9th August 2013

NAPS launches ambitious antiHIV strategy Police

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo Thursday afternoon joined Muslims at the Queenstown mosque to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr as the holy month of Ramadan concluded. In photo are Jagdeo and CIOG President Fazeel M Ferouz, along with other worshippers at a special prayer service

friday, august 9, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

The

Government’s chief spokesman, Dr Roger Luncheon, in explaining the need for Guyana to move ahead with the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, said now is the time to get the project completed, before it is too late.

Dr Luncheon, during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, told media operatives that it is best to move ahead with the project, rather than having nothing to support the increasing demand for power (electricity) in the rapidly growing Guyanese economy. He said, “The Amaila of today is totally inadequate for the Guyana of tomorrow, but we have to start today.”

Dr Luncheon reflected on the past when the government of the day had recognised the potential to create power through the establishment of a hydropower site in the Upper Mazaruni district. He said it is an abomination to think that a transformative project of that nature is being challenged.

While emphasising that this is the closest a project of this nature has come, the head of the Presidential Secretariat said it has attracted the “consistent wilfulness” of the opposition in thwarting the developmental thrust of Guyana.

Dr Luncheon added that information provided about the project – financial, economic and feasibility projections were all provided.

It was also noted that the information provided destroys the opposition’s arguments as it relates to concerns about the project being overpriced. He said, “The information, it is in their hands... Because for every time they open their mouth and shoot nonsense, there it is in their hands. There it is in their encounters credible, available information that responds to each and every one of these allegations and discoveries.”

Sanctimonious

The chief spokesman added that the government has now become prey to these “sanctimonious sentiments of these professors, specialist and these consultants”, notwithstanding their access to information and their access to stakeholders, reputable bodies, and people who have been building hydropower facil-

ities. He also accused the opposition of attempting to “tear up the project”, because they want it to end. However, he believes that history will give the opposition a suitable rebuff.

Regardless of the negative feedback and move to stifle the realisation of such a major project that will fuel growth for the economy, Dr Luncheon said government will succeed and through its persistence and determination, with the support of the Guyanese populace, the country will witness transformative development taking place. While admitting that the Amaila Falls project may not be useful in several years, he said government will look at alternatives as the country continues to witness growth and development.

According to him, government is also exploring alternative options of creating hydro electricity and is currently in bilateral discussions with neighbouring

countries. He said if these steps are not taken now, Guyana will be faced with serious issues in the future. The opposition, he said, should take the responsibility of explaining in the future when fossil fuel that “we don’t control fluctuates and start going up and we move from more than one third of our export earning to import fuel”.

The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Hydro-Electric Amendment Bill, but another key legislation – the debt ceiling motion is in limbo as the government and opposition continue their tussle over the setting-up of a multibillion-dollar hydropower station here. The main opposition party A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) voted against the bill, but government, with the guaranteed support from the Alliance For Change (AFC), got the legislation through Parliament.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

The Amaila Falls hydropower plant (artist's impression)

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

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Editorial

Aid for Trade Dancing belles

Last June, Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), President Martelli of Haiti launched the regional “Aid for Trade” (AfT) strategy. As with most of the initiatives in which Caricom is involved, there is intense scepticism as to whether this will be used to simply maintain the bureaucratic focus of the organisation along with entrenched interests, while leaving the region mired in its systemic problems. Interestingly, AfT was proposed to address similar cynicism concerning “aid” from the developed countries to the poorer ones.

While this aid had long been characterised by the donors as flowing from moral or “humanitarian” motives, experience demonstrated that the donor countries benefited inordinately since it was almost axiomatic that the “aid” emanated from their state bodies but their economic and commercial institutions benefited in the end. The bottom line is that while the aid was supposed to assist with the development of the poorer countries, none of the countries that actually managed to pull themselves out of poverty after World War II did so based on aid from the developed countries.

Because the former group of countries almost all used a strategy of “export led” development and because world trade expanded exponentially in the same timeframe, countries began to look more sceptically at foreign aid as a development tool. Yet, over the past 40 years, that aid has been the largest financial flow to most poorer countries and became essential in North-South relations.

One comprehensive study found that the motives for the North-South financial flow have indeed been mixed: humanitarian relief, commerce, culture, promoting democracy, supporting economic and social transitions, addressing global problems, and preventing and mitigating conflict. But the bottom line was that overall, “as much as a third of aid mainly served donors’ commercial, colonial, or strategic goals”.

Rather than using aid to assist the poor countries to manoeuvre effectively in the global trading system, the aid from many of the developed countries was designed to placate the poor country so as to obtain preferential access to its resources. It was used as “side payments” in lieu of opening up their markets. As the study noted, while there are many different reasons for aid-giving, “developed countries prefer to placate developing countries through outright strategic side-payments rather than reducing tariffs or easing their restrictive rules.”

To address this major problem in a world fast developing into a new “have and have nots” dichotomy, and leaving some poorer countries especially in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Caribbean further behind, AfT was proposed unilaterally by the Group of 7 (G-7) in 2005 at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Meeting in Hong Kong.

It was supposed “to help developing countries connect their trade priorities of development with trade capacity building assistance -- to help those countries implement trade commitments. A key component of the AfT discussion is the prioritisation and integration of trade-related needs in developing countries’ national development plans. While WTO is not a development agency, it has a mandate from its members to work with other international organisations and the Bretton Woods institutions to bring coherence to trade and development discussions.”

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) serves as the WTO’s main institutional counterpart for AfT in Latin America and the Caribbean. The largest part of AfT aims at financing better economic infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and energy supply. The argument that improved infrastructure provides an important stimulus to recipient exports commands wide support in the literature.

It is often neglected, however, that donor exports, too, could be promoted by better infrastructure. One may even suspect that donors target AfT by selecting infrastructure projects that serve primarily their own export interests. One recent study shows that while there are some benefits from AfT to poorer countries, it benefits the middle countries more.

We hope that Caricom will be ensuring that the “aid” assists the ones that need it most: Guyana and Haiti.

Curbing violence against women

Dear Editor,

A few weeks back, it was the crime spree of burglary in Berbice. Now it is violence against women. It seems as though when it is not one thing, it is another. This latter one really bothers me.

The National Commission for the Family believes there is need for intervention in the form of outreaches to communities in order to address the upsurge of violent behaviour being played out in society. What are the ideas in terms of activities? I believe that men know that they are not supposed to behave the way they are doing, but they practise their violence, based on conditioning since childhood.

Many may seek to extenuate the writings of

scriptures – these religious leaders included. But it is clear that these written and interpreted mandates are all about women’s subservience and they are from God apparently.

I actually listened to a radio talk show, where even a woman sees her husband as superior – being the head of the house, that is, ultimate and final authority rests with him.

I was fortunate to chat with a Brazilian academic, and she said that whenever she goes out with a guy, she pays half of the bill. She explained that, in the mind of a male, if he is paying the money, one day he will make demands, for in his mind, he sees this kind of social arrangement as one that says that women are less than men.

The other idea posited by the National Commission for the Family is that abusing women is occurring as a result of mental instabilities, for which early help is needed when detected. This again I have to challenge.

How is it that when the law is strict and efficacious, men behave? How is it that the same man who perpetuates violence against women, for any cause, is smart enough not to fight back when confronted with a bigger physical challenge?

The causes of domestic violence usually revolve around deeply held beliefs about masculinity. Men abusers usually blame people and circumstances, but beneath all of this is the actual workings of their psyche – telling them that they are the superior being.

At one time in the Socratic world, it was believed that women were actually incomplete men, that is, they were still a few steps lacking total evolution. So, I ask again, how do we remove violence against women?

For now, we have to use restraint and force, that is, simply let the law be unleashed against these men. If it means keeping them on a leash, then so be it –they must not be around the victims, they must still work and provide for the children, and they must go through counselling.

The pendulum is way over on his side and it is important that redress be made quickly.

Humbly submitted, Janice Heyliger

APNU is not living in a real world

Dear Editor,

When people make swaggering and outlandish statements, they should be confronted. The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) leader said that apartheid education is returning to Guyana. Indeed, during the heyday of Forbes Burnham, there was great marginalisation.

In fact, the Amerindians were practically non-existent. Today, we have the Hinterland Scholarship Programme. Back then, even something like truancy

went unnoticed. Right now, we have the school uniform and feeding programmes and these are to ensure that no one is left out.

In this particular era, missing out on education should really be an anomaly. I cannot fathom the statement from the APNU leader. Let me get down a bit on the Guyana National Service (GNS). The APNU leader explained that it was established by Burnham, not only to address the serious youth unemployment problem that

faced the nation, but also to give Guyanese youth a second chance at gaining an education. What garbage! I get the impression that the whole venture was to target one set of people in Guyana. During that era, leaving out the horror stories too, people shunned the University of Guyana (UG), all because of the conditional clause of mandatory GNS.

GNS is testimony to a failed People’s National Congress (PNC) government. Quality education is now unconditionally avail-

able across Guyana. The Ministry of Education ensures equal access across the system through deliberate policies to make sure children right across Guyana, irrespective of colour, wealth or region, are able to access quality education.

Missing out on a solid high school education in today’s Guyana is definitely a personal and family folly; not government’s.

Yours sincerely, Selwyn Harmon

The fine art of dance a la India during the opening ceremony of the 36th Biennial Conference of Caribbean Union of Teachers on Monday at Princess Hotel (Carl Croker photo)

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Nigel Hughes’s career in politics was doomed to failure from the inception

Dear Editor,

When someone seeks to carve a niche for him/herself in politics choosing to traverse down the shallow and explosive ethno centric path, naturally they will not go far. Nigel Hughes exploded unto the political scene piggybacking on a flawed piece of research that sought to insinuate that the government was discriminating against the Afro-Guyanese population in its employment practices.

This is due in large measure to a well-publicized court case. The facts paint a different picture when the government agency chosen by Hughes and others to highlight discriminatory employment practices of the People’s Progressvive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) against AfroGuyanese couldn’t stand up to scrutiny.

In perhaps the most asinine display of ignorance, Hughes chose the Foreign Affairs Ministry to reinforce this position. Knowing fully well that Afro Guyanese comprise about ninety five percent (95 percent) of the staff in that agency from al-

most top to bottom, Hughes’s choice can at best be described bizarre. The only excuse one can tender was that Hughes was blinded in his quest to pursue a political career from an ethnic prism.

As if one controversy wasn’t enough, Hughes has now found himself courting more controversy. The Amaila Falls hydro Project, one of the catalytical and transformational projects that PPP/C government is pursuing in order to hasten our nation’s developmental thrust, has been blanked by the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Hughes is the chairman of that opposition party and his wife is also an AFC Member of Parliament. This entire confabulation undergoes a tectonic metamorphosis when it has been revealed that Hughes is the company secretary for Amaila Falls Hydro Inc/Sithe Global, the company created for the development, construction and operation of the hydropower facility while his wife is the public relations consultant for the company. It is worthwhile to note

that the AFC has consistently labeled the government as corrupt and fraudulent without submitting a single shred of evidence. With these factual revelations, we see the AFC was more inclined to issuing releases and convening press conferences laced with excessive verbosity. The nation has once again witnessed the surreptitious nature of the AFC and was provided with a classical illustration of corrupt practices within its outfit.

The PPP/C has a long and rich history of leaders who have adhered to the universal ethos of honesty and integrity in and out of office, the same surely cannot be said of the AFC.

