Guyana chronicle 02 12 13 by Chronicle

GUYANA No. 103668

MONDAY DECEMBER 2, 2013

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Guyana hosts CXC governance meetings, award ceremony Page 3

Rainfall to average between 25 to 50mm in coming week -Dr Ramsammy

Page 2

Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Public Works Ministry embarks on major drainage works in the city - affected areas expected to be drained out in three days Page 10

Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett receives Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin 15 from Argentina Page

Hope Canal contractor to meet with Agriculture 9 Minister today Page

‘Mama’ celebrates her 101st birthday 8 today Page

‘Fast and Page 4 Furious’ actor Paul Walker dies in car crash Workers cleaning the drains in the Sussex Street, Charlestown area

Good Hope man hospitalised after thrashing by sons Page 8

Mrs. Bibiana Hernandez

Paul Walker

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Rainfall to average between 25 to 50mm in coming week -Dr Ramsammy

MINISTER of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, said that Guyana is now in the endof-year rainy season a little earlier than normal and that slight to moderate showers are expected in the coming week. He reported that the outlook for the next week looks promising. “Unless things change, what we are seeing right now in our immediate future is that clouds coming our way do no not have the kind of moisture to give us the intensity that we experienced on Wednesday.” He explained. Rainfall over the next week is expected to average between 25 to 50 mm over a 24-hour period, particularly in Regions

is optimistic that they will be operational by next week as officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) are providing assistance to the Georgetown municipality in this regard. In the meantime, Ramsammy reported that the Community Drainage and Irrigation Programme (CDIP) workers are working with city officials and the Ministry of Public Works to ensure that certain clogged drains are cleared. The NDIA on Friday was engaged in moving two excava-

the work we are doing, to ensure all our pumps, all our drainage structures and so are in place,” Ramsammy said. Heavy rainfall flooded Region 4 and parts of Regions 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) after a high-pressure system over Bermuda forced the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ICTZ) to shift from its last position, to about six degrees north of the equator, bringing it directly over Guyana’s Coast on Wednesday, November 27 at around

2, 3 and 4. Currently, the highest level of water, from the November 27 rainfall, remains on the ground in Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), the hardest hit region. For this reason, Ramsammy pointed out that 25mm rain could still result in flooding in the city, since the grounds are saturated and the levels of water in the canals are high. There is also the issue of the pumps at Lamaha and the Guyana Forestry Commission, Kingston, still being down, but Ramsammy

tors from Hope Relief Channel to Georgetown. Dr Ramsammy explained that the Ministry of Public Works requested this assistance to give support to the Georgetown municipality in cleaning some of the primary canals. The NDIA is providing assistance as well to various Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country. “With improving weather conditions we are predicting for the moment, we will continue

2am. Six hours of intense rainfall resulted in Georgetown being the most affected with recording at the Botanical Gardens, 128.9mm or 5.1 inches of rainfall, the highest recorded in the city since 1892. Ramsammy noted, businesses that constructed over manholes that helped with the cleaning of the primary drains around the city can take some blame in the running-off of the water from the land, since they have been for years, preventing them from being cleaned. “People need to know when you construct concrete things over the drains with manholes it becomes your responsibility to clean them,” he pointed out. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Guyana hosts CXC governance meetings, award ceremony

GUYANA will host the annual governance meetings of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and an awards ceremony for the regional top performers. Several events are scheduled to be held during the period December 2 – 6. CXC officials are scheduled to arrive here today to participate in the various events. The meeting of the School Examinations Committee (SEC) will be held on Thursday December 5 and the 45th meeting of Council, CXC’s highest decision-making body, will be held on Friday December 6. Among the major agenda items for discussion at the Council meeting are the report on the administration of the 2013 examinations; the Registrar’s report to Council; the 2014 budget; and the CXC Strategic Plan and Priorities 2014 - 2020. The presentation ceremony for the most outstanding candidates in the May/June 2013 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday December 5 at the National Cultural Centre. During the ceremony, which also marks the official opening of the Council meeting, awards will be presented to 18 students from across the Region, 10 for outstanding performances at CAPE and eight for

Yogeeta Persaud

Computer training centre opens at Police Training Centre

ARA, a North America-based Guyanese company on Thursday commissioned a computer training centre at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, making it the third centre opened by the company. The other two are at the officers’ training centres in Essequibo and Berbice. The project is an effort by the company to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Guyana and to help enhance crime fighting within the force through the use of technology. The centre will not only be opened to the officers, but also to members of the public, providing basic ICT training and computer engineering courses. Police Commissioner Leroy Brummell expressed gratitude for the initiative. He said that it was very heartwarming that Zara’s officials were giving back to their country. He added that ever since the establishment of the other two centres there have been no complaints about equipment being damaged or stolen, and he assured the representatives

-courtesy of Zara

of Zara that he will implement measures to ensure this remains so. Vice-President of Zara, Jay Sobhraj, highlighted that the company will continue to support initiatives in Guyana and this is not the end of this programme, because it will also be providing technical training at these centres and the representatives will be working closely with the officers. Zara’s technical consultant, Nardeo Singh, said that although they are residing abroad, Guyana remains their motherland and they will continue to invest in it. Also present at the event was Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack, Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud, members of Zara and officers from the various divisions. Zara has thus far invested $60M in establishing and equipping these laboratoriess. This is the company’s 12th investment in Guyana. (GINA)

outstanding performances at CSEC. The awardees come from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. President Donald Ramotar will deliver the feature address at the ceremony and declare the Council meeting open. Chairman of CXC, Professor E Nigel Harris, Registrar of CXC, Dr. Didacus Jules and Miss Yogeeta Persaud of Anna Regina Secondary School, Guyana, the most outstanding overall CSEC performer will also address the ceremony. Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Harris, will present scholarship letters to the eight CSEC awardees from UWI. The awardees will be able to take up the scholars after completion of CAPE or an associate degree. During the ceremony, Mrs. Sheena Daley, Caribbean Regional Director for Pearson Education, will present the first Pearson CAPE Humanities Award to Ms. Tasanique Henry of Hampton High School, Jamaica. The regional top awardees, and a CXC delegation will pay courtesy calls on His Excellency President Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, , Minister of Education; Ms Priya Manickchand and, Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (retired) David Granger. The awardees will also have opportunities to interact with students from schools in Guyana and visit places of interest, including: Kaieteur Falls, Baganara Resort, Fort Island and Parika. The Council comprises representatives of 16 participating countries, UWI, University of Guyana and the teaching profession. The Council deals with finance and administrative issues, while the SEC deals with technical and examination issues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

‘Fast and Furious’ actor Paul Walker dies in car crash (REUTERS) - Actor Paul Walker, best known for his roles in the “Fast and the Furious” action movies, died on Saturday in a car crash in Southern California, his publicist said. Walker, 40, who was in five of the six films about illegal street racing and heists, was a passenger in a friend’s car and was attending a charity event,

according to a message linked to his Twitter account. “Sadly, I must confirm that Paul did pass away this afternoon in a car accident,” Ame Van Iden, Walker’s publicist, said in an email. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that two people were killed in a car accident in Valencia, a community in the city of

Actor Paul Walker (left) pictured with his friend Roger Rodas who both died when a cherry-red Porsche Carrer GT smashed into a pole and a tree in Santa Clarita on Saturday afternoon

Santa Clarita, at about 3:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. ET). Deputies arriving at the scene found the vehicle engulfed in flames. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene, the statement said. The office did not provide the identities of the dead, and said the cause was under investigation. In the “Fast and Furious” pictures, the blond-haired, blueeyed actor played Brian O’Conner, a law enforcement official. The first movie in the series, which stars Vin Diesel, was released in 2001, and a seventh was in development at the time of his death, Universal, the studio behind the franchise, said in a statement. The most recent film, released in May, was one of this year’s biggest box office hits. “Brother I will miss you very much,” Diesel said in a post on Instagram, adding “I am absolutely speechless. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.” According to the IMDb.com movie website, Paul William Walker IV was born in Glendale, California, in 1973 and began acting at a very young age, appearing in many commercials. He played Professor Bennet in the 1987 movie “Monster in the Closet” and starred in the television series “Throb,” IMDb said. Walker also made guest appearances on television shows, including “Charles in Charge” and “Who’s the Boss?” and had a role in the soap opera, “The Young and the Restless.” Other film appearances include “Timeline,” “Into the Blue,” “The Lazarus Project” and “Hours,” which is slated for release in December. According to IMDb, Walker has a daughter named Meadow. Universal conveyed its condolences to Walker’s family, saying, “All of us at Universal are heartbroken. “Paul was truly one of the

most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans.” More tributes flowed on social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“So sad. He gave a lot of joy,” wrote James Franco, while model/actor Tyson Beckford posted “Tyson Beckford: RIP Paul Walker, loved working with you on “Into the Blue.” Television host Carson Daly said that he was “Sick about the tragic loss of Paul Walker. I enjoyed our time together very much. Such a

really nice guy” while actress Alyssa Milano, current host of “Project Runway All Stars” protested “No. No. No” before adding: “Rest with the angels.” (Reporting by Mary Wisniewski and Piya SinhaRoy in Los Angeles and Chris Michaud in New York; Editing by Eric Walsh)

Burnt out: The charred remains of the cherry-red Porsche Carrer which Paul Walker, who had turned 40 in September, died in after it crashed on Saturday afternoon

Ukrainians stage mass rally against Yanukovich’s U-turn on Europe (Reuters) - Ukrainian opposition leaders called on Sunday for President Viktor Yanukovich and his government to resign at a rally of about 350,000 people, the biggest protest in the capital Kiev since the “Orange Revolution” of nine years ago. On a day of huge emotion, which also marked the anniversary of Ukraine’s 1991 referendum on independence from the Soviet Union, opposition leaders denounced Yanukovich for walking away from a pact offered by the European Union and swinging trade policy back towards Russia. “They stole the dream,” heavyweight boxer-turned-op-

position politician Vitaly Klitschko told the crowds on Independence Square. “If this government does not want to fulfill the will of the people, then there will be no such government, there will be no such president. There will be a new government and a new president,” declared Klitschko, himself a contender for the next presidential election due in 2015. After months of pressure from Russia, Yanukovich sud-

denly backpedalled last week from signing the deal on closer relations with the EU in favor of renewed economic dialogue with Moscow, Ukraine’s former Soviet master. Far-right nationalist leader Oleh Tyahniboh called for a national strike to start from Sunday, and members of his Svoboda (Freedom) party occupied Kiev’s city hall along with followers of former economy minister Arseny Yatsenuk’s Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) Party.

