The Society Against Sexual Orienta-tion Discrimination (SASOD) has unveiled five posters that it hopes will further advance its fight for the rights of persons of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community.
The posters and brochures were the end results of a series of workshops that were funded by Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID). The project aimed at providing human rights education to sexual and gender minorities in Guyana, and to service providers in the social services and health care sectors, so as to ensure these sexual deviants achieve their full potential.
The workshops targeted 34 gay groups across six regions. It was revealed that among the participants were second and third year University of Guyana (UG) students, social workers from the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and members of the Guyana Nurses Association.
“The information that you see in these public education materials, they came from the discussions we would have held,” Project Coordinator Zenita Nicholson said.
“The common thread of human rights violation pointed straight to the disciplined forces, particularly the Guyana Police Force, with numerous complaints and stories shared of police brutality, favouritism as it relates to sexuality and cross-dressing,” one of the participants Stan Gouveia alleged.
For many of those who engage in the evil act, the workshops were a revelation, especially when it came to the LGBT community.
The importance of training of social workers and nurses were important because these persons would have to deal with several issues, particularly those of the sexual diviants.
“The issues surround care, family, estrangement from family, domestic violence within the relationships,” Vidyaratha Kissoon of SASOD stated.
One nurse, who participated in the workshop, Kizzy Cooke-McCray, said the workshop brought out “a lot of issues, both positive and negative”.
Giving the sensitivity of the topic, Cooke-McCray said a lot was learnt about human rights and sexual orientation.
“As a nurse… we in Linden have been taking this knowledge that we have gathered from the workshop and we have been imparting knowledge to our colleagues, bringing them to the concept of [acceptance],” Cooke-McCray said. The launch of the posters and brochures coincide with International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. The day commemorates the World Health Organisation’s decision in 1990 to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders.
United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon called on states to tackle violence against LGBT people, decriminalise consensual same-sex relationships, ban discrimination, and educate the public in his annual message to mark the day.
The United Nations Development Programme supports initiatives which promote understanding of the negative impact of homophobia and transphobia, and reduce human rights violations.

