15th Nov 2013

Crime down in Berbice

couple say sons being treated poorly in state care

Sharma tells Moblissa residents to collect toll from trucks

AFC ties setup of PPC to retabling of antimoney laundering bill Gopaul represents Guyana at OAS labour conference

Tassa training added to programme of King’s Duck Curry Competition

friday, november 15, 2013 | guyanatimeSgy.com

Sharma tells Moblissa residents to collect toll from trucks

Issues affecting residents of Moblissa on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway were brought to the forefront as Region 10 officials visited the community recently.

Region 10 Chairman

Sharma Solomon and Region 10 Member of Parliament

Vanessa Kissoon told residents that there was a dire need for telecommunications services in the community. Sharma said residents were encouraged to have a toll booth established at a strategic location, which will assist in boosting the community economically.

Region 10 officials, as well as residents of Moblissa, are also calling for the Moblissa Nursery School, which currently falls within the catchment area of Region Four, to be integrated under the Region 10 education system. Solomon said he hopes to have the issue resolved by the start of the new school term, noting

that it will bring some ease in dealing with matters such as school registration, which can be dealt with in nearby Linden, rather than in Georgetown.

It was decided that residents would make recommendations and sign a petition on the issue.

Residents have also suggested that the clinic in the community be integrated under the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC), which was agreed to Solomon, who pointed out that, as a result, the community would be able to benefit from more medical outreaches.

Infrastructural development

Calls are also being made for the community to improve its infrastructure.

The Region 10 chairman said the Moblissa community is unique in its location, that is, it is part of Region 10 and Region Four. “So many times we have

to ensure that we partner with Region Four to make sure that issues in Moblissa are addressed... so that is the uniqueness of this community, it acts as a bumper zone between the two regions, so what we’re trying to say in terms of how we represent the interest of you, this community, it

is really in the interest of the people, it doesn’t matter where you fall. Once we have people come to our area with concerns, you can be certain that those concerns would be addressed,” Solomon told residents.

He added that the Region 10 RDC is also working on having small-scale farming

dig, may pose an immediate health risk to persons living in the community.

“... it can contaminate your source of water.... It can leach heavy metals into your water table,” the regional chairman explained. He said the RDC-commissioned assessment was conducted by engineer and environmentalist Charles Ceres.

and agricultural projects at Moblissa integrated into its larger farming programme.

He said the RDC will work to have addressed concerns highlighted by residents, including education, infrastructure, welfare, and health. The four priorities of the RDC are the Moblissa main access road, which, according to residents, is severely damaged even after repairs by Chinese logging company Bai Shan Lin; agriculture; schooling; and social services and welfare.

“... how do we ensure that we have welfare programmes in place that single mothers and single people can benefit from… These are some of the issues we want to raise,” he said.

Health issues

According to Solomon, a recent assessment of a pit in the community which was dug by Bai Shan Lin to extract loam revealed that the company extracted approximately 47,000 tonnes of loam. He highlighted that the pit, which the company was not authorised to

Additionally, Solomon told residents, at a recent meeting with the Office of the Prime Minister, it was agreed that Bai Shan Lin would provide an Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Once this is done, Solomon added, it would ensure that persons in the community are not being displaced or adversely affected.

“If that was done, Moblissa would not have been suffering right now... we have not, to date, gotten that ESIA... that pit is less than 20 feet away from the road. It means in the next couple of months, heavy rains will erode that road into that pit. It has already started washing in,” he told residents. Solomon further added that the RDC was uncomfortable with the investments made by Bai Shan Lin in the community, since so far there have not been any mutual benefits.

“We don’t even know why we are actually welcoming this investment and if it’s actually worthy of having it in this region.”

“Companies coming into your community must come with a certain level of principle, which allows them to be good corporate and social responsible entities. They must also be able to give back,” the regional chairman noted.

Officials say this pit, which was dug by Bai Shan Lin, poses a serious health risk to residents

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Govt slams critics of recycling plant MoU

– defends proposed contractor

atural Globe

NGuyana Inc is a legitimate company, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry argued on Thursday night, as it defended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the entity for the establishment of a recycling plant.

Natural Globe Guyana Inc has been tagged as a “ghost” entity by sections of the press since information suggested that it was never registered in Canada, as proclaimed by the head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon.

The Local Government Ministry cleared the air, claiming that the information of sections of the press were inaccurate. According to the ministry, Natural Globe Guyana Inc is a Guyanese-based entity, owned by a Guyanese Canada-based entrepreneur Mohammed Osman who is in the process of becoming a re-migrant.

“This company is also a local consultancy firm that provides integrated solutions for sustainable development in the fields

of solid waste management and specialises in operations in the environmental sector,” the Local Government Ministry noted.

While Natural Globe Guyana Inc has been registered in Guyana, the ministry is contending that the company is partnering with other Canadian agencies, including the John Mogford Enterprise Inc of Ontario Canada. Osman is reportedly the vice president of John Mogford Enterprise Inc, a company that is specialised in recycling wastes to final

products, environmental management, transportation planning, and modular housing projects.

Additionally, Osman is a member of the Tadger’s Fuel Economy Solutions, a key player for environmental management in Ontario.

In an effort to defend the government’s decision to select Natural Globe Guyana Inc over eight other agencies, the Local Government Ministry said the selected agency met the criteria.

“The selection criteria were based on the pro-

posed nature of the recycling programme and its relevance to Guyana’s context of development and sustainability,” explained the ministry.

It was pointed out that the other eight candidates were demanding significant amounts of money, but Natural Globe Guyana Inc on the other hand, proposed a method of operation that did not contain any monetary impact on the state.

The ministry is demanding that these two media houses provide evidence that the Permanent Secretary Collin Croal signed a contract with Natural Globe Guyana Inc to the tune of approximately US$30 million.

“To this effect, [the ministry] is satisfied that there is credible evidence with regards to Mr Osman’s experience, involvement, and expertise in the business of recycling and his initial commitment to invest approximately US$30 million in this particular project and the standard operating procedures were followed in identifying Natural Globe Guyana Inc.”

Local Government and Regional Development

Minister Ganga Persaud

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Christmas skies

Christmas carols are already on the airwaves and that means that there are a lot of Guyanese eyes turned to the skies. Not only to check whether Rudolph and his friendly reindeer will be bringing Santa and his gifts, but also whether the planes from New York bringing even more giftladen cargo and real life Santas will be facilitated by the U.S. government.

Christmas, as every Guyanese would concede, is the biggest festival on the local calendar and thousands of our compatriots from Region 11 would love to be part of the festivities.

The pullout by Delta Airlines in May, however, derailed many of those plans – and the plans of our local business community hoping to cash in on all the U.S. dollars usually pumped into the local economy this season. Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has attempted to fill the gap, along with the new airline on the block, Fly Jamaica, but their applications to fly directly to New York and back have been rejected by the U.S. Civil Aviation Department (CAD).

The additional hours precipitated by the need for the airlines to stop respectively in Trinidad and Jamaica subtracts precious hours from the passengers’ vacation time, not to mention the added tedium.

Even though the U.S. has been pushing its “open skies” policy which is supposed to do just that –open the skies to competition – the CAD contends that the policy applies only between the U.S. and airlines operating from their country of origin. The argument does wear somewhat thin since Guyana’s designation of CAL as its official “Flag Carrier” should have satisfied the condition.

But it was not to be. The U.S. further contended that CAL was being subsidised by the Trinidadian government and this presented “unfair competition” to Delta Airlines, which caused them to quit the Georgetown/New York run.

This sounded rather contrived since, for one, at the time of its decision, Delta had never raised the issue. Secondly, at the time of CAL’s application, Trinidad had announced the cessation of the subsidy, because fellow Caribbean Community (Caricom) members that owned the regional carrier LIAT had complained.

But what was troubling was that Fly Jamaica could not have been accused of the subsidy indiscretion. We can now conclude that many potential Guyanese Christmas visitors will be deterred by the delay and also by the tight availability of seats.

A charter airline, TravelSpan, which had flown the Georgetown/New York route in the past, has also announced it will be running a charter service during the Christmas season. This will definitely help, but Guyanese on both ends of the run are very wary of charter operators – no matter how reliable in the past.

The challenge to these outfits is that operating with one leased aircraft, they and their passengers are left in the lurch when mechanical or other problems develop with the craft, being machined, inevitably will. Replacing planes quickly during the busy Christmas season is almost impossible.

In the meantime, the government of Guyana has worked out an arrangement with CAL in which the in-transit Guyanese passengers to and from Guyana do not have to disembark and face the dreaded Trinidad immigration officials. The horror stories of that experience were legion.

Presently, Trinidad officials board the plane and conduct their document check and search of the plane with the passengers on board. Even though the procedure has elicited some complaints, it is considered light years better than the previous regime.

Surprisingly, Fly Jamaica has been very quiet and almost invisible on the local scene. We hope it is not because it is experiencing the travails of running a one-aircraft airline. The obvious solution to the flight bottleneck is to attract other carriers such as Suriname Airlines or another U.S. airline, even though evidently, the latter option is on the cards.

It does appear that there may be less jingle in the bells this Christmas.

The need for a SWAT team

Dear Editor,

The events of the afternoon of November 13 on Middle Street, Georgetown, where four people were murdered in three hours of terror by a lone gunman have to be addressed. Eventually the police killed him.

However, two heroic officers; Lance Corporal Michael Forde and Constable Sherwin Pantlitz, were also killed in the line of duty. This very sad event has unfortunately demonstrated the urgent need for the setting up of the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) teams within the police force. And we have to ask ourselves, why is it that it is only at times like these that calls are made for such a unit?

Although former president Bharrat Jagdeo called for the police to create such a team over 11 years ago, it was only in October 2013 that Cabinet approved a plan put forth by Police Commissioner Leroy Brummel. Why the delay? The fact is that former Police Commissioner Winston Felix, now the socalled expert for the opposition in crime fighting, shelved the project. His official reason was that such teams are “unnecessary”, and that the present system can deal with the crime situation.

But we can speculate based on the revelations of a now infamous tapped phone conversation and his subsequent actions and statements that the plans were shelved to deny the police

and the people the use of skilled teams to counter acts of terror and insanity like what happened that fateful day.

Through the shelving of the plans for SWAT teams, he attempted to sabotage police effectiveness and subsequently use it as a propaganda ploy on behalf of the People’s National Congress (PNC) during the elections campaign.

Counter to the calls by the opposition that a SWAT team is “unnecessary” we now unfortunately have an obvious and present example of where a SWAT team could have been effectively deployed. These types of police are especially trained for the purposes of hostage rescue and storming locations and buildings where armed men are hiding.

Another obvious example of the use of SWAT would have been in the defeating of the notorious Linden London, aka Blackie, when he was holed up in an Eccles, East Bank Demerara hotel. What about the massacre in Agricola, also on the East Bank, where the gang terrorised that village for a prolonged period, or the hunt for Shawn Brown in Prashad Nagar?

During the crime wave, there were many cases where the police had trapped criminals inside buildings and at locations, but did not have the effective means to storm their positions and subdue these men. These criminals were eventually

able to escape.

The reasons put forth by the opposition against a SWAT team are therefore, shown by evidence, to amount to naught. So the question is why would they oppose the formation of a SWAT team? If we examine their past proclamations against a SWAT, we can see that their statements are very well designed to suit their own purposes.

Their arguments rely on two important factors that use the weaknesses in human psychology to push their agenda. Specifically, they rely on the ability of people to quickly forget the past and of the magician’s trick of misleading. They use the argument that we do not need a SWAT team because barricade situations don’t happen often in Guyana.

