Guyana Times International

Ramotar promises more commercial banks in new Govt

By Gomatie GanGaDin

President Donald Ramotar on Wednesday promised the business and private sectors in Guyana several major developmental plans should his Government be returned to power on May 11 when General and Regional Elections are held in the country.

Among these, he said, will be the issuance of commercial bank licences to reputable banks to operate.

Speaking at the Presidential Candidates’ Business Luncheon, which was organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the Presidential Candidate for the

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and current president told the business community that they can expect bigger and better plans for the sector once he was returned to power.

Ramotar pointed out that Guyana has not seen a new commercial banking institution since the 1990s, something which he detailed, was intentional since Guyana’s economy was relatively small back then and could not have accommodated more.

According to the President, this is an important step since it is his belief that while the banking sector has done very well, there is conservatism on the part of some banks in making

continued on page 5

Jagdeo cautions Ramsaran for “distasteful” remarks

By Devina Samaroo

Former President and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Bharrat Jagdeo joined his Party colleagues in condemning the behaviour of Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran for his remarks against rights activist Sherlina Nageer.

“First of all, personally I think it should have never happened, it was very distasteful, and we should never say anything about anyone, particularly a woman…,” Jagdeo told media operatives during a press conference at Freedom House on Wednesday.

Nageer and Dr Ramsaran were on Monday involved in a very heated confrontation outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court, Berbice during the hearing of a case against Jagdeo brought by accountant Christopher Ram.

Reports indicate that Nageer rudely interrupted the Minister while he was being interviewed by two reporters. The activist was heard being loud and provocative towards the Minister, after which he responded with disparaging comments. He,

however, recognised he had erred and issued a public apology via a press release to the media later that day.

The former President noted that he recognised the Minister’s explanation of the untimely situation, but nonetheless affirmed that Dr Ramsaran was wrong to respond the way he did. “I gather Bheri Ramsaran said he has apologised for this … he claimed he was provoked … but in spite of that, he should not have said anything of that nature,” Jagdeo made known.

While on the topic, the former President took the opportunity to clarify the allegations surrounding him and his ex-wife, Varshni Singh. “I saw they said that I beat my

wife…let me make it clear to everyone … I have never physically abused a single woman in my entire life, including my exwife…so that is clear…,” he pointed out.

Noting that he cannot speak on behalf of the PPP/C on the situation, Jagdeo disclosed that it was in the Party’s practice to condemn any disparaging remarks against women, especially if it was done in a way that seemed sexist.

Imprudent conduct

Meanwhile, the former President is not the only official from the PPP/C camp who raised concerns about the Minister’s remarks. Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper issued a press release to the media on Wednesday condemning

the Minister for his imprudent conduct.

“The remarks made by Minister Bheri Ramsaran are unacceptable and an affront to women. I condemn his utterances in the strongest possible manner. It is yet another example of how much more needs to be done in ensuring that women are treated with respect and dignity especially by the exemplars of our society,” the release read.

The statement went on to point out that this incident was not an isolated case. “It is symptomatic of the way our society can still be at times despite the huge strides we have made in advancing the rights of women.

“It reinforces my own personal intention and commitment to championing the cause of the vulnerable in our society,” the release concluded.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand also took to social media to express her dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Minister. Similarly, Jagdeo had noted his hopes that the media and the general population would respond with the same vigour in condemning similar behaviour expressed by anyone against another person.

To contact: Guyana Times International

New York Office

106-15 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica NY 11435

Email: guyanatimesnyint@gmail.com

Tel no: 718-658-6804

Preferred method of contact via EMAIL

Guyana Office

Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel no: (592) 227-0704, 227-0709. Fax (592) 225-8696, 227-0685

Email: guyanatimesint@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

The politics of bitterness

It would appear that we have to revisit the concept of ressentiment, to explain the envy, bitterness, hatred and desire for revenge that undergirds the transparent “anonymous” attack of the “legacy” of former President Jagdeo.

Born from their belief that they should have occupied his position because of the “heritage”, they lacked the strong qualities that Jagdeo displayed during his tenure, and became frustrated at their impotence to achieve those values. They finally and insidiously transvalued their original desire for strength and decisiveness to propose that their own weakness is superior.

In this perverse scheme, Jagdeo, who led this nation out of the economic wreckage wrought by the PNC and rolled back the armed gangsters who would have destroyed the very foundation of the Guyanese state, is now dubbed “unsuccessful”.

The danger of ressentiment is that because the qualities that define a successful leader are not found in every Tom, Dick and Harilall, the Opposition’s petulant and envious transvaluation is superficially attractive. It is easy to covet and hate the successful and believe one’s weakness is superior: its excuses one’s inability to be successful.

The latest expression of this ressentiment is the full page ad in the Kaieteur News that cherry picked a number of occurrences and morbidly twists them to malign the then President Jagdeo administrations. But what is behind rage is that Jagdeo is emblematic of the leaders of the poor countries that have moved their countries from Third World to First World, but not from their ranks.

But today the sentiment of ressentiment is confined not only to the political sphere: it is also being assiduously fanned in the economic realm. There is a steady drumbeat of envy and hate directed at those entrepreneurs that have been successful in the past decade.

In the classic vocabulary of ressentiment, these businessmen are deemed to be “corrupt, avaricious and driven by greed”. Their lifestyle is deemed “effete, decadent and debauched”.

But simultaneously, these envious naysayers bemoan the underdeveloped state of our economy. They ignore that the countries that developed exponentially under strong leaders also encouraged a strong entrepreneurial culture. Such a culture is always built on the profit motive.

China is a good example of this phenomenon in the present. For over half a century, the Chinese attempted to develop their economy on what was deemed a more egalitarian basis. Man would work for each other and not for profit. The model failed abjectly.

After 1978, under a strong leader Deng, China accepted that the profit motive could not be ignored and accepted foreign direct investment where profits could be accumulated or repatriated.

Today China has a burgeoning middle class and as many billionaires as the USA. More Chinese have been lifted out of poverty than at any time in history. Will the Guyanese victims of ressentiment – especially their proxies in the media such as SN and KN – denounce this achievement because of the profit motive? Will they condemn it as greed? Do they begrudge the lifestyle of the Chinese billionaires?

The fact of the matter is that no country has lifted itself out of poverty – be it the England of the 18th century, the US of the 19th, Japan, South Korea and the Eastern Tigers etc of the 20th – but on the efforts of an entrepreneurial class motivated by profits. Rockefeller and JP Morgan were rewarded for their vision and foresight as are today Bill Gates and Steven Jobs. In Japan and South Korea, they went further.

Strategic industries were identified and the owners were facilitated with preferential credit etc to build world class corporations. Those owners became extremely wealthy but the country also rose as a whole.

If the concern is that the wealth must be distributed in such a way that all citizens benefit, that is another matter. Wealth has to be first created before it can be distributed.

Republic Bank (Guyana) pumps Gy$150M into social projects

Republic Bank (Guyana)

Limited will be pumping some Gy$150 million into the third phase of its “Power to Make a Difference” initiative, from which 13 organisations will be benefiting.

In keeping with its commitment to be a socially responsible company, Republic Bank, over the past 10 years, expended in excess of Gy$2 million to help various organisations across Guyana through phase one and phase two of the initiative. Phase three was launched at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday.

Since the project was launched in 2003, Republic Bank has undertaken several projects geared towards the creation of a more successful society. “We placed greatest emphasis on improved literacy; persons with disabilities; the environment; youth development and empowerment; and preserving and sustaining Guyana’s cultural heritage,” said Marketing and Communication Manager Michelle Johnson.

Socially responsible

The Bank has contributed heavily to projects that have directly and indirectly transformed the lives of countless individuals throughout the country. For example, in recog-

nising the difficulties endured by disabled persons on a daily basis, the Bank has, over the last four years, provided remedial education and hosted practical developmental programmes to enable them to better function in society.

In the area of education, the Bank is known for awarding the top performers at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). The Bank also has a commitment with the University of Guyana. In 2009, two students from the University of Guyana were the recipients of a four-year scholarship in the area of Agriculture.

Republic Bank Managing Director John Alves, in his remarks, reiterated the company’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility. “As long as there are those who need us, we shall be here to help. We have only just begun and we look forward to the continuance of our vocation as a socially responsible company,” Alves said in passing on the thoughts expressed by the Group’s Managing Director, David Dulal-Whiteway.

For the next four years, the 13 organisations that have received or will be receiving support from the Bank are: The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry for its Republic Bank RightStart Music Literacy Programme and its Mashramani Panorama Steel Band Competition; the Education Ministry for its Academic Awards for NGSA, CSEC and CAPE; the Labour Ministry for its Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme; the Guyana Community Rehabilitation Programme for the transportation of disabled persons; Iwokrama for climate change mitigation and conservation in schools; the Mayor and City Council for Promenade Gardens maintenance; the National Art Gallery for its drawing competition; Step by Step Foundation for the sponsorship of the school of autistic children; St Joseph Mercy Hospital for the rebuilding of the structure; the Theatre Guild for the annual corporate sponsorship; the University of Guyana for sponsorship, awards, scholarships and coaching programmes; the Women Across Differences for its teenage mother programme and the Staff Volunteerism programme at the Republic Bank Branches for its projects.

Private Sector body furious over political parties’ scuttling of presidential debate

Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud has expressed disappointment at the Opposition’s scuttling of a presidential debate it had organised between President Donald Ramotar and his rival for the May 11 elections, David Granger.

In fact, he condemned what he called the immature behaviour of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for creating unnecessary ruckus over a simple debate.

Persaud recognised with great alarm, the failure of the two major political forces in Guyana to agree upon an uncomplicated issue. On that note, he related his fears for the future when these two parties will have to make collective decisions on much more pressing issues regarding the country and the welfare of its people when the 11th Parliament convenes after the May 11 polls.

In further expressing his disappointment, Persaud told this publication that he believed the two parties robbed the nation of a chance to put their future leaders under public scrutiny. “I

find it very unfortunate that the electorate cannot be exposed to that… the leaders of the country should be up for public scrutiny,” Persaud lamented.

He added that the two parties were making unnecessary and unacceptable excuses to avoid the debates, ultimately robbing the public of the chance to hear them discuss and be questioned on the policies and plans they have for the country.

Nonetheless, the PSC Chairman said the door was still open if the two parties came to an agreement to have the debate. He explained that although he was not hope-

ful the parties would reach an agreement, the PSC was still willing to host the debate. In fact, he disclosed that the PSC made contact with officials from the APNU/

AFC coalition regarding the PPP/C’s position on the situation, and the PSC was now awaiting a response.

Opposition Leader David Granger had initially agreed to debate President Donald Ramotar, but later changed his mind, demanding a Prime Ministerial Candidate Debate as well. But the PPP/C did not succumb to the demand, and issued a statement saying it would not participate in the prime ministerial debate on the grounds that the APNU/ AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Moses Nagamootoo has consistently been utterly “dis-

Ramotar promises more commercial banks in...

loans available to those who may desperately need it. To this end, he related to the business community that his Government would not just embark on such a plan, but would seek to investigate and entice reputable banking institutions from across the globe to open operations in the country so that Guyanese, particularly the small and medium-scale operators could benefit from the reduced

interest rates the resultant competition will bring.

The PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate said that while his Government would want to establish a specialised developmental bank in the country, this would not be done now. Rather, he explained that for the time being, more fiscal measures would be implemented which he believed can serve the same purpose.

To this, he cited examples of the interventions which the Government had made using the fiscal policies which included the agreement that was brokered with several banks in offering home loans at a reduced interest rate and the Women of Worth (WoW) programme which provided loans of up to Gy$250,000 to single mothers without collateral to invest in a business idea.

He said that thus far,

these measures have proven to be effective and successful and as such, he had no doubt that they can be used to produce the same results for the other sectors.

Cheaper electricity

Meanwhile, amid concerns raised by GMSA President Clinton Williams of the need for cheap and reliable electricity especially for manufacturers, Ramotar promised that this would be addressed, pointing

out that should he be re-elected, the Amaila Hydropower project would be started before the year ended. He explained in detail how the project would work, and the benefits the country stood to gain. “Guyana will save over Gy$3 billion over 20 years and then that project will come to us for free … we will have absolutely no debt. We will be buying hydropower from the company for about half

respectful and vile” towards the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper. However, the ruling party declared that the offer of a presidential debate still stood if the coalition was brave enough to accept without any new conditions. But the APNU/AFC made it clear that it would no longer agree to presidential debates unless a debate was organised for the candidates’ running mates. Only recently, General Secretary of APNU and Co-Chair of the coalition, Joseph Harmon accused the PPP/C of trying to prevent Harper from undergoing public scrutiny.

the cost we are generating it for,” he said.

The President also assured the businessmen and women present that he will be keeping all taxes under review so as to ensure that their businesses are always protected, noting that he will ensure that the macroeconomic policies and measures are implemented and monitored for the continued growth and development of the country.

President Carter might be able to influence Guyanese leaders to work together

Dear Editor,

The news that former US President Jimmy Carter will be among the dozens of persons who will monitor the May 11 general elections certainly brings relief to the electorate – especially from the Opposition. The fear of rigging might be minimized.

However, it is the Government that invited Carter and his team to ensure that the elections are free. In fact, it was Carter who persuaded Desmond Hoyte to introduce certain measures in the 1992 general elections which was responsible for the demise of the PNC Administration.

The Carter Centre did not mount observer missions to the 2006 and 2011elections. The May 11 general elections will be their 100th election observation. The first was in Panama in 1989 during a hotly contested race that the Centre de-

clared fraudulent. Since then, the Centre has observed elections in 38 countries.

Panama is now one of the most peaceful and unbiased countries, so much so that it successfully hosted the seventh Summit of the Americas earlier this month which was attended by US President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro as well as more than 30 other world leaders.

It was the first time in 54 years that Cuba was represented at the Summit.

The last visit of the former US President was in 2004 at the invitation of Bharrat Jagdeo when Carter expressed grave disillusion with political gridlock, absence of shared governance and lack of real representation of Guyanese.

The United Nations (UN), the Organization of American States (OAS) the Commonwealth, the

United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and the Governments of India and South Africa will also send missions to observe the elections which is being hotly contested and a photo finish is expected.

Reports state that there are more than 567,000 registered voters out of a total population of 735,554. However other reports indicate that tens of thousands of registered voters live outside the jurisdiction.

Most Guyanese are hopeful that if the PPP/C or APNU/AFC fails to gain 50 per cent of the votes to form the Government, President Carter might be able to influence the leaders of the parties to work out a shared governance model in the interest of the Guyanese community.

Oscar Ramjeet

NY cultural promoter hailed for his contribution to the Diaspora

Dear Editor,

Former New Yorkbased businessman and cultural promoter Mohan Jaikaran has passed away in Trinidad. Mohan, as we called him, pioneered cultural programs in NY for the benefit of the Caribbean diaspora including Guyanese of both major races.

He was a community builder and a promoter of local talent (NY and Caribbean) and culture. He also organized entertainment in Guyana during the 1990s and his TV station in Trinidad hosted Guyanese entertainers and politicians. His untimely passing is a significant loss to the media fraternity and entertainment in Trinidad and Caribbean diaspora in North America.

I remember him fondly for his willingness to make his NY entertainment club available for our political activities, especially during the difficult years when we struggled for the restoration of democratic rule when few were willing to be associated with our struggle against the PNC dictatorship.

Mohan, as we called him, played a significant role in helping to build the Indo-Caribbean community in Queens by promoting Indian culture that served as a bond to hold immigrants together. He also hosted Afro entertainers from Guyana and

mohan Jaikaran

Trinidad at concerts.

His many concerts around the city and in Toronto and Orlando featured both Indian and Afro artistes, though his patrons were mostly Indians.

Mohan made an important contribution to the politics of Trinidad and Guyana by making his cultural club in Queens available for public meetings and fundraisers for the democratic struggle back home.

Basdeo Panday, Cheddi Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo all appeared at his club for public meetings. His club also served as a political gathering for meetings by Winston Dookeran, Ramesh Maharaj, and several other politicians. Meetings were packed to capacity when Bas and Jagan spoke.

Mohan would be remembered most for being an engaging cultural promoter, club owner, and radio broadcaster in NY and a TV and radio broadcast-

APNU/AFC coalition leading a campaign of disrespect

Dear Editor, The PPP/C has a proud and accomplished record in Government since it heralded the return of our beloved country to globally acceptable democratic norms in 1992.

In this regard, we have graciously accepted the invitation for a public Presidential debate from the Private Sector Commission. Our Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar is ready and rearing to lay the progressive agenda bare before the Guyanese people and secure their confidence and mandate for yet another term of governance under the PPP/C.

We are however dismayed at the extant development with regards to the impending debate. The PPP/C rejects the ongoing vile attacks against women candidates of our party, especially our Prime Ministerial Candidate through the daily newspaper letters and articles campaign being managed by the Opposition.

er in Trinidad. He worked long hours at his club and at his stations in Trinidad until recently when health began to take its toll on him reducing his working hours.

In Trinidad, he supported Kamla Persad Bissessar in her leadership challenge of Basdeo Panday in January 2010. After she won the general elections in May 2010, Mohan was rewarded with the Vice Chair of Caribbean Airlines, an area in which he wanted to serve.

He visited Guyana several times in that capacity to improve CAL’s service; meeting travel agents, customers, and government officials. He also advocated for CAL’s sponsorship of Guyanese cultural programs in Guyana and in NY.

Mohan lived a simple life. I penned several articles about his entertainment club and on his cultural activities. He was passionate about promoting local artistes and several of them from Trinidad and Guyana owed their career to him.

He was also committed and dedicated to people and promoted several activities without charge on his TV station.

Mohan Jaikaran will be sorely missed for his contribution to culture and broadcasting journalism.

Vishnu Bisram

the most repugnant utterances from Moses Nagamooto against our Prime Ministerial candidate Elisabeth Harper during the Whim rally, held by the APNU/AFC coalition, and has since been well orchestrated by the opposition’ campaign machinery along the same vein.

The women of the PPP/C, while not intimidated, will not allow themselves to be disrespected by the Opposition and their surrogates.

It is for this reason that we view a public debate with Moses Nagamootoo as inappropriate, as he himself has been disrespectful and vile against Ms Harper and has shown no inclination to reverse or change this unacceptable course. The women of the PPP/C demand respect and equal treatment from those who present themselves as an alternative.

These articles are disrespectful to women in the public service and show disregard to mothers, wives, and daughters who want to give service to our country.

This campaign of disrespect commenced with

Under these circumstances, we wish to state emphatically that the APNU/AFC coalition’s demands for us to open Ms Harper further to the bitter, rude and unbridled venom of disrespect from Moses Nagamooto in a Prime Ministerial debate is reprehensible.

We have also noted that the coalition is attempting to include the proposed Prime Ministerial debate as conditionality for the execution of the hitherto agreed Presidential Debate.

Our Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar stands ready to our commitment for a Presidential debate without any new conditions.

As we prepare to face the electorate for the sixth consecutive time, albeit this time not of our own making, we have approached our campaign with strength of experience and in all confidence that our party is the only one in the race holding the high moral authority to present a performance record for scrutiny, knowing well that we can defend this record in any place or forum and in the face of any credible and dignified challenge.

We reject this demand and wish to state unambiguously, that our party will not attempt to dignify the callous contempt with which Moses Nagamootoo has sought to ridicule Ms Harper and the personal hurtful and painful experiences of domestic violence she has exposed to the populace; with her participation in a debate with him.

PPP/C Freedom House

APNU must expect its own record to be examined

Dear Editor,

It is very difficult to take Mr Jerome Khan seriously since he reads plain English like this and sees in it a tantrum, a fit, and a deepening vortex that swallows.

I hope everyone is amused as I am by his rather wonderful purple prose. Humour at this time is most refreshing.

It really does not matter that he still fails to grasp the contents of my original letter since the important issue is that our young voters, who are no doubt bright and capable, must be aware that no one can simply put aside the past as the coalition is asking them to do, and are also aware of the responsibility that the voting process requires of them.

Elections are a fundamental cornerstone of democracy and the process should not be subverted by anyone asking any voter to evade, forget, or put aside any issue, event, or parts of the past when making their choice.

Our political history did not start in 1992 with the PPP/C coming to office and as much as the coalition is taking the PPP/C to task on its record of corruption and cronyism, the PNC, now APNU, must expect its own record to be similarly examined.

It is a record that includes party paramountcy, institutionalized racism, organized thuggery, and electoral rigging.

While the PPP/C’s wrongdoings have been committed in the glare of a

free press, the PNC’s past is murkier since the regime only allowed the operations of a state run media.

A few brave souls like those at the “Catholic Standard” stood up courageously for press freedom and for this Father Darke was mistakenly and brutally assassinated.

There is no comprehensive or objective account of our political history so young voters will have to make their way through a thicket of partisan accounts, edited memories and anecdotal reports to some semblance of the truth.

Perhaps, the exercise might be useful and get some sociologist or historian among them to take up the task of writing a full and proper account.

The intent of my original letter was to ask why the coalition wants voters to put aside the past. The request appeared ominous. Hopefully, the discussion that has followed might be of use to some voters in helping them decide. As to pickney being on the PPP/C list, our electoral process is different, but is every bit as democratic as the US’s and since the PNC/APNU participated in deciding the process and its rules, what then is their vexation?

They made the rules together with the PPP/C and agreed that buddy and pickney and granny and everybody can be on the list and gain political office. The rising rant and clamour of the campaign are to be expected. Let us hope that sober heads will prevail and see the process peacefully concluded.

Ryhaan Shah

Kaieteur News reporter sacked

…after objecting to editor ‘twisting his story’

Leon Jameson Suseran, a reporter attached to the Kaieteur News media outlet, was sacked by the company after he voiced his concern over the newspaper’s distorted version of an article he had written about the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Albion Rally on Sunday.

Taking to social media to express his outrage over the situation, the reporter explained that the Kaieteur News’ headline article in its Monday, April 20 edition was titled “Jagdeo spreads fear at Albion to win back Berbice” and the story took a completely different angle from what he had originally written.

Suseran furiously related in his Facebook post that his entire story was altered to inject what he termed as

“feelings of discord, hate and anger” against former President Bharrat Jagdeo into the reading populace.

Upset about the twist in the article on Monday, Suseran explained that he called the editor on duty the night of the rally, Michael Jordan and related his concerns over the matter.

Subsequently, the reporter received a call from the Editor-inChief Adam Harris,“… the Editor-in-Chief of the Kaieteur News telephoned me to verify certain pieces of information in the article and said that I should not fear anyone since what the article mentioned was nothing but the truth.

He then went on to say that nevertheless, as the paper had agreed, they will “ease you (me) off” and “will talk to you

(me)” again after the elections.

That, to me, sounded like another suspension/ dismissal. I was suspended twice before by the paper, for other unrelated matters,” the disturbed reporter mentioned in the post, indicating that the newspaper is in the habit of practising victimisation and discrimination if one does not have mutual perceptions of a situation.

“…this presents the bigger picture of my victimisation and discrimination especially if your views are not in sync with a certain group,” Suseran noted. Following these episodes, the reporter took to social media to expose the controversial media outlet for its wrongdoings and clarify the chain of events leading up to the publication of the distorted article,

Bartica man drenched in acid while asleep

Travis Joseph, 27, of 3 Miles Bartica, is now recovering from severe burns after he was doused in battery acid while he was asleep in his bed on Sunday morning.

According to reports, the man was instantly awakened from his nap when he felt the corrosive substance eating away at his skin. Joseph sustained injuries to his head, face,

eyes, chest and right hand.

According to residents from the area, Joseph and another male had an argument at the Platinum Club on Saturday evening. One bystander related to this publication that Joseph was laughing away while the other man was viciously yelling at him.

The Bartica resident, who asked to remain

anonymous, said Joseph appeared unbothered by his associate’s outrage. The resident further told this newspaper that the couple were allegedly involved in an intimate relationship.

He said the word around town is that after being infuriated, Joseph’s alleged partner doused him with the battery acid while he was asleep.

On the other hand, reports indicated that Joseph’s family is blaming his former employer for the ruthless act.

The family is alleging that the employer is behind the attack since Joseph was about to make a report to the local Police about some illegal activities the businessman might be involved in.

Efforts to make contact with Joseph proved futile.

GDF Chief warns ranks against partisan behaviour

Against the background of heightened scrutiny on the military for the upcoming elections

Brigadier General Mark Phillips on Tuesday briefed his charges, warning them to desist from any form of campaign on the army base, and also to be professional at all times.

Phillips, Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force, made the comments while address-

ing GDF servicemen and women as well as the Force’s civilian staff on their role, regarding the conduct of their duties and their service to the nation as soldiers and citizens for the upcoming national elections. He emphasised that a professional approach is to be demonstrated and maintained at all times.

According to a GDF statement, Phillips commenced his address by stating that contrary to

which Suseran indicated, brought much embarrassment and damage to his reputation.

He explained that he emailed his story along with a few photos on the evening of the rally to the editor on duty, Michael Jordan. Upon receipt of the email, Suseran related, Jordan phoned him to verify the contents of Jagdeo’s speech concerning the military, to which he replied in the affirmative.