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Commissioner Karen Livan suffered massive embarrassment on Tuesday during a meeting of non-nationals at Celinas Restaurant at the hands of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud.
The issue stemmed from a question posed by a Brazilian miner on applying for permits for Brazilians working on a mine deemed “State Mining Reserve”.
The Brazilian miner Andre Fumiere, who operates in Kamarang, Region Seven, took to the floor during the question and answer segment of the meeting to ask what process he could follow to have Brazilian miners working with him obtain permits given that he works on a State Mine Reserve.
“Who is going to be my sponsor? he asked as he stood boldly before the head table comprising, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur; Persaud, Major General Retired Joseph Singh; Livan and GGMC  Deputy Commissioner  Rickford Vieira. But before Fumiere could receive an answer, Persaud asked, “What area are you working?” He replied “State Mining Reserve”, but Persaud not satisfied with the answer continued to probe the Brazilian, who told him he was operating out of Kamarang.
“There is nothing like a state mining reserve… you got permission from whom?” Persaud asked curiously. The miner said he received permission from the GGMC commissioner this year. The man’s response puzzled the minister, who continued to question the legitimacy of the man’s allegations.
“You are Guyanese,” he asked as Fumiere responded in the negative. Persaud said, “How you got permission from GGMC?” in an attempt to force the miner to explain his position clearly.
“I don’t know, I have a contract with GGMC,” he replied, even as Persaud continued his drilling session.
“So how you got a contract with GGMC? Do you have the contract with you?” he asked, but the man said he could not have produced the documents at the said time, but promised to take them to Persaud today.
At that point, Livan sought to explain the genesis of state mining reserves which saw Persaud interrupting her. “I am asking how did a Brazilian get access to that reserve?” he asked to which Livan replied, “I have to check that”, a response that did not find favour with the natural resources and environment minister.
Persaud then asked when Fumiere received permission to mine at the identified location, and was told that he received permission this year. Having heard that piece of apparently startling information, Persaud, who was visibly upset, said, “Karen you gave somebody permission and you don’t know who you gave that permission… So who told you to give him permission?” he quizzed the GGMC commissioner.
The room stood still as the minister raised his voice at the commissioner in a bid to understand why state mining reserve land was issue to a non-national. “Who signed the permission?” he continued.
“The commissioner,” replied the man. It was at that response that the minster lost diplomacy and said, “You signed it, and you don’t know what you signed?” while urging the man to visit his ministry today with all documentation he received.
The minister then thanked the man for raising his question, noting that the matter would be dealt with in depth today.
“Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention – and that is what it exposes sometimes, we have agencies of the government themselves, and in this case, the GGMC of itself is encouraging lawlessness – and it is in a very open way tolerating the flagrant violation of our laws, and that is why sometimes we penalise the communities and illegal miners when we ourselves are the culprits.”
He continued: “I want to see you tomorrow, and I would be very interested to know who give you permission because no authorisation has been given for anyone” to utilise those areas.” He added that state mining reserves represent an ancient concept, and as such, finds it very strange that permission would be granted to a non- national to utilise that land.
“Chairman, were you aware of that? Not even the chairman of the board is aware of that and you have a letter from the commissioner, who has a lot of answering to do tomorrow on this particular matter,” Minister Persaud added.
Meanwhile, following the meeting, Fumiere, who has been living in Guyana for some 12 years, indicated that he worked for the government, noting that whatever he produces, “I pay seven per cent to the GGMC.”
The man, who is not yet a citizen, and has the intention of applying for such status, said that he started mining in November 2011. A statement that totally contradicts what he has stated earlier when quizzed by the minister. “I start working in November (mining),” he said, noting that he has Brazilians working with him.
Fumiere noted that he is confused as to what he and his workers have to do to obtain their permits. “I work in a government area and I pay tribute for the government, so I ask to apply in the name as government, I don’t know what to do, that’s why I ask.” He said he owns one dredge and has four Brazilians and several Amerindians in his employ.
The Brazilian national noted that he assisted government in building an access road in 2008 so they could have access to the area and the people. The was a 50/50 investment, he said. Asked whether he believes his case is special, Fumiere replied, “It might be a special case.” He said he will be taking his documents to the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry today to have the issue resolved.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has also called on Fumiere to submit to him all documentation for the miners who currently work with him on the state mining reserve.

