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TOP STORY
Work on Berbice Bridge access road intensifies
By Jeune Bailey Van Keric
THE Berbice Bridge access thoroughfare from the East Berbice end is moving apace with staff there working seven days per week in an effort to complete the roadway on schedule.

The 3,080-kilometre driveway which spans from Palmyra to Crab Island, forms a part of the link that joins East and West Berbice, and on completion it is expected to ease the congestion of travellers who converge on the banks of the river to cross with the hourly ferry boats.

The entrances at Palmyra, Crab Island and D’Edward, on the West Bank of Berbice are the three projects undertaken by the contracting firm DIPCON at a cost of some US$11M.

During a visit to the site recently, this newspaper observed that excavation works on the Palmyra project was completed and the first layer of white sand and geo textile, a fabric used for adsorbing water from the soil, was being laid. Another layer of reef and white sand will be blended and applied shortly.

A source who preferred anonymity, told the Guyana Chronicle that the approach roads to the Berbice River Bridge were severely affected by the rainy season, but with a change in the weather pattern, the workforce of 45, is doubling its efforts by working ten to twelve hours per day for the entire week, in order that the project remains on schedule.

The employee related that at Crab Island, which constitutes a length of 1,160 metres and a similar width of 12.6 metres as the other overpass, has commenced  its two layers of sand applications, and same would be completed shortly depending on the weather pattern.

While this reporter observed that excavation work has been completed in this area, a portion is being used to stockpile.

There is no shortage of construction materials, as sand is transported on a regular basis via pontoons from suppliers at Berbice River and Timehri, along with ‘wick drain’ which is used for the first time in the country.

In addition, the informant related that the project is fitted with a lighting plant which generates electricity supply to a conveyor belt, formerly used at Berbice Mining Enterprise, in addition to three lamps, which are put in use when materials are to be off loaded.

The source dispelled rumours that the wooden piles driven in at the waterfront were disappearing, and as such works there would be stalled. The employee claimed to be unaware of what might have started the report, but said, between zero to 52 metres from the waterfront, 45 feet and 60 feet piles are being driven into the soil with a six ton hammer, and, they have reached the surface, which forms the foundation that would link the roadway and the bridge.

This newspaper was told that the staff, particularly on the Crab Island project must be commended for the job done so far, as one had to be mentally prepared to confront and clear, the age old forested koruda plants which formed the sea defence for decades.

Due to the density of the task, it is easier for employees on the Crab Island project to access their job site, from the West Coast Berbice, than on the side on which they work. However, a 600-metre link up between Palmyra and Crab Island is expected to be completed within a month making it accessible by truck or tractor. Currently both projects use separate machines for construction because of the inaccessibility to the thoroughfare.

Single parent registration moves apace in Region 6
- over 10,000 forms distributed
MORE than 150 headteachers from across Region 6 ( East Berbice /Corentyne) last Thursday were sensitised about the single parent registration process and over 10,000 registration forms were given to them for distribution in schools and communities.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has embarked on a programme to garner a database of single parents countrywide, which will inform government of the number of persons who request assistance and what types are required. The registration process began in Regions 4 (Demerara/Mahaica) and 5 (Mahaica Berbice) yesterday.

Some $100M was allocated in the national budget this year for the establishment of a single parents’ fund as was promised by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The large gathering of headteachers met with Ms. Manickchand at the Auchlyne Primary School where she discussed the importance of their role in the single parents’ registration process and why government has embarked on this mission.

“The increasing food prices globally are putting vulnerable groups in our society in difficult circumstances, government recognises theses constraints faced and sought to intervene to help the single parents,” Ms. Manickchand explained.

She said it is found that children are feeling the brunt of the situation by not attending school or are limited to accessing quality education provided because their parents are unable to provide for them.

It is the Ministry’s intention to register all persons who are primarily responsible for the financial maintenance of a child/ children. A person would not have to necessarily be the biological parent of a child to access help.

Ms. Manickchand pointed out that an older sibling/guardian or a grandparent who is solely responsible for a child or children will be entitled to access the assistance.