However, the reporter declared that he was shocked to see a completely different article in the Kaieteur News the following day, for several reasons.

In addition to the entire essence of his story being distorted, Suseran said the photo he attached did not accompany the article, the manufactured article bore a byline with his name incorrectly spelt and there was an insertion of a “choice phrase” under the “salacious” headline.

Modified

“It wasn’t until the seventh paragraph of the ‘modified’ article that my original article began, entirely from there on, until the end…I discovered that information

was added to my piece, including a photograph of estate trucks bearing the caption, ‘Trucking? Several supporters were reportedly trucked from far and near to attend yesterday’s Albion rally’,” he explained.

He mentioned that, usually, when his stories are edited or more information is added, the article would not carry a byline since it was a piece that was contributed by either another reporter or the editor on duty.

The reporter then explained that he received several calls and comments from individuals, groups and members of the PPP hierarchy about the unethical article –which he pointed out, had no input from him.

Boiling in anger over the situation, Suseran said he posted a comment on his Facebook page distancing himself from the additional information in the story, the headline and the photograph. He later contacted the editor on duty, related his concerns and then sometime after, he received the call from Adam Harris.

The reporter noted that after working with the company for some four years, he always

tried, despite the circumstances, to be a fair and balanced journalist. He said he has been conducting television interviews for the PPP/C since January and he was chosen as an independent journalist with no affiliation to any political party.

“I have both criticised and lauded this present administration in the past, through my writings and even editorial letters…I can no longer take pressure to deliberately be hostile to the Government in specified articles and writings. The PPP/C’s message at the Albion rally was clear to the people of Berbice and Guyana, but this message, as usual, in my view was heavily distorted. I cannot stand for this,” he concluded.

what has been peddled nationally, the GDF is a professional organisation, and remains the stable band in the society. “Service to the nation remains our motto,” he added. “Ranks you have a civic responsibility as citizens to exercise your franchise during national elections by casting your vote. You are free to vote for whichever person or political party you choose, since

We must never return to the dark days of PNC rule …PPP/C speakers tell supporters

“You must come out on the 11th of May and make your voices heard by putting your ‘X’ next to the cup and by returning the People’s Progressive Party to a resounding majority, so we can continue to bring progress and development to Guyana…,” Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told an ecstatic crowd of supporters at the Party’s Albion Rally on Sunday.

“Onward with progress; we must never return to the dark days of the PNC [People’s National Congress} rule!” the Minister continued to screams and cheers from the gathering. Dr Singh, who was instrumental in organizing the rally dubbed the

largest so far, also succeeded in grabbing the attention of the thousands in the crowd, joined in solidarity with them in reflecting on the pain, horror and struggles endured under the PNC era. “It is always a great pleasure for me to speak in Berbice on political occasions like this, because I believe that the people of Berbice understand the political history in Guyana, the people of Berbice understand how valuable our democracy is and how valuable is the freedom we fought for,” he said.

He urged them to compare the vast differences between the two Governments and vote for the party which stood with them through their ups and

downs. “Comrades and friends, you have seen the track record of the PPP, you have seen the outstanding leadership of President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Donald Ramotar…you have seen the work we’ve done to improve roads and create jobs… you have seen the progress we have made, you have seen the efforts we’ve made,” Dr Singh highlighted to the thousands who nodded their heads in agreement.

“Dastardly attack”

In thanking Berbice for their demonstration of support by attending the rally, Dr Singh in a televised program also used the opportunity to condemn the attack on PPP/Civic supporters following the Albion

rally. The attack which involved three persons, two school age children, who were enroute to their homes on the Corentyne, Berbice by a group of people, alleged to be Opposition supporters. It is reported that unknown persons tossed missiles at the truck transporting the individuals as it passed through Leeds Village, Corentyne. “I wish to say this emphatically, that this is a dastardly attack and it is an assault on democracy and it is to be condemned in the hardest possible way. There can be no justification, there can be no excuse, there can be no defending of this vile act,” he declared. Dr Singh implied that, “given the threats of the his-

tory of violent behaviour by the Opposition” and their “traditional refusal to accept the outcome of the democratic process”, it is extremely alarming when such a development should occur under those circumstances.

“We have already signalled that the Opposition is preparing their supporters for

not accepting the result of the democratic process… and so, without a doubt there is an element of desperation setting in amongst their leadership and for that reason, this incident can only be interpreted as an assault on the democratic process by their supporters…,” Dr Singh said.

Cuban specialists expected in Guyana by month end – to provide training in rehabilitative medicine

Guyana is expected to deliver training to persons in the medical field from around the region in the area of rehabilitative medicine. During a technical meeting last Thursday at the Health Ministry, Minister Bheri

Ramsaran stated that this would be done under the Cooperation and Technical Assistance Agreement among the Caricom Secretariat, the Republic of Cuba Education Ministry and Guyana’s Health Ministry, for the setting

up of the Development Stimulating Centre for children, adolescents, and young people with special educational needs associated with disabilities.

As part of the project, Cuba would be required to send five specialists to work in the Centre to train Guyanese, and other Caribbean nationals to become better deliverers of rehabilitative medicine, with the option of moving on to a tertiary level course for this training programme.

The project has its genesis at a December 2009 Cuba/Caricom meeting where Cuba decided to offer further technical assistance in the area of health. This

was in the area of rehabilitative medicine, dealing with disabilities, and how Cuba can share this with Caricom countries.

The country has offered its skills, expertise and competence with Guyana being chosen to be the focal point. Guyana will provide physical infrastructure to allow Caribbean nationals to be trained in rehabilitative medicine before returning to home.

The West Demerara Regional Hospital has been selected as the point where the Cuba/ Caricom Training Centre for Disabilities will be established. The existing structures there are to be rehabilitated to meet

the requirements.

Cuba on the other hand will give full technical support, using the physical infrastructure that Guyana is providing. That country will also pay the emoluments to the specialists coming to Guyana.

The project, piloted by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, with the Health Ministry as the lead agency for rehabilitative medicine, has had several interactions with Cuban teams, and those teams are guided by Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Gonzalez Marchante.

The Cuban diplomat noted that work has been ongoing for about three years on the project. He

pointed out that dealing with disability particularly in the community and establishing a centre will be important in the area of education. Ambassador Marchante stated that whilst the programme is expected to begin in September there were several documents which were up for discussion at Thursday’s meeting. The first establishes the responsibilities of Caricom and Cuba, giving the abilities and support for technical assistance. Another document dealt with where the activities would be conducted, whilst yet another sees Guyana’s establishment of the Centre itself. (GINA)

Guyanese woman found with cocaine at JFK

AGuyanese woman stuffed more than just herself into her girdle, according to officials.

On April 12, Olive Fowler arrived at John F Kennedy International Airport from Georgetown, Guyana.

During an examination of Fowler’s suitcase, she seemed very nervous, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Fowler was escorted to a private room where CBP officers searched her. It was during this search that they found packages concealed in the girdle and underwear, officials said.

The packages tested positive for cocaine. Four pounds of cocaine were seized with an estimated street value of more than US$73,000, according to officials.

“This seizure is just another example of our CBP officers being ever vigilant in protecting the United States from the distribution of these illicit drugs,” said Robert E Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.

Fowler was arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.

She faces federal narcotics smuggling charges. (CBSNewYork)

NEW GPC responds to “sole sourcing” claims of pharmaceuticals peddled by Opposition and its media arms KN and SN

he NEW GPC INC

Tis once again being falsely accused of benefiting from “sole sourcing” in its supply of pharmaceuticals to the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

This has been repeatedly refuted by several stakeholders – including the Ministry of Health, the Secretary to the Cabinet and indeed, the NEW GPC itself, over the years.

The company republishes the information below because it concerns a matter that is life and death to Guyanese –the pharmaceutical supply chain – which should not be made into a political football.

Ministry of Health statement

The truth is that the procurement of medicines and medical supplies by the Ministry of Health and the GPHC

is strictly in accordance with the laws of Guyana, with recommendations from the Auditor General’s Report and with good supply chain management practices.

The Ministry of Health and the GPHC procure medicines and medical supplies through two mechanisms:

Medicines and certain medical supplies are procured through a list of prequalified suppliers. This list of prequalified suppliers has been determined after an open tender process, using public tendering modelled after a World Health Organisation (WHO) model and recommended specifically by the World Bank.

Certain specialised medicines, laboratory supplies and medical supplies are procured through regular, open tender as the need arises.

NEW GPC

Following the recommendation of the Auditor General, in 2010 medicines and certain medical supplies began to be procured through a list of prequalified suppliers.

Between 2011 and 2013, four international entities:

Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO)

United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) International Dispensary Association (IDA) and two local ones, MediPharm and NEW GPC, were prequalified under the stated criteria.

For the years 20142016, there has been an advertisement soliciting suppliers from Guyana and members of Caricom to be prequalified and be added to the list of international suppliers. Seven companies applied and, the NEW GPC was the only one that fulfilled the publicly stated criteria accord-

ing to WHO and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

HPS

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon also set the record straight. He affirmed that neither the Health Ministry nor the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) is sole-sourcing drugs for the GPHC or the Ministry of Health from the NEW GPC.

He said that any drugs procured by the Government are subject to a competitive pricing process with international suppliers.

Any time, a local provider is selected, that provider’s submission has to be competitive vis-à-vis international providers, the HPS informed.

The international providers used as benchmarks are the same ones

enumerated above.

In order for a company to be awarded a contract to provide drugs, it has to offer a more competitive price than those companies. If any of those companies offers better prices than the other bids submitted, then Government is obligated on the basis of the country’s pricing policy, to go with the lowest bid. This, the HPS, affirmed, is a competitive component of procurement and not sole-sourcing.

The NEW GPC wishes to emphasise the importance of Guyana sticking to WHO/World Bank standards that were formulated after tragic disasters in the Third World issuing from counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. Additionally, local capacity building in this crucial area of national life is enhanced.

Cheddi’s legacy continues to be bedrock of PPP/C, says Clive Jagan

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Nephew of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan, Dr Clive Jagan says the late President had advocated self-development amid his staunch stance against corruption.

Dr Clive Jagan made the comments while addressing the mammoth crowd at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic elections rally at Albion on Sunday. The younger Jagan told the gathering that his uncle promoted democracy and freedom to develop. “The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is based on the fundamental principles of justice, freedom, progress, liberty and democracy that were set by Dr Cheddi Jagan,” Dr Clive Jagan told the gathering.

Dr Clive Jagan, who is on the PPP/C‘s list of candidates for the May 11 polls, said he knew the late President well.

“Today the question is asked about the Party straying away from the principles of Dr Cheddi. Well, I say no to that. Our Party has remained steady in the freedom of our rights and freedom of democracy, the freedom to development. There are many people who are trying to convince us otherwise and take us back to the dark ages. I am the nephew of Dr Cheddi Jagan. I know the gentleman well and if he were alive today he would say to you go and put your X next

to the cup. Womenfolk get up early, go vote and see that your men do not visit the rum shop,” Dr Jagan implored the gathering.

The younger Jagan, who has followed his uncle into the field of dentistry with his own three sons following in their footsteps, was alluding to the furore raised when former President Bharrat Jagdeo suggested that Dr Cheddi Jagan would not have intended for his party leaders to “live in logees”. The PPP/C had subsequently cleared the air on Dr Jagan’s lifestyle and his policies regarding the accumulation of wealth. The Party had explained that it has upheld, as far as possible, the principles of its founder leader. The Party had said that it was dismayed by the statements being made by a number of “born again democrats” who are seeking to create the impression that the PPP/C has departed from

the core values and principles of its founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the Jagan legacy continues to grow as it remains the bedrock on which all the decisions, programmes and policies are being made, both at the levels of the Party and Government,” the PPP/C had said.

Sense of pride

Meanwhile, Dr Clive Jagan told the crowd of supporters that he felt a sense of pride and belonging, sitting on the PPP/C platform. “We are all home under this banner of the PPP/C,” the younger Jagan, who was a candidate of the PPP in 1985 and also in 1992, said. He had qualified as a dentist in the late seventies and has practised locally ever since, never leaving the country – just like his famous uncle. He recalled the days when he would sit in a car for hours at the New Amsterdam Ferry

the Berbice River to get to Georgetown and compared it with today’s ease of travel.

“We have a bridge

and life has become much better for us here in Berbice,” Dr Clive Jagan thundered. He said the same

Opposition that severely criticised the Berbice River Bridge only recently used it for its rally at Whim.

US-based Guyanese urged to monitor elections on social networking sites

- “Utilise Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share your views on upcoming polls”

Guyanese residing in the United States of America (USA) are strongly being urged by Civil Society to take to social media sites to monitor, and if needs be, participate in the process by sharing their views on issues relating to the upcoming May 11 elections. This call is being made at a time when Guyanese are just a few days away from voting in an election dubbed as “one of the most important in the history of the country”.

The PPP/C is touting its massive achievements over the past 23 years in Government and is asking voters for another term to continue or complete some of the major development projects aimed at transforming the country. On the other hand, the APNU+AFC coalition is making all sorts of promises, some largely viewed as unrealistic, that the party will fulfill once it wins. The coalition is also doing everything possible to ensure that issues in relation to the PNC’s tenure in Government are kept off the agenda as much as possible. They have also been utilizing social media sites to their fullest advantage.

Civil Society organisations in the country have recognised the impact social media will have in the outcome of the elections. On this basis, they are calling for more to be done to ensure that young people, including those in the Diaspora, are educated about the events, especially under both the PNC administration. They say while it is necessary to look to the future in terms of examining the plans and pol-

icies each party has for Guyana’s development, they must also be judged on their track record while they were in Government.

Observers have expressed the view that no Caribbean country has experienced the abyss into which Guyana had been plunged by the PNC. Guyana was the poorest of the poor; the pariah of the region. Officially the country was declared a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC). The physical infrastructure was in tatters and there were hardly any opportunities being created for persons to improve their quality of life. Of note too is that every election was rigged under the Burnham-led PNC regime.

However, under successive PPP/C Governments the results have been exemplary. The economy has turned around, infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, has been rehabilitated; the security situation which was very precarious and untenable has been stabilized through the Government’s firm and decisive initiatives and health care has improved significantly among many other notable achievements.

Berbice man gets 19 years for raping 6-year-old

ANew Amsterdam, Berbice man was on Monday jailed for 19 years for raping a six-year-old girl.

Harold Naurayan, 45, of Coopers Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was given the sentence by Justice Brassington Reynolds after a probation report was presented to the court and a psychiatric consultant gave a report on the victim on Monday.

A mixed jury had earlier found Naurayan guilty of the offence, which he committed between February 1, 2013 and April 27, 2013.

Justice Reynolds said that the act carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and he took into account Naurayan’s age and a World Health Organisation (WHO) report that the life expectancy of a male is 63 years in coming up with the sentence. “Against that backdrop and the nature of the offence it is 16 to 20 years… Having heard the mitigations by your lawyer and the fact that you had no previous convictions, I deducted

one year,” the trial Judge told the convicted man.

Earlier, psychiatric consultant, Dr Moyda Grajedas was called to the stand to testify what psychological trauma the victim may have suffered and whether the incident will have a psychological impact on her life later on. According to the Judge, the court needed to get a sense of the degree of harm which may manifest itself in years to come.

Dr Grajedas said the victim needed more than a psychiatric evaluation; she needed a psychological evaluation because she was not mentally ill, adding that she was a psychiatric doctor. She said that a psychological test was done, but she was not in receipt of the results. “The test proved that she is in better shape. The healing process is effective… she seems to be adapting well. She is stable right now, all the complaints that she used to make to her mother about nightmares are no longer present,” the doctor said.

Meanwhile, in a probation report on Naurayan, Social

Welfare Officer Judith Vankennie noted that he was a father of six from three different relationships and married a relative of the victim in 2009 before they separated owing to marital infidelity. As it relates to the victim, Vankennie said reports from the Human Services Ministry indicated that she received counselling from that agency which enabled her to deal with the negative psychological effects that she experienced. “It is important for the court to take cognisance of the consequences of the act. It is incumbent upon this court to adjudicate this matter in a manner that would reflect the serious psychological and other negative effects on the victim.”

State Prosecutor Judith Mursalin had told the court that at the time the offence was committed the victim was six years old and on the day in question she had got home from school, changed her clothing and was about to leave the house to go to her mother, who was vending at a roadside stand when Naurayan raped her. He further told her that she would be punished by her mother if she spoke of the incident.

According to the Prosecutor, the child kept the incident a secret, but on April 27, 2013, her mother had a conversation with her brother who had reported something she had said to him, and then went and questioned the daughter who told her what happened.

GDF Chief warns ranks...

it is your Constitutional right. However, do not allow anyone to make that decision for you. Your vote and who you cast it for is your personal and private choice!” he emphasised.

All were reminded that it was unprofessional to exhibit any form of campaigning on any military base.

“Guyana is still being governed by President Donald Ramotar who was duly elected to the Presidency. He is still the Commander-in-Chief of the military, and in that regard, still has the right to give instructions to the military,” he said.

“Ex-military officers also have the right to participate in the political activities of Guyana. We respect their service to Guyana. However, our current operational decision-making is not influenced by ex-mili-

tary officers. We take orders from the duly elected President of Guyana, our Commander-inChief, President Donald Ramotar,” he added.

The Chief-of-Staff explained that there will be a large number of representatives from several countries and international bodies in Guyana during the elections period, serving as observers, and repeated his concern that the highest level of professionalism must be displayed at all times. Military personnel and other members of the Joint Services will cast their ballots on Saturday, May 2. Military personnel will be confined from May 6, in preparation for deployment in support of the Guyana Police Force as becomes necessary. It is traditional for the military to vote several days ahead of the general public so that troops can be available for service to the nation as need be, during, and even after the period of National Elections are over. Phillips insisted that the military is a professional institution and remains committed to the defence and security of the state of Guyana and upholding the nation’s Constitution.

Barry Dataram, reputed wife, two others charged for 129kg cocaine bust in Diamond

rominent

PDiamond businessman Barry Dataram, along with his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, and two others was arraigned on a drug charge relating to the recent 129-kilogram cocaine bust on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The others are Trevor Gouveia, a carpenter of Best Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and Komal Charan, 20, of 265 Belle West, WBD.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on Thursday, April 16 at Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they had in their possession 129.230 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

They were all remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and will make their next court appearance on May 7. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Stephen Telford, on the day in question, ranks of the Customs

Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) carried out a raid on Dataram’s house at Fourth Avenue, Diamond, New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Telford stated that the accused were found with the illicit drug. The court was also told that Dataram is Guyanese by birth but has US citizenship and Gouveia and Charan were his friends.

Representing the four accused, Glen Hanoman claimed that contrary to the Police reports, Dataram resided at Vriesland, WBD and Boodnarine lived at Patentia Housing

Scheme, WBD.

He stated that the businessman was in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ and the house where the cocaine was unearthed was accessible to multiple occupants and the drug could have belonged to anyone.

On the day of the bust, he claimed that Boodnarine had taken her 11-month-old son to see his father. In addition, he stated that Dataram has previously been charged for possession of cocaine but due to lack of evidence, he was freed.

On those grounds, Hanoman made an ap-

APNU/AFC appeals for more money to fund campaign activities

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) General

Secretary Joseph Harmon says that campaign financing for his party is proceeding well, but it would welcome any donations from persons in the Diaspora, while pleading ignorance over reports that the combined Opposition is being partially funded by a Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency (FUCOP).

Speaking to this newspaper, Harmon said that while the party has been receiving tremendous support from its members and supporters, there was still a lot which needed to be done and this would require financing. “We need more money. We need a lot more money to do the things that we need to do. And I want to make a plea

to all of Guyana to come and join this, to come and make contributions to us.

Our office is here and we have officers all over the country; show us that you want change; show that you are interested in development of your country, say no to the PPP/C Administration and every dime counts…we need everything, we can do with your contributions and we need it,” Harmon related.

Asked how the party was raising its funds, Harmon said that it has been engaged in fundraising activities, has been welcoming donations especially with its “Sponsor A Polling Place” activity. This, he related, was an activity which has been seeing persons making a contribution of a minimum of US$75 or GY$15,000 for that venture.

“There has also been a good response from the Diaspora. There has been tremendous response to what we call the “Sponsor A Polling Place”. People have been making contributions abroad; people have actually been coming in to us with equivalent of US$75, that is GY$15,000 and making their contributions, so we want to encourage all of Guyana to bring in their contributions,” he told this publication.

Questioned further

plication for bail especially for Boodnarine since her child was still being breastfed, but his request was refused.

The four were Thursday last busted by CANU following a sting operation. In addition to

the cocaine, a quantity of high powered ammunition and a large sum of money were unearthed.

Dataram gained notoriety in 2007 following the kidnapping of his wife, Sheleza, and their three-year-old daughter

by two Venezuelans, one of whom was later shot dead in a confrontation with the Police. Dataram was then arrested and detained by Police beyond the 72-hour constitutional detention period during which persons can be held without being charged. His lawyers subsequently approached the court with a habeas corpus writ, but Police asked for an extension to conclude their investigation into the kidnapping, which they said was drug-related. What followed was a series of court appearances during which Dataram was twice set free and rearrested. He was finally set free in December 2008.

on what the response has been like from the Diaspora, the General Secretary said that it was overwhelming, pointing out that the party’s Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates, David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo were currently in Canada and they were being welcomed and supported by members of the Guyanese society.

Granger urges Guyanese Diaspora in Canada to return home

The People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition on Sunday told a breakfast meeting in Ontario, Canada, that Guyana needed the talents and time of its overseas-based citizens who are living in the developed world.

The Opposition alliance on Sunday wrapped up a two-day visit to the North American country. The delegation was headed by Presidential Candidate, retired Brigadier David Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo, who participated in three events on Sunday. Kicking off the overseas trip, the Guyanese politicians made brief remarks at a breakfast meeting held at the Riverstone Country Club in Brampton, Ontario, before businessmen and women as well as young professionals.

In his address to the gathering, Granger pointed out that brain drain has had severe consequences on the development of Guyana. He noted that the People’s Progressive Party/C

(PPP/C) was bankrupt of ideas and had no vision for the development of Guyana. “For Guyana to progress and develop, we need the assistance of the Diaspora; we cannot do it without you,” he declared. In addition, the APNU/AFC Presidential Candidate stated that Guyana needed the treasure, talents, technology and time of Guyanese living in the developed world. Granger reiterated his promise to establish a Department of the Diaspora, to deal with issues directly relating to Guyanese living overseas.

On the other hand, Nagamootoo told the gathering that an APNU/AFC Government of National Unity would

create the environment for their talents to flourish. He further remarked that “on May 12th when the Government is changed, we will welcome you back to Guyana so that you can assist us to develop our dear land of Guyana”.

Additionally, the Opposition alliance leaders then attended a ‘Meet the Leaders’ Lunch and Town Hall styled event, where they repeated many of their plans for the country. Speaking to the more than 500 assembled at the Elite Banquet Hall in Rexdale, Ontario, Nagamootoo outlined “we are moving forward together as Guyanese… APNU/AFC will make Guyana safe for your return”. He went

on to say “the coalition has assembled a broadbased team of experience and knowledgeable individuals that can bring healing and development to Guyana”.

Meanwhile, Granger said: “For the past 50 years we (Guyanese) have fought each other to a stand-still… It is time for us to come together as brothers and sisters; the lights have changed from red, to green and yellow. The war is over, it is time for a new Guyana.”

The coalition also held a press conference at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Hotel in Brampton, Ontario. The events were planned and coordinated by the APNU/AFC Coalition’s Toronto Committee.

16 women die daily in Caribbean from pregnancy complications

On average, approximately 16 women die every day in Latin America and the Caribbean from complications of pregnancy or childbirth, while 250 babies die each day before having reached 28 days of age.

To gather information on the causes of these deaths and contribute to policies for their prevention, the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) has launched the new CLAP Network of Latin American and Caribbean Centers for Maternal Surveillance and Research on Women’s and Neonatal Health.

“Maternal mortality has been reduced considerably in the last 20 years, but it continues to be unacceptably high, and the majority of its causes can be prevented or treated,” said Suzanne Serruya, Director of the Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WRH) of PAHO/ WHO, during the launch of the new network in Brasilia.

The new CLAP Network will play an important role in helping to further reduce maternal

and neonatal mortality in the region by collecting data on the causes of maternal and neonatal death as well as on the causes of complications that leave women seriously affected following childbirth.

Baby health checkup

Maternal and newborn health is closely intertwined. Approximately two out of three neonatal deaths occur during the first week of life, and the main causes include prematurity, congenital anomalies, asphyxia, sepsis and other infections. Pablo Duran, regional advisor on prenatal health at CLAP/WHR, noted that since 1990 the number of newborns who die in the first month of life has declined 55% in the region.

“But we should make more efforts to prevent these deaths and conditions such as prematurity, retinopathy and asphyxia that can impact negatively on health and quality of life.”

“The CLAP Network will help assess the use and impact of cost-effective interventions and will monitor conditions that help reduce preventable deaths and that affect the quality of life of newborns,” said Duran.

