Guyana Times Daily

Sugar strike widens

Acting President Samuel Hinds and Mrs Yvonne Hinds, and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin and Mrs Zhang Limin share a toast on the 65th Anniversary of The People's Republic of China (Marceano Narine photo)

wednesdAY, september 24, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Ex-cop freed of Patentia schoolboy murder

By Vahnu Manikchand

Tempers flared in the courtroom on Tuesday afternoon when former Policeman Quanson John was freed of a charge of killing a schoolboy from Patentia, West Bank Demerara, back in 2010.

John was indicted with the murder of 16-yearold Kelvin Fraser in the vicinity of the Patentia Secondary School, West Bank Demerara. Fraser was shot dead on June 7, 2010, when Police reportedly responded to reports of drug addicts in the school compound harassing female students.

The trial began on September 8, with State Counsel Diana Kaulesar calling approximately 15 witnesses to testify against the accused, and some testified that John claimed he accidentally shot the teenager.

In an oral statement John is reported to have

said: “The young man was running and I told him to “freeze” and he stopped running. I told him to come over a drain where I was standing. He came. I was holding the gun in my left hand around the middle; the nozzle was pointing upwards. I was holding him with my right hand and he grabbed the gun and we started a struggle and the gun went off.”

The prosecution then closed its case early last week and Defence Attorney Glen Hanoman subsequently made a no case-submission. However, Judge Franklin Holder overruled the application and called on the accused to lead his defence. On Friday, John led his defence by electing to give an unsworn statement from the dock in which he declared that he did not murder the teenager. He said that they went to the school in response to a report and picked up two young men upon their ar-

rival.

The former Policeman recalled that he, along with two other officers, went into the school compound and a group of young men began running, so he pursued one of them until they got to Third Street, Patentia. John said that he subsequently got hold of the teenager and a struggle ensued between them during which the firearm which he had in his hand went off.

Remorse

He explained that he thought the young man was playing tricks, but realised otherwise after he saw blood on the young man’s upper chest. John expressed remorse over the incident, saying that he tried to apologise to the deceased’s family but was denied an opportunity to do so. “I am truly, truly sorry for what transpired that day, even though I cannot say what happened. I am not a violent person. I grew up in a

Christian home and I fear God more than anyone else in the world. I did not murder Kelvin Fraser,” the accused said.

Back in June 2010, eyewitnesses claimed that Police had rolled up at

the school and held several young men who were in the compound at the time. Fraser reportedly heard the commotion and went to enquire, but was met with chaos as the Police were chasing after students. He decided to run also and was pursued by a policeman who was armed with a firearm and subsequently shot him at point-blank range.

Reports further revealed that the 16-year-old fell into a mud drain but was removed and placed in the back of a pick-up vehicle where he allegedly bled to death before being taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the teenager revealed that he was shot to the left chest at close range. The cause of death

was listed as shock and haemorrhage from a lacerated lung, caused by gunshot injuries. Additionally, several pellets were also recovered from his body.

On Tuesday, after Justice Holder summed up all of the evidence, the 12-member mixed panel retired into the jury room to deliberate on a verdict. The panel returned about two hours later to a packed courtroom with a unanimous verdict of not guilty. When the jury’s decision was announced, there were outbursts of tears and relief by relatives of John. Justice Holder then informed the man that he was free to go. John walked out of the courtroom into the embrace of his family who immediately whisked him away from the premises. (vahnm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Pilot misses runway at Kaieteur National Park

... but no one hurt

Approximately 16 persons escaped unhurt after the aircraft they were in missed the beginning of the runaway at the Kaieteur National Park, Region Eight on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Sunday around 16:05h. Guyana Times understands that the lone pilot and 15 passengers had departed the Ogle International Airport on Sunday a little after noon heading for the Kaieteur National Park; however, the pilot touched down short of the runway, causing minimal damage to the wing of the 18-seater BN-2A Mk III Trislander.

The aircraft is owned by Golden Arrow Airways and was being flown by Captain Learie Barclay. As a result of

the incident, the skin of the aircraft’s belly was damaged, between the engine and the fuselage. Additionally, other parts of the aircraft were “wrinkled” including the top of the wing.

Speaking to the Guyana Times, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s Acting Director General, Ankar Doobay, disclosed that a team was dispatched to the location on Monday to conduct investigations. The team was headed by Director of the Aviation Safety Regulations, Paula McAdam. According to Doobay, the aircraft has since been ferried to Georgetown and is currently at the Ogle International Airport where it will undergo an inspection.

Linden lad feared drowned after thrown into river

ALinden lad is feared drowned after he went swimming with friends in the Demerara River on Tuesday evening.

Thirteen-year-old Omar Mitchell, a third form student of Harmony Secondary School who hails from Silvertown, Wismar, went missing after he visited the river which separates Mackenzie from Wismar.

The incident occurred in the vicinity of Silvertown, Burnham Drive, Wismar at approximately 17:00h.

Up to Tuesday evening, scores of residents, including family members, were still searching for the boy.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, large crowds had gathered at the river. An

eyewitness noted that five or six boys had been observed playing at the location at the time. According to information garnered at the scene, Mitchell was playfully thrown overboard by about four male friends.

“Two of them hold him by his feet and the other two hold he by his hands and they throw he overboard. One of the boys who was there playing with them, he get so frighten after the boy ain’t come back up that he run down to the station and call the Police,” an eyewitness said. On Tuesday evening, distraught relatives flocked the Wismar Police Station and consulted with ranks there. Investigations are ongoing.

Freed: Quanson John

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Trotman gags accuser

… files $50M lawsuit for libel

peaker of the National Assembly and Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Raphael Trotman, secured an injunction late on Monday restraining Johnny Anthony Welshman – the young man who has accused him of raping him when he was just 12 from making any statements or publishing any materials about the issue.

Trotman has since denied the allegations. In the court documents filed on Monday, Trotman is also seeking a whopping $50 million for libel contained in articles published in the Stabroek News and the Guyana Times on Monday and materials circulated on Welshman’s Facebook page beginning on Friday last.

Affidavit

The ex-parte affidavit in support of the application for an interim injunction states, “…restraining the defendant whether by himself, his servants and or agents howsoever from publishing and or attempting to publish whether in print, electronic or any other media any material relating and or pertaining to allegations of sexual assault by the plaintiff on the defendant”.

In addition, Trotman had asked that all the contents referring to himself that have been posted on the Facebook page of Welshman be removed forthwith. The 22-year-

old Welshman has accused Trotman of allegedly sexually abusing him several years ago. The young man noted that he was first abused by Trotman at the age of 12, but was being sexually abused since the age of eight by a close relative and another person.

According to the young man, the abuse has left him suffering from depression, post traumatic stress disorder, behavioural problems, poor self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Questioned by journalists at the Parliament Building on Monday, Trotman maintained his innocence.

Police

Although he had not been contacted by the Guyana Police Force, Trotman said he was prepared to cooperate as he placed his trust in the hands of investigators. “I have every confidence that not only would the Police do a good and thorough investigation, but I am confident that I would be completely exonerated,” he said. Questioned about what makes him so “confident”, Trotman said: “A lie can’t stand and every lie needs columns of lies to keep that one lie up and when I look at the newspaper this morning, I smiled because everything is now crumbling.”

Asked too about the letter of recommendation that he had written for Welshman, the

Speaker said he did it based on the fact that he knew Welshman’s father –Johnny Terry Welshman who now resides in Brazil. He explained that his secretary had informed him that a “Johnny Welshman” was there to see him. Trotman added that he had not recognised the young man who called him “Uncle Raphael”.

The young man reportedly said he was back from Trinidad and Tobago and needed a reference. “I said ok, and I did something

dled by “an unstable young man, who appears to have a troubled mind”. He is convinced that the allegations against him are politically motivated. “Conveniently, such scandalous assertions are obviously intended to provide a timely distraction from the serious prevailing political situation in Guyana, which imminently requires me as Speaker of the National Assembly to guide the ship of the nation’s Parliament through the strongest test

very general, because I would normally say I know the person, but I said I know the family… the secretary prepared it and I signed it,” he recalled. According to him, the transaction was done at the “counter”.

He added, “I now realise that I have been set up.” He maintains that with God by his side, he would be exonerated. In an earlier statement, Trotman described the allegations made by Welshman Junior as “wicked assertions,” positing that they are being ped-

to Guyana’s constitutional democracy: the debate of a no confidence motion”, he said.

In defence of the Speaker, the AFC has urged persons to desist from colluding with others who have been obviously induced to fabricate these claims.

According to the Alliance, the accusation is another attempt to disrupt the tabling of the NoConfidence Motion when Parliament resumes in October.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

His accuser, Johnny Anthony Welshman

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Slow fire

The combined political Opposition parties appear to be executing a carefully orchestrated plan to create political, social, and economic instability in the country with the aim of giving more steam to the No-Confidence Motion which will be tabled in Parliament this October.

These parties have realised that in order to muster up more electoral support and get ahead of the PPP/C before the impending parliamentary debate, they must create an environment where there is distrust for the Government, widespread uncertainty, fear and a general feeling of hopelessness among the citizenry.

As of recent, the plan to remove the PPP/C from office has taken on new parliamentary and extra-parliamentary fronts. The Government is been blamed for everything under the sun and for everything that is wrong in every part of Guyana.

So it does not come as a surprise, that the Opposition has begun mobilising political support in the form of protests and staged public consultations in the name of “local democracy’ and “holding Government accountable”.

On one hand, the APNU has hauled Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh before the Privileges Committee for allegedly spending monies that were legally not approved by the Parliament. This also follows a myriad of other campaigns aimed at discrediting sitting Government Minissters and calling for their resignations.

On the other hand, both the AFC and APNU have failed to commit towards working with the Government through Parliament to iron out concerns they have about several large scale developmental projects, including the Amalia Falls Hydro Power Project, the Cheddi Jagan Expansion Project, and the Marriot Hotel Project.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill remains in limbo with the Opposition stymieing its passage and blocking any attempts by the Government to achieve international compliance in order to avoid blacklisting.

Interestingly, all of this is being done while the US Government is implementing critical components of its IRIled and USAID funded Leadership and Democracy Project which aims to “strengthen local democracy”.

It is also interesting to note that the GPSU, which has always aligned itself with the Opposition interests, have awoken from a long slumber and is now claiming that the Government is not honouring its responsibility to public servants. The Union then threatened strike action and other forms of industrial action if the Government does not act in their favour.

In a twist of events, the AFC has accused that the PPP/C was offering some $30 million to three Opposition Members of Parliament with the aim of buying their vote in the NoConfidence Motion debate. No doubt, the aim was to sling mud against the party but the AFC ended up drawing blood from the APNU and is now between a rock and hard place.

The PPP/C is now being blamed again for the personal conundrum that one of its Executive Members have found himself in.

All of these developments do not augur well for Guyana’s future development, even though they pose the strongest challenge to the country’s democratic resolve.

It would appear that the Opposition political parties are rushing for Executive Power and will do all that they can to make the Government unpopular even if it means jepordising the peace and tranquility enjoyed by ordinary citizens.

There appears to be no serious thought being given to frank and open discussions with the State and Government void of politics in the interest of putting Guyana and its people first.

There is no interest of taking arguments and discussions past politics with the aim of focusing on fast tracking socioeconomic development.

The slow fire has just begun, and the Opposition parties will no doubt increase it as the time for the No-Confidence Motion nears, but those right-thinking Guyanese may give another surprise mandate to the politicians after they exercise their democratic rights at the poll.

Much of what happens over the next few weeks will determine how shocking that mandate will be.

AFC Leader’s claims raise questions

Dear Editor, Khemraj Ramjattan’s claim that the PPP/C gave bribes ahead of a no-confidence vote should raise a number of questions in the minds of the Guyanese. Where is the evidence? Why has Ramjattan been unable to produce any parliamentarians who were supposedly bribed? If there is no evidence, why would Ramjattan make these claims?

The short answer to these questions is the same. Mr Ramjattan will do anything to tarnish the name of the PPP/C and boost his own agenda, even if that means spreading lies and rumours.

Now, the people of Guyana need to ask, is this the kind of man we can trust with any sort of power? Ramjattan has not been honest. He has tried to deceive the public and in doing

so, has distracted the country from the issues it should be focusing on. Rather than focus on rebuilding Guyana’s middle class or fixing our roads or improving our industries, Ramjattan has invented a story that only serves himself.

How can a person be a leader of the public when he only aims to serve himself?

The public and this newspa-

per should demand answers from Ramjattan, and if he cannot provide evidence for his claims, he should be immediately removed from power. Leaders need to be honest and transparent. Ramjattan’s unanswered questions prove that he is neither.

Yours truly, Ron Motielall

City Hall issues make for good soap opera

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is convinced that the recent hosting of what was purported to be a “church service” by City Mayor, Hamilton Green and his followers is not a mere coincidence, but a calculated prelude to the call for protest action by David Granger.

Mr Green is an Executive Member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) which is the leading force in A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), hence making it extremely convenient for him to facilitate such an action in keeping with party’s master plan.

The fact that the “church service”, came after Mr Granger indicated his party’s intention for protest action, is further indicative of their deliberate attempt to rile-up public dissent in a planned way.

Our party believes that the “church service” and Mr Granger’s call are intended to be used as support-gathering mechanisms to instil fear and instability under the guise of calling for Local Government Elections as reflected in the Granger’s ultimatum. Guyanese must be reminded that Granger is yet to clarify which election he wishes.

This intention to once again hurt Guyana and Guyanese through pro-

test action comes on the heels of a proposed No-Confidence Motion against the Government and the “church service” must be seen in this context.

The lawlessness and wanton disrespect that ensued during that supposed attempt to “worship”, brought to the fore the well established characteristics of the PNC through the protests engineered by the PNC. Its negative impact to people and property is well documented and all Guyanese must remain vigilant and guard against such disruptive events.

The PPP/C takes this opportunity to commend the Head of the City Constabulary and his team for the action taken to avoid further chaos during the “church service”. That said the PPP/C is not oblivious to the blatant double standards demonstrated by the Mayor.

As the First Citizen and someone who bellows continuously for “a moral and spiritual revival”, one would have expected him not to preside over the mismanagement at City Hall, the breaking of laws and discriminating against a fellow human being as in the case of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba.

The tactics of intimidation he initiated, including the use of a coffin as part of a mock funeral to instil fear into

Ms Sooba, evokes haunting memories of similar actions that targeted former President, Mrs Janet Jagan.

While despicable, such actions in the past and present are not surprising especially given that many senior members of the PNC were present at the “church service” at City Hall.

What is even more interesting is that part of the roof of the wharf at the Stabroek Market collapsed the same day the supposed “bastion” of morality and spirituality, Mayor Green, was presiding over the “church service” at City Hall.

The wanton mismanagement at City Hall which led to the collapse roof of the wharf of this iconic market can only be described as repugnant and the unearthing by Ms Sooba of the wrong doings at City Hall would have been the premise for the constant attacks she is subjected to by the Mayor, his Deputy and their clique.

Ms Sooba’s tenacity to remain steadfast to her mandate of improving the functioning of City Hall and to expose the mismanagement, has obviously been a thorn in the Mayor’s side.