Representatives from the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) have confirmed on Wednesday that they have approached the government of Guyana to petition for a state funeral for Phillip Moore.
When asked to comment on this move by ACDA, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Frank Anthony posited that he is unsure if Moore’s body is eligible for such proceedings, but said he will have to enquire if such can be done.
Nonetheless, Minister Anthony commenting on the passing of one of the country’s cultural icon said that his ministry is sadden at this time.
The minister noted that since the passing of Moore, he had been in constant contact with his immediate family. Wake is being held every night at the Burrowes School of Arts, compliments of the ministry.
Dr Anthony explained that state funeral proceedings have certain protocol which must be followed, and at this time, he is still irresolute if Moore fit within these protocols.
The minister made reference to the late poet Martin Carter, saying “Martin Carter passed away and he did not received a state funeral so… people have to understand the eligibility of state funerals.”
He noted too that he is unaware about such move by ACDA to petition for a state funeral for the icon.
On the contrary, government has responded to calls from ACDA for the highest national award to be conferred on Moore.
There have also been calls from members of the public and family members for Moore to be bestowed a state funeral.
Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon said that the matter has not been discussed by Cabinet, but was brought to his attention by Minister Anthony.
Dr Luncheon said the administration has never been averse to responding favourably to any such request from eminent Guyanese, and has left it to the discretion of Dr Anthony to convey those sentiments to the family.
State funerals are traditionally the of public servants, such as prime ministers, governors, chief justices and police commissioners. Also, it is given to icons who have made a tremendous and significant contribution to their country’s development.
However, Guyana Times was made to understand that, members of the art fraternity would be attending an event hosted by the Culture Ministry to reflect on the work of Moore at the Burrowes School of Arts.
In additional, later this evening, ACDA is inviting the general public to join them in celebration the life, and lifetime achievement of the late “son of the soil” at the Square of the Revolution.
Even so, this newspaper caught up with Eric Phillips, who is an executive member of ACDA. Phillips noted that Moore contributed significantly to Guyana’s cultural artistry, and because of this, he deserved a state interment.
According to him, ACDA has sent a letter to President Donald Ramotar seeking permission for such proceedings.
They are still awaiting the president response.  “We would be calling them (Office of the President) today to find out the status of our request,” said Phillips.
In addition, Phillips reflecting on the life of Moore said the legacy of the fallen icon should be preserved for generations to come.
Phillips noted that Moore was the only Guyanese who curved on plate images of the six races, beating from one hearts.
Depending on the response from the Office of the President, ACDA and his family will decided on a date for burial.
Moore was the recipient of the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), a resident tutor at the Burrowes School of Art and served as Professor at Princeton University, USA.
He produced hundreds of works that were displayed locally, regionally and internationally, but his most impressive was the 1763 Monument mounted at the Square of the Revolution. That monument was unveiled on May 23, 1976 to mark Guyana’s 10th independence anniversary.
He was also a poet and self-proclaimed musician. Moore had an interest in cricket and did several pieces that were exhibited during the World Cup cricket matches in Guyana.
Moore began his career as an artist and sculptor in the late 1940s, after he said he had a vision of God reaching down to him while working on a plantation with a sculptor’s tool.  He leaves to mourn his relatives and children.

A team of experts and stakeholders in the local fisheries sector met on Wednesday with the aim of finalising a national policy and strategic plan for inland fishing in Guyana. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative Dr Lystra Fletcher-Paul addressing participants at a workshop on the policy document, reflected on the progress made so far in developing the strategy, and noted the importance of this sector to Guyanese, particularly those in the hinterland region.

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Dr Fletcher-Paul, citing a 2008 World Bank report, said that a large percentage of the poor people in Guyana were found in rural areas. The FAO official said while progress has been made in basic health and education in these areas, it is estimated that 80 per cent of people living in the hinterland are below the poverty line. This is based on several factors, including high unemployment, lack of economic activities, low level of education, high dependency on family, among others.
According to her, the majority of food consumed by people living in rural communities is not produced there.
“For persons living in the hinterland, inland fisheries provide an opportunity for them to improve their food security and livelihoods. Moreover, the rising demand for fish in urban areas in Guyana and the wider Caribbean provides  a even greater opportunity for development of this sector,” Dr Fletcher-Paul stated. The FAO country representative said this fact has been recognised by the government.
This recognition has led to the partnership between the government and the FAO to develop the National Food and Nutrition Security Strategy. This 10 year strategy has three defining goals which will facilitate sustainable and stable employment-generating opportunities, promote systems for use of consumption of healthy foods and support increased institutional coordination and functioning for improved food and nutrition security. A Fisheries Management Plan was also developed.
This management plan led to reduced catch sizes for some stocks. While there is room for increased exploitation, the current stock is limited. Dr Fletcher-Paul said, “It is therefore imperative that the development of the inland fisheries sector be done sustainably to ensure resources are available for future generations.” She also believes that the fisheries management in Guyana should be based on the FAO Code of Conduct, as it relates to responsible and sustainable fishery.
She also urged that in developing the national policy and strategic plan, government should take into consideration that there are competing demand for utilisation of land and water resources. On that note, Dr Fletcher-Paul also raised concerns that the policy should entail a “fair” share of resources for people working in the fisheries sector. The FAO has been assisting government since 2010, through its technical cooperation facility.
The FAO completed a survey of inland fishing in Guyana in April 2011, and conducted a course in fish biology: fish stock assessment.
Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy said Guyana is one of the few developing countries that have met the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of feeding their people. Dr Ramsammy stated that the fishing industry provides a relatively cheap source of animal protein to the Guyanese diet. The fisheries sector alone provides employment for some 15,000 persons, and the commodity is exported in large quantities.
“Fish and other living aquatic resources of inland water ecosystems provide important services that are seriously undervalued. Inland fisheries and aquaculture contribute about 25 per cent to the world’s production of fish… Data indicates that most inland fishing is carried out by Amerindians situated in the interior of the country,” he said.
The minister added: “Most inland fisheries in the developing world are heavily exploited… Competition for water and aquatic habitat is the most critical challenge facing inland fisheries, while pollution from mining activities and the use of chemicals and pesticides threaten these resources,” the minister stated.

