caribbean graphic 09/04/14

April 9, 2014 CARIBBEAN GRAPHIC PAGE 1

VOL. 8, NO. 07 • April 9, 2014 Website: www.caribbeangraphic.ca • Tel: 905.831-4402 • Fax: 416.292.2943 • Email: [email protected]

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History First published in January 2001 as Graphic News, Caribbean Graphic changed its name at the beginning of 2002 to better reflect its mission to be a community newspaper representing the interests of all peoples of Caribbean origin. The paper went into hiatus in May 2005. In response to popular demand it was reintroduced, under new ownership, in November 2011.

ContentCaribbean Graphic’s content is intended to reflect the unique sensibilities and lifestyles of its target market readers: the members of the Canadian-Caribbean community. Coverage includes news of the events and activities both in Canada as well as in the respective “back home” countries of the Caribbean Region. Caribbean Graphic’s vision is to serve as a platform to advanced awareness of the achievements, challenges and causes affecting Canadian-Caribbean peoples. Its mission is to promote the Canadian-Caribbean community’s economic development and an even greater sense of cohesion amongst its members.

Circulation Caribbean Graphic is available free of charge at most East and West Indian groceries, some selected chain stores, Caribbean Consulates and Tourist Board offices, video shops, sports and religious organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. Every edition 15,000 copies are distributed.

Frequency & Publishing DatesCaribbean Graphic is published twice per month, on the first and third Wednesdays, unless otherwise publicized.

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Different & Dynamic. Bigga, Brighta, Betta!Caribbean

Carnival

2013 Toronto

Carnival Crazy SpecialCalling All BandleadersCome take advantage of our Carnival Craziness Special Advertising Rates to promote your 2013 Mas Bands

Enjoy 50% Discounts off our Regular Community Rates on any ads booked from April 12 – July 16, 2013.

All ads are full colour.

Book any sized ad in 4 or more Issues and receive one complimentary ½ Page Editorial feature on your Mas Band.

To take advantage of this unique and exciting offer, simply email your Ad size and required number of insertions to [email protected]

Advertising RatesToronto Set For Caribbean Invasion

Saldenah Launches River Of Mirrors In Quest For 18th Band Of The Year Title!Seventeen time Toronto Ca-

ribbean Carnival - formerly Caribana - Band of Year

winner Louis Saldenah, officially begins his quest for an eighteenth title with the April 26 Launching of his 2014 Presentation River of Mirrors. The 2014 Saldenah River of Mirrors Band Launch will take place at Toronto’s Queens Quay located Kool Haus.

The ever popular deejay duo, Dr J and Eman will host the eve-

ning’s activities which will include live presentations of Saldenah’s 2014 costumes. Music will be provided by Deejays Dr Jay, Soca Vibes, Court Jester, Wukup Pro-duction, Invinceable Int’l, Aaron Saldenah and Soca 101.

In addition to seeking his eighteenth title overall, Salde-nah will also be vying to repeat as Band of the Year Champion. He won last year with his 2013 Presentation Heaven & Earth.

The Caribbean Region’s talent, attractiveness, warmth, diversity, colour,

energy, food and spirits will again be coming this year to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. The Caribbean Tourism Orga-nization (CTO) has invited its partners to join in the celebra-tion of Toronto’s Caribbean Week from 23 – 26 June, 2014.

Caribbean Week in Toronto is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colours, culture and

unique holiday experiences of the Caribbean. It caters to the diverse needs of participating entities and destinations through a combination of events targeting the media, trade, consumers and the Caribbean Diaspora. More-over, extensive media coverage of the various events and activities of Caribbean Week reaches audi-ences in the millions.

In what is possibly the most dynamic and exciting pro-gramme for Caribbean Week

in Toronto in many years, the CTO will introduce a new event and will re-introduce an old favourite. This year will see the introduction of a Caribbean Investment Symposium, aimed at promoting understand-ing of the Caribbean investment environ-ment, building trust and gaining the confi-dence of Canadian in-

vestors. It will also showcase investment opportunities in the Caribbean and provide a business-to-business environ-ment with open dialogue and networking between par-ticipating representatives of Caribbean governments and potential investors.

Back this year after a two-year absence is Rum & Rhythm™, the ultimate Carib-bean epicurean and cultural experience. This chic event

will be a much more pleasur-able one as consumers sam-ple award-winning Caribbean rums and delectable cuisine while being entertained by Caribbean performers.

The venue for Rum & Rhythm will be Ripley’s Aquar-ium of Canada in the heart of downtown Toronto. The brand-new Ripley’s Aquarium of Can-ada, a world class attraction, is an extraordinary destination for millions of Torontonians and visitors. It makes for an exciting and realistic backdrop for this signature Caribbean Week event.

CTO member countries and partners are being encouraged to use Caribbean Week as a platform to increase holiday sales; generate positive media attention for major initiatives and events; promote local products and services; engage the Caribbean Diaspora; and stimulate demand for burgeon-ing tourism niches.

April 9, 2014CARIBBEAN GRAPHICPAGE 2

Meet your local Mortgage Advisor.

Bianca AzizHome Financing Solutions

As a Scotiabank Mortgage Advisor, I am committed to providing you with excellent service and innovative mortgage solutions that are right for you. I am committed to finding the most appropriate solution to meet your unique needs. Are you thinking of…

• Buying or building a home?• Refinancing your existing mortgage? • Renovating your home?• Consolidating existing debts?


Greater Toronto Area647.983.6826

[email protected]

You’re richer than you think

®Registered trademarks of the Bank of Nova Scotia.



As a Scotiabank Mortgage Advisor, I am committed to providing you with excellent service and innovative mortgage solutions that are right for you. I am committed to finding the most appropriate solution to meet your unique needs. Are you thinking of…

• Buying or building a home?• Refinancing your existing mortgage? • Renovating your home?• Consolidating existing debts?


Greater Toronto Area647.983.6826

[email protected]

You’re richer than you think

®Registered trademarks of the Bank of Nova Scotia.


Bianca Aziz

Home Financing Solutions

As a Scotiabank Home Financing Advisor, I am committed to providing you with

excellent service and innovative mortgage solutions that are right for you. I am

committed to nding the most appropriate solution to meet your unique needs.

Are you thinking of…

• Buying or building a home?

• Renancing your existing mortgage?

• Renovating your home?

• Consolidating existing debts?

Bianca Aziz

Home Financing Solutions

Greater Toronto Area

647.983.6826

[email protected]

® Registered trademarks of the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Wishing you a very special

Mother’s Day

Bianca Aziz

Home Financing Solutions 647-983-6826

[email protected]

Mama was my greatest teacher, a

teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a

flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love – Stevie

Wonder

Spotlight On Literacy

HIV-AIDS Book LaunchedToronto, “Stigma and lack of

knowledge about HIV & AIDS” was the topic of a compelling

presentation by Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Prem Misir, who launched his first health book in front of expatriates at the Consulate General of Guyana in New York City, recently.

The former associate public health epidemiologist of the Bu-reau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control of NY City was motivated to write “HIV&AIDS Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana” after conduct-ing interviews with N.Y. residents where discrimination and stigma among all races were evident.

Misir, a professor in Public Health at the University of Central Lancaster in England, said his interest in how the disease is transmitted and how stigma impacts awareness, peaked his interest and led him to publish this fundamen-tal tool that will be used by health pro-fessionals, educators and policymakers throughout the Caribbean region.

An author of eight books, Misir who has written extensively in peer review journals, and was instrumental in gaining a grant from the CDC to study the pandemic, did a cross-sectional look at 379 high school students in urban Guyana and assessed their knowledge of the disease, and stigma related attitudes.

“What is evident is that 40 percent of the world’s incident rate is among adolescent,” said Misir, a former visit-

ing professor of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine,

His findings show that people gradu-ate from HIV to AIDS status in their twenties and noted that Guyana was not isolated in this regard since studies around the world also show that the incubation period is eight to 10 years.

“This is the reason why it is very critical for the youth in Guyana to be educated about the disease during their high school years — a period when they are sexually active,” said Misir.

The recently elected Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in England, named NGOs such as the National AIDS Program Secretariat, and the Global Fund that are work-ing to stem the spread of the disease through education and services.

However, Misir, a consultant with PAHO/WHO, pointed to stigma as a contributing factor and said this book aims to give agencies intervention knowledge to reduce the high rate of sexual behaviors among teens.

Low Literacy is a problem in all of Toronto’s 13 priority areas but Toronto’s Kings-

ton/Galloway/Orton Park (KGO) community is doing something about it. Spotlight on Literacy - April 10th 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. - is a community forum fo-cused on helping the diverse KGO community navigate the community’s literacy programs and services. It will be an evening of panel discussions, breakout sessions as well as complimentary dinner and child minding. We are expecting up to 160 community parents and service provid-ers in attendance.

Lesra Martin, the lawyer who helped free Rubin “Hurricane” Carter after he wrongfully serving 22 years in prison (movie: The Hurricane), will be the Key-note Speaker for the Evening. Lesra is an advocate for Literacy after overcom-

ing personal literacy struggles himself. Attorney and motivational speaker

Lesra Martin was born in 1963, in Bushwick, New York. Martin was raised in the dangerous ghetto of Bushwick, New York. He was the second eldest son of eight children, and by the age of 10 he was bagging groceries to help support the family. His older brother had been swept up by gang and street life, and despite fierce devotion from his family, Martin was in danger of following the same path.

In July 1979, a chance encounter changed the course of Martin’s life. While taking the subway to Brooklyn for a summer job, he befriended a group of Canadian entrepreneurs who were im-pressed by the young boy’s potential. At their behest, the boy arrived in Toronto that fall, and began a journey to fight the illiteracy and self-doubt that were the marks of ghetto life.