Submitted by, PPP/C, Freedom House

As part of celebrations to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a free art exhibition was held, much to the delight of those in attendance (Marceano Narine photo)

The ramifications of a No-Confidence Motion

Dear Editor,

The No-Confidence Motion tabled by the member of the AFC is not an entirely surprising phenomenon judging from the fact that its leader is obsessed with power. Certainly, he sees this No-Confidence Motion as a sure way to win an election; that is his firm belief.

However, I do not quite understand the logic behind his assumption, because a No-Confidence Motion does not mean an automatic end of the ruling party, it is just simply a motion that has to be debated and nothing else.

If that motion is successful, which I doubt, then there will be an election. We are some ways away from that stage of the game; however, let us for discussion purposes delve into the possibilities of an election.

For the convening of national elections, one has to ask that pressing question, is the Opposition ready for an election? My observation tells me they are not. This is the real issue here – the preparedness to face an electorate.

As it stands, the mover of the motion is a sitting duck where popularity and credibility with the people are concerned. His party is riddled with disu-

nity; all across this country there are damaging reports of the party’s corrupt practices.

The problem is not just internal rifts among the top brass, but the mixed signals conveyed to the people who have to vote for them. At this juncture, I must pause to highlight the shocking accusations against AFC Founder Leader Raphael Trotman.

Certainly, these latest developments will erode whatever confidence the people have in that party. I would deal with that matter in a subsequent letter. Back to our no confidence discussion.

Ramjattan’s rabid obsession with power has caused him to table this motion. He really wants to rule Guyana. He did not stop to think of all the ramifications he has to surmount to get there. For starters, he would not be considered for the post, because that rotating leadership system of the AFC promptly disqualifies him.

For this reason, he mooted the idea of Moses Nagamootoo as the Presidential Candidate. The strategy here is to use Moses to capture the much needed Indian vote – something that is not going to happen.

Now, let’s not forget that Ramjattan is making all of these manoeuvres in a party that is dictated by a black hierarchy. Trotman and Nigel Hughes are the heavyweights in that party. So, this emotional, overambitious, power rush of his is certainly spinning out of control.

Further to his plight is the fact that with seven seats in Parliament, the AFC is in no position to speak with any authority on anything where the leadership of this country is concerned. For any single entity to challenge the PPP/C or pose a threat, you must secure at least 30 seats in the House, and that is not forthcoming in the foreseeable future for any one party when you look at the trend of general elections in this country.

Meanwhile, the PNC/ APNU which should be the main broker in this mess are not interested in general elections while they too grapple with very deepseated problems of their own.

Finally, I must say that a no confidence vote in the Government is an ill-conceived, ill-advised move by the AFC.

Sincerely,

Neil Adams

PPP/C remaining vigilant to ensure sanctity of elections

Dear Editor,

Once again the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) wishes to remind GECOM that it is the responsibility of the GECOM’s Secretariat to not only produce a List of Electors that has the highest degree of accuracy, but also to ensure that every eligible elector is on that list.

The PPP/C also wishes to assure electors that the party will, as it has always done, and will continue to do, wage an unrelenting struggle to ensure that there exist the open and free will of the electorate and to guard that right.

In this regard, the PPP/C already wrote GECOM, concerning potential and actual occurrences that were observed in conduct of the 2011 National and Regional

Elections.

Most of these issues were raised and documented by GECOM itself, in a post 2011 review by GECOM, of those elections. That review was held in January 2012 at the Grand Coastal Hotel.

Among the issues raised were presiding officers not stamping the ballot as required when a person came to vote; presiding officers not honouring the “Certificate of Employment” that were tendered by polling agents of the PPP/C; presiding officers not allowing the accredited “Duly Appointed Candidate” to relieve polling agents so that the polling agents can go and vote; presiding officers not allowing polling agents to seal ballot boxes; GECOM information officers deliberately misinforming elec-

Guyanese at Times Square Diwali celebration

Dear Editor, There was an early start to Diwali festivities in New York City as thousands, including many Guyanese, Trinidadians and Surinamese, jammed Times Square for the second annual celebration in the heart of the city – titled “Diwali at Times Square”.

People were dressed in traditional Indian attire dancing to the beats of Bollywood music making history as Indian culture was being promoted at Times Square. People from other ethnic groups joined in the celebration dancing and cheering the guests who performed on stage as traffic came to a standstill at certain streets.

The celebration brought together renowned artistes from the Indian film industry and for the second year in a row, it was sponsored by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), home to Bollywood.

The extravaganza featured a cultural variety concert of singing dancing and acrobatic performances as well as a feature of Lord Ganesh that highlighted the recent Ganesh celebrations

related Ramleela celebration was held at the South Street Seaport on Sunday afternoon September 21 with the symbolic burning of the evil Rawan followed by spectacular fireworks.

On Saturday afternoon, Times Square was bustling with people dressed in traditional attire as they crowded the stage for a block long; many also lined up before booths on 46th Street to sample Indian cuisine and look at Indian fashion.

A booth also decked out guests who were interested in a free orange colour turban; hundreds took advantage of the free gift. MTDC also gave out samples of mithai and ghoja, similar tasking and in appearance as served in Guyana, that are traditional sweets in the state for the occasion of Diwali.

Dancers, including several Indian-Americans as well as whites, blacks, and Hispanics, entertained the crowd with their performances accompanied by traditional Indian and film music during the six-hour long event. Images of the traditional diyas and fantastic fireworks that are lit dur-

tending “Diwali greetings to New Yorkers”.

Crowley said that the festival of Diwali symbolises “enlightenment over ignorance” and brings people of different race and ethnicity together. Crowley urged the huge crowd that reflected a rainbow of New York to do more to enlighten Americans about Indian culture and about the Sikh community that has been facing a spate of bias crimes.

Ambassador Mulay, a poet and writer, read a poem he wrote on Diwali that was accompanied by a dancer who acted the script of the poem. Mulay expressed hope “that the celebration would grow bigger with each passing year”.

He was at the celebration last year when popular actor Ranbir Kapoor, his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor and singer Shankar Mahadevan enthralled the audience with their performances. Mulay is well known in the Guyanese community as he frequently interacts with them after he was given a warm welcome at a reception hosted by Guyanese and other Indians in the Diaspora last year when he was appointed CG.

tors regarding the presence of the elector’s name on the list; accredited counting agents not being permitted to observe the counting of the votes; and some 24 other issues, within the purview of the GECOM which compromised the integrity of the elections.

As we observed earlier in this statement, these matters were raised and document by GECOM itself during a GECOM review of the 2011 elections, but also these matters were experienced by the PPP/C in those elections and for which protest letter were dispatched to GECOM.

The PPP/C remains ever vigilant to ensure the sanctity of any elections held in our country.

Submitted by, PPP/C, Freedom House

in the city that also attracted thousands in Richmond Hill and Flushing, the heart of the Hindu communities.

At Times Square, the colours and lights of Diwali inundated the area attracting many passersby of other nationalities. Indian actors Aditya Roy Kapur and Parineeti Chopra, promoting their new film, “Daawat-e-Ishq”, and other popular soap stars featured on Indian soaps shown in Guyana, made a special appearance at the concert that featured performances by Bollywood singer Shaan and other well known artistes as well as disc jockeys.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights is the most significant festival for Indians and celebrations have been planned all over the city including in Richmond Hill by Guyanese on October 16 and South Street Seaport on October 3. Another Diwali

ing Diwali were beamed onto the giant billboards that illuminate Times Square. The event was carried live on TV Asia around the world and on Internet webcast.

The Guyanese I interacted with said they came to the event for the entertainment and to catch a glimpse of their favourite soap stars.

The event was attended by India’s Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar (who is in the city for the Climate Conference being attended by President Ramotar), Indian Consul General Dyaneshwar Mulay and US Representative Joseph Crowley (Queens Democratic Leader).

Addressing the huge crowd, Minister Javadekar, with whom I had an exchange at the President’s Garden to his home last month in Delhi, said as a representative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government, he is ex-

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director said the event showcases the rich culture, cuisine, historical and natural heritage of Maharashtra and India to a global audience. Separately, last Thursday, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation promoted the state at a reception for travel agents and the media at the Indian Consulate near Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. Several Guyanese travel agents and media personnel were in attendance. There was a packed hall; guests were treated to cocktails followed by a cultural performance of music, dances and yoga and a scrumptious dinner and dessert featuring the cuisine of Maharashtra.

Submitted by, Vishnu Bisram

Indian actors Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur

Page Foundation

By Dr roBert Myers, ChilD PsyChologist

Wiring the human brain

When you look at children and people in general, it’s easy to see that we all have differences in our “wiring,” in how our brains work. As a parent, you see these differences between your children every day. Your son is great at figuring out how long it will take him to write that English paper while your daughter always seems to think she’ll get it done in an hour, even though she never does. Or one child remembers everything she’s told, while the other can’t remember a log-in and password a minute after you just said it.

The ability to plan, manage time and remember details are all mental abilities – or brain functions –known as executive functions. Executive functions also include the ability to regulate emotions, solve problems, be flexible and organised and communicate well, among others. Executive functions strongly influence your child’s ability to excel not only at certain tasks, like being able to plan ahead so all their homework gets done on time, but also play a part in determining how successful they may be in school, work and other roles in their lives.

Strengthened executive functions will enable your child to be more successful academically, become better able to cope with life’s daily challenges, and improve their ability to relate with others.

The good news is that science has shown that we can change our brain wiring and improve our executive functions. What this means for parents is that while your child may have difficulties at home or at school that are at least partially based on delays or differences in executive functions, through training and practice he or she can develop these lagging skills. Strengthened executive functions will enable your child to be more successful academically, become better able to cope with life’s daily challenges and improve their ability to relate with others – leading to a more satisfying and productive life.

You can help your child develop these skills through brain training exercises – or better yet, games. Children naturally learn through play. Play involves the whole child in the experience and thus intensifies the learning experience. Practice is also important. In the brain, each time a behaviour is repeated it strengthens the brain’s “wiring”, the ability to do the behaviour more successfully the next time. Think of it this way: helping your child learn an executive function is no different than when they learn to ride a bike or recite the alphabet. Make it fun and keep at it, and you’ll see gains.

Brain training

Here are six activities you can do with your child to promote healthy brain development that will result in improvements in several key executive functions. By the way, these exercises not only help children; they work for adults as well!

Elevator Breathing

Practising deep breathing (“elevator breathing” or moving the breath to all parts of the body) helps improve memory as well as emotional control. Children love doing this, so do it often. Start out by having your child sitting in a cross-legged position or lying down and breathing naturally. After she has practised breathing naturally, say: Imagine that your breath is like an elevator taking a ride through your body. To start the elevator, I want you to breathe in through your nose. Now breathe out all your air. Now breathe in and take your elevator breath up to your chest. Hold it. Now breathe out all of your air. Now breathe in and take your elevator breath up to the top floor, up through your throat into your face and forehead. Hold it. Now breathe out and feel your elevator breath take all your troubles and worries down through your chest, your belly, your legs and out the elevator door in your feet.

The Brain/Body Coordination Workout. Our brains and our bodies are part of our whole self, and both parts need exercise. When we “exercise” them together, we are actually helping various functions of the brain work more collaboratively and stay in sync. Motor coordination is a function of our brain as well as our body. “Exercises” like those below

promote integration between essential brain functions, leading to an overall better performing brain.

Toe wiggling. This greatly helps coordination. Children of all ages can easily learn to do this. Every morning before getting out of bed, have your child slowly begin to move all their toes on both feet up and down, and then change to just the two big toes.

Your other hand. Have your child try doing things with their non-dominant hand. If they are

the “windmill” by standing with feet spread apart and alternate between touching your left foot with your right hand and vice versa. Repeat several times.

Tickle the ivories. Learning to play either the piano or an electronic keyboard is one of the best ways to improve brain integration. An internet search will bring up instructional videos you can use at home.

The Concentration Game. Activities to improve memory and concentration are important for all of us!

right-handed, have them use their left and if left-handed, use their right for things like writing, getting dressed and eating. Get moving. You can do simple exercises with your child like sitting and touching your right elbow to your left knee. Do this five times and then do left elbow to right knee. Repeat several times. Or you can do

For younger children, you can take a few of their toys and line them up. Then cover them and take one away. See if they can tell you which one is missing. You can also have them try to remember short lists of familiar objects in the home. Try remembering them forward and backward.

For older children and teens,

try putting random objects in front of them for 15 seconds, then remove the objects and see how many they can remember. Start out with five and keep increasing the number as they master the task. You can also help auditory memory by giving them a random list of numbers or words orally and having them repeat them. Start with only two or three and work up from there.

Family Game Night

Playing games like checkers and chess, as well card games including UNO, Hearts, Go Fish and Speed teach problem solving, planning and cooperation (such as taking turns and handling frustration). Board games are also great for this, such as Monopoly, Sorry! and Yahtzee. Games like Jenga and Operation improve attention, concentration, coordination and frustration tolerance. Another plus is that playing games together is fun for everyone and helps strengthen family bonds. Try it once a week and see what it does for your child and your relationship.

Play Games Online. There are many great websites offering free games that are both fun and improve a wide variety of academic skills. This is “screen time” parents can actually feel good about! Check out www. kidsknowit.com, www.kidsmathgamesonline.com and www.learninggamesforkids. com. Daily Talk Time/ Triumphs and Challenges. In today’s world of constant texting, talking – really communicating – is getting to be a lost art. Taking time each day with each child to learn about their triumphs and challenges and sharing yours will greatly improve your child’s communication and conversational skills. Sharing your triumphs and challenges can also help them to learn problem solving skills. Family dinnertime is an awesome time to do this and a great tradition to start. Or read a book with your child and ask questions about what was happening. Discuss the events and also the feelings, not only how the characters were feeling but what your child was thinking and feeling as well. Share your thoughts and feelings as well.

Taking time to teach, encourage and participate with your child in these activities will not only improve brain function but build relationships and reduce stress in all who participate. Play may be the work of the child but it is good for adults to slip into their own inner child now and then as well. So “exercise” your brain along with your child’s, knowing you are having fun together while promoting growth.

(Empoweringparents.com)

Granger refuses to meet Ramotar

– APNU launches protests

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) has embarked on a countrywide protest and picketing campaign as the coalition upped the pressure on the Government to set a date for Local Government Elections (LGE).

The party’s Leader, David Granger, said he did not intend to meet with President Donald Ramotar to discuss the possibility of Local Government or General Elections unless the meeting is to name a date for the holding of the LGE.

Hundreds of persons took to the streets outside the Office of the President on Tuesday shouting “we demand Local Government Elections now”.

The protest action on Tuesday is one of many that have been planned by the coalition after President Ramotar ignored a recent ultimatum to set a date for Local Government polls. In the issuance of the ultimatum, Granger had promised to mobilise local and international action in support of democracy, should the President fail to set a date.

Speaking to media operatives at the protest, Granger said that the “protests” were aimed at convincing the President that “the people are angry and want Local Government Elections”.

The Opposition Leader said that the protests and picketing actions will continue until a date is set by the President for the holding of

Local Government Elections.

Referring to the President, Granger said: “He does not have the right to postpone Local Government Elections … we will continue to protest until we get elections.”