Hughes cannot seek to aspire for the highest office in the land while attempting to divide the nation along ethnic lines and then engaging in such duplicitous practices as highlighted above. A leader is one who seeks to unite, and ensure harmony in the nation. Hughes has proven to be an utter failure.

Sincerely, Daniel

Persaud

Police investigations must be professional

Dear Editor, Asking for the police to hurry up and complete their investigations is all too wrong. Investigations must be thorough and not rushed. If it can be established that police are stalling for no good reason, then one can complain, and should too.

The Hugo Chávez centre

Dear Editor, The realisation of the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration is a welcome initiative. No good government will ever shun the responsibility of taking care of the less fortunate. This centre’s realisation has its genesis with the US$2

million Venezuelan government fund that catered for the project. Its objective was and is to provide refuge for the homeless.

Guyana's and Venezuela’s trade relations allow for an important agreement that paved the way for Guyana to export rice and paddy into the Venezuelan market.

Guyana also stands to benefit greatly from the PetroCaribe deal, conceptualised by the late President Hugo Chávez. This allows signatory countries to access fuel at a subsidised cost. We can do with this for sure.

Yours truly, Maple Curtis

The police will again come in for criticism.

The other aspect is that of what the police are doing. Relatives have this feeling that the investigations are not being carried out in a very serious and professional manner. I recall the murder of a businessman last December. That investigation took some time before someone was charged.

Murder is a great tragedy

Right now, the relatives of a man who was murdered are claiming that the police have asked them for two more weeks to complete their investigations. So what if the investigations get all hurried up and nothing comes out?

for the survivors of the victim and many times a mystery for investigators. Murder investigations take in a number of steps. So the police must not be hurried, yet they must not be sloppy.

I really wish that the murderer is found. The same goes for the one who shot a police officer to death not too long ago. I also ask that the public help as much as possible.

Sincerely,

David Butler

Page Foundation

steps to better5handwriting

You’ve been writing since you were a little child. It started with scribbles and crayons and now it’s pens, pencils, and cursive with all those swooping, swirling letters. Some children love handwriting and others hate when it’s time to put pencil to paper. Why?

Maybe a parent or teacher has complained about your handwriting: “Be neater!” “Too messy!” “I can’t read this!” Oh dear, that’s no fun. You’re trying to get it right, but you can’t get your thoughts down neatly.

The good news is that just about everyone can improve

their handwriting. But first, let’s take a moment to think about just how complicated writing really is. It’s not like sneezing or breathing, which your body does for you without you even thinking about it.

How handwriting works

With handwriting, your body and mind need to do many different things all together and in the right order. Your shoulder needs to stay steady while your wrist and elbow move in just the right way. Did we mention your eyes have to follow what your hand is doing? And that’s not all. You need the brainpower

to know how words and letters are supposed to look and make decisions about what you want to write – Is the answer to Question Four “flipper” or “flapper”?

So with all that going on, you can imagine that different children have different problems when it comes to handwriting. Sometimes a medical problem is a reason that children struggle with writing. For example, children who have attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD) find it hard to sit still and focus on what they need to do. They might write too fast or start answering a question and forget to finish

it. Children who have trouble with their muscles, like those with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, also could have difficulty writing.

But lots of other children have writing woes, too. Are you one of them? Or maybe you would just like to make your already-OK handwriting a little bit better.

Here are five steps that really work!

Get a great grasp

Try this – hold your pencil at the top near the eraser and try to write your name. Pretty tough, huh? But when you hold your pencil the correct way, writing is much easier. The best way to hold a pen or pencil is to let it rest next to the base of your thumb. Hold it in place with your thumb, and your index and middle fingers. See drawing.

Let the lines be your guide

Lined paper is your friend! Those lines can help you create letters that are the right size and proportion. Proportion means that one thing is the right size compared with the other. So your lowercase “a” should be half the height of a capital “A.”

Be sure to fill up the lined space completely. Those capital letters should

stretch from the bottom line to the top one. Lines also can keep you writing straight instead of uphill or downhill. When you don’t have lines, like when you’re creating a poster, you can use a ruler and draw light pencil lines so your title will be the right size and look perfectly straight.

Slow down

If your writing is hard to read or you erase a lot, try slowing down a little. For some children, going slower solves the problem. If you rush, it’s hard to control where you stop and start your letters, and you end up making more mistakes. Did you ever erase so hard it ripped a hole in the paper? We hate that!

Lower the pressure Some children press down really hard when they write. That makes it harder to make the smooth lines needed for writing, especially cursive. Try easing up, don’t grip the pencil as tightly, and let your pencil mark the paper without going all the way through. You’ll break fewer pencil points, too!

Play games

Say what? You heard us right. Games can improve your handwriting. Lots of games require you to write or draw pictures. So even though it’s not official schoolwork, you’re still using the skills you need to control your pencil better. To have better control of how your hands move, try games like Jenga or Don’t Spill the Beans. And if you want to strengthen the muscles you need for writing, you can also do that while you’re playing board games. How? Use a clothespin instead of your fingers to pick up your game piece and move it around the board.

After a long board game, how about some imaginative play? Pretend you’re a movie star or famous athlete. Now, what do you do when your fans rush up to meet you? Give them your autograph, of course!

You might need

extra help

If you try these tips and still aren’t seeing improvement, you can always ask for help. Tell your teacher and your mom or dad that you’re having trouble. Some children have occupational therapy to help them with handwriting skills.

But many children can improve their handwriting if they work at it with the help of a grownup.

Adults can encourage you and give you fun ways to practice, practice, practice. Your parent or teacher can be a kind of coach, cheering you on. And when you notice your handwriting is getting better, what should you do? Use that wonderful writing to write your coach a thankyou note! (Kids Health)

Habitat targets youth in low-income housing drive

In its mission to support the development of communities and mobilise resources to enable access to adequate housing for lowincome families, Habitat for Humanity Guyana (HfHG) has engaged the support of youths from various communities.

Habitat’s Communications and Resource Development Manager Colette Hytmiah disclosed on Thursday that the organisation intends to build impact with youths through participation in the International Youth Day observance.

Hytmiah highlighted that in observance of International Youth Day, Habitat for Humanity will be hosting a “youth build” activity on Saturday, August 10.

The activity will be held in Parfaite Harmonie, Region Three and Sophia, Region Four.

According to Hytmiah, the observance on Saturday forms part of the Habitat for Humanity International Latin America and Caribbean regional observance.

“On this day, nine countries in the region namely Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Guyana, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Mexico will be hosting youth events.”

She noted that various activities will be conducted in each country, ranging from construction crews working on homes for Habitat partner families to awareness-raising walks to promote collaboration of social agencies and en-

tities closer to the problem.

Habitat for Humanity Regional volunteer coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mitssy Rovira said in a region full of need and disparity such as Latin America and the Caribbean, young people not only have to fight for better conditions for themselves and their families, but for a suitable place to live and grow.

“Therefore, this August 10, we want all young people in Latin America and the Caribbean to join the cause of adequate shelter for all and have it proclaim a universal right to break the cycle of poverty,” Rovira added.

Inadequate housing

According to UN figures, today about 1.6 million people worldwide live in inadequate housing, one billion of those living in informal settlements.

It is estimated that by 2030, this number is likely to increase to two billion.

The observance of International Youth Day seeks to encourage young people to become active partners of Habitat for Humanity, to bring a message of hope and love in action to thousands of families through the construction of housing solutions and to share information and training for families who live in marginalised areas of the region.

Habitat for Humanity Guyana began its work since 1994 following an invitation from then President Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Habitat for Humanity

Guyana was officially registered in Guyana in 1995 and since then the organisation has supported over 3000 families within the country’s 10 administrative regions.

Through partnership with affiliates, home partners, volunteers, and sponsors, the organisation has managed to build simple, decent and affordable housing for low income earners.

The organisation has also undertaken home repairs, rehabilitation works, and assisted in accessing secure tenure for citizens.

With a new programme direction, added focus will be placed on community development, disaster risk reduction, and social action and awareness.

Through resource centres, the organisation seeks to make a stronger impact on communities through training, mobilisation, and planning of various community driven projects.

El Dorado maintains supremacy at international competition

The El Dorado 8 Year Old Rum has surprised its competitors by winning the Best Rum Trophy at the annual International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

At the 2013 IWSC, held in London, the El Dorado 8 Year Old was awarded the Best Rum Trophy while its more popular counterparts, the El Dorado Special Reserve 15 Year Old Rum and the El Dorado 12 Year Old, both won Gold Outstanding trophies. The El Dorado 21 Year Old won the Gold Trophy while the El Dorado 5 Year Old and the El Dorado 3 Year Old won Silver Outstanding, a release from the Demerara Distillers Limited said.

In judging the El Dorado 8 Year Old, the judges described the product as “amber gold. Very complex aromas combining orange pekoe tea, roasting nuts (brazil, walnut and pecan) and smooth caramel. This

complexity rolls around in the mouth, achieving a wonderful balance of aged richness, and a superb integrated sweet/bitter balance that is outstanding. The finish is long and evolves beautifully”.

The El Dorado 15 Year Old, the flagship brand of Demerara Distillers Limited, also boasts the distinction of being the only rum ever to have won the title Best Rum in the World, a record 8 times since 1998 at the IWSC.

The rum has also won the IWSC Gold Medal a remarkable 12 times during the years 1998 to 2013. It was also adjudged the Best Spirit of the Caribbean at the Caribbean Rum Fest for four years with outstanding recognition as the Best Spirit of 2001. In addition, the Eldorado 15 Year Old was awarded the Platinum Medal by the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute in 2001 and the Gold Medal at the 2003 Rum Fest held in Newfoundland.

The judges described the El Dorado 15 Year Old as “Deep bronze amber colour. Crêpe Suzette aromas waft, sprinkled with dots of barley sugar and dried pineapple, coconut and papaya. This is sipping rum, a thinking not drinking glass, pensive, pervasive and ultimately satisfying”.

The El Dorado 21 Year Old evoked the following response from the judges: “Dark bronze amber colour. Molasses, smoke, syrup and mocha on the nose. There is a quite pronounced oak influence evident, both on the nose and in the mouth, but this does not detract from the wonderful character of this product. Enjoy”.

According to DDL, it has always been committed to producing the finest quality products for its customers the world over. It said the fact that its rums have gained sustained international acclaim is testimony to the company’s commitment to quality and excellence.

Teen girl hacked to death by lover

By Bhisham mohamed

The love relationship between two teens ended tragically on Thursday afternoon when an 18-yearold man allegedly hacked his 17-year-old girlfriend to death during a heated argument at his Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara home.

The incident occurred about 14:30h. Angela Tamika Mc Allister of Lot 132 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara was reportedly lashed and chopped about her body by her fiancé whose name was given as “Joshua”. The argument reportedly stemmed from an accusation of infidelity.

Police in a release stated that the couple was involved in an argument during which she was reportedly lashed and chopped about her body. The young woman was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect has been arrested pending charges.

At the home of the teenager on Thursday evening, her sister Shaday Mc Allister explained that she was at home about 16:20h when a cousin brought the devastating news. She said her mobile phone did not have credit to make contact with other relatives to confirm the news. However, as other relatives rushed to her home, her worst fears were confirmed. The sister disclosed that Mc Allister

and the young man had been together for the past two years, but would intermittently engage in arguments.