Several teachers used the opportunity to seek additional information to assist single parents.  Many of them said that the initiative is timely and praised the government for the intervention.

All single parents are urged to complete the registration form as soon as possible and return it to the location from where it was uplifted.  The closing date for the registration process is May 15.

Single parents can also uplift a form at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Office, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office and schools in their respective areas and from Social workers.

Minister Manickchand visited Regions 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), yesterday to continue the sensitisation process.

In addition to this new initiative, the Ministry also assists children with school uniform vouchers (GINA)

Police conference pledges to rigidly enforce traffic laws
THE laws in relation to driving without seat belts and the displaying of revenue licences on the appropriate motor vehicles and illegal workshops at the roadsides, is to be strictly enforced and maintained.

This is according to a directive from 112 officers attending the just-concluded Police Officers’ Conference and issued during the culmination on Saturday.

The theme of the reduced deliberations which also rescheduled from an earlier date due to circumstances: “Building Confidence and Goodwill through Reform, Partnerships, Training and Effective Policing.”

The conference also resolved to continue the rigid enforcement of the traffic laws, and has supported the initiative by the Guyana Revenue Authority to change the format of drivers’ licences to make them more tamper proof.

In addition, the conference insisted that the law in relation to provisional driver’s licence be strictly adhered to in relation to the document being issued for two to three-month periods, after which the holder has to successfully complete the learner-driver theoretical examination in order to continue being processed for a driver’s licence.

And, having recognised the significant reduction in road fatalities for this year so far, in comparison with the similar period last year, the conference duly complimented Traffic Officers and ranks.

It was also the view of the conference that the zero tolerance campaign ‘Operation Safeway’, which to date resulted in a total of 21, 355 cases being made against defaulting motorists countrywide, has had a positive impact on the traffic situation.

Participants at the conference, which commenced on Thursday, held lengthy discussions on a number of issues critical to the enhancement of police operational capabilities and the improvement of the socio-economic environment of police ranks.

Among the areas they deliberated on were Information Gathering and Intelligence Processing, Crime intelligence, Community Policing, Neighbourhood Policing, Service Delivery Response, Police/Community Relations, Interior Policing, the Takutu Bridge, Medical Scheme, Study/No pay/Special leave, Firearms Training, Force Exercises, Extra Duty Fees, Response teams at stations, Marine capability and feeding of prisoners.

Other priority issues discussed in groups were the changing and evolving crime scene; the Citizen Security Programme; the Security Sector Reform Programme; Information Gathering and the threat and impact of Global Warming.

These matters were highlighted by President Bharrat Jagdeo in his address at the opening ceremony raised subsequently in remarks Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Acting Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene.

According to the statement, the conference took cognisance of President Jagdeo’s display of confidence in and support for the security services in dealing with the crime situation and were also heartened and encouraged by his pledge to make available the resources needed to upgrade the crime fighting capabilities of the law enforcement agencies.

Significant focus was on the Force’s response capability to scenes of crime; the improvement of the current 911 system through training and exercises; the upgrading of current response teams and the creation of small fully equipped response teams at stations.

Discussed too, were the proposed training by the British and issues raised in relation to fighting crime at the last Commissioners of Police and Chiefs-of-Staff meeting in St. Kitts relative to legislation for plea bargaining, wire tapping, video identification parades, remote video evidence and justice protection; the training and upgrading of kidnap and ransom teams and kidnap and ransom negotiators.

These included the setting up of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and other systems that were used during CWC 2007 and which were commended as having been of significance towards the security and intelligence architecture.

The top Cop’s who focused his address on the Citizen Security Programme and the Security Sector Reform Programme, noted that police ranks will benefit in the areas of traffic management; computerisation of the traffic records; a new forensic laboratory; a new training environment at Dora, Linden/Soesdyke Highway; information gathering and intelligence processing, as well as local and overseas training.

The Conference expressed appreciation for a presentation on the Citizen Security Programme that was done by Mr. Khemraj Rai of the Ministry of Home Affairs and a team which included a representative from the IDB, the statement added.

