March 25, 2015 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC PAGE 1
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VOL. 9, NO. 06 • March 25, 2015 Website: www.caribbeangraphic.ca • Tel: 905.831-4402 • Fax: 416.292.2943 • Email: [email protected]
the estimated five and half Granger Coming, April 19! hour Meet, Greet and Mingle Session will allow Guyanese Canadians first hand exposure to the Granger- Nagamotoo led Coalition’s plans to ef- fect much needed change in Guyana. As South America’s only English speaking country Guyana, has been recently ranked as that Continent’s poorest and one of the world’s most corrupt countries. Significant immigration by dissatisfied Guyanese has also resulted in the country’s ickering’s 1527 for Guyana’s upcoming May 11, platform. Under a Time For population having declined Bayly Street Fam- 2015 General Elections. Change Banner, the APNU- to approximately 750,000 Pily Worship Centre Granger and his Prime Min- AFC aims to overthrow the within the past two decades. will be packed to its isterial Candidate colleague incumbent Donald Ramotar Estimates of the total number rafters and overflowing Moses Nagamootoo, have em- led PPP Government, which of Guyana-born emigrants on April 19. The Centre barked on a North American has held power in Guyana for now living abroad range from will on that day host Brigadier Tour to brief Diaspora based the past twenty-two years. 500,000 to 1 million — a David Granger, the APNU- Guyanese on their APNU-AFC Scheduled to Commence at massive Diaspora relative to AFC Presidential Candidate Coalition Party’s Elections 1:30 pm and end at 6:00 pm, Guyana’s resident population. Wendy Jones Cops HarryJerome Entertainment Award an Fantasy’s Wendy Canadian community and a Keynote speaker for the Jones is the Enter- coveted symbol of achieve- 33rd Harry Jerome Awards Ptainment Winner of ment. This year’s win- is Rich Castillo, A&R Direc- this year’s Harry Jerome ners are: Edmond Nankam tor Universal Music Canada, Awards. The Black Business Dzokou – Academics; Cory responsible for music manage- and Professional Association Joseph – Athletics; Wendy ment, publishing and primar- (BBPA) recently announced the Jones – Entertainment; Nneka ily A&R. Entertainment for the fifteen recipients of the 33rd Elliott – Media; Dr. Wanda night includes International Annual Harry Jerome Awards Thomas-Bernard – Commu- Recording Artists, The Savoy presented by the BBPA and RBC nity Service; Dr. Carol Althea Ellingtons, Heirs to the Jazz Royal Bank. The BBPA cel- Pitters – Health Sciences; Throne, USA. ebrates 33 years of recognizing Jelani Smith – Leadership; The 33rd Annual BBPA excellence within the African- Mark Beckles – Professional Harry Jerome Awards will be Canadian community on April Excellence; Tamar Huggins; held on Saturday, April 25th, 25th, 2015. Archie Alleyne - Lifetime 2015 at the Metro Toronto The BBPA Harry Jerome Achievement; Scott Mullin – Convention Centre, South Awards is recognized as the Diversity; Masai Ujiri – Presi- – Youth Advocacy and Deputy Building, 222 Bremner Blvd., most prestigious national dent; Gerry McNeilly – Public Chief Rudolph Andrew Craw- Toronto. Tickets for the Harry awards gala in the African- Advocacy; Kareena Elliston ford – Social Engagement. Jerome Awards are $200.
Buying, Selling or Leasing? Call Charles now! Charles Dow, Salesperson Right At Home Realty Inc. No matter the reason! SSOOLLDD No matter the season! 416-838-2616 Get me and my team http://charlesdow.ca working for you! Not intended to solicit properties already under contract. PAGE 2 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC March 25, 2015 Art, Image, Culture Exhibition Ends March 31! he Tropicana Community vantage point he has developed a unique Services Exhibition Art, collection of naturalistic photographs, T Image, Culture is now capturing images in Brazil, Italy, Aruba, in its final stages, culminat- Yugoslavia, Azores, Grenada, Honolulu ing as it will on March 31. The and other spectacular locales. Tropicana Community Services Carlos Ferguson studied Photographic sponsored Exhibition features Techniques at Humber College, and the works of Photographers Ian Photography and Imaging at Georgian Grant and Carlos Ferguson, College. Over the last decade, he has as well as Artist Jennylynd produced several solo exhibits and has James,. It can be viewed at been included in various shows in the Scarboough’s Tropicana Centre Greater Toronto Area. Most notable, of Excellence, located at 1385 has been ‘Landscape 4 Views’ hosted by Huntingwood Drive. Toronto’s J.D. Carrier Gallery. Grenadian-Born Ian Grant has lived Trinidadian-born Jennylynd stum- in Toronto for many years. From this bled across her artistic talent in 2009,
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The Integrity Professionals Inc. Tel: 416-754-4181 powered by: 1220 Ellesmere Rd., Unit 29, Scarborough March 25, 2015 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC PAGE 3 and pretty boy Raul Deoram. There will C GCC Hosts be live music from the Ravi Sookhoo C
lead N2 and tassa performances by the aribbean sprinG all aribbean Talanablu Tassa Cru. Deejays Navi, De WHite GloW Unstoppable Jnr, King Cobra, Rob, Reg, party! Mixmaster, Da Dancehalland G98.7’s Riyad will also be in attendance. Saturday, May 16 is the date for the Guy- Venue for Oh Ma Unplugged is the ana Christian Charities’ (GCC) hosting Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 6628 Finch of its 2015 Spring All White Glow Party Avenue W. Tickets starting at $30.00 J at the Pickering Recreation Complex, J are available online at; www.TicketGate- 1867 Valley Farm Road. Live dance mu- ewel
