 before immigrating to Canada in 1987 where he worked as senior audit executive in a range of high-profile organisations.

Balkaran was granted two awards by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) –Canada: the 2010 Arthur J Childs Distinguished Service in Canada Award for his IIA activities over the years including starting an IIA Guyana Chapter in 2000 and the 2012 Contribution to the Profession of Internal Auditing Award for his dedication and academic contribution to the internal auditing profession through the range of articles and books he has written on the profession that have been published around the world. Additionally, he is an internal auditor and a published author. He has written several books and dozens of articles on a wide range of subjects. Six books are on accounting and auditing, including the world’s first dictionary of auditing published by LexisNexis (Butterworths) in Toronto, while seven are on his native Guyana.

Accused in Shewraney Doobay murder for retrial

After deliberat-

ing for more than four hours on Wednesday, the mixed jury panel could not decide whether Shakir Mohamed was guilty or not guilty of the murder charge levied against him.

At the commencement of the trial in April, Mohamed pleaded not guilty to the murder of Shewraney Doobay, called “Monica”, which he allegedly committed in the course of a robbery on May 24, 2011.

Mohamed was represented by Attorneys Jainarine Singh and Moti Singh, while the case against the accused was presented by State Counsels Mercedes Thompson and Orinthia Schmidt. During the trial, the State called 11 witnesses to testify against Mohamed before closing their case.

Following this, the accused was called upon to lead his defence and elected to do so by giving a sworn statement from the witness box.

The man detailed that after he was taken into custody, he was beaten, threatened and even tortured by the Police to sign documents which he was not allowed to see.

He stated that the Police told him that he would be freed and used as a witness after signing the documents. Mohamed said he finally gave in and signed the papers after Police ranks placed a black bag over his head preventing him from breathing.

Closing arguments were presented by the prosecution and defence on Monday. Following this, on Tuesday, presiding judge Justice Brassington Reynolds summed up all the evidence to the panel, after which they retired to the jury room to deliberate on a verdict.

Deadlocked

Some three hours later, they returned seeking further direction. The jurors then went back to deliberate, but came out

almost an hour later informing the judge that they were unable to arrive at a verdict. Justice Reynolds asked the foreman if there was any specific area where he could assist the panel in making their decision.

After consulting with the other members of the panel, the foreman requested another 10 minutes to deliberate. However, before sending the panel back, the trial judge informed the jurors that they have to present a unanimous verdict of guilty or not guilty, otherwise there will be no verdict.

About 15 minutes later, the panel returned and the foreman related that they were unable to arrive at a unanimous verdict. Justice Reynolds informed the panel that this happens quite often,

noting that the accused will have to undergo another trial.

He then turned to Mohamed and said, “Unfortunately or fortunately, the jury is unable to arrive at a verdict so I’m forced to remand you to prison pending the hearing of your case at the next (Assizes) sitting.”

Shewraney Doobay, the 58-year-old wife of prominent physician Dr Ramsundar Doobay, was found dead in her Echilibar Villas, Campbellville, Georgetown home almost four years ago. The woman’s bludgeoned body was discovered in a pool of blood in the kitchen. It was reported that her death was linked to a family dispute over a piece of land.

Her nephew, Mark Singh of Prince William Street, Plaisance, Greater Georgetown, was arrested and charged for her murder along with Mohamed, 32, of Lot 127 Latchmi Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Singh died in January 2014 at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was taken after suffering an acute asthma attack while in prison.

Driver charged with causing death of “Six Heads” granted bail

The driver of the motor car bearing licence plate PMM 596, which caused the accident which led to the death of boxing champion, Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis was released on bail on Wednesday after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The accused, 32-yearold Manx Powers, who resides at Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Wednesday morning to answer to the charge laid against him.

The charges stated that Powers caused the death of Lewis on Monday while driving along the New Hope Public Road, on the East Bank of Demerara. He is said to

have been driving in a reckless manner.

However, the defendant’s Attorney Peter Hugh told the court that the incident was one of grave misfortune where anyone could have been at fault. He told the court that his client was proceeding South along the East Bank Road when the deceased, who was also going in the same direction, cut across him unexpectedly thus causing the accident that took his life.

Attorney Hugh asked the court to grant his client bail, stating that Powers is not a flight risk, has four children and a fixed place of abode at Campbellville. Attorney Hugh also divulged that the defendant has a steady job as a Miner in the interior.

Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry granted Powers Gy$250,000 bail on the condition that he reports to the Station Officer at the Grove Police Station, specifying the traffic department. He is to do so every fortnight on Friday, beginning May 22. Powers’ passport is also to be lodged at the police station to ensure he is unable to flee. His case will be called again on June 8.

May 11 would determine the future of young people in Guyana

Dear Editor, May 11 would determine the future of young persons in Guyana. That future must be based on programmes and policies that present to you the opportunity of owning your own home, advancing your personal careers and ensuring that you improve and increase your employability.

This can only be done through higher standards of education and a more qualitative delivery of education that is comparable to any global standards.

This is the vision of the PPP/C for young people. It is very important that young persons

understand that youth empowerment and involvement in the democratic development of the society is critical, that opportunity must be created through the involvement of youths in policy formulation and implementation.

The PPP/C has always placed great confidence in young people and it is with this hope that we appeal to every young Guyanese to support a brighter future, a future in which democracy will be the hallmark of our development process, one in which their personal careers and ambition will be matched with national priorities and nation-

al visions that will create a better Guyana for all.

The new Guyana must be one that is dynamic, bringing the best infrastructure, modern facilities and services which would drive change and create more opportunities for young people.

This future must be bold, filled with innovation and attractive to every young Guyanese. It is clear from examining every Manifesto that this type of future is represented in the PPP/C Manifesto. I implore every young Guyanese to vote PPP/C.

Name withheld by request

No fishing licenses have been issued to Chinese or anyone else

Dear Editor,

In their desperation, APNU-AFC has resorted to what they know best – tell lies. Their latest lie is that the PPP/C has given out licenses to Chinese investors who will eliminate all opportunities for local fishermen. This is a bald face lie. The fact is that the PPP/C Government has not given out any license to any investor –Chinese or any other nationality.

This is a fact that they know. The PPP/C Government has had proposals from investors across the Caribbean, North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia who are interested in the fishing industry of Guyana, particularly in our deep sea fishing assets.

None of these interests focus on artisanal fishing, where most of our fishermen make their living. In the trawler business which engages predominantly on sea bobs and prawns, only local fishing businesses are engaged and we have worked closely with the

trawlers association to manage this resource, from how many trawlers are licensed to how many months per year fishing is allowed. In terms of deep water we have encouraged our local fishermen to explore the possibility of this major asset. At least one local investor has been given permission to modify trawlers and to begin fishing in zones that are not usually fished by local enterprises.

We have in our discussions with international investors made it clear that we will not allow any fishing in zones where local fishermen make their living.

We have also made it pellucid that we will not even consider any interest in fishing in areas for sea bobs and prawns.

It is of interest to us that in spite of many investors who have expressed interest, APNUAFC has only targeted the Chinese investors. This is in spite of the fact that the PPP/C Government has over three years not agreed

to issue any license to these investors.

Our recent requirement for Vessel Monitoring Device (VMD) is intended to qualify Guyana for international marine certification that will make Guyana’s fishing product more valuable. These and other initiatives have protected the fishing industry in Guyana.

It is interesting that only the PPP/C has made proposals for the fishing industry in our Manifesto. APNU-AFC has totally ignored the fishing industry in its Manifesto.

Now armed with a set of lies to come to the fishermen and instead of telling fishermen what they will do, they try to fool fishermen with total fabrication and bogeyman politics.

The PPP/C has grown the fishing industry –both marine and aquaculture. We will continue to protect our national assets and ensure that these assets continue to benefit our country.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy Agriculture Minister

Does Moses “I’m not Indian” Nagamootoo think we should “bun dem out”?

Dear Editor,

Permit me to address my concerns about Mr Moses “I’m not Indian” Nagamootoo. In the upcoming election we’re asked to choose between the PPP/C, a party that has consistently represented the national interest both in and out of Government, and the PNC+Some Confused NonIndian Kind-of -Indian But Not Really Sure Indians. We all know whom the PNC represents. And it’s not you. And it’s not me. But whom does Moses Nagamootoo represent?

This is quite relevant because I recently viewed a disturbing video of PNC supporters in South Georgetown pissing on a PPP/C party flag, setting it on fire, and then chanting “bun dem out.” For months now I’ve been hearing PNC supporters shouting: “It is time.”

Now it appears that we are getting the other half of that chant: “Bun dem out.”

So the PNC has finally told us their intentions: “It is time” to “bun dem out.”

But “bun” who out exactly? Who gets “bun out” in Guyana and who does the “bunnin” from past experience? Every Indian in Guyana instinctively knows what “bun dem out” means. Our history does not fully record how many

Indians have indeed been “bun out” over the decades of PNC terrorism Guyana has been forced to endure. So Mr “I’m Not Indian” Nagamootoo must share with the nation his plans to deal with the very real threat of physical violence posed by his PNC bosses to the very people he is now courting for votes. Will these voters get “bun out” before or after the election? Before seems to be impolitic. After seems like the sensible thing to do. So Mr Nagamootoo, when will it be the appropriate time for the APNU-AFC Government to “bun dem out”?

On May 11th, Guyana has a simple choice to make. Do you want to get “bun out” by APNU-AFC or do you want peace, progress, and stability for another five years under a good though not perfect Government? The PPP/C and their supporters will not be “bunning out” anyone when the PPP/C wins. They will go back to the hard work of continuing to build Guyana from where the people’s national “bun dem out” party left us in 1992. That is the crucial difference Mr Nagamootoo. One party builds them up. Your party, the PNC, “buns dem out.”

Motilal Jairam

Guyana is now an economically stable and prosperous country

Dear Editor, I read a paid political ad on May 1 under the caption, “APNU-AFC Greenidge speaks on his legacy”. I am in agreement with this political ad since it simply highlights Carl Greenidge’s legacy of incompetence as a Finance Minister.

Greenidge was Guyana’s Minister of Finance from 1983 to 1992 during the rule, if not misrule, of the illegal PNC dictatorship. He is now the PNC/APNUAFC’s coalition chief spokesman on financial matters.

What does he know about macro financing and its management by the way? Yet Greenidge is aspiring to be Minister of Finance once again should the APNUAFC coalition win governmental office which will never be.

All of Greenidge’s national budgets prior to 1992 were called by the Guyanese people “Empty Rice Pot” (ERP) budget which resulted in never ending long lines for basic food commodities, kerosene oil and fuel just to name a few.

Guyana became literally a ghost country under the illegal PNC regime, while Greenidge was the Minister of Finance.

But quite correctly the management of Guyana’s national economy by Greenidge from 1983 to 1992 saw Guyana becoming the poorest country in the world and the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with US$1.9 billion in debt and US $1.14 billion in arrears owed to

international institutions, foreign countries and commercial banks.

Quite correctly as well lending by the IMF, CBD and World Bank were cut off because of serious arrears which plunged Guyana into an economic crisis and moreso an economic collapse.

But fortunately for Guyana, our beautiful country was saved when in October 1992 the PPP/C won the elections where the process of social and economic reconstruction began. Today, Guyana under the PPP/C Government is now an economically stable and prosperous country with sustainable economic growth endorsed by the international financial institutions.

So basically Carl Greenidge of the PNC-led APNU-AFC coalition is a so-called economist who bankrupted Guyana’s economy which caused the Guyanese People lots of severe economic hardships and miseries when he was a Minister of Finance.

But the right-thinking Guyanese people will never allow the APNU-AFC Coalition to again cause the bankruptcy and destruction of Guyana’s economy which was rebuilt by the PPP/C Government.

In this regard, on May 11 they will be voting for peace, progress and prosperity to ensure a landslide victory for the PPP/C whose symbol is the Cup.

Peter Persaud

APNU/AFC: Condemn your supporters for their vandalism

Dear Editor, The political code of conduct was inked by the political parties of Guyana on April 29 aiming at the manner in which the parties will conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout their campaigning.

A few hours after the PPP/C held one of its

public meetings in East Ruimveldt for the purpose of reaching out and airing plans for the future developments of Guyana if it were to be placed in office again.

PPP/C was interrupted by a band of the political Opposition supporters known as APNU+AFC. Flags for the PPP/C were burned,

missiles were thrown and some were even hurled at speakers which included Dr Roger Luncheon.

The behaviour of the Opposition by going and disrupting PPP/C meetings is by far an act of disrespect to the Government and its supporters. The most annoying part of it all is that

supporters are encouraging children to be a part of all the vandalism; children do what they see their parents are doing.

Teach our children the right thing, set proper examples for them to follow and by all means allow our children to decide on their own. Violence is not the an-

swer never was and never will be.

Billboards were destroyed, posters were ripped from walls and light posts and the home of a PPP/C supporter in Linden had stones hurled at it. Why sign a code of conduct if there are no intentions of carrying out your duties respectfully and profes-

sionally?

David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo, I urge you to condemn this act of your supporters. If you fail to do so then your supporters will carry on their violence and vandalism feeling they have your full support behind their actions.

Teri Phang

Shaquille Grant murder…

Accused cop goes on trial

Justice Navindra Singh on Wednesday began hearing evidence in the murder trial of policeman Wallace for allegedly shooting to death 17-year-old Agricola youth, Shaquille Grant. Leading prosecutrix Mrs. Judith Mursalin who is assisted by lawyer Miss Narissa Leander, told the jury in her opening address to expect to hear two different versions of the incident – one from the police and one from another source.

As a consequence, she urged them to pay attention to the witnesses so that they, the jury, would be able to return a verdict in accordance

with the evidence and the oath they had taken.

According to the prosecutrix, witnesses would say that the young men including the accused were found sitting in a garage area belonging to a citizen, and when asked what they were doing there, they replied that they were liming.

An argument ensued among the police and the boys, and the shooting occurred when one of the boys attempted to retrieve something from his pocket which turned out to be a cellphone and not a weapon.

During the shooting Romel Bollers, one of the boys received a gunshot at the back of his head, while Shaquille Grant, 17, suffered three gun-shot wounds on September 11, 2012, that caused his death.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who performed the post-mortem, disclosed that Grant’s death was caused by multiple gunshot wounds.

Attorney-at-Law Sonia Parag is appearing for the defence. The hearing continues.

Sir Ronald recognised by Canadian university

Antigua and Barbuda diplomat, writer and academic Sir Ronald Sanders has been elected as a Senior Fellow at Massey College in the University of Toronto.

He joins leading Canadian academics and captains of Industry in the interdisciplinary activities of Massey College, including governance, diplomacy, business and international affairs.

The announcement of his election was made by the Master of Massey College, Hugh Segal.

Sir Ronald now has the distinction of concurrently being a Senior Fellow at two Universities in different Commonwealth countries.

The Guyana-born Sanders is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London, England.

Last October, his work as an advocate for Caribbean and Commonwealth causes was recognised by the University of the West Indies when he was accorded the honour of

Mother of 6 granted bail for ammo possession

A39-year-old mother of six was granted Gy$75,000 bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being charged for unlicensed ammunition possession.

The defendant, AnnMaria Bowen was in a state of distress in the courtroom as she was read the charge levied against her. However, she was supported by her sisters and other family members who thanked the Magistrate, as well as God, profusely and loudly, once she was granted bail.

The charge against her states that she had four live rounds of .38 ammunition in her possession without being the holder of a firearm licence while at Pomeroon in the Essequibo Magisterial District last Monday.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail, stating that the charge against the defendant was quite grave and the ammunition was found in her hands.

However, her Attorney, Glen Hanoman, told the court that the prosecution’s information was debatable. He stated that his client had been instructed by Police Officers conducting a search to unload her bag. It was then that she removed several articles, including the ammunition.

Hanoman told the court that the matter involving Bowen was an “unusual” one, but emphasised that it merited bail. The lawyer stated that although the court would consider the prevalence of firearm offences, he urged it to also

Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) by the University’s Senate and Council.

Sir Ronald has had a career as a senior diplomat and business executive. He has held many elected international and Caribbean positions, including as a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO and Chairman of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

Having also served the 53-nation Commonwealth in many capacities, he is now a nominee for the post of Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Guyanese-born NY Police Officer killed in motorcycle accident

AGuyanese-born

New York City Police Officer was on Monday last killed after he slammed into the passenger side front door of a vehicle making a U-turn while riding his motorbike along Rockaway Parkway in Flatlands.

According to reports, Royston Ferguson, age 35, formerly of Plaisance, on the East Coast Demerara, was off-duty when the accident occurred.

Two minors who were in the vehicle at the time of the accident escaped unhurt while the driver, an off-duty 28-year-old school safety agent, was taken to Kings County Hospital where she was treated for neck and back pain. She was not immediately charged.

into the vehicle, causing him to fall. The impact knocked his helmet off and he was rushed to the Brookdale University Hospital, where he lat-

er succumbed to his injuries.

According to the report, Ferguson would have marked 10 years in the Force in July. He worked out of the Patrol Borough Brooklyn North command.

At the time of the fatal accident, Ferguson was riding the motorbike when he slammed

He loved riding and “he was an amazing officer,” his colleague, Tabatha Foster said.

consider the facts of the case and the fact that his client was charged with possessing ammunition and not an actual gun.

More so, he told the court that the father of his client’s children was suspected by the Police to be the actual owner of the unlicensed firearm. However, he stated that the allegation was denied by him and the Police “in their wisdom” chose not to go down that route.

He told the court that his client has no reason to flee from justice, and was unable to do so in any case as she has her six children to consider.

Hanoman continued that his client has a permanent place of abode at 111 Miles Potaro in Essequibo, and also operates a restaurant and bar called ‘Blue Pepper’. He again asked the court to consider bail. The defendant was granted bail on the condition that she report to the nearest Police Station every Friday.

The matter was transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court for July 13.

PPP/C will focus on its record as it recommits to continuing Guyana’s development – Ramotar

Head of State, President Donald Ramotar pledged to continue guiding Guyana along its developmental path when he addressed large crowds gathered at various major political rallies over the past month.

At the most recent rally at Novar, Mahaicony, Region Five, he stated that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has a proud history of development and, “it will run on this record”.

He highlighted his Administration’s focus of spending on the social sector, with specific regard to education, explaining that it is only via this means that “we have the possibility of taking this country to a higher level”.

Noting that around 60 per cent of the annu-

al budget is now spent on the social sector, the President reiterated that

in any country, its people are its greatest asset, hence the need to ensure that they are well-educated. This will ultimately result in citizens having a higher living standard.

Government’s focus on education, President Ramotar said, is part of the plan for Guyana’s long-term development. This focus has resulted in local students topping

the Caribbean academically over the past 10 years. The Head of State spoke of a young man who hailed from Region Five who topped the region, despite his parents not being that well off. This was an example of Government’s drive to ensure that as far as possible, all of the nation’s youths have access to education wherever they may be. It is this effort that has led to students “from Essequibo to Berbice” performing exceedingly well academically.

Investment, which is needed to develop Guyana, will be attracted as a result of the higher educational standards, President Ramotar said. “We will attract investment, because we would have the most highly-educated workforce.”

In addition to an educated population, the necessary infrastructure would have to be put in place, he added. Such infrastructure, he reminded, would comprise a cheap, reliable energy source, hence the need for Amaila Falls

of a price support mechanism, to offset the fluctuation in prices being offered to farmers, even as Government continues to source additional markets, overseas, the President said.

Region Five has been a star producer of rice, and this good showing has been helped through Government’s interventions including subsidising fertiliser, putting in better drainage and irrigation facilities and providing better higheryielding varieties of rice to farmers.

Plans for an expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport, deepwater harbour in Berbice and a paved road to Brazil were also highlighted, as well as the implementation of the flagship Information Communication Technology Centre which will be built with India’s assistance. Two such centres are to be built, one in Enmore, East Coast Demerara and another in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

These transformative projects, President

Hydropower Project. This project, he explained, will transform Guyana, including Region Five, as citizens will enjoy cheaper, more reliable energy. Simultaneously, the Government will save billions of dollars not having to import fuel to generate electricity, and the manufacturing sector will be able to accrue more profits, because of cheaper electricity.

Mention was also made of the sugar industry and Government’s plans to invest and diversify it with the production of more valueadded products such as ethanol, and refined sugars to expand its revenue base.

The rice sector will also benefit from the production of additional products such as cereals, and the institution

Ramotar said, are but a few of the plans the PPP/C has to “take Guyana forward” along its path of development.

In closing, residents were urged to read the PPP/C’s manifesto and be informed of the plans that the Party has for Guyana, and how they will be executed.

The President reminded that the political Opposition was not serious when it apparently released then withdrew its version of a manifesto, which contained many of Government’s plans, some of which are already being implemented. “Don’t be fooled by empty promises,” he urged residents, as he called on them to think of what has been done thus far for the country’s development under the PPP/C.

Sagicor Visionaries Challenge: Guyana lags in People’s Choice Award

Guyana appears to be lagging behind in the People’s Choice Awards segment of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge with only 90 votes while some of its contesting counterparts are earning close to 10,000 votes.

The Abrams Zuil Secondary School is representing Guyana in the international competition which seeks to engage and encourage secondary school students to devel-

there is an annual average production of 30,000 tonnes of paddy husk and approximately 80 per cent of this husk is burnt as a method of disposal which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and pollution.

Incidentally, the other problem at hand is the high cost for wood which can also be addressed by implementing this project which will use the pad-

will make biodegradable plastics.

Barbados, represented by Queen’s College, submitted “The Green Way to get Styrofoam Way” project that will see the establishment of a Styrofoam waste collection system where the waste collected will be reduced using limonene extracted from citrus fruits to form a gluelike substance.

Dominica, represented by St Martin Secondary, submitted

op effective, innovative and sustainable solutions with the use of science and technology to overcome the challenges that exist in their countries.

Other participating countries are Belize leading with some 9600 votes, Trinidad and Tobago with some 8900 votes, Antigua and Barbuda with some 8000 votes, St Lucia with 305 votes, Barbados with 97 votes, Dominica with 89 votes, and the United States of America with some 25 votes.

The People’s Choice Awards segment does not determine the winner of the competition but it allows for supporters to put their school or country on the Sagicor map.

Guyana’s submitted project is the “Paddy Husk Particle Board” which can be used to address the issue of air pollution from the burning of paddy husk in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

In their submission to Sagicor, the school explained that as a result of rice farming in the region,

dy husk to manufacture wood.

The Bishop Martin High School of Belize submitted a “Chaya-Mayan Power for Modern Times” project which sets out to create a model programme to allow the country to optimise on the benefits of a super micronutrient provider plant known as “Chaya.”

Trinidad and Tobago through the Five Rivers Secondary School submitted a “Cardboard Box Pellet” project which will reuse and cycle cardboard into a pelletised bio-fuel form that can be used for cooking, as a soil conditioner and potting mixture for other agricultural purposes.

Representing Antigua and Barbuda is the Christ the King High School that submitted the “Nevo Oven” project which sets out to solve the problem of unavailable furnaces dry crystals in their school’s laboratory.

St Lucia, through the St Mary’s College, submitted a project called “Amylo- Plastikos” that

US warns citizens of about possible breakout of violence

The United States Embassy in Georgetown has alerted all US citizens travelling and residing in Guyana of the increased threat of violence and civil disorder corresponding with National and Regional Elections on May 11.

In the advisory, the embassy said Guyana has experienced post-election violence in the past, and US citizens are reminded that even political rallies intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

Additionally, US citizens should be aware that the increased risk of violence and civil disorder extends past the elections, through the official announcement of results, and for some undefined period after.

“We advise all US citizens to maintain a low profile and a heightened sense of awareness, and to avoid all public political gatherings and demonstrations. US citizens should follow us on Twitter and Facebook in order to receive time-sensitive security notices,” the embassy said.

It added: “We strongly recommend that US citizens travelling to or residing in Guyana enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveller

Enrolment Programme (STEP).” The STEP enrolment, the embassy said gives citizens the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest US embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

If you don’t have Internet access, you may enrol directly at the Embassy in Georgetown from Monday to Thursday between the hours of 11:00h-12:00h, no appointment is necessary.

Reluctance to accept

Meanwhile, David Carroll, Director of the Carter Centre’s Democracy Programme is quoted in a story on the Centre’s website as saying: “This election is likely to be very competitive. Depending on the quality of the electoral process, there might be reluctance to accept the results. It will be an important test for Guyana and its people.”

The Carter Centre has been invited to observe the May 11 elections – which both the ruling party and the Opposition coalition believe they will win – because of its long history in the country. “There’s a strong sense that this could be a closely contested election,” said Carroll.

“The Carter Centre knows Guyana quite well, and the Guyanese are very familiar with the Centre’s work. We have observed three different elections in Guyana – in 1992, 2001, and 2006 – and we have a deep familiarity with the country’s politics and challenges.”

The Centre deployed six medium-term observers in mid-April to assess the political climate and electoral preparations.

In the week before the election, they will be joined by about 40 short-term observers who will be deployed across the nation.

On Tuesday, the Centre in a statement said it is “deeply concerned about the provocative rhetoric in the campaign,” even as it condemned attempts “to sow fear and distrust among Guyana’s ethnic groups.”

The Centre also warned against attempts to undermine confidence in the country’s electoral process and institutions.

a project titled “SchoolTechno Gardener” which will transform a not too fertile land into one that is.

