CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

[insert pix p02-fan jumps for joy; p02-ladies at game; p02-ladies again and p02-fans in stands]

GUYANA SCORES WELL FIRST TIME AT BAT IN ICC CWC 2007

Collective effort paid off - Jagdeo 

Guyanese officials have hailed the success of the first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 match in that country as a testament to what self-belief, determination and cooperation can achieve.

In fact, they are confident that, as they prepare to host the remaining five Super 8 fixtures, the standards set in Wednesday’s South Africa-Sri Lanka clash can be raised even further – and they will be aiming to do so, starting Friday with the England-Ireland game.

 "There have been so many positive comments which underline that all the work has paid off. It’s the first match in a brand new stadium so naturally there have been some hitches but we can live with those for today (Wednesday). We know we can have them resolved and do even better in the matches to come," stated a beaming Karan Singh, CEO of the Guyana Local Organising Committee (LOC).

A number of fans – and even persons working on various facets of the tournament – commented on the well-organised manner in which the day’s proceedings unfolded; noting it was the best way to respond to adversity.

"I’m very pleased that everything has gone well so far. When we started it was just canefields here at this location and all along we’ve had to prove that we would be ready. There have been many doubters.

"So it’s with a profound sense of satisfaction that I’m here today because it was not just the stadium, we’ve had the challenge of accommodation and making sure that Guyana could provide enough for the various persons who would be coming here," noted President of Guyana, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

"This has been a collective effort on the part of all Guyanese. Everyone had pulled their weight to make sure that this country delivers on its share of the Cricket World Cup."

Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports, Frank Anthony, said that hosting the cricketing spectacle is a priceless opportunity to demonstrate "our ability and hospitality across the globe".

 "This is a good experience. This is what we want the world to know us by…the fact that we can host world-class events. It is particularly positive for Guyana. A week ago people were still doubting (that we would have CWC matches) but actions speak louder than words and today (Wednesrday) we have delivered," he declared.

Singh, who disclosed that persons were especially complimentary about the volunteers, said it gave him a tremendous sense of satisfaction "to see the feeling of celebration in the crowd which is just what I anticipated from the Guyanese public". (cricketworldcup.com)

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[insert pix p29-steven legall]

Home For Funerals…with a Difference

What makes one funeral home different from the other?

The insensitive and uncaring might quickly find an answer bordering on the negative. But an experienced funeral director would disagree vehemently and hasten to point out the glaring differences.

Such a director is 46-year-old Steven LeGall who owns and runs the R. Steven LeGall Home for Funerals on Empire Boulevard between Bedford and Rogers Avenues in Brooklyn.

After 25 years in the funeral business, LeGall figures he is qualified to offer a solid opinion. "Many are basic parlors geared to do exactly what they are paid to do and nothing else. Our professional and caring staff takes pride in providing high quality and affordable services that meet the special needs of the deceased’s family. It is our goal to support the bereaved through every step of their arrangements and to pay tribute to the special memory of their loved one."

After a tour of the facility, which opened its doors just a year ago, one could not help but be impressed. A large carpeted foyer opened onto a spacious sitting room which led to two of the largest chapel ever seen.

"Ours is the largest Black Caribbean-owned Home for Funerals in New York and the two massive chapels can each be divided into two to accommodate four funerals at the same time," stated the proud American-born entrepreneur whose parents hail from Barbados.

He continued, "We offer a complete range of quality services from funerals to cremation. No two funerals are exactly alike. Traditions, customs, personal feelings, financial ability and a multitude of other influences affect each funeral. Our services must and do conform to each individual family's wishes and their personal and religious needs."

Boasting a motto of: "Quality Service at a Price You Can Afford," the facility is truly a One Stop Shop, offering inexpensive printing of programs, prayer cards and bookmarks. It also provides catering services for repasts at highly recommended venues in close proximity to the Home.

LeGall was trained at the prestigious American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in Manhattan. His job is to take away the problems from the bereaved and make them feel comfortable at his super elegant facility.

One does not have to be clairvoyant to know that soon New York and beyond will appreciate the diamond in their midst.

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[insert pix p29-PM Gonsalves]

Caribbean marks 200 years since end of British slave trade

Caribbean nations on Sunday observed a minute of silence to mark the 200th anniversary of the end of the British slave trade and urged better education to prevent a repeat of past atrocities.

"It is a time to teach the younger generation . . . the history, the lessons and the effects, and to ensure that we never again experience this tragedy in old or new forms," said St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who currently chairs the 15-nation Caribbean Community (Caricom).

During a ceremony at Guyana's parliament building Caricom's deputy secretary general, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, said that during Europe's trade in almost 25 million Africans to the Americas, those who died were never given proper funerals.

"Their bodies were either thrown into the sea, into mass graves or into the bushes," she said. "We have come here to honor those who died as a result of raids and warfare in Africa, the journey in shackles to the coast, the trauma of the Middle Passage and those who were executed and killed in combat in resistance to slavery," she said.

Sunday was designated International Day for the Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in keeping with a UN General Assembly resolution adopted last year.

That resolution recognized the slave trade and slavery as among the worst violations of human rights in the history of humanity.

Slavery and the slave trade were declared crimes against humanity by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Durban, South Africa in 2001. (Caribbean Net News)

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IMPACT ON ST. LUCIA

[insert pix of Ed Harris from file]

[insert pix p12-st. lucia]

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BE IN ST. LUCIA!!!

Cricket World Cup 2007 Group 1 matches in St. Lucia ended last Saturday with a win for England and now St. Lucians are eagerly awaiting the Semi-Final scheduled for 25th April, 2007. If we are to be guided by the number of non-cricket events that were held in several parts of the country during period 13-25/3/07 you can imagine what a partying time it will be to welcome and entertain the thousands of visitors during period of the Semi Final.

The major activities will take place between 24-26/4/07. It is going to be three days of non-stop partying. It is this period that most of us who reside in St. Lucia are eagerly awaiting. It is going to be Hot like Fire! St. Lucia will be turned into an entertainment venue hard to be matched even by the more developed countries in the region. It is for some unexplainable reason that St. Lucia is just different. It is Simply Beautiful, it is Nice, its people are friendly and they love to Fete!

I keep imagining 20,000 people in the Beausejour Cricket Ground, 11 Cruise Ships anchored along the Northern Coast Line, the airports with aircrafts bursting at their seams, etc. This semi final event will test our capabilities on several fronts. I expect our nation to perform, so when doubts try to disrupt my positive thoughts of a happy ending, I console myself by remembering this too will pass. We all have to be the best we can in whatever area we are called to serve, and as a consequence, the results can only be rewarding for everyone and our legacy will be assured.