The aggrieved sister highlighted that her mother, before leaving the country last week, warned her sister not to visit her boyfriend’s house at any given time, but Guyana Times understands that the teenager received a call from the man’s mother, inviting her home. The sister went on to say that on Wednesday evening, Tamika and the young man were heard arguing during a telephone conversation. Shaday said she retired to bed after midnight but her sister was still on the telephone. This is normal, she added, claiming that the two would fight and reconcile a few days later, but confirmed that the young man on several occasions accused her sister of being unfaithful. She recalled that recently, the suspect saw a strange tele-

phone number on Mc Allister’s mobile phone; dialed it and upon hearing the voice of a man, he got upset.

As a result, he telephoned the young man pretending to a relative of Mc Allister and invited him to the young lady’s home in Sparendaam. When the young man arrived at the teenager’s house, the murder suspect assaulted him and accused him of having a relationship with his fiancé. The boy was so badly beaten; he ended up at the hospital where he was treated.

The sister went on to say that Mc Allister left home about 11:30h on Thursday morning with the intention of collecting monies that their mother sent from overseas. She left home with the understanding that she has to return before 17:00h, the sister related. She was not too sure what went on at the boy’s house, but disclosed that her relatives and other siblings went to Diamond to enquire and have her sister body’s transported to the city. “They just tell me that she get chop up and she dead,” she added.

Meanwhile, other relatives stated that the teenager and her fiancé were together since she was 15 years old and they would argue as if they were a married couple. They would visit each other’s home from time to time. Relatives are shocked about the murder. The teenager leaves to mourn her parents and four siblings. (bhisham@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Eyew tness

Researching...

...Forbes Burnham

There’s been the announcement by the People’s National Congress (PNC) that a “Forbes Burnham Research Institute” (FBRI) is in the making. John Maynard Keynes, the noted economist, once pointed out that most of us are ruled by the ideas of some dead economist or other. With all the effort being put into the “rehabilitate Burnham” project, it’s quite clear that the PNC actually (wants) a to be ruled by their founder-leader’s dead ideas. We wonder why?

We mean, exactly what are they going to “research” that’ll be of any help to any of them – much less the rest of Guyana? Right up front we have to point out that while his admirers keep insisting that Burnham was an “intellectual”, the man was actually at best an intellectual dilettante. And that’s why they have to keep on collecting his speeches – because he never had the stamina of an intellectual to develop any of his ideas into a book.

And let’s not hear that he hadn’t the time. Dr Walter Rodney, a true intellectual in every sense of the word, wrote his “History of the Guyanese Working People” under circumstances that make Burnham look like a public servant. Fact of the matter is that Burnham was full of ideas, among other things, but couldn’t follow any of them to their conclusion. Contradictions thus abounded. So every one of his attempts to chart new courses became abject failures.

Let’s take his “big” idea to transform Guyana – cooperativism. Imagine he had the chutzpah to accuse Dr Cheddi Jagan of “idealism” when in fact this venture was worth of Don Quixote at his wackiest. Even when he saddled up on his Rocinante to deliver us into the promised land, Burnham would’ve known – Jagan was never tired of reminding him – that every previous large-scale socialist cooperative has failed.

But Burnham was determined to conduct what he callously called his “experiment” even if it meant the entire nation would perish. Is this the attitude the PNC wants to reincarnate in the present? Then there was his just-asQuixotic plan to “feed, house and clothe” the

nation from 1972 to 1976. By the end of the plan, which was quietly abandoned, we were hungry, homeless, and naked. The PNC really wants to research this?

We hear a lot about Burnham wanting to “decolonise” our education. Was it because he couldn’t even decolonise his foreign accent (faux English) nor his tastes (condensed milk) that his successors have even deserted his shirt jacs?

...local government elections

Well, well well!! Looks like we might see the back of Hamilton Green by the end of this year. Or will we? In a good old-fashioned display of political backscratching (stroking?), we had the infamous and contentious local government bills passed in the House. The same ones that had rendered grown men mute not so long ago.

But like they say, “there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip”. Even if President Donald Ramotar were to sign them – and we’re sure he’ll be having conniptions over the clauses that have the local entities practically seceding – there’s the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) announcement that they can’t have arrangements in place for a year-end local government election.

And this was before we had the low-down witchhunt and sacking of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Gocool Boodoo. With the need to “advertise” and recruit a new CEO – not to mention fending off well-deserved lawsuits from Boodoo – Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally will need more than help from friendly “ABC ambassadors” to pull any credible election off. And with the recent revelations, he can’t even sweeten the pot by going on frolic and detours during holidays.

...aetiology

On the recent revelations about the “association” of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Nigel Hughes and the vote by his party (well, they didn’t accept his resignation, did they?) on Amaila Falls, all we’ll concede (for now) is the distinction between “causation” and “correlation”. Oh what a web we weave...

Murdered teenager: Angela Tamika Mc Allister

Jagdeo, worshippers break fast at Queenstown masjid

As the Muslim community observed the last day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, former President Bharrat Jagdeo sat with Muslim brothers and sisters at the Queenstown mosque as they broke their fast on Thursday evening.

Also present were Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) President Fazeel Ferouz, spiritual adviser Shaikh-Moeen-Ul-Hack and Housing Minister Irfaan Ali along with other executive members of the CIOG and the Queenstown mosque.

The former president of Guyana was at the recently constructed mosque when the Muslim members broke their fast sometime around 18:15h.

In a brief address, Jagdeo talked about the important role Muslims play in the development of the country

while recognising the challenges and the opportunities faced by Muslims. He encouraged them to continue their work and activism as it relates to the development of Guyana.

Jagdeo cautioned those gathered not to let the lessons learnt and sacrifices made during the month of Ramadan to be forgotten, as they should be reflected in everything they do. He urged those gathered to let the sacrifices undergone during Ramadan not only serve as spiritual upliftment, but as upliftment for Guyana as a whole.

The former president encouraged the congregation to use the lessons of their sacrifices to build a strong society based on good morals and social consciousness. He further asked that they continue

their contributions towards building Guyana.

Jagdeo was lauded by officials for the active role he played in various aspects of development and advancement of the Muslim community, more specifically, his involvement and support in the rehabilitation of the Queenstown masjid.

The holy month of Ramadan began on July 9 and ended on August 8, when the moon was sighted, marking the auspicious day of Eid-ul-Fitr (today). During Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims observed a daily fast for 29 or 30 days by abstaining from food, liquids, smoking and sexual relations. Muslims observing this fast can eat and drink only before sunset and after sunrise.

Taxi driver remanded for attempted murder

Ataxi driver was brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was charged with attempted murder.

It is alleged on December 20, 2012 at Sheriff Street, Charles Telford unlawfully and maliciously wounded Chetram Persaud with intent to murder. He was not required to plead to the charge.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who stated that his 26-year-old client has a wife and one small child, and has a fixed address at 222 BB Eccles. Fung-A-Fat added that Telford was being attacked by a man with a cutlass when the virtual complainant intervened and sustained injuries, and they have witnesses. FungA-Fat said his client was in

the interior and would have no problem lodging his passport and reporting to the police station.

The virtual complainant, however, said on the day in question, the defendant reversed and hit another car. He left for about 10 minutes before returning with a cutlass and chopping him several times. Persaud sustained injuries to his abdomen, head, and right arm. He added that he travelled to the U.S. to have surgery on his hand. He also said that the defendant’s mother approached him the previous morning and apologised.

The prosecution objected to bail on grounds that since the incident occurred, the defendant has been evading police custody and if granted bail, he may not return to court for trial.

Telford was remanded to prison and the matter was

transferred to Court One for September 6.

U.S. airlines oppose Caribbean carriers’ Guyana service

The U.S. airline industry and its largest pilots union have stepped forward at the Transportation Department to oppose efforts by two small Caribbean airlines to operate between New York and Georgetown, Guyana, Travel Weekly reported.

According to papers filed by Airlines for America and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the two carriers — Caribbean Airlines and Fly Jamaica — are not entitled to serve a route between the U.S. and Guyana because they are based in third countries — Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, respectively.

At issue is a pending application by Caribbean Airlines to drop the unprofitable short segment of its TrinidadGeorgetown-New York route and operate strictly between the U.S. and Guyana. Separately, Fly Jamaica, a new entrant that is offering New York-Kingston service,

has filed for rights to operate New York-Georgetown, a route that Delta abandoned several months ago.

Airlines for America said in a legal pleading that the two applications raise “serious and troubling issues for consumers” and for the industry, which traditionally takes a bilateral approach to international routes.

That means the traffic rights between Country A and Country B are generally reserved for the airlines of those countries rather than carriers from third countries.

Airlines for America said Caribbean Airlines’ thirdcountry operations are responsible for “forcing the cancellation” of Delta’s Guyana service and said so-called “doing business issues” such as fuel subsidies from Trinidad and Tobago, and “excessive taxes” in some countries make it difficult for U.S. carriers to compete.

In such an environment,

Airlines for America said the Transportation Department should be working on “clearing away” these impediments rather than granting special favours to the region’s carriers.

In the same vein, ALPA said neither of the Caribbean carriers “can point to any compelling U.S. public interest that would be served” by their proposed operations, especially since “a U.S. carrier has just surrendered its service in the market”.

Fly Jamaica, after getting the go ahead by the government of Guyana to operate directly between the route, went to the U.S. authorities to finalise the deal so that it could begin operations.

On Wednesday, Guyana Times was told by acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali that local authorities were still awaiting an update from Fly Jamaica, but operations are expected to start shortly.

Police guarding Sooba from Green

– govt deems his behaviour brutish

By Svetlana MarShall

Acting Town Clerk

Carol Sooba will not buckle to pressure in wake of heightened protests by city Mayor Hamilton Green. She now has the Guyana Police Force on her side, following the mayor’s attempt to block her from gaining access to City Hall earlier in the week.

Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud said the police were called in after Green and supporters formed a human barricade preventing Sooba from accessing the council’s compound and reportedly sent threatening messages to her. According to him, the Guyana Police Force is pro-

viding security to ensure that Sooba receives unhindered access to her office.

According to Persaud, the city mayor continues to receive market vendors’

support through deception, noting that since Sooba’s appointment, she has been working in the interest of the people of the city.

“The fact of the matter is that the ministry is convinced that the town clerk acting is doing all within her power with the support of some of her admin staff in seeking to ensure that the city is benefiting from effective, efficient, transparent and accountable management.”

He further noted that Green is creating chaos because he allegedly finds comfort in an environment that lacks accountability and transparency and supports the abuse of authority and power. “It would serve the mayor best to use his energy, to mobilise the people to clean up the garbage that is piling up all over the city, to clean the drains that are clogged, causing mosquito infestation and unhealthy situation.”

Meanwhile, head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon on Thursday during a press conference cautioned Green. According to Dr Luncheon, Green has a history of attacking women, but said the time has come for him to desist.

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De mayor can’t stand up to de town clerk

De mayor-fuh-life Green Ham is a man from de old school. Now that it ain’t mean that de mayorfuh-life been to school in he old age. Is only one of de Old Rams and de Nagga Man been to school in dem old age, not Green Ham. In fact, de way de mayorfuh-life talkin and behavin, it ain’t even look like he been to school fuh very long, or at all.