In the opposition’s call against SWAT, they have said that their specialised skills are not necessary in Guyana. They want to create the impression that the only use of a SWAT team is to storm buildings to subdue criminals and rescue hostages. But this is a patently incorrect view.

The fact is that SWAT teams are used for many other purposes. They are employed in securing special events, providing security for visiting dignitaries, providing riot control, hunting for criminals in an urban setting, subduing gunmen barricaded in buildings and rescuing of hostages.

In countries like the U.S.,

SWAT teams are used for many diverse roles from patrolling urban areas where gangs operate to serving warrants that are considered high risk as well as protection of foreign dignitaries. Therefore the opposition’s argument that the SWAT would be under utilised in Guyana is just wrong.

Their only motive to oppose the development of SWAT teams in Guyana is to weaken the crime-fighting skill and material of the police and ultimately point fingers at Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

A SWAT team will be given the training and the material support to conduct pacification of criminal elements in an urban setting. The specialist training is necessary for them to perform duties that only an elite team can perform against armed criminals while being responsible and always under the guidance of the law. SWAT team members undergo rigorous training to make them physically skilled as well as prepare them psychologically for the rigours of their duties.

A SWAT is long overdue in Guyana. We have to learn the lessons of these past few years, and together with the number of licensed and unlicensed guns in the country, a special team has to be created that deals with gun crimes which can affect any one of us.

Sincerely, Tony

Jadoopat

A Philippine air force officer hands out orange slices to typhoon survivors as they line up to board a military transport plane on November 12 in Tacloban (CNN photo)

You can send your letters with pictures to:

238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Consumers should be offered goods of high quality

Dear Editor, A meat centre was recently issued a letter by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), instructing it to immediately forfeit the business. This effect came about as a result of the apparent discovery of worm infested meat products by customers. Additionally, a previous investigation by the City Council revealed that the

entity was in fact unlicensed and unregistered. They were instructed to cease all operations, but refused to comply.

Businesses which sell food and other products intended for human consumption should be mandated to comply with basic hygienic requirements and should at all times operate in compliance and accordance to all relevant operational proce-

dures.

The business has also been accused of illegally sourcing beef from suppliers who are not in compliance with the standards of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department.

The owner of the meat centre is currently in custody and is expected to face severe consequences for his insubordinate actions and for pre-

maturely jeopardising and disregarding the health and well-being of his customers.

The action taken was commendable, as consumers should always be offered goods of high quality. Anything less should be dealt with swiftly.

Yours truly, Jameer Mohamed

Severe consequences for reckless drivers

Dear Editor, Just recently, a pandit met his demise when he was struck down by a car in Essequibo. Reports indicate that the driver of the vehicle immediately turned off the car ignition, exited the vehicle and proceeded to remove the mangled bicycle before fleeing the scene.

The elderly man suffered a broken neck which justifies how fast his assailant was driving. The matter is now in the hands of the police who can further launch an investigation to track down the registered owner of the car and hopefully detain the ruthless man who committed such a vicious

crime.

Many people fail to realise that driving is a serious responsibility – it calls for caution, consideration and care on the roadways. It also demands respect for the elderly, children and any other road users.

Individuals who fail to practise safety on the road-

way and who are ill-mannered to others utilising the roadway should be dealt with accordingly. Drivers who are responsible for the merciless and unfortunate deaths of others should face the consequences that they so deserve.

Sincerely, Waheeda

Rohoman

SKYE job bank should unleash potential in youths

Dear Editor, Just recently, the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) project in collaboration with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) launched the “SKYE Job Bank”.

This initiative is expected to unlock potential in approximately 1500 young adults, steering them in an ambitious direction for an

honest approach to earning a living for themselves and their families.

Too often, idle youths are the ones involved in a variety of negative activities. SKYE hopes to target these individuals and help them to maximise on their unique skills and proficiencies. The four-year programme is designed to promote work ready training and livelihood coaching activities to

young individuals between the ages of 15 and 24.

The SKYE job bank is expected to offer their assistance to high school drop outs and other unfortunate individuals. The SKYE project promises to prepare them for the working world by unleashing their potential.

With kind regards, Susan Williams

Diabetic patients need to exercise discipline

Dear Editor, In 2008, the Diabetic Foot Clinic opened its doors to many Guyanese and has since been successfully able to reduce lower limb amputation in diabetic patients by 50 per cent in the past five years. There is still room for improvement, but it calls for cooperation by a few indiscipline patients.

I must commend the facility for the assistance and services that it offers patients. The clinic is considered to have sufficient staff, ample resources and profuse knowledge in foot care.

The clinic promotes foot care as it relates to basic hygiene and diet in diabetics. It is extremely important that a diabetic person take necessary precautions to ensure good health, particularly since eating foods high in sugar can aggravate their circumstances.

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to use glucose nor-

mally and as such requires one’s diet to be closely monitored. This chronic blood condition can easily spiral out of control if diabetic patients fail to exercise healthy eating habits. The main aim is to maintain one’s blood sugar level.

Exercise or some form of physical activity is also important for diabetics. Simple domestic routines and short walks can suffice. The aim is to keep the body active.

Although individuals receive the guidance and advice that they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, many lack the discipline and so fail to do simple things such as take their medication on time and care for their feet.

The onus is left upon these individuals to determine the extent to which they will allow diabetes and their negligence to affect their lives.

Yours sincerely, Jennifer

Poole

Guyana Times,

Page Foundation

Promoting positive behaviour

BY LAURA HUTCHISON

As a parent and a child psychologist

I firmly believe in focusing on reinforcing positive behaviours… as opposed to punishing negative ones. This stems from my knowledge of what behaviourists have studied about human behaviour… and my first hand experience with children. Positive reinforcement works… and also helps foster independence, life skills, and self-esteem. It focuses more on mutual respect than power-differentials. Punishing (such as time-outs and taking away privileges) works too and it is sometimes needed, but if positive behaviours are reinforced regularly there will be less of a need for the punishments… and in turn less power struggles.

Ways to reinforce positive behaviours

Limit setting – using a consistent plan to set limits for your children can promote better behaviour.

Play with your children. Take time to play with them and let them take the lead.

Having a Chore Chart to help remind children of their responsibilities can be another great way to reinforce positive behaviours. Parents can give rewards for tasks that are completed. The Board Dudes Chore Chart is the

best one I have found and it’s what we use at home!

Having realistic expectations is a huge one. Many times parents set their children up for poor behaviour. When children are tired, hungry, un-informed, excluded, overstimulated, under-stimulated/bored, or ill they tend to get a bit cranky… and undesirable behaviours occur. Knowing and following your own child’s schedule and limits can help allow positive behaviours to shine through. Also understanding your child’s own developmental level (not just chronological age) can assist parents in having realistic expectations of their own children.

Focus on the positives . This can be very tricky for parents who are at their wits end with problematic behaviours. It can also be the key to turning things around. Many times parents come into my office so focused on all the things that their child is doing wrong… they are blind to all the wondrous parts. When I feel that the family is trapped in the negative I give them an assignment (that I learned from Scott Riviere, RPT-S). I give the parents a small memo pad and tell them to write down at least five things that their child does right every day. It could be simple things like… you ate your breakfast, you brushed your teeth, etc. I

instruct parents to share the list with the child before bedtime every night. This assignment not only floods the child with positive reinforcement every night… but it also helps the parents shift from focusing on the negative to the positive.

Creating a positive behaviour plan

There are a million ways to do positive behaviour plans, picking one that works best for your family/ child and your ability to be consistent with it is key. When using a positive behaviour plan, it is always best to work on one behaviour at a time. Working on too many issues at once can be difficult and stressful for the child. Another important thing to remember is to continue the behaviour plan for as long as the child wants to continue… even after the behaviour is mastered. This reinforces the positive behaviour. Stopping too early or not being consistent with praise and reward is the most common reason why behaviour plans do not work with children. It also might take a bit of time for the child to get used to the plan… so don’t give up on the plan quickly. Give it some time… even a few weeks may be necessary… before results are seen.

Behaviour plans can be used for any behaviour. Examples are potty training or eliminating hit -

ting/fighting, lying, stealing, talking back, failing to finish homework, pulling out hair (trichotillomania), etc. If it is a behaviour that happens frequently, short increments of time will needed to be measured (such as by the hour or halfday). For other instances it makes more sense to measure by the day, week, or month. When the child has mastered a certain amount of time free from doing the undesired behaviour the time can then be lengthened. I describe this to the child as be able to move to the “next level” like in a video game.

Tracking progress can be done in a number of ways… from a simple graph drawn out on paper, to a chart made from a spreadsheet programme… to more creative ways like sticker charts and marble or fuzzy jars.

Sticker charts can be just a piece of paper with the goal written on top where the child adds a sticker for each desirable behaviour (like each time they use the potty). Or they can be made into a bar graph… one row for each day of the week, one sticker for each time they completed the desired behaviour (like one sticker for each hour they did not talk back to an adult). (http://

blog.playdrhutch.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

20 ways to bring out the best in your children

* Love your children unconditionally – irrespective of whether they “behave nicely,” clean up their room, and do their homework. Your love must go beyond this. Your children will feel it.

* Each day tell your children that you love them. All you have to say is three words, “I love you.” If this is difficult for you, that is a sign you really need to say it.

* Speak and act in ways that give your children a positive self-image. Believe in your child. Believe in his abilities and potential. Say explicitly, “I believe in you.” How do you know when you are successful at this? When your child says, “I see that you believe in me.”

* Be a role model for the traits and qualities that you want your children to possess. Share your day with your children so they know what you do and can learn from you and your experiences.

* Clarify the main positive qualities you want your child to develop. Keep praising those qualities. Reinforce each quality when your child speaks or acts in ways consistent with that quality.

* Each child is unique and different. Understand each child’s uniqueness and take

it into consideration when a challenge arises. Don’t take the “cookie cutter” approach. A method of discipline that inspires one child may discourage another.

* Word your comments positively. Focus on the outcome you want. Say: “By developing this quality (for example, taking action right away), you will be more successful in life.” (Rather than saying the negative.)

* Keep asking yourself, what is the wisest thing to say to my child right now? Especially, say this when your child has messed up.

* Read great books to your children.

* When you come across a story that has an important positive lesson for your child, relate it. Look for stories that teach lessons. Ask people for stories that had a positive influence on their lives.

* Create a calm, loving, anger-free atmosphere in your home. Consistently speak in a calm and loving tone of voice. See, hear, and feel yourself being a calm person who has mastered the ability to maintain an emotional and mental state that is centred, focused and flowing.

* Master patience. Life is a seminar in character development. Your children are your partners in helping you become a more patient person. Even when challenges arise, speak in a tone of voice that is balanced.

* If you make a mistake when interacting with your children, apologise. Ultimately they will respect you more than if you try to deny the mistake.

* Watch other parents interact with their children. Notice what you like. Apply the positive patterns.

* In watching other parents, also notice what you don’t like. Think about ways that you might be doing the same. Resolve not to speak and act that way.

* Keep asking people you know and meet, “What did you like about what your parents said and did?”

* Every day, express gratitude in front of your children. Ask them regularly, “What are you grateful for?”

* Become a master at evaluating events, situations and occurrences in a realistic positive way. Frequently ask your children, “What would be a positive way of looking at this?”, or “How can we grow from this?”

* When your children make mistakes, help them learn from those mistakes.