After the capital outlay of over a billion US dollars by the public and private sectors throughout the nine participating countries, the debate is emerging as to the real benefits that will be derived from the investment. We continue to hear about the Legacy in terms of the countries’ exposure to the world and as a result visitor’ arrivals will be increased, tourism will prosper and investment flows will substantially improved. Those areas could begin to yield results within 3-6 months and be sustained between 3-5 years. The immediate benefit however, is that we have proven that St. Lucians have the ability to rise to the occasion and deliver on their promises.

We promised to deliver the best World Cup ever and we are about to prove it. Over the past two weeks there has been no negative reporting on the behavior of our people and I expect that situation to continue.

I am very involved in the Real Estate Services Sector and the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation is on record as citing the this sector as a major beneficiary of CWC 2007. From my vantage point the prices for properties listed on http://www.stluciarealtors.com have not moved upward but there is no guarantee that such a development will not occur. My advice to Caribbean people, especially overseas based St. Lucians is to seize the moment and own a piece of the rock that is St. Lucia which continues to be an ideal destination for Business, Pleasure and Retirement.

St. Lucians are anxiously awaiting the 2007/2008 Budget which is scheduled to be presented in the Parliament during the month of April, 2007. The Prime Minister has given a signal that it has to be a Budget that will generate savings to be ploughed into development. The Opposition Leader continues to argue that if savings are going to be achieved, there must be job cuts in the Civil Service. The debate on the Budget this year is going to be very interesting and will be worth following in the media and on the Government website http://www.stlucia.gov.lc which will carry the entire budget presentation. You know the party with the majority in the House has the vote, so after all the debate, what is written in the Budget document stands. There is one expectation shared by the majority of St. Lucians…that there will be no new taxes in the presentation but should the need arise, there is always the possibility of a supplementary budget.

There are very exciting times ahead in St. Lucia and during the next six weeks in spite of whatever else is happening, there will be no stopping the party. If you miss out on the cricket, there is always St. Lucia Jazz, May 4-13, 2007. I don’t need to tell you what you are missing. You can check out the English cricket vice-captain. He couldn’t wait to party; he mixed business with pleasure, that’s how luring St. Lucia can be. He could be a great Ambassador to lead a crusade of fun-loving English tourists to our island. It is Irresistible Fun in St. Lucia.

As usual Keep the Faith, God is in Charge, Expect Miracles in 2007!

Edward Harris, Email: eaharrisdestiny@gmail.com Website: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/edalharris

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IMPACT ON JAMAICA

[insert pix p17-Mark Shields]

Security cameras may yet yield clues to Woolmer murder, say police

Detectives in Jamaica probing the murder of Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer said Wednesday that better-than-anticipated security video footage could provide vital clues in the hunt for his killer.

A painstaking operation to transfer hours of footage from well-worn VHS tape into a digital format has been completed, and early results were promising, Jamaica deputy police commissioner Mark Shields said.

"I looked at a few still images myself and I'm satisfied that I can easily identify people," Shields told journalists.

"There were some people in the footage that I'd met in the week after the murder of Bob Woolmer that I could clearly and easily identify."

Woolmer was found strangled in his room at the Pegasus Hotel on March 18, one day after Pakistan were dramatically dumped out of the World Cup after a shock defeat to minnows Ireland.

The killing has sparked one of the most complex murder investigations in Jamaican history and triggered speculation about possible links to match-fixing and illegal betting in cricket.

Around 50 officers are now attempting to track down hundreds of potential witnesses who were either visiting or staying at the Pegasus Hotel in the days leading up to Woolmer's death.

Shields said analysis of video camera footage had been slow because of a desire to preserve the integrity of the original film. Parts of the video footage would also require further enhancement, he added.

Several reports have suggested that police had given up gleaning information from the security cameras because of poor quality footage.

Detectives were also awaiting the results of toxicology and histology tests which will help to pinpoint Woolmer's time of death, allowing them to focus their analysis of video footage on a fixed period of time.

On Tuesday Shields announced an international appeal for witnesses to come forward in order to eliminate as many people as possible.

The former Scotland Yard detective, who last week said Woolmer probably knew his killer, said Wednesday police would continue their investigation from "the inside out".

"My priority is to identify, locate and interview as many witnesses as we possibly can," Shields said.

"We are working from the inside out -- it is those that we know were close to Bob Woolmer,

were associates of Bob Woolmer, people who were on the same floor or close to him from the time he returned to the hotel until the time he was murdered."

Pakistan's players, who returned home on Wednesday to be greeted by thousands of angry fans, were tested for DNA and gave fingerprints before they left Jamaica at the weekend.

Shields said he was confident Woolmer's killer or killers had left traces of DNA at the crime scene.

"I think it's highly likely," he said. "In a murder investigation such as this, people do leave traces of DNA at the scene. The reason we're taking DNA samples from everybody is to exclude them."

Meanwhile Shields denied British press reports which had quoted him as saying that a second post mortem of Woolmer's was to be carried out in order to ward speculation the first examination had been mishandled.

"I can assure you there is no post mortem, there is no planned second post mortem," Shields said, reiterating his position that there was clear evidence Woolmer had been murdered. (Caribbean Net News)

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[insert pix p17-JA corporate pix with this caption: Jamaica Observer chairman Gordon 'Butch' Stewart (left), greets MegaMart CEO Gassan Azan at the luncheon. Pan Jamaica Investments chairman Morris Facey shares in the occasion]

Corporate execs call for plan to achieve economic growth

CORPORATE executives in Jamaica have slammed what they described as the government's lack of assertiveness in implementing necessary measures needed for the country to achieve a path of respectable economic growth.

Crime, education and tax reform were among the confluence of factors that the executives urged the government to immediately address.
The concerns, raised at a luncheon hosted by Observer chairman Gordon "Butch" Stewart at the company's Beechwood Avenue headquarters in Kingston, came against the country's hostile business environment, with both bureaucratic and social issues acting as obstacles for entrepreneurs.

"Every island is doing very well except for Haiti and Jamaica," said Stewart. "These are the only two islands you can say in the Caribbean that are not doing well."
Financial analyst, Dennis Chung, said that the countries' poor education systems have put them at a disadvantage in a global economy where "knowledge' is critical.