Corentyne man jailed for 22 years for gruesome killing of lad

ACorentyne man was on Monday sentenced to 22 years in prison by Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Berbice Assizes.

Fazal Mohamed, also called “Boy” and “Mongoose” of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had earlier pleaded guilty to murdering Sahahid Makutnauth, also called “Buddy” of Number 68 Squatting Area, Corentyne on August 20, 2012.

State Prosecutor Judith Mursalin told the court that Makutnauth’s parents had a misunderstanding and as a result, his mother, Anita Persaud, drank kerosene

and was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. The children were left in the care of their 12-year-old sister.

She said at about 21:00h that day the mother returned home and Makutnauth was not there. He was last seen in the company of the accused about 17:00h on a street in the village. Two days later, Detective Corporal Dwayne Harvey received certain information which led him to a clump of bushes about one mile into the backlands where he found the badly decomposed naked body of the child lying in a swamp.

Government Pathologist Dr

Vivekanand

Bridgemohan visited the scene and performed the post-mortem right there.

The doctor found that the child had sustained a clean cut to the chest and a large lacerated wound

to the frontoparietal area and fractures of the skull bones. Additionally, there was an open compound fracture of the right lower forearm with the hand hanging loosely. The cause of death

was multiple injuries. Mohamed was subsequently arrested and later gave the Police a confession statement in which he said that he saw the boy on the street and took him into the back dam where there were some shallow ponds. “I then cuff he plenty times to his head and push him down. I then push up a piece of hard stick and I lash him in his head plenty time. He start to cry and when I see blood I leff. I beat “Boy” five minutes. Then I went by my sister fence and sleep deh…”

In a probation report supplied to the court by Probation and Welfare Officer Voonashewarie

Gopaul, she said Mohamed attended school in Black Bush Polder and dropped out at Grade Three due to economic pressure. She added that there were reports that Mohamed confessed to using marijuana in large quantities. Defence Attorney Raymond Ali asked the court to give his client credit for his guilty plea and noted that it was clear that he came from a broken home. The Judge noted that the offence has a 30-year sentence attached, but deducted five years for the guilty plea and a further three years for the time he was in prison awaiting trial.

Sophia teen stabbing incident: Suspect still on the run

Apost-mortem examination conducted on the body of 18-year-old Alissa McPherson, who was killed reportedly by her jealous boyfriend, revealed that the teenager was stabbed at least 41 times.

McPherson, of Cappies Place, C Field Sophia, Georgetown, was brutally murdered in the wee hours of Sunday reportedly by Shivanand (only name given) called “Tuch” of School Street, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

The autopsy was performed on Monday morning by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary. The cause of death was given as multiple stab wounds. McPherson reportedly sustained stab wounds to her eyes, chest, hands, neck and abdomen among others. She suffered a punctured lung and her uterus was severely damaged as a result.

According to initial reports, the teen went to a party with some relatives and someone informed the suspect that she was having an affair there. The young man subsequently arrived and an argument ensured between the couple. It was further reported that he took the young woman into a corner where he stabbed her about her body.

McPherson was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she succumbed around 07:30h while receiving treatment. This newspaper was made to understand that the couple were having problems and a few weeks ago, the teenager caught the suspect with another woman at his mother’s home. This newspaper was also informed that a torn photograph of the couple was found in the teenager’s handbag.

Trouble

Following the autopsy on Monday, the

mother of the teenager, Denise McPherson, explained that she was unaware of what transpired between the teenager and the suspect that led to her daughter’s death.

“I can’t really say what happen. All I get a call that my daughter get stab up at the dance. He stab meh daughter 41 times. When I go to the hospital, meh daughter de already gone, she was just like panting for breath already. She couldn’t reply to say mommy. What is the story I can’t say. If he does beat her or what cause; she don’t say nothing,” the distraught mother related.

The woman said she had no idea that the two were having problems, but she noticed that a few days ago, the teenager came home with marks on her left hand and when questioned, she said that something bit her. However, her mother did not believe that was the case.

“I say ‘girl, this is not a bite like y’all de fighting or something?’, but she just left it like that ‘cause she don’t say anything,” the grieving mother related. According to the woman, the family has not heard anything about the whereabouts of her daughter’s killer. She disclosed that he called her home on Sunday, but she was not there and he was crying to a relative that he did not kill her daughter. “He tell meh nephew over the phone that he ain’t know nothing about what happen, that he leave Lisa in the dance. But people see he and Lisa at the dance,” she stated.

The mother said from what she was told,

Shivanand reportedly took the teenager to an isolated spot at the back of the party, where he carried out the gruesome attack on the teenager. She added that he then went on the stage, where he informed persons at the party that someone was injured before he left the premises.

The elder McPherson related that when the Police went to

Shivanand’s house on Sunday, his father was taken into custody and he told the Police that the young man came home Sunday morning, packed some clothes and left.

Relatives who were gathered at the hospital for the autopsy remarked that if he was innocent he would not have went into hiding. One woman commented that his ac-

tions were premeditated, because he changed his shirt after stabbing McPherson and then raised the alarm.

The tearful mother of the now deceased teen described the eldest of four children as a quiet and loving person, noting that she rarely went out. The teenager leaves to mourn her parents, siblings, and other relatives and friends.

Ram’s case against Jagdeo: Lawyer calls for matter to be thrown out

Lawyers representing former President Bharrat Jagdeo are calling for the quashing of a private criminal charge brought against their client alleging that he uttered racially divisive remarks at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant on May 8, 2015.

The charge was read for the first time by Magistrate Charlyne Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s Court. Jagdeo did not attend the hearing, because he was never summoned to attend court, lead at-

torney, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos told media operatives. “Mr Jagdeo is not here, because he was never served with any process .We have come as a matter of courtesy to the court as we have become aware of what the charge is and we feel there is no charge at all …The other side asked for an opportunity to reply and they need some time, so we agreed to give them some time,” De Santos said. De Santos is appearing in association with Counsels Mursaline Bacchus,

Adrian Anamayah, Ian Anamayah and Perry Gossai.

The charge was filed by controversial political commentator cum accountant Christopher Ram early April. The allegation is: “That on Sunday, March 8, Jagdeo made statements to the public at large at a public meeting held in Babu John, Corentyne… which can result in racial or ethnic violence or hatred among the people” as set out in Section 139 D of the Representation of the People Act. In his

FAO, ACP member states

share strong focus on

nutrition and climate change

Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, José Graziano da Silva, last week told the Committee of Ambassadors of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries that the organisation is committed to addressing food security and nutrition and also stressed the need to tackle as a high priority the impacts of climate change.

“Hunger is only one face of malnutrition. At the other extreme we have obesity, which is becoming a concern as big as or even bigger than undernourishment, particularly in the Caribbean and the Pacific,” the FAO Director-General said, speaking before the Committee in Brussels.

Graziano da Silva also emphasized the threat posed by climate change, noting that its impacts are not even-

ly distributed, but that tropical regions, home of many ACP members, “are among the most affected regions”. He suggested some measures ACP countries can take to build resilience and adapt food systems while coping with changing climate patterns. “Sustainable land and water management, and approaches such as climate-smart agriculture and agro-ecology are tools that can help” to address this issue, Graziano da Silva said.

The FAO DirectorGeneral cited Cyclone Pam that hit Vanuatu and other small islands in the Pacific Region in March, as a “reminder of the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to natural disasters and to climate change”. He informed the ACP Ambassadors that FAO has just set up a Trust Fund to address this specific issue.

Graziano da Silva

court papers, Ram states that Jagdeo said: “The Opposition consistently shout about the racism of the PPP, but they practise racism. The Opposition beat drums at six in the morning and say let us throw out those coolie people.”

However, De Santos, describing Ram as a known Government critic and a holder of a British passport, said he “seems to have an unnatural obsession with the former President”. De Santos noted that he has examined the allegation and the section of the law under which the charge has been laid, and in his view, it is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court in which it has been filed.

ent to speak and express himself freely”.

De Santos further noted that the unprecedented use of a criminal charge to muzzle speakers at public political events was an assault on the democratic right of political leaders to speak freely on matters of national interest as well as a violation of the demo-

Whim Magistrate’s Court to offer support. The supporters called for the matter to be thrown out.

De Santos argued that the charges filed show no evidence that an offence was committed. “The charge before the court does not disclose any offence leading to the law so we

also urged ACP countries to engage in the COP21 climate negotiations that will be concluded next December in Paris. Referring to the outcome of COP 21, he said that “we look forward to a new, global, legally binding climate agreement,” but that the “agriculture sector can neither be asked to pay the price for all greenhouse gases emissions, nor to clean the emission from other sectors”.

“This is the point that FAO wants to highlight in those negotiations,” Graziano da Silva emphasized, adding that the Organization is able to provide “tailored assistance” to ACP member states at the negotiations.

In his speech, ACP Secretary-General, Patrick I. Gomes, praised the transformational changes that have taken place at FAO since Graziano da Silva took office as Director-General in 2012. “He (Graziano da Silva) has spearheaded reforms that have entailed, among other things, refocusing FAO’s work, strengthening its institutional capacities and its partnerships with civil society, the private sector and academia, and boosting the FAO’s support for SouthSouth Cooperation,” Gomes- Guyana’s former Ambassador to Brussels said.

He went on to state that it was a gross misinterpretation and colossal misuse and abuse of Section 139D of the Representation of the People Act, Chap1:02. The Senior Counsel noted that while he would not speculate in relation to the motive which inspired the institution of the charge, he will, however, state that “it constitutes an abridgement of the constitutional right and freedom of my cli-

cratic right of the citizenry to receive such information. He said that the case was nothing more than political sensationalisation and mischief.

Support

On Monday, supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and more particularly Jagdeo converged outside the

want it quashed. We want it thrown out; that’s essentially what we are aiming for…you cannot charge someone if there is no offence.”

The matter has since been put down for May 25 to allow the plaintiff to respond to the submissions. Ram was represented by Attorneyat-law Trenton Lake.

Investigation into murder of Hamson’s proprietor intensifies

As the investigation continues into the murder of Hamson’s proprietor

Farouk Ghanie, who was found dead at his Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara home with a single stab wound to his chest, several family members and associates are being questioned.

Speaking with this newspaper on Wednesday, Crime Chief Leslie James stated that they have intensified their investigation and have been working on several leads. He did not comment further on the persons who were being questioned and noting that they were hoping to make a breakthrough as soon as possible.

This publication understands that a man with whom the businessman had an argument days prior to his death has been questioned and released. The man’s common-law wife, Vanessa (only name given), was also questioned since she was the one who found the body.

The hardware store owner was Thursday last in the morning hours

found dead at his home after several calls to his phone from his spouse went unanswered. The 56-year-old who lived alone was found lying on his back and might have been dead for more than 12 hours.

The businessman was last seen dropping off a worker in Georgetown before heading home. Neighbours claimed that they did not see or hear anything unusual except for the man’s house being in darkness Wednesday night.

At that time, they thought that the man was out of the country, but even in that case, he would normally have someone turn on the exterior lights. Upon the discovery on Thursday morning, the neighbours were terrified and called for Police patrols in the area.

His brother, Fizal Hamid, explained that he received a call from the man’s common-law wife informing him of the news. He too concluded that the murderer had to be someone who was familiar with the man’s premises and dogs.

Hamid also stated that his now dead brother did not have any enemies and he was not sure who would want to kill him in such a brutal manner. He recalled that his brother had a confrontation with an ex-employee.

A post-mortem performed on the businessman’s body proved that he died from shock and haemorrhaging due to a single stab to his chest. He leaves to mourn his five children and siblings.

Jagdeo fearful of what Army would become under Granger

…says PPP/C has spent more on military than PNC

By Alexis Rodney

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed claims that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was never supportive of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and all other military institutions, noting that it has always stood solidly behind these bodies. He also said he was fearful of what the military would become under a David Granger-led Administration.

Jagdeo was at the time addressing media operatives at Freedom House on Wednesday, and lambasted the current “militarised” leadership of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Presenting a copy of the 1992 estimates, presented to the National Assembly by then Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, a current member of the Opposition party, Jagdeo showed figures of the capital budget of the Army which at that time stood at some Gy$300,000. Leader of the Opposition coalition and retired Brigadier Granger was also at that time the National Security Adviser to the President. Jagdeo said the Army’s economic footing back then was at an embarrassingly low standard.

“Today, they love soldiers so much and speak about how we are not

doing anything for soldiers and that was their shameful record,” Jagdeo told journalists. He continued, “A private soldier today, the lowest ranking officer in the army, if his annual salary is converted in US terms, it would show that he earns more in a year than the capital budget for the entire army in 1990.”

Jagdeo said during his 12-year tenure as President, the total capital budget of the Army had moved by leaps and bounds compared to the figures under the PNC Government. He said by the time he left office in 2011, the Army’s capital budget had moved to some Gy$6.6 billion, leaping from Gy$1.5 billion in 1999.

He said for those opposition leaders to now come about and say that he did not respect military people is highly outrageous, as they had his full support when he was President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Under pressure Jagdeo said he be-

lieved that the Army and Police would come under serious pressure, should the Opposition get into power, “to go back to those days when illegal instructions were given like they were forced to take ballot boxes, contrary to the Defence Act; they were forced because of political purposes and Granger was the critical line between the Army at that time and the Office of the President, defending the paramountcy of the party”.

Turning his attention to the current crop of Opposition officials, Jagdeo said it was hypocritical of many of those officials, whom he personally supported to now speak about “discrimination”.

“They talk of discrimination and suddenly we don’t like soldiers anymore,” Jagdeo said, noting that he had chosen to appoint APNU’s Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Winston Felix to the post of Commissioner of Police. “We had four candidates, including an Indo-Guyanese, but I

chose Felix,” Jagdeo retorted. He said the same was done during the appointment of retired Army Chief- of-Staff Gary Best, who before had complained of being sidelined on such appointment, and against the protest of his colleague Brigadier Edward Collins. “We have to be crazy that we discriminate so much and these are the people we chose to head the Army. And if we were so bad, why didn’t they refuse to serve under the PPP/C Government,” Jagdeo questioned.

Jagdeo, who sought not to get into much details, said he could say reasons, which he had ignored that Brigadier Collins shared with him, for not appointing Best. He said in retrospect, “then maybe Best would remain quiet today”. But I think maybe Collins was right,” he related.

“I know when Gary Best came over to the Office of the President and complained that he was sidelined. I don’t want to get into those details, but if you are in the Army all the time and you say you are a professional and the Government is so bad, why hold the top position and take all the illegal top positions that we are ostensibly supposed to give them and the day you leave, you shift focus. That shows that you are destroying trust in the executives. How could the executives trust people that act differently.”

GMSA clears air on passing up Pegasus for Marriott

… says decision was influenced

The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) Ltd said that its decision to move the presidential candidates’ forum from the Pegasus to the newlycommissioned Marriott Guyana Hotel was based on strong business considerations.

The GMSA’s statement comes in response to comments made by the Owner of Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal on Sunday, charging that the Private Sector bodies including the GMSA and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) are all politicised.

Badal reportedly said that the bodies were highly influenced by the Government.

In its statement, the business umbrella body

said it agreed with Badal that business support organisations must of necessity remain politically neutral.

“Our activities and programmes are driven firstly by the needs of our member companies and secondly to optimise financial returns in order to keep the Association viable,” he said.

The GMSA said that its decision to utilise the spacious Marriott Hotel for the April 22 business luncheon at which Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar will be the guest speaker was made on the premises of estimated ticket sales, the value of discounts/ rebates received, the value of sponsorship from the business community, the size of the Marriott’s conference room, and

by members

the availability of the Marriott’s room for the entire duration of the business luncheon.

Proactive

The GMSA said it was a proactive business support organisation and one of its key objectives was to maintain political neutrality.

“It was this Association that introduced in 2011 the concept of political discourses between presidential candidates and the business community.

“In April and May of that year, we hosted three successful business luncheons with Khemraj Ramjattan (Alliance For Change); David Granger (A Partnership for National Unity); and Donald Ramotar (People’s progressive Party/Civic).

“We are repeating the

series of political parlays this year for the same purpose, ie to provide a platform for tzhe business community to engage the candidates of the main political parties on their blueprint for business development.

“Coalition Leader David Granger took the opportunity we offered to engage with the business community on March 17 last,” the GMSA said.

The GMSA stated that for many years the Guyana Pegasus has been its venue of choice for conferences, training programmes, business luncheons and other activities.

“However, this is not the first time that the GMSA’s Board of Directors took a decision to hold an activity away from that venue.

“There were occasions when the Pegasus was unavailable on our chosen dates, or the seating accommodation was insufficient for the size of the audience or participants.

“We have made use of a number of alternative venues in and outside of the city including: Regency Suites and the Princess Hotel,” the release said.

According to the GMSA, it would be use-

ful to point out that two of its last three major events were held at the Princess Hotel owing to the unavailability of the Savannah Suite at the Pegasus.

“The GMSA sincerely hopes that this contretemps does not tarnish the good relationship we enjoy with the Guyana Pegasus, since we intend to continue to utilise this venue on conditions that are mutually beneficial,” the release added.

APNU/AFC received more free passes on Berbice Bridge than PPP/C – CEO

Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) Chief Executive Officer Omadat Samaroo has clarified that both the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have been allowed free passes over the Berbice Bridge during the campaigning season.

After it was realised that the PPP/C supporters who were travelling to Albion, Berbice for the Party’s rally on Sunday were being permitted to cross the bridge without paying the toll, certain sections of the media sought to insinuate that the move was another case of abuse of public resources in favour of the incumbent administration.

However, the CEO refuted those presumptions, disclosing that both political forces were granted toll waivers across the Bridge for their campaigns. In fact, Samaroo noted that the Opposition coalition utilised some 250 free passes for their supporters travelling to the Whim Rally, while the PPP/C’s number did not

exceed that amount. In addition, he revealed that APNU/AFC officials were also granted free passes for the Mashramani Parade in Berbice earlier this year. On that note, the CEO noted that the BBCI, as part of its corporate social responsibility, would usually allow free passes on special occasions.

Samaroo revealed that Government officials, Non-Governmental Organisations, charitable organisations and even students on a school tour would be eligible for toll waivers when crossing the Berbice Bridge. As such, he explained that management took into consideration the height of the current po-

litical season and made a decision to allow waivers for supporters of the political parties conducting massive rallies in the county of Berbice.

Meanwhile, the toll waivers come at a time when the BCCI declared last year that it was struggling to accumulate money to pay its dividends to its majority shareholder, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Sources at NIS had told this newspaper that it received correspondence from the Bridge Company late last year declaring that its unaudited accounts demonstrate that the company did not record a profit. The NIS source disclosed that the Company also indicated that its income was severely affected by the application of IFRIC 12 Service Concession Agreement, an interpretation to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This newspaper was also told that Directors and management were currently examining and employing new strategies, directed at improving the Company’s financial performance in the near future in order to ensure healthy returns to all stakeholders.

GECOM announces 2299 polling stations for E-Day …says

Final Voters’ List by next Monday

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said it would be utilising 2299 polling stations across the country for the May 11 polls, 166 of which are private residences.

GECOM made the disclosure during a meeting with the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition last week. In a statement, updating the media on the outcomes of the meeting, GECOM said the APNU/AFC representatives discussed a number of important electoral issues in the lead-up to the May 11 General and Regional Elections. Foremost among the list of issues discussed was the coalition’s request of GECOM to issue a stern public statement advising persons against the defacing, destruction and or otherwise removal of political parties’ campaign materials.

Enquiries were also made by the coalition about GECOM’s current posture as it relates to the issuance of Certificates

of Employment to Polling Agents working on Election Day. The GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, mentioned that GECOM has undertaken steps to ensure that due process was maintained in order to achieve a legally-binding position on the matter of issuance of Certificates of Employment.

“GECOM took the opportunity to impart to the coalition representatives that on Election Day, GECOM will be utilising 2299 polling stations across the country, of which 166 are private residences. The coalition representatives expressed concerns about possible lateness of notification relative to changes of polling stations, especially those that are private residences. GECOM’s Chief Election Officer (CEO), Mr Keith Lowenfield indicated that as far as is practicable, GECOM will be contacting political parties promptly and notifying them about any changes in location of any polling station, should any such changes occur.”

Photographic folios

According to GECOM, the CEO indicated that the Official List of Electors (OLE) has been certified, and that preparations were being made to have it posted in all of GECOM’s Registration Districts by April 28, in accordance with statutory obligations. The CEO also mentioned that GECOM would be preparing folios containing the photograph and other important bio data of all electors. These folios are to be utilised in polling stations by the presiding officers and political party agents present, as an additional means of voter verification. At the end of Election Day activities, the polling agents are required to return the folios to the Presiding Officer.

GECOM also emphasised that it was working assiduously to ensure it delivered an election that was free, fair, credible and transparent. Therefore, GECOM took the opportunity to encourage the APNU/ AFC to place every confidence in the professional work being done by the Commission and the Secretariat. The APNU/AFC assured the Chairman and his team that it has confidence in GECOM’s undertakings. Representing APNU/AFC were Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Joseph Harmon, David Patterson, Clayton Hall and Tabita SarboHalley. GECOM was led by its Chairman, Chief Election Officer, Deputy Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud, and Public Relations Officer Richard Francois.

Brighter days ahead for sugar industry, says Ramotar

… restates promise of Gy$20B injection into industry

By Devina Samaroo

Restating his Party’s commitment to pump Gy$20 billion into the sugar industry to turn its fortunes around, President Donald Ramotar told thousands at a rally in Albion, Berbice on Sunday that a brighter future beckons for sugar, but the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) must be re-elected on May 11.

The sugar industry is the bedrock of the econo-

my in Berbice, employing thousands directly and indirectly. Speaking to the multitude of energetic supporters, Ramotar outlined the vision his Party has for a modern Guyana – the vision for a country that will take its people through a journey of social and economical development.

He said the ultimate goal was to ensure that all citizens enjoy the wealth of this nation which will raise the bar on the standard of living and quality of life in the country. Starting with

an issue of prime importance to the Berbice population, Ramotar spoke at length about the PPP/ C’s plans to take the sugar industry into its best days ever.

In acknowledging the resilience this sector has shown despite the struggles it has been facing, Ramotar declared that the sugar industry has a positive future ahead and that his Administration has no intentions of shutting it down. In fact, he disclosed to the thousands of intrigued Berbicians

that the Ramotar Administration would see to it that the sugar industry lives on through the expansion and development in various avenues.

Ethanol production

The President announced to Berbicians that once re-elected, he will ensure the sugar industry becomes more flexible via an increase in ethanol production.

“Right here at Albion, we started to look at the production of eth-

anol…ethanol is very important and right in Guyana, we have a big market for this…but we want to even increase the production of ethanol so that, when the price of sugar is low as it is now on the world market… we can produce ethanol for sale and when the price is high, we can switch back to producing more sugar,” Ramotar said as he promised to ensure the ethanol plant is expanded.

In predicting brighter

days ahead for the sugar industry, Ramotar announced that the Government aimed to produce a minimum of 400,000 tonnes of sugar by 2020. With the aim of meeting that target, Ramotar noted that millions would have to be invested into the industry as he pledged to plug in excess of Gy$20 billion over the next five years into the sector to ensure sugar production increased.

PPP/C insists Granger debates Ramotar

…will not subject Harper to Nagamootoo’s vile innuendoes

While confirming that President Donald Ramotar is willing to debate the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition leader, David Granger as originally agreed, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has announced that it will not agree to the subsequent condition insisted on by the Opposition camp that there also be a Prime Ministerial Candidate debate.

Initially, the coalition had agreed for its Presidential Candidate to debate the President on a national platform, but about a week ago it demanded a prime ministerial debate. The debate was being coordinated by the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

In a statement on Sunday, the PPP/C announced its intention to reject the Opposition’s demand for a prime ministerial debate on the additional grounds that APNU/AFC’s Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo has consistently been utterly “disrespectful and vile” towards the PPP/C Prime

Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper.

“The women of the PPP/C, while not intimidated, will not allow themselves to be disrespected by the Opposition and their surrogates…The women of the PPP/C demand respect and equal treatment from those who present themselves as an alternative,” the release read.

The statement referred to the coalition’s Whim Rally where Nagamootoo made the most “repugnant utterances” against Harper, pointing out that the Party will not open the door for its Prime Ministerial Candidate to endure another se-

ries of slander from Nagamootoo.

“It is for this reason that we view a public debate with Moses Nagamootoo as inappropriate…Under these circumstances, we wish to state emphatically that the APNU/AFC Coalition’s demands for us to open Ms Harper further to the bitter, rude and unbridled venom of disrespect from Moses Nagamootoo in a prime ministerial debate is reprehensible,” the PPP/C said, noting that its Party will not attempt to dignify the contempt with which Nagamootoo has sought to ridicule Harper.

Despite not succumbing to the Opposition’s

demand for a prime ministerial debate, the incumbent Administration declared that the option for a Presidential Debate still stands if the coalition is brave enough to accept.

“Our Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar stands ready to our commitment for a presidential debate without any new conditions,” the release maintained.