CARIFESTA 2008
Cognisant that CARIFESTA X 2008 is the largest event being hosted by Guyana this year, the conference felt that the presentation on the event by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony, placed the officers in a better position to understand and plan for the anticipated complexities in policing CARIFESTA X 2008.

Commenting on the area of community policing, the statement said the conference has endorsed Commissioner Greene’s view that the issue has become an integral part of police work.

It noted that resulting from a decision at a similar forum in 2007, a team of three police officers and three members of the National Community Policing Executive compiled a document on resolutions on Community Policing issues, aimed at improvement of community policing activities in the country and the relationship with the police.

A unanimous decision was taken to accept the resolutions including the subject of Community Policing be included in the curriculum of training courses at the Felix Austin Police College.

Additionally, the conference resolved to standardize the training programme for community policing members and Rural Constables which was formulated and approved for use within the Police Force.

The prompt action by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) to upgrade the 911 emergency system by installing independent telephone lines where necessary was noted, the statement added.

Twenty-two year old conductor shot dead in Tiger bay
-allegedly by guards from a security service
A 22-year old minibus conductor was shot dead yesterday reportedly by ranks of an armed security guard service while on an errand to buy ice for his mother and siblings who were picnicking in the Botanic Gardens,

Dead is Travis Parks, also called Charlsie, of 108 Rasville, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, South Ruimveldt. The second of eight children for his mother Michelle Parks, Travis worked on a Number 45 (Lamaha Hospital Minibus), but was off duty yesterday.

His tearful mother told the Guyana Chronicle that she and a few of his brothers and sisters were in the Gardens having fun when shortly after 13:30 hours she requested him to go and purchase JR Burgers in Kitty for them. She said he willingly did so and spent a few minutes with them on his return, then said he was going to the zoo. However, he later decided he was going to buy ice and set out with an ice pitcher.

Witnesses said that as he was passing through Tiger Bay, when he was confronted by the armed guards who were at the time pursuing a citizen who apparently had a problem with someone in the Stabroek area. Parks was shot in the back and slumped to the ground bleeding,

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said the guards who allegedly shot him reportedly drove off, and left him bleeding on he ground. A passing motorist picked up the wounded man and rushed him to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The dead man’s mother said that about twenty minutes after he had left the Gardens, his step father called her on her cellular phone and informed her that he had just received word that her son was lying on the roadway bleeding with a gaping bullet wound in his back.

Hysterical, she rushed down to the hospital where her son was already being attended to by doctors. She was cautioned to wait in another part of the building while the doctors worked. However, the anxious mother, after waiting a few minutes and not hearing anything more, darted into the treatment room where she beheld her son looking lifeless. The doctor then revealed to her that the patient was not responding. He was pronounced dead around 16:30 hours.

Meanwhile, back at his home last evening, the family was in deep anguish. Travis leaves to mourn: his mother Michelle Parks, foster-father Lester Jones, two sisters and five brothers.

Fire destroys Skeldon building
A fire of unknown origin destroyed a two-storey building at Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice, on Saturday night.

Police said at about 20:30 h an occupant observed smoke coming from the upper flat of the building and raised an alarm.

The edifice that once housed a hotel, restaurant and bar was reduced to the ground after valiant efforts by crews from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Skeldon Estate failed to contain the blaze.

Guyana assures Jamaica of meeting rice export quota
CABINET Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said Guyana has given all assurances to the Jamaican government that its export quota of rice will be satisfied in light of their recent approach to have the Common External Tariff (CET) waived on rice imports.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing Thursday last, Dr. Luncheon pointed that the move by the Jamaicans might be due to the difficulty they are encountering to have an adequate supply of the commodity and particularly, the heightened demand for confirmed access or sourcing.

Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has warned that an urgent waiver of CARICOM’s CET will be sought to permit importation of rice to satisfy local demand.

Dr. Luncheon commenting on the move said: “This must be seen not necessary as a lack of export of rice to Jamaica but more the extent to which government is moving to protect itself from consequences of not having necessary commodities.”