* Each and every day, ask yourself, “What can I say and do to be an even better parent?”

(Simple to remember)

AFC ties set-up of PPC to retabling of anti-laundering bill

The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Thursday signalled its willingness to support the retabling of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, but maintained that the operationalisation of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is a prerequisite.

Addressing the press at the Sidewalk Café, AFC General Secretary David Patterson said the alliance was optimistic that steps could be taken to salvage the anti-money laundering bill, which was defeated in the National Assembly last Thursday. If it returns to the House during this session, he opined that it could yield the desired result.

“The party may be willing to consider the suspension of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly in order to facilitate the bill being brought back to the House, but, must be assured that there will not be another stalemate,” Patterson told the press.

He made it clear that the PPC must be operation-

Capoey man gets bail on sex charge

Eighteen-year-old Owen Francis, from Capoey Amerindian Village on the Essequibo Coast, was charged for trespass with the intent of committing a sexual offence.

Francis appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. According to a police report, on November 11, Francis, entered the home of a Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) member stationed there, around 23:30h, and laid on top of her. He was said to be armed with a knife.

The volunteer, who has served in the community as a teacher for two months now, raised an alarm and the defendant made good his escape. Francis was later arrested and charged.

He was granted bail in the sum of $25,000 on the condition that he does not make any direct or indirect contact with the virtual complainant.

The matter is adjourned until December 11.

alised under the existing Procurement Act, noting that it can be done simultaneously as a parliamentary special select committee reviews the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill. He explained that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) must submit its nominees for the PPC, noting that the APNU had already submitted its five names and the AFC, its two. “That body will sit and select the five best suitable persons... it then goes to

Parliament, the five persons are elected by Parliament and then the president appoints them. Then the minister should pass the financial bill to ensure that there is funding for this group,” he added, noting that “all can be done in a short space of time once we have political will”.

However, he made it clear that the passage of the anti-money laundering bill is highly dependent on the PPP/C, noting that the ball is in its court. Guyana has until November 18 to pass the legislation in an effort to comply with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) requirements.

Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)

In response to government’s move to establish and operationalise a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to investigate financial crimes, the AFC general secretary opined that it was a move in the right direction but was a bit too late.

The party’s treasurer and executive member,

Dominic Gaskin, said major emphasis should be placed on the implementation of SOCU. “We have a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), it has been in place for some four years now and it fails to investigate a suspicious incident where an investor is now charged in the United States for theft and using the proceeds of that theft to establish an airline in Guyana – very visible business and that never seemed to caught the attention of the FIU,” he explained.

SOCU will be established in keeping with CFATF recommendations. It will investigate suspected financial transactions suggestive of money laundering and financing of terrorism, in keeping with Guyana’s treaty obligation to CFATF.

The FIU was established under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009, with the primary objective to monitor the financial sector. According to Dr Luncheon, SOCU will raise the bar from monitoring the sector to investigating.

friday, november 15, 2013 |

Party urges Guyanese to pressure govt on constitutional rights

Alliance For Change (AFC) executive member Dominic Gaskin said the time has come for Guyanese to demand their constitutional rights. “The Alliance For Change is calling all Guyanese to take a stand and demand their constitutional rights,” he said at a press conference at the Sidewalk Café on Thursday.

Guyanese must demand the appointment of an ombudsman, the right to a Human Rights Commission and the right to a Public Procurement Commission.

“For too long Guyanese have been denied these rights,” he opined, noting that the government has failed to take the necessary steps to full the offices.

“We recognise that filling these offices calls for consultations between the president and the leader of the opposition and we call on the holder of these two offices to get on with the job.”According to Gaskin, to leave these critical offices vacant is to betray democracy and the oath taken to uphold the Constitution of the country.

Gaskin said the president, ministers, and other elected officials must be brought to task for this state of affairs. “It is time for all citizens, in their private capacity and through civil society representative organisations and non-governmental organisations to demand all our constitutional rights.”

The AFC executive member said the government should give similar attention to the offices of the other commissions, Public Service Appellate Tribunal, and ombudsman, as that given to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

In addition, he said it did not harbour well for the promotion and preservation of law when the nation’s Constitution, the supreme law of the land, is being subverted by way of non-compliance or disregard for sections of that document.

AFC executive member Dominic Gaskin

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

Friday, november 15, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Fruit vendor charged with unlawful wounding

On Thursday, a fruit vendor made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan where he was slapped with an unlawful wounding charge.

Ravi Rajkumar, 18, of Lot 83 Sand Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on November 13 at Wellington Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Joseph Paris.

According to Prosecutor Dinero Jones, on the day in question around 00:30h, the accused was walking along Wellington Street when Paris came up to him and demanded that he hand over his valuables. Rajkumar pulled out a pair of scissors and dealt the VC four stabs. Paris made an escape with the injured VC’s chain into a yard and Rajkumar subsequently called the police.

Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who represented the defendant stated that his client re-

ceived cuts on his hands and body when he was allegedly being robbed by the complainant. He also made an application for reasonable bail for his client.

The victim was not present in court but was represented by his wife Donna Paris who informed the court that her husband is sick.

There were no objections to bail raised by the prosecution and it was granted in the sum of $10,000 and the matter is set to return on November 21.

Man in court for assaulting girlfriend and damaging her clothing

A24-year-old man was on Thursday granted bail in the sum of $10,000 after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges against him.

Dason Joseph of Lot 89 Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 11 at Railway

Line, Kitty, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged a quantity of clothing valued $30,000, property of Leslie Gorring. It was further alleged that on the same day, he unlawfully assaulted Gorring. He also denied this allegation.

According to the prosecution’s facts, both parties shared a relationship and were at their home at Lot 29 Railway

Man jailed for

ring, phone

Forty-two-year-old

Gary Johnson from Danielstown Village on the Essequibo Coast was sentenced to two years in prison after he was found guilty of break and enter and larceny. He appeared before

Line, Kitty Georgetown, making jokes with each other. The complainant’s cellphone rang and Joseph snatched it. He then began to accuse her of having another man call her which resulted in him headbutting and pushed her down the stairs.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not object to bail and the matter stands adjourned to November 26.

stealing diamond

Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where the sentence was handed down. According to reports, on November 5, 2013, Johnson was drinking at Balram Singh Liquor Shop when he alleged-

ly stole one diamond ring, a cellphone, and $5000 cash.

The cellphone and ring were recovered. Magistrate Scarce found Johnson guilty of the act and sentenced him. Johnson was not represented by an attorney.

Eyew tness

Spinning wheels...

...on constitutional change

There’s a whole lot of hot air being spouted over proposals for constitutional change as the silver bullet to fix Guyana’s political logjam. We think these guys and gals are deluding themselves. They’re putting the cart before the horse.

Political problems – which are always about allocating power between groups – demand political solutions. The competing groups have to first accept and then be committed about their decisions on how power is divvied. Then and only then, you write a constitution.

A constitution, if it is said to contribute anything to the political system, is only the written agreement by the power seekers. Nothing more; nothing less. Forbes Burnham, who knew a thing or two about power – having craved it and sought it all his life – was amused about the amount of time the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) devoted to crafting a constitution just before independence.

Burnham said it didn’t matter what constitution he was given, once he was ensconced in office, he’d then exercise power in whatever manner he wanted. And so said, so done. As we all know to our cost.

Ralph Ramkarran is from the PPP old school. He probably still remembers Fenton Ramsahoye’s diligence at crafting just the right constitution to fix Guyana’s problems. He’s probably the only one... and therein lies the moral of the story.

Burnham’s realist view of power trumped them all just as his followers’, such as David Granger’s, will trump them again – if they’re allowed through the gates. The People’s National Congress (PNC), nurtured and sustained by the philosophy of Burnham, just wants to get a toe into the door.

And it has nothing to do with Robert Michels “Iron law of Oligarchy” – which posits that, in any organisation, some small group will inevitably accrete power. It has to do more with Burnham’s mentor Niccolò Machiavelli, who posited that the prince SHOULD – as a matter of good politics –seize control of all power.

To be taken seriously, the opposition must demonstrate it has changed its stripes before we can talk about constitutions. And luckily, all Guyana

– with the exception of earnest Ramkarran – has seen it’s the same ole, same ole. Their latest power play over the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill (AMLCFT) demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that the inheritors of Burnham’s mantle will use whatever shred of power they have to go for the opponent’s jugular. Even if it means it’s the country that’ll bleed to death.

From the AFC’s crude attempt at political blackmail to form the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) –so Suspenders Ram and Anand Goolsarran can finally become employed – they’re just as Machiavellian.

...on spinning lies

One can excuse “Dem Boys” for not knowing the difference between “prima facie” and “pruney faces”. What can we expect from fellas who write what they gossip about in rum shops? So when Dem Boys Seh that the Muckraker and its owner Mohan “Glenn” Lall won the libel case NEW GPC INC had brought against them in New York, nobody gave them any mind. Where ignorance is bliss, it’s folly to be wise and all that.

But imagine when Capitol News exhibited the same ignorance of the law and its proceedings –but in their oleaginous tones and pompous air that pretends to knowledge! Are all in the opposition so loyal to the cause they’d jettison even the vestigial professional standards they possess?

All the New York judge said was even though the allegations of the Muckraker were patently false and ordinarily libellous, in the U.S. they give the press a greater leeway. So come January, all NEW GPC INC has to do is present proof that at the time the Muckraker published the allegations, they KNEW it was false.

After all that was published, that’s a done deal!

...with public servants

Patrick Yarde, along with Lincoln Lewis, has to periodically utter some inanity or other to show he’s still relevant. He’s at it again with his 25 per cent salary increase demand. When will public servants get rid of this albatross?

Canadian couple say sons being treated poorly in state care

– child care agency director, housekeeper deny allegations

By Michael younge

ACanadian couple has strongly criticised the local Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) for the quality of care their children, who they said were “grabbed illegally” from them, are receiving. The couple cited the poor living conditions and violence to which their children are exposed in state care.

Twenty-eight-year-old Guyanese-Canadian Paul Defreitas called on the agency to return his two children aged three and nine, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Monday.

He is contending, along with his Canada-born wife Esther, that his sons received better care when they were with them. He alleged that his Canadian sons are now exposed to high levels of violence, bullying from children, poor nutrition and unsanitary conditions.

Worried

“I am worried that my son is directly opened to violence in the home. There’s children fighting in the home and that’s all he really wants to do now,” Defreitas said.

He explained that the children are not reprimanded for their behaviour and alleged that his sons are forced to drink bleached water daily. “I am concerned that the child care protection services has not really spoken to us or even offered counselling for the children. They have been there for two months now and nobody has spoken to them…”

“They are not putting him in school and they are not teaching him anything from their hearts or their

heads and so my son is in the most danger he has ever been in because he is surrounded by violence.”

Locked in room

He also complained that the officials at the home were locking children in “a room with adults and nobody knew what was happening to them”, and further alleged that five officers were beating the children with pieces of “wood” and “sticks”.

The concerned father said at least four reports were lodged with officials at the agency but nothing appeared to have been done.

His wife added that their concerns have also been raised with the relevant Canadian authorities. “I feel that this is an extremely frustrating experience. I have discussed the things we are talking about with the High Commission in Canada. They claim to be doing what they can in order to bring the boys back to Toronto, as that’s their main objective. As it relates to the things that are happening over here, they advised

to get legal action,” she disclosed.

She contended too that the commission was not getting enough information from Guyana about the children.