And lastly, the United States of America, represented by Walker Middle School, submitted a project named “Higher or Lower, Which Angle is the Best”. This project sets out to make the wind turbine more efficient at producing energy which will help reduce the use of non-renewable energy.

Persons are encouraged to go online at sagicorvisionaries.com/peoples-choice-award to view the full project summary of contesting countries and vote for the best project. The deadline for voting is May 17.

Meanwhile, the final leg of the Sagicor Visionaries Competition will take place in July in Tampa, Florida where a panel of select judges will determine the winner of the competition. The winners of the People’s Choice Awards will also be recognised during the awards in Florida.

PPP/C candidate says “no way” to return of National Service

Deputy Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (Demerara, West Berbice) Gobind Singh said youths in Guyana do not need a replay of the Guyana National Service (GNS), as they are all innovative and are able to create a bright future for themselves.

Gobind was among the speakers at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally Sunday evening at Bath Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), where thousands had gathered to hear of the incumbent’s plans for development should it be reelected to office on May 11.

While Gobind spoke of Government’s vision for the region, he was particular in his focus on youths; Guyanese, who he said, are the present and future of the country.

The 1980 Constitution of Guyana defines National Service as “service in any disciplined force, a principal purpose of which is the training of people with a view to advancing the economic development of Guyana.” It originally affected only those persons wishing to gain a University degree but

since 1982 had become a prerequisite to access secondary education.

The consequences for not participating in the National Service range from restricted access to higher education at the lower level to the refusal to grant a degree at the University level. Gobind told the huge crowd that Guyana has enough to offer its youths, and the PPP/C was doing just that with the opportunities offered. He said there was no need for the National Service which had defined the youth in times past.

“Young people are innovative and creative, they are the leaders of today and tomorrow and

that is why the PPP/C will continue to them in the educational sector, so that they could produce more entrepreneurs in Guyana and Region Five.”

He said over the next five years, new projects will be created to aid the economic development of the region. Gobind boasted about the over 1000 trained young persons in technical and vocational areas, who are ready for the job market in the region.

Speaking also at the rally was former Miss World India Roshini Boodhoo, who is also a candidate on the party’s list.

In keeping with her

platform, which is based on the young generation, Boodhoo said the party creates opportunities for every single person.

“Our party is the party of diversity and mixture. Our party has the young people’s interests at heart. Our party guarantees a better life for you and your family. I can already envision a brighter future under the leadership of President Donald Ramotar and our Prime Minister Elisabeth Harper. I’m confident that these two phenomenal human beings will continue to steer us along the path of peace, progress and prosperity,” Boodhoo said to loud cheers and applause.

She said the PPP/C’s list is “flourished with more than 40 per cent

of young people because the PPP/C believes in the terminology that children are the future.” She encouraged the youths to educate themselves on the history of the country.

“We stress on the history because it is somewhere we never want to go back to,” the former pageant queen said.

“We should note that the PPP/C has a history of commitment to young people. Its founding leaders were very young people. Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and others were very young when they started the political movement for freedom, a movement that still exists today as the PPP/C, a name it had from the beginning.”

She spoke of the strides made by Foreign

Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who became the youngest Minister in that Ministry ever in Guyana; Priya Manickchand as another young leader who was appointed a Minister in 2006, and “we must not forget that the PPP/C broke all records in the world in 1999, when Bharrat Jagdeo, at the age of 35 was selected to be President of Guyana and was the world’s youngest President. He served 12 years in that position and Guyana had its most robust period of development during this young leader’s term.”

She said Guyana has been able to access universal nursery and primary education, and is well on its way to achieving universal access to secondary education.

Guyanese urged to preserve foreparents’ legacy

By IndrawattIe natram

Guyanese were urged to continue to do what is necessary to preserve their foreparents’ legacy as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted a Mela to mark and celebrate the 177th Arrival of Indians to Guyana on Friday evening.

The Mela was hosted at the Anna Regina Car Park, Damon Square in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Speaking at the event, which attracted thousands of Guyanese, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud underscored the importance of recognising the tremendous contributions made by their ancestors to the development of Guyana and the wider world.

She said that Indians brought their rich cul-

ture and legacy to Guyana creating a melting pot of diversity.

“I am proud to see all of you here today, to join with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, it means that our tradition is preserved, look at the many items performed locally by these talented artistes, this is a strong message, a legacy has been preserved,” Dr Persaud posited.

Dr Persaud explained that the culture of Indians will continue to be highlighted, pledging the Sabha’s support in ensuring that young people are involved in various disciplines and art forms including dancing and drumming.

She said the Sabha over its 41 years of existence has conducted many dancing, tabla, and harmonium as well as Hindi classes to further educate persons about the culture that

was brought to Guyana. Persaud, who is a teacher of dance, said that similar classes will be extended to Region Two and young people there will be trained at the Anna Regina Kendra.

Dr Persaud said the Kendra will be a hub for activities where persons can be involved meaningfully.

“We are one big family, events like these reveal the cohesiveness among the people, one people socialising, the spirit is so positive, this is the way we should be, the decision you make must be the right choice, one that will benefit your country and your society,” Persaud further explained.

The Arrival Day programme, featured talented Guyanese singers and winners from E-Networks’ Emerging Voices, Vishalie Sookram and Amir Khan.

Sugar industry being snubbed by APNU/AFC – Ramsammy

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has accused the People’s National Congress (PNC) led A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition of failing to include the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in its 2015 Manifesto, dubbing the move an “insult” to sugar workers across the country.

The APNU/AFC coalition presented its 46 page Manifesto last Thursday at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown, but according to Dr Ramsammy, it presented a proposal in which sugar has been “relegated to no significance.”

“When the story of the 2015 General Elections is written in less than one week from now the most intriguing and disgraceful occurrence will be the stupidity of APNU/AFC in insulting the sugar workers. It is appalling that APNU/AFC has no plans for GuySuCo, and as Minister of

Agriculture, I continue to be concerned about the intentions of APNU/AFC relating to the sugar workers and the sugar industry,” Dr Ramsammy ranted in a release to the press on Tuesday.

The coalition has already been accused of being unsure of its intention for the sugar industry with several key organisations calling on it to clearly state its position.

Just last week the Agriculture Minister had issued a stern warning to the Opposition, urging it to become “proactive,” since one set of members are committed to its development while others have shrugged at the idea.

In his release on Tuesday, Dr Ramsammy said the coalition’s Manifesto has excluded the sugar industry and by extension the thousands of sugar workers.

“For APNU/AFC to have nothing in their Manifesto about the sugar industry and for them to actually tell the nation

that they have no idea what is the way forward for GuySuCo, they disqualify themselves for consideration to form the next Government in Guyana. No political party can seriously talk about governing Guyana without firm ideas on how to sustain and further develop sugar in Guyana”, Dr Ramsammy said.

He reiterated that GuySuCo accounts for a significant part

of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and as such should not be ignored.

“Indeed, it is unconscionable and unforgiveable for any political party to so visibly ignore sugar. We cannot talk about development in Guyana and good governance while ignoring an industry that employs almost 20,000 sugar workers and that contributes

significantly to drainage and irrigation network which supports the rice industry, livestock and cash crops. More than 120,000 Guyanese are directly dependent on the sugar industry. GuySuCo also plays a role in supporting both the health sector and youth and sports in our country,” he explained.

He said it is “absolutely incredulous” that the coalition is “so irresponsible” to ignore this important sub-sector in the country’s economic and social development.

He noted that while the party does not consider sugar workers “as their concern,” the incumbent has always stood with the sugar industry.

Dr Ramsammy said APNU/ AFC not only exposes its disdain for the sugar industry but displays “unpardonable ingratitude” to an industry that kept Guyana alive for many years during the PNC rule.

First-time voters excited about May 11

With just a few days left before the General and regional elections in Guyana, first time voters have found themselves in a puddle of mixed emotions.

Reports are indicating that some 64,000 persons are eligible to vote for the first time, and political parties have been focusing heavily on securing this section of voters for political gains. Guyana Times International spoke with several first time voters who expressed mixed emotions on their ability to vote for the first time. While many of them have no interest in voting, others were clueless as to which of the political parties they will be supporting.

Ashley Singh, a student pursuing a career in business, related that she is not sure if she will be voting. “From a logical standpoint, whether I go and vote or not, a party will win and we as the public have to continue with our lives,” she said. But subsequently, Singh admitted that she is trapped in a bubble of mixed emotions, noting that while she is interested in voting, she is not sure which party she will endorse come May 11.

“I would like to go and vote, but as to who my vote goes to, I’m just not so sure, hence my uncertainty about voting,” she further explained.

Alexis (only name given), another first time voter, also signaled her lack of interest in exercising her constitutional right to vote. “It does not interest me. I don’t think my vote matters, a lot of other people will go and vote…I ain’t able go through all that stress and then I might get beat

up for no reason, then I don’t want to deal with the disappointment if my party loose,” she initially stated. But despite her fears, she said voting on May 11 is still up for consideration.

Daryl Chambers and Cindy Kishun also expressed similar sentiments when approached on the matter. Chambers said she wants to distance herself from the political process because she is disgusted by the actions of most politicians.

Despite her views, she acknowledged the importance of a single vote and its impact on the future of the country. Kishun, on the other hand, said while she is completely disappointed in the political parties contesting the upcoming elections, she will be voting, simply to please her parents.

On the flip side of the coin, other first time voters disclosed that they are being pressured to vote for political parties in which their parents and grandparents have endorsed. Kevol Harlequin, a former Bishop’s High School student, said “I feel like everybody wants me to vote for who they want me to vote for.”

But nonetheless, Harlequin said he will not give in to pressure. “I feel very privileged to contribute to this nation. Voting is important. It’s all about the majority of the country,” he said.

Harlequin then expressed his belief that politics in Guyana is not what it should be, and that the parties contesting care more about the power than about developing the country.

“The parties involved should be focused on lift-

ing Guyana from its current state. What I see are parties focused on winning the election rather than bettering a nation,” he opined.

Despite his concerns, he made it clear that on Monday, he will be exercising his constitutional right to vote.

Meanwhile, Mellinda Deonarine, a teacher, expressed much confidence in participating in the electoral process.

“I am excited to vote, yes…I’m not going to be pressured by anyone, I won’t vote based on who my parents vote for or anything like that. I think it is important to vote since we are the ones putting such a Government in place to guarantee us a brighter future,” she noted.

Deonarine said she is aware that many youths

are being influenced by their elders and not weighing the pros and the cons before making a decision for themselves.

As such, she said young people who are gearing up to vote on Monday, “should carefully assess the contesting parties, assess their track records, assess

what they have to offer, assess their personalities and then mark the “X” on the party with the better plan for Guyana.”

Dave Ramcharitar also expressed great confidence about his role in the electoral process. “As a first time voter, I feel empowered and excited since I now have the abil-

ity to choose which political party I would like to see governing this country,” he stated. He too underscored the importance of voting, urging all first time voters to capitalise on this opportunity, noting that it will contribute to the development of the country.

Jagdeo wants Bond charged …for Facebook post on Disciplined Services vote

By Alexis Rodney

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is calling for immediate legal action to be taken against Attorney-at-Law and People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change candidate James Bond, for spreading information on social media about the results of the Joint Services vote on Saturday, which he could not have verified.

This call was made by former President Bharrat Jagdeo who was addressing another massive crowd at the PPP/ C’s rally at Bath, West Coast Berbice (WCB), on Sunday. The former Head of State was particularly peeved over the information peddled by the lawyer, dubbing it “illegal”. According to him, the matter needed immediate legal intervention. Bond, moments after the military men and women, had cast their ballots Saturday evening, took to his Facebook page declaring that Disciplined Forces had given the Opposition some 94 per cent of their votes, continuing that it was up to the coalition “to take this landslide home”.

He continued that on “May 11 every vote we lost to complacency in 2011 we are taking it back. Every new vote must go to APNU+AFC everyone who did not vote in 2011 must vote for

APNU+AFC in 2015. We CAN DO IT. It’s crunch time!” the lawyer said on his page. He went further, divulging information he appeared to have about the voting patterns of Joint Services ranks who cast their ballots at the Whim Police Station.

“An example of what occurred today at Whim Police Station…total number of voters 165… Number of votes cast 147… APNU+AFC 140…PPP/C 7…” he said.

The former Head of State, restating his allegations of the Opposition’s track record of disruption at the polling places, told the crowd that it was impossible for the Attorney to have come across such information.

“How could James Bond know about the military vote that took place last night and it was not counted. How did he know about Whim and the percentage about how much they got and how much we got? It’s impossible to do that. Remember we talked about subverting the military, about subverting the Police?” Jagdeo queried. Put a stop to it

He said the action by Bond was nothing strange, as it was a representation of the continuous ploy by the PNC to subvert the polls and Election Day activities. He said the issue was a serious one. “It is illegal and we have to charge him now. We have to charge him and send a

signal to this country.”

He said there was a pattern to all that has been happening, noting that “if we don’t put a stop to it, on Elections Day, there shall be consequences”. “And so I ask the people who are entrusted by our Constitution and our laws to make sure that our elections are organised properly in this country. That we do not sit and become complacent and view these attempts as isolated and average, but how do we deal with these illegal attempts leading up to the elections to subvert the polls will do a lot with what takes place on Elections Day.”

He made a public call on Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally and Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield to apply the law for such behaviour, urging them not to make

any excuses in such regard as it was a “testing ground for what will happen on Elections Day”.

He said the Opposition was running scared and has also introduced another programme, aimed at causing confusion on Election Day. Jagdeo related that the programme, referred to as “Project GPS”, aimed at getting voters to take photographs of their Statement of Polls (SOPs) and send them to the Opposition, which will in turn post it on Facebook as an unofficial announcement of its results.

Dr Surujbally had on Saturday, however, dismissed the claims by the Attorney, revealing to this publication that he (Bond) could not make such statements with any “definitiveness of accuracy because he

does not know how the people have voted”.

Dr Surujbally had explained that the envelopes containing the votes of the Joint Services were going to be mixed with the other votes on May 11; therefore, no one would know how they voted. The GECOM Chairman also reminded the public that “that is the reason why the system has been developed so you can’t count the vote of the Disciplined Services because they will be mixed with the votes on May 11”.

Jagdeo also condemned the mayhem that attended the PPP/C’s Warlock, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown meeting last week when a APNU/ AFC supporter burned the PPP/C’s flag and other threw stones at some of the speakers in an effort to disrupt it. “This is not something to laugh about. It’s it just a characteristic of the PNC; it is illegal for anyone to destroy the paraphernalia of another political party. She should be charged now.”

Last Sunday, the former Head of State had made a public call on the international observers participating in this year’s General and Regional Elections to pay close attention to the occurrences unfolding on Elections Day, particularly as regard the track record of the PNC.

63-year old woman remanded to prison

An elderly woman was, on Monday, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine Beharry, after she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to a charge of possession of narcotics.

Patsy Baptiste, a 63year old resident of 963 16th Street Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on April 30, she was found to be in possession of 16 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that on the day in question at 14:30h, while acting on information received, ranks of the Guyana Police Force went to the woman’s house where a search

was conducted. During the search, the substance was found and the woman told the ranks that she purchased the drugs to resell as “to make a living”. Prosecution thereby made an objection to bail.

The woman’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes, made an application for bail citing that the woman suffers from a disability and is not a flight risk.

According to Hughes, on the day in question, the substance was not found in her presence but was found in a house that she shares with her children.

Bail was denied and the woman was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrates’ Court where the woman will make an appearance on May 6.

Caribbean Airlines appoints new Head of Corporate Communications

Caribbean Airlines has appointed Dionne Ligoure as its new Head of Corporate Communications, effective May 1.

In a release, Caribbean Airlines said it was pleased to announce the appointment. Ligoure will have oversight of Caribbean Airlines’ Media Relations, Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Employee Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility.

“Dionne brings passion, energy and over 15 years’ professional experience to this critical position in Caribbean Airlines. She has worked in international and multicultural environments in the Caribbean, the United States and Europe, and we welcome her to the Caribbean Airlines team,” stated Chief Executive Officer Michael DiLollo.

Ligoure started her airline career in 1995 and has held a number of communications positions of increasing responsibility.

Treated water coverage significantly advanced – coastland achieves 95%

Water is essential to life, and its economic value is immeasurable; apart from living things drinking it to survive, water is essential for varying things.

With a growing economy, the demand for safe drinking water increases; therefore, the PPP/C Administration has sought to embark on a national water programme which has resulted in potable water being made available to over 700 villages throughout Guyana, with running taps in every home/yard.

Through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Government expended Gy$20 billion on the improvement of nationwide water supply over a 15-year period, with a per capita investment of nearly Gy$30,000 per household. These investments resulted in the construction of seven new water treatment plants to increase coverage, drilling of 25 new water wells, and upgrading of distribution and transmission networks and rehabilitation of sewer systems.

Reflective of this significant stride, the percentage of people with access to potable water

Newly-appointed Head of corporate communications for caribbean Airlines limited, Dionne ligoure

She holds a Master of Science, Information and Communication Sciences and a BSc in Management Studies.

“I am delighted to join the Caribbean Airlines team and to serve in the capacity of Head, Corporate Communications,” Ligoure said. She continued: “Caribbean Airlines continues to make a valuable contribution to the Region and I am looking forward to growing CAL’s influence within our key stakeholder groups.”

has increased from 26 per cent to 50 per cent, and new service was provided for in excess of 100,000 people.

Linden

The two new water treatment facilities in Linden at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc, executed through funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have been completed and are now in the troubleshooting phase.

During a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), GWI Director of Infrastructure Planning and Implementation, Ramchand Jailall, noted that a number of other communities are being

linked to the water treatment plants.

“Amelia’s Ward water is treated …and we are in the trouble-shooting phase where we are trying to incorporate some of the other communities…

In Wisroc also, the water treatment plant has been successfully completed including a new starch reservoir and an elevated tank, and these facilities are being operated here, again in the testing phase, treated water is supplied to Wisroc, and the surrounding communities,” Jailall explained.

Over 30,000 people residing in Linden, will benefit from treated water that meets World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard, bring-

ing water coverage in Linden to 100 per cent. Coastal Supply

Over the past years, a number of water treatment facilities were constructed to meet the growing housing demand. Communities such as Lima-Region Two, VergenoegenRegion Three, Cummings Lodge, Sophia, Central Ruimveldt and Eccles in Region Four, Cotton Tree-Region Five, and Manchester, Region Six have been beneficiaries. As a result of these investments, water coverage on the coast has moved from less than 70 per cent to 95 per cent and meter coverage, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

Pushpanjali 2015 a resounding success –

Guyanese urged to unite ahead of elections

The Indian Commemoration Trust hosted Pushpanjali 2015 at the Monument Gardens, Church and Camp Streets, Georgetown on Tuesday in celebration of the 177th anniversary of Indian arrival in Guyana.

US Chargé d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt; Leader of the Alliance for Change, Khemraj Ramjattan; and Dr Yesu Persaud were among officials present.

Pushpanjali 2015 was a combination of cultural displays as the melodious sounds of Hindi music echoed through the air, and the sacred display of traditional dances swayed on stage.

In addressing the gathering, the various religious leaders urged those present to stand in unity in light of the upcoming General and Region Elections. In his address, Dr Persaud said “these are difficult times, because of ignorance, we have division…I’d like to see in my time that we achieve togetherness.”

Meanwhile, in delivering the feature address, President of the Global Organisation of People of

Indian Origin (GOPIO) Ashook Ramsaran applauded the Indian Commemoration Trust for the successful staging of the event.

“It is truly a historic milestone in cultural preservation,” Ramsaran said as he paid tribute to the East Indian ancestors who paved the way for their descendants today.

He urged Guyanese to unite for the development of the country as their ancestors did in their fight for the betterment of their people.

“While looking at the

past we must triumph by (making) bold leaps with much hope and determination,” Ramsaran said. “That difficult history fostered togetherness and kindred…we’re all products of this land, so embrace the kinship among us and we must be unified in our quest for prosperity.”

On display at the event were many historical artifacts such as silver Rupees of the year 1835, “chillums” or Indian pipes, “Jatas” which are stone grinders used to crush peas, rice and spices, “sills” which

are stones used in cooking and brass water jars. A number of Indian food and sweet meats were also on sale.

“It’s a lovely experience”, a group of tourists from the USA exclaimed, noting that “the food, the culture…it’s all an enticing as well as educational experience for us.”

Pushpanjali 2015 is the 20th of its kind, and was aimed at celebrating the arrival of East Indians in Guyana. East Indians arrived in Guyana, then British Guiana on May 5, 1838 as indentured labourers in two ships, Whitby and Hesperus. At the time, 438 workers left Calcutta, however, 18 died during the journey due to a cholera outbreak on the ships and their bodies were thrown overboard.

When they arrived in Guyana, the immigrants worked on the sugar estates from day two. When the East Indians’ contract with their British employers came to an end, many of them chose to stay in the country and started their lives as farmers and tradesmen.

Presidential 2-term limit: Possible ruling set for Tuesday

The legal proceedings, challenging the presidential term limit, was called up again on Monday at the High Court, however, the matter was further adjourned until next week to facilitate submissions from the defendant.

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

Following responses filed by the attorneys representing the plaintiff and the defendants, the parties had to lay over written submissions. Attorney Shaun Allicock, who is representing Richardson, along with Deputy Solicitor General of the AG Chambers Prithima Kissoon has submitted arguments on the matter. However, Attorney Roysdale Forde for Trotman is yet to make submissions on behalf of his client.

Initially, the case was set for report and fixture of a date for ruling, but when the matter was called up on Monday’s date, Chief Justice Ian Chang put it down until May 11, the same day the General and Regional Elections will be held in Guyana. Following the session in the Chief Justice’s Chamber, Kissoon told reporters that the matter was adjourned for the Speaker to present his submissions. She further disclosed that the matter will be called up again on the following day, Tuesday May 12, when Justice Chang is expected to make a ruling.

In the writ filed on February 2, by 50-year-old Richardson, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, it is point-

ed out that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a two-third majority of members of 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.

Nigel Hughes condemns vulgarity by APNU/AFC supporters

Executive member of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, Nigel Hughes has condemned acts of vulgarity and indecency by supporters following last week’s attacks on a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) meeting at Warlock, West Ruimveldt.

Speaking at a public meeting at Fyrish, Corentyne on Sunday evening, Hughes, a candidate of the coalition condemned all acts of provocation during these election campaigns. In a statement, the coalition said Hughes was forthright in his comments, saying that no act of harassment, intimidation or indecency will be tolerated as the APNU+AFC coalition holds itself to a higher standard.

Meanwhile, the coalition said over the weekend it had one of its billboards defaced with a liquid substance. This occurred at Coldigen, on the East Coast of Demerara.

“On Friday last, the coalition had also publicly condemned what it alleged as the vile and utterly reprehensible PPP tactic of per-

sons being paid to pose as APNU+AFC coalition supporters and intimidating Indo-Guyanese in an effort to engender ethnic mistrust among our people.

“The APNU+AFC coalition makes it clear that this provocation and intimidation is intended to benefit the PPP/C and the Coalition stands to derive no benefit whatsoever from it. The Coalition will never engage in these gutter tactics, which are synonymous with the fear mongering and hate campaign being run by the PPP/C.” Hours after Presidential Candidate for the coalition David Granger signed the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Code of Conduct for Political Parties contesting the upcoming elec-

tion, his party supporters were responsible for disrupting a public meeting of the PPP/C at Warlock, East Ruimveldt last Wednesday night. By signing the Code, Granger gave his party’s commitment to condemning all forms of violence, attacks of aggression and inappropriate behaviour while campaigning ahead of the May 11 polls. He also committed to the non-destruction of campaign materials of other parties and non-intimidation of political opponents.

But before the ink could have dried there was “war” in Warlock, as the coalition’s supporters, dressed in their APNU/AFC colours swooped down on the meeting and threw stones and broken bottles at Dr Roger Luncheon, Trade Unionist Gillian Burton-Persaud, and Odinga Lumumba.

The coalition’s supporters were documented as burning the PPP/C’s flag and other campaign material as they protested the holding of the meeting in their community.

The PNC-led APNU/ AFC supporters were also documented hurling verbal and other slurs at those present at the meeting.

PPP/C Enmore meeting: Residents reminded of long struggle for freedom

Acrowd of close to 2000 residents from the village of Enmore, on the East Coast of Demerara, were reminded of their community’s “rich history of struggle” by President Donald Ramotar when he headlined a meeting in the East Coast community on Monday evening.

The president recalled the history of Enmore in the fight for freedom and reminded residents “you have a proud history, a history of a struggle and a history of achievement” as he recalled the sacrifice made by the Enmore Martyrs, decades ago. He said, “In 1948, the workers died fighting for a better life and sacrificed themselves so we could have freedom, and that is recognised today as the beginning of the end of colonialism in Guyana”

He said, “… we are at cross roads in this country again, and these elections will determine in which direction we go, whether we go forward or go backwards”. The hard fought for gains that have been achieved,

are at risk of being lost, and President Ramotar reminded them of the importance of the soon to be held elections.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, he noted, has a long record of achievement and it must be judged on that. He explained that the country was bankrupt in 1992 with a debt bigger than the economy, and “we had to borrow to pay those debts”. The

Government has now reduced the debt to 60 per cent of the GDP from 950 per cent, the President explained. “This debunks claims about poor economic management”.