Industrial development or upgrading and productive diversification are essential to maintain economies’ competitiveness, and promoting growth and development in Latin America and the Caribbean, stated high-level officials of ECLAC and the World Bank in Santiago, Chile.
On Monday, World Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Justin Yifu Lin delivered a conference entitled “China’s rise and leaving the middle-income trap in Latin America and the Caribbean countries” at this United Nations regional commission. He was welcomed by ECLAC Deputy Executive Secretary Antonio Prado.
Both officials highlighted the importance of concepts such as structural change and technical progress in order to explain productivity gaps among countries and sectors.
In his opening address, Antonio Prado mentioned coincidences identified between ECLAC’s school of thought and the proposals exposed by vice president of the World Bank in his book New Structural Economics. Some of these coincidences are acknowledging the need for a better regulation and a greater state intervention in economies, as well as identifying international integration guided by the principle of comparative advantages.
“ECLAC has insisted on adopting a strategy based on dynamic international integration, technical progress, productivity, as well as growing employment and increasing real wages in open economies. ECLAC did not traditionally consider diversification to be at odds with international trade, but rather a way of achieving a more dynamic integration based on intra-industry trade. The activities of Asian countries have been moving exactly toward diversification in order to achieve increasing relevance in world trade,” explained Prado.
In such a virtuous development process, productivity and employment grow simultaneously without applying untenable pressures on the external sector, added the deputy executive secretary of ECLAC.
“In this manner, a development model has been configured in the region, in which no country has succeeded in combining solid employment growth with an increased productivity in the long term,” he expressed.
“At the core of the new strategy proposed both by neo-structuralists and ECLAC, the state’s action… It is not anymore about having a larger state or a greater market, but rather choosing to have a better state and a more efficient and equal market,” commented Prado.
In his presentation, Justin Yifu Lin elaborated on the reasons why Latin American countries have fallen into a middle-income trap, mainly caused by their inability to continue the industrial upgrading and diversification process. The chief economist of the World Bank also listed the opportunities and challenges raised by China’s economic rise – a country that will maintain a growth of eight per cent during the next 20 years, according to his estimates.
“To avoid further deindustrialisation arising from the competitive pressures of the rise of China, broaden the base for economic growth and create the basis for further sustained reduction in unemployment and poverty and improvements in income inequality, Latin American countries’  priority needs to be industrial upgrading and diversification,” declared Lin.
Furthermore, Lin detailed his proposal on a “New Structural Economics (NSE)” focused on industrial development based on upgrading a country’s endowment that allows for a sustained industrial upgrading, increasing income and poverty reduction.
“A proactive industrial policy targeted to specific sectors – as suggested by this NSE that has been applied in some East Asian countries – could facilitate the necessary industrial upgrading,” concluded the economist.

A post-mortem examination performed on the body of Judith “Judy” Joseph, of  Waiakabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway by pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh proved that the mother of six died as a result of hypertension. There was no indication that the woman was raped.
When contacted, the relatives of the dead woman were shocked with the revelation of the post-mortem examination, but could not say the next move of the family. While they may have accepted that their mother died as a result of natural causes, they are questioning the circumstances that may have led to her demise. “Something is wrong, if my mother suffer an attack of high blood pressure, why would her clothes be partially off her body?”one of the woman’s daughters questioned.

