September 30, 2012
The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com
Entrance to the GUYEXPO held in Guyana from Septem- GUYEXPO-2012: Imitation buildings, some of which ber 27-30, 2012 represent historic buildings.
GUYEXPO Trade Exposition - September 27-30, 2012
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (left) Guyexpo is an occasion for celebrat- ing our achievements-PM “It is an occasion where nearly all of Georgetown, GINA, September 27, 2012 us find some pleasant surprises…we did not know that our people could Guyexpo is an occasion for celebrating our produce those goods with that quality achievements-PM and at good prices…Guyexpo is Thousands came out this evening at the Sophia Ex- therefore an occasion for celebrating our achieve- hibition Centre to witness the launch of Guyana’s ments,” Hinds said. renowned exposition and trade fair, Guyexpo 2012 held under the theme “Strengthening the traditional, He added that it is also an occasion that challenges and encourages persons to do even better, learning Embracing the New”. from each other, to compete in a friendly and produc- Patrons and exhibitors were mesmerised with the tive way. display of what promises to be the largest exposition “Guyexpo from one year to another challenges ever, with cultural performances from the Chinese us…we Guyanese over the last decades have been Association, the National Steel Orchestra and a col- able to provide better for ourselves each year through laborative dance troupe. our work…providing a greater amount of goods and Apart from the celebrations, former Ministers of services,” Mr Hinds said. Tourism were honoured for their stint in office during Read a number of complete reports on Guyexpo which they contributed significantly to the enhance- 2012 - from GINA < click here ment of Guyexpo, thereby laying the foundation for what it is today. GUYANESE ONLINE NEWSLETTERS
Those recognised were: Shree Chand These newsletters are published on the last day of every (posthumously), Jeff Da Silva, Manzoor Nadir and month. Their main role is to advertise the events of vari- Manniram Prashad. ous Guyanese Associations worldwide. Added to this, the newsletter highlights some news items Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties from Guyana and nearby CARICOM countries, that were of president said that Guyexpo offers an opportunity not featured in the Blog entries. Book reviews and other for one to learn about the goods and services that Arts and Culture events as well as Historical articles are are being produced locally, along with the range, the also featured. There are also scores of Blog entries diversity, the quality and the price. every month and these are also listed and accessible.
The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 2 EDITORIAL September 30, 2012
The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide
Welcome to the Guyanese Online Newsletter Guyanese Online By: Cyril Bryan. Editor and Publisher The Guyanese Online Newsletter and the Guy- anese Online Blog Website are independent publi- This is the 30th edition of the Guyanese cations that are created, edited, produced and pub- Online Newsletter. It culminates 30 months lished by Cyril Bryan of publishing the Blog and monthly News- Guyanese organizations get FREE advertising. Adver- letters. Thanks for your support…… tising rates for commercial entities are reasonable. E-mail address: [email protected] Donations are accepted with THANKS.
Editorial The Guyana Diaspora Project President Ramotar was in New York recently to The Major Anxieties of Guyanese launch his Guyana Diaspora Project (see video). In The major anxieties of Guyanese relate to its govern- his speech he stated that Guyanese have dispersed ance and the transparency of operations, as well as all over the world, especially in New York. He noted the level of corruption that pervades society, espe- that they have acquired skills and technology that cially in government departments and projects. Guy- could be extremely useful in the development of Guy- ana does not receive full value for Government ex- ana and that the Government was looking at ways to penditure and most people are concerned. establish a central database to tap into the invest- ment, managerial and professional expertise of per- Security is a major issue. This relates to governance sons who would like to help Guyana. and the proper funding of a professional police force and army. Guyanese will not return to danger. He acknowledged that persons and organizations worldwide were helping with remittances and in estab- Next is the availability of professional health ser- lishing alumni, village, and friendship groups that keep vices. The reports of garbage in the streets, mosqui- the connections to Guyana alive and expanding. The toes and related ailments do not present a positive people who have emigrated “have not forgotten Guy- picture for Guyanese in the Diaspora. ana”. The brain drain that existed before, he said, can Politicians fan racial slogans to get votes. However, it now help in developing Guyana. is becoming more obvious that Guyana’s population Repeat Performances is now”mixed” racially. Is President Ramotar or his wife “Indian”? Not really, based on biological facts. President Ramotar’s ideas are laudable, especially in The problems in Guyana are economic and govern- this digital age of instantaneous communications and mental. The assets of Guyana have to be protected social networks. However, his call for Guyanese to and used for all Guyanese and not just for a few. “come home and help Guyana” is not new. President There has to be transparency and accountability. Forbes Burnham made the same pleas. President Hoyte started the dismantling of the Socialist domi- Change? What Change? nated state, as directed by the IMF and other aid or- The elections of November 2011 heralded a minority ganizations. He also asked people to come back government, with a majority Parliament. People were home and rebuild Guyana. There were few takers as hoping for change but what they have is gridlock. the reality was that life was better outside of Guyana. Parliament is now in recess, but when they return they still have to resolve major issues relating to the The Cheddie and Janet Jagan administrations prom- management of the country. Until these are agreed ised change and also called on Guyanese to come upon there will be no real positive feelings by Guy- home. Many did, but most of them left after a few anese at home and overseas. All they will see is years - their experience of living in Guyana on a daily more of the same politically negative behavior. basis were negative. Is this still the case? Guyanese in the Diaspora want to help Guyana. The Jagdeo governments continued the call as well. However, many prefer to do so in a non-political way. However, investment and positive help is not usually Politics is divisive, and over the last 50+ years it has forthcoming in a society, which over the last 10 years, hindered the development of Guyana. Mr. Ramotar’s have had a lion’s share of drug lords and killings. ideas have to be in a non-political framework to Guyana has now become too politically polarized make them truly effective and sustainable.
The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com September 30, 2012 3 BLOG ENTRIES
BLOG ENTRIES - SEPTEMBER 2012