way.com - starting at $30.00 ewel sic will be provided by the dynamic Fuh Fun, accompanied by DeeJay Tee Cee. Tickets for the Cash Bar evening are $25.00 person and can be obtained from any GCC member. There will also be delicious Guyanese food dishes on sale. The fun starts at 7:30 pm sharp and goes until 1:00 am. “oH Ma” UnplUGGed! APRIL 25th, 2015 is the date for a very special event in honour of Mother’s Day. “Oh Ma” Unplugged, will feature, live and direct from Trinidad, the phenom- enon Neval Chetlal. Arguably Trinidad’s Wanted: top vocalist period, Chetlal will be Carib Jewels: Calling all performing Bollywood hits, ghazalas, Beauties. Email your Selfie’s English tunes and some other surprises to us at caribbeangraphic@ as well. rogers.com for a chance to He will be supported onstage by the be featured as a Carib Jewel and also win great prizes. popular Nishard M, playing a piano live Winners will be chosen ac- for the first time ever. Attendees will cording to which submitted also be exposed to the many talents of Selfie best reflects Carib’s the beautiful and sultry Savita Singh. spirit as the Caribbean’s Oh Ma Unplugged will also feature Beer! The contest runs appearances by Guyana-based Bolly- monthly from April 10 to August 12, 2015! wood film specialist Bisram, as well as Toronto’s own Sara Ali, Kavita Sookhoo PAGE 4 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC March 25, 2015
and fours as the Kiwis ran rampant in Betrayed By A Boyhood Hero! scoring another 162 runs at a whopping average of 13.5 runs per over. here may be as much love The reasons for this are that it bowling attack you have if you allow So the Holder inexperience caused for West Indies cricket was Lloyd’s decision to send us to your opponents to enter the last 10 – 15 damage was done as the Kiwis set the Tcursing through my the World Cup minus the services of overs of a 50 Over match with wickets West Indies a daunting 394 to win. veins as there’s life sustain- our best and only world recognized in hand, you are setting yourself up for a Amazingly Chris Gayle responded as ing blood. So it shouldn’t come all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. It was mauling! Yet that’s exactly what Holder only he could, blasting 61 from just 33 as a surprise to anyone that I also Lloyd’s decision to appoint as the allowed New Zealand to do. balls. When he was fifth out the West was among those who suffered team’s Captain, the totally inexpe- New Zealand lost its second wicket in Indies score was at 120 in only the 17th through the entire ordeal of the rienced twenty-three year old Jason the sixteenth over with the score on 89. over. That meant that they were scoring West Indies’ inglorious quarter Holder. Giving such as acknowledged The next wicket fell at 232 in the 39th at a rate of 7.5 runs per over, well within final exit from the 2015 Cricket novice as Holder the responsibility over. In between the New Zealand pair strike of the 7.88 that had been required World Cup, now in its final of leading an already incapacitated of Guptil and Taylor were allowed to at the outset. stages in Australia and New West Indies team in cricket’s most face more than 20 overs from West In- At that point Holder’s captaincy Zealand. competitive Tournament against full dies’ second string bowlers. This while inexperience and apparent cricket From ball one to the fall of the last strength opponents was the ultimate the team’s leading strike bowler and ignorance again proved disastrous. West Indies wicket, via television I in cricketing stupidity and a recipe highest wicket taker, Jerome Taylor, lan- The sensible thing for him to have done loyally endured the experience of the for inevitable disaster. guished in the outfield having bowled then would have been to insert himself shame and embarrassment that was There are those who are of the opin- only four of his allotted ten overs. in the order ahead of the hard-hitters forthcoming. First there was the New ion that it was Marlon Samuel’s having Had Holder been in possession of any Darren Sammy and Andre Russell. Had Zealand batsmen’s merciless mauling dropped Guptil, when he had scored semblance of the cricketing know how he and Jonathan Carter batted together of our bowling, including Martin Gup- only 4 of the 237 runs he eventually that comes with experience, he would conservatively, until the 35th over, add- til’s record breaking 237 as the highest made, that cost West Indies the match. I have realised that “attack is very often ing just another 100 runs at just over ever individual World Cup score. That happen not to share that view. the best form of defense!” Instead of five runs an over, the West Indies would was quickly followed by the brainless As unwelcome as they may be allowing the Kiwis to settle as he did he have been left with a target of 174 in the submission of our batsmen in chasing dropped catches are a normal occur- should have been trying to take wickets last 15 overs. With Sammy and Russell the formidable yet not unreachable rence in cricket matches, the effects of through two over spells of his three still available that would have been an target of 394 that the Kiwis had set for which can often be mitigated. The fact front line bowlers, Taylor, Andre Russell entirely gettable T20 like score. us to win. that Guptil went on to score another 233 and himself. As it was he allowed the Clive Lloyd may have been one of our At the end of the ordeal the most runs should not be attributed to Marlon Kiwis to get to