But the APNU/AFC had made it clear that it would no longer agree to presidential debates unless a debate was organised for the candidates’ running mates.

The Opposition has a track record for boycotting debates with the PPP/C administration, arguably an indi-

cation of fear. Earlier this month, the coalition had pulled out from a series of debates organised by the National Communications Network (NCN).

The state-owned media entity noted that the Opposition has been in the habit of doing so, often times with incoherent or no explanations given. Ramotar had initially made it known from the inception that he was willing to debate his Party’s policies against those of the Opposition at a public forum.

Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, a member of the PPP/C organising team, had said earlier that “Granger is scared of debating President Ramotar”. He said it had

always been the position that the PSC was organising a “presidential debate”. Granger cannot now unilaterally and arbitrarily seek to change the rules of the engagement. “As an old army man, if the rules of engagement by the Geneva Convention forbid use of poison gas, would he suddenly demand that his men unilaterally conduct chemical warfare?”

Co-Campaign Manager of the coalition, Raphael Trotman had said that they were requesting the additional debate in an effort to have a “complete package”. The APNU/AFC CoCampaign Manager said that the coalition wanted a complete package of the top leaders debating each other so that the Guyanese public can see and know who they will be voting for come May 11. Minister Ali retorted, “Well, will Granger soon demand that the numbers three, four, etc in line for the presidency should also debate or he won’t participate? This is ridiculous. If there are to be other debates, why does he have to tie them on to his debate?? Is he looking to save the face of the APNU/AFC coalition when he loses the debate with President Ramotar?”

Public Works Ministry says never promised airport squatters homes

The Public Works Ministry has denounced assertions that it promised to provide homes to squatters occupying airport lands as stated in the Kaieteur newspaper’s April 17 publication.

The article headlined “Works Ministry threatens to arrest, charge Timehri squatters – residents ask for promised homes” suggests that such guarantees were made to squatters. In a statement, the Ministry said it believed that this false claim was a deliberate attempt to distract the general public from the squatters’ blatant disregard for the law.

It noted that for years, officials from the Ministry and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have actively engaged squatters on the relocation plans either on a one-onone basis and/or at community meetings. “In fact, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn; representatives from the Ministries of Housing, Human Services, Local Government, as well as, Lands and Surveys Commission came to the airport and met with Timehri North residents.”

During those meetings, relocation options were outlined which were limited to the fol -

lowing: the provision of a house lot in existing schemes of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA); transportation assistance for the relocation of existing transportable homes; and establishment of a community at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke Highway to include social services such as a playground, a nursery school, day-care centre, public open spaces, and reserved sites for future community use.

A 2013 census revealed that out of the 138 squatters interviewed, 45 per cent was desirous of being relocated to Yarrowkabra, while others indicated interest in existing East Bank of Demerara (EBD) housing schemes namely: Covent Garden, Farm and Providence. No undertaking was ever given by the Public Works Ministry for the provision of houses. The Ministry remains committed to the development of the airport expansion and for the smooth transitional process in the relocation of squatters.

History is everything in an election

By Rakesh RampeRtaB

“…[T]he experiences of our history…have refined and revived our party’s ideology” – David Granger, “Declaration of Vreed-enHoop,” 2012, Official PNC Revivalist Party Policy.

In an election, history is everything. The past is without an equal as a gauge by which voters measure candidates and parties. Voters do not vote as if in a vacuum. Politicians, therefore, should allow voters to vote as they see fit, with free access to Guyana’s political history.

To ask voters (or voters from a certain section of the electorate), as the AFC has done, to ignore the history of one political party but not the others, is to discriminate. Said another way, it is double standards. If PPP/C history is relevant, so too is PNC history. Or WPA, etc.

There should not be one law for jaguars and another for jackasses, so to speak. However, this is already happening already. Currently, the AFC/ APNU coalition has advertisements created to promote coalition politics in Guyana, and in at least one there is a reference to Dr Cheddi Jagan as far back as 1964.

Yet, coalition figures want voters to ignore PNC history. This outreach is meant to specifically get votes from PPP/C supporters, no one else. It is done, therefore, with some kind of racial or ethnic bent to ensure the coalition gets at least 51 per cent of votes cast.

Further, to strip voters of the benefit of memory is to make them handicapped, and to interfere with their right to freely enjoy political speech. Voting is, after all, protected political speech and for politicians contesting the elections to suggest what voters should forget and what they should remember, is an interference with a voter’s fundamental right.

Voters, with the aid of history, can better assess what a candidate is saying. Consider, for example, the following illustration. During an interview, Mr. David Granger rightfully noted that the PPP failed to have an inquiry into the death of a PPP Minister (Sash Sawh).

Now, with the aid of PNC history, voters would also know that the PNC failed to have an inquiry into the death of a PNC Minister (Vincent Teekah). Suddenly, both parties appear to be equally guilty of failing to have inquiries done. Of course, a voter without the benefit of history would easily be misled.

While it is unreasonable to hold current PNC lead-

ership for what happened 30 years ago, this cannot be said for its Presidential Candidate David Granger. Further, as a matter of history, the PNC itself is yet to attempt, even in small measures, to shake off its history.

They do not wish to examine and expunge, but celebrate PNC history under Burnham.

Additionally, the more recent PNC history is also a controversial, because of some kind of violent events. Elections in 1997 and 2001, if not also other elections, are remembered for antPPP/C disturbances used by the PNC to weaken the will of the electorate. The five-year term of the 1997 government was reduced to three. And to the PNC, that is quite fine.

In 2001, the PNC forced at least 15 demands on the Jagdeo regime, arguing from what Desmond Hoyte called a “position of strength.” The only strength Hoyte had was the anti-PPP/C violence on the streets, because the electorate had already spoken on elections day.

Also, voters will recall that criminals aided by others, used Buxton, a PNC constituency, as a base to foster a campaign of violence, the aim of which was to bring down the Jagdeo Administration. The PNC never intervened until significant damages had been done.

So, it is not as easy to ignore PNC history, as Nagamootoo has suggested, as having a photo album and brushing pass all the old photos, to a new page. Further, whoever came up with this analogy needs to be reminded that the purpose of a photo album is to trap and contain history, not to dismiss or set it aside.

People who have scars from history need not pretend to be victims. But with poor record keeping by the PPP/C and civil society, deaths, old age, migration, and the passage of time, it is easy to see why the AFC is asking people to ignore, to forget, to set aside PNC history today.

Worse, already some (example, David Granger and the issue of rigged elections) are saying certain events never happened, or they need evidence to say it did.

But the AFC should be reminded that hundreds of thousands of persons who suffered in extraordinary terms directly under PNC politics, without any forum or recourse or court that afforded them a moment in time to bear witness against PNC history, should not be asked to shake off PNC history when the PNC itself has, on the record, refused to shake off its past.

PPP/C assures Berbicians of improved security if re-elected

By andRew CaRmiChael

In the face of criticism that Government was not doing enough to curb high crime rates in Guyana, former President Bharrat Jagdeo told a massive rally on Sunday in Albion that if re-elected the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) would implement a comprehensive security plan that will see improved Police response to crime among other things.

He also blamed the combined Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) for some of the challenges within the sector, saying their chopping of the budget and blocking key legislation has helped with the crime rate.

He made the comments as he addressed the mammoth rally at Albion, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to Jagdeo, the Opposition repeatedly cut money from the national budget, much of which was budgeted to improve the security system in Guyana.

Jagdeo said Government

when a Police respond will improve. The phones must work, persons must be responsible, and the response time must be at least half an hour from when the call is made, the Police will have to show up or give an account for it.” Jagdeo said.

“Too many times people have picked up the phone and can’t get an answer or can’t get people to respond. We need to fix that too,” he stressed.

Further highlighting the

has plans in place for an improved security system despite the Opposition trying to stop progress.

He said there was still a lot more to be done for security in Guyana and mentioned plans which were outlined by President Donald Ramotar for the security sector. These plans will see improved security in Berbice, which continues to grapple with high incidence of piracy and gun robberies.

“The response time from when one picks up the phone to

Opposition’s cuts to successive budgets, Jagdeo said over the past three years, the parliamentary Opposition cut in excess of Gy$80 billion which was earmarked for further development in Guyana.

“Do you know what could have been done with that money to fix some of the problems which we still have?” he asked.

NIS

He also touched on the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), saying that it was about time that institution delivered

a better quality of service to citizens. Guyanese have frequently complained about missing records at the NIS and discrepancies regarding their contributions to the Scheme.

Jagdeo said the NIS has been given a mandate from Government to properly account for contributors’ records. “They have to straighten the records of sugar workers, public servants and everyone, so that when they retire, they will not have to wait two to three years to get their benefits,” he assured.

The former President also took a swipe at the Opposition Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates, David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo.

Reflecting on Nagamootoo’s speech at Whim recently, Jagdeo highlighted that more than 50 per cent of his presentation was based on himself and not on plans for the future development of Guyana.

He also recalled that when the 10th Parliament began and Nagamootoo was nominated to be the Speaker of the National Assembly, the coalition’s now Presidential Candidate David Granger objected saying that he was not qualified for the job. “If he was not qualified to be Speaker of the National Assembly, is he qualified to be the Prime Minister of this country?” Jagdeo asked.

Jagdeo, who arrived on stage just after Dr Clive Jagan had made his presentation to a thunderous roar from the crowd, also spoke of the PPP/ C’s plans for continued development after the elections have been contested.

APNU/AFC youth leaders promise Guyanese more job opportunities

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

Hundreds of Guyanese youth turned up to a youth rally organised by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Friday evening.

At the rally, the coalition via its youth leaders Malika Ramsey, Reynard Ward and Jevaughn Stephens made a number of sweeping promis-

es to those present with the hope of winning their support at the upcoming May 11 elections.

Ramsey, who addressed the rally held at the corners of Main Street and Coppers Lane, told the crowd that youths will play an important role at all levels of Government and within the decision-making forums of the country should the APNU and AFC come to power.

“We will also create more jobs and high paying jobs. We will work with other countries and utilise their skills,” she said.

She said youths

should not have to be leaving the shores of Guyana seeking jobs and betterment.

“The coalition has a message of good life and prosperity which has attracted many youths following the merger of the two parties: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) unlike the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) which has been exploiting youths,” she remarked. She told the crowd that “as youths we do not care what happened before 1992. We were not there and we don’t care. We want to

know what plans they have for us now.”

According to her, the coalition’s Presidential Candidate has promised to fix the education system within his first 100 days in office.

“We will ensure that they do that and also close the gap between the top students and those who don’t do so well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, but don’t expect a miracle.”

Meanwhile, Ward, in pinpointing some of the plans the coalition has that will benefit youths, said the coalition in

Government will focus on the development and implementation of intellectual property rights.

“We will also create more jobs and high-paying jobs. We will work with other countries and utilise their skills.”

He said there was a culture where many young men were pushed into abuse of alcohol which must be changed.

“Many of our youths have lost hope and are frustrated,” he said, while adding that the town of New Amsterdam was the first in Guyana and under an APNU/ AFC Government it would become the best

town in Guyana.

“Life is not a bed of roses for people of the East Bank of Berbice, the only access road in a bad state and those residents bring their produce out to feed the town.”

Touching on education, Ward said that resources available to schools were limited and that would be one of the priorities of the coalition.

But the PNCled APNU’s Regional Chairperson, Jevaughn Stephens went further when he criticised the Government for spending millions of dollars on the sugar sector and Skeldon Sugar Factory.

Guyana wraps up talks with EU forest enforcement mechanism Essequibo labourer pinned to death by silo steel door

As part of its Forest Policy implementation, the Government of Guyana wrapped up talks with the European Union for a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) last week. Guyana is committed to signing a VPA with the EU in the latter part of 2016 after formally entering into the negotiation process in December 2012.

The VPA is a key element of the EU’s Forest Law and Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, and a VPA would facilitate increased mar-

ket access for Guyana’s timber into the lucrative EU market. The FLEGT VPA process also provides an opportunity for Guyana to further strengthen and mainstream its consultation and engagement process to enhance forest governance, improve legal compliance and build in-country capacity for community engagement in forest policy development and implementation. Further, the VPA will govern trade in timber between Guyana and the 28 Member States of the EU.

The legally binding

trade agreement would ensure that timber and timber products exported to the EU come from legal sources. The agreement also helps timberexporting countries stop illegal logging by improving regulation and governance of the forest sector.

The EU and Guyana successfully concluded the third negotiation session on Thursday, April 16, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Guyana was represented at this session by the National Technical Working Group (NTWG)

– a multi-stakeholder group comprising representatives of the Private Sector, indigenous bodies and Government agencies selected through a participatory process.

At this negotiation session, the parties committed to maintaining the momentum to reach an agreement that considers the views of all relevant stakeholders. The parties also committed to further promoting the identification of synergies amongst FLEGT; Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+); and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) processes. Additionally, the parties agreed to continue examining the framework under which these initiatives can be further integrated and be mutually supportive.

Both parties acknowledged the progress that has been made since the last negotiation session and during this session, including the revision of the joint roadmap.

It was agreed that the next negotiation session would be held in Brussels in November 2015.

The Hardial family of Hampton Court Village on the Essequibo Coast are mourning the death of their eldest child after he was tragically killed at Bush Lot, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Dead is 28-year-old Devindra Hardial, aka “Magic” of Hampton Court in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Hardial lost his life on Saturday around 14:00h, after a steel door from a silo fell, pinning him. The door was said to be made of solid steel. According to a relative, Serika Narine, Hardial was working with some men at Bush Lot to build a silo for a private farmer to store paddy when the incident occurred. The rela-

tive further related that workers immediately rushed to assist, but Hardial had already lost his life. No one else was injured.

He was immediately rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The now deceased was described as a very kind and honest individual. Hardial had left the Essequibo Coast on April 4 and had ventured to Berbice to work as a labourer. He had been living with his parents at Hampton Court. He leaves to mourn his parents and sister. The parents are presently arranging for his funeral and for his body to be brought to Region Two.

Brighter days ahead for sugar...

Rice industry

The President also addressed another critical industry that immensely impacts the livelihoods of the Berbice people – the rice industry. Ramotar said the Government will continue to work to ensure new markets are sought for the local farmers to export their produce for a decent price.

“Only last year, when I was in Colombia, I met the President of Panama…we had a talk about buying rice from Guyana and now Panama is now the second most important market for our rice industry,” the President declared.

He acknowledged that the industry was performing well and vowed to continue to invest heavily in the industry to maintain the excellent level of productivity. The President noted that more value needed to be added to the industry; hence, the Government’s move to establish a rice cereal factory in Essequibo. On that note, Ramotar pledged, as the industry expands, Berbice will see the establishment of similar factories.

ICT call centres

The President also

promised to bring more job creation opportunities to Berbice with the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Call Centres. He noted too that the sustainability and expansion of the sugar and rice industries would also secure the jobs of thousands of people across the county as well as open doors for new job opportunities. He also lauded the move by the Government to establish a deepwater harbour in the Berbice River.

The President noted that a feasibility study was under way to determine the achievability of such a port in that area. If construction is possible, the harbour will see the creation of thousands of jobs in various areas.

In addition, the deepwater port will see a total transformation of the Berbice economy as Guyana will be on its way to becoming a maritime hub for South America and the Caribbean.

Ramotar also told Berbicians that if his Government was victorious, after the elections, it would work towards construction of a cultural centre and indoor facilities in the region.

Alleged gang-raped teen recovers – gives detailed statement to Police

By Bhisham mohamed

The 19-year-old Bellevue, West Bank Demerara (WBD) teenager, who was allegedly gangraped by a group of men on Old Year’s Night, has given a detailed statement to Crime Chief, Leslie James.

In the statement provided to the Police, the teenager, who turned 19 in the latter part of March, revealed the names of at least four persons who allegedly raped him at one of his friend’s home at Vreeden-Hoop, WBD after being drugged.

According to reports received, the teenager was lured into attending a party that was reportedly organised by his boss but this was never the case. He was collected by a group of friends after which they went to the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling where they met other friends and some strangers.

The young man reportedly told the Crime Chief that he did not drink any alcohol on the

night in question but offered to purchase a case of beer for the others. After spending sometime at the water side, the young man was taken to a friend’s house where he was drugged and sodomised by at least eight men.

Initially, the young man told investigators that he was raped on the “jetty” which is now contrary to his statement given to the Police. He reportedly claimed that that at the time he spoke with the Police very briefly, he was traumatised and might have said the wrong thing.

This publication understands that after the men would have allegedly committed the act, they placed him in a minibus and told him that they were taking him home but being fearful for this life, he escaped when the men turned their backs and made his way to his sister’s residence.

The mother of the teenager has reported that her son is recuperating and is being treated by Dr Harry

(only name given) at the Georgetown Public Hospital. She added that during the latter part of March, they visited Dr Harry’s clinic after which they went to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

A probation officer from the Ministry then took them to the Crime Chief where her son gave the statement. The senior Police rank promised to call them back after taking the statement but to date, they have received no calls.

She was also given a number to contact the Police but she did not. Nevertheless, the woman stated that her son has fully regained consciousness and for that she is thankful. Sometimes, she added that her son would faint for a short period. She recalled organising a thanksgiving ceremony for his 19th Birthday and during the preparation, he fell to the ground – that was the first time he had the experience. She has since approached the Human Services Ministry for assistance in taking care of her son. The woman thanked those who came forward and offered assistance during their time of need. She is, however, holding out that the persons who committed the act against her son must face the full blunt of the law.

She recalled that her son was a very jovial and friendly individual who was full of life but now she said he remains isolated, talking only when prompted.

More house lots distributed on EBD

…as One-Stop-Shop continues

The Housing Ministry has embarked on another series of its One-StopShop initiative with the distribution of high income house lots along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

A crowd of eager citizens flocked the compound of the Housing Ministry, Brickdam on Friday to receive their land titles. The house lots being distributed are categorised under the high income lots with prices ranging from Gy$2 million to Gy$3 million.

The sizes of the lands also vary based on the price, with the average lot being 60 by 100 feet. Director of Operations of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Denise King Tudor explained that there are also low income and middle income house lots, which are being sold from as low as Gy$300,000. One person, Joan Roberts expressed her gratitude to the Government through its Ministry for making it possible for her to own her own land and by ex-

tension house.

Another person, Gooding (only name given) spoke on behalf of his young daughter who is a career driven woman. He explained that he came to conduct the transaction for his daughter, Stacy Gooding, who was preoccupied with work. He said although she applied for a ‘Turn Key Home,’ the Ministry informed her that those were unavailable and instead offered her the land.

The Turn Key project is seeing increasing interest from persons, particularly those who fall within the low and middle income brackets. The first phase of the Turn Key project cost close to G$200 million and expects some 800 low income and 200 middle income families to benefit.

But despite the alteration, Gooding said he is very grateful that his young daughter can still get “a good head start in life by owning her own property.”

The East Bank

Demerara corridor is home to one of the country’s most developed communities and several developing housing schemes. The Diamond Scheme is considered one of the most, if not the most, developed community along the East Bank. It currently houses three major commercial banks, a fire station, a diagnostic centre, secondary, primary and nursery

schools, and a gas station with a food court.

Since the year began, the Ministry had taken the One Stop Shop initiative to Zeeburg, Lethem and Region One (Barima-Waina).

According to Tudor, the Ministry will be continuing the distribution of the house lots on the East Bank on Monday and will be taking the initiative to Essequibo

on Wednesday. With respect to the Remigrant Housing Scheme, also on the East Bank corridor, house lots are currently being sold with prices between Gy$4 million to Gy$7 million.

The Remigrant Housing Scheme is located north of the Mocha Main Road, about one mile east of the Providence Police Station compound, EBD.

Brassington broadsides KN for vile articles, fake ad

Chairman of the Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI), the entity responsible for the construction of the spanking new Marriott Hotel Guyana, Winston Brassington has lashed out at the Kaieteur News for what he says are its malicious, calculated and misleading articles designed to tarnish

his reputation and that of his family.

Brassington, speaking with the Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, said that the Kaieteur News has sunk to a new level by trying to tarnish his name by attacking his family, but more particularly his brother, Patrick

Brassington by trying to insinuate that he was being granted favours.

According to Brassington, while he has become somewhat accustomed to the attacks and malicious reports which have emanated from the news outlet, it is now becoming unacceptable that it is now targeting his fam-

ily members to peddle its own agenda.

He was at the time responding to the article which was published by the Kaieteur News in its Sunday edition, stating that the contract for the taxi service at the Marriott Hotel had been given to his brother. While on Monday, the newspaper sought to issue an apology in which no one was named, in its subsequent edition on Tuesday, attached with a message of “From the desk of the Publisher”, the newspaper carried a full-page satirical article with regard to taxi drivers, Winston Brassington and the Marriott Guyana Hotel.

“It is a fabrication! It is a blatant lie. My brother has absolutely nothing to do with the Marriott Guyana Hotel or its taxi service… My brother has been in this business for 15 years. I do not interfere in my

brother’s business. The report is totally unfounded,” Brassington said.

He noted that if the so-called news outlet was serious about its reporting, it should have made efforts to verify the information it had received. “They could have made efforts to verify this. They could have called him; they could have turned up at the hotel and ask, but they didn’t make any effort to verify the information…,” the Chairman related.

New angles of attack

Brassington said that it would seem that the Kaieteur News was searching out new angles to attack him as despite its negative and biased reports, the Marriott Guyana Hotel had still managed to become a reality, an accomplishment which he says has upset the newspaper tremendously.

“As a whole, the Kaieteur News has been

one of the major critics of the Marriott Hotel. It is always seeking to print information that is negative and in many cases, untruthful. As a fact, I would say that with the completion of the Marriott Hotel, the fact that we have succeeded despite the attacks on derailing the project –and the Kaieteur News has been mostly behind this – they are very upset that we’ve been able to deliver this project…,” he expressed.

Brassington said that he was of the strong belief that the attacks were “deliberate, malicious and calculated” specifically aimed at tarnishing his reputation, while expressing that it was a clear indication of the “gutter journalism” which the news entity practised. “This is gutter journalism. They have no respect for proper and fair journalism,” he passionately expressed.

Ramsaran apologises for harsh words to activist

…says he was provoked, interrupted

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran on Monday apologised for his remarks against rights activist Sherlina Nageer, but he explained that he was “rudely interrupted and provoked” by the woman.

Nageer and Dr Ramsaran had a very heated exchange outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court, Berbice during

the hearing of a case against former President Bharrat Jagdeo brought by accountant Christopher Ram. According to reports, Nageer was outside the Whim Magistrate’s Court where she spotted the Health Minister giving an interview to two reporters. It was while the Minister was speaking to the reporters that she approached him, in-

APNU/AFC ToroNTo diNNer

terrupting his interview.

The activist was clearly heard being provocative and loud, asking him why he was outside the Magistrate’s Court while the incidence of maternal mortality continues to rise.

She suggested that he was wasting her money and the monies of other taxpayers by travelling to Whim to support former President Jagdeo.

The Minister then responded, making some disparaging remarks even as she responded in similar manner.

However, the Minister, via a press release on Tuesday evening, apologised for his utterances. According to him, on Monday around 09:30h, he had joined a group of peaceful persons at Whim Magistrate’s Court to give solidar-

ity to former President Jagdeo.

He said that as he was about to depart, two journalists sought an interview on the matter at hand to which he readily agreed, but was soon “interrupted, rudely so by Nageer”.

Ramsaran said that despite his attempts on several occasions to move away and to prevent a confrontation, she

persisted in interrupting the interview. The Health Minister related that he now regretted his actions and as such, wished to apologise to the woman.

“It was unfortunate that I was provoked into anger and uttered harsh words at her for which I now regret. I, therefore, wish to apologise for uttering those words,” the Health Minister said.

“I never endorsed coalition” – Guyanese businessman

Business -

man Maurice Rajkumar has denied endorsing the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition at a fundraising dinner held in Toronto, Canada over the weekend.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rajkumar clarified that while he attended the dinner after being encouraged by relatives and friends, he played no part and at no time endorsed the parties for the May 11 polls.

In his statement, Rajkumar said he left

Guyana on Friday, April 17 and arrived in Canada on Saturday, April 18 to engage in personal matters.

“I was encouraged by some friends and relatives to join them at the Elite Banquet Hall on Sunday, April 19, to attend a meeting by APNU/AFC.

“I reluctantly complied and chose to sit in a very obscure corner of the hall in order to make my presence very low key and inconspicuous. I exchanged small talk with some people who were at the table, including an acquaintance who shared similar views with me on the political

scenario in Guyana.”

Rajkumar said: “I never endorsed the Opposition party neither did I indicate any inten-

Don’t be fooled by “honeymooning couple” – Rohee …predicts trouble in APNU/AFC camp

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Sunday warned its supporters about what it has described as the alleged hypocritical nature of members within the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Speaking at his Party’s rally in Albion, General Secretary Clement Rohee warned the thousands of attendees to beware of the “disguised danger existing within Opposition Leader David Granger and its running mate, Moses Nagamootoo”. Motivated by thunderous cheers and applause from the audience, the General Secretary described the coalition as a marriage with loaded problems, waiting to explode once the right trigger was pulled. Rohee then burst into song as he attempted to connect the famous Guyanese melody “The Honeymooning Couple” to the coali-

tion. As he recited the first verse in which the honeymooning couple were fighting to “get on top”, Rohee warned that the same fight will eventually break out between Granger and Nagamootoo. “That’s where the trouble deh, who gon get pun top…,” Rohee declared.