During his time in Toronto, Mar-tin drew courage from The Sixteenth Round, an autobiography by Rubin Carter, who was wrongfully imprisoned for the 1966 murders of three New Jersey residents. Martin began writing to Carter, which eventually led to a five-year fight to help win Carter’s freedom. The story resulted in the 1992 book La-zarus and The Hurricane and the 1999 feature film The Hurricane.

In 1983, Martin graduated as an Ontario Scholar, completing his BA in anthropology at the University of To-ronto in 1988. In 1997, he earned his law

degree from Dalhousie Law School and served as Crown Prosecutor in Kam-loops, British Columbia.

Since The Hurricane was released, Martin has received national attention, inspiring him to embark on a career as a motivational speaker. He has appeared before the United Nations, as well as many national, community and corpo-rate groups and literacy foundations to speak about his experiences and the devastating effects of illiteracy.

The evening is free of charge. Regis-tration is at http://www.readingpart-nership.com


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Celebrity Chefs Serve Delicious Dishes At Annual Event!25 ‘Celebrity Chefs’ served up a to-tal of 35 delicious dishes to approxi-mately 220 guests and volunteers dining on an average of 10 samplings at the 18th Annual Celebrity Chef – Men Who Cook event held on Saturday, March 29. The venue was Brampton’s Century Gardens Recre-ation Centre.

Numerous compliments received attested to the success of the event. Contributing to this success were all the guests and volunteers,

Participating Celebrity Chefs included William (Bill) Carter, Patrick Devitt, Philip H. DeWar, Brett Gellert, Gillie Genesis, David Green, Court-ney Guy, Noel Hanson, Christopher Hunter, Ryan Jaikumar, Alix Mondesir, Wade Neal, Anthony Plummer, Danny Raposo, Raymond Richards, Hugh Sandiford, MP Kyle Seeback, Marlon Sherland, William Smith, Nicholas Stennett, Carl Thompson, John A. Wilding, Dale Williams and Karlos Witley. Consummate emcee for the evening were Charles Matthews Jr. and DJ Glen C. Celebrity Judges were Dr. Winston Isaac, Althea Coke, LLB, Charles Estridge, Jacquelyn May-lor, Randal Myers, Austin Nurse and

Dr. Matthew Weekes. Delighting attendees were per-

formances by Chantel McKnight ( a Guelph-Humber first-year university student) with a steel-pan music ses-sion, James Tulloch of Mayfield Sec-ondary School with two well-received Jazz-inspired song renditions, as well as Nicholas Stennett in the guise of Mr. Fresh, the magician.

Among the distinguished guests were Ken Mayhew, President and CEO bringing greetings from the William Osler Health System Foundation, Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans, Regional Councillor Paul Palleschi and his son Mark, School Board Trustees Meredith Johnson and Suzanne Nurse, representatives from organizations such as Congress of Black Women of Canada (Brampton and Mississauga chapters) and Malton Black Devel-opment Association. Dr. Anthony Sterling (2012 Entree winner) and his group from Sterling Dental were also in attendance.

The beneficiaries of the funds raised are United Achievers’ Club scholarship recipients and the Pae-diatrics Program (Sickle Cell Disease Support) Brampton Civic Hospital.

Too SweeT: Former MoneyGram Can-

ada “ Angel” Michelle was again at her angelic best on stage modelling this

Angel of Bliss costume for Dexter Seusahai’s Tribal

Carnival at the Band’s recent Launching. Tribal

Carnival will be presenting Secret of the wingz as its

entry to this year’s To-ronto Caribbean Carnival

Parade of the Bands.pHoTo CouRTESy FETEnET!


Publisher/Editor: Tony McWattContributors: Sandra Ann Baptiste, Akua Hinds, Christine Reid, Sir Ronald Sanders,Legal: Oumarally and BaboolalGraphic Design: Adryan Manasan (www.echodesign.ca)

Website: www.caribbeangraphic.ca • Tel: 905.831-4402 • Fax: 416.292.2943 • Email: [email protected]

Sir RonaldSanders

Easter’s A Good Time To Spring Clean Our Lives!

Re-thinking Caribbean Tourism againMost of the Caribbean

tourism organisations and government of-

ficials have claimed the recent change in the British Air Pas-senger Duty (APD) as ‘a com-plete victory’ for the Caribbean. The ‘victory’ is hardly ‘complete’, if it is a ‘victory’ at all.

Essentially, the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has eliminated bands C and D from the APD application. There are now only two bands, A and B. Band A covers Europe and Band B now covers all long-haul flights. This new policy will take effect from 15 April 2015.

Flights to the Caribbean from Britain will fall into Band B and this means that the level of the APD applied by the British government will be reduced. However, the unfairness of the APD will still apply.

The unfairness is that the APD is measured from London to the Capital city of the destination to which an air-craft is f lying. Therefore, passengers on f lights, for instance, to Jamaica, Barbados or Antigua will pay an APD rate that is higher than passengers f lying to more distant destinations such as Vancouver, Los Angeles or Hawaii. The reason is that the APD on all f lights to any part of the US or Canada, however distant, is calculated only to Washington or Ottawa.

Given that, when the APD was intro-duced, it was justified as ‘an environ-

mental tax’, the higher taxes on destina-tions in the Caribbean that are shorter than longer flights to far points in the US and Canada, reveal its disingenuous-ness. Pure and simple, the APD was introduced as a revenue measure. In 2012/2013, it brought £2.9 billion into the British Treasury.

But the APD has cost the British economy more in lost revenues from tourists to the UK from long-haul desti-nations such as China and India. Those tourists would have opted to go else-where because of the effect on the tax on the cost of their airfares. For instance, Dale Keller, chief executive of the Board of Airline Representatives UK, said “The government has finally acknowledged what the industry and business knew all along – that the highest rates of avia-tion tax in the world were a brake on driving the UK’s economic growth with emerging markets”. In other words, the British government’s decision in adjust-ing the bands was motivated much more by its domestic financial welfare than as a response to lobbying from external interests, including the Caribbean.

Britain’s national Tourism agency, ‘VisitBritain’, says that tourism is Britain’s fifth largest industry, support-

ing 3 million jobs and over 200,000 small and medium sized enterprises as well as contributing £127 billion to the country’s GDP each year. Therefore, the British economy needs tourism and the APD applied to tourists from long-haul destinations was restricting an increase in their numbers. The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has publicly stated that tourism “is one of the best and fastest ways of generating the jobs we need so badly”.

So, while Caribbean Tourism bodies are right to have fought as hard as they did for a change in the APD and this will help to ease the strain on British tourists coming to the Caribbean, the region should recognise that the British government was acting in its interest, not theirs. Further, getting a reduc-tion in the APD charged by one of the destinations from which tourists travel to the Caribbean is a mere scratch on the surface of a deeper problem with Caribbean tourism that needs a holistic and urgent approach if the industry is to expand and thrive for the benefit of Caribbean economies.

Here is a statement made by a Prime Minister: “We’re going to be a govern-ment that understands the huge poten-tial of our tourism industry, that gets tourism and that gives the industry the backing that it needs”. That statement was not made by a Caribbean leader whose country depends on tourism for more than 60 per cent of its GDP – as is the case now in most of them. It was made by the British Prime Minister in relation to Britain.

In the Caribbean, tourism is in-creasing to two destinations – Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Such growth as the English-speaking Carib-

bean counties has witnessed has been marginal and not sufficient to create the number of jobs or earn the extent of foreign exchange that they require. Realistically, Caribbean tourism is in the doldrums. There is an urgent need for new thinking by all, but especially by planners and decision-makers in Caribbean governments.

The tourism plant in the region requires rejuvenation and reinvigo-ration – and this applies not only to large resorts, but also to small and medium-sized hotels; there also has to be a complete re-think of incentives provided by governments to enter-prises in all aspects of the industry on a common basis throughout the region in order to achieve the high level of product development that is absolutely necessary; issues such as safety have ratcheted-up the scale for priority at-tention, and so, too, has the matter of service – a deeper, more psychologi-cally educational approach should be adopted; expanded and more com-fortable airports are useful, but they will quickly become white elephants if the more important aspects of tourism with which the tourist inter-acts once in the county do not match or surpass the facilities offered by competing countries. Recognition by Caribbean governments that reduc-tion or elimination of their own myriad taxes imposed on air fares would also boost tourism would be an immediate benefit.

The writer is a Consultant, Senior Fellow at London University and former Caribbean diplomat. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

In her Home Affairs Column for this Caribbean Graphic Issue, Scotia Bank Colum-

nist Bianca Aziz suggests that after such a long and brutal winter it would be a good idea to perform some Spring Clean-ing maintenance on our homes. Her always very wise advice left me thinking that as we now enter the Easter Season it might not be as good a time as any for us to do the same type of repair job on the way we live our lives, especially for those of us who are engaged in any form of business.

“Do onto others as you would have them do unto you” was one of our Good Lord and Saviour Jesus’ many teach-ings. Would that more of us could strive to be far more vigilant in our actual practice of this preaching as we go about everyday lives.

For instance ask yourself this ques-tion, in any given interaction with another person, would you prefer that they be always honest and upfront

with you so that you can have a crystal clear picture of where you stand? Or would you prefer that they engage in the type of “BS” activities that leaves you being never quite sure as to where you stand and what your best options might be.

As unpleasant as it might be for both parties, it’s always better to tell someone what they need to hear as op-posed to what they might want to hear. The former forces them to deal with reality then and there. The latter only temporarily postpones the inevitable, as sooner or later reality will rear it’s often very unattractive head.