"Haiti and Jamaica have the lowest literacy rates (in the region) and the fact of the matter is that globalization means knowledge, knowledge is really what drives products and services in a globalizing economy," Chung said. "You can have the best products and services in the world but if you don't have the people to deliver that and deliver it on a competitive basis internationally, then you are going to have a problem.

"I think the government needs to pay attention more to education and crime rather than cricket," Chung added, expressing disagreement with the government's decision to invest US$105 million to host some of the activities of the ICC Cricket World Cup currently on in the region.

Michael Ammar, head of apparel retailers Ammar's, agreed with Chung, and said that when the budget is renewed for the next fiscal year, the government should put more emphasis on education and crime - seen as a major obstacle to development.
"If the government were serious about growth, they would increase the budget for education and crime and be really serious about it," Ammar told guests at the luncheon.

Digicel Jamaica CEO, David Hall, though acknowledging the crippling implications of crime and education on the Jamaican economy, addressed the issue from a different angle. He said "the reality of the situation" is that the Jamaican Government has limited access to funds to address such issues, therefore the only way that these issues can be tackled is if the government fosters an environment which would create the funds to address them.

"Education is paramount to everything and the harsh reality is that if you don't have a society that can earn money, crime is an alternative. People can (urge the government) to put money into this, put money into that etc, but the reality is that if you look at economies that have been in trouble for the past 30 years, what you have is countries that don't have access to funds like that," Hall said.

The Digicel boss suggested tax incentives to foster such an environment saying that a similar strategy was used in Ireland - his homeland - to combat similar problems faced by Jamaica today. He said the Irish government provided tax breaks for investments to boost sectors such as pharmaceuticals etc, a move which enhanced economic activity in that country and put them on a prosperous economic growth path.

"If you don't have access to funds like that to be able to do those things, then what you should do is create an environment to be able to achieve that, and the way a lot of countries achieved that is through tax incentives" Hall said. "In Ireland, the incentives there were given to both local Irish people and also to foreigners."

President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), Mark Myers, agreed with Hall's assessment. He said the government has been incompetent in coming up with innovative tax measures for economic growth.

"The problem is that here in Jamaica, there is no incentive for local investment," said Myers. "The government absolutely has no vision and is unable to use tax as a growth tool. Everything has to be revenue."

William Mahfood, managing director of manufacturing and distribution company Wisynco, said that a simple reference for the government should be the substantial growth of the wine and spirit industry that was buoyed by the implementation of a lower duty regime in 2005.
"A year and a half ago, the government agreed to reduce the duties on wines and spirits," he said. "I can bet that the revenues are proportionally more now. That is the clear example of opening up."

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[insert pixp17-JA brawl with this caption: Scores of students of the Kingston Technical High School on Hanover Street, downtown Kingston, yesterday stand in dismay after a fight at the school left at least five boys nursing stab wounds. Classes were suspended for the day. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer [

Brawl at Kingston Technical High School - Nine boys in police custody

At least five male students were left nursing stab wounds at the Kingston Technical High School on Hanover Street, downtown Kingston, Wednesday morning, when violence broke out at the institution. The police had to be called in at the school, which is located in the hotbed of Central Kingston. Nine boys were taken into police custody.

The pandemonium heightened when one of the boys tried to resist arrest and proceeded to fight off the cops.

"You see that? If they do that to a police officer what would they do to us," screamed a male teacher.

About 10:30 a.m., two hours and 45 minutes after classes began, school was suspended for the day.

Reports reaching The Gleaner were that at about 9:45, a number of male students from the 10th and 11th grades got into a fight. Knives were drawn and three boys were injured. The boys are reportedly nursing wounds to the forehead, wrist and torso. Another male student was also stabbed in the head with a belt buckle.

Police reports also stated that another male student was treated and released from hospital. The Central Kingston police are seeking him for questioning.

At the station, several parents and guardians of the boys were present. The mother of the boy who was stabbed with the belt buckle was distraught by the incident.

"Him no usually get himself in trouble, but him just love follow company," said the mother.

Up to late Wednesday, six of the boys were still being processed at the station.

A police officer at the station informed The Gleaner that students would be charged but she could not say how many of them. This is the second act of indiscipline at the school in six days. Last Thursday, a female teacher was left traumatized after several boys reportedly harassed her.

Community not to blame

A man who stood by the gate and watched what happened said that the community must not be blamed for the indiscipline at the school.

"Is gang war a mash up the school," he said. "Plus, the students them no have a lot of activities to do like one time," he added.

Meanwhile, reports also surfaced of violent eruptions at another high school in the Corporate Area Wednesday. Some students were embroiled in a fight at the Norman Manley High School. The police were called in to quell the upheaval. There were also reports that a student pulled a firearm on another student at Norman Manley. However, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Michael Phipps denied the report.

"We got an anonymous call and we went to the school to sort out what was happening but we got no report of an involvement of a gun," said DSP Phipps. (Jamaica Gleaner)

[end of IMPACT ON JAMAICA]

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Caribbean Affairs [cont’d)

[insert pix p18-Bernard Kerik]

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[insert pix p22-Lance Gibbs Street with this caption: Lance Gibbs admires the new plaque bearing his name while to his right are: Deputy Mayor Robert Williams and Prime Minister Sam Hinds]

Almond Street renamed after Lance Gibbs

By proclamation, Deputy Mayor Robert Williams last Tuesday renamed Almond Street , Queenstown, Lance Gibbs Street , in recognition of the great man's yeoman service to cricket in Guyana and the West Indies and for his contribution to the development of Guyana 's image both locally and overseas.

The renaming ceremony coincided with the opening of what has become known as the ‘ Legends Village ' at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, in Queenstown. This occasion will run for 14 nights.

The legendary off-spinner, a former world-record holder for the most wickets in Tests, was on hand yesterday for the honor at the Demerara Cricket Club.

During an interview, he described the honor as most rewarding and something that should be accorded to any Guyanese who have made significant contributions to the development of the country.

"With Guyana being an independent nation, it is time that the country do away with such street names as Carmichael and the like," he opined.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was the main speaker at the ceremony, stated that "there is nothing in the region that unites us like cricket".

He added that cricket has been very important to Guyana 's development in that "the early champions had re-established the colonial residents as champions against their masters."

The PM further examined the region's cricketing history and its contributions to the development of Guyana and the region.

Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, congratulated the DCC, which he said is a legend in itself, for the appropriate initiative that coincides with Guyana 's hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007.