He underlined that CARICOM is not built-in to such arrangement because there is no provision that says the availability of the commodity has to be predicated on a level of confidence.

The Cabinet Secretary explained that the norm is the exporting country assures its trading partner within the community that the commodity is available.

President Bharrat Jagdeo has said “all efforts are being made” to ensure that no CARICOM partner is affectedly by bilateral private sector arrangements covering quantity, quality and pricing.

Dr. Luncheon underscored that the Bruce Golding administration seems not to be satisfied with that assurance and is moving to have the CET waived to reported import some 40,000 tonnes of rice over a four to six-month period.

He lamented that local farmers and millers are being faced with the eventuality of possibly losing that market.

Recently, Guyana has placed a restriction on the export of the commodity to ensure there is adequate supply locally and for traditional CARICOM markets.

Cambodia, Vietnam, India and Egypt have all adopted a similar policy.

General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Dharamkumar Seeraj, in a recent interview with this newspaper said rice production to date has improved significantly over the same period last year.

He credited the boost in production to the cultivation of an addition 16,000 acres of rice this crop.

The RPA General Secretary also noted that despite the inclement weather, he is pleasantly surprised at the production of yield per acre for this crop.

“We normally average about 4.2 per hectares, but the average this crop is 4.6 tonnes. In Region 3 (West Coast Demerara) the average is about 5.2…this has contributed to more rice in the system,” he noted.

Experts blamed the global price increase of the commodity on droughts and floods caused by climate change, as well as the use of traditional grains in the food chain for ethanol production.

Scientists also point out that the excessive release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by industrialised countries such as the Unites States (US), coupled with population growth has led to the current situation. (Tajeram Mohabir)
NEWS

Leading banker advocates school curriculum adjustment for industry
By Nathalene DeFreitas
A LEADING city banker has called for “appropriate adjustments” to the school curriculum to accurately reflect industry requirements.

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Radhakrishna Sharma, who made the call Thursday, pointed out that, in the evolving world, increasing demands are being placed on young people and it is important to empower them adequately, with the right knowledge, skills, opportunities and resources, for their all-round development.

Too often, the business sector points to a lack of key skills in young job aspirants as being a constraint to employment. Employers are increasingly emphasising that such employability skills, as communication, team work, problem solving, self management, planning and organising, technology, learning and initiative are required by young people to ensure their successful transition from school to work and throughout their working lives,” he lamented.

Sharma declared there are still many young people who need to be trained to improve their employability and enable them to function appropriately in the job market.

In this regard, he challenged all public and private sector organisations and non-governmental agencies to play a committed role.

His remarks were made at the start of the second Inter-Secondary Schools Impromptu Speech Competition in the GBTI Recreational Centre, Kaieteur Road, Bel Air Park, Georgetown on Thursday.

He told the schoolchildren: “I would like each of you, who will be participating to see this activity as a valuable phase of your personal development, as it will help you develop your confidence and communication skills.

GBTI Regent Street Branch Manager, Mr. Mario Farinha said the institution recognised the importance of building the personalities of youths and advanced its community outreach programme last year, by hosting the rivalry for fourth form students of secondary schools.

He said management decided to make the contest an annual one, because staging it will provide the experience that emphasises the value of art form and assist the Ministry of Education to fulfill part of its objective, as it relates to the good use of English language.

Farinha told the participants that, although they would feel some apprehension in an impromptu atmosphere, they should be confident and excited about the opportunity.

The best speech delivered in such circumstances combines clear thinking, good habits, such as enunciation and interesting presentation of the topic, he said.

Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Genevieve Whyte-Nedd exhorted the students to continue engaging in such activities as it would help boost their confidence and improve their vocabulary.

She also encouraged them to read good texts to improve their language and practice impromptu speaking in school while congratulating GBTI for endorsing the continuation of the programme.

The first phase of the resumed rivalry saw President’s College and Christ Church Secondary face off and the former won.

The competition is being run on a knockout basis, with each school that accumulates the higher total score moving forward to the next round.

Although only one team will be finally adjudged winner, all those participating will receive prizes.