He told the crowd that Nagamootoo would not be satisfied with just a prime ministerial post, and he will do whatever it takes to become President of Guyana. “He didn’t succeed in the PPP/C for the President…but now he gone with the PNC, he gone with the APNU and he still harbouring illusions to be the President…,” Rohee stated, noting that Granger and Nagamootoo will be at constant war over power distribution within the party.

“If, at any time, Granger is to become the President of this country, he better don’t leave Guyana, because anytime Granger leave Guyana, it mean

Nagamootoo will take over and then we will see more trouble in the camp,” Rohee predicted.

Supporting Rohee was Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who told the thousands of Berbice supporters the PNCled alliance cannot be trusted, as the sole purpose of the coalition was to merely get the PNC back into power.

He went on to convince the crowd that Granger has plans to knock Nagamootoo out of the spotlight at the very first chance he gets.

“As a matter of fact, they have not even come to election as yet, two weeks ago they were putting up green and yellow flags, guess what they putting up now? They drop the yellow, the yellow done get drop and the flag marked APNU. They ain’t even contest election yet and the AFC done get knock out,” Singh declared.

He noted that the party, which dubbed itself as a coalition of unity, has already made up its mind to ditch the AFC.

tion of moving to Canada if the PPP wins. It is an established fact that I have invested on projects in Guyana to cater for my imminent retirement and resisted migration opportunities as I dearly love my beloved country.”

He said he never intimated to anyone that he would like to see former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and Finance Minister Ashni Singh arrested, charged and prosecuted.

“I hereby declare, as I always have, that I have the highest respect and regards for these gentlemen and further admit that Anil Nandlall and Robert Persaud have always been and still are my personal friends.

I have repeatedly complimented Frank Anthony, Priya Manickchand and others whose morality and integrity are beyond reproach,” the businessman stated.

Rajkumar said that someone has decided to maliciously tarnish “me unjustly as I enjoy some level of popularity in Guyana due to my varied levels of business and sporting activities”. He added that during the “fundraising” event, “I was identified as a person who should make a contribution to the fund. I was caught off-guard and in order to avoid any embarrassment, I promised to give a donation on my return to Guyana.” Rajkumar said on Tuesday he was shocked and horrified to see a “Breaking News” piece by Nicolas5 on the caribnewsdesk. com blog attributing unfounded comments and assertions to my name as regards the integrity of Government Ministers and the upcoming May 11 elections.

Samad left out after scoffing at coalition possibility

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Adviser to People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Daizal Samad claims he is still an active part of the coalition despite being left out of the coalition’s list of candidates for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Samad, who has been an active part of the Alliance For Change (AFC) early campaign, dwindled into the background as the party was preparing for the Valentine’s Day marriage with APNU.

Samad had been one of the main speakers at several political meetings in Berbice.

However, in more recent times, Samad became less vocal and less visible in party activities.

More noticeable was his omission from the coalition’s List of Candidates for the upcoming elections.

In an invited comment, Samad said that his omission was not an

indication that he was no longer a part of the AFC. Before the coalition was consummated, Samad had claimed that the AFC would never go that route and that the talks were merely a subterfuge. Observers say that because of this statement Samad was being punished by the APNU/ AFC leaders.

“Not being on the list was because of my neglect, but I am still a very active part of the Alliance,” he said.

According to Samad, the fact that he has not been appearing in the AFC’s television programmes in Berbice is no indication that he is no longer in the party’s mainstream.

“Not everybody goes on television and makes

noise… We have plans which are being generated.”

He said many of those who have been appearing on television have egos to satisfy. “What we need to do is to work towards a corrosion of egos.”

Prominent on the television in Berbice have been Veerasammy Ramayya and Charandass Persaud.

According to the Professor, when the coalition wins the upcoming elections there will be much work for him. He added that the current administration is guilty of crucifying much of the talent we have in Guyana.

“The new Government will be sure to employ every bit of talent we have in Guyana and we will be cultivating new talent in so doing.”

According to the former head of the University of Guyana Tain Berbice Campus (UGBC), he is currently working with senior officials in the coalition implementing strategies and programmes which will take Guyana forward after the May 11 Elections.

Essequibo teen needs lifechanging surgery

…family pleads for help

The Ramnarine’s family from Huist’ Dieren Village on the Essequibo Coast is seeking financial assistance from the general public to assist in sending 13-year-old Keshava Singh to India in an effort to conduct a surgical procedure which involves the transfusion of bone marrow.

According to the grandfather of the child, Budhnarine Ramnarine, Keshava was diagnosed with an uncommon genetic blood disorder known as “Beta Thalassemia.” The disorder is said to reduce the production of haemoglobin – the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that supplies the rest of the body’s cells with oxygen.

The grandfather explained that the disorder can lead to anaemia or other serious complications with an increased risk of developing abnormal blood clots. Treatment for the disorder includes chronic transfusion therapy whereby the patient regularly receives healthy blood from a donour. In Keshava’s case, the teenager routinely receives his transfusion of B-positive blood every four to six

weeks at the Suddie Public Hospital. To date, he has received over 150 units of blood. The disorder has left the teenager without a spleen which was removed, and an enlarged heart.

The grandfather, who approached this newspaper, said that when his grandson does not receive blood he would often feel tired, weak and dizzy. Additionally, he suffers from extreme pains about his body.

While Keshava is a well adjusted teenager, soon to be 14 years old, he still has the appearance of someone younger. “The disorder has significantly reduced his growth.”

Keshava is a Form 2B student at the Aurora Secondary School, and unlike other teenagers, he cannot enjoy a game of sports. Thus far, a charitable organisation has arranged with a hospital in India to perform a surgical procedure which involves a bone marrow transfusion. Keshava’s brother will be the donor, since both of them share the same blood group –B-positive.

The cost of the operation and to stay in the hospital is approximately

US$32,000. According to the grandfather, this does not include airfares and other testing fees after the operation. The teenager will have to spend at least three months in India, according to the grandfather, and it is almost impossible for the family to raise the sum required for the operation.

The family is therefore appealing to the public for financial help. Those desirous of helping can make their donations at Republic Bank into Account Number 174442-4 and GBTI Account: 005375733018.

The teenager was described as a very determined and brave child. The money for the operation has to be paid to the hospital in India by the end of May. Keshava, his mother and brother are booked to leave in June 2015.

PNC-led APNU/AFC women’s rally echoes promises of coalition

Several women leaders in the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National UnityAlliance For Change (APNU/AFC) addressed a crowd of a few hundred on Saturday at the Merriman’s Mall, Georgetown, where they echoed promises that the men in the coalition have been making on the elections campaign trail.

But among the range of promises, there were hardly any specifics and the speakers did not address firm plans as to how the many promises would be delivered.

There were general promises of better childcare facilities and more jobs for those who are unemployed.

Even though these issues had been ventilated and addressed through legislative enactments, task forces, sensitisation of Police and society, among other things, these efforts were ignored by every speaker on the platform.

Failure to meet quota

The APNU/AFC co-

alition initially failed to meet the legal requirement for the number of women on its list of candidates for next month’s general and regional elections. The coalition had submitted a list of 75 candidates, of which only 14 were women on Nomination Day, April 7. The coalition eventu-

ally had to submit the names of an additional 11 women, to meet the requirement of the Representation of the People Act that onethird of the candidates must be of that gender.

One of the main speakers was Lindener Vanessa Kissoon, who has been at odds with the APNU/AFC leader-

ship.

She had said that she was not picked to be on the coalition’s List of Candidates, because she refused to apologise to party General Secretary Oscar Clarke.

Clarke had locked Kissoon out of the party’s Linden office. In effect, she was telling PNC Leader Granger

that he was lying since he had stated that she was left off, because she had already served two terms in Parliament. She had also been part of the Linden contingent to the PNC Congress who claimed Granger had rigged the leadership elections.

Kissoon swore her undying support for the coalition as she joined the female representatives of the alliance at the rally.

On the issue of policies, Kissoon hailed the Opposition Leader as a man with a plan for the economic development of single mothers in society.

She claimed that through the coalition, Guyana will witness the rapid establishment of day-care and night-care facilities, access to micro financing and skills training. But she did not say where the financing for all these massive programmes would come from.

Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) President

Simona Broomes spoke about issues affecting women, directing her focus on rape, sexual violence and human trafficking.

She said that the APNU/AFC coalition has a plan to improve the system so that there can be a reduction in the number of cases where these atrocities occur.

She condemned any man who ever placed a desperate woman in a compromising position where she was forced to succumb to his wicked needs simply to get money to feed herself, or even her child.

“We will not allow the menfolk to rape, to take advantage of our daughters…to impregnate our children…so I am going to put the men on notice,” she said.

Sandra Granger, wife of APNU/AFC Leader David Granger, claimed that Guyana was in a serious crisis, noting that on her many visits across the country with her husband, she has been able to see the plight faced by women.

When artists meet a point in their artistic life where they require little or no introduction, it signals that they have reached a level of artistic maturity. Bernadette Indira Persaud, A.A., is one of such artists.

Winning the National Award for painting in 1985 and being the first woman to do so, Persaud refused to entertain a dull moment in her artistic career, which saw her mounting six solo exhibitions and participating in more than 20 group exhibitions. Through the decades she has won many awards and recently has been bestowed the Caribbean Hall of Fame Award in Jamaica for excellence in the visual arts.

Although Persaud’s

paintings have evolved over the years, their daring allegorical content continues to forge and provoke dialogue.

Her “Gentleman in the Garden” series of paintings in the 1980s have perpetuated the notion of militancy, subtly commenting on the pervasive militarism under the regime of the day. This local political commentary was extended in the painting, “Gentleman Under the Sky” when militarism on the world’s stage captured her attention.

Recently, her allegorical content has evolved into a more complex configuration of spiritual, social and political undertones in her “Forest” series, which may seem very unorthodox to many.

Her tenaciously stippling brush strokes have grown shorter in her recent series of paintings as compared to the longer brush strokes in the “Bird Island”, “Gentleman in the Garden” and “Lotus” series. Every inch of Persaud’s canvases is detailed with brush strokes that could engage years of study.

In her statement, Persaud noted that she began painting seriously in the early 1980s after being forced out of her teaching career. She added that painting became an instrument that, not merely seduced but pricked and prodded the individual/collective conscience.

“The scope of my work later broadened into an investigation of not only political oppression, but cultural identity and the ephemerality of life. In retrospect it was a quest – integral to post-colonial societies – tied up with that complex of needs for creativity, originality and an authentic self,” Persaud explained.

In 2014, the artist displayed a selection of applauded works (19842014) at Castellani, which “subsume philosophical, political, aesthetic and ecological concerns from the perspective of an artist located in a particular historical, geographical and cultural space”.

“Those works challenge, critique and subvert existing notions about our art, and, more specifically, perceptions about the nature of our socio-political reality – a reality more poignantly voiced by Martin Carter: "New and old is the face of the world’s great grief, and current notions about ‘climate change" – as seen through the lens of Hindu mythopoeics and metaphysics,” Persaud disclosed. (Information by Ohene Koama)

When people explore Guyana’s rainforest, there is much interest in the birds and other rainforest animals, but the world of plants is equally captivating.

A non-timber forest product, the Kufa is proof of Guyana’s rich flora resources.

The Kufa (Clusia grandifora) is a hemiepiphyte (a plant that spends part of its life cycle attached to a tree without harming the host tree, but later becomes rooted in the soil).

When young, they are flexible. Upon matu-

rity they are woody, with the plant’s body high up in the tree’s crown and many long roots reaching the ground. However, it does not derive nutrients from the tree so it is not parasitic. It has large leaves and very attractive flowers.

The aerial roots of Kufa, often in conjunction with another hemiepiphyte, Nibbi (Heteropsis spp), and/or the palm product Tibisiri (Mauritia flexuosa), are used commercially for wicker furniture manufacture in Guyana.

Mature aerial roots are pliable with very

strong fibres, and can be harvested without killing the plant. The thick woody roots of Kufa are used for framing chairs, benches and tables.

According to the Guyana Forestry Commission, in its Code of Practice for Harvesting Kufa and Nibbi (2010), the Arawak and Carib indigenous communities in Guyana have harvested Kufa and Nibbi roots for commercial purposes since the 1930s. For those indigenous communities involved in this trade, harvesting often provides their primary source of income.

The Commission added that over the years, the kufa and nibbi industries have undergone many changes: transformed from a family pastime to national industries, and creating jobs for many in the sector.

In order to maintain a constant supply of these two products, despite the rising demand for them, the Commission ensures these resources are managed in a sustainable manner.

It is common to see Kufa on the tourist trails of Iwokrama, and guides there will be sure to point it out.

At Iwokrama, you can retrace the footsteps of the Makushi people,

wander the extensive trail system and discover the unforgettable flora, fauna and Amerindian history, so special to this tropical paradise.

The Iwokrama forest is an extraordinary destination for naturalists, birders and anyone seeking an authentic retreat to the jungle.

For more of the tours that Iwokrama offers, call the Iwokrama office on (592) 225-1504 to speak with Chauncy or Diana or email tourism@iwokrama.org. Visit http://iwokramariverlodge.com or check out Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development on Facebook. (Photos by Dr Raquel Thomas) (Cover photos- Beautiful tables made with Kufa right here in Guyana and Harvesting Kufa sustainably in the Guyana rainforest (Photos by David Carlson)

Walter Roth Museum exhibits ancient artefacts

Recent donation sparks questions and offers glimpses of our early inhabitants

At the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology there are numerous captivating artefacts that tell of our rich indigenous past. Two such artefacts are a 2,000-yearold Akawaio vessel and an ‘adorno’.

The Akawaio pot was donated to the Walter Roth Museum in mid September 2014 by miner, Bernie Leung. Estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, Leung found the artefact in the 1970s at Marshall Falls in the Mazaruni area.

“The pot is about 2,000 years old due to its relation to what already exists. There is no absolute date for it, and although there is a method which can be used for absolute dating, it was not excavated, so a relative date was done.

The circular clay pot, with indigenous designs and an earthy scent, was found in the course of mining under 30 feet of sand at the bottom of the Mazaruni River. Flecks of gold can be seen at the bottom of the pot.

Annette ArjoonMartins, who presented the pot on behalf of Leung, explained that it was taken to Canada with Leung when he migrated in 1980, but he felt it belonged to Guyana and decided to donate it to the Walter Roth Museum.

“[The pot] is only said to be Akawaio because of the river where it was found, be-

“It could have been washed down the river... we don’t know exactly where it came from… hence it cannot be considered in an archaeological context where an excavation took place by levels. Someone found it while dredging, so it had to be related to what was happening on the Mazaruni River and at that time we know that Akawaio people occupied the area,” explained Jennifer Wishart, cultural advisor at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine

cause we know that the Akawaio occupied it.

Although this is found in the Mazaruni River, the incised and punctuated tradition [design] found on the pot is more of an Arawak tradition, yet the pot was found in an Akawaio territory,” explained Wishart.

With regard to indigenous ceramic designs, there are two types: the incised and punctuated tradition (lines and dents) and the polychrome tradition (painted ceramics). The incised and punctuated tradition was mainly used by the Akawabi (an Arawak-like) people while the polychrome was known to be used by the Cariban people.

According to Wishart, the pot may not necessarily be Akawaio, “it could have been traded or brought to that location”.

“The Akawaio moved a lot; they were known as the great long distance traders. They moved around the country from one place to the next and so the pot could have been traded, they did not necessarily make it,” Wishart suggested.

Wishart pointed out too that the Akawaio made the best graters, so it could be assumed that the pot might have been bartered for a grater.

The vessel represents the Akawabi incised and punctuate tradition, described by the late Dr Betty Meggers and Dr Clifford Evans in their publication, Archaeological Investigations in British Guiana published in 1960.

Furthermore, Quartz Island in the Mazaruni River was one of the late Dr Denis Williams’ first archaeological excavations. Pottery recovered from this site dates to 80 BC or just over 2,000 years. It has been es-

tablished that this river, as well as some of its tributaries, was occupied by the Akawaio nation.

The ‘adorno’

Holding significant data on the ancient indigenous culture in Guyana, the ‘adorno’, which was found with the Akawaio vessel, is an archaeological term that means “added on”.

The adorno, with “wavy hair” or “wavy locks” on the back, had been described by Williams as a “funerary” object. This ‘wavy

hair/wavy locks’ feature can be seen on other funerary objects, including the anthropomorphic rattle in the Quelch collection of Carib remains from Plantation Mon Repos.

“The symbol found on the adorno was utilised over 7,000 years ago as a directional symbol used in burial practices in Barabina, where we were able to excavate human skeletal remains with the orientation of the dead towards the western sky,” Wishart noted.

So why then was this

artefact, holding a mortuary symbol that was used more than 7,000 years ago, found with a 2,000-year-old Akawaio vessel? According to Wishart, it is one of those things that we do because it was usually done and we forgot how it began.

“In Barabina, the Warrau were not pottery makers, so there were not making these things. The symbol represents direction here [on the adorno]. Later people were making ceramics and put locks on the back of the adorno as directional guidelines [to tell the front from the back],” she disclosed.

In Prehistoric Guiana , Williams wrote, “In direct association with the motive [a symbolic gesture] comprising wavy locks on the auciput or back of neck as a directional device in mortuary rituals, that is, to point the face of the deceased to the Land of the Death in the Western Sky.”

The public, especially students, is invited to explore the Walter Roth Museum and learn about our rich heritage. For more information call 225-8486.

Spirits, emanating from the human corpse and ultimately finding a resting place in the tree, field, forest or bush, are known collectively as forest spirits or bush spirits.

According to Walter Roth in, “An Inquiry into the Animism and Folk-Lore of the Guiana Indians”, certain bush spirits may arise from the dead bodies of animals and birds, and may even develop spontaneously.

In Guyana, they are called differently among the various tribes: Yawahu (Arawak), Hebo or Hebu (Warrau), Yurokon (Carib), and Immawari (Akawai).

Each tribe seems to exhibit variations in the ideas held as to the form, shape, and peculiarities assumed by its respective Bush Spirits.

For the Arawak’s Yawahus there are the Tukuyuhas, the Konoko variety of which are spoken of by the Akawai as Arai-dai or Dai-Dai, and by others as "bush devils" or “bush dai-dai”.

They are described as hairy people, having so much hair that one cannot see their faces. They live underground in the forest as men or women.

With no bows and arrows, these spirits are accustomed to fighting only with their limbs, so that when an Indian has been attacked and returns home, where he is sure to die shortly after, no marks would be found on his body.

Sometimes the Konoko-(Tu) kuyuha will not even allow the victim to return alive, but will eat him, causing him to disappear totally; friends and relatives never see any further signs of him. The attack may be made at any time, day or night.

Now, because these beings have no bows, or

rather what bows they have are broken, the old-time Arawak people used to call them Shimarabu-akaradáni (lit., bows-broken), and when returning home from a hunting or trading expedition, would sing out that name before reaching their houses, with the view of preventing these undesirable spirits making an entry.

The Mansinskiri (Arawak), or Maihisikiri (Warrau) is a particular yawahu wandering about the bush and in and among the trees of which the native women, subsequent to certain regular occasions,

They are very shrewd; can bring the dead to life, and render themselves invisible; may occasionally do kindnesses to people, but generally prefer mischief, though this may be due to the Indians' own fault.

They cause all the mishaps and accidents of daily life—damage crops, raise disputes, bring death and sickness, produce transformations; they are excellent hunters

have to be especially careful.

Such spirits can assume the identical material appearance of their real husbands or lovers, but should the women yield to their solicitations, they will surely die in a few days.

On the other hand, provided the woman is shrewd enough, she can invariably tell whether she is dealing with the real man or not—she has only to look at the left foot; in the case of a spirit wooer, this is always minus the big toe.

Bush spirits may be zoomorphic—able to change into animals, as tigers (jaguars) or goatsuckers. They can be recognized by sound or by smell.

Speaking generally, the spirits of the forest can be recognized, even when invisible, by means of the whistling sound that they make.

"The first night after leaving Peaimah [Mazaruni River] we heard a long, loud, and most melancholy whistle, proceeding from the direction of the depths of the forest, at which some of the men exclaimed, in an awed tone of voice, 'The Didi'

[Dai-dai]. Two or three times the whistle was repeated, sounding like that made by a human being, beginning in a high key, and dying slowly and gradually away in a low one" (Bro, 87).

The Pomeroon Arawaks have the idea that bush spirits may also be recognized through the sense of smell. Certain plants, to toadstools of a bad odour, and to everything that is capable of imparting dread to them is considered of this evil spirit.

With very rare exceptions, as the Mansinskiri, bush spirits are said to shrink from exposure to sunlight or firelight, from hearing their names called, or particulars of their origin talked about.

This idea explains why an indigenous Indian would almost invariably refuse to tell these spirit-legends in the daytime, when he might be heard by the particular spirit spoken about and subsequently be mysteriously punished.

the world of books

By Anu Dev

“There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favourite book” – Marcel Proust

This past Thursday, we observed World Book Day – a day to show one’s appreciation for books. I can’t think of a better way to show appreciation for books than by reading one.

And therein lies a problem nowadays – with so much to study and so little time, it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to prop open a book that wasn’t a textbook.

But whenever I think of “books”, a warm feeling of nostalgia sweeps over me. My earliest memories have to do with my father reading to me…and later to my brother and me. He would re-enact the stories with the various “voices” so that the characters almost literally came alive!

It was a great motivator for me to read so that I too, could enter into so many other worlds. The physical books were in themselves objects of awe, only partly occasioned by my father’s caution that one should not “mistreat” books.

I once asked him about this outlook and he reminded me that we come from a tradition in which books are literally “worshipped”. In all the Hindu religious ceremonies the texts are ceremoniously paid reverence.

I also love the smell of books – especially the smell of new books. The smell is a harbinger of what is to come: a whole new world unfolding in one’s mind as the words are filtered through the eyes.

But to return from whence I began, even though medical school is supposed to be one long slog through dozens of thick, esoteric tomes, I have yet to touch a traditional “book” – even though I am about to finish second year.

All my “books” have been downloaded onto an iPad that I can take with me wherever I go. So I still read books, but I am yet to turn a page or breathe in that musty smell deeply. And so I guess I am only participating in an inevitable evolution of what a “book” actually is.

For thousands of years before writing, information was transmitted orally – and had to be memorised through intense effort. I grew up hearing about how the Vedas- which would amount to a good size library –were memorised and passed on for thousands of years by specific families.

After the invention of writing, we’ve passed through papyrus, palm leaves and parchments. These would have been written and copied individually – and so they were certainly not very common.

It was only after the German Johannes Gutenberg invented the moving press that books gradually became common. Now five centuries later, my “books” are buried in the electrons of my hard drive in my IPad.

I must confess that it is a completely different experience from reading a book made from paper. And it’s not only the physical object. Somehow the information seems to be more transitory.

What I have found myself doing as part of my study regimen is to make laboriously detailed notes – with diagrams and drawings – of what I’ve read on the iPad. In a sense, I have gone back to the manuscript stage of books – even as I use the quintessential 21st century artifact – the computer.

But I tell you what: I still look forward to a “real” book and one of the things that I’m looking forward to, is to loll around in bed (preferably with the rain pattering on my roof in Guyana) with a good novel.

The novel has helped to develop our modern sensibilities – and Book Day began as a celebration of the first western novelist Cervantes, creator of Don Quixote in the 17th century.

I enjoy the fact that several female writers did more than their bit in the 19th century – especially the Bronte sisters and Jane Austin. Marcel Proust who’s quoted above, wrote what is probably the longest novel ever, translated from French into English as “Remembrance of things past”.

Some 3000 pages, taking a quarter of a century to write at the beginning of the 20th century. Maybe I’ll get the entire edition and plough through it.

Giving back in memory of my mother

Roxanne Baldeo remembers the lessons of charity her beloved mother taught her, and honours her the only way she knows how

Earlier this week the charitable organisation Guyana Foundation distributed backpacks and vital school supplies to children in the Blairmont/Ithaca area, on the West Bank of Berbice, in honour of Shanti Prashad. The project was funded by her daughter, Roxanne.

Shanti Prashad was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, mentor, teacher -- and a role that she valued most of all; a grandmother. She fought cancer bravely, but sadly, passed away late last year. Now she is remembered for her selflessness and determination.

Born in 1956 in Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Shanti was the third of nine children. She spent much of her life helping her parents with her younger siblings, enabling her to be the generous, kind, hardworking, and nurturing woman she has been remembered as.

She lived the first few years of her life in Matthew’s Ridge, however, because of the lack of schools and other resources in the region, she and her two older siblings were sent to Better Hope, East Coast of Demerara to live with their paternal grandparents.