De Bell Crier find that out because de other day when de mayor-fuh-life was tryin to knock off de town clerk

Carol Sober, he end up mekkin a big mistake. Green Ham ask Sober fuh she qualifications and when Sober ask he back fuh he own, Sober find out that de mayor-fuh-life ain’t got none.

And imagine this was a man who was PEE-M fuh a very long time. That was a time when people in Guyana was going through de dark ages because of people like Green Ham. But then again, in dem dark days, any body coulda hold very high office once dem was very high wid Green Ham and Burn Ham. And de two Hams was always high wid one another.

So ever since de mayor-fuh-life couldn’t produce he qualifications, he realise he can’t stand up to Sober. De woman stand up back strong to he. One of de councillors at de **ity council seh that de mayor-fuhlife can’t stand up at all. He even try a couple of tablets from de pharmacy that don’t pay taxes, but dem didn’t wuk wid he.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So is no wonder de mayor-fuh-life sendin street vendors and usin de council vehicle to stand up fuh he. But tings so bad wid Green Ham that no matter what he try, nuttin ain’t standin up fuh he!

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green

Labourer charged for Woodley Park murder

Two weeks after Jaipaul Sampuran, a truck driver of Bath Settlement was discovered dead in a yard at Woodley Park, Corentyne, Berbice, a labourer was on Wednesday charged for his murder.

Bheem Evans, 53, of Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice (ECD) made his appearance at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Rhondel Weaver. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on July 29, he mur-

dered Jaipaul Sampuran.

One day after committing the act, Evans was taken into custody and confessed to the crime. Sampuran was found dead in a yard at Number 11 Village with blood oozing from his eyes and ears.

Evans had given a written statement under caution, confessing to the crime According to information reaching Guyana Times, Sampuran went to a wedding house at Number 11 Village, WCB with his bicycle and about 03:30h; he made checks for the said bi-

cycle and discovered it was missing. He later received information that the suspect, Evans, a labourer of Number 11 Village, stole the bicycle.

In an effort to retrieve the bicycle, Sampuran reportedly contacted Evans and while in the process of taking back his bicycle, a scuffle ensued resulting in the victim hitting Evans to his head and back with a piece of wood. Evans in return, went into a yard Lot 147 Number 11 village, armed himself with a 2x4 piece of wood and dealt

Sampuran several blows to his head and back.

The victim subsequently fell to the ground. The injured man was later found under a house lying motionless in a pool of blood. Closer checks revealed that the blood was coming from a wound to the right ear and eye.

The wood used as the murder weapon was also found close to the deceased. He was picked up and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was seen, examined and certified dead.

Berbice pensioner found dead in yard

ABerbice pensioner was on Wednesday morning found dead in his yard minutes after he left his house to go and use the outdoor washroom.

The discovery was made by his daughter when she got up to prepare meals for her husband.

The dead man was identified as Dhanraj Ram called “Jairam”, 65, of Lot 233 Belvedere New Scheme, Corentyne Berbice.

Guyana Times understands that Ram went to collect his NIS pension and returned home. Mala Devi Ram, the dead man’s daughter stated that she retired to bed about midnight Tuesday, leaving him in the living room.

About 04:50h, the woman got up to cook for her husband and went into the yard to pick a pepper, but

saw her father in a stooping position by the fence. The woman told this publication that she called out to her father, but there was no response and she thought that he was urinating, thus went back into the house.

She further stated that she lit the gas stove and opened a window and again saw her father and called out to him, but got no response. It was then she decided to check on him. The woman disclosed that as she touched her father, he fell to the ground and at that point she realised that something was wrong. She went back into the house and alerted her husband who in turn summoned the police.

Upon checking the man’s body, the police discovered a few bruises. Statements were taken from members

of the household and the body was escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where it was examined by a doctor and certified dead.

A subsequent post-mortem performed on the man gave the cause of death

as suffocation. The autopsy was performed by Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary. Police have since handed over the body to the family for burial and launched on investigation into the matter.

Fireman suffered fractured skull, spine – autopsy

The autopsy performed on the remains of Linden Mc Calmon who died in the wee hours of August 2 in an accident at Bath Settlement Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCD) has given the cause of death as cerebral haemorrhage, fractured skull and fractured spine.

The autopsy was performed by local pathologist Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan at New Amsterdam Hospital on Wednesday. McCalmon met his demise minutes after leaving the soiree celebrations at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice when the car in which he was travelling slammed into a utility pole in the vicinity of Bath Settlement Public Road, WCB.

The 48-year-old formerly of Linden and Hopetown, West Coast Berbice died

on the spot, but was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington Hospital. According to information received, the driver of motorcar PRR 1656 was speeding along the roadway with Mc Calmon in the left passenger seat at the back of the vehicle and Keith Bond, 56, of Grove, East Bank Demerara was sitting at the left side front seat.

Both of Mc Calmon and Bond were asleep when a cellphone rang causing Keith to wake up and reportedly bump the driver’s hand away from the steering wheel, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle ended up on a parapet and collided with a concrete lamp post. Mc Calmon and Bond were rushed to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital.

CIOG's Eid-ul-Fitr greetings Eid Mohamed

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa elaaha Illal laa, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lil laa hil Hamd. Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest, and there is no God but Allah (SWT). Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest, and to Him belong all Praises.

My dear brothers and sisters – I greet you with the universal greetings of Islam.

Assalamu-O-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wabarakatuhu. May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah (SWT) be with you.

On this auspicious occasion, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend on behalf of myself, family, and the Central Islamic organisation of Guyana, to all Guyanese and especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, Eid Mubarak!! Eid Mubarak!! Eid Mubarak!!

On this day of Eid-ulFitr, we join with Muslims

worldwide to congratulate each other with greetings of Eid Mubarak. The holy month of Ramadan was a month of great sacrifice during which we intensified our devotions to Allah (SWT) by fasting from dawn to sunset while remaining in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and being in a state of goodwill, by giving charity to the poor, needy and the vulnerable, by feeding those suffering from hunger, and the increase of prayers to compliment the compulsory five-daily prayers. We perform these actions knowing that by the promise of Allah SWT, we will obtain taqwa or God consciousness and at our journey’s end obtain His paradise.

The obligation of fasting in the month of Ramadaan for the believers, men and women, who are sane and healthy, is a clear message to mankind that unrestricted indulgence in fulfilling the desires of one’s base or animal self has to be curbed

for some time, to give an upliftment to one’s spiritual self. The object of fasting as described in the Holy Quran is “so that you may guard against evil”.

During the auspicious month of Ramadan, a fasting person abstains from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, in obedience to the command of his Creator Allah.

The month is a training whereby the believer’s trait of God-conscious is nurtured. Even though he may be in place of total privacy and seclusion, on the hottest day of the year, he does not submit to the temptation of sipping even a few drops of water for he is convinced that he cannot evade the sight of the All-Observing Almighty.

If the spirit of fasting were to become a reality in the society of Muslims who have observed the fasts of Ramadaan and advanced in his piety, then mankind would see a society in which every person becomes the

guardian of the respect, honour, property and possessions of others; a society in which the needy, the poor, the destitute, and the underprivileged are taken care of; a society in which honesty, chastity, nobility, kindness, compassion, mercy and forgiveness shine forth like the midday sun; a society in which no harm is caused to any human or animal without a just reason; and a society in which material progress does not bring about a moral collapse.

Man is a created being and only divine guidance can solve his problems. The reality is clear: The heavy arm of the law on its own, just legislation, the imposition of fines and jail sentences, cannot and will not solve problems that face mankind. The only sure deterrent to crimes of all kinds, is firm conviction and belief in our Creator Allah, a life hereafter and a day of judgement, where complete justice will be meted out. These are long

term solutions and solutions that were proven to give the best results and create the best societies on the face of the earth.

Eid-ul- Fitr signifies the end of this fasting period and is a day of joy and thanksgiving, but despite being a day of celebration, the day commences with an additional prayer after sunrise, reminding the believers that the object of fasting must be fully borne in mind even after Ramadan.

While conveying to the Muslim community best wishes for a happy Eid, I make a humble appeal to every Muslim brother and sister to keep the spirit of fasting alive – let obedience of Allah Ta’ala shine forth from this day forward. Let the rest of mankind observe the effect that fasting has in changing the outlook of a believing Muslim.

Let the world observe a community free from all sins, crime and vice and let us be an example which is

worthy of emulation and of others accepting Islam. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the guidance to resolve that we shall make the Quran and Sunnah our guiding lights and practice Islam as much as possible. If the non-Muslim inhabitants of our country see Islam in the lives of Muslims, they will not require much persuasion to accept our beautiful way of life. May Allah SWT bless us and may He continue to guide and protect us.

OAs we let us continue the less are oppressed needy. Let straint from malice that be a lifelong tool that scourge of other societal negatively of human

n this Fitr, Mubarak my Guyanese ters, especially munity.

As we Ramadan, end the great al commitment deeds that month. Ramadan changing seek to be it prepares that can only strength of good deeds.

CIOG President Haji Fazeel Ferouz

9, 2013 | guyanatImesgy.com

Eid message from Minister Mohamed Irfaan Ali

On this occasion of Eid-ulFitr, I wish to extend Eid Mubarak greetings to all my Guyanese brothers and sisters, especially the Muslim community.

As we mark the end of Ramadan, let us not bring to an end the great sacrifice, personal commitment and acts of good deeds that characterised the month.

and of May the we and lights much incountry of reaclife. bless continue to

Ramadan must be a life changing event in which we seek to be better human beings; it prepares us for that larger life that can only be attained by the strength of our belief and acts of good deeds.

As we reflect on Ramadan, let us continue our work among the less fortunate, those that are oppressed and the poor and needy. Let the patience and restraint from anger, hate and malice that Ramadan taught us, be a lifelong experience and a tool that is utilised to fight the scourge of domestic violence and other societal ills that impact negatively on the advancement of human kind.

Let us spare a moment for the millions around the world who still live in oppression, where injustice against their legitimate rights and freedom is ignored and their hope of empowerment and freedom dashed by powerful forces. Indeed, the Muslim community has played an important and significant role in the na-

tional, social, economic and political development of Guyana. The sacrifices and contribution of those that came before us and those today are therefore most commendable.

However, we must not be passive or reactive as these gains can be reversed. Let our moral conviction awaken our consciousness to understand what exists within our society and let us raise our voices against those matters prohibitive to the development of our society and human kind.

Let us not be passive onlookers as life passes by, but rather, proactive voices always on the side of what is right and in the interest of our country and by extension its people. I implore all of us as brothers and sisters in humanity to let the oneness in which we were created, be the foundation in which we build national unity. I pray that all of us be blessed with good health, happiness and prosperity by the will of God.

Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak!

People’s National Congress Reform

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes the Muslim Community in Guyana at the culmination of the period of fasting and abstinence during the holy month of Ramadan.

“We join the rest of the nation in rejoicing with you in celebration of rebirth and renewal which is the essence of Ramadan. Let your charitable acts reach out to

the needy among us, thereby demonstrating the selflessness, sensitivity and brotherhood which should characterise our lives as humankind,” the party said in a release.

It noted that the discipline and faithfulness exhibited by Muslims provide a rich example for all to embrace and face the challenges of ensuring that every Guyanese, irrespective

of race, religion or creed is given an equal opportunity to realise his/her full potential.