Kumar said, "Because of the inspiration that we have drawn from personalities like Clive Lloyd, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Roger Harper and other prominent cricketing figures, we have been able to build on a foundation already set by these legends for our children."

Kumar further added, "We of the government are highly supported of this initiative, as it will inspire our children to strive to achieve great things."

Kumar felt that having sports on the curriculum in schools will enable Guyana 's youths to compete on an equal level with those of other Caribbean nations.

The 14-night ‘ Legends Village ' will seek to honor and celebrate the Guyanese cricketers for their grace, great sportsmanship and exemplary statesmanship on and off the field.

The ‘Legends Village ' will see a series of events to honor the Legends. These include corporate receptions, an arts and craft section, Guyanese cuisine, video replays of Cricket World Cup Matches, cultural presentations, music and dance and games.

Nightly entertainment will feature several local entertainers. A legend or a cricketing personality is expected to be present in the ‘Village' each night to sign autographs and, where possible, give endorsements to interested individuals.

This ambitious undertaking has so far attracted an investment of some $10M, all coming from corporate sponsors. (Kaieteur News)

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[insert pix p18-Pedter Morgan]

Morgan's extradition hearing could be over in 60 days

Trinidad and Tobago could be ready to extradite Guyanese businessman Peter Morgan to the United States to face three drug indictments within 60 days, authorities in that country have said.

Morgan, facing three courts of drug trafficking in the US made another appearance in a Port of Spain magistrates' court Monday and was further remanded until April 2. Monday's session lasted for about two minutes, during which time one of Morgan's lawyers, Ravi Rajcoomar told the court that he was still checking some new information he had received in relation to the case.

Reliable sources say that Trinidad authorities have since informed the court that the relevant documentation from the US pertaining to the extradition would arrive within 60 days. Once the documents arrive, the extradition hearing would take no more than a month.

Morgan of Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara was nabbed at the Piarco International Airport two weeks ago, while in transiting in Port of Spain on a flight from Panama.

The US government has accused him of three counts of trafficking in narcotics to that country and is seeking his extradition from T&T to New York to face the charges. Trinidad has also accused the Guyanese of being a primary cocaine supplier to St Maarten, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

The Trinidad government has alleged that between October 2001 and 2003, Morgan trafficked in between 15 kilos and 100 kilos of cocaine to the four countries and the US. Morgan was nabbed on the provisional arrest warrant by US drug agents working with Trinidad authorities at Piarco International Airport, just days after an indictment was unsealed in a New York court charging him with three counts of drug conspiracy.

According to the provisional warrant, between October 1, 2001 and August 31, 2003, Morgan allegedly knowingly and intentionally conspired with David Narine, Susan Narine, Hung Fung Mar and persons unknown to import cocaine. During the same period, Morgan also allegedly imported cocaine into the US. Guyana's Attorney-General Doodnauth Singh told reporters last week that Morgan is likely one of the 14 Guyanese the US government had indicated it wanted to extradite two years ago to face drug trafficking charges. (Stabroek News)

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IMPACT ON BARBADOS

[insert pix p26-senator rudy grant]

A COOL $15M
Published on: 3/29/07.

by WENDY BURKE

AN ENCLOSED, air-conditioned check-in area could be the next major project for Grantley Adams International Airport.

Senator Rudy Grant, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, yesterday said that the remodelling job, estimated to cost $15 million, was under consideration.

The enclosure proposal is in response to complaints from check-in travellers who are drenched when high winds sweep even light drizzles into the wide open check-in area.

Listening to public

Delivering the feature address at the official launch of the Runway line of duty-free stores at the airport yesterday, Grant said they were looking at remedying the problem since the ministry was closely listening to the concerns of the public.

"There is always room for improvement but we are very pleased with how the airport expansion project has gone . . . . One of the issues relates to the open courtyard area, it relates to that area close to the check-in and persons have complained that sometimes when it rains, they get wet. We have found an engineering solution with respect to that area and we may very well have to look at having that area air-conditioned," he said.

He added that if enclosure and air-conditioning proved necessary, Government was prepared to have it done.

Grant also spoke of plans to have additional parking spaces for aircraft to accommodate more flights.

Speaking later in the Senate during discussion on the Estimates, Grant said Barbados had one of the best airports in the region, if not the world.

He said an engineering solution would be found to deal with the water, but he was not putting his head on the block to say that it would never leak again.

Last December, there was flooding at the airport.

Back then Grant said at the launch of the civil aviation website that the engineers were seeking a solution.

He also told the Senate that jet bridges would be coming as well for the airport.

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First Caribbean closes US$46 million financing with Grace Kennedy

FirstCaribbean International Bank announced on Wednesday that it had closed a US$46 million transaction with Grace Kennedy Limited, one of the Caribbean’s leaders in the distribution, financial and food processing industries.

The closing of the financing facility, with FirstCaribbean Capital Markets as the sole arranger, supports Grace Kennedy’s acquisition of WT (Holdings) Limited Group of the United Kingdom. The Facility was underwritten by FirstCaribbean International Bank (Jamaica) Limited.

"FirstCaribbean is pleased to support Grace Kennedy in achieving this landmark acquisition. Our Capital Markets team continues to pursue diverse transaction opportunities as a market-leading corporate financier and provider of investment banking services," said Ian Chinapoo, Executive Director, Capital Markets.

With the recent acquisition, Grace Kennedy will gain access to a growing ethnic and specialty foods consumer group in the UK’s retail, wholesale and food service markets. WT (Holdings) Limited Group, with annual sales of around £60 million, runs a modern distribution facility and office space north of Central London.

FirstCaribbean Capital Markets continues to raise debt capital for governments, state-owned enterprises and private and public companies. In addition to debt underwriting and structured project finance, the unit’s product and service suite includes Equity Underwriting, Syndicated Loans and Structured Finance offerings. (Caribbean Net News)

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Letter: Minister Lynch's whimsical pronouncements exposed

Dear Sir:

According to the Barbados Government Information Service posted on the 20th November 2006 under a banner heading of ‘Million Dollar Money Resolutions for Parliament’ the ‘Prime Minister will move the passing of a Resolution to approve the guarantee by government for repayment by the BTA of the principal and interest in respect of a US$14,772,000 loan from the Bank of Nova Scotia’.

‘The BTA is borrowing the money to lease the cruise liner, Carnival Destiny to provide additional accommodation that will supplement Barbados’ room requirement during ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 matches here’.

There it is for all to see, despite the Minister's whimsical pronouncements on the popular 92.9fm Down to Brass Tacks programme of 90,000 visitors for the week of the final and 75,000 cruise ship passengers which is the equivalent of 28 absolutely full Carnival Destiny’s.