Dead: Judith Joseph

Guyana Times understands that the man who was taken into police custody following the discovery of Joseph’s body was released after the results of the post-mortem examination were handed over to police. Joseph, 56, was found dead on Monday morning at Swan Turn Soesdyke/Linden Highway, one mile from where she lives. It was speculated that she was raped and then murdered, but all doubts are now cleared since the post-mortem examination was completed.
The woman was discovered at about 04:05h at a small shop in the village where a Mother’s Day get-together was held on Sunday evening. According to reports, Joseph was discovered lying on the floor; with blood coming through her mouth and her hands were in a position as if she was fighting off someone. Her blouse was above her breasts, her pants were about her knees and her underwear was partially off.
Based on investigations, the woman left the shop at about 00:30h for home, and with the gruesome discovery, the villagers and shop owner are shocked at the way the woman met her demise.
While no one was clear with the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, there were speculations thats he was raped and killed on her way home, and taken to the shop where she was left.
The owner of the business, Felicia Pierre was certain that the act was not committed at her business place since she saw Joseph leaving the shop after the party. Pierre, who has been friends with Joseph for the past 19 years, stated that Joseph’s relatives were at the party, but left her behind.
Pierre claimed that she did not hear any unusual sounds during the night, and as such, believes that the woman might have been raped and killed while she was on her way home, and brought back to the shop where she was left.
She leaves to mourn her six children; 21 grandchildren; nine siblings and other relatives.

The post-mortem examination performed on the remains of Karamchand, 71, called “Guru” of Nigg, Public Road, Corentyne, revealed that he died as a result of stab wounds.

Dead guard: Karamchand

The autopsy was conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday, who gave the cause of death as perforation of the heart and lungs. Guyana Times understands that a close colleague of the man and another were taken into police custody following the discovery.
Both men up to press time remain in custody, and the police have prepared a report to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice on the way forward. Reports reaching this publication revealed that prior to Karamchand’s death; the prime suspect had assaulted the elderly man during an argument over money. A police source confirmed that the dead man’s friend, who is now the prime suspect, had borrowed $150,000 from him sometime back and had not returned same.
This created a rift between the two men. Investigations revealed that on numerous occasions, Karamchand enquired about the money owed to him, but received no positive answer. It was reported that at around 21:30h on Sunday evening, a group of men invaded the Don Robin Farm while Karamchand and another man were on guard duty. The invaders reportedly held one of the guards’ hostages and subsequently tied him up at the back of the farm. The men then turned their attention to Karamchand. Karamchand was discovered lying face down in a pool of blood near a chicken pen by one of the workers, who showed up for work the following morning.
One of the dead man’s daughters, Devi Singh, recalled that the last time she spoke with her father was on Sunday when she dropped him off at work. The family is still in a state of shock. The man will be cremated later in the week.

Like many Morrisville State students, Samantha Wackford has been finishing up her final classes and projects at the college’s Norwich campus.
Samantha will receive her associate degree this weekend, but her journey to the stage is one that few people could imagine. Samantha is blind and has had extensive facial reconstruction surgery. Ten years ago this week, she was a 17-year-old beauty pageant contestant in her native country of Guyana when a jealous ex-boyfriend had her attacked. “This happened as a result of that person paying someone to throw acid in my face,” said Samantha.