Within our Community there are far too many Company owners who aren’t as upfront as they should be with those they interact with, wheth-er it be their customers or suppliers. Any one for that matter seeking to do business with them. Again, in the same manner that they would want anyone to respect and not waste their time, then they shouldn’t ever string others along.

If you have no interest in doing

business with someone, for whatever reason, just say so at the very begin-ning. They will respect you much more for that than they ever will, if you aren’t completely honest with them from the outset.

As incredulous as it may sound, saying please, thank you and I’m sorry are also practices that are far too often not as readily engaged in as they should be. “Ask and you shall receive!” is another of the Good Book’s many wise teachings. Unless you ask for something that’s needed you’ll never know for sure whether it can be granted, so there should never ever be in any shame or pride in asking.

In actual fact many that are known for their wisdom, have often suggested that the bigger the request the bolder you should be in asking. Any request, big or small, should however always be preceeded by the word please. A re-quest not so prefaced can often sound more like an order.

Similarly, when someone does some-thing for you, no matter how small and insignificant it may be, simply saying

thanks does wonders to make them feel that their gesture has been appreciated. The gesture itself may be small to you, but to them could very well possibly have been taxing on their available resources.

Likewise, none of us are perfect and at some point or the other we will inevitably mess things up for others. “ A mistake is never such unless it has been repeated. Until then it’s an experience!” If and when you do make a mistake, fess up, readily say sorry, try to learn from the experience and resolve never to repeat the governing activity.

Some simple “Spring Cleaning” Life practices, which if we all engaged in more regularly life in the times ahead would be that much brighter and far more enjoyable. For ourselves as well as others.

Happy Easter, May God’s bountiful blessings be forever showered on you and yours.

BlessingsTony Mc


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NO BRA LayoffsBRIDGETOWN, A senior Barbados government official says there have been no layoffs within the public service as the government moves to implement the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA). In fact, Chief Personnel Officer, Gail Atkins, said the recent reversion of some public officers to their sub-stantive posts had nothing to do with the ongoing trimming of the public service by the Freundel Stuart government to revitalise an ailing economy.

Atkins acknowledged, however, that the decision of those who make a request to stay in the public service would have an effect on the positions of temporary officers because appointed officers have a preference. The Chief Personnel Officer said that in addition to dealing with the BRA, the personnel Administration Division was involved in two major exercises including the retrenchment of public servants as well as the appointment on promotion to three posts. She denied media reports that some of those public officers had been demoted, noting “demotion in the Civil Service is a pen-alty arising out of the disciplinary process after a determina-tion has been made by one of the Service Commissions that a person is guilty of a breach of the public service regulations”.

Call For National Assembly To Be FormedBRIDGETOWN, A call has been is-sued for Barbadians to form a national assembly to counter the economic policies being pursued by the Freundel Stuart administration. The suggestion has come from University of the West Indies, Cave Hill lecturer Dr Tennyson Joseph, who insists that the Interna-tional Monetary Fund (IMF), rather than Government, is behind the fiscal adjustment programme being instituted in the country.

Joseph, a political scientist, said so-cial democrats such as political activist David Commissiong needed to present

an alternative plan to the people in light of what he viewed as a crisis facing the ruling Democratic Labour Party, the main opposition Barbados Labour Party and trade unions.

“This group will present an alterna-tive agenda and say how you manage yourselves in an economic crisis and you maintain a social economic agenda,” the political scientist said, as he warned of the likely effects of cutting free tertiary education and other social benefits that Barbadians had long enjoyed.

The cost of private medical care in Barbados could go up within the next

90 days. Doctors’ fees could jump by as much as 60 per cent. This will mean that patients who now pay, for example, $150 for a gynaecological consultation would face a fee as high as $210, and a visit to a general practitioner could move from an average of $70 to $100.

Dentists’ fees too – from the special-ists doing implants and oral maxillofa-cial surgery to those in general practice – could also be subject to a hike.

The proposed increases are a result of a move by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) of England, which pro-vides the medical fraternity here with

indemnity insurance, to seek to raise their rates between 40 and 60 per cent depending on the speciality.

The increases proposed are propor-tionate to the risks involved if there is a malpractice suit, so every area of medical practice would be affected, sources explained. MPS has reportedly proposed a 60 per cent insurance hike for those who practise obstetrics while neurosurgery, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, anaesthesia, neonatal intensive care, down the line to general practitio-ner would carry increases according to the risk assessment.

BiGGer reTurn requireD on LiAT inveSTMenT

BRIDGETOWN, Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy has promised that ad-ditional operations of regional airline LIAT will be moved to the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), following upgrades over the coming months.

However, he stopped short of saying what operations would relocate here.

Sealy suggested that Barbadians were

paying too much for the airline, but get-ting very little benefit.

He said, therefore, following the establishment of a new civil aviation facility as well as other upgrades at the

GAIA in the com-ing months, he would ensure that there was increased activities from the cash-strapped airline in Barbados.

“We anticipate, given the fact that the Barba-dian taxpayers … are being asked to shoulder majority of the bur-

den where LIAT is concerned, it is only natural, that as you heard only recently that LIAT is being put on a firmer (and) sounder economic footing, that there are decisions that will have to be taken with respect to LIAT that will result in increased levels of activity at this airport as far as LIAT is concerned,” an-nounced Sealy.

He made the comments at the April 4 groundbreaking ceremony for the new civil aviation building to be constructed in Charnocks, Christ Church.

Sealy said it was not fair to ask the Barbados to shoulder most of the air-line’s debt “and yet we don’t enjoy com-mensurate benefit”, adding there was “plenty of space” at the GAIA.

“I am very happy to hear that Prime Minister (Baldwin) Spencer doesn’t have to lay off anybody in Antigua and he doesn’t plan to lay off anyone, but if he can make that brag, certainly we are not going to simply take all the burden for the entire Caribbean and not get some of the benefits,” added Sealy.

When pressed by reporters, Sealy said there were no immediate plans to move the headquarters of LIAT to Barbados, but he noted there were LIAT depart-ments already here “and we have to look to see, going forward, what makes economic sense”.

“. . . We must understand that if Barbados is in a majority position, the larger shareholder, then the largest por-tion of that debt is over our heads. It is only obvious then, we owe them to make sure that sound economic decisions are made,” explained Sealy.


Bird ScandalANTIGUA, St. John’s - Caribarenaan-tigua’s has claimed that its investigative work on the IHI Affair has led to the discovery of yet another major ALP-Era scandal involving Asot Michael, Lester Bird and Robin Yearwood.

This scandal is a kickback scheme originally setup by Robin Yearwood and Lester Bird, and later intensified with the introduction of Asot Michael.

When Bruce Rappaport took control

over West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), an agreement was established with the help of Ron Sanders in which Robin Yearwood and Lester Bird received a total of $0.05 USD for every gallon of oil-related product purchased from WIOC by APUA.

This means that for every gallon of any oil-related product, including fuel for APCL and other active power plants, sold to APUA after 1980 by WIOC, Rob-in Yearwood and Lester Bird received $0.05 USD.

In 1996, with the introduction of the IHI scheme and the involvement of Asot Michael, the kickback was increased to $0.07 USD per gallon. This scheme

was in action from 1996 to 2005, when the recently elected UPP Government noticed these irregularities.

In a recent speech, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said that APUA cur-rently requires 1.5M Imperial Gallons a month. To adjust for increased demand, we’ll estimate that in 1980-2005, APUA required 1.0M Imperial Gallons of fuel a month.

For the period of 1980-1996, Lester Bird and Robin Yearwood received $0.05 USD per gallon, or 1,000,000 Gallons * 12 months a year * 16 years * $0.05 per Gallon = $9.6M USD, or $25.6M ECD.

For the period of 1997-2005, Lester Bird, and Robin Yearwood received

$0.07 USD per gallon, or 1,000,000 Gallons * 12 months a year * 8 years * $0.07 = $6.7M USD, or $17.9M ECD.

This means a grand total of $16.3M USD or $43.5M ECD was paid to Robin Yearwood and Lester Bird as part of this kickback scheme, starting from 1980 and continuing until 2005.

This latest discovery illustrates just how much money was lost as a result of corruption during the ALP era. Com-bined with the IHI scandal and the kickbacks received from various busi-nessmen, the Senior Leadership of the ALP was making hundreds of millions of dollars through various schemes that took advantage of Antigua and Bar-buda’s treasury.

HouSe To HouSe CAMPAiGnST JOHN’S, Antigua, The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has intensified one of its campaign strategies in its latest bid to force Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to call an election date.

The party has asked its candidates to go from house-to-house and ask con-stituents to call on the country’s leader to announce a date for the election.

Molwyn Joseph kicked off the campaign in St Mary’s North Constit-uency, on April 1, with a walk through Browne’s Avenue and Cashew Hill.

The crusade continued the follow-ing day with St George hopeful Dean Jonas and his supporters knocking on doors in Barnes Hill.

“We are going house-to-house so

that you can call on the prime min-ister to call the election,” Jonas told an elderly resident. “It doesn’t seem like he wants to call it.”

Local media asked Jonas why he thought this method would work where others have failed to force the prime minister’s hand.

“If he is a prime minister that is worth his salt, he would listen to what the people are saying. This is not a message from Dean Jonas,” he said.

The party’s next move was sched-uled to be an April 6 whistle-stop “to keep up the pressure and to demand that Spencer call the elections now.”

The prime minister has so far dis-missed calls for the elections saying that it would be irresponsible to hold the poll with two important cases awaiting judgment at the Court of Appeal level.