“… I want my sons to be back in a safe place, which to me right now is with the family in Toronto until we could get all of this stuff here sorted out.”

“I want to see justice served for the action and illegal actions taken against us. We were even arrested without warrants.”

Allegations denied

When questioned about the concerns raised by the parents, the Administrator and Houses Services Supervisor Roxanne Blenman denied the charges, stating that the institution took special care of the boys.

“That is very untrue. I have receipts to show that we buy drinking water from Banks DIH. Also, we are given portable purification from the Ministry of Health which we use for the children. There are no insanitary conditions here when it comes to the water. Our reservoir is also treated every week with bleach which is used for bathing, washing... and we have maids that clean the place sometimes three times every day,” she said when told of the charges.

Blenman said the boys were in a terrible state when they were taken into care, as one had a serious cold while the other was beaten badly.

“The children have not been taught discipline.... No, no we don’t beat them, we take them into a little room where we have timeout with

“Reckless” pickup driver allegedly caused death of policeman

Police said the accident in which one traffic rank was killed while another was seriously injured on Wednesday afternoon was caused when the driver of a stationary motor pickup suddenly drove off on the East Bank Essequibo (EBE) Public Road.

The accident occurred around 14:00h. Dead is 21-year-old Police Constable 22082 Shaquail Anderson of Tuschen Housing Scheme, EBE. He was stationed at the Parika Police Station and attached to the traffic department. The injured officer has been identified as Constable 21482 Sadikie Fraser, also of the same station and department.

Guyana Times understands that the two officers were on a motorcycle when the accident oc -

curred at Zeelugt Public Road, EBE. Anderson was the pillion rider. According to a release from the police, Fraser was in the process of overtaking the stationary motor pickup, when the driv -

er suddenly drove off and then made a U-turn which resulted in the collision.

The ranks were rushed to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital. Constable Anderson succumbed to his injuries while being treated. Constable Fraser is still at the medical facility receiving treatment. The driver is in custody, assisting with the investigations.

Anderson leaves to mourn his younger sister, mother, and grandmother.

This accident has taken fatalities on the road to more than 80 for the year and increased the number of ranks killed this week. On Tuesday, two police officers were killed on duty after a businessman went berserk and began firing rounds indiscriminately, also killing two civilians and injuring another.

a staff that sits with them. ”

Defreitas’ nine-year-old son was apparently badly beaten after he set a fire in a bathroom and lied.

Child Care and Protection Agency Director Ann Greene dismissed the allegations by the parents who she said were not “fit” at this time to care for the abused children. “This matter is in the courts and I don’t want to say much about what’s taking place there or this issue... but we responded to repeated reports of the children being abused by their parents. We rescued them,” she insisted.

Greene explained that the children were examined by a doctor and eventually the parents were charged for disorderly behaviour and mistreatment as well as neglect.

Institutional care

The director also disclosed that the children were placed in temporary institutional care while attempts are made to have them sent back to Canada to other relatives or placed in alternative care programmes while the parents stand trial here.

She also denied allegations that the Canadian authorities were not being kept abreast of the situation, saying reports have been exchanged with the local high commission and the child and social care authorities in Canada.

“Institutional care is not the best care for children; this is the main reason that the agency is promoting family-based care for children in need of alternative care and are trying desperately to have institutional care as a last resort and for short a time as possible,” she noted.

Man dies while trying to save life

Aman died Wednesday afternoon after jumping off a trailer in an attempt to save his life in Berbice.

According to a police release about 15:30h Wednesday, Cleveland George, 45, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was travelling on a trailer transporting logs that were attached to a motor lorry along the UNAMICO Trail, Berbice River, when the trailer swayed.

George is alleged to have jumped off the trailer and received injuries. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Kwakwani Hospital. The driver of the motor vehicle is in police custody, assisting with the investigations.

Current political formula

a proven failure

– imagine where our country would be without a hostile opposition

Over the past two years, in spite of the political blockade by the opposition parties, our economy is forging ahead, but we all have to acknowledge that the nation is likely to feel the hangover for a while after two years of meaningless budget cuts and now possible sanctions. No doubt, the consequences of the failure of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/ Alliance For Change (AFC) to support the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill (AMLCFT) will affect our nation and each of us.

The political standoff created by a hostile Parliament as it relates to Guyana’s economy has affected each citizen, yet we must set our heights on forging ahead.

The Robert Corbin People’s National Congress (PNC) is no longer around. During that period we saw relationships being built on national Issues, even though other disagreements existed. Many times, the former President Bharrat Jagdeo and then Opposition Leader Corbin would meet on national issues and get consensus.

Many of us, even when we opposed government policies in the past, always presented alternative plans or ideas. The current configuration of APNU/ AFC takes an arrogant approach on national issues and is bent on bringing our economy to a standstill. The anti-business stance is even more troubling. Many of us have fought hard to have the private sector become strong, vibrant, and truly the engine of growth for Guyana.

Government has contributed by modifying tax regulations and other impediments, only now to see the combined opposition attempting to block the business community from functioning effectively. The opposition’s refusal to acknowledge the Private Sector Commission (PSC) petition demonstrated their lack of understanding of why they are parliamentarians.

They are there to represent the people of our nation, not to be opposing every national policy. They present no alternative plans, but enjoy the “MP” (Member of Parliament) after their name, duty-free concessions and allowances.

Squandering their chance

At the last election, many thought that the formula of a minority government and a majority Parliament would have been a good formula. What has been proven over and over is that this formula is detrimental to the success of our country.

In many countries, the swing fluctuates, where the government of the day also has control of the legislative branch.

For any formula to work in any country, all entities of the political spectrum must have a national focus.

A recent example in the U.S.: after three weeks of a government shutdown, the Republicans realised that national implications and an economy slowdown would affect their country and voted to end the shutdown. National focus won. Yes, they will continue to

fight for their ideology and go back to the voters for support.

Back to our current formula, I believe we need to go back to the polls. The population has had two years to assess the results of a one-seat majority in Parliament. The opposition’s failure to move our economy along, their failure to support the business community, and their lack of alternative plans will give voters a chance to reflect on their decision. If we wait the five years, our economy may never get a chance to recover.

Private sector test

Our current recurring budget battles are having a cumulative effect. We must continue to have an optimistic approach to our nation’s growth and will require an even more vibrant private sector to take the lead. We have to propel the business community to continue the growth pattern and hopefully, we can avoid major sanctions due to the failure of the opposition to support the AMLCFT Bill.

Imagine where our economy would be if our economic growth was a national focus of all parties. Pressure is always on the current government to lead the charge. Two years ago, I said our economy was poised to accelerate, and many business leaders I have spoken to believed that we could have tuned out some of the rancour of Parliament.

I never predicted that the AFC would have become antigrowth and anti-business. It was expected of APNU with their current leadership configuration. We have to make sure we don’t continue to fall down the fiscal flight of stairs to where we cannot recover and compete within our region. Foreign investment, as I have said in the past, is at major risk. Political risk insurance is becoming an expensive deterrent for large investors. The Economist reported that Sithe Global had a US$56 million political risk insurance policy to pay. Latin America’s new resilience and faster growth is starting to attract increased interest from outsiders. I believe a richer Guyana is possible. We just have to make our growth a national focus.

Everyone accepts the fact that APNU leaders lack economic experience and are bent on bringing Guyana to a standstill. What is more surprising is AFC disappointing the nation and its alignment with APNU on issues that affect our nation.

The AFC has failed to understand that as the balance of power, it is the party’s job to weigh in on issues of national focus and regardless of the political situation, Guyana’s interest should always be first.

CCPA Director Ann Greene dismissed the allegations

Dead Constable Shaquail Anderson

By Dr Peter R Ramsaroop, Vision Guyana chairman

Gopaul represents Guyana at OAS labour conference

Guyana’s Labour Minister, Dr Nanda K Gopaul, participated in the XVIII InterAmerican Conference of Ministers of Labour of the Organisation of American States in Medellin, Columbia earlier this week.

De town clerk got a lotta wuk to do

DCelebrating 50 years of inter-American dialogue on labour and employment, the conference provided opportunities for reflection on advances achieved, as well as future challenges. Among

The Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour is the premier hemispheric forum for the discussion of labour matters at the ministerial level.

the relevant issues addressed were the articulation of economic and labour policies for the promotion of decent work and social inclusion, employment as a keystone of equality and development, the protection of workers’ rights, and social dialogue, all of which permeate the declaration and plan

of action that was adopted during the November 11-12 meeting.

This conference was preceded by two preparatory meeting, the last of which was held in Washington September last to negotiate the draft declaration and draft plan of action.

Rohee pleased with police’s Christmas security plan

The Home Affairs Ministry supports the Guyana Police Force’s policing arrangements for the holiday season, the government department said.

In a statement, the ministry said during this period, there will be increased com-

mercial activities including an increase in traffic and these efforts by the Guyana Police Force are all aimed at ensuring that citizens and visitors carry out their activities in a safe and secure environment. Subject minister Clement Rohee has been

working to facilitate the improvement of the force’s capacity to better serve the Guyanese public.

The Home Affairs Ministry is urging citizens to be security conscious at this time, to safeguard their residences and personal property and to

report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood, to the nearest police station.

“The ministry is also seeking the cooperation of citizens in ensuring the success of these arrangements that are currently being implemented. We take this opportunity to laud the efforts of the Guyana Police Force and wish all Guyanese a safe and hazard-free holiday season,” the statement ended.

e actin town clerk Carol Sober look like she doing a lotta wuk at de s*ity council. But she not doin enough by any means. It got a lotta wuk still to be done. Sober need to find wuk fuh de mayor-fuh-life Green Ham and fuh de letter writin officer, aka PRO, Roy Stone do at de s*ity council. That is de hardest part of de town clerk wuk. De two of dem, meanin de mayorfuh-life and de letter writin officer, ain’t got a ting to do whole day.

And dem actually got all day to do nutten. A councillor at de s*ity council seh de mayor-fuh-life and de letter writin officer does actually tek all day to complete that – nutten. De councillor even seh that both of dem does look real tired and exhausted when de day done, after doin nutten all day. De only time of de day when dem busy is lunch time.

That was just like how Burnt Ham used to run de public service. Every body used to wait pun somebody to do some ting. And no body used to turn up. By de time de wuk day done, every body would blame some body, but no body used to deh round to tek de blame.

That is de kinda game Green Ham and Roy Stone playin – de blame game. Since Green Ham turn mayorfuh-life, de s*ity full of garbage. Now he blamin de town clerk who only get she wuk de other day.

And Roy Stone tink he got plenty stones so he join in de blame game. Another councillor seh de only PR wuk Roy Stone doin is letter writin. And wid de mayor-fuh-life only havin two subjects GCE, he got to write letters fuh de mayor too.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And to tink that Green Ham been callin fuh Sober to produce she qualifications! Hope Sober ask de mayorfuh-life to produce he own too!

The official portrait of the XVIII Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour

friday, November 15, 2013 |

Natural Resources Ministry partnering with Mexico to improve zoo

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, with support from the Mexican government, is hosting a visiting zoo expert from Mexico from November 11 to 15.

Facilitated by the Mexican embassy in Guyana and coordinated by the ministry’s Protected Areas Commission, the visit is the first step in a long-term technical cooperation agreement between the two countries. The expert, Dr Enrique Mendoza-Salazar, is the deputy director of the Mexico City Chapultepec Zoo, the largest zoo in Mexico.