We entered many new items in September 2012. We 30. Special fly rates for Guy-Expo 2012 now have over 1900 items on various subjects 31. Pirated textbooks is “industrial issue” – Luncheon 32. Mark Benshop: APNU-PNC Incompetence – Note: Click on the item listed to read the articles or view the commentary videos on the Blog 33. Historic pictures of British Guiana (Guyana) – UK Archives 1. John Fernandes – A household name in Guyana 34. Four Reasons Why Romney Might Still Win 2. Fall can’t stop Sparrow – at Trinidad’s 35. Guyana Christian Charities Bake and Food Sale 50th anniversary – Toronto – October 28, 2012 3. Suriname seizes Guyanese and Venezuelan fish- 36. Our own tourists – commentary ing vessels 37. Cricket: WICB salutes Lara’s Hall of 4. Assistant Superintendent Todd testifies at Lin- Fame induction den Inquiry 38. OTIS REDDING – 100 songs and videos 5. Merlin Udho to succeed Kellawan Lall as Ambasa- 39. Spiritual Awakening – 2012 – 3 videos dor to Brazil 40. The Beatles: “Imagine” – “Let It Be” – “Hey Jude” 6. Private Wealth Public squalor – Sanjaya Baru – 3 videos 7. Guyana’s main exposition Guyexpo 2012 opens – 41. Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II video (morph sequence) 8. Guyana Diaspora Project – launch by President 42. African Tribe in India – Kenya TV – 4 videos Ramotar in NYC – video 43. Guyana: cowboys and Indians – John Gimlette 9. Guyana Medical Relief – Dinner Dance – October 44. Eusi Kwayana Toronto visit and brief Bio – by 13, 2012 Michael Parris 10. Amazing mind reader reveals his ‘gift’ 45. Raquayyah Boyer is Miss Guyana Universe 2012 11. Cricket: England v WI, World T20 2012, Su- 46. ICC World Twenty20, 2012/13 / Fixtures per Eights 47. And then …. It is winter! 12. President Donald Ramotar and wife at the 48. Miss Universe is in Guyana for 2012 Miss Guy- White House ana pageant 13. Pirated schoolbooks: The evil in post-colonial fail- 49. National Census 2012 prepares for lan- ure – commentary guage barriers 14. Barack Obama’s speech at the United Nations 50. Aubrey Gordon wins USA Masters Cycle 15. The Guyana Police Force: two commentaries Road Race 16. CCADA FIRE & ICE DANCE – Hollywood, FL – 51. Amerindian Month 2012 – “COUVADE” by Mi- Oct 6, 2012 chael Gilkes 17. Linden readies to begin operating TV station 52. Amerindian Month – September 2012 – 4 videos 18. Rosignol Market Today – video 53. Green Side of the Grass – video 19. EUSI KWAYANA – Radio Interviews – September 54. Rising Food Prices Continue to Climb -October 2012 55. The Democratic Party is a Big Fraud by 20. “Bank Credits” – Something To Think About Dave Lindorff 21. Linden shooting unjustified – Top Cop Brumell 56. Amaila Falls hydro power plant construction 22. The Seawall, Tales of the Guyana Coast – film agreement inked 23. What’s wrong with what we eat: Mark Bittman 57. HUGH AND I – A Tale of Two Friends – by 24. The global food waste scandal: Tristram Stuart – Rafiq Khan 2 videos 58. MY GUYANA by Naraine Datt 25. When a Company Dies 59. London: Notting Hill Carnival 2012 – story 26. Linden Fund Canada: Dinner-Dance Nov. 3, 2012 and pictures – Toronto 60. We will Never Forget – 25 Guyanese who died 27. The Venezuelan elections – commentary on Sept 11,2001 28. Margaret Osborne – One hundred years old… 61. War and Bluff: Iran, Israel and the United States 29. Violence in America – Hubert Williams – commentary Continued on the next page
The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com September 30, 2012 4 BLOG ENTRIES
BLOG ENTRIES - SEPTEMBER 2012 (cont’d)
Note: Click on the item listed to read the articles September 2012 - 30 Most popular entries or view the videos on the Blog Click and Check the entries on the Blog/Website
Continued from the previous page 1. GUYANA and CARIBBEAN RECIPES 62. CDC Preparing for New Swine Flu – 2. Henry Greene killed in auto accident – with updates Should You? 3. Historic pictures of British Guiana (Guyana) – 63. Guyana: Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition UK Archives 64. HANDCUFFED – By Rosaliene Bacchus 4. The Seawall, Tales of the Guyana Coast – film 65. MOTHER THERESA – By Pandit Birbal Singh 5. Jagdeo’s home and pensions create controversy – 66. Government corruption uncovered! – AFC 4 articles 67. Kwakwani – commentary 6. OTIS REDDING – 100 songs and videos 68. EUSI KWAYANA – Toronto visit – Sept 27 – Oct 6 7. Fruits of Trinidad and Tobago – and Guyana 69. Jagdeo’s home and pensions create controversy 8. Raquayyah Boyer is Miss Guyana Universe 2012 – 4 articles 9. EUSI KWAYANA – Toronto visit – Sept 27 – Oct 6 70. Georgetown: The Burrowes approach will not 10. African Tribe in India -The Siddis – Kenya TV – bear lasting fruit 4 videos 71. Georgetown may very well be CARICOM’s most 11. Rosignol Market Today – video unattractive capital – letter 72. Our image of Africa is hopelessly obsolete 12. Miss Universe is in Guyana for 2012 Miss Guy- 73. Henry Greene killed in auto accident ana pageant 74. President Obama Full DNC Acceptance Speech 13. Guyanese who died on 9.11.2001 Remembered 2012 – September 6, 2012 14. Old Jet Magazines – from 1950 onwards 75. Bill Clinton full DNC Speech 2012 15. First Lady of Guyana – Deolatchmie Ramotar – 76. Michelle Obama’s full DNC speech 2012 Interview 77. Guyanese Online Newsletter: August 2012 16. We will Never Forget – 25 Guyanese who died on 78. WICB announces West Indies Squad for ICC Sept 11,2001 World T20 17. London: Notting Hill Carnival 2012 – story and pictures 79. U.S. Doctors Struggling with Burnout – video by 18. Famous People of Guyanese Heritage Dr. Mercola 80. Guyana: Amerindian Heritage Month 19. Guyanese Online 81. Real GDP growth of 2.8% recorded at midyear – 20. HUGH AND I – A Tale of Two Friends – by Rafiq Khan Finance Minister 21. World Maps – This is a fantastic information tool 82. The 2012 College Rankings – Washing- 22. Guyana: Amerindian Heritage Month ton Monthly 83. Libraries – not yet obsolete in this “Digital Age” 23. Georgetown – Massive clean-up of city begins today 24. Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Bazaar – Sept 29, 2012 25. In Memory of the 25 Guyanese who perished on Sept. VIEWS - Top 5 Countries Blog Statistics to 11, 2001 September 2012 September 2012 26. President Donald Ramotar and wife at the White House 27. Georgetown may very well be CARICOM’s most unat- United States 19,567 Blog: September 30, 2012, tractive capital – letter - Total views at that date 28. Mark Benshop: APNU-PNC Incompetence – Canada 9,463 = 752,512 commentary United Kingdom 2,851 Total blog views for Sep- 29. Homeless Boy Steals The Talent Show Guyana 2,739 tember 2012 = 41,165 30. Four Reasons Why Romney Might Still Win
Barbados 744 Blog entries to date = 1911
The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com CANADA
5 ASSOCIATIONS September 30, 2012
Guyana Christian Charities: Bake & Food Sale - October 28, 2012 CANADA
6 ASSOCIATIONS August 31, 2012
CENTURY21 CAMDEC Real Estate Ltd. Celebrates GUYANA MEDICAL RELIEF 35th Anniversary in 2012 A California Public Benefit (Non-Profit) #95-4192121 Hemthorn Investments Corporation Celebrates 26th Anniversary in 2012 Cordially invites you to its Camille De Castro FRI formed CAMDEC Real Estate Ltd. on January 4 1977. Rupert De Castro joined Camille in CAMDEC in August 1977. CAMDEC 28th ANNIVERSARY joined the CENTURY 21 system in 1978 at which time, Camille and Rupert FUNDRAISING DINNER DANCE were the only agents.
Hemthorn, owned by Camille and Rupert, owns and manages the 17,000 sq.ft. Saturday October 13, 2012 building from which CENTURY21 CAMDEC operates. The majority of space is divided into private, fully furnished offices which we rent from $309.00/mth Time: 7.00pm to 1.00 am on short terms, 1-24 months +. Dinner served at 8.00 pm At the “peak” of the market in 1989 Camille and Rupert worked with 230+ sales associates speaking some 30 different languages, 23 support staff, opened the office from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 7 days a Almansor Court - Lakeview Room week and closed $6.75 million in commissions (1988).
700 South Almansor Street In April of 1989 the market turned: The average house price in Toronto dropped Alhambra. CA 91801 from a peak of $273,698 in 1989 to $198,150 in 1996.
Then the market turned to the positive again. The average price increased in Music by DJ Marcus B 1997 and has done so each year since, to an average of $465,294 (year to date October 2011). With interest rates set to rise, one would expect the pace to be tempered. Donation $60.00 in Advance (no door sales It this a good time to buy a house as an investment? NO.
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For more information on buying your first home or selling your property for the maximum price with the least amount of inconvenience and within your time Guyanese Association of Manitoba. frame and/or building a portfolio of investment properties (houses), I am a phone call away c: 416-817-7604 – 24 hours or Email ([email protected]).