“This election is about our future,” he stated, and the PPP/C’s Manifesto gives a clear direction in which the party wants to take Guyana. The gains in education were also highlighted and performance of students, locally and regionally over the

Guyanese man wanted for double murder in US, arrested in Trinidad

A37-year-old Guyanese born United States citizen with immigration status in Canada, and who is wanted in the US on a range of criminal offences including two counts of murder, has been re-arrested by members of Trinidad and Tobago INTERPOL Bureau.

Balkumar Singh was first detained on March 27, 2015 for violating Trinidad’s immigration laws, under the name Shauwn Maharaj.

But based on information received by the INTERPOL, the detainee was positively matched as Balkumar Singh who was being sought by US authorities on charges of murder, assault in the first degree, reckless endangerment, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence.

As a result, a request was made by the US for the provisional arrest of Singh, which

was agreed to by the Attorney General.

A warrant was subsequently issued on April 30, 2015 and handed over to AG Sgt Herman Narace of INTERPOL for execution.

On May 1, 2015, Narace along with PC James Dailey and PC Sham Sinanan took custody of Singh from the Immigration Detention Centre and conveyed him to the Port of Spain CID where the warrant was served. Singh later appeared before a Port of Spain Magistrate, and was remanded into custody until May 28.

Bail was refused. Appearing for the requesting state was Head of the Central Authority Unit, Netram Kowlessar. Singh, who has 14 convictions in Canada, including assaults and weapons charges, is also known by the following aliases: Tevin Persaud, Terry Persaud; Kumar Doodnath; Terry Singh and Sean Maharaj.

years.

Ramotar described one aspect of the Government’s Rural Development Plan which is to ensure that rural residents have as many opportunities to develop themselves as others in urban areas, such as the building of a call centre in the community. This facility will employ 1000 people, and according to the President, it was another reason why all needed to be educated.

The President pledged to continue guiding Guyana along its developmental path as he stressed the need for cheap, reliable energy to attract investors.

This move Ramotar said would lead to more job creation. The most important aspect towards Guyana attaining cheap energy is the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Dam. Once functional, he added, there would be an immediate

reduction in tariffs of, “20 to 40 per cent and more disposable income available” for all consumers. The hydro power project’s construction is set to begin, and President Ramotar said once he is re-elected, “I hope we can begin building the project before the end of the year” as investors have already been identified to assist in this process.

The hydro power project will not only lead to cheaper power as more investors turn to Guyana, but will also facilitate the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Investment in other sectors such as tourism and the hotel industry would even see the need for more five-star hotels being constructed as a result of more people coming to this country, he added.

In closing, President Ramotar urged residents to ensure that they not only vote for the PPP/C, but also that their ballots were correctly stamped before being placed in ballot boxes on Election Day.

GECOM warns against “spurious” elections results … as

Tpressure mounts for arrest of

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday warned against “spurious” election results amid the public outrage over Attorney James Bond’s release of results from last Saturday’s Joint Services vote. Bond has since said that the figures were as a result of an exit poll he conducted following the Saturday polling, but former President Bharrat Jagdeo said he must be arrested and charged.

Bond, on Saturday, hours after the Discipline Services would have voted, took to his Facebook page where he posted “from initial reports 98 per cent of the ballots cast by the Disciplined Forces have been for APNU+AFC. Imagine the ranks are openly stating they have voted for the coalition.”

When the criticisms came pouring in, particularly from the GECOM and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the irresponsible and misleading information, Bond defended his post stating that he had garnered his information from conducting an exit poll and it was not official information.

However, in a release to the media on Monday, GECOM said that the duty of declaring the final official results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections rests exclusively with GECOM. The

Commission noted that any other information provided by any source(s) other than GECOM must not be considered as legitimate or valid by the citizenry.

“GECOM wishes to advise the public that only official elections results announced by GECOM are to be accepted. Any other claims to results would be spurious and unofficial.” According to the election body, it will be conducting free, fair and transparent elections on May 11, 2015, and is therefore appealing to all stakeholders to peacefully accept the final official results of the 2015 General and Regional

APNU’s Bond

Elections.

Exit polls

Additionally, the body has also issued a call for all individuals and groups purporting to conduct exit polls and announcing their ‘findings’, to desist from the potentially dangerous and reckless practice, since these utterances can lead to unrest and create further uneasiness in an environment which is already tense.

Moreover, the body said that while there is no specific law making exit polling an offence, the extant electoral laws and guidelines mandate that only GECOM is the sole legal authority to announce official election results in Guyana.

The election body said that it was working unremittingly to ensure it delivers elections that are free, fair, credible and transparent and every area of elections management is being competently and professionally managed by committed men and women, led by an experienced group of Commissioners.

Therefore, it is expecting that all political parties and their supporters be cognisant and supportive of GECOM’s efforts to submit results that are accurate, and not contribute to any act that will stymie and undermine this process.

Carter Centre warns against fear mongering …condemns provocative campaign rhetoric

With just a few days left before the staging of one of Guyana’s most anticipated General and Regional Elections, the Carter Centre is warning against moves to sow ethnic fears among the Guyanese populace.

On Tuesday, the centre, which has an observer mission in Guyana, said it is “deeply concerned about the provocative rhetoric in the campaign,” even as it condemned attempts “to sow fear and distrust among Guyana’s ethnic groups.” The centre also warned against attempts to undermine confidence in the country’s electoral process and institutions. The PPP has made several complaints of APNU/AFC provocative acts including incidents of bottle pelting and in one particular incendiary incident an APNU supporter, allegedly the daughter of an APNU MP, urinating on a PPP Flag, waving it aloft and

leading youths in a chant of “We gon bun dem out!!”

According to the centre, “it is imperative that political parties remain conscious of their obligations under the Political Party Code of Conduct for these elections and urge their supporters to behave accordingly.” As Election Day approaches, the Carter Centre is encouraging all Guyanese to make their strongest efforts to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process. “These elections are an important opportunity for Guyanese to strengthen their commitment to one another and further consolidate their democracy.”

Nevertheless, based on assessments conducted thus far, the centre said Guyana’s electoral preparations appear to be on track. “In most parts of the country, electoral preparations appear to be on course, and in some areas, preparations are ahead of schedule. In some more

remote areas, there are concerns about the status of logistical preparations.”

Since April, the centre deployed a team of five experts and six medium-term observers throughout the country. They have conducted observation in all 10 of Guyana’s electoral districts, and held

meetings with a wide range of actors, including political parties, the election commission, civil society organisations, and the judiciary. Observers heard many allegations of electoral offenses being committed by supporters of both of the main political parties. These were principally about the destruction of flags, banners, and billboards. However, the team encountered very few formal complaints submitted to Police and to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Although their observation is ongoing, medium-term observers have reported that the majority of stakeholders in the regions have expressed confidence in GECOM and the electoral process. The medium-term observation team will be joined this week by more than 50 short-term observers from 24 countries. The delegation will be coled by former US President

Jimmy Carter, Ambassador Audrey Glover of the United Kingdom, and former Barbados Minister of Foreign Affairs Billie Miller. They will witness the electoral process, including voting, counting, polling, and tabulation, and release a preliminary statement of key findings on May 13, which will be available at http://www.cartercenter.org.

The Carter Centre’s assessment of the electoral process will be based on Guyana’s Constitution, national legal framework, and its various obligations for democratic elections under public international law, including relevant regional and international agreements. The centre’s mission will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, which provides guidelines for professional and impartial election observation.

APNU/AFC Manifesto lacks substance, largely academic

By LT WiLLicom

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) launched their Manifesto on April 25. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC)’s leaked Manifesto surfaced before April 25; the formal APNU/AFC Manifesto, released on April 31, is a rework of their leaked Manifesto copying many of the same policies of the PPP/C.

The politics of “NO” of the 10th Parliament continues in the Manifesto. It reads like the Spanish Inquisition; everything will be investigated, re-

structured, changed. Where were the APNU/ AFC parliamentarians in the 10th Parliament and how did they use the numerous Commissions and Committees of Parliament?

Like Rip-van Winkle, the parliamentary mechanisms, which the Opposition clearly controlled in the last Parliament, saw them all asleep at the wheel. Every aspect of the Manifesto where information could have been sought; where information could easily have been obtained through questions to the Government (the PPP/C has a record of answering every one

of these); questions and reviews through the Parliamentary Committees with sugar, electricity, hydro, all covered; or using the Commissions, should have been established during the last Constitutional Reform. Instead, APNU/AFC acts like they have been asleep during the 10th Parliament where they were in charge, and oblivious to the history and mechanisms they could have used to get all of the information they needed. Their manifesto paints the image of them now starting kindergarten; devoid of the vast volumes of information provided

to their every inquiry and question. They now seem intent to starting to look at everything.

And following the witch-hunt, all legislations that have been rejected are now being brought back by APNU for approval, AML Bill, the Telecoms Bill, etc.

Very little is mentioned on how the 11th Parliament would operate. And even less is said of the Opposition’s track record, which of course prior to 1992, reflects the worse economic record, suppression of democratic rights, rigged elections, and every form of oppression of civil rights and liberties.

Right on the top of the agenda is the plan to reduce the toll across the Berbice River. This is nothing short of expropriation/nationalisation; an attack on the private sector. The first act would be to send a clear and strong signal to the private sector investors, that the Government is looking to control the commanding heights of the econo-

my. A clear violation of the Investment Act.

And to add insult to injury, APNU/AFC assumes, on pg 46, that capital flight will be reduced. Clearly, the economic architects of the Manifesto seem hopelessly hapless of the substantial foreign inflows under the PPP. And, with the Berbice Bridge, depositors and investors will quickly look to move much of the deposits in Guyana’s banking sector abroad, putting pressure in the exchange rate. Most businesses will immediately close and all investment with an APNU/AFC Government will be at risk.

The APNU/AFC Manifesto, unlike to PPP/C Manifesto, lacks an economic plan. The plan dreams of reducing capital flight, when the opposite is evident; augmenting capital inflows due to their political environment, when their first act is expropriation of the Berbice River Bridge; reducing the underground economy, without a single factor

strategy; reducing procurement fraud, which they have failed to show exists in any major form; tax reforms, assume increased taxation; GDP growth, when most businesses will quickly seek to curtail investment and move their money out in the fact of a hostile Government to private sector investment; Petro Caribe, they seem unaware of all the funds flowing through the Consolidated Fund and that this is debt financing; labour productivity with few initiatives to show how to achieve.

So APNU Manifesto seems utterly lacking in a proper understanding of the economy.

The PPP/C Manifesto is broken down into six pillars

1. Economic growth; jobs, income and wealth creation 2. Transformative infrastructure 3. Enhancing the well being of our people

Fighting crime and protecting our people

Fair governance

PPP/C slams Glenn Lall for refusing political ad

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic said it has welcomed the statement by Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall that he would not allow his medium to be used to incite violence and disrespect by refusing to carry an advertisement of the Party which depicted a supporter of the Opposition urinating on a PPP/C flag at a meeting in Warlock, West Ruimveldt last week.

The PPP/C said Lall, should be aware that the newspaper he owns has built its reputation doing just that. “How can Lall be taken seriously when Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon spews venomous remarks on a daily basis, disrespecting public servants and members of the Private Sector who are singled out and targeted for abuse.

“The most vulgar form of attacks have been directed at a decent woman, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, just because she chose to exercise her democratic right by accepting President Ramotar’s offer to be his running mate. Freddie Kissoon’s shameless attacks on our Prime Ministerial Candidate have not only been unchecked, but it is believed to be encouraged by the

Publisher and Editor of Kaieteur News.”

According to the PPP/C, the Kaieteur News has been selective in its policies in that it allows the Opposition to place ads and issue erroneous statements which do the very same thing Glenn Lall seeks to condemn.

“The PPP/C believes that this new awakening by the Kaieteur News Publisher is designed to muzzle the Government from exposing the revolting and indecent behaviour of a female APNU/ AFC supporter who urinated on, and later burnt the PPP flag to the cheers of jubilant Opposition protesters and their children, who turned out in their numbers to violently disrupt a PPP/C meeting….”

The Party said it was interesting to note that

not only has the Kaieteur News been engaging in censorship, but it also suffered from an acute bout of self-censorship when it comes to exposing and reporting on the Opposition’s acts of aggression, intimidation and provocation.

The PPP/C said the advertisement that was refused by Kaieteur News and referred to by Lall, merely meant to show what Lall and the Editor of Kaieteur News failed to carry as a legitimate news item, and which he and his editor failed to condemn because of their association with the leadership of the Opposition APNU-AFC. “Lall’s disgust with the advertisement is merely an attempt to kill the messenger rather than to condemn the vulgar act of a known APNU-AFC supporter.

Glenn Lall should be cognisant of the weight of his authority in setting policy guidelines for his publication, as it does not seem to apply to his Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris who, like Kissoon, continues to spew malicious lies, allegations and innuendos attacking and insulting members of the PPP/C Administration on a daily basis in his satire “Dem Boys Seh”.”

Rohee assures youths of bright future under PPP/C

– as thousands participate in Essequibo PYO fun day

As he addressed thousands of youths at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Clement Rohee said the future of the nation’s youths would be bright under the PPP/C Government.

At the time, the Home Affairs Minister was speaking at a family fun day organised by the Essequibo Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

He told the large gathering that the fun day was being held during a very important time, when political parties are preparing for General and Regional Elections. He implored the youths to put their “X” next to the cup, outlining that the PPP/C party has a bright future as well as plans for the young generation.

“Young people, you are very important to move Guyana, you are the most treasured asset, together we can do it, you need to join with the PPP/C and make sure we win the majority,” Rohee said.

Rohee urged persons to make full use of the opportunity provided to them, noting that they should vote wisely come next Monday.

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali; Labour Minister, Dr Nanda K Gopaul; Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Alli Baksh and regional officials were among the dignitaries present.

The delegation used the opportunity to socialise with residents, and had an interactive session with the cricket team.

Harper calls out Granger for “hypocrisy”

…on Guyana’s response to Venezuela’s threats

Former Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Prime Ministerial Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Elisabeth Harper has called out Presidential Candidate of the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, David Granger for his “hypocrisy” on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.

On Saturday last, Granger, while appearing on ‘Hard Talk,’ a radio programme, told the host that he was immensely displeased with the manner in which Guyana was handling the ongoing issue with Venezuela.

According to him, while he may have supported the Government of Guyana in the past especially from around October, 2013 when a Venezuelan Naval Craft had expelled an unarmed civilian vessel from the country’s waters; he did not believe that the Government was taking a “robust enough” approach to effectively tackle the situation. He noted that the current stance taken by the Government on the ongoing controversy was “weak” although there are options available for the matter to be brought to a conclusion.

However, former Director General Harper, in responding to the comments, said that by Granger declaring his disappoint-

ment with the Government’s response to the matter was nothing more than an exploitation of a key national issue for narrow political gain. Harper said it was hypocritical for Granger to make such statements given the fact that he has constantly reiterated his support for the actions taken by the Government on the issue.

“Mr Granger himself had supported the actions of the Government in relation to those very violations and threats from neighbouring Venezuela. To describe Guyana’s actions as weak when we were able to garner the public support of the Caribbean Community and the Commonwealth can be nothing

but dishonest,” the former diplomat said.

Continuing, Harper said that while Granger was fast in pointing out the Government’s failure to capitulate on the other options which were opened to be explored “he has failed to declare what he would have done or would do differently if he were to become the President of this country.”

The former Director General said that any Government led by the PPP/C will not play politics with Guyana’s most important asset, that is, its territory, noting that utterances like those of the APNU/AFC Presidential Candidate are in fact, “what make us appear weak because such a stance demonstrates disunity in regard to the protection of our national patrimony when it is unity of purpose and action that is required at all times.”

Only recently, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn endorsed the actions taken by the Government, echoing sentiments which were earlier expressed by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett that the Good Offices approach has not been as effective as it was intended to be, and should be abandoned. The Good Offices approach was established by the United Nations as a mechanism to assist in resolving Venezuela’s continuous claim to a part of Essequibo.

APNU/AFC, TIP, NIP to engage UG students

The People’s National Congress (PNC)- led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, The Independent Party (TIP) and the National Independent Party (NIP) are expected to appear on separate forums with students from the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) to discuss with them their policies and plans for the future of Guyana.

Following unsuccessful efforts to organise Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates between the respective candidates of the two major political parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Election, the UGSS was forced to resort to this alternative.

The primary reason for the flopping of the debates is as a result of the unprofessional and rowdy behaviour exhibited by individuals during the preelections forum in 2011 which discouraged candidates from participating.

It is because of this reason, the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has politely declined to participate in another round of disorderly debates.

The PPP/C, however, was ready and willing to meet head-on with Opposition Leader David

Granger for a Private Sector Commission (PSC) organised debate, but Granger opted to boycott the debate, arguably for fear of discussing his policies in a professional environment, away from the unnecessary heckling from his supporters.

Notwithstanding the PPP/C’s reason for not participating, the UGSS in a media release expressed hopes that the party will reconsider its decision to participate.

According to the release, the exercise is being executed in the context of the critical role that young people, including the University students, have to play in electing a government of their choice to manage the country.

“The UGSS has to play a role in providing students with the opportunity to directly engage representatives of those parties seeking to hold political office,” the release read.

Govt welcomes more fibre-optic cables

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo noted that the Government of Guyana would welcome as many as possible fibre-optic cables in the country, as it would positively transform the technological and social landscape of the economy for the better.

Jagdeo was at the time speaking at a recent press conference at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Headquarters, Freedom House.

“The more cables we get, the lower the cost of bandwidths, cheaper cost of Internet, we’ll be moving to 4G applications and have maybe 2MB on a mobile device so you can start streaming on your mobile devices…,” he envisioned.

Jagdeo lamented over the fact that one cannot enjoy the pleasure of streaming videos without interruptions, among other difficulties, due to the slow Internet speed available in the country. On that note,

he envisioned a country where citizens can enjoy the advancement of technology with cheaper, faster Internet, free wifi, and also better data services on mobile phones.

To realise this, Jagdeo said the first step would be to have as many cables as possible, which will increase competition and result in a more affordable cost and better services.

“As many cables as we are able to bring in will be better for the country… some countries have 15 or 20 cables,” he noted.

Currently, Guyana only has one cable belonging to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and because of this the cost of bandwidth is incredibly high. However, it is in the process of rolling out two new fibre optic cables.

The first project, spearheaded by the Government, encountered several difficulties during its initial stage.

PPP/C condemns APNU/AFC’s hooliganism

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), last Saturday, denounced in the strongest possible terms the attacks on its Campaign Team on Wednesday, April 29, by sections of the crowd gathered at a public meeting in Warlock, La Penitance, Greater Georgetown.

In a statement to the media, the party said that Dr Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and platform speaker, was stoned by members of the crowd purporting to be APNU/AFC supporters.

It noted that stones were also pelted at the PPP/C team, while one woman burnt a PPP/C flag, and proceeded to urinate on it in full view of a most hostile and rabid crowd.

“These actions have indeed left a stain on all of Guyana. The recourse to thuggery and hooliganism reflects great intolerance and a bla-

“What we discovered was that the cable, in some sections, was not laid properly… It was not laid deep enough, so when the rains came… apparently these cable came out and that they were damaged,” Jagdeo explained. Therefore, he stated, the Government

had to spend more money on repairing the damages.

“There was a proposal to fix the cable… But it was to bury the cable differently, instead of bury it directly, bury in conduit so that you could avoid that kind of reoccurrence,” he said.

In spite of the challenges, Jagdeo noted that the project is definitely essential as it will bring about cheaper bandwidth to the country for the E-governance project and will see the rollout of free wifi to the public across Guyana, expectantly with bandwidths of 250k.

“Those who would have gotten free laptops would be able to connect to the cable. That was the purpose,” Jagdeo related.

The other project is being spearheaded by Digicel. It was last reported that the phone company is currently in the process of conducting a case study to determine the location for laying the cable.

Jagdeo also used the opportunity to slam the PNCled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition for constantly criticising the Government in its quest to realise this project and advance Guyana’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

He particularly exposed the PNC for granting the GT&T a 40-year monopoly on the market, which blocked any further advancement for the country.

GT&T currently has the monopoly on landline and international services. Digicel has to pay GT&T for its mobile services bandwidth, which is provided through the local company.

Digicel has said that it is eagerly awaiting the passage of the Telecoms Bill in the National Assembly, which will de-monopolise telephone service in Guyana and pave the way for them to provide the critical landline service.

Tremendous economic potential in Region 9 …

President urges residents to prepare for benefits

Ttant disregard for the democratic process,” the statement read.

The PPP/C also expressed great concern over the silence exhibited by the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition on the issue.

“This is not the first instance of violence and hooliganism displayed by APNU supporters, with not a word of condemnation coming from their leaders. We, as a Party, would expect that the APNU leadership would have condemned these attacks in the strongest terms and, at the very least, express a commitment to the preservation of law and order and respect for our democratic institutions”.

The party nonetheless placed on record its strong objection to the continuing acts of violence as it appealed to the authorities to discourage and prevent such occurrences.

here is great economic potential in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), once re-elected will capitalise on this to raise the standard of living of the region’s people, President Donald Ramotar assured during a visit to the Rupununi over the weekend.

The President was at the time addressing hundreds of people from more than 50 communities in the North, South and Central Rupununi at Rodeo Ground, Lethem, who gathered to meet and show support for a return of the incumbent government at the upcoming polls.

Outlining major development plans for Guyana and Region Nine specifically, the Head of State urged the people to prepare for the highly skilled jobs and opportunities for economic ventures that will be created through planned investments.

“The Rupununi and Region Nine is just a microcosm of what has been taking place in our country, and over the next five years we have more plans…Here can become a centre for creating higher paying jobs for our country and that is why the PPP/C Government has focused on preparing people to capitalise

by providing free education from nursery to secondary and technical education, as well for those who did not complete the formal system,” he said.

The President announced that Government will build a technical institute in Region Nine to equip persons with the necessary technical skills to provide support services to the expanding and emerging industries.

High on the development agenda once his government is re-elected, President Ramotar said is the construction of a Deep Water Harbour in the Berbice River and a highway from Linden To Lethem that will connect Brazil to the existing road network all the way to Berbice.

Speaking about local development, the President said that government plans to bridge the Kurupukari cross-

ing and connect the entire Rupununi via road, as well as to Region Eight. This will not only make travel easier and less time consuming, but cheaper.

The President also told the residents that education is the tool that will prepare the country to eliminate poverty and hence, persons in the Rupununi should ensure they stay in school and pursue their education even after secondary school.

While Government has managed to reduce the poverty rate from 80 percent of the population living in poverty to 20 percent, further reduction is highly dependent on every child securing a sound education.

“The potential and opportunities that exist in these areas are enormous for development, and we are investing in the human capital, our

people to ensure that they will be able to take up the challenge and benefit directly from the development.”

The President also urged all, young and old, to take advantage of the information technology hubs being created in the hinterland to ensure they learn to use the computer, as Information Communication Technology has tremendous potential, as well to create jobs and bridge traditional disparities between the hinterland and coastal areas.

The President reassured Amerindians and hinterland residents that government has their interest at heart and reminded that it was the PPP/C Government that created many opportunities for them to have equal access to social and other services and economic opportunities as coastlanders.

Gov’t “revitalised” bauxite industry

… slams Opposition for spreading lies

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has slammed the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition for peddling misleading information about the Linden Bauxite Industry, by extensively outlining the efforts by its Administration towards the recovery of the once ailing industry.

According to the PPP/C via a press release, the Opposition appears to be “out of touch” with the Government’s function as the PPP/C played a pivotal role in reviving and saving the bauxite industry.

It must be noted that the industry was on the verge of a complete breakdown, putting the lives of all those who are dependent upon it for a livelihood in jeopardy.

In chronological order, in 2003, the Government had embarked on a venture to restructure the industry and its community with a published plan entitled “An Integrated Plan for Region 10 – Revitalising the Region.”

The plan set out to enable the industry to become internationally competitive, stimulate the expansion and diversification of the region’s economic base, upgrade the region’s infrastructure and enhance the region’s social and recreational services.

In keeping with the plan, the Government had heavily invested into the development and expansion of small businesses in the region; the training of entrepreneurs; enhancing utility services like electricity and water; invested in the development of housing, roads, river services and urban development. Additionally, other areas including health and education were greatly enhanced.

Recovery

It is through these investments that the region developed tremendously, which in turn contributed towards the recovery of the bauxite industry.

In painting a more detailed picture of its diligent efforts in proving its commitment to preserving the bauxite industry, the Government provided an extensive report explaining their role in the industry’s viability.

The press release noted that the Linden bauxite industry was revitalised 10 years ago in December 2004, following the conclusion of the privatisation of Linmine to Omai Bauxite (now renamed Bosai).

It also noted that the Aroaima Mining Company (in the Berbice River) was scheduled to be closed at the end of 2000 following the Unions rejection of a merger with Bermine (Berbice Mining Enterprise Limited). However, the Government, in an effort to save jobs that would have clearly been affected by the collapse, took over the Aroaima Mining Company in November 2000 on the argument that it would operate this company on a cash neutral basis.

Then in 2002, Bermine was on the verge of collapse but again, in an effort to safeguard the livelihood of many, merged with the Aroaima Mining Company.

Further, the Government realised its limitation on its capacity to invest and therefore sought to find a strategic partner to develop the industry, through which the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) was formed.

“In December 2004, investment arrangements and a management contract were executed with RUSAL which took effect in early 2005. The formal privatisation was concluded in March 2006.

Both Linden and Berbice bauxite, since the revitalisation of the industry, is celebrating 10 years plus.”