Adrian Loveridge

(Caribbean Net News)

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Bynoe: More money to be made from rum

Rum has the potential to earn Barbados significant foreign exchange.

Government Senator Andrew Bynoe, while lauding the progress of the rum industry, said he believed there was still much to be done to exploit its potential worldwide.

Bynoe, a prominent businessman, told the Senate during debate on the Estimates on Tuesday that rum manufacturers had to be more aggressive in their marketing. He however acknowledged they had been restricted by tariffs and certain protocols in getting into the European and American markets.

He told colleagues in the Upper Chamber of the dollar value in rum exports for this country between 2002 and 2006, showing that the product, both bulk and bottled, earned millions in valuable foreign exchange and had been sold on every continent.

"I, however, believe that there is room in this industry for much greater expansion when we consider that scotch whisky reached £2 billion export earnings in 2004.

"It gives some indication as to the potential that rum has. We have to find ways to open up international markets for our rum," he argued.

On the topic of agriculture, he said there was still an important role for the sector. He urged farmers to embrace new technology and modern methods since the results would be to their advantage.

He highlighted achievements in the pork industry, which had seen significant growth since 2002. The senator, who has led a successful Proper Pork marketing campaign, said there were still opportunities to be explored.

However, he warned pig producers not to let up on quality since everyone now expected the highest standards from them. (The Nation)

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Parris praises night garbage collection

Government Senator Pat Parris has lauded the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) for introducing night garbage collection while criticizing Barbadians for their indiscriminate dumping habits.

Addressing the Upper Chamber during the Estimates debate, Parris said the island's landscape was littered with empty fast food boxes, styrofoam containers and empty plastic bags that were thrown from moving vehicles.

She said this not only made the streets untidy, but also blocked drains and caused flooding.

"While we are asleep, the hardworking men and women of the SSA are hard at work making sure that our surroundings are clean by the time we are awake.

"As a result of this, garbage pile-ups are a thing of the past because most districts now have their garbage collected three times a week and some are having garbage collection once a week."

She said more than $800,000 had been allocated in this year's Estimates to purchase a further four trucks to be used in the collection of bulky waste.

"This will bring improvement to the bulky waste collection service since we are now able to collect bulky waste in St Michael and southern parishes.

"I trust that when these trucks are acquired and put into operation, that the high incidence of illegal dumping will be a thing of the past. The SSA needs the support of Barbadians in its efforts to keep the streets clean." (Nation)

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[insert pix p27-IDB pix with caption: LUIS MORERO]

IDB approves US$467M debt relief

'Fresh start' seen for Guyana, other countries

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) recently announced its approval of 100% debt relief for Guyana on loan balances outstanding as of December 31, 2004 from its Fund for Special Operations (FSO) to the value of US$467 million.

The IDB said that under an agreement endorsed by governors of its 47 member countries, the IDB would forgive some US$3.4 billion in principal payments and US$1 billion of future interest payments owed by five Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The other countries are: Honduras, about US$1.4 billion (including cancelled loan balances and forgone interest payments); Bolivia, US$1 billion; and Nicaragua US$984 million. Haiti will receive interim relief of US$20 million over the next two years. The bank had previously announced its support for the debt relief but it required approval by the governors of the member countries.

The release said the benefits would be effective retroactively to January 1, 2007 because Guyana, Honduras, Bolivia and Nicaragua have already reached completion point under the enhanced initiative for Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).

Haiti, which the IDB said was making progress toward completing the HIPC process, could obtain full debt relief by 2009. The amount, in the IDB's case, will total US$525 million.

In addition, under the agreement approved by the bank's board of governors, Haiti may receive up to US$50 million in IDB grants a year through 2009 and a mix of concessional loans and grants afterwards.

The agreement also guarantees Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay and Suriname access to a US$250 million-a-year concessional lending program.

The release said the agreement ensures the FSO's financial viability through 2015 and IDB member countries confirmed their commitment to the fund's sustainability, agreeing to assess, no later than 2013, the need for an eventual replenishment.

According to IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, the decision to grant the debt relief represented a historic opportunity for a fresh start for Bolivia, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua. He said the agreement, backed by the bank's members, would help these countries to free up resources to invest in quality education, health and other social services their citizens need to overcome poverty.

The release noted that the IDB is the principal creditor to the five beneficiary countries and by canceling the debts it was assisting the poorest countries in the hemisphere to reach the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

In September last year following the meeting of the IMF Board of Governors in Singapore, President Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed the belief that once negotiations went well Guyana was going to benefit from debt relief in the approximate sum already mentioned. He had said he hoped this would have come through by last year-end.

On the fringes of the IMF Board of Governors Meeting which he chaired, Jagdeo had also met representatives of the four other countries on a joint strategy for the current debt relief

which has been announced.

The last debt relief initiative saw Guyana reducing its debt by about US$300 million bringing the total debt relief then to between US$850 to US$900 million. Jagdeo had said that the lobby for debt relief had been very effective and that the US$2.1 billion debt the PPP/C government had inherited in 1992 had since been reduced to just under US$1 billion.

Since the PPP/C government took office, he said it had borrowed some US$900 million as of September last year.

The US Treasury Department has welcomed the IDB announcement. Treasury Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Clay Lowery said "This landmark agreement follows President Bush's call to address the debt sustainability of the poorest countries in the region, including through grants and debt relief. The Treasury Department worked closely with the IDB for more than a year to develop this proposal to provide debt relief for the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere - a critical step to reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth to help countries create the opportunities for upward mobility."

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[insert pix p27-killed with casption: NATASHA RAMEN; p27-huisband with caption: LEONARD RAMEN and p27-killer with caption: HEMNANT MEGNATH]

Guyanese man charged with murder of Queens woman

-was on trial for allegedly raping her

Police in New York have arrested and charged a Guyanese man with the murder of Guyanese Natasha Ramen who had her throat slit two weeks ago, minutes after leaving her Queens apartment.

A report in the New York Times said the man, Hemnant Megnath, 29, had been charged with raping 20-year-old Ramen some time ago and was due to make a court appearance on April 9. Ramen died last Thursday after being attacked outside her apartment.

Ramen reportedly met Megnath two years ago when she was looking for an apartment. He had promised to find her a home but instead took her to his apartment in Brooklyn and raped her.

According the New York Times, eight months passed before Ramen reported the rape and Megnath was arrested. He was placed on $5,000 bail and a protection order was issued against him barring him from contacting Ramen.