St Lucia To Consider introducing economic CitizenshipCASTRIES, St.Lucia, In an effort to boost its investment portfolio, the Government is giving consideration to the introduction of economic citizenship . The idea was recently mooted by political leader of the op-position United Workers Party (UWP) – Allen Chastanet who said that the initiative could attract “the brightest and wealthiest people” to a country for the purpose of investment, while at the same time highlighting the need for safeguards.“This is a difficult environment perhaps calling for dif-ferent responses,” he said. “I think we cannot close our eyes because it’s an option we may have to consider and in so doing we may have to look at the experiences of other coun-tries,” Anthony told reporters.

The Prime Minister said St Lucia country has “huge problems on our hands”, stating that what was rejected previously will now have to be re-examined. But at the same time Anthony made it clear that St Lucia’s honour and integrity are vi-tal and must not be compromised.

“We are small societies and cannot

create enclaves in our midst to cause social imbalance and conflict,” An-thony said. “My understanding is that there may be anywhere from 3000 to 5000 passports that have been issued there, so think for a moment about the demographic imbalance that can create.” Anthony said some Carib-bean countries are granting economic citizenship to persons out of Asia, but once that happens those persons are ending up in St Lucia and establishing themselves on the island.

“The question therefore is to what extent should we consider identi-cal rights to those individuals that are conferred on citizens of other Eastern Caribbean countries.” He said those were the types of issues that have to be considered and as-sessed very carefully in dealing with the issue of economic citizenship.

Other countries in the region, including Dominica, St.Kitts Nevis and Antigua Barbuda have launched their citizenship by investment pro-grammes, which grants citizenship of a country to individuals who invest money to a country’s development.

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Sharma ResignsGEORGETOWN, APNU Jaipaul Sharma on April 3 confirmed that he has re-signed as a member of parliament.

Speaking to reporters outside the Public Buildings as the budget debate continued Sharma said his decision was as a result of the statement made by education minister Priya Manickchand about his father.

According to Sharma, he believed that the government is looking to use

his father’s legal troubles as a political football which could be detrimental to the APNU’s political fortunes. The Jus-tice For All Party (JFAP) member said he did not want to be the cause of APNU misfortune and as such thought resign-ing was the prudent thing to do.

“Maybe the PPP/C is using this matter because there’s a possibility that they may go for a snap election and they may use this as an opportunity to cause the APNU votes. I don’t want to be that individual, I don’t want to be a political football.”

According to Sharma, he believed he did the honourable thing and wanted it to be clear that no one in the House was

G$6 BiLLion BAiLouT For AiLinG SkeLDon SuGAr FACToryGEORGETOWN, After relating to the House the success story of the rice industry in 2013, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Leslie Ram-sammy announced that sugar will make a turnaround this year and that some of the $6B bailout being requested for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be plugged into the ailing Skel-don Factory.

The bailout has generated signif-icant concerns on the part of po-litical opposition, and in seeking to provide answers, Dr. Ramsammy told the House that the $6B will be geared towards the mechaniza-tion drive of the industry, “a drive that seeks to address the smaller labour pool that the industry now relies on and to improve on cane yields in 2014…Land conversion costs will account for $1.1B with 2,500 hectares of land slated to be converted in 2014.”

According to Dr. Ramsammy, an-other $1B will be expended on the tillage and replanting programme this year with 9,600 hectares of land to be tilled and 9,224 hect-ares to be planted.

The Minister said too, invest-ments will also be made in all-

weather roads in all cultivations to improve on accessibility and time-liness of cane delivery to factories. He said that a portion of the $6B will be spent on capital pro-grammes at the various factories, including the replacement of old and outdated pumps, improve-ment of factory automation at Albion, work on two punt dump-ers at Skeldon and the upgrade of boilers at Uitvlugt.

As it relates to the Skeldon Factory, the Minister said that despite accusations that no electricity was being generated and supplied to the national grid; this was not the case, as during grinding hours a total of 8MW is produced. The Minister said too that despite the dire performanc-es of sugar in recent years, 2014 will see a recovery.

In his report to the House, Dr. Ramsammy said that after three years of failing to reach its targets, GuySuCo is set to meet its target this year.

“In the first five weeks, Guy-SuCo has already reached 45,000 tons or an average of 9,000 tons per week.”

he Minister was adamant that the sugar industry will not be al-lowed to fail and “will continue as a major pillar of our development.” The Minister said this is not the first time that sugar is in distress, but GuySuCo will recover and 2014 will mark a turning point in its performance of GuySuCo.

irreplaceable. He said the JFAP would remain a member of the APNU coalition.

“The only JFAP member we have on the list is Mr. (Geoffrey) Sankies so if we’re not in parliament ... the Partner-ship is 10 members, five of them are outside so you could say we’re still in there,” Sharma said.

However, APNU Chairman David Granger, who joined him outside, said

they were yet to receive a notice of res-ignation from Sharma who had commu-nicated it directly to Speaker Raphael Trotman. He dubbed Sharma’s move as “rather precipitate” and said they would be speaking to him to navigate the way forward. Granger said Sharma, who was on the anti-money laundering legisla-tion committee, was a valued member of their team.

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veTerAn CyCLiST kiLLeD By MiniBuSGEORGETOWN A Minibus driver was in police custody assisting with in-vestigations after he allegedly struck dead 67-year-old pedal cyclist Roy Mendonca on Carifesta Avenue on March 31.Local media were informed that the driver of the minibus hit the cyclist while trying to overtake another vehicle. The pensioner was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Speak-ing from her lot 218 Forshaw Street, Queenstown residence the dead man’s wife Maureen Marks said that her husband was killed while on one of his regular fitness training rides. The woman said that each morning she and her husband would ride from their Queenstown home to the Na-tional Park for an early morning work-out. She explained that normally she is a slower rider than her husband and she would leave before him and he would catch up with her. However, on March 31 her husband left before her and rather than riding along Thomas

Road he used Irving Street and turned onto Carifesta Avenue. She said that she used Thomas Road and reached the National Park before him.

The wife said that at the park she kept waiting for her husband at their usual spot but he did not show. She then decided to call his cell phone and when it was answered, a police officer broke the tragic news to her. The minibus, licence plate BNN 6492, has been detained while the driver remains in custody. The widow related that her husband loved cycling. He was recently awarded for being the top ‘over 60s’ rider.

After the man was struck by the minibus he was placed in another ve-hicle and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pro-nounced dead on arrival. The man leaves to mourn his wife and one child. The two have been married for 14 years now

President Donald Ramotar received a courtesy visit on April 2 from former

Canadian Supreme Court Judge Claire L’Heureux-Dubé as part of her five-day visit to Guyana. Accompa-nied by Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Nicole Giles, the eminent law official said that her meeting with the president was “extraordinary”, as they managed to exchange ideas that were interesting for both countries.

The official is participating in the Judges Colloquium, organised lo-cally by the Ministry of Legal Af-fairs. This event seeks to have legal luminaries from various countries exchange ideas and experiences as they examine ways in which to im-prove the dispensation of justice and the legal system in their respective countries.

Ms L’Heureux-Dubé was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1987, after serving for 14 years as a

trial and appellate court judge. Her 50-year career in law is one marked by many achievements in family law and human rights issues. She has undertaken many roles in the legal profession as an advocate for equal-ity and proponent for the fair admin-istration of justice.

The former judge is an executive and trustee member of the Equal Rights Trust, an independent inter-national organisation whose purpose is to combat discrimination and promote equality as a fundamental human right and a basic principle of social justice. Established as an ad-vocacy organisation, resource centre and a think tank, it focuses on the complex relationship among differ-ent types of discrimination and de-veloping strategies for translating the principles of equality into practice.

Police ShakeupGEORGETOWN, A major shake-up in the command structure of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has begun with the retirement of two top police officers and the assumption of Seelall Persaud as the new Police Commissioner.

Replacing Persaud as Chief of Criminal Inves-tigations is Senior Super-intendent, Leslie James who was previously the Head of Special Branch. Taking over from James is long-time Deputy Crime Chief, Cosbert.

Following last week’s retirement of Assistant Commissioner, George Vyphuis - who was head of ‘A’ Division-

Superintendent Clifton Hicken has been brought ‘C’ Division (West Coast-West Bank Demerara/East Bank Essequibo) to take over ‘A’ Division. Moving to ‘C’ Division is Ian Amsterdam, the second-in-command to Vyphuis.

Seelall assumed office as Police Commissioner

following the retirement of Leroy Brumell less than one month before Vyphuis also retired.

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Murder Rate DownKINGSTON, Jamaica recorded a 12 per cent decline in murders during the first quarter of this year, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has said. Last year, Jamaica recorded 1,200 murders as compared to 1,097 in 2012.

Delivering the traditional Throne Speech at the start of the new Par-liament on April 3, Sir Patrick said that there had also been a 13 per cent decline in the overall category of serious crimes.

According to the head of state, fatal police shootings for the first quarter of 2014 had dropped by over 50 per cent, reflecting better operational planning and improved community co-operation.

Speaking under the theme, “Go-ing for Growth: Creating Oppor-tunities”, Sir Patrick said that the long contemplated merger of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)

and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) had been approved by Cabinet and will be implemented this fiscal year.

He said the merger would eliminate duplication in the command struc-ture and release more personnel for operational duty. Additionally, the Governor-General noted that sig-nificant capital investment would be made this fiscal year to upgrade the technology available for the investiga-tions and operations of the police.

This will include communication, palm and fingerprint identification, and cyber forensic systems.

The Governor-General made special mention of the Unite for Change (UFC) initiative, which was implemented in December 2013. It is aimed at building a national movement to encourage positive social behaviour and promote a safer, gentler society.