During his visit, Dr

Guyana Protected Areas Commission Deputy Commissioner Denise Fraser; Commissioner Damian Fernandes; Mexico City Chapultepec Zoo Deputy Director, Dr Enrique Mendoza-Salazar and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

Mendoza will provide advice and training in the areas of animal nutrition, health and treatment regimes, education and awareness, enclosure design, and cage enhancement. Through this partnership, it is expected that the zoo’s personnel will be equipped with new skills and techniques to better manage the facility and care for its animals. By strengthening local capacity, this technical help will complement the recently-developed zoo master plan, which for the first time outlines a long-term vision for the modernisation of the Guyana Zoo.

The Protected Areas Commission is continuously working with corporate and private sponsors to support the overhaul of a number of enclosures. The effort to improve the zoo is part of the larger Three Parks Initiative launched by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, which also aims to rehabilitate the National Park and Botanical Gardens. All parties interested in supporting this initiative are invited to contact the Protected Areas Commission office at the National Park, Thomas Lands.

Transformation of food systems needed for better nutrition

Severe nutrition problems afflict more than half the world’s population and food systems will need to undergo significant changes to improve people’s diets and lives, speakers told country representatives and experts as they opened a meeting organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The November 13-15 event is a preparatory technical meeting designed to lay the groundwork for the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), scheduled to take place in November 1921, 2014. The aim is to boost coordination of international efforts to tackle the agricultural, economic, health, and food systems and other factors that negatively influence what and how people eat, especially in developing countries.

Shocking fact

“It is clear that the ways in which food is managed today are failing to result in sufficient improvements in nutrition. The most shocking fact is that over 840 million people still suffer from hunger today, despite the fact that the world already produces enough food for all, and wastes one-third of it,” said FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva.

“Today, over half of the world’s population is affected by some form of malnutrition… The truth of the matter is that, today, consumers are not receiving the right

signals from current policies about how to eat healthily. That is what we need to address.”

While 842 million people are chronically hungry, many more die or suffer the ill effects of inadequate nutrition. Around two billion people are affected by micronutrient deficiencies. Close to seven million children die before their fifth birthday every year, 162 million children under five are stunted, while 500 million people are obese.

Malnutrition

Considering the magnitude of malnutrition and its impact in broader sustainable development, the director general reiterated the support of FAO and the other two Rome-based food and agriculture agencies –the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) – for inclusion of a stand-alone goal on food security and nutrition in the post-2015 development agenda, as recommended by the High Level Consultation on Hunger, Food Security and Nutrition that took place last April in Madrid.

Dr Hans Troedsson, executive director of WHO’s Director General’s Office, also called for a rethinking of the way in which the food system is managed, saying diet was a key factor in tackling the global burden of disease, and that the multi-faceted challenges of nutrition would need to be addressed on many

levels, from infancy to maturity.

“If we, in the past, were mainly challenged by malnutrition in children, we are to-

day facing an epidemic of poor diets and low physical activity, leading to high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and overweight,” Troedsson said.

“The nutrition and health threats have actually expanded and worsened and this will not go away by itself. We need to address it urgently now and in the future,” Troedsson added. “The health sector and the food sector need to work together.”

“Aware of the enormous burden that it poses for millions of individuals and the development of their countries – the development of their societies – the EU and

the commission have placed the fight against undernutrition very high on the development agenda,” said European Union Commission Director for Sustainable Growth and Development Roberto Ridolfi. Ridolfi added that the EU was pushing for “measurable and time-bound targets” to reduce child stunting and other consequences of malnutrition, and that the Preparatory Technical Meeting could play a crucial role in spelling out similar indicators. Ridolfi lauded the meeting’s organisers and other international agencies as “strategic allies, at global and country level, to support advocacy efforts for nutrition”.

Around 300 experts and country representatives are gathered for the preparatory meeting, along with participants from other UN agencies and intergovernmental organisations, civil society, the private sector, researchers, and consumer associations. ICN2 will be a follow-up to the first such conference, which was held in 1992. Its aim is to take stock of progress made so far in improving nutrition and discuss how international coordination can be strengthened to improve the impact of national policies and programmes that influence diets and health.

FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva

"Watch De Ride II" on this evening at NCC

The H&T Theatre Arts Group will tonight take the National Cultural Centre by storm when it performs “Watch De Ride II – Justice”, one of the more anticipated plays as the National Drama Festival continues.

Other backstage personnel for whom programme credit is desired include Sandy Thompson, properties manager and Latoya Kellman, make-up artist.

Brief history of the group

The H&T Theatre Arts Group was formed in 2013, to facilitate the production of Ronald Hollingsworth’s plays in Guyana, since he no longer resides here. The producers and directors of the group are Ronald Hollingsworth and Sheron Cadogan-Taylor. The motto of the group is “Bringing Quality Entertainment to the Entire Family”. H&T aims to promote wholesome entertainment while touching on topical and relevant issues that affect society as a whole. In its bid to do that, it is the group’s hope to harness young talent and, at the same time, provide a platform for youngsters to be expressive and creative using their God-given talents.

“Watch De Ride II – Justice” is extremely popular and relevant today because it promotes the idea of patriotism and the importance of becoming proud Guyanese citizens despite arduous challenges. The play depicts the journey of a dedicated police detective, whose determination to solve a brutal rape and murder earns him the respect of fellow officers. The underlying message of the play reinforces the virtues of being an inspiration to our colleagues, neighbours, friends, and eventually an entire nation. It forces us to recognise the significance of individual effort.

“Justice…” demonstrates the fact that great organisations are built with honest, passionate, respectful, hard workings individuals. This is a message that all Guyanese need to hear and embrace today as we look forward to a brighter future.

Written and directed by Ronald Hollingsworth, the play will feature some of the big names of drama here.

Sheron Cadogan-Taylor and Nicola Moonsammy are part of the behindthe-scenes action.

National Drama Festival 2013 highlights [Day 4]

Digicel hands over multimilliondollar children home

Digicel on Thursday handed over the newly-constructed Mahaica Children’s Home to Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster in a simple opening ceremony held at the location. The home caters to children who have been taken under the care and protection of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

The project was conceived after a visit by Digicel during its annual Christmas Cheers programme at the old home in December 2011. The services of R&D Engineering Inc were contracted under the guidance of Marcel Gaskins and Associates and Patterson Associates to construct the two-storey building. The project commenced with the sod turning in July 2012 and full construction started in August last year, and it was completed in June of this year. The facility is

home to 60 children and is equipped with a library and recreational facility for the children.

In detailing the history of the project, Digicel marketing head Jacqueline James said: “It is… remarkable to see the faces of happy children in a more comfortable environment. We are honoured to have been given the opportunity to enhance the lives of our children. This is just one of our many ways of giving back to our communities and country.”

Commitment to community Digicel, through Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean, also confirmed its commitment to executing similar projects. He stated that the three projects the company is currently pursuing are the repair of the dining room and façade of the Ptolemy Reid Centre, a refurbishment project with Help and Shelter and employees are undertaking the

renovation of the Haururuni Girls Home. He said, “The next major project of this scale would follow the completion of three projects in the next four to five months.”

Minister Webster accepted the home on behalf of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the government of Guyana. “I would like to thank Digicel for partnering with the government on behalf of His Excellency, Donald Ramotar who would have loved to have been here today,” she said.

The minister also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working with organisations to lift the standard of care in homes catering for the needs of children throughout Guyana.

One of the children living in the home then expressed gratitude to all involved in the project and performed a wonderful rendition of “Lean On Me”, which was totally in keeping with the occasion.

Act now to secure green, clean future

Acall to urgent action has been issued to Caricom to exercise responsible action now in order to ensure that future generations benefit from prudent energy policies and to secure economic and environmental sustainability.

Caricom Secretariat Programme Manager for Energy, Joseph Williams made the call on Monday in Trinidad and Tobago as activities to mark Caricom Energy Week (CEW) 2013, got underway. Among the activities to mark the CEW are an essay competition among the community’s secondary schools and a region-wide live panel discussion via the Caribbean Media Corporation, which was held on Thursday at 20:00h. Among the panellists were government ministers with responsibility for energy, senior policy-makers, and sector experts.

Crime down in Berbice by 30

per cent

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Despite the recent upsurge in robberies, Berbice Division Commander Brian Joseph says there has been a 29.6 per cent decrease in crime in the division in the past year, crediting this to aggressive intelligence-led policing Joseph made the comments on Wednesday as he presented the B Division’s plans for the Christmas period, which commences on November 15 and runs until January 15. According to Joseph, between January 1 and November 11, 2013, there were a total of 382 serious crimes committed in the division, compared with 464 for the corresponding period in 2012. He said intelligence led policing involved the setting up of road blocks, stop-and-search exercises on vehicles and persons along with raids.

Speaking to sections of the business community, government officials, and the media at the Region Six Democratic Council’s boardroom, the assistant commissioner said robbery under arms was reduced by 67 per cent, falling from 76 in 2012 to 25 over the corresponding period in 2013.

Convicts being monitored

Asked what might have caused this drastic decline in gun-related robberies in Berbice, Joseph said the use of more raids, in addition to intelligence gathering , “I can go back to last year when we had that gang operating out of East Canje and we broke up that gang

and several of its members were arrested and charged, crime in Berbice started to go down. We realise in Berbice that most of the crimes are being committed by repeated offenders – persons going into prison and coming out back.”

He revealed that a strategy has been adopted which allows the police to now monitor the activities of criminals once they have been released from prison.

Speaking of other criminal activities in the Berbice community, Joseph noted that serious crimes decreased by 28 per cent, moving from 674 between January 1 and November 11, 2012 to 485 for the corresponding period this year.

Joseph noted that armed robberies where guns were not the weapon used to perpetrate the crime have also been reduced. Although there have been just two fewer incidents than last

year, that represents a 33 per cent reduction in armed robberies where guns were not used.

“Murders in Berbice have reduced by 31.6 per cent. Up to this time last year, we had recorded 19 murders, so far for this year in the division, we have recorded 13 murders.”

“During the year in review, ranks in B Division recovered 11 firearms and seized 60 kilograms of narcotics compared to 11 firearms and 38 kilograms of narcotics for the previous year,” Joseph said. Focusing on issues of concern, the division chief noted that witnesses’ reluctance to attend ID parades, crime scene tampering by onlookers and victims, persons not acknowledging the need for physical security and crime awareness, along with a lack of trust and complaints of slow response time are the major hindrances.

He said despite the achievements, the division was being affected by a huge shortage of staff. According to him, the division needs 505 ranks but only has 274 – a shortage of 231 ranks. “The current establishment is in place since 1977 and from then to now, there have been seen a number of new legislations which require additional staffing. For example: the Drug Act, Piracy Act, Trafficking in Persons and the Domestic Violence Acts just to name a few. There have also been new police stations, outposts and the increase in the volume of traffic over the years,” Commander Joseph said. Speaking of break and enter and larceny, the commander noted that the department has adopted a zero tolerance approach to such persons, but added that it has concerns about the justice system which places criminals on bail and back on the streets moments after being placed before the court on serious charges. “We have concerns, and the commissioner of police has addressed them at the highest level in the country. Only recently I did a report on a particular issue in Berbice…,” he noted. Joseph said the Christmas policing strategy will be assessed on a weekly basis and adjustments will be made where necessary. The commander, officers and other ranks of b division are prepared to work with all stakeholders to ensure, as far as possible, a crime-and-accident free Christmas, he noted.

CEW, the third of its kind, is being observed across the community from November 10 to 16, under the theme “A Secure and Sustainable Energy Future Begins Now”.