Contesting sessions will be conducted on Tuesday and Thursday of each week with the final being on Thursday, May 29.

Police challenged to help change delinquent youths
By Tajeram Mohabir
NATIONAL Community Development Council (NCDC) Director, Mrs. Philomena Sahoye-Shury last Friday challenged the Guyana Police Force to devise a mechanism that will positively change the behaviour of delinquent youths in society.

She issued the challenge at the start of a Voluntary Youth Corps (VYC) literacy and numeracy programme, targeting vulnerable youths in Lodge and surrounding communities, in the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) building, on E. Luckhoo Street, D’Urban Backlands, also in Georgetown.

The veteran politician told the gathering of VYC staff and parents that youth development is the prerequisite to national advancement, as the target group would be the leaders of tomorrow.

Sahoye-Shury observed that the way some delinquent youths are treated by the Police would only push them to the criminal extreme rather than converting them into good citizens.

She said she is not condoning the deportment of those youths but it should be made clear that, if they are dealt with properly, even the retarded will become a positive contributor to society.

Sahoye-Shury also admonished parents to bond with their children and understand their needs or they will seek companions who might lead them astray.

She said, too often, parents neglect their children because they are unruly, especially single parents who make up a significant number of the populace.

According to her, youths become delinquent when they are not given proper attention and this is notably the case in single parent households, because work takes up most of the adults’ time and the children are deprived their support.

Sahoye-Shury acknowledged that such children often are disruptive at school and scolded by teachers who, sometimes, are from families in which the same method is used for instilling discipline.

She posited that those schoolchildren need psychological assistance and Government, recognising that, has introduced a similar programme at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

Apart from that intervention, Sahoye-Shury said Guyana has gone a far way in addressing issues relating to vulnerable youths in society, through the introduction of numerous support programmes.

But she admitted much more needs to be done.

The former trade unionist acknowledged that she is no doubt old in age, but said her “stripes” are still intact.

Sahoye-Shury exhorted students to make tangible efforts to better their lives and strive resolutely towards the achievement and take their rightful places in society.

She cautioned the youth group that they will encounter challenges because the programme is at its initial stage and pledged her support in times of need.

VYC Programme Manager, Ms. Suzanne French pointed out that the 10 months training targets about 70 students between the ages of 10 to 18 years of age, who will be taught the basics in literacy and numeracy.

The funding for it was made possible through contributions from Continental Group of Companies, NT Computec, Merriman’s Funeral Home and Ming’s Products Services, who each donated $76,000.

Sahoye-Shury and Austin’s Book Services also made separate $50,000 donations.

French is confident that, with more corporate inputs, the scheme would be expanded to accommodate 500 students by December 2009.

She said the objective is to equip youths with the knowledge and skills they will need to be better students, workers and peaceful and productive adults.

French disclosed that, recently, VYC created a job skills bank, with the aid of Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T).

She said it was in conceptualising that bank that they were obliged to start the literacy and numeracy programme to complement the systems already being implemented by the Ministry of Education and other institutions.

The bank offers training in areas such as time management, office protocol and computer knowledge.

The obligation was inevitable, because, while we were trying to bridge the gap between the unemployed and the employers, an even bigger gap existed, one of illiteracy,” she admitted.

VYC facilitates education for orphans, other vulnerable children and provides entrepreneurial training and micro-financing for youth businesses.

Bhojpuri folk and dance troupe arrives
MEMBERS of the visiting Bhojpuri Folk and Dance Troupe from India who will participate in the observances of the 170th Anniversary of the arrival of Indians to this country arrived here last Friday night.

Representatives of the Indian Arrival Committee (ICA) gathered at the Cheddie Jagan International Airport, Timehri, to welcome the troupe.

This cultural visit, a co-operative endeavor between the Governments of Guyana and India, was made possible because of the tenacity of the IAC, which began its lobbying efforts in June 2007 during the tenure of Mr. Avinash Chandra Gupta, immediate past High Commissioner of India to Guyana and which continued for many months after the arrival of the current High Commissioner of India, Mr. Subit Kumar Mandal who arrived in late 2007.