“This important prevention initia-tive was born out of the realisation that violence is the outcome of dys-function at many different levels in the society, including family, school, community, social services, and popular culture,” he told legislators.

Death Threats Made Against Kartel Trial Prosecution Team KINGSTON, The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Paula Llewellyn, has confirmed that deaths threats have been made against her and members of the prosecution following the murder trial of Dance Hall singer Vybz Kartel who was jailed for life. Kartel, whose real name is Adjidja Palmer, along with Shawn Camp-bell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John, were found guilty on March 13 for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

Kartel is to serve 35 years in jail before he becomes eligible for parole, while Campbell and Jones will serve 25 years, and St John 30. They were sentenced on April 3.

Police say Williams was killed over the disappearance of two missing fire-arms. His body has not been found.

Local media reported that the death threats had been made to the DPP and the prosecution team and that security had been beefed up.

“During the course of this trial we have had threats during the course of our jobs; we have to do our jobs, we have to do it without fear or favour. We suffered threats as well but we have had to ignore it. The police, at every turn, responded immediately. We have had to beef up security around the prosecu-tion,” Llewellyn said.

“I would appeal to the public to appre-ciate that we have a job to do as profes-sionals. We don’t take it personally. We have an obligation as ministers of justice to make sure that everything is

fair to the defen-dant. We cannot be intimidated. We are salaried public servants doing a job that we are commit-ted to doing. If we get a conviction or if someone is acquitted we get the same salary,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Police has is-sued a statement outlining a number of threats that were made against prosecution witnesses during the trial.

The police said the main prosecution witness, Lamar Chow, is still in pro-tective custody due to several threats against his life and promises that he would be rewarded if he refused to co-operate with the prosecution.

Threats have also been issued against the life of the murder victim’s sister, who gave evidence during the trial, as well as other relatives.

“Several police officers have received threats and the homes of at least two have been visited by unknown persons who have, in some instances, made enquiries regarding the officers and their families. Actual steps have been made to carry out the threats in relation to one of the officers,” the police statement said.

The home of Cybercrimes expert Detective Sergeant Patrick Linton was partly damaged after it was firebombed by unidentified persons who threw a Molotov cocktail.

“Subsequently, unknown persons re-turned to his house where they left a bag containing photographs of the detective sergeant, a cow eye and a cow tongue with his name written on it.

“It is to be noted that this ritual is practised in other countries around the world as a warning to witnesses in court cases to keep their silence,” the police said, adding threats were also made against the lives of staff members of a telecommunications company.

The authorities said that the vandalis-ing of fibre-optic cables on the Mandela Highway was part of a ploy to carry out the threats.

J$539.35 MiLLion DoLLAr BuDGeT PreSenTeDKINGSTON, The Jamaica govern-ment has presented a J$539.35 billion (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.004 cents) to Parlia-ment with debate on the fiscal package scheduled for April 17. Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips presented the estimates for the 2014-15 fiscal year, with J$404.6 billion earmarked for Recurrent expenses and J$134.6 billion for Capital spending.

The figure represents an in-crease of J$39 billion over the re-vised Estimates for 2013/14, which were tabled as the First Supple-mentary Estimates in February.

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has been allocated the largest sum, with J$197.6 bil-lion for recurrent expenses and J$102.3 billion for capital expen-diture. A large portion of the sum will go towards meeting Jamaica’s debt obligations.

The Ministry of Education gets the second largest sum with J$78.2 billion for recurrent expenses and J$2.1 billion for capital spending.

Ministry of National Security has received J$47.17 billion for recur-rent expenditure and $3.20 bil-lion for capital, while the Ministry of Health gets J$35.97 billion for recurrent expenses and $903 mil-lion for capital projects.

The Standing Finance Commit-tee of the House will consider the Estimates of Expenditure from April 8-10, and Phillips will open the Bud-get Debate on Thursday, April 17.

Meanwhile, Governo0r General Sir Patrick Allen said that said that the local economy was stronger than it was a year ago, evidenced by three consecutive quarters of growth.

Sir Patrick, delivering the tradi-tional Throne Speech at the start of the new parliamentary ses-sion, said that despite the global economy remaining sluggish, the Government has stayed the course with its economic policies.

Sir Patrick said that despite the challenges, the Government is meeting obligations to its inter-national partners, restructuring the economy, and improving the governance system for the benefit of Jamaicans.

In March 2014, the Portia Simpson Miller government suc-cessfully met the third review of Jamaica’s economic performance under the Extended Fund Facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) resulting in a further drawdown of US$71.4 million.

$1.7 Billion To Be Spent Infrastructural DevelopmentKINGSTON The Government has un-veiled plans to spend approximately $1.7 billion on infrastructural development in rural communities across the par-ishes of St Ann and St Elizabeth in this fiscal year.

The work, which is to be carried out under the Jamaica Economical Hous-ing Project, will see major upgrading of roadways, water supplies and sewer systems.

The project was outlined in the 2014-15 Estimates of Expenditure, which was tabled in the House of Representatives by Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips on Thursday.

It is being financed by China EXIM Bank and the Government of Jamaica, and will also seek to provide afford-able housing solutions in both parishes, primarily for employees in the tourism industry.


GovT. To SPenD LeSS on CriMe FiGHTKINGSTON, The Government is to spend less on criminal investiga-tion, police operations and the control and investigation of drug trafficking in this year’s budget.

Criminal investigation was cut by more than J$145 million, down from about J$2.4 billion in the last fiscal year, while the allocation for police operations has been cut by over J$746. 7 million, to just under J$14 billion.

The Government will also spend less on drug trafficking investiga-tion and control, for which the bud-get was reduced in the 2014/ 2015 Estimates of Expenditure tabled in parliament on April 3. Spending was cut from over J$508 million to just over $499 million.

The Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) will also operate on less with budget estimates reduced to just over J$111 million, down from more than $117 million.

48.5 % FunDinG inCreASe For AuDiTor GenerALKINGSTON, Having been saddled with the additional responsibility of ensuring the Government sticks to the fiscal rules to which it has agreed with the International Mon-

etary Fund (IMF), the Auditor General’s Department is set to receive a 48.5 per cent increase in its allocation to enable it to carry out its functions.

The 2014-2015 Estimates of Expenditure, which, as of today, will be subjected to scrutiny by the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, shows that the Government is proposing to give the department $538.5 million to execute its func-tions this year, up from $362.5 million last year. The allocation, however, is $24 million less than the amount requested, but Audi-tor General Pamela Monroe Ellis said it is unlikely to have a signifi-cant impact on activities since the restructuring of the entity may not start until June.

Monroe Ellis said the restruc-turing is being done to allow her department to effectively meet its objectives, particularly in light of increased responsibilities. The restructuring, if approved by the Ministry of Finance, will involve an increase in staff from 194 to 207, and the offering of better salaries to employees, as according to the auditor general, the department is not able to attract certain expertise and skill sets “because our salaries are just not competitive”.

The allocation to salaries, as reflected in the Estimates of Ex-penditure, is to be increased from $216.7 million to $391.6 million.

Moneybag Fall OutKINGSTON, The police are carrying out investigations after a bag containing J$10M fell out of an armoured truck on South Camp Road around mid-morning on April 7.

Members of the Jamaica Constabu-lary Force were reportedly on patrol and saw when the bag fell out of the truck.

The money has since been returned to

the security company. Deputy Superin-tendent of Police Hornet Williams, who is in charge of operations in the Kings-ton Eastern Police Division, says he is happy the officers on patrol were in the right place at the right time.

Commonwealth Games Baton ReceivedKINGSTON, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller received The Queen’s Baton for this year’s Common-wealth Games, scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland, following its arrival in Jamaica at the Norman Manley International Air-port in Kingston on April 5. The baton, which arrived from the British Virgin Islands on its Commonwealth world tour, contains The Queen’s Message for the 20th Games, to be held from for July 23 to August 3.

The baton is being taken on a relay

tour of the 71 participating nations and territories of the Commonwealth. It is scheduled to be taken to the Cayman Is-lands on April 11 after it leaves Jamaica.

PriSoner rePATriATion reFuSeDLondon, Hundreds of Jamaican prisoners are to stay in British jails at a cost of £27m a year after their government turned down a deal for them to be returned.

The Ministry of Justice has been trying to persuade successive Ja-maican governments to allow up to 737 prisoners to be returned to the island to serve sentences for crimes committed in the UK. A voluntary agreement to allow prisoner transfers was signed in 2007 but seven years later it has still not been ratified by the Jamaican parliament.And now a proposed compulsory deal to send the prisoners home has been reject-ed after the Jamaican government claimed it would be unconstitutional.

The embarrassing snub is a further blow to British taxpayers, who al-ready pay £400 million a year for the imprisonment of 10,600 foreigners from 157 countries.

Britain’s Conservative MP Philip Hollobone has expressed anger at the attitude of the Jamaican Government and told local media : ‘Given they are a Commonwealth country and they have the third highest number of for-eign nationals in UK prisons, it ought to be a priority of the British Govern-ment to negotiate such an agreement as soon as possible.’

Under the current voluntary deals, both countries, as well as the prison-er, must consent to the transfer, and there are fears that even with a com-pulsory deal prisoners can claim that being sent home will be a breach to their right to a family life.

Jamaicans make up the third largest proportion of nationalities in Britain’s prisons, after Polish and Irish inmates.

Last year Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron announced UK tax-payers were to fund a major prison building programme in poor coun-tries such as Nigeria and Jamaica, because no prisoners would choose to go to a foreign prison where con-ditions are worse than in British ones.

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PORT-OF-SPAIN, The Trinidad and To-bago government has announced plans to strengthen the gaming industry on the island saying it would be guided by three main principles.