Changes

The PPP/C noted

that, over the course of the last 10 years, meaningful changes have occurred as a result of their rigorous intervention.

As it relates to employment, Bosai currently employs approximately 650 persons. BCGI employs over 700 persons. With the recent commissioning of the Kurubuka mines, resulting in stable jobs for the BCGI, 500 local workers will secure jobs for a 15 year period.

Additionally, meaningful changes are evident in the millions of dollars invested in Guyana’s economy. BCGI and its sub-contractors have invested in excess of US$150 million in the last decade, whereas Bosai invested over US$100 million.

Also, since the companies are no longer privatised, the production for both the industries in Berbice and Linden has increased immensely and the export volumes are notably higher.

Challenges

Meanwhile, the Government acknowledged the challenges in the commodities market but nonetheless, remains sanguine in the industry’s viability.

“Government remains optimistic that the demand for primary alumina will pick up in the medium term and will create new opportunities and potential for Guyana’s bauxite industry,” the release read.

It noted that with continued expansion and improvements in the production levels and products of the existing companies, overall prosperity in the industry is expected to continue.

When one puts the

6 children recovering after successful heart surgeries

Spast few years under review, it is quite noticeable that there has been some 500,000 metric tons increase in the production coming from Guyana. Also, considering the high demand for quality bauxite from Guyana, the Government predicts brighter days ahead for the industry.

The Government also announced that a new bauxite company, the First Bauxite Company’s Bonasika Mine, is expected to be commissioned in 2015, due to the demand for bauxite.

Additionally, there are other companies who have applied for Prospecting Licenses (PL) and are being processed by the regulatory agency of the mining sector.

Subsidising electricity

Over the last 10 years, the Government has expended over Gy$25 billion on subsidising electricity costs to consumers in Region 10.

The statement noted that in Linden, the Government of Guyana continues to highly subsidise the cost of electricity despite Linmine being privatised over a decade providing in excess of Gy$22.7 billion in subsidies from 2005 to 2014 for electricity on both the east and west banks of Linden.

Following the privatisation of Aroaima Mining Company Inc. in 2006, the Government made operational a new electricity company in Kwakwani to manage the generation and distribution of electricity and has provided in excess of Gy$2.5 billion in subsidies from 2006 to 2014.

ix of the 18 children who were set to benefit from heart surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital, through support from International Children’s Heart Foundation (Baby Heart) are recovering from successful surgeries.

Two of the six children have already been sent home. Eight more are expected to undergo

Heart Foundation donated some equipment for the Unit.

Meanwhile, Director of the Echocardiography Education Programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Dr Debra Isaac said that when the programme first started, it was realised that children accounted for almost 40 per cent of the heart ultrasounds that were

surgery in the new week.

The Baby Heart Foundation is a nonprofit organisation that travels around the world to assist in paediatric cardiac surgeries and at the same time train local health practitioners in this regard. The Foundation has been around for over 20 years and has successfully completed 7500 surgeries in 32 countries.

During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Dr Rodrigo Soto, Chief Executive Officer of Baby Heart Foundation, said that the experience has been fantastic thus far, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for allowing the organisation to develop its programme in Guyana.

A special Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was also refurbished at the Georgetown Public Hospital to facilitate post-surgery care for the children, and Baby

done, and many required surgery. Unfortunately, only a few had access to surgical interventions, and a few were sent to other countries. Dr Isaac noted that those children who were sent abroad for surgeries did not benefit from proper follow-up care.

However, with the help of the Health Ministry and Dr Marissa Seepersaud, paediatric surgeon at the Georgetown Public Hospital, a Guyana Paediatric Steering Committee was established with the aim of identifying children that needed surgery and those who were already operated upon, and instituting screening for others. Through this programme, Dr Isaac noted that the Baby Heart team came in and those children were looked at. The team will be visiting Guyana in July for another few weeks to conduct more surgeries.

Alicia Bess crowned Miss Global International Guyana

Twenty-five-year-old Alicia Bess outshone her other rivals to cop the coveted title of Miss Global International Guyana when the pageant was held at the Theatre Guild on Saturday evening. She will head to the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in October to compete with other delegates from around the world in the international pageant.

Bess, who is the reigning Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen 2014, led the judges’ score cards from the beginning to the time she answered her final question. Trailing behind were Kiswana Abimola Jefford in the runner’s spot while Faydeha Cathylyna King was adjudged the second runner’s up.

Capitalising on their experiences in the pageant industry, the top three delegates took full advantage of the stage, and from all indication they had the full support of the audience.

The other delegates who participated and were awarded positions included Nalicia Ramdyal who resides in the USA, Shalisa Harripersaud and reigning Miss Caribbean Guyana, Shameeza Wong.

The pageant started behind the scheduled time but the wait was indeed worth it. The delegates appeared on stage in the opening dance sequence after which they had a specific period of time to introduce themselves.

Bess would have definitely outdone herself since she is no stranger to pageantry and took off like a jet from there on. She also performed outstandingly in the swim-

wear segment as the delegates paraded in their two piece swimwear. This showed the delegates’ curves and physiques which were evidently displayed.

The six delegates were then tasked with performing a talent piece. In this segment, King would have outshone the others with her dramatic presentation on drug abuse, a social ill in society. Her performance had some technical glitches but she stood her grounds, maintained her composure and nailed it.

There were also some spectacular Indian dance pieces by Nalicia Ramdyal and Shalisa Harripersaud. The medleys were excellently choreographed. All contestants in this segment were scored high for creativity.

This segment was followed by the evening gown segment and

first to wow the audience was Shalisa Harripersaud with her intricate evening dress that hugged her body excellently. However, there were some flaws in the actual displaying of the ensemble. But, the gown of the evening that took the audience by storm was the one worn by the newly-crowned queen, Bess. She displayed a magnificent design done by Randy Madray and would have copped the nods from the judges as the best for the evening.

King, Jefford, Ramdyal and Wong also looked stunning in theirs but not to the satisfaction of the judges. In the case of Wong, a shoe matching the gown would have put her in the top bracket. Ramdyal’s gown on the other hand was too common and did not have the flare for a pageant and more so, she did a grave injustice in displaying the garb.

King’s, however, was unique and sassy – a gown that definitely caused some buzz. The final segment saw each delegate answering a question based on social issues, politics and personality. Again, Bess would have nailed this segment with her intelligence and confidence but more so, with her vast knowledge about Guyana’s tourism sector.

Some of the delegates would have strayed away from answering their questions. Nevertheless, the audience was extremely pleased with the results after it was announced. The newly-crowned queen won herself a trip to Trinidad and several gift certificates and a trophy along with the crown.

PPP/C to review ganja legislation

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is committed to reviewing the legislation governing the use of marijuana, should they be re-elected on Monday.

The legalisation/decriminalisation of marijuana has been a hot topic in recent months in Guyana and across the Caribbean.

Several groups across Guyana, specifically those in the Rastafarian Community, have taken advantage of this during the elections period.

Any individual found with marijuana in their possession is liable to a fine of Gy$10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug and 10 years’ imprisonment , while trafficking the drug carries a heavier penalty.

Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had told the Guyana Times International that any decision to amend the laws would require an inclusive and comprehensive discussion.

The PPP/C in its recently-launched manifesto under the section “New legislations to be implemented” placed “Review the legalisation on the use of marijuana and on the quantities that attract

mandatory minimum jail sentences” on the list.

However, the Rastafarian community had envisioned bigger plans for marijuana in Guyana. During a recent press conference, Ras Reuben of the Twelve Tribes of Israel related that Guyana’s economy could be further enhanced if marijuana farms come on-stream.

He argued that Guyana has the ideal conditions to grow marijuana, and taking into consideration the great demand for this drug, the country could earn tremendous amount of revenues should the law allow.

Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition disclosed that it would examine the legalisation of marijuana if elected as the next Government of Guyana. In its recently-launched manifesto, there was no mention of legalising the drug. However, it did include a phrase “Ensuring a credible National Drug Strategy Master Plan” promising to “suppress narco-trafficking and arrest and punish traffickers”.

Esso finds oil offshore Guyana

- Gov’t announces

Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud has announced that Esso exploration well, the Liza-1 on the Stabroek Block, using the drill-ship, Deepwater Champion located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana, has encountered Hydrocarbons. The majority of hydrocarbons found on Earth naturally occur in crude oil.

A press release from the Ministry noted however that it is too early to confirm whether there are commercial quantities of hydrocarbons, specifically light crude.

“Minister Persaud revealed that a full evaluation of the results is underway from the exploration company,” the release noted.

According to release, Minister Persaud remains optimistic of a hydrocarbon discovery of commercial quantities which will further transform Guyana’s economy for the benefit of all Guyanese.

In the first half of 2015, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. (EEPGL) drilled an exploration well, the Liza-1 prospect, on the Stabroek Block, using the drill-ship, Deepwater Champion.

The company, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, holds 45 percent interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

LIAT begins process to cut staff

Regional carrier LIAT is offering employees voluntary separation and early retirement packages as it moves to cut staff numbers.

The offer to fulltime, permanent employees who have no disciplinary action pending against them and have been employed for more than six years, comes less than three months af -

ter shareholder governments agreed on a plan to send home 180 workers.

The Antigua-based carrier said downsizing was the only way to ensure its survival.

“We must remove the costs that we were carrying as a larger entity. The company wishes to avoid having to impose compulsory redundancies in order to achieve this,” stat -

ed the offer document signed by Director of Human Resources Ilean Ramsey.

However, LIAT said if it did not have enough workers opting for either voluntary separation or early retirement, it would have to go the route of redundancy.

Interested employees have until 4 p.m. on May 19 to submit their applications.

More jobs, better infrastructure coming to Berbice – President

By Andrew CArmiChAel

President Donald Ramotar on Sunday promised West Berbicians a more modern society, where better jobs will be created for young people and a “new kind of infrastructural development” will take place once his party is re-elected on May 11.

He made the comments while addressing a gathering of around 15,000 at a rally at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). He said Guyana was soon to become a country where no one wanted to leave, as its economy continued to grow. However, in order for this to be done, a new kind of infrastructural development must take place, Ramotar noted. He said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was aiming at building a strong and modern economy with all modern facilities available and Guyana will once again become the most developed country in the Caribbean.

Among some of the developmental plans for Berbice is a deepwater harbour to be established in Region Five. This, the President said, will be tied to the road to Lethem which will connect Guyana and Brazil. “This is how Guyana will become an economic hub for the whole Caribbean.”

Ramotar noted that his Administration was pushing to develop the

agricultural sector unlike previous administrations. “Under the PNC Administration there were only 11,000 acres under cultivation. We now have over 100,000 acres under cultivation.”

Meanwhile, a free economic zone is to be created in Berbice where jobs will be created for the people of Region Five and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). Cash crop farmers, Ramotar added, are going to benefit tremendously from the deepwater harbour as they will be able to export their produce easily and directly to North America resulting in it reaching its destination fresh. “Our cash crop farmers will be able to have a much better life being able to export their produce right from Region Five.”

Apart from the deepwater harbour, there was also to be a new air-

port which will assist in exporting produce in a timely manner. This, the President said, is also needed to develop the tourism sector. “The BBC said that people should try to come at least once in their lives to Guyana and we have to put systems and structures in place to ensure that we realise that dream,” he noted.

According to Ramotar, his Administration is also focusing on the physical infrastructure. “Comrades, we are also working on the roads. We have improved the road work tremendously. You can now move very easily to Georgetown with your product and in the areas where there is traffic congestion we have built wider roads so that you can move faster and safer to your designation.”

These are just some of the plans Government

has for the next five years. However, Ramotar warned that Government faced the danger of not being able to implement those developmental plans as a result of the machinations of the joint opposition.

The Head of State said that his Administration has already started investing in the country’s human resources. Under the previous Administration, Ramotar said, only 30 per cent of the country’s children attended secondary school, while today under the PPP/C Administration more than 90 per cent of the country’s children can go to secondary school. “Very soon, every single child will be able to attend secondary school,” Ramotar boasted.

Social sector

Also speaking at the rally was Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper, who

stressed on the need to further develop the social sector which has been receiving the biggest chunk of the National Budget. She said special emphasis will be placed on developing the social wellbeing of all Guyanese, including women, children, the elderly and the differently-abled. “We will safeguard their life by adopting programmes that will see more protection for our children, providing continued educational programmes and providing support in order to empower our youth.”

Harper noted that the current Administration has recommitted itself to reducing maternal deaths in Guyana. Special programmes will also be implemented to provide assistance to single parents. These will include programmes to allow them to continue their academic studies

and to access technical and vocational training. “Programmes will be put in place for the sensitisation of adolescents for them to make the right choices and we will be working with civil groups and faith-based organisations in an effort to reduce suicide.”

According to Harper, the PPP/C Administration will ensure that youths are part of the decision-making process and will have policies in place to ensure this. Harper also touched on the job market, which in some sectors have a closed-door policy for youths. Many of them cannot get employment because employers demand work experience despite one being qualified. However, Harper said policies would be put in place to ensure that employers provide onthe-job training for young persons.

Guyanese author Imam Baksh wins 2015 Burt Award

Guyanese author Imam Baksh has won the 2015 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature for his debut novel

“Children of the Spider”, the Trinidad Express has reported.

According to the newspaper, the 36-yearold received the winning prize of CAN$10,000 at a gala ceremony held Friday evening at the Old Fire Station in Port of Spain.

Jamaican author Diana McCaulay and Trinidadian author Lynn Joseph placed second and third and received CAN$7000 and CAN$5000 respectively.

The Burt Award for Caribbean Literature was established by CODE—formerly Canadian Organisation for Development through Education—in collaboration with William (Bill)

Burt and the Literary Prizes Foundation. It recognises outstanding literary works for young adults written by Caribbean authors. It was part of the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, a fiveday literary festival celebrating Caribbean books, writers, writing, and ideas with readings, performances, workshops, discussions, film screenings, book signings, among other features.

In addition to the prize money, the authors will each be guaranteed purchase of a minimum of 2500 copies of their books which will ensure that thousands of youths across the Caribbean region will have access to the authors’ books.

Chief juror Debbie Jacob is quoted as saying, “The joy in choosing these three novels for the 2015 Burt Award is knowing that fans of

young adult literature and Caribbean literature would be missing something deep inside their reading souls if they never had the opportunity to read these three novels that create a new foundation for bold, innovative writers to remember their roots and reach outward to new literary shores.”

“Children of the Spider”, which like the other winners is in manuscript form to be published, captures readers with the otherness of its world, its intrigue and mystery, the Lit Fest website raved.

Baksh said he will use part of his prize to further develop literature programmes in his community in Guyana.

“Part of the money will go back towards literature. I am happy that I won; it feels great,” Baksh said.

APNU/AFC Manifesto lacks substance...

6. Guyana in a modern world

Each of these is backed up with pages and pages of very clear strategies and initiatives built on an already successful track record. On the other hand, APNU/AFC 15 foundations lack any real substance or simply copies from existing literature of the Government. And all investments/ major institutions underway by the PPP/C will be either stopped, reviewed, or audited; a witch hunt into NICIL, GFC, GGMC, PetroCaribe, Skeldon Sugar Factory, the Cheddi Jagan airport expansion, the Marriott, the Amaila Falls project, the Specialty Hospital, and many more.

The Manifesto seems academic as if designed by persons outside of Guyana. Frequent use of phrases such as “appoint an independent expert group”, “appoint a Constitutional Reform Commission”, “appoint an Independent Integrity Commission”, “undertake an in-depth review”, “establish a suitably constituted stakeholder group”, “Convene a Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo”, “appoint an expert team”, “..audits, reviews and public hearings will be initiated…”, “commission a high level technical team”, “commission a study of the issues”, “create an oversight and regulatory, licensing and standards framework to superin-

Opposition holds major rallies in hinterland

The Opposition coalition wrapped up its elections campaign meetings with major rallies in Mabaruma, Mahdia and Lethem over the past few days, boasting of a surge in support and promising the hinterland residents a range of goodies days ahead of the May 11 polls.

According to the coalition, it has been fanning out into Regions One (Barima-Waini); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper EssequiboUpper Takutu) to spread its message as the days wind down to when the nation will head to the polls to select the party they believe is capable of taking the country forward.

At a public rally held in Mahdia, Region Eight on Monday, leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Presidential Candidate of the coalition, David Granger; Prime Ministerial Candidate, Alliance For Change (AFC) leader Moses Nagamootoo, AFC’s Trevor Williams and several other members of the coalition took to the platform, detailing their plans for that

region. The slogan of the coalition, “a better life for all, better must come” was sounded across the region by the leaders.

Meanwhile, over at Region One, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, a coalition team led by Sandra Granger, wife of David Granger; Catherine Hughes; Dr George Norton; and Mervyn Williams, on Tuesday held a “mini public rally” where the coalition’s messages were not only disseminated but residents were given the opportunity to air their views and concerns on matters which were affecting the community and the region as a whole.

Speaking to the Guyana Times International on Tuesday evening, Hughes related that the response re-

ceived from the community was “electrifying and overwhelming” to say the least. Hughes said that the response was beyond her expectations. “There were lots of people, it was really beyond what I had expected.”

According to Hughes, the residents then related some of the problems which were severely affecting them in the region, including deplorable roads, the lack of technical schools and employment opportunities for the youth. She noted that the message of the coalition was the same as the one it has been preaching all across the country, that is, “every Guyanese deserved a piece of the national pie and better must come” and that this will be ensured under an APNU/ AFC Government.

from page 18

tend activities…” and “appoint a specialised committee…”.

APNU/AFC 46 page Manifesto lacks substance; is largely academic; fails to acknowledge that much progress has been made by the PPP/C; and reads as if Guyana is a new state, without a functioning democracy and parliamentary process of which they played a dominant role.

The sad reality is that APNU/AFC has no positive track record, ignores the past, and treats Guyana’s future as if they were descending on a new planet. One can indeed say, that the architects of the Manifesto operate as if they are from outer space.

“Education is your wings out of poverty” – President

Afew days away from General and Regional Elections in Guyana, President Donald Ramotar returned for a visit to his hometown, Caria Caria, along the Essequibo River, reinforcing his pact with the people to improve their lot upon re-election, and seeking their support for another term in office.

The President told the small community along the Essequibo River that education is key to eliminating poverty, and it is the tool government is using to raise the quality of life of hinterland and riverain residents, but parents must be prepared to allow their children to pursue educational opportunities even if it’s away from home for their personal and community development.

He noted that when the PPP/C Government assumed office in 1992, it recognised that there were high levels of poverty in the hinterland and riverain communities largely because people there lacked opportunities, and if given a chance the students could have excelled academically.

Hence, the Government, realising it could not build additional secondary schools right away, sought to create opportunities by bringing many children from those communities to a dormitory school in Region Four and the only such school was President’s College.

However, this was rebuffed by the political Opposition, as “they were actually saying that people in the interior are inferior to those on the coastland.

But, we never believed that… what was lacking were opportunities, and we persevered and kept the students at President’s College and recently an Amerindian student from the North West topped President’s College at CSEC. No one is superior to you, and that is why we are trying to give equal opportunities to you.”

Government has since built and renovated more than a thousand schools, but there are still communities without secondary schools because their population is small. He urged parents to make the necessary sacrifice to ensure their children get a secondary education.

He said that much of his education was self-taught while growing up in Caria Caria, and urged parents to ensure that their children read and have a strong education.

He noted that, “We are trying our best in many ways to ease the pressure on you,” and added that Government is also providing free text and exercise books, cash grants, uniforms, meals and accommodation for public school students. Recalling his days growing up in Caria Caria, the President said that many of his promising classmates were denied the opportunity to excel academically, “and that is constantly in my mind, as I work every day to try to give everyone an opportunity because if you look around the world you will see that the countries that came out of poverty and developed are the countries with the skilled people.”

He said Japan is a glaring example of this, adding that Japan has no natural resources, and yet it’s the third largest

economy in the world, heavily focused on manufacturing “because they have a highly educated workforce and that is what I want to do in our country.”

The President said significant investment in social services has been made by his government as it’s from these that people benefit the most.

He pointed out that there have been sizeable investments in health, with new and improved services being offered centrally and to the small communities, many of which now have doctors, something that was seriously lacking in the past. The President said that the Specialty Hospital will also offer more services to people right in Guyana.

He noted that Government is also trying to eradicate poverty by boosting economic ac-

tivities in far flung areas and stimulate their village economies.

The hydroelectric project was also opposed, robbing Guyanese of the chance to have cheaper electricity and further development from the money Government would have saved from subsidies that it currently gives to the power company to keep electricity rates stable.

Nevertheless, the government is confident these projects will materialise once it returns to office. The President also told residents of other national initiatives that government has embarked upon to create more wealth and generate jobs, including exploring the potential of tourism, making Guyana an industrial and manufacturing economy, and exploring the cultivation of alternative agricultural products.

Noting that Caria Caria is largely dependent on timber for revenue, the president said government will support them to explore other income sources, such as bamboo harvesting to make flooring.

He told them many of these things could not have been done earlier because of the challenges in the political situation for the last three years, as “we have an opposition that is very determined to try to stop development from taking place.”

Speaking at the meeting, Region Three (West DemeraraEssequibo Islands) Chairman Julius Faerber noted that Caria Caria has transformed under this administration and there are efforts to take it further.

Indian Protests for Rights: Pre-Independence

Indian political action during the indentureship period and its immediate aftermath was a struggle to have their rights under their indentureship contract enforced. This meant they had to struggle against "King Sugar" but because the unstated policy of the colony in Guyana, throughout the nineteenth century and up to the middle of the twentieth was, “what’s good for sugar is good for British Guiana (B.G.)”; this meant a struggle against the colonial state.

There was little irony in the folk wisdom that the common name for the country, "BG" meant "Bookers" rather than "British Guiana".

From this perspective, the Indians on the sugar plantations carried on the most sustained struggle against the imperial state in the post-emancipation era. In effect they were the

was charged with the first line of defence. In 1869 troops were sent to Pln. Leonora after police had been defeated, even though the governor said it was a police matter.

1870: countrywide Strikes and violence swept Plantations Uitvlugt, Hague, Zeelugt, Vergenoegen on the West Coast, and Success, Mon Repos and Non Pariel on the East Coast of Demerara. At issue were disputes over pay for “tasks”.

1872: Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast: 5 killed, 7 wounded

Five immigrants killed, seven wounded. The Devonshire Castle protests would be a watershed event, as it represented the first time that Indian immigrants would be shot and killed by the police. It was obvious that the Royal Commission’s recommendations of 1870 were merely a palliative,

pioneers in the struggle for independence of their country.

1869: Leonora, West Coast Demerara

In July of 1869, forty workers of the shovel gang at Plantation Leonora disputed the wages for work done, and it was alleged that they assaulted a manager. The response was swift after their protest was supported by fellow workers: “Although the colony was the HQ of the 2nd West India Regiment, the police

sion of the drivers in their oppression. In this instance, a magistrate fined an immigrant for allegedly (accused by a driver) inciting others to be absent from work.

Aware of the unfairness of the charge, two hundred other immigrants demanded the release of the accused and the magistrate, in fear, complied.

1873: Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara

The casus belli was low wages for fieldwork. The workers complained to the magistrate, who asked that they return to work and he would examine their complaint.

1896: Non Pariel. East Coast Demerara: 5 killed 59 wounded

The dispute arose over rates for a task, after which the manager demanded that five workers be expelled from the plantation for “incitement”. He later obtained warrants and called in the police to execute. This expulsion of workers who objected to working conditions was to become a frequently used weapon in the planters’ arsenal. Black policemen were called in to execute these warrants. Without reading the Riot Act, the police fired into the massed crowds that had gathered in solidarity with the accused.

1903: Friends, East Bank Berbice: 6 killed; 7 wounded May 1903, six killed and seven wounded. The dispute arose over payment for task work.

and there were no lasting reforms of the system. From this point onwards, “strikes” would be deemed as “riots” at which the Riot Act could be read and the strikers shot dead.

At the Inquest, the policemen’s actions were exonerated as “justifiable homicide”.

1873: Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice

The underlying cause was, once again, the widespread mistrust of the judicial system by Indians, and the collu-

The workers wanted to lay their grievance before the Immigration agent but the manager had the workers arrested. The police were called in and they arrested six immigrants. The Riot Act was read, and when the crowd resisted, the police fired.

1912: Lusignan, East Coast Demerara: 1 killed Sept. 18, 1912: One killed. Shovelmen struck over a task dispute. The workers alleged that the manager fired a shot at the crowd of immigrants, wounding one worker,

who later died. The manager was charged with murder but later acquitted.

1913: Rose Hall, Canje, Berbice: 14 Killed April 1913, 14 killed. The dispute centred over a promised holiday granted to workers then rescinded by a manager. Seven individuals protested and the manager attempted to expel them from the plantation. Later, warrants were issued for some other immigrants. The police, including the Inspector-General from Georgetown himself, attempted to execute the warrants and the crowds resisted.

The Riot Act was read and the police fired; 14

immigrants were killed. One policeman was also killed. It was the largest number of immigrants ever killed in one protest.

The killings at Rose Hall created a stir in India and helped to convince the Government of India to abolish the Indentureship Scheme in 1917.

1924: Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara: 13 killed 18 wounded

On April 1, 1824, a strike broke out in some Water Street firms in Georgetown. On April 2, the manager’s house at Pln. Providence was attacked, but the police put down the disturbance with no violence. On April 3 a large crowd of some five thousand

persons (10-15 per cent blacks and the remainder Indians) marched towards Georgetown from the East Bank plantations and were stopped by the police, under the command of the Inspector-General and members of the Militia, at Ruimveldt. The Riot Act was read by a magistrate and the order was given to fire.