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Winnipeg. Manitoba. Canada A. Rupert De Castro CMA, For more information or tickets call: Broker of Record Kamta Roy Singh @ (204) 227-4193 Bus. (416) 298-2800 Res. (416) Joe Marrast @ (204) 296-8396. 292-1056 Cel. (416) 817-7604
“When young, build assets… Flyer Download: The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com CANADA 7 ASSOCIATIONS September 30, 2012 The Linden Fund Canada- Dinner and Dance- November 30, 2012 Order Republic of GUYANA postcards by BartonCreations This is the latest of the Guyana Postcards designed Click here to see the Ad in Guyanese Online by Lyndon Barton featuring various pictures of The Republic of GUYANA, now available at Zazzle.com' Stamps tell a story. Together they represent a picto- rial showcase of what Guyana is most noted for. One example is the replica of Guyana half penny magenta stamp that is most prominently featured at the cen- ter of the map of stamps. This stamp is the rarest click and most valuable stamp in the world. The postcard features other stamps like the world BartonCreations renowned Kaieteur Falls, the spectacular flora and fauna, and aspects of Guyana’s history , culture, and various industries…. Lyndon O. Barton - Artist The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 8 ASSOCIATIONS September 30, 2012 EDUCATION St. John Bosco Orphanage – An Oasis of Hope for Boys September 4, 2012 - Forward Guyana Blog We visited the St. John Bosco orphanage for boys in Plaisance this week and had a wonderful time with the boys. The orphanage is home to fifty boys rang- ing in age from four to sixteen and is run by the Sis- ters of Mercy. Primary School at the Orphanage The primary school-aged boys go to school through common entrance at the orphanage and then move on to a private school in Georgetown to complete their secondary education. They leave St. John Bosco at sixteen and graduate to another home run by the Sisters as they transition to adulthood. There Secondary School students chatting at the Orphanage they are expected to continue their education or to abusive relationships and in leaving the relationship find employment as they learn to be more independ- lacked the means to care for their children. In some ent under the Sisters’ watchful eyes. cases they started new relationships in which the The orphanage is a delight. The sisters have raised new husband refused to care for children from the the boys with love and care and it shows. They are previous relationship. Whatever the reason the boys energetic, curious and full of fun as boys should be, have been at the orphanage in some cases for as but polite, disciplined and engaging as well. Most many as thirteen years. have parents which was surprising, but sadly their Secondary School Boys have goals parents don’t visit or invite many of them home for the holidays. Of the fifty, only four had gone home for During our visit we played with the younger boys and the July/August break. In most cases the mothers chatted with the older boys before they had lunch. had brought the boys to the orphanage as they fled After lunch we met with the secondary school boys to talk about their future plans. Like all young people they had big dreams aspiring to be doctors, lawyers, journalists and soldiers but they didn’t have a good sense of how to realize their dreams and expressed some frustration at not knowing how to make them a reality without the support most children get from their families. We asked if they would like to have some help with career guidance and navigating the transition to higher education or the working world. They eagerly agreed suggesting Saturday afternoons after their swimming lessons as the best time. So we have started to plan and will return in a few weeks after they settle back in to school to start the process…. and to bring some face paints for the little boys who on seeing a volunteer’s lipstick asked if they could borrow some to paint their faces like Spiderman. See how you can help us to mentor these young men and other young Guyanese here or contact us for more information about how you can sup- port St. John Bosco directly. Some of the younger boys at the Orphanage The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com September 30, 2012 9 ARTS – CULTURE EUSI KWAYANA - Toronto visit - Sept 27 - Oct 6, 2012 Eusi Kwayana - notable Political Activist, Author Eusi Kwayana discusses his Writer, and Educator - is scheduled to be in Toronto for Sept 27 - Oct 6., 2012 new book, "Walter Rodney: His Last Days and Campaigns", Musical trib- The Community to Assist Buxton/Friendship ute to Rodney (COTAB), the Caribbean Studies Program of the University of Toronto, and the Canada - Guyana Audio Download | Play 2:00:01 57Mb Forum are requesting your attendance at the events that are listed in the attached "Flyer - Kwayana Visit to Host Norman (Otis) Richmond aka Jalali inter- Toronto - Events". Briefly, the events are: views with Eusi Kwayana, notable political ac- Sponsored by COTAB tivist, writer and educator, who will be in To- ronto, Canada from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, 2012 to Friday Sept. 28, 6 – 9 PM: Book signing at the Dif- promote his work. See Events download ferent Booklist Bookstore here. More downloads in the column at left. Sunday Sept. 30th, 5 – 8 PM: Lecture & Mix’N Mingle session. PATH to FREEDOM: Sponsored by the Caribbean Studies Program My Story of Perseverance by Conrad Taylor of U of T & the Canada-Guyana Forum ..nostalgic for some, shocking to many, and Friday, Oct. 5th, 6 – 9:30 PM – Lecture at University enlightening for others… of Toronto The Smithsonian Institute has selected it for Bro Eusi’s Books and publications will be on sale at display in its Anacostia Museum Library. each event; only the new “Walter Rodney: His Last Days and Campaigns” will be on sale at the Book It was the Second Place Winner in the Autobiog- Signing event at The Different Booklist bookstore. raphy/Memoir category of the 2011 Royal Palm Literary Awards Competition held in Orlando Florida October 2011. The event details are in their respective flyers listed below: for DOWNLOAD. . More than a memoir, the histori- cally-accurate PATH to FREEDOM 4 attachments — provides a unique prism through Flyer - Events.pdf - Download which to see the cultural trauma of emigration, the unique experience Flyer - Book Signing.pdf - Download that is West Point, the personal Flyer - COTAB Event.pdf - Download side of Cold-War-era geopolitics, and the mayhem of Third World Flyer - Lecture at UofT.pdf - Download politics…. Including Guyana’s GDF before emigrating to the USA. Please call COTAB at 416-431-0273 or, 416-820- The view will be nostalgic for some, shocking to 9200, or, the Caribbean Studies Program of U of T many, and enlightening for others. You will find more information about PATH to FREEDOM: My & the Canada-Guyana Forum at 416-978-8286 or Story of Perseverance at the website here 416-439-8617 for event details. Contact: Conrad Taylor – 407-876-6347 Here is a brief Biography of Eusi Kwayana written E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.tcfbusgroup.com by Michael Parris… EUSI KWAYANA—By Michael Parris ORDER: PATH to FREEDOM: My Story of Perseverance < click for - Paperback or eBook The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com September 30, 2012 10 ARTS-CULTURE Concerned Citizens Against Domestic Abuse Dance - Oct 6 - Hollywood. FL. “AN OTHER CARIBBEAN”: CALL FOR PARTICIPATION THE ARTS JOURNAL Volume 7 Numbers 1 & 2 (2011) Guyana Cultural Association of New Review by Nigel Westmaas York, Inc. & Nigel Westmaas is Assistant Professor of Africana Department of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Studies at Hamilton College, a liberal arts University Youth, and Sports in New York. Keeping an arts journal (or for that matter any journal) Guyana Folk Festival 2012: Symposium alive and active is a traditionally difficult commission in Guyana. By the standards of journals and periodicals of “Masquerade Lives.” any kind Timehri, Kyk-Over-al and Kaie are the three way ahead of the rest in terms of durability. Timehri has the Georgetown, Guyana record with a century of publication. Kyk-Over-Al, more South America exclusively cultural in content than Timehri, was started by December 13, 14, 2012 the British Guiana Writers Association in 1945 and was still being maintained, with the occasional lapse, until the Guyana Folk Festival Secretariat late 1990s. Fifty years plus! A remarkable record by any 1368 E. 89 Street, Suite # 2. Brooklyn, New York, NY 11236. standard. TEL: 718.209.5207. FAX: 718.209.6157 WEBSITE: Download: THE ARTS JOURNAL Volume 7 Review www.guyfolkfest.org The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com September 30, 2012 11 Guest Editorial Amerindians and Mining SEPTEMBER IS AMERINDIAN MONTH issued until the resolution of the suit. This editorial highlights the serious issues fac- Amerindians also mine … with controls ing Amerindians and their way of life, in Guyana, They did concede that Amerindians were also en- due to the rapid growth of the mining industries. gaged in mining, but they said that such permis- Stabroek News-August 19, 2012 - Editorial sion can be revoked by the village council if it was While events in Linden were commanding public at- harmful. As things stand, small and medium-scale tention, the National Toshaos Council Conference miners have to seek permission from a village was held in Georgetown between August 6 and Au- council if they want to mine on indigenous lands; gust 10. In previous years it has generated greater large-scale operators, however, do not. The Guy- public interest because there was no news on the ana Geology and Mines Commission can issue scale of the troubles in the mining town to obscure permits to them in the teeth of Amerindian objec- its proceedings. This year, however, not a great deal tions if they deem it to be in the public interest. emerged about it, although last week, the Region 7 Small Miners Concerns Toshaos released a statement relating to their con- cerns about the way in which it was conducted, Of course a lot of Region 7 complaints concern while Toshao Solomon Lewis of Kurutuku subse- small miners operating not on titled lands, but out- quently had some comments to make on the subject side them, quite often in areas of traditional indige- as well. nous usage – where they go to hunt and fish, for example. Quite a number of Amerindian villages They all were of the view that