Shanti had a passion for life, a contagious sense of humour; and drive, which are some of the many things people admired about her. Coming from a poor family, she always wanted to better herself. Inspired by her aunts, who were teachers, she decided to attend Cyril Potter College of Education after graduating from Cummings Lodge Secondary School. She

started her career teaching Lusignan Primary School then moved to Vryheid’s Lust Primary School. She remained at Vryheid’s Lust until she and her family migrated to the United States in 1990.

In the U.S., she decided to continue on the same career path and enrolled into York College for her bachelor’s degree in education. She both worked and attended college fulltime to complete this degree. She then went on to complete two master degree programmes from Queens College and Adelphi University, respectively. At the age of 53, Shanti decided to go back to school to become certified so that she would be able to become an assistant principal. It was during the latter part of this venture that she became ill.

In mid-2010, Shanti was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. Even though the prognosis was bleak, she made a decision to stay positive, hold steadfast to her faith in God and fight this disease. Sadly, after fighting for more than four years, she passed away December 2014.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Roxanne Baldeo, Shanti’s only daughter, talked about the attributes that made her a mother such a notable woman.

“My mom was a hard working woman, a woman of integrity, a jovial person, kind hearted, and a woman of God who read her bible and prayed daily. There was so much that my mom has taught me through her words and actions. She has showed me that

with hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams.

"I’ve seen her work fulltime and go to school to better provide for her family. There were times when she was the sole breadwinner and worked extra hours to make ends meet. She has encouraged me to always believe in myself, to have a voice, and not allow anyone take advantage of me. She’s taught me to maintain a positive attitude, despite the situation. Throughout her illness, I saw her optimism.

I also saw how she was determined to maintain her role as a matriarch and protector of her family, even though she felt weak and helpless at times. She has inspired me to maintain a sense of gratitude, and to always help or give back whenever I can. My mom and I were close, and we had many heart-to-heart conversations.

She offered a few pieces of advice: to always be kind; offer an encouraging word because you don’t know what struggles people have; pray whenever I feel alone, frustrated, or sad and know that God is listen-

ing; and to never hold malice or bear a grudge, because life is too short,” Roxanne recalled.

According to the Guyana Foundation on its Facebook page, because of her life’s work in this area, and her belief that education could change the course of someone’s life and have a profound, positive impact on future generations, Shanti’s family asked the foundation to conduct a project locally that will assist young students with their educational endeavours.

The Foundation’s contact in the Blairmont/ Ithaca area, Mr Kishun, advised that some students had some difficulty keeping up with their classmates. This he said was partly because of a lack of resources to participate fully in classroom activities.

Consequently, the Foundation decided to put together a back-toschool package to distribute among 50 children - 25 from Blairmont Primary and 25 from Ithaca Primary - who were identified by the head teachers of the respective schools. Each child received a backpack with a package inside containing necessary school supplies, including a drawing book, exercise books, pencils, eraser, glue stick, ruler and pencil sharpeners.

The students were very excited and grateful for the items they received, while the teachers were optimistic that with the handover of these items there will be improvement in the students' grades.

For more information on the activities held in honour of Shanti Prashad, go to Guyana Foundation on Facebook.

Part II: the catholic church after the departure of Bishop John Hynes

When Bishop John Hynes handed over the administration of the Catholic Church in March 1857 to the Jesuits under the care of Fr James Etheridge, SJ, he left the colony on Oct 25.

The immediate administration was left to Etheridge and two Italians: Aloysius Emiliani from the Roman Province, and Fr Clement Negri from Naples, who arrived in March 1857, eight months ahead of the other Jesuits: James Jones, Frederick de Betham, Henry Segrave and Peter Sherlock from the English Province; another Italian, Joseph Pavarelli and a Maltese, Benedict Schembri.

The task facing Etheridge included spreading the Catholic faith to a population made up of indigenous Indian tribes, recently emancipated African slaves, the European colonialists who had enslaved them, and increasing numbers of indentured labourers arriving from different countries.

This unusual situation led to the appointment of Etheridge as bishop one year later.

Jesuit rule usually forbade such an appointment except in urgent cases; the Holy See believed this was such an occasion.

Etheridge had arrived to a colony that had so far seen the establishment of five churches: the Church of the Resurrection or Procathedral in Georgetown, and churches at New Amsterdam, Malgretout,

Abram Zuil (Essequibo) and Santa Rosa (Moruca River).

There was also the Ursuline Convent with its chapel, St. Rose's secondary school for girls and St. Anne's Orphanage with its accompanying school, St. Angela's.

When the remaining Jesuit priests arrived in November, Father Segrave was promptly

sent to take over the mission in Barbados where there had not been a priest for the previous three or four years.

Fr. Negri was sent to New Amsterdam, Fr. De Bethem to Abraham Zuil and Fr. Favarelli to Malgretout. Fr. Etheridge kept Frs. Jones, Sherlock, Schembri and Emiliani in Georgetown to assist him.

Emiliani took charge of the convent and its schools, as well as the out-stations on the East Coast Demerara as far as Mahaica.

Early in 1858, Fr. Sherlock became ill and had to return to England. Fr. Woollet, S.J replaced him towards the end of the year.

Working among the Portuguese immigrants, Frs. Emilliani and Schembri, who learnt to speak their language, oversaw an increase in church attendance. A plot of land was then purchased in Main Street through the help of wealthy Portuguese businessman Manuel Fernandez, and a new church dedicated to the Sacred Heart was built.

The Christmas midnight mass of 1861, celebrated by Fr Benedict Schembri, marked the official opening of the new church, though its solemn blessing had to wait until June 2, 1862 when Bishop Etheridge returned from his five months convalescence.

Etheridge had been stricken with fever and had returned to England in Nov 1861.

Fr Schembri’s work however, aroused antagonisms and even hostility not only from anti-Catholic sections of Guyanese society but also from ele-

entirely of greenheart and crabwood, the decorated Gothic structure would dominate the Georgetown skyline when it opened six years later on Aug 30, 1874.

Establishing the Church beyond the city In 1877 the Church of St John the Baptist, in Plaisance, was opened by Fr Casati who would later establish the boys' orphanage there.

Prof M N Menezes writes in her article ‘The Madeiran Portuguese and the Establishment of the Catholic Church in British Guiana: 18351898’, that as the railway extended from Plaisance to Mahaica between the 1840s and 1860s, temporary "church stations" mushroomed along the coast.

ments within the church.

On June 23, 1865, he left Guiana to work in Brazil.

His place at Sacred Heart was taken by Joseph Baldini, who had joined the Guiana mission in 1860.

On May 1, 1866, a Catholic Grammar school for boys was opened in the Brickdam presbytery. The school would be moved first to Main Street in Nov 1866 then to Waterloo Street in Jan 1868. In 1871, it returned to the Brickdam presbytery.

At around 1897, it was moved to the present site of St Mary’s school in Brickdam then to its present site in 1907 where, on Nov 13, 1907, it was given the name St Stanislaus College.

On April 21, 1868, the foundation stone was laid for a cathedral on Brickdam. Built

Fr Schembri, who had returned to British Guiana in Oct 1874, and after a period working at the newly built Brickdam Cathedral, moved to Meadowbank where there was also a large Portuguese community.

Here he built another church that was opened by the bishop on Dec 12, 1876. The Our Lady of the Mount, patroness of Madeira, was the chosen patroness. The Nossa Senhora do Monta church at Meadowbank, its religious statues and artefacts were destroyed in a May 1939 fire.

In the early 1830s, according to the history of the Jesuits in Guyana, the Arawaks of Moruca had made an appeal for a priest; Bishop Hynes welcomed this invitation and arranged to visit Moruca.

(To be continued)

Undercover…

…weevil

Your Eyewitness is told that power’s like sex… the more you get, the more you want. And we know there ain’t no end to what some folks would do to get either. And sometimes one for the other. Anyhow, as the elections unfold, it’s becoming ever clearer that all is not what it seems especially as to “who’s with who”. Take the PPPC.

Almost a decade ago (Imagine that!! How time flies when you’re having a good time!) Khemraj Ramjattan quit the party when he was outed as “carrying news” to the US Embassy.

His resentment at Bharrat Jagdeo shooting past him in the party hierarchy to the very top had eaten away at his guts. He formed the AFC – swearing on all sort of holy books that he and his chum from the PNC would never join the PNC or PPP/C. But he’s now gone past being in bed with the PNC over the last three years – he’s now joined at the hip. Quille surprise!!

That circumstance, of course, came to pass courtesy of his old buddy Moses Nagamootoo. He quit the PPPC when he didn’t get to be the top dog after Bharrat Jagdeo demitted office. Claimed he’d heard “voices” – that Cheddi’d promised him the job. But Cheddi never smoked weed or anything! Anyhow, some people thought the PPP/C had now been purged of weevils from within.

But there are now some serious doubts. Folks are wondering what the heck’s going on with this new internet news outfit – I-news. Word is that it’s that somebody “inside” is either running the show or leaking some serious info to it. Now that wouldn’t be so strange excepting that more often than not, the leaked news is always twisted to push the Opposition’s agenda.

Problem is, all that twisting seems to have gotten all the sneaks who actually do the dirty grunge work have gotten all twisted about standards. Half the time their “stories” are just that: stories. Like in tales or fables. They’ve become the butt of some serious snickering when they show up with real news folks.

The thing about it is that all real news folks know that everybody comes from somewhere. Everybody’s got a point of view or pushes someone’s point of view. What bothers real news folks is that the I-news crew plays both sides against the middle. And they see that kind of behaviour as real lowdown.

But in the news business there is one rule that everyone accepts as the gospel truth: time is longer than twine. And all will come out in the wash eventually.

…civil society groups

Isn’t it remarkable how these “civil society” groups are sprouting up all over the place overnight?? Like mushrooms. And what’s even more remarkable is that none of them have a single member that’s even remotely close to the PPP/C. Take this last one that demands “elected (officials) be directly accountable to the people”. So we’ll all gather at the Square and pull lots? Anyhow, it’s just the process of how these groups are mushrooming that’s piqued his interest.

The Guyana Human Rights Association seems to be the moving force. Guess the GHRA’s still focusing on political “rights” as usual. Wonder if that poor fellow who was violated over in Vreed en Hoop has any rights worthy of protection. But what the heck…the GHRA knows best.

Before this there was the Blue Caps, the Guyana Youth Council, the Women’s Roundtable, and so many others that one just can’t keep track of them. Save to note that mushrooms do tend to grow on dung.

…shrew

Your Eyewitness was pleased to see that Vanessa Kissoon was so much in praise of David Granger at the PNC’s women’s meeting. Is her transformation a case what the Bard wrote about in “Taming of the Shrew”??

Why can’t we be happy

for Guyana?

The Marriott Hotel opened its doors for business last Thursday. This stunning new development is one that few people envisaged could ever happen in and to Guyana. It was an occasion that brought pride to every true Guyanese.

Many Guyanese were excited that Guyana had added another bright dot into our beautiful landscape. Many never believed that an international brand name company would ever choose Guyana. The opening of the Marriott truly was another transformative event for our nation and our people.

The fact that Marriott Hotels agreed to host the spanking new hotel in Guyana is in itself a noteworthy achievement. Marriott Hotels will never agree to host a hotel unless the business arrangements meet international standards.

Marriott Hotel Corporation owns and or operates more than 4100 hotels around the world. It is a special brand and respected globally. Guyana is fortunate that we can now boast of being a Marriott destination. Guyana now no longer carries the distinction of being the only major Caricom country without a five-star hotel.

Marriott Hotels will never agree to give its distinguished and special branding to a structure that does not meet Marriott’s high global requirements. Many of us in Guyana have marveled at the superb quality of this impressive structure.

There must be things and times when we can put Guyana first, above our quarrels and disagreements. The Marriott Hotel is one of them. It should have been an occasion when we stopped the war to ensure that Guyana shines brightly to the rest of the world.

Putting Guyana first is not negotiable. Politicians who cannot recognize when to defer and put aside the political war, at least for a moment, to allow Guyana to shine as brightly as it can do not deserve to lead Guyana.

Instead of looking for the merits of the Marriott, the Opposition and sections of the media seized another successful achievement to carry out its vicious anti-

Government agenda.

One of them who happens to own the Pegasus Hotel, and is morbidly afraid of the competition, attacks Marriott for choosing to participate in this transformational project for Guyana. Having failed in earlier attempts to stop the project, he tries to convince the Guyanese public that American authorities will soon sanction the project for corruption.

In so doing, he deliberately lied to the Guyanese public and insulted both our country and Marriott Hotels, a company that has earned respect and admiration globally.

The ambassadors from several countries in Guyana have praised the Marriott project, including the US. The Opposition ought to recognize that they stand alone, rejected by the nation and isolated by the international community.

Also, the competition between the Stabroek News and the Kaieteur News for the champion anti-Government media house in Guyana is utterly ob-

scene. But the Opposition has given the best reason why people should reject the APNU+AFC in the upcoming elections. They have promised to close the Marriott, another assault on the private sector and another vicious attack on foreign investors.

In Government, this Opposition previously nationalized private entities. Today, they threaten to take away the businesses of private investors. Remember that they previously threatened to nationalize the Berbice River Bridge.

The PNC/APNU predisposition to nationalize private companies has not died. They threatened to close the hotel and use the building as a hospital. Yet these are the same people who voted against the Specialty Hospital, saying we do not need another hospital and that US$20M was far too much for a hospital. But they will merely close the hotel and use a US$52M building for a hospital.

The truth is they oppose anything that

is good for Guyana. Check the list – the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project, the Specialty Hospital, the Hope Northern Relief Channel, the Amerindian Development Fund, the One Laptop Per Family, the Solar Panel for Amerindian families, subsidies for sugar, and the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, etc.

While the Opposition sees nothing good in Guyana, our country has made steady progress. Our physical landscape continues to be dotted with new and exciting infrastructure, our services are better and there is improved standard of living.

The Marriott Hotel is another exciting transformative direction our country has taken. Our light shines brighter and the darkness of the past will not deter us from lights such as the Marriott becoming more frequent.

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

This week's Crossword

Recalcitrance…

…and repeating wrongs

David Granger has adamantly refused to even consider whether the PNC, which he leads, should apologise for the pains it inflicted on Guyana. He asks, “Apologise for what?”

Well we hope the imminent arrival of President Jimmy Carter will nudge his memory about one of the most egregious PNC transgressions – election rigging from 1968 to 1985. If he’s still memory challenged maybe he can speak to Rupert Roopnarine.

Roopnarine was one of the leading lights in the then Opposition PCD grouping which petitioned every world leader and their uncle to bring back “free and fair” elections to Guyana.

But hold it!! Roopnarine just joined the ranks preaching enforced amnesia – he declared at Plaisance that Guyanese should “let Burnham rest in peace”. Maybe he saw as to how Nagamootoo’s self-inflicted PNC amnesia catapulted him to capture Granger’s affection.

But “rigging” was only one of the PNC’s atrocities. There was massive corruption in the Public Service when you had to bribe to get a licence to even sell sugar cake. Or bribe Police when you bought smuggled goods and were caught.

Most of the trade unions were corrupted to support the PNC…as were the Army, Police and the National Service. Do we really have to go on? Your Eyewitness stands in danger of puking if he does.

There’s a universal school of thought that says unless a person admits mistakes made or wrongdoing done, there’s no chance of changing behaviour. Think about it. If you admit you did something wrong maybe your conscience may brick you if you’re tempted again?

But if you don’t, then you’ll just keep going on. Granger’s recalcitrance is sending a signal to his soldiers that once they get into power they can bring back the old days and old ways.

This

week's Puzzle

Did you, dear reader, see the missive from exLieutenant Oliver Hinckson – the fella who was on the treason and gun possession charge during the criminal attacks on the State? Hinckson dismissed concerns about the “militarisation” of Government with APNU being chock full of army types as “much ado about nothing”!! Quelle surprise!!

But what was revealing was he insisted that officers in the Government would be “discipline”. The 67-year old would remember this was the justification offered by Granger in the course he taught to the army back in the day when he was in charge of “ideological orientation”.

It was Burnham’s rationale for the militarisation of the entire society. If Granger is allowed into Government, history will repeat itself. As both a tragedy and a farce.

…on unbridled power

The PNC-led APNU/AFC keeps harping about the PPP/C wanting to hog all power. They’re just projecting their own totalitarian tendencies. Rather than listen to their talk it’s better to watch their walk on this question of power. What did you say?? That they never had power?

Well, you forgot that they did have power in the last Parliament with their one-seat majority.

And what’d they do? Well stomped on the convention that the Speaker goes to the party with the most seats – the PPP/C. They rubbed salt in the wound of democracy by seizing both the Speaker and Deputy.

They then seized control of ALL committees while trying to grab Executive power by trying to craft the budget through chops. The courts slapped them down and saved our democracy.

They also tried to blackmail the Government on the AML/CTF Bill – and when the Government didn’t give in, subjected us to sanctions. Trotman just claimed they’ll introduce “checks and balances” in Government.

They mean AFC will write the “checks” and APNU cashes them from the “balances” in the Consolidated Funds! Greedy wankers!

…and power hunger

Lalloo Ram took what appeared to be an “equal opportunity” swipe at the PNC-led Opposition. The poor, pathetic old codger so wants a job. Will somebody please make him dog catcher or something?

Celebrating women with the most stunning collection thus far in his designing career, Dwight Beaton aims to become one of Guyana’s most applauded designers.

“My newest collection ‘Skin’ is a line that sets out to make each woman feel good about herself, inside out. It’s a collection that focuses not only on helping

women to be the centre of attention but also to build self-esteem, allowing her to feel comfortable in her own skin, knowing she's special and has all abilities to conquer the world. This was the true inspiration behind the creation of ‘Skin’,” explained the designer in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine Beaton is a passionate,

young designer who discovered his talent at a tender age. He never doubted that his passion for fashion was more than just a phase, and embraced it as his calling.

Born and raised in Bartica to a single mother who always supported his dreams of being a designer, 21-year-old Beaton got his first taste in the spotlight when placed

third in Bartica's first designer quest with his line ‘Trendsetter’.

The competition motivated the designer to continue to pursue his passion for fashion. His most notable work was designing chic pieces for contestants of the Miss Bartica Regatta 2014.

“I see no stop signs in my path and I’m going full

throttle as I see no room for error. I never take ‘no’ as my final answer. With God as my refuge, success is definite. I’m proud to present to you ‘Skin’, which embraces the woman you are and the villain within,” declared Beaton. For more information on this collection, contact the designer on 693-2873. (Photos by Alden Marslow)

The Shaping of Guyanese Literature

By PetamBer Persaud

“Conjunction” was the title given to Guyana’s first live television book launch.

Book launches are usually confined to one area, mostly indoors – between four walls; sometimes, and at a later date and time, a few book launches may pierce those confines if reported on by the media.

“Conjunction”’ was successful for the duration of the show, hinting at numerous benefits to be realized, opening all manner of possibilities; augmenting the possible, all auguring well for the future. So based on the above, the decision is that the engaging title of the programme “Conjunction” will work

for similar activities in future.

What’s in a name?

First and foremost, I was driven to form a link between the producer of words/ ideas/ books and consumer of words/ ideas/ books, a link not unlike the function of a conjunction joining words, phrases and clauses while being recognizable, familiar and yet formal.

Conjunction was caught between and betwixt the names of my other two television programmes, “Oral Tradition” and “Between the Lines”, in that this new name must, like its senior relatives, form a nexus among writer and reader, writer and writer, reader and reader, while extending the conversa-

tion a bit further by inviting and encouraging instant feedback.

Instant feedback and due process – what an optimum tool for television!

Further, conjunction was borrowed from a poem by Martin Carter to which he expanded on in the following way: ‘[t]he word “and” is very important to my way of thinking, that is to say, something and something, not something and then something else…’

Finally, conjunction was an input from my formative days surrounded by Hindi influences, referencing one of the most enriching prayers: Tumhi ho mata pita tumhi ho… - “You are my mother and also my father…”

The show started af-

ter the generic preamble, with the moderator talking about the greatest gift – reading, and the guest and author, Eon Stephens*, responding with the following:

“…Reading is very important, and in this day and age, parents need to encourage their children to read and love reading. I will agree with you that it is the perfect gift to give to a child, even an infant…”

After the opening remarks, the three books, “Mommy loves me before I go to school”; “Daddy loves me, this I know that’s why I love him so”, and “Grandma loves me, this I know that’s why I appreciate her so” were introduced while telephone calls were entertained.

Here are some of the comments:

1) …’it is nice to see Guyanese writers coming out and expressing themselves this way…I am happy to hear the books are about the family and not just child-centred…

2)…I like what is being said about reading to the foetus, you see I’m pregnant and I can relate to these books…

3)…I’d like to commend my young broth-

er for presenting these morals to society…usually men are not in the forefront of child rearing and so forth…as men we should take our rightful place…I wish you much success; a writer is not finish until there is a response to his work…

4)…I’d like to commend both of you for what you’re doing because men have a role to play in society…against all the negative influences, these books are welcomed…

5)…one of the things we need to understand is a child honours whatever is in a book…It would be a privilege for me to buy one of those books and support one of our own writers….

“Conjunction”, Guyana’s first live television book launch, was adjourned with the following words: “…this is not the end; we could continue this conversation by making contact…with each other.”

Although ‘conjunction’ is a novel idea and a first for Guyana, the cost for the complete production was personally funded. The support when the idea was first marketed was overwhelming, but the financial pledges fizzled out

into empty boasts. Making the nation more literate, a fundamental for a citizen to survive in a community, is treated with little respect. I shudder to think how we would be able to handle the deluge of information during this silly season without proper comprehension skills.

However, “Conjunction” has already rolled the dice, the ball is now in the public domain and there is no turning back. This new form of launching books will become the norm in time to come. (Photos from the Facebook page of Eon K Stephens)

*Eon Stephens believes that children are a blessing from God [and] he has been working with children and youth for more than fifteen years…. He is the CEO/ founder of Professional Youth Alliance Guyana and Children and Youth Support Initiative New York. He holds a master’s degree in counselling and psychology. (Taken from his FB page)

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

Take in the tranquillity of Itabali

Itabali is a small community in the Mazaruni River, a short distance by boat from Bartica. Known for its tranquillity, Itabali’s trails are perfect for a cool and relaxing walk while enjoying the fresh, sweet air of nature. It is a close-knit community with a growing populace and commercial area.

The Mazaruni River flows past the Itabali landing - an area buzzing with an influx of visitors.

(Photos

Taiwan assisting St Vincent with sheep and goat production

Taiwan is providing support to St. Vincent and the Grenadines government in the efforts to boost small ruminant production through a project that will result in animals being impregnated within a week.

The project, which will be fully rolled out in May, hopes to increase the nation’s sheep and goat population by 40 per cent by 2020, thereby reducing imports of mutton and lamb.

The project includes the use of female synchronisation – bring-

ing several animals into heat at the same time — then inseminating them artificially.

Veterinary officer with responsibility for animal produc-

tion, Amelia Jack, said synchronisation and artificial insemination would be beneficial to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in that more small ruminants can get

New York governor begin talks with Cuba Govt officials

HAVANA, Cuba -Andrew Cuomo, governor of the state of New York, arrived in Havana on Monday, leading a delegation of New York entrepreneurs visiting Cuba.

During a meeting with Cuba’s first vicepresident Miguel DiazCanel, the two officials talked about the updating of the Cuban economic model, Cuba-US relations and the prospects for development of the links between the state of New York and

Cuba.

Director of the United States Division at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Josefina Vidal, was also in the meeting, as well as several members of that ministry.

Cuomo’s official goal is opening pathways for New York businesses in Cuba.

However, he was circumspect about whether he would raise human rights issues during his meetings with Cuban officials, saying only "when it is appropriate

Mitchell Brunings to play Jamaican reggae icon in Marley musical

mitchell Brunings

Writer and director Kwame Kwei-Armah had seen “bloody hundreds” of would-be Bob Marleys during his search for the right singer/actor to take the title role in the world premiere of his musical Marley. It was not until last summer, when a friend

sent him a video of Mitchell Brunings singing Redemption Song at his audition for The Voice of Holland, that KweiArmah thought he might have found his star. Forty-eight hours later, he was in Amsterdam meeting the singer, according to the Wall Street Journal.

pregnant, including animals that might have had fertility issues.

Jack, who recently underwent specialised training in Taiwan, said that not only does artificial insemination give farmers greater control over reproduction in their herds, but it is also cheaper as it is very costly to maintain a male sheep or goat properly.

“One ejaculate can inseminate up to 25 females,” Jack said, adding that the compound will be taken to farms in stray, replaying a system where sire were taken to farms or females to the Ministry’s stud stations for natural insemination.

“The end point of any production is money, business,” Chief Veterinary Officer

Kathian HerbertHackshaw told reporters as she highlighted the benefit to farmers.

“And if you can have animals synchronised, that is, come into heat at the time when you want it, and several of them one time, it is easier to mate or service with AI ten animal than to wait for them to come on heat one by one,” HerbertHackshaw said. (CMC)

we will bring it up."

Later in the day Cuomo had at least broached the issue in his public remarks when he noted that New York had always welcomed people of all races and that the Statue of Liberty was in New York harbour.