“The PNCR wishes our Muslim brothers and sisters and all Guyanese a happy Eid and recommend that its message be internalised so that unity, harmony and progress can be realised in this our dear land of Guyana. Happy Eid Mubarak! ”

Indian Arrival Committee

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) is pleased to join with all Guyanese in extending Eid Mubarak to the Muslim community.

The IAC in a release said as “our brothers and sisters celebrate this great festival, which climaxes the end of the holy month of Ramadan; it is an appropriate time for us to reflect on the noble lessons learnt in Ramadan”.

The IAC congratulates all Muslims who gathered to pray and breakfast at their mosques over the past month, thus, strengthening their commitment to their faith and their covenant with their creator.

“The IAC stands ready to work with our Muslim brothers and sisters to eradicate poverty by reaching out to the less fortunate in supporting all forms of charity. May the teachings

of Ramadan encourage all Guyanese to build greater family values, promote peace, brotherhood and unity among our people.”

All are invited to the IAC’s National Eid Fest on Saturday, August 17 at the Multi-Purpose Complex Building and Playground at Belle West, Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara, starting at 16:00h.

Acting Tourism Minister Mohamed Irfaan Ali

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic's Eid-ul-Fitr greetings

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) extends greeting to the Muslim community and indeed, all Guyanese, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The holy month of Ramadan, marked by fasting and self-sacrifice, has come to an end. Muslims all over the world are now observing this occasion by giving to the needy and awakening a spirit of brotherhood and togetherness.

The PPP/C in a statement said it commends “our Muslim brothers and sisters for reminding us, and the entire world, of the les-

sons of Ramadan – sacrifice, selflessness, reaching out to others and the abandonment of greed.”

The ruling party said these moral values today are of great significance to individuals and society at large for they provide a platform to look at the world in a new and caring way and create a new enabling environment within which to find solutions to major challenges.

“Today, we live in a world that is still deeply divided, and plagued by hunger, poverty, disease, wars and underdevelopment. Eid-Ul-Fitr and Ramadan,

remind us there is a need for world leaders to adopt a new vision based on these principles, in order to end these enormous challenges. Eid-Ul-Fitr and Ramadan remind us that if the old thinking of self-interest continues to prevail, there will be no progress on these problems.”

In Guyana, the PPP/C said government’s policies are geared to bring about happiness and prosperity to all Guyanese.

“The vision to provide for all our countrymen regardless of creed, race or religion is in keeping with these principles. Also, to

give access to all Guyanese basic services – health, water, housing, education, care for the children and the elderly, and the vulnerable and to protect their human rights. Further, the deepening of our democracy, uniting our nation for national development, are all in keeping with the principles of Ramadan and EidUl-Fitr. Let us use this most important occasion to reflect on the deep meaning of sacrifice, love of mankind and working together for a better life for ourselves and our country,” the PPP/C statement concluded.

OAS calls for urgent attention to food security in Caribbean

Organisation of American States (OAS) Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin has called for reforms in agriculture in the Caribbean, including increased public-private partnerships and renewed focus on research and development during a conference this week in Barbados on food security and the economic implications of reliance on food imports.

Among the specific areas of concern, the OAS assistant secretary general cited the rising food import bill of the Caribbean region which now totals over US$4 billion, and its comparatively low most actionable items of this era, raised at almost every major meeting, assembly or conference,

including summits of the Americas and OAS general assemblies, yet noted that execution of many commitments is often delayed.

“Five years ago, we identified key challenges: the lack of entrepreneurship and investment, ageing farmers, severe weather events and antiquated practices, but I am not sure we’ve acted enough to correct it. Five years later, many of us are in the same position,” said Ramdin.

Commending the government of Barbados for undertaking such a focused discussion, the high ranking OAS official described the situation in the Caribbean as worrisome: “The reality is that we simply do not have direct control over a signifi -

cant percentage of our food supply, and we are increasingly vulnerable to every change or disruption in external production,” added Ramdin.

Pointing to a direct link between food security, development, poverty, social and political stability, Ambassador Ramdin also urged governments to focus more strategic efforts and resources to increase growth in the sector by considering more public-private partnerships and examining the potential of dedicating more state land to agriculture.

Ramdin called on governments to reinvest in research and development institutions and to rebuild agricultural traditions.

“We must be consis-

Police seize guns, arrest 24

Police on Wednesday and Thursday arrested a number of men pending investigations into robberies and drug trafficking as well seizing two guns during raids across the city.

In a statement, police said about 14:15h Thursday, ranks conducted a search on a house at Bel

Air Street, Albouystown, during which a .38 Taurus revolver with six rounds and a .357 Magnum revolver with three rounds were recovered. A man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Also on Thursday, ranks conducted cor -

tent in our efforts, ensuring there is a second generation of creative, technologically advanced farmers, or growers,” said Ramdin. Barbados Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Minister David Estwick took part in the conference, as did Health Minister John Boyce, principal of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Sir Hilary Beckles, officials of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the National Agricultural Commission, farmers, representatives of non-governmental organisations and McGill University Dean Chandra Madramottoo.

during raids

don and search operations in Sophia, Greater Georgetown during which 10 men were arrested pending investigations into burglaries and armed robberies. A laptop computer that was reported stolen was recovered.

On Wednesday, similar searches were con -

ducted in Kitty, Leopold Street and East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, during which 24 men were arrested for possession and trafficking in narcotics and pending investigations into armed robberies. Two motorcycles that are suspected to have been stolen were seized by the police.

NAPS launches ambitious anti-HIV strategy

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The National Aids Programme

Secretariat (NAPS) on Thursday launched Guyana’s National HIV Strategic Plan 2013-2020 at the Grand Coastal Inn with UNAIDS Guyana calling for the Health Ministry to waste no time in implementing the ambitious project.

The project dubbed “HIVision 2020” was crafted to reduce the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS on individuals and communities and simultaneously reduce the spread of HIV. Additionally, it seeks to improve the quality of life of persons living within HIV.

Eliminate HIV Project Manager Dr Shanti Singh in a detailed presentation said the project was designed to place Guyana on a trajectory to eliminate HIV.

“This plan takes into consideration the priorities for national development and specifically for the prevention and control of HIV, the regional priorities as guided by the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) and the international commitments to the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS and the Millennium

Development Goals.”

HIVision 2020 comprises five priority areas: coordination, prevention, treatment, care and support, integration and strategic information.

Five strategic objectives were incorporated under coordination to “ensure a coordinated multi-sectoral response, mainstream HIV services into the programmes and services provided by the non-health, line ministries; create and strengthen strong and sustainable partnership... and mobilise, harmonise and align resources,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, under prevention, the Health Ministry through NAPS is

anticipating that they will accomplish a zero new HIV infections, zero-discrimination and zero-AIDS-related deaths by 2020. It was explained that the strategic plan will create social, economic, legal and institutional environment for unhindered HIV prevention. Turning her attention to “treatment, care and support”, the progamme manager said improving the quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality for persons living with HIV were placed high on the agenda.

“The overall aim of this priority area is to strengthen the health system to create the conditions necessary for universal access

UNAIDS Country Coordinator Dr Roberto Brant Campos applauded the Health Ministry for the gigantic step taken to combat HIV/AIDS, but said work has just begun.

“So the challenge now, is to make it real, make it come alive. This is not a document to put on the shelf, this is a document to be part of our daily lives, and use as a reference for the future and as a reference for AIDS in Guyana.”

Thoroughness

through the simplification of high-quality treatment and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment and care delivery.”

Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of Sexual Transmitted Infections (STLs), maternal, newborn and child health have been closely linked to HIV, and as such, the strategic plan strives to integrate the coordination and implementation levels, national primary health care and public health programmes.

Under the “strategic information”, HIVision 2020 will enhance the ministry’s capacity to translate data into strategic information that will be subsequently used as the basis for action.

Dr Campos joined with USAID Population Health and Nutrition Officer Oleksander Cherkas for not only compiling the strategic plan, but for consulting with local and international organisations, in particular the international donor agencies to ensure thoroughness.

The HIVision 2020 replaces the 2007-2011 strategic plan and was designed by a Steering Committee headed by the Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran using data from NAPS annual reports from 2007-2011, the World Health Organisation, UNAIDS and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in addition to other local and international agencies.

National consultations

were held with the government agencies, non-government organisations, civil society, policymakers and international donors such as USAIDS before the document was finalised.

Donors Even as some international donors gear to withdraw or reduce their financial support for AIDS programmes in the Caribbean, Dr Ramsaran said critical HIV/AIDS programmes are being placed under the ambit of the ministry, thereby increasing the need for governmental support. However, he said Guyana still requires the assistance of international donor agencies if it is to achieve the 2020 vision.

The President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the World Bank, the Canadian International Development Agency, UNAIDS, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations (UN) were applauded for their financial and technical assistance offered in the fight to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Guyana. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy. com)

Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran (centre) alongside Programme Manager Dr Shanti Singh (at his right), in the presence of officials from UNAIDS and other organisations

friday, august 9, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

PYO continues protest against opposition’s actions

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) continued its protest against the parliamentary opposition’s actions to stifle key projects to develop Guyana’s economy.

The Central Georgetown and East Coast PYO groups gathered on the sea wall opposite Sheriff Street with placards. PYO groups have planned weekly protests to demonstrate their stand against the actions of the opposition parties.

The protest began on July 18 and so far the PYO, which is the People’s Progressive Party's youth arm, has staged several picketing actions on various issues. The group, which included the Central Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara and East Bank Demerara sections, took to Parliament Building, City Hall and even the head office of A Partnership for National Unity.

At Thursday’s picket, several young people stood on the sea wall with placards reflecting their sentiments about major developmental projects being affected by the opposition’s actions.

Some of the placards read: “An expanded CJIA [Cheddi Jagan International Airport] means more jobs, development!!”, “Get on the bus now!! Development won’t wait!!” and “Support a better health care for our youths”.

Fighting for all Guyanese

An East Coast Demerara PYO member, Sarwan Jagnarine said the group is fighting for development for all Guyanese, not a specific sector, class or region. “We are here to tell the opposition that we want development!” he stated.

“Youths of tomorrow are speaking out; they are speaking out against the hindrance of development in Guyana. There are projects

such as the CJIA expansion project and the Specialty Hospital which will benefit Guyana’s development,” noted Jagnarine.

The PYO member explained that they are staging the protests to let the

members of parliament see that youths, regardless of their political affiliations, religions and race, want development today for a better tomorrow.

Ryan Singh, a Central Georgetown PYO member,

pointed out that the picketing actions are the youths’ way of showing the public that they are not in agreement with key development projects being stifled.

Singh said, “We need projects such as the

Amaila Falls hydro project, Specialty Hospital and others; these projects have key economic stimulation within them and so we are taking it upon ourselves to show the public and the opposition that we are not in agreement of all the cuts to development projects.”

“The opposition claims they know what’s good for us, but we also want to say we can think for ourselves, we need these projects for us, we need them for the country and for development,” he noted.

The protest has gained momentum since its commencement in July. This is the first time that the group had taken such as an active stance in politics.

So far, the protest actions by the youth group were focused in and around Georgetown; however, later in the month, PYO groups in Berbice and Essequibo are also expected to stage protests.

Police guarding ...

“We recall his attacks specifically on women and town clerks regardless of political persuasion and ethnicity and we have clear indications of a return of this element of his atrocious public behaviour. The treatment of the acting town clerk orchestrated by Hamilton Green and his ilk, Cabinet insists, is totally unacceptable,” Dr Luncheon said.