they were not ac- have applied for extensions to their lands, and ac- corded sufficient time to raise their issues, although cording to reports there are 41 such applications the Toshaos from Regions 1 and 9 were given extra pending. In some cases, the land approved the time to talk about the support they were receiving first time around did not correspond to what they from the government. This is not the first time this traditionally regarded as theirs, was insufficient for kind of complaint has been heard; accusations about their needs, did not encompass areas of custom- government-managed sessions have been made in ary usage, or is now inadequate given the expand- relation to the previous conferences as well. ing population of the village. It might be added that Pollution affecting Amerindian livelihood such extensions would afford greater protection from the consequences of mining. One of the main complaints which they sought to relay at the conference concerns mining close to UNDP to Administer Demarcation and Exten- their lands, or on lands traditionally used by them. sion of Titled Amerindian Lands Toshao Lewis was quoted in our newspaper as say- The issue has now come to the forefront because ing at an AFC press conference: “Our water was be- the government and United Nations Development ing polluted destroying our fishes… at the present Programme (UNDP) signed a document two moment, the fish that we love to eat we can’t find weeks ago whereby the latter would administer a that now. They kill the fishes, they kill the animals. project for the demarcation and extension of Amer- We can’t get to use water anywhere.” In their state- indian titled lands. The project is worth $360M, and ment, the Region 7 Toshaos said: “There are numer- the money in relation to it derives from the Norway ous examples where miners empowered with a per- funds. This development produced an immediate mit feel that they have the authority to do as they reaction from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Min- please. Often they have little regard for the authority ers Association (GGDMA), which objected to the of the village councils and the rules of the commu- extensions on the grounds that the Amerindian nity and openly say that they have been given per- peoples have title to 14% of the nation’s land, and mission by the GGMC and that the village cannot do the “proposed extension… would result in approxi- anything about it.” They went on to say that they mately 35% of Guyana being made available… to were “incensed” by the granting of licences which a people who represent less than 10% of Guy- are part of the Upper Mazaruni lawsuit currently be- ana’s population. fore the court, and that such leases should not be The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 12 Guest Editorial September 30, 2012 Amerindians and Mining - cont’d Miners Association concerned No Clear Government Policies The association went on to accuse the government Since the government has never had an interior of miniaturizing the small and medium-scale mining policy or a land use policy deriving therefrom, sector, in view of the fact that the industry has been added to which the legislative framework is unclear, expanding at the fastest rate ever, and the demand it is placed in the position of dealing with every is- for mining lands is now higher than ever before. As sue which comes up on an ad hoc basis. It is not such, therefore, it would have been expected that that everyone does not have a legitimate claim at government “would hasten the issuing of mining some level or another, it is just that those claims lands to ensure that the country can capitalize on are in a very general sense incompatible. There the current high prices for gold and other minerals,” could be mitigation of some of the mining issues if rather than reduce the land available for mining. the government were prepared to invest in research The President of the GGDMA Patrick Harding also on mercury alternatives – whether the mining sector alluded to the overlapping of extensions with exist- likes it or not, there will be international moves in ing mining properties and named five areas to one form or another which will necessitate the which the association took especial exception. phasing out of mercury – as well as in gold recov- ery rates as suggested by former GGMC Commis- Conflict of Vested Interests sioner William Woolford. A lot of work on these This particular conflict of vested interests in the in- must have been done already elsewhere, one terior was inevitable, and the government should would have thought. have seen it coming two decades ago. It is the high Mercury pollution: Government backs down price of gold in recent times which has brought the issue to a head, more particularly since the previ- After strong complaints by the mining sector gov- ous President suddenly became seized of the im- ernment has already backed down over the issue of portance of preserving the environment. The gold river concessions as well as mercury use. The industry has attracted an army of small miners into GGDMA has accused the government of targeting the interior, particularly from those areas on the small and medium-scale miners, but it is probably coast where there is high unemployment. The im- not so much a question of specifically targeting pact on the environment aside, the cost of that in- them in a hostile sense, as the fact that getting a flux is being paid by the Amerindians. Most of them reduction in mining numbers in the interior for envi- are subsistence farmers, fishers and huntsmen, ronmental reasons, inevitably must involve a con- and the GGDMA cannot believe that its members traction in the total of small miners. Whether as one have an inalienable right to contaminate rivers or correspondent to this newspaper suggested, it is at ground water by the use of mercury, or to overhunt all feasible for small miners to form co-operatives, all the animals in the bush for their own use. Even if say, in order for them to become part of larger en- mercury is not a major problem, the turbidity of the terprises, is simply not known. If it is, then perhaps water caused by dredges would make it unusable the association could explore the ways in which for drinking and washing purposes. they could be encouraged to do this, and put them in touch with the requisite expertise. Contempt shown for Amerindians by miners Amerindian Land Extensions In addition, the contempt shown by some miners for the Amerindians and their representatives is well As for the Amerindian land extensions, each will known, while there is an inevitable consequence to have to be looked at on the basis of its merits, and the opening up of the interior in an uncontrolled in the meantime, the government should start work- way, because it puts pressure on indigenous cul- ing on developing a policy in relation to interior ture. Having said that, of course, it also has to be land, some portions of which may have to be re- admitted (as mentioned above in the context of the flected in the legislation. It will be a contentious is- Toshaos’ statement) that nowadays there is a sig- sue, but at least everyone will then be clear about nificant number of Amerindians in some areas in- what the ground rules are. volved in mining themselves. The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 13 September 30, 2012 Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Guyana’s Coat of Arms and an aerial view of Guyana’s Parliament Buildings Guyana’s Parliament and Governance Guyana’s economic projection revised downwards September 24, 2012 | By KNews | - Finance Minister cites poor sugar performance 1. Guyana has produced a most com- mendable economic performance for the first half of the year despite an ex- ternal environment that continues to be extremely unpredictable. However, due to sugar not performing as expected, Gov't setting up Amaila Falls hydro Dr. Ashni Singh the economic growth projection for the remainder of 2012 has been slightly power monitoring body reduced from 4.1 percent to 3.8 percent. September 20, 2012 Dr. Singh said that sugar is unlikely to improve in the he Guyana government is to establish a monitoring second part of the year hence the slight moderation. body for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project with Speaking about the unpredictable external environ- direct supervision from President Donald Ramotar ment, Minister Singh said the effects can be seen in who will chair the secretariat. the performance of sister CARICOM nations which This was announced by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger have been buffeted by the external environment Luncheon on Thursday at his weekly post-Cabinet which continues to be unstable. Additionally, he news brieifing where he stated that it would bring to- noted that in the domestic economic environment in gether the major domestic players on the project. Guyana, some sectors performed well while others “It extends from the very obvious, the roads, Ministry did not meet expectations. [more] of Public Works … and then it moves, of course, into the other side, the Guyana Revenue Authority, an- Guyana engages in talks to continue other big player, because you’re talking about the largest investment project in the history of Guyana oil exploration and you’re talking about hundreds of millions of US$ Published on September 20, 2012 - GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) -- of imports arriving here mostly by sea and having to Guyana's President Donald Ramotar and Minister of be cleared and having to be transported all the way Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Per- up to the site,” said Luncheon. saud on Monday met with the principals of Repsol at Other players, he said included the Environmental the Office of the President to continue discussion on Protection Agency, the Guyana Lands and Surveys further exploration and technical work within the and the security forces. According to Dr. Luncheon, Georgetown Block. they will continue to offer a sustained service at the The Repsol officials provided a brief update on their end of the planned 36 months when the switch is progress with results from the recently abandoned thrown and renewable power is available to Guyana. Jaguar One well. Discussions also centered on pro- Asked whether there would be parliamentary partici- posals for Repsol continuing exploration efforts in the pation on the monitoring body, the Cabinet Secretary Georgetown