Megnath who reportedly worked as a lab assistant at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan tried contacting Ramen and consistently harassed her relatives in attempts to find her.

Ramen got married but Megnath was determined to find her. Police said he threatened Ramen's in-laws and charges of aggravated harassment were filed against him. However, the family declined to press charges.

Though she was frightened, police said, Ramen planned to testify against Megnath. According to them, she wanted to tell her story but never got the chance.

On Thursday, shortly after 8 am, Ramen left the one-bedroom basement apartment she shared with her husband, Leonard Ramen, in Queens. She was on her way to her job as a secretary at a car service in Long Island City. She had just said goodbye to her landlady, who lives in the house above the basement, when suddenly the attacker was upon her.

The report said he came from behind encircling her with a bear hug. She managed two terrified shrieks before he forced her head back, plunged a knife into her neck, and drew it across her throat. The attacker fled, and Ramen slumped to the ground.

Ramen was taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital, where she clung to life for 14 hours. She was declared dead at 11.15 pm. Before the incident, Ramen and her husband had just returned from a week-long trip to Guyana.

The police then began looking for Megnath. He was found, and through lawyers, the police said, agreed to turn himself in. When he did not, they went looking for him. He was arrested at the home of a co-worker and charged with first and second-degree murder and with criminal possession of a weapon. Frederick J. Assenza, a lawyer, who represented Megnath on the rape charge, would not comment on the latest arrest.

Queens District Attorney, Richard A. Brown, lamented Ramen's death. "This is a terribly sad and tragic case - not only in terms of the victim's violent death but also because of the degradation and humiliation that she had allegedly previously suffered at the hands of the defendant," he said.

Ramen's parents live in Guyana, and were reportedly denied visas to travel to the United States for the funeral. So ten of Ramen's relatives travelled to Guyana, escorting her body back for burial, as those still in Queens consoled themselves with Megnath's arrest.

"We were praying, and saying maybe her soul would haunt him, and he would reveal himself," a relative said. (Stabroek News)

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[insert pix p27-Fraser Wheeler]

Organized crime probably greatest threat facing Guyana

-UK High Commissioner tells Rotary dinner

United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana Fraser Wheeler says organized crime is probably the greatest threat facing the country.

He was at the time speaking at a dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Demerara. A summary of his presentation was recently released to the media by the UK High Commission.

Wheeler noted however that this country was not alone in the problem which he said was also, "a global, regional and national phenomenon."

According to the UK High Commissioner the smuggling of narcotic drugs is a particular problem which not only stifles legitimate business and undermines the local economy but also contributes to the proliferation of small arms on the streets of Georgetown and also undermines governance.

"Guyana requires a comprehensive solution to deal with crime and security and I hope that the British government will be able to make a significant contribution to this effort in the coming months," Wheeler said. The release of the remarks comes just days after a stinging report by the US State Department on deficiencies in Guyana's fight against drugs and money laundering. The US report was subsequently bitterly attacked by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the army's annual officers' conference.

Meanwhile as regards governance, the UK high commissioner noted that a number of Guyana's challenges are regional in nature and therefore require regional solutions. To this end he recommended regional integration using new regional governance models which are currently under consideration which may well be the future.

Wheeler pointed out also the critical need for the government to implement governance reforms which it had committed to doing, an effort he said that the international community stood ready to fully support.

He emphasized, too, the thrust of globalization which he said was about justice and fairness as well as security and prosperity. "We cannot for example call ourselves in Europe and North America open societies and close our markets to free trade with the poorest countries. There is no prosperity without security and no security without justice," he contended.

He argued too that all these issues were inter-linked and solutions to them would therefore have to be cross-cutting.

"It is not possible to reduce poverty without for example containing crime, improving governance, creating an economic regime conducive to

Organised crime probably greatest threat facing Guyana

-UK High Commissioner tells Rotary dinner

United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana Fraser Wheeler says organized crime is probably the greatest threat facing the country.

He was at the time speaking at a dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Demerara. A summary of his presentation was recently released to the media by the UK High Commission.

Wheeler noted however that this country was not alone in the problem which he said was also, "a global, regional and national phenomenon."

According to the UK High Commissioner the smuggling of narcotic drugs is a particular problem which not only stifles legitimate business and undermines the local economy but also contributes to the proliferation of small arms on the streets of Georgetown and also undermines governance.

"Guyana requires a comprehensive solution to deal with crime and security and I hope that the British government will be able to make a significant contribution to this effort in the coming months," Wheeler said. The release of the remarks comes just days after a stinging report by the US State Department on deficiencies in Guyana's fight against drugs and money laundering. The US report was subsequently bitterly attacked by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the army's annual officers' conference.

Meanwhile as regards governance, the UK high commissioner noted that a number of Guyana's challenges are regional in nature and therefore require regional solutions. To this end he recommended regional integration using new regional governance models which are currently under consideration which may well be the future.

Wheeler pointed out also the critical need for the government to implement governance reforms which it had committed to doing, an effort he said that the international community stood ready to fully support.

He emphasized, too, the thrust of globalization which he said was about justice and fairness as well as security and prosperity. "We cannot for example call ourselves in Europe and North America open societies and close our markets to free trade with the poorest countries. There is no prosperity without security and no security without justice," he contended.

He argued too that all these issues were inter-linked and solutions to them would therefore have to be cross-cutting.

"It is not possible to reduce poverty without for example containing crime, improving governance, creating an economic regime conducive to

investment and mitigating climate change", he asserted

On the human resource side, Wheeler alluded to the large percentage of University graduates that were leaving the shores, a loss which he said is partly explained by the lure of higher salaries.

He said the 90% loss in graduates was not sustainable, but noted that there were other factors responsible for this.

"It is about the interaction of the economic, security and governance issues I have highlighted and the loss of capacity from those graduates leaving means that it is harder to make the necessary reforms. Fewer reforms mean more leave," he added.

It is in this vein that the UK High Commissioner posited that "the breaking of that cycle is critical to the future of Guyana and the international community stands ready to help".

Wheeler however expressed optimism regarding Guyana's future. He congratulated government and the private sector on agreeing and finalizing the national competitiveness strategy and said that the key now was the strategy's full implementation which is the most important factor in Guyana achieving sustained economic growth.

"Within that strategy the ongoing programs on diversification of agriculture and promotion of tourism appear to be going well. There remains a great deal to do and the international community is ready to help," he insisted.