Thirteen persons were killed – twelve Indians and one black –and eighteen wounded.

1930’s: Sugar Plantations

The Great Depression percolated down from the metropolitan countries into the colonies, and Guyana was wracked by strikes on the plantations, as workers’ wages and working conditions were squeezed mercilessly throughout the thirties.

“Unrest in British Guiana was so widespread that in 1933, Governor Denham instructed the press to suppress publication of news of labour disturbances in estates.”

1935: East Demerara

A State of Emergency was proclaimed on the

Race, Class and Nationhood: The Indo-Guyanese Experience

By Cheddi Jagan

The following consists of excerpts from a paper delivered by Dr. Cheddi Jagan to the Genesis of a Nation Activity in May, 1988, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians into Guyana :

ARoyal Commission in 1870 pointed out than indentured Indian immigrant was trapped by the law "in the hands of a system which elaborately twists and turns him about, but always leaves him face to face with an impossibility."

But exploitation was not all. The new wage-slaves were also resented and despised. They were resented because they had been brought by their colonial/plantation masters to undercut the position of the freed African population. The Africans had the feeling that "the coolie takes bread from the Negro labourer and lowers the price of labour".

The indentured Indians were also despised because they brought a culture alien to Western customs and values. The epithet "coolie" depicted the Indian immigrants' situation.

7 wounded; at Lusignan (September 1912) - 1 killed; at Rose Hall (March 1913) - 15 killed; at Ruimveldt (April 1924) 13 killed; at Leonora (1939) - 4 killed; at Enmore (June 1948) - 5 killed and 8 wounded.

Race Relations

The black middle class, which had emerged earlier historically, was generally content with their "junior partner" role, and saw the emergent Indian middle strata as a threat. They perceived the lower rungs of the colonial administrative ladder as their preserve.

In Trinidad, Marxist historian Dr. Gordon Lewis referred to them as "the white collar proconsuls of the colonial structure". In this sense, they tended to be conservative, wanting a maintenance of the status quo. And so, they assumed, for instance in Guyana, increasingly a conservative political posture and opposed reforms for adult suffrage and self-government.

middle and bottom positions of the petty-bourgeois class. Like the "black white men", there were the "brown white men". Indians in this category, in return for "crumbs from the table", were prepared to defend the colonial system.

Some, resentful of barriers to the entry of Indians into the civil service and lack of promotional opportunities, championed universal adult suffrage. They saw, in this reform, more Indians becoming enfranchised and more Indians becoming parliamentarians. This was seen as a means for Indians, individually and collectively, wielding greater influence. Those Indians, seeing not only inequality of opportunity but also national/cultural oppression, saw the need for change. They linked the call for adult suffrage to that of self government.

Political Mobilisation

And the workers paid with their blood; for instance, in British Guiana at Devonshire Castle (September 1872) - 5 killed and 6 wounded; at Non Pariel (October 1896) - 6 killed and 58 wounded; at Friends (May 1903) - 5 killed and

Indentureship finally came to an end in 1920. But not before there had been numerous demonstrations, skirmishes, riots and uprisings against starvation wages, appalling conditions and the abuse of women.

In the Caribbean region as a whole, black cultural nationalism manifested itself in both opportunist/reactionary and progressive stances. In the Indian middle strata three trends developedopportunist/ conservative, nationalist/ reformist, and radical/ revolutionary.

These were reflective of the top,

Indian Protests for Rights: Pre...

East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, but the situation was so combustible that the police felt it necessary to deploy so many of their personnel that they had to employ civilians in October for routine tasks.

1937: Sugar Plantations

Strikes broke out on the East Bank of Demerara and Blairmont, W.C. Berbice, where strikers were taken before the courts for allegedly assaulting a driver and overseer.

1938: Sugar Plantations

Strikes continued on the East Bank and police reinforcements from Georgetown which were thought necessary to quell demonstrations. One hundred and forty seven persons were convicted on various charges.

1939: Leonora, West Coast Demerara: 4 dead; 4 injured

The protests on the plantations continued unabated, and in February 1938 the police cracked down on behalf of the planters, even as the West Indian Commission (Moyne Commission)

was conducting hearings on the phenomenon of violence that had engulfed the West Indies over the crisis in the sugar industry. In fact the strikers at Leonora had attempted to cross the Demerara River to meet the Commission and were prevented from doing so.

After the strikers (which included several blacks) resisted the local police’s efforts to disband them, reinforcements from Georgetown arrived and eventually the order to fire was given and three Indians

The black/Indian rivalry and confrontation was manifested in different attitudes and political positions. With blacks in office in the colonial period, the middle-class Indians generally opposed federation of the West Indies in Guyana and Trinidad; in Surinam, they opposed independence, as the blacks in Guyana with the PPP in government in

continued on page 33

and one black died. As usual, a Commission of Inquiry exonerated the

police from any blame.

The first trade union, led by Mr Ayube Eden, an Indian, the Man-Power Citizens Association (MPCA), was recognised as the bargaining agent for the sugar workers the next year, but very quickly their ardour for representing workers’ interests waned as the Sugar Producer’s Association (SPA) bought out some executives.

1948: Enmore, East Coast Demerara: 5 killed 9 injured

In April 1948, there was a split in the MPCA, and a new union – the Guiana Industrial Workers’ Union (GIWI) - called a strike on the East Coast Demerara plantations over a change in the work rules for cane cutters. On June 15th three overseers were stripped and embarrassed by strikers. The next day police reinforcements were sent to the plantations; the strikers felt threat-

ened and confrontations ensued. The police fired and five were killed and nine injured.

After the 1948 strikes and killings, the state felt that a new approach was needed to keep the Indians on the plantations in line. A “Special Branch”, which was patterned after Scotland Yard, was established. The officers in “plain clothes” could easier keep surveillance over the Indians, who were still defined as the greatest threat to the state.

The killings of the “Enmore Martyrs” led to the formation of the People’s Progressive Party in 1950, after Dr Cheddi Jagan swore at the graves of the workers that that he would dedicate the rest of his life to represent the poor and the powerless. The Indians of Guyana, along with the rest of the country, had entered the modern political era.

The task of rebuilding a shattered economy PPP/C - 22 years of progress and prosperity

It is significant that 2014 saw Guyana growing economically for the ninth successive year. This is the longest period of continuous economic growth in the recent history of our country. It is even more noteworthy that this growth was achieved in the most testing of circumstances. Over the past three years, the size of the economy increased by 25 per cent to $650 billion; Guyana has attracted more than

in any way and others looked at us at a rouge state. But fortunately that situation has now changed. It has taken years of hard work and difficult policy choices to turn things around.

The Guyanese economy was able to bounce back and, today is regarded as strong, buoyant, and resilient by many well respected economists and financial institutions, both regionally and internationally.

The current admin-

shown ‘resilience’, and alluded to the fact that this is due to responsible and prudent management. “Guyana is a good example of a country that has done some of the right things, and at the same time has also benefitted from good fortune. They have come a very, very long distance in terms of their fiscal situation. They have been responsible in terms of addressing it.”

He had said: “Just by casual observation one

US$629 million in foreign direct investment; credit to the private sector has grown by 41.5 per cent to $190.5 billion; and total deposits in the commercial banks have grown by 22.1 per cent to $334.6 billion.

All of this was achieved despite the fact that the international environment was not favourable for some of the important sectors of the economy. For instance, there was a noticeable fall on the international market of the price for gold that had, and continues to have, an impact on the sector. The price for sugar on the world market also experienced a dramatic decline by some 60 per cent. And the rice industry has similarly been facing the challenges of market availability, unfavourable price movement, and late payments. That we have continued to grow in such circumstances testifies that our economic base is now much broader and good governance continues to characterise the management of the economy.

At present, there are also many new investors exploring investment opportunities in Guyana. it could be recalled that there was a time when hardly anyone was willing to do business with Guyana, be it a country, investors, or international lending agencies. We were not respected

istration, especially under the leadership of former president Bharrat Jagdeo must be commended for the significant role played in changing the economic fortunes of Guyana. The economy, once labelled as one of the poorest and most indebted in the region largely due to mismanagement and corruption under the PNC, is now being regarded as a model for others to follow in this part of the world.

No other than the President of the

can see that there is a lot of construction taking place in the country… you can almost see the country changing in front of your eyes, and so that is just a casual indication of the extent to which economic activity is vibrant and buoyant in that country.”

According to the CDB head, International financial institutions have provided substantial debt forgiveness, and Guyana has been able to capitalise on this, whilst continuing to pursue responsible fiscal re-

Caribbean Development Bank, Dr William Warren Smith was quoted by GINA as saying that there were some very good lessons to be learnt for the Caribbean states and the rest of the world, from the Guyanese experience. He had noted that even though the country’s economic development has followed a very tough road, the economy has

al economies, in terms of accelerating growth soon.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had said that “this growth reflects continued progress on the diversification of the productive sector where we have now arrived at a point where we are no longer as we were 10 years ago, entirely dependent on one, two or three dominant sectors.”

At that time, the three major contributors to the economy were rice, sugar and bauxite but, these are no longer occupying the dominant positions. However, while gold, other minerals, transport, ICTs and construction are all showing in-

creased importance, the three former sectors still contribute to a large portion of the economy.

Certainly, the longterm commitments and investments made in Guyana will have a tremendous impact on the local economy.

Investments in bauxite, other minerals, oil, rice and others that include expansion of current foreign investments, point to improved confidence in the country’s investment climate.

Political challenges

However, even though there were many great strides made in improving the economy and advancing the so-

cial sector, they were not matched in the political arena. This was most disappointing. At every turn, attempts have been made to stymie the growth and development of the country by the Opposition – APNU/AFC. From that very first budget in 2012, even though the President and Cabinet Members held extensive discussions with the Opposition parties, they decided to oppose, often for the sake of opposing. In that same year, they inflicted cuts on the national budget aimed at projects that have great potential to transform Guyana.

That trend continued in 2013 and in 2014. Indeed, in 2014, they cut the whole capital budget from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, including the Amerindian Development Fund. Moreover, the funds used to provide loans to students attending the University of Guyana were also cut, among many others.

The Opposition also continued to promote bills in the National Assembly that were

forms. The emerging international market for commodities has also redounded to Guyana’s benefit as it has a lot to offer in this regard, the CDB president had noted.

Guyana is now rated a middle-income developing country. The CDB projects that Guyana, along with Suriname and Haiti will take the lead amongst the region-

Some Indians were able to combine their entrepreneurial gifts with an aptitude for colonisation, while leading an active public life in the interests of their compatriots. Peter Ruhoman observed that "in the reclaiming of waste lands and abandoned plantations the Indians stand unrivalled, and we have before our eyes sterling examples of his initiative and enterprise in this direction".

Probably the most outstanding example of colonist with a bewildering range of entrepreneurial interests was Caramat Ali McDoom, who was born in the colony on September 23 1890. His parents went to British Guiana as indentured labourers. McDoom became a distinguished merchant, sawmiller, landed proprietor, cattle rancher and rice farmer.

In 1921 he acquired Rome (East Bank Demerara), which was originally a part of Plantation Houston, and renamed it McDoom Village. The following year, he decided to reclaim this derelict sugar land in order to create a settlement for Indians. He undertook the clearing of the impenetrable bush and the demarcation of lots, having secured the co-operation of the relevant government officers. In 1923, the first building was built; the second was erected by Mc Doom himself.

Soon afterwards, he in-

duced several Indian settlers to throw up thatched cottages. By 1930, as Peter Ruhoman observed: "the trash buildings have completely disappeared and healthy, sanitary cottages, in some cases with architectural pretensions, may be seen dotted over the whole extent of the village...contended settlers...eke out a comfortable existence on the land by cultivating the soil and rearing cattle, and working, in the intervals, on the adjoining estates, whenever work is available".

McDoom scrupulously supervised the affairs of the settlement. The sanitation was considered to be good - a rare

achievement in a colony with an unenviable public health record. He also built several cottages, and residents were required to repay on an instalment plan "proportionate to the value of the building erected and the capacity of the settler to pay." They paid a nominal rent for land lease; no rates or taxes were levied; those who bought their plot paid nothing. McDoom was described as a man of "much courtesy and affability", who saw his relationship to the villagers as that of a father to this family, while they looked to him for advice and protection. His business achievements

were equally impressive. He was the principal shareholder in the Demerara Greenheart and Trading Co., a saw-milling enterprise which was located in his village. In 1931, he acquired a cattle ranch and a rice estate in the Mahaicony District; in 1940 he bought Plantation Hampton Court, the last sugar estate in Essequibo, which had been abandoned in 1936.

Yet he devoted much time to the affairs of his people. He was the Vice-President of the British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA) in 1922 and in early 1924 he represented the Association as a

delegate on the Colonisation Deputation to India, seeking the beginning of a different system of Indian immigration to the colony. In 1929 he was the president of the Indian Congress, a rival organisation to the BGEIA. In 1947 he was the president of the Rice Producers' Association, and in 1947 the government nominated him to the Legislative Council.

But McDoom was also deeply involved in religious affairs. In 1926-1927 he was instrumental in the construction of a mosque for the Muslim rep residents of his village.mit was opened in March 1927, during the month of Ramada. A "Delco" lighting plant was installed in the village around the same time. In September 1927, the Hindus of McDoom Village held a twelve-day Bhagwat Ma religious convocation, at which hundreds of people were fed daily.

McDoom was a strong supporter of these proceedings. He was a Muslim, but he treated Indians of both religions with commendable impartiality. This remarkable man achieved so much, while being responsible for eight sons and five daughters, his wife must have had considerable strength of character and self-confidence. (Excerpted from "Tiger in the Stars: The Anatomy of Indian Achievement in British Guiana 1919-29" by Clem Seecharan)

The task of rebuilding...

clearly unconstitutional, forcing the Administration to resort to the court to pronounce on the measures.

Alongside that, we have witnessed the Opposition parties cutting the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, a project that would have allowed us to have cheap energy to industrialise our country and create jobs for our people. They also want to deny citizens other important infrastructural projects such as the new and modern Cheddi Jagan International Airport which can contribute greatly to the building of

a vibrant tourism sector, creating more jobs and generating income for Guyanese.

Strangely too, they are implacably opposed to the building of a Specialty Hospital that will make important medical procedures affordable for our people. Not only would this facility help to save lives but it would also provide to all Guyanese, services which are today available only to the wealthy.

On November 10, 2014, President Ramotar was forced to prorogue the National Assembly because of the attempt by the Opposition

minate the life of the Assembly. This was done mainly to encourage further dialogue between the Government and Opposition on many important national issues. The Opposition at the time said NO to dialogue which left the Government with no choice but to call a date for national elections. It must be noted that had the Opposition proceeded with their intended No-Confidence Motion, thousands of Guyanese voters would have been disenfranchised given where we were in the voter registration process.

A momentous occasion

By Anu Dev

The Indian indentureship era may have been considered a clever business decision for colonial planters and subsequently the British government who also profited from the sugar plantations of British Guiana, but for many others like the indentured workers and those who opposed the system, it was not; it was an inhuman, deceptive scheme.

the indentureship system.

Article in the AntiSlavery Society in England’s official newsletter The British Emancipator written Jan 9, 1839

O― George RR Martin

“Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid? That is the only time a man can be brave.”

n Tuesday, the Guyanese nation celebrated the 177th anniversary of East Indians arriving in Guyana. One hundred and seventy-seven years the first batches of East Indians arrived on the shores of Guyana aboard the Whitby and the Hesperus.

And in Grade Two, around this time, our project was to make a model of either the Whitby or the Hesperus. I remember those days (not so very long ago) when my Dad and I would painstakingly glue on sails to the masts and paint on tiny portholes onto the sides of the ships.

For me, building that ship was one of the things I liked the most about Indian Arrival Day. We put a lot of effort into building that ship. We didn’t just build some generic ship – we built the Whitby. We did research to try to build the ship as accurately as possible. It made me reflect that this ship was something important. So as far as school projects go, that one was pretty thorough.

And for the other grades when we didn’t have to build ships, there was always a special effort by the teacher to teach something specific concerning the arrival of East Indians in Guyana.

But somehow, in secondary school, interest in the arrival of East Indians to Guyana waned. The holiday came and went relatively unremarked. The CXC even set exams on this day (as they have done again this year). There were no more assignments to build the Whitby or the Hesperus. Or even to reflect on why their “arrival” was necessary. We should think about those reasons for the neglect.

In history textbooks, there was probably only a single chapter dedicated to Indian arrival and heritage. You could blink and literally miss the entire topic of Indian Indentureship to the Caribbean. And yet about half-a-million souls arrived in the West Indies and the vast majority (almost 75 per cent) remained. Indians have contributed so much to our society and culture. Right off the top there is so much diversity presented to the Region in our dances and songs and music and food. Isn’t curried goat the national dish of Jamaica?? And how about the “ganja” that is now legalised in Jamaica – for “medicinal purposes” of course. And I’m not even going to delve into their contributions with regards to religions and philosophy. They deserve to be celebrated even more widely.

I’m Guyanese, I’m a Caribbean person – I’ve never even stepped foot in India. I’ll always support the West Indian cricket team over the Indian team without question. But the cultural practices, philosophy and beliefs that my ancestors brought and preserved from India, have shaped me, my ideas and my ideals. I am an Indian Guyanese. India may be my “Mother Land” but Guyana is my “Sacred Land”.

So for me, May 5 is an important day. It’s a momentous occasion. It’s the day that the first set of East Indians crossed the Kala Pani (Black Waters) and arrived on our shores. It’s the day when they disembarked on an entirely different continent. It’s the day that everything changed for them – and for us in Guyana.

It’s the day that their old life ended and a new life began. For better or for worse, they were here, in Guyana, a whole ocean away from their old lives. And most of them left behind family members, and most of them, like my great-great-grandfather, never saw those family members again.

It must have been so traumatic to be transplanted from everything that was familiar to this completely alien land. But they pushed on, they survived and they prevailed. They made a home away from home. Let us not risk that home being destroyed.

They forged a new identity to cope with everything that they had to deal with. They showed courage and fortitude in the face of hardship. They pushed aside their fears to bravely make a better life for themselves and their descendants.

Many from overseas and a few in the colony resorted to protesting the system the only way they could, and that was by writing letters to governments, newspapers, anyone else willing to listen and through their recorded testimonies.

Excerpts of these letters and communications of protest remain as historical documents that are sometimes the only way of knowing about our ancestors’ hardships through firsthand accounts from persons who witnessed the appalling conditions of

I see the British public has been deceived with the idea that the coolies are doing “well”; such is the fact: the poor friendless creatures are miserably treated, at least I can speak confidently of planation Bellevue. On this estate they have made two attempts to escape, as they say, to go to Calcutta. In the first, 22 succeeded by night to cross the river, landing on the opposite shore, they attempted to explore the woods, but after undergoing much fatigue and hunger, they were retaken at the back of planation Herstelling, and conveyed again to the estate. In the last attempt they were discovered by the watch of the night and driven back. I saw a gang of them last week in the custody of

the police who were taking them to the Public Buildings; their offence I did not learn; I enquired of Mr Barkley, who is a teacher on the place [sic] respecting food; he said they had enough of rice, and I think “fat” or lard. Deaths, he said more than ten have died on this one place Bellevue and the manager (Russell) refused to give a rag of clothes to bury them in. I had one of these coolies in my own place, who is capable of saying a few words in English; he told me, “Russell no good; coolie sick salt, salt no more”. He was all but naked; and a friend present gave him a few old raiments, which seemed highly to please him. They are paid here with the Company’s rupees, five rupees a month. Is not this scandalous? They have been offered by the merchants two bits a piece for them. I do not believe they can get its value in the colony. Ought not the planters be compelled to give

their value in Demerara silver currency? I have heard that two from Gladstone’s estate escaped through the bush and were captured by Captain Fallant at Fort Island, in the Essequibo River, and brought back to the plantation. Surely these things are far from being “well”; the one alluded to above told me “Calcutta better”.

Dispatch by Lord John Russell to Governor Light, dated Feb 15, 1840 I confess I should be unwilling to adopt any measure to favour the transfer of labourers from British India to British Guiana, after the failure of the former experiment. Admitting that the mortality of the Hill coolies first sent may seem accidental, I am not prepared to encounter the responsibility of a measure which may lead to a dead loss of life on the one hand, or, on the other, to a new system of slavery. Corporal punishment is not uncontinued on page 38

Race, Class and...

the 1957-64 period.

Indian/black confrontation gave way to co-operation through class collaboration at the petty bourgeois and bourgeois levels. In Guyana, the middle strata-led East Indian Association and the League of Coloured People made an accommodation in the Labour Party in 1947 for the general elections that year.

Racial discrimination and "second-class" status have been the lot of Indians. Like blacks in the USA, they suffer doubly: from discrimination because of their race and culture; from exploitation as members of the working class and peasantry.

In Guyana, after more than two decades of rule by the petty-bourgeois blackdominated People's National Congress (PNC), the vast majority of Indians feel "left out". Through electoral fraud and military intervention in elections, they have been virtually disenfranchised. And through political and racial discrimination under the doctrine of "PNC paramountcy", equality of opportunity is denied. Consequently, many Indo-Guyanese see their salvation in emigration mainly to North America.

Indian attitudes

Dismay has been expressed at the support for the Pakistani team by

Indians during the recent Pakistani/ West Indian cricket test match. This was seen not only as disconcerting, but also as downright disloyal. It is wrong and dangerous to blow up these incidents. They must be understood in proper perspective: the social psychology of Indians; their

der second-class status for blacks in the United States, idealized Africa and started the "Back to Africa" movement. Though hounded at the time, he is today regarded as a West Indian hero.

If Indians glorify India's civilization and culture, celebrate joyfully the independence of

second-class status; the discrimination meted out to them.

A comparable attitude is demonstrated by West Indians domiciled in Britain at MCC/West Indies cricket matches. Even more vociferous was their support for the West Indies team. And we do not blame them.

It must not be forgotten also that Marcus Garvey, suffering un-

India and Pakistan, and rally for the Indian and Pakistani cricket team, it must be seen as compensation for a sense of persecution, an inferiority complex which has been forced an their psyche over the years.

As regards Indian so called disloyalty and racism, certain facts must be noted. Firstly, very few Indians opted for citizenship of India and

Pakistan on their independence from Britain. Secondly, a few Indians who wanted to make India their home felt like "fish out of water" there. One prominent individual went from Guyana to India, but left soon after to settle in England. Thirdly, looked at from a class perspective, Indians in Guyana supported non-Indians on several occasions. It is short-sighted to see the "Caribbean man" only as a "black man” and Caribbean culture as African culture. Apart from the different countries of their origin, both our black slave and Indian indenture ancestors watered the sugar cane with their blood. Through their struggles and sacrifices, they have made valuable contributions to our historical and social development. For us in the PPP, it is necessary to view Caribbean reality and nationhood from a world perspective and with a class approach. Class is more fundamental than race. This does not mean that there is no such thing as ethnicity, that there is no racial problem. There is a problem. And it must be addressed. It must be neither underestimated nor over-estimated. It must not be swept under the carpet, with the pretence that it does not exist. At the same time, it must not be seen as an unsolvable problem.

Invaluable experience and insight

President Donald Ramotar was presented with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. This honour is endowed on individuals of exceptional merit and is in appreciation of their roles in India’s growth.

He was honoured for his immense contribution in the field of public service and for fostering ties between India and Guyana. He was

among 15 non-residential Indians (NRIs) who were honoured.

The award is conferred on persons of Indian origin or an organisation or institution established and run by NRIs or persons of Indian origin, who have made significant contribution in any one of the following fields: better understanding abroad of India, support to India’s causes and con-

cerns in a tangible way, building closer links between India, the overseas Indian community and their country of residence, social and humanitarian causes in India or abroad, welfare of the local Indian community, and philanthropic and charitable work, eminence in one’s field or outstanding work.

The award ceremony, held in Mahatma Mandir Gandhinagar,

mutually beneficial activities.

President Ramotar secured a loan for a road, help for the sugar industry and a gift of two ferries.

Mr Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar was sworn-in as the Seventh Executive President of the Republic of Guyana on December 3rd, 2011.

He was born in Guyana, South America Oct 22, 1950 in the village of Caria Caria (in the county of Essequibo) on the Essequibo River, to Sam Ramotar and s Olive Constantine. His father, originally from Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara, was a timber grant operator and his mother a house-

Gujarat, India, concluded the three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, which was attended by approximately 4,000 delegates from different countries.

The convention is an initiative to connect India to its vast overseas diaspora, and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills, to a common platform. This flagship event has been coordinated by the Government of India, through the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), since 2003.

PBD is celebrated on January 9 every year, to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. This date was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion, in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, who returned to

after which he worked at the Guyana Import and Export Co. Ltd. (GIMPEX), the commercial arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), between 1966 and 1975.

In 1975 he was appointed manager of Freedom House, the Party’s headquarters; a position which he held for eight years. He would remain in the PPP engaged in political work. From 1983 to 1988, he served as a member of the editorial council of the magazine Problems of Peace and Socialism.

Returning to Guyana, he served as the international secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) between 1988 and 1993. In this

wife, born in the interior of mixed parentage. He is the fourth of nine children.