Block. [more] responded in the negative ….. [more]. The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com CANADA 14 GUYANA NEWS September 30, 2012 Guyana’s Parliament and Governance Guyana seeking to expand economic cooperation with China Published on September 28, 2012—Caribbean News Now Georgetown. Guyana (GINA) -- Prime Minister Sam- uel Hinds has reaffirmed that the Guyana govern- ment will work more closely with China to strengthen bilateral consultative mechanisms and to have even more frequent exchanges on multilateral issues. Speaking at a reception at the Chinese Embassy on Wednesday evening to celebrate the 63rd Anniver- sary of the founding of the People’s Republic of Speaker Raphael Trotman (R) receives the 2011 Auditor Gen- China, he restated Guyana’s appreciation to China’s eral's Report from AG Deodat Sharma. steadfast support to the country and people over the Auditor-General’s 2011 Report past 40 years. [more] presented to Speaker of the House: Government lacks action plan to com- bat action plan to combat child prosti- Fraud at Deeds Registry and Supreme tution, labour – US report Court uncovered September 28, 2012 Numerous Overpayments on Projects Children in Guyana are victims of “the worst forms of Auditor General (ag) Deodat Sharma says his office child labour”, including forced prostitution of girls as is currently investigating cases of apparent fraud at young as 12, according to a recently released US the Deeds Registry and the Supreme Court. Department of Labor (DOL) 2011 report on Interna- tional Child Labor and Forced Labour. Also being investigated are the allegations of fraud at City Hall as contained in the Burrowes Report. It blamed the situation partly on the absence of legis- lative gaps and lack of a national action plan to com- Sharma made the comments on Friday at the hand- bat child labor. ing over of the 2011 Auditor General Report to the Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman. The report, which was released last Tuesday, stated He stated that there appeared to be cases of over- that Guyana made a minimal advancement in 2011 payments at the Deeds Registry. According to the to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. [more] AG, the reports on those matters are expected to be ready shortly. Commission of Inquiry hears … Hick- Sharma also called for stricter supervision of the gov- ens instructed ranks to fire shotguns ernment projects stating they have been seen lots of overpayments which is continuing: to scare protestors September 28, 2012 - By Zena Henry “I think the ministries and departments should have some more engineers to look at these overpayments. Lindeners committed acts that threatened the lives of We have the Amaila Falls (hydro-power project), we the police ranks deployed to the area, Senior Super- have the Hope Estates (canal project), those are the intendent of Police, Clifton Hicken, said yesterday. ones we are going to be looking at specially but there The former Divisional Commander was at the time are overpayments that continue,” he told reporters responding to questions during the ongoing hearings afterward. ….. [more] of the Commission of Inquiry into the July 18th pro- tests in Linden which led to the shooting death of See Video of the handing over ceremony: three persons. …... .[more] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRf4ISUjPZQ&rel=0 The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com CANADA 15 GUYANA NEWS September 30, 2012 Business, Agriculture, Forestry and Mining US$18M specialty hospital…India will Store owners, customers “seriously not interfere in award of contract – affected” by halted sale of ‘pirated’ High Commissioner text books September 21, 2012 SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 - KNEWS—By Abena Rockcliffe In light of the recent injunction granted by Justice The Indian government will not interfere with Guy- Rishi Persaud, at the Supreme Court, prohibiting the ana’s awarding of the US$18M specialty hospital con- publishing and sale of pirated books in Guyana; per- tract to Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited. tinent business oners as well as working class par- Responding to questions yesterday whether his gov- ents are crying out and asking “What’s next?” ernment was considering revisiting the contract, High Proprietors of businesses that facilitate the sale of Commissioner to Guyana, Puran Mal Meena, said pirated books were yesterday served with the court that it is a matter entirely up to the Government of order and are expected to appear at the High Court Guyana to decide who will be the contractor. [more] today.(September 27, 2012) [More] CGX negotiating with new investors Bosai commissions long-awaited dust collector September 21, 2012. KNEWS Full Story | | KNEWS - September 29, 2012 Canadian oil exploration firm, CGX Energy, which failed to find oil in commercial quantities earlier this Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated yester- year, says it has started to negotiate with third parties day commissioned the Kiln 14 Dust Collector at the to analyse its well and seismic data. Company’s bauxite plant in Linden, amidst jeers and taunts, by protestors who directed their tirade at Additionally, the company has applied to the Guyana Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who had travelled to Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for an ex- the mining town for the occasion. tension of its onshore and offshore concessions, some of which are due to expire in late November. Also on hand for the commissioning ceremony of the CGX failed to find oil in commercial quantities in con- $80million facility were Minister of Natural Resources cessions offshore Corentyne, Berbice, and had an- and the Environment Robert Persaud; Chinese Am- nounced that it was still interested in drilling for oil in bassador Yu Wenzhe; and representatives from the Guyana and was re-examining its options. [more] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among other special invitees. [more] Government reviews buying “pirated” text books September 22, 2012 KNEWS - By Latoya Giles Government intends to rethink the move to buy re- printed textbooks, according to Head of State Donald Ramotar during a press briefing yesterday afternoon. The president said that the government is currently looking at the process and is trying to secure an ami- cable solution. “We are looking at the process right now and we are trying to get an amicable solution right now…The is- sue has actively got our attention and we are looking at it” President Ramotar stated. The president further noted that although they are trying to get value for The newly installed Kiln14 Dust Collector that is in- money they are trying to bring the controversy to an tended to help in reducing the dust problem in Lin- end. [more] den’s bauxite operations The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 16 GUYANA NEWS September 30, 2012 Note: Click headlines to read the articles in full Other News from Guyana Solomon vs Whittaker over Kwakwani Community Council elections September 6, 2012—Demerara Waves Just hours after Kwakwani residents elected a Com- munity Council to reinforce their rejection of a gov- ernment-appointed Interim Management Committee (IMC), the Region 10 Chairman, Sharma Solomon insisted that residents there have done nothing ille- gal. Chinese roll on roll/off ferry…. In a letter to Deputy Local Government Minister, Nor- ‘Kanawan’ commences operation from man Whittaker, the Region 10 Chairman maintained Parika to Supernaam that Wednesday’s election was in keeping with the desires of residents to cultivate local democracy September 11, 2012 | By KNews rather than accept the “imposition” of an IMC. Roll-on-roll-off facilities are not yet complete. Pledging to abide by Guyanese laws, Solomon at the Vehicles and passengers boarded one of the multi- same time said he was merely notified about the de- million-dollar Chinese-built roll on roll/off ferries, cision to elect the council during a community meet- ‘Kanawan’ yesterday as it made its inaugural trip ing on August 29 and he had nothing to do with their from Parika to the Supenaam Stelling. decision. [more] General Manager of Transport and Harbours Depart- ment (TH&D) Marclene Merchant noted that the commuters are overjoyed that the ferry is in opera- tion although the roll-on-roll-off facilities are not yet complete. Kanawan and Sabanto - one trip daily The commencement of operations yesterday will see a significant reduction in the build up of vehicles and commuters at the stellings. The Roll on Roll Off fer- ries, ‘Sabanto’ and ‘Kanawan’ vessels will be making one trip per day. They will be supported by one of the older ferries, either Mv Malali or Mv Torani, which will also travel from Parika and Supenaam but they will service the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam. Noting that the Kanawan was not filled to capacity yesterday, Merchant said that most commuters were unaware that the ferry commenced its operations. As such, later in the week, the vessel use will be maxi- mized. There will be more people and cargo. Parika-Supernaam in 90 minutes Marine superintendent Captain Garfield Halley, who is piloting the vessel, said that the ferry will be taking approximately 90 minutes between Parika and Su- penaam. This is about half the time the previous fer- ries took. The roll on/roll off ferries can seat 800 per- sons and can carry many more trucks and other ve- hicles. [ more] The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 17 GUYANA NEWS September 30, 2012 EDUCATION Note: Click headlines to read the articles in full News on Education in Guyana Injunction granted against text- book pirates Tuesday, 25 September—Demerara Waves Guyanese Justice Rishi Persaud on Tuesday granted an injunction on behalf of UK publishers who have challenged the breach of their copyrights with the photocopying and resale of several textbooks locally. The legal move comes in the wake of the Guyana government’s decision to invite tenders for the supply Guyanese Youth Ambassadors ar- of primary and secondary textbooks that closely re- semble the originals as far as possible. However, the rive in the United States administration is not a party in the court action. September 4, 2012- Georgetown, Guyana (US Embassy) – Twelve students and two mentors representing sev- “The Publishers Association has decided to move to eral regions of Guyana have embarked on a three the court