“…Energy Week provides the opportunity to reflect and have useful dialogues and engagements, and build awareness on the issues towards ensuring that we make optimal decisions in relation to our energy future. In this regard, all citizenry and stakeholders at all levels must necessarily be engaged, since the energy issues span the social, economic, political, technical, and also has profound environmental, dimensions. Caricom Energy Week is about increasing the awareness; it’s about creating a platform for useful dialogue and the influencing of actions at all levels towards the desired transformation,” Williams said.

Recognition, he noted, had to be made that as individuals, citizens, businesses, and governments, our energy future would be dependent on the policies, strategies, and actions that are pursued now.

“Therefore, we must reflect and re-set, recognising the emerging potency of the green and clean themes, and need for increased stewardship to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. As we do so, we recognise that we will need the support from our development partners who have been supporting sustainable energy development in the region over the years. We express thanks for their support continued over the years and, in particular, the government of Germany for support of Caricom Energy Week activities in member states and at the regional level,” Williams said.

Apsara presents “An Evening of Dance”

The Apsara dance group will present “An Evening of Dance” at the Pegasus Hotel November month-end.

Patrons can expect a beautiful and cultural evening, with special guest of honour Miss India Worldwide 2014 Nehal Bhogaita. The United Kingdom beauty is an inspiration to many, as the first deaf contestant to win the title. Miss India Guyana

and Miss Guyana Universe, Katherina Roshana will also be in attendance. Those who would have missed Apsara shows held at the National Cultural Centre have a treat in store – their chance to see what Apsara, which is known for its fusion dances that draw inspiration from around the world, is all about.

Special guest of honour Miss India Worldwide 2014 Nehal Bhogaita

B Division Commander, Brian Joseph (standing) and other senior officers unveil the division’s crime strategy for the Christmas season

American Stores to open branches in Guyana

Trinidad-based furniture and home appliance giant American Stores will soon be opening up shop here. This was revealed on Thursday at a launching ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel ahead of the official opening of the store.

General Manager for the Guyana operations, Austill Ogle told media operatives that the company was looking to expand to other countries within the region, and a Guyana branch was sought to kick start this process.

This, he said, was as a result of the sustained performance and growth of the Guyanese economy. “In the shortest possible time, we aim to become a significant manufacturing hub for the American Stores Limited. This venture will satisfy local expansion in, but not limited to, Georgetown among others,” Ogle explained.

The company plans to open two stores on November 29, one – at Regent and Cummings

streets and another on Durban Street, Georgetown. Further expansion is expected within the first half of 2014, with

branches in Parika, East Bank Essequibo; Bartica; Linden; and Berbice. The company has already received more than 300 ap-

plications from locals.

“In Trinidad, the American Stores Limited is amongst the industry leader making sterling contri-

butions to that economy as a private sector entity and pursing an active agenda in the community,” Ogle noted.

The official opening of the stores will feature live entertainment, from local and regional artistes like Adrian Dutchin and Jumo, Ravi B, Nisha B, and Karma. In addition, the stores will be hosting a contest for members of the public to win fabulous prizes including a refrigerator, television, and bedroom set. Dutchin will be partnering with the store’s team to create a jingle for the store’s opening.

At Thursday’s media launch, the press was treated to lunch and presented with 25 per cent discount coupons.

American Stores was opened in Trinidad in 1950. It currently has 13 branches there.

Trio appear in court on cross charges

Three women appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after they were cross charged.

Forty-three-year-old Linda Bagwandas of Lot 16 David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on November 10 at David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Rennata Eifel, 29.

Papita Drakes, 20, of Lot 21 Huis t’ Dieren, Essequibo Coast and Eifel of Lot 16 David Rose Street, both pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 10 at Georgetown, they unlawfully assaulted Bagwandas.

According to the facts, on the day in question, a misunderstanding occurred between Bagwandas and Eifel over a sink which resulted in Bagwandas taking a pot of boiling water off the stove and throwing

it on Eifel causing her to suffer from first and second degree burns. The matter was then reported to the police.

After the incident, Bagwandas also made a report to the police that Eifel and her sister, Drakes, who is a teacher at Annai Secondary School, threw tin cans and iron at her.

There were no objections to bail raised by Prosecutor Deniro Jones, but he, however, asked for conditions to be applied since Bagwandas

and Eifel reside at the same address.

Magistrate McLennan granted it in the sum of

$5000 each for the two sisters and $50,000 for Bagwandas. All three parties were placed on a bond to

keep the peace pending the outcome of the matter which is set to return to court on November 21.

The management team of American Stores (centre) along with American Stores show girls at the launch on Thursday

friday, november 15, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Tassa training added to programme of King’s Duck Curry Competition

As the days count down to the 13th annual King’s Jewellery World Duck Curry Competition, organisers have added another activity to the already packed schedule.

According to King’s owner Looknauth Persaud, they have invited the international St John’s United Tassa Group, who has volunteered to train local tassa groups in the art of tassa drumming. The training will commence on Saturday at Persaud’s home in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, from 10:00h to 15:00h. An additional ses-

sion will be held on Sunday for a select few.

“This is an opportunity for tassa groups across Guyana to come and learn from the best and they have volunteered to do this,” Persaud stressed. Those interested can contact the jewellery mogul at King’s Jewellery World in Quamina Street.

Preparations well underway Meanwhile, preparations for the highly-anticipated duck curry competition are well underway. A few of the artistes to be featured have already touched down in Guyana,

while others are expected today and the last set on Saturday. Set to perform straight out of Trinidad are the Guyatones with singers Nadia Mahadeo, Neshad Sultan, Daddy Chiney, young Avinash Maharaj, and the headline act, Rikki Jai. Also performing is local chutney queen Fiona Singh. In addition, patrons will get to enjoy a new local band with a few surprises.

The duck curry competition will see five participating groups from Trinidad and Tobago and two other groups from Suriname. There will be 14 local groups

LIAT explores opportunities at World Travel Market

LIAT is seeking to strengthen its position as a robust interline partner following talks with travel industry and airline partners at the World Travel Market industry exposition in the United Kingdom.

The Caribbean airline’s commercial and customer experience director, Leesa Parris-Rudder and Offline Sales Manager Deryck Clarke reported a busy trade show which positioned LIAT positively in the global marketplace.

“We are very encouraged with the response to LIAT,”

said Parris-Rudder, who noted that destination partners, tour operators, and airlines were impressed by LIAT’s fleet modernisation plans.

While the regional market is critical to the success of LIAT, Parris-Rudder noted that LIAT is transporting an increasing number of tourists from international carriers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

“Our new ATR aircraft and Brand Camp training programmes will help us to exceed the expectations of both regional and interna-

tional customers as they explore the wonders of the region,” she said.

The airline executive noted that World Travel Market also afforded LIAT the opportunity to solidify its relationships with tourism destination partners in the busy Caribbean section of ExCeL London Exhibition and Convention Centre.

LIAT is one of the leading Caribbean airlines. It is owned by regional shareholders, with major shareholders being the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

from across Guyana, inclusive of the first and secondplace winners from the previous competitions.

Some 250 persons are expected from the twin island as they come to support their teams, with the aim of taking the top prizes and trophy to Trinidad and Tobago.

Support Guyanese teams “Over the past five years, we won four competitions in Trinidad; in particular, this year we won both competitions so they are coming here with the expectations of taking the trophy back and we don’t want them to

do that. We encourage supporters to come out and wear your yellow and let us drowned the red, white, and black. Also from Suriname, there is going to be about a 100 people coming to support their two groups and they will be coming in white – Team Suriname – so we need to let the trophy remain in Guyana and also the $1 million first prize,” Persaud stated.

In addition to the top prize, there will be $500,000 to share among the second, third, fourth, and fifth placed winners.

Persaud encourages Guyanese to come out and support the past winners, who have done us proud over the years. “It is a cultural event, it is family-oriented, it’s world-class entertainment and absolutely free to the public,” he noted. The competition starts at 14:00h and judging will commence at 16:00h. Admission is free. Duck curry, prepared by past champions, will be on sale and the proceeds will be donated to several charities.

There will also be many giveaways not only from local sponsors but Trinidadian sponsors as well.

Brazilian state to develop tourism, encourage fiscal sustainability with IDB support

Alagoas, a state in the north-east of Brazil, will receive a US$250 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to increase tourism’s contribution as a source of economic development and enhance fiscal sustainability.

The goals of this programme include promoting macroeconomic stability and supporting the consolidation of a comprehensive framework for planning, coordination among various parts of the public sector, and engagement with the private sector. This will allow future investments to promote sustainable development of the state’s tourism sector and thus increase its capacity for creating jobs.

the foundation for an increase in public investment in Alagoas, improving its fiscal situation. The goal is to encourage a transition from the current tourism model, which depends on just a few destinations and only one kind of tourism, to development that is planned, proactive and geared towards creating new destinations and areas of demand –ones that would be able to

expected effect is a rise in private investment in hotel projects – from R$95 million in 2013 to nearly R$108 million in 2015.

With an area of 27,800 sq km and a population of 3.2 million people, Alagoas is the second poorest of Brazil’s 26 states. This initiative will benefit not only the public sector through an increase in resources available for im-

speed up the full utilisation of tourism as an engine for sustainable growth.

The operation involves a policy-based loan, which will provide flexible support for institutional and policy reforms through a swift disbursement of resources.

The programme will lay

As a result of the policy measures and reforms called for in the programme, a rise in revenue and a cut in current spending are expected and as a result of this, an increase in resources available for public sector investment. Another

plementing its policies, but also the entire population by contributing to the development of tourism and the economy of Alagoas.

The IDB loan is for a 20year period, with a five-year grace period and an interest rate based on the LIBOR. The state of Alagoas will execute the loan, through its Finance Secretariat.

LIAT Commercial and Customer Experience Director Leesa Parris-Rudder and Offline Sales Manager Deryck Clarke present Kate Leigh (right) and Becci Oaten of Virgin Atlantic with a LIAT memento during the World Travel Market in London

One of the Surinamese groups

One of the groups from Trinidad

SUDOKU

You can play the game with finesse. Each move you make will get you closer to your chosen destination. If you believe in your ability and skill, so will everyone else.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Don’t rely on someone else to finish what you started. You must take ownership of your responsibilities so you can move on to the things you enjoy doing most.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion or take on a daunting challenge. If you play to win, you will succeed.

You need a diversion. Look for an interesting way to spend your day. If you interact with people from different backgrounds, you will be enriched by the information you gather.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)

There is money to be made if you put your ideas into action. What you launch now will take everyone by surprise, leaving an excellent impression and an impact on future possibilities.

(March 21-April 19)

Procrastination will lead you in unproductive circles. Make a choice and stick to it before someone complains or takes over. A practical approach will be your best recourse.

(April 20-May 20)

Taking part in a project, activity or event will broaden your outlook and your friendships. You’ll draw interest from someone very different from you. Enjoy collaborating with others.

(May 21June 20)

Look at the bright side, whatever transpires today. Being adaptable will help you find solutions as you go along. Guard against foolish mishaps or misunderstandings.