Mr Ramotar received his primary education at Caria Caria Congregational School and the St. Andrews Primary School in Georgetown. He later pursued studies

position, he gained invaluable experience and insight into the travails of the sugar workers who remained predominantly Indian in origin.

Having joined the PPP as a youth in 1967, he has been in the party’s leadership since 1979 after his election to the Central

India from South Africa on this day in 1915, and who led India’s freedom struggle, which changed the lives of Indians forever.

These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community, allowing them to engage with the government and people of the country, as part of their ancestral history and for

at the Government Technical Institute before becoming a graduate of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Guyana. He also pursued studies in the former Soviet Union.

Mr Ramotar began his working career on his father’s timber grant on the Essequibo River,

Committee of the party. Mr Ramotar became a member of the Executive Committee of the Party in 1983 and assumed the position of executive secretary one year after the PPP/Civic was elected to form the government in 1992. He became the General Secretary of the party in March 1997 after the death of the

What did Granger mean about Wismar? Transformations in Housing

By Rakesh RampeRtaB

Guyana celebrated Arrival Day on Tuesday, and the East Indians marked 177 years since their arrival in Guyana. This time another important occasion is at the country’s door, a national elections. There is no need to tell people who are the candidates or parties contesting the elections.

We know them all. We know also that people who wish to govern Guyana must behave properly at all times; they must be respectful to all people while they campaign.

Unfortunately, people have been told how a former President has been saying things that he should not. Someone even filed a court case against the former President. But has anyone told the public what Mr David Granger, the coalition’s leader, said?

Well here it is: on March 14, in Linden, at a supposed “unity” rally, David Granger made the most racist, provocative, and disrespectful comment ever made in any elections since 1992.

He told the people in Linden: “Wismar, you can tell people what happened in the 1960s! I know some of you don’t like to talk about it because water will run from your eyes.”

So what was he talking about? Mr Dwarka Nath, the eminent historian, wrote this in “A History of Indians in Guyana”:

“In May 1964, the Negroes at Wismar formed themselves into gangs and went to the business places and homes of the Indians and demanded the keys of the safety boxes and drawers in which they kept their cash, jewellery and other valuable articles.

“Shortly afterwards, a house at Third Alley was set on fire and soon the whole area became an inferno as the gangs roamed looting, burning and terrorizing the 1,600 Indians as they tried to escape.

“Every man, woman and child was attacked. The men brutally beaten and the

clothes of the women and even girls of tender ages were ripped away. The women and girls were raped in full public view by gangs of men.”

This does not give the full details, of course. For example, at least 1,600 East Indians had to be evacuated to Georgetown; some of whom ended up living as squatters on the East Coast of Demerara. There are people living there today who are direct descendants of these refugees.

So why would David Granger, in 2015 in the presence of East Indian politicians and supporters of his party and coalition, say this to East Indians across Guyana? It was a statement of profound racism. Why would he need to utter these statements when they point to rape and murder and arson and intimidation against East Indians?

Only a person with a hidden, silent motive would let slip such a racist statement on a campaign stage. It does not matter what party one represents, it is just wrong. One cannot get “unity” in Guyana by mocking the Guyanese people and making reference to one of the most sensitive moments of their history. One does not have to be East Indian to be offended.

Further, there is no need for this kind of language in any campaign. Had this campaign been in the United States, he would have been asked to resign his candidacy. No question. But in Guyana, Mr Granger is protected by certain sections of the media. Hundreds of people heard him make this statement, this mock, and no one said anything.

Additionally, this writer wrote to two newspapers about it and they are yet to publish what was reported. Maybe they will after the elections. It is their idea of independent journalism. On Arrival Day people have to take guard against this kind of statement and ask their political representatives to address it.

It could be recalled that prior to 1992, this level of optimism among young people, and citizens in general, to own their own home was unheard of as it was very difficult to acquire a plot of land. In addition to having to deal with a very difficult bureaucracy, there was simply a lack of vision on the part of the then government in relation to housing development.

Fortunately, this has now changed as the PPP/C’s policies on housing development make it much easier for one to own their own home. The transformation currently being experienced in the housing sector is one that every Guyanese cit-

in 2014 – a figure that is projected to grow to 4250 in 2015.

The Housing Ministry has launched

izen can boast of. Infact nowhere else in the Caricom region is this level of development being experienced in housing.

While there were tremendous achievements made in the areas of education, health care delivery, improving social services etc, the gains made in Guyana’s housing sector have surpassed all others.

Guyana’s housing programme continues to provide our citizens with their own homes, giving them great comfort and security. Entire new communities have emerged where once the land lay wasted and unoccupied. Tens of thousands of Guyanese families have realised the cherished dream of homeownership.

The housing sector has seen impressive growth over the past five years. From 2009 to 2014, the budget allocated to the sector grew by 400 per cent. In 2009, the Housing Ministry was implementing 51 projects and now in 2014, there are more than 170 projects under implementation. The sector has been a significant source of job creation, creating 3500 jobs

a "one thousand” homes initiative for working-class families. The young professionals’ pilot programme was also successfully completed, and a new era in urban planning is beckoning. To accommodate the new housing schemes, the feasibility study for the East Coast-East Bank bypass road has been completed and the Government is currently discussing the next steps to advance this project. This will catalyse US$65

million in investment, the building of 20 kilometres of roads and supporting infrastructure. It is worthwhile to highlight some of the useful initiatives undertaken by the Housing Ministry which resulted in the level of success we are currently experiencing. For example, the Ministry hosted a number of ‘One stop shops’ where persons’ applications for house lots were fast-tracked. This served

This week's Crossword

Guardians??…

…so who will guard them?

PNC youth leader Bevon Currie questions why former President Bharrat Jagdeo had to get info from a Colonel of the GDF rather than the Chief of Staff – Edward Collins. The info supplied led to Jagdeo “closing down the Military Criminal Investigation Department (MCID)” which Collins had created.

According to the former Colonel making the original charge, “The aim of this department was not only to go after the known criminal elements, but also to pursue the architects of the crime wave. Jagdeo ordered the closure of the MCID, thus bringing to an end the process that would have ended the criminal activities.”

Jagdeo retorted that MCID was “reorganized” – because the info given to him as Commander in Chief was “sterilized” by higher elements in the GDF hierarchy. Well… ummmm… duh!!!

You’d think Jagdeo’s explanation was pretty simple, no?? But obviously not to PNC types. Let’s spell it out a bit more explicitly – hoping that Currie reads it s-l-o-w-l-y for comprehension.

Sometimes you have to tell a story by starting from the end. MCID was launched by Collins in the midst of the crime wave launched from its epicenter in Buxton.

But look where Collins ended up in 2011 – in the illegal march by the PNC and its allies from the Square of the Revolution after a day’s delay in the elections results!! Disobeying repeated pleas from the Police to desist, they forced the latter to fire pellets to disperse them.

Collins was – and is – PNC to the core…like his cohort Winston Felix, the Commissioner of Police who’s a tad more direct in his politics. He’s now a PNC MP and security maven for Granger.

This week's Puzzle

And what’s the import of all of this? Well if Collins wanted the GDF to “go after the criminals” how come he never reprimanded his soldiers based in Buxton for refusing to proceed in “hot pursuit” even when engaged by the criminals? Or when they were committing crimes in clear sight?

But yet MCID could wheel out all the way to the Corentyne to seize an AK-47 in a fowl pen –but never one of the 33 rifles missing from his GDF’s armory. Well, part of the answer is found in the (in)famous tape of Felix with Basil Williams… boasting as to how he “headed off” his civilians bosses in Government from the Agricola Massacre of 2006. Remember Bannuh?

It’s fortuitous for Collins that he was never taped. But for Jagdeo, being an East Coast fellow, he must’ve heeded the folk wisdom: “A hint to Beneba mek Quashie tek notice.” …of communism

This fella Badal should stick to milling rice and fixing the Pegasus – now that the Marriott’s shown him what a real top notch hotel should look and be like. But instead, driven by hate for the PPP/C because they wouldn’t favour him, he’s become a poster-boy for the PNC-led APNU/AFC coalition.

He’s on their list – a reward for being the chief contributor to FUCOP – Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency.

Anyhow, in a full paid ad in the paper of another FUCOP contributor – the MuckrakerKN –Badal claims the PPP/C’s “guided by a backward communist ideology adopted and protected for the financial gain of a few”!! Can you believe this??

You can blame Marx and communism for a lot of things – but “financial gain of a few”?? Jeez… who let the dogs out??!!

If Badal wants to know about “communist” tendencies – he should read the APNU/AFC Manifesto…s-l-o-w-l-y also. See the bit about Government getting into business, Badal? That’s communist. You’d better look out!

…of soul

Can you believe that two of the icons of soul and R&B – Percy Sledge and Ben E King – passed away last week? One thing for sure – they don’t make ‘em like that anymore’.

On May 5 1838, the first group of Indian indentured workers, some 244 persons (five died on the 112-day sea voyage) arrived in British Guiana, bringing with them their religious traditions.

One hundred and seventy-seven years ago saw the beginning of Indian immigration of Hindu and Muslim Indians. They had arrived to replace African slave labour on the plantations of what was then British Guiana.

Among indentured labourers, 83.6 per cent were Hindus while some 16.3 per cent were Muslims; by the end of

indentureship, some 90 per cent of the Indian population on the colony comprised Muslims and Hindus.

During the long sea voyage, the concept of sisterhood and brotherhood (jahajis and jahajins - ship brothers/ sisters) emerged, collectively viewed as mati, said to be a likely reference to (ship) mates.

With the shared trials and hardships of indentureship on the colony, both Hindus and Muslims, working together in the fields and crowded into logies, developed stronger ties, mostly severing the ever-present MuslimHindu tensions of their Motherland. Among the Hindus put to labour regardless of caste, their caste system too declined.

Separation from the Motherland did not however diminish their devotion to their religions. Though they may have had to cast off old traditions and systems, their religion did not remain static nor was it forgotten. Instead, it was renewed and adapted to their new circumstances.

Methodist proselytizer H.V.P. Bronkhurst, who wrote often on 19th century Guianese life, noted the difficulty in converting the Muslim and Hindu immigrants to Christianity. Most Muslims remained staunchly unmoved by Christian efforts of conversion.

By 1931, almost 74 per cent of the Indian population were Hindu while almost 17 per cent were Muslim, as compared to the 6.9 per cent who converted to Christianity. Some suggest many also converted for the social benefits such as teaching jobs.

South Asian Islam in British Guiana

While Islam is said to have been introduced into British Guiana from the African Mandingo and Fulani Muslims brought by slavery, South Asian Islam was introduced during the period of indentureship with the arrival of more than 90 Sunni Muslims.

With the harsh conditions of slavery all but wiping out traces of African Islam, the South Asian indentureship saw Urdu-speaking Muslims, many well educated, arriving on the colony.

A common language developed in the Indian subcontinent from a cultural and linguistic blend, Urdu was brought to Guyana by Muslims who came from different areas of the Indian subcontinent such as Uttar Pradesh, Sind, the Punjab, the Deccan, Kashmir and the North West Frontier (Afghan areas).

One of Guyana's oldest mosques, the Queenstown Jama Masjid, was founded by the Afghan community, which is said to have arrived from India.

However, by 1950, Urdu started fading with the introduction of Islamic texts in English, and it has today almost disappeared. The association of Arabic with Muslims is new in Guyana, and Muslim children today are taught Arabic and Urdu in a religious context at Muslim schools.

The United Sad'r Islamic Anjuman, described as the oldest surviving

Invaluable experience...

then General Secretary Dr Cheddi Jagan - the founder of the PPP.

Mr Ramotar has had extensive experience within the party, and has represented the party on numerous occasions overseas. He has published a number of articles in the local newspapers and was a regular columnist for the Mirror newspaper, a publication of the People’s

Progressive Party. He has served on corporate Boards, and was also a member of the African Caribbean and Pacific - European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly and served as the vice president and a bureau member of that organisation. Mr Ramotar has been a member of Guyana’s Parliament since 1992.

Islamic organization in Guyana, offers Urdu in its instructional programme for teaching the qasida (hymns that sing praises to God and the Prophet).

The role of the Hindu Brahman

At the beginning of the 20th century, Brahman immigrants and other high castes comprised 13.6 per cent in British Guiana. The Brahmans traditionally earned a living in the priesthood; but arriving in the colony, with its focus on agriculture, many were now cultivators, though they had with them the holy books of their religion.

According to historians, among the Hindus, it was the Brahman pandits of British Guiana, who attended to the spiritual needs of the plantation labourers that helped maintain the Hindu heritage.

In British Guiana, Brahmans retained their privileged position in Indian society. As the only link to the

Hindu religion because of their priestly knowledge, they were revered among the Guianese Hindu religious.

In the face of Christian proselytizing, Brahmans visited homes on the plantations, performing Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals, and also acting as advisors to families and communities wishing to retain their Hindu faith.

Of significance is the fact that it was the British Guiana Brahmans who embraced all castes into the Sanatan Dharma, the Hindu mainstream. Historians note this newfound equality encouraged the low castes in particular to retain the Hindu faith.

Maintaining religious unity

Over the years, both Hindu and Muslim religions retain an important presence in Guyanese society. Along with Christianity, these main religions have seen Guyana provide a stellar example of religious tolerance better than many places in the world.

Despite the continuing conversion of Hindus and Muslims to Christianity, many Hindus and Muslims in Guyana still maintain strong bonds with their traditional religious heritages. Some, from following generations, also reconvert to the Hinduism or Islam of their immigrant ancestors.

With the freedom to open and maintain their own schools and places of worship, as well as access to TV, radio and internet programming to broadcast their own religious and cultural shows, Guyana can boast of equal opportunities for religious groups across the country.

Brought together by an insensitive system, the strong Indian religious heritage in Guyana stands testament to a proud, faithful and resilient people.

In 2011, after President Bharrat Jagdeo stepped down from the presidency after fulfilling his two terms, Donald Ramotar became the PPPC's presidential candidate and was elected to the presidency at the elections of Nov 11.

He is married to Mrs Deolatchmee Ramotar and is the father of three children.

known to these poor people and I have heard no argument used in favour of enabling the crowded population of India to take advantage of the high wages of Guiana, which remove altogether the danger I apprehend

One of the more notable letter writers, according to Clem Seecharan in his book “ Bechu: 'bound Coolie' Radical in British Guiana, 1894-1901”, Bechu became a regular letter writer to the newspapers of the time.

In his first letter to the colony’s Daily Chronicle newspaper ( Nov 1, 1896) after the October shooting deaths of five Indian workers and wounding of 59 at Non Pareil plantation, he wrote:

In this colony… an agreement appears to

be binding on one side only, for we constantly see coolies being brought up for ‘neglecting to attend work’ for ‘not completing the task’ and for such trivial breaches of contract, but not in a single instance have I seen a ‘protector’ charge an employer for not fulfilling his part of the contract towards an indentured immigrant. Is this fair play?

His critical gaze looked at not only the inhuman labour system but also the immorality of the colonial social system brought about by the overseers or managers’ sexual relationships with Indian women.

I am in a position to state that a fellow shipmate of mine, a Punjabi, was at one time making

overtures to a woman with a view to matrimony, but he was deterred from doing so, as he came to hear that she had gotten in tow with an overseer, who eventually gave her the money to purchase her freedom… This is another ground for discontent and sometimes leads to riots, yet Immigration officials close their eyes to the matter. (Report of a Commission of Enquiry into the sugar industry of British Guiana (J.A. Venn chairman (1949))

Providing evidence of ill-treatment, in another testimony given at the Commission of Enquiry, a labourer named Elizabeth Caesar stated: The coolies were locked up in the sick house and next morning they were

flogged with a cat ‘o’ nine tails; the manager was in the house, and they flogged the people under his house; they were tied to the post of the gallery of the manager’s house; I cannot tell you how many licks; he gave them enough. I saw blood. When they were flogged at the manager’s house they rubbed salt pickle on their backs.

However, according to “The West on Trial” by Cheddi Jagan, whose parents were indentured labourers who had arrived in 1901, a few sympathetic individuals and commissions of enquiry were not enough to ameliorate the abominable conditions under which the immigrants lived, or the ill-treatment meted out to them.

The indentured system was finally abolished in 1917 after falling prices for sugar made the many estates on the colony no longer profitable. The reduced wages and unemployment that followed led to continuous labour protests and strikes.

The so-called Golden Age of King Sugar was at its end.

to cut through all the ‘red tape’ that one faced when an application for a plot of land is made. Also, the criteria for land ownership were greatly relaxed. Now there is provision for every citizen, irrespective of social class or political or religious affiliation, once he/ she satisfies the basic criteria to be given a

Further, the banks have also made it easier for persons to access loans for construction. Prior to the housing boom one had to satisfy a number of criteria before they could have accessed a loan to build a house. Today, this has changed as the banks offer loans at very affordable in-

terest rates to low and moderate income earners. This was as a result of the Public-Private Partnership developed between the government and the commercial banks to make it easier for persons to own their own homes.

Energy Cheaper electric-

ity for Guyanese is a main priority of the PPP/C Government. The President had noted that his government has made serious efforts to have the Amaila Falls project during his tenure, but these efforts were frustrated and thwarted by the political opposition, which did not support the project in the National Assembly.

However, interestingly, the Opposition Leader in Parliament and Presidential Candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger now has a change of heart and during the campaign season he recently declared that once elected, his party will work on a hydroelectric project.

President Ramotar has said that every Guyanese would have benefitted from the hydroelectric project, as it meant lower electricity rates. However, he made it clear that his

the planned hydro project will remove the need for that high subsidy and reduce the cost of electricity.

Subsidised electricity and water for the elderly

The PPP/C Government has also remained attentive to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, including the elderly. It has continued to alleviate the various problems experienced by our senior citi-

Government remains committed to the initiative to ensure that Guyana not only satisfies its needs, but is able to export the excess energy to its neighbours.

At present Government subsidises electricity with about $9 billion so that Guyanese do not bear the brunt of the high cost of fuel, but

zens by improving their Old Age Pension. Over the past three years, Old Age Pension has been increased by 75 per cent to $13,125. This is light years from where Guyana came from when it was a paltry few hundred dollars and our seniors were subjected to the humiliating means test.

Today, Guyana stands proud as one of the few countries in the world with a universal non-contributory pension paid to every elderly person who has met the sole eligibility criterion of attaining the qualifying age. Every month some 42,500 senior citizens benefit from this programme at a total annual cost of $6.6 billion. Also water rates and electricity continue to be subsidised for old age pensioners.

In order to provide increased social and economic benefits to our citizens, the Government has taken innovative approaches to mobilising development financing. Guyana is one of the very few countries in the world that are receiving compensation for the sustainable management of its forests, under the national Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in partnership with the Government of Norway. This year, Guyana received its fourth payment under this partnership, bringing the total earned so far to US$150 million. These earnings are being invested to further improve the social and economic quality of life of all Guyanese.

Indians as Political Objects

East Coast Violence: The GIHA Crime Report

“I’m doing this because I don’t like coolie.” These were the words Anita Singh heard as she was held in her North Melanie home with a knife to her throat by an African Guyanese terrorist. The day was August 2 and the year 2002. What the African proceeded to do was to cut off Anita’s long hair, the pride of many Indian women, in an act of cultural rape.

A photograph of Anita with her shortened hair and the vile words spoken to her serve as the epigraph of the GIHA Crime Report published in 2002.

The Guyana Indian Heritage Association’s report entitled “Indians Betrayed: Black on Indian Violence” included first-hand accounts such as Anita’s, analyses of the history that led to the atrocities and reports of the incidents themselves that

were done by Indian leaders such as Swami Aksharananda, Ravi Dev, Ryhaan Shah, and Indian Guyanese in the diaspora including Dr Ramesh Gampat and Dr Somdat Mahabir.

The period investigated spanned one year starting from February 23, 2002 with the jailbreak of five prisoners that quickly devolved into PNC political violence and ignited a spree of terrorist violation and banditry against Indians along the East Coast in particular. This only abated with the advent of what is known in local folklore as the “phantoms.”

During the year that was investigated, there was an almost daily run of atrocities. The report also included some of the worst horrors that occurred prior to this period in the 2001 post elections violence like that of Mala Phagoo’s.

Mala was set on fire

Summary of Politics since 1997 by the CIA

Polity IV Country Report 2010: Guyana Political Instability Task Force (PITF). The PITF is funded by the Central Intelligence Agency.

December 1997 elections, the now named People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) again polled the majority of legislative seats and Janet Jagan, Cheddi Jagan’s widow, was named president. Although the opposition PNC alleged that the December 1997 elections were rigged, international observers declared them to be “free and fair.” While the elections were free from violence, the months immediately following the voting were filled with street protests and sporadic political violence.

Bharrat Jagdeo assumed the presidency in 1999 following the resignation of Janet Jagan. The ruling PPP/C was returned to power in March 2001 elections when it secured 52 percent of the popular vote, compared to 42 percent for the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).

However, the results were disputed and there were violent clashes in the capital between rival groups of supporters. The PNC/R refused to concede defeat and appealed to the High Court to prevent the inauguration of President-elect Bharrat Jagdeo. However, the election was judged to have been basically fair, despite administrative and procedural inadequacies, by international observers. It was announced on 21 March 2001 that former US President Jimmy Carter had brokered an agreement between the two parties which committed the two parties to a program of constitutional and electoral reform. However, the PNC/R boycotted legislative proceedings for 14 months between March 2002 and May 2003.

The potential for ethnic instability in this country can be seen most recently in the aftermath of the 1997 elections. Claiming the PPP won through fraud, the PNC mobilized its supporters into street protests as its members in parliament staged a seven-month boycott of the National Assembly.

when a channa bomb was hurled into the bus in which she was travelling. This was done in Buxton. Her long hair caught fire and as she ran down the road screaming, she recalled that the women of Buxton lined the road and laughed and jeered. She said that it appeared that the whole scene was like a movie script being enacted for their entertainment. Mala eventually went overseas for medical attention and still bears the scars of her ordeal.

On August 28, 2002, Non Pariel was attacked by a group of about 12 young terrorists. In that attack, Haroon Rasheed, 65, was doused with kerosene and set alight. He died in hospital from his burns on September 1, 2002.

On October 25, 2002, goldsmith Kumardat Ramprashad of Cove and John, and his daughter Gomattie, 14, were kidnapped and held in Buxton and a ransom demanded for their safe return. They were only released when the family gathered up enough money and jewellery to satisfy the kidnappers. They were given a message to take to the government.

This was the message: that all the crime was only a beginning

of the reign of terror to get the government to resign; that they would go into Indian communities and slaughter Indian business people like animals; that they controlled up to 70 percent of the army and police; that the president must resign and allow a black man to rule; that they wanted more guns; and that they wanted every black boy in Buxton to have a gun to rob and kill Indians and get rich.

This family has since emigrated.

On May 11, 2002, businessman Ramdeo Persaud and his wife Sita, of KC Candy, Annandale, were shot dead in their home.

On June 26, 2002, Mohamed Kayan Baksh of Meten-Meer-Zorg was killed at his home. On July 22, 2002, a group of heavily armed bandits terrorized Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, just after the conclusion of a PPP/C general conference.

The spree ended with three dead: PC Outar Kissoon, PC Ramphal Pardat, and

President Bharrat Jagdeo was born Jan 23, 1964 in the village of Unity on the East Coast of Demerara, Guyana. He joined the Progressive Youth Organisation as a youth and after completing his high school studies, pursued higher education in Russia.

Becoming an economist by profession, President Jagdeo earned a Master’s Degree in Economics from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

Returning to Guyana in 1990, he worked in the state planning secretariat and continued with PPP work. After the "free and fair" elections of 1992, he was appointed junior minister within the Ministry of Finance from where he was quickly promoted.

President Jagdeo served as Minister of Finance from 1995 to 1999 when, at age 35, he was appointed Guyana’s president, after violent street protests by the PNCR forced President Janet Jagan to resign due to ill health. While finance minister, and as president, he headed the negotiations that led to the write off the US$2.1 million debt the PNC had left around the neck of Guyana.

He was one of the youngest heads of government in the world and the PNCR decided to test his mettle with continued street protests, under Desmond Hoyte's strategy of "slow fyaah; mo fyaah". In 2001, Jagdeo was elected as

The Bare Facts

in surrounding villages. Yet the economy continued to grow under his guidance.

He was re-elected in September 2006 and the

president, but the violence was ratcheted up with five escaped prisoners launching a full scale war against the state and the perceived Indian supporters of the PPPC

violence surged from everyday attacks against Indians and the police to the gang launching gruesome massacres - at Agricola, on the East Bank Demerara,

Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara, Lindo Creek in the Hinterland and at Bartica

President Jagdeo signed into law, for the first time in Guyana, a two-term limit for a president. Against all odds the economy grew faster than that of any other regional economy.

In 2011, President Jagdeo completed his second term as president and stepped down - to the consternation of his detractors who had confidently predicted that he was seeking a "third term".

In September 2005, President Jagdeo was elected chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, a position he occupied until September 2006. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Government of India in 2004 and the Pushkin Medal by the Government of Russia in 2008.

In 2010, President Jagdeo was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the People’s Friendship University of Russia and in 2011 he also received an Honorary Doctorate from the DY Patil University of Mumbai, India.

President Jagdeo was named by Time Magazine and CNN as one of their “Heroes of the Environment 2008”, and in 2010 he was awarded by the United Nations as a “Champion of the Earth”. In 2011 President Jagdeo was appointed Goodwill

Ambassador for Global Tropical Forest by the Leaders of the Amazonian, Congo and Borneo-Mekong forest basins.