APNU Member of Parliament (MP) and newly -appointed General Secretary of the coalition, Joseph Harmon, pointed out that while the Opposition Leader remains willing to meet with the President, he will only do so, if the meeting is to set a date for Local Government polls. “Only time he is going to meet is if he is going to name a date for Local Government Elections, other than that we not having any more meeting,” he said

According to Harmon, the coalition will continue to do everything that is within the ambit of the laws of Guyana to ensure that the President sets a date for the holding of these elections. “This is not the end; this is the beginning,” he declared, as he contended that the Government will have a “difficult time until they declare a date for Local Government Elections”.

Division When asked whether the APNU’s intensified call for Local Government polls and the Alliance For Change’s, by way of the NoConfidence Motion, push for General Elections, was indicative of a divide between the Opposition parties, Harmon responded in the negative.

He remarked that both elections were “one and the same issue… not two separate things”, adding that the call for Local Government Elections “is but one more nail in the coffin of this Government”.

In a subsequent release, the APNU noted that protest action was held in all six municipalities – Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corriverton and Anna Regina. “APNU pickets called on the President to do the following: Respect the Constitution of Guyana; Demand that the President

issue the ‘commencement order’ to operationalise the Local Government Commission; Demand that the President assent to the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and that the President respect the people’s democratic right to elect their own representatives.”

The APNU has said it has begun to mobilise support from the Union of South American States (UNASUR) and the Western Hemisphere in advocacy of local democracy in Guyana. “We are alerting the entire international community, not just diplomats here, the entire international community – UNASAUR, United Nations, and Organisation of American States, to call on (President) Ramotar. There is no way we are going to sit on our hands and allow this administration to postpone Local Government Elections for another year,” Granger said during the press conference. He added that while there will be street protests, a protest does not necessarily mean that persons will take to the streets. The Opposition Leader had pointed out that protest action by APNU began since March 1 this year. On that date, a joint statement was issued by several sections of society, including the diplomatic corps and the Private Sector Commission (PSC), calling on the Government to set a date for Local Government polls.

Linden man to stand trial for attempted murder

Linden resident Tony Marcus was on Tuesday committed to stand trial at the High Court for attempted murder when Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against him.

In concluding the Preliminary Inquiry (PI), she committed Marcus to stand trial at the High Court at the next practical sitting of the Criminal Assizes in Demerara.

It is alleged that on July 6 at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, with intent to commit murder, the defendant chopped the Virtual Complainant (VC), Etwaroo Narine. The matter was prosecuted by Police Inspector

his defence, Marcus remained silent and reserved his witnesses for the High Court. During the first PI session on July 28, the Court heard that the VC and the defendant were consuming alcohol when Marcus asked Narine for money. The VC refused and an argument ensued between the two which resulted in the accused chopping the VC to his face and shoulders. Narine made an attempt to escape, but was pursued by Marcus, who continued to chop him about his body. Passersby intervened and assisted the injured man, and a report was filed with Police. The defendant was then apprehended by ranks. Marcus remains on remand until his trial.

Headless body still unidentified

Police are yet to identify the headless body of a male that was found at Old Road Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, on Monday afternoon.

Crime Chief Leslie James told the Guyana Times that the Police are currently conducting investigations into the matter; however, they were unable to identify the corpse, which was decomposing.

According to information reaching this newspaper, workers attached to the Public Works Ministry, who were weeding in the area, first discovered the head of the body which was reportedly in a black plastic bag and being carried by a dog.

Upon making the discovery, the men went to the area from where the dog came and stumbled upon the body. One of the workers related to the Guyana Times that they saw the dog carrying the black plastic bag and the animal suddenly dropped it. Out of curiosity, he opened the bag and made the gruesome discovery. The body, he added, was found in a trench behind a tyre. The Police were subsequently informed.

When this publication arrived at the scene on Monday, the Police were conducting investigations. Arrangements were also being made for the State Pathologist to conduct the post-mortem examination at the scene, since the body

could not have been moved due to its decomposed state.

However, a senior rank had told the Guyana Times that the Police were unable to contact Dr Nehaul Singh to perform the autopsy; as such, the body remained at the site until the following morning.

Investigators believed that the man was beheaded before his body and head were dumped in the area. Several plastic handcuffs were recovered at the scene and were taken as evidence. The head of the corpse was placed in a brown paper bag and taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

On July 24 last, a female body in an advanced stage of decomposition

was found in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown and was suspected to be that of the missing St Stanislaus College teacher, Ngyozi Goodman. Due to the state of decomposition of the woman’s corpse, local Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh had to be taken to the scene to perform the post-mortem examination, but after more than 30 minutes of examining the skeletal remains, he declared the cause of death to be inconclusive. However, he reportedly found signs that the woman might have been stabbed. Samples taken from the woman’s remains are expected to be sent to Trinidad for further analysis. The results are expected some time this week.

Investigators at the crime scene on Monday

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

APNU Leader David Granger

Michael Grant and six witnesses inclusive of two Police Officers testified on behalf of the prosecution. Upon the advice of Attorney Paul Fung-AFat, when called upon to lead

Tony Marcus

5 taxi drivers on bail for felony charge

Five taxi drivers were placed on $160,000 bail each after being charged for attempting to commit a felony (steal from a motor car) on Tuesday morning.

Thirty-seven-year-old Rolex Johnson of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD); 35-year-old Leroy Lloyd of Bagotstown, EBD; 37-year-old Kurt Kendal of Nonpareil, East

Coast Demerara (ECD); 47-year-old Colin Goodrich of Mahaicony, ECD, and 35-year-old Chetram Suknadan of Grove Squatting Area, EBD, appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on September 22 at Church Street, Georgetown, the taxi drivers attempted to

commit simple larceny upon motor vehicle GMM 575, which is owned by Navindra Latchman.

The court heard that Latchman withdrew money from a city bank and subsequently parked on Church Street with the money in the vehicle. He then went in to an insurance agency when Johnson was seen attempting to enter the vehicle, while Lloyd, Kendall, Goodrich and Suknadan were in a waiting car. An alarm was raised and they were all arrested and taken to the station.

All five of the men pleaded not guilty. Johnson, Goodrich and Suknadan were represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry while Kendal was represented by Attorneyat-Law Mark Conway and Lloyd defended himself. There were no objections to bail provided by Police Prosecutor Gordon

The men will reappear in court on October 28.

Construction worker remanded for motorcycle theft

A24-year-old man accused of stealing a motorcycle was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Anthony Peters, of Lot 108 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, allegedly on September 20 at North Road, Georgetown, stole one X-Trail motorcycle valued $380,000, property of Edward James.

The construction worker pleaded not guilty to the charge of simple larceny laid against him and told the court that he had never had any previous brushes with the law.

According to Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, the motorcycle was recovered at the Roti Hut food court in the possession of the defendant. Mansfield then successfully objected to bail based on the prevalence of the offence. Peters will make his second appearance on October 28.

Eyew tness

Cover-up...

...of paedophilia

Raphael Trotman said he didn’t molest the boy who said he did. Now we can’t know conclusively right now as to who’s lying. Trotman said he has God on his side so he’ll be vindicated. Well, we do know that God is here, there and everywhere, so presumably God is also on the side of the young man – who said his childhood was taken away from him.

With this accusation of paedophilia and the name of God being invoked, we can’t help connecting the sordid accusations with what played out with similar accusations against priests in the Catholic Church. What started as the whisperings by some in the USA in 1985 eventually turned into a tidal wave that ended with the first resignation of a Pope in more than 500 years.

The first reaction of the Church was to deny the acts occurred and to claim the boys making the allegations were “troubled” or had faulty memories. Of course they were “troubled”!! If this Eyewitness were continuously molested from childhood by a figure he was taught to trust – he wouldn’t only be troubled: he’d probably be stark raving bonkers – with an AK 47 in his hands, seeking vengeance!!

The Church then tried to silence the tsunami of accusations that surfaced – with money. Sounds familiar? In the US, the Los Angeles Church, in one settlement alone paid US$660 million to hundreds of accusers. Pretty soon reports from Ireland, Germany and practically every country with Catholic priests, started to surface. The molestations couldn’t be denied. But the press that exposed the rampant paedophilia could be castigated!! The messenger can always be blamed.

The then Cardinal-to-be-Pope Ratzinger of Germany (who would resign a decade later), protested: “I am personally convinced at the constant presence in the press of the sins of Catholic priests, especially in the US, is a planned campaign... Therefore one comes to the conclusion that it is intentional, manipulated, that there is a desire to discredit the Church.”

In Guyana, Trotman has moved for, and been granted an injunction, to prevent the boy from telling his story. This is reprehensible. This is the power of money exhibiting itself. If as Trotman says truth (not to mention God) is on his side, what has he to fear from the boy revelations??

Then he and his party, the AFC have tried to connect the rape-and-paedophilia accusations to the office of the Speaker and the pending No-Confidence Vote. What the hell does one have to do with the other??

If they feel there’s a connection, then he should recuse himself forthwith. It’s not as if another (PNC) Rasta won’t take his place!!

...of the (inconvenient) truth

The Opposition has a letter-writing stable – headed by Asquith Rose and Sase “Thunderbolt” Singh –that churns out letters daily to the press. Most of their output is biased, but in the offering yesterday in the MuckrakerKN, they broke their own record for inaccuracies.

They moaned that workers get five per cent salary increases while inflation’s at 16 per cent!!! The inflation rate for the last decade hasn’t even touched five per cent – and this year even the IMF projects it’ll be 3.5 per cent. They claim rural folks can’t get to banks! Have any of these wankers returned to Guyana in the last decade? But what takes the cake is their grief for the closure of the PNC’s GNCB (Co-op Bank) by the PPP/C in 2003, because it was lending money to “poor folks”. Maybe they think folks have forgotten that the bank was bankrupted by the billions that were lent to party favourites – and never collected.

...of high handedness

(Full disclosure: This Eyewitness freely admits he’s on the side of the underdogs in most disputes where power is overwhelmingly on one side.) So like Komal Chand of GAWU asks, “How can you get justice when one fella in the dispute can (and did) fire the other chap??”

Anthony Peters

Mansfield.

Colin Goodrich

Rolex Johnson

Leroy Lloyd

Solomon’s faction storms out

… of PNCR Linden campaign meeting

Disgruntled supporters of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) have been accused of invading a highlevel campaign meeting in Linden.

A source close to the PNCR said Campaign Director Winston Felix had convened the meeting at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre with the intention of highlighting the party’s roadmap in the leadup to General and Regional Elections.

It was pointed out that only key party officials in Region 10 were invited. These included the Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon, former Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo, PNCR Linden Coordinator Sandra Adams and longstanding Valerie Adams Patterson.

However, it was said that though Solomon attended the meeting, he brought along uninvited guests who were “rowdy” during their 15-minute stay before storming out. Recognising that it was Solomon and his “entourage” who were being disruptive, the source said, Felix had a very cordial discussion with him, explaining that it was a highlevel meeting that did not cater for regular supporters.

After being told this, Solomon reportedly told the Campaign Director that he had to leave to address pending matters. His entourage comprising ap-

proximately 12 persons stormed behind him, disrupting the meeting in the process.

Before the PNCR’s 18th Biennial Congress at the Party’s Headquarters, Sophia, Solomon and his supporters including Region 10 A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Vanessa Kissoon have been at their wits’ end with the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR over a number of outstanding matters. In the lead-up to the Biennial Congress, Party Leader David Granger took a decision to suspend Kissoon on the grounds of disorderly behaviour and insubordination, but Kissoon had argued that the suspension was unconstitutional. The Disciplinary Committee has since recommended that Kissoon issues a formal apology to the General Secretary Oscar Clarke for assaulting him, but this recommendation has been outrightly rejected by the

Region 10 MP.

But the conflict between the Linden faction and the Central Executive Committee widened when during the Biennial Congress, Solomon protested against the alleged disenfranchisement of Lindeners. He alleged that the PNCR’s voters’ list was padded while eligible Lindeners were denied their voting rights in the party.

Opposition divided on elections – Rohee

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ Civic) General Secretary Clement Rohee says that his Party is prepared for any eventuality, pointing out that the Opposition parties need to make a decision on which elections they really prefer.

With the No-Confidence Motion pending in the National Assembly, Rohee said his party is prepared for any election, whether it is General or Local Government.

The No-Confidence Motion, if passed, will see the Donald Ramotar Administration leaving Office, with the General Election following in 90 days.

In response to the longstanding cries for the holding of Local Government Elections, Rohee said his Party has always been prepared. “As the General Secretary of the PPP/C, I say yes. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Party machinery in all its manifestations is ready. We have always been ready.”

Citing the recent disclosure of Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Rohee said the PPP/C is on the same road, with the same level of confidence.

Miller had told supporters at her Country’s National Arena that her governing People’s National Party (PNP) will win next year’s Local Government Elections, as well as the 2016 General

Election. “I would assume that if such a question were to be put to our supporters, if they were to be a mass, the answer would be of a similar nature,” Rohee said.

He added that if a major poll is taken, there is no doubt that every activist and leader would indicate their readiness for any poll. He said while the PPP/C has always maintained that it was not an electioneering party, it has been doing its ground work. “We have always been on the ground, working. Whether it is at the ministerial level or at the political level.”

He said the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) seem divided on the pending No-Confidence Motion in the National Assembly. Rohee said it was quite obvious that one party is heading east, while the oth-

er is heading west and he was waiting to see where both parties will end up.

In a historic move, the AFC last month submitted a No-Confidence Motion against the ruling PPP/C Government.

But questions have been posed about APNU’s real position, since although it is calling for President Donald Ramotar to name a date for Local Government Polls, it has also signalled its commitment to the NoConfidence Motion put forward by the AFC.

This division is quite clear, Rohee noted, in the recent assertion made by AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan that the PPP/C Administration was seeking to buy out Opposition parliamentarians on the upcoming no-confidence vote.

According to him, when cornered, Ramjattan admitted that the MPs are from the APNU’s side of the House. “I would have thought that since he and Mr Granger are such close buddies, he would have called Mr Granger and tell him I have this information on three of your MPs”.

This, Rohee said, indicates clear division. He said it is interesting to see what is unfolding between the two parties. He said that instead of speaking to each other, both parties are making “public disclosures” though the media. “So I am wondering how close this alliance is really. These two parties seem

Sattaur unfazed at AFC’s calls for his removal

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur said he is unfazed at the call by the Alliance For Change (AFC) for his resignation following allegations that he has been leaking tax information about private companies to government officials.

The AFC’s call comes in wake of the publication of purported email exchanges between Sattaur and the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

In their release the AFC claimed that the recent revelations by Kaieteur News warrants Sattaur's removal from the post he currently holds and “for a thorough, independent investigation on the matter and for the law to take its full course.

The party further claimed that it has been in receipt of complaints of activities of this nature and has held suspicions that some media houses and businesses have been unfairly targeted for investigations.

“It now appears as though there is incontrovertible evidence as to the scandalous levels of this seemingly highly orchestrated illegal and vile campaign of fear and intimidation which reaches the highest levels of Government.”

to be calling on the GRA to ensure that taxes are collected from all in a fair manner, yet instead of standing up in support when such evasions are discovered, the focus is diverted to attack the agency on perceived revelation of information purportedly emanating from the GRA.”

to be on a collision course.”