Teargas flies in Cairo as constitution takes shape

Reuters) - Egyptian security forces fired teargas in Cairo’s Tahrir Square to disperse anti-government protesters on Sunday, as a new constitution that reinforces the military’s political power edged closer to approval. The draft constitution reflects how the balance of power has shifted in Egypt since secular-minded generals deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July after mass protests against him. It contains language that could ban Islamist parties outright. A major milestone in Egypt’s political roadmap, the constitution must be approved in a referendum before new elections, which Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, driven underground by security measures and a legal ban, is unlikely to contest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013 5

A warning to parents Keyana’s dad: Watch your children

Heavy rain in Cuba lashes Havana, killing two (BBC News) Heavy rain has been battering Cuba since Friday, flooding streets and

more heavy rain for Saturday, particularly in the western and central regions.

to work. Many streets in the capital remain submerged, as the

closure of the picturesque Malecon seaside boulevard, lashed by stormy waves, AP reported.

By Rickie Ramdass (Trinidad Express) The father of Keyana Cumberbatch has called on the nation to use his daughter’s killing as a reason to put proper legislation in place to save the country’s children. Speaking at length for the first time since his six-year-old daughter was found murdered on Thursday evening, a grieving Kevon Cumberbatch had a message from his Oropune Gardens, Piarco, home yesterday afternoon. He said the scourge of violence against children must come to an immediate stop. “People, please save the children. I want the nation to take Keyana as an example and a serious example, too. Allyuh watch over your children, please. Know who you bring into your life, especially you mothers. Fathers, take your daughters. If you find things not going well with the mother, take your children because you see this loss, I won’t wish it on my own enemy. “They need to get more serious with those children because we losing them. Is every week we losing a child under these circumstances. What going on? People just making children and they don’t care. If my daughter could be some type of influence to the nation for this thing to stop here right this minute I will be very thankful. I don’t want a next child to go through this. I don’t want anybody else go through that,” he said. Cumberbatch, 35, said he had previously asked the child’s mother, Simone Williams, 27, to let him take Keyana. “I beg this girl for my child all how, she said ‘no’, but look what happened now. Who’s paying for this?” he asked.

TAKING CONDOMS TO CLASS - Health officials revisit condoms-in-schools proposal Erica Virtue, Senior Gleaner Writer (Sunday Gleaner) The vexed issue of access and availability of condoms to the most vulnerable age cohort in Jamaica is again placed on the front burner as Jamaica marks World AIDS Day today. The on-again, off-again debate seems to be off again, at least locally. However, the release of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2013 Stocktaking Report on Children and AIDS could reignite the discussion. In its report released last Friday, UNICEF raised alarm about the rate of HIV/AIDS in adolescents and called for increased global and national efforts to address this vulnerable age group. According to UNICEF: “AIDS-related deaths among adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 increased by 50 per cent between 2005 and 2012, rising from 71,000 to 110,000, in stark contrast to progress made in preventing mother-tochild transmission.” Locally, UNICEF Jamaica is reporting that adolescents and young people remain a highly vulnerable group. “Adolescent girls aged 10-19 years are almost three times more likely to become infected with HIV than boys of

the same age,” said UNICEF Jamaica in a release which summarises some of the most critical aspects of its 2013 report.

A man and a woman died as a building in Havana caved in leaving at least two people dead. A number of buildings have collapsed in the capital, Havana, authorities say. A 54-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman are reported to have died as a house crumbled in central Havana. Up to 200mm (7.8in) of rain fell overnight and the Cuban meteorological service has forecast

‘NARROW ESCAPE’ Yunior Amesa, the nephew of the two victims of the building collapse, told Associated Press news agency: “It was raining very hard and there was a lot of weight [from the water] up there. They went to bed.” Mr Amesa says he narrowly escaped because he had to leave the house to go

authorities assess the damage to other derelict buildings in the city. Bad weather also led to the

The torrential rain is expected to bring flooding to coastal areas in western Cuba and the central region.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

GUYANA

Freddie’s dangerous call should be taken seriously EDITORIAL

Immediate action must be taken to curb deadly pitbull attacks THERE has been another pitbull attack, if one were to give credence to a media report. According to the details, the female owner, Mrs. Rochelle Callender, while in the process of a domestic chore in her yard was attacked by two of these dangerous canines. That she escaped being torn to pieces, despite suffering injuries to parts of her body, had been due to quick action on the part of her neighbours who, armed with sticks and cutlasses, entered the yard and began to club and chop the animals. Later, they were joined by police ranks who reportedly shot several other dogs of the same breed kept on the premises. This is the classic case of this very dangerous dog species being bred for sale, but somehow escaped from their pen and following true to custom, launched an attack on their unsuspecting victim, throwing her to the ground in the process, where they began their well known brutal strategy of mauling their almost doomed victim. But, thanks to her neighbours, whose intervention saved her from what would have been certain death, and even horrific injuries. It must be noted that this is the second instance of such an attack occurring in the Ogle locale, where in 2008 a security guard had been torn to pieces during one such attack that also included injuries suffered by a female passer-by. However, a noted observation is that this most recent, horrific attack befell a co-owner – her husband, according to accounts has been breeding these dogs for years for commercial purposes – and not an unsuspecting member of the public. It is recalled, that in an editorial captioned PIT BULLS: 15.6.13, attention had been drawn to those animals that had attacked citizens prior to that date, and the fact that because of an admission by a law enforcement official as to “uncertainty as to how to proceed in the current event”. This was with reference to an attack at that time. In the same editorial, we had highlighted the case of the mauling death of the security guard in the same Ogle community, in the aftermath of which, the owner had been placed before the court on the charge of manslaughter. Of course, he was acquitted! There was even the incident in Kingston that had “culminated in a $10,000 fine”. As this recent instance of pitbull attack has cruelly demonstrated, owner or not, this brute is going to attack anyone, for as was pointed out in the editorial piece: “The pitbull is not one’s friendly poodle that one takes for a nice afternoon stroll in the park. This canine is naturally a vicious species which attacks without the least provocation. It is a natural killer, which will

FREDDIE cannot openly call on PNC supporters to invade PPP government institutions. Is this how he is doing his nasty work? Is Freddie Kissoon openly calling for opposition PNC to remove the democratically elected PPP from power by writing this in his Kaieteur News column? One day the PNC will say enough is enough December 1, 2013 | By KNews | Filed Under Features / Columnists, Freddie Kissoon: “ Last week, protestors in Thailand invaded a number of ministries and took them over, cutting water and electricity supplies. The government invoked security laws and the next day, the protestors invaded the army headquarters. The main parliamentary opposition has joined the protestors. They openly stated the aim of the demonstrators is to remove the government”.

The legal authorities must get in contact immediately with Freddie Kissoon to find out what his thinking is on writing this article. If the legal authorities do not get in contact with Freddie Kissoon on this, the entire Guyanese nation will soon see something else more deadly from Freddie Kissoon and those that are allowing him to write. Freddie cannot personally call on PNC to invade PPP Ggvernment offices so this is his way of doing his thing. The Government must see it for what it really is. The man is old and senile and is next to death’s door so he will do whatever to leave his mark against the PPP and East Indians, since he openly claimed he is ashamed to be East Indian. I urge those in authority to take this one very seriously. T. KING

Our education policy-makers should consider a more pragmatic approach YOUR editorial of November 29, 2013 highlights a major reality. From my vantage point as an employer, I am of the firm view that our school system is like a production line without a quality control point. I see dozens of applications and conduct several interviews on a monthly basis and I confess to being appalled. Applications are cyclostyled, spelling and grammar are atrocious, presentation is simply sick and the attitudes of applicants are depressing. Many applicants are clueless as to the very basics of an application for employment. I am prepared to show the proof to anyone willing to see it. More especially, if an applicant has about 7 (seven) passes and above at CSEC/CXC, he/she conveys the undisguised signal that he/she “has arrived”. Their expectations of salary and conditions leave you awestruck. I have proposed at a different forum that our education policy-makers consider a more pragmatic approach to making our high school graduates more marketable, more functionally literate. A six-month attachment, or two three-month attachments, to places of employment during the third year in high school should be

mandatory for every student. An appropriate assessment structure is constructed to evaluate the student’s conduct and performance during the attachments and serves to award the student with a maximum 15 marks at the CSEC examination. My proposal suggests, inter alia that: 1. The student is exposed to the world of work, which in turn conditions his outlook to his final year in high school, and beyond. 2. The student’s posture in his final year will be more mature and objective since he would have an understanding of the “real world” and be able to relate academics to pragmatism. Because the existing emphasis is on study, study, lessons, lessons, our children are under-exposed and constricted. Many of them do not even engage in physical sports. The work attachment will introduce a pragmatic component which will result in a more analytical, rounded output at the time of the final examination. The end-product will be a more “savvy“high school graduate.

tear its victim apart, given the opportunity”. The attack on Ms. Callender is a potent reminder of the above profile and the fact that her rescuers and the police ranks, turned their attention to the other animals, killing them in the process is a revealing expression of the mind-set that most citizens have against these dogs, whom they fear very much. Obviously, animal lovers will be questioning the extreme action taken against the other dogs that may not have been part of the attack on the woman. They will argue that rather than punitive action against the animal, the owners ought to face the consequences, but as reminded in the said piece:”Is it practical, even possible, to retain such a canine, after it would have attacked, and even killed its victim? Would not such an animal become a grave risk, even to these unconcerned persons?” To be further explanatory – even to those who would have bred and nurtured them? Given the fact that these dogs are being bred for commercial purposes, this is indeed big business; therefore, one can conclude that there must be dozens of breeders in this trade, because of the very lucrative prices paid for the pups. Those plying this

trade would definitely not be concerned with the destructive capabilities of these animals as they mature. A certain CARICOM member state, because of the frequency of such attacks in its island state, saw its government enacting very punitive legislation with regard to punitive compensation and other stringent measures that are to be taken against owners of dangerous animals, that attack persons. It is time that similar measures, and even more,be taken against owners of these brutes. The public must be protected against these very vicious and murderous animals. This particular animal ought to be banned from this country, because of what its brutal track record has been, even if it necessitates an uncompromising and sustained campaign in locating their habitats. It is perhaps the surest way of removing the opportunity for breeding, for later destructive purposes. And should anyone still be found with such monsters, the penalty must be condign. The attack on Mrs. Callender is a graphic and significant reminder as to why this route must now be taken, without delay.

TAAJNAUTH JADUNAUTH

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013 7

Essequibo blackout woes persist

Beware of Who will the con men suffer?