He added: “I don’t know if the adrenaline even at his age might be flowing that makes him feel he could create the same type of situation caused with the nostalgia, that he could summon up his minions and take to the streets and home.”

On Tuesday, Green, who has been described as “obsolete”, used his vehicle to block the entrance of City Hall, thereby preventing Sooba from entering the compound. The vehicle was subsequently replaced with a human barricade. Also, men described as “thugs” prevented employees from gaining access to Sooba’s office.

The protest moved to the National Assembly on Wednesday with protesters pushing down the barricades erected by the police. Vendors Union Association President Odo Best, who is accused of carrying out Green’s instructions, said vendors are of the strong belief that their livelihoods are threatened by the acting town clerk, hence their reaction.

In November 2012, the Green-dominated City Council moved a no-confidence motion against Sooba; however, it was rejected by the Local Government Ministry. Mayor Green, who himself continues to shun calls for his resignation over the abysmal state of the city, protested the decision, demanding that the acting town clerk go.

To ease the tension, the Local Government Ministry scrutinised applications for a suitably qualified person to fill the post. However, came up empty- handed. The Local Government Ministry has since announced that it will soon readvertise for the position of town clerk. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

PYO members protesting on the sea wall

SUDOKU

By Bernice Bede Osol

Don’t get upset if your ears start burning, because it’s likely that if you could hear all the things being said about you, it would make you happy, not upset.

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

If you haven’t been as considerate as you should be toward a loved one lately, go out of your way to make amends. Hugs and kisses have a magic that works every time.

Be sure to compliment someone who deserves praise for a job well done. As long as you’re sincere, it will be far more important to that person than you might realise.

Your prospects for material acquisition look to be especially encouraging, especially in situations where you are doing business with someone of the opposite gender.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Make your needs and wants secondary to those of your special someone, especially if the relationship has gotten a bit stale lately. It’s a great way to get it stirred up again.

(March 21-April 19)

You should take advantage of today’s trends, which will have an especially good effect on your work situation. Things won’t just happen, however; you’ll need to go after what you want.

(April 20-May 20)

If you’re an unattached Taurus who would like to find a special someone, it might be a better-thanaverage day in terms of meeting promising new prospects.

(May 21June 20)

There’s a good chance that you’ll have a knack for finalising contentious matters to the satisfaction of everyone. Speak up to get your ideas across.

It could be a mistake to delegate a critical assignment to someone who has yet to be tested. If you can’t give the job to anyone else, you’d be better off doing it yourself.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If you feel compelled to do something for another without any thought of what’s in it for you, it could turn out to be a beautiful experience. Follow your instincts.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Go out of your way to express your gratitude to someone who has been quite kind to you lately. Everyone likes to know that he or she is appreciated. It’ll mean a lot.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Situations that have strong elements of friendly competition are always your cup of tea, and today could offer you just such an arrangement. Win or lose, do it with grace, and everyone benefits.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Entertainment

“Berbice Uprising 1763-2013”

for BHS this weekend

“Berbice

Uprising 1763-2013”, an entertaining dramatic musical production of modern-day people time travelling back to 1763 and playing critical roles in the Berbice Slave Rebellion, will premiere at the Berbice High School auditorium on Friday, August 9, at 20:00h, with a second showing the following day.

There will be a matinee show on Saturday for children and the adults’ show will commence at 20:00h. The theatrical presentation will conclude a successful two-week commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion and 175th anniversary of emancipation.

The show will feature music diva Charmaine Blackman in the role of “Nana” (Kofi’s wife) alongside Ras Leon Saul, who plays the lead role of “Kofi Badu” aka “Cuffy”.

National and international boxing champion Clive “Punisher” Atwell is playing a double role – Dutch overseer “Vandenburg” and field slave “Samba”; while accom-

plished actor Max Massiah is “Akkara”. Local music icon and filmmaker Bonny Alves is the associate director and musical arranger for the production.

Experiencing the past “Berbice Uprising 17632013” begins in 2013 when a Dutch family –- “Rudi van Groenewegen” and his wife “Satayana” (Jenny Langevine) along with their teenage daughter “Yolande” (Shameeza “Jasmine” Wong), who are involved in eco-tourism, visit Guyana on an exploratory trip to set up an eco-tourist resort.

The group is met by “Kofi-I Badu” at the Museum of African Heritage in Georgetown. He is a tourist guide who shows them around and introduces the family to “Sister Roots” (Queen Nzingha) –- the curator of the museum, along with her Congo Nya drummers.

After drinking a herbal concoction prepared by Sister Roots and becoming affected by the throbbing music of the African drummers, Kofi-I and the tourists

fall into a stupor and meet up with the past.

They experience a transcendental situation where they find themselves experiencing firsthand the event that decided Kofi’s leadership of the uprising – the decisive moment when the enslaved Africans in the Dutch slave colony of Berbice, led by Kofi Badu, take destiny into their hands and decide to rebel… rising up at Plantations Lilienburg and Magdalenenburg. When they return to the present, they are convinced of their destiny 250 years after the uprising.

Sponsors who have supported the stage play in a major way are the Berbice Bridge Company Inc, Mohamed’s Enterprise; Spicy Dish; the Museum of African Heritage; and the Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA).

Tickets for the event cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children, and can be uplifted at COFONA’s office in the New Amsterdam Town Hall.

Pepe Moreno 2013 headed to

Brazil’s biggest superstar Pepe Moreno will be performing live at the National Park on August 17 when Hits and Jams Entertainment hosts the very first Brazilian Super Concert on the Jamzone Summer Break calendar.

Moreno has been dubbed the Michael Jackson of Brazil and has performed all over the world, including the United States of America and Europe.

This will be Moreno’s second performance in Guyana and he has, since the first, skyrocketed on charts in Brazil and around the region. This artiste is known for his numerous soldout concerts and enormous fan base, a large portion of whom live right here in Guyana.

Performing along with Moreno will be his band and accompanying dancers who are well-known for their exotic and high-energy routines. Two other Brazilian bands will be entertaining on the evening of August 17. This event, however, will be more than a super concert; it will be a Brazilian affair where many different cuisines and arts and craft will be on sale for patrons to indulge and enjoy. General tickets for this event cost $2000, while VIP tickets cost $6000.

Soca sensation Shal Marshall added

to Regional Night lineup

Explosive soca artiste Shal Marshall will be performing live at the Regional Night of Jamzone Summer Break 2013 come August 16 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Stephenson “Shal” Marshall is one of several artistes who have been booked to perform at this year’s regional concert, which has attracted thousands of fans over the years.

With hits like “Gal Farm”, “Bum Bum Ville”, “Police”, “3D Far” and more recently, songs that have been sending shockwaves throughout the Caribbean and other parts of the world

“Trouble”, “Wickedest Wine”, “Motorbike” and “Wine Yuh Body”, Marshall is sure to rock the venue.

With more than 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Marshall is known to deliver commanding performances. This quality is paired with his astounding vocal flair, leaving fans panting for more long after he leaves the stage.

Shal Marshal

This all-rounder has held many portfolios over the years including radio personality, television host, promoter, master of ceremonies and of course, soca artiste. Shal’s career began as a DJ with the Jugglers Sound System where he quickly developed into one of the most prolific DJs in the industry. His passion for music and interacting with people when combined with his unique voice led to him landing his own radio station.

Marshal’s ability to captivate his audience with high- energy performances makes him a sure winner for Jamzone Summer Break 2013's Regional Concert.

Naya Zamana 18 for NCC on August 24

Those who have seen Naya Zamana 17 “Bollywood Dreams” can attest that it is one of the best theatrical presentations hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabah in recent times.

The organisation will be doing it again with the hosting of the 18th edition of the beloved dancing spectacular, “Taal Dhamaal” at the National Cultural Centre on August 24. It continues the story of “Bollywood Dreams”, but this time tells the story of a diverse group of dancers who have been granted coveted spots in a premier dance academy.

The supremely gifted dancers train with the rigour of Olympic athletes as they vie for the ultimate prize. An abandoned bride, an imperious diva, a Shah Rukh fanatic, and a love-struck Romeo are all part of the mix.

The audience will be taken on a veritable rollercoaster of emotions ranging from love and laughter to anger, sadness, and desperation.

Cutting-edge choreography, riveting drama, superb music, opulent sets and stunning costumes all lend to the feel that a film has come to the stage. The production, which is written, choreographed, and directed by Dr Vindhya Persaud, will feature a diverse musical palette reflective of 100 years of Indian

The cast comprises 60 talented dancers and actors who have been working dedicatedly to present a unique show that will be remembered for a long time after.

In addition to the Sabha’s Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Taal Dhamaal will feature Amit Shah who wowed the audience with his performance as Yash Kapoor in “Bollywood Dreams”.

Shah is the creative director and choreographer of Aatma

Performing Arts in the

Sitaram, choreographer of the Rangeela Dance Troupe of New York. Indhira Harry, Gina Arjoon, Zahrah Alli, Tonya Singh, Rishi Dubraj, and Ananda Latchman play the other key roles.

If you have never been to a Naya Zamana, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and family to the pleasure of experiencing one. Tickets for the production cost $3000, $2000, and $1500 and are available at the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra (227-6181); National Cultural Centre; Red Mango, Robb Street; Bhagwan’s, Water Street; and the Murti Shop, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara. The production is supported by Digicel, E-Networks, Caribbean Airlines, and NTN.

USA. A new addition to the cast is the talented Prashant

A scene from the theatrical presentation

Lake Mainstay Regatta showdown this Sunday

All roads will lead to the Lake Mainstay Resort this Sunday as it host its 13th Annual Regatta and Stage Show at the magnificent freshwater lake.

The day will see 15 power boat races: including two 15 horsepower races, three 40hp, three 90hp, three 200hp, and three open races. All races are open to both males and females. A memorial race in the 90hp category will be held in honour of Orin Bell.

There will also be a 200 metres male canoe race, a 200m female canoe race and a 200m open swim. More than $3 million in cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs.

After the daredevil races on the water, the big stage show and beach party will unfold with some of the best in soca and chutney music.

The cast includes Trinidad’s

chutney singer Anil Bheem and Guyana’s soca queen, Vanilla. The artistes will be backed by the Caribbean Hot Shots Band, along with Pream’s Mega Sounds and Chinese Assassin Sound System out of Essequibo. DJ Chris is also expected to steam up the show with his excellent skills.

Apart from the adult activities, there will be lots for the children, including a Children's Fun Park with merry- go-round, trampoline and a bouncy castle. There will also be lots to eat and drink. Advance tickets for the event cost $1200 for adults and $700 for children under 10. Admission at the gate will cost more, $1500 for adults and $1000 for children.

Kids Zone turns three this year

Kids Zone is back this year for Jamzone

Summer Break 2013 and it will be bigger than ever, with tons of games and activities in store for kids of all ages and the adults will not be left out.

SpongeBob, Dora, Diego and many other great friends will be there to play and for photo opportunities. There will be loads of other forms of entertainment such as face painting, bouncy castles, merry-goround, go carts, trampoline, and numerous games with fabulous prizes. The muchanticipated puppet show will also be returning with children’s favourite cartoon characters.

Parents can enjoy the fun-filled atmosphere, the

delicious snacks and drinks that will be on sale, and delight in catching up with friends, while the kids get the opportunity to enjoy Jamzone as well. This is the perfect time to bring the kids out for a good time. The action goes down on August 19 at the Everest Cricket Ground, and tickets are already on sale and going like hot cakes. They cost $1000 for adults and children pay $500, those younger than 10 years old will be admitted free.