to safeguard and protect their rights. week exchange program to the United States, known They’re the holder of copyrights on an extensive as the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP). number of works and these are being pirated and sold openly in Georgetown and other urban centres, The YAP group arrived in Washington, D.C. and will New Amsterdam and Lethem. The publishers have travel to various parts of the United States before the no alternative but to seek recourse… [more] program concludes on September 25, 2012. This is the first time the regional program has hosted Youth Ambassadors representing Guyana. [more] Guyanese intrigued by Indian Government science exhibition Air Services Flight School keeps aviation alive – ASL Over 22,000 Guyanese September 23, 2012 | By KNews from all walks of life The Air Services Limited Flight School in Guyana is continue to be intrigued the evidence that the emphasis of Air Services Lim- by the science and tech- ited is on maintaining the highest standards in flight nology exhibition spon- instruction. At the same time, the company is meet- sored by the Indian ing the goal of safety and proficiency, said senior Ex- Government. Indian Art Exhibit at Exhibition ecutive Annette Arjoon-Martins. [more] The exhibition branded “India: a Culture of Science,” demonstrates the coun- try’s deep-rooted culture on the topic. As such, the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall was trans- formed into a spectacle of technological inventions and concepts initiated by the people of India. As the six -week exhibition nears its closing date, Chief Coordinator of the project, Madan Gopal said that while there is room for added public participa- tion, the response to the initiative has been “good.” “This exhibition brings to Guyanese the cultural heri- tage of India in the field of science and technology that dates back to more than 7000 years B.C [more] Cpt Fawzy Abdelhalim and trainee pilots. The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 18 GUYANA NEWS September 30, 2012 MEDICAL Guyanese’ Medical School to open doors in St Lucia September 24, 2012 | By KNews | By Lin-Jay Harry-Voglezon promises 21st century education Brooklyn, NY: In the town of Vieux Fort, St Lucia, a few minutes’ drive from the Hewanorra International Airport, Guyanese investors have now opened the St. Helen University School of Medicine and are re- cruiting students from around the world for its first academic year beginning January 2013. Innovative, International medical School It is promising “an innovative, high quality, truly inter- Dr. Richard Van West Charles Dr. Ameed Raoof national Medical School, with faculty that includes highly qualified and skilled professors and physicians jects which includes Biology/Zoology and Chemistry, from the US, Canada, and the Caribbean”. Dr. Rich- or Level 5 achievement in any Advance Placement ard Van West Charles, a former Minister of Health (AP), Advance Standing Exams (ASE), or the Interna- of Guyana and Deputy Director of PAHO/WHO, is tional Baccalaureate (IB) in Biology, Chemistry, Phys- Vice President and Academic Dean. ics, Mathematics and English. Students who do not Dr. Ameed Raoof, Director of Plastination, University satisfy requirements for the 4-year MD programme of Michigan Medical School is Faculty Head. may opt for the 6-year programme. Its President, Guyanese Oma Sewhdat, a Canadian The university concedes that while the study of Medi- based IBM management and business professional, cal Science requires “a good grounding in the social said the university is modeled according to the sciences, humanities, physical sciences and life sci- “World Health Organisation’s definition of the five ences”, academic excellence, though necessary, is star doctor. Our programs are geared to produce insufficient to ensure success as a physician. As such physicians with a wide range of competen- admission depends on both academic and non- cies…clinical decision maker, communicator, com- academic qualities. munity leader, manager, health advocate and Advantages of St. Lucia scholar/researcher.” Commenting on the advantages of selecting St. Lucia Reasonable Fees - International Internships rather than any other Caribbean territory for the in- The student community is expected to be diverse in vestment, the President remarked, “St. Lucia has a people and culture and would be restricted to 200 good infrastructure for what we need – good support- students for the initial two years. Through internships ing services infrastructure, internet, power and the at hospitals and community health centres in North government is very open and supportive. The location America, Europe, and the Caribbean, students would in terms of easy access by air, it is a safe place where be “well oriented to experiences in the developed crime is not a concern, it already has a few medical and developing world”. The “21st century education” schools and the government wants to create an edu- is designed to produce doctors who could perform cation industry and hub where we are located.” proficiently across the world. The fees per semester, The St. Helen University School of Medicine is ac- US$4,900 for the Basic Medical Sciences, $8,000 for credited by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry Clinical Sciences, and $ 3,500 for the Pre-Med Pro- of Health of the Government of Saint Lucia. Further gram, are considered “very competitive and afford- recognition is being processed at the International able”. A few scholarships are available. Medical Education Directory (IMED), maintained by Applicants should have completed three years of uni- the Foundation for Advancement of International versity studies in any discipline with a minimum 2.7 Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), AVEN- GPA, obtained at least 3GCE A’ levels from among CINA of the World Health Organisation, and the Car- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Eng- ibbean Accreditation Authority for Medicine and other lish, a combination of CAPE and GCE A’ level sub- Health Professions (CAMMHP). The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 19 TOURISM September 30, 2012 Website Links Hotels, Eco-resorts. etc Caribbean Airlines gets OK for Caricom Airways plans service to Georgetown-Toronto flights Guyana, Barbados and Brazil Adel’s Rainforest Resort September 18, 2012 - Ray Chickrie - Caribbean News Now Ariantze Sidewalk Hotel Café and Suriname -- Caricom Airways, based Jazz Club in Paramaribo, Suriname, which oper- Banganara Island Resort ates a mixed fleet of small aircraft, plans to add four 50-seater aircraft to Blue Wave Apartment Hotel its fleet and begin scheduled service to Georgetown, Barbados, St Lucia and Bradsville Apartments Guyana has granted approval for Car- Boa Vista by December 2012 from its Cara Hotels ibbean Airlines to fly non-stop from Paramaribo hub. Georgetown to Toronto for the next The airline has been in existence since El Dorado Inn three years. 2004 and provides charter services to Evergreen Adventures Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Lunch- various destinations in Suriname, the eon told a news conference that the Caribbean and Brazil. Grand Coastal Inn airline will operate a twice weekly non- CEO of Caricom Airways, Steven Chin- stop scheduled service for the period A-Kwie, thinks that small aircraft desti- Herdmanston Lodge September 10, 2012 to September 9, nations are profitable and that their air- 2015, according to the state-run Gov- fares will depend on the luggage factor, Hurakabra River Resort ernment Information Agency (GINA). and intends to include 12 scheduled Hotel Tower – Emerald Tower On August 24, 2011 the airline com- destinations into their network. [more] Resort menced a freight service on the Mi- Iwokrama Canopy Walkway ami-Port of Spain- Georgetown route, Guest House to be built for with its B767 .. [more] Kaieteur Falls visitors Iwokrara Forest - Caribbean resorts share top Going to Kaieteur Falls overland could Kanuku Suites honours at World Travel soon be less of a hassle when a guest Awards house is built at Tukeit at the foot of the Le Grand Penthouse Hotel mountain near the Potaro River. Pegasus Hotel Turks and Caicos, Wednesday September 19, 2012 – Director of the Guyana Tourism Au- Some of the brightest stars in re- thority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh Princess Hotel gional tourism shared top honours says the guesthouse will be built at a when the leading travel brands from “strategic” location. Radisson Apartment Suites across the Caribbean and the Ameri- cas were showcased at a World “It’s a very strategic location so it will Regency Suites Hotel Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony serve as a rest area for persons going Rock View Lodge, Rupununi hosted at Beaches Turks and Caicos up to the falls and making their de- scent. It’s a worthwhile facility to com- Resort Villages and Spa on Sept 17. Roraima Airways, Hotels and plement the guest facility at the Companies VIPs, senior tourism figures, and inter- Kaieteur Falls,” Bids for the construc- national media from over 30 nations tion of the guest house and warden’s Sleepin International Hotel congregated at the WTA’s Caribbean building were recently opened. and The Americas Ceremony 2012, Splashmins Resort part of an awards programme hailed The engineer’s estimate that the cost Surama Eco-Lodge Rupununi as the “Oscars of the travel industry”. of the project would be GUY$29,269,903. Four companies Status International Hotel Jamaica bagged the top award of submitted bids ranging from GUY$27.8 “Caribbean’s Leading Destination”, million to GUY$36.2 million. However Timberhead Eco-Resort acknowledging its continuing rise up one of the bids did not include certifi- the global tourism order and enhanc- cates of compliance from the Guyana Trans Guyana Airways ing its status as the country to beat in Revenue Authority and the National regional tourism. [more] Insurance Scheme. [more] Wilderness Explorers The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 20 Caribbean and September 30, 2012 Regional News Barbados News Barbados to construct new cruise Barbados: The first African society terminal in the Americas, says UWI professor September 14, 2012By Caribbean News Now Published on September 8, 2012—Caribbean News Now BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- Royal Caribbean Cruise BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- Barbados has Line is partnering with