THE constant blackouts on Friday November 29, 2013 returned to paralyse the entire Region 2 from 7:00 am to 1:00 am on Saturday, November 30, 2013 and Essequibians are bracing themselves for more blackouts during the Christmas season. More than 10 years ago the GPL Board of Directors had directed the manager and management of Anna Regina Wartsila power plant to begin reducing blackouts. Not just talk about it, but it is still here with us very much on the Essequibo Coast almost every day or night. We were the first in the country to receive a Wartsila power plant with the commitment to stabilise our electricity supply. GPL has not met the stabilisation commitment goal after 10 years. As experts predict, an increase in blackouts along the Essequibo Coast provide a critical barrier for businesses and customers. It became clear years ago that GPL Warsila at Anna Regina,energy producing really had so much in common and had through the years so short changed. When the power plant goes down, our light goes out and you feel it everywhere. We are faced with the same reality every year that there are forces that work against us. We Essequibians need to put all the differences aside and really begin to speak with a shared voice. It is just a lack of knowledge of how critical this region is to the nation’s security. To solve these numerous problems we face with our businesses, the government has to find common ground that will be the basis for solutions. In today’s changing business, political and environmental landscapes, we know it is imperative that we work together with all interested parties to make sure this region is protected and sustained with a regular power supply. The government needs more natural approaches-engineering solutions that include harnessing the power efficiently, for example, the Wartsila here has never produced its capacity output generation. The electricity power plant operates inefficiently because of fuel supplies not arriving on time, inadequate maintenance or failure to correct some minor fault. As a country, we need to understand that electricity is not just a big expense. It’s an important investment that will yield returns for generations to come.

NURSES said they were informed that enough money had been passed in the 2013 national budget to allow public servants a 15% ‘back-pay’ this year. Perhaps, some newspaper or the government will find out who told them this fact. It is strongly recommended that government tell the nation exactly who will suffer if this money is taken from other budget items. It is important that the nation understands that the budget is based on available money in the treasury at that time and must be allotted by citizens’ needs, legal government obligations, development and the need to balance these needs on a priority basis. Some budget items must be reduced or eliminated in order to find the money for a larger increase. Some workers are reported to have said that “Public servants are not Christmas Ponies” and “5% can’t work. Public servants are not slaves.” Someone needs to point out to them that neither are the rest of the workers and the people depending on some form of government assistance. It is also worth mentioning that there are other items in the budget, that benefit them or their neighbours. Perhaps, the labour and opposition political leaders could advise the government which items should be taken out of the budget to pay for these increases. Surely, they will not object to spending less on pensioners, electricity subsidies, school uniforms and meals, youth training, roads, drainage, police, public defenders and local governments to name a few services that may even benefit the protesters. Once more, we are reminded of an old saying: “Rob Peter to pay Paul”, except the protesters may be both Peter and Paul. On second thought, the old story of the “Dog and his shadow” may also apply. Public servants may not be ponies, but too many are not serving the public, but instead have been taking the public for a ride.

MOHAMED KHAN

N. AUGUSTUS

WITH the ongoing crime spree, citizens need to be on high alert. Shortly before the last general elections, I noticed several strange vehicles coming into my area, La Bonne Intention. The occupants appeared to be surveying the area. From then to now several individuals and groups have been visiting this area soliciting funds for various projects such as building funds and feeding programmes. They are armed with fake ID cards and other documents to fool the citizens. To cite a few incidents: two car loads of people came on behalf of the Mahaica Children’s Home, one individual came on behalf of Church of Christ in Enmore, another on behalf of Redemption Tabernacle in Victoria (contact No: 256-0441) and on more than one occasion individuals including children claiming to represent Caribbean Royal Shining Star Humanitarian Organisation in Sophia collected money (during school hours) (contact No:. 219-4313). These exercises are well organised and because many appear to be church related, citizens give. Sir, I am calling on the relevant authorities to enlighten our citizens of these criminal practices by these con artists. They pretend to be workers of GPL, GT&T, GUYWA, Customs etc, etc and humanitarian organisations. We cannot depend on the police force. Many policemen give back information to those who have been reported. MAHESH SINGH

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

‘Mama’ celebrates her 101st birthday today By Shirley Thomas THE Guyana Chronicle extends hearty congratulations and very best wishes to centenarian Mrs. Bibiana Hernandez of Bumbary Hill, Mabaruma Sub-Region, North West District in Region One (Barima Waini) who will be celebrating her 101st birth anniversary today. Fondly referred to as ‘Mama’, Mrs Hernandez is being affectionately cared for by her grandson and his wife, Paul and Edna Hernandez, and her great-grandchildren. Possibly the oldest person in the Mabaruma Sub-Region, Mrs Hernandez was born on December 2, 1912 at Barima River, where she grew up and was later married to Diaz Hernandez. Together they migrated to Bumbary Hill, where Mr Hernandez eventually died. The union with her husband, Diaz, produced eight wonderful children — three boys and five girls. They were all educated at Hosororo Roman Catholic Primary School, and each did his/her parents proud. Today, her children and grand-children still have proud recollections of the ‘looker’ Mrs Hernandez had been during her youthful days. She is of mixed ancestry, and has a combination of Spanish, African, Portuguese and Arawak (Amerindian) extractions, her granddaughter, Bernadette Mc Kinnon, recalls. “She had long, black, curly hair and big hips,” Bernadette added. “Oh, but she was a faithful soul. She would round the family up and, every Sunday, walk more than one mile to Mass at the Hosororo Roman Catholic Church. Mama never liked to miss a Sunday Mass,” she recalled. “Mama’s daily routine was to get up by 4:00 hrs promptly, offer prayers, then prepare breakfast. She’d then pack the children’s lunch kits, and by 5:00 hrs, she and grandpa would head off to the farm in the backlands. There they’d work until noon,

Sedate and always prayerful, Mrs. Bibiana Hernandez will be 101 yrs old tomorrow

then return home. “On the farm they planted ground provisions, citrus fruits, cocoa and coffee beans, and that probably led to her avid love for coffee as a beverage. In fact, up until now, she delights in a strong, hot cup of coffee to complement her favourite: hot pepper pot with cassava bread. “And naturally, at her age, her next favourite would be soup with shredded chicken; but, generally, she eats most anything that is not too hard on her stomach. “In times gone by, she also reared poultry and had lots of yard (creole) fowls,” Bernadette recounts. Bernadette had this to say about Mama’s health condition: “Oh, she’s a very strong woman. She’s blessed! Mama’s never been known to visit any doctor routinely, nor does she have hypertension or the dreaded diabetes. “As she passed through life, she was always preoccupied with preparing some sort of ‘bush concoction’ (herbal medicine) which kept her and the family in good shape. However, she’s now hearing impaired and even though somewhat visually im paired as well, she sees sufficient to make a habit of sitting on a bench out in the yard where she would watch the children play football. “Last December when she turned 100, the family held a big celebration for Mama, and relatives from near and far made it a point of duty to be at her side to share the joys of her special moment. There were gifts, a beautifully made birthday cake, lots to eat and drink, and the priest celebrated a Holy Mass in the home in her honour. “This time around, it promises to be less elaborate, but she’s thanking God for His love and mercies; for health and strength; for caring family members, and to be able to live in a home where love abounds.”

Good Hope man hospitalised after thrashing by sons By Shirley Thomas

Images of Nankumar Bhagwandin, after being beaten by his sons last Saturday.

NANKUMAR Bhagwandin, 50, of Fourth Street, Good Hope, is now in the Georgetown Hospital in a serious condition, after allegedly being beaten by his two sons, aged 19 and 18. His right arm is fractured, his face and head are badly battered, there’s a deep cut in his left palm and some of his teeth are missing. The assault was committed on him on Friday around 16:00 hrs at the home of his wife Jasmattie Lalbacchan of 302 Good Hope New Housing Scheme. Bhagwandin, who says he works on a fishing boat at sea, claimed that the beating was done in full view of neighbours and a shop man from Mon Repos who was in the area at the time rescued him and took him to hospital. The injured man recalled that last Saturday he called his wife on the phone and told her that he wanted to come by to see his grandson. He said that as he was speaking to her on the phone he heard his gransdon’s voice in the background, saying that she should ask him (grandfather) to buy chocolate for him. Bhagwandin said that the following afternoon around 16:00 hrs he showed up at the home, picked up the child and took him to a nearby shop and bought caramel for him. On his return minutes later, he was confronted by his wife Jasmattie who became very abusive, hurled insults at him and ordered him away from the yard. On hearing the altercation, two of Bhagwandin’s sons who were then in their wash bay, hastened over and proceeded to beat him with a piece of ‘T-Shore’ used in the construction of houses. The man claimed that he was beaten so badly, he struggled and fell to the ground, bleeding and begging for help, but the neighbours did not intervene. The Mon Repos businessman who came by and saw what was happening stopped the man’s sons from beating him and took him to hospital. Nankumar Bhagwandin would like to bring this matter to the attention of the Welfare Officers of the Ministry of Human Services since he sees this as a serious act of domestic abuse. Since the incident, he has remained clad only in a blood-stained pair of three-quarter jeans, wearing no shirt and he has no slippers on his feet. The man says he has clothes at home, but there is no one to visit him in hospital and bring them for him. He is also badly in need of toiletries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Hope Canal contractor to meet with Agriculture Minister today

MORE than a week after being asked by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, to present a plan of action to address construction challenges, the contractor working on the Hope Canal’s outfall sluice, the eight-gate sluice at the canal’s Atlantic end, has not been forthcoming. Ramsammy told the Guyana Chronicle that a meeting is scheduled today with the contractor to address the way forward. The plan of action, according to him, was supposed to focus on a revised work plan that would have ensured the December 31 construction deadline was met. The Agriculture Minister reiterated that going over the deadline is not something that will be tolerated, adding that his suggestion was the use of sub-contractors to ensure that the work is completed. However, a final word on the way forward decision will depend on the contractor’s plan and the outcome of today’s meeting. In a prior interview, Ramsammy pointed out that currently work on the outfall sluice is at 50 per cent and at the current pace, work is not likely to be finished on time. Asked for an update on the progress on the other three components of the project, he said work is progressing well on the more than 10-ki- Minister of Agriculture, lometre channel from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC); Dr. Leslie Ramsammy the bridge across the public road;and the conservancy head regulator.

HOPE CANAL

Construction on the project began in February 2011, with an estimated 18 months for completion and the deadline for the project was initially set for June of this year, but was subsequently extended to the end of August, and then once again extended to December 31. The US $15M Hope Canal project is expected to be the answer to the flooding experienced in the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary areas during rainy periods.