From someone who knew him:

Introduction by Moses Nagamootoo

Speech at Good Hope, ECD PPP Rally, 19 August, 2006

"When BJ came to office in 1999, he was tested by fire of POLITICAL ARSONISTS WHO SET THE CITY ON FIRE; THEN HE WAS CHALLENGED BY THE CRIMINAL GANG AND THEIR BACKERS. But he arose from the ashes and, like a Phoenix, he emerged victorious in the 2001 elections. He stamped his own style of leadership, one that saw him in the trenches – out in front.

If he was tested by fire, by 2002 he was challenged by terrorism from the prison escapees – the like of which was never seen in this land before. It was brutal, senseless, and cold-blooded. Then by floods. Someone told me he was the “Teflon Guy” – water does not penetrate him.

But he stood the test

of time, and we now know that he is made of the good stuff. Like MOSES, he parted the flood waters and made this land dry and wholesome again!

Bharrat Jagdeo deserves credit for his leadership. Reward him with a second term. It is always sweeter than the first. He is hard-working and capable. He has his fingers on the pulse of the nation’s problems and, in all cases, he has delivered solutions.

I have watched Bharrat Jagdeo with unbiased eyes. I see in him a good person, who loves his country dearly, who portrays love of all races, love of children and our youth, and concern for the elderly. Moreover, I see in him as a leader with an agenda to push development. I share his broad vision to modernize this country, so we may create more jobs, more opportunities, and raise the standard of living of all."

Jagdeo against anti-Indian racism

At the funeral of PPP leader Reepu Daman Persaud, in April 2013, Jagdeo, the former president pointed out: “in the mean politics of Guyana, a resurgence in a hidden way” of anti-Indian Guyanese sentiment is unfolding.

He illustrated his point by noting: “Recently, 38 persons… of East Indian descent were used in a case to say that the PPP, because they (are) employed in the public service, is practicing discrimination – that we are giving people of Indian-origin preferences.”

President Bharrat Jagdeo was born Jan 23, 1964 in the village of Unity on the East Coast of Demerara, Guyana. He joined the Progressive Youth Organisation as a youth and after completing his high school studies, pursued higher education in Russia.

Becoming an economist by profession, President Jagdeo earned a Master’s Degree in Economics from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

Returning to Guyana in 1990, he worked in the state planning secretariat and continued with PPP work. After the "free and fair" elections of 1992, he was appointed junior minister within the Ministry of Finance from where he was quickly promoted.

President Jagdeo served as Minister of Finance from 1995 to 1999 when, at age 35, he was appointed Guyana’s president, after violent street protests by the PNCR forced President Janet Jagan to resign due to ill health. While finance minister, and as president, he headed the negotiations that led to the write off the US$2.1 million debt the PNC had left around the neck of Guyana.

He was one of the youngest heads of government in the world and the PNCR decided to test his mettle with continued street protests, under Desmond Hoyte's strategy of "slow fyaah; mo fyaah". In 2001, Jagdeo was elected as

The Bare Facts

in surrounding villages. Yet the economy continued to grow under his guidance.

He was re-elected in September 2006 and the

president, but the violence was ratcheted up with five escaped prisoners launching a full scale war against the state and the perceived Indian supporters of the PPPC

violence surged from everyday attacks against Indians and the police to the gang launching gruesome massacres - at Agricola, on the East Bank Demerara,

Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara, Lindo Creek in the Hinterland and at Bartica

President Jagdeo signed into law, for the first time in Guyana, a two-term limit for a president. Against all odds the economy grew faster than that of any other regional economy.

In 2011, President Jagdeo completed his second term as president and stepped down - to the consternation of his detractors who had confidently predicted that he was seeking a "third term".

In September 2005, President Jagdeo was elected chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group, a position he occupied until September 2006. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Government of India in 2004 and the Pushkin Medal by the Government of Russia in 2008.

In 2010, President Jagdeo was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the People’s Friendship University of Russia and in 2011 he also received an Honorary Doctorate from the DY Patil University of Mumbai, India.

President Jagdeo was named by Time Magazine and CNN as one of their “Heroes of the Environment 2008”, and in 2010 he was awarded by the United Nations as a “Champion of the Earth”. In 2011 President Jagdeo was appointed Goodwill

Ambassador for Global Tropical Forest by the Leaders of the Amazonian, Congo and Borneo-Mekong forest basins.

From someone who knew him:

Introduction by Moses Nagamootoo

Speech at Good Hope, ECD PPP Rally, 19 August, 2006

"When BJ came to office in 1999, he was tested by fire of POLITICAL ARSONISTS WHO SET THE CITY ON FIRE; THEN HE WAS CHALLENGED BY THE CRIMINAL GANG AND THEIR BACKERS. But he arose from the ashes and, like a Phoenix, he emerged victorious in the 2001 elections. He stamped his own style of leadership, one that saw him in the trenches – out in front.

If he was tested by fire, by 2002 he was challenged by terrorism from the prison escapees – the like of which was never seen in this land before. It was brutal, senseless, and cold-blooded. Then by floods. Someone told me he was the “Teflon Guy” – water does not penetrate him.

But he stood the test

of time, and we now know that he is made of the good stuff. Like MOSES, he parted the flood waters and made this land dry and wholesome again!

Bharrat Jagdeo deserves credit for his leadership. Reward him with a second term. It is always sweeter than the first. He is hard-working and capable. He has his fingers on the pulse of the nation’s problems and, in all cases, he has delivered solutions.

I have watched Bharrat Jagdeo with unbiased eyes. I see in him a good person, who loves his country dearly, who portrays love of all races, love of children and our youth, and concern for the elderly. Moreover, I see in him as a leader with an agenda to push development. I share his broad vision to modernize this country, so we may create more jobs, more opportunities, and raise the standard of living of all."

Jagdeo against anti-Indian racism

At the funeral of PPP leader Reepu Daman Persaud, in April 2013, Jagdeo, the former president pointed out: “in the mean politics of Guyana, a resurgence in a hidden way” of anti-Indian Guyanese sentiment is unfolding.

He illustrated his point by noting: “Recently, 38 persons… of East Indian descent were used in a case to say that the PPP, because they (are) employed in the public service, is practicing discrimination – that we are giving people of Indian-origin preferences.”

After Gladstone’s now well-known letter requesting indentured labourers be sent to British Guiana for his plantations, contracts had to be

Indentured System in British Guiana’ that this changed so that labourers could terminate that contract only after repayment of the costs of introduction less

drawn up - usually to the benefit of planters like Gladstone - for the new labour force.

Workers were required to sign a contract for a term of five years. After the five-year term, immigrants were given a certificate of “industrial residence” which allowed them to remain within the colony, or reindenture for another five-year contract.

Under the 1843 regulations, the first regulations after the reestablishment of the indentured system from both India and China, contracts between worker and employer could be terminated at the end of six months or one year as a security against abuses.

Meleisa Ono-George notes in ‘“Coolies”, Containment, and Resistance The

an amount equivalent to their wages for their time of service.

In an 1852 ordinance “ any labourer entering into a contract for five years, and desiring to cancel it at the end of the first year, and work where he pleases, can do so on repayment of four fifths of the passage money….” or they could terminate it at the end of a year if they paid a periodic tax.

Commutation payments increased dramatically between 1859 and 1862, indicating that many immigrants chose to buy out of their contracts.

In response to the growing loss of labour, the Immigration Ordinance was amended in 1862 so that “[n] o such immigrant shall be entitled to change his employer, or to pay in

go to the Immigration Office which was located in Georgetown, the capital of British Guiana. For many labourers, the plantations were located several miles from Georgetown so that in order to actually file a complaint they would have to receive a “pass” from the overseer or planter, the very people they were often filing the complaint against.

dentureship contract sustained the flow of labour and legitimized many restrictive labour practices in British Guiana, as well as codified labour relationship. It underwrote collective bargaining procedures, the enforcement of labour laws, back to work legislations, subsistence requirements and wages. It was also an in-

strument to control the movement of labourers away from, and off plantations, as it stipulated that labourers needed a special pass. The indenture contract, in its legal implementation, made indentured labourers temporary residents of the Caribbean; thus enabling and constraining them in the labour market and within the social hierarchy.

commutation of service, during and portion of the said term of five years for which he shall have been so indentured. ...”

In addition to the contracts, local immigration legislation in British Guiana had the purpose of restricting “coolie” labour to the plantations and of actually preventing integration into the larger society.

In the 1864 Immigration Ordinance a vagrancy clause was implemented in British Guiana that restricted “immigrants” to a twomile radius of plantations. Furthermore, any “immigrant” found beyond two miles of his or her plantation without written permission from the plantation owner or overseer would be liable for fines and criminal charges.

The vagrancy and pass laws prevented Asian labourers from filing complaints against planters and overseers, and from socializing beyond those on their own plantations.

In order to file a complaint, a person had to

According to Parbattie Ramsarran, in her article ‘The Indentured contract and its Impact on Labor Relationship and Community Reconstruction in British Guiana’ (International Journal of Criminology and Sociological Theory, Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2008, 177-188), the in-

Emailgate fiasco: T&T Opposition Leader suspended from Parliament

TT’s Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley was suspended from the Parliament at 9.15 on Wednesday night and therefore will not be allowed to return to the House for the remainder of the session.

Parliament will automatically dissolve by June 17.

A total of 24 Government members voted for Rowley to be kicked out of Parliament, with only the Cha¬guanas West MP, who is also the

leader of the Independent Liberal Party (ILP), voting against the motion.

The vote was taken in the absence of the Opposition members, who had walked out hours earlier.

Leader of Government Business Dr Roodal Moonilal had moved a motion of censure against Rowley, which stated he produced false information to the House when he brought some 31 e-mails to Parliament two years ago.

In the absence of the Opposition, the motion was debated with contributions from Warner and Government ministers Suruj Rambachan, Errol McLeod, Prakash Ramadhar, Rodger Samuel, Tim Gopeesingh and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The Prime Minister said a wheel of conspiracy was plotted against her Government using fake e-mails, which she condemned Rowley for bringing to Parliament.

Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition Leader abused the privilege of the House because while he was entitled to freedom of speech, that freedom must be regulated and should have a foundation of evidence.

Persad-Bissessar went through some of the correspondence contained in the string of e-mails, saying there were elements of fact continued

The PNC government under their leader LFS Burnham, had an ambitious plan to "feed, clothe and house the nation by 1976", known as the FCH plan. However, it is not surprising that the achievement of this goal failed miserably. This was due mostly to their mismanagement of resources and continued political unrest among the ethnic groups.

From its inception, this housing plan was sharply criticised by the opposition PPP who raised questions about how it would be financed, considering that the government had announced

that it would seek funding from multilateral agencies. Actually, the PNC administration was unable to garner any such funding, and the whole housing plan was a colossal failure. Burnham himself was forced to admit this fact in his “address to the nation” on 14 December, 1976 when he declared: “We promised to house the nation. . . . We have not done so.

In his address, Burnham gave excuses why the housing programme failed. He noted, inter alia, that (1) investment funds, initially pegged at G$250 million, had to be increased

to G$1,500 million; (2) inflation between 1970 and 1976 had affected building costs; (3) prices for materials skyrocketed; (4) there was a shortage of cement; (5) there were not enough skilled workmen; (6) floods and heavy rainfall affected construction, sugar and rice production; and (7) sugar prices, fell on the world market, thus drastically reducing revenues from foreign earnings.

While the innocent Guyanese had to live many families together in a dilapidated ‘benab’ or ‘logie’ as the houses were called, the PNC’s

government officials had land at their disposal and were able to afford posh houses.

Even if Guyanese were able to afford building their own homes, acquiring houselots was a problem and building materials were in short

Electricity

Some parts of the country were lucky to receive power for roughly 72 hours per week, Linden however, a predominantly PNC supported area, had electricity available 24/7 and that too basically for

some of the Guyanese population only dreamed about during the PNC’s rule. Stories are told by those who lived in those days of how they made their own lamps out of glass bottles, cloth for wicks and kerosene, being particularly careful not to waste too much of the ‘kero’. These were the poor people squatting in the backlands.

Water

Many Guyanese were denied access to potable water, a basic necessity, during the PNC rule. Persons had to use water from canals and trenches for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Every day, entire families would head out of their homes with their buckets, bottles and other containers, walking for miles to fetch water to use in their homes.

supply, carrying extravagant prices.

This led to many, especially the IndoGuyanese, squatting on pasture lands and back lands nearby rice fields and sugar cane estates.

free.

There were power outages for days at a time in the areas that had electricity.

However, electricity was something that

This included women, children of all ages, the sick and the elderly. The black water trenches and canals were their only source of water, so they had no choice.

Emailgate fiasco: T&T...

which were twisted into a wheel of conspiracy to make grave allegations against her and members of her Government.

She knocked Diego Martin North-East MP Colm Imbert’s contribution to the debate, noting he spent not a moment on addressing the issue of the fake e-mails, even though Moonilal had brought evidence to show the emails were not authentic.

She said when Rowley brought the emails to the House two years ago, he did so with conviction and put to the Parliament that she and her Government

members conspired to harm a journalist and bug the office of the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions).

Persad-Bissessar said it was her Government that ensured the Interception of Communications Act became law to prevent the tapping phones. She said if any member of her Government was engaged in tapping phones, they would immediately be removed.

She pointed out the e-mails allege Government members conspi¬red to ensure the deputy head of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), Keron

from page 44

Ganpat, left the country so the DPP’s office could be bugged.

Persad-Bissessar noted Ganpat did in fact go to Germany from September 2 to 13 to attend a security course at the George C Marshall European Centre for Security Studies. This visit, she said, came after approvals from the permanent secretary and then national security minister Jack Warner in July that year.

Following the Prime Minister’s contribution, Moonilal wound up the debate and the vote was then taken. (Excerpts from Trinidad Express)

By Isahak BasIr, CC

Golden

Fleece

Sugar Estate was one of some 55 estates developed by the Dutch in the 17th century and closed by the British owner John Dodds in 1910. The estate’s owner and his political influence saw the end of sugar cane culti-

al estates to meet drainage and irrigation expenses. On one occasion in early 1909, Pareekan Singh purchased several abandoned sugar estates in Essequibo.

The second owner of Golden Fleece Estate was C. R. Chan, followed by Kader Bacchus from Wakenaam; its presently owned by Nazeemul

vation and the last sugar factory closure in 1934 in Essequibo.

The estate is located about six miles from Adventure and the main residential area is located on a sand reef about a kilometre inland, west of the public road. The old sugar factory site is now a very modern rice-milling complex.

Its first owner was a Muslim individual who bought the estate from the British Guiana Trustees. This was the only alternative for departing British estate owners to leave their estate in trusteeship. History has also recorded that the Trustees were forced to sell sever-

Hakh.

Golden Fleece estate is predominantly rice producing, and the present owner hails from a rice-growing family. They are in the business since 1938 on the West Coast of Demerara.

Over the years, the landscape of Golden Fleece has changed. It is developing due to the construction of a modern rice complex, which has contributed to the social and economic gain of community. Access via sections of paved roads can allow tourists a onemile ride between orchards and new buildings that have replaced mud houses made with thatched roofs, troolie

palms and walls made out of wattles.

Some symbols of early Dutch occupancy are still visible in Golden Fleece. The Anglican Church is adorned with century-old palm trees, which were used to guide sugar punts in and out of the area. The main estate road is elevated ten feet above the rice fields and is commonly known as Truck Line.

The kilometre long rail carriage that facilitated the transport of sugar and molasses to the waterfront in the backlands of Golden Fleece and Zorg is an elevated formation of white clay.

This clay, when dissolved in water, was used extensively by indentured Indians to “white-wash” their logies and other house facilities. The alkaline white clay was distributed all over the county of Essequibo and island of Wakenaam. It was a household need for weddings and religious functions. Consequently, the constant removal of this clay created a tunnel, which eventually caved in. In 1938, a resident, Anand Barose of Golden Fleece, was removing clay and was crushed and killed.

Like all sugar productions, water supply was a prime necessity. As such, a huge water reservoir was created at the extreme west end of Golden Fleece and Perseverance. This reserve is filled by a natural spring known as “washer woman”.

In the vicinity lies a Dutch tomb that has a huge padlock, which can be seen still. The sandy soil of the housing area allowed the propagation of many fruits; one of which was the olive plant known as “Nulluck catcher”. This tree would bear fruits from its roots upward. Sadly, it has been used many times for suicide by hanging.

At one time in the history of sugar in Essequibo, British plutocracy was so impressed with the productivity of indentured works that an estate owner decided to examine one of the workers’ lunch bowl. He discovered shelled hassar and sijan sticks. In alarm, he referred to the diet as “sticks and crocodile”.

By 1935 a religious organization by the name of The Canadian Mission saw the need to advance Christianity,

and, as such, the Fisher Primary School was built. In 2010 the school was replaced by a modern structure under the PPP/C government.

Golden Fleece Estate is a well laid out village, having had the full support of the current government, with wellpaved streets, a school,

playfield, modern pubs and fast food restaurants.

The proprietor of Golden Fleece Rice Complex offers subsidies transportation of burnt paddy husk to residents who wish to cultivate other crops. The Golden Fleece Rice Complex not only endured hard days,

but produced and exported high quality rice while creating employment for scores of workers.

Golden Fleece Estate can be easily identified at nights with its illumination and under the flight path of aircraft to the Caribbean, USA and Canada. (Photos by Marco Basir)

After a seven yearlong engagement, Amy Adams and Darren Le Gallo have finally wed.

The couple were married in a small intimate ceremony over the weekend in California. The bride wore Marchesa, reported People magazine.

The “Big Eyes” star and her actor husband, both 40, were engaged in 2008 and have been together for 14 years.

The couple’s wedding plans have been continually delayed while

Adams has focused on her skyrocketing acting career. (Indian Express)

I’m not humourless: Kit Harington

“Game of Thrones” actor Kit Harington has insisted that he’s not “humourless”.

The 28-year-old actor is renowned for his serious tone both on and off screen, but claims he’s funny when around his friends, and just doesn’t

tend to joke around while in the public eye, reported Femalefirst.

“In my private life I like to think so. I’m not humourless. But perhaps it’s not a side that people see very often,” he said.

However, the 28-yearold star is hoping an upcoming role in critically acclaimed short comedy movie “7 Days in Hell” will change people’s perceptions about him, as he believes it proves he can be funny. (Indian express)

Robert Carlyle’s directorial debut to open Edinburgh Film Fest

“Trainspotting” star Robert Carlyle’s directorial debut will open the Edinburgh International Film Festival in his native Scotland.

Courtenay and Ashley Jensen, who are all expected to support their director on the red carpet at the festival’s launch.

Eva Mendes won’t celebrate her first Mother’s Day

Actress Eva Mendes won’t be celebrating her first Mother’s Day.

The mother of baby girl Esmeralda said she would like to spend this year’s Mother’s Day with her mother Eva Perez Suarez rather than making a celebration for herself, reported Access Hollywood.

“There is no plan,” the 41-yearold star told host Billy Bush and Kit Hoover about her plan for Mother’s Day.

“I kind of feel like I haven’t quite earned my stripes yet in a way. Esmeralda’s seven months old.” Mendes shared that she planned to celebrate the special day with her mother.

“This Mother’s Day is definitely all about my mom. She’s had a really hard

year. My brother’s sick, so it’s all about my mom, honouring her. We’re all going to go over to her house and bombard her with love,” she added. (Indian Express)

Louis C K to direct, star in indie film

Cry of a “depressed middle-aged man” who pursues a career in law enforcement following the death of his mother, a celebrated police officer whose career overshadowed her son’s, reported The Verge.

The 47-year-old star is the creator, star, writer and director of the acclaimed FX comedy series “Louie”. (Indian Express)

Zooey Deschanel doesn’t worry about her weight

Pregnant actress Zooey Deschanel has her own perspective when it comes to her weight, claiming she doesn’t worry much about it.

The 35-year-old movie beauty said she doesn’t feel any pressure to shed the pregnancy pounds as quick as possible after giving birth to the baby, reported Ace Showbiz.

“The Legend Of Barney Thomson”, in which Carlyle also stars, will be screened at the Festival Theatre on June 17, reported Guardian online.

“After a career-long association with EIFF, it gives me enormous pleasure to have ‘The Legend Of Barney Thomson’ chosen as opening-night film,” Carlyle said.

The thriller, set in Glasgow, also features Emma Thompson, Ray Winstone, Tom

“It really is such an honour for me to have my first feature as director premiered here in Edinburgh at the festival that has played such a huge part in my life.”

(Indian Express)

Nicholas Hoult calls co-star

Charlize Theron ‘remarkable’

Nicholas Hoult is all praise for his “Mad Max” costar Charlize Theron.

The 25-year-old actor’s said he had a lot of fun working with her, reported E!Online.

“She’s a lot of fun, great sense of humour, but also incredible to watch,” he said. “I’m lucky I’ve done two films with her now and each time, very different characters but to watch her transform and switch it on is remarkable,” he said.

Hoult’s latest film “Mad Max: Fury Road” is set to hit theaters in less than two weeks,

and he is about to begin filming the third flick in the X-Men franchise, “X-Men: Apocalypse”.

With regards to “X-Men: Apocalypse”, Hoult said he is looking forward to begin filming and to reunite with the cast, which includes ex-girlfriend Jennifer

Lawrence.

“It’s always fun to make those movies. I enjoy that role as well,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting them. It’s weird kind of being the older member of the cast on set,” he added. (Indian Express)

“Haven’t we all seen those pictures of a sexy new mom in a bikini after one month? I will not be that person. I’ve always gone my own course and never been someone who had the need to be super skinny. I like a healthy look,” Deschanel said.

Deschanel announced in January that she and boyfriend Jacob Pechenik

were expecting their first child together. She is due to give birth in the summer. Shortly after news of her pregnancy emerged, the couple were reported to have gotten engaged. (Indian express)

Miley Cyrus debuts ice-blue hair

Pop sensation Miley Cyrus has debuted a totally new colour which is a mix of a pale, greyish blue.

The free-spirited singer wore a long-sleeved, black gown with cut-outs on the red carpet of Met Gala 2015, and posed with good friend Zoe Kravitz, reported People magazine.

This obviously is not the first time Cyrus has gone with an outlandish hairdo at the Met Gala.

At 2013’s punk-themed ball, she showed up with some very appropriate Billy Idol-esque spikes. (Indian express)

'Furious 7' cinematographer to make directorial debut

Stephen Windon, the cinematographer behind “Furious 7″ and “Fast and Furious 6″, will be making his directorial debut with action thriller “Full Throttle”.

The feature, written by Todd Slawsby, is set for production in the first quarter of next year, reported Deadline.

“Full Throttle” is about a motorcycle racer who works as a courier in Kuala Lumpur after suffering a career-ending crash during a race in Singapore. The film will bring together production teams from Hollywood, Malaysia and Singapore. It will shoot throughout Malaysia, with additional photography. (Indian Express)

Aamir Khan to produce another film

Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan is all set to produce another film which is likely to go on the floors later this year. The yet untitled film will mark the directorial debut of Advait Chandan, who happens to be Aamir Khan’s former manager.

Advait has been handling Aamir’s work for five years and simultaneously developing a script.

Aamir, who is known to help the new comers, was recently narrated the script by his former manager, which completely bowled him over. Gradually, Aamir was in favour of producing the film.

It’s a beautiful story of an adolescent girl who aspires to be a singer. The cast has yet not been finalised, while the hunt for the lead actors in still on. Reportedly, the makers of the movie are looking for a fresh face and someone who can sing as well, as the film will require her to be comfortable while she lip syncs. (Indian Express)

Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor to make Cannes red carpet appearance twice

Actress Katrina Kaif, who is set for her maiden outing at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival, will not only walk on the red carpet on the fest’s opening day, but will also do so the following day.

The “Bang Bang!” star will make her presence on the red carpet on May 13 and 14. Her fellow L’Oréal Paris brand ambassador Sonam Kapoor will grace the red carpet of the prestigious festival on May 16 and 18, read a statement.

Aishwarya Rai

Bachchan, who has been a L’Oréal Paris ambassador for more than a decade, will complete 14 years at Cannes with L’Oréal Paris and will walk on the red carpet on May 17 and 20.

As far as Hollywood is concerned, Naomi Watts will also attend Cannes on May 13 and 14. Actress Fan Bing Bing will accompany “The Ring” star on May 13 and 14 and so will Julianne Moore.

Singer-TV personality Cheryl Cole will make her Cannes appearance on May 15, actress Jane Fonda on May 16 and 17, and actress Andie MacDowell on May 16 and 18. (Indian Express)

Jaya Prada to make Bollywood comeback with thriller

Actress-politician Jaya Prada is returning to films with a lead role in director Sanjay Sharma’s paranormal thriller.

The 53-year-old actress, who was

last seen in a supporting role in 2013 Kangana Ranaut-starrer “Rajjo” in 2013, will be playing a modern-day queen in the upcoming film.

Prada said doing the movie was a brave decision for her.

“My character Rani Sahiba is glamorous with grey shades. People’s expectations have changed and youngsters today are looking for different stories. I have never played such a character, hence doing this film is a really brave decision. And I trust my director Sanjay Sharma too,” Prada said in a statement.

The yet-to-be-titled film will be shot in Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Apart from this, the actress has also bagged a lead role in a Malayalam film. (Indian Express)

Director Abhishek Kapoor ties the knot with Swedish girlfriend of Indian descent

He has been in a relationship with model-turnedactor Pragya Yadav for a while.