Finance Minister Larry Howai, tabling the April 4 Finance Bill 2014 in the Senate said that the principles would ensure that the “vulnerable would be protected; that gaming should in all respect be fairly and openly conducted and the operations must be within the ambit of the law”.

Howai told legislators that the gaming industry employs an estimated 35,000 people and that there is a great demand for it in Trinidad and Tobago, indicating that this was all the more reasons for strict regulation.

“While this growth suggests that there is a public demand for gaming services there are inherent dangers that must be addressed.

“The gaming sector can only be a le-gitimate source of prosperity and enter-tainment if it is effectively regulated to deter crime, protect the vulnerable and promote fair treatment for the customer. These provisions are the first step in the implementation of a very strict regime which would ensure that this country’s regulator environment meets acceptable international standards,” he said.

Howai, also informed legislators of the coalition government’s short and long term measures targeting the gam-ing and private members club.

‘This is a new requirement of a deposit of TT$500,000 (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents). This deposit will be mandatory for all private members clubs with a certificate for gambling activities on their premises.

Howai said that a gaming authority will also be established, responsible for licences and other monitoring initiatives

Tightening Gaming Regulations

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Police are investigating a report by a 47-year-old woman alleging that she was made to perform sex acts on fired government min-ister Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh when she went to him for as-sistance to fast track a Hous-ing Development Corporation (HDC) application.

Local media has learned that the woman, Patricia Singh, accompanied by her attorney Nizam Mohammed, went to the Port of Spain CID office on April 4 and reported the matter.

According to the police re-port, the two sex acts occurred at the Ministry of the People and Social Development at the corner of Indepen-dence Square and Abercromby Street, Port of Spain office in 2011 and eight weeks ago.

The report, contains explicit details of the sex acts, corroborating an earlier interview Singh had with local media on March 24.

Singh told police officers in spite of her objections she was made to perform the sex acts on Ramadharsingh.

Inspector Mervyn Edwards and WPC

Sandra Phillips David are conducting investigations.

Media investigations have revealed that the alleged sex acts were brought to the at-tention of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar after midday on March 25 just before her decision to fire Ramadharsingh who was then publicly accused by Carib-bean Airlines Ltd (CAL) flight attendant Ronelle Laidlow of disorderly conduct on a flight from Tobago to Trinidad.Up until March 23, Persad-Bissessar had report-edly considered demoting Ramadharsingh

Fired Minister Under Police Sex Acts Investigationinstead of giving him the boot.

However, Cabinet sources said the Prime Minister had a sudden change of mind and opted to fire Ramadharsingh after she learned Singh had been inter-viewed by media on the sexual allegations.

Sources said several Cabinet ministers were also informed of the nature of the sexual allegations against Ramadharsingh

and began lobbying for him to be fired, expressing concern about the negative impact it would have on the Government. Ramadharsingh was summoned to a 4.30 p.m. meeting with the Prime Minister on March 25 and told that his ministerial ap-pointment had been revoked.

Ramadharsingh remains the elected Member of Parliament for Caroni Central.

BiLLionS SPenT on CLiCo SeTTLeMenTPORT-OF-SPAIN, The Trinidad and Tobago government has said it spent in excess of TT$20 billion (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents) in settling the finances of the em-battled CL Financial group that led to the near collapse of the regional insurance giant, Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), four years ago.

Finance Minister Larry Howai told the Senate that the TT$20.8 billion spent were necessary to deal with the fall-out from the CL Financial crash.

He told legislators that the gov-ernment is now in discussions with CL Financial “as to the manner in which the funds expended by the government would be repaid”.

Howai said that the government was now trying to resolve all the is-sues surrounding CL Financial very soon, but when pressed by oppo-sition legislator Camille Robinson Regis, noted the settlement could be reached by the end of July.

He said the state is expected

to recover a significant amount of the money already spent. Howai said that some of assets of the CL Financial would be disposed off when all processes are completed.

Earlier this year, CLICO an-nounced that it had made an after-tax profit of nearly TT$3.8 billion in 2012. CLICO’s audited financial results for 2012 were published on its Web site, indicating that the 2012 after tax figure was more than five times greater than the TT$702 million it declared in 2011.

CLICO declared profits of TT$6.2 billion from its investing activi-ties for the financial year, which eclipsed the TT$2.2 billion loss from insurance activities.

CLICO and its sister company, the British American Insurance Company (BAICO) collapsed in 2009 and the Trinidad and Tobago government signed a sharehold-ers’ agreement with then CLICO chairman Lawrence Duprey follow-ing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between them on January 30, 2009. The MOU gave the government control of 49 per cent of CLICO’s shares.


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Two HeLD For SMuGGLinG Coke in GoAT MeATPORT-OF-SPAIN, Two Trinidad nation-als were allegedly held by US Customs officers with close to TT$2 million worth of cocaine, four days apart, on Caribbean Airlines flights entering John F Kennedy Airport in New York.

The first Trinidadian was held with cocaine hidden in frozen goat meat in his suitcase while the other had it concealed in his pants crotch.

Court documents obtained exclu-sively by CCN, through the US District Court, Eastern District of New York, outlined in detail the arrest of both men in separate court documents.

Trinidadian Yudistir Maharaj, ac-cording to the documents, left aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight from Piarco International Airport, destined for JFK International Airport in New York, on March 20, and was caught by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine into that country.

Maharaj, according to the com-plaint, was selected for an examina-tion by US Customs after arriving on Caribbean Airlines flight 520. Special agent Michael Martinez indicated Maharaj “presented a checked-in, large black suitcase and a laptop bag for inspection.

When the officers examined the suitcase, they found three packages in the suitcase, which Maharaj claimed “in sum and substance contained frozen cooked goat meat. The three

packages were X-rayed revealing a square-like object inside of each one”.

The CBP officers later took Maharaj into a private room and, according to Martinez in the court docket, “drilled into the packages and discovered a powdery white substance, which lat-er tested positive for the presence of cocaine.” In total, 3,335.2 grammes of cocaine were seized from food containers in Maharaj’s luggage.

This works out to approximately just over three kilogrammes of co-caine, with an estimated street value of $1.2 million to $1.8 million.

Four days after that incident, an-other Trinidadian, Alister King, was also held for allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine into New York after leaving Trinidad aboard Caribbean Airlines flight 520.

King, who was stopped for a routine search, according to US special agent Derek Bergman, “appeared nervous”. King’s personal baggage was searched and it was during this search, King ap-peared nervous, Bergman stated.

Bergman revealed in the court docu-ment a full-body search was autho-rised and “a bulky item was discovered in the defendant’s groin area”.

Officers later found three packages containing a white, powdery sub-stance, which was later tested and found to be cocaine.

The three packages weighed some 536.9 grammes, just over a kilogramme with a street value of TT$400,000 to TT$600,000.

King told the US authorities he “was supposed to be paid 30 per cent of the proceeds after the co-caine was sold”.


HoMe AFFAirS

SRI KALI MATHA ASTROLOGICAL CENTER

INCREASED PENALTIES FOR DISTRACTED DRIVINGLast week a local Toronto

radio station reported that in an attempt to curtail

distracted driving in Toronto, police officers were dressed as panhandlers and approach-ing motorists. Apparently the “Hobocops” as they have been dubbed, approach your vehicle on the pretext of panhandling and motorists found on their cell phones or texting were is-sued tickets. This blitz was launched in the midst of proposed legislation in Ontario whereby drivers convicted of a distracted driving offence would receive three demerit points and be subject to a maximum fine of $1,000.00. Un-der current legislation, motorists who

are convicted face fines of $60.00 to $500.00.

Obviously driving while distracted by a cell phone or some other electronic de-vice is a big issue. It is dangerous behav-iour that should be discouraged. After all it only takes a second for a distracted driver to maim, seriously injure or kill someone. The CBC News reported that the Ontario Provincial Police identified distracted driving as the “number one killer on the road” in Ontario.

While I am in full support of the need to curtail this dangerous activ-ity, I question the police methods. The Hobocop disguise is no doubt sneaky and effective but is it morally and ethically acceptable? Can and should police officers be engaging in sneaky behaviour to catch distracted driv-ers? What about the good Samaritan who happens to be on his or her phone who winds down the window to help a fellow human being and is slapped with a ticket? What would that indi-viduals’ reaction to panhandlers and needy people be in the future? In one particular instance, it was reported that the Hobocop approached a female motorist banging on her window. The woman indicated that she felt scared and intimidated. She reached across to get her phone to call the police. It was at that point that the undercover officer identified himself and proceeded to issue a ticket.

In Toronto I would strongly suggest that we need policies and procedures that boost confidence and trust in the police and unfortunately this type of sneaky behaviour by the police does not do that. In fact it may serve to create mistrust of the police. Perhaps what is required is for panhandlers and home-less people to unite and protest. Maybe they can all gather outside their local Tim Hortens dressed as cops and solicit donuts from passers-by.

Okay, I admit, I digress and that I am going a little too far but something does not sit right with the police resorting to this type of sneaky tactic. I agree that distracted driving is a serious problem

which needs to be addressed.Some people such as Toronto Star

columnist Norris McDonald have gone so far as to propose that that offence of distracted driving be criminalized. In his article written in the Wheels Section of the Star on March 22, 2014, Norris states:

“Distracted driving fatalities in Ontario surpassed both impaired and speed related fatalities last year ac-cording to the OPP. And more than 80 percent of Canadians surveyed recently by Kanetix.ca believe texting and driv-ing should be a criminal offence.”

Firstly, I am not thoroughly con-vinced that that criminalizing of this type of behaviour would be the best way to reduce or eradicate it. In Ontario we have some of the most severe penalties for drinking and driving and yet people still get into their car and drive after consuming alcohol.