In this regard he recommended too that after the Cricket World Cup games are over this area be given priority since there are major opportunities to be realized for Guyana.

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[insert pix p27-ogle airstrip with this caption: A view of the first phase of the Ogle Airport Terminal officially opened two weeks ago]

Ogle Airport $400M 1st phase lifts off

The new $400M runway and terminal of the Ogle Airport were officially opened two weeks ago, bringing significant development in Guyana's air transport infrastructure and the facility is now ready to host smaller regional airline operators.

However this is only the first phase of the project which represents the vision of five well-known local entrepreneurs and on completion of the second phase the airport will be ready to accommodate the larger airline operators from the Caribbean.

The airport has satisfied all of the safety requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its Chairman Michael Correia describes the project as a "continuously emerging and expanding national project."

"We are ready now to accommodate the smaller regional airline operators capable of providing direct linkages to the International Airports in Cayenne, Boa Vista, Puerto Ordaz and Paramaribo and to serve as a hub for through traffic from the Caribbean. We will be operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.", Correia declared.

This first phase which has been successfully completed includes the construction of a 2000-ft long by 60 ft wide Class 1A runway built to international specifications, aircraft taxi and customs, immigration, health and air traffic control and a building designed to accommodate 75,000 passengers per year.

Roraima Airways Managing Director, Captain Gerald Gouveia; Correia, who also heads the country's Private Sector Commission; rice miller, Beni Sankar; forrester, Mazar Ally and former Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Anthony Mekdeci are the five businessmen who came together with the Government and Caricom and invested in the project.

Addressing the audience at the launching ceremony in the foyer of the terminal facility, Correia noted that Guyana would benefit from the establishment of a second national airport with permanent, immovable infrastructure, built, financed and managed by private investors, and supported and regulated by the Government.

Correia said "we believe Ogle Airport must of necessity play a critical role in our achieving that vision and developing that destiny for Guyana.

"In 1999, when GAC's operation, having cost billions of dollars in losses, were closed, the Aircraft Owners Association gave our government a guarantee that we would provide an efficient and cost effective domestic air service at competitive rates. We believe that we have delivered on that undertaking," he said of the new terminal.

Correia shared his belief too that he and the other entrepreneurs in the project, have served as an example of a professional association of extremely diverse and competitive private businessmen working together in a highly complex and regulated industry in a common cause to serve the nation.

Ogle, he said, had become the hub of all domestic air transport travel and is now serving as the base for eight operators maintaining a fleet in excess of thirty aircraft, transporting approximately 60,000 passengers and 3000 tons of cargo per year.

This, he added, represented an investment of about $3B in fixed assets, aircraft and equipment.

Caricom Secretary General Dr. Edwin Carrington was also instrumental in championing the development of the airport and played a critical role along with government in securing funding for the project's second phase.

Carrington took great pride in expressing how proud he was of the achievement which he termed, "the threshold of the realization of a dream."

"As secretary general of Caricom I was privileged to turn the keys of our very own headquarters at Turkeyen and it was added pleasure to be part of the opening of the International Conference Centre and now I am proud to be addressing the ceremony to mark the end of the 1st phase of the airport," he said.

Carrington pointed too to the proximity of the airport to the Caricom headquarters and noted that with the recent strides made, "you could well be on your way to equipping Georgetown as the Brussels of the Caribbean".

He noted too that the significance of the airport would not be underestimated and commended the government for supporting the initiative.

He said once Caricom had learnt of the initiative it was happy to lend support and in this vein too extended gratitude to CARIFORUM for its backing.

"This airport is well poised to becoming a new regional airport and will facilitate the co-mingling of our peoples," Carrington said.

Carrington said too that the airport would open opportunities for the country's tourism sector and being just five minutes from the secretariat building would go a far way in facilitating easier travel for its staff.

Taking the risk

President Bharrat Jagdeo who delivered the feature address said the Ogle airport project was evidence of an effort by five businessmen who were willing to 'take the risk' and invest for the good of the country.

"What we see here is a product of hard work and of something that we badly lacked because in the bad times, we went through a lot and didn't have the ability to take risks," he told the gathering.

In this vein, too, Jagdeo said that the development had a long way to go before it started to make money but congratulated the investors who he said were "prepared to be in this over the long term and not for the short term profit making aim."

Jagdeo said the airport project was one inserted by the government under a wider US$32M Air Transport program.

This program, he said, also included changes in legislation governing the sector and the local civil aviation body and the creating of an airport authority.

"But we had to decide what we would have done with Ogle, if we would have made it government owned or if we would involve the private sector," he said.

He said the project was as a result of hard work and commended the entrepreneurs for their commitment.

"I admire them, their perseverance through it all and this quality is essential if our country will achieve its vision and fulfill collective goals," Jagdeo said.

The president urged too a sense of patriotism among Guyanese and the drifting away from talking of only negatives.

He reiterated his government's commitment to working with the private sector for the country's good and noted that he would not respond to persons who continually question his government's dedication to supporting the private sector.

The second phase which will further widen the airport's runway by 100 ft and lengthen it to 4,000 feet will be funded under a $600M grant from the European Union.

Caricom secured the funds for the project and that agreement was signed by Caricom secretary general Carrington early this year. The EU grant is in the process of going to tender for the second phase which should begin in another three months.

Once the second phase is completed too the runway will be able to accommodate Twin Turbo Prop Dash 8,333 and other aircraft of similar capacity. It will also further widen the taxiways, increase the size of the parking apron and feature additional drainage, fencing and the installation of runway lights as well as an improved navigation system. A third phase would also be considered to deal with future airport growth requirements.

The airport will operate from 6 am to 6 pm and when the second phase is completed this would be extended to 10 pm. (Stabroek News)

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[end of IMPACT ON GUYANA]

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IMPACT ON T & T

Broadcaster freed on summary offence charge

Trinidadian Broadcaster Inshan Ishmael has been freed on a summary offence charge, which came after an incident in January this year.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Geoffrey Henderson, discontinued prosecution, telling attorneys for Mr. Ishmael that his decision was in the public's interest.

Ishmael was arrested by armed police on January 24, the night before a planned nation-wide business shut down he had been promoting.

He hosted a television program entitled "Breaking All Barriers", which met with strong objections from the local cable feed provider and the Telecommunications Authority. Ishmael was accused of disseminating distasteful information and was subsequently arrested under the country's Terrorism Act.