Asked about the PPP/C’s preference regarding the two elections, Rohee said whatever decision the leadership of the party takes, it will be ready.

But Sattaur in a subsequent release lashed out at the political party, saying it was nothing more than another attempt to intimidate him and is being viewed “as malicious and borders on intimidation.”

The Commissioner General has stated that he is not aware of any ‘"incontrovertible evidence" which has been referenced.

Sattaur noted that “it is rather duplicitous for the AFC

Sattaur has stated that he ‘will continue to carry out my duties as outlined in the mandate of the Revenue Authority, “since failure to do so would be tantamount to me abdicating my responsibilities.” He further noted that “it is unfair that in carrying out my mandate it also requires me to exercise my mandate against persons who are intent on bulliyism as a form of intimidation. However, this will not be condoned and any such acts will be spoken against.”

Owner and Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall has been accused of being involved in a tax evasion scam with the importation of two Lexus SUVs by a remigrant couple, among other alleged scams.

Campaign Director Winston Felix

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

Sugar strike widens

... as GuySuCo stands by Manager

The ongoing strike action by members of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) at the Skeldon Sugar Estate has intensified and widened along the Corentyne, with both field and factory workers at the Albion Estate joining the strike in solidarity with their fellow workers.

On Tuesday, GAWU called on the workers at Albion to join in the strike in order to further press their demand to have a sacked worker reinstated.

Of the five gangs of field workers attached to the estate, four responded which resulted in more than 750 workers walking off the job together with all of the factory staff, bringing grinding operations to a halt at the Albion factory.

At Skeldon, the GAWU workers remained off the job for a fourth day. However, grinding continued for a second day uninterrupted as junior staff who are not yet unionised. Together with senior staff attached

to the National Association of Agricultural, Clerical and Industrial Employees Union (NAACIE), they kept the estate grinding.

Despite the support the estate received from those workers, it could lose in excess of $255 million if field workers stay off the job for the next two days. Currently, 1130 punts of cane are waiting to be transported to the factory to be ground. At 12.45

ton per cane/ton per sugar (TCTS), it would produce in excess of 83,000 tonnes of sugar at $5000 per tonne.

Guyana Times was made to understand that workers at the Rose Hall and Blairmont Estates have indicated their intention to shut down the estate in support of their colleagues.

GAWU President Komal Chand called on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to resolve the issue quickly, saying “we can’t afford the matter to drag out.

The Labour Ministry had reportedly summoned GuySuCo and GAWU to a meeting on Tuesday.

The strike action at the Skeldon Estate was sparked by the dismissal of a mill dock operator, Stephen Daniels, who had a confrontation with a Senior Manager of that estate.

On Sunday, worker representatives were called to a meeting at the Skeldon Factory where they put forward four demands.

The first being the reinstatement of Daniels, the sec-

ond being that he must be paid for all the days he was off the job, and the third that a written or verbal apology be given to the sacked worker.

The union representatives also demanded that there be no victimisation of the worker. None of the demands were met and one of the representatives was also issued with a ‘cause letter’ to show reason why he should not be disciplined for calling a strike.

This angered the workers further and on Sunday night, unknown persons set ablaze approximately 34 hectares of unripened canes.

On Monday, GAWU and the sacked worker met with officials from GuySuCo in a bid to resolve the issue, but talks broke down.

GuySuCo statement However, GuySuCo in a statement maintained that it was standing by the decision made by the manager and refuted the allegation that he was intoxicated and had an altercation with Daniels.

Contrary to the Union’s allegation, the manager in his usual night visit to the factory and mill dock met a group of workers that included Daniels who were malingering in the vicinity of the mill dock and cautioned them to report to their respective work stations, the statement said.

Daniels reportedly became abusive and was calmly advised by the manager to heed his advice and report to his work station. Daniels subsequently reportedly retaliated and approached the manager in a hostile manner, and in the process struck the manager in the face, according to GuySuCo.

The incident was allegedly witnessed by the Agriculture Manager and a Supernumerary Constable, all of whom testified that the manager was not intoxicated nor was he aggressive and abusive to Daniels.

"The type of behaviour that was displayed by Daniels is recognised by the Corporation as one that constitutes gross misconduct, and such behaviour is treated with summary dismissal; as a consequence, Daniels was summarily dismissed last Saturday," the statement said.

The release said that on Saturday evening, a cane harvesting representative at the point of the entrance to the factory compound where night shift mechanical harvester operators and bell loader operators assemble before they proceed to work, incited these category of workers to take industrial action to protest Daniels’ dismissal.

On Sunday night approximately 34 hectares of un-ripened canes were burnt, suspected to be a case of arson as a form of retaliation for Daniels’ dismissal, according to GuySuCo.

Haul yuh ass!!

Satiricus was a great admirer of educated people. Having been brought up mostly in the school of hard knocks, he often wished he had the massive vocabulary of the “big ones” to express himself. Satiricus was especially taken by lawyers – these fellas (and felines!!) literally lived by their wit and words. And man did they take time to hone their tools!

As he’d confessed time and again, one of the best communicators he’d ever come across was Rum Jhaat of the KFC party. Obviously he was a lawyer. Satiricus could just see him poring over his law books in school just soaking in those big – but appropriate – words.

People liked to molest Rum Jhaat that he carried around a “flattie” of rum in his jacket pocket. Which he would sip until he could hit the “large” in his desk drawer.

But Satiricus knew better. Rum Jhaat actually had a dictionary in his pocket – and he only drank in the words in long pulls – whenever he had a spare moment. Satiricus was reminded of all of this when he read of the interview a reporter had conducted with Rum Jhaat on his bribery allegations. According to Rum Jhaat, the PPEE had offered $30 million to three Opposition MPs – which the PPEE immediately denied.

The reporter asked Rum Jhaat if he would now retract his allegations. Presumably because he and the PPEE and the fingered MPs were all “honourable” men. At least that was how they addressed each other in Parliament, Satiricus reasoned.

Now if he were like ordinarily educated fellas, Rum Jhaat could’ve answered “yes” or “no”. But Rum Jhaat was a trained Attorney-at-Law – with years and years of experience at the bar. He replied, “Tell de PPEE to haul deh ass!!!”

“Could anyone blame him for being such a fan of Rum Jhaat?” thought Satiricus. What a guy!! What wit!! What precision of thought! The reason Satiricus couldn’t fulfil his childhood dream to become a lawyer was because he could never absorb all the Latin expressions that were thrown around so casually. Order nisi, mandamus, actus reus, lege lata – and now this one that Rum Jhaat loved so much –“haul yuh ass!”

Last December, the Secretary of the Minister of Housing had called Rum Jhaat to invite him to a press conference. Rum Jhaat had told her to tell her boss and others to “haul deh ass!!” The poor girl, not understanding Latin, felt her boss was being insulted.

And all the time, the Latin phrase simply signalled how lawyers closed their cases. It meant: “Respected sirs, let us now retire and take a drink.”

Man found dead in Albouystown apartment

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force Tuesday evening removed the decomposed body of a man known as “Buttery” from an apartment building in Albouystown, after being summoned by concerned residents.

The body was discovered at the door of the apartment at Lot 57 James and Bar Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown. According to a neighbour earlier in the day, occupants of the apartment building became disgruntled after a heavy stench began to emanate from the lower flat of the two storey building.

Upon conducting their own investigation, residents realised that the swollen body of “Buttery” was lying motionlessly on the floor of his apartment. The door of the apartment was partially opened. When the police arrived on the scene, the apartment was still locked preventing access, however with the assistance of public-spirited citizens, the grille work was opened and the body of the man who is said to be in his late 50s was removed from the building. Residents said “Buttery” was last seen alive on Sunday.

GAWU President Komal Chand

wednesdAY, september 24, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Climate change Summit President urges firm action to save future generations

President Donald Ramotar on Tuesday warned world leaders to summon the political will to fight climate change or risk destroying the lives and livelihoods of future generations.

Speaking at a Climate Change Summit held at the United Nations Ramotar said: “We are far from achieving a less-than-twodegrees climate target, and our world is heading for climate catastrophe. If this continues, it will reverse development progress and destroy the lives and livelihoods of future generations.

cult. Those countries most responsible for this climate change problem must take the lead in supporting those which are most vulnerable and least responsible. “So, either we find ways to generate large flows of assistance to the developing world, or we find a way to provide better incentives for low carbon development than is the case today,” the President said.

Thirdly, he told the Summit that there has been a tragic erosion of trust since Copenhagen with many developed countries failing to make their financial pledges

ment path that is based on deploying our forests to mitigate global climate change while using the benefits to enable low carbon development, improving climate change resilience and enabling national development.”

He said the GuyanaNorway partnership has provided the impetus to move the LCDS forward but more such partnerships are needed. Under the LCDS Guyana has advanced work in renewable energy and in creating sustainable, lowcarbon livelihoods for communities. “Our indigenous

We possess the knowledge and the power to avert this catastrophe – but the international community is yet to summon the political will to turn this knowledge into meaningful action. We must use our presence as Heads of State and Government at this Summit to bring focus on the reality that the solutions to climate change can only be realised with requisite political will.”

The Guyanese leader said in the 15 months to Paris, the world must ensure that industrialised countries need to take deeper cuts in emissions as part of their contribution to the 2015 agreement. He said pledges since Copenhagen have been weak and insufficient and will “see us falling significantly short of the goal we have set ourselves.”

Secondly, Ramotar said developing countries are ready to take actions to develop along low carbon and climate resilient paths, but the global financial system makes such actions diffi-

a reality. It is vital that the Green Climate Fund be capitalised urgently and at the scale required and furthermore that it be made fully operational no later than 2015.

Additionally, Ramotar said forests can offer up to 20 per cent of the climate solution, once the right financial incentives are in place. We cannot achieve the 2 degree goal without REDD+.

The last COP in Warsaw delivered a REDD Plus decision for an international framework for payments. What remains now is for the financing to be made available to implement REDD Plus in forested countries. Such a financing scheme must include payments for ecosystem services.

“Mr Secretary General, in my own country we are committed to action and have been acting for many years now. In 2009, Guyana launched one of the world’s most ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategies –and set out a new develop-

peoples have greatly benefited from these initiatives. We have also mainstreamed climate change across the entire policy matrix. As a lowlying coastal state, we are particularly vulnerable to devastating climate change impacts.

Adaptation activities and building resilience to improve our ability to cope are indispensable elements of our climate strategy,” the President told the Summit. He asserted that firm financial commitments are essential to the success of these efforts and must be significantly increased to facilitate broad-scale deployment and allow their long-term sustainability. “... I am confident that implementation of these measures will see us achieving the goals we have set ourselves and avert the catastrophe that looms before us. My country Guyana pledges to shoulder its share of this responsibility in full. We call on the rest of the world to do the same.”

Police seize two illegal guns at Wowasie Creek

Police on Monday recovered two illegal firearms during patrol duties at Wowasie Creek, Potaro River, a release from the Force's Public Relations Office has said.

In a release Police said at about 15:00h on Monday, ranks on patrol in the Wowasie Creek, Potaro River, conducted a search on a man, during which one .38 revolver and 13 rounds of .38 ammunition were found in his pants pocket. He is in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Sickle Cell activist promotes awareness in Guyana

The Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) introduced Dr Lola Oni to Guyana at a cocktail reception at Herdmanston Lodge on Tuesday evening. Her visit is in keeping with the organisation’s bid to raise awareness on Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia diseases.

Dr Oni is a Sickle Cell Anaemia specialist from London, who was brought here through the sponsorship of the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP), which was instrumental in the implementation of GSCA. It has also been quite instrumental in cancer awareness and creating a society to target the issue and other health issues in Guyana.

GSCA being the main health body in Guyana that targets the Sickle Cell Anaemia Disease was mobilised by AGNAP from the beginning, in its goal to tackle the sickness. The organisation has also collaborated over the years with

mote regions in Guyana.

He informed Guyana Times that the GSCA has been working with the Ministry to establish a national protocol for doctors to deal with patients, especially Sickle Cell Anaemia patients.

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder, characterised mainly by chronic anaemia and periodic episodes of pain. It is where one’s haemoglobin (red pigment in blood cells that carries oxygen to the body) does not work properly, thus the red blood cells are slow in circulating the oxygen around the body, blocking up one’s blood vessels. This disease causes jaundice and delayed growth and weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections.

Dr Oni spoke about the importance of bringing awareness on this issue and the need for the relevant health-care bodies to be on board. She applauded the Health Minister, Dr Bheri

nity to reiterate some of his plans regarding Sickle Cell Anaemia. He stated that it is necessary that persons affected wear tags that identify them as Sickle Cell patients so doctors will be able to work with them accordingly. He also remarked on the importance of keeping such patients warm at all times and the fact that the hospitals can be a cold place. He stated that it was an initiative of the Health Ministry to hand out blankets to these patients, as they seek treatment, in a small effort to alleviate their discomfort. The Minister also revealed that a specialised health centre is in the works to target the sickness.

Meanwhile, Dr Oni will be having a discussion on the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia diseases at the Georgetown School of Nursing on Thursday, September 25. She heads next to Linden where she will be meeting with the officials at the Linden Hospital and the Charles Roza School of Nursing on

the Health Ministry in its aim to put more focus on the sickness through awareness and education activities.

GSCA President Errol London remarked that it has been the Association’s practice to assist families that have been affected with this disease. He said that they have not had the access as he would have wished; however, they are working with the Health Ministry on this, particularly in the re-

Ramsaran, for showing interest in this disease by his presence at the reception.

She was particularly emphatic that “everyone” should be tested for Sickle Cell, stating this will go a long way in preparing individuals and families for the impact of the disease and also give them a chance at a normal life.

In his remarks, Minister Ramsaran reflected that Dr Oni’s comments were quite sound, using the opportu-

the September 26. On the September 27, she will be meeting with members of the GSCA and then a visit to Regions Five and Six to visit the requisite hospitals and health professionals.

At the reception, the Rotary Clubs of Demerara, Stabroek, Georgetown Central, and Georgetown were also thanked for their involvement in bringing awareness to the issue in collaboration with the GSCA.

Education Ministry donates bus to David Rose Special School

On the same day at around 17:30h, ranks conducted a search on the canopy of an all terrain vehicle (ATV) and found one .38 revolver and six rounds of .38 ammunition. No one has been arrested, but investigations are in progress.

Acided that she should donate a bus for the students of the school who she believes are often neglected by drivers. She then pointed out that students of the institution often arrive at school when classes are in session because of transportation issues. She lately learnt about the situation and immediately opted to donate a bus for the convenience of the students. Teachers and students of the school expressed their gratitude to the Minister and the Ministry for such a tangible donation at this time when transportation seems to be a “scarce commodity”.

President Donald Ramotar was joined by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and other officials at the United Nations

t a simple handing over ceremony on Tuesday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand donated a brand new minibus to the David Rose

Special School on Thomas Lands, Georgetown. The Minister noted that she is aware of how difficult it is to get transportation around Georgetown and de-

Students of the David Rose Special School pose with their new bus

Members of the Guyana Nursing Association (GNA), Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) and the Rotary Clubs of Guyana

Visual arts competition billed for November

Guyana will be holding the second bi-annual Visual Arts Competition (GVAC) this year in November and all sculptors, potters, painters, and visual artists in the whole are invited to display their pieces.