Secondly, our criminal courts are already back logged and over whelmed with cases and thirdly, we already have the Highway Traffic offence of Careless Driving and a Criminal Code offence of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

What I would humbly suggest is needed is a well- planned advertis-ing campaign depicting the dangers of distracted driving. The type of adver-tising I am suggesting would be akin to the graphic ads used in the drinking and driving ads. In my opinion this would be a much better alternative than Hobocops.

The foregoing is intended for infor-mation purposes only and you should consult a lawyer if you need legal repre-sentation or a legal opinion.

Selwyn R. Baboolal is a partner at Ou-marally Baboolal practicing in the area of litigation for the past 20 years.

After such a long cold winter, homes may need a bit of ext ra attention

this spring. Some suggestions to keep your home in good health:

✓ Check the roof, noting any sagging that could indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from inside the attic. ✓ Check shingles for any needing repair or replacement ✓ Check the chimney cap and caulking

✓ Inspect window putty on the outside of glass panes and replace if needed

✓ Check and replace damaged caulking and weather stripping around windows and doorways ✓ Check exterior wood siding and trim for signs of deterioration; clean, replace or refinish as needed ✓ Repair driveway or walkways as needed ✓ Inspect electrical service lines for

secure attachment where they enter the house

✓ Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats or squirrels ✓ Check the foundation walls for any sign of deterioration - cracks, leaks or signs of moisture - and repair as required ✓ Check gutters and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to the home. ✓ Clear any obstructions and ensure water flows away from the foundation ✓ Open the valve to the outside hose connection after any danger of frost has passed ✓ Have the air conditioning system

Home Maintenance

checked and serviced and clean or re-place the filters ✓ Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms to ensure they are oper-ating properly. Replace batteries ✓ Thoroughly clean the bathroom fan grill ✓ Disconnect the duct connected to the dryer and ensure there are no blockages

✓ Check the security of all guardrails and handrails

✓ Inspecting your home on a seasonal basis is a good routine to get into. In-vesting a little time and effort now could save you money in the long term.

*The information in this article is not intended as specific investment, finan-cial, accounting, and legal or tax advice for any individual.


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BeLLy BuSTAS: TAke 3!1. CoLLeGe DueS

On the first day of college, the dean addressed the students, pointing out some of the rules: “The female dormitory will be out-of-bounds for all male students, and the male dormitory will be off limits to the female students. Anybody caught breaking this rule will be fined $20 the first time. Anybody caught breaking this rule the second time will be fined $60. Being caught a third time will cost you $180. Are there any questions?”

One student raised his hand and asked, “How much for a season pass?”

2. wAr CriMeSA man in Amsterdam feels the need to confess, so he goes to his priest. “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. During WWII, I hid a refugee in my attic.” “Well,” answers the priest, “that’s not a sin.”’ “But I made him agree to pay me 20 guilders for every week he stayed.” “I admit that wasn’t good, but you did it for a good cause.” “Oh, thank you, Father. That eases my mind. I have one more question.” “What is that, my son?” “Do I have to tell him the war is over?”

3. MiLk LeveLSA milkman comes across an order for 45 pints of milk. Puzzled, he decides to ask the customer if this is a mistake. When he knocks on the door, a woman comes out with just a bath towel around her. She confirms that she wants 45 pints. “Milk baths are good for your skin,” explains the woman. “Oh, OK,” says the milkman. “Do you need it pasteurized then?” “No,” says the woman. “Up to my tits will be fine.”

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Spring is in the Air

Dr. Richard Lai Dental Surgeon

Why Is My Mouth Dry?Have you ever felt that no mat-ter how much you drink, you just can’t produce enough saliva for your mouth not to feel dry? If it happened when you were stressed, nervous, anxious or upset it can be your body’s natural response and no need to be alarmed.

However, if you are feeling that you are experiencing dry mouth all the time, it might be time to let your dentist or family doctor know of your condition.

Reduced saliva/dry mouth can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallow-ing, and speaking. Saliva naturally lim-its bacterial growth and flushes out food particles left behind after eating. When there is less saliva, there is an increased chance of developing tooth decay and other infections in the mouth.

Symptoms of dry mouth include:Increased plaque, tooth decay and

gum disease;- Saliva that is thick, creating a sticky feeling in your mouth;- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, chew-ing, and tasting;- Bad Breath;- Cracked lips, sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth- Dentures won’t remain in place as sa-liva is necessary in creating the suction needed to keep them from moving.

Dry mouth can be caused by a num-ber of different variables. Most notable is medications. Approximately 63% of the top 200 most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States have dry mouth as a side effect. Many over the counter drugs produce dry mouth as a side effect such as cold medications,

decongestants, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and anti-diarrheal. Although many believe that aging puts you at risk for dry mouth, that is not the case. El-ders are more likely to be taking medi-cations that cause dry mouth. Cancer therapy either chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatments to your head and neck can damage salivary glands, creat-ing a reduced saliva production.

Dry mouth can also be a result of mouth breathing, smoking and recre-ational drugs like methamphetamine, cannabis and heroin.

There are things that you can change in your lifestyle that can help to allevi-ate many of the symptoms. Sipping on water, sucking on ice chips throughout the day and drinking water throughout your meals will help with chewing and swallowing and may even improve the taste of your food. Avoid drinking bever-ages with caffeine and alcohol as it pro-motes dehydration. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies will stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cin-namon or mint flavoured candies are good choices. Breathing through your nose and using a humidifier at night will add some relief. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and using a fluoride rinse that does not contain alcohol will help to avoid tooth decay that is prevalent with dry mouth patients. You can also try an over the counter saliva substitute like Biotene Oral Balance.

Remember, if you have dry mouth, brushing and flossing your teeth are simple steps in minimizing your risk of tooth decay, as the lack of saliva is not present as a natural controller for bacteria.

So it’s time to enjoy some-thing fresh and new. We are happy that the cold,

snowy days are behind us and even though the rain is not the ideal condition, we are grateful and hopeful, that summer will soon be here. I was thinking of what light and delicious dishes I can recommend for this sea-son. The first is one my sister-in-law, Marisela gave me years ago and I love it. It’s a bean salad and the second is a quiche. These are quick and easy dishes that can be eaten anytime. Try them both and enjoy.

Bean Salad1 can red beans1 can chick peas1 can whole kernel corn1 can green beans1 can yellow beans½ of a red onion (diced)½ of a sweet pepper

½ cup olive oil½ cup white vinegar 2/3 cup white sugar (use brown if you prefer)

Drain all the can beans and place in a large bowl. Add the onions, sweet pepper, oil, vinegar and sugar. Toss well, cover and leave in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving. The flavours need time to marinate. Serve as a side dish or enjoy as a snack. This is high in fiber and very nutritious.

Quiche1 box of puff pastry4 eggs1 cup evaporated milk¼ cup ham or sausage1 ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar and

mozzarella)Salt and black pepper(Please note you can add anything you like, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, mush-rooms, etc.)

Open the box of puff pastry. You will find 2 packs inside. Butter an 8” pie dish and place the pastry in it. Now use your fingers to press the pastry all around.

Cut off any excess. In a medium size bowl, add the 4 eggs, milk, sausage, 1 cup grated cheese, salt and black pep-per. Beat well then add to the pie dish. Add the other ½ cup of grated cheese to the top. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown and the mixture firms up. Let cool for about 20 minutes. Cut and serve with a salad. Enjoy anytime.


Money MATTerS

Isa M. Rahamat Financial Advisor Life Insurance Advisor

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1. Favourable economic signalsEconomic indicators in the U.S., includ-ing employment, housing and consumer confidence, have shown improvement in 2013. For example, in its second-quarter advanced estimate for 2013, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that real gross domestic product (GDP – the output of goods and services produced by labour within a country, minus infla-tion) in the U.S. increased by 1.7 per cent. This increase in real GDP primar-ily reflected positive contributions from personal consumption expenditures (PCE), exports, non-residential fixed in-vestment, private inventory investment and residential investment.

Positive trends were also noted by Investor Economics in its 2013 Household balance sheet report. According to the section U.S versus Canada: an inflection point: “For the U.S., the near future looks

more promising than the recent past” and “The U.S. is on the mend. House prices are trending higher, as are the employ-ment rates and the economy itself, helping U.S. equity markets to new heights.” These observations suggest that the U.S. economy is moving in the right direction for opportunistic investors looking to take advantage of a promising situation.

2. Strong corporate balance sheetsSince the market crash of 2008, many large U.S. corporations have improved their balance sheets by reducing their borrowing. In addition, they embraced more efficient ways of doing business, streamlining their operations in re-sponse to trends in the U.S. and global economies. With sustained economic growth now returning, “leaner” com-panies are well positioned to achieve growth and profits. The average debt-to-equity ratio in 2008 was 2.01, compared to an average of 1.05 today.2 That speaks directly to positive financial health, and lower debt can mean higher profits that can be passed on to investors.

3. Low interest ratesEconomists are optimistic that the U.S.

Federal Reserve’s ongoing policy of low interest rates may help fuel confidence, since it makes it cheaper for businesses to borrow money to either spend or in-vest. By reducing the cost of borrowing and helping increase demand for goods and services, low interest rates mean that American companies stand to earn higher profits and potentially reward investors.