Barbados to build a brand new long been known by the moniker ‘Little England'; state-of-the-art cruise terminal on the island that will however, principal of the University of the West In- cost over $300 million. The new facility will accom- dies (UWI) Cave Hill, Professor Hilary Beckles, be- modate some of the world's largest cruise ships. lieves the island also deserves the title of The First George Hutson, Barbados Minister of International African Society in the Americas. Transport and International Business, announced the The professor will address this theme as the keynote two year project. speaker during the Ministry of Tourism's African Di- The new terminal will be completed in two phases; aspora Heritage Trail (ADHT) Conference, which will the first phase will cost $300 million and will include be held this month. two cruise piers, arrival and departure facilities, along The UWI principal explained, "Barbados occupies a with parking lots. The development will involve re- very special place in the making of the African Dias- claiming 15 acres of land from the sea, 100,000 pora. Reflections on its relation to Africa within the square feet of which will be provided for commercial public imagination and historical discourses have re- activity. Dredging is slated to begin in November. volved around geographic rather than its demo- Cruise tourism in Barbados has grown from 127,000 graphic factor.” in 1985 to 726,543 last year. The best year ever for "This is rather surprising, given that so much is cruise passenger traffic to the island was 2004 when known about the historical development of African 812,863 people visited the island. [more] enslavement in Barbados and the impact this had had on the region and the wider Americas. [more] Barbados government plans to transform local sugar industry September 15, 2012 –Caribbean News Now First Citizens completes purchase BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- The Barbados of Butterfield in Barbados government is moving full steam ahead with plans to transform the local sugar industry and convert to a BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Thursday, one-factory model, with the deadline for completion August 30, 2012 – now set for 2016. After gaining a foothold in the This is according to chairman of the Barbados Cane Barbados financial sector two Industry Corporation (BCIC), Dr. Atlee Brathwaite, years ago through the acquisi- who said discussions were presently under way with tion of CL Financial’s assets in several regional and international funding agencies Caribbean Money Market Brokers (Barbados), First for the establishment of the multi-purpose factory, Citizens Bank will now become a fully-fledged bank- which would cost government in the region of US ing competitor. $150 to $200 million. This acquisition marks the first foray for First Citi- Speaking recently during a press conference, he as- zens’ in expanding its full service banking business sured Barbadians and workers that the smooth op- outside of its home market of Trinidad and Tobago. eration of the industry would continue while the multi- purpose plant was being set up. It was announced on Tuesday that the transaction, which has seen the operations of Butterfield Bank Brathwaite pointed out that among the range of high (Barbados) Limited wholly transferred to First Citi- value products which would be produced by the new zens Bank Limited, has been completed to the tune factory would be specialty and refined sugars as well of US$45 million. [more] as refined molasses. [more] The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 21 Caribbean and September 30, 2012 Regional News Note: Click headlines to read the articles in full Jamaica News 'Bolt Bounce' adds airlift from UK to Jamaica September 26, 2012—Caribbean News Now KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- Tourism and Entertain- ment Minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill, says airlift to Jamaica out of the United Kingdom is already start- ing to see the effects of the 'Bolt Bounce'. The term was coined from the impact that the image of the ace Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, is having on the market. New homegrown airline launched McNeill noted that subsequent to the exposure that KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thursday, August 30, 2012 – Undaunted brand Jamaica received during the London Olym- by the operating woes of Air Jamaica and the recent pics, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) began an demise of Barbados-based budget carrier RedJet, online advertising campaign in the UK market, featur- the investors behind Fly Jamaica Air are pushing ing the sprinter. ahead with their plans to be fully operational well be- Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Asso- fore the start of the tourism season in December. ciation of Jamaica Attractions on Saturday, McNeill Another concrete step was taken toward this goal said that the news coming out of London is that with a recent test-flight for the media and selected bookings to the island are trending up. [more] guests to Georgetown, Guyana, in the airlines Boe- ing 757 aircraft, which is expected to seat 12 first- class and 186 economy-class passengers. [more] Overseas companies to be en- couraged to establish head of- Crime is main obstacle to growth fices in Jamaica in Jamaica, says minister September 27, 2012 –Caribbean News Now September 26, 2012—Caribbean News Now- By Glenis Rose KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- A Bill encouraging KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- Minister of National Se- overseas companies to establish their head offices in curity, Peter Bunting, said that the government is Jamaica, and to exempt officers of such companies placing focus on prevention and control measures as from the payment of income tax, was passed in the it works to curtail crime in Jamaica, which is seen as House of Representatives on Tuesday. the main impediment to the country's economic and The Bill – The Income Tax (Amendment) Act - was social prosperity. piloted by Minister of Finance Dr Peter Phillips. "We just completed a National Security Policy and In his remarks, Phillips noted that the Bill exempts one of the things it identified was that crime, violence persons, who are not residents of Jamaica and who and corruption were the main obstacles to rapid perform group head office activities, from the pay- growth and development in Jamaica," the minister ment of income tax. told members of the Montego Bay Chamber of Com- merce and Industry, at a meeting held last Thursday "The point to note here is that not all activities of all evening in the resort city. foreign corporations are being exempt by this Bill. The purpose of the Bill is to provide incentives for "Statistics have shown that our per capita GDP large international corporations operating in multiple (gross domestic product) would be conservatively jurisdictions to move their activities to Jamaica. We three times what it is now and more aggressively, ten are not giving up anything that we now have, rather it times what it is now, if we didn’t have this high level is seeking to attract additional economic . [more] of crime," he stated. [more] The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 22 Caribbean and September 30, 2012 Regional News Trinidad and Tobago News Jack wants TT$4B to fight crime “PNM seeks to survive”- says AG September 27 2012—Newsday September 26 2012 - Newsday NATIONAL Security Minister Jack Warner is Attorney General Anand Ramlogan “keeping my fingers crossed”, that his request for said “political survival” is behind calls $4.2 billion would be granted by Finance Minister from Opposition Leader Dr Keith Row- Larry Howai, in next Monday’s 2012/2013 National ley that he should resign following the Budget as his Ministry moves into high gear in the Section 34 controversy. fight against crime. Prime Minister Kamla Persad - Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Bissessar announced last Thursday that Justice Min- Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College Cadet Unit at the school ister Herbert Volney was fired and there have been compound in Caroni, Warner revealed that Prime calls for Ramlogan to also be fired from the Cabin Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar would receive his Speaking to reporters at the Industrial Court, Port-of- 78-point crime plan at last night’s meeting of the Na- Spain where he attended the opening of the new law tional Security Council, of which she chairs. term, Ramlogan said Volney accepted responsibility. Asked of his expectations in the Budget, Warner He said what is presented at the Cabinet meetings or said, “I am asking for a little more than $4.2 billion to even board meetings would not ordinarily be “second clear up my project. I don’t know what I will get but if guessed.” Cabinet acted based on the representa- I get even close to that, I will be able to do enough to tions by Volney that the Chief Justice had supported fight crime.” [ more] the proclamation and time-line. [ more] Communications: Piarco airport accused fraudsters CWC not selling TSTT stake not going free yet September 24, 2012 –GuardianMedia PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), the and Tobago, Thursday, UK-based company that owns 49 per cent of TSTT September 13, 2012 – and many telecom assets throughout the region, is Parliamentarians on not likely to be interested in disposing of any of its both sides of the po- Caribbean companies, according to a TSTT source, litical divide weighed who requested ano- in yesterday nymity because of their (September 12) to Piarco Airport Expansion Project sensitive position. retroactively repeal a law that could have seen one of Last week, there were the biggest fraud cases in the country’s history dis- international reports missed without a single conviction. that Bahrain Telecom On August 30, the Administration of Justice (Batelco) was in talks (Indictable Proceedings) Act was gazetted and, con- with CWC to acquire tained within that act was Section 34(2), which states: the English company’s assets in Monaco, Macau and “On an application by the accused, a Judge shall dis- a host of island nations, a deal potentially worth charge an accused if the proceedings were instituted around US$1 billion. prior to the coming into force of this Act and the trial The international reports come as CWC faces strong has not commenced within seven years after the pro- demands in The Bahamas to cede majority owner- ceedings were instituted, except (a) in the case of ship of the telecommunications monopoly there by matters listed in Schedule 6; or (b) where the accused reducing its 51 per cent stake to 49 per cent and the has evaded the process of the Court and the trial on English company’s preference to acquire majority indictment has, for that reason, not commenced.” control of TSTT. [more] ….