The GVAC is being hosted for the second time, having been revived in November 2012. The competition is not a new creation in the arts community as it has been in existence since the 1960s, however due to some difficulties, it had collapsed.

Alim Hosein, Chairman of Castellani House, the nation’s premier art gallery, indicated that the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry revived the GVAC in 2012 as there was a need for an art exhibition for Guyanese visual artists an opportunity to showcase and enable the work of young artists in Guyana.

The competition has changed from what it was, as it is now scheduled as a bi-annual event, giving more scope for artists to work on their pieces and develop their artistic abilities. The rules have been fine-tuned somewhat too. Nevertheless, it remains the same as there is no limitation on the age of participants or the geographic location in Guyana the artist may hail from.

There is, however, a limit on the number of pieces a competitor can submit; that being a total of three pieces in any category or per-

haps three pieces in one category.

At the 2012 competition, there were pieces in the categories of painting, ceramics, photography, sculpting, drawing and textiles. However, this year there will be no textiles being displayed as the organisers have decided to allow the category of ‘fine craft’ to be a part of the competition. This category involves unique creations such as jewellery and other small pieces.

Each of the categories will be judged for first, second and third places; with respective prizes of $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000. Hosein informed Guyana Times that the winners get to keep their work as he believes that this enhances their capacities to flourish in their art, selling it as they accumulate a following. He remarked that sometimes, the National Art Gallery (Castellani House) buys some pieces for the Gallery.

These prizes are not the only ones that are favoured, however, as there is the Promise Award that is given to an “up and coming” artist who shows great promise but did not necessarily win the competition. Artists over 26 years of age are not awarded this prize. Even so, the judges as a body can give their own award to one or two individuals they may have been impressed with. There will be a prizes in total.

President Donald Ramotar, being the patron of the competition, will present the winners of the relevant competitors with their awards in December, when the awards ceremony will be held.

Talking art

Hosein remarked that the GVAC is not only limited to this competition, as it is probably the only opportunity that visual artists have in getting together and talking all things art, to share their different styles, unique additions or creations and ideas. There will so be other events hosted to facilitate the meeting and showcasing of the various art forms in Guyana.

The judges also bring their own pieces to showcase and advise the younger artists on their development in their different categories. This “gives courage and energy to create more”, remarked Hosein, as there is a week-long programme of activities geared

283 enlisted for GDF training

Two hundred and eighty-three recruits departed Defence Headquarters last Friday, to undergo Basic Recruit Training at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama and Base Camp Seweyo, respectively.

Two hundred of the recruits will undergo training in Tacama while the remainder will be trained at Seweyo, the Guyana Defence Force said in a re-

lease. The BRC provides induction training for entrants at the Ordinary Rank level. It is intended to produce fit, obedient, loyal and disciplined soldiers who possess high standards of skills and marksmanship abilities.

Soldiers from the last batch of recruits completed training on June 20, 2014, and have already been attached to units across the Force. Like that batch, the recruits currently in Seweyo,

towards an artist fellowship with other artists and their own artistic growth through this.

The judges have three days to look at the pieces of the competitors which are kept at

Castellani House. In 2012, the pieces were kept at the museum where there were some quite detailed sculptures.

Interested artists can register for the competition online at www.mycs.gov.gy or at the ER Burrowes School of Art, where registration forms can be uplifted. Rules for the competition can be found online as well.

Hosein stated that two passport pictures are necessary for the database the Ministry is compiling on the artists, as well as a commemorative catalogue. The participants will submit their work to the organisers of the competition and they will be issued with a receipt.

Hosein remarked that the participants of the competition cannot submit pieces that were created before November 2012, as the aim of the competition is to “create new work”. He wants the artists to “show us what you’re doing” currently”, stating that this can be in any form or style – realist or abstract. He also mentions that there is no theme or focus as they, the organisers, wish to “release the creativity of the artist… the imagination, the skill, the quality.”

A dying talent

Guyana Times spoke to the 2012 winner in the Drawing category, Michael Griffith, who related that the competition has been a great motivator for him. He stated that “it was a nice initiative… (as it) allowed local talent to be displayed”, especially when art seems to be a “dying talent” in Guyana. He was particularly emphatic about the competitive aspect of it, remarking that it “cause(s) us as artists to grow, pushing us to do more and create more because the event exposes us to all different types of artists with their own unique pieces."

Griffith’s winning piece for 2012 was titled "Humble Beginnings". He said it is an “interactive portrait between the artist and canvas”. The driving force behind his entrance into the competition was his wife as he would not have entered otherwise, but he was “exhilarat(ed)” that he did.

At the 2012 competitions, he remarked that he was particularly in awe of the work of Winslow Craig, a sculptor, and Carl Anderson.

upon successful completion of the 10 weeks of rigorous training, will be posted to the technical and specialist units of the Force. This is the last course for 2014.The next recruit course will assemble in March 2015, and again, the Force is anticipating giving young able bodied males and females an opportunity to serve Guyana and build a worthwhile career in the Guyana Defence Force.

Winslow Craig’s sculpture “Saving Seeds” won first prize in its category

The painting by Carl Anderson titled “Caribbean Beauty Queens” was part of the Guyana Visual Arts Competition in 2012

Some of the recruits await instructions prior to boarding transport vehicles to the Colonel John Clark Military School at Tacama

wednesdAY, september 24, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

US, Arab allies launch first strikes on Syrian militants

The United States and its Arab allies bombed militant groups in Syria for the first time on Tuesday, killing scores of Islamic State fighters, members of a separate al Qaedalinked group and opening a new front amid shifting Middle East alliances.

The attacks encountered no objection, and even signs of tacit approval, from President Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian Government, which said Washington had warned Damascus in advance.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates participated in or supported the strikes against Islamic

State targets, US Central Command said. The countries are hostile to Assad but now fear the fighters who emerged from the rebellion they backed in Syria’s threeyear-old civil war.

US President Barack Obama said in a televised statement that the breadth of the coalition, including the five Arab states, showed the United States was not alone in its second campaign of air strikes. Since August 8, US air strikes have hit militant targets in Iraq, where Washington supports the Government, but had held back from a military engagement in Syria, where it is at odds with Assad. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad Government confirms CLICO for sale if price is right

The Trinidad and Tobago Government has confirmed that it intends to sell the financially troubled Colonial Life Insurance Co Ltd (CLICO), whose collapse in 2009 sent ripples throughout the Caribbean.

Finance Minister Larry Howai, speaking at the meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, said that the coalition People’s Partnership, which like the previous Patrick Manning Administration had pumped billions (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) into the embattled company, would only agree to the sale, once the price is right.

Howai told the histor-

ic and inaugural meeting of the Committee that Government would be paying out TT$258 million before yearend to several Eastern Caribbean countries for managing the costs involved in the CLICO fallout.

The Standing Finance Committee is discussing the TT$9.4 billion national budget approved by Parliament earlier this month.

Howai said the Government made no provisions for Atrius in 2015, the company which was being established to take over the assets of the regional insurance company, because it was no longer pursuing that option. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Ebola cases could reach 1.4 million next year

Ebola cases could reach 1.4 million by late January 2015, up from the current total of 5800, according to a new study by a US medical agency. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on Tuesday suggesting that Ebola cases could increase to between 550,000 and 1.4 million in four months, based on several factors including how many people are infected by Ebola carriers.

The report questions whether the official number of deaths recorded by the World Health Organisation, 2800 out of at least 5800 Ebola cases, has been underreported.

CDC said it is likely that 2.5 times as many cases, or nearly 20,000, have occurred

so far. “Extensive, immediate actions – such as those already started – can bring the epidemic to... a rapid decline in cases,” said CDC in a statement.

Sierra Leone, one of the five west African countries effected by the Ebola outbreak, is considering another nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the disease, following a threeday quarantine last week, in which they say they confirmed 130 cases and are awaiting tests on another 70..

President Ernest Bai Koroma said on local radio on Tuesday that he was “mainly satisfied with the whole process, as it has helped reaching more homes and bringing to the fore many sick people and corpses”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital delivers first test tube baby

By Alexis Rodney

For the first time in the history of Guyana, couples who are unable to conceive are given a second chance through a scientific method known as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), which is being offered at the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital.

Gynaecologist Dr Madhu Singh announced on Monday that the first baby conceived in Guyana through the IVF service was delivered just a few days ago.

The mother of the baby is a 32-year-old woman who was trying to conceive for some eight years now, but could not because of severe endometriosis, a medical problem which causes infertility. Both baby and mother have been discharged and are doing well.

At a news conference to announce the accomplishment, Dr Singh said before now, patients requiring this kind of service would have had to travel to neighbouring countries, including Barbados and Trinidad. Some went as far as the United States and Canada and one can only imagine the expenses incurred because both parents are required to be examined and undergo multiple tests.

The IVF is used by couples who have tried simpler methods and failed to conceive. It is the only option for patients with low sperm counts, blocked fallopian tubes, or prolonged unexplained infertility. It is also the only option when patients have to use donor sperm or eggs especially those who may have uterine problems or may have had their uterus removed.

“These women can use a surrogate to carry their babies once they have access to

this service,” Dr Singh told reporters in the hospital’s boardroom.

IVF is a process by which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body in vitro (in glass). The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulatory process, removing ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a fluid medium in a laboratory.

The fertilised egg (zygote) is cultured for two–six days in a growth medium and is then implanted in the same or another woman’s uterus, with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

IVF techniques can be employed in a variety of situations. It is a method of assisted reproductive technology for treatment of infertility. These techniques are also employed in gestational surrogacy, in which case the fertilised egg is implanted into a surrogate’s uterus, and the resulting child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate.

Highly complex

According to Dr Madhu, the service has been in the making for some five years now and has cost the medical institution close to US$500,000. Dr Singh , who disclosed her passion

for Gynaecology, particularly as it relates to fertility, said the service is a highly complex procedure and requires a dedicated lab and theatre. The cost to the patient per cycle of treatment is approximately US$8000, and this is due to the high cost of medications.

Since the beginning of the service, some 56 patients have been processed, Dr Singh related. “Not all of these had their embryos transferred due to medical problems, including high

important that all woman do not postpone childbearing beyond age 35. “Because once you become 35 and older, your chance of conceiving, even with IVF, becomes lower.” Although medications could be given, she explained it may be difficult for the baby to grow within the woman’s womb.

The head of the hospital Gynaecology Department said every patient is not required to pay the same cost, however. It depends on the kind of treatment they need.

come 60 per cent, over three cycle, 90 per cent. So if you don’t do it, someone else will get the success.”

Singh, who received training in this area from India, has been a practising gynaecologist in Guyana since 1998. She worked at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for some five years, heading the Gynaecology Department for two.

The first successful “test tube baby”, Louise Brown, was born in 1978. Louise

hormones.

Asked about the success of the service so far, Dr Singh said it is a bit “premature to talk about success rates because all the embryos have not been transferred. They will be, however, in the vicinity of the international success rate of 30 to 40 per cent”.

Dr Singh explained that IVF does not garner 100 per cent success rates. According to her, it has its own limitations and depends on the woman. Age, she revealed, is the most important factor, pointing out that it is

The medications have to be tailored to the individual patients, depending on their hormones, she explained

Dr Singh explained in the event the service does not work with some patients, the institution continues to work with and accommodate them using the “rescue cycle”. Some women, she explained, produce 20 eggs or more. In such cases, the eggs are frozen and the process is repeated. “Because what we have found is, if you say 30 per cent is the success rate for a cycle, over two cycles that success rate will be-

Brown was born as a result of natural cycle IVF where no stimulation was made. Robert G Edwards, the physiologist who developed the treatment, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010. With egg donation and IVF, women who are past their reproductive years or menopause can still become pregnant. Adriana Iliescu held the record as the oldest woman to give birth using IVF and donated eggs, when she gave birth in 2004 at the age of 66, a record passed in 2006.

Ali meets with Routes 31 and 44 minibus operators

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister (acting) Irfaan Ali in the meeting with the routes 31 and 44 bus operators

Discussions between the minibus operators and their respective zone associations’ Tuesday continued at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce as the Government tries to restore normalcy in the public transportation system and regularise what currently exists.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister (acting) Irfaan Ali met with minibus operators plying the 31 and 44 routes where he reiterated the calls made by commuters for a competitive but stable environment to prevail, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. Recently, arbitrary actions were taken by operators in certain zones, whereby they had increased their fares. This sparked the discus-

sions between the relevant authorities and the various zone operators. Last week, meetings were held with the zone 32 minibus operators and association. The Government has had an agreement with minibus operators that once the price of gas at the Guyoil station remains below $1000 per gallon, then there will be no increase in fares.

Dr Madhu Singh holds the first baby conceived and delivered using the IVF

The lab at the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital used for the scientific process

Regions get fogging machines to control Chikungunya spread

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, the implementing body of the Government of Guyana “Clean Up My Country” programme, handed over fogging machines to several Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to assist in controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases, primarily Chikungunya, across Guyana.

Climate change costs 2.5 per cent of region’s GDP-ECLAC

Preliminary estimates suggest that the economic costs of climate change will be around 2.5 per cent of Latin America and the Caribbean’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in the case that the temperature rises 2.5 °C above the historical average, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, said on Tuesday.

The most pressing challenge for the region at this time is adaptation to climate change, especially in the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean and Central American countries. The annual adaptation costs for Latin America and the Caribbean have been estimated at around 0.5 per cent of the region’s annual GDP. Although these calculations are preliminary, they clearly reflect the trend in this phenomenon.

One pertinent factor at the very start of the planning of “Clean Up My Country Programme” was the fostering of collaborative effort among several sector Ministries by proving the opportunity for them to be intricately involved in the planning and implementation aspects of the cleanup programme. Currently, several agencies are represented in the Programme Implementation Committee.

Minister Whittaker went on to say, “We resolve to ensure that programme heads in all the regions such as Education, Health and Public Works are all on board especially with the Regional Solid Waste Programme”. Minister Whittaker also said “for us, sustainability of the programme is very important. It is for this reason that we (the Ministry) sought ways and means by

On September 5, the Region Thee RDC received its fogging machine and its fogging exercise is well under way. According to a release, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker, in his address to the gathering at the Ministry’s compound in Kingston, said: “This event provides another opportunity to foster collaborative effort in order to support the work that is being done, not only at the level of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, but also under other sector programmes. It supports our effort to improve the environment and to deal with health issues.”

which we can empower our local government authorities to sustain the desired results of the $1 billion across the 10 regions”.

Upon handing over the fogging machines, Whittaker outlined the Local Government Ministry’s expectation. “Our expectation will be to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to develop a programme of use so the fogging machine can be efficiently utilised.”

The Minister wrapped up his remarks by saying, “this is an investment that is taken on to bring the desired results and each of you has an important role to ensure that materialise”. Present at the handing over ceremony were Local Government and Regional Development Ministry Permanent Secretary Collin Croal; Regional Executive Officers; Regional Health Officers; acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba; and the Health Ministry’s Vector Control Services Director, Dr Reyaud Rahaman.

IDB proposes new developmental policies to boost growth in Caribbean

Taking into account Latin America’s long history of industrial policies that have often done more harm than good, a new study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) outlines when and how governments can intervene in an economy to boost productivity, while minimising the risks of repeating past mistakes.