Ten graduate as land surveyors

THE importance of the role of land surveyors and the need for continuous improvement were emphasised during the graduation of 10 persons in the field on Friday. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, lauded the successful surveyors that graduated from an initial batch of 34 and said that their achievement speaks to their “abilities, focus and being able to overcome challenges”. It was recalled that only five persons graduated in 2012 and three in 2011. Persaud said that given the pass rates for previous years, he was happy with the efforts being made by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to have certified and competent land surveyors.

The role that they play particularly in the evaluation process for certain types of potential investments was emphasised by the minister. “You will understand, not only in natural resources, but also in other economic activities you will appreciate why is it we need to have qualified surveyors…but also why is it we need to have the quantity of land surveyors,” Persaud exhorted Persaud added that it is important that the young surveyors not have their recent achievement blunt their appetite for more knowledge and experience. “If you’re going to develop as a surveyor of any quality, speak with any of the surveyors who have been very prominent in our country, it is experience that really cuts the

card at the end of the day.” He stressed Persaud said the land surveyors Profession Bill would serve as a guide to ensure professional conduct, training and ethics which would result in the level of respect that is accorded to other professions such as medicine, being given to that of land surveying. The bill, he said, would also cater for the use of modern technology, since the original act put into place in 1973 has not changed significantly to reflect rapidly changing technology. “What we’ve done is extricate the section that deals with the issue of professional conduct and the profession and we’ve created, based on consultations with the Surveyors Association and others,

Rains halt grinding at sugar estates

THE heavy rainfall, which saw flash flooding in several areas during last week, has taken its toll on the sugar sector. According to Agriculture Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the industry lost an entire week due to the rain. “In the last seven days we have only had one working day because of the rain. Today (Sunday) all factories are working,” he said. With grinding moving into December, the sugar belt in November has already seen over two weeks of rainy days. The minister reiterated that the weather continues to affect the sector, making clear the enormity of the challenge facing the industry, particularly since weather patterns are not modifiable in the short-term. Guyana used to have two wet and two dry seasons of a particular length on a regular basis, but that has changed. Sugar requires a period of 14 to 20 weeks of completely dry weather during grinding. Sugar production in the second crop, according to the most recent numbers, stands at over 121,000 tonnes putting the year’s production past 171,000 tonnes. The revised target for the first crop was 71,000 tonnes, but the season ended up with 48,000 tonnes because of challenges with the weather; and it was hoped that the second crop would have made up for the shortfall. The adjusted target for the second crop was 150,000 tonnes and the ministry is currently looking at what the numbers will be in the next few weeks when grinding ends.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud, and Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Doorga Persaud with the batch of land surveyors a specific bill which will have rights, as well as obligations, and it will at the end of the day lift the standards of the profession: where we will insist on integrity, where we will insist on quality and whereby we will insist that when surveys are done, they are done by people who are qualified,” Persaud said. Persaud appealed for the graduates to join the government agencies which are in need of their services and not only seek to move into the private sector. “Take for instance, we only have 12 surveyors, we need several more, we need surveyors to serve in all our regions too, so there is a space for you. I want you to recognise that you have an obligation to provide services even to this commission itself. It will set a good foundation and it will also be your way of giving back, Persaud urged. President of the Surveyors’ Association, Randolph Choo-Shee-Nam, congratulated the new land surveyors, noting that their success at examinations is only an in-

dication of what they did and not what they can do. Clients demand the best, he added, and the need for real-world experience must never be underestimated along with the need for further studies. “Never put down your books, and remember you will always need further training”. Giving an overview of the course which was extended due to extra funding from an original six weeks to eight, Surveys Division Manager Rene Duesbury said it was the largest number of surveyors in over two decades to be sworn in. He mentioned an increase in the percentage of Mathematics and Astronomy passes and a decline in the percentage of Theory and Practice and Use and Adjustment passes. “This can be attributed to the fact that candidates placed more emphasis on Mathematics and Astronomy this year”. He explained that these persons have not only been trained to survey lands as their title connotes, but also economic,

inclusive zones, airspaces and water. “Today you have joined a prestigious club, as many before you have done; such as former President Arthur Chung, Wilson Harris, Edward Hopkinson, your current Examiner Mr. Randolph Choo-Shee-Nam, to name a few. Great expectation is expected of you,” Duesbury said. Giving the vote of thanks, Valedictorian Dinesh Sukhu, thanked his parent, lecturers and the Board of Examiners for their support, and encouraged his fellow surveyors to see their achievement as a stepping stone to greater things. He also challenged the next class to surpass this most recent effort. The other newly sworn-in surveyors are Terrence Sukhu, Terrence Thomas, Jason Alexander, Trevon Graham, Kwasi Wilson, Raphael Pearson, Dekwesi Yaw, Dexter Chacon and lone female Shibanah Lara. There have been 555 land surveyors sworn in since the original department was established in 1892. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Public Works Ministry embarks on major drainage works in the city - affected areas expected to be drained out in three days

THE Ministry Public Works on Friday embarked on a major exercise designed to alleviate drainage problems in Georgetown, especially in the Lodge, Charlestown, Wortmanville, Albouystown and Queenstown areas. The clean-up entailed clearing of blocked drains, and removal of vegetation and garbage from the heavily blocked drainage canals. This move comes in the wake of the heavy downpour on November 27 that caused flooding in parts of the city and in Regions 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and 3(Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara). The rainfall which was recorded at the Botanical Gardens measured 128.9mm or 5.1 inches, the highest in the City since 1892. Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn who was on site at Sussex Street today during the

Workers cleaning the drains in the Sussex Street, Charlestown area At Demerara Assizes…

Murder case witness admits giving different accounts By George Barclay

A MIXED jury of nine women and three men was sworn before Justice Diana Insanally for the murder trial of Terry Kissoon at the Demerara Assizes. The prisoner has been indicted for the unlawful killing of Troy Smith, who was shot dead between July 30 and 31, 2010. The first witness called on Friday, Emily Hillsll, said she is the mother of a child fathered by Smith. She testified that she and he used to sleep on the same bed in Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown. The woman said one night she was at her gate when she heard the accused say that someone had stolen his motorcycle and that he was going to shoot the person. She said although the accused did not mention Smith’s name, she told the latter what he had said. She recalled on July 30, when she awoke, she observed that Smith was not in their bed. She went to the washroom and while she was returning she heard the sound of a gunshot and, later, saw Smith running to his home in a dazed condition before falling. She said he eventually got up and began crawling up the stairs, but collapsed on a chair and she and others took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital(GPH). Under cross-examination by defence counsel George Thomas, the witness admitted that she had given two different accounts about the same incident. Shown her deposition before the magistrate at the preliminary inquiry (PI), she agreed she did say when she went into the house that night she saw Smith lying on the floor while her testimony to the jury was that he had collapsed on a chair. Another witness, Police Inspector Mitchell Caesar who assisted in the investigation, said he looked for shells and warheads but could not recall dusting for fingerprints. He said he had inspected the body and found what appeared to be a gunshot wound in the rib cage on the left side. State Counsel Dhanika Singh is prosecuting in the case that continues today.

Some of the items to be removed from the Charlestown area exercise, said the ministry has four emergency teams working in particular areas of South Georgetown. “It’s an additional effort because we have so much of vegetation and garbage all over the city …barring not much more rain, we anticipate that we will get those areas drained out in three days’ time,” he pointed out. He said that the ministry has installed pumps in Queenstown and Lodge, and it was anticipated that more pumps would be installed. Benn also added that the ministry will be obtaining two long-reach excavators to assist in alleviating the drainage problems in the city, and will engage persons to remove impediments-especially scrap iron- that will cause any obstruction to clearing of the drains. This, Minister Benn said, complements what the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is doing to address the issue of solid waste in the city. (GINA)

Canada-based UCSG gives out annual Uitvlugt NGSA awards By Chamanlall Naipaul THE Canada-based Uitvlugt Community Support Group (UCSG) last Saturday held its annual awards ceremony for top National Grade Six Assessment examination performers of Uitvlugt Primary School with eight students receiving monetary awards and certificates. For this year’s awards a new contributor, Dr Martin Boodhoo, came on board and made a special presentation. In his address to the students, teachers and parents Dr Boodhoo congratulated the students for their sterling performance and impressed upon them the need for having a sound education and exhorted them to always aim for excellence. Dr Boodho worked with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and was also a former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG).Reflecting on his study years,he told the awardees that he did not have the opportunities that are available to students now. As such, he urged them to make optimal use of these opportunities in their academic pursuits. He also expressed gratitude to those from the Guyanese diaspora who are giving back to their country, despite living abroad and expressed the hope that more would come on board

The awardees with teachers and local representatives of the UCSG. At extreme left is Dr Martin Boodhoo to help in the development of our beautiful country. The UCSG was formed several years ago by a group of Guyanese who were former students of Uitvlugt Primary School on the West Coast of

Demerara in an effort to give something back to the school and the community. Every year, fund-raising events are held in Canada to raise finance to facilitate the annual awards ceremony.

The headmistress of the school, Ms. Carolyn Cameron, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the fine gesture of the UCSG noting that it has helped to motivate and inspire students.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Trans Pacific launches Over 450 East Coast residents ‘0 to 20% down Automobile benefit from OLPF Christmas Promotion’ By Alex Wayne

DESPITE the heavy rainfall on Wednesday, residents of Buxton and surrounding communities gathered in large numbers at the Tipperary Hall, in Buxton, to receive their laptops as the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme continued distribution in Region 4. More than four hundred and fifty (450) beneficiaries from Vigilance, Friendship, Buxton, Annandale and Courbane Park received their laptops. Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, who was present at the exercise, highlighted that this initiative is for Guyanese and that the programme is designed in such a way that “it is non- discriminatory, everybody that qualifies will benefit…this is for every person who qualifies and that is the nature of the PPP/C government.” A five-day training session is also being offered to the recipients to ensure they are able to use the device. Beneficiaries of this initiative expressed their gratitude to the government for this programme. One recipient, May Glenn, said that this initiative is a very good one; and it Minister within the Ministry of will prove very beneficial to the children, who are tomor- Finance, Juan Edghill, hands row’s future, while Evelyn Adams said that she was happy over a laptop to a beneficiary that the government was giving out laptops, and hers will at at Tipperary Hall in Buxton aid her grandchildren in their school work. as other proud beneficiaries The current exercise is a continuation of the distribu- display theirs tion that commenced in May, and primarily targets Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica). This initiative is focused on the distribution of 6,000 laptops to recipients of the East Coast, East Bank and Georgetown areas. The OLPF programme was originally launched in 2011, to equip 90,000 families with laptops and to expand the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The programme was pioneered by former President Bharrat Jagdeo.(GINA)

‘Romel’ and ‘Ratta’ wanted over murder of miner at Mahdia

POLICE issued a wanted bulletin for two men for questioning in relation to the murder of a miner. Anthony, called ‘Romel’, and a man known as ‘Ratta’ are wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of Vanderlei Keinen which occurred on November 20th at 111 Miles, Mahdia. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Rayon Anthony Gilford, called ‘Romel’ and ‘Ratta’, are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-2722, 225-8196, 226-1333, 911 or the nearest police station.