4. Global diversificationInvesting in U.S. multinationals has some strategic benefits for people in-terested in diversifying their portfolios globally. Approximately 40 per cent of the revenues generated by U.S. corpora-tions listed in the S&P 500 Index now come from their overseas operations.3 This suggests that U.S. multinationals are very successful at capitalizing on global opportunities. Another signifi-cant benefit is that investors can access the growth potential of foreign markets while still enjoying the protection of strict U.S. financial accounting stan-dards. Rigorous accounting standards improve transparency and help provide investors with a clear picture of a com-pany’s overall financial health. This in-sight allows for more informed decision-making and increases confidence in the investment choices you make.

There are a number of ways you can take advantage of the investment op-portunities the U.S. market has to offer. How you decide to invest will depend

on your investment goals, as well as your tolerance for risk. For example, you can purchase shares or bonds issued by individual companies, or you can choose a mutual fund that invests in a larger number of businesses.

An alternative way to invest in U.S. businesses is through mutual funds that invest in debt-oriented securities issued by corporations. Mutual funds that focus on corporate bonds, high-yield bonds and floating rate loans carry less investment risk than equities, and can complement an existing portfolio of fixed-income investments.

Lastly, there are balanced funds that combine both equity and fixed income securities within a single investment portfolio. Balanced funds may be an option for those who seek long-term growth potential but are uncomfort-able with the short-term volatility that equities can experience during times of economic uncertainty.

The economic signals in the U.S. sug-gest there are significant opportunities if you’re looking to grow your portfolio. How you decide to invest will depend on what you’re looking to achieve and how much risk you’re willing to accept. Contact your advisor to assess your investment options. He or she will review your entire portfolio to help determine an investment approach that works best for you.

Isa Rahamat is a Financial Advisor with ManuIife Securities Inc. This con-tent is provided courtesy of Solutions from Manulife Financial.


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Lights Coming To SabinaAfter numerous delays and a handful of false starts, the wait appears to be over in the drive to have floodlights installed at Sabina Park. Recently at the world-famous cricket ground, the governments of India and Jamaica signed a memo-randum of under-standing which will see the Asian country providing a grant of US$2.1 million towards the installa-tion of lights at the venue.

“We are pleased that the Government

of India has agreed to sign a bi-lateral memorandum of understanding with the Government of Jamaica to provide financial support for the installation of the floodlights at Sabina Park. This support is in the form of a grant in the sum of $2.1 million,” said Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller as she addressed the media and various stakeholders.

Simpson Miller, who spoke feelingly of several landmark occurrences at the historic venue, explained that the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will grant a further US$600,000 to cover the estimated total project value of US$2.7 million.

The months of seemingly painstaking negotiations have also involved two differ-

ent administrations of the Jamaica Cricket Associa-tion (JCA), members of the Kingston Cricket Club, and representatives of Sabina Park Holdings, the entity which manages the venue and its facilities.

The project, which will be managed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), has been awarded to the FosRich Group of Companies, which will be working with Philips Lighting, a global firm that has strong ties in Europe, Asia and South America. The UDC and the contractors FosRich also signed an agreement for the project which is ex-pected to be completed in three months.

Stakeholders are already eyeing the possibility of having lights in time for the second staging of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 tour-nament in June.

With the expectancy that soon there will be the facility for cricket and other entertainment events at night, the Prime Minister said “thanks to the tremendous generosity of the Government and people of India [that] this is now behind us”.

The gift reflects the emergence of the Asian country, which has a population of over 1.2 billion people, as a rapidly growing economic giant.

The Indian High Commissioner to Kingston Shri Pratap Singh said the col-laboration is part of a move to further strengthen the “economic and com-mercial co-operation between the two countries for mutual benefit”.

“The first instalment of US$0.77 mil-lion is being released right away and the balance would be provided later. I’m confident that this gesture on the part of the Government of India should pave the way for further enhancement of the relationship between our two countries.

“I assure you that as high commis-sioner of India I will do everything pos-sible to consolidate and strengthen our bilateral relations,” said the diplomat.

The lack of lights at any cricket venue in Jamaica, the only premier Caribbean nation without the facility, has been a vexing topic since the failure to put in the infrastructure for the region’s host-ing of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

The issue was highlighted during the inaugural CPL competition in 2013.Ahead of that tournament, the then JCA administration announced that Sabina Park Holdings had a partnership with a financier and contractor for the project.

However, three weeks later, the deal collapsed after a breakdown in talks between Sabina Park Holdings, its affili-ates and the would-be contractor.

The final four overs, in which Kohli only faced eight balls, yielded just 19 runs before the tournament’s leading run-scorer was run out trying to force a second from the final ball of the innings.

K umar Sangakara guided Sri Lanka to a six-wicket victory over India to win

the World Twenty20 in Mirpur and end a run of four defeats in global finals. Sangakara, playing his final Twenty20 international, scored 52 not out as Sri Lanka chased down 131 in 17.5 overs.

Some tight Sri Lankan bowling had earlier limited India to 130-4 despite Virat Kohli’s sublime 77 off 58 balls. Sri Lanka were beaten in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals and also lost the 2009 and 2012 World Twenty20 finals.

Sangakkara, and his veteran team-mate Mahela Jayawardene were in-volved in all four of those disappoint-ments, and this was a fitting way for both players to bow out of international Twenty20 cricket.

The victory was particularly sweet for Sangakara, who had only scored 19 runs in his previous five innings in the tournament, but oversaw a patient run chase that was finished off in style when Thisara Perera clubbed Ravi-chandran Ashwin for his third six.

Victory would have made World Cup and Champi-ons Trophy winners India the first team to hold all three world one-day titles.

But their quest was undermined by an underwhelming batting performance that stalled badly after Rohit Sharma drove to short extra cover in the 11th over for 29 to break a partnership of 60 with Kohli. Yuvraj Singh, so often a destructive batsman in the shorter forms of the game, looked horribly out of touch as he scratched around for 11 runs off 21 balls.

With Kohli starved of the strike, the innings lost all momentum and even captain Mahendra Dhoni could only add four from seven balls after Yuvraj’s tame lob to long off finally brought him to the crease in the penultimate over.

Sangakara Guides Sri Lanka To T20 World Cup Champions Title


Zouks Secure pietersen In CpL DraftDiscarded England superstar

Kevin Pietersen will turn out for St Lucia Zouks in the up-

coming Caribbean Premier League.The powerful right-hander was selected in the draft held last on April 3 in Jamaica, at Triple Century Sports Bar, owned by West Indies batsman Chris Gayle. “I’m delighted to have signed for St Lucia Zouks and I’m excited to play in the CPL,” said Piet-ersen. “The Caribbean is one of my favourite places to play because it’s a very entertaining, relaxing, enjoyable environment and that’s the kind of en-vironment I think I perform best in.”

He will join Australian Brad Hodge, South African Roelof van der Merwe and Pakistani Sohail Tanvir, as the overseas players at the Castries-based franchise.

Pietersen, England’s all-time run-scorer in Tests, was dumped by selec-

tors, following the night-mare, recent Ashes

tour, even though he emerged as the leading batsman. The Zouks are led by West Indies Test and Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy.

Meanwhile, the Gayle-led Jamaica Tallawahs have secured the services of Australian batsman Adam Voges as they prepare for the defence of their CPL title and the side will also include Jamaican stars all-rounder

Andre Rus-sell, Jerome Taylor and

Nikita Miller.

They will have to do without the talents of hometown boys Sheldon Cotterell and Krishmar Santokie, however, as they will turn out for Antigua Hawksbills and Guyana Amazon Warriors. Attack-ing New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill will turn out for the Amazon Warriors in a side that also boasts big-hitting New Zealander Corey Anderson, West

Indies off-spinning sensation Sunil Narine and Denesh Ramdin. Barba-dos Tridents, meanwhile, have been boosted by the drafting of South African Neil McKenzie and Pakistani Imran Nazir, along with West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul.

Six franchise – St Lucia Zouks, An-tigua Hawksbills, Jamaica Tallawahs, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors an Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel – will contest this year’s tour-nament which is expected to bowl off in July. LCPL teams for the 2014 tournaments read (four U-19 players to be added):

The Antigua Hawksbills will be made up of Marlon Samuels, Shel-don Cotterell, David Hussey, Thisara Perera, Carlos Braithwaite, Kieron Powell, Devon Thomas, Ben Laughlin, Orlando Peters, Danza Hyatt, Miguel Cummings, Gavin Tonge, Justin Athanaze and Rakheem Cornwall.

The Barbados Tridents will come

from Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Smith, Shakib Al Hasan, Ravi Rampaul, Jason Holder, Neil McKenzie, Rayad Emrit, Ashley Nurse, Imran Nazir, Jonathon Carter, Shane Dowrich, Raymond Reifer, Akeal Hossein and Kyle Mayers.

Last year’s runner-up Guyana Amazon Warriors will comprise Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Martin Guptill, Krishmar Santokie, Christo-pher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Navin Stewart, Steven Jacobs, Leon Johnson, Robin Bacchus, Corey Anderson and Trevon Griffith.

Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs will bank on Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Ahmed Shehzad, Adam Voges, Nikita Miller, Jerome Taylor, Rusty Theron, Chadwick Walton, David Bernard Jr, Andrew Richardson, Car-lton Baugh Jr, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner and Odean Brown.

The St Lucia Zouks’ dreams of win-ning rest on the shoulders of Darren Sammy, Kevin Pietersen, Johnson Charles, Sohail Tanvir, Andre Fletch-er, Shane Shillingford, Roelof van der Merwe, Garey Mathurin, Keddy Lesporis, Tino Best, Mervin Mat-thews, Sunil Ambris, Tonito Willet and Liam Sebastien.

The members of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel are Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Kevon Cooper, Nasir Jamshed, Kevin O’Brien, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shannon Gabriel, Fidel Edwards, Jason Mohammed, Kennar Lewis and Delorn Johnson

caribbean graphic 09/04/14

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