the comfort of 232 – 3 in greatest ever captains and the subject of prevalent emotion I felt, was neither the Samuels, but rather to Holder’s blatant the 38th over. my unbridled hero worship as a kid. His shame or embarrassment as profound inexperience and unfortunate conserva- There was only ever going to be one World Cup 2015 Selection decisions in as they both were. Rather it was a deep tism as captain. translation for seven batsmen faceing omitting Dwayne Bravo and appointing sense of having been betrayed, not so As the former great West Indies fast only twelve overs which was exactly Holder Captain have however now left much by the players themselves, but by bowler Mikey Holding noted in his post the mayhem that inevitably followed. me feeling absolutely betrayed. our Chairman of Selectors, Clive Lloyd. match analysis, no matter how good a For the next twelve overs it rained sixes — Tony McWatt
payer, in effect combining theft with Consumed By Corruption bribery), steal cash from treasuries, Guest Editorial greatest affected are those with “na- sector if firms and individuals regularly extend advances to themselves that are MARCH 20, 2015 | BY KNEWS tionalized economies, authoritarian experience it when they seek a license never repaid, or draw pay for fictitious he culture of corruption governments and recently democratized or a service from government. “ghost” workers, a pattern well docu- has permeated every level societies. Scholars perceive corruption The bribes may be retained by mented in the reports of audit authori- Tof our society. We assume as not a cultural flaw but a symptom of individual recipients or pooled in an ties. In such cases financial control that things would only get a sick state. elaborate sharing arrangement. The systems typically have broken down or worse, because many who are Some believe that corruption helps sums involved in grand corruption may are neglected by managers. not yet corrupt are beginning “grease the wheels” of an otherwise make newspaper headlines around the Corruption within government can to realise that the wrongdoing inefficient bureaucracy and economy. world, but the aggregate costs of petty take place at both the political and the is significantly enhancing their Companies that do business in places corruption, in terms of both money and bureaucratic levels. The first may be in- lifestyles. But those persons rep- where corruption exists often say economic distortions, may be as great dependent of the second, or there may resent a select few. The masses they have no choice but to pay bribes if not greater. be collusion. At one level, controlling suffer as a result of the trans- and kickbacks because that is the way Theft of state assets by officials political corruption involves election gressions. business is done”. charged with their stewardship is laws, campaign finance regulations, This notion was expressed by World In the World Bank Group’s “Helping also corruption. An extreme form is and conflict of interest rules for parlia- Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, Countries Combat Corruption: The the large-scale “spontaneous” priva- mentarians. At another level corrup- when he declared corruption “public Role of the World Bank,” the following tization of state assets by enterprise tion may be intrinsic to the way power enemy number one” in developing is observed: managers and other officials in is exercised and may be impossible to countries, and told participants at an “The government benefits purchased some transition economies. At the reduce through lawmaking alone. In anti-corruption forum, “Every dol- with bribes vary by type and size. other end of the scale is petty theft of the extreme case, state institutions lar that a corrupt official or a corrupt Contracts and other benefits can be items such as office equipment and may be infiltrated by criminal elements business person puts in their pocket is enormous (grand or wholesale cor- stationery, vehicles, and fuel. The and turned into instruments of indi- a dollar stolen from a pregnant woman ruption) or very small (petty or retail perpetrators of petty theft are usu- vidual enrichment. who needs health care; or from a girl corruption), and the impact of misin- ally middle- and lower-level officials, Corruption is systemic (pervasive or or a boy who deserves an education; terpretation of laws can be dramatic compensating, in some cases, for entrenched) where bribery, on a large or from communities that need water, or minor. inadequate salaries. Asset control or small scale, is routine in dealings roads, and schools. Grand corruption is often associated systems are typically weak or nonex- between the public sector and firms or Every dollar is critical if we are to with international business transac- istent, as is the institutional capacity individuals.” reach our goals to end extreme poverty tions and usually involves politicians to identify and punish wrongdoers. It is quite disconcerting that all of the by 2030 and to boost shared prosper- as well as bureaucrats. The bribery Theft of government financial re- above are familiar to us and continue ity.” That in essence presents the picture transaction may take place entirely sources is another form of corruption. to consume our society after almost 50 as clearly as it could be depicted. outside the country. Petty corruption Officials may pocket tax revenues or years of independence. To combat this Studies have shown that countries may be pervasive throughout the public fees (often with the collusion of the state of affairs may take generation.