Cuomo said engagement would bring about more positive changes than the nation's previous isolationist stance.

He also noted that his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, had repeatedly argued to end the trade embargo.

Trinidad government tightening legislation on driving

The Trinidad and Tobago government has introduced legislation providing for stiff penalties for motorists found driving with an alcoholic drink as well as parking in spaces designated for the physically challenged in supermarkets, pharmacies and other public places.

Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz, who piloted the Motor Vehicle Bill in the Senate on

Tuesday, said the fine of TT$5,000 (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) is to prevent motorists “driving down the road with a beer in their hand”.

The bill, which also allows for a six month jail term, makes it an offence for a “person to drive or operate a motor vehicle while having in the cabin area…an opened bottle, container or vessel with any alcoholic beverage”.

Cadiz told legislators

that if people want to enjoy themselves, then under the new law they will have to park their vehicles “and get somebody else to drive you home or go with somebody else”.

He said there would also be a zero tolerance policy for drivers of public vehicles and vehicles for hire, adding “breath alcohol concentration must not exceed zero microgrammes.

“Whether you are

driving a PTSC (Public Transport Service Corporation) bus, a government-owned vehicle or a taxi for hire… you must be stone cold sober,” Cadiz said, adding that able-bodied persons who park in spaces designated for the differently-abled in supermarkets, pharmacies and other public places would also be fined up to TT$5,000.

“So your groceries will no longer cost you

TT$500,” the Transport Minister said, adding also that every one entering a vehicle will now have to use seat belts.

Previously the law applied only to the driver and the front seat passenger.

Cadiz said this would include users of heavy T drivers, police and emergency vehicles, who under the current law are not required to use seat belts. They will have to be seat-belted. (CMC)

From Cotton Tree Primary to New York Valedictorian

By Jihan RamRoop

When Bibi

Sulaman, a senior at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School, entered her guidance counselor's office earlier this year, it was not a big revelation. Casually, her counselor revealed that she was valedictorian of her class of around 150 students. "It wasn't a surprise," said Bibi. "[Being valedictorian] wasn't my goal. I just tried to do my best. That's the mindset that I went into high school with."

Long before the 17-year-old had entered the doors of her high school, she had been valedictorian at another school: Cotton Tree Primary School in Berbice, Guyana. There, one of the teachers who had an impact on her was Miss Ravina Gannie. "She was very creative and really tried to get the students involved in the work she was doing."

Bibi's sister, Ashmeena Sulaman, older by two years, said that it was good that their grandparents, Jammila and Nizamoodeen Shairulla, and mother, Rahima Shairulla, also encouraged them to excel in school at a young age. "That's how it started," said Bibi. "They're all about 'take your educa-

tion.' That is a saying every day. We were taking lessons in like, nursery school," she said laughing. While assertive, their mother and grandparents were also "very encouraging."

In October 2010, Bibi, Ashmeena, their mother and grandfather were living in D'Edward village in Berbice, separated from their grandmother in New York. After five years, they finally boarded a plane to New York.

For both sisters, the transition to New York schools was not what they were expecting. "The kids here are so different. The things they would do and how much freedom they had in the classroom really surprised me," she said. While her sister, Ashmeena started her sophomore year of high school, Bibi entered eighth grade in middle school. "I really didn't have much of a group of friends, so, I was very much alone during that period. But, I made it out alive," she said with a laugh.

After a few months at Middle School 137, Bibi entered an honors class. Another achievement soon followed when she got a 99% score on the Algebra Regents Exam. After starting in the mid-

dle of the year, she remembered taking after school lessons to get the grade. "It was amazing," she said. "I worked so hard on that...so it was real accomplishment for me."

The next fall she entered high school, as a self-described introvert who did not speak to many people. "I would go to school, do my work, and then come home," she said. Model UN [United Nations] was one club she took part in her freshman year that allowed her to present a human rights argument with her peers to an international audience. "That [club] tried to get me out of my shell," she said, helping her to meet new people.

The next school year Bibi and some other "introverted" students formed the school newsletter, where she wrote articles, did layout, and drew cartoons. Being part of that extra-curricular activity changed her from being "a lone ranger" to having a connection to the school. “It was a growth experience," she said. "I realized that the only way to really grow is through trying things that scare you. You become better as a result."

Bibi is also a band clarinet player, book club and student government member, and tutor. For studying she "used chocolate for a while," she said, speaking about a study meth-

od where one places candy or food on their textbook pages (for Bibi, U.S. History) to motivate them to read. At night she would study history and math, and then go to sleep for a couple hours. After waking up, she would do English homework, finding mornings best for doing her most creative work.

But, studying was not common for Bibi until the 11th grade when she took AP Calculus, AP English, and AP U.S. History. "That was insanely difficult for me. Suddenly I had to read textbooks and remember stuff every night for U.S. History. I just struggled through the whole thing because I still don't know how I got a four on the

AP U.S. History exam." Study groups also helped her. After she got some students together, they went to the library after school to study. While they studied individually, having one another there kept them all in check, Bibi said, so they didn't wander off to the computer side of the library.

But studying did not always have that accountability. "I had to read textbooks at home. That took up so much of my time. I barely slept that year." But, that year was also a great learning experience for her, she said, "I honestly feel like the difficulty of that year helped me to grow into the person I am now."

Another method that helped her learn better was by tutoring in math and science tutoring. "It's a nice experience. I learn better through teaching it to someone else," she said.

For motivation, "I'd go to YouTube and reward myself with a video, usually about some inspirational person on TEDx [Technology Entertainment Design]. But, also in the more grand view of things I want to do better than what my family has already done. So you kind of have to tell yourself continued on page 46

“Vote like a Boss” claims IRI funding dwindling

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

Adearth of financial resources has prevented the International Republican Institute (IRI)-funded Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) “Vote like a Boss” campaign from gaining the widespread attention it needs in order to be effective, according to its Board Chairperson Tiffany Daniels.

Based on the conclusion by many observers that the campaign, which was dubbed a national initiative to get young people duly informed and equally excited about voting, lacks the momentum it needs to attract disenchanted voters, get them wholly prepared to make an informed decision and exercise their right to vote for a party for their choice on May 11.

Daniels told this newspaper that the organisation lacks the

necessary financial resources it needs to widely promote this national project.

The youth group has been in the middle of a controversy since it came into existence.

The organisation came in for heavy criticisms from the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and its youth arm the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) about its bona fides, agenda and principles. Its funding had been provided by the IRI of the US, which in turn had been funded

by USAID to the tune of some US$7 million to “promote democracy” in Guyana.

The IRI had been used by the US Government to help effectuate regime change in both western and eastern hemisphere – in North Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Honduras, Haiti and Venezuela.

But GNYC has continuously denied the Administration’s con-

UWI principal scoffs at ganja fears

Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Archibald McDonald, has moved to quell fears that the decriminalisation of marijuana will result in an increase in the number of emergency medical cases at hospitals in Jamaica.

Speaking during a ceremony surrounding the symbolic planting of Jamaica’s first legal cannabis plant at the UWI, McDonald, who is a medical doctor by training, argued that the use of alcohol and cigarettes is far worse than ganja in terms of their deleterious effects on health.

The planting of the cannabis plant coincides with the granting of licences by the Government to the UWI and the University of Technology (UTech) that will allow them to cultivate marijuana for research purposes.

Empowered by the licence, McDonald has said the UWI will do the necessary research that will provide the scientific basis for the belief that ganja can be effective in combating a range of diseases.

McDonald further reasoned that the psychosis associated with the use of the plant can be classified as a side effect.

“There is no medication without side effects, so if there is the odd case of psychosis, I’m prepared to accept that,” he said.

He passionately dismissed fears that hospitals will be flooded by persons suffering from psychosis.

cerns, claiming that the council had aimed to launch a national campaign geared at sensitising young voters about the value of their participation in the electoral process.

In the other jurisdictions, the IRI had also focused on youth groups and assisted in mobilising them on behalf of the various Opposition groups. In Guyana, the GNYC has also been

Professor Archibald mcDonald (second left, foreground), pro vice-chancellor and principal of the university of the West Indies, assists minister of Science Phillip Paulwell in planting a ganja seedling at monday’s launch for the symbolic planting of the first legal marijuana plant at Lecture theatre two, Faculty of medical Sciences teaching and Research complex. Also taking part are Louis moyston (left, foreground), research fellow, uWI; courtney Betty (left, back row), timeless Herbal care president and cEo; Jamaica Labour Party representative Delano Seiveright (second left, back row); and Basil Hylton, herbalist.

“I want to state categorically, as the person who invented emergency medicine in Jamaica, that it is total nonsense to say that dozens of people will be going to hospitals to be treated for psychosis as is being said in some quarters,” he added.

McDonald’s call comes a week after Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites raised alarm in Parliament that at least two students were taken to hospital for symptoms of psychosis after smoking marijuana on the day possession of weed was officially decriminalised.

Meanwhile, McDonald

called for the police to use their discretion in issuing tickets to persons found in possession of more than two ounces of ganja.

“Let us hope that the police will use their discretion even before we make it fully legal to have small quantities. There is no need for anyone to be harassed for a small quantity of ganja unless you are going to do the same for a single cigarette, and I am asking [National Security Minister Peter Bunting] to have words with [Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams] about this,” he said. (Jamaica Gleaner)

most active among the traditional Opposition constituency.

However, due to the lack of financial resources, GYNC appears to be failing in its bid to garner the support and attention it needs in order to be a national campaign.

It was not clear as to whether the IRI, with the huge budget at its disposal had closed off its funding from the GYNC.

In defense, Daniels explained that, while GNYC failed in its quest to make its “Vote like a Boss” campaign strategies nationally known, the organisation is still pushing to take its campaign countrywide despite the financial constraints.

She said GYNC would usually send out blast messages to persons, noting too that various nongovernmental organisations that support them would assist in spreading the word of the campaign.

When asked why the council never sought the media’s help in publicising the events, Daniels said “we don’t have the finances to take over the media like the political parties are.” Nevertheless, she said the council will soon start to issue updates on its activities and keep the press informed on future events.

Haitian drug trafficker has sentence slashed for cooperation

MIAMI: A convicted Haitian drug trafficker whose allegations of government corruption contributed to the ouster of former President Jean Bertrand Aristide, is set to be released from prison after his 27-year sentence was cut in half, his lawyer said on Monday.

A federal judge in Miami granted the sentence reduction on Friday after the U.S. attorney’s office said Beaudouin ‘Jacques’ Ketant had provided valuable assistance as a witness in the prosecutions of drugrelated cases involving Haitian government officials.

“Jacques helped procure the indictment and conviction of just about every important corrupt official in the Aristide government,” said his lawyer Ruben Oliva.

At his own sentencing in February 2004 Ketant famously accused Aristide of being a drug lord

who controlled Colombian cartel cocaine shipments passing through Haiti.

Days later Aristide was overthrown by armed rebels and bundled out of the country on a U.S. government jet.

Ketant admitted to moving more than 30 tons of cocaine between Colombia and the United States over a 12-year period, paying bribes to Aristide along the way. He was sentenced to 27 years and ordered to pay $15 million.

“His cooperation led to the dismantling of the first narco state in the western hemisphere,” said Oliva. “People talk about Colombia and Mexico, but neither of those were compromised to the highest levels as Haiti was.”

Aristide denied the allegations and, after an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, he was never charged. (Reuters)

From Cotton Tree...

that doing this will get you thereand do it."

To experience potential careers, Bibi took summer internships. In the tenth grade she wanted to be a doctor. After a four week medical program at Hofstra University, Bibi realized she was not the person for the job. "You have to interact with patients all the time. I'm more into the research part of it." This fascination led her to Queens College the next summer where she studied Siamese fighting fish with a biology professor there.

"I aspire to be a neuroscientist someday”, she said, adding that there is so much studying involved. "But, I think it fits because my whole life has been about academia and studying and learning things."

One of her favorite things to do is read, from fiction to autobiographies and "books about stars and brains. Those are my two favorite thingsstars and brains- astrophysics and neuroscience. And math of course."

One of her goals for college is to push herself to do things that make her feel uncomfortable, like talking to different people and becoming a leader.

Although she's still deciding on her choice, Bibi gained admission at Colgate University, Vassar College, Macaulay Honors at City College, Skidmore College and the University of Rochester and is on the waitlist at Cornell University.

One program "instrumental" in her applications to private colleges was Bottom Line.

While looking forward to college, Bibi is also both scared and excited. "I feel it's another phase of life, and it's going to be scary at first. I want to use these four years in college to figure out how I'm going to contribute to the world, because I haven't been doing that too much. Like what do you do with your life? How do you make it worth it? Maybe that's expecting too much from college," she said with a laugh.

Diplomatic community hails Guyana Marriott

By Gomatie GanGadin

The United States Government and other members of the diplomatic community in Guyana have hailed the Guyana Marriott Hotel, saying that the project represents a substantial achievement in the economic relationship between Guyana and the United States of America (USA).

United States Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt; Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Nisha Kurban-Baboe; and President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Persaud all registered their satisfaction with the commissioning of the Marriott branded hotel, which was officially commissioned last Thursday.

For his part, Hunt related that the reality of the project has demonstrated the potential of public-private partner-

ships throughout the developing world, noting that he was confident that the venture will prove to be beneficial to all of the entities involved.

“I am confident that the partnership that has been built between the Guyana Government and the Marriott Corporation will bring substantial benefits to both parties and to the people of Guyana. I wish to congratulate the leadership of the Marriott Corporation, Atlantic Hotels Inc (AHI), and the Government and people of Guyana on this flagship project,” he said.

Alluding to the ceremonies which were held on Thursday, and included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a gala reception to commemorate the opening of the internationally-branded hotel, the US Chargé d’Affaires said that the events demonstrated the commitment to professionalism in the hospitality industry

held by all those associated with the project.

World class standards Hunt further related that he is of the strong belief that the Guyana Marriott will unquestionably help to raise standards across the hospitality industry in the country. He said that the hotel has already begun to set new standards of professional service to which its competitors will need to aspire. The US Chargé d’Affaires further pointed out that with the launch

of the Guyana Marriott, not only will the country’s investment portfolio increase but it will begin to put the country further on the map.

Meanwhile, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, who also spoke to this publication, was in loud praise for the venture. Ambassador Kurban-Baboe while expressing congratulations to the Guyanese people stated that the occasion was an auspicious one, and said that the project

becoming a reality should fill every Guyanese with a sense of pride. According to the Surinamese diplomat, the project was indeed one which will not only bring development to the population through job creation activities but will also ensure the further growth and development of the country through the attraction of tourists and even investors. The 197-room hotel is complete with the 29,000 square foot entertainment complex that will house a casino, restaurant and nightclub all of which will be privately operated, separate and distinct from the hotel and its operator. The Guyana Marriott Hotel boasts services of an international standard and facilities such as business, fitness and entertainment centres, and guest rooms to meet various preferences and meeting spaces that could accommodate as many as

700 persons. There are also facilities that are tailored for the visually and hearing impaired. The glass finish of Marriott allows picturesque views of the city of Georgetown in the front or the Atlantic Ocean in the rear. According to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) an estimated 12.2 per cent of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came from travel and tourism in 2011 up from 11.5 per cent in 2010. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that this sector will grow from Gy$35.1 billion to Gy$42.3 billion by 2021, nearly doubling from 2011 to 2021, making this hotel a worthwhile investment. The hotel is owned by AHI, a company owned by the Government through its shareholding company NICIL. AHI was incorporated in Guyana on September 10, 2009 under the Companies Act 1991.

FAO, Norway ink US$4.5M pact to help developing countries monitor forest resources

Norway and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations have signed a US$4.5 million partnership agreement to improve the capacity of developing countries to monitor and report on their forest resources and changes in forest area. The project will facilitate countries’ access to earth observation data sources, including satellite imagery, and develop an easy-to-use platform for processing and interpreting this data.

“The new platform offers countries a set of efficient tools for monitoring changes in their forest area and carbon stocks, and for developing sustainable forest management regimes,” FAO’s Forestry Department Assistant Director General Eduardo Rojas-Briales said.

Gaining access to satellite imagery can be dif-

ficult for users with poor Internet connections, posing a serious challenge for natural resource managers in developing countries. Additionally, old, outdated computers process large-scale data very slowly. FAO’s new software aims to overcome these problems by avoiding the need to download images locally and by using a scalable, “cloud-based” supercomputer instead. All downloading and processing takes place elsewhere,

in locations where connections are good and large amounts of computing power are available.

“One of the important components here is the creation of a user-friendly and efficient cloud-based computing interface,” explained Tiina Vähänen, Deputy Director of FAO’s Forest Assessment, Management and Conservation Division.

“The use of this interface will allow quick access to remote sensing data as well as to high-performance computing facilities, even in countries with limited access to Internet.”

Vähänen also stressed that many users in developing countries had limited resources to buy licences of proprietary software.

“They often simply do not have access to the tools they need. Open-source software which was developed under the FAO’s Open Foris Initiative and used in this project is available for everyone without licence costs and allows the end user to modify the programme to suit their purposes,” she added.

At the initial stage FAO

will start implementing the new system in 13 countries over the next three years in support of activities under the United Nations Collaborative Programme

on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UNREDD). The system will be mainly used by forestry

technicians to monitor and assess carbon forest areas stock, enabling countries to report on and receive compensation for verified emission reductions.

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin have filed for divorce.

Paltrow, 42, cited irreconcilable differences in the documents, which were filed in Los Angeles on Monday after 11 years of marriage. The papers request joint custody of their two children, Apple and Moses, reported E! online.

Paltrow and Martin, 38, announced their separation in March 2014, describing it as a “conscious uncoupling”.

They said they had “come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much, we will remain separate”. The couple said they had been “working hard for well over a year, some of it together, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible

between us”.

Confirmation of the divorce comes after days of speculation the actress had filed the papers.

The documents do not list any details about how the pair will divide their assets, but ask that both sides pay their own lawyers’ fees.

Paltrow won an Oscar for her role in “Shakespeare in Love”, while Martin and his band have won six Grammy Awards. They married in secret ceremony in December 2003, days after they announced Paltrow was pregnant with their first child.

They had already been together for a year, after reportedly meeting backstage at a Coldplay concert. (Indian Express)

Tom Cruise scared to do plane stunt in 'Mission: Impossible 5'

Tom Cruise has revealed he was “scared” to hang on the side of a plane 5,000 feet in the air for his upcoming film “Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation”.

“I was scared!,” Cruise told the audience at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, while playing footage of that harrowing scene. “As always, I will do everything I can to entertain an audience and put as many people

Indian-origin British filmmaker Gurinder Chadha is hopeful to work with singer Zayn Malik in the near future.

It has been reported that the 22-year-old singer is in talks with “Bend It Like Beckham” director Gurinder Chadha to plan his next move, reported Daily Mirror.

“We’ve met and spoken. He trained as an actor first then became part of the band.

“So I think what he’ll be doing is staying true to his heart – and that’s all

into your theaters… I’m an aerobatic pilot and I’ve always wanted to do that,” he added.

Cruise, 52, said being a part of the franchise’s fifth installment, which hits theaters July 31, is a “dream come true”. “This movie has a tremendous amount of action of course, but also intrigue and mission twists,” he said.

He had filmed it in eight times to perform the death-defying stunt. “He’s actually out there doing these things. He really did it.” (Indian Express)

you can ever do,” she said.

Speaking at the Asian Awards, which was also attended by Malik, Gurinder added, “I don’t have a part in mind for Zayn just yet but hopeful-

Singer-actress Rita Ora will reprise her role of Christian Grey’s sister in the two sequels of hit eroticdrama “Fifty Shades of Grey”.

Despite only having four lines in the blockbuster movie that was released in February, the singer appears to have secured a deal to be part of all three, according to

Sony Pictures emails, which have been released by Wikileaks, reported Deadline.

Her US agent Franklin Latt, in an e-mail to former Sony Pictures CEO Amy Pascal, explained, “Rita, 23, will appear in Universal’s upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey playing the role of Mia Grey and will appear in the next two instalments

Scarlett Johansson, co-stars reunite at 'Avengers 2' London premiere

After hitting Hollywood and South Korea, the star cast of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” has invaded London.

Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner hit red carpet for the special screening.

The Black Widow depicter looked chic in a colourful Balmain jumpsuit that she paired with YSL shoes and Bvlgari earrings. Her male costars all looked dapper in tailored suits. They were joined by other stars like Aaron Johnson,

Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, and director Joss Whedon at the Westfield London for the European premiere.

It will be Whedon’s last “Avengers” movie after he directed the first

Actress Ellen Burstyn, who plays Blake Lively’s on-screen daughter in “The Age of Adaline”, says she is sure the “Gossip Girl”

star will be a wonderful mother in real life.

Lively, 27, welcomed her first child, daughter James, with actor husband Ryan Reynolds in December last year.

two installments. The next entries “Avengers: Infinity War Part I” and “Avengers: Infinity War Part II” are set to be helmed by Anthony and Joe Russo.

“Yeah it’s sort of like sending your kid off to college, it’s like wow, they really don’t need me anymore, do they?” Whedon said on the red carpet.

“At the same time it’s like, ‘My kid’s gone, party all night!’ You know, I’m going to pick my actual kids up from school, I’m going to read books, it’s going to get crazy,” Whedon added. (Indian Express)

ly in the future.”

Their discussions came just months after Zayn’s singer friend Ed Sheeran, 24, agreed to feature in a Bollywood film. (Indian Express)

of the movie.” Her roles come after director Sam Taylor Johnson, who has admitted to being a huge fan of “Hot Right Now” star Ora, describing her as a “firecracker”, said she will not be involved in the remaining films after a fall-out with writer EL James, whose book series the film is based on.

(Indian Express)

Burstyn says her onscreen mother is such a loving woman in real life that she is confident she will be an equally loving mother, reported Us magazine.

“She’s a very loving person and a very wellbalanced girl, and she’s very creative and has an artist in her. I can picture her playing with her daughter. I think she’ll be a wonderful mother. Both of them; I think Ryan will be a lovely parent, too,” Burstyn said. (Indian Express)

Johnny Depp, wife seen handin-hand amid discord rumours

Actor Johnny Depp and his actress wife Amber Heard have been pictured holding hands at Brisbane airport, amid rumours of marital problems.

Depp, 51, and Heard, 28, were said to have been going through problems over her friendship with her female photographer friend Io Tillet Wright, reported Aceshowbiz.

But the duo reportedly reunited before they flew to Australia.

A source said,

“(Johnny) is on a plane going to Australia, and Amber Heard is with him. They’re together now that he’s completed treatment for his hand.”

The couple reportedly wore their wedding bands but Heard did not sport her engagement ring. Depp, who injured his right hand in Australia for the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” in early March, still had some of his fingers bandaged with red bandana.

(Indian Express)

Hand Jake Gyllenhaal

and jury

and

nine distinctive voices –four women and five men – each with the same voting rights. They will decide the prize winners in Competition section. The winners will be announced on May 24.

Spanish

Some of the biggest names in cinema from Canada, Spain, the United States, France, Mali, Mexico and the United Kingdom are part of the prestigious jury this year. The jury is made up of

Arjun Kapoor finds his uncle and actor-producer Anil Kapoor the “coolest”.

Anil Kapoor, who has acted in international movies “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and US TV series “24”, will dub for a character in American adult animation show “Family Guy” as a guest star. The nephew is excited about it.

“The coolest show gets the coolest guy on it @AnilKapoor on @SethMacFarlane’s Family Guy what a playa!!!,” Arjun tweeted on

Wednesday.

The “Gunday” actor had recently shared a photograph with Anil’s star daughter Sonam as well. (Indian Express)

Aishwarya Rai’s ‘Jazbaa’ to be showcased at Cannes 2015

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai is making a comeback to the silver screen with Sanjay Gupta’s ‘Jazbaa’, which has already gone on floors.

The much-awaited movie will now be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival 2015, where Aishwarya is a regular feature at the red carpet. Director Sanjay Gupta took to Twitter to share this piece of news.

Sanjay Gupta has edited the movie with famous editor Bunty Negi to be showcased at the

French Riviera.

Aishwarya Rai is said to be playing a lawyer in the movie, opposite Irrfan Khan, who plays a suspended cop. Also starring Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher and Siddhanth Kapoor, ‘Jazbaa’ is scheduled to hit theatres on October 9.

Cannes 2015 begins on May 13 and carries on till May 24. (Indian Express)

Deepika has won me over for life: Ranveer Singh

They are the most happening Bollywood couple on the scene currently. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone may not publicly admit to their romance, but maybe they don’t need to. The lovebirds are always seen supporting each other, attending one another’s film screenings and have the nicest things to say about the other.

This time, Ranveer Singh has come out in praise of his co-star, friend and girlfriend Deepika’s courageous move – speaking on national television about her depression.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor says that “Deepika has won him over for life”, with her bravery.

“I was in tears when I watched her talking about it (her depression) on a TV chat show. It takes a lot of mental and emotional fortitude to come out with something that has such a large (social) stigma attached to it. Deepika has won me over for life with the kind of strength and courage she has. It’s incredible,” says Ranveer Singh, who will be seen

opposite Deepika in ‘Bajirao Mastani’.