In the IDB’s flagship research publication Development in the Americas, researchers examined successful as well as failed industrial policies worldwide to come up with a pragmatic and forwardlooking framework aimed at helping decision-makers find the right mix of productive development policies, taking into account the realities of each country. “Industrial policies have fallen into disrepute because they often involved political favouritism, wasted resources, rent-seeking and corruption,” said Santiago Levy, the Vice President of Knowledge and Sectors at the IDB. “However, we believe that provided appropriate institutions are in place, under certain circumstances well-crafted government interventions can help boost productivity, and we are providing a new conceptual framework for that purpose.”

While Latin America and the Caribbean Region has

made considerable economic and social progress over the past decade, the Region still lags wealthier nations in productivity growth, which explains lower levels of income and well-being. Indeed, creating the conditions to foster productivity growth is one of the main development challenges facing policymakers in the Region today.

There is wide acceptance to the view that governments have an important role in helping the private sector become more competitive in a global economy. But with the Region's history of costly failures – from the informatics industry in Brazil to the rice producers in Costa Rica – industrial policy came to be viewed as a public sector overreach.

The groundbreaking study – titled Rethinking Productive Development, Sound Policies and Institutions for Economic Transformation – helps policymakers determine under what conditions it is useful to intervene and, if so, what would be the best tools to do it. Governments need to ask themselves what market failures a new policy seeks to redress, what instruments could be used to resolve this failure and, importantly, what types of institutions are necessary to develop the policy with success. Given the unique circumstanc-

es of each economy, instead of seeking out and imitating best practices, decision-makers ought to choose policies that best match the economy's institutional capacities.

The book looks at the best available data and lays out a methodology to address how Latin America and the Caribbean government leaders can rethink policies of productive development to emphasise integration with global value chains, generate innovation, improve human capital, foster entrepreneurship and promote internationalisation, with the public and private sectors working together. Some of the issues addressed in the study include: Why is the “best practices” approach to productive development policies flawed; why did Asian countries do better at industrial policies than Latin American ones; should governments help small and mid-sized firms?

“This book is not ideological,” said José Juan Ruiz, the IDB’s Chief Economist. “It is based on analysis and evidence. Increasingly, the question is not whether to do productive development policies but how to do them. Sound policies will require new roles for public agencies, and more active involvement of the state in conjunction with the private sector.”

ECLAC’s statement comes in wake of the Climate Summit, which took place on Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York: “For the last decade, ECLAC has studied the economic and social costs of climate change in Latin American and Caribbean countries, providing the statistical information needed to make decisions and offering numerous public policy recommendations.

Estimates from different studies suggest that the economic costs of climate change could total between 1.5 per cent and five per cent of the region’s annual GDP. These calculations are still preliminary and include a high level of uncertainty because they do not address all the potential effects or possi-

The region must urgently design and implement adaptation strategies that include a long-term vision and take into account collateral impacts. The protection of water basins, including forest and soil preservation on high ground and periodic dredging in low areas, is one telling case. A notable example of the pressing need for adaptation is the flooding caused by hurricanes at important basins in southern Mexico and northern Colombia.

The vulnerability of Latin American and Caribbean countries is exacerbated by its geography, the way its population and infrastructure are distributed, its dependence on natural resources, the im-

ble results of adaptation actions.

These averages do not reflect the region’s heterogeneity either, but they do offer enough evidence to justify incorporating the medium-term effects of climate change into public decisions, for example, regarding infrastructure investments. Investment is the bridge between the short and medium term and these studies allow policy makers to act early.

Latin America and the Caribbean have contributed less to climate change than other regions, but nonetheless it is particularly vulnerable to its effects.

The Region’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) represent nine per cent of the global total, with an annual growth rate of 0.6 per cent between 1990 and 2011 (compared with 1.5 per cent worldwide). What characterised this region is that a significant proportion of emissions have come from changes in the use of soil, deforestation and agriculture.

of urbanisation on the planet. At the same time, there is an increase in private motorisation. The lack of modern, safe and high-quality public transportation leads to the pre-eminence of private vehicles, concentrated among the people who have the highest income levels and who also benefit the most from subsidies to fossil fuels and infrastructure.

The region still has time to choose the paths towards development with equality and environmental sustainability, especially in cities. This is the time for the region to make crucial decisions in order to increase the supply and quality of public services, use renewable energies and shift to a lowercarbon production matrix.

portance of agricultural activity, and the length of its coastal areas-both along the Pacific and the Atlantic.

Evidence suggests that climate change impact in Latin America and the Caribbean is already relevant and will probably be greater in the future. Variations in temperature levels and precipitation patterns can already be seen.

The biggest risks are concentrated in agriculture, water availability, forest conservation, loss of biodiversity, the population’s health, tourism in coastal areas, and rural poverty reduction.

The economic dynamism experienced by the region in the last decade has contributed to reducing poverty and improving the population’s living conditions, but it has also generated negative effects such us atmospheric pollution, greater fossil fuel consumption and the resulting contribution to climate change.

It is a fact that this region has the highest degree

On a global level, the current commitments on mitigating greenhouse gases are still insufficient for stabilising climate conditions. To do that, the approximately seven tons of CO2 per capita that are emitted today would need to be reduced to two tons per capita by 2050. Only a global agreement with the participation of all countries, along with a paradigmatic technological change in production and consumption patterns, could provide a solution to this phenomenon.

That is why ECLAC is here to accompany the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in convening this Summit ahead of the Conference of the Parties that will take place in our region-specifically in Lima, Peru in December of this year.

Latin American and Caribbean countries can be fundamental actors in this global but asymmetrical challenge, given that very often those who have contributed the most to GHG emissions historically do not suffer the most intense impacts of climate change, and they normally have more resources to adapt to the new climate conditions. The challenge of climate change is, ultimately, to transition towards a new model of sustainable development with equality, in the framework of shared but differentiated responsibilities.”

ECLAC Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena,

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker poses with the regional representatives and some of the fogging machines

Guyana undergoing “anti-blood diamond” screening

Ahigh level team from the Kimberly Process Certification is presently in Guyana conducting a one week Peer Review exercise during which they will meet with regulators and stakeholders, particularly the diamond mining sub-sector.

A team comprising: Louis Perron of the Government of Canada, James Lombe of World Diamond Council, Paul Roberto Alves of Brazil, and Frisco McDonald of the US Embassy Georgetown held discussions with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud. Also present were Rickford Vieira, Commissioner, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; Patrick Harding, President, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association and other stakeholders of the sector.

Minister Persaud in his remarks stated that the evaluation is timely and anticipates a successful review of the systems in place for the

production and trade of diamonds in Guyana. The Natural Resources and Environment Minister stated that he is optimistic that the review will certainly allow Guyana to be more compliant in the trade of diamonds. He also pointed out that while diamond production is increasing steadily there is an ongoing thrust for clean and responsible mining. This he said was ev -

ident in a recent assessment which indicated that there is a decline in deforestation on the account of new technology and more responsible and low-impact mining practices. Currently diamond output for the period January – August 2014 has increased by 23.14 per cent as compared to the same period for 2013.

According to Louis Perron of the Government of Canada, Guyana has

73 countries and over 1000 businesses speak out in support of price on carbon

Leaders from across governments and business are sending a clear message to the world this week that climate change is a risk that cannot be ignored, and, importantly, that they are ready to work together to bring down emissions.

Seventy-three countries and 22 states, provinces and cities – together responsible for 54 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 52 per cent of GDP –joined over 1000 businesses and investors in signalling their support for carbon pricing through a series of initiatives announced at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Leadership Summit on Tuesday.

The list includes countries like China and South Africa that are planning carbon pricing, as well as Russia and countries at high risk from climate change, like the Marshall Islands. It includes business ranging across industry, energy and transportation, and institutional investors with more than US$24 trillion in assets.

This is a wake-up moment. Carbon pricing if expanded to this scale and then globally has the potential to bring down emis-

sions in a way that supports clean energy and low carbon growth while giving businesses the flexibility to innovate and find the most efficient choices. “The science is clear. The economics are compelling. We are seeing a shift toward the economic architecture that will be necessary to avoid a two-degree-warmer world, an architecture that supports green growth, jobs and competitiveness,” said World Bank Group Vice President and Special Envoy for Climate Change Rachel Kyte.

Global cause

Carbon pricing brings together two distinct groups that have each spoken in favor of climate action but rarely worked together to address climate change: governments, which have been testing carbon trading systems and carbon taxes, and businesses that have started setting internal “shadow” carbon prices to help guide decisions for a cleaner future.

On the government side, nearly 40 countries and more than 20 cities, states and provinces, from British Columbia to Tokyo, are demonstrating the benefits of carbon pric-

ing or plan to start soon. China is the latest to begin testing the waters, with seven local pilot carbon markets that are helping the government plan for a national carbon trading system.

In the private sector, there is a wide belief among business leaders that carbon will be priced, and preparations are already underway in several companies. More than 150 large businesses are using internal carbon pricing in their decision-making, and more than 600 large companies see regulations creating new business opportunities, according to CDP’s latest corporate survey. Working together, climate-smart policies can help businesses direct their investment decisions to clean solutions and can also provide greater transparency for investors who worry about stranded assets and resilience for the future.

To move the effort forward, the World Bank Group, World Economic Forum, and We Mean Business Coalition announced that they would convene a carbon pricing leadership coalition with business and government leaders.

the team, he pointed out.

The review team will also be meeting with the Guyana Revenue Authority, Bank of Guyana and stakeholders such as the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and Diamond Exporters, for the purpose of reviewing the processes by which diamonds are exported from Guyana that avoids them comingling with diamonds that may be fuelling conflicts around the world, referred to as “blood diamonds”.

been receiving positive ratings and the ongoing review will only strengthen the current safeguards that Guyana already has in place. The review exercise will also serve as a learning experience for

The Kimberly process was implemented 11 years ago and a Peer Review of Guyana’s process was conducted in 2004 which was considered one of the most robust processes by the Kimberly Scheme.

The Kimberley Process (KP) is open to all countries that are willing and able to implement its requirements. The KP has 54 participants, representing 81 countries, with the European Union and its Member States counting as a single participant. KP members account for approximately 99.8 per cent of the global production of rough diamonds.

Further, the visiting team will engage miners in the field and will contribute to the worldwide best practices in the International Diamond Trade. The Kimberly process is a certification mechanism to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the world market. Guyana is a signatory to the scheme and as such diamonds exported from Guyana has certain requirements which must be satisfied to avoid diamonds traded from Guyana being associated with blood diamonds.

Officials of the Kimberly Process Certification meeting with local stakeholders including Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

Do your best to get to know people who share your interests and values. A travel experience will provide the motivation and inspiration to initiate positive personal changes.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial if you intend to pursue your personal and professional goals. Keep up to date with medical appointments, good nutrition and exercise.

Expect to face friction when working on a project with someone who thinks differently. Don’t let anyone undermine you, but don’t ignore quality advice or a good suggestion.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

It’s time for some truthful introspection. Ask yourself if you’ve been fair to those around you, and, if not, admit your shortcomings and clear the air.

Remember to have fun. It’s possible to get so caught up in day-to-day drama that time flies by. Spend quality time with family and close friends whenever you can.

Have faith in your abilities. Your intuition can be a powerful tool. Trust your instincts regarding professional strategies. Focus on forward motion, not rehashing the past.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Your schedule will be hectic and overflowing. Rely on trusted colleagues to help you manage your tasks. Your collaborative efforts will result in an unusual and creative concept. Focus on getting things done.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Make sure that you ask for any current deals to be put in writing. Don’t be taken in by a swindler with unrealistic promises of quick money. Prudent, well-thought-out investments will pay off over time.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Your vision may be clouded regarding a heated encounter. Don’t make a commitment or bold declaration until you have taken an honest look at extenuating circumstances. Haste makes waste.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Your generosity and eagerness to help others will cause you to neglect your own duties. It will be difficult, but you will be relieved once you learn to say no.

Keep things moving smoothly and continue to stick to the schedule and routine that got you where you are. If you are too nonchalant, an opportunity may pass you by

Changes to a current relationship will puzzle you. Tackle legal, financial or health matters if you are involved in a joint venture. Falling behind with these important issues will turn out to be costly.

PeanuTs

AQUARIUS

CANCER

GEMINI

calvin and hobbes

BBCI First Division 50-over cricket…

Thakoordeen’s 96 guides Port Mourant to semi-final

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) 2014 First Division 50-over knockout cricket competition continued last weekend with one first round match and two games from the second round.

A brilliant innings of 96 from Devendra Thakoordeen spearheaded Port Mourant to victory over Police to help them gain a place in the semi-finals. After Police made 204 in 46.4 overs with Brentnol Woolford leading the way with 73, Port Mourant slipped to 27-2, before Thakoordeen took charge

and featured in a 142-run third wicket stand with former Guyana Under-19 allrounder Loyydel Lewis. Lewis made 41 but after he left at 169-3, Port Mourant slipped to 191-6 and then 201-9 before they squeezed home by one wicket.

Elsewhere, former Berbice leg-spinner Shawn Pereira took 4-26 from eight overs, his second consecutive four wicket haul, to help Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets restrict West Berbice to 154. When Rose Hall Town replied, they slipped to 25-3 before Pereira and Berbice all-rounder Rajiv Ivan put on 53 for the fourth wicket. They further slipped to 1067 before Vidol Crandon and Pereira took them home without further hiccups and into the semi-finals. It was off-spinner Andel Doris with 4-50 who had them in

trouble.

Universal Solutions Bermine had drawn the bye through to the semi-finals after defeating Young Warriors in the first round. Meanwhile, the last first round match was played off on Saturday with Guytrac Upper Corentyne inflicting a 10-wicket whipping on Bush Lot Rising Star. Pacer Omesh Khemraj took the first four wickets for Upper Corentyne to have Bush Lot reeling at 7-4. His fellow pacer Victor Pedro and Latchman Roopchand soon had them 27-6 and shortly after 34 all out with Khemraj and

Pedro picking up four wickets each. Upper Corentyne went on to win by 10 wickets in just 3.2 overs.

Hosts Albion Community Centre will host Guytrac Upper Corentyne in their second round match on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals. Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

At Cumberland: Port

Mourant beat Police by one wicket. Police 204 in 46.4 overs (Brentnol Woolford 73, Kwesi Mickle 25, Avinash Wajib 3-29, Loyydel Lewis 3-42, Troy Gonsalves 2-32) Port Mourant 2059 in 42.1 overs (Devendra Thakoordeen 96, Loyydel Lewis 42, Andel Doris 4-50, Albert Sinclair 3-50, Rocky Hutson 2-30).

At Bush Lot in West Berbice: Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets beat West Berbice by three wickets. West Berbice 154 in 36.4 overs (Arthley Bailey 40, Raffiel Estriado 36,

Krishendat Ramoo 27, Shawn Pereira 4-26, Rajiv Ivan 3-18, Troy Mathieson 2-15) Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets 158-7 in 39.1 overs (Vidol Crandon 44*, Rajiv Ivan 40, Shawn Pereira 33*, Eon Hooper 20, Keith Fraser 2-26).