The troupe is here to perform at a number of cultural events organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the IAC, particularly at the Grand Cultural Melas of the IAC at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground in Essequibo on Sunday April, 27, 2008, at the National Park in Georgetown on Sunday May, 4, and at the Albion Sports Complex in Corentyne, Berbice on Monday May. 5 a national holiday.

The Bhojpuri folk and Dance Troupe, which is led by Ms. Manjula Diwarkar, comprises eleven persons including four female dancers, two singers, three specialist musicians, a compeer (M.C) and a liaison officer. This is the third Bhojpuri cultural group to visit Guyana during the past five years following the Bhojpuri Folk Troupe led by ACP M. Singh in 2004 and the Surangama Folk and Dance Troupe in 2007 led by Dr. Pushpa Prasad. Most of the ancestors of the Indo-Guyanese hailed from Bhojpuri-speaking areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India.

The visiting troupe will be accompanied by top local artistes from Shakti Strings Orchestra and a number of dance troupes including Academy of Apex, Tarana and Shellita Dance Troupe. Admission is $200 for adults while children will enter free of charge. No alcohol allowed.

Significant reduction in road fatalities
- Police
THE Police have reported a significant reduction in road fatalities, with figures showing 22 road deaths so far this year, compared to 61 for the same period last year.

The annual Police Officer’s conference, which concluded yesterday, complimented the Traffic Officer Superintendent Neil Semple and the ranks under his command.

The police in a press release said they have recognised that the reduction in road deaths could not have been achieved without the cooperation of the general public.

Consequently, the Police Force is urging all categories of road users to continue to obey the rules of the road and for motorists to drive their vehicles in keeping with the five Cs – Courtesy, Common sense, Consideration, Care and Caution.

Amerindian Affairs Ministry says farewell to Ms. Rodrigues
A farewell and salutation ceremony was held for former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues who now holds the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs and the newly appointed Minister of Amerindian Affairs Ms. Pauline Sukhai at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

The gathering expressed their appreciation for Ms. Rodrigues’s hard work during her tenure as Amerindian Affairs Minister which started in March, 2001 when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic was re-elected to govern for a third consecutive term.

Ms. Pauline Sukhai and Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr Desrey Fox joined the staff, Toshaos and other well-wishers in congratulating Ms. Rodrigues in her new portfolio.

Dr. Fox said she admires Ms. Rodrigues’s dedication to her work especially in the communities and encouraged her to overcome the negative comments made about her appointment as Foreign Affairs Minister and to work to take the country forward.

She noted that Amerindian women have taken up the challenge in women’s leadership in Guyana and urged other young women to pay attention the progress that was made by Ms. Rodrigues and other women in leadership and follow in that path.

In congratulating Ms. Rodrigues, Ms. Sukhai said she is confident that the new Minister of Foreign Affairs will continue with the same leadership and success that was characteristic of her during her tenure at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. She also pointed out that the team that worked with Ms. Rodrigues is very proactive and she is eager to work with the team.

Sukhai said she is committed to work towards new initiative that will benefit not only Amerindians, but the country’s development as a whole.

Ms. Rodrigues commended Ms. Sukhai on her new portfolio and assured the gathering that the ministry of Amerindian Affairs is in ‘good hands’. She noted that the success of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is not all because of her, but the government of Guyana and the entire team at the ministry.

Opposition Member of Parliament Dr George Norton told the gathering that Ms. Rodrigues has been one of the most confident and competent Ministers of Amerindian Affairs. He pointed out that gone are the political days when Amerindian Ministers are confined to only the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. 

“Minister Rodrigues has established herself across the country as a true leader who earns the respect of every individual in the communities and create a strong foundation for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry,” Dr. Norton said.

The farewell ceremony was interspersed with inspirational songs and poems performed of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs who also used the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Ms. Sukhai on her accession to office.

Ministers Rodrigues and Sukhai were sworn-in on April 10 to their new positions.  