On Monday, director Abhishek Kapoor tied the knot with his Swedish girlfriend of Indian descent. While Kapoor has directed films such as of Rock On!! and Kai Po Che, Yadav made her acting debut in Amole Gupte’s Hawaa Hawaai.

The wedding was a private affair with a few friends and family. Missing, of course, was Farhan Akhtar, whose

'Pavitra Rishta' actor Rithvik Dhanjani to make Bollywood debut with Ekta Kapoor’s ‘XXX’

Television actor Rithvik Dhanjani, who was last seen in hit TV show ‘Pavitra Rishta’, is all set to make his debut in Ekta Kapoor’s production, ‘XXX’, to be directed by Ken Ghosh.

The film is already making headlines due to its bold content and the makers auditioning actors on social net-

working site, Twitter. Apparently, Ekta Kapoor has also made the actors sign a nudity clause to facilitate a smooth shooting schedule.

Newcomer Kyra Dutt was the first to sign the nudity clause and following her three more actresses Aparnaa Bajpai, Pryanca Talukdar and Aparna Sharma have also done the same.

“Rithvik has signed the film and he will be among one of the lead ac-

tors in the movie. Rithvik has started working on his physique and we will start shooting the film next month,” says director Ken Ghosh.

Many actors began their film career, having dabbled in television previously including Vidya Balan, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ayushmann Khurrana among others. (Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh meet Sim Bhullar, NBA’s first player of Indian descent

Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh, who co-star in Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming movie ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, recently bumped into Sim Bhullar, NBA’s first player of Indian descent.

The actors, who are on the promotional duties for their movie, dropped in at the NBA event currently going on in Mumbai.

Priyanka took to Instagram to share her fangirl moment and captioned the picture: At 7.5 ft, he’s just a bit taller than we are! Look who we just bumped into… @simbhullar2

NBA’s first player of Indian descent! @ranveersingh.

As said by Priyanka, with a towering per -

sonality Sim Bhullar stands tall, while she and Ranveer look tiny in front of him. Priyanka even pulled out a chair

and tried to match height with him.

Ranveer Singh, who is known for his undying energy, seemed to have found somebody stronger and of course, taller as he looked at him in complete awe of his enormity.

But then, Ranveer is Ranveer and hence, he could not hold his warm, affectionate and funny ways for long.

‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, which also features Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar, Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah, is slated to hit theatres on June 5.

(Indian Express)

production house, Excel Entertainment, Kapoor has accused of “stealing” his script for the Rock On!! sequel. (Indian Express)

Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput to marry in Greece

Ever since the news of Shahid Kapoor‘s impending marriage broke out, speculations have been rife that the actor’s real life wedding is going to take the course of his upcoming movie ‘Shaandaar’ and that it’s going to be a destination wedding.

According to a report published in Bollywoodlife.com, it’s almost confirmed now that Shahid and his fiancee Mira are going to tie the knot in Greece. The report says, “Shahid’s wedding date is almost finalised. It will be on June 10 and between Istanbul and Greece, both the parties have zeroed in on Greece for now.”

While Mira’s family was irked with details of the wedding and information and pictures of their daughter being

leaked out, Shahid admitted to getting married soon, but didn’t divulge further details. The couple sure are leaving no stone unturned in making their wedding the most memorable affair.

Shahid is even said to have pushed the schedule for ‘Farzi’ and to have informed the directors – Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK – that he won’t be able to start shooting for the movie in June. Shahid is currently busy shooting for Abhishek Chaubey’s ‘Udta Punjab’ opposite Alia Bhatt. The movie also features Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh. His other movie opposite Alia ‘Shaandaar’ is in post production phase. (Indian Express)

mourns death of boxing champion

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed sadness at the passing of Guyana’s first world boxing champion, Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis. In a detailed statement issued this week, the NSC reflected on the life of the Guyanese pugilist. Below is the full text of the statement.

“Just days after the cricket and media fraternities were deprived of the services of one of their very own Calvin Roberts, the boxing community has suffered a similar blow.

Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis is dead via a motorcar/pedal cycle accident on Monday May 04, 2015. Our roads have claimed yet another life.

This loss is indeed unbearable and has sent shockwaves across Guyana, the Caribbean and the world at large.

“Six Heads”, who incidentally go the alias after knocking out an opponent, who on revival saw six heads instead of one, was born and raised in Georgetown. He had a considerable amateur career, including representing Guyana at various competitions.

In 1993, this athlete switched to professional

boxing with tremendous success, knocking out eight of his first nine opponents.

After dominating at home, Andrew realised that for him to make it at the big times, he must move beyond the boundaries of his homeland.

Himself and two other boxers were encouraged, wished well and seen off by Mr Neil Kumar- Director of Sport at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport when they were travelling to the USA.

As a consequence, Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis left Guyana and took up residence in the United States of America. There he continued from where he left off at home by knocking out eleven of his first twelve opposers.

Like most Guyanese, regardless of his/her potential, skill and ability, Andrew was not given the kind of representation necessary for a fighter of his class.

As a true Guyanese warrior, he did not give up. Instead, he persuaded and finally got the opportunity to prove to the world that he did not go to the USA on a joyride or holiday.

In 2001, “Six Heads” stepped into the ring at

the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and punched and destroyed the known tremendous power puncher, James Page, for the vacant WBA Welterweight title, by way of a TKO in the seventh round.

Guyanese present at the fight, those watching on television in the USA and in other parts of the world and of course, those at home who were glued to their televi-

Guyana its first ever boxing world title. America and the rest of the world got to know who and what he was and were very impressed. So impressive was Andrew, that after unanimously defeating Larry Marks, the powerhouse, “Sugar” Shane Mosley, the then WBC Champion backed out of a talked about welterweight unification against the Guyanese.

Andrew Lewis’s victory inspired other Guyanese boxers who went on and emulated their countryman and idol and recorded their names as world champions, including our female boxers, in various categories.

sion sets at home, clubs, shops, restaurants and wherever it was possible were not disappointed at the sensational victory for a son of the soil.

On February 17, 2001, Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis won

Unfortunately, Lewis’ reign as world champion ended when through improper management and preparation and incorrect fighting technique, he was stopped by the slugger, Nacaraugan’s Richardo Mayorga.

He attempted a comeback in 2003, but was again defeated, this time by WBO Welterweight champion, Antonio

Margarito in two rounds. On his return to Guyana and after a few showings, he called it an end to his pride career.

However, it was difficult for him to stay out of the ring and answered a call from Jamaican Sakima Mullings. Because of illness, he was unable to keep that ring date. His professional stands at 23-4-3 with 20 knockouts.

It was sad that such a boxer with world class potential was unable to be counted among the all-time greats. In his honour, the government constructed a boxing gym in the name of ‘Six Heads Lewis Gym.’

It is with a feeling of sorrow that the NSC expresses heartfelt condolences to yet another outstanding Guyanese professional and wishes him the best on his journey and stay with his Almighty Father. To his immediate family and friends and the boxing and sport fraternities, we extend our sincere condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”

Calvin Roberts laid to rest

Calvin Theophilus

Fitzpatrick Roberts, a former senior Sport Journalist of the Guyana Chronicle, was laid to rest on Wednesday at Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown.

After a one hour public viewing at the Merriman’s Funeral Home, the remains of the father of two were transported to the GNIC ground on Woolford Avenue where colleagues, friends, fans and family members paid their last respect by way of tributes.

Roberts, who succumbed on April 28 after being diagnosed with renal failure in January this year, was remembered by all as a man who was very candid in his views and would go at length to defend his stance on an issue.

It was the general consensus by all the speakers that Roberts was committed to his job and was always willing to go the extra mile in pursuit of excellence. He was also remembered for his exploits on the cricket field, having played for Ace Warriors and Malteenoes, and most recently, becoming captain the Guyana Media XI.

Among those delivering remarks at the function were Roberts’ boyhood friend and renowned cricket journal-

ist, Sean Devers, fellow journalists Avenash Ramzan, Clifton Ross and Michelle Outridge, and Digicel’s Event Manager, Gavin Hope.

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Kemuel Rock, who revealed that Roberts had lived in the path of the Almighty and always embraced his religion in spite of what life threw at him.

After the formal proceedings at GNIC, Roberts was given a guard of honour by members of the Guyana Media XI as his body left the venue for the final rites at Le Repentir.

Big-hitting Gayle smashes 14th T20 century in RCB victory

BANGALORE,

India – Superstar opener Chris Gayle blasted his 14th Twenty20 century and became the first overseas player to eclipse 3000 runs in the Indian Premier League, as Royal Challengers Bangalore crushed Kings XI Punjab by 138 runs here yesterday. The left-handed Gayle smashed 117 off a mere 57 deliveries to propel RCB up to a massive 226 for three off their 20 overs, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium Stadium.

In reply, Kings XI slumped to 88 all out off 13.4 overs, undermined by new ball bowlers Mitchell Starc (4-15) and Sreenath Aravind (4-27), who finished with four wickets apiece. Axar

Patel top scored with an unbeaten 40 from 21 deliveries, to be one of only two players in double figures but the only one to pass 15.

RCB lie third in the IPL standings on 11 points, behind leaders Chennai Super Kings and the second placed Rajasthan Royals. It was Gayle’s innings which took centre stage, however.

The powerful West Indies and Jamaica batsman pummeled seven fours and 12 massive sixes as he tore into the hapless Kings XI attack.

He marched imperiously to his first fifty off 22 balls with four fours and five sixes before completing his second fifth off 24 deliveries. Gayle has the most T20 centuries in internation-

Pollard inspires as Mumbai wins again

MUMBAI, IndiaLendl Simmons failed with the bat while Kieron Pollard scored an unbeaten knock that inspired as Mumbai Indians recovered to beat Delhi Daredevils by five wickets with three balls to spare in the Indian Premier League (IPL) yesterday.

Simmons was removed for a duck in the first legal delivery of the innings while his Trinidad and Tobago colleague Pollard smashed 26 from 14 balls, pushing Mumbai to 153 for five after Daredevils posted 152 for six at Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai had lost four wickets for 40 runs on the chase including the Simmons who was beaten by a length ball swinging back into the right-handed batsman to

al cricket.

After RCB were sent in, the 35-year-old engineered two excellent partnerships to power the hosts’ innings. He put on 119 for the first wicket

pin him in front. However Simmons made amends to some extent with a marvellous, diving catch at point in the penultimate over to dismiss Yuvraj Singh.

Singh was the man of the innings for Delhi Daredevils scoring 57 off 44 balls to help them recover from a poor start.

Pollard’s knock was punctuated with three sixes including one from the second ball he faced and the first ball from the penultimate over that set the tone from there.

Pollard’s hitting seemed to have inspired Ambati Rayudu who was also undefeated with a top score of 49.

Earlier Rayudu teamed up with Rohit Sharma, who scored 46, to stage a healthy recovery for Mumbai. (CMC)

with captain Virat Kohli who slammed 32 from 30 balls with three fours and a six, before adding a further 71 off just 34 deliveries with AB de Villiers.

The South Africa right-hander stroked an up tempo 47 from 24 balls with three fours and four sixes. Ironically, Gayle managed just a single run from the first five balls he faced in the first over of the game from seamer Sandeep Sharma, with three deliveries whizzing past the outside edge.

However, he teed off against left-armer Mitchell Johnson in the next over, carting the Australian for two fours and two sixes in an over costing 20 runs.

He collared Sandeep in the bowler’s next over, the third of the innings which cost 24 runs, belting another two fours and two sixes.

Gayle cleared the ropes at mid-wicket with

Johnson to move to 49 before reaching his halfcentury with a tickle to fine leg for a single, two balls later. Dropped soon after on 53 on the square leg boundary off left-arm spinner Axar, Gayle continued his assault unfazed, with a pair of sixes off off-spinner George Maxwell’s second over and another two off Axar, as he stormed into the 80s. He galloped into the 90s with a brace of sixes off leg-spinner Karanveer Singh’s first over which leaked 18 runs and reached three figures in the next over, the 14th of the innings, when he flicked Johnson to the square boundary. Gayle eventually perished at the end of the 17th over, smashing a return catch back to Axar.

(CMC)

Simmons optimistic after positive start with Windies

est Indies coach

WPhil Simmons believes their third test win over England can be the foundation for better things for Caribbean cricket, but warns next month’s tests against Australia represent a sterner examination of his team.

Trinidadian Simmons was appointed just before the three test series with England, which was drawn 1-1 after West Indies enjoyed an entertaining win in just three days in Barbados.

“It is a cause for optimism, you are talking about winning a test match where we weren’t fancied to do anything in the series,” Simmons told Reuters in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

“It gives them good confidence that they were part of it. The biggest part of winning that game is what the youngsters and the team take from that.”

The former Ireland coach, who played 26 tests for West Indies, clearly made a swift impact on a team which was credited with showing a renewed focus and discipline in the series.

“The key message was that there is the ability there to play test cricket and do well at test cricket and we have to start looking and making sure we know exactly what we are doing and what direction we are going and all the players are part of that,” he said.

“I think application is a really big thing and it was something that we had talked about. It is a big game, a game of patience, like a chess game and everybody had to understand what application meant — and I think everyone came to

the party as far as that was concerned,” added Simmons.

It was a youthful team which beat England at Kensington Oval.

The opening batting pair of Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope are 22 and 21-years-old respectively while all-rounder Jason Holder and key middle order performer Jermaine Blackwood are both 23.

consultant, with the former paceman giving animated instruction to the bowlers before key sessions.

“He has been very important. He is a giant in the game when it comes to bowling and he has been huge in the dressing room with the bowlers and with everyone in general. His role is very important for the team,” said Simmons.

West Indies have had

then they know they have things to work on.”

What has often undone progress in the past has been the frequent fall-outs between the West Indies players and their board, the WICB. Last year, after a dispute over contracts, West Indies players went home midway through a tour of India prompting a threat of legal action against the board.

Simmons says he has

With other young players emerging in the first class regional competition, there is a rare sense of positivity about the future in Caribbean cricket, but Simmons says having the raw talent isn’t enough.

“The talent becomes unimportant if you are not working. But if you have the talent and you are hard working then you are going somewhere. I think the talent is there with a lot of them, we just have to make sure that we work hard with that talent,” he said.

The bowling attack has benefitted from having Curtley Ambrose, who took 405 wickets in 98 tests before retiring in 2000, in his role as a

false dawns throughout their near two-decades of decline and it will be tough to maintain the momentum in tests in Dominica and Jamaica against Australia next month.

“No disrespect to England but it is going to be a bigger test, especially for the batsmen. Their quality of bowling and the bowling lineup that they possess is a better one than England have. You are going to be tested more,” said Simmons.

“That is a good thing because playing the top teams early in your career teaches you what you need to be successful at this level. If they do well, they know that they are up there, if they don’t do well against Australia

asked his players to keep any problems they might have with the WICB out of the dressing room when it comes to business time.

“The players and the board have their issues, I try to make sure that those issues don’t come into my team when it is time to go and play cricket. You try to get them to make sure that they have all their issues sorted out before it’s time to go to cricket.

“I am not involved in that, it is not part of my job to be a mediator. I can just make sure that when it comes to cricket that they are doing the right things as players and the right things as a board for the team.”

(Reuters)

Rampant Messi, Barca give Bayern a thrashing in European Champions League

Lionel Messi scored two outstanding goals and set up Neymar to add another in injury time as Barcelona handed Bayern Munich and former coach Pep Guardiola a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Not even the coach who helped Messi become one of the best ever to play the game could

find a way of stopping the prolific forward from scoring his 76th and record 77th goals in the competition.

Messi rifled a leftfooted strike between Manuel Neuer and the post in the 77th and three minutes later brought defender Jerome Boateng to the turf before chipping the goalkeeper.

Messi was in brilliant form from the start and

rounded off by providing the pass for Neymar to race away and score in stoppage time.

"Guardiola knows Messi and he knows that if he is inspired, nobody can stop him," Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said. "He scored two spectacular goals."

A day after Juventus beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the other first-leg match, the scale of Barcelona's victory now makes them a runaway favourite to reach the final - ahead of the return leg against Bayern in Munich next Tuesday.

Guardiola said before the match that there was no way to defend Messi's "magnitude of talent". And despite keeping him in check for well over an hour, Messi finally proved his former coach right.

Barcelona are now almost halfway to avenging the 7-0 thrashing Bayern dealt them at this stage two years ago.

Jamaica's men's 4x100m team should practice some more

In 1991, Randy Fagan produced a fine display to wrest the national men's singles table tennis title from reigning champion Keith Evans.

Asked after the victory for the secret to success, Fagan produced a gem.

He said: "Practise, practise and when you're finished, practise some more."

That's advice that could apply to Jamaica men's 4x100m team at last weekend's International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays.

While three members of the winning United States of America (USA) team had run the previous week at the Penn Relays, only Nesta Carter was on duty at Penns and at the second staging of the World Relays in Nassau.

Penns a warm-up meet

Perhaps Penns should be thought of as a warm-up meet for those intending to go to Nassau in 2017 when the third edition of the event will be held.

The difference was clear. While the USA baton work was slick, Jamaica's passing was conservative. Add that to the speed of Justin Gatlin on the second leg and Tyson Gay on the third, and you get the 0.48-second deficit faced by Usain Bolt on the an-

chor leg.

As always, the tall man did the best he could. He produced the fastest relay anchor ever - 8.65 seconds - and reduced the gap to 0.30. That's the difference between the winning time - 37.38, the joint seventh fastest ever - and Jamaica's runner-up clocking of 37.68 seconds. Better baton passing would have put the tall man closer.

The raging debate about mandatory preChampionship camps has faded, but there was never any question that relay teams need to practise together. Perhaps that will be plugged into the schedules after the June 25-27 Jamaican Championships and before the World Championships at the end of August in Beijing.

Slick baton passing Even if the Jamaica

Sunshine Girls building endurance for World Champs

It is said that if you want different results, you have to do something differently.

That seems to be the new mantra adopted by Jamaica's Sunshine Girls as they bid to win netball's world title for the first time.

As the team prepares for the next edition of the International Netball Federation's Netball World Cup, to be held in Sydney, Australia, from August 7-16, they have adopted a new fitness strategy.

The Jamaicans, who have finished a best of third at the 1991, 2003 and 2007 editions of the world tournament, have often blamed their challenges on fitness, as they struggle to keep up with their hard-running counterparts from Australia and New Zealand.

Some persons may have noticed that a Sunshine Girls team competed at last February's Gibson McCook Relays, posting a respectable 4:07.94 in the women's clubs and institutions 4x400m.

men's 4x100 team is changed by the results of the Trials, slick baton passing can only help.

The engine room of the USA team is Justin Gatlin, and as the 2014 Diamond League 100m winner, he is guaranteed a place on his national team for the Worlds. He's in such fine form that few in history can resist his speed on the second leg. That makes better baton passing a key mission for Jamaica, no matter who is on the team.

Bolt is obviously on his way back to fine form and, as World champion, he too has a reserved place in Beijing. If the baton passing mission is successful, he will be closer there. The 8.65 suggests that close will be all he needs.

Hubert Lawrence has made notes at trackside since 1980. (Jamaica Gleaner)

The Girls have also been competing in sev-

eral 5K road races, including the Sigma and Guardian Life editions over the last few months.

This new approach to fitness is the brainchild of the team's fitness coach, Roy Thomas, a teacher of physical education and instructor at Shortwood Teachers' College.

"Part of the problem I noticed when I came in was the strength level of the ladies," Thomas told The Gleaner in a recent interview.

"Netball requires you to move quickly, start fast, stop suddenly, so it takes a toll on the legs. So I implemented a strength-training programme, and that seems to have paid off tremendously."

Thomas has been able to take his physical education background into his assignment with the national team.

"I'm a trained person and I specialise in track and field training, therefore I can take a lot of that to what is happening here. I have the ability to analyse the demands of this particular sport and then tailor the

fitness programme to the needs of it," he said.

He explained the thinking behind the new approach of participating in track and field competitions.

"It's because we laid a strong endurance base. Netball requires lots of starts and stops, and you're moving fast. You need to recover from that. So it's your endurance abilities that will enable you to recover quickly from that and keep a high intensity."

Thomas, who confessed to having plans to retire later this year, admits that the team still needs work.

"There are some persons in the squad who need to look at themselves and decide that you train with the national squad a few times per week, but other times you need to do something on your own. So there is that concern," said Thomas.

"Netball is an hour, so therefore you need that good endurance base to complement the speed and power that you require." (Jamaica Gleaner)

Squads shortlisted for Regional and Int’l table tennis championships

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) recently announced its intention to send representative teams to several Regional and International championships during the months of June and July. According to a release from the association, it intends sending teams to the Caribbean Pre-Cadet Championships set for Barbados from June 2 to 9, as well as the Puerto Rico World Junior and Cadet Open ITTF Junior Circuit event which will be held from June 19 to 2. The GTTA also plans to send a team to the Latin American Table

Richardson hat-trick pilots Sparta Boss to inaugural title

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson scored a hat-trick while Devon Millington netted the other in Sparta Boss’ 4-2 win over West Front Road that made them become inaugural Champions of the Busta Soft Shoe Football tournament. The final was played at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground on Tuesday evening and with the win, Sparta Boss pocketed Gy$600 000 while West Front Road went home with Gy$300 000.

It was the largest crowd of the tournament, a fitting climax to a new format of football in Guyana. Sparta Boss, with their star-studded team, were clear favourites to win the competition, sponsored by the Guyana Beverage Inc. and organised by Petra Organisation.

Millington, Richardson, Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant and eventual tournament

Most Valuable Player (MVP) award recipient Sheldon Shepherd, were at the forefront of the Sparta Boss team while West Front Road turned to their skipper and National defender Colin Nelson along with Michael Pedro to guide them to the trophy.

While West Front Road were solid on the outfield, their goalkeeper was the weaker of the two sides and Millington in the 6th minute, put the winners up-front when he ‘toe-poked’ a ball he collected from Richardson.

Sparta Boss and their huge entourage celebrated Millington’s strike and Richardson five minutes later scored his first of three goals and dou-

bled his side’s goal count.

The nifty player smoothly evaded two defenders before unleash-

ing a powerful rightfooted shot that went flat and hard past West Front Road feeble goal-

keeper.

In the 22nd minute, Nelson pulled one back for West Front Road, scoring from point blank range but still trailed 2-1 at the end of the first half.

In the second stanza, both sides had their fair share of chances but Sparta Boss were the aggressors as Richardson, after coming close several times, finally scored his third goal in similar fashion to his first.

With their fans already celebrating, Sparta Boss could sense victory but West Front Road were not ready to surrender just yet.

They (West Front Road) threw everything in their armoury at Sparta Boss and were able to find the net in the 40th minute through Michael Pedro, but it was too late.

Meanwhile in the third place playoff, Queen Street Tiger Bay defeated Kitty Weavers to take home Gy$200 000.

Darren Harris netted a hat-trick (6th, 20th and 31st) for the winners while Nigel Denny (12th) and Sherwin Vincent (26th) scored for the Kitty team.

MVP Sheldon Shepherd of Sparta Boss was awarded Gy$50 000 compliments of 2J’s General Store and the Highest Goal Scorer Dwayne Lowe from Sophia who netted nine goals received a gold chain from Junior’s Jewellery.

West Front Road picked up the Most Disciplined team accolade that came with Gy$25 000, thanks to Guyana Beverage Incorporated.

Squads shortlisted for Regional and Int’l table tennis...

Tennis Championships, billed for June 23-29.

Martinique will host the Caribbean Senior Table Tennis Championships from July 2 to 9 and the GTTA plans on being represented at this one also.

Surprisingly, however, is the exclusion of top players Christopher Franklin and Paul David from the men’s team,

as well as the inclusion of former Caribbean Girls singles champion Michelle John to the women’s squad.

John has been inactive locally for several years.

Players shortlisted for the Caribbean Pre-Cadet tournament in Barbados are: Boys 11 years and under – Kaysan Ninvalle, Colin Wong, Kristian

Sahadeo, Baoxiana Liu, Dhanesh Persaud, Christopher Shepherd, Aaron Persaud, Paul Bess and Alexander DeAbreu.

Girls 11 years and under – Ciera Sukhu, Thuraia Thomas and Chelsea Hutson.

Boys 13 years and under – Tyriq Saunders, Jonathan Findlay, Niron Bissu, Shakiel Lewis, Jamal Nicholas and

Yeudister Persaud.

Girls 13 years and under – Neveah Clarkston, Selenas Jackman and Abigail martin.

Players named for training and possible selection for the championships in Puerto Rico as well as the Latin American championships are: Boys 18 years and under – Shemar Britton, Kyle Edghill, Elishaba

Johnson, Jamaal Duff, Alex Hopkinson, Sheldon Atherley, Miguel Wong, Jermey Singh, Yog Mahadeo and Nicholas Romain.

Girls 18 years and under – Chelsea Edghill, Priscilla Greaves, Kristie Lopes, Aneka Phillips, Jamaali Homer, Davonna Bess and Britanny Bumbury.

Squads to prepare

for the Senior Caribbean Championships are: (Men’s) Shemar Britton, Nigel Bryan, Edinbo Lewis, Stephan Corlette, Kyle Edghill, Orin Hickerson, Joel Alleyne, Elishaba Johnson, Brad Bell and Brandon Belle. (Women’s) Trenace Lowe, Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings, Akecia Nedd and Michelle John.