Publisher/Editor: Tony McWatt Contributors: Sandra Ann Baptiste, Akua Hinds, Christine Reid, Sir Ronald Sanders, Legal: Oumarally and Baboolal Graphic Design: Adryan Manasan (www.echodesign.ca | 416.716.2362) Website: www.caribbeangraphic.ca • Tel: 905.831-4402 • Fax: 416.292.2943 • Email: [email protected] March 25, 2015 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC PAGE 5 PAGE 6 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC March 25, 2015
WaGe CaUtion enue to pay civil servants. Increased Oil Presently, Government expects BRIDGETOWN, A Trade Union- to spend $763 million, or about 30 Exploration Interest ist has blasted Government for per cent of Government revenue, bloating the Public Service with on maintaining the jobs of public BRIDGETOWN, A second company has determine if Bajan Hydrocarbons was fit political picks for people who expressed an interest in bidding for a to do the job. officers. supported them. And outgoing Maloney said Government had licence to explore for oil and gas off the The businessman, who is also execu- president of the National Union shores of Barbados which, according tive chairman of Silver Bear Resources to keep the Public Service from of Public Workers (NUPW) Walter ballooning to the point where it to the firm, could earn this country at and director of Vast Exploration Inc., Maloney is warning that political least one billion dollars in tax revenue revealed that anyone who makes a dis- then had to cut workers as was the administrations should not spend case last year when 3 000 public annually. With a new bidding campaign covery off Barbados and starts produc- more than 45 per cent of its rev- expected to start by the end of April, tion, could end up contributing at least servants lost their jobs. Bajan Hydrocarbons Inc. (BHI), a 50 per cent of its tax revenue. He said Barbados-based, privately-owned, re- Barbados would definitely become a net gional company, is hoping to join BHP exporter of oil and gas “and you would utilize domestic energy resources, thus Billiton, an Anglo-Australian multina- be the envy of the Caribbean”. Reduced decreasing the dependence on foreign tional mining, metals and petroleum Birchall said one proper discov- fuel imports. firm, in bidding for a licence. ery would also supply this country’s Power In the scenarios analyzed, total oil The last bid round was in 2007. domestic consumption requirement consumption for energy generation is Speaking to local media chief ex- of 10,000 barrels of oil per day, five projected to drop by approximately ecutive officer and founding director times over, and would be a huge Costs 66 000 barrels to 225 000 barrels of of Bajan Hydrocarbons Inc., Robin foreign exchange earner as well. The BRIDGETOWN, Barbadian consumers oil per year. The study was the first of Birchall, was optimistic his company company, which boasts of interna- can look forward to paying reduced light its kind done by Light & Power, and would get the nod. He is certain tional investors, is also involved in bills as the Barbados Light and Power included specialized and complex wind there is potentially significant onshore business in Barbados. Accord- (BL&P) projects lower energy costs as it and solar models to help in determin- amounts of oil and gas off the shores ing to a presentation document dated moves towards greater use of renewable ing the results. of this country and production in the March 3, 2014, BHI will establish a energy. This is one of the major findings While the Fair Trading Commission longer term on-shore itself. joint venture company with the Bar- of a study on Renewable Energy Inter- was ultimately responsible for the deci- Birchall said while he was optimistic bados National Oil Company Limited mittent Penetration, recently released sion to increase the allowable amount of getting licences, the decision still to seek to increase onshore oil and gas by the BL&P and posted on its website. of intermittent energy, the results of the rested with the Ministry of Energy to production by at least 50 per cent. The study says new wind and solar so-called IP study provided the basis resources will displace expensive oil for their determination. generation and lead to significant reduc- In a press release, Light & Power’s tions in energy production costs be- Manager, Systems Planning and Perfor- tween $19 million and $62.5 million per mance, Johann Greaves, said the study year, a reduction of five to 15 per cent. also provided recommendations on the The report also stated that increased process for connecting intermittent use of renewables will allow Barbados to renewables to the system.
LAWYERS factual story tale, and credit Credit Union must go to the board of direc- savinG still tors for their governance during HiGH this period”. BRIDGETOWN, Despite con- tinued economic challenges CoMinG soon: in Barbados, members of the tHe repUbliC Barbados Light & Power Credit of barbados! Union are managing to keep BRIDGETOWN, Barbados will their savings up. And the chief soon be switching from a mo- executive officer of the Finan- narchical system of government cial Services Commission (FSC) to republican status, dumping Randy Graham is giving the the Queen as its head of state. credit union praise for being a The Queen’s representative, leader in savings. the Governor General, will be “The growth in GDP for the replaced by a president, a “cer- Barbados economy in 2014 was emonial figure” rather than the less than one per cent, and American-type president who unemployment figures were wields the real power in gov- predicted to increase, but the ernment. Light and Power Credit Union Prime Minister Freundel 3045A Hurontario Street ❏ Criminal Law was able to maintain an average Stuart made the announce- Mississauga, Ontario ❏ Family Law savings per member of $22,205, ment while addressing a March which is 155 per cent above the L5A 2G9 ❏ Real Estate 22 meeting hosted by the St industry average of $8,702 per George South branch of the ❏ Corporate Commercial member,” Graham said at the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) T: 905-366-5400 ❏ Personal Injury incl Slip and Fall credit union’s March 22 Annual at St Luke’s Skills Training F: 905-366-5404 ❏ Employment General Meeting at the Lloyd Centre, in Brighton, St George. Erskine Sandiford Centre. E: [email protected] ❏ Civil Litigation Stuart said the shift would take “It would appear in the place “in the very near future”, www.oblaw.ca ❏ Wills and Estates scheme of things that this credit without giving specifics. union story is somewhat of a March 25, 2015 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC PAGE 7