Dharmic Sabha hosts cultural extravaganza
- to mark 170th anniversary of arrival of Indians
THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has organised a cultural extravaganza to mark the 170th Arrival of Indians to Guyana. The Sabha has observed this historical event annually and its President Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, was among those who initiated the celebrations and lobbied for it to become a national holiday.

Speaking at a press briefing last Friday at the Kendra, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud reflected on the rich culture and history of the Indian ancestors as the Sabha prepares to celebrate Indian Arrival Day.

He noted that Indian Indentureship is an integral part of Guyana’s history which the Sabha has been celebrating for more than three decades.

Persaud added that in 1988, the Sabha commemorated the 150th Anniversary with a big function at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre Ground while this year the Sabha has planned yet another creative event on May 3 and 4 at the National Stadium, Providence.

The programme will feature grand stage programmes in the stadium in which musically traditional Raag/Raagini will be presented along with dance forms depicting the richness of Indian culture with folk items peculiar to Indentureship.

Among top Guyanese artistes who will perform are Mohan Nandu, Sookrane Boodhoo, Ramkissoon Singh, Krishna Mandata, Suchitra Rampersaud, the Dax New Generation Band and Dharmic Nritya Sangh. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has also collaborated with the Sabha in offering the Bhojpuri Troupe of Singers and Dancers for the event.

According to the Sabha’s President, the stadium will be transformed on May 3 and 4 into an indentureship village complete with logies, mandirs, schools and kitchens.

“You will feel as if you have stepped back in time onto a sugar plantation in the nineteenth century as you listen to folk songs, attend a wedding, enjoy delicious food and move around by way of some primitive transport,” Persaud said.

He alluded that the idea is not only to highlight the negative aspects of the indentureship period but will be showcasing the cultural aspects of our foreparents and their positive contribution to life in Guyana.

Meanwhile, the president contended that the Sabha’s celebration will be somewhat different this year since the event will be focusing on the educational, cultural and historical background of the Indian ancestry emphasizing that the occasion is not only a time of joy and frolic but equally a time for profound reflection and evaluation.

He pointed out that the Sabha will not allow the occasion to slip into the hands of those who would exploit the event for their own ends but rather we should be alert to ensure that Indian Arrival Day be retained and celebrated with its true significance in mind.

“Dharmic Sabha feels that Arrival Day has the content which can strengthen unity and build the bond of friendship. Guyana, our homeland, must echo feelings of hope and nothing ought to be done to cause fear and usher in despair,” he said.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has extended an invitation for all to participate in the celebration and to contribute to the historical event which is intended to reach out to a substantial percentage of the country’s population. (Sarada Singh)

Correction
In Perspectives by Prem Misir in yesterday’s Chronicle headlined: Where is Marginalization? Part 4 - Rejoinder, a “NOT” erroneously found itself in the fifth paragraph of the story and reappeared when the said paragraph was highlighted in double columns…”And how about if our findings on ethnic distribution had shown that Africans are not marginalized…”

The underlined not there is erroneous and we regret the error.

The paragraph should have read:

𠇊nd how about if our findings on ethnic distribution had shown that Africans are marginalized, would the critics then say that this ethnic distribution is meaningless? Then if by chance, these findings do show that Africans are marginalized, then these findings would have received great accolades. And so this is the nature of the beast that permeates the critics’ responses to our findings on marginalization.”

President Jagdeo turns GBTI sod
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to perform the symbolic turning of the sod to officially launch the start of the construction of the new Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Head Office Building today at Young and High Streets, Kingston, Georgetown.

According to a press release, the new building will be an impressive and modern four-storey structure that will bring architectural enrichment to the area and to the capital city as a whole.

“It will encompass a total floor area of approximately 54,000 square feet and aimed at improving the capacity of the management team to enhance the quality of service to the bank’s corporate clients,” it added.

The release stated that the bank has already completed the first phase of the project which involved sand filling and pile driving for the foundation of the main building, boundary fences and services buildings and during that phase, over 8,000 piles of 65 feet and 45 feet in length were driven on the site.

The next phase is the construction of the main building and the entire project is slated for completion in twenty months, it said.