Question anyone asking for money or help. A snap decision regarding such matters will result in loss. Honest conversation will allow you to offer reasonable solutions. Charity begins at home.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Keep your emotions under control. Overreacting will make matters worse. Listen attentively, but don’t meddle or make promises that you’ll regret. Face facts and make needed changes.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A work-related matter will create uncertainty. Don’t doubt your performance or your status. Stand behind your convictions and work diligently to reach your goal.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Work toward personal accomplishments today. Strive to be your best and to take care of what’s most important to you. Make a change if it will alleviate tension.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

YELLOW PAGES

friDay, november 15, 2013

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Hotel owner found murdered in room – hands tied, mouth gagged

By Vahnu Manikchand

Acity businessman who went missing two days ago was found dead at his hotel early Thursday morning with his hands tied and his mouth gagged.

The dead man has been identified as 62-year-old Joseph Alexander Jagdeo, the owner of the South Central Hotel and Bar, located at Lot 218 South Road, Georgetown. The man used to live in a separate apartment at the business premises. Guyana Times was told by staff that Jagdeo was last seen alive on Tuesday morning around 08:30h. He was discovered during a search by a livein handyman about 06:30h. Jagdeo was found under a bed in Room 10 of the hotel with his hands tied and mouth gagged. His body also bore marks of violence. There was a pool of blood on the bed in the room.

According to staff at the hotel, the businessman did not usually go to the other rooms. When Guyana Times visited the South Road business, staff and the man’s reputed wife were in shock at his death and the manner in which he was killed.

His reputed wife, Fazia Hack, said she received a call on Thursday morning informing her that her spouse was killed and she should come to the hotel, along with their son (who is 14 years old). Hack and Jagdeo have a son from their union. Although Hack and Jagdeo did not live together, she would still cook for him.

The woman recalled that when she got there, they went up to the room and she saw her reputed husband with his hands tied, his mouth gagged, and he was bleeding from his nose. She noted that she had gone to see the man on Wednesday, but was told that he was not there.

She added that the barwoman then told her that the live-in handyman, known as “Buxton”, had seen his office door open and the keys left in it so they closed the door

and went back downstairs. “I thought that was strange, he won’t leave his door open ‘cause he has all his important documents there… I left and went to do some runnings and when I went back and ask for he, the barwoman tell me he ain’t come yet,” Hack recounted.

Shaken

The staff, who idolised the businessman and calls him “Uncle Joey”, were all shaken by the incident. One of them recounted that when she came into work on Wednesday night around 19:30h, she had enquired about the man but was told he was out. “Then I ask back again around 12:30 (am) where Uncle Joey deh and they say he gone out… Uncle Joey don’t go nowhere, he don’t sleep out and so he does be in his office writing all the time”.

The police are investigating the matter. This newspaper understands that the barwoman called “Pauline” and the handyman were both taken into custody to assist with investigations.

Jagdeo was described as a friendly and nice person who was always willing to help those who are in need. He had been running the business, which he inherited from his father, for more than 20 years, returning from the United States where he was a pilot to take up the reins. He leaves to mourn his son, adopted daughter and six siblings. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

First tourist space flights go on sale in Dubai

The first commercial space flight is due to take-off at the end of next year and UAE residents are being targeted for the US$100,000 tickets. Space Exhibition Corp (SXC) is in the final stages of producing a reusable spaceship that will allow for four one-hour flights into space each day. “You’ll go straight into the air and break the sound barrier within a minute. You’re in space within four minutes,” SXC CEO and founder Michiel Mol told Arabian Business.

“There’s only a pilot and one passenger, so you have a co-pilot experience.

“You’ll see Earth from out of space – a life changing experience to be two or three people looking down on sev-

eral billion people on Earth.” Before the hour is up, gravity will pull the spacecraft back to Earth.

Mol said the revolutionary spaceship would change the way people travelled forever. “Rocket engines are really the game changer because they enable us to use them [the space ships] over 5000 times,” Mol said. “Normal rocket engines are like a fire cracker –you light them, they go off and then you throw them away.

“This will basically change the way you go to space forever. “It’s a first step to take people from A to space [and] back to A. The next generation of spaceships will take you from A to B around the world in two hours. (Arabianbusiness)

VaCaNCiEs

gOlDsmitH

Dead: Hotel owner Joseph Jagdeo

India v West Indies, 2nd Test, Mumbai, 1st day…

Tendulkar 38* after West Indies fold for 182

India legend Sachin

Tendulkar stylishly moved to 38 not out on the first day of his 200th and final Test match.

Arriving at the crease in his home city of Mumbai with India 77-2 after West Indies had been bowled out for 182, the 40-year-old took the hosts to 157-2.

After almost pushing his first delivery to short leg, Tendulkar swept his third ball to get off the mark.

He went on to strike six boundaries in 73 balls, sharing an unbroken stand of 80 with Cheteshwar Pujara.

Tendulkar, the highest runscorer in international cricket, was greeted by a rapturous reception at the Wankhede Stadium when he came to the crease after West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford took two wickets in an over.

Supporters with cameras leaned over barricades as Tendulkar descended the pavilion steps, and Windies players formed a guard of honour on the square.

He initially showed signs of nerves, prodding at his first delivery from Shillingford before aiming an ugly slog-sweep at the same bowler to get under way with a single.

But, from there, Tendulkar showed the class and poise that have brought him 18,426 runs in 463 one-day internationals and, prior to this match, 15,847 runs in 199 Tests.

Shillingford was hit to the off-side boundary off front foot and back, with the pace of Shannon Gabriel eased through the covers for another four.

Taking most of the strike, Tendulkar remained positive, unfurling a trademark ondrive to send Windies captain Darren Sammy to the fence.

With his mother in attendance for the first time in his Test career - even she received a standing ovation when shown on the big screen inside the ground - Tendulkar negotiated Sammy’s last over of the day to ensure he will resume what could be the final innings of his career on Friday.

West Indies’ poor showing with the bat after losing the toss could mean Tendulkar has only one opportunity to bat.

The tourists were skittled in only 55.2 overs, with leftarm spinner Pragyan Ojha taking 5-40. Kieran Powell top-scored with 48, while Shivnarine Chanderpaul, in his 150th Test, made 25.

Tendulkar’s final match caps a month-long outpouring of emotion from a cricketmad nation of 1.2 billion people which started when he confirmed that the series against West Indies would be his last.

Such has been the interest in Tendulkar’s final match that a website selling tickets crashed shortly after opening, receiving 19.7 million hits in the first hour.

Fans have staged protests against the fact that only 5,000 of the 33,000 tickets went on

public sale, with the remainder of the seats being filled by politicians, celebrities, former players and corporate guests.

The area around the Wankhede Stadium has been plastered with posters and murals of the player dubbed the “Little Master”.

Tendulkar’s wife, Anjali, has joked that they may require a museum to house all the gifts and mementos.

Meanwhile, tributes have been flocking in from some of Tendulkar’s most illustrious contemporaries.

West Indies great Brian

Lara described the India star as “the Muhammad Ali and the Michael Jordan of cricket”.

Lara, who scored 11,953 runs in 131 Tests, added: “Tendulkar has had the greatest cricket career of anyone who has ever played the game.”

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne also praised the prolific batsman.

“There will not be another Sachin Tendulkar,” Warne, who took 708 Test wickets, wrote in his Daily Telegraph column. “He was the best batsman of my generation.”

(BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 1st Innings

Gayle c Ro Sharma b Ahmed 11

K Powell c Dhawan b Ojha 48

Darren Bravo c Dhoni b Ashwin 29

Samuels c Vijay b Ojha 19

Chanderpaul c Ashwin b B Kumar 25

Deonarine c Vijay b Ashwin 21

Ramdin not out 12

Sammy c Ro Sharma b Ashwin 0

Shillingford lbw b Ojha 0

Best c Dhoni b Ojha 0

Gabriel c Dhoni b Ojha 1

Extras (8-b, 8-lb) 16

Total (all out; 55.2 overs) 182

Bowling: B Kumar 17-2-451, Ahmed 12-2-36-1, Ashwin 15-2-45-3, Ojha 11.2-2-40-5

Usada offers to mentor Jamaica’s anti-doping team

The United States’ Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has offered to help Jamaica’s anti-doping team because they feel the island’s athletes have been “let down.”

Usada’s chief executive Travis Tygart said talks had already begun over a possible partnership with Jamaica.

“Jamaican athletes deserve a robust anti-doping programme,” said Tygart.

Six Jamaican athletes have tested positive this year and the country has already been accused of “losing its way” on drug testing for athletes.

John Fahey, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), earlier this week said his organisation had been aware of difficulties in Jamaica for some time, revealing one of the solutions was for the country’s antidoping team to be mentored by a more successful agency.

Paul Wright, Jamaica’s most senior drug tester, also warned that the recent rash of failed tests might be the “tip of an iceberg”.

Former Jadco (Jamaica’s anti-doping commission) executive director Renee Anne Shirley raised concerns when she said the agency had conducted only one outof-competition test in the six months leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Her comments followed a series of positive tests for Jamaican athletes and resulted in Wada visiting the country at the end of October

to assess its doping policies.

Former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, threetime Olympic gold medallist Veronica Campbell-Brown and Olympic relay gold medallist Sherone Simpson are among six Jamaicans who have tested positive this year.

“Right now, the athletes in Jamaica are being let down by their organisation,” said Tygart.

“Having one test out of competition prior to the London Olympic Games, if what is being reported is accurate, is unacceptable. No

blood test, no human growth hormone test - that’s an injustice to the fairness of the sport and tremendously letting down those athletes.

“A firm, committed play to moving forward is what we’re all after.

“There have been discussions. We’ve talked to Wada, we’ve met with the Jamaican officials.

“We’ll sort through whether there’s a role for us to play. We’re happy to help some other programmes that need some assistance.” (BBC Sport)

Tyson could be sued by Warren over book claims

PFall of wickets: 25 (Gayle), 86 (Darren Bravo), 97 (K Powell), 140 (Samuels), 148 (Chanderpaul), 162 (Deonarine), 162 (Sammy), 162 (Shillingford), 172 (Best), 182 (Gabriel)

India 1st innings

Vijay c Sammy b Shillingford 43

Dhawan c Chanderpaul b Shillingford 33

Pujara not out 34

Tendulkar not out 38

Extras (1-nb, 8-b) 9

Total (for 2 wickets; 34 overs) 157

Bowling: Sammy 6-0-27-0, Gabriel 6-0-32-0, Shillingford 12-1-46-2, Best 5-0-270, Samuels 5-0-17-0

Fall of wickets: 77 (Dhawan), 77 (Vijay)

romoter Frank Warren could consider legal action against Mike Tyson after the former champion revealed he avoided testing positive for drugs by using a fake penis full of clean urine.

Warren, who promoted some of Tyson’s fights in Britain, said the American would have been in “serious breach” of contract if the claims were true.

The 61-year-old promoter also said he was “disgusted” with the revelations, made in Tyson’s new autobiography, although he conceded they may have been included to boost sales of the book.

In 1987, aged 20, Tyson became the youngest boxer to hold the WBA, WBC and

IBF world titles and the first heavyweight to unify them.

Five years later, he was sentenced to six years in prison for rape.

Although he won back the WBC belt by beating Britain’s Frank Bruno in 1996 and added the WBA version the same year, the Brooklyn-born fighter’s career went into further decline and he eventually retired in 2006 with a record of 50 wins and six losses.

He says in his new book, ‘Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography’, that he took cocaine and marijuana throughout his career, evading detection by using a fake penis filled with someone else’s urine.

According to Tyson, that included the 38-second win

over fellow American Lou Saverese in Glasgow in 2000, which Warren promoted, and the 2004 loss to Britain’s Danny Williams in Louisville. Warren was also promoter for Tyson’s defeat of another Briton, Julius Francis, in Manchester in January 2000. The promoter told BBC Radio 5 live: “I don’t know whether cocaine, or whatever he was taking, is a performance-enhancing drug, but it’s a banned substance.