rapid from EC $14.99 to EC $13.50 Grenada Hosts per gallon after the price of oil deCline in dropped from over US $120 a bar- antiGUa’s rel last year to currently under US Science & Technology $45 per barrel. The government toUrisM has resisted dropping prices lower, ST JOHN’S, Antigua, A “rapid however, and so has been able to Conference decline” in tourism arrivals has increase tax earnings. St GEORGE’S Grenada, The Spice Isle Governor of the Eastern Carib- led the International Monetary The IMF team leader ex- will host the second high level meeting bean Central bank (ECCB), Sir Dwight Fund (IMF) to revise down plained the modest growth of Science and Technology (S&T) in the Venner , the Registrar of the Barbados- its projections for economic prediction for 2015, barring any Caribbean Community (CARICOM). based Caribbean Examinations Council growth in the country to 2.1 per change in policies. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who (CXC), Glenroy Cumberbatch and the cent for 2015, from 2.4 per cent The IMF team carried out its has lead responsibility for science and former S&T advisor to the Jamaica gov- in 2014. The IMF report, the first third monitoring exercise follow- technology within the quasi-CARICOM ernment, Dr. Arnoldo Ventura will pres- for 2015, noted tourism arriv- ing the end of the more than US cabinet, will address the March 26-28 ent papers at the three day conference als began declining in the last $102 million loan or Stand-By- meeting that will be held under the that is being organized by CARICOM three months of 2014, and that Arrangement in 2013. theme “Strengthening and Utilizing Science, Technology and Innovation an 8 per cent decline in tourism The IMF said increase public S&T in the Caribbean”. Committee jointly with CARISCIENCE, arrivals for the first two months investment, higher than ex- The meeting, which will be attended UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbe- of 2015 has “reduced the pros- pected transfers and increased by CARICOM ministers responsible an and The World Academy of Sciences pects for the sector.” spending on goods and ser- for information communication and Regional Office for Latin America and Meredith Arnold McIntrye, vices accounted for most of the technology (ICT) will focus on science the Caribbean. who led the latest IMF mission deficit. The IMF noted that with education in schools, strengthening the A number of academics from the to the country from March 9 to more debt payments becoming research culture as well as strengthen- United Kingdom, United States, Brazil 16, however said low fuel prices due, the gross financing needs ing the entrepreneurial science and and the Caribbean are also expected to will likely keep inflation low this also increased to 10.3 per cent of technology environment in the region. attend the meeting. year and narrow the current ac- gross domestic product (GDP). count deficit. The ratio of public sector debt The government in February to GDP increased to 98.7 per ST LuCIA To oPen lowered gasoline prices slightly cent of GDP. TAIWAn eMBASSy CASTRIES, ST Lucia, Tiwanese Of- ary, St. Lucia’s minister of external ficials have announced that St. Lucia affairs, international trade and civil Robin can help will be opening an embassy in Taiwan aviation, Alva Baptiste, then said the by the end of June. The announce- purpose of his visit was to look for a open the door ment was made by a Taiwanese location for an embassy in an effort foreign affairs official responsible for to strengthen bilateral ties. Latin and Central American affairs. The Republic of China and St. Lucia Robin Shiwsankar to your new St. Lucia has selected a location in have maintained close cooperation in Home Financing Taipei and is finalizing details of set- public health, education, infrastruc- Advisor home in Canada. ting up its embassy there for the first ture and culture since the both coun- time, said Antonio Yeh, counselor tries resumed diplomatic relations in of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 2007 following a 10-year hiatus. Get your home, sooner. Department of Latin American and The two sides first established ® Caribbean Affairs, at a regular news diplomatic ties in 1984, but St. Lucia The Scotiabank StartRight Mortgage briefing. switched its recognition to the Program1, designed for newcomers, When asked about the progress People’s Republic of China in 1997. makes owning your home a reality. of the embassy, Yeh said it would be Of Taiwan’s 22 diplomatic allies, opened by the end of June and se- St. Lucia and Saint Vincent and the nior officials St. Lucia will attend the Grenadines are the only two coun- As a knowledgeable Home Financing opening ceremony. tries that have not set up embassies Advisor I can show you how. During a visit to Taiwan in Febru- in Taiwan. Call today.
antiGUa’s Us CHiCken ban? ST JOHN’s Antigua, The island is expected to impose a ban on poultry and poultry products imported from the United States, in order to “protect” the country from Avian Bird Flu which has been discovered in at least five states in the US. This has been confirmed by highly placed government officials who indicated that an official announcement would soon be forthcoming. Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Tubal Edwards, would neither confirm nor deny the ban but said it would have a major impact on the country 5100 Erin Mills Pkwy. since “90 per cent” of the poultry consumed is imported from the USA. Mississauga, ON Animal health experts and poultry growers in the US are scrambling to 647 886 1214 determine how a dangerous new strain of bird flu infected poultry flocks in several states and to stop if from spreading.