Also, Hits and Jams Entertainment is taking the excitement to Berbice this year with this event, as well as the big Bikers Fest, which is happening on August 11.

All set for Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam @ Aracari

Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam tour continues on Saturday, August 10, at the Aracari Resort, Versailles, West Bank Demerara. Dubbed “LAFF N WINE” owing to the inclusion of an after party, the show will cater for all ages.

Well-known local comedian Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, director of the organising entity, Yolo Entertainment, expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported the Comedy Jam over the years and promised another of his energertic family-oriented routines.

The lineup of standup comedians includes Leza “Parika Gal” Singh, who has grown to be a crowd favourite

after just two years in the standup game. Christopher Gopaul, as the “Goodee Don” will spearhead the lineup.

Gopaul is slowly becoming a household name and seems to have perfected the art of physical comedy. Another crowd favourite, Mark “Chinee Man” Kazim, who is the leading actor of the newly-formed “ReActorz” Drama group is also promising fans a night full of laughter, advising them to “walk with pampers”.

Team Re-Actorz also includes Michael “Credit” Ignatius, Tashandra Innis, Nirmala Narine, Randy Critchlow, Leon Cummings, and Sean Thompson. As is now customary, the

Comedy Jam will feature a rising vocalist. On this occasion, the reigning Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Bollywood queen Bibi Halima Khan will be featured. Khan has not yet performed for her fans on the West Side and will be using this occasion to say thank you to all her fans that supported her throughout the competition.

Laughter is anticipated from start to finish, and don’t forget the after party with the Mixx Doctor.

Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam “Laff N Wine” at the Aracari Resort this Saturday is definitely the place to be. Tickets cost $800 and are available at the resort. Showtime is 20:00h.

Anil Bheem

Vanilla

A skit from Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam

YELLOW PAGES

friday, august 9, 2013

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at Electronic City

On Friday, August 9, all roads will lead to Electronic City’s Sheriff Street location for “Fantastic Friday” where tickets to the Jamzone Regional Night Super Concert will be sold at 50 per cent off.

These tickets, which allow patrons to gain access to the general admission area, are originally priced at $3000 but for just one day, they will be sold at the unbelievable price of $1500. This will be happening from 15:00h sharp to 18:00h.

At “Fantastic Friday”, the bikers, who will be performing magnifi-

cent flips and other tricks at the Port Mourant ground, Berbice on Sunday, will also be present for photo opportunities.

Persons who are present to benefit from this incredible offer will also be privy to a preview of the Bikers Fest as the stuntmen will briefly take their bikes to the streets.

On Wednesday last, general tickets for the international super concert were offered at select locations at the amazing price of $3500 and within one hour, all tickets were sold out! This too is not an offer to be missed.

Caricom youth ambassadors return from Russian forum

Caricom Youth Ambassadors Tamira Browne (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Patrice Harris (St Kitts and Nevis) and Jamonn Roberts (Barbados) returned from the International Youth Forum Seliger 2013 held in Russia from July 21– 28.

The forum had representation from 130 countries and mobilised 3000 participants, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release. During the forum, the ambassadors were meaningfully engaged on issues relating to politics and international relations, innovation and enterprise, growth and sustainable development and creative media and public relations, which are all relevant in the development of Caricom member states.

The ambassadors expressed that these four pillars are extremely important. In terms of politics and international relations, the ambassadors stated their awareness of several global shifts taking place worldwide and noted the need for Caricom member states to respond to those shifts effectively. In addition, the ambassadors also highlighted that innovation and enterprise become extremely important as youth unemployment in the region was too high. Thirdly, the ambassadors emphasised that regional stakeholders must realise value in efforts towards increasing regional productivity and utilising its resources more efficient-

ly as this would lead to increased growth and sustainability.

Jamonn Roberts participated in educational sessions geared towards creative media and public relations in an effort to more capably market the work of youth organisations locally and regionally as well as to more ably package the messages of regional integration and other youth-related issues to various audiences. Roberts believes that “we must be able to capture the interests of our youth through creative media and public relations”.

In addition to the educational workshops offered on the said themes, Browne and Harris participated in the Interseliger Model United Nations 2013. Both participants were highly commended by the organisers for their exceptional levels of knowledge and research. As a result, the two female ambassadors have been invited to participate at the Moscow International Model UN in April 2014. In the model UN, Browne represented Caricom member state Haiti while Harris presented on behalf of the African state Gabon. The presentations were related to whether euthanasia should be legalised and innovative financing methods throughout the world. The young ambassadors also participated in the Interseliger Model World Trade Organisation (WTO) discussions.

Together, both Browne

and Harris aspire to work in developing a similar model for youth regionally as they believe that such a forum would empower youth to speak on and address issues that are affecting their countries. One of the main outcomes would be to foster an active social position among young people regionally which would help to strengthen the social consciousness among Caribbean youth.

In addition, the forum presented an opportunity for the ambassadors to share Caricom booklets and brochures with youth representing other international organisations. This action encouraged the development of meaningful partnerships for the execution of projects and other initiatives as the hope is to identify opportunities for growth and development within Caricom member states as well as the international sphere. Together, the youth ambassadors are compiling a network of the various organisations and are also preparing project proposals that would build the capacity of regional youth through the utilisation of their increased competences and networks. The ambassadors expressed their gratitude to the Caricom Secretariat (Youth Desk), the United Nations Development Programme and the various youth ministries for their support in allowing them to attend the International Youth Forum Seliger 2013.

HealtH

eDucatiOn

Scores graduate from baseball coaching course

Baseball in Guyana took a giant leap forward with the graduation of 25 certified coaches of a Nobel House Seafood-sponsored coaching course.

All of the graduating coaches were presented with a complete coaching bag, each containing bats, gloves, balls, safety equipment and other coaching aids to enable them to spread the game nationally.

The course was provided by USA Baseball through its partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), for its coaching education programme, “Fundamentals of Coaching Baseball.”

The programme, which was announced in December 2012, is part of USA Baseball’s emphasis on coaching education and growing the game of baseball both domestically and internationally.

“USA Baseball, through its partnership with the NFHS, is proud to present this opportunity to the coaches of Guyana,” said USA Baseball Senior Director of Development, Rick Riccobono.

He added, “As base-

ball continues to grow both in Guyana and around the world, we are confident that the ‘Fundamentals of Coaching Baseball’ can be a tremendous resource for coaches, and by extension, their players.”

Robin Singh, president of the Guyana Baseball League - the national governing body for baseball in Guyana - echoed Riccobono’s sentiment.

“The NFHS coaching education course developed by USA Baseball and sponsored locally by Nobel House Seafood is the cornerstone upon which baseball in Guyana will be built,” Singh said. “It is a vital resource needed to provide quality coaches with requisite knowledge and recognised certification to coach our nation’s youth.”

As USA Baseball and the NFHS continue to grow their coaches education programme with the emphasis on providing the best resources to those cultivating the game at the grassroots level, Guyana is beginning to develop the game with a similar process.

“The majority of the participants in the course are young school teachers,” Singh explained. “A recognised coaching certificate is important to these young pioneers and an asset to their schools and community.”

The sponsor for this programme, Nobel House Seafood, expressed their appreciation to the GBL for providing this opportunity to the youth of Guyana and urged participants to put the knowledge gained to good use.

Providing the programme to Guyana is the first step in growing the game here, and another step in USA Baseball’s continued emphasis on growing the game at the grassroots level in the United States and across the globe.

The course is divided into five units: Coaching Philosophy, Offense, Defense, Pitching and Team Strategies. These units teach the basics of catching and throwing, offensive skills and defensive tactics; offer an overview of each position’s role on the field; show coaches how to develop a practice plan and provide additional coaching tips.

Slingerz FC tournament receives corporate support

Following a massive injection from corporate giant Ansa McAl Trading, the Slingerz Football Club’s ‘Goal for Gold’ football extravaganza on Thursday received more corporate support; this time from Talk is Cheap and Money Gram and Star Party Rental.

Mark Young and Colin

Aaron of the organising team were presented with undisclosed sums from representatives of the two entities, both of whom were escatatic to support the development of local football.

Proprietor of Talk is Cheap and Money Gram, Eton Cordis donated a sizeable amount towards the

First leg of IGG on...

The cycling events culminate with the male and female road races, beginning at 14:00 hours on the West Demerara road ways.

The males will ride 60km (36 miles) from at Nismes to Vergenoegen and back to the start point for the finish.

The females will compete for 40km from Nismes to Leonora and back to the point of origin for the finish.

Last year, the Guyanese male team won the Team Trial in 12 minutes, 17.20 seconds, while the females covered the distance in eight minutes, 04.81 seconds.

In 2012, Raynauth Jeffrey and Raul Leal crossed the

finish line together to win the road race, while Marica Dick and Toshwanna Doris finished first and second respectively for the females.

Table Tennis

The table tennis team comprises Sunil Logan, Akesha Nedd, Priscilla Greaves, Jewel Todd, Ana Joao, Christi Lopes, Selenas Jackman, Stefan Corlette, David Duncan, Kevon Corbin, Kyle Edghill, Elishaba Johnson, Bryton Murray and Sheldon Atherley.

Johnson disclosed that his players stand a good chance of medaling. “The

team is well balanced and I think we stand a very good chance of medaling,” he said on the eve of the Games.

Following the opening proceedings, table-tennis will serve off at midday at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall.

Football

Brathwaite believes that the team will do Guyana proud, despite the limited preparation leading up to today’s game.

“I like the team, personally; it’s a good young team. Our preparation was limited, but the team is ready to compete,” Braithwaite said.

The Police Sports Club ground at Eve Leary will host the game from 15:00 hours.

Chess

Nandlall spoke highly of the chess team, who will be participating in the IGG for the fourth time.

“The team has done some work leading up to the game, so we are ready for the challenge,” Nandlall boasted.

Guyana team is made up current junior champion Anthony Drayton, former junior champion Haifeng Su, Sherrifa Ali and Jessica Clementsons.

The chess competition

will be played at the Ocean View hotel from noon.

Fully prepared

Meanwhile, Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, said Guyana is well prepared to host this leg of the Games, adding that all systems are in place for a successful day of rivalry between the two nations.

Kumar boasted that Guyana has one of its best IGG contingents, and as a result, he is backing the local sportsmen/women to win the overall championships.

Speaking to this publication about the probability of the respective teams turn-

first prize for the women’s segment of the tournament, while Trenton Griffith of Star Party Rental made a similar presentation to the organisers.

The winner of the male tournament will pocket two million dollars, while the runner-up will collect half that amount.

The third and fourth place finishers will receive $500,000 and $300,000 respectively. The females will also compete for lucrative prizes, but those are yet to be finalised. To aid the teams’ preparations, the organisers have opted to provide each team with $25,000.

The tournament will see 16 male and eight female teams battling for supremacy in their respective categories.

The male teams include Alpha United, Sunburst Camptown, Rhythm Squad, Guyana Defence Force, Fruta Conquerors, Pele, BK International Western Tigers, Topp XX, Netrockers, Milerock, Uitvlugt, Den Amstel, Seawall and Slingerz.