Wanted: Rayon Anthony Gilford called ‘Romel’ and ‘Ratta’. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality. Name: Rayon Anthony Gilford called ‘Romel’ Ethnic Origin: African Built: Medium Last known addresses: Lot 18 Belladrum Village, WCB No. 5 Village, WCB Brazil. (2) Name: ‘Ratta’ Ethnic Origin: African Built: Medium Last known address: No. 5 Village, WCB

Armed robbery suspect escapes from hospital despite police opening fire By Michel Outridge A SUSPECT in an armed robbery who was under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday, managed to escape despite police discharging several rounds at him and damaging a window at the hospital complex. The police reported that about 15:50 hrs on November 30, 2013, Edgar Blackman, 19, of 9A Tucville, Georgetown, escaped from the ward at the hospital where he was receiving medical treatment and was in police custody under guard pending investigations into robbery under arms. During unsuccessful efforts to recapture him, an armed police rank discharged rounds which damaged a window of the hospital complex. Investigations are in progress.

WITH a ceremony last Friday at their Sheriff Street, Georgetown location, the management of Trans Pacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales officially launched their ‘0

the organisers. Prospective customers are given a quotation by the company which they can also take to Republic Bank (Guyana) or Scotia Bank branches and enter into an agreement there for the banks to make the payment

Happy buyer Lochand Persaud receives his Christmas hamper from Trans Pacific Information Agent, Robenah Mohammed. to 20% Down Automobile Christmas Promotion’. This promotion, according to Trans Pacific officials, allows the public to select vehicles of their choice and on making a small deposit they can ‘drive out’ after providing proper identification, two references, proof of address and their TIN number. The promotion which began Friday will continue for one week, according to

as indicated by the company’s representatives. Customers can, however, make their first down payment in person after examining their vehicle of choice. They are then afforded a 36-month period in which to complete payments with flexible interest rates on the vehicle they would have chosen. This promotion is up and running at all Trans Pacific Spares locations in Bartica,

Georgetown, Essequibo, Lethem, Berbice and Good Hope village. Speaking at the event, Sales Manager Annirude Jaganauth noted that while they are contemplating hosting their customary annual road show, they are taking into consideration the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the festivities and would not want to cause further traffic congestion with the magnitude of that event. He added that in the spirit of giving back to the public, each purchasing customer would be given a splendid food hamper in keeping with the spirit of the season. Meanwhile, media operatives covering the launch also received hampers as tokens of appreciation from the entity. Jaganauth noted that since the promotion has been well advertised, they have so far received excellent responses from the public. He noted that while the company has initiated several other related promotions in 2013, the same trend will continue next year. Jaganauth told media operatives that customers so far have been satisfied with the stipulated down payments for the vehicles and the level of service received when they arrive at the various Trans Pacific branch locations. He added that customers are not asked to make a deposit until they would have selected their vehicles from the showroom Their first buyer on Friday, Lochand Persaud, of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was very elated with the offer and the vehicle he had chosen, and was more delighted at receiving his food hamper.

Port Kaituma miner found dead with suspected chop wounds

THE police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of miner Terrence France of Oronoque, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), whose body was found with several suspected chop wounds at about 06:00 hours yesterday in a mining pit at 8 Miles Backdam, Port Kaituma. The body is at the Port Kaituma Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. (Michel Outridge)

Curious customers eyeing the lucrative promotion offer last Friday at the Trans Pacific Motor Spares and Auto Sales branch at Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Aries March 21 - April 19

You need to strike while the iron is hot! You have a golden opportunity right in front of you, but it’s going to head for the hills unless you take advantage of it. Why worry about the consequences when there is no possible way of knowing for sure what they will be? Wherever your sense of adventure went, you have got to get it back right away! Putting so much effort into minimising your risk doesn’t always pay off, so just relax and let the chips fall where they may.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Your passionate love for a certain hobby, gadget or fashion trend is powerful for you -- it feeds your brain and keeps you energised. But not everyone shares your interests so avidly, as you may come to realise when your enthusiasm is greeted by disappointing yawns or rolling eyes. So try to stick with the people you know will appreciate your zeal and maybe even share in it a little. It’s much more fun to celebrate something than to try to convert people into liking it.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

People are much more open to suggestion than you think right now, especially that one friend whose health isn’t what you think it should be. So take a moment today to throw a casual suggestion their way about how they could improve their quality of life or make themselves happier with their body. You are tactful enough to know how to avoid sounding like a lecturer. Just trust that what you say will have the desired impact on this person you care so much about.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

The feelings you have been trying to hide refuse to be hidden! Today, they are going to start oozing out of you whether you want them to or not -- so do yourself a favour and just open up already! You are no longer indecisive about what you really think, so why not let people know what it is? It’s not like you’re going to change your mind or anything. And they really do want to know what you think. So stop being evasive and start being more forthright.

Leo July 23 - August 22

Someone in your life who is starting on a new journey is looking for support, and they are looking at you! If this level of pressure is getting to you, then take the imitative and set some boundaries. Let them know how much you’re willing to be involved, and where you draw the line. The sooner you make it clear to them how much they can depend on you, the sooner you will get rid of the tension that has been festering in your stomach for days. Break it to them gently.

Virgo August 23 - September 22

In a group setting today, it’s important for you to talk less so that you can hear more. Listen to what others have to say about their situations -- they might sound like they’re just complaining, but they are also giving you valuable insight. Turn off your critical thinking and just soak up the stories they are telling. Not only are they going to be fascinating for you, they are going to show you how to approach an upcoming situation that is making you nervous.

Libra September 23 - October 22

You’re very sensitive to the problems of other people right now, which could cause you to get very distracted by things that are not your responsibility. This level of compassion for others is not healthy for you right now, so you need to find a way to extricate yourself from a few of the responsibilities you have taken on. You may think this is selfish, but it is not -- you’ve been putting the needs and wishes of other people over your own for too long. Work on your own problems.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21

When was the last time you worked on polishing up your vision for your future? If you haven’t given any thought to your five year plan lately, today is a great day to do it. You’ve got the clarity, you’ve got the time, and most importantly you’ve got a few ideas! It’s more important than ever for you to understand what you want for yourself, because whether you realise it or not, you are at a crossroads. Take a moment to figure out which way you really want to go.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21

You have many friends who share your dreams -- after all, that’s probably one of the big reasons they are your friends! Why not use today to see how far you can all go toward making one of them come true? Find out what they think is the best way to make things happen. Get a group consensus going about an action plan, and you’ll be amazed at how powerful that energy can be! Before you know it, you and your circle could be sailing toward a shared dream. All you have to do is start.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19

Just because you want something to be true doesn’t mean that it is -- you cannot let your emotions convince your mind of things that aren’t real! Take a detached perspective on things, right now. Be brutally honest with yourself about what is going on. What’s your role in the day’s dramas? When you see things clearly, you have the upper hand. Let other people kid themselves about the reality of the situation while you rise to a leadership role by knowing what the real deal is!

Aquarius January 20 - February 18

If you want things to be different, then make them so! It’s never too late to move down a different path in your life. You can’t let your age, your income, or your current romantic status hold you back from doing something that you think will make you happy. Every day offers a new opportunity, a new set of choices to make -- and this day is no different. You are working awfully hard at coming up with excuses -- it’s wasting time, and it’s wasting your energy. You know you can do it, so do it!

Pisces February 19 - March 20

Your emotions are unpredictable right now, but not in a volatile way. You’re just not certain of anything, and this wishy-washy frame of mind might be with you for a few days. So any big decisions should probably still be put off for a while. Make the phone calls you need to make to let people know that you’re still not sure which way to go. Taking a long time to make a decision is one thing, but leaving people hanging is another. Seeing both sides can be paralysing sometimes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013 13

2014 Guyana Visual Arts Competition launched as to submit their best pictures, because the information they LAST Thursday, the Ministry submit will be used to build a of Culture, Youth and sport Directory of Artists in Guyana. launched the 2014 Guyana ViThis initiative will give artists sual Arts Competition which more visibility, especially those will kick off a series of artists who are less well workshops, lectures and known. seminars to which all artMinister of Culists and those interested ture, Youth and Sport, in the arts are invited. Dr Frank Anthony, According to the chairman who officiated at the of the Guyana Visual Arts, occasion, disclosed Mr. Alim Hosein, the comthat President Donpetition which was origiald Ramotar who nally established in 2012 was instrumental in will run from November 24 launching the competo November 13, 2014 and tition fully supports it. aims to stimulate artistic Hence, he expressed creativity and productivhis belief that the ity, in order to raise the competition will be standard of art created in a success, since they the country. will have all the reThe competition will be sources they need. The judged in the following six minister added that categories: painting, sculpthey want to use art ture, ceramics, drawing, to engage, educate, textile and photography. To entertain and empower enter the competition, artists people. In that way, must submit the completed entry forms with two pass- Mr. Albert Rodrigues addressing the t h e y h o p e t o m a k e port-size photos, as well as audience at the launch of the 2014 Visual art, which is currently only appreciated present their ID or passports Arts Competition by a select few, more as evidence of being GuyaSport. Mr. Hosein also asked popular. nese citizens. The minister also emphaartists to take special care when According to Mr. Hosein, sised the importance of the completing the forms as well judges will be drawn from By Jimmy Roos

Guyana as well as from abroad, and will judge the art pieces submitted totally independently, without any input from Guyana Visual Arts or the Ministry of Culture, Youth and

proposed artists database, which he said will enhance the profile of artists and help them sell their artworks, as more people will become aware of them and what they offer. As an example, he mentioned that the art pieces of local artists, especially those that do well in the competition, may be included in the Guyana Art exhibition which will be showcased at Carifesta. Mr. Albert Rodrigues, who also spoke at the event, said that the following prizes will be available: A cash prize of $500,000 plus a gold medal for the winner; for the runner-up, a $300,000 cash prize plus a silver medal; and for the thirdplaced finisher, a $200,000 cash prize plus a bronze medal. There is also a cash prize of $200,000 called the Promise Award, for a young artist who shows great potential. Those artists who wish to register for the competition can download their registration forms from the Ministry of Culture website www.mcys. gov.gy. or pick them up at the E. R. Burrowes School of Art, Carifesta Avenue.