Dr Edwards said the disease is spread only through live birds but the ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. 1 The Scotiabank StartRight Mortgage Program, created for Canadian Landed Immigrants and Foreign Workers from 0-5 years in Canada. Applicable to residential mortgages only and subject to Scotiabank lending criteria for local authorities are taking “precautionary measures” and banning poultry residential properties. CMHC/Genworth Financial Canada/Canada Guaranty mortgage default insurance may be required for Loan to Value ratios (LVRs) greater than 50% to a maximum of products as well. 95%. Maximum LVRs available may be less than 95%. PAGE 8 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC March 25, 2015
Jagdeo Misled Country Claims Accountant GEORGETOWN, For over two decades, Minister Bharrat Jagdeo.” believe that their Government paid off the the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Backing his arguments, and using debts inherited from the PNC. The reality Civic (PPP/C), has been telling Guyana figures from the Bank of Guyana, the is different. As a result of the economic that the administration of former Fi- accountant noted that in October 1992 recovery programme constructed by nance Minister, Carl Greenidge, mis- when Ally took over as Finance Minis- Greenidge, Guyana benefitted from sub- managed the economy prior to 1992. ter, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stantial debt write-offs even as the PPP/C It is myth. As a matter of fact, un- which measures growth, was growing at engaged in its own borrowing spree, both der the Presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, 7.7% following a 6.1% growth in 1991. locally and internationally.” Guyana borrowed more and there is However, the economy recorded its first He said that unfortunately for Guy- evidence that growth declined steadily. decline in the decade of the nineties under ana, economic mismanagement is not Writing in his online blog chrisram. Jagdeo as Finance Minister, an underper- the only or the worst of Jagdeo’s ailures. net on March 20, prominent accountant formance repeated for three years between To cap it all, Ram wrote, Jagdeo did and lawyer, Christopher Ram, argued 2000 and 2005 under his presidency. not wait on an independent Parliament that Greenidge, a Finance Minister in Ram has been highly critical of the to reward him with a fair retirement the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government and the management of the package. “He ordered his Cabinet and administration, has been one of the Christopher Ram economy for a number of years now, in the then PPP/C majority in the National chief targets of the PPP/C since 2011 for the party won the elections in 1992. “… his online blog, television program and Assembly to administer to Guyanese the what they claim to be his mismanage- why did they not replace it? The truth is newspaper column. A number of privati- ultimate insult: a retirement package ment of the economy prior to 1992. that the ERP negotiated by Greenidge zation deals by Government and large for him that is equivalent to the average “This claim is at best one-sided and at with the IMF and other international scale infrastructure projects have also earned income of sixty sugar workers. worst totally dishonest, completely ig- lenders and donors placed Guyana on come under his scrutiny. Or to put it another way, the equivalent noring the performance of the economy a trend where its economic growth rate “The PPP/C would also have the nation of the old age pension of 240 persons.” when Greenidge demitted office in 1992. was well above anything the country has Perhaps as the calypsonian Chalkdust ever witnessed, before or after.” sang: “they ‘fraid Carl”. Ram said that Asgar Ally, the PPP’s fire Cover Up? of the laboratory is poor with loose Ram said that it must be noted that Finance Minister, riding on the wave of tiles scattered throughout the GEORGETOWN, Prominent Attor- Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) building and staff members who debt write-offs initiated by Greenidge, ney and Chairman of the Alliance which the PPP in opposition had dubbed “kept the economy roaring until he was have been relocated to another For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes Empty Rice Pot was not replaced after undermined by then Junior Finance facility at Ogle “have been forbid- has revealed details about an elec- den to speak with the press and trical fire which reportedly occurred as a consequence the matter has on March 17 at Guyana’s National escaped media attention.” Scientific Forensic Laboratory, “Almost $1 billion and counting, located in Turkeyen. we can’t even get the air flow and In a Facebook Post, Hughes electrical system right while there is noted that the fire started at an "Shipping to the Caribbean" no DNA capacity at the facility. Bet- electrical outlet in the office of the ter must come,” Hughes stated. Head of the Technical department On July 14, 2014 the $900M facil- and was so intense that it blew out ity was officially commissioned by the glass wall which separated the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Lun- Laparkan Provides a Wide Range of Superior Services room from the rest of the floor. cheon and Home Affairs Minister, According to Hughes, the fire Clement Rohee. also destroyed the electrical out- Rohee had said then that the pur- lets on the rest of the floor. pose of the lab is not only to gener- According to him, government ate funds for Government but will was advised prior to the fire that be used as an instrument to deter SHIPPING TO the electrical installation and air cir- criminal activities and reduce crime. culation in the building was faulty The facility is also scheduled to and poor. provide DNA testing, but to date GUYANA, TRINIDAD, He revealed that the construction this has not been done. 