At Number 69: Guytrac Upper Corentyne beat Bush Lot Rising Star by 10 wickets. Bush Lot Rising Star 34 in 13 overs (Omesh Khemraj 4-9, Victor Pedro 4-14, Latchman Roopchand 2-8)

Guytrac Upper Corentyne 38-0 in 3.2 overs. The semi-finals are scheduled for Sunday with Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets playing Universal Solutions Bermine at a venue to be identified, while Port Mourant will be at home against the winner of the Albion Community Centre/Guytrac Upper Corentyne second round match.

Desinco Trading annual cycling billed for Saturday

Top riders from all parts of the country will converge on the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday for the 14th annual 11-race programme, sponsored by Desinco Trading of Sheriff Street.

The entity, whose Managing Director is sport enthusiast Frank DeAbreu, has been sponsoring the race under several of its products over the years and this year will be no different.

National coach and organiser of the activity, Hassan Mohamed, confirmed on Tuesday that the company has once again

WDCA

decided to stage the race, which will pedal off at 09:00 hours.

The day’s activities will commence with the BMX races, which are geared for the youngest group of cyclists such as the 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open categories.

The action will heat up with the Veterans Under-50, Over-50 and Over-60, as well as the Juveniles and Mountain Bikers taking to the starting line.

The feature race- the 35-lap School Boys and Invitational- will conclude the action with the country’s leading wheelers, along with upcoming talents vying

riders

for supremacy and one year bragging rights.

Veteran rider Stephen Fernandes won the main race last year, crossing the line in a time of one hour, 24 minutes, 17.31 seconds (01h: 24m: 17.31s), while Raul Leal (Juveniles), Raymond Newton (Veterans Under-50) and Richard Charles (Mountain Bikes) were the other main category winners. According to Mohamed, representatives of the entity are expected to witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion. (Avenash Ramzan)

cricket competition… Double win for Meten-

Meer-Zorg West

The West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) 40-over cricket competition continued last weekend in that part of the country with Meten-Meer-Zorg West enhancing their chances of title honours with two wins out of two.

They first defeated Cornelia Ida by four wickets, before following up with a comfortable 40-run victory over Tuschen. Cornelia Ida batted first and succumbed for just 89 in 20.1 of the reduced 21 overs per side after rain wiped off a significant portion of the match.

National Under-17 offspinner Richie looknauth top scored with 21 (2x4s), while Ameer Khan made 11. Bowling for the hosts,

17-year-old pacer Levery Miggins blew away Cornelia Ida’s batting with 5-10 from five overs. He was supported by Vishal Jaigobin (2-1) and Mahendra Nandkishore (2-20)

Seymour Evans then

topscored with 32 (3x4s, 2x6s) and Jaigobin chipped in with 18 not out (3x4s) as Meten- Meer-Zorg West reached 93-7 in 17 overs to emerge victorious. Batting first in the other game, Meten- Meer-Zorg West posted 176 in 32 overs with Miggins scoring 42 (3x6s, 1x4), Evans 24 (3x4s, 1x6) and Sheldon Alexander 17 (3x4s). V. Kissoon picked up 3-37 for Tuschen, who replied with 136 all out in 22 overs. Kissoon returned to score 25 (4x4s), as Miggins claimed 3-19 from five overs, Vinod Rajkumar 3-12 and Alexander 2-21. The competition will continue this weekend with more games on the West Demerara corridor.

Devendra Thakoordeen

Brentnol Woolford

Loyydel Lewis

Shawn Pereira

The DeSinco Trading cycling meet usually attracts a large group of

Levery Miggins

Richardson keen on Windies head coach position

Former West Indies cricket captain Sir Richie Richardson has expressed an interest in the vacant position of head coach of the regional squad.

Richardson, the current team manager, is interested in replacing Otis Gibson who resigned recently after discussions with members of the West Indies Cricket Board executive.

Richardson said he would not hesitate to accept if offered the top coaching position.

“I’ve always said I would never say no when I am asked to do a job for West Indies cricket. I love West Indies cricket that much, so whatever I am asked to do I will say yes,”said Richardson, a level three England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) coach.

“It’s very difficult to say ‘no I am not going to do it’ so if the board approaches me and ask me to coach the team; obviously, I’d serious-

ly think about it …”.

Richardson has also dismissed reports that he has been acting in the position since Gibson’s departure.

Former player Stuart Williams has been occupying the top coaching spot since the WICB and Gibson parted ways last month.

“We all know exactly what we have to do and everything just continued to run smoothly,” said Richardson whose contract as Manager ends in 2016.

“The only difference is that it’s a bit more work for myself and also for the coaches because we are one personnel short, but we rallied and we’ve always been a very good team. We’ve always worked well together and we continued in that vein”.

West Indies will tour India from October 3-30.

Atapattu still in line for SL job

Marvan Atapattu is a strong contender to become Sri Lanka’s head coach, as the search for the job moved to its final stages, amid controversy. The coach-selection committee selected Atapattu as one of its two final candidates, but the meeting that arrived at those decisions was not attended by chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, who had resigned from his position in the committee late on Tuesday morning.

The board has not named the other remaining candidate, but the coach-selection committee will interview him on Tuesday afternoon, before making its final recommendation on Wednesday. That recommendation will then need to be ratified by the executive committee at their meeting on the same day, before the appointment is official. The committee had already interviewed Atapattu on Tuesday morning.

Jayasuriya’s resignation

had come as a surprise to most in the 11-member committee, and is a significant shift for the coach-selection process because Jayasuriya had been among those taking the lead in finding and interviewing candidates for the position. He had also been among the strongest voices and key decisionmakers in the Sri Lanka setup since his appointment as selector in early 2013. Jayasuriya said there was nothing more to his resignation than “personal reasons”.

In an email sent to SLC on Tuesday, however, he had expressed dismay that factions within the coach selection committee had publicly “given the impression that my sole intention was to appoint a foreign coach”. In the email, he had also suggested that there appeared to be a perception that selecting the strongest candidate to oversee the World Cup campaign was not the only consideration

Alanzo’s birthday cycling set for Sunday

National cyclist Alanzo Greaves will celebrate his birthday doing what he loves- cycling. The talented young rider will stage his inaugural birth anniversary cycling event on Sunday at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The event, which will pedal off at 14:00 hours, will see rivalry in four categories with cash incentives and medals up for grabs. There will be races for youngsters competing in the BMX 6-9, 9-12 and 12-14 age groups with the winners of each category receiving $5,000 each. Each of the BMX races will go for one lap.

The main race, which is expected to be hotly contested, will go for 30 laps with each lap having a prime prize of $2000. Apart from this, the winner will pocket $10,000, runner-up $8,000 and third place $6,000. The top three finishers will also receive a bottle of champagne each.

Sunday.

for some committee members.

Atapattu had been the sole local candidate for the position, and has been strongly considered because of his intimate knowledge of the Sri Lankan system and its players, and because SLC could afford him. He has also been successful in his three-month tenure as interim head coach, overseeing a major Test-series triumph in England, as well as Test and ODI series wins against Pakistan at home.

There had been concerns whether Atapattu was ready for the position, given his recent retirement from Test cricket, and his relative inexperience as a top coach. He joined the Sri Lanka staff as a batting coach in 2011 before being promoted to assistant coach under Graham Ford, in 2013.

Doubts over whether Atapattu should be put in charge of a side that featured former team-mates Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had been among the reasons why SLC had considered making a short-term coach. It was thought this coach could stay until the end of the World Cup, after which Jayawardene and Sangakkara would likely retire from limitedovers cricket and Atapattu would be free to take the job. However, both coaches that have now been shortlisted are long-term candidates, committee members confirmed.

If Atapattu is appointed, he will become Sri Lanka’s first local long-term coach since 1999, when Roy Dias oversaw that year’s World Cup campaign. If the foreign coach gets the position, Sri Lanka will have its eighth coach - long-term or interim - in the last four years. (Cricinfo)

This race will start and finish just opposite the Children’s Moument, located at the Northern End of the Park.

Greaves, who has been phenomenal on the local scene and has represented Guyana at various regional and international competitions, said riders stand to benefit tremendously come

“The first prize is $10,000, but the riders can win much more than that, because the leader at the end of every lap is guaranteed $2,000, so it will be very exciting and competitive,” Greaves, who will also compete in the main race, said.

The Roraima Bikers Club rider, who will celebrate his birthday on September 30, added that this would certainly not be a one-off activity, as he is contemplating making the event an annual one on the local cycling ros-

ter.

“Yes, definitely I want to make it an annual event; give back to cycling and the sport I love and also celebrate another milestone,” he stated. Greaves, who is teaming up with his family and close friends to stage the event, is urging cycling fans to come out and witness the action and be part of the excitement as the riders hunt for cash on each lap. Riders of the senior race are required to pay a fee of $1000 to enter.

(Avenash Ramzan)

Southampton stun Arsenal 2-1

Southampton continued their fantastic start to the season by coming from behind to beat Arsenal in a gripping Capital One Cup thirdround tie.

Alexis Sanchez’s superb free-kick opened the scoring for an Arsenal side featuring 10 changes from the weekend.

But Southampton hit back soon after as Dusan Tadic scored a penalty giv-

en for a foul on debutant Sadio Mane.

A stunning strike from Nathaniel Clyne gave the Saints a deserved lead, which they protected in a lively second half.

Ronald Koeman’s side continue to make a mockery of the pre-season suggestions that they were en route to mediocrity following the summer exodus of their manager and five key players.

In contrast to the chang-

es made by opposite number Arsene Wenger, Koeman made five alterations to his starting XI and was rewarded with a coherent display consistent with the quick counter-attacking style they have showcased this campaign.

They had to show resolve to come from behind after Sanchez had put Arsenal ahead by curling a superb free-kick over the wall and into the top corner from 25 yards. (BBC Sport)

Alanzo Greaves

Sir Richie Richardson has an interest in West Indies Head Coach position

The Southampton players celebrate victory

Marvan Atapattu

YELLOW PAGES

wednesday, september 24, 2014

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Hobart Hurricanes v Northern Knights, CLT20, Group B, Raipur…

Hurricanes surge to 86-run win

Acalculated performance with the bat and ball helped Hobart Hurricanes rout Northern Knights by 86 runs in Raipur, keeping their chances of taking a knock-out spot alive.

While Knights' decision to bowl first after winning the toss seemed to have provided them with an advantage - given their recent form and knowledge of conditions in RaipurHurricanes made it work in their favour with key contributions from Tim Paine, Aiden Blizzard and Shoaib Malik. Blizzard and Malik added 100 runs for the third wicket and combined the dexterity of their strokeplay with smart batting in dew-heavy conditions to propel Hurricanes to 178 for 3.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been one of the most successful new-ball pairs in the tournament so far. Prior to this game, the pair had 13 wickets between them at less than 10 runs apiece but the rest of the Knights bowling lineup had not quite matched them effectively.

Five overs into their innings, Hurricanes appeared to be in a rut but Paine switched gears dramatically once the threat of Southee and Boult had been dealt with and the likes of Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi and Jono Boult stepped in. Where the first five overs of the innings had seen the Hurricanes hobble to 20 for 1, the next five saw them accumulate 45 swift runs to quickly catch up with a healthy scoring rate.

Dew became an important factor as the game progressed and with the Knights bowlers struggling for grip and control, it became easier for Malik and Blizzard to build on Paine's efforts.

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footwork and quick wrists. The batsman had had a disappointing run with Hurricanes, but the form that had made him one of the top run-getters in the recent Caribbean Premier League came to the fore as he carved boundaries square on either side of the wicket and in the thirdman region.

Hurricanes' bowling strategy paid off equally well as they opened the bowling with Ben Hilfenhaus and Joe Mennie.

The ground staff in Raipur had worked hard to remove some of the dew during the innings break and it was imperative for Hurricanes to get the early wickets, to break into a middle order of a line-up that had been largely bolstered by the form of its top order. Mennie, in his third game for the side, provided the first breakthrough and

As in the game against Cape Cobras, Aiden Blizzard was the lucky recipient of a reprieve, this time from Sodhi who failed to hold on to a caught-andbowled chance. Blizzard was on 2 off 3 balls and he took his time settling into the partnership, allowing Malik to steer the innings initially. The second half of their century stand - which came off 50 ballshad Blizzard pulling out the shots, and he stormed to his fifth T20 fifty during an over in which he stroked five fours off Trent Boult. By the time Boult and Southee returned to the attack, towards the end of the innings, there was little they could do to stop Hurricanes from amassing 76 off the last five overs.

While Blizzard spent some time settling down at the crease, Malik kept the innings going with deft

Malik not out 45

he had some help from Ben Laughlin who pulled off an astonishing catch at point. Then Hilfenhaus rattled the Knights chase, striking twice in an over to remove Kane Williamson - out playing a slog - and Daniel Flynn. A couple of overs later, BJ Watling missed a full toss and was adjudged lbw and despite Styris' efforts at stitching together partnerships, the team couldn't recover from a position of 19 for 4. Hilfenhaus finished with his best T20 figures of 3 for 14, while Mennie, Xavier Doherty and Doug Bollinger also chipped in with wickets.

Styris became the second allrounder, after Kieron Pollard, to score more than 4000 runs and take more than 100 wickets in T20s during his 27ball 37 and that perhaps was the brightest spark on an otherwise disappointing day for Knights. (Cricinfo)

DR Flynn* b Hilfenhaus 0 BJ Watling† lbw b Hilfenhaus 9 DJ Mitchell st †Paine b Doherty 9 SB Styris c Wells b Mennie 37 SC Kuggeleijn b Doherty 2 TG Southee c Hilfenhaus b Bollinger 21 JJ Boult c Wells b Bollinger 1

Sodhi c Birt b Bollinger

Boult not out

Extras: (lb-4, w-4) 8 Total: (all out; 16.4 overs) 92 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Devcich, 1.6 ov), 2-5 (Williamson, 2.4 ov), 3-5 (Flynn, 2.5 ov), 4-19 (Watling, 6.4 ov), 5-59 (Mitchell, 11.4 ov), 6-63 (Kuggeleijn, 13.1 ov), 7-87

31-1, JJ Boult 2-0-16-0 Northern Districts innings (target: 179 runs from 20 overs) AP Devcich c Laughlin b Mennie 2 KS Williamson c Doherty b Hilfenhaus 3

Daniel Flynn was bowled first ball as Northern Knights were shot out for 92 and suffered a huge defeat against Hobart Hurricanes in the CLT20

By Rajiv Bisnauth

With the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) finally making the move to use a franchise system in the annual domestic season, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) made their plans known during a stakeholder’s forum on Tuesday at the Everest Cricket Club Pavilion.

He noted that each contracted player must make themselves available for both formats of the tournament, since according to him is mandatory.

To this end, Sanasie indicated that each contracted player have the responsibility to ensure that they have medical insurance in the event of a perilous injury.

More so the GCB secretary outlined that with

year round.

The Board has committed to partner with the six territorial boards to fund six First-Class Franchises in the region, which will compete in the annual Regional First-Class and Super50 tournaments.

Each franchise will retain 15 players, who will work as a unit on a dayto-day basis in each territory under a Head Coach

oversee this new format.

Further it was disclosed that four other directors of expertise can be added to the pool of directors. Also the company has a position of a Chief Executive Officer, who according to Sanasie whicwill be held by himself of Raj Singh.