For Monday December 02,2013 -14:30hrs For Tuesday December 03, 2013 -14:30hrs For Wednesday December 04, 2013 -05:00hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Anuradha Paudwal happy to perform in Guyana By Michel Outridge

INDIA’s Bollywood playback and devotional singer, Anuradha Paudwal, arrived in Guyana and performed at a show at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Sunday night. After her arrival, she was at the National Television Network (NTN) 69 Studio on Brickdam, Georgetown, where she was interviewed by reporters. She disclosed that at 18:30 hrs, she would belt out popular songs to thrill the large audience that is expected. She told reporters that she is quite happy to be here and was very touched when she heard her songs being played on the radio and also on television.

The renowned singer, who is noted for her melodious voice, said that she performed in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday and that show was well received there and is hoping for the same here. Paudwal stated that this is not her first visit to Guyana, since she was here in 1980 accompanied by other singers, noting that in attaining her status in the music industry she had ups and downs just like any other person. She said that she enjoys singing which brings out a colour of emotions which is depicted in her songs and here in Guyana, she is pleased to see that the Indian culture is very much alive, having seen many houses outfitted with jhandi (red) flags. Although rated one of the best playback singers, Anuradha Paudwal enjoys the simpler things in life and pointed out that she is

passionate about singing bhajans. On her way from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Anuradha Paudwal briefly stopped at the Bhaveshwar Mandir where she met with devotees and was honoured by her fans. She will be singing alongside Sachin Sharma, who said that it is his fourth time here in Guyana and the last time he was here was in 2009. He will be performing duets with Anuradha Paudwal singing some of the traditional songs along with the more popular ones. Anuradha’s career started with the movie, Abhimaan, (starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan). In 1976, she got her break as a playback singer in the movie, Kalicharan, (which starred Shatrugan Sinha and Reena Roy). Her first solo was in the movie, Aap Beeti, (starring Hema Malini and Shashi Kapoor). Laxmikant-Pyarelal was the music-composing duo for that movie. She also occasionally sang songs which were composed by Rajesh Roshan (Des Pardes), Jaidev (Dooriyan, Laila Majnu), Kalyanji-Anandji (Kalaakar, Vidhataa), and Usha Khanna (Souten, Sajan Bina Suhagan). Anuradha sang in a few Marathi movies some memorable numbers such as “Disate Majalaa” (in the movie, Ashtavinayak), “Raja Lalakaari”, and “Kaalyaa Maatita Maatitaa”. She gained recognition when she rendered some exceptional numbers for the movie, Hero. (Laxmikant-Pyarelal was the music-composing duo for Hero.) She collaborated with movie producer, Gulshan Kumar, and her success streak began with the movies, Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka, Tezaab, Ashiqui, and Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin. At her peak, Anuradha announced that thenceforth she would sing exclusively for the music company, “T-series”, and concentrated on devotional songs and “cover-version” albums.

India’s playback and devotional singer, Anuradha Paudwal at the NTN Studio yesterday during an interview. (Michel Outridge photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013 15

Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett receives Grand Cross of the Order of the General Liberator of San Martin from Argentina

OREIGN Minister Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett was presented on Friday with the Grand Cross of the Or der of the General Liberator of San Martin by her Argentine counterpart Hector Timmerman. In decorating Rodrigues-Birkett with this high order of the Republic of Argentina, Timmerman paid tribute to the consistent friendship which Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett and the Government of Guyana have demonstrated to the Government and people of Argentina. Timmerman expressed confidence that both governments were guided by similar political and democratic ideals and convictions.

Foreign Ministers Rodrigues-Birkett and Hector Timmerman The decoration was presented during an official visit paid by Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to Argentina on November 28 and 29, 2013. During the visit, the foreign ministers discussed areas of bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Argentine South/South Cooperation Programme. They signed a bilateral agreement for the “Free Exercise of Remunerated Activities by Dependent Relatives of Diplomatic, Consular, Administrative and Technical Staff of their Diplomatic Missions, Consular Offices and International Organisations”. They also took the opportunity to exchange views on the activities of several regional organisations of which their countries are members, in particular the Caribbean Community, the Union of South American Nations and the Organisation of American States. Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett also met with the Ministers of Defence

Commentary By David DeGroot

“GUYANA pulls out of USAID Project”, was the headline in the Guyana Chronicle, Tuesday, November 26, 2013 issue. The action of the government underscores that on the matter of principle, there was no alternative left to the government. Our country may be considered under-developed and struggling against heavy odds to build a proud nation, but make sure we will not ever sacrifice principles in pursuing growth, be it monetary or otherwise. This correspondent finds it most objectionable for personnel of USAID to unilaterally decide on what projects meet the approval of the government. It is distasteful that long established convention was ignored in this specific. It is noteworthy that Cabinet rejected both project and design, and by so doing demonstrated quite correctly the integrity of Cabinet’s ministerial responsibility. It follows, therefore, that without any input by Cabinet in the project, affecting health, economic growth, democracy and governance, the proposed project can be considered seriously somewhat presumptuous. Surely, better assistance can be pursued with noted respect and due regard to sensitivities that must arise in the quest of meaningful genuine assistance that impact on the entire population of our country.

and Security and officials from the Ministries of Health, Social Development, Agriculture, Tourism and Industry. At these meetings, there was an exchange of information on the activities undertaken by both countries within the different sectors and discussions focused on potential opportunities for cooperation. It was agreed that the two countries will work towards the early conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture that would include cattle rearing. Also, a mission from Argentina will pay a visit to Guyana in December this year with a view to exploring cooperation in the

tourism sector. Other areas identified for cooperation between the two countries include post-graduate training for doctors in specialised areas, Spanish language training and military training at Argentine defence institutions. Cooperation between Guyana and Argentina has intensified since the re-establishment of an embassy in Guyana two years ago. Rodrigues-Birkett was accompanied by Foreign Service Officers, Heather Seelochan and Jevon Rodrigues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

New Zealand and West Indies Canadian eye improvement in Test ratings teams Revamp DUNEDIN, New Zealand, CMC) - West Indies and New Zealand begin their contest in a three-Test series from Tuesday (Monday afternoon Caribbean Time) in Dunedin with an aim to improve their ratings points on the Reliance International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Team Rankings Table. Despite the results there will be no change in West Indies’ final position on the table, except to reduce the gap with Australia. West Indies enters the series in sixth position on 95 ratings points, while New Zealand starts off in eighth place with 75 ratings points. If New Zealand was to win the series by a margin of 2-0, it can rise up to 82 ratings points, while a 3-0 series sweep will hand the home team a rise of eight ratings points to thereby finish at 83, according to the ICC. In both scenarios (New Zealand winning 2-0 and 3-0), West Indies will move down to seventh place behind Sri Lanka. If New Zealand wins the series by either 1-0 or 2-1, or even if the series is drawn 0-0 or 1-1, there will be no change in West Indies’ final position on the table. For the West Indies, the series offers an opportunity to reduce the gap with fifthranked Australia. But this can only happen if it wins the series by either a 2-0 or 3-0 margin. If West Indies wins the series by a 2-0 margin, it will gain two ratings points to end at 97, to thereby reduce the gap with fifthranked Australia to four ratings points. A 3-0 series win, will give West Indies a gain of four ratings points, thereby reducing the gap with Australia to just two. With the top four sides as of December 31, 2016 qualifying for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship scheduled for 2017, every Test counts towards the qualification. Meanwhile, Shivnarine Chanderpaul starts the series as the highest-ranked batsman on either side in second position on the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen. Chanderpaul trails number-one ranked AB de Villiers by 11 ratings points and stands a good chance of even breaking the 900-rating point barrier, a benchmark for top batsmen, for the second time in his career. Ironically, the first time

Chanderpaul breached the 900-point mark was also after a Test against New Zealand at Napier in December 2008. New Zealand’s Ross Taylor in 12th and West Indies’ Marlon Samuels in 19th are the

Sammy in 33rd, Doug Bracewell in 43rd, Narsingh Deonarine in 44th, Neil Wagner in 45th and Tino Best in 55th. The bowlers’ table is headed by Dalen Steyn with compatriot Vernon Philander in

and Toros continue ... From back page

found his target in the 11th, 30th, 37th, 38th, 39th and 40th minute. His first, second and third goals were from penalty corners while the others were field goals. Rajaram and B. Canola lent support to the winning cause with one goal each in the 21st and 28th minute, respectively. Scoring for Toronto Toros were K. Shier in the 4th, 11th, 14th and 27th minute, K. Watson in the 11th and 12th minute and L. Sudar in the 14th minute. For Magnolias, A. Williams netted a double in the 13th and 21st minute while S. Slubutt also netted a double in the 25th and 26th minute. In other results, Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Cricket Club Men defeated defending champions hikers of Guyana 6-3 with goals coming from the sticks of Wren Nicholas in the 4th and 30th minute, D. Young in the 15th minute, S. Mouttet in the 18th minute and Jerzeno Bell in the 35th and 40th minute. For Hikers, Aroydy Branford netted a double in the 19th and 20th minute, while Robert France scored a goal in the 4th minute. Hikers ladies went down 0-8 to Magnolias Slubutt bagged a treble in the 4th, 15th and 39th minute, while M. Ellatang scored a double in the 23rd and 32nd

Shivnarine Chanderpaul starts the Test series as the highest-ranked batsman on either side in second position. only other batsmen on either side inside the top 20. Outside the top 20, the batsmen likely to be in action are Darren Bravo in 25th, Kane Williamson in 27th, Brendon McCullum in 34th, BJ Watling in 48th, Kieran Powell in 51st and Denesh Ramdin in 58th. In the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers, West Indies spinner Shane Shillingford in 16th place is the only bowler inside the top 20. Outside the top 20, the bowlers likely to feature in the series include Tim Southee in 21st, Trent Boult in 25th, Darren

second and Sri Lanka’s Ranagana Herath. South Africa heads the ICC Test Team Rankings, followed by India, England, Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. West Indies and New Zealand will play three tests, five One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 matches. The first match begins on Tuesday (Monday 5:30 p.m. ECT, 4:30 p.m. Jamaica). Reliance ICC Test Team Rankings table (as on 1 December, before the start of the New Zealand v West Indies series)

Rank Team Rating 1 South Africa 131 2 India 119 3 England 116 4 Pakistan 102 5 Australia 101 6 West Indies 95 7 Sri Lanka 88 8 New Zealand 75 9 Zimbabwe 34 10 Bangladesh 18 (Developed by David Kendix)

Reliance ICC Test Player Rankings (as on 1 December, before the start of the New Zealand v West Indies series).

minute. A. Williams scored a goal in the 5th minute. M. Leatauo and F. O’Brien netted one each also in the 4th and 30th minute, respectively. The other match of the night saw GCC men edging Barbados’ YMCA 5-4. O. Semple, Spencer, S. Xavier, S. Gonsalves and M. Craig scored one goal each for GCC in the 23rd, 25th, 32nd, 38th and 39th minute, respectively. Scoring for Barbados YMCA were R. Thomas in the 17th and 40th minute, D. Smith in the 2nd minute and P. Jarvis in the 34th minute.