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Callthenameyoucantrust,speakwithaLIVE AGENTnow! Yorkdale Mall Tower 1 Yorkdale Road Suite 404, Toronto, ON, M6A 3A1 MondaytoSaturday8amto8pm•Sunday10amto4pm•Holidays9amto2pm Telephone: (416) 787-1616 Ext. 230 | Toll-Free: 1-800-361-8726 Ext. 230 416.292.4370 • www.laparkan.com Cellular: (416) 346-8883 | Fax: (416) 787-8998 E-mail: [email protected] March 25, 2015 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC PAGE 9 TIMES Trying To Silence Me, Says Ramkarran GEORGETOWN, Former Speaker of the trademark “Demerara Gold.” jecting himself to intense abuse and National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran He noted that he replied to Guyana isolation, “until it became necessary to has come under attack from the Guyana Times with a detailed refutation but up to ensure that I no longer remain within Times. The fact that these attacks came the time of writing it was not published. its ranks. No one else has so far dared to almost immediately after he publicly The former stalwart said that he oppose Jagdeo.” He added that Jagdeo is condemned statements made by former spoke out for years in the PPP, sub- in full command and control of the PPP. President Bharrat Jagdeo has led Ram- karran to believe that the newspaper is seeking to penalize him and simultane- HUnt doWn tHose WHo Have ously send a warning for him to back off. not retUrned UniforMs, says Ramkarran recently chided Jagdeo for forMer poliCe CHief! attempting to justify his “Cadillac life- GEORGETOWN, Former Commis- If a rank should leave the Force style” by painting a picture suggesting sioner of Police Winston Felix is ad- without turning in their uniforms and that the late former President, Cheddi vising that the Guyana Police Force other police property, the police Jagan had a similar life style. employ sterner measures to recover would then forfeit whatever funds There were outraged responses by many police uniforms that can be used they have at the police credit union people to Jagdeo’s statement, including to commit criminal acts by persons to pay for the unreturned items. Clem Seecharran, Peter Fraser and two known or easily available to the newspa- posing as lawmen. The former Top However, while persons can be distinguished Guyanese historians liv- per,” said Ramkarran. Cop was responding to recent re- charged, one senior police officer ing and working in the UK. But the most This newspaper had published what ports that criminals are pouncing on has acknowledged that this is an telling came from Nadira Jagan-Branci- Ramkarran said about Jagdeo on March unsuspecting citizens by dressing area where the Force needs to tight- er, the Jagan’s daughter, Dr. Tulsie Dyal 15. By March 18, Guyana Times wrote the in police uniforms and setting up en up. He said that recent reports Singh and Sadie Amin. first article under the caption “If you live illegal roadblocks. of persons posing as policemen are Ramkarran had set the ball rolling by in a glass house, don’t throw stones!” Felix, who served as Commissioner worrying because there appears to stating it was “sinful” for Jagdeo to make In that article, it was alleged that from 2004 to 2006, strongly believes be no method in place to stop them. the comparison he did. Now, Ramkarran Ramkarran refused a cabinet post in that the force should hunt down He advised that the force adminis- believes that he was being penalized for 1992 and instead demanded legal work those persons who have left the force tration should take the initiative and defending the legacy of the founder of the for his firm. By March 19, Guyana Times and have not returned their kits. try to ascertain how many ranks have Party he spent many years in. published another article this one under Police ranks are reportedly given absconded (without returning their Ramkarran lamented the attacks in the heading “Ramkarran strikes gold one kit per year. This kit, which con- uniforms) and carry out searches for his most recent article published on his with Demerara Gold.” sists of three shirts and three pairs them. The Guyana Defence Force website, www.conversationtree.gy and In defending the content of the first of trousers (in the case of males) and had previously adopted a policy said that it was “expected.” “As expect- article, Ramkarran said “I was never three skirts (in the case of females), of publishing the photographs of ed, two articles appeared in the Guyana offered a cabinet post in 1992 and there must be turned in the following year soldiers who went Absent Without Times containing stories about me on was no flood of legal business to my in order to uplift a new one. Even Leave (AWOL). Felix believes that the familiar issues, some from twenty years firm.” Speaking about the second item, if the uniform is badly damaged, it Guyana Police Force should adopt a ago, some earlier, which are completely Ramkarran said, “In this piece “a series must be turned in so that a proper similar method, given the high attri- and deliberately fabricated or distorted of patently false allegations were made record could be made. tion rate within the organization. even though the correct information is about technical matters relating to the
To All Our Valued Customers. Thanks For Your Continued Support. Wishing You and Your Family a Blessed Easter! PAGE 10 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC March 25, 2015