“The Board of Directors believes that this new head office is an essential and important step in keeping with the strategic plans of the bank and is one that will help to ensure that GBTI continues to be the leading financial service organisation in Guyana” it pointed out.

SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL
- DOING GUYANA PROUD
By Hydar Ally
GUYANA is relatively small in terms of population compared to the more populous cricketing nations such as India, Pakistan, Australia, Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand but it has produced some of the top cricketers the world has ever seen.

Names such as Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Alvin Kallicharran, Joe Solomon, Roy Fredericks brings back memories of “the glorious days of cricket”.

Rohan Kanhai and Alvin Kallicharran have had the honour of captaining the West Indies for varying periods. There was a time when Guyanese comprised nearly one half of the West Indies side, a credit to the sporting potential of this wonderful country of ours.

More recently, some new names have been added to this illustrious list of cricketing heroes; names such as Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, both of whom also have had the honour of captaining the West Indies team.

In this article, I wish to focus on Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose cricketing genius continues to mesmerize and fascinate cricketing fans throughout the world.

This cricketing idol is of particular interest, given the fact that the community from which he originated is not one of the more advanced in the country in terms of preparing cricketers and developing their cricketing potential.

Full name: Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Born: August 16, 1974, Unity Village, East Coast, Demerara, Guyana
Current age: 33 years 254 days
Major teams: West Indies, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Durham, Guyana
Playing role: Batsman
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Legbreak
Shiv” as he is fondly referred to, hails from the village of Unity, a rural community on the East Coast of Demerara about twenty miles from Georgetown. It is largely a fishing and farming village where cricket is played at the local level.

Born on August 16, 1974, he has the distinction of being the first Guyanese of East Indian descent to play in over 100 Test matches for the West Indies.

He captained the West Indies in 14 tests and 16 One Day Internationals.

Chanderpaul made his first Test century in his 19th match after having scored 15 half-centuries in the preceding matches.

He made 137 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. There are numerous highlights in his cricketing escapades raging from a partnership with fellow Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan to overhaul a massive 418 against Australia in the final test in the 2002/2003 series to that of partnering Brian Lara to create test history by overhauling Sir Gary Sober’s record of 365 not out in the fifth and final Test against England in 1993/1994 series. Lara went on to make 375. Chanderpaul’s contribution to that historic innings was 75 not out.

Because of his persistence and seemingly stubborn batting behaviour, he was feared by bowlers, many of whom were practically humiliated by his ability to strike the ball in some of the most unorthodox and uncanny ways. He could be considered one of the most disciplined and reliable batsmen the world has ever produced and was able to save the West Indies from imminent disaster many times.

He was dubbed “Tiger” for the aggressive manner in which he chased runs especially when the going is tough and the need for quick runs was evident.

On several occasions, he transformed the game with his electrifying display of batting, the most recent being the match against Sri Lanka when he blasted a six in the last ball of the One Day Match to land the West Indies an emphatic series victory.

Chanderpaul was named captain of the West Indies in the first Test against South Africa in March 2005 in Guyana.

His ascendancy to the captaincy came about after a number of key players were dropped from the side including Brian Lara over a sponsorship row.

Chanderpaul became the second player to score a double century in his debut as Captain.

Chanderpaul is undoubtedly the most seasoned player in the West Indies. In the last series against England, Chanderpaul averaged 148.6 runs, an extraordinary performance.

As I said earlier, Chanderpaul was not one of those “pampered” players but one who worked his way up to the pinnacle of the game. Unity, where he was born, is not one of those communities with advanced facilities in terms of community centres and cricket coaches as in the case of Port Mourant, Albion, Rose Hall, Blairmont and so on which could be described as the cricketing hubs in the country, thanks to the emphasis on sports by the Guyana Sugar Corporation which invests substantially in the rehabilitation of sporting facilities and coaches.

In a sense, ‘Shiv’ learnt the game the hard way by developing his talent through a process of trial and error.

Because of his outstanding performance as a cricketer, he was named Wisden Cricketer of the year, quite a fitting honour to a man who has brought glory to West Indian cricket.

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