ENGLISH Plumpton 08:40 hrs Electrolyser 09:40 hrs Aimigayle 10:10 hrs Mister Wiseman 10:40 hrs Golden Games 11:10 hrs Beware Chalk Pit 11:40 hrs Malibu Rock WOLVERHAMPTON 08:55 hrs Royal Trooper 09:25 hrs Secret Edge 09:55 hrs Kantara Castle 10:30 hrs Rural Affair 11:00 hrs Spreadable 11:30 hrs Maggie Pink 12:05 hrs Passionada GERMAN RACING TIPS Cagnes-Sur-Mer 08:30 hrs The Brock Again

09:05 hrs Ivresse Du Berlais 09:35 hrs Kal;dou Euanas 10:05 hrs Skyris 10:40 hrs Kacao Fix 11:10 hrs Kalmonto AMERICAN RACING TIPS Philadelphia Park Race 1 She Craves Capital Race 2 She’s All Timber Race 3 Hidalgo Legacy Race 4 Gift Wrap Race 5 Best Jazz Race 6 Spark the Fuse Race 7 Mystical Terp Race 8 Caliparty Race 9 Harlan’s Trick

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

Chelsea and City lead pursuit of Arsenal By Martyn Herman

LONDON: (Reuters) - Chelsea and Manchester City offered compelling evidence that they will lead the pursuit of leaders Arsenal and champions Manchester United lost further ground yesterday that brought the third managerial casualty of the Premier League season. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea recovered from conceding a goal after 13 seconds at home to Southampton, scoring three times in the second half to win 3-1 and close the gap on Arsenal to four points with a third of the season gone. Free-scoring Man City are third, two points further adrift, after spanking Swansea City 3-0 to take their home goal tally to 16 in their last three games. Wayne Rooney equalised twice for United in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur which left them nine points off the pace and Liverpool, who began the day in second, endured a miserable afternoon, going down 3-1 at Hull City and hearing that striker Daniel Sturridge will be out for around eight weeks. Struggling Fulham predictably sacked Martin Jol

and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, himself in the media spotlight after his team’s faltering form, showed the strain with a rant at his post-match news conference. For the third time this season in the top flight a goal went in after 13 seconds with Jay Rodriguez taking advantage of a Michael Essien error to give Southampton a shock lead at Chelsea. There was little evidence in the opening half that Chelsea could avoid a first ever home league defeat under Mourinho but they overwhelmed high-flying Southampton after the break. Defender Gary Cahill equalised on 55 minutes after John Terry’s header had been diverted against the post. Seven minutes later Terry celebrated his 400th Premier League appearance with a towering header before striker Demba Ba rounded off the victory with a late third. “In this crazy league this result is important as once again title contenders have dropped points,” Mourinho said. City were not quite as rampant as they were in a 7-0 win over Norwich and a 6-0 drubbing of Tottenham last

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (C) scores a goal past Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane in London, yesterday. (Credit: REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett) week but they were too strong for a Swansea side missing leading strikers Michu and Wilfried Bony. Alvaro Negredo curled in an eighth-minute free kick to give City the lead, although they had to wait until the second half to secure the points through Nasri’s brace. “I’m pleased because we won against a very difficult team, especially when they

No rotation for Australia pacemen in Adelaide - Lehmann

English batsmen, the 43-yearold Lehmann said.

(REUTERS) - Australia coach Darren Lehmann has dismissed suggestions Ryan Harris could be rested for the second Ashes Test against England by promising to keep the same attack that proved so potent in Brisbane for next week’s match in Adelaide. Despite resisting the temptation to change his bowling options, Lehmann told reporters in Adelaide yesterday that his pacemen were likely to adopt different tactics on a pitch that historically favours batsmen. The quick turnaround between the second and third Test, in Perth, prompted media speculation that Australia might look to rest the injury-prone Harris to keep him fresh for the more seamer-friendly WACA pitch. Australia have retained the

same 12-man squad that dished out a 381-run hammering of the tourists at the Gabba to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and Lehmann ruled out any plans to rotate his quick bowlers in Adelaide. “I reckon he’s (Harris) going to be fit,” the former Australia international Lehmann said. “If he’s fully fit, he’ll play. “I have said that all along we’re not changing our stance on that. If he is fit to play, he will play. “We don’t rotate, mate. If you’re fit, you play. The best 11 will play for Australia each and every game.” At the Adelaide Oval, Australia’s pacemen were unlikely to extract the same amount of bounce that they had at the Gabba so the attack would look at different options to tame the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 02, 2013) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230)& CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Bernard Julien and Ron Headley 23 ODIs Today’s Quiz: Who is the first player to hit a double-century on Test debut? How many times Chris Gayle has been dismissed ‘stumped’ in ODI cricket? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

DIFFERENT PLANS “We might have to come up with a few different plans,” the former batting all-rounder added. “We will have to play a different style in this game but still be very aggressive in what we do. “In Brisbane obviously, it had some pace and bounce in it. Adelaide might be a bit different, but it might reverse a bit more and spin a bit more. “So we just have to sum that up as we go. The key is first innings of both sides, making sure you make some big runs or limit the opposition.”

had possession,” City boss Manuel Pellegrini said. “We didn’t play very well in the first half but in the second we scored two goals and had more chances.” City’s task is to emulate their home form on the road where they have been woeful, starting at West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday when Chelsea go to Sunderland and Arsenal host Hull.

VERBAL SPAT Under pressure Spurs boss Villas-Boas accused reporters of having an agenda against after his side’s draw with United, a verbal spat that overshadowed an improved showing by his side after their humiliation at Man City. Kyle Walker fired Spurs in front after 18 minutes with a free kick that went under United’s four-man wall but Rooney showcased his poacher’s instinct to level after 32 following a dreadful mistake by Walker. Sandro’s thunderbolt restored Tottenham’s lead after the break but when Hugo Lloris was adjudged to have brought down Danny Welbeck in the area Rooney strode up to thump his side level with his eighth league goal of the campaign. Even so, United manager David Moyes said he was concerned that the gap to Arsenal was growing. “It’s a busy period coming up and we want to be on the shirt tails of (the leading teams) going into the end of the year, and at the start of next year,” Moyes said. “Undoubtedly Arsenal have been very consistent and they have got off to a great start but there will be a lot of teams now

looking to chase them down and hopefully we are one of them.” Villas-Boas, whose side remained ninth but only three points off the top four, praised his side but spent most of his news conference arguing with a journalist. “People insult by integrity, my human values, my professionalism and one of these people is sitting here,” said the Portuguese who was apparently also riled by former chairman and host of TV show “The Apprentice” Alan Sugar’s midweek Twitter comments saying Spurs should hire Alex Ferguson as manager. Hull, who had never beaten Liverpool, opened the scoring on 20 minutes thanks to a huge slice of good fortune, Jake Livermore’s shot from distance cannoning off the boot of Martin Skrtel and looping over keeper Simon Mignolet. Liverpool levelled thanks to a curling free kick from Steven Gerrard but their lacklustre performance was punished in the second half when David Meyler latched on to a loose ball and buried it into the bottom corner. Skrtel deflected in a Tom Huddlestone shot with three minutes remaining to wrap up the points for Hull

Frank Bruno urges Trott to fight through FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno has urged England cricketer Jonathan Trott to “dig deep” as he continues his recovery from a stress-related condition that forced him to quit the Ashes tour. Warwickshire batsman Trott returned home from Australia after the first Test defeat in Brisbane. “I felt very sorry for him,” said Bruno, who was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2003 and was later diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. “It is brave of him to come out and say he is suffering from

mental health. “All different people are under pressure and people react to pressure differently. “Sometimes when they are under pressure it can bring out depression, manic depression, bipolar disorder, all different things. “It can affect anyone in life. It’s how you handle it. It’s a sad whole situation, depression.” Bruno, though, has backed Trott to fight through his current situation. “The mind is a very powerful thing, and it’s not nice sometimes,” Bruno told BBC 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“You go into a deep hole, you feel down, you don’t want to get out of bed, you feel lazy, lethargic, you don’t want to talk to anyone. “It’s a horrible place to be. I am talking from experience. “I would say to him to look after himself, get some therapy and talk to the right sort of people that can help him get out of it. “Every sportsman is a fighter. “Sometimes when you are in a dark place, it is very hard and easier said than done, but fight through it, dig deep and do what he needs to do. There is light at the end of the tunnel, I always say. “He can definitely come back.”

Ticket deals for cricket fans

ST JOHN’s, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is providing incentives to early bird ticket holders for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) home series against England. The WICB’s corporate communications manager, Imran Khan told the Antigua Observer that cricket fans who purchase tickets on or before December 24 will get two for the price of one. He said that tickets would go on sale in three weeks with unreserved going for $40 (US$14) and reserved costing $55 (US$20). “As soon as ticket sales start, we will be selling tickets two for one so the $40 is actual-

ly going to get you two tickets because you will buy one and you will get one free and that will last up until Christmas Eve,” he said. “I want to emphasise that the promotion, when it starts, will last only up until Christmas Eve. It’s our way of giving back to the Antiguan public for supporting cricket in some very difficult times in the past and we believe that $40 is a very reasonable price especially compared to what you have to pay around the world to watch one day cricket these days. But on top of that, we want to offer this additional special as a giving back to the Antigua

public for Christmas.” Antigua will host the ODI series on February 28, March 2 and 5 which will coincide with the 40 th anniversary of the island’s first international cricketer, Andy Roberts and also mark the setting of two cricket landmarks by former West Indies captain, Brian Lara. “We’ve had several meetings with the stadium authorities and as you know, we have had meetings from very early with the government with regards to the hosting of the one day matches,” he said. “We just had a meeting this week with the ABCA and plans are in place. At this stage, there are no major concerns with

some of the seating having been removed from the Sir Vivian Richards stadium and some of the other seating that’s still in place has deteriorated but we have gotten all assurances that those will be replaced. “ T h e re i s s t i l l s o m e amount of time between now and the matches with the first match being on February 28. So there are three full months and those seats have been sourced and they should be in place well in advance of the first day’s play,” said Khan. England will conclude its tour of the Caribbean with three Twenty20 matches on March 9, 11 and 13 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday December 2, 2013

JKA/WF Guyana Examinations

87 students graded successfully at final examinations

A TOTAL of 87 students were successful two Saturdays ago, when the Japan Karate Association/World Federation Guyana hosted its final grading exercise for 2013, at their Thomas Lands based headquarters. “Pleased” and “improvements” were amongst the sentiments expressed by parents and others in attendance as Chief Instructor and fourth dan Sensei Christopher Chaves and his team conducted the grading exercise. Seventy-two (72) of the students, who were successful, came from the JKA/WF Guyana Georgetown and Craig East Bank Demerara Dojos and after this exercise, Sensei Chaves and his team travelled to Berbice to conduct grading exercise, there, with the combined Dojo’s of Port Mourant and Canje which saw another

Sensei Christopher Chaves and his team pose with students from the Canje dojo after the grading examinations.