Disabled Kids Being Singled Out bUsy For Abuse, Says Hanna siGnal KINGSTON, As Jamaica continues to of abuse to GivinG reel from news of violent acts against the Office of children, Minister of Youth and Culture the Children’s baCk Lisa Hanna is revealing that children Registry or KINGSTON, Dancehall deejay who are disabled are being singled out the Child Busy Signal will soon be em- for physical and verbal abuse. Development barking on his latest project -- “We’ve gotten reports that people Agency. the Busy 20/20 Helping Hands spit on them, people take their money, Donna Foundation Limited. According and people do all kinds of things to Lowe, princi- to the dancehall artiste, the children who act differently than how pal of Genesis venture is for a much-needed some of you might act,” Hanna said as Academy, a cause. she addressed students during a March special-needs “My priority is the St Ann’s Bay 20 ‘Pon di Corna’ session hosted by the high school Hospital. It is in need of vital X- Ministry of Youth and Culture at the in Kingston, ray/CAT scan equipment for de- Half-Way Tree Transport Centre. “That echoed Han- tecting cancer. It costs roughly is a form of child abuse.” na’s concerns, $12 million,” Busy Signal recently She also said that the ministry was pointing to incidents where children in As minister responsible for youth, Lisa told local media . aware of “too many situations of young wheelchairs were physically attacked for Hanna said that every week an average The foundation — which was children being sexually abused”, and simply being disabled. of 220 reports of abuse against children registered last year — will be noted that boys, too, are victims. Lowe said the situation is so dire that were made, and said more investigators officially launched at the Jewel As sexual exploitation often comes JUTC personnel have to escort and are being brought in to deal with the now Dunn’s River Resort & Spa in from “older members of the family”, “baby sit” the disabled students who over 3,000 cases in backlog. Ocho Rios on April 2. Hanna revealed that children were hesi- wait for transportation at the Half-Way “I don’t think that the increase in Busy Signal, whose given tant to report these acts to adults. Tree Transport Centre. reports necessarily means that there name is Reanno Gordon, ex- The minister chose the occasion to Lowe pleaded directly with the students are more cases of abuse, but people plained his reason for taking on plead to both adults and children to who were congregated at the busy bus are more sensitised to report,” Hanna this project. make the effort to report all incidents park to look out for the disabled children. explained. “This is the hospital I was born in. The majority of people “The making of these new anti-cancer from St Ann are farmers and Orchids For Cancer drugs was inspired by the isolation of they don’t have the money fi go KINGSTON, The JOS and the JCS have on March 19. Jamaica National is one of chemical compounds from the Ball Moss private hospital. So mi haffi help signed a memorandum of understand- the main sponsors of the show. plant, which has been actively pursued inna my way and give back. Dem ing committing the two organisations Renowned Jamaican scientist Dr over the past 10 years by Dr Lowe and need the help,” he said. to jointly support the Jamaica Orchid Henry Lowe was recently granted a new his research team,” the news release said. The artiste said he is aware Society Show. patent by the United States of America “The synthesis of these anti-cancer drug that he alone cannot do it, and Both organisations will promote the Patent Office in his anti-cancer research. agents is a first of its kind.” therefore welcomes assistance show, with the JCS also agreeing to be a The development is being regarded as a The patent information was recently from corporate Jamaica. participant in the event slated for March major scientific stride for biotechnology released, but was formally granted on Jamaica’s health sector has 28 and 29 in St Andrew. In return, the in Jamaica as it relates to the making of a December 9, 2014, the release ex- been haemorrhaging for years JOS will share some of the proceeds, new group of chemical compounds called plained, adding that the new patent is from a shortage of vital equip- guaranteeing the JCS a minimum con- Dicinnamoyl-Glycerol Esters, which have one of three anti-cancer patents so far ment, beds, gloves, gauzes and tribution of $50,000. major anti-cancer activities. granted to Dr Lowe, with an additional manpower. Jarrett said the development was a A news release from Lowe’s Bio-Tech five patents undergoing different stages Several charities including We logical step that would serve the mem- R&D Institute explained that the new pat- of evaluation prior to the patent award. Care Foundation and Shaggy bers of both societies. The signing took ent -- Number 8907117 -- is titled ‘Anti-tu- This, he added, is particularly burden- and Friends Foundation have ral- place at the chief office of Jamaica -Na mour and Anti-Inflammatory Dicinnamo- some for scientists in developing coun- lied to the hospital’s aid. How- tional Building Society in Half-Way-Tree yl-Glycerol Esters and their Analogues’. tries like Jamaica, where resources are ever, the sector remains in dire limited and the filing and maintenance straits. of patents are very expensive. “Government a government. HOME • AUTO • COMMERCIAL The company noted that Dr Lowe and We haffi help inna our way. No- his colleague scientists -- Dr Joseph Bry- body is excluded from sickness,” ant and Dr Ngeh Toyang from the Uni- he said. 206-885 Progress Ave. versity of Maryland School of Medicine, With regard to his career, as well as Dr Charah Watson of Bio-Tech Busy Signal said he has a double Toronto, Ontario R&D -- are particularly encouraged by album pending. the news that their work has been re- “We haven’t finalised the T: 416-284-9470 Ext.206 garded as “exceptionally outstanding”. name yet, but we’re looking at TF: 1-888-249-3950 The Bio-Tech R&D Institute in collabo- about August-September. In the ration with the University of Maryland meantime, we’re focusing on C: 416-209-8688 School of Medicine is primarily focused some visuals because people F:416-284-2629 on cancer research as well as diabetes and want to see what they’re buy- E: [email protected] HIV/AIDS. Recently, the institute joined ing. We’re shooting three videos Lowe’s new company, Medicanja, in lead- today [Friday]... Welcome, Text ing research and development of Cannabis Message, and Kuff,” he said. Paul Ernest Archer, for medicinal and commercial projects and Busy Signal is known for hits C.R.M. R.I.B. (Ontario) programmes in Jamaica, which, Bio-Tech including Watch Out Fi This, R&D said, “are expected to significantly Come Over, Badman Place and Senior Account Manager impact scientific and clinical development, Nah Go Jail Again. as well as economic benefits to Jamaica”.