He was detained overnight by police and charged the following day with distributing a handbill without the name and address of the printer and publisher. According to local law it was an offence under the Summary Offences Act. He was however later charged under the Terrorism Act.

DPP Henderson, in his correspondence to Ishmael's attorneys noted that the offence appeared to have been committed as a result of a genuine mistake or misunderstanding.

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[insert pix p32-elton john]

Tobago Christian leaders want Elton John banned

Pop singer Elton John should be banned from performing at a jazz festival in Tobago because his homosexuality could influence young people, some Christian leaders on the Caribbean island said on Monday.

A group of Christian churches has failed to persuade the Tobago House of Assembly, which oversees the administration of the island, to join the call for a boycott of John's appearance at the Plymouth Jazz Festival in late April.

But they said they would pursue the campaign against John, who married his partner David Furnish in Britain in 2005.

"We feel it can have a negative social impact. There are some who may not be sure of their sexuality and one has to be careful about how this can create impressions on impressionable minds," pastor Terrance Baynes told Reuters on Monday.

The British singer celebrated his 60th birthday at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday, playing more than 30 songs from a career spanning four decades.

Jazz festival organizer CL Communications dismissed calls for a boycott and said the show would go on.

"Elton John is coming as what he is, one of the world's greatest performers," said Anthony Maharaj, adding that the country should be honored to have John perform in Tobago, the smaller island of energy-rich Trinidad.

"His band has performed in every country around the world. .... He is not coming here to preach about what lifestyle people should have," he said. (Caribbean Net News)

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[insert pix p32-Basdeo Panday]

Congress party supports Panday's constitutional reinstatement

The Congress of the People Party says it will support the full reinstatement of Basdeo Panday as the Member of Parliament for Couva North, but insists that it must be done through the dictates of the Trinidad and Tobago constitution.

A statement issued Monday by the Congress of the People Operations Centre quoted party leader, Winston Dookeran as saying: "We of course support the reinstatement of Basdeo Panday since a retrial has been ordered by the Court of Appeal. In fact, Hansard will show that I was one of the Members of Parliament who, on Wednesday 21 March 2007, called for his full reinstatement."

He continued: "But the reinstatement must not be done so as to breach due legal process and the constitution."

The St Augustine MP said: "If it is that for the reinstatement to take effect and to be lawful, there must be a petition to and sanction from the High Court, then it is only on that basis we will give our support."

The Congress of the People in Parliament supported a petition to follow the constitution and have the matter adjudicated by the High Court.

However, the party abstained from voting on a petition brought by the Opposition UNC to have Panday reinstated, immediately, without a High Court decision.

Following the brief sitting, Dookeran said: "A petition in Parliament is not enough and is not a process that will satisfy the dictate of the constitution."

Pointing to section 52(3)(b) of the constitution, Dookeran said: "It is clearly stated that it is the High Court that must make the final determination on whether a Member can be reinstated."

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The Glory Days! . . . A Message From Rolly Bain

Recently classmates from the greatest primary school in Trinidad and Tobago - Eckel Village E.C. School, have been touching bases with each other. One student Elodie Superville had the telephone number of our then Principal, Mr. Fitz James Williams who turned 90 on March 5. We called and sang Happy Birthday to him.  He was overwhelmed and in a vibrant tone, sang back in a voice that sounded just like it did in 1958."
A class reunion is being planned for April 14 at a place to be announced either in Manhattan or Brooklyn, so we all can hang out again, along with those we haven't met. The likes of Sylbert Graves, Aldwin Crawford and Ellis Jackson who were stars of track  & field in those days and now live somewhere in Toronto,  Janet Blackie, Vena Assevero, June Stephen, Mary Francis and Marie (Kaloo)  who are around Brooklyn.
We were the first elementary school to have a steel band and to host a Calypso Competition for the students. How sweet it would be for us to get together for an hour or two and chat about those great days.  They were certainly the best days of my life.
 If you are one of us please call me at (917) 215-0010 or email me at Rollybain@yahoo.com. Let's celebrate those Glory Days of our Lives.
Please respond before April 10. Hope to hear from you

Keep the faith Eckel Village

Rolly Bain
 

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Venezuela and Trinidad agree on sharing gas reserves

Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago have reached an agreement on sharing reserves in the Deltana Platform, South America's largest natural-gas field, clearing an obstacle for development of the tract.

The accord for the offshore field that straddles the border of the two countries was signed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Trinidad Prime Minister Patrick Manning, state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA said Wednesday in an e-mailed statement.

The company didn't elaborate on the reserve-sharing agreement for Deltana, which may hold as much as 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Among the companies developing Deltana are Chevron Corp., BP Plc, BG Group Plc and Statoil ASA. (Caribbean Net News)

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Opposition MPs outfoxed

Government MPs in Trinidad and Tobago have suspended sittings of the House of Representatives to block a confrontation with former opposition leader Basdeo Panday.

The suspension will last until the High Court rules on the vacancy of the Couva North seat Panday wants to re-occupy.

Leader of Government Business, Kenneth Valley, made the announcement in an interview after Wednesday's 10-minute sitting of the Lower House at the Red House, Port of Spain, that left the United National Congress MPs in an uproar.

"A member who is not summoned to the Parliament has no place in the Parliament. If he is coming here for confrontation, the Government's obligation is to ensure that there is no confrontation in this House," Valley said.

Yet, when asked if the Government was afraid of Panday, Valley said, "No. We are afraid of his bringing this House into disrepute, right, and we will protect the House against that."

The suspension of the Lower House sittings come even as several pieces of legislation are now before the Parliament, including the Equal Opportunity Bill, the debate on which has now come to a grinding halt.

The revised package of Police Reform Bills along with the DNA and Breathalyser legislation are set to be reintroduced to the Lower House.

"Until the High Court rules, we shall not sit," Valley said.

He expressed his confidence, however, that the Lower House will recommence its sittings sooner rather than later.

"I am sure the court will deal with it speedily," Valley said.

The Express was informed that excerpts of the Parliament record, the Hansard, regarding statements made in the Lower House requested for the vacancy petition were being printed at the Government Printery as of 4 pm Wednesday.

House Speaker Barendra Sinanan urged the Government MPs to have their answers ready at the next sitting.

After Sinanan ruled that Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar had moved a matter of definite urgent public importance under the wrong standing order, Valley rose and unexpectedly moved to adjourn the House to a date to be fixed.

"What?" shouted one Opposition MPs, as others loudly expressed their disgust.

Sinanan had to raise his voice to call the vote for the adjournment which was passed by vote of the Government majority.

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