The actor also expressed his displeasure about reports suggesting that Deepika spoke out about her depression as Ranveer was also suffering from the same.

Ranveer Singh will soon be seen onscreen in Zoya Akhtar’s family drama, ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’. (Indian Express)

Vivek Oberoi, wife Priyanka Alva blessed with baby girl

Actor Vivek Oberoi was blessed with a baby girl on the auspicious occasion of Akshya Tritiya on Tuesday.

“We are happy to announce the birth of our baby girl. Our family is now complete. Daughters are very special and Priyanka and I are so incredibly happy to welcome our baby girl into the world today. Both mother and the baby are doing fine and I’d like to thank everyone for their wishes,” Vivek Oberoi said in a statement.

Vivek’s wife Priyanka gave birth to the baby in her home town Bengaluru. Vivek and Priyanka already have a

Disney India is creating an experience with “ABCD- AnyBody Can Dance” for all Indian fans. With the “ABCD 2”, sequel to the first successful instalment “ABCD…”, the company is planning to extend the cinematic experience to a television show on bindass; a dance-inspired game and branded merchandise.

“Globally, Disney has created some of the biggest franchises, and we are excited to have now developed our first truly local franchise with dance at its core. Our creative teams across the company are focussed on delivering great content, quality products and memorable experiences for our family audiences, across platforms of their choice.

“With ‘ABCD’, we have created a franchise which is tailored to provide its fans with a unique multi-platform experience”, Siddharth Roy Kapur, managing director, Disney India, said in a statement.

Disney India will release the sequel in June.

With international locales, foot-tapping music, sizzling performances, the film stars Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead. They will be seen grooving with Prabhudheva with ace choreographer Remo D’Souza directing them.

The film is based on the real life struggle of a Mumbai-based dance troupe who goes on to win the World Hip-Hop dance championship.

Along with witnessing this dance extravaganza on the big screen, fans can also own a piece of the film with “ABCD” merchandise. Disney India’s consumer products business has tiedup with Voxpop Clothing

for an exclusive branded range of apparel and accessories around the movie.

Disney India’s youth channel bindass will also be coming up with a special dance series themed around “ABCD”. This show will trace the journey of three passionate dancers who come together to pursue their dream of representing India at one of the biggest international dance stages in the world.

In addition to this, Indiagames, Disney India’s gaming arm, will be developing a rhythmbased game where fans can engage with their favourite movie characters and dance their feet off on their mobile phones.

(Indian Express)

Won’t ever be able to return love of audience: Shah Rukh Khan

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award 2015 for his performance in the 2014 film ‘Happy New Year’, has thanked his fans and audiences for showering him with love throughout.

The superstar, who has won epithets like ‘King Khan’, ‘Baadshah’ and ‘King of Romance’ thanks to films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”, “Veer-Zaara” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…”, was honoured at an event here on Tuesday (April 20th).

The 49-year-old, who looked dapper in a black

suit, even charmed the audience at the ceremony with his iconic romantic pose by opening up his arms wide. “Thank you for thinking that I deserve this award. I have been working since past 20-22 years and several noted people have appreciated my work, people from across the globe have showered their love

(Indian Express)

and appreciation… I don’t think I will ever be able to return that,” the actor said while accepting the award.

Apart from riding on Shah Rukh’s star power, “Happy New Year”, directed by Farah Khan, has an ensemble comprising Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, Vivaan Shah and Jackie Shroff. A heist drama, with dollops of dance and music, it set the box office registers ringing by raking in a whopping Rs.44.97 crore on the first day. The film hit the screens on October 24 last year. (Indian Express)

Madhuri Dixit, Terence Lewis to come together for a dance fest for street kids

Based on the concept of a dance festival in Germany, actress Madhuri Dixit and choreographer Terence Lewis have decided to come together to provide a platform for all dancers to connect through the festival ‘Jugnu’. The festival will flag off at NCPA, South Mumbai and later move towards St. Andrew College (Auditorium), Bandra.

Talking about it, Terence mentioned that they did not want to feature on television because some of these talented performers believe that true art is on the streets. Madhuri Dixit, who too has given a nod to this concept, will be sharing her knowledge on the craft. However, it will be different from a usual workshop. Moreover, a lucky winner from this fes-

tival will be given an opportunity to showcase his dancing skills in an international dance festival for which he will also get a sponsored trip to Vienna. The festival will also feature documentaries on legendary dancers/choreographers and will also have performances by some top notch artists like Joe Alegado and Peter Jasko. (Indian Express)

Green re-elected GAPF President

The incumbent, Peter Green has been returned as President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) following that body’s Annual General Meeting and election of office bearers last weekend.

There were few changes to the executive with John Edwards returning as Vice President and Edwin Spencer being voted in for another term as General Secretary.

Dr Osmond Mack has replaced Deon Dutt as Treasurer of the Federation, while Denroy Livan takes over from Paul Adams in the post of Public Relations Officer/Organising Secretary.

The Committee Members are Karl Marks, Jagdesh Budhram and Winston Stoby. Marks and Budhram have replaced Erwyn Smith and Wendell McPherson on the executive.

Green, who is now in his eighth year at the helm, thanked the outgoing members for their voluntary service and also expressed gratitude to those who have shown the vested confidence in him to serve another term as President.

The season will start

with a referee/coaching clinic soon and interested persons are asked to register with International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) certified referees John Edwards and Gordon Spencer. National referees and coaches are invited to attend as well.

The scheduled clash of champions is set for May 1, with registration closing on April 24. Lifters eligible for the competition are asked to register with Denroy Livan or John Edwards.

“The clash of champions will give lifters the added opportunity of making qualifying marks for the Pan American and Commonwealth championships set for September and

December respectively, as well as setting new national records,” a release from the GAPF stated.

Intermediate and Masters Competitions are set to follow, along with Power Bashes, featuring events in Linden, Berbice and Demerara. There will also be the introduction of visually impaired and blind competitions among eight lifters, who have been training under the guidance of Andrea and Erwyn Smith.

“With the Paralympics on the radar, the lifters have been responding admirably and are expected to make their mark soon,” the GAPF release concluded.

Jamaicans ready to leave mark on Penns

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- A myriad of Jamaican teams and fans are expecting to make their presence felt as the 121st staging of the prestigious Penn Relays runs off today (Thursday) here at Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Action is set to start at 10.00 am (9:00 am Jamaican time) with the College Women's 400-metre hurdles Championship in which Janieve Russell of University of Technology (UTech), Rushell Clayton of University of the West Indies (UWI) and GC Foster College's Ronda Whyte are set to be the first Jamaicans on the track.

Jamaican high schools, universities and track and field clubs are among the more than 22,000 entrants from 60 countries that will compete at the Relay Carnival that will be completed on Saturday.

The meet, which actually started on Tuesday with the College Men's Decathlon and Women's Heptathlon, saw Austin Jamerson of Cornell University leading the decathlon while Latesha Bigby of Northern Illinois is ahead in the heptathlon. No Jamaican schools are involved.

But they are expected to be unleashed today where they will start the defence of the eight Championship of America titles as well as the Olympic Development Women USA versus the World 4x100m crown won last year.

The University of Technology (UTech) had three victories in the Men's 4x100m (38.71 seconds) and 4x200m

(1:20.07 minute) while their females took the Sprint Medley in 3:47.14 minutes. Edwin Allen Girls were double winners, capturing the 4x100m and 4x400m relays in 44.70 seconds and 3:34.76 minutes, respectively.

Jamaica College (JC) are the 4x100m champions, while St Jago High will defend their 4x400 crown. Calabar High are the 4x800m champions. All three will be hard pressed to retain their championship plaques.

Jamaicans also won seven individual events as Jaheel Hyde of Wolmer's Boys and Andrennette Knight of Vere Technical, now at St Jago, won the 400m hurdles. Christoffe Bryan won the boys' high jump for Wolmer's, as did Krista-Gay Taylor of Alpha Convent of Mercy in the girls' equivalent. Clayton Brown of JC was the triple jump champion, while the Edwin Allen pair of Claudette Allen and Rochelle Fraser took the long jump and discus titles, respectively.

Edward Clarke is also not eligible after exhausting his four-year limit at Penn Relays, severely hampering the C'Bar 4x100 team that clocked a record 39.08 seconds last month. The Michael Clarke-coached boys from Red Hills Road clocked a record 3:06.76 in the 4x400m without O'Hara, who had a 45.74 seconds relay split last year, and will have to do it once again without their talisman and captain.

JC will be defending their 4x100m title, having established the meet record of 39.72 last year, and could very well be successful in doing so, having run 39.79 this season. But with Wasim Williams injured, it will be a tall order. St Jago High with a sub-40 clocking this season of 39.80 seconds, will be in the thick of things, while Kingston College (KC), providing their top runners are fit, could surprise with rising quarter-miler Akeem Bloomfield on anchor, having run 40.40.

This year, the high school relays will once again take the spotlight, but Boys Championships winners Calabar High received two major setbacks. Star runner Michael O'Hara, who was expected to lead the charges in the 4x100 and 4x400m relays, is barred from competing for the school at the event.

Allen wins by knockout

Guyanese light heavyweight Lennox `2 Sharpe’ Allen picked up the second knockout victory for the year following a sensational win over American Paul Gonsalves last Friday. Allen stopped Gonsalves in the seventh stanza of a fight scheduled for eight rounds.

However, the event was not all smooth sailing for the Guyanese who suffered a flash knockdown at the end of round six.

Allen returned in the following round and halted his opponent’s charge with a straight left to the chin.

Gonsalves weighed in at 170 pounds while Allen was one pound lighter. The contest was held at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and was Allen’s second for the year. A former CABOFE super middleweight champion, Allen secured his 18th professional win in January after knocking out Kojo Issah in the second round.

The Ghanaian, the holder of the World Boxing Organisation (WBO)

Africa middleweight title, was stopped at 51 seconds of the round. Gonsalves, four years Allen’s senior, has now been defeated four times in his last five fights, with the other ending in a draw. The southpaw Allen is yet to taste defeat in 20 fights and has won 12 by knockouts. The 29-year-old secured the vacant World Boxing Council, Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title in 2011 following a unanimous 12-round decision over Kwesi Jones at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Disciplined Essequibo stun Berbice by 3 wickets – Demerara whip U-17 by 73 runs

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Essequibo produced a disciplined allround performance to stun powerhouse Berbice by three wickets in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Inter-County One-Day Tournament at the Police Ground on Tuesday.

It was an authoritative all-round performance from Essequibo as they first restricted the Berbicians to a modest 218, and then knocked off the runs with 10 balls to spare. They eventually reached 224-7 in 48.2 overs.

West Indies youth player Kemo Paul again batted well to smash his way to 69, while Travis Drakes did his cause no harm by notching up a blazing 36-ball 47.

Paul, the West Indies Under-19 all-rounder, struck 10 fours and one six, and was later adjudged Man of the Match for his knock, while Drakes smoked five enormous sixes and two fours.

Earlier, Kassim Khan

hit an impressive 54 from 22 balls, with five huge sixes and four fours, while opener Balchand Baldeo (33); West Indies Under-19 batsman Shimron Hetmyer (31); Zachary Persaud (20) and Ritesh Umrao (16) contributed to Berbice’s

218. Khan’s reassuring presence at one end not only pulled Berbice out of the slump, but ensured they put up a reasonable total.

Left-arm spinner Akenie Adams continued his impressive form,

taking 4-32 from his 10 overs, while Loaknauth Chinkoo (3-34) and Keanu Harry (2-45) were the other bowlers with accomplishments.

After deciding to bat first, Berbice lost Leon Andrews cheaply, but Hetmyer, who struck six

crisp fours, and Baldeo, who hit two fours and a six, added 76 for the second wicket before Adams removed both batsmen in quick succession.

Following those two quick dismissals, the wheels came off for Berbice as they suffered a middle-order collapse, losing Samuel Kishnasammy (00); Clifton Lindie (10); Daniel Lewis (02); and Parmanand Ramdhan (18), courtesy of Chinkoo, who took three of those wickets and Adams, the other, as Berbice were reduced to 116-7.

Khan, with the help of Umrao and Persaud, frustrated Essequibo with some resolute batting and in the process added 102 runs for the last three wickets.

However, after bringing up his brisk 50, Khan was comprehensively bowled by Harry and Persaud followed soon after, while Adams trapped Umrao leg before wicket, leaving Grant unbeaten on four.

Drakes continued his power hitting, along with Neiland Cadogan (18), who joined in hitting a few big sixes, which took Essequibo well past the 200 mark.

When both Drakes and Cadogan departed, Essequibo were well within victory and Harry struck Grant for six to seal an emphatic win for his team. Baldeo with three wickets was the best bowler in the losing cause. Meanwhile, Demerara whipped the National Under-17s by 73 runs in the other second-round game played at the Police Ground.

As Essequibo began their reply, Grant bowled Parmesh Parsotam for eight a few overs before lunch, but Paul and Nathan Persaud kept things steady heading into lunch at 25-1. The pair batted maturely with Paul’s half century coming off 72 balls. The pair added 101 for the second wicket before Persaud was run out for 44. David Williams was then bowled by Khan without scoring, while Baldeo bagged the wicket of Paul, leaving the score at 137-4.

Dr Anthony envisions synthetic track becoming Centre of Excellence

By avenash Ramzan

Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said it was the hope of the Administration that the recently-commissioned synthetic track and football facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, would become a Centre of Excellence with the passage of time.

He made the comment while addressing a large gathering last Friday when the multimillion-dollar facility was commissioned by President Donald Ramotar.

“We envision that this facility will become the number one venue for track and field training in Guyana. In addition to working with the athletes themselves, we will also be working with the coaches and officials providing them with the opportunities for them to upgrade their skills. We intend for this facility to become the Centre of Excellence in track and field in Guyana and later in the larger Caribbean,” Dr Anthony stressed.

He added, “We are proud of the drainage system in this facility, it has the capacity to efficiently drain the entire field within an hour. The features are similar to that of the drain-

age system at the stadium. In the past, training or competitions were often suspended, because the facilities were flooded; we do not anticipate any such problems with this facility. We are also proud of the lighting system; this has met international standards and will allow us to host many of the athletics and football events in the evening.”

The Minister further stated that three multipurpose buildings have been constructed in the compound of the facility, with their primary function being to provide seating accommodation.

Below the seating areas are changing rooms, holding areas, administrative rooms, medical rooms and other amenities needed for the smooth functioning of the edifice.

“This facility will have approximately 24 persons employed on a full-time basis; they include the administration staff, the technical ground staff and the coaching staff. In addition, the local staff that will be working here, our intention is to have two Cuban coaches, one in track and the other in field events. The expertise of all our coaching staff will be available to the clubs and athletes

who would like to utilise the facilities,” the Minister explained.

IAAF-certified

With the completion of the track, which is certified by the world governing body for athletics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), all track and field events will now be held at Leonora, affording local athletes the luxury of training and competing on a surface that is com-

parable to those in other countries.

“In the track events, we will now be able to host to IAAF standards –the 100m, 200m, 400m, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m, decathlon, heptathlon, marathon, 10km walk, 20km walk and 50km walk. In the throwing events, we will be able to

host to IAAF standards –discus, javelin, hammer throw and shot put. And in the jumping events, we will be able to host to IAAF standards – pole vault, high jump, long jump and triple jump,” Dr Anthony assured.

To ensure that Guyana attains the IAAF gold standards, the Government has also invested in IAAF certified equipment, which Dr Anthony believes will help to shape the growth and development of local athletes.

“With all of these investments, we are confident that we have created the right environment for all our athletes to train in the best environment, with the best equipment, and with great coaches. So it would only be a matter of time before they shatter the national and then the international records,” the Minister pointed out.

England make solid start after Samuels century

England openers

Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott made a solid start in reply to West Indies’ total of 299 by reaching 74 without loss on the second day of the second Test yesterday. Skipper Cook and Trott, returning after a lengthy absence from the team, failed to get scores in the drawn first Test in Antigua but will take much confidence from the final session.

Cook, who has not scored a Test century for nearly two years, finished on 37 not out with Trott on 32.

The West Indies attack lacked penetration in the absence of injured Jerome Taylor and with batting conditions improving, as the damp and overcast weather made way for bright sunshine, Cook and Trott made good progress before stumps.

There was turn for leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo on a pitch that should offer more on the final two days but West Indies will be disappointed they did not put the England openers under more pressure with the new ball.

England bowled West Indies out for 299 after Marlon Samuels made his seventh Test century and a last-wicket partnership of 52 pushed the hosts to a competitive total.

Rain showers disrupted the first session but after an early lunch, Samuels, 94 not out overnight, completed his ton.

The Jamaican made 103 from 228 balls in an uncharacteristic but valuable patient knock before he was caught by Ian Bell at second slip off James Anderson.

The disappointment at losing Samuels just after reaching his centu-

ry was intensified when skipper Denesh Ramdin went shortly afterwards, England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler snapping up an edge off Stuart Broad.

Jason Holder, who had looked in good form again after his century in the last Test, fell just after hitting Broad for a six when his attempted drive was edged to

Buttler.

Broad, who finished with figures of four for 61, made good use of the second new ball and also claimed the wicket of Kemar Roach who was comfortably caught by Joe Root after an edge on to his pad lobbed up to gully.

West Indies were 247 for nine but last pair

Devendra Bishoo and Shannon Gabriel played positive strokes as the hosts again displayed their new-found resilience under coach Phil Simmons.

Bishoo’s 30, before he was trapped lbw by Moeen Ali, was his highest Test score and Gabriel’s unbeaten 20 was also his best in fiveday cricket. (Reuters)

WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/night 188 for five)

K. Brathwaite b Anderson 1

DM Smith c wkp. Buttler b Jordan 15

D. Bravo c Cook b Broad 35

M. Samuels c Bell b Anderson 103

S. Chanderpaul c Ali b Stokes 1

J. Blackwood lbw b Jordan 26

D. Ramdin c wkp. Buttler b Broad 31

J. Holder c wkp. Buttler b Broad 22

K. Roach c Root b Broad 1

D. Bishoo lbw b Ali 30

S. Gabriel not out 20

Extras: (b-5, lb-6, w-1, nb-2) 14

Total: (all out, 104.4 overs) 299

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-28, 3-65, 4-74, 5-129, 6-223, 7-233, 8-246, 9-247.

Bowling: Anderson 24-10-47-2, Broad 249-61-4, Jordan 25-4-652 (w-1, nb-2), Moeen Ali 13.4-1-47-1, Stokes 17-766-1, Trott 1-0-2-0. ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook not out 37 I. Trott not out 32

Extras: (nb-5) 5

Total: (without loss, 26 overs) 74

Bowling: Roach 6-121-0 (nb-2), Gabriel 4-116-0 (nb-3), Holder 6-220-0, Bishoo 7-2-16-0, Samuels 3-2-1-0.

Position: England trail by 225 runs with all 10 wickets intact.

Bangladesh players on a charge in latest ODI rankings

Bangladesh’s dominance over Pakistan in the just-concluded ODI series is reflected in the latest Reliance ICC ODI Player Rankings as its players are on an upward movement.

Wicketkeeperbatsman Mushfiqur Rahim, opener Soumya Sarkar and left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny have achieved career-best rankings to date, while opener Tamim Iqbal, middle-order batsman Nasir Hossain, left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Rubel Hossain have also made impressive gains.

Mushfiqur Rahim, who aggregated 220 runs in three matches with a century and a half-century, has jumped 12 places to break into the top 20 for the first time.

Mushfiqur, who aggregated 220 runs in three matches with a century and a half-century, has jumped 12 places to break into the top 20 for the first time in his career in 18th position. Soumya, who scored 127 not out in the third ODI, has vaulted 60 places to a career-high 69th spot while Arafat’s series tally of six wickets has earned him 43 places and a 53rd spot in the lat-

Batsmen

spots and is now in eighth position following his five wickets in the series while Rubel’s four wickets have helped him rise five places to 57thposition.

For Pakistan, the good news is the rise of left-handed batsman Haris Sohail, who has gained 17 places and is now in

Bowlers

79th spot, and fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who is now in 68th position after climbing four places. Captain Azhar Ali has returned to the rankings in 85th position. Reliance ICC ODI Player Rankings (as on 23 April, after Bangladesh-Pakistan series):

est rankings, which were released on Thursday afternoon.

Tamim, who won the player of the series award for his 312 runs that included two centuries and a half-century, has moved up 18 places to 30th spot, Shakib has claimed two

Rank (+/-) Player Team Points Ave HS Rating

1 ( - ) AB de Villiers SA 902! 53.65 902 v NZ at Auckland 2015

2 ( - ) K. Sangakkara SL 860 41.98 861 v Sco at Hobart 2015

3 ( - ) Hashim Amla SA 828 55.26 901 v Eng at Trent Bridge 2012

4 ( - ) Virat Kohli Ind 822 51.47 886 v Ban at Fatullah 2014

5 ( - ) T. Dilshan SL 793 39.65 802 v Sco at Hobart 2015

6 ( - ) Shikhar Dhawan Ind 756 43.98 794 v SA at Melbourne 2015

7 ( - ) Kane Williamson NZ 733 44.76 789 v Aus at Auckland 2015

8 ( - ) MS Dhoni Ind 731 52.46 836 v Aus at Delhi 2009

9 ( - ) Glenn Maxwell Aus 720 35.05 724 v Pak at Adelaide 2015

10 ( - ) George Bailey Aus 697 42.02 867 v SA at Harare 2014

Selected Rankings

Rank (+/-) Player Team Points Ave HS Rating

18 (+12) Mushfiqur Rahim Ban 663! 31.37 663 v Pak at Mirpur 2015

30 (+18) Tamim Iqbal Ban 621 31.46 637 v WI at Khulna 2012

36 ( - ) Shakib Al Hasan Ban 589 34.80 683 v Pak at Mirpur 2012

38 (-5) M.Hafeez Pak 582 30.53 665 v Ban at Mirpur 2014

48 (+6) Nasir Hossain Ban 557* 34.15 585 v Zim at Bulawayo 2013

56 (-11) Mahmudullah Ban 545 33.97 567 v NZ at Hamilton 2015

*indicates provisional rating; a batsman qualifies

imum of 40 started innings; a bowler qualifies

after he has conceded 1,500 runs.

!indicates career-highest rating

Opportune time for Guyanese footballers, says coach Shabazz

The Golden Jaguars football team on Tuesday afternoon began their preparations for the upcoming International Friendly against Suriname later this month. This comes as the squad continue their preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking with head coach of the national side, Jamaal Shabazz, it was disclosed that the game presents an opportunity for members of the squad.

The Trinidadianborn coach said, “This is an opportunity for the boys based locally to get some playing time against a strong Suriname team and it

gives us the opportunity to widen the pool.”

He added, “It’s an opportune time to give more of the Guyanabased players the opportunity to play 60, 70, 90 minutes in international football.”

With the qualifiers drawing closer and several members of the team away on club duties, Shabazz believes his team have the camaraderie necessary to put forth a strong performance.

Shabazz mentioned: “This is the fact of life in world football now; the players are owned by clubs not by the national team, so you would always have limited time to prepare the team,

but the fact that we’ve brought them over a period it means that a certain understanding is built.”

He continued by saying, “A certain camaraderie, a certain approach; and hopefully we will get them at least two weeks before the games in June and two weeks would be good for us.”

The Jaguars are coming off two wins in three games after a lengthy break.

They tackle St Vincent and the Grenadines as visitors on June 10 at the Arnos Vale Stadium then return home to battle at the Guyana National Stadium on June 14.

Warner slams 91 as Sunrisers beat KKR

ISAKHAPATNAM, India – West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine continued to struggle in the new Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign as Kolkata Knight Riders plunged to a 16run defeat to Hyderbad Sunrisers here yesterday. Playing at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, Hyderabad piled up 176 for four off their 20 overs, with David Warner slamming 91 from 55 balls and Shikhar Dhawan, 54 from 46 deliveries, in an opening stand worth 130.

The left-handed Warner counted nine fours and four sixes while Dhawan hit four fours and a six before being third to fall off the bowling off West Indies pacer Andre Russell, who took one for six from his lone over.

Not for the first time this season, Narine went wicket-less in four overs that cost 38 runs, and has taken just two wickets in five outings, at an average of 73 and an economy rate of seven.

Narine grabbed 21 wickets in 16 matches

last season at an average of 19, as KKR won their second IPL title.

However, just months later, he was twice called for a suspected illegal action while bowling in the Champions League Twenty20 and suspended for the final.

Though he was subsequently cleared by the ICC after undergoing rehabilitation, he was mandated by the Indian Cricket Board to undergo their own tests earlier this month, before he

could be cleared for the IPL.

Chasing a revised target of 112 off 12 overs yesterday following a rain break, KKR finished on 101 for four with Robin Uthappa hitting a top score of 34 and Manish Pandey getting 33 not out. Russell, promoted to number four in the order, hammered 19 from 10 balls with two sixes and a four, before holing out to long on off Ravi Bopara in the ninth over. (CMC)