“Boxing is a dangerous sport and to be taking something that may cause your performance to be enhanced is a serious danger to your opponent. “I haven’t seen the book yet. All I’ve done is heard about some of the extracts. When I’ve seen the book, I’ll make my decision then.

“But I’m sure the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) will have something to say about it as well.”

Warren added: “I’m pretty disgusted. When he fought here, he was tested by UK Sport, who do all of the drug testing on boxers and nothing came up to say that any drugs were in his system.

“But the claim that he used a prosthetic penis... I don’t know whether I believe it or not, or whether it’s one of those things that sells books.”

(BBC Sport)

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, playing his 150th Test, scored a brisk 25

The “Little Master” played some of his trademark strokes as he finished the opening day unbeaten on 38

Veronica Campbell Brown

Mike Tyson

No central contract for Zaheer, Sehwag

Zaheer Khan, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh find themselves out of a central contract for the 2013-14 season, while Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh find themselves downgraded in the BCCI’s retainer list, released on Thursday.

Suresh Raina is the surprise inclusion among the five players in the highest grade; the others are captain MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, R Ashwin and Virat Kohli.

The list also features five players who were not rewarded with a contract last year. They are Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Grade B), Mohammed Shami, Ambati Rayudu, Jaydev Unadkat and Mohit Sharma (all in Group C).

While Zaheer and Sehwag featured in Grade A last year, Harbhajan was included in Grade B. ESPNcricinfo understands that they were axed because none of them is assured of a place in the team in any of the three formats. Their exclusion need not, however, be the end of their career, because BCCI rules say that any non-contracted player who features in any international match during the contract period is awarded a Grade C contract for the rest of the tenure.

Ravindra Jadeja, Shikhar Dhawan and M Vijay have been upgraded from Grade C to B for their “exceptional” performance in the last contract cycle, while Rahane’s demotion on the reverse route was due to

the fact that he has failed to make most of his limited opportunities.

Tendulkar’s mention in Grade A may have raised quite a few eyebrows since the veteran batsman is playing is making his last international appearance during India’s second Test against the West Indies. However, since the annual retainers are awarded on a pro-rata basis, Tendulkar would be eligible for two months’ compensation since the beginning of the retainer cycle in October. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman were also named in the top category and were paid proportionately during the 2011-12 cycle.

The list has been pruned from 37 last season to 25, the BCCI’s rationale apparently being that many players had started taking an annual retainer for granted. “The list was extended last year in order to give fringe players the confidence. But now the Board feels only those who are in line of an India call-up should be awarded an annual retainer,” a Board official said.

The contracts, decided by a three-member committee of the BCCI comprising president (N Srinivasan), secretary (Sanjay Patel) and chairman of selectors (Sandeep Patil), run from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2014. (Cricinfo)

* Grade A (Rs 1 crore/USD 158,000 approx): Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Suresh Raina

* Grade B (Rs 50 lakh/USD 79,000 approx): Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rohit Sharma

* Grade C (Rs 25 lakh/USD 40,000 approx): Dinesh Karthik, Amit Mishra, Wriddhiman Saha, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Vinay Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohit Sharma

Tiger Sports donates mobile scoreboard to ECCCC

The Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) has benefitted from the benevolence of one of its members, who on Sunday last donated a mobile scoreboard with the aim of to keeping spectators up to date with scores at the venue.

At a simple presentation ceremony, managing director of Tiger Sports of Enmore Old Road, Sheik Mohamed, presented the piece of equipment to club captain Bheermaj Ramkellawan in the presence of several young members of the club.

Mohamed, the former national wicketkeeper/bats-

man, is a long-standing member of the club, and the left-hander said he saw the need for such an equipment since it will help to keep spectators abreast with scores of games being played at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

He expressed delight at being able to give back to the club, where he grew up harnessing his skills many years ago.

Responding on behalf of the club, Ramkellawan thanked Mohamed for his kind gesture, adding that the former national cricketer has always been supportive of Enmore cricket, moreso since

the club was resuscitated in February this year.

The presentation was done immediately after the ECCCC won the GT&T 35-over cricket competition by beating Fairfield by 83 runs, and according to Ramkellawan, there is a high level of talent in the club at the moment.

The mobile scoreboard was used for the first time at last Sunday’s final, and it will be in use again this Sunday when the Enmore lads take on the visiting Ontario cricket team in a specially arranged match at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

Zaheer, Harbhajan and Sehwag: out of a central contract

Former national wicketkeeper/batsman Sheik Mohamed (second left) presents the scoreboad to club captain Bheemraj Ramkellawan and members of the ECCCC (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

“Ride for Life” five-stage cycling…

Jeffrey in pole as Team Coco dominates opening day

After covering 107 miles and dominating the first two stages on Thursday, the Miami-based Team Coco seems confident to once again ride away with the spoils of the local premier cycling event, the “Ride for Life” five-stage.

Guyanese Raynauth Jeffrey, one of four Guyanese representing the sevenmember Team Coco group, will start today’s third leg in pole position, after he sprinted to victory in the first stage and crossed the line in sixth place in the second stage.

The 46.6 miles first stage

began at Corriverton with 62 starters and ended at New Amsterdam with 57 riders on Thursday morning. The 60.4 miles second stage started at Rosignol and concluded at Carifesta Avenue on Thursday afternoon.

In the first stage, Jeffrey stopped the clock at one hour, 37 minutes and 42 seconds (01: 37m: 42s), ahead of runner-up Orville Hinds of Linden and overseasbased Guyanese Godfrey Pollydore in third.

Alanzo Greaves finished fourth, while Barbadian and Team Coco representa-

tive, Darren Matthews, and Geron Williams crossed the finish line fifth and sixth respectively at the end of the first stage.

The cyclists later took to the West Berbice roadway for the second stage of the race.

Leading the field across the second stage finishing line was Matthews in a time of two hours, 21 minutes and 24 seconds (02h: 21m: 24s).

He was trailed by Williams in second place and Pollydore in third, while Greaves, Paul DeNobrega and Jeffrey were fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

The race will continue today with stage three, starting at Wales and finishing at Parika, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07:30 hours on Saturday from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles.

The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08:30 hours and finish on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown on Sunday, covering a distance of 62 miles.

Team Coco’s Jaime Ramirez, who is the defending champion, holds the record for the event, having completed last year’s race in a time of nine hours, 46 minutes, 51 seconds (09h: 46m: 51s).

The Kashif and Shanghai organisation received a significant boost on Wednesday for its upcoming secondary school football tournament, scheduled to start in December.

Proprietor and managing director of Mohamed’s Enterprise and the City Mall, Nazar Mohamed, donated the first place prize for the winner of the tournament, which is worth $1.2 million, along with trophies for the entire first place team.

At the simple hand-

ing over ceremony held at Mohamed’s Enterprise, Mohamed noted his long relationship with the Kashif and Shanghai organisation was the reason for contributing to the school tournament.

“Actually we have always been associated with this tournament, it has been 23 long years and despite all of the problems facing football we will continue to support the Kashif and Shangai Organisation so we donated the first place prize,” Mohamed told media representatives at the

West Coast Berbice skeptical about winning “Nationals”

– New Amsterdam/Canje fine tuning

By Treiston Joseph

West Coast Berbice (District Five) will be aiming for a top spot in the track and field championships when the 53rd edition of the National Schools Athletics, Swimming and Cycling Championships begin on November 19 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The district, known for dominating in the smaller categories and in the distance events, will be sticking to their guns in hope of walking away with the athletics segment, according to sport representative of the district, Joycelyn Sears.

“We have a strong chance of placing one to five in the track and field, but because we are not as strong in the swimming and the cycling and teachers I am not so sure about the overall champion of champions,” Sears told this publication via telephone.

However, on a much brighter note, Sears noted that preparations are

close to complete as the athletes are being trained by Royston McDonald and Mario Roberts.

“Our team from way back would normally dominate the distance and middle distance and the athletes are training right now, everything is covered and I would say that we are 80 per cent odd prepared so I’m grateful for that,” Sear mentioned.

Meanwhile, New Amsterdam/Canje (District 15) sport representative Heathcliff Peters believes his team has a strong chance of going all the way due to the commitments of the athletes.

“The athletes are fired up and are going for the gold so we have a strong chance,” Peters told Guyana Times Sport.

Peters also revealed that while preparations are coming along well the team’s only true Achilles heel is in the swimming department since they don’t have the resources to get their swimmers to top standards.

“Right now we are doing some fine tuning for the field events and the cyclists are doing their thing and we are looking strong this year except for swimming because we lack a good swimming coach. They resuscitated the swimming pool in New Amsterdam, but we still don’t have the personnel to get the athletes going but we have a strong cycling, teachers and track and field team,” Peters stated.

Further, the District 15 sport representatives also highlighted that the parents have played their part in releasing the children.

“Well the camaraderie is good; we recently got all the children for a week now and that is because the parents have allowed them to skip lessons to prepare,” Peters stated.

“Nationals” is scheduled to run from November 1922 where all Guyana’s top youth and junior athletes along with prospects are set to compete.

PMTC/Shariff horse race set for December 15

Tevent.

Meanwhile, Kashif Muhammad the well known football organisation thanked Mohamed for his contribution to the tournament.

“We want to thank Mohamed for his contribution and we are extremely grateful for this, he trusted our vision and now we are putting our energies into high school football,” Mohammed noted.

The tournament will start in mid-December and conclude on New Year’s Day 2014.

he Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) and the Shariff Business Enterprise and Racing Stable horse race meet has been confirmed for December 15 at the at the club’s race track, Corentyne, Berbice, according to chief coordinator, Kris Jagdeo.

Jagdoe told this publication on Thursday via telephone that the meet was originally scheduled for November 24, but had to reschedule for December 1. However, Jagdeo indicated that organisers were again forced to shelf the event until December 15, due to an event that was already planned for the Number 63 beach for December 1.

The organisers have put together an impressive

eight-race programme for the meet with over $8 million up for grabs.

All the big names are set to be on show for what is expected to be a competitive day of racing. The feature race is classified for A and Lower allotted weight horses. The race will run over 1200 meters for the top prize of $1.2 million.

In the co-feature, for Three-year-old West Indies bred horses, the winner will receive $500,000 and a trophy over 1200 meters.

Other events on the day’s card are the D3 median and E and Lower and Two-yearold West Indies median and Guyana Open. Both races carry a winning purse of $400,000 and will run over 1200 meters.

Both the Three-year-old Guyana Open and the G1 and Lower races will run over 1200 meters with the animals running for a winning purse of $300,000. The I and Lower contest has a winning purse of $200,000, while the G and Lower class match-up will see the winner pocketing $150,000. Registration for the meet closes on December 7. The meet will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). Horse owners are also reminded to get their horses properly registered with the GHRA. Those horses not properly registered will not be allowed to participate in the day’s proceedings. Race time is 12:30 hours.

Kashif Muhammad (right) receives the sponsorship cheque from Nazar Mohamed, while displaying the trophies for the first place team at the handing over ceremony in the presence of Aubrey “Shanghai” Major (left)

Raynauth Jeffrey won the opening stage

Flashback! Part of the New Amsterdam contingent march past during the 2011 at the Guyana National Stadium

Sachin Tendulkar, playing his 200th and final Test, was given a guard of honour by the West Indies players as he entered the middle

Asafa Powell