The tournament, which is being hosted by the Slingerz Football Club, in collaboration with the National Association of Women’s Football, will kick off at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground on Saturday evening with a double-header. In the opening game at 18:00 hours, Den Amstel will face off with Rhythm Squad, while the feature attraction at 20:00 hours will involve Sunburst Camptown and Uitvlugt.

ing in championship performances, Kumar said that the associations involved in selecting the various teams could not have done better than they did to have Guyana properly represented.

“It was a lot of work, but we are fully prepared, and ready. I am very optimistic that Guyana will be able to win overall with the teams I have seen,” Kumar highlighted.

The opening ceremony is set for the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall at 09:30 hours, while the closing ceremony is fixed for the same venue at 19:00 hours.

Star Party Rentals representative, Trenton Griffith (right) presents the sponsorship cheque to Mark Young in the presence of Colin Aaron

Colin Aaron (right) receives Talk is Cheap and Money Gram’s sponsorship from Cordis Eton

President of the Guyana Baseball League, Robin Singh (left), poses with some of the coaches during Thursday’s ceremony

Wismar Christianburg lifts schools basketball title in Linden

Keifer Tappin’s clutch performance

dragged Wismar Christianburg Secondary School to a one point victory over Wisburg Secondary to claim the ninth edition of the Linden Secondary Schools Under-19 basketball championship last Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court.

With his team down 4851 with less than 30 seconds to go, Tappin received a smooth pass, knocking a dagger of a three-pointer to tie the game at 51. Moments later after a turnover by Wisburg with less than five seconds left, Tappin went up for a lay but was fouled. The tiny guard, after missing one free throw, kept his composure to sink the clutch free throw to give his team the one point lead and the eventual win as the game end-

Off-spinner Richie

Looknauth grabbed five wickets for seven runs from seven overs as Demerara Under-15 team defeated the touring Esmeralda Coaching School (ESC) U-15 team of Trinidad and Tobago by eight wickets in a limited overs match on Wednesday at the Everest Cricket Club.

Looknauth proved unplayable as he triggered a middle-order collapse to send the tourist packing for a paltry 50 in 28 overs. The home then reached the target with little hiccups, finishing on 51-2 in 12 overs.

ESC’s decision to bat after winning the toss backfired when pacer Ronaldo Mohamed uprooted the stumps of opener Darren Ramkhalawan without scoring in the first over without a run on the board. Nicholai Kissoon and Nathaniel Ramcharitar attempted to repair the early damage with a second wicket stand of 23

ed 52-51 in favor of Wismar Chritianburg Secondary.

The battle between the two teams proved to be a tough and physical one as most buckets came at the rim.

The tournament’s leading scorer, Terron Welch, ended on 11 points for the Wismar Christianburg side, while captain Travin Dryden ended on a gamehigh 17 points.

Tahquille Johnson finished with a game-high as well for Wisburg, dropping 17 points in the close and heart breaking loss. For his performance, Welch gained the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, Linden Foundation Secondary (LFS) routed Linden Technical Institute (LTI) 86-50.

Vibert Benjamin dropped a game-high 18 points for

before Kelvin Shewprashad bowled Ramcharitar for 11.

Thereafter, it was the Looknauth show as he bowled with good control and variation and got lots of assistance from the pitch as no other batsman with the exception of Kissoon (19) managed to reach doublefigures.

Shewprashad supported

Bear with me, says Bravo

Dwayne Bravo, whose captaincy skills have been under intense public scrutiny lately, has appealed to cricket fans to exercise patience with him while he matures in his new role.

“80% of the fans will be for you when you’re going through a rough patch,” declared Bravo, West Indies ODI captain and skipper of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in the current Caribbean Premier League.

“The other 20% would say otherwise, but I just need a win and some good individual performances to convince everyone otherwise.”

LFS, in the process gaining the best scorer award.

Rolston Richmond finished with a topscore of 17 points for LTI.

Former national women’s head coach, Linden “Sancho” Alphonso, sponsored the championship teeshirts, along with one of the two Most Valuable Player awards.

Local sponsorship came from Banks DIH Limited and the Two Brothers Gas Station, while Marlon Josiah provided the second place trophy and replicas. Orin Louison sponsored the third place trophy and replicas, while and Lennox Allicock took care of the fourth place trophy and medals.

The Haynes Foundation, along with other sponsors out of New Jersey, also contributed to the success of the tournament.

Looknauth with 2-17 from four overs, while Ashmead Nedd and Mohamed had one each in a spirited bowling performance by the home team.

Opener Bhaskar Yadram and Raymond Perez then give the home team a fine start by adding 35 for the opening stand with Yadram striking three fours before he was taken off Kissoon for 24.

Kissoon then removed Darshan Persaud (00) without addition to the total, but Perez, who ended unbeaten on 10, and Timothy McAlmont (09*) saw their team home with an unbroken third wicket stand of 16. Kissoon had 2-14 from four overs.

Yadram and Looknauth received prizes for being the most outstanding batsman and bowler respectively, while the Demerara team was given a trophy, compliments of the Esmeralda Coaching.

Bravo’s captaincy skills have been criticised following disappointing home series against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which also saw a dip in the allrounder’s form.

Red Steel’s most recent CPL loss to Jamaica Tallawahs has also reignited talks over Bravo’s ability to captain, as Trinidad’s dismal form has been com-

pounded by three consecutive losses.

“I know fans in the region, and in Trinidad, may be questioning my ability to lead, but I ask them to bear with me. I’m growing as a captain,” pleaded Bravo.

“I see it as a learning curve and a patient process. It’s not easy to adapt but I am trying. I’m confident I’m the man to do the job and I just need folks to rally around me.”

In Jamaica’s five-run victory, Bravo bowled the 19th over and was slaughtered by Vernon Philander and Danza Hyatt for 26. He has been chided for not giving preference to the likes of Samuel Badree (0-7 in two overs) and Suliemann Benn (0-12 in two overs) to finish at the death of the innings.

“I know we have good bowlers but I had good figures up until that point and I was confident as the most experienced bowler,” Bravo said.

“I’ve been in this pressure situation many times [before] and pulled it off, but unfortunately today, it didn’t work out.”

Young Shewdas set to become world champion

Guyana’s latest powerlifting prodigy, 18-year-old Gumendra Shewdas, is set to create history by becoming the nation’s youngest ever world champion at the International Powerlifting Federation’s World Sub-junior and Junior Championships.

The event is billed for Killeen, Texas, USA, from August 25-31, and the young Shewdas will be accompanied on the journey by a manager and coach.

The 2012 Junior Sportsman-of-the-Year (Runner-up) powered his way to gold in the overall Sub-junior 53kg/117lb to 105kg/232lb combined weight class at the recently concluded Pan American Powerlifting Championships held in Orlando, Florida, in July, despite being the lightest male lifter with a bodyweight of 52.8kg/116.42lb.

The Berbician came out on top with the highest total of 485.26 Wilkes points to cop gold from Carson Dougall of Canada and Austin Gauldin of the USA in second and third positions respectively.

According to a release from the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF), “It has now been confirmed that in powering his way to the gold, young Shewdas has smashed the existing Commonwealth records in 53kg/117lb weight class for

the squat with official lifts of Squat 197.5kg/435.48lb (old 177.5kg), Deadlift 207.5kg/457.53lb (old 185kg) and total of 497.5kg/1,096.98lb (old 460kg).”

The GAPF said while the Pan American records have not yet been confirmed, it is equally confident that the results will be similar to that of the Commonwealth’s.

Meanwhile, according to the final nominations for the upcoming event in Texas, Shewdas is the favourite to capture gold and the world title with an established total of 497.5kg from nearest challeng-

er Dalton La Coe (455kg) of the USA, Kazuma Arai (435kg) of Japan, Alexei Kulakov (432.5kg) of Russia, Tetsuharu Katsuta (405kg) of Japan and Erick Aguilar (377.5kg) of Ecuador.

Shewdas and the manager and coach are slated to depart Guyana on August 24, and the GAPF is urging individuals/businesses to come on board and support the young lifter in his quest to create history.

Persons/entities desirous of assisting can contact the GAPF office on 2250115 or president of the association, Peter Green, on 647-5375.

The successful Chritianburg players pose after copping the ninth edition of the Linden’s Under-19 schools basketball tournament

Bhaskar Yadram

Demerara U-15s prevail over T&T school boys

Dwayne Bravo: “I know fans in the region, and in Trinidad, may be questioning my ability to lead, but I ask them to bear with me. I’m growing as a captain.”

Gumendra Shewdas

Tridents remain unbeaten in Limacol CPL

The Barbados Tridents have remained unbeaten in the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, notching up a comprehensive 83-run win the St Lucia Zouks in match ten on Thursday night.

After winning their first three games at home, the Tridents racked up the tournament's highest total, 1756, and then dismantled the Zouks' batting for a meagre 92 in 17.5 overs.

The run-chase never got going in the face of some stiff bowling from Ashley Nurse (3-12), Reyad Emrit (3-19), Kieron Pollard (2-8) and Shannon Gabriel (2-18).

The win ensured the Tridents stay atop the points table. Dwayne Smith with a breezy 38-ball 48 helped the Tridents to 78-1 in the first

10 overs before they Zouks crawled back in, taking three wickets for 22 runs in the next five overs.

At 100-4 in 15 overs, the Zouks were in control, but Pollard with 34 not out from 21 balls led an onslaught in the last five overs, which leaked 75 runs.

Albie Morkel and Tino Best ended with 2-26 and 2-30 respectively.

Tonight the Guyana Amazon Warriors will square off with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel at the Queen's Park Oval at 20:00 hours.

The Amazon Warriors, with two wins from three games, will start with the psychological advantage against the Red Steel, who linger at the bottom of the table without a win from three matches.

SCOREBOARD

First leg of IGG on today

− Guyana ready for competition

By Rajiv Bisnauth

After months of preparation, the first leg of the 2013 InterGuiana Games (IGG) will commence today in Georgetown, featuring male and female teams of the host country and neighbouring Suriname. The Surinamese, who arrived in the country on Thursday, will match skills with their Guyanese counterparts in male and female chess, cycling, table-tennis and football.

The aim of the IGG is to create possibilities for the youths to gather together in order to compete in different sport disciplines, focusing on better sport results and better understanding of each other culture.

Ahead of the opening leg, local officials of the various disciplines were upbeat and confident about their teams’ chances in the games.

Guyana Times Sport spoke with national tabletennis coach Linden Johnson, national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, football coach

Gordon “Ultimate Warrior” Brathwaite and Guyana Chess Federation president Shiv Nandalall about their respective team’s chances against the Dutch.

Cycling

The male team will comprise Junior Sportsman-ofthe-Year Paul DeNobrega, Michael Anthony, Akeem Arthur and Hamzah Eastman. Marica Dick and Toshwanna Doris will make up the female team.

During the cycling event, Guyana will be represented by some of the country’s top cyclists.

Mohamed related that the national cyclists are talented and skilled enough to pedal ahead of their Surinamese competitors.

“I think they have a good chance,” Mohamed reckoned. “Once we ride as a team, Guyana has a very good chance of winning.”

The cycling event will commence with the Team Time Trial at 08:00 hours today at the inner circuit of the National Park. For the Time Trial, the males will race against the clock for 10km, while the females will race for 6km.

Neil Kumar

Hassan Mohamed Linden Johnson

Gordon Brathwaite

Shiv Nandalall

Dwayne Smith topscored with 48 for the Barbados Tridents