[more The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 23 Caribbean and September 30, 2012 Regional News Suriname News Suriname projecting major job Iamgold seeking to raise US$650M expansion from gold investments for Suriname, other operations Stabroek News - September 19, 2012 Stabroek News - September 21, 2012 (de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – The mega gold in- PARAMARIBO (de Ware Tijd) – Iamgold is seeking to vestments to be made in Brokopondo and East Suri- raise US$650 million in the US and Canada by issuing name will cause enormous shifts in the labor mar- securities. ket. “I’m afraid we won’t have enough workers to fill the jobs that will be created,” Minister Jim Hok of “In any case, the offering of the debt securities gives Natural Resources (NH) says about the negotiations us the flexibility to keep up with the new expansion with multinationals Iamgold and Newmont. and growth opportunities that might result from the negotiations with Suriname’s government,” says Shar- “I’m not that concerned,” says Freddy Brug, chair- mila Jadnanansingh, head business relations of Rose- man of the union representing Iamgold’s 900 work- bel Gold-mines (RGM), a reference to negotiations ers. The country’s biggest gold producer already about the expansion of the mining company’s opera- has an enormous demand for workers, and finding tions in Brokopondo. qualified ones could be a problem. The upcoming operation in the Nassau Mountains area will mean At first, the company was looking to raise US$500 mil- stiff competition for Iamgold. “If Iamgold is not care- lion, but that amount has been increased. The sale of ful, they will lose their workers to Newmont, which the debt securities started on 10 September and will may offer attractive benefits to employees. Employ- be closed today depending on the sales. This involves ers from other sectors must be careful; even the an operation that is similar to Staatsolie’s 2010 bond government might suffer a ‘brain drain’ when civil loan to finance expansion of its refinery. [more] servants abandon their jobs for the gold mining in- dustry,” Brug predicts. [more] Foreign workers arrive for Suri- name refinery project Guyana, Venezuela accused of Stabroek News- September 19, 2012 cleaning out Suriname fishing (de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – The first group of for- grounds eign workers for the Staatsolie Refinery Expansion Stabroek News- September 22, 2012 Project (REP) are gradually arriving. Project Manager (de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s fishing Tom Ketele reports that last week 24 Vietnamese ar- grounds are being cleaned out on a large scale by rived. ‘By the end of the year the group of foreigners dozens of Venezuelan and Guyanese boats while will have grown to 150.’ Suriname’s Navy cannot take effective action. It is By the end of 2013 between 1,500 and 2,000 workers unimaginable what these boats are carrying away, will be at Tout Lui Faut, half of whom will be special- says Navy commander Marino Acton. ists from Vietnam and the Philippines. ‘These guest Strengthening and expansion of the patrol fleet is workers will gradually leave again when the refinery is needed, because the foreigners sometimes use ille- completed by mid 2014. The purification facilities have gal methods and equipment. The Navy can barely to be operational by the end of September 2014,’ patrol the extensive area with just two seaworthy Ketele adds. vessels. In addition, only some of the perpetrators He denies allegations about delays in finding foreign are caught. In the past two months, the Navy has workers. ‘We have a steady flow of local and foreign confiscated six illegal fishing boats and arrested the workers, without any restrictions. We have good crews, including a Venezuelan boat and a Guy- agreements with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs anese last weekend. (Buza) and Labor (ATM) to have procedures go Acton explains that the Venezuelan boats usually smoothly. In some cases special procedures were put operate in groups of 12 to 15 in a certain area at the in place.’ [more] same time, [more] The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 24 Caribbean and September 30, 2012 Regional News Other Regional News Grenada launches first wind farm project in sub region September 15, 2012—caribbean News Now ST GEORGE'S, Grenada -- Prime Minister Tillman Thomas on Wednesday turned the sod for a wind energy pro- ject on Grenada's sister isle of Carriacou. The project is funded by a European Union grant of EUR 2.5 million to the government of Grenada, which covers three quarters of the cost, with the balance being financed by the Grenada Electricity Services Limited (GRENLEC) to the tune of EUR 1.4 million. For the ninth year Cuba sur- The project is expected to be completed by 2014 with passes two millionth-visitor mark the anticipated benefit of lower electricity costs to the consumer in the long run. [more] HAVANA, Cuba, Thursday, August 30, 2012 – Cuba has welcomed its two millionth foreign visitor 20 days earlier than it did in 2011. The was revealed recently Cuban Ministry of Tour- ROCKLEY RESORT - BARBADOS ism (MINTUR) in a press release that stated that Apartment for rent this figure represents an increase of 5.3 percent compared to the same period last year. The apartment is a two-bedroom, but is also rented as a one-bedroom. It is located at Rockley Resort, on a nine- This increase was attributed to the strategies under hole golf course. Close to supermarkets, Rockley Beach the Authentic Cuba campaign, which promotes and ten minutes drive into Bridgetown. It is fully equipped, Cuba through several countries worldwide. [more] microwave, coffee maker, fridge, stove all utensils and lin- ens etc. There is a communal pool and laundry room. Short term Summer: per night Winter: per night Single room US$125.00 US$155.00 Brazil, Guyana deepen military Both rooms US$155.00 US$235.00 Long term monthly rate: US$1750.00; plus utilities. cooperation Rates are negotiable. September 12, 2012– Demerara Waves Prices would include, wireless internet, full package MCTV, Guyana and Brazil have agreed to wide ranging ar- telephone and maid service once a week for the short term eas of military cooperation including the use of the rate. Special prices are for stays of over 3 weeks. Portuguese-speaking nation’s satellite technology to monitor the Amazon jungle for illegal activities and Phone: Salima Kola (246) 268-6460 Cell environmental degradation. or Work (246) 426-0421 E-mail me [email protected] - “To commence cooperation in the area of geo tech- nology applied to defence and security, through the training of officials from Guyana the SIVAM (Brazilian Amazon Surveillance Integrated System) facility in Manaus, Brazil,” states a communiqué is- sued Wednesday at the end of a two-day visit by Brazil’s Minister of Defence of Brazil, Celso Amorim. Accompanied by representatives from the Brazilian Armed Force, Amorim held talks, with among oth- ers, Secretary to the Defence Board, Dr. Roger Luncheon. [more] The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com 25 OTHER NEWS September 30, 2012 Blue Wave Apartments GUYANESE ONLINE BLOG MOST POPULAR ENTRIES Very Nicely Appointed. In TOP 30 - ALL-TIME - 30 months the Heart of Georgetown. 1. Famous People of Guyanese Heritage Tastefully equipped with one double bed or two sin- 2. Guyanese Online gle beds, air conditioning, 3. TAKUTU BRIDGE – Rupununi. Guyana television, telephone, hot 4. Guyanese Parrots – comedy and cold water; coffee maker and other kitchen 5. Real Old Guyana Calypso – Bill Rogers facilities. 6. Fruits of Trinidad and Tobago – and Guyana 7. Living in Guyana – slide show Rooms from US$70 per night 8. “Go Brave! – Obama” by Singing Francine 9. The End Of Johnnie Walker – reports inaccurate 8-9 North Road . Bourda . 10. Come Visit Guyana – video Georgetown . Guyana 11. Guyana – Original Folk Songs Tel:+592 226 1418/ 1417 . 12. Guyana Floods – March 2012 – pictures of floods in Georgetown Fax:+592 226 2742 Inquiries +592 227 8897 13. Barbados – Scotland’s Sugar Slaves – 4 videos 14. Last Lap Lime 2011 – Toronto – Photo album Website for Reservations 15. Old Jet Magazines – from 1950 onwards http://www.bluewave- 16. Guyanese on People’s Court gy.com/index.html 17. Bring Back Anansi-Diana Chapman-video About Blue Wave 18. MASH 2011 Photos 19. “Little Richard” – the entertainer When Blue Wave first opened its doors in 1992 it in- 20. No.1 hit: Obama, The Musical troduced to the city what is now familiarly called the Blue Wave Experience. Blue Wave is centrally lo- 21. ON THE STREET WHERE I LIVED in B.G. cated in Georgetown within easy reach of a variety of 22. Guyanese among 110 busted in mega credit tourist attractions including the Dutch Bottle Café. card scam Situated on North Road, Bourda, the Apartments 23. Guyanese who died on 9.11.2001 Remembered overlook the scenic Merriman’s Mall - a shady 24. Easter Monday 2011 – 63 Beach Coren- promenade that many locals use for times of quiet tyne, Berbice reflection. Eastward lies the National Zoo nestled in 25. World Maps – This is a fantastic information tool the beautiful Botanical Gardens. 26. NCN TV Guyana – LIVE streaming video – Or perhaps you may wish to experience the tropical Elections atmosphere of the Bourda Municipal Market and 27. Heart Surgeon Admits Huge Mistake! – By Dwight sample some of the lush fruits that are part of the Lundell, MD daily fare. Just a little further is the world’s tallest 28. Trinidad – Promotional Video wooden church, the St. George’s Cathedral which is itself a “stone’s throw” from the main shopping dis- 29. Hallelujah Chorus – Eskimo Village – video trict. 30. “Empire Of Cricket” – The West Indies So much to see and experience - and Blue Wave is Note: Click on the item listed to read the articles strategically located to allow you to savour these or view the videos on the Blog sites. The Newsletter and Blog for Guyanese Individuals, Associations and Groups Worldwide Blog: guyaneseonline.wordpress.com