15 students undergoing examinations and promotions. Upon completion, Sensei Chaves and his team enjoyed the hospitality and company of the Berbice students who catered for showing off their culinary skills. In his closing remarks, Sensei Chaves took the time to emphasise the need for students to continue to train as that’s the secret to Karate-do, announcing that the next grading exercise will be a big one slated to be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall sometime in March or April next year, under the instructions of sixth Dan – Japanese “A” Class Instructor and Judge, Sensei Yasuaki Nagatomo. In addition to the colour ranks, students, amongst whom will be the first batch of examinees from the newly opened Mae’s Primary School Dojo, will also be testing for Shodan (1 st Dan) and Nidan (2 nd Dan) and also notable is

their upcoming participation in the 2014 Japan Karate Association/World Federation America Karate Camp and Tournament, set for Panama City, Panama in June. Mentionable for JKA/ WF Guyana in 2013 were the establishing of two new Dojos at Craig which has been in operation since September 2102) and Mae’s Primary School who practices the art at Millington Street, Campbelville and now boasts a membership in excess of 22 students. Sensei Chaves stated that these are in line with their aim to spread this rich Japanese art form throughout Guyana, adding that they will be aspiring in 2014 to have Dojo’s on the East Coast of Demerara as well as the West Bank/West Coast Demerara. Special thanks were expressed to his team, parents, spectators, sponsors and well wishers for contributions toward making this grading exercise what it was.

New JCA executive looks to fresh thinking to move sport fresh leadership,” said Henry, while adding that he will step away from cricket administration and focus on his job as an engineer

Kingston, Jamaica - A need for change. Those were

common words used by the Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven-led team ahead of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) elections last Thursday. The majority of the 101 eligible delegates were apparently convinced. Heaven, the CHASE Fund CEO swept to an emphatic 71-25 victory over the former JCA first vice-president Milton Henry, who for many, represented the old guard. Henry, who was backed by the outgoing JCA boss Lyndel Wright, conceded that the magnitude of the defeat was telling. “The voters have

Outgoing president of the JCA Lyndel Wright (left) and president-elect Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven at the Jamaica Conference Centre after the JCA elections last Thursday.

supported him (Heaven) strongly,” Henry said after Heaven was declared president at the Jamaica Conference Centre.

Additionally, Heaven’s entire executive slate won by similarly gaping margins. “The delegates decided they want a change and they want to have

The confident Heaven said his team had “presented the way forward” for Jamaica’s cricket. That, he believes, won over the minds of the electorate. Dr Donovan Bennett, the second vice-president in Wright’s previous administration, beat Major Radcliffe Daley 69-28 for the job of first vice-president. Dr Bennett has worked with Heaven before and he is confident in the latter man’s ability to garner revenue for the severely under-funded JCA. “We were short of fresh thinking. We now have Mr

Billy Heaven, who I worked with at the CHASE Fund for four years. I know his capabilities and I really expect him to bring in new ideas and new partners. We should be able to access the funding to move the programmes forward,” Dr Bennett said. West Indies fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh turned back the challenge of South West St Ann member of parliament Keith Walford in an 80-17 rout for the job of second vice-president. Walsh expects an increase in financial support will help the association to organise a greater number of cricket competitions. “We have some plans that we want to execute. Cricket is going to be on the front-burner

for sure,” said the former regional team captain. Fritz Harris, who, like Dr Bennett, was a part of the previous executive, beat Junior Stewart 75-21 for secretary; Clinton Clarke won 69-24 against Major Marlon Kennedy for assistant secretary; Wayne Sutherland defeated Nigel Logan 64-29 for treasurer; and Hopeton Morrison beat Mark Hill 67-26 for assistant treasurer. The elected board of directors are Baron Watson, Leston Pinnock, Lynden James, Deltonio Williams, Daren Powell, Cecil Fletcher, Wavell Hinds, Osmond Dann, Akshai Mansingh, Wayne Lewis, Mark Neita and Keith Campbell. (First Published In The Jamaica Observer.)

Bahamas ‘on track’ to stage IAAF Relays NASSAU, Bahamas, (CMC) – The Bahamas has reassured the International Association of Athletics Federeation (IAAF) that it stands ready to stage the inaugural World Relays next year. A delegation from the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 local organising committee (LOC), including sport minister Dr Daniel Johnson recently provided an update to the IAAF Council in Monaco. Bahamas will host the World Relays at the Thomas A

Robinson Stadium in Nassau, May 24-25, 2014 and members of the LOC have been updating the governing body about the preparations. During the meeting they also confirmed that transportation between the team hotels should be swift and smooth and the main route will incorporate a dual carriageway between the hotels and the stadium, with police escort. The LOC said that access to The Bahamas’ capital, Nassau will be smooth as the new

wing to the local international airport has recently been opened. The LOC Bahamas 2014 also reiterated that plans for a junior relay meet, incorporating The Bahamas’ top teams, would take place before the main competition programme each day immediately before performances by the elite athletes. The IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 is expected to welcome more than 700 athletes and 300 team officials, from more than 40 nations.

“I congratulate the organizing committee for their professional presentation of high quality,” said IAAF Council Member Nawal El Moutawakel, in praising The Bahamas LOC. Noting that she was impressed with the calibre of the delegation, she added that the IAAF has rarely had the presence of past international athletes and high-ranking government officials for a progress report. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s newly appointed

leader for sports tourism, Olympian Greg Rolle, was a part of the team that provided assurances to the IAAF that the islands of The Bahamas are ready to provide the best in world class hospitality for the great event. “We are continuing to work towards making this event a success – there is a sense of confidence and excitement for the event,” said LOC Chairman Keith Parker. Also expressing satisfaction with the Council response and promises, LOC Vice Chairman

and President of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Mike Sands said: “We are looking forward to delivering a first class event, always keeping up with the IAAF standards and expectations.” The LOC also announced that a communications plan, including a very aggressive promotion plan for ticket sales, will commence this month and discussions with sponsors were well advanced and announcements, including a title sponsor, were imminent.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

JKA/WF Guyana Examinations

87 students graded successfully at final examinations Please see story on page 27

Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival

Canadian teams Revamp and Toros continue their dominance on day three By Michael DaSilva

CANADA’s men’s team Revamp and their distaff Toros, continued their dominance on day three of the Guyana Hockey Board’s Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey festival on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The Canadian men’s side Revamp trashed Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) 11-3 after leading 3-1 at the end of the first session, while Toronto Toros, the Canadian ladies side defeated Trinidad and Tobago’s magnolias 7-4. The Revamp team came

back later in the evening and disposed of Old Fort men’s by an 8=0 margin. The star of the Revamp side was Guyanese born Jonathan Roberts who plays internationally for Canada. He scored a total of nine goals in the two matches, six against his former club Old Fort and three versus GCC. Roberts who got involved in the game at a very tender age scored three field goals against GCC in the 9th, 21st and 31st minute and he was supported by J. Bath who netted a helmet-trick in the 4th, 25th, 32nd and 40th minute.

Bath’s first two goals were from penalty corners while the other two were field goals. S. Rajaram supported with two field goals in the 35th and 38th minute, while S. Sandison and J. Brancho scored one goal each in the eight and 26th minute, respectively. For GCC, D. Semple was on target in the 13th minute with a field goal, while K. Mckenzie and Kevin Spencer both scored field goals in the 24th and 38th minute, respectively. In Revamp’s 8-0 win against Old Fort, Roberts

Please see page 25

GCC goal keeper Eric Hing making a brilliant save.

Sammy’s rallying call for players

Sunil Narine stretches during a training session yesterday at University Oval. (Photo by: Adriel Richard/ WICB Media).

WEST Indies captain Darren Sammy has challenged his side to hit the ground running when they begin their three-Test series in New Zealand. The Windies go into the first Test in Dunedin tomorrow (Monday afternoon Caribbean time) looking to bounce back from a tough tour of India, in which they lost both Tests by an innings. New Zealand will almost certainly prove less stubborn opposition, having not won a Test all year, but Sammy knows the tourists will have to adapt quickly to conditions vastly different to those they experienced in India. “It’s the life of a professional sportsman,” Sammy said on www. windiescricket.com. “One minute, you are in the hot and crazy fan atmosphere of India, and the next day you are in New Zealand, Dunedin, where the breeze can blow you off your feet. “We won’t make any excuses. We will have to come and hit the ground running. “People might say India did not go well for us, but this is a new challenge, a new chance to focus and finish the year on a high. “We have a lot of respect for our opponents and we know New Zealand can be a very competitive side, especially at home. We recall that England were the number one side in the world when they visited last year and they drew 1-1. They found the cricket difficult, so we expect the same.” Sammy knows the team will be under less media scrutiny

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than in India, when the sporting world was focused on Sachin Tendulkar’s last innings in international cricket. “This is a different environment,” he said. “In India, it’s cricket-crazy and it was all about Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell from the game and the media was all crazy. But here, it’s a bit more peaceful and guys can relax, not so many cameras in their face, and we can focus on the game of cricket. “There are a number of guys that want to bounce back, myself included. I did not have a good time in India and I want to come out and reassert myself as a Test captain and player, and many of the players want to do the same following the humiliation in India.” The Windies will be weakened by the absence of Kemar Roach through injury, meaning Tino Best is in line to lead the attack. New Zealand will be looking for improvement after their last two Tests ended in consecutive draws in Bangladesh. They have a doubt over batsman Kane Williamson, though, who has a thumb problem. “It comes down to the medical staff and myself talking,” he said on www.stuff.co.nz. “That’s what we need to discuss [the risk] because it won’t be 100 per cent and the way it can be managed still needs to be discussed depending on the recovery in the next few days.” Aaron Redmond is poised to come into the team should Williamson not play (PA Sport).

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2013