Samantha Wackford

Samantha and her mother came to the United States with help from an international non-profit group. She had to learn to live without sight and undergo painful surgeries in Boston.  Samantha and her mother eventually returned to Guyana, but Samantha decided she needed to learn to live on her own. She made the decision to return to the United States on her own, and joined a vision loss support programme in Boston.
“That was the big moment. That was the big – well you have to do this. You have no choice other than to fight for yourself,” said Samantha. When she returned to Boston, she found her strength, her confidence, and a partner. Samantha met Troy Wackford in her programme and they decided to spend the rest of their lives together.
“That was a big moment in my life when I realised I’ll have the opportunity to love again, because that’s something I thought would never happen,” said Samantha. Troy is from the town of Oxford in Chenango County. When the couple moved back to New York so they could be close to his family, Samantha decided she would pursue her lifelong goal of attending college. With help from technology that turns text into voice, Samantha completed all of her classes at Morrisville State’s Norwich campus. She became known at the school for her work ethic and drive – as well as not letting her disability hold her back.
“Especially when she does group projects. The other students rise to her level sometimes where as they might not have if she had not been in the group. So it’s really a wonderful thing to see,” said one of her professors, Cindy Riedi. Samantha’s achievements won’t stop at Morrisville State. She’s going to SUNY Binghamton and she hopes to eventually have a career helping battered women.
“It’s a way for me giving back because I think the universe has been tremendously wonderful to me in terms of allowing me to survive,” said Samantha. “To come from where she came from, and to go as far as she’s going to go,” said her husband Troy. “I’m there to witness it and to be a part of it.”
From tragedy to triumph, Samantha says faith, and the support of family and friends made everything she has accomplished over the past 10 years possible. “I am accomplishing these dreams that I never thought I’d be able to accomplish – and that means a great deal to me.” (CNYcentral.com)

– wants action from AFC leadership

Alliance For Change (AFC) Region Six Councillor Haseef Yusuf said he feels betrayed, hurt and disrespected by the leadership of his party as it continues to turn a “Nelson’s eye” to the alleged corruption, divisions and lack of transparency that is eating away its membership and public image in Berbice.
Yusuf in an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday explained that he has not received any response from the party’s leadership despite the damning allegations against AFC Member of Parliament Dr Veerasammy Ramayya.
He said the party’s silence on his complaint “is deafening”. “I believe that we owe the PPP/C and PNCR an apology… because the leadership of the party is condoning all of the things that they speak out against,” he admitted. Yusuf explained that the party stands to lose support in Berbice because people will judge the executive on the manner in which they handle internal conflict, and address the core problems affecting those who voted for the AFC in Region Six.
He said there were many persons who are unhappy about the current issue. “I don’t know what they are afraid of and why they don’t want their names to be called even though they know what’s happening in the party is wrong,” he reasoned.
He contends that the MP, who was chosen by some in the party, is responsible for much of the strife being caused internally as many persons feel slighted and disrespected by some of the things he does, and the actions which he proposes.
Yusuf accused Ramayya of being part and parcel of a scheme to hijack the electoral process back in February this year, which saw a new Regional Management Committee being elected to run the affairs of the party in Region Six, while reiterating his position that the party should not pay the MP the $4.5 million that he claims he spent during the elections campaign without the requisite bills to support it.
“I feel betrayed because he is not acting in our interests… but it’s not only me that feel this way, but lots of Berbicians and supporters,” Yusuf said.
“They are taking Bwrbicans for granted… many people believe that all Berbicians are fools and are gullible, but much has changed here.”
He insisted that the AFC should have stuck to the promises they made on the campaign trail.  “I have laboured and endured all sorts of insults for this party, but it now appears that sacrifice is not important, only money is,” he asserted.

A man was on Wednesday remanded by Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton for killing another man during an argument over a pack of cigarettes.

Murder accused: Ignatius France

Ignatius France called “Putoo” (no information given) made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the capital offence of murder.
The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on May 11 at Canal Bank, Port Kituma, he murder Mark Ashby, 20, of Mabaruma, North West District.
The magistrate remanded the accused to prison until August 7 when he will make his next court appearance at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
According to a police press release, investigations revealed that Ashby was involved in an argument with another man over cigarettes, during which he was chopped to his neck. He was then rushed to the Port Kaituma Hospital by public spirited citizens where he succumbed while receiving medical attention. France was arrested and taken into police custody where he was subsequently charged for the offence.