However, all six franchises will be given US$45,000 per month to fund their operations.

However, while local players now have the opportunity to become professional cricketers, and at the same time earn a lucrative pay cheque, there are also repercussions for delinquency and capriciousness.

Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anand Sanasie disclosed on Tuesday during the stakeholders’ forum that contracted players, who failed to comply with the contract specifics, face a suspension penalty up to one year.

This, he said players will have to maintain their fitness which will be tested by the WICB’s fitness scheme where players from across the six countries will continuously be under the scope to ensure physical requirements are met.

this new initiative player will be categories into three levels, A, B and C with the first carrying a price tag of USD $2,500, the second USD $1,700 and third USD $1,250, based on the category the player may fall within.

Sanasie also disclosed that a non-contacted player is still eligible for selection to the Guyana franchise team. However, he stated that a contact does not guarantee that the player will play in all the games, since according to him performances will be the key.

The WICB is looking to roll out a full Professional First-Class Franchise System in which a cadre of 90 players will be engaged in a professional cricket structure on a day-to-day basis,

and support staff. The six franchises will be based in Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands.

New company

In the restructuring of the regional system, the WICB has instructed its six territorial boards to form companies to run the affairs of the teams.

Speaking of the new company here, GCB executive Raj Singh during his deliberation pointed out that the Guyana franchise will run its business under Cricket Guy Inc, a company owned by the members of the GCB. According to Singh the executive members of the GCB are the directors of the company which will specifically

Each country will be allowed to retain their top ten players while another 15 players from each country will be put into a draft, which means that there will be 90 players available for teams to choose five to add to their squad.

Each country will be allowed to select five of the players whom they put into the draft. “This means you can have all 15 men from the same country playing together.” The draw will take place in Barbados next week.

The stakeholders forum was attended by; cricketers, executives of the GCB, members of the respective county boards, coaches, managers and stakeholders among others who were keen on better understanding the core of the new franchise system.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Berbice allrounder and former West Indies One Day International cricketer Royston Crandon has been handed a suspended one-match ban by the disciplinary committee of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as a punishment for his on-field altercation with Demerara player Shemroy Barrington.

Crandon pled guilty and was penalised under

Level 2 - Rule 2.3 of the law which states, breach of conduct to players and officials.

The incident occurred on Sunday during round one of the Senior InterCounty four-day tournament.

The two players became embroiled in a heated altercation at the start of Crandon’s innings were his team was chasing 411 for victory on the final day at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

In fact, Barrington waited near the stumps when Royston Crandon came into bat and gave him a ‘warm reception’ with some mindless sledging.

The sledging resulted in Crandon and Barrington becoming involved in a finger-wagging exchange with the two umpires hardly being able to control the proceedings.

Crandon retaliated by making physical contact with Barrington. Crandon will miss the second round

However Rachel Priest took charge of the innings with a confident 44 not out to lead her side to victory and a one nil lead in the three-match T20 series. Priest was assisted by Sophie Devine who got to 24 before losing her stumps to Anisa Mohammed who picked up one wicket, same as Daley and Shaquana

New Zealand draw first blood... SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women (maximum 20 overs)

K. Knight c Bates b Nielsen 1

S. Taylor c Bates b Nielsen 43

D. Dottin c Green b Nielsen 1

B. Cooper c Perkins b Devine 20

S. Daley c Huddleston b Devine 2

*+M. Aguilleira not out 11

S. Quintyne not out 5

Extras (w-8, nb-1) 9

TOTAL (6 wkts; 20 overs) 92

(w1); Guy

The victory was New Zealand's first against West Indies on their current tour after losing the One Day International series fournil.

West Indies Women and New Zealand Women meet in the second T20 International at Arnos Vale playing field on Thursday.

Senior Inter-County fourday game, beginning today.

will face Essequibo at DCC, while the GCB Development X1 go up against Demerara at the Everest Cricket Club ground. In the opening round, the GCB Development X1 whipped Essequibo by six wickets, while Demerara and Berbice played to a draw. However, it is unclear if any action has been taken against Barrington.

Berbice

Quintyne.

Royston Crandon

Shemroy Barrington

The GCB stakeholders' forum attracted a large turn out

Stefanie Taylor

Deo enthused by success of Captain’s tournament

Beaming with delight, Lusignan Golf Club

Captain Chatterpaul “Chen” Deo opened his announcements of Saturday’s winners with the comment, “I was thinking of throwing in the towel as Club Captain at the end of this year, but the great suppport of members today encouraged me to revisit that, and to be available for consideration as Captain another year.”

Captain Deo was the sole sponsor of this year’s Captain’s tournament, and to the members delight, in addition to the 12 trophies he provided, he also invested in a welcome light snack and liquid refreshment during the day’s play.

And one could understand his delight as nearly 50 players signed up for the tournament and only a few were absent from the play.

The competition was exciting and produced some notable scores.

The competition was con-

tested in four Flights, namely 0-9, 10-18, 19-28 and the Ladies Flight. Alfred Mentore, with a handicap of six and net 70, won the 0-9 Flight with Jetendra Dhanpat finishing second with a handicap of eight and net 73.

The 10-18 Flight was won by Bhowlaram Deo, with a handicap 16 and net 69, with and Fazil Haniff taking the runner-up spot with a handicap of 11 and net 71.

Richard Haniff, playing off a handicap 25 and gaining a net 61, topped the 19-28 Flight, prevailing over Lusignan Golf Club President David Mohamed, who had a handicap of 21 and net 65.

The Ladies Flight produced a major upset when star player Christine Sukhram was forced to settle for a rare runner-up spot to Shanella Webster. Webster, with a handicap 24, had a net of 68, while Sukhram, with handicap nine, had a

net of 78.

Other prizes were awarded to Fazil Haniff for being Nearest-to-thePin; Lakeram ‘Tinko’ Ramsundar for the Longest Drive; Victor Todd for being the Most Honest Golfer; and Richard Haniff for Overall Best Net.

Richard Haniff, son of Fazil Haniff, ralso eceived the Club Captain’s trophy for his overall best net of 61.

The 31-year-old Richard Haniff, who has only been playing golf since November last year, but was an avid cricket player for several years, was elated with his success.

“I really began playing golf for two reasonsone for the exercise, and two for the fact that unlike cricket that always needs a group of persons to play, with golf you can practice the whole course alone. In addition, I have been practicing with some of the outstanding local players like

Avinash [Persaud], Ganguly [Avinda Kishore] and Santo [Mohanlall Dinanauth]. Then, like studying to be successful at school, I have been studying the game seriously- on Youtube you can get all the different coaching sessions, then I keep watching the golf channel. I watch good local players and then I practice about three days each week,” Haniff explained.

Club President Mohamed, who has been in the winning group often in recent months, extended congratulation to the Captain for a well organised tournament. He also expressed appreciation to all those who turned out at the day’s tournament and for the great camaraderie that had been desired and realised.

In response to members’ request about a President’s Cup tournament, Mohamed responded, “The President’s Cup will be held later this year.”

New company formed to run T&T cricket under new franchise system

Anew company has been formed to run the affairs of Trinidad and Tobago cricket under the new franchise system soon to be introduced by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

Red Force Trinidad and Tobago limited is the trading name of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath has announced.

The WICB has instructed its six territorial boards to form companies to run the affairs of the teams as part of restructuring.

“We have the six offi -

cers of the board who will run the company. We have intentions of bringing in skilled persons--an attorney and an accountant,” Bassarath told the Express.

“There was some discussion that the WICB directors should be seeking the interests of the WICB on each of the companies. More than likely a director from the WICB will be named on each of the companies.”

Bassarath, a WICB director, has expressed confidence in the ability of his board to make a success of the new enterprise.

Preparations in advanced stage for Alness horse race meet

– Score’s Even returns to competitive racing

Guyana’s only ‘A’ class animal, Score’s Even will return to competitive racing on September 28

By Rajiv Bisnauth

With entries topping the 70-horse mark, the principals of the Alness Turf Club has already put most systems in place for the club’s horse race meet, scheduled for this Sunday at the club’s entity Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Chief organiser of the one-day meet, Marcel Crawford Jnr. told this publication on Tuesday that an impressive lineup of animals have already entered for the day’s event, inclusive of Guyana’s only ‘A’ class animal, Score’s Even.

The animal from the DeRoop’s racing stable was denied entry in last year’s Guyana Cup as well as this year’s Guyana Cup Fever and last month’s Guyana Cup.

1600 metres event, she will do battle with California Strike, Set for Fame, Church House, Dark and Lovely, Run Nana Run, Bridal Stone Corner and Young Elite for the top prize of $2M. Organisers have put together an impressive eightrace programme with all the big names set to be on show for what is expected to be a competitive day of racing.

Other events planned for the day are the ‘F’ and Lower event which will see the animals racing over a distance of 1200 metres for a top prize of $350,000.

The’ G’ 3 and Lower event will be over a distance of 1400 metres for a $275,000 first prize.

All six franchises will be given US$45,000 per month to fund their operations but will also be required to raise revenue as well.

“It is our intention to go that way. We can get involved in other types of activities in order to sustain the company,” the president said.

“All the boards have indicated they were ready to go. Everything will roll into place on October 1”.

The new regional season under the new franchise system is due to begin in November.

This publication was told that the principal concerns that led to the decision to debar Score’s Even from participating in those races, was the fact that other horse owners had threatened to opt out of the race meets, citing unfair competition, because of the pedigree and experience of Score’s Even.

Score’s Even is a Kentucky Bred animal and is known for both its speed and stamina is Guyana’s premier thoroughbred.

The seven-year old grey gelding has so far has recorded an impressive eleven wins, five second place finishes and one third from his nineteen outings since coming to Guyana in May 2012.

However, when the animal return to competitive racing on Sunday in the feature ‘A’ class and Lower

Incentive for the winner in the I and Lower 1200 metres event is worth $200,000. The J1 Class 1000 metres race will see the winner taking away the $170,000 first prize.

Racing fans will see the top ‘J3 Class horses racing over 1100 metrse for a top prize of $140,000, while the K Class horses will sprint over 1000 metres for a winner’s prize of $90,000. There is an event for unclassified animals. The top Jockey, trainer and stable will also be awarded. Registration for the meet opens until Friday. Race time is 12:30 hrs and admission to the venue is $1000. Programme cost $300 each.

Interested persons can make contact with Marcel Crawford Jnr. on telephone number 678-5342, Nikita Ross 662-4668, Campton Sancho 690-0569 or R. Matadial 325-3192.

From left (standing): Club Captain Chatterpaul Deo, Fazil Haniff, Lakeram Ramsundar, Jetendra Dhanpat, Bhowlaran Deo, Richard Haniff and Victor Todd. Sitting (from left) David Mohamed, Christine Sukhram, Shanella Webster and Alfred Mentore

Azim Bassarath

New Zealand draw first blood in T20 opener against Windies

Afiery spell from new ball bowler Morna

Neilson rocked the West Indies Women top order and sent them tumbling to a seven wicket loss against New Zealand Women in the first T20 International at Arnos Vale Sports Complex here on Tuesday.

Windies women plummeted to five for three and crumbling despite a Stafanie Taylor sponsored fight back with a top score of 43 which sought to rekindle the innings but Neilson’s early wickets had already done irreparable damage.

New Zealand lost an early wicket on the chase but powered by an unbeaten 44 from opener Rachel Priest, recovered well to lead the visitors to a comfortable victory with 13

balls to spare.

Neilson grabbed three wickets for 11 runs - opener Taylor, Kycia Knight and the aggressive Deandra Dottin- to help restrict the homeside to 92 for six off their 20 overs after New Zealand had won the toss and elected to field.

Taylor played well to lead efforts to reenergize a struggling innings and received support from Britney Cooper who contributed 20.

Captain Merissa Aguilleira attempted to lead a late charge to further advance the innings but her unbeaten knock of 11 was not enough

New Zealand’s innings suffered an early setback when Shanel Daley uprooted Captain Suzie Bates’ stumps for a duck with no runs on the board.

turn to page 22

Stag Beer/EBFA Division One League - Round 2…

Grove Hi Tech beat Soesdyke Falcons 4-0

Grove Hi Tech moved a step closer to sealing championship honours in the Stag Beer sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Division One League when they brushed aside Soesdyke Falcons 4-0 in the opening game on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield.

Led by their Captain Dominic Garnett with a hattrick, Grove eased to their 11th win in 12 matches with two games in hand and seem set to win the League.

Soesdyke kept the home team at bay for almost the entire first half, but their resistance eventually snapped with two minutes to the half-way mark and it was Garnett who rocked the nets

with the first of his three in the 43rd minute. That was all that Grove needed and they never looked back as the Soesdyke

side failed to keep it tight in the final 45 minutes letting in three more goals. Garnett scored again in the 52nd and 63rd minutes and Devon Joseph tucked in one in the 59th.

Sunday’s other game was abruptly abandoned as a result of a fracas between opposing players from Agricola Red Triangle and Kuru Kururu Warriors. The boys from Red Triangle were leading 3-2 at the time when Referee Wilton Bobb was forced to halt proceedings in the 66th minute.

The players at the centre of the melee were Agricola’s Gordon Grant and Joseph Walker of the Warriors.

The EBFA is awaiting the Referees report before de-

ciding on the fate of the players at the centre of this unfortunate incident which brought the game into disrepute.

Agricola had taken the lead in the 23rd minute through Grant, their leading marksman, but goals in the space of three minutes handed the Warriors a 2-1 lead. Franklin Medouze in the 27th and Christopher Fraser, three minutes later, scored from the Warriors.

Agricola fired back to equalise and take the lead with goals from Winston Rawlins (55th) and Lumumba Hinds (60th) before the game was unceremoniously stopped, much to the disappointment of the fans and EBFA officials.

Bolt targets sub19 second 200m world record

Usain Bolt believes he can lower both his 100m and 200m world records, and aims to be the first man to break 19 seconds for the longer distance.

The 28-year-old Jamaican set both current world records, 9.58 seconds for 100m and 19.19 seconds for 200m, at the 2009 World Championships.

Despite winning five Olympic and World individual sprint titles since, he has yet to improve on those times.

“Everybody wants to see the 100m go but the 200m is for me,” he said.

“If I can get a perfect season where I’m working well, without any injuries, with no time off, I’ll definitely have the chance to break the 100m world record.

“The 200m is my personal focus. One of my biggest goals is to try to run sub-19, pushing the barrier a little bit will be great for me.”

Bolt’s 2014 campaign was disrupted by foot and

hamstring injuries and he only ran in three races - including a leg for Jamaica’s victorious 4x100m relay team at the Commonwealth Games - before bringing his season to an early end.

Bolt’s quickest 200m time since setting his world record in Berlin was the 19.32 seconds he clocked at London 2012.

Similarly, the closest he has come to beating his own 100m mark was the 9.63 seconds he ran to defend his Olympic crown two years ago.

In an interview with AlJazeera, Bolt also offered a partial defence of the six positive doping tests returns by Jamaican athletes - including Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell Brown - in 2013.

“There were mistakes but there weren’t any serious drugs,” he said.

“It is still bad: the drug scandal. But it was a good thing it wasn’t like they were deliberately going out of their way to take drugs.”

Usain Bolt

Dominic Garnett

Rachel Priest hits the winning runs